vernon

I love that jig head - including the crappie version that I also use a lot. Between that head and Dave's Ozark Finesse heads I don't really need anything else in the boat these days for anything except swimbaits and they're fine for those as well. Donna and Champ's recommended War Eagle head for swimbaits is my personal favorite for that application however. Bo's heads are so weedless it's ridiculous and they really do hook 'em in the top of the head every time!

You obviously need to work on your casting "technique" - such erratic control of ones lure could get someone hurt!

Pretty dang generous.

Primarily due to the fact that common sense and money are rarely seen together in the same place. The distractions that are inherent to the pursuit of personal wealth are what has corrupted all levels of government and made it nearly impossible to trust or believe in the motives or ambitions of any of our leaders. Us relating to millionaire politicians and, more importantly, them relating to us is as futile as sharing common interests with LeBron or Madonna. Show me a politician that's not a millionaire and I'll show you a freshman senator that was lucky to get elected and won't be "poor" for very long. Not a new phenomena by any means - just a more modern pay scale.

Great ideas all. However...... Legislating changes of that nature would be difficult and controversial (controversy costs votes) and require lots of work and thought (summer recess remember?). But more importantly, it would upset their primary donors who either own and operate their own ocean liners or make big money by providing docks and storage for the sea worthy creatures. One doesn't make it to the U.S. or state senate much less stay there very long by biting the hand that feeds them. Too bad bass fishers and campers don't bankroll many politicians. Man, I'm depressing.

This line from the article is a great example of what I was describing in a previous thread about what they say vs. what they really mean. "Even grandfathering in the large cruisers already on the lake invites bureaucratic complexities sure to tick people off and confuse everyone, say politicians and the local residents they represent." Breaking the "code" on this statement isn't very difficult primarily since it was translated and composed by a newspaper writer and not a "skilled" government bureaucrat trained in the "art" of literary deception! "invites bureaucratic complexities" just means dealing with this thing is way too hard and way too much work to get involved in because, after all, hard work isn't what we signed on for plus I got a bunch of big time donors with big boats over there and we like going to stay with them on long weekends and boat ride too and, besides, we're about to leave for summer recess at the lake so we're just going to ignore this thing altogether but, yes, another expresso would be great, thank you. "tick people off and confuse everyone" means we're just looking out for our constituents and would never do anything to upset or confuse the many great Missourians that vote for us every two years. Everyone knows that there's already too much confusion in government and we certainly don't want to do anything that would further muddy the waters unless, of course, it involves a huge pot of money for us in which case it would be "a topic certainly worthy of consideration." "say politicians and the local residents they represent". Always have to get that one in there. Better political cover than popping smoke to always remind the reader that this is what "you, the people" asked for and, indeed, demanded and we're not going to let you down! Even though most readers are thinking to themselves, wait a minute, that's not what me or Tom or Jack or Harry or anybody else I know wants. Oh well, I guess we must be in the minority after all and should quit whining if that's what everybody else really wants. Kind of like the 800 emails. If there's 10 of 'em that at least kind of agree with what the elected official wants then it's OK to generalize and pretend that it's the overwhelming majority cause, well, nobody's ever gonna know the difference anyway and there's about 6.5 mil in it for me not to mention some really great tax write offs and if you guys were in my position you'd do the exact same thing so don't act so dang sanctimonious and stuff. Are we about finished here? I've got a tee time over at Old Warson in a couple of hours and I hear it's in really great shape so I need to get goin'. Sorry. There I go again.

Suh-weet! Happy wife - happy life! Lucky thing she gave you a second chance.

Unfortunately, they've both become pretty much the same thing these days.

Maybe I'm just in a bad mood? Nah, I really am that cynical. I had the distinct non pleasure of drafting or editing lots of statements, releases and similar garbage during my latter years at the COE and, worse yet, got to be pretty good at it. I was close enough to know what was really going on but was also one of the people charged with creating a believable misrepresentation of the facts that would sound genuine and not in any way tarnish the image of elected officials. I guess that's one of the reasons that I keep trying to defend and explain the position of the COE because I know who's really pulling all of the strings and how the COE constantly has to not only eat it but then try to make it sound palatable. Even after five years away, it's still pretty easy to read through the spin and know exactly what kind of crap is really going on and know who the true beneficiaries are. Hint - it ain't us or the COE. Most disheartening is the fact that it's standard operating procedure throughout the federal government. I think I liked it better way back before I knew any better and just thought they were all fools.

The elected reps "thoroughly" review the 800 emails, paying particular attention to and counting how many of those sort of agree with their position, as in: "I received 'countless' emails from my constituents supporting and encouraging this legislation. Clearly, the people have spoken." They then consult with their realtor friends, bankers and lawyers and then make the decision that is "in the best interest of the people" so they can then say: "I am extremely excited and beyond optimistic about the promise and potential that this bill holds for all of the affected communities and, most importantly, all of the fine people throughout our great state that will benefit beyond measure from its implementation. This is indeed a great day for all of the state of Missouri but especially for those who enjoy water recreation all that our wonderful outdoors has to offer. We are truly blessed." Or something like that anyways......... Man, I've become a cynical old fart.

Can't wait. I, too, love your stuff and if I'm not throwing a Ned or topwater, I'm likely tossing something that you make.

Ooeysay! Is that right? I'm not from around here......

Anti-venom would not be necessary if I ever got bit as I'd already be beyond dead from the heart attack.

Too bad you DIDN'T get bit messing around in my back yard!

Is that Arkansas Latin?

Trying to be another conspiracy theorist or what? It's already been established that it's the Russians and now you want to drag poor Beck into some judicial committee hearing.

I don't know. I think the charcoal starter stack thingy in the foreground makes it look like a lot more stuff than it really is........ Must be some old newspaper/magazine photographer trick.

Very nice. Trips for remainder of the year are already in the books but I'll sure keep them in mind for next year.

Et too, Brutus? Unbelievably (for me anyways), I have no words.............

With all due respect to Ham, my sentiments exactly.

No kidding! Abkeenan needs to be suspended indefinitely if not banned all together. I hate it when he does this stuff............... And, unfortunately, Snagged is starting to mimic him.

If nominated I will not run. If elected I will not serve............. LBJ wasn't all stupid.

Guilty as charged. Can't somebody do something about me?

I keep telling myself to ignore the chatter but then I decide that it won't hurt to make one innocent little comment, thinking I'm contributing some insider knowledge that someone might find interesting or beneficial and then, KABOOM - I'm knee deep in alligators and fighting to defend the honor of every district in the COE! What a stupid I am..............

Yep. We've transformed our June trip into a golf deal with the wives. Not a terrible alternative but a regrettable concession to the changing times nonetheless.