George Bush and SMU

I suppose that when you are president of the United States, you get to create your own library. George Bush (the youngster) is looking at the possibility of putting his at Southern Methodist University (SMU). When the discussion first began there were several facility members, and then a host of Bishops that were opposed to the idea. These groups received a fair amount of media attention for their opposition. Yesterday, the United Methodist News Service released a story detailing at how a group of Bishops voted to affirm SMU's board of trustees process for bringing the library to the campus. I would lay money that this story will not get the news coverage that the opposition side received. Below are both the opposition news story and the in-favor of news stories for your view pleasure.

Opposition

Jan. 19, 2007
NOTE: Photographs are available
at http://umns.umc.org.
A UMNS Report By
Kathy L. Gilbert*
A group of United Methodist clergy and lay people have
launched an online petition drive to pressure Southern Methodist University to
drop its bid for the George W. Bush Presidential Library.
But others in the
denomination do not agree with that position. "What is now political controversy
will, in a short time, become historical study," said one United Methodist
bishop in response to the petition drive.
In a letter, Scott Jones, bishop of
the Kansas Area and a former SMU faculty member, said, "The proposed
relationship between the Bush library and SMU is an important step forward for
the university."
Opponents have said that Bush, a United Methodist, does not
uphold United Methodist principles in his policies and that the university
should not host his library.
Jones conceded that the president's church
membership "has been controversial for some in our church who disagree with his
policies," but he lauded the "wide spectrum of political views" within the
denomination.
"I am grateful that the UMC includes both Sen. Hillary Clinton
and President Bush as active, faithful members. At times I disagree with both,
and at times I agree with both. But they are my sister and brother in Christ,
and I claim them as part of my United Methodist family," the bishop said.
The
university was named the finalist for the presidential library Dec. 21, but a
final decision about the location will not be made for a few more months.
Southern Methodist University is one of 123 educational institutions related to
the United Methodist Church. First lady Laura Bush is an SMU
graduate.
"Because SMU is owned by The United Methodist Church, the
imposition of a George W. Bush library, museum and think tank at SMU will
irreparably connect the denomination with this presidency," said the Rev. Andrew
J. Weaver, one of the organizers of the "Protect SMU" petition drive and a
graduate of SMU's Perkins School of Theology. "Members of the UMC, therefore,
should be able to express their opinion on this matter before a final decision
is reached."
As of Jan. 19, 10 bishops, including Joe A. Wilson, Hope Morgan
Ward and Alfred W. Gwinn Jr., have signed the petition, as well as five clergy
and three church members.
Southern Methodist University released a statement
saying, "The opportunity for a group of United Methodist ministers to circulate
a petition reflects the tradition and values of the church for open dialogue on
important issues. Embracing those same values, we at SMU respect their right to
express their views.
"As we have indicated, the presence of the Bush Library
and Institute at SMU would support education, research and discussion on the
important issues of this era - all activities that reflect the United Methodist
heritage in higher education. The South Central Jurisdiction of the church
organized SMU as a Texas nonprofit organization under the management and control
of a board of trustees. Fifty percent of the board's membership is United
Methodist, including three bishops and two ordained clergy."
The
petition - www.protectSMU.org - is being
circulated online with a goal to make the petition available to all members of
The United Methodist Church, Weaver said.
*Gilbert is a United Methodist News
Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
News media contact: Kathy L.
Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.

