Saturday's Cat Tales

I caught Eli and Tigger together again. I wonder about all this togetherness. I think they may be up to something.


Bows is looking really good. She has gained back all her weight since she was sick. I'm now a believer of her having a food allergy.

She is playing again. I snapped her playing with her favorite toy, a ball of paper.

Terminella's Attorney Wars with Fayetteville's Attorney

Some aldermen relayed their concerns about Tom Terminella's attorney Robert Ginnanven attempting to contact them regarding issues which may led to a lawsuit by Terminella. Kit Williams sent a letter to Mr Ginnanven reminding him about the rules of ethical conduct. Mr Ginnanven took issue with the letter, describing it as a veiled threat. Upon reading the letter by Mr Williams LETTER , I suppose if you were easily offended it could be interpreted as a threat. However, I see it as the aldermen bringing up legitimate concerns that Mr. Ginnanven is attempting to influence them in regards to his client. As such I think it's appropriate that Mr. Williams relays that concern to Mr. Ginnanven.
I find Mr. Ginnanven's response LETTER to Mr Williams to be a direct threat. In fact, I find that Mr. Ginnanven's letter is an attempt to bully the city council and I am not at all happy about it. Mr Ginnanven writes:

"The bigger question here is, who among you have complained to the City Attorney about my effort to communicate with you" and "I have already made a request, pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, demanding that Mr. Williams identify those of you who have so complained" and "For those of you who are willing to communicate with me, please let me know so I may expose the cowards who are engaging in a secret campaign against me"

I interpret this to mean, that I will find out who you are that ratted me out and I will make sure you don't do it again, because I'll get you. I don't know if Mr. Terminella knew what Mr. Ginnanven was doing or if he approved or order it, but I do not like a developer's lawyer threatening the city council in an attempt to influence them. I hope the council stands together and lets people know that they will not be threaten or bullied.

Arkansas Republican Lt Governor Candidates

The Washington County Republican Women held a forum of the Lt Governor Candidates, Chuck Banks, Jim Holt, and Doug Matayo. The candidates had opening and closing statements and a number of questions asked by a moderator.

Chuck Banks called himself a Ronald Reagan Republican and says he brings experience and electability.
Jim Holt said he has experience as well as being trained in critical thinking.
Doug Matayo said that he was pro-life, pro-gun and was for shrinking and streamlining the government.

Lt Governor is considered by some to be a step down in Arkansas' politics, what did they think of that? Banks stated that when it comes to a job you make it what you want it to be. Holt said it was another way for him to serve. Matayo wanted to use the office to do more economic development for the state. He'd also use the office as a bridge between the governor and the legislature.

The candidates were asked about eminent domain within Arkansas. Doug Matayo stated that there were areas within the current legislation that needed to be tighten up. Parts of the TIF legislation needed to be clarified. Banks echoed what Matayo said and Holt commented on judges over-reaching.

Of the three candidates I was most impressed by Doug Matayo. He was very knowledgeable, has more political experience, and had very clear objectives. I was least impressed with Jim Holt. He has no clear idea what he wants to do as Lt Governor(other than putting in cameras) and he come across as being full of himself. Chuck Banks is a real nice guy and he seems like he's a real charmer. He's a little weak on ideas, but I'd chose him over Holt.

I talked to Doug afterwards and asked him about economic development in Arkansas. He said we needed to lure industry into the state, to make manufacturing incentives. Arkansas needed to update and go global. He mentioned a white paper by The Murphy Commission, An Arkansas Policy Foundation Initiative Here He said he supported the ideas within the paper. I asked him about illegal immigration to which he responded that the current laws needed to be enforced. It's too bad that he didn't vote no on HB1525.

As I left I was given a hand-out which, when I spoke with the woman, I was under the impression it was by the American Family Association. Later, when I looked at the hand-out, on the very last page at the very bottom of the page was the web site for Jim Holt. The paper was a list of bills that Holt voted against and Matayo voted for. I think Jim Holt should make it plain that it's his campaign that's distributing this hand-out instead of the AFA.

Fayetteville - City Plan Work In Progress

Monday night Dover, Kohl & Partners summarized the results of the workshops and then showed several draft designs.

They found that the people of Fayetteville wanted

1. Increased green areas
2. Diverse, mixed and complete neighborhoods
3. A walkable and bikable city
4. Improved connectivity between neighborhoods
5. Anticipate transit.

They noted that 69% of people wanted a walkable/bikable city, 62% wanted mixed neighborhoods, 79% more parks, and 100% wanted growth to occur within existing developed areas. The areas where most wanted densification to occur was College Ave, 6th Street, The Mall, Rupple Rd and Southpark.

A draft of the proposed action plan for Fayetteville was handed out. It had 5 points:

1. Make infill and revitalization a highest priority
2. Discourage suburban sprawl
3. Make traditional town form the norm
4. Grow a livable transportation network
5. Assemble an enduring green network.

We were treated to several draft designs Drafts Here where we were able to visualized what we were asking for. I thought their concept of changing College Ave and the Fulbright Express into multiway boulevards was absolutely wonderful. The audience really liked Dover & Kohl's ideas and were excited at the prospect of what Fayetteville could become.

Snow Day!

There was a snow storm last night. We woke up with several inches on the ground. Eli was the only cat that was brave enough to go out. He didn't like it much.



