This year is almost "in the can"

I am thankful for this country. For it's being a light of freedom and helping other countries experience democracy. I am thankful for my family who serve and continue to serve. I am thankful for the men and women in the armed forces who put themselves in harm's way to protect us and freedom everywhere. I am thankful for God, the almighty, the Alpha and Omega. I am thankful for the founding fathers who envisioned a free and just democracy.

Alone again (unnaturally)

Spent Christmas alone and snowed in. It was okay, I got to watch my Chargers win again and clench the second seed for the playoffs. Laurie's in California, Eliza is in Texas and though Alex was going from Grand Forks to Kaycee's parents, he couldn't get down the country roads in the storm to pick me up. We had a little Christmas dinner at Paradiso's last night and exchanged gifts. New Years might be about the same. But alls well. I hope everybody had a Great Christmas and let's have a better New Year where we actually talk to one-another. I promise to try.

Does this bother anyone else?

I was on my Facebook account and my liberal relative made a comment about never wanting to hear the name Sarah Palin again. Her friends all chimed in blah, blah, blah. They said some things like how can anyone listen to Rush, Beck et al and not see how bad they were. Conservatives are so stupid. Same old stuff.

I just started thinking. How did it get so bad? There was a time when, although Dems and Reps disagreed on some things, they still held to some shared core beliefs in the foundational ideals that formed America. Sure the founding fathers fought over slavery and other things, and we have had to fight about Imperialism vs Isolationalism. States rights vs Federal rights. But all-in-all, The American dream was alive and we could all stand together as Americans.

But now it seems like we conservatives have the ideals of personal responsibility, free market solutions, private property, secure borders, and strong national defense. And it seems like the left is totally opposed to this. But it confuses me, because Democrats still start and grow businesses. Still buy houses, cars, boats, and vacations. Still want their children to be safe in the neighborhood and school, and want the US government to be the US government.

But no one on either side can seem to speak to anyone on the other side in a rational conversation. If we want to talk about free market, they say we’re greedy and I have to admit, that unchecked, the greedy person will take advantage of things. But they want to help the needy and we scream “welfare state” even though the majority of conservatives believe in helping the less fortunate.
I know what any of you will say to these examples, but the point is, neither side will listen to the other.

Am I making sense?

There is less animosity at a Packer-Viking football game than there is in today’s political discussion.

I’m not blaming the left for this, I thing both sides are to blame. We have people in Washington on both sides who spend too much and take unfair advantage of the system for their own benefit. I’m no longer sure if either side being in control is the answer. I know another party or two isn’t. Somehow we as citizens have to realize how badly we have been divided by the ones in power. The grass roots movement has to be more than just a move to the right or left, It has to be a move towards us taking intelligent control of the systems and stop being pawns who are kept at each other’s throats while our pockets are being picked and this country is systematically destroyed.

My challenge is for all of us to start reaching out to the others and getting some serious thought and dialog started.

Community Organizes!

Heard about this story on Rush this morning. I nope I can get a link to it. On the island of Kuaii in Hawaii, there was a state park and access road that had been damaged by a storm. The locals were waiting for the state to provide help to repair it. The estomates from the state was 2 million dollars and 4 years. The help wasn't coming and estimates were 2-4 years before the park would be reopened. The people got together and - at no cost to taxpayers - did the repairs in 8 days. Outrageous! An example of American principles of self reliance. This is great! When I hear the term Community Organizer, this is the picture that comes to my mind. This is what it should be, not people working to get voters for a particular group. It should be a term for activities that pull people in a comminity together to get projects done not lobbying for Liberals.

San Diego Comic-Con founder dies

Why is it always raining when I get bad news? Shel Dorf, The founder of the San Diego Comic-Con has died at the age of 76. I was periferally involved in the con for the first couple of years and spent some time around Shel. I am sad at his passing and will always remember the impact "his" convention made in my life. I was aroun 17 when the first mini-con was held at the U.S Grant hotel in San Diego and it was the biggest thing I'd ever been a part of up to that point in my life. Here is a link for the Reuters story.

http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSTRE5A35W220091104

And here is a link for a autobiographical page on the comicartville library site.

http://www.comicartville.com/dorfpage.htm

At the risk of beimg called a racist (again)

Yeah, maybe even not-politically-correct (horrors) if you have some person making comments against America (in America) being happy when terrorist attacks occur and belonging to the same religion as those who are at war with us, they should have been singled out by the authorities, questioned, and dropped from the military. This is an outrage and further my anger against the Muslim bastards that are trying to ruin this world. Our boys and girls have enough danger in thier lives without having to be shot at a state-side military post. Someone dropped the ball here and should go to prison for the rest of thier lives. I don't hate people I hate the things that they do and I hate a demonic mental enslavement that was inspired by Satan. I'm angry and I want justice and retribution.

