Becoming Famous

One of our local doctors has hit the national news. He even got listed on the Drudge Report. Unfortunately it wasn't for doing anything life-saving or heroic. This was the lead sentence:

Yes, an Arkansas doctor says, he destroys life. But he believes the thousands of women who have relied on him have been 'born again.'

The LA Times had a long article on Dr. Harrison's abortion practice. I could barely read the article, it disgusted me so much. Read what some of the patient's were saying.

"It's an everyday occurrence," she says as she waits for her 2:30 p.m. abortion. "It's not like this is a rare thing.

She keeps forgetting to take her birth control pills. Abortion "is a bummer," she says, "but no big stress

was in the midst of planning her wedding. "I don't think my dress would have fit with a baby in there," she says.

How about Harrison's attitude toward ending a baby's life?

Harrison glances at an ultrasound screen frozen with an image of the fetus taken moments before. Against the fuzzy black-and-white screen, he sees the curve of a head, the bend of an elbow, the ball of a fist

It's not a baby to me until the mother tells me it's a baby," he says

I am so mad that he is allowed to kill babies. I also pity such a man who is proud to be killing babies. He's leading such a miserable life. He must be filled with so much hatred to be killing babies and destroying women's lives. I also don't want to be in his shoes when he stands before God, the Creator, and tries to explain to Him what he has done.

Reporting In

Monday night I attend Fayetteville's Ward 4 meeting. Steve Davis, director of finance and internal service, said that the 2006 budget will be balanced after a few more adjustments. He handed out the 2006-2010 Capital Improvements Program. The city currently had 96 million dollars for improvements, however, the projects cost is 172 million dollars. The improvements needing the most money is Water & Sewer (84 million) and Street improvements (58 million). It's going to be a challenge to get that money.
Tim Conklin, director of planning and development management, presented the proposed annexation plan for Fayetteville. Development is rapidly taking place on the outskirts of Fayetteville and annexing these areas now would allow the city to make sure they were developed within the city's codes. If the city waited they would be annexing neighborhoods that violated codes. Annexation would also help with city planning. They would be able to make sure that commercial developments didn't conflict with residential areas.

Tuesday night was a really fun night. I went to the Lincoln Day Dinner hosted by the Washington County Republican Committee. The featured speaker was Newt Gingrich. I had an absolutely wonderful time. Most of Newt's speech came from points from his book Winning the Future My favorite part was the question and answer portion after his speech. He was more animated, relaxed and funny. Newt teaches history and you notice it when he speaks. He brings in a lot of American history when he discusses an issue. As a dedicated teacher he gave us a test which you can take too.

Wal-Mart

Found an article today that doesn't bash Wal-Mart. I thought it portrayed Wal-Mart fairly.

But let's say we accept Dube's calculation that retail workers take home $4.7 billion less per year because Wal-Mart has busted unions and generally been ruthless. That loss to workers would still be dwarfed by the $50 billion-plus that Wal-Mart consumers save on food, never mind the much larger sums that they save altogether. Indeed, Furman points out that the wage suppression is so small that even its "victims" may be better off. Retail workers may take home less pay, but their purchasing power probably still grows thanks to Wal-Mart's low prices.

Americans have a lot more "stuff" in their houses because of how Wal-Mart operates. How many people rushed to Wal-Mart on Friday to pick up those TV's which were on sale.

Companies like Wal-Mart are not run by saints. They can treat workers and competitors roughly. They may be poor stewards of the environment. When they break the law they must be punished.

Wal-Mart is a business. It is not a charitable organization. All business' operate to make a profit. Why single out Wal-Mart just because they do it very well. If Wal-Mart breaks the law then it must face the courts like every one else.

If critics prevent the firm from opening new branches, they will prevent ordinary families from sharing in those gains. Poor Americans will be chief among the casualties.

It seems to me that Wal-Mart isn't the bad dude here. It's those who wish to see a business go bankrupt and a community lose out on benefits the company would bring.

