Fayetteville, First Winter Storm

O Lord, is it cold! I just let the dogs out for their last pee break before bed. There's about an inch of snow on the ground. Getting to work tomorrow morning is going to be so much fun. I left work early, just after it started sleeting. I'm glad I did. By the time I got home everything was starting to ice up.
I can't believe it! Some people are still driving around. I'm watching a car slide around down the street. Man, this is a night to stay home!
Hey! The snow plow just went by. It's still snowing so it'll probably have to plow again before morning. I wonder what I-540 looks like?

Iraq, Stay and Help

Finally, I can stop worrying. At least for a little while. I've been very concerned about what President Bush was going to do about Iraq. With the Iraqi Study Group's anticipated recommendations being leaked left and right, I thought that President Bush might actually follow their recommendations. I honestly don't know what exactly should be done with Iraq, but one that we must not do is give up on Iraq and retreat.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Our objective is to help the Maliki government succeed. And today we discussed how to further the success of this government. This is a government that is dedicated to pluralism and rule of law. It's a government elected by the Iraqi people under a constitution approved by the Iraqi people, which, in itself, is an unusual event in the Middle East, by the way.

We talked today about accelerating authority to the Prime Minister so he can do what the Iraqi people expect him to do, and that is bring security to parts of his country that require firm action. It's going to -- the presence of the United States will be in Iraq so long as the government asks us to be in Iraq. This is a sovereign government. I believe that there is more training to be done. I think the Prime Minister agrees with me. I know that we're providing a useful addition to Iraq by chasing down al Qaeda and by securing -- by helping this country protect itself from al Qaeda.

I like what Pres Bush said, we are going to stay and help Iraq. Helping Iraq today with provide us with security in the future. I do know what the consequences will be if we decide to leave before Iraq is secure. The violence and death that will occur will far outstripped what's happening today.

Chicago Rejects Christ

The battle for Christmas continues

A public Christmas festival is no place for the Christmas story, the city says. Officials have asked organizers of a downtown Christmas festival, the German Christkindlmarket, to reconsider using a movie studio as a sponsor because it is worried ads for its film "The Nativity Story" might offend non-Christians.
"The last time I checked, the first six letters of Christmas still spell out Christ," said Paul Braoudakis, spokesman for the Barrington, Ill.-based Willow Creek Association, a group of more than 11,000 churches of various denominations.

It's interesting that at this Christmas festival other religious symbols are welcomed. Blogger Amy Welborn pulled out an old photo showing the Islam crescent at the 2003 festival.
I can't figure out why people are offended by the symbols of Christmas. Why is it that Christians have to be careful about offending other people? Celebrating Christmas not only means that you have presents, Christmas trees, decorations, card and parties, but you also have to respect what Christmas is about.

Don't Use the "N" Word

I didn't really pay that much attention to Michael Richard's racial rant. I'd figured that being a Hollywood Liberal he'd be easily forgiven and embraced. I do like James Taranto's remarks about the use of the "N" word.

"Black leaders challenged the entertainment industry, including rap artists, actors and major studios, to stop the use of the racial slur that triggered the scandal involving 'Seinfeld' comic actor Michael Richards," the Associated Press reports from Los Angeles:

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights leader, and others said Monday they will meet with TV networks, film companies and musicians to discuss banning the racial slur that is a derogatory term for blacks. They also sought an effort by the public to stop using the term.

Just one problem: The AP never tells us what word we're supposed to stop using. There is a reference to the "n-word," which we guess narrows it down a bit. After consulting the Racial Slur Database, we've decided never again to use the word "Nordski," in case there are any black Scandinavians.

Thanksgiving Weekend

Ahhh, rats! Back to work tomorrow. It's been a nice long weekend. The weather was just perfect. I finally got the garden all cleaned up. It's ready for the winter. No more garden work until spring.
I spent Thanksgiving with a couple of friends. Afterward, they decided to go see the new James Bond movie. I'm a bit burned out on all the James Bond movies. I haven't even seen the last few ones. Just not interested anymore.
I didn't go shopping on Black Friday. I wasn't the only one. al-Reuters is reporting that customer traffic was down from last year. I'll be making Christmas a little simpler this year. My medical expenses and the gas hikes made a dent in my budget. Actually it's a bit of a good thing. I've kinda stepped back and really considered what Christmas means and why the heck do I have to buy a ton of stuff.
I pulled out the Christmas Cookie recipe book I got last year. I tried out a bunch of new cookies. Several recipes were really good. An orange ball recipe was toss out. I found a pastry dough that was absolutely delicious and I'll be experimenting with. It's nice to have a day to do stuff like that. Sighh, back to real world tomorrow.

