End of the YEar

A thing of beauty is a joy forever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
~ John Keats ~

One of my favorite things about celebrating the arrival of a new year is all the lists of things from the previous year. Below is an item from an article of Strangest Police Blotter Reports, it occurred somewhere in California, the names of the people, oh I am not Joe Friday…

Western Nevada County, Ca.
At 12:15 p.m., a man called from the 800 block of
Old Tunnel Road to report his wallet was stolen. He said the wallet was missing
from his apartment and he would talk to people in his apartment complex about
it. He called back to say he would like to speak with an officer about the
issue. An officer arrived and the wallet was found under the bed.

There are all sorts of lists looking back at 2006, and predictions about 2007. As with each year there are high expectations about the year to come. I have always found this interesting, that with the passing of the last minutes from 2006 to 2007 that the world will automatically change.
In 2007 we will face the same struggles we are facing at the end of 2006. We will face them in the coming days hopefully with more fortitude, strength and determination. It is in time of struggle that one needs to remember that Christ will give us the strength that we need.

Perhaps it is simply then sense of accomplishment of completing another year that make’s New Year a fun celebration.

Tonight we had dinner with some friends because it sounded like a good idea, and they agreed. It was Jenn’s birthday so we obtained a cake, put candles on it and started singing Happy Birthday. Cap and Peyton had been playing and generally having a good time, when Cap heard the first part of the song, he exclaimed CAKE and ran for his chair at the table, thus proving Pavlov’s Theory once again.

Below is a picture of Cap, Go Texas! They already played their bowl game, it was the Alamo Bowl. They beat Iowa 26-24.


Here is a cartoon that was in the paper… You can draw your own conclusions.

Saturday Morning Update

The large headlines in the news is Saddam Hussein has been executed, by hanging. Gerald Ford’s services began yesterday, and will continue for 6 days taking his body from California to Washington DC to Michigan. Much is being made of Saddam’s life and death on the news outlets.

The weather outside is cold and raining the weatherman indicated that it would snow… …it has not snowed here yet. I would be nice to miss the forecast 70% of the time and still have a job. I listened to the short program below on my way home from work yesterday. It is really funny.

Last night Cap and I ate at my mom’s house, and it was “gooooood”, we had some chicken fried steak, potatoes, biscuits.

Merry Stressmas: It's That Time of the Year

Below are a couple of pictures from Christmas. That is right, I have the camera back.

Ezekiel 3:16-19

Ezekiel 3:16-19

After seven days the Lord gave me a message. He said, “Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman for Israel. Whenever you receive a message from me, warn people immediately. If I warn the wicked, saying, ‘You are under the penalty of death,’ but you fail to deliver the warning, they will die in their sins. And I will hold you responsible for their deaths. If you warn them and they refuse to repent and keep on sinning, they will die in their sins. But you will have saved yourself because you obeyed me.

Many people, including myself in an earlier time when I was not mature in my faith, will say that the Old Testament is old, and time should be focused on the New Testament. After all, the New Testament has the Gospels, which are the account of Jesus’ ministry on earth, and if there is anything to learn it is in the Gospels. I have come to understand that line of thinking is dead, and one will not grow as far spiritually if you take that approach. The versus above in Ezekiel are an illustration of God’s desires for us. As Christians we take the place as a watchman, not just for Israel, but for the hole world. While we shall not go around condemning people, we should be vocal about our faith, and that salvation only comes from Jesus Christ. I think that to often we get bogged down in the mechanics of life, work and the church, and forget what our mission is.

We are the messengers, the light of the world as it is written in Matthew. If we do not study both the Old and New testament, our light will not be as bright as it should be.

Ford and more Christmas

President Gerald Ford died yesterday at his home in California. I have found that the media coverage of his death have all included the same quote and statement about his pardon of President Nixon. The news reports have all said that Ford had high rating until he pardon Nixon for his involvement in Watergate. Then every news source plays this quote, “My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over.” This sequence seems to imply that he siad those words when he pardoned Nixon. Rather, Ford said those words when he was innagurated. I have a hard time understanding how the country could vote Ford out, and replace him with Jimmy Carter, wow!

I found my camera; well actually my mother found it at her house, so I went and picked it up. Below is a picture of the family wearing the ever famous Christmas Pajamas. For any unmarried young male who might think the entire idea of coordinating PJs is silly, you can wait and see what life with the opposite sex entails.

Christmas, James Brown and The Blues Brothers

I do not know where my camera is at, I though it might be at my parents, but they would have found it and called. I guess that I will have to search the house more thoroughly then I did earlier.

Today is the day after Christmas, and I enjoyed it. I did not attack the malls in search of post Christmas savings, all though certain members of my extended family did. I did not spend the day traveling, and for that I am thankful. I saw many a family loading up and hitting the road today, a mini-van with the cargo rack full, or with a covered luggage carrier driving down the street. Parents that are tired, kids that are tired and want to play with their new stuff, as the vehicle hits the road. I like not having to travel!

I received several presents on Christmas day, including a new digital watch. I wanted one to use when I run to keep track of how long I have been going. We are going more scientific then just, tired, really tired, and exhausted as measurements for how long I have been running. I also got a copy of the movie "Wings", which is the first Academy Award winner for Best Picture. The interesting thing about the copy that I got, is that it has Japanese all over the back cover, and Japanese subtitles.

James Brown, who is dubbed the Godfather of Soul died on Christmas Day. He had a role in the SNL movie "The Blues Brothers", as a preacher in a soul filled church.

Below is a snippet of dialog from The Blues Brothers

Elwood: It's 106 miles to Chicago. We've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of
cigarettes, it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses.
Jake: Hit it.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve has always been a time when I have know the order of the families plan well in advance. It has not really changed much since Father introduced the Guessing Game about 20 years ago. The evening begins with a pizza supper, then off to church. We want to make sure we get their early to get the Pew, a concept my grandmother never embraced. (In all honesty, I do not care which pew I sit in, I like to sit close to the front and on the right side. Every time I have set on the left side of the sanctuary, it feels like I am on a ship that is listing to one side.) After church it is time for the guessing game, then to my parents to open presents. That has been the tradition for the last 20 years, this year there was no guessing game. Which certainly did not offend me, but it did throw a curve ball at what I am accustom to.

So on Christmas Eve, we did everything but the guessing game. On my birthday I received a large, really large suit case, and 2 of the 3 movies in the Star Wars Trilogy. On Christmas Eve, I received a normal sized suitcase, and the missing movie, it was like an extension of my birthday.

On a side note, I stumbled across a Wiki site that it completely devoted to Star Wars called Wookieepedia and it’s information. Which leads me to the conclusion that people or some people have to much time on their hands.

The evening was a lot of fun. Cap enjoyed unwrapping presents, although he was tired and easily distracted from the task at hand. Below are a few pictures.

It started with a lot of boxes with pretty wrapping paper, and of course, the three amigos.

Here a picture of the Captian investigating a covered box.

A picture of the aftermath…

My dad received a Special Award, which he was completely focused on the entire time. A picture is below.

It's a Wonderful Life

Friday morning I listened to a piece on families that celebrate Christian and Jewish Holiday Traditions. You can click HERE to read or listen to the piece. Of other note worthy news, we celebrated Christmas with Amy’s Family today. It was fun, I at some of the Pink stuff, and more of the green stuff, along with the traditional Turkey, Ham, dressing, potatoes, and the like. Cap received some wooded puzzles as his present, one is farm animals, one is the alphabet, and the last one is numbers. He and I played with the number puzzle after leftovers tonight before we left
.
On the way back I listened to part of It’s a Wonderful Life, it was originally recorded as a radio broadcast, so there were some differences from the movie. I have only seen the entire movie once, and that was in Angle Fire, New Mexico in the middle of the summer, go figure. It is a good movie, and I like Jimmy Stewart.

Clarence: Your brother, Harry Bailey, broke through the ice and was drowned at he age of nine.
George: That's a lie! Harry Bailey went to war! He got the Congressional medal of Honor! He saved the lives of every man on that transport.
Clarence: Every man on that transport died! Harry wasn't there to save them, because you weren't there to save Harry. You see, George, you really had a wonderful life. Don't you see what a mistake it would be to throw it away?

Christmas Vacation

Tomorrow is Friday, and that makes me smile. It has been a fast week, faster than I had expected. Now we sit poised to go into the weekend, thankful that we are not stuck in Denver Colorado because of the snow. Winter travel always is a bit more risky then summer travel. Especially though the treacherous mountains. I am off to watch Christmas Vacation, because I have not watched it this season, and I am looking for a cheap laugh!!!!

