The neat, businesslike sign, placed just above the doorbell, says “NO SOLICITING.”
It is not possible to “not see” this sign in advance of knocking on the door, or ringing the doorbell.
Yet, for whatever reason, there are some people who persist in ringing our doorbell, to spread the message about their gospel, goods or political beliefs.
Each time, I ask myself, “What the fongonus are they thinking?” Don’t they realize that trying to make a pitch after being asked not to, only causes aggravation to the resident? It definitely disinclines me from wanting to listen to or buy anything.
If I do not know you, and you do not live in the neighborhood, and my car or house is not on fire, then I wonder why someone would want to ring my doorbell.
Sometimes they are trying to sell carpet cleaning by offering two free rooms - today only. Other times, with a Bible open at the ready, they are ready to quote some verse, in order to support their particular religions viewpoint. Or, maybe they are just ready to had over a pamphlet about the product, church or political candidate they are supporting.
We have a heavy duty, security type, metal screen door. It was locked. The front door was open, to allow some cool air, as it has been fairly hot in these parts the past few days. Dressed in my grey boxer briefs, t-shirt, and slippers, I was in the middle of preparing breakfast, in anticipation of watching the FIFA World Cup match between Spain and The Netherlands.
When the doorbell rang at 10:05 AM, I stepped the few feet from the stove to the entry hall to see the stranger at the door. As soon as he saw me, he started his 60 miles per hour pitch about carpet cleaning, wanting to know what room I wanted cleaned first. When he paused to catch his breath, I pointed to the sign and reminded him that it says “NO SOLICITING.” His response was that he was not selling anything, because he was offering free carpet cleaning.
I said, “Do I look like I just fell off a turnip truck?” I let him know that I would not be very anxious to participate in any unsolicited offer, "...especially from someone who is so reasoning impaired that they do not understand the concept of NO SOLICITING."
He had some sort of smartass comeback, and I let him know that I guessed that I would have to go get the shotgun.
He said if I went to get the shotgun, he “…would have to get the sheriff out here.” I let him know if would not be the sheriff, it would be the Marysville, police, and, they’ve already been out here several times in the past. “They already know I’m a little tetched in the head.”
That’s when I started my obvious nervous tick routine, and talking to imaginary folks. One voice said, “You have to shoot someone this stupid,” and another voice said, “He’s only trying to sell carpet cleaning, let him go.” Then I said, “Yeah, but he can’t read. That means he’s real stupid and should be culled from the gene pool.”
As the nervous ticks became more exaggerated, the unwanted intruder decided that it was time to take off, lickity split, for his own personal safety. I had a good laugh as I returned to fixing the scrambled eggs.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Sunday, July 4, 2010
PRAY FOR RAIN ON THE 4TH OF JULY
Why do so many people pray for rain on the 4TH of July? Living in western Washington is mostly quiet, except for December 31 and July 4. For about a week in advance of those calendar dates, there is the sound of warfare in the air.
The sounds of warfare arrive courtesy of the Tribal Community on the other side of HWY5, about two miles in the distance. Years ago, before political correctness, it was an Indian Reservation. Nowadays, folks refer to the area as Tribal Lands or Tribal Community. They sell fireworks, all sorts of fireworks. Tribal lands are where anyone can buy anything that can explode, or, go up into the air then explode.
I heard a news bite where a reporter was interviewing a few “Tribal Members,” who professed that it is a Native American tradition to sell and use fireworks, especially on the 4TH of July.
Hmmm. I am not so sure that Native American Tribes are all that supportive of the Independence Day celebrations.
After all, most Native Americans lost their way of life with the encroachment of the non-native Americans – mostly White and Black folks bent on taming the west. Why would Native Americans want to celebrate that?
More than likely, this is a Tribal grand scheme to get back at the “White People,” by extracting money from them. Most Tribal Lands have a casino, and most of them are doing very well, thanks to non-native customers. So, how else can the Tribes harvest more dollars? Well, selling fireworks fits in very well.
The Tribal People know that “White Folks” will spend all sorts of money to buy fireworks, especially things that go boom on land or in the air. Thousands of visitors will spend $50 to $300 or more for their personal fireworks display. Across the U.S.A. it becomes a neighborhood contest and game of one-upmanship, to see who has the best fireworks display.
In these parts, there seems to be a fascination with rockets. There are many types and sizes of rockets for sale; but, by far the Tribes sell more “bottle rockets” than any other types. Of course, these rockets are “unguided missiles” that can land anywhere; and, yes, they do start fires.
Every year, in the week before and after the July 4TH holiday, there are many fires and injures associated with the use of fireworks, even the so–called safe and sane variety.