Angerrrrrr!

I watch shows on Fox News or listen to talk radio and one thing really enfuriates me. You get these people stating the Democrat side of things, and they often make really weak comments just to defend some outrageous thing that has happened. I wouldn't mind if they made rational arguments, but they often don't. Hannity is talking about how the President promised to listen to his commanders but two months after asked for more troops, a move even approved by Nato, He hasn't made a discision. So Kirsten Powers starts talking about how you can't rush into these thing and he's just being careful. This is why I get angry with them. The situation is deteriorating because the Taliban is stepping things up knowing the president isn't reacting and the liberals on TV and Radio just keep covering and glossing over things. Get it done!

I just can't help it

Our President goes to get the Olympics here while his commanders are trying to get some face time with him. Quickly, don't think about it, what is the most pressing issue the President has to think about right now? We have men and women on foreign soil engaged in war. There needs and safety should be at least the first three things Obama should be concerned with. More than the Economy, more than his stupid health care bill, and certainly more than the bloody Olympics. Sorry, but I have a vested interest in this.

A Challenge

I want to issue a challenge to everybody. I want you to listen to Mark Levin for at least 1 hour a day for 1 week. If you have never heard him, he's a bit caustic, but not in a petty just to be nasty way. He is passionate about what concerns him and he is very knowledgeable in his views. A doctorate in constitutional law and a former member of the US justice department. Just losten to what he says and then please comment on the substance of his arguments. You can go to Dr. Levin's website marklevinshow.com to find out where you can catch his show in your area. I listen to him on AM1100 the flag out of Fargo.

Does it make you angry or sad?

At church today they were using a photo of NYC as a background for song lyrics. It dawned on me that I was becomming angry looking at the photo which featured the twin towers.

I am angry because some third world thugs came here and destroyed them. I am angry because after eight years they haven't been rebuilt. I am angry because the national debate is controlled by cowardly people who 1) are afraid of those who would oppose us and 2) Hate their own country for prospering beyond all the other peoples in the world by their own hand and feel somehow it isn't fair just because we were willing to work for it and others aren't.

Every country makes mistakes and injustices in their growing, but haven't we done far more good in the world, gone out of our way to correct things? All of Europe owes it's present existance to our efforts and sacrifice. Many Asian countries do too. We have spent more in resources in Africa than any other country. We have tried to stop the drug, human, and gun trades in South America as well.

Are we meddling or are we trying to help other's have what we have. Don't condem the U.S. for trying to help spread democracy and then say what we have is so good we should allow everyone who wants to come here and live off us without any pledge of allengience.

Don't try to talk to me about how wonderful it is in Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, China or North Korea. I'm getting damn tired of the mealy-mouthed liberal voices in this country whining about what bullys we are. Let them go to one of these socialist countries and build their paradise there. If it works, then we'll consider it. Believe in God, The Constitution, and the principles of the Founding Fathers. Be thankful for the blood spilled across the globe for the sake of freedom and democracy. Be amazed that we are the strongest but the most giving and charitable nation on Earth because of it. Do this or leave!

The Sky Is Cryin' 09-11-09

The sky is cryin....can't you see the tears roll down the street

The sky is cryin....can't you see the tears roll down the street

I've been looking for my baby, And I wonder where can he be

September 11,2009 Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, North Dakota

We awoke around 2:30 am to a thunderous rainstorm. Getting dressed Laurie, myself, Alexander, and Eliza left the house for a long trip to Bismarck, ND. We had been invited to participate in the dedication of the North Dakota Memorial to the Fallen in the Global War on Terrorism. We arrived 7:30 am at the Adjutant General's Quarters at Fraine Barracks in Bismarck. Treated to a buffet breakfast, we had a chance to meet and converse with the Adjutant General, The Former AG ( Who had been at Jeremiah's Memorial in Devils Lake), The Governor and his wife, members of the ND Patriot Guard, and other Gold Star family members.

Outside, the ceremony started at 9:37am, the time of the beginning of the attacks of 9/11, with the ND Patriot Guard riding in. Colors were posted, the National Anthem sung, some opening remarks by City Commissioner Connie Sprynczynatyk, wife of the Adjutant General, and an Invocation by the Chaplain Major Johnson of the ND National Guard.

Remarks followed by Governer Hoeven, Bismarck Mayor John Warford, Major General David Sprynczynatyk, City Commissioner Steve Schwab, and Mrs. Diane Ferderer mother of fallen soldier Specialist Dennis Ferderer as a representative for all the Gold Star Famieelies.