Movies

I get the feeling that Amy thinks that I have this addiction to movies, I would use the word neurosis, but I am not sure what it means, so I addition it is, because I will watch or listen to, or fall asleep watching the same movies over and over. She on the other hand might watch a movie she owns two to three times in a year. I find it interesting to as you watch movies again and again, because you pick up of some little things. A little line here, or a jester there, which makes the movie fit tighter better. I do have to say, that I enjoy the funny movies. Christmas Vacation is one of my favorite Christmas movies, and Amy does not like it. Below is a brief portion of dialog to the movie. What make it really funny to me, is I have several Santa Claus ties…

Clark: We're kicking off our fun old fashion family Christmas by heading out into the country in the old front-wheel drive sleigh to embrace the frosty majesty of the inter landscape and select that most important of Christmas symbols.
Audrey: We're not coming all the way out here just to get one of those stupid ties with Santa Clauses on it are we?
Clark: No, I have one of those at home.

At any rate it is late, and I am tired, but I do want to leave you with a photo
that I found on the Amarillo Globe-News website. Burr, those trees look
cold.

Ice, Ice Baby????

It was a cold and rainy day here. With ice everywhere, it rained off and on all day long, and the ice has slowly been accumulating. We lost power at the house sometime around 5:00. Click here to read the story. My parents still had power so we made plans to traverse the city, well it is really just one of the neighborhoods, and hang out. The power was restored about the time we started to load Cap in the car, at which point, we decided to go on over. We were treated to a nice meal of stew, and had a discussion about Christmas food. We determined that I like Sand Tarts, or Butterfingers as my mom calls them.

I find it interesting in a way that it is okay to fight in during a hockey game, it is okay to charge the pitching mound in baseball if the pitcher beans a person, and you can get rough with your opponents in soccer. If you get into a brawl at a t basketball game the media treats them as if it has never, ever happened at the warehouse. I do not condone fighting in basketball or any of the other sports; it just seems interesting that some sports it is socially acceptable to pummel your opponents, and others you are not. If anything, I think these players should be dealt with severely and punished accordingly. It does not set a good example for kids when they hear about this, and I am certain that most kids have heard a bout it.

Today I was waiting in a waiting room, that’s right, and the ABC show titled The View was on. These women are very political, and bashed the republican often during the hour long TV program. This goes to show that the executives at ABC are not interesting in presenting news or opinions from both political parties. They are focused on the democrats, and the left-winged liberal agenda. A few months ago, Rosie O’Donnell said the fundamentalist Christians were the same as the people that crashed planes in the to world trade center. ABC did nothing…

A few days ago, CBS aired an episode of Two and a Half Men, which contained an offensive wording ot a Christmas song. Click here to read the story. CBS, has done nothing…

Ice

My truck is like a large areodynamic box of ice, it is almost like an ice sculpture. I can deal with snow, but ice is hard, slick, and not forgiving.

Christams Quiz

While this is not the normal MO, below is a quiz and my answers to it. I like christmas, and though I would put it in the blog.

. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?Hot Chocolate.
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?He leaves them in the middle of the living room.

2a Were your presents on Christmas morning from Santa or yourparents? Or a combination thereof?Santa

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?White on the house and Colored on the tree!
4. Do you hang mistletoe?No
5. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?Turkey and all the trimmings, and the pink stuff Amy’s Family makes.

6. What is the first thing you do Christmas morning?Wake Up!

7. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?Hey, it is true that Santa still comes and leaves presents for me at my parents house.
8. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?Yes, we opened presents from my grandfather on Christmas eve. It is actually a guessing game that he invented with I was 9 and we still play every year. The winner normally takes home an extra $20.

9. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?They year we bough a small tree that is still alive, and are going to forego the lights. Amy loves Christmas ornaments and buys each one of us a new one each year. This includes Maize the Wonder dog. This year we are going to hang the new ornaments on the tree.

10. Snow! Love it or Dread it?I love the snow!!!
11. Can you ice skate?Sort of….
12. Do you remember your favorite gift?hum….
13. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you?The fact that Christ was born and spending time with my family and friends.

14. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?Those little things my mom makes only at Christmas, and I cannot remember the name..

15. What is your favorite thing about winter?Snow Skiing, and Christmas.


16. What tops your tree?
N/A this year

17. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?Giving
.
18. What are your top 5 favorite Christmas Songs?- God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, we sang that this morning durning praise and worship.
-Joy to the World
-Silent Night
- Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
- Mary did you know
- I really like a lot of Christmas music, just ask Amy.

19. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum?they are red and white, what is not to like!

20. Favorite Christmas TV special? Charlie Brown Christmas

21. Favorite Christmas movie?Christmas Vacation

22. Name one impossible gift you would love to see
World Peace!!!


23. Say something about the person who sent this to you
The dude makes work fun!

Festivus

"Many Christmas ago, I went to buy a doll for my son. I reached for the last one they had, but so did another man. As I rained blows upon him, I realized there had to be another way . . . Out of that a new holiday was born . . . a Festivus for the rest of us!" ~ Jerry Stiller as "Frank Costanza" in Seinfeld

Today I was listening to the ABC News Shuffle Podcast, starting Jake Tapper and Hari Sreenivasan. They were discussing holiday traditions and as neither of them are Christian, they discussed Festivus. The famed holiday that appeared on Seinfeld, as a creation of GeorgeÂ’s dad. I though this was pretty random, considering they normally talk about politics and the like. Along the same lines Amy found the Hanukah station on XM Radio tonight. Evident they have a dedicated station for playing Hanukah holiday music. I honestly did not know that there were any songs related to the Jewish calibration. So we checked it out for a little while, and I found it to be somewhat interesting, however, I did not know the words to any of the songs. This fact alone made me change the station.

A fact that is even more disturbing is that you can actually purchase a Festivus Pole. The web site is: http://www.festivuspoles.com/pages/Festivuspoles.htm.

Today is my sisterÂ’s birthday, so we all went out to eat as a family. I remember the days of nice quite meals with only the 5 of us. Now it is a meal with 2 toddlers, one baby, and the headcount tonight was 11. Wow, that is some expansion and the more the merrier. The passing of my sisterÂ’s birthday means that it is only 7 days until Christmas. Last night I drove by a house that had both a blow up Santa, Christmas lights, and a plastic nativity scene set up in the yard. My question is, are they celebrating the birth of Christ, or the arrival of Santa. It seem to be like they yard was having an identity crisis. Are the wise men going to run the Santa and his reindeer otheirier turf?

Cap Reads Paper

Alas, it has been several days since I have done any blog action, activity, or whatever you wish to call it. Sometime in life your schedule is down, and life just clicks along, and other times in life your schedule, wait what schedule. There is a great golf movie called Tin Cup. In the movie the character Tin Cup is having problems with his golf game. As he and his caddy stand at the practice range the day before the US Open Tin Cup says, My swing feels like an unfolding lawn chair! The last few weekss my life or at least my normal routin has felt like an unfolding lawn chair. It seems like I cannot quite get everything back in the same routine. I have deduced that there are several factors to this, first and foremost, it got cold. The every evening walk has been cut down. Secondly, it is the holdiay season, and birthday season as well. Last week for example, I had activites every night except for Friday night. So on Friday night Cap and I hung out togther, we even read the paper togther.


Thursday night we had the EPIC christmas party, no it was not a party that will be written about 1,000 years from now (or at least that is what I think), but it was a jolly good time. It was real fun just to visit with everyone, with out a real plan of action. It is also the first time at an EPIC Christmas party that we have not played a game called Catch Pharase.

Today, Cap and I went to Honey’s and played with Breagan, and Whately. Well really we just had fun with Whately because he is still learning to crawl. I helped ice some sugar cookies, and I want to tell everyone that there is nothing sissy about that. Just like the christmas Pajamahs, there is nothing sissy about getting coordinating christmas pjs each year. This afternoon Bear and I put in another window at my house, which leaves one left for installation, I keep saying, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can…

Below is a picture of Cap, Mazie (the wonderdog) and myself under the bed.

Birthday Cake

“My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?” ~ Bob Hope

It was a very pretty day outside; the temperature was in the 60’s which is warm for the month of December. I had choir practice tonight, which was okay. I think that if we were to receive report cards for our behavior the men’s section would all get a “Talks to Much” and a “Disruptive” notation. We certainly enjoy ourselves even if other’s do not.