In favor

Regional bishops back SMU process on Bush library
Feb. 7, 2007
NOTE: Photographs are available at http://umns.umc.org.
A UMNS Report By Linda Green*
Bishops representing United Methodists in eight south central U.S. states affirmed the process by which Southern Methodist University is seeking to host the George W. Bush presidential library and policy center.
Ten of the 11 active bishops of the South Central Jurisdiction voted Feb. 5 in favor of a resolution to affirm the board of trustees of the United Methodist-related university for its process aimed at bringing the library to the Dallas campus.
"We believe Southern Methodist University's trustees and administration are acting responsibly and in good faith," the College of Bishops said in the resolution. The body praised SMU President Gerald Turner's "careful stewardship and advocacy of the historic relationship between the university and the church" throughout the process.
A presidential library site selection committee announced Dec. 21 it would negotiate exclusively with SMU for the Bush library, prompting some faculty members, alumni and United Methodists to raise sharp questions about identifying SMU with the Bush presidency. Much of the opposition centers on Bush's foreign policy, mainly the war in Iraq. Other critics say a presidential library belongs at a public university - not a private, church-related one.
"We understand the controversy involved in this proposal," the bishops' resolution stated. "Our action today is focused on the process in which SMU has been engaged. SMU has been forthcoming and transparent in its dealings and communication with us."
Arkansas Bishop Charles Crutchfield proposed the resolution "because I thought we needed to affirm the process and procedures of the board of trustees" in the wake of much debate and discussion. "The resolution is not about the library coming to campus. It is about affirming the process of the board of trustees," he said.
SMU trustees passed a resolution in 2001 fully endorsing the school's quest for the library. Fifty percent of the trustees' membership is United Methodist, including three bishops and two pastors of large church congregations and the former dean of Yale Divinity School.
Kansas Bishop Scott Jones, also a trustee for SMU, called the bishops' resolution "an important affirmation of the integrity of SMU's trustees and administration in pursuing the Bush Library.
"This is not a partisan issue," Jones said. "It is an issue focused on how SMU can best accomplish its mission as a top-ranked Christian university. Our college strongly supports SMU's mission and recognizes SMU's leadership for their pursuit of excellence."
Another university trustee, Nebraska Bishop Ann Sherer, said the College of Bishops wanted to affirm "Dr. Gerald Turner … and the cooperative spirit he displays in relationship to The United Methodist Church."
First lady Laura Bush is a graduate of SMU and serves as a trustee, but has not been part of the board's library discussions, according to school officials. The Bushes are members of Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, near to the SMU campus.
One petition being circulated, which has drawn approximately 10,000 online entries including the signatures of 600 United Methodist clergy, says linking the Bush presidency with a university bearing the Methodist name is "utterly inappropriate."
Crutchfield said much of the current debate is not about the proposed library, but about the policy institute that would be connected to the library. "I personally feel that in the marketplace of ideas, SMU is strong and it has a wonderful faculty and the library will be an important addition to the campus," he said.
Oklahoma Bishop Robert Hayes says SMU and The United Methodist Church have had a "unique" relationship since the church founded the school in 1911. The university's bylaws occasionally require approval by the South Central Jurisdiction on actions involving the sale or lease of property.
Hayes said the regional bishops sought to "leave the arena of politics outside" its action because the body is responsible for maintaining the bylaws and the church's relationship with SMU. "This is the discipline and order of the church working at its finest," he said.
The South Central Jurisdiction represents 1.8 million United Methodists in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas and includes approximately 6,400 local churches.
*Green is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn. The article was adapted from a news release by Stephen Drachler, press officer for the United Methodist Council of Bishops.
News media contact: Linda Green, (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.

Cap and the Geese

Cap had a couple of test yesterday to see if the procedure that was done in October was a success, and it was. He had to be catheterized, which was a painful experience and was almost as traumatic on me as it was on him. After his tests were completed, we went to the park so he could have some fun and get a little outside time (it was actually warm). We played on the slides and had a good time. There was an older gentleman, who had two dachsunds, and these two dogs would get on the slides and slide down. They went down the short one, and they went down the long one with humps. These dogs even went down the cork screw slide, it was the funniest thing I had seen in quite a while. The dogs however, were not as funny as Cap and the birds. He approached several flocks of geese, and all of a sudden they would take off. He always had a started look on his face.

Today was a normal day, I went to work, grilled hamburgers for supper, and most of the ice has finally melted off of our driveway. I read an interesting editorial by Cal Thomas, a link is below, and to that end there were two editorials just about Hillary Clinton in the paper today. Saturday I wanted to listen to a little conservative talk radio on the XM Radio. So I tuned it in and went to the garage to begin staining the door. About the time I got to staining I realized that the show on the radio was some Motor Trend radio show, and I was crushed. I had stain on my gloves so I could not go in and change the station, and the announcer was droning on about cars and such. (Don't misunderstand, I like cars, I was just in the mood for a little political discussion.) Fortunately I listened Saturday evening and the commentator was explaining how Hillary Clinton lied about her vote in favor of the Iraq war, which was what Cal Thomas wrote about in his editorial. Click here to read his editorial.

