Old Millington Guys

Victory or Death!

2011-11-13T23:16:00.001-05:00

Lutheran Satire

2011-11-08T08:18:00.002-05:00

Millington in 1911 - 100 years Ago

2011-11-04T13:31:00.019-04:00

From 1911 at the Millington School. The caption reads "Flower Drill by 4, 5, 6 Grade Girls". The photo was taken by R.H. Bishop. These girls would be 109 - 111 years old today. (Click on the pic to enlarge)

In Today's Email: Messy Desks

There's an old saying that seems to apply: Creative minds are rarely tidy. A person's mind is his desk...............

William F. Buckley

Nat Hentoff

Albert Einstein

Uh, well you know.

Time Lapse Dam Removal

Dam removal is one of the few "green things" I tend to support. I'm not saying that all dams should be removed, but the dams on trout streams that no longer serve a purpose should go. I guess that opinion is rather self-serving because I'm am a trout fisherman, but what the heck, I should be allowed to be greedy when it comes to my own particular interest in the environment too, right? You know, greedy just like the Greenpeace-types with their single purpose causes. With that said, I thought this was cool:

October 28, 2011 — The White Salmon River in Washington state is flowing again as the nearly 100-year-old Condit Dam was disabled with explosives Wednesday. The reservoir draining took about 2 hours. Further demolition is scheduled in 2012. The event is a significant milestone for river restoration and dam removal nationwide. (short ad proceeds the video)

2011-10-28T22:45:00.000-04:00

Valley Lutheran District Champs.

I Think They Sold Beer

2011-10-20T09:04:00.008-04:00

The Millington Hotel located at the corner of State and Main.

Click On Picture to Enlarge

The End of the Millington Hotel:

The Millington Hotel was located at the corner of Main Street (Millington Road) and State (M-15) where the Millington Inn's current parking lot is located. In the early 60's gasoline leaked from the underground tanks of the gas station on the southeast corner of this intersection. The gasoline eventually seeped underground and into the basement of the hotel, where the gasoline's fumes were ignited by a water heater's pilot light causing a large explosion.

The explosion lifted and dislodging the building from the foundation, rendering it unfeasible to repair. The building was demolished and, according to Dale Hanlin, the materials were buried or land filled on the north side of town where the Millington Creek meets M-15. There is the legend that the local constable was knocked off his bar stool when the explosion occurred, but that may or may not be true. What is true is that Clate Beagle, the town's barber, purchased a new car a few days earlier and parked it between his shop and the hotel. The explosion caused falling bricks to bury Clate's new car.

Make Mine Freedom

2011-10-19T09:44:00.002-04:00

Take a look at this cartoon from 1948. It is prophetic to what is happening today.

Click here for cartoon.

Capitalism vs. Socialism

2011-10-18T09:03:00.002-04:00

I'm not sure if anyone has been following the "Occupy Wall Street" movement, but some of the videos floating around the internet are pretty interesting. Some people in the media are claiming these people have no direction, and that may be the case for some, but I think it's painfully clear what most want. Any thoughts?

Chargers, Matches & Who Will Stop the Rain?

2011-10-14T15:15:00.004-04:00

Nephew Nate and his V.L. Chargers get some prop's. Click here for the story.

Millington Truck Body Matchbook

Click to Enlarge

Cosmos Factory - C C R

Everyone who came of age in the 1970's owned this album. Unbelievably, it was released 41 years ago. It's music is still widely played today (which will not happen with rap music 41 years from now).

May, 1971

2011-10-12T09:59:00.018-04:00

Once a Cardinal, Always a Cardinal (click to enlarge)

FIVE MINUTES OF HONEST TALK (FROM CONGRESS)

MORE LIBERTY LOST
President Obama's administration believes that government knows what is best for the citizens of this country. It is apparent that this administration finds no limits to the federal government's constitutional authority. It's obvious to most Americans that with every instance of federal government over-reach the result is always individual liberty lost. The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod is the Fed's latest target. (click on link for the story)

Moneyball - The Sequel

2011-10-11T14:48:00.002-04:00

Whatever happens in the Texas series - happens. But beating the Yankees? That will always be special!

TOP 10 ACCIDENTAL DISCOVERIES
Click here for the Top 10

Nate Scores Header on Corner Kick

2011-10-10T22:18:00.001-04:00

Valley Lutheran Soccer 17-2. See article here.

Tim's Work

2011-10-09T17:37:00.004-04:00

In case any of you are interested, the Concordia Wind Symphony and Concordia Orchestra (both of which Tim is in) along with several of the choral groups made a CD last spring. It is available at Amazon for $12.64.

Here is the web address where you can order it.

http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Concordia-University-Chicago-Symphony/dp/B005FYL4YM

It is very good, even though I may be a bit biased. You can even hear samples of the songs at the Amazon site.

How Sweet It Is!

2011-10-07T11:50:00.011-04:00

MORE ON EVIL CORPORATIONS
If these Wall Street protesters hate corporations so much, then where the hell do they work, or for that matter, where do they get their "stuff"? (click on picture to enlarge).

CHARGERS NOW 16-2

The Valley Lutheran Chargers soccer team (nephew Nate's team) is now 16-2 after their latest win over Bay City John Glen. Read the details here.

Diabetic Rats Cured with Their Own Stem Cells

Check out the story here.

Tigers, Football Polls, Steven Jobs and Nut Cases

2011-10-06T09:56:00.052-04:00

TIGERS
Seems to me it's all about Doug Fister tonight. If he pitches the game of his life, the Tigers move on. I think he must hold those Damn Yankess to 3 or less.

CARDINALS
Division 5 High School Football Rankings (Week 6)
Rank, School (1st-place votes) (Record) Poll Points
1. Lansing Catholic (5) (6-0) 50
2. Millington (6-0) 43
3. Portland (6-0) 41
4. Menominee (5-1) 36
5. Grayling (6-0) 30
6. Clawson (5-1) 23
7. Olivet (5-1) 20
8. Carrollton (6-0) 9
9. Freeland (5-1) 6
T10. Almont (5-1) 5
T10. Jackson Lumen Christi 5

STEVEN JOBS & NUT JOBS

Today's news tells of the death of Apple Computer founder Steven Jobs. Jobs was the poster boy of the American Dream, a young man who developed what would become a multi-billion dollar business concept, in of all places, a garage. In some way, his genius touched every life in the country, as well as the world. The world is a much better place because of creativity and ambition of Steven Jobs (and people like him).

There is irony today when one considers Jobs' death, that irony being the "March on Wall Street". This "March" is being conducted by a group of leftist anarchists that are protesting the very capitalist principles exhibited by Jobs' life enhancing accomplishments. Do these protesting nut jobs pause and consider that capitalism, the very concept they protest, brings them the cell iPhones, iPads and laptops they use every day? At the end of the day I believe the Wall Street gang's protests are not really about the evils of capitalism - but rather, these people are protesting the discontent they have with their own unfulfilled existence. Steven Jobs' life mattered....I don't know that we can say the same about many of these protesters.

WORDS ARE A CHANGE'IN

The Facebook ad from Turner Classic Movies today:
"What’s Robert O. watching this month? Catch Robert’s Picks tonight, with THE
GAY SISTERS (’42) at 8pm ET, followed by THE BAND WAGON (’53)."

You can bet that a movie titled "The Gay Sisters" in 2011 would most certainly be about incestuous lesbians. If only they knew back in 1942!

Facebook is Getting Old

2011-10-05T13:45:00.004-04:00

Nick P. suggested that we bring OMG back. Any takers?

Auf Wiedersehen

2009-04-06T09:41:00.004-04:00

It's been fun, but it's over. No more blogging. Everyone is too busy to contribute on a a regular basis, and I don't think we are offering anything of value or use. We still have the Silver Bullet fishing report / blog over at Millingtonnews.net, or the Family and Friends blog so drop in and read a report from time-to-time. Please bookmark the other blogs listed to the right, as these guys do offer some interesting stuff. I'll delete this blog in a couple of weeks.

God Bless,
Dave

Fishing Lines - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

2009-03-30T11:27:00.015-04:00

Sammy and I were discussing fishing line this morning. Since most of us will be re-spooling the reels this year, tell us of your favorite line as well as the stuff you really dislike. I'd like to hear of the good features as well as the bad experience with different brands.

Your comments and stories are appreciated.

The Banjo Minnow

I was bored last night and watched an infomercial - The Banjo Minnow. Babe Winkelman now endorses this product. Isn't this thing an offshoot of an earlier Banjo-something, the jig that swims backward? Has anyone other than Sam ever used this lure or one like it?

Free Classical Music

2009-03-27T14:24:00.017-04:00

I love classical music....REALLY love the stuff. I found this site that allows you to download free .mp3 recordings or sheet music - and it's safe and legal too! I'll let MusOpen.com describe their site:

"Musopen is an online music library of copyright free (public domain) music. We want to give the world access to music without the legal hassles so common today. There is a great deal of music that has expired copyrights, but almost no recordings of this music is in the public domain. We aim to record or obtain recordings that have no copyrights so that our visitors may listen, re-use, or in any way enjoy music. Put simply, our mission is to set music free."