Last night we had my mothers’ birthday party. When it was time for cake the boys got back into their chairs, and I went to get a piece for Cap. Cap started asking for cake, and my grandfather said, “He you can have this” and slide over towards Cap an “Adult” size portion of cake. IT took a few minutes to get my grandfather to realize that we were not going to let Cap eat that much cake.

Monday night I had a meeting, last night I had a birthday party, and tonight I had choir and a meeting at the church. I am really ready to spend an evening at home sometime before the end of the year.

I work at a place that will normally give you some recognition for going above and beyond the normal call of duty. This can include a pat on the back, recognition in one of the management meetings, and perhaps a gift certificate. It never involves the death of an animal. Evidently in Turkey, when a job is well done, they will go ahead a sacrifice a camel, or at least at the airport they did. To read the full story click HERE. It did not sound too good for the supervisor who did or oversaw the sacrifice.

Christmas Tree

I really do not have much to report tonight. I did run across and article about a Rabi, Christmas Trees, and a menorah. The Christmas trees take a hit, the Rabi cries foul, and the menorah, well it is still unknown. That is the life of a Christmas tree living on the west coast. The thing I find most interesting about the American vs. Christians, is that anyone can say that Joe’s Ten Commandments in the yard are offensive. The City then says, “Joe you have to take that down.” However, when Joe says, “That music that has profanity and is degrading to women offends me, the city will say, “Oh that is free speech protected by the first amendment.

In the event that someone who does not like Christmas trees, or is offended by them reads my blog, there is a picture below that is sure to offend, and possibly send you into a mad fit about the tree.

Luke 2::8

My sister gave me a birthday card that was, cute. The outside said, You Know, I could have had a worse brother than you… On the inside the card simply says, Cain, for example, Happy Birthday. This Card made me laugh, and I would say it was a priceless moment, but the card cost $, well I am not sure because the American Greetings company does not list the price on the back of their cards.

Tonight I finished reading Cap How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The last few pages of the book are very deep and meaningful. After the Grinch ahs stolen all of the presents, food, trees, and other worldly items of Christmas he is befuddled when the Who’s sing their song. He though that Christmas was only about the presents. The Grinch realizes this, and returns the presents, while the book is not a Christian book it does have a theme that can be pulled from the book. That is the gentle reminder that Christmas is not about the things of this world, but it is about Jesus Christ, out lord and savior.

My Favorite part of Charlie Brown’s Christmas Special is when Linus says, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

That is the good news of Christmas…

Jaded Media

The jaded media continues in its quest to misinform Americans. While they do not come straight out and lie, with the exception of maybe Dan Rather, they do twist facts, and give false titles to stories. The Associated Press put out a story titled, “Baldwin moderates power plant discussion”. After reading the article I find that title to be quite misleading. While it might have been a discussion, the Nuclear Energy Institute, was not even allowed to participate. This story can be found by clicking HERE. Another story that I reviewed, called the event an Activists' symposium. That story can be read by clicking HERE. A few comments on the entire situation, why does anyone care about what a TV start thinks about nuclear energy? I would be more interested in what a nuclear physicist has to say about the subject.

Another media event that occurred this week was the launching of the space shuttle. The launch went well, and the astronauts will spend 12 days in space, viewing out the window the plant earth. Below are two pictures of the night launch, it appears to be a spectacular event to view, even in still photos.

The Nutcracker

Last night Amy and I went to attend the Nutcracker Ballet. It was very good, as it always is, and I enjoyed it more then the last time I saw it. This is the third time I have seen it in the past 8 years. I am not sure why I enjoyed it more, perhaps I understood the story a little more this time. This version was slightly different the last time I watched. The differences were minor, and all tighter it was wonderful. The symphony did their usual excellent job playing the music. Amy really like the tumblers, and the Buffoons in Act 2. I prefer all of Act 1 to the second act; it has more of a storyline.

Today we concurred most of the Christmas shopping needs, which was okay. There were some funny parts, and not so funny parts. I think the traffic was the thing I disliked most. In addition I finally spent the two gift certificates I received for Christmas last year, I though it was time to use them. I purchased a new pair of work boots, and item that I have needed for a couple of years. My old work boots looked like a set of slick tires used for a NASCAR race.

On the lighter side, Stanley went skiing over this weekend; it is his second time to go. I told him to watch out for the trees, they are not the best breaks to use for stopping.
In an AP article (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061210/ap_on_go_co/congress_rdp) it was noted that, “Democrats also pointed out that the House met only 102 days this session, fewer than the 110 days of the maligned "do-nothing" Congress of the Truman presidency. “ If there are a total of 365 days in a year and the congress only met for 102 days, what exactly did they do the other 263 days of the year? Did they go play golf with Tom Delay? In the days of FRD it only took congress 100 days to radically change the welfare system, which effects the American people to this date. Yet, our congress, the 109th congress, did little, if nothing at all during the 102 days that they met during this entire year.

Pictures from a performance of the Nutcracker (Please note, this is not from thperformancece or Ballet CoThatat Amy and I saw).

Clarreceiveses the Nutcracker

The Spell #1

The Spell #2

The Battle

Pearl Harbor

We had EPIC tonight, which was good. The converstation was a little on the random side, because we had not met in a few weeks. I decided that if Amy would describe my life as a moive she would possibly use one of the following titiles:

Dazed and Confused – Because I live in my own little world
The Hunt for Red October – Because I am always looking for something

I have been relatively tired lately, I am not sure if it is the weather, or work or perhaps it is both. I have not really wanted to get out of bed in the mornings, because it is nice and cozy under the blankets.

Hugo Chavez... That Guy Can't Lose

It is with much regret that I announce that Hugo Chavez won his reelection campaign in the South American Country of Venezuela. (In case you do not know, South America is south of Texas, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.) One has to wonder if it was an honest vote, since he runs his country like a dictator. If you have seen his picture, you will know that he does not look very friendly. His has the look of a dark and unfriendly William Shatner. How many world leaders would call Bush “Satin” at a UN meeting held in the United States?

In the event that anyone is worried that I might have a cup to much of Egg Nog and then get on the roof can rest easy… I do not like egg nog, and the general though of drinking it makes my stomach turn. I do appercite the concern and thoughfullness!!!

The house looks nice with the christmas lights on, I am ready to put some additional lights up. It is normally to late when I return in afterwork to do much, besides, I have been playing a lot with Cap. I really cannot think of anything else intersting to say, so I will leave you with the picture below.

December 4th, the day after...

Tonight we put Cap to bed, and it did not take him long to get up and start rattling on the door. I went in about 10 minutes after he quit rattling on the door, and put him under the covers. He as not happy when I left, but quite crying after a few minutes. I went in later to make sure he was in bed and tucked in under the covers. When I looked it, he was sitting in the corner of his room, playing with a finger puppet book. When he saw me, he got a look of, “Oh shoot, I have been busted.” He proceeded to run to the bed and try to get in as fast as possible.

Weekend Update

It has been a very pleasant weekend, which was nice. It was still cold, and oldly enough there is still snow on the ground. I put up some of my Christmas lights, but it was cold and the snow on the ground hampered the luminaries. I have to wait for it to dry so I can mow the grass and then the luminaries will go out into the yard. Normally, I do these activities over thanksgiving, but I was sick, and then I had to attend a wedding, so I am running behind. While I am not Clark Griswold in Family Vacation, I do like to put ou the lights. I am not sure how many lights I do have, but it is now where close to the 25,000 that he put on his house.
Today is my birthday, but we celebrated it yesterday. My parents, Braegan and Father all came over and had supper to celebrate. My mom made some cheese enchiladas, and some cheese dip. The cheese dip was great!!!! The party was a big success!!!!!
I got some nice presents, which included a brick with a picture of a new computer bad, and a fried pie with a picture of a watch. I also got a new suitcase, which is nice, with lots of room. The youth group sang happy birthday to me, and I got a big cookie from them, which we all ate.

Overall the weekend was EXCELLENT!!!

Psalm 141

Psalm 141

1 O LORD, I call to you; come quickly to me.

Hear my voice when I call to you.
2 May my prayer be set before you like incense;

may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.
3 Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD;

keep watch over the door of my lips.
4 Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil,

to take part in wicked deeds

with men who are evildoers;

let me not eat of their delicacies.
5 Let a righteous man [a] strike me—it is a kindness;

let him rebuke me—it is oil on my head.

My head will not refuse it.