He much preferred to sleep in the chair with Bows next to the fire.



Casey, on the other hand, was in Dog Heaven. He loved the snow.



The birds were grateful for the extra food thrown out.

City Plan 2025 - Neighborhoods

I attended the Council of Neighborhoods where there was further discussion about the City Plan 2025. Most of the discussions centered around the impact of growth on neighborhoods. Victor Dover summarized what people were concerned about.

1. Green Spaces
2. Walkable neighborhoods
3. Keeping the Natural Landscape
4. Densifying and Renovating the Main Traffic Corridors, especially College.
5. Becoming Transit Ready
6. Affordable Housing

Victor said that Fayetteville has suffered under bad, ugly, dysfunctional and inefficient growth. People are now asking for growth so that neighborhoods are compact, complete and connected. There is a final meeting Monday. I am looking forward to seeing the complete project.

Ann Coulter Speech

Just got back from seeing Ann Coulter. She was very good and very funny.
There was a fair bit of security. Bags were examined before going into the theater and no one got into Walton Arts Center without a ticket. Police were noticeable everywhere. While Ann was speaking there were three guys on stage, one near her and two in the wings. I didn't get any pictures because they were confiscating any they saw.

It was nice having all that security but there weren't that many protesters or hecklers. There was one protester outside holding a sign "Ann Coulter - role model for Barbie Dolls and Stepford Wives everywhere". Poor thing, I felt so sorry for her that I didn't bother to take her picture. Inside, the liberal opposition mostly held up "Hate Shield" signs. Their purpose was to deflect things that the holder would find offensive. I think they should have named it a "Shield of Hate" as that is what they were projecting. I suggested to one person that maybe they should be projecting love towards Ann. I was ignored.

Ann talked about a variety of topics mostly from current events. She spent a good amount of time on the Democrats not taking the defense of the country seriously. Here a few comments she made that I enjoyed:
1. Bill, Hillary and the Democrat Party are meeting to find a way to make Dean's death look like an accident.
2. We need to keep liberal talk radio, it keeps the moonbats busy while the Republics run the country.
3. We finally have a war on Fundamentalism and now the liberals don't want to fight it.
4. The Republican Party is winning elections because the liberals are insane not because the party is a well organized machine.

Ann had a question and answer time. One person remarked that Ann was the feminist idea of what a woman was to be, intelligent, well- educated, and with a very successful career. Why do they hate her? The best question I thought was about Bush's doctrine of democracy in Iraq and other Arab countries, idealistic or realistic. Ann answered that she though it was a bit of both. Realistic, that a democratic Iraq makes us safer in the U.S. Idealistic, she hopes that democracy spreads, but has some doubts.

The evening was great. Most of the people in the theater were fans of Ann. She got a very warm reception and several standing ovations. Finally, since this is Arkansas, we treated her to the Calling of the Hogs.

Fayetteville - City Plan 2025

Photo curtsey of City of Fayetteville
This weekend I participated in a hands-on design workshop where we were asked to determine where the projected population growth for 2025 should go. There were about 6 groups of us sitting around a map of Fayetteville. We had to agree on where on the map we should place a dot which represented 125 people. It was a lot of fun working with everyone.

It was very interesting seeing all 6 maps together. There were a lot of similarities and also a lot of good ideas. Thursday, there is an open house at Nadine Baum Studio where the maps from all the workshops are available. A definite must see for anyone interested in the growth of Fayetteville.

Reporters, Throwing Temper Tantrums

Note to the Press: Get A Grip!
Dick Cheney shooting a fellow hunter was an accident. Accidents happen. He did the right thing in making sure that Whittington had medical assistance and visited him in the hospital. I am sure Cheney profusely apologized. Cheney and Whittington are adult enough to sort things out between themselves. This incident is good for a few jokes, but shouldn't be that big of a deal. Who cares that you "The Press" weren't immediately informed. Maybe Whittington didn't want everyone to know that he stepped in the way and got shot. For a hunter that's pretty embarrassing. You "Press" think way too much of yourself. You're really not all that important and right now you're making an ass out of yourselves. Instead of having a few jokes at Cheney I'm seeing more about your temper tantrum. Big Cry-Babies!

Pair-O-Cats

Tigger and Eli are keeping watch, making sure no evil intruder storms the castle. Especially that sneaky little cat across the street.
They know I getting ready to sit down and do some work. It's their duty to sit or lay on any of my papers or books.

Reviving an Old Clinton Scandal

A new Hollywood film, Blood Trail, is in the works. It will dramatize the story of how contaminated blood from Arkansas prisoners found its way into the veins of thousands of Canadian hemophiliacs, killing many.

Elizabeth Fowler of Clear Pictures Entertainment, one of two partners in the project said it will feature some prominent characters: Bill Clinton and Paul Martin. She purchased rights to the life stories of Michael Galster, an Arkansas doctor who raised alarms about the prison blood program, and Michael McCarthy, a Canadian hemophiliac who became infected through tainted blood.

It's the second film that has been made about the scandal. The first, Factor 8, is a documentary of a reporter’s search for the truth. He discovers that his home state knew it was dealing a dangerous product, yet put profits over public safety while federal regulators looked the other way. Charges of cronyism and cover-up reach all the way to the administration of then-Gov. Bill Clinton. Factor 8 has never been distributed in North America although it has won some film festival awards.