After this, we the families were called up to place dog tags of our lost loved ones on the Soldier's Cross in the center of the memorial.

The ceremony was concluded by a 21-gun salute, taps and a Benedictfion by Chaplain Dan Sweeney of the Bismarck Police Department.

After the ceremony, the Patriot Guard surrounded the memorial to close it off so the families could take some alone time with the memorial and place some personal items inside it.

This tribute was very moving and we appreciate those who feel we should never forget those who sacrificed everything for our freedom. This project was a joint effort of the City of Bismarck, ND and the ND National Guard.

"We will always remember. We will always be proud.

We will always be prepared, so we will always be free."

- President Ronald Reagan

Of Liberals and Socialists

I can't help thinking about this and it worrys and angers me. How did the liberal mindset get so skewed. There is an inherant heart for life and the doing of good. But there is also naivete' and a sort of cynicism that both strips away the foundational structure of charity and attacks and condemns even the attempt to charity. On one hand, life is considered sacred so all people from anywhere deserve an equal part of the common wealth of the world. Indeed, even the most horrid sociopath on death row deserves to not be unduly punished by death. But, on the other hand, the death of an unborn or partially born child may be killed in the name of science or mere convienience. A people must create a set of rules of behavior that they apply to a common group to live by in order to have civilization for those people. What we have today is an idea that the benefits that have risen from that system is somehow to be afforded all people whether they choose to live under those rules or not. This has become so confused that another group can appear saying they believe in a better world where everybody has everything and that it's all for good so the first group thinks if they follow these people it will happen.

"You can't get something for nothing, You can't have freedom for free."
- Something for Nothing - Neil Peart, Rush.

Ted Kennedy Passes On

The last of the Kennedy brothers has died from Brain Cancer. The Senator died at home early Wednesday morning. I was not a fan of his politics by any means, but I salute his courage both for his fight against this disease and for promoting the priciples in which he believed. I offer my prayers and condolencense

Sale of a lifetime!!!

Guess who's holding the grandaddy of all garagesales? Governer Arnold Schwarzenegger! In an attempt to fund California's failed economy, the Governator is holding a garage sale on ebay and Craig's list selling items the state has from surplus, unclaimed property, etc. Gov. Schwarzenegger has even autographed some of the items. Good or bad, at least he's being innovative.

An Eclectic Cornucopia

I love to shop the second hand stores for vinyl albums I don't have or need new copies of. A lot of the time I don't find much, after all, this is a rather small area. Then it isn't often I find really great stuff in good shape. But let me tell you about this haul! The most normal of the bunch were Tears for Fears' second album The Hurting and Roxy Music's Avalon. You gotta love Bryan Ferry. Then a new copy of King Crimson's Discipline where Robert Fripp deceided his new group was a new incarnation of his old ways. Fripp, Brufford, Levin and Belew. Wow. Then a completely underground album is I Advance Masked. Robert Fripp took time between Discipline and Beat to work with Andy Summers the guitarist for the police. If you ever wondered about the quantum leap Andy made between Ghost in the Machine and Synchronicity, the answer is here. Fripp has that effect on everybody. Finally, Laurie Anderson's Mister Heartbreak with some of the greatest music of 1984. Using Crimson's Adrian Belew for a great portion of the guitar work, she weaves great tales of modern life and even works with Peter Gabriel and poet William S. Burroughs. Incredible. Just a great haul, and since the styles are so not mainstream, whoever had these just didn't get them and they are in perfect condition. Try finding a copy of Abbey Road like that. Good luck.

Jackson's death ruled homiside

Today the court ruled that the Death of the famed songwriter was homiside. Maybe negligent homicide but otherwise it's not because the doctor certainly wasn't trying to kill the man.

When Anna Nicole SMith died, one of the identified factors was her doctor's subscribing too many chemicals. But the Jackson case is no different. So what has changed?

The socialists in Washington are trying to pass a health care bill. This is making then create as many evil people in the system as they can so we'll buy the argument that it needs to be changed.

Don't buy into it.

Ducking Responsibility

Say your local barber consistantly does a bad job cutting hair. Do you just find another barber? What if it's some service that has limited choice or competition? WOuld you take them to court to get them to change?

In the debate over health care, instead of using the court or applied competition, The left thinks we should just have the government take the whole thing over. Do you think they will assure good, professional, and inexpensive service? Hardly.

People who want to "fix" health care are just people with a maybe legitamate gripe who want to just dump the problem in the Governments lap. I'm telling you, even considering lost work time and court costs, it'll be cheaper to take them to court.

Homer Obama ?