Yet my prayer is ever against the deeds of evildoers;
6 their rulers will be thrown down from the cliffs,

and the wicked will learn that my words were well spoken.
7 They will say, "As one plows and breaks up the earth,

so our bones have been scattered at the mouth of the grave. [b] "
8 But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign LORD;

in you I take refuge—do not give me over to death.
9 Keep me from the snares they have laid for me,

from the traps set by evildoers.
10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets,

while I pass by in safety.

The book of Psalms has many beautiful and moving passages. Like the one about, it is not the 23rd Psalm, but it is beautiful. With passion and emotion written into it. The author is praying for what we all pray for, God’s assistance in allowing us to live a holy life. For it is the snares, and the evil doers that draw us away from Christ. Read the passage to your head with passion, the passion of your desire for Christ. Read it again, with the thought of you or I being the evildoers, or the snares.
We may not set up to do either one, and I pray that I do not, we find our selves in that roll. Instead of being the loving caring Christian, we are to concerned about the style of worship that we like. As we cling to a church, not ever witnessing to the “Normal” people, we become an evildoer. It is not a fact of saying, lets go be evil, rather it is evil because we hold the love Christ has for the world in our heart. Never allowing it to escape, and show itself to our family, friends, co-workers, or Joe down the street.

Blowing Snow

Last night I forgot to talk about feeling like Charlie Brown. There is a part in his Christmas movie where Charlie has picked a tree out, and Lucy says, “Charlie Brown, you can’t do anything right.” He then takes it home to decorate it, and when he puts the ornament and the tree it falls over. Sometimes I feel a lot like Charlie Brown, in that noting goes as planned.

Had a meeting at the church, and choir practice. We were working on singing a song that has a lot of ups and then downs. It has several places that I cannot get the correct notes. I have not spent much time at home today, which is a bummer. I only saw Cap durning lunch, and he was busy eating, and then playing. Outsie it is cold and snowy.

Below is a picture of the snowy conditions.




The crack down on sports drug abuse continues, and it is not pretty.

DOHA (Reuters) - Chess's world governing body will introduce dope testing at the
Asian Games this week, although the sport's top official in Doha said he had no
idea how drugs could enhance chess performance.
"I would not know which drug
could possibly help a chess player to improve his game," competition manager
Yousuf Ahmad Ali said.
"But, yes, there will be official monitors who may
demand that players undergo a drugs test after the rounds."
Drug testing is
the latest move by the World Chess Federation (FIDE) to raise international
standards in the hope of making chess an Olympic sport in the future.
Along
with triathlon, chess is making its debut at the Asian Games, where more than 60
players will compete for the medals.
Among them are ex-world champions Rustam
Kasimdzhanov of Uzbekistan and Zhu Chen, a former Chinese international who has
switched nationality to represent hosts Qatar.
The Asian Games take place
from December1-15.

Charlie Brown, Internet, "Yada, yada, yada"

The internet offers some amazing technology when one ponders what you can do with it. For example, tonight I am listening to WNYC –New York Public Radio- as I sit in my Texas house. Newshour with Jim Lear is on as I type. (You might be thinking, he is a news junkie, and maybe I am, what is wrong with being informed?) It has opened up a vast expanse of knowledge for people. Along with the positive aspects of it, the internet also is host to many people out to do the devils work.

This morning I listened to an interesting report on Charlie Brown’s Christmas Special, 1965. It is titled Behind Vince Guaraldi's Timeless Holiday Soundtrack. I also watched most of the movie with Amy and Cap this evening, it was on live. (I can watch it anytime I wish, because I bought the DVD a few years ago.) I really like the Charlie Brown movies. This could be because I relate it to the 1950-1960’s American utopia. A time when the biggest issue on a sitcom was that Dennis the Menace destroyed some flowers or that Beaver left his lunch at home. These days our sitcoms deal with a cadre of issues, none of them subtle. The soap opera All My Children has reached a new low in it’s attempt to increase viewers. The headline reads: All My Children GLAAD-Hands New Character. They are introducing a new Trans-Gender character. It is very disappointing. Could you see Charlie Brown or Snoopy dealing with this subject, no I cannot either.

Tonight I went to the gym to do a little running, since I can do that now. I saw one of the guys I go to church with, who is 15-20 years older then me. He out ran be by a long way on the treadmill. We started at the same time and when I left he was still going, he is like the energizer bunny, except with blond thinning hair.

Below is the text from an AP Article. It has some really great on-liners from TV, in fact I think there is something for everyone in the list that will make you laugh, or perhaps cry!

NEW YORK - Sometimes it takes only a word, or just a few, to become immortalized
in television history. The TV Land cable network has compiled a list of the 100
greatest catchphrases in TV, from the serious — Walter Cronkite's nightly
signoff "And that's the way it is" — to the silly: "We are two wild and crazy
guys!"
The network will air a countdown special, "The 100 Greatest TV Quotes
& Catch Phrases," over five days starting Dec. 11.
"We have found that
television is such a huge part of baby boomers' DNA that it makes sense that so
much of America's pop culture jargon has come from TV," said Larry Jones, TV
Land president.
The greatest number of moments, 26, come from the 1970s. TV
Land identified nine moments from this decade. Ten are from commercials, and 28
from comedies, including six from "Saturday Night Live."
In alphabetical
order, TV Land's list:
_"Aaay" (Fonzie, "Happy Days")
_"And that's the way it is" (Walter Cronkite, "CBS Evening News")
_"Ask not what your country can do for you ..." (John F. Kennedy)
_"Baby, you're the greatest" (Jackie Gleason as Ralph Kramden, "The honeymooners")
_"Bam!" (Emeril Lagasse,"Emeril Live")
_"Book 'em, Danno" (Steve McGarrett, "Hawaii Five-O")
_"Come on down!" (Johnny Olson, "The Price is Right")
_"Danger, Will Robinson" (Robot, "Lost in Space")
_"De plane! De plane!" (Tattoo,"Fantasy Island")
_"Denny Crane" (Denny Crane, "Boston Legal")
_"Do you believe in miracles?" (Al Michaels, 1980 Winter
Olympics)
_"D'oh!" (Homer Simpson, "The Simpsons")
_"Don't make me angry ..." (David Banner, "The Incredible Hulk")
_"Dyn-o-mite" (J.J., "GoodTimes")
_"Elizabeth, I'm coming!" (Fred Sanford, "Sanford and Son")
_"Gee, Mrs. Cleaver ..." (Eddie Haskell, "Leave it to Beaver")
_"God'll get you for that" (Maude, "Maude")
_"Good grief" (Charlie Brown, "Peanuts" specials)
_"Good night, and good luck" (Edward R. Murrow, "See It Now")
_"Good night, John Boy" ("The Waltons")
_"Have you no sense of decency?"
(Joseph Welch to Sen. McCarthy)
_"Heh heh" (Beavis and Butt-head, "Beavis and Butthead")
_"Here it is, your moment of Zen" ( Jon Stewart, "The Daily Show")
_"Here's Johnny!" ( Ed McMahon, "The Tonight Show")
_"Hey now!" (Hank Kingsley, "The Larry Sanders Show")
_"Hey hey hey!" (Dwayne Nelson, "What's Happening!!")
_"Hey hey hey!" (Fat Albert, "Fat Albert")
_"Holy (whatever), Batman!" (Robin, "Batman")
_"Holy crap!" (Frank Barone, "Everybody Loves Raymond")
_"Homey don't play that!" (Homey the Clown, "In Living Color")
_"How sweet it is!" (Jackie Gleason, "The Jackie Gleason Show")
_"How you doin'?" (Joey Tribbiani," Friends")
_"I can't believe I ate the whole thing" (Alka Seltzer ad)
_"I know nothing!" (Sgt. Schultz, "Hogan's Heroes")
_"I love it when a plan comes together" (Hannibal, "The A-Team")
_"I want my MTV!" (MTV ad)
_"I'm Larry, this is my brother Darryl ..." (Larry, "Newhart")
_"I'm not a crook ..." (Richard Nixon)
_"I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV" (Vicks Formula 44 ad)
_"I'm Rick James, bitch!" (Dave Chappelle as Rick James, "Chappelle's Show")
_"If it weren't for you meddling kids!" (Various villains, "Scooby Doo,
Where Are You?")
_"Is that your final answer?" ( Regis Philbin, "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire")
_"It keeps going and going and going ..." (Energizer Batteries ad)
_"It takes a licking ..." (Timex ad)
_"Jane, you ignorant slut" (Dan Aykroyd to Jane Curtin, "Saturday Night Live")
_"Just one more thing ..." (Columbo, "Columbo")
_"Let's be careful out there" (Sgt. Esterhaus, "Hill Street Blues")
_"Let's get ready to rumble!" (Michael Buffer, various sports events)
_"Live long and prosper" (Spock, "Star Trek")
_"Makin' whoopie" (Bob Eubanks, "The Newlywed Game")
_"Marcia, Marcia, Marcia! (Jan Brady, "The Brady Bunch")
_"Mom always liked you best" (Tommy Smothers, "The Smothers
Brothers Comedy Hour")
_"Never assume ..." (Felix Unger, "The Odd Couple")
_"Nip it!" (Barney Fife, "Andy Griffith Show")
_"No soup for you!" (The Soup Nazi, "Seinfeld")
_"Norm!" ("Cheers")
_"Now cut that out!" (Jack Benny, "The Jack Benny Program")
_"Oh, my God! They killed Kenny!" (Stan and Kyle, "South Park")
_"Oh, my nose!" (Marcia Brady, "The Brady Bunch")
_"One small step for man ..." (Neil Armstrong)
_"Pardon me, would you have any Grey Poupon?" (Grey Poupon ad)
_"Read my lips: No new taxes!" (George H.W. Bush)
_"Resistance is futile" (Picard as Borg, "Star Trek: The Next Generation")
_"Say good night, Gracie" (George Burns, "The Burns & Allen Show")
_"Schwing!" ( Mike Myers and Dana Carvey
as Wayne and Garth, "Saturday Night Live")
_"Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy" (Lloyd Bentsen to Dan Quayle)
_"Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids" (Trix cereal ad)
_"Smile, you're on Candid Camera'" ("Candid Camera")
_"Sock it to me" ("Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In")
_"Space, the final frontier ..." (Capt. Kirk, "Star Trek")
_"Stifle!" (Archie Bunker, "All in the Family")
_"Suit up!" (Barney Stinson, "How I Met Your Mother")
_"Tastes great! Less filling!" (Miller Lite beer ad)
_"Tell me what you don't like about yourself" (Dr. McNamara and Dr. Troy, "Nip/Tuck")
_"That's hot" ( Paris Hilton, "The Simple Life")
_"The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat"(Jim McKay, "ABC's Wide World of Sports")
_"The tribe has spoken" (Jeff Probst, "Survivor")
_"The truth is out there" (Fox Mulder, "The X-Files")
_"This is the city ..." (Sgt. Joe Friday, "Dragnet")
_"Time to make the donuts" ("Dunkin' Donuts" ad)
_"Two thumbs up" (Siskel & Ebert, "Siskel & Ebert")
_"Up your nose with a rubber hose" (Vinnie Barbarino, "Welcome
Back, Kotter")
_"We are two wild and crazy guys!" ( Steve Martin
and Dan Aykroyd as Czech playboys, "Saturday Night Live")
_"Welcome to the
O.C., bitch" (Luke, "The O.C.")
_"Well, isn't that special?" (Dana Carvey as the Church Lady, "Saturday Night Live")
_"We've got a really big show!" (Ed Sullivan, "The Ed Sullivan Show")
_"Whassup?" (Budweiser ad)
_"What you
see is what you get!" (Geraldine, "The Flip Wilson Show")
_"Whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Willis?" (Arnold Drummond, "Diff'rent Strokes")
_"Where's the beef?" (Wendy's ad)
_"Who loves you, baby?" (Kojak, "Kojak")
_"Would you believe?" (Maxwell Smart, "Get Smart")
_"Yabba dabba do!" (Fred Flintstone, "The Flintstones")
_"Yada, yada, yada" ("Seinfeld")
_"Yeah, that's the ticket" ( Jon Lovitz as the pathological liar, "Saturday Night Live") _"You eeeediot!" (Ren, "Ren & Stimpy")
_"You look mahvelous!" (Billy Crystal as Fernando, "Saturday Night Live")
_"You rang?" (Lurch, "The Addams Family")
_"You're fired!" (Donald Trump, "The Apprentice")
_"You've got spunk ..." (Lou Grant, "Mary Tyler Moore Show")