Blood Trail, is expected to be released in about a year.

Full Story

Yuck!

Ahhhh, living in Arkansas! Where else is some one going to save a chicken by giving it mouth-to-mouth. Let me tell you, I know people who would do it. But not me! Chickens are food, not pets!

Stupid Things on eBay

Why waste your money? She's so desperate for attention she'll do anything for free.

Trash Talking at a Funeral

You know, after the fall-out the Democrats suffered after the Wellstone memorial you would think they would have learned their lesson. Instead, they've ratchet it up to a higher level and took political swipes at President Bush while he was sitting just behind them. What they did was wrong and in very poor taste. Apparently their mamas didn't teach them manners.

It's such a tragedy. Instead of remembering the accomplishments of Mrs. King, we were assaulted with the rantings and ravings of the Democrats. Considering they have all of the MSM as their mouthpieces, why do they have to used funerals as a political platform to spew their poison? Are they so hungry for political power that they have to trash Mrs. King's memorial? From now on, we will be remembering the Democrats antics instead of the memory of Mrs. King.

In the future, when planning a memorial service, don't invite a Democrat to speak.

Cartoon Riots

The cartoon riots would seem not to be about the depiction of Mohammed, but about Islam wanting to impose it's religious tenets on the Western World. That anything like a cartoon,first published in September 2005, would trigger such a crazed reaction - riots, death threats, burning and looting of embassys - indicates that there is something more going on. Indeed, the news is now that the riots have been stroked by well-organized radical Muslims.

What the world is seeing is how Muslims are going to deal with issues regarding Islam. There will be no discussions, no compromise, no attempt at understanding other points of view. They are going to deal with it by intimidation, death threats, and violent mobs burning and looting.Pictures

This is going to cause problems to those who insist that Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance. The world is watching the violence and intolerance of Muslims in many countries and it sees the disparity of what Islamists are saying(we are peaceful)and what they are doing(violent revenge). Muslims who wish for the peaceful Islam are going to have to confront the extremists in their midst. They are going to have publicly denouce the Mosques, clerics and Arab countries which harbor these extremists. If they don't they will be caught in the backlash from the Western governments.

The Western governments are going to have to stop wimping out when dealing the extremist Muslims. Governments need to force the Muslims to adhere to the law of the land instead of pampering them. Governments have got to stop this ridiculous political correctness and multicultural sensitivity. If a government kowtows to radical Islam they will find they have lost the values that a free society holds dear; freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of travel and the freedom of religion.

What the extremists are doing is a form of terrorism. Either submit to Sharia law or be a target of violence. What is the World going to do?

Remembering Steve Wilson, MD

I went to a friend's memorial service this afternoon. Steve was such a wonderful guy. Steve was a talented musician, playing piano, banjo and bagpipes. He loved telling jokes. A fan of ice cream, Steve held the Guinness world record for owning the most ice cream makers. Steve was diagnosed with cancer a few months before me. Unfortunately, it had gone to his liver and lungs by the time it was discovered. I was able to talk to him about issues I was dealing with myself. Both he and I knew that he was terminal and my prognosis was very good. He left me with the challenge to embrace life and not sit it out. His final gift:

A Note From Steve

No one has ever lived on this earth who appreciated the gift of life more, or has received more forgiveness, or more blessings from God than myself. I am deeply and eternally grateful for this. I have cherished life and have tried, in spite of my many failings, to walk with God every step of the way, as based on Micah 6:9, and along the way, I have learned to expect miracles and I have never been disappointed.

People have always been a big part of my life, and I celebrate the people who have been in my life, and who have honored me by allowing me to be part of their lives as well. I have truly enjoyed my career; which I have always viewed as a calling and mission from God. I can honestly say I have learned far more from my patients than I have ever taught them. Many of them have unkowingly helped heal me as much as I have helped them. As for friends and family, I don't have the words to express my gratitude for just having been in my life, because I've had the best friends and the best family a person could ever hope for. I love them all dearly, beyond description.

I face my death as I have faced much of life; it's just another adventure to be experienced. While I do not welcome it, I do not fear it. My pain is the pain for those I must leave behind.
I have always been moved by the fact that all through the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as sitting at the right hand of God. There is one exception to this, and that is at the death of the martyr Stephen, when Jesus is depicted as standing at the right hand of God. To me, this has always been an indication that the death of a believer, one of God's children, is a significant event to Jesus, so much so that he rises from the throne at the death of His faithful.

This service is not about me, it's about God and His mercy and blessings and the gift of life to be celebrated by all. The greatest praise to God is a life well-lived, forgiveness humbly accepted and joy and praise to God for unbelievable and countless blessings. I have had far more blessings than any reasonable person could ever hope to expect and for this I am humbly and eternally grateful.

Morning in the Sun

Bows
This morning there was frost on the ground. It feels good just to stay inside and soak up the sun. The east window is the best place. Val understands and placed a nice stand right next to the window.

Eli
Bows took the best spot! Oh well! At least I'm near the computer to make sure Val spells everything correctly.

The Twits Among Us

via WorldNetDaily

Civil rights activist and NAACP Chairman Julian Bond delivered a blistering partisan speech at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina last night, equating the Republican Party with the Nazi Party and characterizing Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and her predecessor, Colin Powell, as "tokens."

"The Republican Party would have the American flag and the swastika flying side by side," he charged.