Some of the best recordings are those by the military bands; the renaissance and orchestra music is great too. A few of the performances on this site are...well, they are terrible. Listen or download some wonderful music and burn your favorites to a CD. Classical is relaxing when you drive. Hey, they even have four versions of O' Canada.

Miniatur Wunderland - Model Railroad

2009-03-24T10:03:00.016-04:00

Leave it to the Germans. The video displays a German model railroad - the world's largest and most complex. It's located in Hamburg, and covers over 16,000 square feet with 10,000 train cars running on 6.8 miles of HO track. Its become Germany's biggest attraction, with over 5 million visits already. You will love the narrator's accent too! Click here if you wish to read more about this amazing display.

World's Cheapest Car

"Costing just 100,000 rupees ($1,979), the Nano will now go on sale across India next month, with deliveries starting in July." Click here for the story.

In Millington we call this a lawn mower.

His Nickname Is "Lucky San"

This 93 year old Japanese man survived the nuclear bombs at both Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

That fortunate (or unfortunate) Japanese man reminds me of the newspaper ad for the lost dog:

LOST DOG - $25 Reward

Description: 3 legs, blind in right eye, missing left ear, broken tail, accidentally neutered. Answers to the name of Lucky.

Global Warming Caused by the Irish

2009-03-18T18:11:00.005-04:00

We now have conclusive evidence of the cause of Global Warming, and it truely follows the Al Gore model of coming to a conclusion.

Look at the chart and compare Global Temperatures with the population increases of the Irish. The facts don't lie. So the question now is what do we do about it? One possible idea is to charge every Irishman a fee for the carbon footprints they create when they have children. Maybe some of you can come up with other ideas to share.

Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?

2009-03-16T12:26:00.002-04:00

Ok, we all know that the word bonsai refers to the practice of creating a small ornamental tree that is cultivated with careful pruning over a long period of time. Its origins come from ancient oriental culture. But here is the question. Why did the Japanese pilots yell this as they flew their planes into our ships in the Pacific ocean?
Let's see how many of you can come up with the answer to this.

2009-03-06T22:09:00.002-05:00

I would like to here about favorite restaurants in the area, i enjoy eating out and sometimes run out of new place, I can not spell it correctly but i really like Krzysiak in Bay city, where else can you go and get liver and onions or sauerkraut(this is not a steve reference) or peroigies on a buffet, great food cheap.

Pre-1910 Downtown Millington

2009-03-05T11:07:00.003-05:00

Looking south on State (M-15) from the intersection of Main. Click on the image to enlarge.

Hope 'n Change No More

2009-03-03T15:44:00.000-05:00

Found: The Birthplace of Gumby

2009-02-12T07:40:00.013-05:00

The location of the "Gumby" Birthplace" is solved thanks to a couple of guys who know how to research history. Both messages below are extremely interesting. Mr. Arthur Clokey, the creator of the Gumby and Davey and Goliath annimations, credits his inspiration discovering how to model clay at his grandparent's farm in Millington. The Charles Merrill farm (his paternal grandmother's farm) was located in Section 3 of Millington Township on what was then know as Ward Road and is now named Murphy Lake Road - between Caine and Oak Roads.

Roger from Toledo kindly emailed this information:

Dave,

Thank you for the additional information. You mention in your message about finding both the Farrington farm and the Merrill farm. At one point Charles Merrill and his brother Manley Merrill are listed as farmers, etc., for Millington Twp. If you look at this 1902 Millington Plat map you will see Charles Merrill in land section 3 of Millington Twp. http://mifamilyhistory.org/tuscola/Maps/Millington_plat.htm

This location corresponds to the 1910 U.S. census, which shows Charles Merrill near a James Ward and a Will Palmer. In the 1910 Census the location is given as Ward Road. Does that road seem right? It would be a road that is 2 miles north of the center of the town of Millington, and the road would run east/west. I cannot find Charles Merrill in the 1920 census. People were often missed by the census taker. In the 1930 Census Charles Merrill is living at what looks like Main Street in Millington.

Charles Merrill was 1st married to a Mary Ross in 1897, and then to Louisa in 1901. Probably best check the land record at the county courthouse to make sure it is the right location, etc. Another thing that would be interesting is if you were to check a county newspaper for an obituary on Louisa Farrington Merrill. It would be interesting to see if it mentions Arthur Farrington Cokley as a surviving grandson. On the plat map, if you look to the right of the town of Millington, you will see M. (Manley) Merrill. This is the brother of Charles. This is the farm that their parents Joshua & Mary Merrill owned. http://www.mifamilyhistory.org/tuscola/Maps/Millington_1875.htm

I noticed that Charles Merrill's wife Louisa died in 1925. Arthur Farrington Clokey would have been no more than 4 years old at that time. But perhaps his father kept taking him out to the farm after she had died. This listing is found in the 1902 Tuscola County Patron's directory:Merrill Manly & Charles....Farmers, Grain raisers, and Breeders of good Horses, Cattle and Sheep, Dist No 2. I don't think that Louisa & her 1st husband Harry Farrington were at Millington. In the 1900 census Louisa is in Detroit. Their son Arthur was born in 1892 in Detroit. I believe that Harry & Louisa were married at Essex in Ontario Providence, CANADA.I hope something here is of use to you.

Roger

And Mel Conway of the Millington Historical Society was kind enough to forward this info:

I found a Charles Merrill born in Maine in 1854 / 56. Charles father was listed as JOSHUA MERRILL and his mother was MARY MERRILL. there were four (4) sisters and (3) brothers listed in 1860 Federal census. Home in 1860 was MILLINGTON, TUSCOLA, MICHIGAN. JOSHUA was recorded as a farmer.

1870 JOSHUA MERRILL must had passed away as the federal census has MARY as head of the home. MARY MERRILL and family still living in MILLINGTON, MICHIGAN. The census of 1870 (2) sisters and (2) sons at home.

1880 MARY MERRILL was 61 years old and living in MILLINGTON, TUCOLA, MICHIGAN. CHARLES MERRILL was farming, no locations of farm at that time. EMMA MERRILL still living at home. I could not pull up the 1880 census for printing, could view.

1890 / 1900 / 1920 no census information or at least I couldn't find any. There was a major fire in 1890 so I really didn't think I could get that census.

1930 CHARLES MERRILL was 75 years of age and living in MILLINGTON, TUSCOLA, MICHIGAN. Based on the census form CHARLES MERRILL lived on MAIN STREET In MILLINGTON, no street address.

Thank you very much Roger and Mel. You both went far out of the way with the research. The old guys from Millington really appreciate the information.

More Gumby

2009-02-10T15:08:00.006-05:00

I received the following email this week from Toledo OH. This seems to fill in some of the blanks on the Mr. Clokey / Gumby story below. It appears that we are now looking for the location of the Merrill farm.

Hi,
On January 13th you posted a follow up on an article regarding Arthur Clokey. You referenced an Arthur W. Farrington that died 29 Sept 1932. Do you know what cemetery he is buried in? I research my family tree, and I really didn't know what happened to either the father or son after 1930.

Arthur W. (Will) Farrington (the one you listed) is the father of Arthur Clokey. Arthur W. Farrington's mother Louise was married 4 Feb. 1901 at Millington to Charles H. Merrill. In the 1930 census Arthur W and his son Arthur C. (later Arthur Clokey) were listed together in Detroit. Arthur C.'s mother was Mildred M. Shelters. Mildred was the out-of-wedlock child of Clara Belle Shelters.
I have read that Mildred married 2nd to a Carns, but I have not been able to prove that. I am connected to this family on the Shelters side- way back. Thanks for posting that death date on the father, and kindly let me know if you know the cemetery he is buried in.

Thanks,
R.D.
Toledo, Ohio

Women Drivers

2009-02-09T13:05:00.002-05:00

That's what the video says anyway.

Stimulis

2009-02-06T15:05:00.004-05:00

Do you have a "stimulis" problem?

An Email From Vince L

2009-02-06T14:34:00.004-05:00

What a difference 8 years makes

This Year:

1. Outgoing President George W. Bush quietly boards his helicopter and leaves for Texas, commenting only: "Today is not about me. Today is a historical day for our nation and people."

Eight years ago:

1. Outgoing President Bill Clinton schedules two separate radio addresses to the nation, and organizes a public farewell speech/ rally in downtown Washington D.C. scheduled to directly conflict with incoming President Bush's inauguration ceremony.

This Year:

2. President Bush leaves office without issuing a single Presidential pardon, only granting a commutation of sentence to two former border patrol agents convicted of shooting a convicted drug smuggler. He does not grant any type of clemency to Scooter Libby or any other former political aide, ally, or business partner.

Eight years ago:

2. President Clinton issues 140 pardons and several commutations of sentence on his final day in office. Included in these are: billionaire financier, convicted tax evader, and leading democratic campaign contributor Marc Rich; Whitewater scandal figure Susan McDougal; Congressional Post Office Scandal figure and former Democratic Congressman Dan Rostenkowski; convicted bank fraud, sexual assault and child porn perpetrator and former Democratic Congressman Melvin Reynolds; FALN Terrorists; and convicted drug felon Roger Clinton, the President's half-brother.