Super Sunday

Today was "Super Sunday" according to most of America because the Superbowl took place tonight. I joined millions of Americans and watched the majority of it, not will full attention though. I did things like cook dinner, and build a big set of train tracks in the floor with Cap. I am most proud of my train track design, I finally figured out how to have train tracks that will allow the trains to switch direction.

The Colts won the super bowl and Tony Dungy referenced God and his faith in Jesus Christ in his speech after the game. I am sure that many Secularist across the country frowned at his comments. I found it interesting that both Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith were both strong Christan believers. (On a side note, I find that a couch with the name Lovie is just plain interesting in and of itself.) Of course last week there were many news articles, stories and interviews about the Super bowl. I found the following to be interesting, Long-Snappers May Help Decide Super Bowl.

Punxsutawney Phil

Today, in the American Tradition we celebrated Groundhog Day. I commemerated the day by eating a groundhog, which tasted just like the great white spotted owl. The news is reporting that the official american groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shawdow, therefore we will have a short winter. This might concern the global climate people who are studying global warming, a short winter must mean that the earth is getting warmer. There are several famous groundhogs in america, I have seen General Beau Lee, who resides in Atlanta, Georgia (home of the Braves). I have a freind that has seen Punxsutawney Phil, and I belive has even been to the groundhog day celebration. As for Staten Island Chuck, man I had never heard of him until today...

Well of course he did not see his shadow, it was dark outside...


Hillary Rodham Clinton , everytime I hear her quoated on the news, or a sound bite, I have flashbacks to a teacher running her fingernails down the chaclkboard.

Today's verse of the day is, Psalm 13

1 How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3 Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;
4 my enemy will say, "I have overcome him," and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me"

A movie quote, because I could not find any good quotes about groundhog day.

"So I jump ship in Hong Kong and make my way over to Tibet, and I get on as a looper at a course over in the Himalayas. A looper, you know, a caddy, a looper, a jock. So, I tell them I'm a pro jock, and who do you think they give me? The Dalai Lama, himself. Twelfth son of the Lama. The flowing robes, the grace, bald ... striking. So, I'm on the first tee with him. I give him the driver. He hauls off and whacks one – big hitter, the Lama – long, into a 10,000-foot crevice, right at the base of this glacier. And do you know what the Lama says? Gunga galunga ... gunga – gunga lagunga. So we finish the 18th and he's gonna stiff me. And I say, "Hey, Lama, hey, how about a little something, you know, for the effort, you know." And he says, "Oh, uh, there won't be any money, but when you die, on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness." So I got that goin' for me, which is nice. "

Mazie the Wonderdog

This morning on the news I heard about two guys that went about Boston putting some strange advertising around the city that looked suspicious. These suspicious looking packages got the attention of the Boston Police Department, and the media. As it turned out they were only advertisements. Tonight on the news there was a clip of the two fellow being arrested, and they were both smiling and laughing. Correct me if I am wrong, but I though being loaded into a police car with handcuffs is not a jovial occasion. You can read the full article HERE.

I did not feel well last night and went to bed around 8:30 which is really early for me, I slept until it was time to get up, waking every 2 - 2.5 hours. I had this dream that we moved into a house and the center room in the house was an immaculate bathroom (kind of strange). There were snow flurries about this afternoon and evening, although they have quit. I once thought that it would be fun to live in Alaska, however, after 3 weeks of near freezing temperatures I am beginning to rethink my theory.

Mazie the wonderdog jumped off the bed this morning and began limping, so she was taken to the vet. Of course once there she did not limp any more, but when returned home it began again. It is like taking a car to the shop for the funny noise, and then it will not make the funny noise with the mechanic there. This episode give me doubts about her status as the "Wonderdog"?

Today's bible versus is Genesis 1:26

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, [a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

Update

It has been several days since I posted anything, and the pictures that I posted are not working. They are pictures from Woolaroc, a ranch created by Frank Phillips, one of the founders and president of Phillips Petroleum Company. Our trip to Bartlesville was a lot of fun, everyone involved had a good time. Cap and Brison played and played, and the adults, well we visited and played a game. The ladies beat the fellow 2 out of 3 times in the game, but at least we won one game.

On Sunday we attended a contemporary worship service at a Methodist church in B'ville. It was okay, the format was fine, the songs were contemporary in the early to mid 1990's, with the exception of two songs. The sermon was on love, and the pastor preached from I Corinthians 13.