Why do these people keep saying Republicans are Nazis? Haven't they studied any history at all? Either they were too stupid and failed history or the school they were attending was teaching how to be stupid. Yeah, just keep on calling Republicans Nazis. You just show what an ignoramus twit you are.

Ohhh! Don't you just love it when a prominent black leader makes racist remarks against other blacks. How do they expect to fight discrimination and racism when they're a bunch of racists? What a bunch of hypocrites!

President's State of the Union Speech

The President's speech was good. Most of what he said was pretty much what I expected. The National Security part was very good. I did like his stab at protectionism and isolationism. When he got to the domestic issues it kinda slowed down. I didn't like his comment on energy. That we were "addicted to oil". I don't think we are addicted to oil. We are too chicken and lazy to take on the leftist environmental wackos. It's so much easier to get it from other nations then to get back control over our own oil.

The most intriguing part of the speech was watching the reactions of the Democrats. Didn't they know that what they were doing spoke volumes? When the President called for the reauthorization of the Patriot Act, Republicans stood and cheered, the Democrats sat and sucked lemons. When the President defended the terrorist surveillance program, "because we will not sit back and wait to be hit again", the Republicans stood and cheered, the Democrats sat and smirked. Congratulations Democrats! You have just reinforced America's perception that you will do nothing to keep America safe. Security in the number ONE issue for Americans and you're on the wrong side.

The one time the Democrats stood and cheered while the Republicans sat; the defeat of Social Security reform. Why in the hell are you cheering? You twits just cheered your success at keeping Social Security insolvent! What a bunch of idiots! Hey, you're safe with your congressional retirement plan and won't need Social Security, but the rest of us haven't got such a cushy plan. I'm not going to get Social Security. I'm going to have to work until I'm 70/75 yrs old. When elections come around I'm going to remember who screwed me.

Le Chocolate Feast

This morning I went to a fundraiser benefiting NARTI. NARTI is a nonprofit, community-owned, freestanding provider of radiation therapy services to the residents of Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas. This is where I got my radiation treatments. Of course, sampling various desserts from some of the area's resturants wasn't a hardship.


This was the winner in my book. Rick's Bakery's Cherry Chocolate Pecan Delight. This is as good as it looks! Doesn't your mouth just drool looking at it?

I did contain myself. I didn't eat everything all at one. In my refrigerator is an assortment of cookies, brownies and candy. I will have to stop at Rick's and get some of those brownies.

Eli's New Fan

The neighbor's son(1½ yrs) has discovered Eli. Eli was roaming around our front lawns and B. saw him. B. was running after Eli wanting to give him a kiss. Eli was of two minds. He would roll around on the lawn wanting to be petted, but didn't quite know what to make of this little boy. As soon a B. got close Eli would get up, walk a little away and plop down on the lawn again. My neighbor and I were just laughing watching the two of them. I finally picked up Eli and let B. kiss him.

Gunner Delay, Candidate AG

Yesterday I heard Gunner Delay at the Wa. Co. Republican Women's meeting. I was very impressed with him. He spoke on 3 issues that he was campaigning on.
1. Utility Rates. He said that one of the duties of the Attorney General was to affectively and aggressively fight for the public on proposed utility hikes. He felt that it was a conflict of interest for the Attorney General to accept donations from the electric company when he's suppose to represent the public. He said he would not be accepting donations from the utility companies.
2. Ethics. There is a practice within the legislature for some to accept retaining fees from businesses(clients) and later represent their issues before the legislature. He felt this was fairly close to bribery. He said that if fees were accepted then the representative should be barred from any legislative process involving that client. He wants to establish a Public Integrity Unit for the Attorney General's office. This division would be charged with the responsibility of investigating and prosecuting corruption charges involving public servants.
3. Rule of Law. Gunner felt that the Attorney General should judge issues according to the law and not for political expediency. He cited the defeated Highway Bond. He felt that the bond violated Arkansas' Constitution and that the Attorney General should have looked into it. He also brought up the KELO decision. He didn't think Arkansans were fully protected from eminent domain seizures. He noted that TIF districts have eminent domain power. A property owner falling within that district may lose their property even if it's well maintained.
I liked what I was hearing from Gunner. I hope I get a chance to hear him speak again. I had to go back to work after the meeting so I didn't get a chance to talk with him.

The Wal-Mart Bill

An excellent article about Wal-Mart and Maryland. Maryland's newly enacted law forces companies that employ over 10,000 to spend at least 8% of their payroll on health care or kick any shortfall into a special state fund. Wonder of wonders, Wal-Mart is the only employer in the state to be affected. Wal-Mart now reconsidering a distribution center that would have employed 800 in one of Maryland's poorest county, Somerset.

The rural county is Maryland's poorest, with per capita personal income 46% below the state average and a poverty rate 130% above it. Somerset's enduring problem is weak labor demand that greatly limits its 25,250 residents' economic opportunities.
There are just 0.8 jobs per household in Somerset, barely half the 1.5 figure that applies to the rest of the state. Somerset's top 10 list of employers features sectors like food services (average annual compensation per employee: $9,637), poultry and egg production ($14,320) and seafood preparation and packaging ($19,190).

Hanke and Walters forecasted the economic effect the distribution center would have on the county.

• The center's 800 employees would have created an additional 282 jobs among "upstream" suppliers and "downstream" retailers and service establishments; all told, the center would have boosted county employment by 14% and private-sector employment by 20%.

