1) What is the one thing that you love MOST about Spring? I love to watch all the trees turning green. I agree with Terry about the Dogwoods. Our yard has about thirty wild Dogwoods and is gorgeous for about three weeks. That is the only time Dogwoods are something you want around.
2) ASIDE FROM POLLEN AND TORNADOES, what is the one thing that you love LEAST about Spring? Spring break. I haven't been able to get hold of either my employees or customers for two weeks.
3) Name your single most favorite song, movie, play, book, painting, sculpture, etc., etc., with “spring” as part of the title. The only one I can think of is "When It's Springtime in Alaska" by Johnny Horton so I guess it'll have to be my favorite today.
posted by Larry at 8:00 AM
Law # 1: I have to say it is #1 since I learned it very early in my Army career:
Never trust what a trained "investigator" tells you. Most "investigators" decide the outcome of the investigation and then look for supporting evidence. One of my first duties as a new 2LT was an informal investigation of a theft. A sergeant had been found liable and was having half his pay deducted to pay for the missing food(The Army has a process to recoup monies even when it has insufficent evidence to prosecute). I still remember the amount, $5333.33. The Army Criminal Investigation Division had determined that without a doubt (In their minds at least), the sergeant stole the food. The sergeant had volunteered for Vietnam in order to get the extra pay so he could support his family after losing half his pay. Using only the documents produced by the CID, I was able to show that the sergeant had not stolen the food and point to who had. A clue was the food being sold out of a warehouse by the sergeant's supervisor. During my career, I saw several similar cases. I have seen no evidence that civilian "investigators" are any more competent.
The prosecution really doesn't want me on a jury.
posted by Larry at 10:48 AM
Terry Oglesby and I were chatting when I threw in one of the "laws" I claim as my own. He asked if I had ever written them down. Well here goes but just a few each day.
1. Nothing is simple if more than one person is involved.
2. There are no smart people just people who know a lot about something. Don't expect knowledge or ability in one area to have any bearing on other endeavors.
3. Hanlon's (Heinlein's? Bonaparte's?)Razor states: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity. I add: Never forget that malice does exist.
4. And from my days as an Army maintenance officer: You have a much better chance of receiving a needed repair part if you take time to order it.
posted by Larry at 10:12 AM