Thanksgiving Update

With the passing of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, the holiday season is upon us. There are a few houses on the street that already have their lights up, they stayed at home for Turkey Day. It has been several days since I have posted anything, I did not think that everyone want to read my laments about being sick over the holiday. I was sick, statically I went through one box of tissue paper in 24 hours, that is a lot of junk.

Amy and Cap left me at home on Thursday, as they made the pilgrimage to Clovis. I did not want to spread my joy to anyone, so I stayed at home, with the dog. My mom was nice enough to bring me several plates of food during my confinement. After two days of confinment, I made the drive to beautiful Clovis. We attended a wedding, and a reception that night, and had brunch at Amy’s grandparents. In lieu of attending church Ryan had a short devotional, and Amberly lead everyone in so hymns. It was a neat experience all in all.

I had a lot of interesting thoughts over the weekend that would have made good blog subjects, and one liners. I just did not write any of them down.

Cap playing in the leaves




The family at the reception

Celebrities

The celebrities and famous folks in the US have figured it out. Anytime they make a mistake, they can say, oh it was a joke, a jab, or I was mad. Today I was reading about Faith Hill and a comment that was caught on video during the CMA Awards show. When she did not win the female vocalist away she yelled “WHAT”. Latter she explained that it was only a joke. John Kerry last month made the statement, “If you do not go to school you will be stuck in Iraq.” His excuse was that he was making a jab at the White House and its administration. Only a few days ago, Kramer from the show Seinfeld shot his mouth off in a very derogatory manner at a comedy club. He said that he was angered by the hecklers…
http://entertainment.tv.yahoo.com/entnews/ap/20061121/116411532000.html

OJ who?

Nothing really exciting to blog about tonight. It is a short work week, which is great, especially after the morning that I had. Oh it was not to bad just frustrating… I think that I am getting a cold, which will be the 2nd or 3rd time I have been sick during thanksgiving. I got up at 3:30 am this morning and have not been back to sleep. I watch most of Miracle between 4:00 and 5:35 when I started getting ready. Other than that life is normal… I have been hearing a lot on the news about OJ Simpson, however, I have not figured out why he is on the news so much. I should just sit down and read about him.

The Backyard Report

This afternoon I sat in my backyard, and watched as the leaves rustled around they yard. Some slowly falling to the ground in a methodical dive, like watching divers in slow motion coming off the board. I also watched as a squirrel split nuts that he found in one of my trees...

My dad and his friend Monroe, who has always been a mystery man to Amy, came over tonight to visit. It was nice to see dad, and Monroe. Cap let Bear read a book to him, and they sat on the couch together. I was gone to praise band practice when they arrived.

Practice was good, I turned my mic back on, as it was off during the service this morning. This was only one of several things that pushed me toward being agitated. However, all was better tonight at practice. We sang one Christmas song, and that is exciting.

After thanksgiving there is a radio station that plays nothing but Christmas music until December 26, and you better believe that I will listen to it. I am glad this year because I can get that radio station in my office. I certainly hope that no one in the near by offices dislikes Christmas songs.

Right now I am watching a documentary about Penguins, wow, that is a rough life. I am glad that I am not a penguin, while they are most interesting animals to watch their life is tough. Marching across the ice, just to hop into the frozen ocean to catch some fish. Then they have to march back to the nest and share their food.

Kingdometide

Today I went to the park and walked 2 miles, which is the furthest that I have been since my body work. It was a pleasant day out, the breeze was a tad on the chilly side in the shaded areas. The shaded areas are decreasing in size rapidly as the leaves fall off the trees. This process was greatly enhanced on Tuesday of last week when we received 60 mph winds, with gust that were higher. That really blows the leaves off the trees. I will start jogging some once the Dr. says that it is okay, which will most likely be on Wednesday. Yippie!

While I was on my walk I listed to another podcast of the Asbury Chapel Service. It was good, the speaker went over Kingdomtide, and enlightened me to a few things. One thing that I pondered that was not discussed, loving our neighbors. More to the point, I think that the church in general and members in particular often struggle with this. As a church rolls out new programs, or as members sit in a Sunday school class and cover curriculum, there are people out in the world that need to experience God’s Love. By focusing on programming, and the next big thing we often overlook how simple it is to show God’s love. I find that I sometimes am consumed with my own life that I do not look up and around at other peoples lives…

I cooked tonight, we had grilled chicken breast, that had marinated in a lemon/orange with some spices marinate. We also had salad, toast, and Bush’s Beans, which were a big hit. I wanted to take the chance to grill while there was still a hint of autumn in the air before Jack Frost moves into the neighborhood for the winter.