This Year:

3. The Bush daughters leave gift baskets in the White House bedrooms for the Obama daughters, containing flowers, candy, stuffed animals, DVD's and CD's, and heartfelt notes of encouragement and advice for the young girls on how to prepare for their new lives in the White House.

Eight years ago:

3. Clinton and Gore staffers rip computer wires and electrical outlets from the White House walls, stuff piles of notebook papers into the White House toilets, systematically remove the letter "W" from every computer key-pad in the entire White House, and damage several thousand dollars worth of furniture in the White House master bedroom.

Headlines 4 Years Ago:

"Republicans spending $42 million on inauguration while troops Die in unarmored Humvees"

"Bush extravagance exceeds any reason during tough economic times"

"Fat cats get their $42 million inauguration party, Ordinary Americans get the shaft"

Headlines This Year:

"Historic Obama Inauguration will cost only $170 million"

"Obama Spends $170 million on inauguration; America Needs A Big Party"

"Everyman Obama shows America how to celebrate"

"Citibank executives contribute $8 million to Obama Inauguration"

John Stossel on Reason TV

2009-02-04T16:52:00.002-05:00

Stossel has a segmet called Bullsh!t in America on 20/20, March 6. He's a Libertarian, and I don't agree on some issues, but Stossel tries to interject common sense when he can, and there is no common sense with the "Stimulus Package".

Happy Birthday

2009-01-27T11:21:00.002-05:00

The Old Millington Guy is one year wiser.

Happy Birthday Dave!

Frankenmuth Snowfest

2009-01-21T13:03:00.036-05:00

Slam'n Sammy is sculpting snow once again at this year's Frankenmuth Zehnder's Snowfest. Prior to the official start of the event, Sammy, his wife Elishia, cousin Tommy, Millington art teacher Chuck Holzworth and others carved a news desk for WNEM TV-5. The news desk is located adjacent to Zehnders Restaurant on the north side. Click here for the story and pictures.

This year, as was the case last year, the local boys will be carving for Team Mexico/USA. Viva Millington! Hopefully we will have more pictures and stories as the carving continues throughout this week. If you get a chance, stop by and admire Slammer's work. Make sure you stop and say hello, and you might consider slipping him a hot toddy too.

Click here for the official Zehnder's Snowfest webpage.

Pictured here is Sam at the news desk. TV5 suspects that this is a "first ever" snow news desk. The story hit the national wire service and is mentioned in many articles and websites across the U.S.

Click here for a TV-5 video.

Additional Pictures from Thursday

Gumby was Born in Millington

2009-01-13T13:34:00.040-05:00

This came as a bit of a surprise to me, but its seems that the famous 1950-60's cartoon character, Gumby, was born in Millington, Michigan. Born? well, maybe not. But there appears to be a strong Gumby connection to Millington.

It seems that Gumby's creator, Arthur Clokey (see Early Life/Family)(born Arthur C. Farrington), who also was the creator of the animated feature Davey and Goliath, credited his inspiration for developing the clay model caricatures to his days at his grandparents farm in Millington.

Mr. Clokey referenced Millington in an interview with R. Marshall Stross, Former Executive Director for Davey and Goliath:

Clokey, who spent the first dozen years of his life in the Motor City, moved to California with his family in the mid-1930s. But while living with his family in a westside Detroit neighborhood, Clokey received happy Gumby-like inspiration during summer visits to his grandparents' farm in Millington, Mich. ``That was paradise every summer,'' Clokey said of his pastoral visits to the Michigan countryside. ``That's why we have barns in the Gumby series.''

This is the first time that I ever heard the story. Does anyone know the identity or have additional background on Mr. Clokey's grandparents or the location of their farm?

Click Here to visit the Clokey Productions website and click here for Mr. Clokey's biography in Who's who in Animated Cartoons. Click here for a short biography of Mr. Clokey from KQED.

Follow Up

The following is listed in the Millington Township Cemetery records:

Farrington, Arthur W.
Died: 09/29/1932
Sgt MI 60 Balloon Co

Could this be Mr. Clokey's father or grandfather?

Main Street

2009-01-09T08:15:00.022-05:00

This is a turn-of-the-century postcard of Millington. The view is Main Street (Millington Rd.) looking east. The second building on the left certainly still exists, but is the first the former Beagle's Barber Shop? You might make out the former Millington Seed Co. in the background (see the on the lower on the right). It also appears to be Main Street Mayhem on the left, leaning on the tree. Click Here or on the image to enlarge.

I worked late tonight and Googled around and found this post card from the Sioux City Seed Company. This card is an artist's rendition of the company's plants and elevators. The building on the far right says "Beans" on the top and Millington Mich. on the lower portion. This postcard is dated 1916. Click on the image to enlarge.

This is the picture of the Sioux City Seed Co. in Millington. The building matches the image on the postcard above. The current Millington Elevator can be seen in the background. One might also make out an old frame building that has been remodeled and now is a dentist office. It also appears that the current lumber yard was a saw mill at one time.

Click on the image to enlarge.

This picture confirms that the second building on the left is indeed the old Beagle's Barber Shop building. The front parapet wall was covered with a metal that simulated blocks, not uncommon in those days. The one story portion of the second building on the left has been demolished, but the remnants of the foundation can still be seen. Click on the image to enlarge.

The Wonder What? - Commercial Fail

2009-01-05T13:34:00.003-05:00

The Messiah and Me

2009-01-05T09:05:00.003-05:00

In the category of: "Pictures I thought I would never see"

(Josh has a sick sense of humor)

2008 In Review

2009-01-02T14:22:00.005-05:00

Best Sports Story of 2008?

What's your Best of 2008 in sports? I'm leaning towards Michael Phelps, and locally, a regional basketball win is pretty big news too.

NEWSFLASH!!!

2008-12-28T11:58:00.003-05:00

New Climate Change Research Reveals Shocking News
We had the shocking and frightening news last week that the Northern Hemisphere is losing two minutes of sunlight every day, and if this crisis continues, we will be in total darkness by June or July. Frightening new information has surfaced from Daylight Change Research. The data indicates drastic changes to the environment that have already started.

Many species of birds, millions of individual birds have left the northern hemisphere. The impact of the loss of these birds is unimaginable. Insect life has been severely affected. Most can no longer be observed. Large mammals have been observed lying in a state of near death stupor in their dens. Crop production has fallen to dangerously low levels, and the computer models and the research predict famine in the very near future. In addition, computer models did not project this, but actual eyewitness observation has shown that most, if not all, leaves have fallen off all trees in the researcher's hometown.

Now, these and other effects of the loss of daylight demand our immediate attention if we are to prevent a climate catastrophe. Remember, total darkness and everything that would result from it by June or July if we cannot enact policies now that change this leakage. Congress must act quickly.

You Call it Tomato....

2008-12-18T09:09:00.005-05:00

Down south they refer to it as Coke, in the east, Soda...but we Michiganders know the proper name; we call it Pop.

This map displays the generic names for soft drinks by county. As Artie Johnson said, "veeery intderestding"

Click on the map to enlarge.

L.L. Bean Boycott & Dixie Dave's Soup

2008-12-16T13:55:00.009-05:00

I thought of a story that Awopaho Joe once told me when I saw this video. This is a humorous satire. In the "I don't wear stocking hats - you don't wear plaid flannel shirts" category:

African-American Boycott of L.L. Bean Enters 80th Year

A Local Heads Up
Dave at Luna Pier Cook wrote an informative blog piece about Dixie Dave and his most recent business endeavor. It appears Dixie Dave's Wild Game Soup will now be available at retail grocers.

Gen. Powell vs. Rush
Just thinking out loud. Does the General suggest that conservative Republicans begin heeding the advice of the guy who supported the liberal Democrat candidate, rather than the guy who supported the moderate Republican?

I don't think so either.

Christmas Dinner
Emailed from Awaopaho Joe:

Joe, I didn't know that you were part-owner of a golf course?

Eating Yellow Snow

2008-12-15T15:48:00.008-05:00

Emailed from Josh..... (Buck will like this one):

106 Years of Popular Mechanics

2008-12-12T10:24:00.011-05:00

In my youth, there existed a collection of late 50's and early 60's Popular Mechanics Magazines in my Grandmother's garage. I poured over each issue, dreaming of building that go-cart from the plans in an issue, or reading of the amazing new inventions and the technology to come in the future. Some of the predictions and thier dates are a hoot too.

Popular Mechanics Magazine has been around a long time - 106 years in fact. You can now read the past issues online at this site. I think its really cool.

You Think So?

The Science Daily says: Men are More Likely to Have Sons If They Have Brothers. You couldn't tell by me. However, I'm the most fortunate man on earth to have my three wonderful daughters.

Uniformed Troops in the States?

2008-12-01T14:02:00.002-05:00

This to me is slightly scary, I really don't want on duty military "Policing" our streets it seems all to convenient to have battle ready troops in EVERY state. It would also violate/undermine the 130year old Posse Comitatus Act, federal law restricting the military's role in domestic law enforcement.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/30/AR2008113002217_pf.html

The Big Turkey Drop

2008-12-01T09:09:00.004-05:00

Black, White and Blue emailed me before Thanksgiving requesting I post this very funny WKRP in Cincinnati clip of the big turkey drop. Sorry Jeff, I didn't check the email over the weekend. Never the less, its hilarious any time of the year!