Full Article

Bows Update

Bows is all better. She's eating and running around. She's not too happy with the food the vet said she should be eating. Eli and Tigger ,however, love the stuff. I just can't win.

Black Friday

Yep! I went out shopping this morning. I had some things I needed to pick up (cold medicine) and Wal-mart had a DVD player on sale. Wal-Mart wasn't as crowded as I thought it would be. Best Buy and Circuit City looked really crowded. I picked up some toys for Toys for Tots, some stuff to send to soldiers oversea Any Soldier and the DVD player plus a bread making machine (Mmmmmmmmm warm bread).

I dump the stuff I bought at home and took the dogs out for a walk at Lake Fayetteville. There were a fair number of people on the trail. Can you explain to me why any one would take a baby stroller out on a rocky and root exposed trail? Sheesh, I have trouble just trying not trip over anything myself.

After that hike I worked on getting the lights up on the house. Last night I check the lights, replacing any that were burnt out. So, I got the lights on the house, turned them on and *%&#@*&!! Two strands were out. Bloody Hell! OK, calm down! I'll just deal with it tomorrow.

I'll round out the night bathing the dogs. I let them in the lake and so they stink. Fortunately they both like baths so I won't have any problems.

Giving Thanks

I give thanks to God for everything I have! He has blessed me beyond measure!

Proclamation of National Thanksgiving

George Washington

City of New York, October 3, 1789

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor, and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be. That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks, for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation, for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war, for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed, for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions, to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually, to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed, to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord. To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and Us, and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

Go: Washington

Arkansas' Generosity

Kudos for the people of Arkansas! The Catalogue For Philanthropy has again list Arkansas among the top givers of the country. As you look at the list you note that the biggest givers have the lowest income.

But the Bible Belt and Utah are, with generally low incomes, giving so much (as tithing evangelical Protestants), that in effect they set a high example, which suggests that the wealthiest taxpayers in the wealthy states can afford to give significantly more.

Generous hands are blessed hands because they give bread to the poor. (Proverbs 22:9)

Generosity Index

Library Tax

Library Director Louise Schaper said the strategic plan and comments generated in public meetings will help decide the need for additional property tax.

"We need to do the public meetings and we need to hear from the public and then we need to think of a time line," she said. "We need to base our actions on what we hear."

Library officials are going to be asking the public what they think about increasing the property tax to fund additional personnel at the library. I don't think they will be happy at what they will hear. Earlier this year residents voted down a tax increase for teacher's salaries so I don't think they will go for a tax increase for the library. The city council has just passed a property tax increase to balance the city budget and I know that a sales tax might be in the works to fund streets. During the winter and early spring people will be paying big time for gas and they won't be willing to pay for additional taxes. I think the library should be asking for volunteers to work in the library and reduce the hours the library is opened.
Story

The Letter

You rarely hear what the men and women feel about what they are doing in Iraq. You certainly don't hear it from the MSM. However, they are getting out their views. You'd better get out the tissues. You're really going to need it.

Democrats - No Vision

I don't understand the Democrats. Why do they want to pull out of Iraq? Why don't they see the danger posed by Al-Qaida? Why don't they understand the importance of setting up a democracy in Iraq? What is preventing them from visualizing what would happen if we left? Al-Qaida declaring victory and embolden to purse their plans of destruction. Al-Qaida having chased off the USA would begin a murderous campaign in all the Arab states and would be pushing the destruction of Israel. The Democrats complain about the bombings and killings now, just wait until they see the massacres and annihilation that would happen if we left.

Thank you God, that we have a leadership in the White House that understands. Thank you for a Military that knows what they are doing and are willing to pay the cost. God has richly blessed us with men and women who value freedom, are willing to make sure we keep it and fight so others may have it.

One of Our Own

Lance Cpl. Joshua Ware: Our Hero

Ware's family celebrated his life, even in death. Family members said they are very proud of him and that he made the ultimate sacrifice.