Playing Around

I've taken today off. It's nice to go out in the morning and play with Casey. With the time change its been too dark in the morning and evening during the week. That's one thing about winter I don't like, the days are too short.

More dogs at Friday Ark and Carnival of the Dogs

Over the Fence

What a beautiful morning! It is uncharacteristically warm. It will be a great day to work in the garden. I caught Tigger going over the fence to the front yard. Probably going to check to make sure That Cat across the street stays there.

More cats at Friday Ark and Carnival of the Cats

Nancy Pelosi, I am Woman

If women ruled the world it would be a nicer place. Hmmm, now we know that is just one piece of crap. Nancy Pelosi, the first woman Speaker of the House, isn't going to be one of those women to make the world better. I'd would have thought there would be a lot of celebrating. A woman, Speaker of the House! Instead, Nancy Pelosi, having campaigned against what she called the GOP's "culture of corruption" for much of the last year is fighting to put corrupt congressman in as committee chairs.
Her fellow House Democrats rejected her ethically challenged candidate, John Murtha, for Majority Leader. Now she is attempting to select Florida Democrat Alcee Hastings to become the new chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. Hastings, was impeached as a federal judge in Florida for conspiring to take a $150,000 bribe from a defendant in a case before him. The current ranking Democrat is Rep. Jane Harman of California, a respected moderate who has clashed with Pelosi in the past. Meow! Pelosi is giving Harman payback.
Democrats may even be having buyer's remorse. Slate

I'll admit my timing could be better, since the incoming House Democrats, on a unanimous voice vote, just made Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., speaker of the House. But I think her party should give serious thought to dumping her.

Nah, leave her there. I am having so much fun watching Pelosi implode. If we lost the election, we might as well enjoy the Democrat's ineptitude.

Now It's Bow's Turn

I swear this week has been "its time to kill a cat week" at my house. This time it was Bows. She plays this little game of pushing things off the kithen counter. This morning it was a spice saucer holding my vitamins. The saucer shattered all over the floor. I swear she was laughing while I was vacuuming up the mess. That lil' stinker!

More cats at Carnival of the Cats

Fayetteville Jazz, Chiara Civello

I went to Walton Arts Center Jazz performance last night. It was a jazz vocalist, Chiara Civello. She had a nice voice, soft, mellow and charming. I'm not much for vocalists. Most of my jazz collection is instrumental. However, she was enjoyable. The songs were a mixture of Italian, Brazilian and English. The performer that really got my attention was the pianist, Peter Rende. He was very good! I did a search to see if he had any CD's. Nope, but it appears he plays for a number of other performers. I'd like to see more of him.

Brave Lil' Arctic

A LA Times article states that a group of scientists are reporting that the Arctic is showing signs of fighting to maintain its climatic balance.

"This is a region that is fighting back," said lead author Jacqueline A. Richter-Menge, a civil engineer at the Army Corps of Engineers' Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory in Hanover, N.H. "There are things that showed signs of going back to norms, trying to right themselves under very dire circumstances."

Whoa! That Arctic is one feisty dude! I didn't know it even realized what was happening to it. It's nice to see that the Arctic is aware and paying attention. I give it kudos for having the will to fight back.
I like an answer to a question. What is the norm? Why do they take the situation 30 or 40 years ago as the NORMAL earthly climate? The climate is always changing, and it's completely arbitrary to set the situation 30 or 40 years ago as the baseline for a "normal" climate. The climate has seen extremes of heat and cold throughout its history. Who, then, can say what is normal? I think this idea of "normal" is one of the stupidest beliefs of the global warming fanatics.

Fayetteville, Biker Festival Blues

I think Bill Underwood, of Underwood's Fine Jewelers has raised some fine points about some of the negative impacts the BB&B festival has on some of the local businesses. I'm glad that Mayor Coody is receptive to the complaints and is willing to help try to work something out. It's too bad that Greg Mack of Taylor Mack Advertising has decided to attack Bill instead of trying to work out the problems.

Mack described Underwood's survey as sneaky and questions the validity of his claims.
" To me it's just like he's greedy - what have to close down for one, two days," Mack said.

I don't like this attitude that other people are making money and the city is receiving tax revenue and if some businesses and employees lose money, screw them.

Bill Underwood, of Underwood's Fine Jewelers, said that the label disgruntled was indeed accurate, but notes that he is not alone and is not trying to kill the festival. He said that on the one side you have people like Mack who have a financial interest in seeing the festival grow, but on the other you have business owners that lose money during the event because their customers can't get to them.