The last couple of days have been nothing but work, work on the house, or unpack from the trip. I did read an article about Shad, my brother-in-law. It is a good article, and there is a link below,

Shad's Rodeo Article.

The weathermen are full of cold and snow predictions this week and probably next week. (Not what I really wanted to hear, since I still have a good deal of snow in my front yard. Below is a picture from Layne's basketball game.

Woolaroc

Big Lake

Here in the great state of Texas, there is a town called Big Lake. (I can say the great state of Texas because it is a great state. We have no state income tax, a tax free shopping weekend in August, we have beeches, mountains, and forests. There is so much land in Texas that you can drive all day without leaving the state. The show Austin City Limits is filmed right here in Texas. It is the home of Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Nolan Ryan, and the Texas Rangers. Texas is also the location of the Johnson Space Center, which controls the shuttles once they are in orbit. This is a fact that completely escapes me, why not just do everything in one place. What can one expect from a taxpayer funded government operations, after all they are not in it to make money, but to, "Go where no man has gone before.") The town of Big Lake is not near a lake, a face that I find, interesting.

President of the United States

I have decided to run for president. That is right, president of the United States. You might ask why, and the answer is, Everyone else is doing it. The list of declared candidates includes,

Sam Brownback Senator for Kansas (I think)
Hillary Clinton Don't forget the Rodham
John Cox Who is this
Christopher Dodd I think he is a senator
John Edwards He has done this before
Mike Gravel hmmmmm
Dennis Kucinich double hmmmm
Tom Vilsack Is he a famous althete?
Barack Obama I have heard of him, Mr. Junior Senator
Bill Richardson The only reason I know about this guy is he is the Governor in the state next door.
Mitt Romney Is that like an oven mit?

There is a host of people thinking about running, including
Joe Biden
Rudy Giuliani
Duncan Hunter
John McCain
Ron Paul
Tommy Thompson
Tom Tancredo

As you can see, it is shaping up to be an interesting two years in politics, that is right, there is almost two full years until the presidential election. The media sharks, must be drooling over the prospects of a nasty political campaign, along with Saturday Night Live, Jay Leno, David Letterman, and all the other satirist in America.

President Bush gave his state of the union address this evening, and I am certain that thousands of reports have spent countless hours preparing for the evening and all the questioning to put out to the viewers. Meanwhile, in small town middle America, we went to a basketball game to watch Amy's cousin play the might bulldogs.

The game was good, the Wildcats, gave the Bulldogs a whipping. They came out and had a full court press defensive for the entire game, I bet they are tired now. I did get to see Sid, Selina, Ryan and Layne at the game, Layne played and nailed several 3 point shots.

Sunday Fun

Today church was cancelled due to the 8 inches of snow everyone had to contend with. So I feel like it has been a very long time since I have been. Today, I cooked a little breakfast, then Cap and I went to my parents. Cap played with Crash, and Me and My Dad Went to Check the Leases (not a children's book yet, but it could be.) I was assigned as the driver once we got to Pringle, so that dad could get out and I would not have to. The funny part is that you have to roll down the window in the passenger steat to open the door. So all morning long, it was up and down, up and down. Since it had snowed, and we are men, there was an obligation to cover some of the "oops I got stuck in the snow" stories. One of my favorites, that we did not talk about happen on Christmas morning...

I had gone "Up North" to check the Logan lease on Christmas morning, after the unwrapping but before lunch. I made the wells just fine, and decided to go look at the gas meter. I walked about 100 feet of it out and it seemed to be passable. It was 11:00 am and lunch was in 1 hour, so I decided to go for it. I turn down the road and start. Snow is fly out from under my truck as we zoom across the snow covered plan. I was listening to Christmas music on the radio, when all of a sudden, Thud, I came to a stop. I spent about 20 minutes trying to get unstuck, and then I had to make the call. Christmas dinner was delayed because of me, and I got a good ribbing when I finally arrived, after being pulled out by my dad.

Let it Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

If there was one song that could sum up the days events it would be:

Oh the weather outside is frightful,

But the fire is so delightful,

And since we've no place to go,

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

It doesn't show signs of Pauseping,

And I've bought some corn for popping,

The lights are turned way down low,

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

When we finally kiss goodnight,

How I'll hate going out in the storm!

