Val's Bien

Fayetteville, It was so cold ....

2011-02-03T21:38:00.002-06:00

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

2011-02-02T21:21:00.005-06:00

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

2011-02-01T19:09:00.003-06:00

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

2011-01-01T20:21:00.003-06:00

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

2010-08-19T21:15:00.001-05:00

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

2010-04-15T19:34:00.006-05:00

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

2010-01-13T22:04:00.005-06:00

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

2010-01-13T21:17:00.003-06:00

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

2010-01-13T21:14:00.001-06:00

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.

Fayetteville City Council, Amended HMR Tax

2010-01-04T21:32:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow night, Fayetteville City Council will be voting on referring an amended ordinance to the voters at a special election, possibly in March. The amended ordinance (No.3900) would allow the use of the Parks Hotel, Motel & Restaurant Tax (HMR) to be used for the maintenance of City Parks. Tonight’s Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) had a lively discussion about it. We all approve of the flexibility the amended ordinance would give the Parks Department in using the funds for needed maintenance. Fayetteville has been very good in building more parks and trails and Fayetteville has the best parks and trails in NWA. The added trails and parks have placed a burden on the Park’s maintenance budget and the amended ordinance would help.

There is a flaw in the proposed amended ordinance. Members of PRAB were concerned that it would be possible for the City Council to eliminate Park maintenance from the General Budget and have all of the Park’s Maintenance money come from the HMR. The City Council would do it to help with balancing the General Budget, particularly attractive if that budget was say 2 million dollars in the red. Theoretically the Parks budget could lose over a million dollars and the citizens of Fayetteville would lose the ability to develop and construct current or more parks.

I’m sure the current City Council members would say they wouldn’t do that but there will come a time when a City Council would do it. That’s just the “nature of the beast”. It’s just too big of a temptation to take the money from the Parks budget to keep other General Budget items in the black. I’d like to see some limitations on the ability of the City Council to reduce or eliminate the Park’s Maintenance item from the General Budget. If you are a Fayetteville resident please contact your Alderman or come to the City Council meeting tomorrow, 6:00 PM, City Hall, if this is something that would concern you.

Churches Feeling the Recession

2010-01-03T18:57:00.006-06:00

It really interesting why people are piling all over Rick Warren's Saddleback Church's request for money. I got one from my church and most of the other non-profits I support. They've all been asking for more money because of budget shortfalls. I've seen a lot of requests in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette and on TV for people to help out NWA's non-profits. Strange, no one complained about them asking for money.

I know my church is having to help more people out because of the economy. Heck, even our small groups go out and volunteer at one of the local charities or help out an individual family. I know our local food banks and shelters are serving more people.

Fine, if you don't like the idea of giving money to a church then just shut up and donate to an organization you like. If you don't like an organized religion and especially the big one that is your right. Just don't slam the people who do go to these churches and use it as a focus to help people.

Looking Good, Casey!

2010-01-01T20:52:00.004-06:00

I took this while at Lake Fayetteville. Casey was running around in the snow having a good time. This is a one in a million shot. I just had to share because he is looking so good.

2009, Just Plain Pissed Off

2010-01-01T20:31:00.001-06:00

I don’t remember a year that I’ve ever felt so angry. I don’t remember a year in which I yelled at the radio and TV so much. I swear my co-workers thought I was going bonkers because they’d hear me making pointed comments at apparently no one. They’ve learn to ignore my outbursts.

Never have I thought so little of my fellow Americans. How could they be so dumb to elect this President and these Congressmen to office? How could they be so blind to what is so obvious? The HopieChange was really all SmokenMirrors. We have a President and a Congress determined to destroy America’s wealth and security. President Obama and his fellow Democrats are willing to destroy America and turn it into their ideal Socialistic playground. I can see the dangers out there and it’s so maddening that so many people are oblivious to the coming disasters. It’s like watching a building go up in flames with thousands of people inside and being helpless to stop it. You see the death and destruction that’s going to occur and you are powerless to stop the ones who started the fire and unable to get people to put it out.

It’s been so frustrating to have your own Senators totally ignore the desires of their citizens. They have spit in the eyes of Arkansans and told us to shut up. Their offices have been overwhelmed with people telling them NO! but they just turned a blind eye and did what they desired. We have so much blatant corruption occurring in Washington. So much so they aren’t even ashamed of it any more. The Democrats said they were going to drain the “swamp of Corruption” but they just added more to the sewerage and arrogantly told people to “Shove Off” when confronted.

The stench from Washington is overwhelming and the Media, which should be exposing it, have slipped into bed with the Democrats. The MSM have even gone so far as to mock and abuse those who have been pointing out the corruption and Democrats desire to destroy America...

The elections of 2010 are where I hope that those who are as angry as I will begin to clean out Washington. While many look at the national elections, the Senators and House members, I hope people also look to their state and city legislators. It is time to put Legislators in office that will not look to impoverish people. It is time to have Legislators that will honor and uphold the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. It is time to have Legislators that will honor American’s freedoms. It is time to have people in office with solid Morals. We need to put people in office who aren’t greedy for power and money. If we don’t do it now, America may be lost.

Fayetteville, White Christmas

2009-12-25T16:51:00.007-06:00

A very merry white Christmas. It was so wonderful to wake up to several inches of snow. The sun came out and it was absolutely beautiful. I couldn't waste such a gift. It took a bit of time to get into thermals, boots, coat and hats. I gave the wild birds their Christmas dinner and took Casey out for a walk. Yes! I was the first to walk all over the field. Of course, who would be dumb enough to go walking at 18 degrees with a wind chill of about 10.

Heh! Eli enjoyed the snow from the sunlit window. It'll be sad to see the snow melt. I haven't had many Christmas snows and it does make the day a bit more magical. As for the rest of the day, I've made up the fire and I have a lot of reading to do. Have a Blessed and Happy Christmas.

Veterans Day!

2009-11-11T07:16:00.003-06:00

Thank you to all who served and sacrificed so that we may enjoy the Freedoms we have today. We have a precious gift bestowed upon us for which we are supremely grateful. May God give the American people that believe in the Freedoms these soldiers fought for the strength and courage to fight for those same Freedoms. God bless you for your sacrifice and may He continue to keep those safe who are in harm's way.

God richly and abundantly Bless America!

Springdale, 9/12 Tea Party

2009-09-12T20:17:00.009-05:00

Hundred of thousands of people marched to the U.S. Capital today. A few hundred showed up at the Pontiac Coffee House to watch and participate (in spirit). The rally started with a few speakers one of which was Bernie Skoch.

People were able to watch the progress of the National 9/12 march from a couple of wide screen TVs. People shouted, yelled or clapped when a speaker make a good point. During some of the commercials there was even a chance to win some books.

It would have been really great to go to Washington 9/12 Rally but it was nice to join other people and watch it together.

Fayetteville Millage Tax, Global Warming

2009-09-10T21:02:00.003-05:00

In the NWA Times today the editor (subscription required) wrote that FHS could lead Arkansas' green revolution. The whole point of the article was that one had to vote for the new HS because it would help stop man-made global warming. Yup, Fayetteville needs to build the most expensive HS, live with the state's 2nd highest property tax and build a slush fund for the Fayetteville leadership because it would stop global warming. One should be proud to waste their money on this boondoggle. Just think of all the polar bears that would be saved, the oceans would stop rising and imagine all the floods, hurricanes and forest fires ceasing to exist. As the editor said,

The measure on the ballot Tuesday, if approved, will set a wonderful example locally and around the globe. It is time for us to use our town’s growing commitment to protecting the natural environment as the exclamation point on this worthy project.

Yeah, pony up all your money for the biggest hoax played on mankind. If you vote for the millage you are a really big sucker and I'm coming by your house to sell you a bridge.

Rep Joe Wilson, I'm Sorry!

2009-09-10T20:16:00.005-05:00

I'd like to offer my apologies to Rep Wilson. I know that he called out "you lie" to Pres Obama because of me. Through out Pres Obama's speech, I was constantly yelling "Liar" at the TV and at times I would burst out in song "Liar, Liar Pants on Fire". I guess Rep Wilson picked up on my vibes and inadvertently blurted it out. As way of apology I made a small donation to his campaign. It's nice that Rep Wilson apologized to Pres Obama. I, however, am definitely not going to apologized because President Obama DID Lie, Really Big Time Lied! President Obama needs to apologize to the American people.

Susie Q's Malt Shop, Re-Opening

2009-08-26T21:00:00.003-05:00

I passed by Susie Q's last Saturday looking for lunch. I had specifically planned my day so that I would end up at Susie Q's. I was sooo disappointed when I saw the "Closed" sign. My favorite hamburger joint gone! I don't go to the east side of Rogers that often but when I do I always try to stop at Susie Q's. Thank you Goldie for keeping it open! I'll see if I can stop by this weekend.

Fried Bologna Sandwich?

2009-08-24T21:07:00.005-05:00

There are a few foods that I no longer eat because they were my staples when I was a starving student. They were the cheapest food I could afford and once I started to earn a real salary I swore I'd never eat them again. The list is boxed mac n cheese, Ramen noodles, hot dogs and bologna. Bologna is now being placed on the breakfast menu of a fast food restaurant.

In the southeastern United States, a unique method of preparing bologna has long been a staple on diner menus from West Virginia to Arkansas. “Fried bologna,” actually made by browning bologna on a flat-grill, is often served in a sandwich, scrambled with eggs and cheese for breakfast, or, of course, paired with a biscuit.

Oh Lord, my stomach goes queasy just looking at Hardee's new Fried Bologna Biscuit. I've never considered bologna a "comfort food". It was always the cheapest piece of meat I could afford next to hot dogs. Think it will be a hit? I bet all those health nut do-gooders are having conniption fit.

Sweet and Gentle Trixie, 1993 - 2009

2009-08-21T17:14:00.006-05:00

This afternoon I had the vet put Trixie to sleep. She was in pain even in spite of painkillers. She was having trouble getting up and standing up. I've been thinking about it for weeks but finally made the decision Wednesday. I started doubling up her painkillers, no need to worry if it would kill her. By Thursday evening she was nearly her old self and enjoyed a beautiful evening which I think was made especially for her. I took off early from work today, came home and gave her more painkillers. We relaxed in the backyard until it was close to her appointment with the vet. I took her, along with Casey, to the park and just let her roam until it was time.

Trixie passed away quickly and without pain. Dr Herring was absolutely wonderful. I had taken Casey with me because I wanted him to know what happened to her. His reaction was puzzling. He acted as if she no longer existed. He's as happy as he has always been. As for me I've been crying the whole week and I'll be crying through the weekend. I've already removed her bed and placed a bookcase in it's place so I won't have to see an empty space. I'm having her cremated and placed in a box which will look well on the bookcase.