• Total annual employee compensation in Somerset would have risen by $46.5 million, or 19%.

• Annual output (or "gross county product") would have risen by $128.3 million, or 19%.

• State and local tax receipts would have increased by $19.2 million annually; this would include $8.5 million in property taxes, $5.6 million in sales taxes, and $1.4 million in personal income taxes.

Those losses, though dramatic, probably understate the full extent of the damage in this case. They do not include forgone employment and income from construction of the facility and related infrastructure improvements. What is more, Wal-Mart's tentative plans for a second distribution center in Garrett County, in mountainous western Maryland, also appear dead. Garrett, with a poverty rate that is 70% above the state's, is only slightly better off than Somerset.

Given the enormous beneficial economic impact Wal-Mart would have made to the county, why would Maryland thrust it's nasty little fingers in Wal-Mart's wallet? Most states offer incentives to businesses to entice them to their states. What's different about Wal-Mart? Hanke and Walters have the answer:

How could our legislators turn a blind eye to such areas? Partly, of course, they are simply eager for Big Labor's votes and money and therefore subservient to its interests. The Service Employees International Union actually helped draft what became known as the "Wal-Mart bill." Unable--so far--to organize workers at the company, the union's immediate national strategy is to limit Wal-Mart's competitive reach by raising its costs. Maryland was a shrewdly chosen place to kick off this campaign.

So, what's the problem? Surely Wal-Mart is big and rich enough to pay up. Wal-Mart bills have been drafted in 33 other states. What would happen if lawmakers in some of these states set the threshold for companies to be hit with mandated health benefits as low as 1,000 workers? How many small businesses would go bankrupt because they couldn't pay?

Headline Funny

Grabbed these headlines from DRUDGE!

Snowstorm in HAWAII; Rare Event Causes Concern, Surprise...
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Al Gore to Pen Second Book on Global Warming...
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Deadly freeze claims more lives in Eastern Europe; Minus 13 in Warsaw...

Baking Snafu

This was suppose to be a loaf of bread. I think it looks more like a chicken. I have successfully baked several loaves of bread using the bread machine I received for Christmas. This weekend, I decided to try a mult-grain bread. I used a pre-packaged bread mix. I just added the ingredients as directed, set the machine and left it. Boy, was I surprised when I took it out. Apparently, if I want nuts or fruits in the bread I have to hand knead the dough before the last rise. You have to make sure the nuts and fruits get blended in the dough. Well, the bread was eatable and tasted pretty good. I'm just not able to make sandwiches or toast with it.

Eagles

I got up early this morning and froze my tush off to go American Bald Eagle watching. I went to Swepco Lake in Gentry. This lake is unique. It is a cooling lake for the Flint Creek Power Plant operated by AEP (American Electric Power). As a result, the water is warm year round so it's rich in wildlife. It's a perfect spot for the eagles to hunt. This year the lake was amazingly low because of the drought. Normally one would stand in a covered pavilion and watch the eagles, but I had to walk onto the exposed lake bed to see them. Usually when I go birding there aren't a lot of people around. Today the Audubon Society showed up. What a crowd. One group of people said they were there at dawn. I'm not that committed! I did see about 10 eagles. I didn't get any pictures of them because my camera just isn't that good. I need to save my money and get this. The lake with the steam rising from it looks pretty though.

Done! Finished!

As of Wednesday I am finished with my radiation treatment. I am so happy, relieved, and excited that I am finished. I still have to heal up from the latest treatment but that shouldn't take long. It felt like my life was on hold until I completed this treatment. It feels like I've just been set free.


I was feeling so good that I decided my bed needed to be brighten up. I got a bed set that was definitely said Spring. Tigger liked it so much, he promptly slept on it.


Bows is still eating even though she caught a cold. I received the venison and pea canned and dry cat food the other day. Bows like the canned food. Hooray! I was worried I'd buy this expensive cat food and she wouldn't like it. The box the food came in was immediately claimed as a toy.


This is a rare event. All three cats together. This occurred because they are waiting for food. Bows special diet makes it impossible to have a bowl of food always available. They now get fed twice a day.

Rupple Road

Last month I wrote about the confusion surrounding widening Rupple Rd. Story The Fayetteville City Council has agreed to pay for the part that was initially thought developer Tom Terminella would fund. Although examinations of films and notes verified that Terminella had implied that he pay the cost there was nothing down in writing. No contracts were signed. A bitter lesson for the city council. Shirley Lucas, who represents the area around Rupple, says she's disappointed how it occurred and is determine that the council require all written contracts in the future. Another loser in the issue is Tom Terminella. No one is going to trust him in the future. Who's going to business with a man who goes back on his word?

HollyDud

I've been looking over the films and shows that won at the Golden Globe Awards. What a load of crap, garbage, and manure. Hollywood must really think the American people are so stupid to want to see the crap they've been peddling. Hollywood, get a clue! Nobody is watching this stuff. Studios have been complaining that movie receipts are down and they give awards to Brokeback Mountain ($32,074,517), Transamerica ( $510,766), Syriana ($44,260,777), and paradise Now ($1,090,107). Hey! What about The Chronicles of Narnia( $264,020,859) King Kong ($204,527,690) Harry Potter ($284,361,860) Chicken Little ($133,235,508) and Walk the Line ($98,254,885). Look at the movies people are actually buying tickets for. Not that garbage that tramples on our traditional values, moral fiber, heroes, and good old America. We are not going to see movies that glorifies homosexuality, transgenderism, communism and terrorism. You aren't going to force that crap down our throats. We just won't go to the movies. Hey, we have other entertainment options and apparently we are exercising them.