Best Wave Ever

Sorry Buck, I know its the wrong brand, but this is pretty good too (via Gary the Cop):

New Lions Coach

2008-11-28T13:49:00.002-05:00

Ok guys I think its time we start taking a poll on who will be the next victim in this coach go round at the Lions.

Scraps Signs Big Contract

2008-11-26T12:52:00.001-05:00

2-Year-Old Donkey Called Up To Pro Donkey Basketball League

First Snow

2008-11-25T11:09:00.003-05:00

Snow makes whiteness where it falls,
The bushes look like popcorn balls.
The places where I always play,
Look like somewhere else today.

1960's Tiger Theme Song

2008-11-24T13:10:00.012-05:00

Ever hum a tune that brought back memories? Back in the 1960's the Detroit Tigers began each broadcast with what I thought was their theme song. The song was every bit a part of the Tigers to me. I finally found an online segment of this song, and I added some pictures of my favorite Tigers of the era to the soundtrack. So, you children of the 60's, close your eyes and remember..........."Detroit Tiger baseball is on the air! "

See, We Told You So
Even this judge agrees with old guys from Millington, Barry Manilow music is a Man Card violation.

Get the Voter Test Ready

2008-11-18T13:44:00.028-05:00

Slammin' Sammy may be correct, this country might be advised to implement a test before allowing anyone to vote (see Slammer's post suggesting a voter intelligence test, below). John Zigler commissioned Zogby International to poll Obama voter's knowledge of politics. The results of that poll are outright scary but what's really disturbing is the impact of the media's political bias on the typical voter.

Here is a limited sample of what the survey found:

83% failed to correctly answered that Obama had won his first election by getting all of his opponents removed from the ballot.
72% could not identify Joe Biden as having quit a previous presidential campaign because of his plagiarizing a speech.
57% of Obama voters did not know that the Democrats controlled congress (heck, there is a 50-50 shot at that answer).
56.1 % did not know that Obama started his political career at the home of two Weather Underground members.

But contrary to this lack of knowledge, the Obama voters were well aware of negative perceptions of Sara Palin:

86% identified Palin with the $150,000 wardrobe.
94% correctly identified Palin as the Vice President candidate with the pregnant daughter.
87% linked the quote "I can see Russia from my house" with Palin (the quote was actually from Saturday Night Live's Tina Fey).

The overall conclusion clearly reflects the extent to which the media deceived the public with their unethical and biased coverage of this election. Here is a YouTube from John Zigler's new website titled How Obama Got Elected.

Followup: John Ziegler comments on the response to this poll and film.

A Really Fast Bird
Want to cook your turkey in 45 minutes?

Christian Selich
This one's for you!

Lest You Forget
Today is National Ammo Day

My Wife - The Next Alan Greenspan?

2008-11-13T09:32:00.019-05:00

Prior to this year’s election cycle my wife was oblivious to political opinion and current events. She could have cared less. Daughters, grandchildren and hair products were the things that mattered to her. But for some reason the election energized her interest in governmental affairs – and political opinion as well. She started watching the cable news channels, and we actually discussed political matters. I was surprised and impressed.

On days when Mrs. Old Millington Guy works we commute together. During this morning’s drive she explained an economic recovery theory to me; a plan that she developed on her own. She told me that she has the solution to the bailout of the auto industry. Now I’m not the most talkative guy in the morning, so I thought listening to her would kill some time and prevent that “you’re not talking to me” stuff. So I said, “Lay it on me.”

Mrs. OMG began telling me of her plan. At first, I thought it rather funny, but then, in a weird way, it began to make a bit of sense. The central point of her theory mandates that instead of loaning $25 billion to the automakers, the government should use that money to purchase cars and trucks. Mrs. OMG told me that this direct auto purchase would increase production; prevent layoffs and the increased sales would drive up the stock values of the companies. What the heck? Is this MY wife? The woman is talking about stock values!

While she continued to explain her bailout plan, the ole melon started to whirl. I used some quick Millington math; $25 billion divided by say, $20,000 per unit equals about 1,250,000 cars. But then what? Surely Uncle Sam can’t possibly use that many vehicles. Her reply: A series of national lotteries. Sell tickets and the cars go to the winners.

She explained that five or ten bucks a ticket will pay off part of the purchase amount. Also, another offset will occur as the winners will be required to pay income taxes on the prize. Fewer layoffs will benefit the government as more autoworkers and suppliers will continue to pay income taxes, and the expense of unemployment benefits will not burden local governments. Heck, I thought, this hair-brained idea might really work.

But I'm still baffled by this woman - this is the gal who never gave politics a second thought - the same girl who resists balancing a checkbook, and suddenly she's become an economist? So, I laid a question on her: “What if the entire 25 billion isn't paid-off? She replied, “ I have a second plan. . . . it’s called Obama Bingo”.

Vote For Melissa

Millington's own Melissa Hecht is a finalist in TV25's Biggest Loser contest. Melissa has already lost an astounding 95 pounds! But she needs additional help: Your Vote. Click here and vote for a wonderful young lady. You may vote every 24 hours, so please vote for Melissa - and in honor of Acorn - vote often.

Our National Money Hole (from the Onion)

In The Know: Should The Government Stop Dumping Money Into A Giant Hole?

Ketchup on a Hot Dog? Make my Day!

2008-11-12T13:15:00.020-05:00

At lunch today I overheard a fellow order a "chili dog" with ketchup. I thought that guy was novice "dogger" and an embarrassment to the hot dog eating community. Ketchup on a hot dog, indeed!

It has been a "tongue and cheek" law in my house that ketchup is banned on hot dogs. Only mustard and/or onions may be used as a hot dog condiment. A good coney sauce application is encouraged as well. But absolutely NO KETCHUP ON HOT DOG!

The mustard -only-law is broken consistently; by my wife, daughters and by our sons-in-law. But now I'm going to get serious about no ketchup - only mustard enforcement. If you violate my hot dog law in the future then you must deal with the hot dog cop - a guy named Harry Callahan:

Here is a related link from an expert, Dave at Luna Pier. I think Dave is in full agreement with the Mustard Law. Click here for Dave's Flint Coney Sauce Recipe

Veterans Day - In Remembrance and with Gratitude

2008-11-11T14:35:00.004-05:00

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

-The Fallen by Lawrence Binyon

Voter Registration and Short Test

2008-11-10T08:45:00.002-05:00

So after this year's election and the "ACORN" factor along with the rumblings that park benches counted as residency (not that I think that homeless should be denied the right to vote) I think we should reform our voter registration system. I suggest that voters, registered or not, need to register 0r confirm registration 2 months before the election and during that re-(registration) the person has to take a short quiz on the candidates and the current issues on the ballot. If that person gets less than 70% which of course is college passing, they have to retake the quiz before they can vote.

The re/confirmation registration will help insure that voters are educated on the impact of their vote and what it will do to this great country. It will also stop the disenfranchisement of educated voters who are prepared when they enter the poll.

Anyone have a thought on this? Agree? Hate it?

Is Mt. Rushmore Next?

2008-11-10T08:13:00.007-05:00

From the Topeka Capital-Journal:

"Plans are being made to promote a national holiday for Barack Obama, who will become the nation's 44th president when he takes the oath of office Jan. 20. "Yes We Can" planning rallies will be at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. every Tuesday at the downtown McDonald's restaurant, 1100 Kansas Ave., until Jan. 13. The goals are to secure a national holiday in Obama's honor, to organize celebrations around his inauguration and to celebrate the 200th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln, who was born on Feb. 12 1809."

True story - you can't make this stuff up.

Obama-mania

You just knew this was going to happen.

President's Dog Bites Reporter

2008-11-07T14:25:00.004-05:00

President Bush's scottish terrier, Barney, bit Reuter's reporter Jonathan Decker the other day. Jeez, I hope the dog had all of it's shots. I'd hate to see little Barney get rabies.

Postscript: Notice how this reporter seeks sympathy by emphasising that he will be taking antibiotics? What a wimp! And just think, these are the "men" influencing public opinion.

NEWSFLASH

2008-11-07T09:53:00.003-05:00

Grandholm to Advise Obama on Economy

What can I say, We are in trouble.

I'm Ready Obama

2008-11-05T15:34:00.034-05:00

Obama won the election. He is my President and I will sincerely pray for him and for God's guidance. As an American I wish for the country's and his success.