Trixie was my first dog. I had rescued her when she was about 9 years old. She had the sweetest, gentlest soul. She absolutely adored people and was always willing to be petted. She wasn't much of athletic dog but she was good company on hikes until she got too old. I don't know how I got so lucky to have a wonderful dog like Trixie, but I am so grateful that God gave her to me. Good-bye Trixie, until we meet again in heaven.

Rep John Boozman, Health Bill Town Hall

2009-08-14T21:42:00.006-05:00

I saw bits and pieces of Rep Mike Ross' Town Hall on CNN. It's absolutely amazing the differences between the meetings. Rep Ross' meeting was definitely the more rowdy bunch. I think it's because Rep Boozman and his panel acknowledged what people knew was in Health Bill.

Rep Ross seem to spend a lot of time telling people that what they said they read in the bill wasn't really in it. While Rep Ross argued with people, Rep Boozman was agreeing or sympathizing with the people asking questions or making comments. Most of the time people clapped or laughed at comments and were respectful when some one told their health story. The only time that I saw some one booed is when they said that "at least Obama was trying to get something done".

Rep Boozman and his panel did an excellent job and Rep Boozman selected a great panel to address the audience. The panel consisted of Dr Chris Johnson, Herb Sanderson (AARP), Sylvester Smith (NFIB), Elaine Longer (Longer Investments) and Jacqueline Lobb. Here's Rep Boozman's opening remarks.

Passailaigue, Going For World Record to Launch Lottery

2009-08-10T20:09:00.004-05:00

I didn't see it on the ballet. Did the ballet say that the Arkansas legislature was to set up the Lottery in such a way that it would win the world record for launching a lottery? Did anyone see it? Must have been really fine print. At the Political Animals Club of Northwest Ark Passailaigue said they were set to win a world record. He said it's all about the scholarships. The early start would get more money for scholarships. Well, I'd rather the Legislature set the Lottery up correctly instead going for a medal.

For those who play to score a fast buck, Passailaigue said "Hopefully you win but chances are you won't". Wow, why play at all if you aren't going to win?

Responding to criticisms about the lowest income levels being the one mostly playing the lottery Passailaigue said "that may happen in other states but will not happen in Arkansas"? Yeah? How are you going to prevent that? Force people to show their pay check stub and only those above a certain income can play? This is what I saw in California. People would buy groceries with food stamps and buy lottery tickets with cash.

Did you know about Arkansas' Border Strategy? Yeah, Passailaigue said they were going to "seal off Arkansas' border". He said it was time for other states to start paying us back for the money they took and they had a lot to pay back. Gee, just make it illegal for Arkansans to possess an out-of-state lottery ticket. Have troopers stop people at the border to search for cigarettes, booze and lottery tickets.

Frog Guarding Geocache

2009-07-26T22:57:00.003-05:00

Before a meeting on Saturday I took the opportunity to pick up a few geocaches on Russellville's Bona Dea Trails. What a beautiful spot and the trails are absolutely wonderful. I definitely need to come back. On one of the caches I found a frog guarding it. The frog was extremely accommodating while I retrieve the log. It happily sat on my shoulder until I put it back on the cache. It sure was nice to find a frog instead of the usual spiders and bugs guarding a cache.

Rep John Boozman, NW Arkansas This Weekend

2009-07-26T21:18:00.003-05:00

Rep Boozman spent this weekend speaking in NW Arkansas. He was the guest speaker at the GOP 3rd district committee meeting on Saturday. He also spoke at the Benton/Washington County Ice Cream Social on Sunday. While he made a few comments on current legislation most of his time was spent answering questions from the audience. Regarding the current bills going through Congress he said that the strategy was to 1) delay the bills. The Democrats are rushing through the bills because they don't want people to know what's in them. Which is why 2) people need to be educated about the bills. The Democrats are already censoring efforts to educate the public. Hopefully, Rep Boozman said we will 3) ultimately defeat the bills.

Regarding a question about Rep. Mike Ross, Rep. Boozman said that we needed to contact him and thank him for holding up the Health Bill. I'm sure Rep Ross is going to appreciate a bunch of Republicans thanking him for opposing Pres. Obama. I like Rep Boozman's explanation of the difference between the TARP bill and the Stimulus Bill. TARP he said was focused on failing banks and the ability to get credit. Banks are required to pay back TARP money. The Stimulus bill goes to program spending not to infrastructure. The Stimulus bill doesn't create anything.
One of the audience members spoke on her and her family's experience with Great Britain's medicine. The way she describe their doctor visits reminded me of the medical clinics in Mexico. Imagine, the Democrats are trying to force the nation with the best medical care in the world to one that mirrors a third world nation. Oh yes! Rep Boozman said that he hasn't read the whole Health bill, but is having staff review it and is working with the Republican Study Committee.

Fayetteville, When is Weed Not a Weed?

2009-07-20T21:13:00.004-05:00

Mayor Jordan got the authority to grant exceptions to Fayetteville citizens who opt to have the their lawns deemed as "naturalistic landscapes." It's all part of the sustainability fad that many residents of Fayetteville are following. While there may be a few who seriously cultivate their yard to be "natural" I fear most residents see this as way to skip the upkeep of a yard. Tired of cleaning out the weeds, mowing and trimming the lawn? Get the city to designate your yard as natural. Voilà, no more work! I really hope the City designates those yards that are real true "naturalistic landscapes". These yards do take some work to upkeep and while they don't have the same look as regular lawns they do maintain some order.

The Arkansas Lottery, Disappointment?

2009-07-20T20:32:00.002-05:00

I must admit that I am not happy about the salary Ernie Passailaigue is receiving but I am not surprised that the Lottery Commission would pay it. I also not surprised the Gov. Beebe and House Speaker Robbie Wills are a bit late in speaking out about it. Gov Beebe and Rep Willis were the ones to appoint the members of the Lottery Commission. Let's just say that there are going to be millions of dollars floating around and some legislators and business' are going to get their cut. Passalaigue is quite sure that Arkansans are dumb hicks and expect legislators to deal with them.

"You cannot go back and talk to the average person about this because they will not understand it," Passailaigue told lawmakers. "Hopefully, they've got enough faith and trust and confidence in your abilities because you're elected and you'll come up here and listen to all of this."

Ha! Yeah, like I really trust Gov Beebe and his friends wheeling and dealing in the Capital. This is just the start of the unethical behavior coming from the Lottery Commission. These lotteries are always bedrocks of corruption. I fully expect years of scandals from the lottery. You invite the serpent into the garden, expect to get bitten.

Cap and Tax Funny

2009-07-06T19:30:00.004-05:00

I saw this while I was getting dinner at Sonic. This guy must either be utterly and completely ignorant or he is a total moron. Dude, didn't you get Pres Obama's memo? Coal is bad. Coal is evil. Coal must not be used. The coal industry must be taxed into poverty. Cast out the demon Coal.

TEA Party, Fayetteville, Arkansas

2009-07-04T15:20:00.004-05:00

Hundreds (possible 1,000) showed up at the Washington County Fairgrounds. It was cloudy so it wasn't hot and if you brought a chair you could sit and enjoy yourself. Unfortunately, just before noon, the clouds turned into a thunderstorm and many left, while those who stayed squeezed into a covered shed.

The focus of this rally was more towards getting involved. People were encouraged to sign-up for different organizations. Copies of the Constitution were handed out and there were volunteers on hand to register people to vote. Organizations represented were the Americans for Prosperity, Arkansas Independence Caucus,Secure Arkansas, American Majority and Arkansas Unite.

The key note speaker, Tom Ziglar, admitted that he's never done a political event before. I guess that's why the closest he got to being political was a story about "The wisdom of the Ages" which being summed up in one sentence is "There ain't no free lunch." Ultimately, who is going to be paying for all the stuff the government is going to hand out.

Lepaine Sharp McHenry gave the crowd the red meat. Passionately she spoke about the concerns we have about the programs and taxes Congress and the President are forcing us into. She warned the legislators that if they didn't start listening to the people and stop treating us like we were stupid they would soon be out of a job.

Rep. John Boozman was praised for his vote on Cap and Trade while Rep. Vic Snyder is going to face opposition. Sen. Blanche Lincoln was warned to pay attention the desires of hard working Arkansans.

Rebecca Wales, Smart Girl Politics, was great speaking about the government health care plan Congress and the Pres. has for us. She noted that the government already supplies the health care for our service men/women and veterans. Do we really want that type of health care?

Another TEA Party is being planned for Sept. 12th, to remember 9/11. Considering how fast Congress and the Pres. are sinking the nation I'm sure there will be plenty to protest.

Geocaching.com Web Site Back Up!

2009-07-04T08:17:00.005-05:00

Hooray! Caching tomorrow! Thanks to the guys at Geocaching.com for working hard overnight to bring the site back up. The site is running on generators and it may be awhile before the Fisher building gets back power. Later today I'll write down the names of the caches I going for so that I'll use my Palm instead of my iPhone just in case the site goes down again.

UPDATE:
Jeremy explains.

TEA Party, Fayetteville, Washington County

2009-07-03T20:40:00.004-05:00

I'll be at the TEA Party tomorrow and will be posting stuff from the event(if Blogger doesn't block me again). Tom Ziglar, I've never heard him speak so this should be interesting. There are plenty of activities planned so you do have to stand around for hours listening to speakers.

Event Information

Geocaching.com Web Site Down

2009-07-03T20:08:00.004-05:00

I had planned to spend most of today geocaching but I was unable to get on to the server. After several hours of trying to get on I searched and found that the site had gone down because of a fire. The small fire at Fisher Plaza in Seattle disrupted services to thousands of business worldwide.

A fire at a Seattle building disrupted a server farm that provides service to multiple Web sites - including one that facilitates electronic transactions for tens of thousands of businesses and Microsoft's new search site.

Jeremy Irish has kept cachers posted and they are working hard to restore the web site.

Fortunately, no one was hurt and a whole bunch of tech guys are working to get all the web sites up and going.

So, change of plans, I spent the day looking at sofas. Mine is faded, losing it shape and the cats has shredded the ends. I wasn't very successful. They are making sofas skinner and the ones that were larger were expensive. ($$$$) Also, the colors stink! They mostly dark brown, black or red. Ewww, depressing! I think I may have my old one reupholstered. I'm seriously thinking about doing it myself. Definitely a winter project.