But if you'll really hold me tight,

All the way home I'll be warm.

The fire is slowly dying,

And, my dear, we're still good-bying,

But as long as you love me so,

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

This song was written by Sammy Cahn and the composer Jule Styne in 1945. It snowed all day long, and it was beautiful. I did spend about 1 hour shoveling snow from my driveway, which is good exersie. This morning we went out and did some practice driving on snowy road, Amy was driving. It was an experience... She did pick up which way to turn the car in a slide quickly. We also went to Honey and Bears and played. Crash and Cap played in the snow for a little while right before we left. Cap loved it, he thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. My mom took some pictures, which I hope to get a copy of. Below is a picture of me and my cousin 30 years ago playing in the snow. We made the front page of the newspaper that day, I am not sure if this was the exact photo, but you can get the picture.

THe next picture is me and the same cousin stainding infront of a newly rebuilt and repainted Oil Well Servicing Unit (Rig or Pulling Unit). This is or was Rig #35, a Franks draworks put onto an internation harvester truck.

Finally on the photo tour of my life, below is a picture of me running a pulling unit back in high school.

Friday Night Snow?

I did not write anything last night because I had a headache... Amy and I had planned on making a pilgramage to B'Ville this weekend, but the weathman said that the weather would not coorporate for us. I certainly hope that he was right on the snow predictions, otherwise I will be alittle upset with him. Oddly enough, I do not have much else to say...
So in the words of Ron Burgandy, "I'm Ron Burgundy. You stay classy, San Diego"

The Lion the Witch, and the Wardrode.

I read an article put out by Rutgers about the "Nuclear Clock", it was titled "Nuclear, climate perils push Doomsday Clock ahead ". In case you did not know, there is a symbolic clock that The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists created in 1947. The clock is used to track how close they think the plant is to being at Doomsday. Once again, here in America, where we insulate ourselves with the daily grind and celebrities duking it out on TV, we have missed the fact that the clock has moved forward.

I began reading (re-reading since I have read it once before) The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis. I wanted something that was not to terribly challenging to sink my brain into. Ironically, it because clear to my the Christan or Christ centered symbolism that is contained in the book. When Aslan, the Lion, lays down his life for Edward, Son of Man" in order to save Edward. Aslan is killed, yet the next morning he has been restored to his original splendor and grandgur. In the same way, Christ is killed on a cross to save us from Death. Paul, in several passages references Sin and Death as being one in the same.

Speachless

Right now I feel speechless, and with out motivation to write much... I do have a few questions that I ask of readers. Do you know who John G.Roberts,Jr., how about John Paul Stevens, Robert S. Mueller, III. Did those names sound familiar? How about Brit any Spears, John Lennon, Tom Cruise? It is sad to an extent that people are so focus on who the celebrities are, while not knowing people that influence their lives.

In the picture below there are four individuals who are not famous, but they loved life, still do really. This was taken at the top of Wolf Creek Ski area on a cold day in December about 12 years ago. I still get to see and visit two of the individuals on a semi-regular basis, the other one has fallen off the face of the earth.

Photography

"A great photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels, in the deepest sense, about what is being photographed, and is, thereby, a true manifestation of what one feels about life in its entirety..." Ansel Adams

I like photography, (aka photos or pictures) and over the course of time I have taken a great many photos. Some of the photos are junk, trash, or worthless. The film was double exposed, under exposed, out of focus (unintentionally), or a random shot that does not mean anything. So of my pictures offer a gateway into the past for others as they look at what they were doing at a point in time. Other pictures are truly fascinating my me for reasons that I cannot explain. A few of my photos are really good, I do not mean to be boastful, but I do think they are great pictures. Today I spent some time flipping though some pictures and I scanned some into the computer.

For me a picture is a gateway into another world, perhaps that world took place 10 years ago, or it could be only a few minutes old. The good photos are the ones that draw you into them, and make you ask the questions… Who are they, what are they doing, or how did the photographer do that?

Since the days of the first photography in 1820 they have gone from something of a rare item to common place. With the advent of the digital camera, and the camera on the cellular phone, everyone seems to be snapping pictures.