PS3

It was a fast and furious day at work… I managed to spend 30 minutes in my office in the morning, and after that it was about 5:00pm before I returned. I was tried when I got home, so it was nice to play with Cap and take a short nap. Cap and I played with the wooden blocks, and the animals in the Ark. We also read a few stories, and ran (at Cap Speed) up and down the hallway. I almost feel like I am coming down with a little cold today.

While I am not a big fan of the television, I did watch the two Fictional shows that I make an effort to see tonight. They are The Class and Friday Night Lights. I am not sure why I find them enjoyable to watch, but I do. I might be that these are two shows that Amy and I both like.

I had an epiphany yesterday, but I cannot remember what it was. Some might argue that if I cannot remember what it was, then it was not an epiphany.

Today Microsoft release their new PS3 (I think it was Microsoft) and I was amazed at all of the people who waited in line outside of stores so they could purchase one. I find this behavior a little disturbing, like the people that camp out to get tickets to the Star Wars Movies. Sure I wanted to watch them, and I did, I just did not camp outside a ticket booth to get a ticker.

Stardate 200611151126

If this was Star Trek my blog would begin with, “Captain’s Log, Star Date 200611152300, location: aboard the Enterprise traveling where no man has gone. Today…” Last night I was in the mood to watch Top Gun. It was the first movie that I remember my parents purchasing on VHS, and it was one of the first movies that I ever watched in my parent’s living room. The first time I watch the movie I missed the first little bit and though that Maverick and Goose were in beginning flight school, and not advanced. Which caused a wee bit of confusion on my part. I made it about 10 minutes into the movie and fell asleep, so I will try it again tonight, unless I change my mind.

I went to Panhandle to pick up my dad because he dropped a car off for my sister. We visited about worship styles and church for about 20 minutes on the way home. It was a very insightful conversation, he brought back information from a church that he attended in Nebraska, that had a blended style of worship.

I have been busy cooking… …so I am going to sign out.

I am glad that I

The Devil Went Down to Wolf Creek

When I think of a musical ballad, The Devil Went Down to Georgia, just does not strike me as being a ballad, rather I think of a song like Wonderful Tonight, by Eric Clapton. However, according to the Wipekida definition of a Ballad, The Devil Went Down to Georgia, is a ballad. The word ballad conjures up vision of a soft guitar, love song with an attached story. Technically aside from the soft guitar song The Devil Goes Down to Georgia would meet my definition. You have Johnny, the kid who loves his guitar, and the devil who loves, well souls of course. Along with that goes the story, of Johnny challenging the devil and winning. When we, me and my closest friends from Big B, changed the words to the song a little. We did not care much about fiddling, we like to snow ski, but we still wanted to beat the devil. The end result was Us challenging the devil for out Skoal, and we would get a pair of golden K2 skis if we beat him skiing. A word about smokeless tobacco, don’t try it, it is overrated and bad for you. Once you start it is difficult to stop, and could take divine intervention for you to stop. There is nothing cool about it, epically all the spit, women, most women, find it repulsive.

We loved to ski especially at Wolf Creek. Actually, we still love to ski, still at Wolf Creek. My freshman year in college two of us bough our own skis and I skied a total of 24 days that winter, which is good considering it if 5 hours to the nearest mountain with snow on it from where we live.

There is something wonderful about skiing down a mountain, with the tall trees around, the snow falling on you, as you cut back and forth down the face of a mountain. Your face numb from the cold, icicles in your mustache and chin, no feeling in your hands. Looking around and can barely see 10 feet in front of you partly due to the blinding snow, and partly because you were too cheap to get goggles. Your legs, screaming in pain because of the burning sensation from muscles that you have not work in 11 months. That is the point that you ask yourself, “Now why exactly is it that I like this sport, can’t see, can feel my face, hands, or feet, all I feel from my legs is burning, and I am going down a black diamond with 12 inches of powder.

The Pink Shirt

Amy and Jenn went to some “girl thing” tonight, so Brandon and Peyton came over to assist me with Cap. We had a good time, and the boys certainly enjoyed each other. The women, or at least Amy, returned with a catalog full of more stuff to purchase.

I worn a Pink shirt to work today, it is a nice polo button down shirt, that I ironed myself. I was tormented all day long by one of my co-workers, whom we will call Stanley to protect his innocents. I like the shirt and think that it goes with my skin tone and color. I am certainly not wearing it because I am making some sort of statement, it is just a nice shirt.

On a food note, I had oatmeal for breakfast (Quakers), soft taco’s for lunch (Mexican), and Spaghetti (Italian) for dinner. My pallet went on a world tour of sorts, and it all happened in a 10 mile radius from my house.

The link below will take you to an NPR piece that was written by Lt. Col. Carl Grunow. It is a story the encapsulates some of the trials and tribulations of life in Iraq.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6481797

Maisy the Mouse

Bear came over tonight after he returned from Nebraska and visited with us. I was impressed that Cap threw him the ball a couple of times. He also listened as Bear read Snuggle Puppy. Cap got the book a few weeks ago and he loves it. It also came with a small stuffed snuggle puppy, that Cap has taken to. He really likes all of his stuffed animals. There are a few that are his favorites, but otherwise he seems to like them all.

Yesterday we went to the City to run a few errands. We went to Barns and Noble and they had Storytime with Maisy. Maisy is a character in one of Caps books; she is a mouse that has adventures. Lucy Cousins is the author, and when Maisy came in Cap was excited to see her. It was really neat.

Below is a picture of Amy and Cap reading Goodnight Moon. If you will notice, Cap is reading his own book.

Leaves

Last night we drove 24 miles to eat at a restaurant, turned around and drove back home. I have never though much about those escapades here in West Texas, because driving is part of living. I was visiting with a guy that works for a major oil company in their Exploration and Production department. He informed me that he put 31,000 miles on his company truck in the last nine months. I bet he has a lot of time to ponder life as he beats a trail down the road.

This morning I was captivated by the leaves falling off the trees. With their vibrant radiant red and orange colors, it is their last salute before the cold from Canada begins to creep in. In a few weeks it is possible that I will watch as snow gently falls from the sky and blankets the region. The white cover will give the and area a true feeling of innocence.

The Stream

Sometime I look at writing like it is a stream running through the wooded hill country of tall Texas. As the story winds across, the ground, around the trees, and down the rocky water falls, it resembles life.

The last few days, my stream has been dry, with nothing flowing in the creek bed. The last few days we have got to listen the news media focus on a dozen stories of voters having issues at polling places, all the while they do not report on the millions of people that voted without incident. There was a song released in the 80’s by Phil Collins about the news people chasing news that was morbid or death with deaths, or murders.

John F. Kennedy was interested in Journalism, however, he decided that it was not Journalist who changed things, it was politicians. I think that while that might be true, the news media of today has a lot more inherent power, and are jaded more to one specific political party. How informed can the public be on an issue if all they here is the 30 or 60 second sound bites. Yet, that is the world, and society that we live in.

Movies

It has always amazed me the types of movies that are produced and successful here in America. Take the movie, Napoleon Dynamited a quirky movie about a kid in high school. I watched the movie, and it did not make a great deal of sense to me. Most recently released was Borat, a movie about a journalist from a small county. The movie has actually received more press coverage than the real place that the character is suppose to come from. A few years ago there was a movie about a guy who was stranded at an airport for a few months. I liked that movie, but the preface seemed a little strange. Oddly enough I am watching a movie about dodge ball, that is right, they made a movie about a schoolhouse game, and made it pretty funny.

Reflections from a Foggy Day

In the event that this is the only place you get news, Saddam Hussein was convicted of murder and sentenced to be executed, for more click HERE!

Saturday night, I sang Amy my version of “White Christmas” in the ensuing discussion she said that Perry Como sang the song. I said that it was originally sung by Danny Kaye in the movie White Christmas. She did not believe me, or that a Danny Kaye even existed.

Today we had church because it was Sunday, we took the sacraments, or communion as it is more commonly know. I attended the Church’s Charge Conference, which is a annual meeting where reports are reviewed and approved. I have a friend that is attending Asbury Theological Seminary and he told me about their chapel services that are put out as Podcast. There were several that he particularly recommended, so I listened to a couple of them. The first one was excellent, and the second one felt more like sitting though a lecture. It was an awesome lecture, or study if you will, and I learned a great deal. If that is the amount of learning they do during chapel, I cannot imagine the amount that is done in the classrooms.

Question: Why does it seem so easy to connect with God and others while away from home on a Mission Trip, Ski Trip, Church Camp, ect…?