Arkansas, Seatbelt or Else

2009-06-30T21:15:00.003-05:00

Today marks the first time Arkansas law enforcement can pull you over if your not wearing your seatbelt. I think Fayetteville should put on the next ballet an initiative that would make adult seatbelt offenses the lowest law enforcement priority. Then have Alderman Matthew Petty propose to create an Adult Seatbelt Policy Review Panel. The panel would oversee enforcement of the initiative (if passed) making prosecution of adult seatbelt offenses a low priority in the Fayetteville.

Obama, Supporting Dictator Hopeful Manuel Zelaya

2009-06-30T20:04:00.003-05:00

Pres. Obama joined his buddies, Hugo Chavez, Fidel Castro and Daniel Ortega, in condemning the Supreme Court and Congress of Honduras for ousting Pres. Manuel Zelay out of the country. Ex-Pres. Zelay was trying to set himself up as a dictator like his buddies but was stopped.

The generals move came at the unanimous--yes unanimous--behest of a congress outraged by Zelaya's not-particularly-subtle attempts to extend his hold on power indefinitely. It followed a series of clearly unconstitutional moves on Zelaya's part, including his attempt to unilaterally remove the chief of the army, which, according to Honduras's Constitution, can only be done by a congressional super-majority. And congress's request had been seconded by the nation's Supreme Court, which is sworn to uphold a constitution that explicitly makes the act of "inciting, promoting or backing the continuation in power or re-election of the President of the Republic" punishable with the loss of Honduran citizenship.

I tell you it hasn't been easy to find the real story behind Zelaya's departure. Obama's State Run Media hasn't been telling the truth about the situation in Honduras. They are either covering up Pres Obama's complete ignorance about Honduras or more likely covering up Obama's Marxism. While Pres Obama joins with his buddies in claiming that Zelaya was the victim of a military coup, the Hondurans beg to differ. Pres. Obama wants to hide the fact that the military was acting by a court order and that the Congress had asserted itself to protect the constitution.

Finally, I want to remind everyone that this was not a military coup, this was the arrest and destitution of a criminal president, with the help of the military. Proof that it is not a coup, is that as of this moment we already have the Constitutional State of Right re-established, with a new president, and new cabinet. Let us Hondurans be, we have already defenestrated what was causing us such stress, division and unrest, and we will reunite ourselves, to again perform our right of suffrage in 5 months. This is what we want. We ask the international community to take a closer look of our situation, and not allow other states such as Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua and Ecuador, to interfere with what we have chosen. We, the people of Honduras, have chosen: that is Democracy.

Pres. Obama, Bugger Off! Leave the people of Honduras alone!

UPDATE:
Other Good Stories on Honduras
NRO
IBD

Asa Hutchinson, National and State Issues

2009-06-24T20:19:00.005-05:00

Asa Hutchinson received a very warm welcome from the Washington County Republican Women. Asa declared that 2010 would be a banner year for Republicans. He cited the number of Republican candidates running for Legislative offices. He also noted the formation of independent groups such as the TEA Party and the Americans for Prosperity. Asa said the Republicans need to fulfill the role of the loyal opposition. Republicans need to be a voice for our ideas and our principles. We need to contrast ourselves from the opposition and offer our solutions for the problems that face our country and state.
Asa listed 5 issues at the national level that impact our families. Health Care Reform, the Deficit and Debt, the Judiciary, National Security and Illegal Drugs.
Health care reform is necessary and important, he said. The reform needs to be continually adjusted to make sure it was responsive to the individual and meets the needs of the elderly and those struggling in life. It should not be the "one size fits all". Quoting Obama, “If private insurers say that the marketplace provides the best-quality health care, if they tell us that they're offering a good deal, then why is it that the government, which they say can’t run anything, suddenly is going to drive them out of business?” Asa asked does this sound like a president that understands the dynamics of the private sector in America? Asa said "I think not."
In regards to the deficit, Asa said the Republicans need to address it because at 1.8 Trillion dollars it was going to saddle the next generation with a massive amount of debt.
Asa expressed confidence in the Republican members on the Judiciary Committee. He said that Sen. Sessions will ask the tough questions in regards to Judge Sotomayor.
National Security is the most important function of the government. The most important thing we must remember is that it still is a dangerous world. Asa also said that we need to show some support and encouragement to the people of Iran who are risking their lives for reform.
Asa ended with expressing concern about the impact of illegal drugs. He's worried that many states will put drug legalization on the ballet because of the actions of President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder.

Bryce Davis Dog Park

2009-06-09T21:16:00.005-05:00

I am so excited and happy! Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan announced at today's agenda meeting that he is adding a resolution for the City Council to accept a $30,000 donation from Procter and Gamble for a dog park at Bryce Davis Park. Representatives from Procter and Gamble were present to accept the thanks and applause from City Council and audience members.
I know that Connie Edmonston must be absolutely thrilled to finally have a place for the dog park and also have been give the money to build it. Now she's going to be hearing people ask how soon can we get it built.

Fayetteville, Biking Rules

2009-06-09T20:49:00.004-05:00

The good thing that came from Barbara Rhoads biking accident is that many people are now aware of the rules of biking, even the police.

Meanwhile, Fayetteville police now say they wrongly wrote a "failure to yield" ticket to car driver Matsugi Cox, 77, of Fayetteville. Cox's car struck Rhoads as she rode her bicycle across Sycramore.

It's no wonder that most of the public are unaware of biking rules when the police are confused themselves. Well, at least they corrected their mistake. With the popularity of the Scull Creek Trail the City of Fayetteville really needs to get a solid Bike seminar together and present it at any venue they can. I'm sure they can team up with the Bicycle Coalition of the Ozarks.
I'm not much of bicycler myself (too hard on the tushie) but I am particularly courteous around bikers. I give them plenty of room on the road. While at road crossings I may have the right of way but I am willing to give up that right to make sure a biker crosses a road safely. Unfortunately, I hear far too often people complain about all the bikes on the road. It's one of the reasons I don't bike around Fayetteville. Too many people are angry at bikers.

Arkansas' Unholy Trio

2009-05-27T19:16:00.004-05:00

Tuesday, at the Political Animals Club meeting, Lt Gov. Bill Halter remarked that he brought forward the lottery because all his life Arkansas has been at the bottom in regards to income per capita and students graduating from college. He speculated that the lottery would generate scholarships that would lead to more students graduating and voilà, higher salaries.
I don't accept his premise. His neglects several facts into his equation. Arkansas, along with it's low income per capita, is also one of the highest in regards to citizen's tax burden. Arkansas' top rate of 7% puts itself near the top of the country in terms of maximum tax rates. The sales tax itself is above the national average which is difficult to understand in that Arkansas is a low income state.
Why is such a low income state taxed so high? For decades Arkansas has be ruled by one party, the Democrats. The Democrats keep Arkansas taxes high which leads to less money in one's pocket. How can a student afford to go to school when the Democrats keep taking it out of a student's pocket?
Arkansas will be able to achieve a bigger income per capita when people smarten up and replace the "Tax 'em up the Wahzoo" Democrats with Republicans who understand the economic concept of lower taxes leads to job growth and higher incomes.

Democrats, High Taxes and Low Incomes.

New Face, Republican Party of Arkansas

2009-05-26T20:52:00.003-05:00

The Republican Party of Arkansas now has a new website. Boy! It is so much better looking than the old one they had up. The look is very clean without any clutter. Nice colors, easy to see icons and large letters, no need to squint! Nice touch having Doyle Webb on the video introducing the website. They are also using the social media technologies, Twitter, Facebook, flickr, YouTube and even a blog. I have to chuckle when they say they are using the new technologies. In reality they are a few years behind. It nice that they have finally caught up.

Launching a slick new website is nice but time will tell if it's going to be a great website. The biggest problem I had with the old site was that the information was not kept up-to-date. The GOP is going to have to keep on top of keeping the website current. That will mean having some one constantly in touch with the county committees, the legislators and candidates. The state icon with links to the county committees is really great and has a lot of potential. Their success also depends on keeping people connected at all times. It sure would be nice that 5 years from now this website would socially active and flourishing.

Fayetteville, 17th Annual Dogwood Walk

2009-05-16T21:31:00.008-05:00

It didn't rain! However, Gulley Park was really soggy. Of course, Casey took every opportunity to splash through a puddle. The clouds didn't keep people away. Oh Boy! Lots and lots of dogs!
I had a number of conversations about Casey. People were interested Goldens and asked questions about his personality and how hard was he to take care of and groom.

There were quite a few vendors. There are a lot of dog boarding/sitting/day care/ places than I have ever seen in the past. They were handing out lots of goodies. Casey was in doggy heaven. I have a several bags of treats and toys. The cats weren't left out either.

I put a stop to Casey's snacking so he joined forces with a brother. "Psst! You distract her and I'll grab a couple of dog bones. It'll be a 50-50 split."

The Humane Society of the Ozarks did a great job! Everyone enjoyed themselves and I know that everyone went home with a tired-out dog.

Botanical Garden's "Greening of the Garden"

2009-05-14T21:38:00.005-05:00

It was a beautiful night! No rain and plenty of sunshine and the temperature was perfect. It was hard to tell how many people came because everyone was spread out all over the garden. Which was nice because you weren't crowded and bumping into people.

You were able to walk around the garden, admire the flowers while sipping your drink, nibbling the hors d'oeuvres and listen to the music.

I couldn't resist getting this photo. The couple were enjoying the music while bouncing the baby along with it. A few other couples sneaked in a few dances.

The hottest action was around the silent auction tables. The items with the heaviest bidding were the mini vacation packages. I didn't do badly myself. I got a nice dog lovers package (dog food and gift certificate) and a dog grooming certificate.

It is probably safe to say that the party was a great success! Thanks to all the volunteers who gave all of us such a wonderful party. And Thank You God for the perfect weather.

National Cytotechnology Day

2009-05-13T06:31:00.001-05:00

A lot of people might find the job of a cytotechnologist to be a bit boring, isolated and quiet. We spend most of the day glued to a microscope looking through millions of cells. For me it's a challenge, a puzzle, the thrill for the hunt of the enemy. How many lives will I potentially save today? The majority of the time I find pre-cancer cells which are easily treatable. However, once in a blue moon, I see the slide where a woman neglected to get routine pap smears. Cancer! If only, I sigh.