The picture below is from Michael’s wedding; unfortunately he is not actually in the photo. At the point when the picture was taken he had just got into his pickup with his new bride. Michael was not thinking properly that day, and gave me the keys to his truck, when I had to pick something up at united for him while wearing a tux (an entirely different story). I took full advantage of the situation and rigged his truck to where it would start and run for a few seconds before it died. Once it did it would not restart. As you can see in the picture Steven is looking on in blissful amazement (he was never mechanically inclined, rather he would be mechanically challenged). Terry was looking at the situation thinking “boy I hope Jeremy is correct about this.” I was looking at it thinking, I sure hope he forgives me, but it is only a minor set back in his scheduled. Mark is whispering into someone’s ear the prank we were pulling, with a certainty that it would work because he had witnessed me change a starter on a jeep in the parking lot at ACU. For some reason I like this picture, it is one of the few that I have with me in it that is not a posed photo.

Texas Weather

Once again in the great state of Texas a bi-annual event has begun. It is sure to have the media in Austin in a frenzy, as the rest of the state watches the 80th Regular Session begin. One day I mused to someone that about the fact that our state legislature is only scheduled to meet every other year and their response was, “Just think about the mess they would make if they met annually.”

The Texas Roads are slick and icy. Below is a picture of the Texas Roads, the white ones designates snow and icy conditions.

This can be found at a TxDot Site, the link is http://www.dot.state.tx.us/GIS/HCRS_main/viewer.htm

Winter Storm Warning

The cold weather from Canada ahs moved into the area after it crossed most of Middle America, and it is cold. Last night I had the elusive migraine headache, which was a bummer. I had planned on asking Amy to play dominoes with me after the captain went to bed, instead, I went to bed right after I returned from the grocery store. The store was a zoo, the bread section looked like it had been decimated. The National Weather Service issues warnings for the winter weather. The one they issued for our area that lasts until Sunday at 6:00 PM is below.

Winter Storm Warning
A MIXTURE OF FREEZING RAIN...SLEET...AND SNOW IS EXPECTED TO SPREADACROSS THE PANHANDLES THIS MORNING AND CONTINUE THROUGH THE DAYBEFORE CHANGING TO ALL SNOW TONIGHT AND SUNDAY. TOTAL ICE ACCUMULATIONSDURING THE WARNING PERIOD OF AROUND ONE QUARTER OF AN INCH CAN BEEXPECTED...WITH ISOLATED AMOUNTS AS HIGH AS ONE HALF OF INCHPOSSIBLE. SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF ONE TO THREE INCHES ARE EXPECTEDON TOP OF ANY ICE ACCUMULATIONS...MAINLY SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY.IN ADDITION... LOWEST WIND CHILL VALUES WILL DROP INTO THE 5 TO 15DEGREES BELOW ZERO RANGE.A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW...SLEET...AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSOPOSSIBLE. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

I think that is is a good day not to travel, and an even better day to curl up and read a book. I really need to finsih reading Don Quixote, but I have lost intrest in the story. After 175 pages, the Don is no smarter and his Friar or assistant does not have sense enought to leave his master.

Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

Economics Teacher: Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?
Simone: Um, he's sick. My best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who's going with the girl who saw Ferris pass out at 31 Flavors last night. I guess it's pretty serious.
Economics Teacher: Thank you, Simone
Simone: No problem whatsoever.

That is for a guy who said that he did not have a sense of humor last night. The Economics Teacher is played by Ben Stein, whom oddly enough was a speech writer for President Nixon and President Ford Ben’s father was the economist Herbert Stein. He has had an interesting career.

It has been a few days since I posted anything, a fact that I will blame on my cold which began Saturday. I feel better today, but my thoat is feeling worst. Amy thinks I need to stay home from work, I think that I should continue on, after all, I do not have a headache. We had EPIC at our house again, and it was good. I think everyone had a good time, and we had an engauging conversation.

I was pondering wiether ladies wrote on the insides of their bathroom stalls. All the time in the mens stalls you will find things like, for a good time call. Rearly do you see, For a good time you can click on this link! If I had to wager, I would say that most women do not do that.

4 in the Morning

Yesterday I was feeling under the weather, I had a killer sinus head ache, my back hurt and I had a fever. (I told someone at work today that I did not have a temperature we I woke up and they said, “That’s a problem”). It was a rough day for me, Cap on the other hand got to go play with Crash all day, and they had fun. I did not sleep very well last night; the longest I slept in one period was about 2 hours. I found myself at 4:00 am lying on the couch with the news on the TV, while reading a Harry Potter book hoping that it would make me sleepy. I suppose that it worked because I fell asleep shortly there after. I was overjoyed when I determined that I did not have any fever and my temperature had returned to normal at 6:00 am.