Underwood said that he anticipated becoming a " lighting rod, " for criticism because of his stance, but said he feels strongly that someone needs to protect the rights of those business owners who " feel our property is being taken away."

I don't see why the festival can't be evaluated and some changes be made to accommodate the local businesses. Especially that the part where bikers are urinating over people's property. That is just plain disgusting and the city and police need to stop that.

Bows, the Boss of Me

Get away from the computer! You are suppose to be paying attention to me! I am going to sit here until I get the attention I deserve.

More cats at Friday Ark and Carnival of the Cats

Sleeping on the Couch

Ahhh! Sacked out on the couch. Doesn't Casey look comfy? Yeah, he's really spoiled.


More dogs at Friday Ark and Carnival of the Dogs

Fayetteville, Special Addition Newsletter

The city of Fayetteville has just release a special addition of City of Fayetteville Newsletter. The subject of this edition is the Transportation Improvements and Trail Programs. If you live or travel in Fayetteville, this is a must read.

Gov. Huckabee to Reporters, For Shame!

Yeah! You tell'em Governor.

Gov. Mike Huckabee on Tuesday ripped news reporters for writing about gift registries in his and his wife's names for a housewarming party for their recently purchased half million-dollar home in North Little Rock.
The governor accused news media of being "tools" for Arkansas Times Editor Max Brantley, who runs a blog that discussed the registries and who has been a longtime critic of Huckabee.

It was none of their damn business to go poking into the personal life of the Huckabees. Especially since they were only interested in creating a scandal.

Huckabee said disclosure of the registry has "done a real disservice to the people of this state because what you've done is create the impression that my wife has gone out and solicited gifts, which is absolutely untrue."

How dare the Huckabee's have friends that care about them. How dare they have friends that might want to give them a congratulary gift. Good Lord, do they have friends?

"My wife has friends," Huckabee told reporters. "I know you may find that very difficult to believe, but she actually has lifelong friends, some from high school, quite a few from church. They wanted to do something for her. It has nothing to do with who she is other than she is their friend."

Well, you big ole macho newspapers just ruined a lovely, thoughtful custom for the Huckabees. This is a very proud day for journalists.

Janet Huckabee, in a brief telephone interview with the Democrat-Gazette later Tuesday, said news articles about the registries have done "permanent damage." She said the housewarming was a "private matter. Down South they give housewarming parties like this."
Asked why the Huckabees couldn't buy items themselves, the first lady said, "I can buy any towel I want. That's not the purpose. It's like having a birthday. It's a congratulations. Conversation over."

Janet, you and the girls go ahead and have that party. Don't let those morons at the papers get away with ruining it. Tell them to shove it where the sun don't shine.

"You have a great day," Huckabee said. "You tell [your wives ] how much you appreciate all they do for you. Feel good about what you do for a living."

UPDATE
Max Brantley's gift "scandal" made it to Power Line, who, of course, doesn't know the complete story.
ANOTHER UPDATE
I checked out Target's and Dillards' web gift registries. Gov. Huckabee was right. They only have wedding and baby gift registries.

Tony Blair's "New Partnership"

Tony Blair has finally lost his marbles.

Prime Minister Tony Blair of Britain said Monday night that the "nature of the battle" had changed and that Western strategy in the Middle East must "evolve," possibly to include a "new partnership" with Iran.

Ah, yes! Partnership with a country that is determined to wipe Isreal off the map. The country that has threatened to destroy the White House. The country that has declared the U.S. the "Great Satan". The country that is declaring its nuclear program is nearly complete. Why would you ever think that Iran would even consider cooperating with America to build peace in the Middle East? Iran is not interested in peace, it is preparing for war. It is bound and determined to have the Middle East under the control of radical Islam.
I guess I'm really worried that America is going to pull out of Iraq. Democrats are more than willing to pull out. Why is it that they can't see the consequences of such an action? Then I see President Bush seriously listening to the Baker "Iraq Study Group". I wonder, is he going to start pulling the troops out? I know that we are in a really tough place right now in Iraq, it's tough not hopless. People who achieve success are those that keep pushing until they get it. Is Osama bin Laden right? Is America really that weak? Is America no longer will to fight for our freedoms?

Missing Eli

I have never wanted to kill a cat so much! I couldn't find Eli while I was cleaning up around the house this evening. I looked all over the house for him. I figured that he somehow slipped out in the garage and outside while I was taking out the trash. So, I've been spending most of the evening looking for him outside. I gave up and hoped that he'd eventually show up if he didn't get killed. While I sitting on the toilet he pops out of the closet. He was sleeping inside one of the boxes! Good thing I wasn't able to get up from the toilet then, because I could have throttled him.