She's Confusing Me!

Hillary Clinton has been part of the crowd that said we should have used more diplomacy instead of attacking Iraq and has criticized President Bush's "Cowboy" policies. Now she's blasting President Bush for allowing European countries to lead negotiations with Iran. She suggested she would back a military strike on Iran if that country's radical Islamic government attempts to build nuclear weapons. Do these politicians really listen to themselves? Doesn't she realize how dopey she's sounding. I think her neck and spine must be made out of rubber to be able to twist about so much.

Rename Martin Luther King Day

I think we should seriously consider renaming Martin Luther King Day to the Left Wing Idiot Day. On this day in which Martin Luther King was to be remembered and honored, the Left Wing, Democratic, Nuts spewed a treasure trove of outrageous comments.

New Orleans, Mayor Ray Nagin: "This city will be a majority African American city. It's the way God wants it to be. You can't have New Orleans no other way. It wouldn't be New Orleans." So if you are White, Hispanic, or Asian you are not welcomed to live in New Orleans? This sure sounds racist to me. This is from a black mayor speaking on Martin Luther King Day? Here's more: "Surely God is mad at America. He sent us hurricane after hurricane after hurricane, and it's destroyed and put stress on this country," "Surely he doesn't approve of us being in Iraq under false pretenses. But surely he is upset at black America also. We're not taking care of ourselves." Hey, this is not how God works. Mayor Nagin, maybe you should spend some time reading the Bible. I highly recommend Romans, Chapter 3.

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton: Said that the Republican-controlled House of Representatives was run like a plantation. Ummm, Senator Clinton, you might want to check out the history of your own party. They are the one's that owned those plantations, stood in front of the school doors, whose member is a former grand wizard of the KKK. Meanwhile, Republicans ended slavery in the United states and have as current role models, Colin Powell and Condi Rice (Condi '08!). She then said that Bush was the worst President in history. This is a woman who's husband is running around looking for a legacy and is trying to rewrite his Presidential history. President Clinton is going to be remember with a cigar and a little blue dress.

Al Gore: Accused President Bush of "breaking the law repeatedly and persistently" and that Congress should hold hearings into "serious allegations of criminal behavior on the part of the President." What a hypocritical, blow-hard. He, as Vice-President, participated in the same things he's accusing the President of doing. See here and here.

This is what President Bush spoke about:
"At the dawn of this new century, America can be proud of the progress we have made toward equality, but we all must recognize we have more to do. (Applause.) The reason to honor Martin Luther King is to remember his strength of character and his leadership, but also to remember the remaining work. The reason to honor Mrs. Parks is not only to pay homage to her strength of character, but to remember the ideal of active citizenship."

Now, who was more respectful of Martin Luther King?

FundRaiser

I went to a fundraiser tonight. Beans & ham, cornbread and dessert. The dinner was sponsored by the family readiness group for C Battery, 1st Division of the 142nd Fires Brigade, based in Rogers and the brigade's headquarters in Harrison. The purpose of the fundraiser was to pay for a charter plane to bring soldiers home one last time before deploying to Iraq. The soldiers are training in Fort Dix, N.J. and will have 4 days off in March.




This is Douglas Farish, father of Spc. Jerry Farish. He is holding a framed poem (prayer) that was raffled off. Doug wrote the prayer before Thanksgiving. Doug said that the words just flowed as he wrote it. He carries the original poem in his wallet. He presented his son with a copy at Thanksgiving Day. On the back of this particular copy he has all the names of the soldiers in the company. He says if enough people are interested he'll produce more. I'm not able to post the poem here because it's copyrighted, but it you go here, and scroll to the bottom you'll see it. Also, while you're there, check out the pictures.

I add my prayers also, that the Lord would keep our soldiers safe. That they do their job with honor, pride and courage. We know that when tests and challenges come they will meet them head-on and show what an American soldier is.

Beautiful Saturday

Friday I was very tired after the radiation treatment. I was able to tolerate the probe and was finished in no time. The radiation technician checked me out with what look like a Geiger counter. Am I radiating that much? I left work early and went to bed. Slept until 7 PM, ate dinner, cleaned up and went back to bed.



I was up early this morning. I went grocery shopping after breakfast. I like beating the crowds. After shopping I threw all the cats and dogs outside since it's so nice. Bows is eating better and decided to nap out on the firewood. I worked on putting a barricade around the bottom of the fence so Casey won't dig out. I hope it works.

Now I'm tracking a whole bunch of dirt into the house. I'll have to vacuum and mop tomorrow. I finish one choir and another one pops up.

Our doctor's Visit

I started my High Density radiation on Monday. I was suppose to start last Wednesday, but the doctor's attempt to insert the probe hurt too much. Hey, 5 weeks of radiation has made everything down there hurt. Any way, I yelled(loudly) several times when he try to insert it. A doctor doesn't like it when their patient yells in pain with a roomful a patients in the waiting room. The nurse tried to tell me not to scream but to just breath. To which I answered, yelling made me feel better! He gave me several prescriptions ordering me to take them just before my next visit. He gave me a pain killer and "something to make me relaxed". Heh, heh, heh!