I read an article about Austin’s Downtown being closed because of an abundance of dead birds. I though that it was weird and interesting as to the issue and steps that the Police took in the matter. Click here to read the entire story.

Super Saturday

Today Cap and I had a musical concert in the living room. He played the xylaphone while I played the harmonica. I think we are ready to go on the road. If an artist can paint an abstract painting, then we sould be good enough to make some abstract music.

Tonight I had disaster in the kitchen when I made a dish that did not taste good. I asked Amy what she thought and she said it was alrgiht. That, to me, means that it is okay or edibale. Upon futher investigation she did not like it either. I told her that she should just say that she does not like it, because I knew that it was not my cooking ablity, rather it was the recipt. I think I am going to have to mark that dish out of the cookbook.

You know 70% of the world uses rice as their primary diet

"Herein lies our problem. If we level that much land to grow rice and whatever,
then no other animal could live there except for some insect pest species. Which
is very unfortunate." – Steve Irwin

When I was a kid we went to my grandmother’s house for lunch (grandmother seems like the wrong word to use because I called her Marian for my entire life) and we were having rice. Oh, we had more then just rice, but rice was on the menu none the less. I sat down at the table with my plate. Marian looked over and gave my plate the once over, to make sure it was nutrious. The converstion went something like this.

"I do not see any rice on your plate?"
"I don’t like rice."
"You know 70% of the world uses rice as their primary diet."
"I am glad that I live in the other 30%."

In no time at all I think that rice was deposited onto my plate, and it was returned to the place I was sitting. In order to eat the rice, I had to use sugar, and a lot of butter, there by taking any good nutriational value away from the rice I was eating. I have since grown to like rice, thanks primarly to the Japense Steakhouse resturants. I cooked a little rice rice tonight, and ate it with some brawtworst. Rice is similar to noodles, it is a utility food. Goes with just about anything, and is not normally the center piece of the meal. It can be a side dish like mexican rice and enchalidas, or it can be the foundation of a meal when you spread it over your plate and cover it with meat. Rice, the utility food!

No Fear

When I was in high school I found a tee shirt that said the following:

He who dies
With the most toys
Still dies

It was part of a brand called “No Fear”, and my little group of friends embraced this motto. We all had red “No Fear” stickers on our vehicles and though that we were pretty cool. I still have the sticker on my pickup and I can say that I do not live on the edge like I did in those days. I have not taken a “Suicide” ski trip in about 7 years, I learned that sleep was good; it is hard to ski for 8 hours, and spend 10 hours in a vehicle all in the same day.

In all actuality the motto is true, because we all will die at some point in our existence. Even though this is a fact, there are many people who are greedy and hoard money. Why? That is a question that has perplexed me, why hoard money like Ebenezer Scrooge.

We had EPIC tonight, and it was good. We meet at our house, which worked suprislying well, considering that we are short of space. The kids did really good, and the adults had a good visit. We have almost completed the study we are going through, up next, I think we will try a book. Unformationaly, not everyone enjoys reading books, so we will see how it goes.

January 1 -- The Day 2007 Began

Unless one is a seasoned business traveler, there is always a small fear of getting on the wrong plan or ending up in the wrong location. When you go to the airport it is important to make sure which gate you leave from, what the flight number is, and that you actually booked the correct ticket. A German tourist failed on the last step and ended up 8,000 miles from his desired destination. To read the entire story click HERE.

It was an exciting day at the house, filled with home improvement activities, breakfast, and the removal of all exterior Christmas decorations. I also cooked hamburgers, and black-eyed peas, as is the New Year’s tradition, a tradition that can be traced back to somewhere and someone who ate some and then had a good year. We humans like are traditions, and are steeped in them. We do not care if it is right or wrong, only that it is tradition and that is the way we have always done things. Look at what the church and society did to Galileo Galilei, when he siad that the earth was not the center of the universe. I had to read a book about him in college, durng a class called Human Knowledge. It was an intersting class, it forced me to struggle through some great book of literature, and write papers on them.

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!!!