However, during the campaign we were reminded often, by his supporters, by the press and by Obama himself, of his superior intelligence and messianic personality. Now I expect him to keep the promises he made during his campaign. So, here is what I am anticipating to see:

1. Our economy will be fixed.
2. Poverty will cease to exist - all will be wealthy.
3 War will end and our troops will return home - regardless...
4. We will be loved by those overseas, particularly by the Europeans.
5. Taxes will be reduced.
6. Spending will increase.
7. The "health care dilemma" will be eliminated.
8. The education system will be improved dramatically and student achievement will rise.
9. The illegal alien problem will be solved.
10. Hope will be restored.
11. College education costs will be reduced.
12. The federal deficit will be a thing of the past.
13. Unemployment will be eliminated and "fair trade" is guaranteed.
14. Foreclosures will be a thing of the past.
15. Energy supplies will be improved - Green, carbon free energy of course.
16. Credit card interest rates are to be slashed.
17. Liberal talk radio will become popular, (get ready, read this!)
18. Osama bin Ladin will be captured or killed.
19. Chavez and Ahmadinejad will become pro-American. (via discussion without preconditions.)
20. The military will be "rebuilt" (whatever rebuilt means, but it must be a good thing).
21. The country will be united.

Hey, all of this doesn't have to happen in the first one hundred days. I'm a patient guy. The One can take a year to solve the problems of the world for all I care. I will be here waiting and watching with the utmost confidence. After all, he promised, didn't he?

Now What Will They Do?

Obama Win Causes Obsessive Supporters To Realize How Empty Their Lives Are

Red County
I'm sure it will please Play it Again to know that he lives in a solid red county. Click on the map to enlarge.

VIA Fishing Nick
Post-election guns sales are on the rise. Fears of gun control in the future?

Cool Military Pics

2008-11-05T11:38:00.003-05:00

Check out the links below.

http://www.tom-phillips.info/images/cool.pics.military.htm
http://www.tom-phillips.info/images/cool.pics.military.2.htm
http://www.tom-phillips.info/images/cool.pics.military.3.htm

Millington Math?

2008-11-04T11:14:00.011-05:00

GUS
Gus finishes second, again.

SAM'S CLUB
The ultimate from Sam's Club.

SAM IS STILL THE MAN!

Michigan in 1949

2008-10-29T13:38:00.013-04:00

Long ago, before television, people went to the local movie theatre quite frequently for their entertainment. Prior to the main feature, cartoons, newsreels and travelogues were often presented. One of the more popular pre-movie lead-in was James Fitzpatrick's Traveltalks. Below is a travelogue featuring Michigan in 1949 . . . . . at a time before there was an I-75, before the Mackinaw Bridge was built or when the Bavarian Inn was known as the Fischer Hotel.

No Arguement Here

2008-10-28T14:36:00.003-04:00

Jeez, I'm not going to be the one who disagrees with Chuck!

Kwame's New House

Take a tour of Kwame's new house.

Must Read

2008-10-24T21:25:00.003-04:00

If any of you have not read Charles Krauthammer's OpEd today, YOU SHOULD. He hit the nail on the head. Charles is a syndicated columnist with the Washington Post. Read it at the following site:
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=YWRiZTUzNWQ3ZTIwZjViODJlMjc0OWQyODU3NDA4NGY

I Know, I'm a Fool

2008-10-23T13:06:00.036-04:00

My wife likes to tell me how much "money she saved" each time she goes shopping - most often when she returns from that d*%#m store in Birch Run...you know, the same store that my Aunt and cousin seem to visit. So I am posting this link at my own foolish peril.

Becky ran across an online store named Woot: One Day Deal. It appears that this web site features one item at a time. That item is featured until the entire inventory is sold. The little bar on the bottom indicates the remaining stock.

Becky thinks they offer pretty good buys - but I wouldn't know about that. However, I thought I would pass the link along, as a courtesy. But please, do not tell Mrs. Old Millington Guy about this site. She already saves me enough money!

Voters in Harlem

How engaged are some of the American voters? Watch below as Obama supporters ....well watch it and laugh (or cry). - From Slam'n Sammy

Attention Southern Journalists

"I ain’t ever seen a dog fight but I did see two raccoons get intimate out on the farm one time."

The OMG least-favorite newspaper, the New York Times, is looking for a southern correspondent. It appears that the Times is requesting stories relating to life in the south, with the exception of articles relating to cock fighting, dog fights and the confederate flag. Seems that the NYT has already covered these issues. Newscoma decided to apply. Also, a Knoxville writer believes that its "Hog Killin' Time."

And Finally,

A 73 year-old plays basketball at Roane State (Tenn.) junior college. Ya' think Roane J.C. shares Frankenmuth's no-cut rule?

Final Finally

They say that for satirical humor to work it must include an element of truth. This video ridicules the mainstream media and I think the Onion has hit a satirical home run.

Hey Steve! (so I lied, this is really the last one tonight)

Just a Christmas gift idea for those favorite liberal friends. Click here to order.

Soccer Moms In Muth

2008-10-22T12:41:00.021-04:00

An unbelievable athletic policy was implemented in Frankenmuth this fall which now has the effect of causing the resignation of head basketball coach Tim Crawford and head volleyball coach Sharon Bade. Both are outstanding coaches as well as being admirable roll models. I'm sure the resignations are based on principle, which speaks to the character of both coaches.To read the Saginaw News article, click here.

The Frankemuth policy is just another example of the "soccer mom" mentality that is softening our youth. These people believe that competition is a detriment to character development. They want to "level the playing field" and to avoid damage to individual self-esteem. Hence, they prefer not keeping score, mandating that everyone plays, a guarantee that no one is cut from a team, etc.

Well, that notion may be appropriate for five and six year-olds, but its not good for young adults. You see, the problem with that philosophy is that in the real world nothing comes easy, and young people must learn this very real lesson eventually. Athletic participation prepares our youth to work hard and as a result of hard work, success will follow. Youngsters learn through athletics that rewards are the result of effort, and that you don't just have to show up to enjoy certain benefits. It is clearly apparent that athletic competition breeds character and leadership.

Sadly, there are those in Frankenmuth who fail to see the benefits of competition. They authored policies that are directly opposite of what is so apparently obvious. They believe that feeling good about one's self is more important that finding success through hard work. They believe that stronger character is developed regardless of qualification. They demand that everyone must play, and no one should be excluded. To that idea I say, join the real world. Your "everyone is equal" philosophy only creates soft kids. After all, you are not living in Pleasantville. . . .well, not yet anyway.

These soccer moms (and dads) might also be called the "it isn't fair" people. (How often have you heard someone whine, "but it just isn't fair?") The mis-guided beliefs of these folks caused two outstanding coaches to resign. Yes, it just doesn't seem fair.

Honorary O.M.G.

2008-10-16T16:34:00.028-04:00

Hey, I nominate Joe the Plumber as an honorary Old Millington Guy. Anyone second?

DA BEARS!

From Slammer: Flashback - Obama vs. Ditka (I say Ditka by 50!)

Update: I AM SPARTACUS

Download your "I am Joe" graphic from Iowahawk or by clicking on the image above.

Our Joe

<- Click on cartoon to enlarge

Satellite Photos

2008-10-15T14:08:00.020-04:00

Microsoft has a similar feature to Google Earth. Its called MSN Live Search Maps. Unlike Google Earth, part of the Millington area features high resolution satellite photographs. My house is pictured to the left (click on the image to enlarge further) and is an example of the high res. photos.

Click here to go the the web site. Use the search feature by entering an address and start zooming in. If your area is high resolution use the Birds Eye feature to really zoom in.

Hey, the image is so sharp that you might find Sir Charles carrying the garbage to the road!

2008 Breakthrough Awards

The best 2008 innovators and products judged by Popular Mechanics.

Red Green Power Windows

2008-10-14T14:19:00.009-04:00

Power Windows.... Hey, this is something old guys from Millington can relate to.

Some Election Satire?. . . . From the Onion

One of My Favorites

WJR's J.P. McCarty played The Bricklayers Song once or twice a year, but always on St. Patrick's Day. This song always made me smile.

My Top Ten John Wayne Movies

2008-10-07T13:30:00.065-04:00

Actor John Wayne, born Marion Morrison in 1907, appeared in more than 250 movies. Many of those movies are classics today. John Wayne's acting abilities were certainly under rated in the past, and film historians are now revisiting his performances - and are now awarding Wayne acclaim that is well deserved. I've listed 10 of my favorites below, but I'm sure that this list may not include some of your top Duke movies. Which John Wayne movies did I miss that might replace any listed below?

1. THE SEARCHERS - John Wayne plays a dark character - Ethan Edwards, who is attempting to rescue his long kidnapped niece from a band of Indians. Ethan Edwards is a conflicted and complex character, whose real motive proves to be different than rescue. I think this is Wayne's best ever performance as an actor.

Great Lines:

Reverend Clayton: "You wanna quit, Ethan?"
Ethan: "That'll be the day."

(John Ford's scene, to the right, may be the best movie image ever made in Hollywood) Click here to view movie trailer

2. THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE - One might argue that this is a Jimmy Stewart movie, but Wayne proves to be the real star. He plays Tom Doniphon, the local tough and good guy, who befriends and defends Stewart's character (Ransom Stoddard). Doniphon eventually loses his true love Miss Hallie (Vera Miles) to Stoddard. Great performance by newcomer Lee Marvin (Liberty Valance).

Great Lines:

Ransom Stoddard: "You're not going to use the story, Mr. Scott?"
Mr. Scott: "No, sir. This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."

Tom Doniphon: "Whoa, take 'er easy there, Pilgrim."