Sometimes life imitates art. Or at least The Simpsons. Homer is driving with the family. He ignores signs and almost crashes. "Let the be a lesson to you not to ignore signs" he reprimands Marge. "But Dad", Lisa says, "You were the one driving". "And let us never speak of this again"

I can't help drawing a parallel with the statements the President made this week involving the Proffesor Gates incident.

Just a thought...

Just a thought...

Someone at work is selling root beer floats to raise money for the walk for life campaign. I was just thinking, maybe the president can get ACORN to hold bake sales to help pay for all this deficit spending he's been doing. Just spitballing here...

Excuuuse Meee1!

I'm really getting tired of being called a racist just because I oppose someone and they happen to not be white. Honestly, we have to accept Sotomayor, Obama. and others wether we agree with their politics or not or rick being called a arcist. On the other hand, if you try to support A, Gonzalas or M. Steele, then you just don't know anything because they are just being used by the "man"..

More...

The sessions to confirm Justice Sotomayor start tomorrow. Sen Boxer said she hopes republicans will judge her fairly and not focus on her gender. This is stupid. She is playing the gender card before anyone has said anything. This same tactic was used during the pres campaign where Obama and others kept pointing out that the right would attack his race even though none did. Sheeesh!

What's on my mind

Welcome back. My computer is kinda dead and my internet is down too. Yuk! Something on my mind, the Rev. Jackson said today in reference to the chicago grave vandals, "There is a special kind of hell for these people". Although a nasty and horid act, I would think the Reverend would be a little more on track theologically. I think this statement was ment to comfort people, but should have been a little more scripturally correct.

Happy Father's Day

It's Father's Day, so Happy to all you out there. It is also the last day of Spring and I'm still hoping for consistantly warmer weather.

I checked the fencing around the northern tree break and moved the nags over there. All the grass and weeds are about 3 or 4 feet high, so they'll have a lot to eat for awhile. They seemed very happy about the whole thing.

Tripped to Texas

Laurie and I took a little vacation to Texas this week. Yesterday was the third anniversary of Jeremiah's passing so we went to Fort Hood to where the memorial for the 4th Infantry Division is. We were supposed to meet Laurie's Mom and Dad there, but the weather in Dallas was so bad that Mom's plane from Calif was cancelled. We drove down and the weather was cleared by the time we reached Texas. We passed through Oklahoma City and stopped at Abuelo's in Bricktown. We really like that place and had a great meal. We spent the night in Norman outside OKC and in the morning we drove on down. The temp had been chilly all the way since we left home, but we hit Texas and it stayed 90 - 99 until we left there.



We stopped next in Killeen, TX which is outside Ft. Hood. We met up with James and Gina, a married couple we know there. James is in the Army and served with Jeremiah in Iraq. It was nice to be able to spend time with them and to get to know them. They helped us get around on base and we visited the Fisher House, which is a house on base for families of any soldier that might be in the hospital there. We went down there a couple of years ago when they dedicated a plaque to all the 4th ID soldiers lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is posted in the Fisher House. We then visited the memorial and spent some time there. We went out to dinner with James and his wife and then spent to night in a hotel there in Killeen.



The next day we drove down to San Antonio. We saw the Alamo and walked around the downtown area. The Riverwalk is really nice. The San Antonio River is diverted to loop around a large part of downtown and is actually a lot lower than the rest of the city. We ate at Del Rio an historic restaurant there and then tookthe boat tour which circles the riverwalk and gives an explanation of the area and a lot of the history of the buildings there. That night we went to the Hard Rock Cafe in San Antonio. Part one was over and we started to look for a place to spend the night. All the hotels in San Antonio were too spendy so we thought we'd drive up to Austin and stay. Unfortunately, there was a bike rally in Austin so there were no rooms. We ended up driving up to Killeen and stayed there again.



That next day we spent with James and Gina again and revisited the memorial. As we drove north, we wanted to stop in Waco and see the Dr. Pepper museum. Traffic was so bad, that we didn't get there in time but got a couple of photos outside. We pushed on to Dallas.



We thought there was a Hard Rock in Dallas, so we thought to stop there. It doesn't open until next week. We parked outside TGI Fridays, downtown and walked around. There was a street concret and we listened for a little while and then walked around some more. This kid was painting these futuristic city scenes with spray paint while sitting on his knees. He painted very fast. Kinda cool. We wandered around and came across the House of Blues. Inside it was cool. A restaurant and a bar and a concert room too. Dallas was nice. Drove home and stopped and slept in the car at one point. Passed through OKC late at night and there were thunder storms brewing.



The next day we stopped in Kansas City and ate at a different Abuelo's. Then is was time to get home. Felt like it took forever. A lot of road construction all through Iowa and South Dakota. We pulled into Fargo around 11:00pm and stopped for a snack at Fridays before driving on. A final stop in Grand Forks to say hello to Alex and then home.