I believe that all fireworks are dangerous, even when used according to directions. Most people do not realize that the perceived harmless “sparklers” burn at the temperature of a welding torch, and can cause serious injury.
So far, in the 2010 season, there are some interesting horror stories involving the use of fireworks. Bad things can happen to people, even trained professionals. Here are some links:
http://www.nwcn.com/news/idaho/Three-firefighters-hurt-in-Idaho-fireworks-display-explosion-97738124.html
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=11083141
In 2009, there were about 8,800 fireworks injuries and two deaths, in the U.S. Also, there were thousands of fires and millions of dollars of damage resulting from the use of fireworks. This link provides interesting fireworks statistics.
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/fireworks.shtm
Here are some safety tips from FEMA’s U.S. Fire Administration.
• The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home — period. Attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the licensed pyrotechnic professionals.
• Kids should never play with fireworks. Sparklers can reach 2,000° Fahrenheit — hot enough to melt some metals.
• Steer clear of others — fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.
• Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
• Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed on the Fourth of July. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they'll run loose or get injured.
In my neighborhood, it is always like a war zone. There are many things that go boom, and some with a very big boom. There are firecrackers, cherry bombs, M-80’s, and other items up to the equivalence of about a half a stick of dynamite.
Every year I get ‘flinchitis’ from flinching at the loud booms. Also, every year, I have to remove spent rockets from my roof and yard. I am on constant vigil to keep my roof from catching on fire due to an errant rocket or other type of fireworks. That is why many people, including me, always pray for rain on the 4TH of July.
The sounds of warfare arrive courtesy of the Tribal Community on the other side of HWY5, about two miles in the distance. Years ago, before political correctness, it was an Indian Reservation. Nowadays, folks refer to the area as Tribal Lands or Tribal Community. They sell fireworks, all sorts of fireworks. Tribal lands are where anyone can buy anything that can explode, or, go up into the air then explode.
I heard a news bite where a reporter was interviewing a few “Tribal Members,” who professed that it is a Native American tradition to sell and use fireworks, especially on the 4TH of July.
Hmmm. I am not so sure that Native American Tribes are all that supportive of the Independence Day celebrations.
After all, most Native Americans lost their way of life with the encroachment of the non-native Americans – mostly White and Black folks bent on taming the west. Why would Native Americans want to celebrate that?
More than likely, this is a Tribal grand scheme to get back at the “White People,” by extracting money from them. Most Tribal Lands have a casino, and most of them are doing very well, thanks to non-native customers. So, how else can the Tribes harvest more dollars? Well, selling fireworks fits in very well.
The Tribal People know that “White Folks” will spend all sorts of money to buy fireworks, especially things that go boom on land or in the air. Thousands of visitors will spend $50 to $300 or more for their personal fireworks display. Across the U.S.A. it becomes a neighborhood contest and game of one-upmanship, to see who has the best fireworks display.
In these parts, there seems to be a fascination with rockets. There are many types and sizes of rockets for sale; but, by far the Tribes sell more “bottle rockets” than any other types. Of course, these rockets are “unguided missiles” that can land anywhere; and, yes, they do start fires.
Every year, in the week before and after the July 4TH holiday, there are many fires and injures associated with the use of fireworks, even the so–called safe and sane variety.
I believe that all fireworks are dangerous, even when used according to directions. Most people do not realize that the perceived harmless “sparklers” burn at the temperature of a welding torch, and can cause serious injury.
So far, in the 2010 season, there are some interesting horror stories involving the use of fireworks. Bad things can happen to people, even trained professionals. Here are some links:
http://www.nwcn.com/news/idaho/Three-firefighters-hurt-in-Idaho-fireworks-display-explosion-97738124.html
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=11083141
In 2009, there were about 8,800 fireworks injuries and two deaths, in the U.S. Also, there were thousands of fires and millions of dollars of damage resulting from the use of fireworks. This link provides interesting fireworks statistics.
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/fireworks.shtm
Here are some safety tips from FEMA’s U.S. Fire Administration.
• The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home — period. Attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the licensed pyrotechnic professionals.
• Kids should never play with fireworks. Sparklers can reach 2,000° Fahrenheit — hot enough to melt some metals.
• Steer clear of others — fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.
• Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
• Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed on the Fourth of July. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they'll run loose or get injured.
In my neighborhood, it is always like a war zone. There are many things that go boom, and some with a very big boom. There are firecrackers, cherry bombs, M-80’s, and other items up to the equivalence of about a half a stick of dynamite.
Every year I get ‘flinchitis’ from flinching at the loud booms. Also, every year, I have to remove spent rockets from my roof and yard. I am on constant vigil to keep my roof from catching on fire due to an errant rocket or other type of fireworks. That is why many people, including me, always pray for rain on the 4TH of July.
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