"You can never take back. He ain't never going to be with us again. But I know that he died for my freedom. He died for my son and daughter's freedom," said Jericho Ware, Joshua's cousin.

Ware was living his dream, according to his family, after years of playing basketball and lifting weights in Roland. Ware's family described him as fun-loving, kind of a family clown but driven -- driven to finish the mission he was sent to complete in Iraq.

They said he excelled while in the Armed Forces, and had the ultimate goal of making the military a long-term career and gaining rank in the Marine Corps, where Ware had already earned five awards

I would like to thank the Ware family for giving us their son. His death saddens me, however, I am sooo proud of him. Thank you, Lance Cpl. Joshua Ware, for your precious gift in the service of the people of the United States of America. Story

Cat Blogging

Tigger is the only cat in the house that isn't mad at me. Doesn't he just look soooo cute! Bows is still taking antibiotics and runs away from me. She doesn't want to take that nasty medicine. The antibiotics make her sick so she hasn't been eating. Just a few more days! Eli is on a diet. He needs to lose a couple of pounds. He's been haunting the kitchen looking for more food.

As for me, I think the radiation is affecting my stomach. I've been throwing up almost every meal. The stuff more likely to stay down is really bland stuff. I'm more likely to toss up fried stuff. Oh well, on a bright note, I may lose a few needed pounds. OK, OK, more than a few pounds. All right! How about a whole lot of pounds!

Radiation - Day 2

Second day of radiation. The actual radiation doesn't take that long, about 20 secs. Most of the time is spend getting me in the correct position. The radiation technologists must has written on walls as children. They've been having fun making marks on my body. The people at the center have been really nice. They've made the waiting area very comfortable and they have snacks and drinks on hand.

Yesterday when I went in they showed me the dressing and locker area. They showed me my cubby hole which will hold my gowns. It had my name on it. Do you know that I stood there and looked at it. I don't know why but it kinda got to me. I will be there getting treatments often enough to get my own personal space. Odd, the things that reach out and grab you.

U.S. Keeps Control of Internet

Boy, what a relief! The Internet is safe for now from the U.N.
The organization that keeps the directory of domain names is called ICANN, and is regulated by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce. The UN wanted to take control of this. Syria, Libya, China, North Korea, and Saudi Arabia were leading the charge. And why not? This would give them an opportunity to censor web sites they don't agree with.
Handing control over to the UN would afford them the ability not only to censor, but also to tax things like e-mail.

Kofi Annan said the aim was to ensure that poor countries get the full benefits that the internet can bring. Yeah, right! This is from the guy that still hasn't repaid or even apologized to the people of Iraq for stealing billions from them. Are we going to be so stupid to give control of the Internet to an organization that can even audit its own accounts or even police its own peacekeeper? And I love this one. Libya chairs the Human Rights commission. If there ever was an organization we don't want controlling the Internet, it's the U.N.

Hopefully, in years to come, the U.S. government realizes how absolutely vital it is that we keep control the Internet.

Animal Cruelty

This makes me so mad! People who abuse animals like that should incur some bodily damage. OK, maybe that's a bit harsh, but I view animals like children. They depend on us to care for them and in return they give us love and devotion. I hope the Humane Society keeps watch on Van Banks. He appears to think he did nothing wrong and intends to do business as usual. (I am writing this with a cat sleeping in my arms. It does make typing a bit difficult.)

Booming

Planned and managed growth of Fayetteville was the No. 1 goal in a citizen survey conducted by the city. Read Story

It shouldn't be a surprise. NW Arkansas is exploding and the residents are feeling its effect. People often complain about the congested streets and roads, most of which were not built to take a large volume of traffic. The explosive expansion is particularly dangerous to the newly developed areas. They do not have adequate fire and police coverage. The city is not building fire stations fast enough nor are they hiring enough police and fireman to cover the new developments. I was discussing this with a developer and I asked him why couldn't growth be slowed until the city's infrastructure caught up. The answer, money. Developers are in it for the money. They aren't particular concerned about traffic, police or fireman.