A good trip. We spent most of today sleeping and being lazy.

Memorial Day 2009

Yesterday was Memorial Day. Laurie and I went to Devils Lake and participated in the observance there. Always a solumn but heartwarming time to help honor all the service people who have died for our freedom but especially Jeremiah. The Devils Lake community band played and also the Our Savior's church and friends choir. We laid wreaths for each of the wars our country has fought starting with WWI. It was good.

The Death Penalty

Okay, let's get really controversal. Should we abolish the death penalty? Sean Hannity had Will Farrell on his show, and said that he had come to agree with leftist Farrell on abolishing the death penalty. Now, most conservatives think it should be used and most liberals don't. Hannity thought it shoud still be used when there is incontrovertable evidence.

Here's my take: While seeing myself as a committed conservative, I agree that we should not use it. Here is why. We are put here to accept Jesus Christ as our personal savior and to spread his gospel. I would rather support a man for a lifetime in prison so he has a chance at some time to come to faith than to take his life before he can. Of course, I don't think that he should ever be allowed out of prison, because we will never know if someone says he believes that he really does. And if he does, he'll know that he cannot be freed but might find that prison is a perfect mission field for him.

That is how I feel about it.

Happy Anniversary, Darling

I haven't gotten online for this since Thursday, so I'll post it now. I had a great time with you the other night. You are my life=partner, my best friend, the chocolate chips in my chocolate chip cookies, and My darling wife. I love you.

Thursday was our 20th anniversary. for those of you with more time in, I hope you've been as blessed as I have. For thoses who haven't, I'd say work on it and it'll be fun. This is currently the best time of our lives so far. It hasn't always been good, but we've come through a lot and are having fun being together now. I am overwhelmed how great Laurie is.

I worked and she didn't thursday. She met me in Grand Forks and we went to the Bronze Boot for dinner. It is one of those restaurants that looks like it's heyday was 40 years ago. Neon framed boot and all. 50's style architecture. However, inside it is clean, and nice. Thiis place really knows how to cook a steak. They cut their own, and is a place where we go for special occasions. A nice dinner and the server, whom I believe may be one of the owners, is very nice. she brought us a double dish of ice cream, toppings and two spoons to help us celebrate.

I was just thinking about the kids on Thursday, too. Laurie and I went to Disneyland for our honeymoon and then we went there when we were in San Diego this winter as a celebration of the 20 years. But I remembered the times we took the kids, too. Jeremiah and Alex's first time right after Eliza was born and we left her with Nana. We were working for a property management company out of L.A. at the time and we told the boys we had a meeting up there and had no one to look after them all day. We left early and they slept most of the time, but we got to L.A. early amid whines of "Are we there, yet?" And them we pulled into the vast parking lot of Disneyland and the lok on their eyes was priceless. A whirlwind day running from one ride to the next and having one of the best times of my life. Jeremiah pulling the sword from the stone, eating at the Blue Bayou. All of us one my favorite ride, the Pirates of the Carribean. We went to Tom Sawyer island and as soon as we stepped off the little raft, Jeremiah took of and got lost. We found him 10 minutes later with security and wet cheeks. Alex in a stroller, fell asleep during the Electrical Parade. and screaming during the fireworks. We opened and closed it that day. It was great.

Verrry Nice Day (so far)

I tried to sleep in. Much more than I really wanted to. Neighbor John called and said he was ready to help with moving hay into the corral. I was really happy he called because I really wanted to get up. What fun. The fence wasn't open 5 minutes before the wascally horses realized they could get out. They did. It was alright, I knew I could get them back in and I enjoy watching them be able to run. They are so cool when they get to do that. Then, they run over to the tree break where the other fence is. I guess they're institutionalized. Hay in, fence closed, and even fixed some places thet needed it.

Next, I sweped the garage out. These aren't big things, but when you haven't been able to get outside much, it's extremely nice to be able to do it.

Put up a couple of the bird feeders. The dog chewed on one of them a bit but it'll be okay. I'm concerned I won't get a lot of birds until Eliza gets back and takes her dog home. Jaycee loves to chase birds and will be horrible to them if she's still here.

Taking a break right now for lunch. If I manage to go back outside, and do anything, I'll post again.

No one expects the Spanish Inquisition!!