National Cytotechnology Day is celebrated annually on May 13th to honor Dr. Papanicolaou who gave us the Pap smear. This test has reduced the death from cervical cancer over 70% in the U.S. since it was introduced in the late 1940's. This inexpensive test is the most successful cancer screening test in history. Yet, women are still dying from this disease. Of the estimated 4,000 women projected to die in 2009, half will never have had a Pap smear and another 10% haven't had a Pap test in the past 5 years. When I see that a patient hasn't had a Pap smear in over 5 years I consider that patient at a high risk of having a pre-cancerous lesion. I take extra care because I know this patient is probably not going to have another one for years. This is my one chance to detect any pre-cancer.

Cervical cancer can be prevented, but only if you follow through with regular Pap smear examinations. So, have you made your appointment with your gynecologist? Do it today!

Democrats, Taxing Sugar

2009-05-12T20:29:00.004-05:00

Looking for ways to pay for a national health-care system the Democrats are looking at new federal taxes on soda and other sugar drinks. I drink the diet sodas and I'm thinking that the new tax wouldn't affect me.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest, a Washington-based watchdog group that pressures food companies to make healthier products, plans to propose a federal excise tax on soda, certain fruit drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks and ready-to-drink teas. It would not include most diet beverages. Excise taxes are levied on goods and manufacturers typically pass them on to consumers.

What a minute, maybe I'm wrong. When you purchase sodas, be it regular or diet, they are the same price. I willing to bet that the manufacturers will pass on the Soda tax evenly among all drinks they make. Diet soda drinks will be subsidizing some of the tax on the regular soda drinkers. I've already reduced my soda drinking because of the higher cost of corn syrup. (Thanks to the global warming nuts) If the cost of soda goes any higher I'm going to start drinking tea.

Dodging the Rain

2009-05-11T21:30:00.002-05:00

What a weekend! I tried to get as much done outdoors in between the rain. Casey and I went to the Farmer's market. I went to the first session of making a rain barrel by the Beaver Water District. I need to make several more rain barrels. It's absolutely amazing how much rain water comes off the roof. I didn't win the free barrel. Darn! We then spent most time at the market talking with friends. I didn't buy anything but a burrito for lunch.

It still wasn't raining so I decided that we were going to do some geocaching. I had downloaded the Groundspeak’s Geocaching App and I wanted to try it out. Man, this App is sweet. I really like that it gives a list of the caches where you are located. Now I don't have to keep a list of the caches I want to find. I'm also able to log my finds on site. This App won't work for the more remote caches where there is no IPhone coverage. I'll just have to work around it.

One of the caches I found was at the weir dam over the West Fork of White River off of Pump Station Road. With all the rain we've have the water was really pouring over the dam. I got in one more cache before it started to rain. The rest of the weekend was shopping, gardening (in between the showers) and cleaning house.

Generations

2009-05-11T20:28:00.005-05:00

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels gave one hell of a commencement speech Saturday at Butler University. Excerpt:

Which leads me to congratulate you in advance. As a generation, you are off to an excellent start. You have taken the first savvy step on the road to distinction, which is to follow a weak act. I wish I could claim otherwise, but we Baby Boomers are likely to be remembered by history for our numbers, and little else, at least little else that is admirable.
We Boomers were the children that the Second World War was fought for. Parents who had endured both war and the Great Depression devoted themselves sacrificially to ensuring us a better life than they had. We were pampered in ways no children in human history would recognize. With minor exceptions, we have lived in blissfully fortunate times. The numbers of us who perished in plagues, in famine, or in combat were tiny in comparison to previous generations of Americans, to say nothing of humanity elsewhere.
All our lives, it's been all about us. We were the "Me Generation." We wore t-shirts that said "If it feels good, do it." The year of my high school commencement, a hit song featured the immortal lyric "Sha-la-la-la-la-la, live for today." As a group, we have been self-centered, self-absorbed, self-indulgent, and all too often just plain selfish. Our current Baby Boomer President has written two eloquent, erudite books, both about..himself.
As a generation, we did tend to live for today. We have spent more and saved less than any previous Americans. Year after year, regardless which party we picked to lead the country, we ran up deficits that have multiplied the debt you and your children will be paying off your entire working lives. Far more burdensome to you mathematically, we voted ourselves increasing levels of Social Security pensions and Medicare health care benefits, but never summoned the political maturity to put those programs on anything resembling a sound actuarial footing.
In sum, our parents scrimped and saved to provide us a better living standard than theirs; we borrowed and splurged and will leave you a staggering pile of bills to pay. It's been a blast; good luck cleaning up after us.

The Greatest Generation gave way to the Me Generation who is dumping it on the Woe Is Me Generation. I think it's time for people to learn the principles that guided the Greatest Generation. God, Family and Country.

Arkansas' IPhone App to Search Bankrupt America Projects

2009-05-06T21:32:00.005-05:00

Arkansas launched an IPhone app today where one can track state projects bankrolled by the "Bankrupt America" funds. I have recently purchased an IPhone so I decided "what the hell, it's free". Surprisingly it's quite good. You have the ability to look for projects by keyword, location (county) or projects near you. You are also able to mark a particular project you are interested in and track it. If you want further information on the project the app will lead you back to Bankrupt America/Arkansas website. Mmmm, looky here! We're going to spend 12.4 Million dollars on a Arkansas Welcome Center in West Memphis. Really, why couldn't Gov Beebe use this money for that trauma center he wants so badly. He could have saved all that tax revenue that walked out of Arkansas.

Intimidating Arkansas Voters

2009-04-30T20:53:00.003-05:00

The Democrats have found another way to suppress voters. Now you don't have to go to the voting line and threaten people's kneecaps. Presto! You can do it over the Internet.

A Massachusetts homosexual rights group posted online the names, addresses and zip codes of more than 83,000 Arkansans, who signed a petition to place a proposal to bar unmarried cohabiting couples from adopting or fostering children on the November 2008 ballot, the group said Tuesday.

The group has made a really big mistake. Christians, who comprise the majority of the signatures, are used to being persecuted. Heck, this will just make them more determine to make sure that America doesn't slip further into the cesspool of immorality.
Of course, you could petition Homeland Security because these people are basically making threats against an American voter, but Janet Napolitano has already declared war on those people who signed the petition.

Sen. Gilbert Baker, A Step Closer?

2009-04-30T19:31:00.004-05:00

Is Sen. Gilbert Baker employing a publicity stunt that could help him gain more recognition if he chooses to run against Sen. Blanche Lincoln?

A proposed constitutional amendment requiring that union elections be conducted by secret ballots was filed with the attorney general's office on Thursday in an effort chaired by a potential Republican challenger to U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln.
A group calling itself "Save Our Secret Ballot in Arkansas" filed the proposal with Attorney General Dustin McDaniel's office on Thursday. The group, chaired by Republican state Sen. Gilbert Baker of Conway, filed paperwork with the state Ethics Commission on Wednesday.

I suppose it's one way to collect names that could possibly be potential volunteers and donors to his campaign. It could be a strong talking point in his campaign speeches.

Baker said his work on the amendment has nothing to do with his interest in a potential Senate bid. Baker is one of several Republicans considering running against Lincoln, who is seeking a third term. Sen. Kim Hendren of Gravette is the only Republican who has announced he's running.

Gee, I just find it awfully hard to believe him. Ahhh, don't you just love it? More speculation and gossip to chew over.

Twitter, Go To Jail

2009-04-29T21:22:00.003-05:00

Maybe it's not such a good thing to Twitter in court.

Susan Henwood, a mother of four, has been sentenced to 30 days in the Tooele County Jail because she sent a text message about a court hearing she was observing. "She shouldn't be there. She did nothing wrong," her husband, Joshua Henwood, said.

I think people should treat Twitters as they would a phone call while they are in court hearing. Go outside and Twitter.

Twitter, A Flash in The Pan?

2009-04-29T20:36:00.003-05:00

Have you joined the Twitter Craze? It seems like anybody who's anyone is Twittering. You have people who share their Twitter List and those who extol the virtues of Twitter. Fayetteville Alderman Matthew Petty, who Twitters during council meetings, is even trying to require the city to use Twitter. While Twitter has enjoyed a recent explosion in popularity just how many people are really using it? From Reuters,

Data from Nielsen Online, which measures Internet traffic, found that more than 60 percent of Twitter users stopped using the free social networking site a month after joining.

I can understand why people drop out it after awhile, it's extremely time consuming. I wonder about all these people Twittering. Do they have a job? Do they work for employers who don't mind that they spend time Twittering? I've tried to follow a few people and discovered that I just don't have the time. There are just too many other things to do and I just don't have the time to Twitter. It seems other people are feeling the same and Twitter may follow the path of many other fads.

But Martin said a retention rate of 40 percent will limit a site's growth to a 10 percent reach figure over the longer term. "There simply aren't enough new users to make up for defecting ones after a certain point," he said in a statement.

Morning Laugh

2009-04-29T06:20:00.002-05:00

I just love a good laugh in the morning! From the Morning News.

"You may not agree with me," Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan told the City Council during its agenda session Tuesday. "But we had to start somewhere."
"So I hope you will bare with me and work with me," he added in somber, but sure tones. "We've got to work like a team, and work together."

I think going naked is going a bit too far for most people.

Living With Wildlife

2009-04-23T21:05:00.003-05:00

If by chance you are going through Harrison, Arkansas, drop by the Home Depot. It has gotten an unique addition to the store.

A great horned owl now lives in the Harrison store's garden center, looking down on surprised customers shopping for flowers and paving stones.

I always like to see businesses accommodate wildlife. I hate it when development comes through and destroys the wildlife habitat. There were owls near my house but too much development has chased them off. I miss the meadowlarks too.

Rusty Scarborough, the education program coordinator at Delta Rivers Nature Center in Pine Bluff, said the Home Depot would be a good spot for an owl. Rodents are the predominant food source for a great horned owl and stores with garden centers stock bird seed and crop seeds — big draws for rodents.

President Obama, Repeating History

2009-04-22T21:21:00.002-05:00

From Professor Bainbridge

George Santayana famously warned that those who fail to learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat it. Aldous Huxley quipped that the most important thing we learn from history is that we never learn from history.

On Writing

2009-04-22T21:13:00.004-05:00

That God I didn't make the List!

Earth Day Rant, The Rich Are Greener

2009-04-22T21:07:00.003-05:00

Much of the foundation of the environmental movement is based on pure lies, distortions of questionable “science” and out and out fraud by politicians and “scientists”. Americans are depicted as evil for developing new technologies and living the good life. In order to achieve our wealth we raped the Earth and now we must be punished for it. We must strip ourselves of all the conveniences we enjoy because they pollute the Earth and we must live that impoverish life that keeps the Earth pure. President Obama and Congress are set to make sure that the American people achieve that Green Lifestyle. They are set to unleash the mother of all taxes on Americans to combat the fraudulent disaster called global warming. The EPA is set to regulate CO2 under the Clean Air Act. Stop Global Warming, Don’t Breath!