There might be one thing that might slow growth in Fayetteville. Water. It appears that growth has outpaced the ability to upgrade water lines and Washington County faces a water shortage in 10-15 years. Read

The leadership of Fayetteville are going to have to be creative about solving this problem. Not only do they have to resolve our current problems but start anticipating what's going to be needed within the next 25 to 50 years.

America's Best

Kudos to our Governor Mike Huckabee for being selected one of America's best governors by Time Magazine He really deserves the honor! Congratulations Governor Huckabee!

Grim Milestone

The number of torched cars is nearing 10,000. Where's the U.N.? Where are the U.N. peace keepers? How much longer will this quagmire go on? This is all Bush's fault! Him and that evil genius Karl Rove. They started this war because of the wine companies. We must put our foot down! No more wine for oil!

Health Update

Thursday I had an appointment with the radiation oncologist. I'll be having 8 weeks of radiation. The first 5 weeks I'll be getting zapped every day. Wonder if I start glowing?

Fall Hike

I took the dogs out hiking today. We went to Lake Fayetteville. It was an absolutely gorgeous day! Most of the trees have lost their leaves. As I walked along I was rustling through leaves. Oooh, the smell too. You know that smell of the forest after the rain. On the lake were ducks and geese. I have to remember to bring the binoculars next time. I saw three herons on the bank, but with two dogs it was hard to get a closer look. I found out that my new dog Casey likes water. I'll be adding water sports to his training.

Poor French Police

You can't help feel sorry for the French police. They've been dealing with 16 nights of rioting and can't expect any help from the government. Story

The case has brought to the surface growing police resentment at the failure by politicians to resolve the crisis, the most serious and protracted outbreak of violence in France since 1968.

Makes you feel grateful for what we have in the USA. Pray for the safety of those French police and remember your local police.

It's Another Cat

Tigger is the cat I photograph the most. He does all the cute things cats do. He reminds me of Nermal in the Garfield cartoon. Bows is having a hard time this week. The vet diagnosed her with cystitis and is now on antibiotics. She also needs to have a special low pH food. She is better now. She's currently trying to help me type this. You know, it's kinda hard to work when a cat is rubbing your face.

Thank you!

Thank you to all who have served and are serving. I have a wonderful life in the USA because of you. Thank you for the heart willing to serve, the time you're willing to sacrifice and the life you're willing to give up. You have made the USA what it is. You make us proud!

Gohere for a great video tribute.

Piece-O-Crap

Start emptying out your trash! There are some twits out there that will buy it.

No Taxes!

Well, I was surprised at this. Considering how everyone complains about traffic I assumed that they'd be glad to pony up for this tax. The sales tax is already too high and people's pocket are already hurting from rising gas prices. Fayetteville, you had better sit up and notice. People are in no mood to take on more taxes.

Wasting Time

Have fun here!

Remember

We should feel compassion for the French people. We shouldn't take pleasure in their misfortune no matter how much you think they had it coming. However, it gets a bit difficult when you remember they said this.

French Toast

The French riots demonstrate why socialistic economic policies don't work. The assumption that people given basic housing, health care, food and minimal provisions are going to be content is wrong. People need more than their basic needs satisfied to be happy. People must also satisfy their self-esteem (ego) and self fulfillment needs.

The socialistic idea destroys a person sense of purpose and self-worth. Handouts and charity degrade people and rob them of their self esteem. Lack of employment makes the problem worse. Where we work and what we do compose a good part of our identity. France's economy with its heavy taxes and regulations has put unemployment around 10%. Within its immigrants of Arab and African Muslims unemployment ranges from 20% to 30%.

To make matters worse, France has segregated the Muslim immigrants into public housing that bars them from French society. Since they are not integrated, these immigrants do not consider themselves French. They do not even speak French. They have recreated their old country within France, with its own social and cultural life in accordance with Islam. Within this isolated community they are taught that Islam is the only religion to be tolerated and that the world must be dominated by it.