It hasn't been particularly good day for me. While I was cleaning up the yard yesterday I pulled a back muscle. By this morning the rest of the back muscles were hurting because I was compensating for the one I pulled. I spent all day at my desk with a heating pad.

Right now I'm hurting, tired and irritated. I think I'll just go take a shower and go to bed. No, I won't throttle Eli. I'm so happy that he's all right that I've been giving him hugs.

Eli and Tigger

Have you ever seen a finer set of bookends?




More cats at Friday Ark and Carnival of the Cats

Casey, White Rock Mnt.

I took a whole series of pictures of Casey at White Rock. I think this is the one I'm going to enlarge and put in my office. What do you think?



More dogs at Friday Ark and Carnival of the Dogs

The GOP, Assessing the Election

Majority Leader Roy Blunt delivered a speech at the Heritage Foundation entitled “The New Way Forward: Refocusing the Conservative Agenda.”

“An honest assessment of the last few years of Republican governance in Washington reveals three distinct shortcomings. First, as the party in charge for most of the last six years, we have often become the defenders rather than the challengers of business as usual. Second, we have failed to create a culture of less but better government and too often have given in to the culture of spending so pervasive in Washington. Finally, we have allowed our efforts to defend traditional values to be defined as little more than a politically driven effort to appease ‘family groups.’ These disappointments, combined with a seemingly constant stream of ethics issues afflicting a few Members of Congress, caused some in our movement to lose faith.

Well, the GOP leadership has finally woken up from their slumber. That big, old whomp on the head finally shook them up. Now, that we have their attention are they going to correct their mistakes?

2007 and 2008 are opportunities once again for us to let the American people know what we stand for.
“We say we want to cut spending, and we will.
“We say we want to reform the welfare state by empowering citizens to make their own decisions, and we will.
“We say we want to defend traditional American values, and we will.
“We say we want to confront and defeat totalitarians who threaten our freedom, and we will.
“Our job is not to defend business as usual, not to defend everything the government does, but to challenge it and see that it is done better.
“Our job is to insist on less and better government.
“Demanding that the federal government do its job (not everyone else’s) and do it as well as it can possibly be done.
“Our job is to put our values above political expediency.
“If we do these things – we will quickly see those ideas embraced by an overwhelming majority of Americans; my party will be the majority party, and our country will see another century become the American Century.”

It's a good start. Maybe, by the 2008 elections, the GOP will have gotten itself back together to start winning elections.

Wal-Mart Defeated in Tues Elections

Press Release from
Paul Blank, campaign director of WakeUpWalMart.com.

Last night’s election results also prove that the American people are hungry for change and that companies like Wal-Mart will be held accountable for their policies which have hurt hard-working families and threaten the future of America. Now, we look forward to working with lawmakers to change Wal-Mart, protect American jobs, raise wages and create affordable health care for all.

We can only hope that Wal-Mart will hear the calls for change and will sit down with us, work together, and begin a new chapter that will change Wal-Mart and America for the better.”

Wow! I must have gotten the wrong ballot. The one I had didn't have Wal-Mart on it. Did any of you get to vote for or against Wal-Mart?
You know, I hope the Democrats go after Wal-Mart. If they meet with any success they won't be hurting the executives at Wal-Mart. They'll be hurting the families who depend on Wal-Mart's low prices. People may remember that come the next election.

Dental Visit

Today I had my old filling replace with a new one. The old one had cracked my tooth and my dentist said that there was quite a bit of decay. She said at some point in time I will probably have a root canal done, anywhere from 1 to 10 years from now. I am so not looking forward to that. Now, where is the information book on my dental plan?

The Nation, After the Election

The Republicans got the beating that was predicted. Quite frankly, I think that they probably deserved to lose. The Party leadership was warned long ago that members were not happy with how they running Congress. They should have listened.
Why did the Republicans lose? Opinions were varied but most pundits mentioned spending, immigration, judges and the Iraq war.
The Iraq war was mostly criticized for it's handling, not the fact we were at war. Hey, if you're going to war, go big or stay home. Cut out that stupid PC crap, winning "hearts and minds". If you want to win you have to destroy the enemies first, rebuild later. On immigration, President Bush didn't get his way, so he dropped the whole thing. Congress let him get away with it. They didn't work very hard at getting border security up and no efforts at all in making legal immigration easier or dealing with the illegals currently in the US. In regards to spending, the Republicans spent as if they were Democrats. Republicans should have stood by their promise of fiscal responsibility. When it came to getting judges confirmed, the Senate Republicans just rolled over. It was infuriating to see judges languish because the Republicans didn't have the guts to stand up to the Democrats.
It all comes down to the lack of Republican leadership in the House and Senate. Now that the leadership got a slap upside its head, I hope they'll start looking for real leaders who will defend the principals of the Republican party and stand up to Democrats instead of morphing into them.