Of course, President Obama and Congress are absolute idiots and their plans to save Earth aren’t going to work. The real problems in the world are largely tied to poverty and the oppression and corruption that facilitate it. John Tierney

In dozens of studies, researchers identified Kuznets curves for a variety of environmental problems. There are exceptions to the trend, especially in countries with inept governments and poor systems of property rights, but in general, richer is eventually greener. As incomes go up, people often focus first on cleaning up their drinking water, and then later on air pollutants like sulfur dioxide.
As their wealth grows, people consume more energy, but they move to more efficient and cleaner sources — from wood to coal and oil, and then to natural gas and nuclear power, progressively emitting less carbon per unit of energy. This global decarbonization trend has been proceeding at a remarkably steady rate since 1850, according to Jesse Ausubel of Rockefeller University and Paul Waggoner of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

Instead of impoverishing the rich in America, President Obama and Congress need to take steps to make the poor rich. If they continue on their current trend more people are going to be impoverished and they aren’t going to care about polluting the earth. They are going to live in cheap houses that aren’t energy efficient, they are going to drive their cars until they fall apart and they aren’t going to buy those more expensive “green” products.

CNN's Roesgen, After the Report

2009-04-16T20:48:00.004-05:00

This is so great! All day I've been hearing about the shameful actions by Susan Roesgen, the CNN reporter who harassed attendees at yesterday's Chicago Tea Party. Instead of accurately reporting on the Tea Party, Roesgen picked people out of the crowd to confront and argue with, before signing off her report by labeling the tea party movement as "anti-government", "anti-CNN", "highly promoted by the right wing conservative network, FOX" and "not family viewing." The Founding Bloggers were there and shoot footage of what happened after the CNN camera was turned off.
These people can no longer be considered journalists. These people are activists out to spread the socialist propaganda and to destroy any one or anything that stands it the way of establishing America as a socialist country. From Drudge

FOX RATINGS SURGE ON PROTEST COVERAGE
8-11 PM ET

FOXNEWS 3,390,000
MSNBC 1,210,000
CNN 1,070,000
CNN HEADLINE 909,000

FOXNEWS O'REILLY 3,980,000
FOXNEWS HANNITY 3,239,000
FOXNEWS GRETA 2,947,000
FOXNEWS BECK 2,740,000
FOXNEWS BAIER 2,401,000
FOXNEWS SHEP 2,185,000
COMEDY DAILY SHOW 1,777,000
MSNBC OLBERMANN 1,499,000
COMEDY COLBERT 1,446,000
CNNHN GRACE 1,336,000
CNN KING 1,292,000
MSNBC MADDOW 1,149,000
CNN COOPER 1,021,000

Susan Roesgen revealed the soul of CNN, but guess who America is watching.

Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, Fayetteville Tea Party

2009-04-15T23:25:00.002-05:00

Absolutely Wonderful Speaker!

Rolf Wilkin, Fayetteville Tea Party

2009-04-15T22:32:00.005-05:00

You remember Rolf? The pizza guy who took on Gov. Beebe and won.

Tea Party Fayetteville, WOW!

2009-04-15T21:10:00.008-05:00

Those of you who couldn't drag yourself out to the Tea Party at the Town Center in Fayetteville need to slap yourself across the face, several times. This was a historic day and you missed a fantastic event!

I got there early and there were already several hundred by my count. (Yes, I can count that high!) As time progressed the crowd got bigger. More people stated arriving after 5 PM. Those hardworking people who came after work.

I turned around after a speaker finished and WOW!
People had filled in the courtyard and in some of the stairways and even a few across the street on the Square. They were saying that about a Thousand people had come out. It's difficult to count because the Square has so many nooks and crannies.

The MSM, Congress and the President may just want to write this whole movement off, but they do so at their peril. The people here weren't Democrats and Republicans they were coming together as Americans. Americans that were sick and tired of an unresponsive, overspending, wasteful government. The biggest frustration I heard was people trying to contact their Congressmen and being given the brush off. People were no longer going to be ignored.

Nearly every speaker spoke about doing the next step. Yes, it's great that people were at the Tea Party, but they needed to do more. Everyone was encouraged to join other groups to change the government from the Congress to city governments. People were encourage to action, do something, anything. Nothing was going to change in Washington unless they did something.

Laurie and the Tea Party Committee did an absolutely wonderful job! Everything went smoothly and there were no disruptions. The speakers were not elected officials even though there a few of the state representatives and Washington Country JP's present. I have a few videos that I hope to get up soon. They need a little bit of editing.

UPDATE: Little Rock pictures!

I'm Baaack and Ready for the Tea Party!

2009-04-15T06:09:00.001-05:00

Blogger has set me free and I am ready to go! I will be at the Tea Party in Fayetteville. I'm planning to be there early taking pictures and videos. A very special THANK YOU to David Kincaid for offering the use of The Arkansas Project in case I was still down. By the way, there is a nice overview of the Tea Party by Glenn Reynolds in the Wall Street Journal today for those who want to know what the heck it's all about.

I'm going to go to the Sonny Rollins concert after the Party, so I'll be posting very late tonight. I'm wearing my Tea Party T-Shirt to work and I have my sign and canned goods in the truck. I am so ready! How about you?

NW Arkansas Tea Party, Fayetteville

2009-04-13T20:01:00.003-05:00

America is getting ready to get really Tea-ed off April 15th. NW Arkansas has two opportunities to let Washington know that we intend to end the tyranny of the big spending politicians. You still have a couple of days to make your signs. Laurie has sent out this press release for Fayetteville.

Subject: Tea Party Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas
For Immediate Release

The Fayetteville Arkansas Tax Day Tea Party citizens will be assembling in Downtown Fayetteville around the Fayetteville Square and Town Center plaza on April 15th at 4:00- 7:00 p.m.
The Fayetteville Arkansas Tax Day Tea Party is an informal demonstration organized of, by and for citizens who are no longer willing to tolerate an irresponsible, unresponsive government, Republican and Democrat alike. They do not agree with any form of government that continues to rapidly encroach on individual liberties while creating enormous and financially bloated government programs that are amassing crippling economic burdens for America’s future generations. Let us be clear in that we are not Anti-government, to the contrary WE are the government, as is stated in our founding documents by those who founded this nation in liberty.
The gathering is intended to send a firm and respectful statement: ENOUGH! Our mission is to unite the state of Arkansas district by district, so that we can affirm our state Constitution, confirm our sovereignty as a state, and enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Then to extend this sentiment state by state, to defend our national Constitution and our God given liberties. We will encourage attendees to become informed and significantly engaged so that they can defend and protect their individual rights, using the rule of law clearly set forth in our sacred Constitution.
Participants will depart with an informational sheet on how to stay involved united and determined in unbending resolve to effect the needed changes and recommitment to our founding documents.
There will be citizen speakers, patriotic music, voter registration tables and a canned food drive. Everyone is asked to bring some canned foods to help those people and families in need.

Elected officials from any political party are invited and welcome to attend. However, this is not intended as a forum for politicians to speak. Citizens of varied backgrounds who are organizing this informal protest of ongoing governmental policies ask:

That everyone attending please maintain an underlying spirit of civility and respect. We want a peaceful, unifying demonstration.

That anyone displaying signs please ensure they are not threatening or vulgar and that they focus on the issue at hand, overburdening tax debt of future generations caused by the out of control spending and our freedoms and liberties being usurped.

That everyone please clean-up after themselves and others when they see debris or trash. Downtown Fayetteville is a beautiful treasure and we want to make sure we leave it exactly as we find it.

Tax Day Tea Party Events are being held across the nation in 2,000 U.S. cities, at least 36 of which are in Arkansas. To be added to the Fayetteville Arkansas Tax Day Tea Party update/info list please email Laurie Masterson at laurie@mtconstruction.com

The Tea Party at Rogers will be from 530 to 730PM at the Frisco Stage. They don't have a Facebook Group but email sjohn0327@gmail.com for more information.

Governor Sanford, No More Debt

2009-04-09T21:03:00.003-05:00

South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford is pushing back the tax and spend fever that is running through Washington. From his press release,

Governor Mark Sanford will be featured in a new television ad released tomorrow, the purpose of which is to educate South Carolinians/(AMERICANS) on the need for government to live within its means, not go further into debt,

Preach it, Gov.!

Casey and Oreo

2009-04-08T21:40:00.004-05:00

Oreo is on vacation again and I caught up with him today at the Westwood Gardens. As you can see I am ready to chow down on some delicious ribs. Mmmm, I can just taste Penquin Ed's Bar-B-Que sauce and the nice crunch of those rib bones. Oh great! I'm slobbering over the tablecloth. I was so disappointed that I didn't win a prize last year. I really, really hope I win this year. Heck, even if I don't win this year, Valerie is still going to have to pick up some ribs when she goes to enter the contest. I'll leave a little gift on the bed if she doesn't.

Fayetteville Forward, Saturday

2009-04-08T21:22:00.001-05:00

Saturday’s sessions were definitely better than the previous sessions. I didn’t have to walk out on this. The day started with a breakdown of the topics that people felt were important to them, something they had placed on their “dream tree”. The topics were eco-tourism, public education, green economy, creative economy, history heritage, alternative transportation, media communication, no growth economy, accessible health and economic incentives.
Thank you, Eva Madison and Rick Stroud, for leading the economic incentive group This group was probably the largest of groups and there were a good number of business leaders present. In the morning session the group just threw out ideas and there was a general discussion of the state of the business community in Fayetteville. The group narrowed its discussion to 3 items. 1) What infrastructure does Fayetteville have in place 2) What sources of Funding are available 3) What kind of businesses do we want to go after?

The afternoon session focused on the 3 items that was developed in the morning. But first, we focused on the concept of do we really want growth? No, I am not joking. There was a morning presentation which explored the concept of no more businesses and no more people. The one thing these sessions have produced was a gigantic “I Want” list from a majority of the participants. How in the world do these people think they are going to get their “Christmas List”? Do they think they’ll just magically appear? No! All the stuff that people want depends on sales and property taxes to fund them. More people and businesses mean that more taxes can be collected. Oh goody! That means there is money available to fund the “I Want” list. So, do we want economic growth? HELL, YES!

