Fayetteville, It was so cold ....

my garage door froze to the floor. I've never had that happen before. Of course it's never gotten to a minus 5 degrees either! I was late to work because I had to pry the door out of the ice. Hey, I've made to work every day this week so I'm entitled to come in late. I guess snow melted off the truck and traveled under the door where it froze. Tomorrow morning is projected to be below zero again so I placed some kitty litter under the door in the hope that it won't freeze to the floor. Fingers are crossed!

Springdale vs Fayettnam

A few weeks ago I was talking with a member of the Springdale Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Springdale City Council. They were discussing how they were going to bring in more business'and the growth potential of the city. The City Council member mentioned that they were reviewing the City's ordinances to see if any would be considered business unfriendly. I suggested that once they had completed their review and revised the ordinances that they send a copy of them to the Fayetteville City Council. They laughed and said that Fayetteville's anti-business attitude is really great for Springdale. They were projecting that Springdale will have great growth potential while Fayetteville will shoot itself in the foot.

Another Snow Storm

I woke up this morning with it raining ice. I saw that the trees and shrubs were getting a coating of ice. Boy, did I pray that it would transform to the promised snow soon. I didn't want to have falling limbs again. I did make it to work but left within a few hours after 4/5 inches had accumulated. I wanted to make sure I got home in one piece.


So, I'm home early and I should do something productive. Hmmmm, that nap was so good! I fell asleep listening to Rush and woke up to 2 cats cuddle next to me and the dog trying to push me off the sofa. It was still snowing but I went outside got the birdies some food and played with Casey for a bit. Didn't stay out long because that wind was really cold. Took a peak at the temperature. Ouch, 14 degrees. That will seem warm with this Thursday's projected low of minus 5.

The Remember Tour

So, another year has passed and we are faced to another. Like many, I have a list of projects I’d like to get done this year. A few on the list are the same recurring ones that I just never seem to accomplish.

Never Forget to Remember

In church this evening the pastor had us list what God has done or how He has work last year. Ok, I started listing some of the good things that have happen or the challenges that I’ve overcome. I’ve also realized that I’ve missed out on a lot of opportunities. Usually, at this time of the year I think about what I didn’t get accomplished. Heh, my first journal entry of the new year is usually a rant at God. I get mad and frustrated because I feel that He’s responsible for my inability to accomplish my goals. Yup, there I was pounding the table, furious with God, because every year it’s the same old things. I’d really like to know when I will see success.

Remember Forward

Yeah, I wondered what the heck that meant too. The pastor said that we remember how good, strong and faithful God has been in the past. He said we should walk with God and confidently move forward based on what we know God has done in the past. So, I will once again strive to achieve the goals I continually list each year. Maybe, just maybe I’ll actually pull it off this year. Happy New Year!

Good-Bye Dickson Street

The City of Fayetteville wanted to solve its parking problem I don’t believe they expect people to do what I’ve done. I’m no longer going to be shopping on Dickson Street. Goodbye Grubbs, Jose’s, Common Grounds and the Bookstore! Why? Well, I’m not going to bother making sure I have enough change on me. I don’t want to be constantly worrying if I put enough money and repeatedly checking my watch to make sure I get back in time. I don’t want to ruin a trip by finding an expensive ticket on my car.
Frankly, there aren’t any restaurants or stores that are so unique and special on Dickson St that I can’t get at other place. There just is nothing on Dickson Street that is worth all the inconveniences of paid parking. Yes, even the Walton Arts Center which I have abandoned because their tickets have been eliminated my budget.
I wonder how many people are also going to ditch Dickson St. Will it enough people that Dickson St stores will be feeling it financially? Heck, I believe a great advertisement for a business not on Dickson St would be “Free Parking”.

Fayetteville Tea Party

There was a very nice crowd in the Fayetteville Town Center. I'm not that good on estimates but I heard that nearly 1,000 showed up. The atmosphere was different from last years. Last year is was more passionate and frenzied. This year it was more focused. Unlike last year, candidates actually wanted to be seen in the crowd. I think they all had their signs up and had a table with their literature. Heh, what a difference a year makes.

Dick Morris warmed up the crowd really well. (Video below) He collared the Congressional candidates who were present and asked them have they signed ATR's no tax increase pledge. When he got a "yes they had or will" out of them he nailed Steve Womack for refusing to sign the pledge. He said not to vote for Womack. He graciously said he'd take it back if Womack would call him and agree to sign it.

There were protesters at the rally. Yup, I counted 3 of them across the street. Poor things, I hope they really listened to the speakers and learned something. The rest of us had fun. Great speakers, a beautiful day and great big job to complete. November Is Coming.

The Tolbert Report interviewed Dick Morris and notes that Steve Womack has signed ATR's pledge.

Curtis Coleman Concerned About Sen. Baker's Governorship Ambitions

Curtis Coleman has pointed out what some people have been tip-toeing around in Gilbert Baker’s Campaign.

“I found Sen. Baker’s statement to be both curious and concerning. Curious, in that Sen. Baker has said that he’s running for the U.S. Senate to lay the groundwork to run for Governor in four years and that if he wins the Governor’s race, he’ll resign his Senate seat.

Coleman is publicly saying what people have been whispering about in the background. Apparently, it’s fairly well known among political circles that Sen. Baker’s ambition is really to be Governor of Arkansas. His plan, I’m told, is to win the Senate seat then run for Governor. If he wins he thinks he will then get to name his Senate replacement. I’ve been told this by a number of well-placed people in the Republican Party.

The Tolbert Report has follow up from the Coleman and Baker Campaigns:

I followed up with Matt LaGrone, political director for the Coleman Campaign, on the accusation that Baker will quit in four years to run for governor. LaGrone tells me that Baker told Coleman this personally in a private conversation and they have heard it from numerous other people but could not point me to a source where Baker has said this on the record. LaGrone said they would back off this issue if Baker will commit to not running for governor in four years if elected to the Senate.

I asked Alice Stewart, Campaign Manager for the Baker Campaign if she had any responce to Coleman’s press release. Gilbert Baker is running for U.S. Senate and is committed to serving just two terms. Nothing more, nothing less,” said Stewart.

Rumors, Gossip, Hearsay? I think it’s a legitimate question to ask Sen. Baker.

Robertson Speaks, Christians Groan

I just hate it when a Christian leader makes a stupid remark. You just cringe because you know that it going to be spread all over and gives the impression that’s what Christians really believe. I think I represent most Christians who are going to what we can to help those who have been victimized by this terrible trauma, rather than to speak judgment upon them on behalf of God.

Dear Pat, please preach the Gospel as much as you want but please keep your mouth shut (Francis of Assisi) and read a little book in the Bible called “Job”.

In Haiti, American’s Greatness Shines Again

Americans are called once again to give to a nation that has been devastated. Contrary to those who think Americans are selfish and evil, we will once again response with compassion and generosity. Even in the middle of a recession, we will dig down deep and pull out money to help Haiti. Remarkably, Red Cross has already raised $1 Million+ through text message donations. Other aid agencies such as the Salvation Army, Feed the Children and Catholic Relief Services are preparing resources to deliver to Haiti. Interestingly a number of friends have commented via Twitter and Facebook that their own churches have missions in Haiti and are making plans to help. We need to not only pray for the Haitians who are suffering, but also for those who are in Haiti helping with rescues. It’s dangerous work and there are still earthquakes occurring.

It's our nation at its finest. When there is a disaster, it's the Americans who come to the rescue. American, a nation born through the Grace and Goodness of God, is now the hope arising out of the disaster. We who have been so blessed by God are giving from our blessing.