3. TRUE GRIT - John Wayne creates the character of Rooster Cogburn - a rough and drunken U.S. Marshall who is hired by a devout young girl to hunt down and arrest her father's killers. Kim Darby (Mattie Ross) is good in this movie, as is Robert Duvall (Ned Pepper). Glen Campbell turns in one of the worst acting performances in the history of the movies, as he plays a Texas Ranger (La Boeuf). (Some believe that the sequel: Rooster Cogburn is a better movie).

Great Lines:

Cogburn: " Baby sister, I was born game and I intend to go out that way."

Cogburn: "Judge Parker. Old carpetbagger, but he knows his rats! We had a good court going on here 'til them pettifogging lawyers moved in".

Click here to view movie trailer.

4. THE QUIET MAN - A great John Ford directed movie with Ford's famous cast of actors. Wayne plays a former boxer (Sean Thornton) who returns to his ancestral home in Ireland to escape the memory of an opponent's death in the ring. There he falls in love with Mary Kate Danaher (Maureen O'Hara), who believes Sean is cowardly for refusing to demand her dowry from her overbearing brother. Great performances by Ward Bond (Father Lonergan) and Barry Fitzgerald (Michaleen Flynn).

Great Lines:

Fisherwoman: "Sir!... Sir!... Here's a good stick, to beat the lovely lady. "

Thornton: "There'll be no locks or bolts between us, Mary Kate... except those in your own mercenary little heart! "

5. McLINTOCK - A western comedy with co-star Maureen O'Hara,, John Wayne plays a cattle baron named George Washington McLintock. G.W. battles with his estranged wife, who recently turned to high society. She eventually surrenders to the common sense and charms of her husband. Chill Wills (Drago) plays a great side-kick. This is a movie where John Wayne plays John Wayne.

Great Lines:

Running Buffalo: "Swell party, where's the whiskey?"

McLintock: "I've got a touch of hangover, bureaucrat. Don't push me."

6. RED RIVER

7. SANDS OF IWO JIMA .Click here for movie trailer

8. STAGECOACH .Click Here for movie trailer

9. IN HARMS WAY

10. THE SONS OF KATIE ELDER

On Another Note:

According to a Washington Post article: "Cells taken from men's testicles seem as versatile as the stem cells derived from embryos, researchers reported Wednesday in what may be yet another new approach in a burgeoning scientific field. "

Hey, I say its time for those embryonic stem cell research supporting fellas to step to the front and start singing soprano.

I'm Voting Democrat

2008-10-02T09:21:00.010-04:00

Man Card Stuff
100 Skills that every man should know (including video).

Sort of Sums it Up

All Conference Chain Gang?

An All-Conference Chain Gang doesn't keep hands in their pockets!

Sam in '08

2008-09-29T20:52:00.007-04:00

Click on the picture with sound on.
I tell you, with what is going on in Washington, he sounds better everyday.

Pointing Fingers

2008-09-29T09:44:00.024-04:00

Yesterday the finger pointing began regarding the cause of the "financial crisis". Ultimately, everyone will blame President Bush. After all, who will defend a lame duck and unpopular president? The opposing party will mention "the past eight years" as the culprit, while ignoring the truth that this administration sounded the alarm long ago. Those who hate the President understand that if you repeat the lie often enough, it will be perceived as truth.

Time after time conservative members of the financial services committee warned of pending financial disaster, only to be accused by Democrats of racism. The YouTube below is rather enlightening. It illustrates the point that corrupt politicians like Barney Frank, Maxine Waters, Chris Dodd etal, placed their liberal ideology before the good of the country. And what's particularly sicking is the the liberal spin of today, that these same transgressors, are now the saviors of the markets!

I'm really ticked off. Why? Well because of policies of the liberal Democrats that controlled the regulation (or rather non-regulation) of Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae proved to be devastating to people like me. These extreme liberal politicians, who enacted their ideology of welfare - loaning to low income borrowers without regard to the ability to repay the loans also ignored the warnings of experts in order to promote their social programs. They knew full well that the best interest of the country was not being served. The current situation could have, and should have, been avoided. But because of political correctness, each of us will be paying a heavy price. The cost not only includes the taxpayer risks and repayment of the bailout, but also the loss of value of investments and more importantly, our pension plans.

Will lessons be learned that social welfare programs typically fail? Don't count on it. These absurd liberal policies will occur again and again as long as the Barney Frank's of this country continue to be re-elected.

Having said that, I feel better!

A little more regarding Barney Frank's role in this mess? Click Here

This Resembles My Diet & Raccoons

2008-09-25T11:08:00.020-04:00

The food served at this restaurant seems to be up my alley. I eat terrible food for lunch, sort of like the stuff served here. And no, that's not my Blazer parked in front.

<- Click on the image to enlarge.

A Millington Guy Requests Advice

I received the email below today from a fellow Millingtontonner (Millingtonite, Millingtononian?). He is requesting some advice regarding his raccoon problem? Let's pitch in with some a suggestions.

Hey you "old farts"! LOL....

I just came across your webblog while doing a search for anyone who would be willing to take any raccoons off our hands. My landlady, is having a problem, we think, with Raccoons eating her barn cat's catfood. She has a trap, but what to do with the raccoons after we catch them, one at a time, until they are gone???

Got any ideers of anyone who'd be willing to take 'em off our hands once we catch 'em?? What they do with 'em after that is their business, but since we have no place to keep 'em, they'd need to take 'em one at a time, so we's can empty the trap to catch another one. I'll be setting the trap and what not.

Just another old fart! :)

(name & location withheld)

Millington Truck Body, Bad Loans

2008-09-23T12:36:00.021-04:00

I downloaded this matchbook cover from Ebay .
Any remembrances of the Truck Body or the approximate era
of this matchbook? The phone number listed is 3121-2121.

<- Click on the Image to Enlarge

Best Report To-Date

Jim Angle's Fox News segment may be the most understandable and accurate reporting I've heard regarding the bad loan dilemma. This report is brutally honest...it's also truthful reporting you won't find on NBC, etal.

The predictions of foreclosures and bad debt were made year's ago by those in the mortgage review field. Auditors forewarned that loan safeguards were being ignored. Why were these expert's advice ignored? Well it was because the Clinton administration demanded that more home ownership be made available to minority and low income borrowers. Therefore, the standards and loan margins were reduced, which ultimately resulted in the granting of loans to many unqualified borrowers.

And Congress was warned of pending doom. It was obvious to many that this policy guaranteed the current crisis of foreclosures and bad debt. I have two uncles (a retired bank examiner and a retired auditor) that predicted this long ago. Its proof, once again, that social engineering does not work in the free market, and it will cost the taxpayer dearly. Next in line: the automakers.

Sara, the Cardinals and Woefully Blue

2008-09-15T12:59:00.022-04:00

Another Strike Against Sara Palin

Now its the hockey mom's turn.

This week's Free Press Division Five ranking

DIVISION 5
w-l last
1. Muskegon Oakridge 3-0
2. Standish-Sterling 3-0
3. Menominee 2-1
4. Allendale 3-0
5. Onsted 3-0 6
6. Essexville-Garber 3-0
7. Tawas 3-0
8. Hillsdale 2-1
9. Chesaning 3-0
10. Millington 3-0

Gone Blue
Could you have imagined saying, "You have to be a pretty poor team to lose to Notre Dame"? In 2008 its the truth. Ten years ago people would have thought you insane if you predicted that few would get excited about a Michigan vs. Notre Dame game. Well, Saturday's game brought little attention outside of the fanatically faithful.

And the lack of attention may be a good thing, as both the Irish and the Wolverines are extremely mediocre football teams. This Michigan team must be an embarrassment to the football programs past (as has been Notre Dame in recent years). Sadly, a realization hit home Saturday that Michigan football has sunk to the level of Notre Dame's. And that level is well below the expectations of a national football power.

Michigan's new coach Rich Rodriguez has a huge job in front of him - a complete rebuild of the football program. The Michigan offense is downright terrible and it won't get better this season. The Wolverine talent cupboard is bare, particularly on the offensive side of the line of scrimmage. One can only hope that this season ends in a similar way to that of 1968 (Bo's first season. The 1968 OSU game is still one of my favorite games of all time.)

A postscript: I just hope that the Spartans enjoy the feast this year.

1972 Cardinal Football Team:

Click on Image to Enlarge

Go Blue

2008-09-12T13:24:00.019-04:00

Last year's victory was sweet, but a win this year would be considered a huge for Michigan; particularly when considering the Wolverines anemic offense. Prediction: Michigan 17 Notre Dame 12

The Front Fell Off

'Tis the political season. This YouTube pretty much sums up the political double-talk of late. An Australian Senator attempts to explain the front of an oil tanker falling off (comedy sketch).

Wiffle Ball Rules

Slammer pointed out a website listing the Official Rules of Wiffle Ball. Need to buy a few Wiffle Ball accessories? Go Here.

Popular Mechanics

Build your own Bat Cave with secret entrance.

Is Obama a Marxist Socialist?