Any way, now that we got that bit of stupidity out of the way, let’s get to the concrete suggestions from the group. The group decided it was good to expand existing businesses like the Green Valley and the UA Genesis Technology and try to recruit medical, pharmaceutical and a non-profit’s headquarters. It was suggested that a citizen’s group be formed to help developers with taking their projects through the city’s onerous development review process. The idea is to streamline the process and make it quicker. The group finished with the suggestion to give the Mayor a $5 million dollar quick action closing fund.

The ideas, suggestions and comments from this group were very informative. I really think the Mayor needs to tap into this group. If you can get this group working together more often I believe Fayetteville could really see some solid economic growth. Some of the discussion was filmed and I recommend that you view it once it becomes available. I'll link it if it's possible.

Fayetteville Forward

2009-04-03T17:04:00.003-05:00

It didn't feel like it was a group of people coming together to brainstorm about getting businesses to come to Fayetteville. It was more like one of those personal growth seminars which ask that you get in touch with yourself, your desires and feelings. The terms flung around were dream, imagine, care about, and envision. The big question was what did you what to have a high quality of life in Fayetteville?

I felt like I was in either a psychiatric self-esteem group or in a middle of a mystic "share and care" exercise. I've been in these types of seminars before and I've hated every minute of it. I'm not the type to do those warm, fuzzy, touchy, feely exercises. What I really want to know is; What The Heck Does This Have To Do With Getting Businesses Located In Fayetteville?
What people were presenting was big giant Dear Santa Christmas Wish List. They were like petulant children demanding that they be given presents. I want! I want! Waaah! Do they really expect businesses moving in to Fayetteville to provide them with their Wish List? What the seminar was focusing on was the demands of the citizens of Fayetteville rather than the needs of a potential employer. The demands weren't new either. If you've been to any of Fayetteville's "Vision Quests" you would be hearing the same old thing. The people at the seminar presented nothing new.

The most disturbing desire was that Fayetteville be a "Green City". That it have a reputation of being a sustainable city. It was implied that the environment had a bigger priority in the city than anything else. If I was an employer I heard that Fayetteville, in order to achieve it's "Greenness", will have policies, regulations, guidelines, fees and fines that ensure that any company operating in Fayetteville achieve "sustainability". I would see a big chuck of my profit down the tubes trying to obtain Fayetteville's "sustainability". Why aren't they finding ways to reward companies locating to Fayetteville. These are our stars. They should be treated like dignitaries. They are the ones that will bring more money into the city. With that money the city could begin to fulfill some of the desires of the citizens.
There's another seminar on Saturday. Hopefully it will answer my question. Why have this seminar? I don't want to feel like I'm in a middle of hippie commune with the people holding candles, singing Kum By Ya and eating vegetable quiche. If that's what they are going to do I'm ditching out for the afternoon.

The 2009 Tea Party Map

2009-04-01T21:16:00.003-05:00

Sometimes the visual says it all. Play with the map here.

The Queen's iPod

2009-04-01T20:55:00.003-05:00

Surely the news that Pres Obama gave the Queen of England an iPod as a gift was an April's Fools Joke. Nope! He really did give one to her. I wonder if he gave her the correct electrical plug for it. Anyway, Pres Obama did save himself from total disgrace by also giving her a "rare songbook signed by Richard Rodgers".

The Geithner Tax Break Act

2009-04-01T20:27:00.003-05:00

I think one of our own Representatives should introduce this in our legislature.

Rep. Dockham's bill would allow North Carolinians who owe $50,000 or less in back taxes on their state income tax to also avoid a penalty fine. "If he got that benefit, I think the average citizen should get the same courtesy," Dockham said.

Pres Obama is always whining about things being fair and equal. What could be more fair than ordinary citizens getting the same breaks politicians receive.

Smuggling

2009-03-31T21:21:00.004-05:00

The new tax on cigarettes have Arkansans driving to neighboring states to purchase their cigarettes. Why not? Missouri is just a short trip up and it has one of the lowest state cigarette tax in the country. Tomorrow the federal government will be raising its cigarette tax by 62 cents per pack across the country. Definitely an incentive to drive to Missouri. Arkansans may legally possess one carton plus one pack of cigarettes that don't have an Arkansas cigarette tax anything more than that is a crime, a Class C felony.
Well, Arkansans need to look on the bright side. Consider Spokane, Washington residents. They are reduced to smuggling dishwater-detergent.

The quest for squeaky-clean dishes has turned some law-abiding people in Spokane into dishwater-detergent smugglers. They are bringing Cascade or Electrasol in from out of state because the eco-friendly varieties required under Washington state law don't work as well.

The environmentally safe detergents just aren't getting the job done. It really is a pain to put dirty dishes in the dishwasher and have them come out dirty. What is particularly disturbing is the fact that this ban may go nation wide. The detergents that work may be banned. What's the point in having a dishwasher when you can't by soap that will work? Then there is the unintended consequences that seems to follow the eco-friendly conversions.

For his part, Beck has taken to washing his dishes on his machine's pots-and-pans cycle, which takes longer and uses five gallons more water. Beck wonders if that isn't as tough on the environment as phosphates. "How much is this really costing us?" Beck said. "Aren't we transferring the environmental consequences to something else?"

Yup, we are so good at creating another bigger problem when trying to solve the first. I wonder if anyone has considered that these eco-friendly soaps failing to clean dishes may lead to an epidemic?

American Tea Party Anthem

2009-03-24T21:43:00.003-05:00

Yup! The Tea Party Revolution now has it's own song!

Tax Day Tea Party in NW Arkansas

2009-03-24T21:28:00.006-05:00

The Tea Party Revelution will be brewing here in NW Arkansas. People fed up with the out-of-control government spending can join thousands in a nationwide tea party on April 15th. Tea Parties are being organized in Rogers, Springdale and Fayetteville.

City: Fayetteville
When: April 15, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: Fayetteville Town Square
Contact: EMAIL
Facebook Group: Coming Soon!

City: Rogers
When: April 15, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Where: Downtown Rogers, Frisco Stage
Contact: EMAIL
Facebook Group: Coming Soon

City: Springdale ~ NW Arkansas
When: April 15, time TBA
Where: TBA
Contact: EMAIL
Phone: 817.757.3944
Facebook Group: CLICK HERE

Keep track of the Arkansas Tea Parties here!

Sen Blanche Lincoln, Hiding Obama in the Closet

2009-03-24T20:59:00.007-05:00

Beeep! Beeeep! Beeep! That's the sound Sen Blanche Lincoln makes as she backs away from President Obama. An AP reports that, with her seeking another term, she is making sure that Arkansans know she disagrees with some of Pres Obama's proposals. She's trying to walk the very fine line of trying to keep the Arkansas conservative vote while voting for her liberal ideas.

I think President Obama has taken some good steps. I think his budget, although I disagreed with it in places and have been very vocal about that, I think it's also a very realistic budget

Now isn't that a fine dance. On the one hand you hear "disagree" which perks up your ears but on the other hand it's a very realistic budget. I'd be interested in knowing what she disagrees with in the budget.
During the campaign she going to say she's against Card Check, taxing employer provide health care and global warming's Cap and Trade. Once she's elected she will be free to vote for them and join Pres Obama as he tries to turn America into a socialist country.

Botanical Garden, Replant NW Arkansas

2009-03-21T21:03:00.005-05:00

I and a good number of people ignored the rain to attend the replanting program at the Botanical Garden. I'm sure a lot of the people came for the free tree. Most of the trees were oaks but Walt Eilers picked out a really nice dogwood for me. It'll replace a red bud whose top was broken off.

There were a number of tables out with pamphlets on planting and pruning trees. You had an opportunity get to your soil analyzed and there were little workshops which were great because you had an opportunity to ask the experts.

I cornered Greg Howe, Fayetteville's Urban Forester, and talked to him about my elm tree. He outlined the pruning I was going to have to do for the next 4 or 5 years. This year there is nothing more that I can do, but next spring I may need to fertilize the tree. I'll probably pick his brain again next spring. I'm really putting an effort in the tree because this neighborhood has very few mature trees. It also important to the birds and few squirrels that live close by.

It was really great for the Botanical Garden to have this free event. I think they need to repeat it for several years because NW Arkansas is still going to be recovering. They definitely need to do it next year because people are still removing debris and assessing what they need.

New Boat Fees on Lake Fayetteville

2009-03-21T20:27:00.002-05:00

On my walks around Lake Fayetteville I've always noted that there were few boaters on such a beautiful lake. It's just really odd that a lake in middle of the city gets so little boat traffic. I guess the current $6 day fee was just too much for most people.

"Every year people have complained since we changed the fees," Connie Edmonston, director of Fayetteville Parks and Recreation, told the council. The reduced costs for kayaks, canoes and others gliding along the water without a boat engine is expected to encourage more users, she added.

Maybe that will change now the the City Council has reduced the fees. The new fee for non-motorized boats will be $3 a day or $20 for a seasonal pass. If you are a canoe or kayak enthusiast the seasonal pass is a really great deal. The pass goes with the person not the boat which will be an advantage for those who have multiple boats. Maybe we'll start seeing more boats on the lake.

I Want ...

2009-03-18T21:37:00.003-05:00

There are a lot of things that I would like to have. I won't bore you with a list because you probably have one similar to it. It's nice to have this kind of list because occasionally you may get something from it, but not before your need list is satisfied. I think Mayor Jordan needs to be reminded that needs are to be taken care of first before we start looking at wants.

Mayor Lioneld Jordan has a dream: universal Internet access throughout the city of Fayetteville.

Mayor Jordan has often talked about these needs. The City of Fayetteville currently has a hiring freeze and the employees last year got a bonus instead of a pay raise. We need more police and fireman in addition to their equipment. Mayor Jordan has chaired the Street Committee and there is always moaning about the lack of money. I'm sure every City Department has a list of needs that are more important than having Internet access. I think the Mayor Jordan should look to scale down his dream, maybe have Internet access at City Hall and the Town Center.

Washington County Republicans Welcome New State Chairman Doyle Webb

2009-03-17T21:36:00.004-05:00

The new Chairman for the Arkansas Republican Party, Doyle Webb, was the guest speaker at the Washington County Republican Committee(WCRC) meeting. I've never met him before but he sure sounds really laid back and low keyed. He said, based on the calls he's been getting, there was a tremendous enthusiasm for the Republican Party. His intent was to grow the Arkansas GOP at the grassroots level. Sigh, they always say that. He remarked that the GOP at the state and national level has done a poor job of defining who we are. I would add that the GOP has done a poor job of separating itself from the Democrat Party. The WCRC also has a new chairman, Jim Reavis. The new chairs are going to have to work really hard if they intend to get any pickups in the Legislature and the State offices.
Commenting on Sen. Blanche Lincoln, Doyle said that she will vote no on the Card Check but once re-elected she will vote yes when it's introduced again.