With all this noise about the Bush administration's use of not being nice to prisoners, I'm reminded of Monty Python's skit about the Spanish Inquisition. I mean, the things they did such as waterboarding, sleep deprivation and putting catapillars into cells seem like to me, not only tame, but much like the skit where they use things such as the ultimate Comfy Chair. Phoo!!! If you don't want to use them, don't, but let the past things go because they weren't really extreme. I know you kool-aiders out there won't agree, but this thing right now is just a ploy to distract from Obama's ruining the economy, and rendering our military impotant. If we get attacked again, it will be on him.

Strange Weather

We got a lot of rain and snow today. Yeah, snow. End of April and my yard looks like it did in October. Hopefully it will warm up and late spring will arrive.

Someone explain this to me

I like to use Google for my search engine. Every time there is a special day such as a holiday or famous birthday or anniversary, they have a special Google logo depicting the event. But a couple of weeks ago it was Easter and they did nothing. Why would that be? Anyone?

A word from the word

"And you who were dead in your trepasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with it's legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross."

Colossians 2:13-14

Weather or not.

Last week we had a few days of warm weather. It's still warm now if you compare it to whatb we had in February. 99% of the snow melted and everything on the outer frindges of the proprerty was flooded. It has since gone down and it's looking good. Friday before Easter I got home from work, I went in the house and only spent 10 minutes inside before going outside and spending the next four hours outside. I was just having fun. My Lilacs are already starting to sprout new growth as are our roses. Now, the Lilacs we just planted as seedlings last year. Up here as soon as the land gets a chance, it wastes no time blooming. This is something you don't get in California since it's green all year.

Obama cuts 100 million from budget!!!!

Okay, is this a good thing? Of course it is but it's really nothing. The President himself said it is only a drop in the bucket. But you have to remember that he has increased spending to over 4 trillion dollars. You figure what percentage 100 million is to 4000 billion.

Following this Obama said that he will go through the budget line-by-line to find more. Does he know that he doesn't have a line veto? This he can not do.

These cuts he's found are piddling and will not amount to anything useful to the economy.

Nice weather!!!

Spring is finally winning the fight here. It's been warmer lately and even 45 seems like warmth. Of course, we have to deal with the threat of floods, but due to the work of many volunteers, things are getting better. The Red is expected to crest again but it looks like we'll be okay. Out here on my land everything is soggy especially my driveway. As soon as the rain channel thaws, I'm sure a lot of the water will drain off. It's ben easier to give the horses hay since the bales are thawing but the corral is a muddy mess. We have Eliza's puppy here. She (the puppy) is untrained and likes to jump on everybody. This is really nasty with all the mud. If you spend any time with her though, she calms down and follows you around. She disappeared for a couple of days until a neighbor told my closest neighbor about her being at his place. She was about 3 miles away from home. There is only one house between my house and the place where she was but now I've met another neighbor. She often catches mice and birds andstands in the yard at night and barks. We don't really hear her much and I guess she's barking at deer and such. We tried to chain her up. The first collar we put on her had a plastic catch and she broke it almost immediately. Then, with a better collar, she broke the chain she was on. The chain have a swivel like on it so the dog can't get it twisted up. She's a Lab and it only lasted a couple of days. I guess I'll invest in an ID tag so if she wanders off again, we can be contacted. I went out and started Laurie's bike today but she doesn't know it yet. I need the charge the battery on the mower and the on the little bike is just shot. I saw today that I'll be able to get to the trailer now, too. I had it in the tree break to load with wood and it got buried in the snow. After this next week of temps in the high 40s and low 50s I bet things will start turning green quickly.

Major Rant for April: Three types of people

The way I see it there are three types of people in the world.

The first are conservatives. These people expect themselves to do the right thing and for everybody else to do it too. A little simplistic but let me explain. They do not expect anyone to do things for them and believe themselves to be responsible enough to live their lives for their own families and not do it at the expense of others. They believe they should be able to keep what they earn and decide for themselves where they want their money to go. Yes, some get greedy and take advantage of situations, but they are not true conservatives, they are just wrong. Also not everybody does what's right all the time, but that is a product of our fallen nature and that why we have laws.

The second type are liberals. These people range from moderate to socialists. The idea here is to have such control of people's lives that much wealth goes into the "public" coffers where the ones in power can direct where it is spent. Also they do not believe you should be the one who gets to keep what you make. Indeed, if you make too much, (more than them), they will come after you and take as much of it as they can.

The third type are the sheep. These people think of themselves as liberals but fail to understand how things really work. To their credit they have big hearts and truly feel for the oppressed, downtrodden, and poor. They do not see that conservatives and especially Christians give more than anyone to charities. They are easily led by words that say "We will pass a law to make sure everybody gets what they deserve," In having the state control the wealth and distribute it, you create a very inefficient system because of the sheer size of the buracracy it takes to accomplish the goals.

A Great Book!