So, now France is dealing with an outrage Muslim community. A community which pledges allegiance to Islam and to heroes such as Osama bin Laden. A community who youths riot through the city crying Allahu Akubar (God is great).

Redneck Humor

Stolen from Neal Boortz
Hey! At least I admit it!

25 ways to tell if you're a Redneck

1. The Halloween pumpkin on your porch has more teeth than your spouse.
2. You let your twelve-year-old daughter smoke at the dinner table in front of her kids.
3. You've been married three times and still have the same in-laws.
4. You think a woman who is "out of your league" bowls on a different night.
5. Jack Daniel's makes your list of "most admired people."
6. You wonder how service stations keep their restrooms so clean.
7. Anyone in your family ever died right after saying, "Hey y'all watch this."
8. You think Dom Perignon is a Mafia leader.
9. Your wife's hairdo was once ruined by a ceiling fan.
10. Your junior prom had a daycare.
11. You think the last words of the Star Spangled Banner are, "Gentlemen start your engines."
12. You lit a match in the bathroom and your house exploded right off its wheels.
13. The bluebook value of your truck goes up and down, depending on how much gas is in it.
14. You have to go outside to get something from the fridge.
15. One of your kids was born on a pool table.
16. You need one more hole punched in your card to get a freebie at the House of Tattoos.
17. You can't get married to your sweetheart because there's a law against it.
18. You think loading a dishwasher means getting your wife drunk.
19. Your toilet paper has page numbers on it.
20. Somebody hollers "Hoe Down" and your girlfriend hits the floor.
21. You have a complete set of salad bowls and they all say "Cool Whip" on the side.
22. The biggest city you've ever been to is Wal-Mart.
23. Your working T.V. sits on top of your non-working T.V.
24. Your neighbors think you're a detective because a cop always brings you home.
25. You missed 5th grade graduation because you had jury duty.

Tax Update

Kudos to Alderman Don Marr for insisting that the data supporting a 2 mill property tax provide by city staff be reviewed. (Story) The revised data allowed the City Council to lower the tax to 1.3 mills. I noted Mayor Coody's comment "Anyone who tries to budget exactly what they need, they’re always going to be negatively surprised at the end of the year." Translation: I want to have an excess of money in the budget. I always need more money because I like spending your money.

Surgery

Boston Mnts.
Originally uploaded by vnbien.

I mentioned that I had surgery in the last post. It was the reason why I started blogging. In August I was diagnosed with uterine cancer. I had a hysterectomy in September. There was good news and bad news. The good news was that my cancer is a low grade tumor and my lymph nodes were clear. Bad news was that I had a micro metastases to one of my ovaries. My survival chances are very good, but there is a good chance for local re-occurrence which can be dealt with by radiation.

I was a bit upset upon learning the extent of my cancer. Yes, I did cry a bit. That was my first reaction. But, I am a Christian. I had a good talk with God. He let me know that He loved me and that I had nothing to worry about because He would always be with me. He reminded me of other difficult situations I've been in and how He was there during those times.

Now I have an attitude of gratefulness. I've recovered from the surgery remarkedly well. I had enough time saved up to spend a month recovering. Because of the generosity of my bosses the insurance has paid off a good portion of the costs. A lot friends and neighbors have offered me help if I needed it. I have found that I have a very rich life.

Yellow Rock

Yellow Rock
Originally uploaded by vnbien.

What a gorgeous day! I took the dogs and went hiking in Devil's Den. The colors were spectacular! Lots of rust and yellows with an occasional red. I hiked to Yellow Rock. That way I would be able to walk along the ridge and really see the colors. It was my first real hike since my surgery. I thought that I'd be out of shape, but I had no problems. I'll probably be a little sore tomorrow morning but some ibuprofen will take care of that.

Farmer's Market

Farmer's Market
Originally uploaded by vnbien.