Rush to Failure

2009-03-12T21:05:00.004-05:00

The DNC has picked a winner for their Rush Limbaugh billboard contest. Oh Boy, what a mistake! President Obama, you really need to get control of your boys. They're making you look like an idiot. Some Republican group needs to rent a billboard near this one or take this one after the rental agreement runs out and put on it Obama smoking his cigarette. The billboard needs to say "but that's what they got".

UPDATE:
From Ed Morrissey

The Price of Gifts

2009-03-12T20:47:00.004-05:00

The problem with trying to write sarcastically is some one other than the intended victim may be offended. Unfortunately, John Brummett felt that my “Shameful” comment was directed at him when I was intent on ridiculing a certain Democrat blogger. John’s tale shows the silliness of coloring State Sen. Gilbert Baker as a corrupt politician based on a few presents of plants and cookies. A gift can be such a simple act, but for politicians and reporters it’s a potential bomb. Sen. Baker, if he intends to challenge Sen. Lincoln, will be attacked by the Democrats for receiving gifts. He should prepare for it.

Former President George H.W. Bush to Speak at University of Arkansas

2009-03-11T21:22:00.006-05:00

The University of Arkansas announced today the President George H W Bush will be speaking on the campus as part of the university's Distinguished Lecture Series.

George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st president of the United States, will visit the University of Arkansas on Monday, April 6, as part of the university’s Distinguished Lecture Series. He will speak at 8 p.m. in Barnhill Arena. The event is free and open to the public. No tickets are required and seating is on a first come, first-seated basis.

I've marked my calender and I'm definitely going to attend!

Arkansas' 2010 Senate Race

2009-03-11T21:18:00.000-05:00

I was hoping that there would have a few more months before I'd have to hear about another election. But, no! There is already serious debate about Arkansas' 2010 election. Will Sen. Blanche Lincoln keep her seat?

Roll Call discussed Sen. Cornyn's speech to CPAC. Access to the article too rich for me but here is Sen Cornyn's speech.

And we may even have some unexpected opportunities in places like New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Arkansas, Colorado, Nevada, and yes, even California.

Anyhoo, rumors are flying across Arkansas on who is going to step forward to challenge Sen. Lincoln. Already the Democrats are starting to attack those they think may be possible challengers. A poster at Daily Kos, Senate Guru, is one of the first to engaged in a smear campaign against Republicans in Arkansas. Interestingly, it seems that President Bush is going to be on the 2010 ballet.

Two of the four mentioned possible recruits are guaranteed to turn AR-Sen, in no small part, into a referendum on George W. Bush more than on President Obama or Senator Lincoln.

First up on Senate Guru's bashmobile is Tim Griffin who's biggest sin is that he is Karl Rove protege. Then there's the accusation that he's racist. That'll be nice to sling around.

Little Rock banker French Hill is next and ,get this, he's bad because his name reminds people of France. I don't get it either. I guess the Democrats believe that France is our enemy or something.

State Sen. Gilbert Baker gets a good bashing. It seems he's a loyal friend even to one that does not deserve it. Gee, guess who's a loyal friend to terrorist Bill Ayers, a "I hate America" pastor and a whole host of political friends that have trouble paying their taxes. Oh yeah, our very own President Obama. Senate Guru then delves into the Baker's torrid relationship with former UCA President Lu Hardin.

The credibility of the allegations (particularly as a possible quid pro quo) were furthered when it was revealed that UCA President Lu Hardin used money from his discretionary fund to buy gifts for Baker.

The Arkansas Blog thoughtfully provided a few of those outrageous gifts.

Plant for Sen. Gilbert Baker in sympathy of the death of his father-in-law: $82.22, -Favors for Gilbert Baker/John Brummett luncheon: $56.20

The Arkansas Times own John Brummett accepted a gift from Hardin? Shameful!

An interesting addition is Roger's Mayor Steve Womack.

When the Mexican consulate in Arkansas wanted to discuss the issue with Womack, Womack gave the consulate the cold shoulder:

Oh the inhumanity! Mayor Womack doing all he can to protect Roger's citizens from the violence of gang members who are here illegally. He should be ignoring the illegal immigration violence like President Obama is on the southern borders.

I'm sure there are going to be more rumors of possible candidates. Once thing is for sure, Democrats are going to be spending a lot of money in this state to keep Lincoln in her seat. Any one who plans to challenge Lincoln must be prepared for the Democrats to fight dirty and nasty. They are going to have to expect that the news media in Arkansas is going to be full partners with the Democrats in making sure any Republican candidate is thoroughly trashed.

This Too Will Pass

2009-03-10T20:53:00.004-05:00

For politicians, usually the wind comes out the other end!

A simple 'aye' or 'nay' on the motion would have been sufficient!

Point of Odor!

The Council will now come to odor.

You want 'em to cut taxes but instead they cut the cheese.

Gas Tax!

That was probably the most intelligent thing I have heard at a Tontitown City Council meeting.

I wonder what the carbon footprint on that was?

Stop global warming!

Dang! What I want to know was where the hell that microphone was placed!

(h/t Drudge)

Card Check or Get Wal-Mart

2009-03-10T20:25:00.005-05:00

Wal-Mart's stock was downgraded by a Citigroup analyst on news that the EFCA/card check would be introduced today. If passed the bill is seen to be particularly harmful to Wal-Mart. It is anticipated to dramatically increase labor costs which in turn will be passed onto consumers.

"We believe that WMT would be the primary target if EFCA/card check were to be passed," analyst Deborah Weinswig wrote in a note to clients. If the unions are successful, the company would have to concede higher wages for more seasoned employees, increase employee benefits significantly, and would experience diminished workforce flexibility, the analyst said.

If it passes, all of us poor working folk who shop at Wal-Mart can thank Senators Mark Pryor and Blanche Lincoln. Yup, just when people are struggling in a bad economy the Democrats just have to make sure that you suffer even more.

Cuteness in Arkansas

2009-03-08T21:31:00.004-05:00

Awww, they are soooo cute!

Opps! Link fixed.

My Cleanup is Complete

2009-03-08T20:49:00.003-05:00

It's finished and I hurt, hurt! Toby and Eli have lost their "hills" for their King of the Mountain game. I finished sawing up the tree limbs and placed them out front, no more mounds of debris. I do have a nice pile of firewood. I've gotten quite handy with the chainsaw, another skill to add to my repertoire. Now it's on to the damages, which have been minor, but will probably take another weekend. Another nice weekend wasted, I want to have some fun!

It Looks Like ...

2009-03-05T20:33:00.001-06:00

Now I know what a Trillion dollars looks like. Sigh, I'd settle for the Million dollar pile!

AFL-CIO; We Own Lincoln, Pryor and Landrieu

2009-03-04T21:08:00.004-06:00

Greg Sargent is reporting that the AFL-CIO is saying that they have the support of three key Senators, Blanche Lincoln, Mark Pryor, and Mary Landrieu.

On the call today, a reporter asked Samuel: “Are you confident that you have Lincoln and Pryor?”
“Yes, we’re confident,” Samuel replied. Later in the call Samuel was asked the same about Landrieu, and he again replied Yes.

Hmm, sounds like they are very certain they have Sens. Lincoln and Pryor sewn up. Given all the dancing around the issue the Senators have been doing it's not really that big of a susprise. I guess Sen. Lincoln must owe somebody in the AFL-CIO big time to endanger her seat by supporting the unpopular Employee Free Choice Act.

Arkansas Hits Smokers Again

2009-03-04T20:49:00.001-06:00

Terry Potter is going to have to add another item to his Missouri shopping list. Let's see, we have booze, cigarettes and cigarette lighters. Boy, all those mini marts in NW Arkansas are going to be losing quite a bit of business.

"If cigarette smuggling becomes a problem, then we would step up, at the direction of our director," said Capt. Lance King, with Troop L of the Arkansas State Police in Springdale.

Yup, we're going to let those vans of illegals go and forget about the speeders and drunk drivers. We're going after those cars with smoke coming out the windows.

Dickson Street, No Historical District

2009-03-03T21:27:00.004-06:00

I think the commissioner's argument about establishing a historic district on Dickson says it all.

Commissioners argue that what they're trying to preserve is Dickson Street's personality.

Note, that there isn't anything at all about saving any particular building because of it's historical significance. I recall that Karen Minkel said that there was not a building on Dickson that would considered to be of any historical significance.

"We don't need another layer of government telling us what we can and can't do," Jim Huson, owner of Doe's Eat Place on West Dickson Street, said flatly to the Fayetteville Historic Commission and the roughly 50 people gathered at the UARK Ballroom Monday night. "I don't really want a bunch of self-appointed people, that suddenly wants to have a cause, to tell me what I can and can't do with property that I own."

We should try to save buildings that truly have some historical significance but to try to regulate buildings because you don't want change the ambiance is another thing. Dickson street is always changing. Stores and restaurants come and go. It's utterly ridiculous to saddle potential owners with a bunch of additional restrictions. Who would want to buy property on Dickson? Fayetteville continues to live up to it's reputation of business unfriendly.

Interestingly, the Walton Arts Center is conspicuously left out of the proposed district. I bet the Commission knew that they were going to ruffle feathers and they didn't want to ruffle the Arts Center because they would just leave Fayetteville.

The Wal-Mart Layoffs

2009-02-10T20:43:00.003-06:00

It's an interesting coincidence that Wal-Mart cuts a large number of jobs just as Pres Obama gets his Porkulus Bill passed. Maybe it's not, Wal-Mart probably knows that this Bacon Bill isn't going to help the economy and they are preparing for a deepening recession.
It's probably shaking up NW Arkansas mayors who have always relied on Wal-Mart tempering the threat of a recession in NW Arkansas. Everyone probably sighed with relief on the news that Wal-Mart reported a sales gain in January. I sure would like to know what Wal-Mart Chief Executive Mike Duke thinks about the Bacon Bill and what he thinks people should be doing to survive it's implementation.

Gov. Jindal, Washington County Republican's Lincoln Day Dinner

2009-02-09T21:04:00.002-06:00

The Washington County Republicans had a very successful dinner. It looked like they had pretty much sold all the tickets. I went to the reception and ,glory be, there was actually food, drinks and tables to sit around. I get so tired of those receptions where you stand and wait for your turn with the photographer.

Gov. Jindal started out by saying he wasn’t going to give a political speech. He suggested that after 2 years of political campaigning those that wanted one should seek professional help.