I just heard a great book. Maybe audio books are cheating, but when you spend two hours a day driving to and from work, it makes sense. Okay, the book. "Ted, White, and Blue" by Ted Nugent. Here's a guy who doesn't smoke, do drugs, speaks of only moderate drinking, and is still touring with his outrageously loud band. Ted speaks of politics, guns, religion, and much common sense. I couldn't recommend it any higher.

Flood may have been averted!

Due to warming weqather, record snowfall, and a couple of new storms, The Red River has been threatening to overflow most of the valley. It looks like the danger is going to pass, but they are still waiting to see if the dykes all hold. Some of the more southern towns are getting some problems, but Fargo just might make it. Grand Forks has closed two of the three bridges across the river and might close the third. We'll see. There is still a lot of snow out there and we'll have some more ugly weather this week. Bismarck and Mandan are having the same problems, I hope they do well too.

Close the borders - now

The title should get people angry as well as branding me a racist. I don't dislike people from another country, but, of course, If someone wants to become a permanent resident here, then they should learn the language and respect the laws. This guy was on TV and argued that although it appears that we can't handle all these people with unemployment where it is, in reality they actually create jobs. Absurd!!! Sure, there are some who open bussinesses here and I won't argue about who would get hired, but the VAST majority who are here illegally are not educated enough or wealthy enough to start anything. If a huge majority of citizens of a country feel that America is the model of how they think a country should be, then they should work to change their country. Our founding fathers did it here in spite of the oppressive British ruling government.

Happy Birthday

It is my daughter, Eliza's birthday. She's away at her AIT for the Guard. She passed her boards for Medic and we are very proud of her.

What is a budget?

a summary of intended expenditures along with proposals for how to meet them; "the president submitted the annual budget to Congress"

Right.

We're taking a course right now on how to get out of debt and create a financial future. We are learning how to budget and how to stay within that budget. Maybe Congress should talk to Dave Ramsey. The Government makes only as much money as it can collect in taxes but they budget billions and now trillions for spending as if that will be collected intaxes thus saddling our grandchildren with debt. The biggest problem with this process is the excess and diverting of funds that create a need for more income. For instance, money that went to Louisiana which should have been used to upgrade the dyke system was earmarked to help expand the barge throughways. This when barge traffic is decreasing. The result was disaster when Katrina hit. Also a great deal of money goes to the school systems. However, only a fraction of it goes to teachers. The rest goes to administrators and unions. If Congress stopped this nonsense, and spent the money wisely, we could get by with a smaller budget and still maintain a strong and stable America.

Alabama paralyzed by inclement weather!!

Well, they weren't expecting it. It snowed in Tuskaloosa, Alabama and my sister posted some pictures of it. Not much of a snow by North Dakota standards, but we're talking Alabama so it's a big deal. Like if we had an earthquake here. I'm gonna steal a couple of the shots ad post them here for your enjoyment. Get that shovel out professor!

(Compare these pics with the ones below of my yard, he he)

Happy Birthday, David

There are only a few birthdays I actually remember. I almost always realize when they come but usually forget to say anything until it's past. Feb. 28th was my brother David's birthday. Assuming that he still celebrates it in some fashion, I want to publicly wish him a happy birthday.

If you'd like to do something for him, and yourself, go to the following website:

www.greenskypress.com

and read some of his stories. He lives in San Diego and we wish him the happiest of times.

New Widget Added!!!

Thanks to my sister, Suzanne, I've finally was able to load a widget that will track the stock market. Cool. Thanks, Suzy.

A Modern Day Hero

Have you seen the A&E show, The Baest? A gritty FBI cop show starring Patrick Swayze. Mr. Swayze is dying of pancreatic cancer yet he refuses to just hang it up and quit. He produces and stars in this show and intends to do that as long as he can. It takes a lot to do this and cement the way you'll be remembered. Best of luck and my prayers to the man.

House Markets Socialism For The Masses

The House today passed the monstronsity so we can all settle down because the Government will now assume responsibility for all facets of our lives. The White House promised 48 hours to see it before voting, but only gave congress 12. Of course, it still has to go back to the Senate for approval.

Here's the thing. All this money is coming from us to pay for "stuff" for us. I can't help thinking of ID theft. This guy has stolen your credit card and comes to you and gives you money. You're thinkin' what a nice guy. But the money came from your bank account. Just a thought.....

Congressman John Boehner stood before the House and held up this huge pile of paper that is the bill (1000+ pages) and pointed out that not a single member of congress has even read the thing. "and we're supposed to vote on it?" he says and drops it with a thud on the floor.

Winter 2008 - 2009

Here are some photos which have been requested by many. Notice the sheets of ice sliding off the Barn roof from today.