Well, it did work. I got through the first treatment. It had an unexpected side effect. I made me really exhausted. Every day this week I've come home, ate, do a few chores and go to bed. This has been the first night I've actually had some energy. Bad news though! I have my next treatment tomorrow. I'm really dreading it!

While I've been have my health problems, Bows has been having one of her own. She had not been eating since Friday. She's been throwing up saliva and hunching over as in pain. I decided to take her to a vet clinic that deals exclusively with cats. It was the smartest thing I've every done. The vet gave Bows the most thorough exam she's ever had. She look over the most recent history I brought with me and even has my other vet fax over some information.

The vet told me that she thought Bows had inflammatory bowl disease probably due to food allergies. To make a really definitive diagnosis she'd have to do a biopsy, but didn't feel that was necessary. I could just change her diet, have an occasional steroid for pain and if she got better then it would confirm her diagnosis. If it didn't help then she'd investigate further.

Bows is now eating although she is not too happy with the food. I've decided to try her on a venison and pea dry food. Of course, this is stuff I can't just pick up at the pet store. I'll have to get it from the vet or special order it. And talk about expensive! Bows had better give me a whole lot of loving!

Busy Weekend

Boy! What a weekend. I've been busy but I don't feel like I got anything done. Casey started the weekend out wrong. He figured out how to dig under the fence and get into the next door neighbor's backyard. I only had a chance to do a quick fix, so Saturday morning he did the same thing. I was lucky both times. Casey didn't go far and came when I called (A Miracle!.) My neighbor instead of returning him to me or even calling Animal control just tossed him out into the street. When I confronted him about it he kept giving excuses. Basically, he's a slimeball, scumbucket of a human being.



I did a little more cleaning. I've been cleaning up the fireplace mantle. Tigger got a rare chance to play around on the mantle. He has this thing about getting on high places. He really wants to get on top of the roof. I'll have to let him just to see what he does.



Today I took the dogs up to Monte Ne. Beaver Lake is very low because of the drought. It has uncovered the amphitheater that was buried in the 1960's by the completion of the dam. The was a suprising number of people there. I thought there would be few people because I was there early in the morning. If the drought continues I'll have to go back and see how much more was uncovered.



More pictures and history

American Traitors

I am amazed at how far President Bush's opponents will go to destroy him. The NY Times and NY Times Reporter James Risen have decided that Bush's attempt to safeguard the American people can be interpreted as being illegal. In their rush to find something to destroy Bush they've ignored history. America has been spying in some form or another before the founding of this nation. Every President has used their Constitutional power to spy on our enemies in a effort to protect the nation.

Risen's pathetic attempt to justify their actions only illuminates the motives of the people leaking the NSA's program. We know that people within the bureaucracy of the State Department and the CIA have clashed with the Bush administration. These bureaucrats believe that they are the ones in charge of the government and are angry that the Administration are setting policies and making decisions. Policies and decisions that they don't agree with. I'm not ruling out the possibility that some Democrat who knew about this program leaked this to the NY Times.

The NY Times has been trashing President Bush for years and were more than willing to partner with these people. It just demonstrates how low these people are. They have now crippled a secret operation that helped keep America safe from terrorists. These people are willing to do something illegal to get at Bush and would compromise the safety of the American people to do it.

I think the NY Times should pay the cost for turning their back on America. It's stock has already dropped 50% since 2002 and has become the worst performing newspaper stock in 2005. I think that it should get tanked, bankrupt and flushed down the toilet. I think those that would harm the American people for their own selfish agendas should suffer the consequences.

I hope the Department of Justice finds out who's behind the leaks of the NSA surveillance story. These people need to be found, convicted and sent to jail.

I am amazed at how far President Bush's opponents will go to destroy him. The NY Times and NY Times Reporter James Risen have decided that Bush's attempt to safeguard the American people can be interpreted as being illegal. In their rush to find something to destroy Bush they've ignored history. America has been spying in some form or another before the founding of this nation. Every President has used their Constitutional power to spy on our enemies in a effort to protect the nation.

Risen's pathetic attempt to justify their actions only illuminates the motives of the people leaking the NSA's program. We know that people within the bureaucracy of the State Department and the CIA have clashed with the Bush administration. These bureaucrats believe that they are the ones in charge of the government and are angry that the Administration are setting policies and making decisions. Policies and decisions that they don't agree with. I'm not ruling out the possibility that some Democrat who knew about this program leaked this to the NY Times.

The NY Times has been trashing President Bush for years and were more than willing to partner with these people. It just demonstrates how low these people are. They have now crippled a secret operation that helped keep America safe from terrorists. These people are willing to do something illegal to get at Bush and would compromise the safety of the American people to do it.

I think the NY Times should pay the cost for turning their back on America. It's stock has already dropped 50% since 2002 and has become the worst performing newspaper stock in 2005. I think that it should get tanked, bankrupt and flushed down the toilet. I think those that would harm the American people for their own selfish agendas should suffer the consequences.