I have struggled with connecting with God at the same level I do when I am on a trip like those listed above when I return home. Many years ago I went on a mission trip to Oklahoma, and about 1 hour before we got home the discussion in the van just died off. I have always attributed that to people thinking about what they needed to do when they got home. Why do we stay so busy on the day to day stuff? Is it that these things are much more simply to complete and we can see the progress we have made? Why do I feel like I must conquer the world in one day, and spend that day just trying to get my foot out the door?

A Saturday Afternoon Drive Through Downtown

Once again, I have not had a great deal to write about, I have also been pretty tired after returning back to work. However, since today was Saturday, I felt like I should chronicle a few things about the day. First are foremost congratulations are in order for Jimbo on #3, which is also a boy. Secondly, today I drove through downtown and noticed that the City has already erected the Christmas lights along Main Street and Third Street. This leaves me with only one conclusion, The City is on the same calendar that Wal-Mart is on for Christmas. I also tried a new set of contacts today, and quite honestly I can see better without glasses then I can with those in. It seems pretty counter productive. Another noteworthy observation, the wind is not blowing here, and it is beautiful outside.

There has been lots of news lately about politics and politicians to read about in the media. These are the times that generally bring out the best in Saturday Night Live. Early on in the show Jimmy Carter was president and they did a skit with him answering a call in line. Every caller had a drug question and just by describing the shape and color of the pill he could tell the caller what it was.

Haloween

Tonight was Halloween, a holiday of pumpkins, candy, princesses, and bad drivers. When I was a kid my parents would put us in the car and we would so see my grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends of the family. Today, it seems like parents trail behind the walking kids all the way down the streets.

The other day we were watching PBS and they had a show on James Taylor, which I caught a glimpse of. I did not realize it but James Taylor is a Caucasian, for some reason I always though he was African American. It was a revelation to me. The other thing that struck me was several people were interviewed and said that he was the best song writer of all time. His music is okay, I think that there have been other song writers that were more influential.

THe McMurry Indian

Yesterday night we went to a Fall Festival at our church. I suppose that it is good to change the name of Halloween, but in doing so I think that we have lead the way for the secularist to change Christmas to “Winter Holiday”. I dressed up as a McMurry Indian, a bred of Indian that did not fall to the Cowboy, but rather it was the NCAA that killed it. I really think that Notre Dame should change it’s mascot as well, since I am part Irish I find there depiction of the Irish in the form of a leprechaun offensive. I am still trying to figure out why they named that school using the French Language, yet chose the Irish to make fun of with their mascot, see picture below.


Well today was my first day back at work… it was okay. I did a lot of sitting, and talking and a little bit of driving. Last night I had a migraine headache so I went to bed at 9:00 pm. This evening I am pretty tied as well.

You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown

This was from Saturday... Problems with Blogger???

You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown
Issues with Blogger, post below:

Last night we went and ate at the Plaza Restaurant, one of the few places in town to eat. While we were waiting we noticed that my parents were also there. It was funny to see them eating out without us, because they do not do it that often. They were nice and picked up the ticket even though they were not blessed with our conversation, or perhaps we would have been blessed. I think that it confused Cap a little bit, but he recovered nicely and devoured all of the pieces for a chicken Fajita one at a time.

Charlie Brown speaks the truth about politicians in You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown, when Linus van Pelt comes out of the principles office and his sister says, "Linus did you tell him how it was going to be." Linus replies, "Well not really, he told me how it would be." This sends Lucy van Pelt into a rage about not keeping campaign promises and the like.

Last night I also watched as the Detroit Tigers pitching made the 5th fielding error in the last 5 games against the St. Louis Cardinals. Each of these errors played an important part in the Tiger losing the battle against the Cardinal. It was like watching the cartoon, Tom and Jerry, or more like watching the Coyote and the Roadrunner. The Coyote (Tigers) never could get it together to catch the roadrunner (Cardinals.)

Today, I went for a walk at the park, which was nice. It was 70 degrees out so I wore shorts, and sat at a park bench for a while to let the warm rays of the sun hit me. The most interesting part of the walk, as usual, was what I listened to. I listened to a Podcast from Asbury Theological Seminary's chapel service. A student named Omar spoke about growing up and what Christianity meant to him in the context of today's word. Omar was born in Houston, his father is a Muslim, born in Iraq, and his mother was a Methodist, raised in Texas. It was a very interesting look at the Christian Community, and what we really should be about.

Tonight we went to a Halloween Festival, or a Fall Festival, with my parents and Braegan it was interesting. There were a lot of people there, not much for two two-year olds to do. They did have fun.
11:17 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment - Edit - Remo

You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown

Last night we went and ate at the Plaza Restaurant, one of the few places in town to eat. While we were waiting we noticed that my parents were also there. It was funny to see them eating out without us, because they do not do it that often. They were nice and picked up the ticket even though they were not blessed with our conversation, or perhaps we would have been blessed. I think that it confused Cap a little bit, but he recovered nicely and devoured all of the pieces for a chicken Fajita one at a time.

Charlie Brown speaks the truth about politicians in You’re Not Elected, Charlie Brown, when Linus van Pelt comes out of the principles office and his sister says, “Linus did you tell him how it was going to be.” Linus replies, “Well not really, he told me how it would be.” This sends Lucy van Pelt into a rage about not keeping campaign promises and the like.

Last night I also watched as the Detroit Tigers pitching made the 5th fielding error in the last 5 games against the St. Louis Cardinals. Each of these errors played an important part in the Tiger losing the battle against the Cardinal. It was like watching the cartoon, Tom and Jerry, or more like watching the Coyote and the Roadrunner. The Coyote (Tigers) never could get it together to catch the roadrunner (Cardinals.)

Today, I went for a walk at the park, which was nice. It was 70 degrees out so I wore shorts, and sat at a park bench for a while to let the warm rays of the sun hit me. The most interesting part of the walk, as usual, was what I listened to. I listened to a Podcast from Asbury Theological Seminary’s chapel service. A student named Omar spoke about growing up and what Christianity meant to him in the context of today’s word. Omar was born in Houston, his father is a Muslim, born in Iraq, and his mother was a Methodist, raised in Texas. It was a very interesting look at the Christian Community, and what we really should be about.

Tonight we went to a Halloween Festival, or a Fall Festival, with my parents and Braegan it was interesting. There were a lot of people there, not much for two two-year olds to do. They did have fun.

News In My Life

Yesterday I went to Amarillo to see the Doctor, which was a pleasant visit, and the body work is healing nicely. While I was there I looked at the inside of a Toyota FJ Cruiser. Amy did not think they were big on the inside in the back, I thought that it was because the seats were all the way back. Additionally, Amy thinks they are ugly, but I like them. I think they are neat little cars.

We also went to Roosters to get some coffee, well I got coffee and Amy had some Chi Tea (?). A drink that tastes different. While we were there Chandler Cooke came in and sat with us. So we visited about religion teachers at McMurry University. It was a fun discussion, most of the professors that Amy and I had have retired and been replaced with people that we had never heard of.

Below are some pictures of the Captain, Cap, or Cappers…

Halloween Outfit

Cap Painting a Pumpkin

Methodist Website

I got to visit with a friend, peer, man of god, relative by marriage tonight for a while. It was a wonderful conversation, thus making the second wonderful conversation that I have had in the past two days, with people I do not get to see/visit on a regular basis. Right now I have the hiccups, which is a real bummer.

The United Methodist Church has a labyrinthine of a Website that has many fascinating articles and though buried with it. Sometime when I am actually looking for information, it is like looking for a needle in the superhighway haystack.

The emerging music from the United Methodist Church is featured in the link below:
http://emerge.fumcbirmingham.org/wesley_project.htm

Of course they also address the age old question, “Did the Wesleys Really Use Drinking Song Tunes for Their Hymns?”

Today in USA News, I found an article about Jews who want to create an “eruv" — a Hebrew word for the symbolic extension of an area considered private into the public domain. One of the you Jewish ladies was quoted as saying the following: "’It's a major social inconvenience’, said Lea Geller, who dreads spending Saturdays indoors with her newborn while her family walks to prayer at the Pacific Jewish Center”. To read the entire article please click on the link below.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061024/ap_on_re_us/seaside_synagogue

Pine Tar, Surely it was just Dirt

George Will once said, “Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona. Not all holes, or games, are created equal.” The second game of the Series was played last night in Detroit. The Tigers won, the picthcing was good, and George Brett is not the only person to have possilbe issues with pinetar or dirt. For more please click the following link. http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061023&content_id=1721855&vkey=ps2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

Yesterday, I listend to a short story on the “Art World” in particlue it was about dealer Ambroise Vollard, who sold art in Paris. The interesting part of this dealer is that he found and sold some of the most famous and influential painters of the time. Much has always been made about Van Gogh, however if it were not from Vollard, Van Gogh might well have gone done unknown. The Art Dealer like the media outlets, have the ability to shape what is popular, what we see, and the news that we receive. The read the article or listen to the story click the following link: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6279921

Tonight Honey and Breagan came over to visit, they have both recovered from feeling poorly. Cap and Breagan had fun, threw the balls, played with the cups, and got all of the toys out, in a breif span of 1 hour.