Arkansas, After the Elections

Well, the election results were not what I wanted. Given what the political pundits and polls were saying I expected things not to go well for Republicans, but still one hopes. Republicans are rarely elected in Arkansas, but we worked really hard to get our people in office. While I'm disappointed that we did not win I had a good time working for the Party. I've met some truly wonderful people trying to do the best for Arkansas. I particular enjoyed meeting Jim Lagrone. He is a wonderful guy and I appreciated his tireless efforts to change the way the elections are run in Arkansas. I would support him again in any election.
For now, nothing changes for Arkansas. It is still ruled by one party. A party which continues to keep Arkansas one of the poorest states. The Democrat leadership will continue to spend money on themselves and their "friends" while continuing to tax Arkansans into poverty.

President Bush, NW Arkansas Rally

The Republican Rally with President Bush was a blast! It was lots of music, yelling, flag and sign waving. I volunteered to help so I spent most of my time in the back. No much opportunity to get pictures. I really just tried to enjoy the atmosphere.

I was amazed at the size of Air Force One. That plane is huge! The UA Pine Bluff Drums greeted President Bush when he got off the plane.

There were a lot of people! Many were kids. A lot of children weren't in school today. Most everyone either had a digital, phone or video camera.

I told you I was in the back. I've had my opportunity to shake Bush's hand so I didn't mind. Especially, while helping to clean up in the front I heard a very young girl excitingly tell her mother she had shook President Bush's hand.

Another Chapter in Missiouri's Amendment 2

Remember what I said about Missiouri's Amendment 2 being about money into researcher's pockets. That these researchers won't have to really produce anything, they can call their research a failure and still receive money.
From Gateway Pundit

An investigation is looking into the reliability of life science research conducted by a team led by the University of Missouri- Columbia's recognized expert in reproductive biology, the Columbia Tribune reported. The team was led by R. Michael Roberts.

R. Michael Roberts is one of the big advocates for Amendment 2. Yep, he was looking to get some of the taxpayer's money and he wouldn't mind faking research. Hopefully enough publicity has been generated from the Michael Fox brouhaha that Missouri voters will defeat it.

Punch Foley for Negron

This has got to be the best political ad this election year!

NYT, Iraq had a Secret Nuclear Weapons Program!

I'm sorry, did the New York Times put on the front page that Iraq had a nuclear weapons program and was plotting to build an atomic bomb? But, but... You told us that President Bush lied about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. You told us that Saddam Hussein didn't have any nuclear weapons program and that President Bush made a mistake in going to Iraq. Your big hero ,Joe Wilson, told us that Saddam wasn't trying to procure yellow cake. You can't do this to us! This means that BUSH WAS RIGHT! NOOOOOOOOOO!

But in recent weeks, the site has posted some documents that weapons experts say are a danger themselves: detailed accounts of Iraq's secret nuclear research before the 1991 Persian Gulf war. The documents, the experts say, constitute a basic guide to building an atom bomb.

You know, what's really funny, is the NYT is bashing the Bush administration for making these documents available. Why, other nations (Iran) might be able to use them. Yeah, since when has the NYT been so put out by the release of sensitive documents? I thought it was a standard policy of the NYT to release our national secrets.

Charlie Daniels, Decade of Corruption

In the same press conference Jim Lagrone announced that an ethics complaint against Charlie Daniels has been filed. Old Charlie has apparently buying his media with funds out of the Secretary of State office.
Also check out Arkansas Watch

Mike Beebe, Decade of Corruption

Asa Hutchinson held a press conference today in Fayetteville. He went through a "Decade of Corruption" in regards to Mike Beebe's legislative career. He also questioned one of Beebe's financial items. His campaign donated $230,000 to the Democrat Party, which is, according to the Ethics Commission, not legal.

The Dogs at White Rock Mnt., Arkansas

I managed to get some great photos of Trixie and Casey on White Rock Mnt. There is a grand sweeping view of the Ozark hills. In the fall, it's the best place to really see the foliage.


More dogs at Friday Ark and Carnival of the Dogs

Playing with Eli

Wahooo! An exposed tummy! Attaaaack!



More cats at Friday Ark and Carnival of the Cats

Soldier's Response to John Kerry

From LGF


Oh My God! I love our servicemen! God bless you ladies and gents and a huge hug to you all! I just love being an American!

UPDATE:
Power Line has identified the troops.

You just have to check out some of these comments.