Robert Zimmerman

Lately I've been on a Bob Dylan kick. Is/was he great or what? Since I grew up on commercial radio, I didn't learn about Dylan until late. In fact Lay, Lady, Lay was the first new Dylan song I ever heard on the radio. As I grew away from the radio and into underground music I found out more about how instrumental he had been in the creation of modern rock.

Dylan released his first album in 1962. In 1963 there were three of his songs in the top 100. None of them were his recordings. It is something when you discover some of the best songs by the performers you love the most turn out to be either a Dylan song or an attempt to be Dylanesque. The mark of a great song writer is one who does not need to cover others' music but is covered often by even the best. The Beatles, probably the most proficient song writers in rock, Talked about Dylan. "You've got to hide your love away" was Lennon's attempt to be Dylan and they featured him on the cover of Sgt. Pepper's along with other Icons of the era. Simon and Garfunkle covered a couple of his songs and did a lot to emulate his style. Though they were better singers and had more elaborate arrangements, I think Paul Simon admired Dylan greatly.

Dylan had the ability to write songs that not only were very profound, but his minimalist approach left room for others to create bigger arrangements. His style, of course, was modeled after the folk singers of the forties and fifties. The man is still going and has a following of professionals too long to list.

No, I'm not in hibernation

I've just not been interested in this. Sometimes, though, I get an idea but by the time I get home, I forget or have more important things to do. Oh well....

Yeah, it's still cold!

Wind Chill Advisory in effect until 12 PM CST Monday...

Tonight
Mostly clear. Lows 20 to 25 below. West winds 10 to 15 mph. Wind chill readings 30 below to 40 below zero.

Monday
Sunny. Highs zero to 5 below. West winds 10 to 15 mph. Wind chill readings 30 below to 45 below zero.

Monday Night
Mostly clear. Lows 10 to 15 below. West winds 10 to 15 mph. Wind chill readings 20 below to 35 below zero

A Wind Chill Advisory remains in effect until 12 PM CST Monday. The combination of westerly winds of around 10 mph and subzero airtemperatures... will result in hazardous wind chills of 25 below to 40 below zero for tonight and Monday morning.A Wind Chill Advisory means that very cold air and winds will combine to generate low wind chills. This will result in frostbite and lead to hypothermia if precautions are not taken. If you must venture outdoors... make sure you wear appropriate clothing... including a hat and gloves.

And these are Sunny days and clear nights.

Last week we had a couple of days where it warmed up to 27-30 degrees. This was noticeably warmer. It's miserable and going out to feed the hayburners is a chore but y'know, when it does get warm in March or so, it will be beautiful and pretty beyond words and greener than anything in Southern California. The contrast makes it more noticeable and you appreciate it more. I can't wait 'cause I'm freezing my nose off right now.

AP's war against Israel

An AP article appeared today focusing on the trauma suffered by the children of Gaza. My heart goes out to all victims of war especially children. However, the article is slanted to foment more hatred and bitter feelings towards Israel. Check this out: the title is "Israeli war against Hamas scars Gaza's children. " I'd like to point out that Hamas started this conflict by bombing people in Israel, so really it should read Hamas war against Israel scars children in Gaza (and Israel?). It points out that the children are developing a hatred towards Israel. Of course. These kids have been taught by their Palestinian parents that Israel is the bully long before this started and are probably not told about how men, women and children in Israel have been dying by greater numbers before Israel ever fought back. How about telling their children that the hatred they (the adults) feel towards Israel superseded their love for their children by allowing Hamas to cowardly hide amongst the people of Gaza, risking the life of the children, to indiscriminately attack the citizens of Israeli border towns. Bottom line: pray for the children of the world that they may be protected by God from the stupidity of their parents.

Middle-East madness continues

So, I'm sitting here listening to the news and the pundits talking about the current thing in Israel. I'm bothered that the news for the last few months that Hamas has been raining death onto Israel, that the reports make you feel that they're trowing rocks into an open field. Very little emphasis on the amout of civilian deaths being caused. Now Israel is responding and all you hear about is the death toll. Rubbish! It's about time for retaliation. And don't tell me they should try to talk to them because we all know it had never helped and there is no reason to think it will now. I especially love the point of view of John Bolton who seems to be a clear head in all this and supports Isael in their trying to protect themselves. If Israel trys to reason with Hamas they will just attack more. Yeah, bottom line, is bomb Gaza, bomb Iran, and Alan Combs is an Idiot.

Merry New Year!

Okay, I'm back and tryin' to figure out how to deal with reporting on my previous vacation. Anyway hello, and Merry Christmas to everyone. Let's hope I'm wrong about everything and we have a great next four years.