Amy and I looked over a section in the Amarillo that had the gubernatorial candidates’ views on certain subjects. While it is had to really understand what a politician view is on a particular subject by reading a few short lines, yet politicians still try to do it. Below are some nuggets of though by possible people who may lead the state of Texas.

REPUBLICAN RICK PERRY on Illegal immigration and border security: "We will do everything that we need to do in this state until Washington understands that you cannot have border security and an immigration program until you have border security." Amarillo Globe News

PERRY on Education: "School reform is first and foremost about improving the quality of education in Texas classrooms". Amarillo Globe News That quote reminds me of the Watergate no-denial denial, when a politician talks but does not actually say a single meaningful thing.

LIBERTARIAN JAMES WERNER on Education: "I propose offering a full-value voucher to the parents of every child in Texas". Amarillo Globe News

WERNER on Healthcare: "I oppose government subsidies". Amarillo Globe News While he is willing to give school vouchers to patents of every child in Texas, they will not gain much use while they are ill from not receiving proper healthcare because he does not believe in government subsidies.

PERRY on Energy: "Texas is reducing its dependency on foreign energy sources and improving air quality by increasing the production of renewable energy". Amarillo Globe News. While Rick Perry states that on the campaign trail, at the TCEQ he is pushing for approval of additional power generation plants in the North Texas area. See the paragraph below from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Environmentalists and others, including the mayors of Dallas, Arlington and Houston, argue that the plants will be major sources of air pollution. Environmental groups have said they will try to stop their construction in federal court should state regulators approve the plants next year, as requested by TXU and Gov. Rick Perry". (Fort Worth Star Telegram 10-19-06).

Sesame Street

Yesterday while I was watching Sesame Street, there was s skit on with Bert and Ernie. It was actually the first time in a week that I had even seen Bert on the show. The skit had Ernie happily dancing and singing about their room, when Bert comes into the room to read a book on the bed. This task is made impossible when Ernie starts banging on his drums, and Bert has a look of frustration on his face at his brother’s lack of sensitivity.

I also enjoy watching Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, because it seems to be a safe place for everyone involved. Although I think the learning is at a higher level then Sesame Street, it has a lot to offer young and old. His show reminds me of all that is innocent in this world, with his unassuming passive nature; Fred Roger takes us to many places, and introduces us to many people.

While they may not be as suspenseful as Survivor or The Apprentice, they both team positive and informative messages. Survivor has shown the world how to lie, cheat, steal, and betray people while living in some deserted location. The Apprentice, has equally show the same human attributes, attributes which will not make this country stronger.

World Series and the Superbowl

Tonight my dad came over and visited, which was nice. Cap though that since Bear was here he should also have Honey and Braegan. He was upset when they did not follow him in the door, and it took him a few minutes to calm down and return to playing. I was listening to the World Series on the XM Radio and then we decided to turn on the TV and watch. At this point I realized that there was a 1-2 pitch delay on the XM announcers. It takes a while to go to outer space and back.

We visited about last years World Series and we could not remember who won. As it turns out the White Sox played the Astros and the White Sox won the series. One must ponder the fact that if you can’t remember who played the year before, perhaps you should not bother to watch it. Interestingly, I can remember Super Bowl XX, in1986 which pitted New England against the Chicago Bears. One of the linemen, name Refrigerator Perry, scored a touch down, and the Bears won the game. However, I cannot remember who played in the super bowl last year, and I watched a majority of the game.

The Mets

Last night we had EPIC, which I enjoyed immensely, being at how we did not have it the week before last. It was good to see everyone and visit. Today, I went to town with Amy to drop cap off, and take a few things to the Waste Transfer Facility, my involvement was limited to sitting in the car adjusting the air conditioner, and changing the radio.

Last night I was to distraught over the Mets loss to write, the final batter, was struck out looking. That is like running past your goal, or watching you Ginga Tower Collapse. The Mets just did not Believe enough so the Cardinals got to saw, Go Home Mets...

On the news lately there has been a rash of news stories about the corruption on Capital Hill. This leads me to ponder the following question: “Can legislators actually write rules that will govern their “soft money contributions” and “gifts from lobbyist”? Since I was in the corruption spirit, I watched All the Presidents’ Men. This movie recounts Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein’s investigation into President Nixon’s Watergate Break-in.

The city’s emergency response personnel and school district had a drill today, which was really unannounced to the public. It was one of those state mandated, you have to get kids on the bus and ship them across the town drill. It was interesting, because they closed part of my street for about 10 minutes during the “Drill”.

Olympics

Cap got a hair cut today, the picture is below. I watched Miracle on the TV, a movie about the 1980 USA Hockey team that beat the Russian Hockey team. As the movie aptly stated, the game was much more than just a hockey game. With the cold war occurring, the Russians had invaded Afghanistan, and the turmoil of the Middle East, the country had been through several bumpy spots in the road. Jimmy Carter was the president at the time and he did not demonstrate an attitude of hope and success in many of his addresses to the nation. On a side not Mr. Carter had a brother named Billy, and Billy was in the promoted one brand of beer. The name of this beer was, that is right, “Billy Beer.”

When one talks about the Olympics, I think that it is interesting that there are more summer sports than winter sports. In one sense it is logical that people are more prone to go outside and goof off in the summer as opposed to the winter. The winter games in 2010 are going to be in Vancouver, Canada, and I would like to attend. The sports that I would like to watch are, Curling, Hockey, and some of the skiing events. In all actuality there are more sports in the summer games that I would like to watch, but Vancouver is a easier to get to then say, China, or London.

Highlighters,

Amy thinks that I am obsessed with the highlighter because I used it the other day to highlight names of people that I knew in an e-mail that was sent, and I highlighted several items from the AP’s “Today In History” that are included below.

In 1931, mobster Al Capone was convicted of income tax evasion) sentenced to 11 years in prison, Capone was released in 1939).

In 1933, Albert Einstein arrived in the United States as a refugee from Nazi Germany.

In 1973, Arab Oil producing nations announced they would begin cutting back oil exports to Western nations and Japan; the result was a total embargo that lasted unit March 1974.

The importance of Einstein coming to America in 1933 was his ability, along with Leó Szilárd’s urging, to send a letter to Roosevelt to encourage nuclear development.

I went out to eat lunch with Amy, at the coffee ranch, she had to order because I am unsure of what she normally orders for me. Mazie the wonder dog wanted to sleep where my feet normally are, which lead to striff between me and the doggie. Below are some pictures that we finally go developed, for your viewing pleasure.

Cap, at the Park

Cap watching Whaetly

Cap with short hair, early in the summer

Brutus, a Labrador retriever

Last night I recorded Saturday Night Live (SNL) and watched it today. As it turns out, it was a rerun, not from last year, nay, but from two weeks ago. It was a bummer in a way, but there were a couple of skits that I wanted to see again, and I did, it was just sooner than I though it would be.

It was an exciting day of television, which included several football games, and two golf tournaments. Last night the Mets lost another game to the Cardinals, and Detroit swept the A’s under the rug and out of the playoffs.

I did not go to church so the day was pretty unusual.


Brutus, a Labrador retriever owned by Tom and Lisa Burton, struggles in the deep snow after a major snowstorm in Clarence, N.Y., a suburb of Buffalo, Friday, Oct. 13, 2006. A rare early October snowstorm left parts of the Great Lakes and Midwest blanketed with 2 feet (60 centimeters) of snow Friday morning, prompting widespread blackouts, closing schools and halting traffic. (AP Photo/David Duprey)

More News Stories

Bush keeps revising war justification
I am not sure what to make of the marriage article, other than being surprised. The author bluntly implies that Marriage is not the “preferred marriage arrangement” a fact that I disagree with.
For first time, unmarried households reign in US

Click here to view a short video of Lemur’s. Lemurs are a species that was made famous by the movie Madagascar.