He did comment on the Republican Party. The country in 2006 fired the Republican majority and with just cause he said. The country didn’t stop being conservative, the Republican Party did (Big Applause!). Gov Jindal offered that we shouldn’t concentrate on fixing the Republican Party; rather, we should concentrate more on fixing the country. I’m assuming he means that we should be applying the Republican principles to dealing with our problems. We should remember to focus outward rather than bicker and complain among ourselves.

Most of his speech dealt with an issue that is important to him as Governor of Louisiana, the focused effort of protecting children from predators. If you want a state where your child is safest, move to Louisiana and if you’re a child predator stay out of Louisiana. They aren’t kidding about keeping kids safe.

Gov. Jindal ended by describing the beauty and promise of America. He noted we have a great economic and political system with a superior military; however, America’s greatness is our culture. There is respect for the rule of law, we share a common view in the dignity of all mankind as God’s creation and we are people who care for one another.

I can see why people are looking at Gov Jindal as running for President. Gov Jindal does understand the vision and dream of America and he does articulate it well. He’s very concerned about the very basic problems that people are dealing with and based on the stories he tells he understands them. He kept returning to the fact that we needed a foundation where people need to share a common commitment to doing the right thing. I like what I’ve seen and I will definitely be keeping an eye on what he does in Louisiana.

“America is the light of the world” he said. “It’s time for the Left to recognize and admit it. The American dream is the hope of free people across the planet.”

Cupid Missed!

2009-02-09T16:15:00.002-06:00

The weirdest thing happened as I was getting ready to leave for the Washington County Re publican's Lincoln Day Dinner, Saturday night. I was walking out of the back door through the garage to my truck (sitting outside the garage). I stopped walking because I saw something whizz by me and thunk, hit something on my left side. I looked down and saw the arrow. I was almost hit by an arrow! Holy Crap! Shocked and incredulous at what I saw I called the police. They responded pretty quickly and was just as mystified as I was.

There is an abandoned house and field just to the right of my home. Some one was probably practicing and really, really missed their target. They hit the inside of my garage window instead. At least they were lucky enough not to hit me. The arrow was low enough not hit any major organs but it would have hurt hitting any of my lower extremities. Thank God! He really had my Guardian Angels working overtime that night.

Arkansas, Animal Cruelty a Felony

2009-02-05T21:31:00.004-06:00

Finally, Arkansas has passed a law that has made torturing a dog, cat or horse a felony on the first offense. Toby would like to thank the people of Arkansas for caring so much for animals. Their persistence has made it quite clear that Arkansans will not tolerate torturing animals.

The bill, which had no emergency clause to make it law upon getting the governor’s signature, becomes effective 90 days after the end of the legislative session making a conviction for aggravated animal cruelty punishable by up to six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The legislation also includes a five-year sentencing enhancement for anyone convicted of torturing an animal in the presence of a child.

Toby would especially like to thank Sen. Sue Madison for working so hard to get a law passed. A special paws up to her!

More cats at Friday Ark

HopeyChangey Flounders?

2009-02-05T21:13:00.004-06:00

Is there a Democrat political appointee who is NOT a tax cheat? The Obama administration is but two weeks old and well on their way to become the most corrupt and incompetent group of nitwits ever to serve. What Pres Obama needs is a Republican scandal. I bet he has the Secret Service looking into every public toilet for a tap dancing Republican.

Now a Ronald Reagan Day?

2009-02-02T21:41:00.003-06:00

Umm, I didn't expect anyone to take me seriously.

Gee, that sounds awfully familiar. Oh yeah, it mirrors all the social bills that Congress and P BO is going to be dumping on America. Thomas Paine is a hero to these socialist Democrats just as Ronald Reagan is to conservative Republicans. So, Ms Smith wants a day to honor her hero. Fine, I propose that we let the Democrats have their Thomas Paine day as long as Republicans get a Ronald Reagan Day.

Apparently they did.

NOW THEREFORE,
20 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE EIGHTY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE
21 STATE OF ARKANSAS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN:
22
23 That the members of the Senate and the House of Representatives
24 recognize February 6, 2009, as “Ronald Reagan Day”.

I admire Pres. Reagan, but don't our legislators have more important issues to be working on then setting aside special days. I don't see the importance of Arkansas having a Thomas Paine or Ronald Reagan Day.

NW Arkansas Ice Storm, 2009 The Clean-Up

2009-02-02T20:23:00.005-06:00

I made small progress on my clean-up. I made a small pile of the the limbs I could pick up but there were a fair number that were too heavy to lift. The chainsaw I order came today so I will be a having a ball the rest of the week cutting up those limbs. I climbed the roof Saturday to see if I could lift the limb off my house. Nope! Too heavy and still attached to the tree. I called in professional help which surprisingly enough called this morning and I've made arrangements to have the tree trimmed. My neighbor came over to apologize for their tree falling on the fence and they weren't able to lift it off. They are renters and the owner isn't real good about doing repairs around the house. The renter has a poor back so I'll probably be cleaning up their yard as soon as mine is done.

I pass by Ozarks Electric on my way to work and there are lots of trucks pulling out on their way to work. I noticed this morning that they are still hauling poles.

"We are rebuilding a system that took decades to build,” said Mitchell Johnson, president and chief executive officer for Ozarks Electric Cooperative. “Some linemen here from the Gulf Coast who are helping with power restoration in Arkansas are saying the damage is as bad here as it was in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. So, I can’t stress enough what a mammoth task we have before us." Damage to the cooperative’s distribution system includes about 1,200 downed poles and hundreds of miles of downed power lines.

I am really thankful that I've got electricity and that I've only been without it for a few hours. Some of my co-workers still didn't have it on as of today. You know, people weren't whining or complaining that they've been without electricity for the past week. They've been telling stories on how they've adapted, how they been taken in by family or friends. No one was demanding that the government has to do something. No one was wondering why Pres. Obama hasn't shown up or how can Pres Obama stay toasty warm, eat wagyu steak ($100 per serving), and watch football while people have died and half a million go without power, water, heat and food. Nope, I haven't heard any one say that. Yup, we gun toting, Bible thumping Rednecks take care of ourselves and don't expect the government to burp us.

NW Arkansas Ice Storm, 2009 Part 2

2009-01-28T18:48:00.004-06:00

Boy! What a mess! I stayed home and tried to do a little clean-up. There wasn't much I could really do because with so much ice still on the branches it was dangerous to do much. I did manage pull a few branches down and clean up the branch on the front gate. I'll be cleaning up this mess for weeks.

A bunch a branches fell across the privacy fence into my neighbor's yard. A few may damage their house. I tried to do some of the clean-up with a small electric chainsaw I have. It didn't work well. I'm going to need something bigger. I went to Lowe's to see if a miracle occurred and they actually had some still left. Nope! I order one on-line. It's the only way to guarantee that I get one within a few days.

It was amazing to see how many trees were broken and down. Everywhere you looked there was tree damage. The ice on the trees does look pretty but when it all melts we're going to see the worst of it.

NW Arkansas Ice Storm, 2009

2009-01-27T14:15:00.005-06:00

My beautiful elm! The pride and joy of my garden is being decapitated. The ice build-up was just too much for the limbs so they are breaking off. Unfortunately several were above my house and fell on it. I have one more left and I'm just praying that it's able to withstand the ice. I tried to knock off some of the ice from the limbs with no effect. The ice completely encircles the limbs and is about an inch thick. It's nerve wracking waiting for those limbs to fall.

Well, I have my weekend planned out for me. I'll be cleaning up the mess and figuring out how much damaged was done. Everyone else in the neighborhood will be doing the same thing. Just from my house I can see a lot of tree limbs down and I can also hear all the tree limbs cracking and falling. I've talked to some friends in Springdale and out east Fayetteville and they are telling me the same thing is happening there. NW Arkansas is going to be a big mess come tomorrow.

No Half-Ass Road

2009-01-21T21:10:00.004-06:00

When Tracy Hoskins first proposed the rerouting of Arkansas 112 it sounded like it was a good idea. His suggestion would remove those really rotten curves off Van Asche and Howard Nickel. Somehow his original proposal of rerouting 112 became making a half of a road which conveniently ended into his developments. Fayetteville would pay for half of a road that may or may not eventually become the new 112. While I found the concept of a new 112 something that would be beneficial to Fayetteville, the half-ass job wouldn't. It could take years before Traci developed his land to a point such that he felt it would advantageous to finish the "new" 112. Well, the City Council shot down his half road proposal. If he really wants Arkansas 112 through his development he's going to have to come up with something that will benefit Fayetteville.

What a Paine!

2009-01-21T18:52:00.006-06:00

Liberal Democrat Lindsley Smith is at it again. She is once again trying to make Jan. 29 Thomas Paine Day in Arkansas.

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Lindsley Smith, D-Fayetteville, said the measure failed in 2007 because of misconceptions about Paine's writings.

Yeah, as I remembered the vast right wing fruitcakes made a big deal about his anti-Christian beliefs. A bunch of red-necks that can barely read obviously aren't enlighten enough to understand the genius that was Thomas Paine.
Well, Thomas Paine wasn't just anti-Christian. The book Age of Reason was just plain anti-religion.

All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian, or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit.

Thomas Paine described himself as a "Deist". Basically you create your own ideal god because the Christian God won't allow you to do what you want.
Anyhoo, that's not the reason Ms Smith is attempting to create a Thomas Paine Day. Paine wrote another book Rights of Man, Part the Second, Combining Principle and Practice which described a government that has numerous social programs to remedy the wrongs (as perceived by liberals) that would be funded by progressive tax measures. He was one of the earliest advocates of social security, universal free public education, a guaranteed minimum income.

Gee, that sounds awfully familiar. Oh yeah, it mirrors all the social bills that Congress and P BO is going to be dumping on America. Thomas Paine is a hero to these socialist Democrats just as Ronald Reagan is to conservative Republicans. So, Ms Smith wants a day to honor her hero. Fine, I propose that we let the Democrats can have their Thomas Paine day as long as Republicans get a Ronald Reagan Day.

Barack Obama's New First

2009-01-20T19:45:00.003-06:00

U.S. Stocks Slide in Dow Average’s Worst Inauguration Day Drop

Apparently Wall Street didn't get the message that Hope and Change had now taken the "oaf" of office. While BO isn't the first President who come into office with a poor economy, it has to be shocking for the new President and his team to see stocks plummet so much. Not a vote of confidence by any means. The biggest part of the drop, and I mean 200 points of it, came after his speech. Which isn't surprising because his speech was nothing spectacular. What was noteworthy was the promise of more government hand outs. That will not encourage growth.