I had a fun time last night. I forgot it's Arkansas' Homecoming this week. I was able to watch the Homecoming parade down Dickson street before the start of the play. Even snagged me a couple of beaded necklaces thrown by the cheerleaders.

Trixie (pictured) and I went to the last Farmers' Market for the year this morning. No more flowers and fresh vegtables until next year. Sigh!

This weekend will be the best time for seeing the fall folage in NW Arkansas. It's a bit windy today so a lot of trees are losing their leaves. I'll be making a trip to Devil's Den tomorrow.

Hanging out!

Eli
Originally uploaded by vnbien.

Friday night! Going out to have some dinner, browse some shops and see Oklahoma at the Walton Arts Center.

This is Eli. He was found by the neighborhood children as a kitten. His mother probably was a wild cat living in the area. Yep, he's a big boy, tipping the scales at 13 lbs. He is fond of sleeping on anything I happen to be working on, books, papers or computer. This is one of his favorite places to sleep while I'm on the computer. I don't know how he does it.

Paris Still Burning

See this article for the history and analysis of what is happening in Paris. One of the best pieces I've read so far.

Muslim Uprising in Paris

Two Muslim boys were electrocuted after they climbed the wall of an electrical relay station and touched a transformer. Their deaths set off riots becaused it was reported they had been chased by police, who deny this.

France is facing a problem and it's too cowardly to name it. Frances' permissive immigration policy and liberal social agendas has created subsidized low-income housing developments. These are riddled with crime and social troubles fueled by high unemployment. Most of the unemployed are Muslim youths under 25 years who have nothing to do but take over the streets and routinely attack French citizens. Angry, poor and underprivileged they are prime targets for terrorist's recruiting. Looting and stealing from your enemy are acceptable under Islam law and Paradise is offered to those who are killed fighting their enemy.

If France does not take steps to curb the clerics preaching extremist Islam, create tougher immigration policies and stop the liberal social programs the riots will get worse and more frequent. The USA should pay attention to what is happening in France. We need to do something about our illegal immigration and stop the liberal programs which foster poverty and unemployment (i.e. New Orleans)

Stories here, here and here.

Who Says We Don't Need Judicial Reform?

This is why it's so important to have conservative judges on the bench!

A federal appeals court on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit by elementary school parents who were outraged that the Palmdale School District had surveyed students about sex.
While the surveys asked students how often they thought about sex, among other questions, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said parents of public school children have no "fundamental right" to be the exclusive provider of sexual information to their children. The parents maintained they had the sole right "to control the upbringing of their children by introducing them to matters of and relating to sex." Story

Can you image what the socialist, loony Left would teach your child?

Another View

Islam - A Deadly Religion

The Twin Towers, Osama bin Laden, the Taliban, Iraq, Iran, bombings in Spain and Britain. I finally got around to discovering the religion that is involved in these events. I've heard that "The Politically Incorrect Quide to Islam (and the Crusades") by Robert Spencer was a good place to start. I am only half way through it and I am mortified at what I am learning.

Muhammad was a murderous thug. He developed Islamic principles to justify his violence and lust. Islam has no moral code similar to the Ten Commandments. The Koran(Qur'an) is unique around the world in counseling it followers to make war against unbelievers. Muslims are to treat non-Muslims three ways. 1) Convert them to Islam, 2)Enslave them if they surrender or 3) destroy them.

Strict adherents to Islam have marked the Civilized World (Europe & USA) for slavery or death under it's rulership. Is this something we are going to allow or are we going to fight?

Sending Cards to Soldiers

FReepers, are organizing to send wounded soldiers cards for the upcoming holidays. (Veterans', Thanksgiving and Christmas Days) If you're interested send cards to the address below. They will make sure it gets to a soldier. Perhaps an anonymous soldier who receives a card will write back and become a new penpal. Even if no one ever writes back, you will know that you gave a soldier something that let him/her know someone is grateful. It will make them feel good.



American Red Cross - Heaton Pavilion 3rd Floor Rm 3E05
Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20307-5000