2008-09-11T14:15:00.003-04:00

To answer that question, all you have to do is listen to the segment of his interview with Bill O'Reilly that talks about his desire to raise taxes.
I started out spending money to get a college education, eating Pixie burgers on Sundays when there was no dorm meal plan, or egg drop soup and bologna sandwiches. I came out of college, got a job at a low wage, took more classes in the summer, proceded to get laid off (twice), had to move to a different state to find work, but gradually kept working to move myself up the ladder of success. After 33 years of working, I am finally reaching a comfortable level for myself and my family (despite paying tons of money for gas). Now, Obama wants to take more of my money and give it to some 21 year old waitress working for minimum wage and tips, because I can afford to pay more than her.
Excuse me, but the waitress needs to do what I did, and work her way up to where she can have success too. Then after 33 years of work, she can and should be able to keep the fruits of her labor, just like I should be able to keep the fruits of mine. Don't redistribute my earnings to those who have less. That is what a collective does, commrade.

1908 Millington Postcard

2008-09-08T12:56:00.013-04:00

I purchased this postcard on Ebay last week. It was postmarked from Millington on 2/18/1908 and addressed to Miss Francis See, Windslow Ariz. The message on the card reads:

Dear Francis:
I simply cannot get time to write you a letter. So will send this card until the future. Pa has been sick now three weeks so have all that I can do. 17 below zero and (climb down?) and build fires. And all keeps me busy. Ma not a bit well and suffers so much pain. Can you find me a job out there as I am again to lose mine here.
Amanda

Can you identify the house, and do you know the story behind the construction?
(Click on the picture above to enlarge. )

A Seager Reunion
The Luna Pier Cook posts of Millington's favorite family's reunion. Dave also has tailgating tips for this season.

My Presidential Endorsement for 2008

2008-08-29T11:30:00.002-04:00

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2008-08-28T01:41:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone. Haven't been on for awhile so I thought I would drop in and say Hi. Enjoyed the pictures from all of the trout camps going way back. Boy, we are getting old if you can judge from the changing color of our hair. It is always great to see everyone in May. Dean

Great Debates

2008-08-20T10:36:00.003-04:00

At lunch yesterday some of the great debates of Old Millington Guys came up in conversation. For instance Saltines vs. Ritz and proper condiments for Brats and Hot Dogs. They were so fascinated with how the Millington Mind works that they would like more "great debates."

An American Carol

2008-08-15T08:46:00.001-04:00

The last time I went to a theatre to watch a move was to watch the musical Chicago. I may break down and go to this one. It lampoons the Fat One.

Hemmingway, Ethanol and Dickenson

2008-08-14T09:00:00.011-04:00

Late last year I re-read Hemmingway's collection of short stories. It was the first time that I revisited these stories since high school and I thoroughly enjoyed the read. John J. Miller of National Review writes this short story about Seney, the Fox River and Hemmingway for the Wall Street Journal.

Biofuel

So, do you want to hear negative opinion about the use of ethanol as fuel? Click here and learn. Of the many reasons cited in this video, I primarily oppose the subsidies.

Summer

Where has the summer gone? Can you believe that high school football's first games are in 13 days?

These are the days when birds come back,
A very few, a bird or two,
To take a backward look.

These are the days when skies put on
The old, old sophistries of June,
-A blue and gold mistake.

Oh, fraud that cannot cheat the bee,
Almost thy plausibility
Induces my belief,

Till ranks of seeds their witness bear,
And softly through the altered air
Hurries a timid leaf!
Oh, sacrament of summer days,
Oh, last communion in the haze,
Permit a child to join,
Thy sacred emblems to partake,
Thy consecrated bread to break,
Taste thine immortal wine! -Dickinson

Bear Warning

2008-08-12T10:39:00.002-04:00

This is for any of you Old Millington Philosophers who may go to Canada at times to fish, especially if you go to Western Canada, or if you go out West (Yellowstone) to fish. You may want to pay heed to the warning signs.

Nancy Pelosi's Energy Plan

2008-08-05T10:12:00.015-04:00

Coffee
Coffee is good for you.

Don't Tell Obama
"The war in Iraq is over. We've won."

Are You a Racist?
Twenty five reasons why you may be a racists.

The World's Greatest Hypocrite?

It seems that Al has a new house boat. Read here and decide.

Also:
"You can always tell the difference between a propagandist and a scientist. If a scientist has a theory, he looks diligently for facts that might contradict his theory so that he can test its validity or refine it. The propagandist on the other hand selects only those facts that agree with his theory and dutifully ignores those facts that contradict it."

-Dr. Martin Hertzberg, a retired Navy meteorologist and human caused global warming skeptic.

I Object

2008-08-01T16:11:00.003-04:00

And who is at fault if we re-elect these people? Remember, thats a (D) next to the name of the objector.

Krauthammer:
Polosi: Save the planet, let someone else drill for oil.

Vote for Change???

2008-07-30T15:29:00.002-04:00

From the Richmond Times Dispatch, July 7, 2008
http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/search.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-07-07-0033.html (Scroll down to this letter).

Beware Charismatic Men Who Preach 'Change'
Editor, Times-Dispatch:Each year I get to celebrate Independence Day twice. On June 30 I celebrate my independence day and on July 4 I celebrate America's. This year is special, because it marks the 40th anniversary of my independence.
On June 30, 1968, I escaped Communist Cuba and a few months later I was in the United States to stay. That I happened to arrive in Richmond on Thanksgiving Day is just part of the story, but I digress.
I've thought a lot about the anniversary this year. The election-year rhetoric has made me think a lot about Cuba and what transpired there. In the late 1950s, most Cubans thought Cuba needed a change, and they were right. So when a young leader came along, every Cuban was at least receptive.
When the young leader spoke eloquently and passionately and denounced the old system, the press fell in love with him. They never questioned who his friends were or what he really believed in. When he said he would help the farmers and the poor and bring free medical care and education to all, everyone followed. When he said he would bring justice and equality to all, everyone said "Praise the Lord." And when the young leader said, "I will be for change and I'll bring you change," everyone yelled, "Viva Fidel!"
But nobody asked about the change, so by the time the executioner's guns went silent, the people's guns had been taken away. By the time everyone was equal, they were equally poor, hungry, and oppressed. By the time everyone received their free education, it was worth nothing. By the time the press noticed, it was too late because they were now working for him. By the time the change was finally implemented, Cuba had been knocked down a couple of notches to Third-World status. By the time the change was over, more than a million people had taken to boats, rafts, and inner tubes. You can call those who made it ashore anywhere else in the world the most fortunate Cubans. And now I'm back to the beginning of my story.
Luckily, we would never fall in America for a young leader who promised change without asking, what change? How will you carry it out? What will it cost America?
Would we?
Manuel Alvarez Jr. Sandy Hook.

Quote of the Day........ "My friends, we live in the greatest nation in the history of the world. I hope you'll join with me as we try to change it." -- Barack Obama

News on the Messiah

2008-07-29T09:18:00.002-04:00

Well, now that the Annointed One (King Obama) has made world peace with his overseas tour, we can put his life in perspective. View the video at the following site.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk:80/tol/comment/columnists/gerard_baker/article4392846.ece

Apparently this video is causing quite a splash with lots of hits.

Cow Farts

2008-07-22T11:19:00.012-04:00

Now this is udderly ridiculous!

If bovine flatulence is that bad, thank goodness that the dinosaurs are extinct. Jeez, can you imagine if a brontosaurus cut one......

Has the world gone mad? This was produced by ABC News, no less. And these folks wonder why Americans no longer consider the mainstream media as being credible.
By the way, that Porterhouse looked great, I'm eating one tonight!

Opps! Wrong Setting

2008-07-17T11:51:00.063-04:00

I asked the wife to take a picture of the boys after a recent fishing trip, but I guess I must have left the camera on the wrong setting. Ya think?

A Whole New Look at Michigan Stadium

The renovations at Michigan Stadium will give the old place a much different profile. Click Here For A Free Press Picture Gallery of the Remodel.

Other Stuff

* Now I like this one: Drink Coffee and Eat Chocolate and Be Merry.

* You may wish to use one of the Fifteen Weirdest Home Remedies (I'm happy that I don't stutter).

* This site displays WWI draft cards of famous people.

* A video of how to balance seventeen domino's on one domino.

* On the drive to work this morning I saw a first: A Honda Prius without an Obama sticker on the bumper. And all along I thought Obama stickers came as standard equipment on the Prius.

* Seems to me that Vassar also dropped Reese from the schedule a few years back. If memory serves, they were tired of losing to the Rockets as well. (OK Vulcan fans, you got'em now!)

* Bench Sheffield? If not, how many more weeks do you play him?

* A campaign assistant for a candidate running for congress stopped at the office the other day and asked for the number of current home foreclosures. When told the number was far less than 1% he seemed extremely surprised and disappointed. It appears that bad news is good news when you are running against an incumbent. I really don't think its necessary to to mention the party affiliation of the inquirer, do you?

* Has anyone noticed that we have pretty much gained complete military control in Iraq. You wouldn't know it from listening to the media, wouldya? Here is a report from an officer currently serving in Iraq.

* An finally, Here's to You Mr. Belgian owner of Budweiser.

Almost Finally

Ran across this video this morning. Its was made by Americans for Prosperity outside the hall where AlGore made his speech yesterday. Very revealing of the Gore disciples.

* I found this while on an Internet search the other day. I seems that this traveler accidentally happened upon Millington during 2007 Old Fashioned Days. Apparently, he loved Walt's (McKatm's to you not-so-old Millington guys). A rather interesting perspective of the old town.

* According to a National Public Radio report, this poor Ohio family has to scrimp for their food. Because there are no graphics on radio, NPR gets away with this stuff.

Krauthhammer
"Americans are beginning to notice Obama’s elevated opinion of himself. There’s nothing new about narcissism in politics. Every senator looks in the mirror and sees a president. Nonetheless, has there ever been a presidential nominee with a wider gap between his estimation of himself and the sum total of his lifetime achievements?" Read the entire article here.

Old Millington Guys Quiz - Old School

2008-07-15T10:05:00.008-04:00

Dad brought out the 1961 Millington High yearbook the other day so that I could post the names to a football team picture that Bill Seltz gave him. A couple of familar names appeared while browsing the book. Your challenge is to put names with the pictures above. Each is certainly a well-known and famous old guy from Millington.

Caption Contest

2008-07-11T12:26:00.005-04:00

Buck took this rather unusual picture on our last fishing trip. Because both Sam & I have a couple of "unique personality traits" we thought it might be fun to have a caption for this picture. So its up to you to submit a caption, and remember, humor counts! (don't worry, neither Sam or I will be offended).

The prize? The prize will be our undying gratitude.

Congratulations Katy and Nick

2008-07-07T13:28:00.006-04:00

Best wishes to Katy and Nick on the event of their engagement this past weekend. He asked, and she said "Yes". They will make an outstanding couple.

I Wanna Gnu, Have You Ever Seen Lorraine?

2008-07-07T07:32:00.004-04:00

I never could understand the words to this song. Finally, now I know.

Tip of the hat to Becky.

Baseball Honors for Kern

2008-06-30T22:03:00.004-04:00

We are proud to announce a baseball honor earned by grandson, nephew, and son Alex. He has made the Academic All Conference Team from the Michigan Community Colleges Athletic Association as a member of the Mott Community College Baseball program. Great Job Alex. Millington and Valley Lutheran can be proud of you.

George Carlin on the Environment

2008-06-30T10:33:00.002-04:00

While in my older and wiser years, I was not a fan of George, especially of his language, I did agree with some of his comments on the Environment. I post this YouTube segment with an "Adult Language" rating.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eScDfYzMEEw

Retirement

2008-06-23T15:25:00.009-04:00

Retirement was something that my father’s friends talked about. It was an abstract subject to me, something that old guys looked forward to but not in the realm of my thoughts. Not until this week anyway.

One of my best friends, Joe Robins (Awopaho Joe), is retiring from General Motors at the end of this week after 31 years of service. Joe and I are about the same age, he is one year older than me. We were high school buddies, we played baseball on the same team, we hunted and fished together before he graduated from high school and joined the Navy. After his discharge from the Navy Joe began to work for G.M., and he prevailed through the good and also the lean years.

Thoughts of time and age are beginning to hit home this week as I contemplate that buddies of mine are actually retiring. However, I have to remind myself that Joe and others are relatively young retirees. My retirement will be quite a few years from now. But one can’t escape the fact that the years are piling up and that retirement time may be creeping closer. I’m approaching an age that my father and his friend passed some time ago.

I’m extremely happy and excited for Joe. Maybe now he can go fishing during the week when the waters are calm (and he can put off mowing his lawn until tomorrow). Congratulations Joe and best wishes for your retirement years….you’ve earned it!

Happy Birth Day Bo Michael Biggart

2008-06-19T08:19:00.014-04:00

With a great deal of pride, I wish to present the newest member of our family: Bo Michael Biggart.

6 lbs 13 oz.
6/18/08
19 inches
Wader Size: Newborn

Proud Father Josh and My Future Fishing Buddies

Grilling Chicken

2008-06-11T07:39:00.055-04:00

Sam and I have been grilling chicken halves for quite some time now. Sam cooked for my kid's graduation parties, and I for his. We've grilled for other family affairs as well. We even have our own chicken pit grill - salvaged and repaired after the Millington Masons replaced their old worn out grills with new models. Since we've cooked only for family and close friends, its always been an enjoyable event for both of us. Sam is the "Grill Master", and I've been his "Charcoal Cato".

This past weekend we grilled about 130 halves for both of our nephews' graduation parties. Sam's son, Sammy, and Phil Blackmer showed up to help and they soon took over at the grill while Sam and I ran errands and delivered cooked chicken. What was particularly nice was that Sammy and Phil proved to be experienced at the grill and produced the delicious chicken in the picture above. It was a no worry day for Sam and I.

The point? Well, the point is that its nice to have the next generation take over.

Recipe:

80 lbs of Kingsford Charcoal
60 Chicken Halves
Turn often & baste with mixture of butter and beer (1 stick : 3 cans) until done.

Click on the pictures above to enlarge.

Fly Derrie-Air

This airline says: Pack Less. Weigh Less. Pay Less. Pay by the pound.

(Its a hoax to prove that newspaper advertising is effective. Over 2 million hits since Sunday.)

Top 10 Deadliest Animals

You may be surprised at what animal makes the list as the #1 deadliest. Click Here to view the list.

A Man Card Father's Day Gift

2008-06-09T13:56:00.014-04:00

Now this is a "real" Father's Day gift. A robot lawnmower. Click Here for the Details. And it's available through Sam's Club too!

It Was Their Grandmother's Fault

A short note to Josh and Erin:

If the boys seemed to be a bit wired last night, it wasn't their fault. Blame it on their grandmother. (I guarantee she wouldn't have allowed this with our own kids.)

Wings, Spam and Newspaper Corrections

2008-06-04T16:20:00.084-04:00

Congratulations Red Wings - 2008 Stanley Cup Champions

Another Conservative Trait
As follow up to Nick's link to a story that declared that political conservatives are happier people (see Nick's post below) I offer this: Conservatives are More Honest than Liberals. Play it Again agrees.

Spam Sales on the Rise
This article says that the sale of Spam is on the rise due to our faltering economy. I can taste it right now, fried Spam in butter that is served on fresh homemade bread (or saltine crackers) with just a dollop of yellow mustard. Ah, Spam heaven. Now how about a field trip to the Spam Museum, eh Dave Bossick?

YouTube Mentos Commercial
Fellow worker Becky's son, Ryan, and his friend made a YouTube spoof of the Mentos commercials. Very well made and very funny. Click here to view.

Planned Parenthood
Michele Malkin writes about Planned Parenthood. Some folks believe that Planned Parenthood is all about healthy infants and good parenting, and that its a worthwhile charitable organization. Well its not. Planned Parenthood's primary focus is the promotion of the murdering of unborn children, and at the taxpayers expense no less.

Oil (and National Security)
Click here to read more about the Montana Bakkan Oil fields . It may be larger than originally predicted. Also, hurray to the residents of Elk Point South Dakota. They showed courage and approved the zoning to allow for the United States' first new refinery to be built in the last 32 years.

Will I live to see 80?
In an email from Biggie Bigs this morning:

I recently picked a new primary care doctor. After two visits and exhaustive lab tests, he said I was doing 'fairly well' for my age. A little concerned about that comment, I couldn't resist asking him, 'Do you think I'll live to be 80?'

He asked , 'Do you smoke tobacco, or drink beer or wine? ''Oh no,' I replied. 'I'm not doing drugs, either!'

Then he asked, 'Do you eat rib-eye steaks and barbecued ribs?' I said, 'No, my former doctor said that all red meat is very unhealthy!'

Do you spend a lot of time in the sun, like playing golf, sailing, hiking, or bicycling?'' No, I don't,' I said.

He asked, 'Do you gamble, drive fast cars, or have a lot of sex?'" No,' I said.

He looked at me and said, 'Then, why do you even give a darn?"

So She Quit
When Being Professional Means Being PC. When professional/trade organizations go political. Sound familiar?

Sean Penn Speaks

Want to read an idiot's rantings? Well, its entertaining is a sick sort of way. Click Here (Warning: foul language). Penn has been on my Jane Fonda List for quite some time.

By the way, I read that Susan Sarandon threatens to leave the U.S. if McCain is elected. She should fly AirTran - they don't charge extra for old bags.

And Now, A Real Actor
Clint Eastwood tells Spike Lee "to shut his face". Darn, I like that guy! It's additional proof that race mongers like Lee are having to widen the search to find a grievance.

Oh, Canada!
"Freedom of speech is an American concept, so I don’t give it any value.” —Canadian “Human Rights” Investigator Dean Steacy, responding to the question “What value do you give freedom of speech when you investigate?”

NRO's Mark Hemmingway reports on speech police of Canada. If you haven't been following these Canadian speech trials you will be amazed that this could happen in a western democracy. Sadly, we may be traveling down that same path. Right now in the U.S. there are those who can say "it". . . . and those who dare not.

OMG (not Old Millington Guys either)
The latest cause of Global Warming: Beach Bonfires. Its getting beyond ridiculous.

Newspaper Corrections

<- Click on image to enlarge