Arkansas, Praying for Rain

Fort Smith Mayor, Ray Baker has signed a proclamation asking residents to pray for rain Sunday, January 8th and 15th. Fort Smith may have to start using water from the Arkansas River if the drought continues. Mayor Baker hopes that people's prayers will bring desperately needed rain. Video

Excitement in the Neighborhood

The fire department is currently working a few houses down on a neighbor's chimney and roof. The fire seems to confined to that part of the house along with part of the roof. The fire department got here fast enough so that the whole house didn't go. The wind is blowing and some sparks were flying across to some of other houses. With 6 fire trucks on hand I don't think anything will happen. My neighbor is OK. He managed to get the dogs out, but doesn't know where the cat is. Hopefully hiding somewhere.



All the neighborhood is out watching. It's quite a show. Two of the trucks had the ladders out to reach the roof. The firemen seem to have everything under control. It doesn't look like there will be that much damage. My neighbor is very lucky!

Tired of talking to machines?

Have you ever called a company's help line only to enter the company's interactive voice response (IVR) system. IVRs are those damn annoying computers that answer phones. They are universally thought to be developed by Satan. Thank God for people like Paul English. His IVR Cheat Sheet Web site, gives you shortcuts to bypass many vendors' IVR systems and speak to a live human.

Fayetteville High School Band

Fayetteville High School Band Marches In Rose Parade
First Rain In 51 Years Fails To Stop Procession

OK, let's turn this lemon into lemonade! Rain on the Rose Parade is a rare and unique thing. The band participated in something that many bands in 51 years have never done. Instead of saying "I march in the Rose Parade", they get to say "I marched in the Rose Parade during a rainstorm". They have become unique part of the Rose Parade history.

Bloggers 2005

In the middle of 2004 I discovered bloggers. The more I read the more I got hooked. I discovered that the bloggers I was reading were more accurate than the MSM. I also found that if bloggers were wrong they was quickly corrected. I liked the bloggers because they were more accurate. They made an effort to research a subject and made logical arguments. I like the fact that people could leave comments, many of which were insightful. Michelle Malkin, one of my favorite bloggers, has composed a list which sums up the reasons why I read bloggers. Clash of the bloggers vs. MSM

New Year

I've started the New Year cleaning up the house. I've packed away all the Christmas stuff and started with clearing out the junk in my closet.


Bows, of course, has been extremely helpful with the boxes. This is one reason why I rarely buy toys for the cats. They much prefer boxes, paper sacks and balls of paper.


The problem with organizing and cleaning, once you finish one project, two more crop up. I just keep falling behind. A three day weekend isn't enough time.


Tigger is helping me with filling up the cat food container. I believe it passed the test.





One thing I've been watching is the fires out in Texas and Oklahoma. Arkansas is just as dry and susceptible to fires. December 2005 has broke the record for the least amount of rain for the month of December in Fayetteville. Our rainfall was over 15 inches below normal in 2005. I sure wish California would send us some of that rain.

The Stories of 2005

I'm joining in with everyone else in picking the stories of 2005 that I thought were most important.

1. Disasters: The tsunami a year ago, Hurricane Katrina and the Kashmir Earthquake. These disasters showed how generous Americans are. We've been accused of being a uncaring, rich, capitalistic country. But the outpouring of money and help has shown the world who we actually are. It has even changed some people's attitudes towards us. In Kashmir, a miniature Chinook helicopter, has become a favorite toy among Kashmiri children because it's associated with relief.

2. Deaths: Pope John Paul II. Although I'm not Catholic, John Paul has been the only Pope I remember. I've not always agreed with him, but I have admired him. Chief Justice Rehnquist. His death is going to allow President Bush to change the current liberal Supreme Court to a conservative, constitutional Court.

3. Iraq: The successful elections in Iraq makes the steps the U.S. made to get rid of Saddam worthwhile. While WMD's were not found, the birth of democracy in the Middle East if allowed to flourish, will in the long run make us safer.

4. The Economy: This has got to be the most unreported or mis-reported story. In spite of rising gas prices and the losses from Katrina the economy has been doing well. If you watched the news you'd think everything was going badly. It's too bad that President Bush doesn't get out more often and brag about the economy. Great article here!

5. Democrats and MSM. These people have gone so far left that they've disappear into la, la land. Their mantra, "the military is broken, a bunch of failures destined to lose, and going into the homes of Iraqis in the dead of night, terrorizing kids and children, and women" is going to haunt them. Then there's the MSM's effort to topple the U.S. by handing out our intelligence secrets. I'm sure glad that the Justice department is going to investigate this.

Eli's Waiting

Eli is waiting for me to sit in the chair. He also looking for the stack of magazines or books that are suppose to be on the table. How is he going to play his favorite game of "push the books off the table" if there's nothing there? Eli has been disappointed all week. I haven't felt good and have been going to bed as soon as I can. Fortunately I am feeling better, just in time for the New Year's weekend.

Bush - Protecting America

Newsweek has been calling it Bush's Snoopgate. It says "Finally we have a Washington scandal that goes beyond sex, corruption and political intrigue to big issues like security versus liberty and the reasonable bounds of presidential power." Story
The real scandal is the stupidity of the MSM and the Democratic Party. The fact that the government listens in the phones and e-mails is not new. Remember, after 9/11, the stories about Al-Qaida "chatter"? Just search the internet and you will find tons of stories. Newsmax, 11/15/02 Al-Qaida 'chatter' hit an all-time high. CNN, 8/7/04 Slowdown in 'chatter' worries officials. SPIKED, 1/5/04, nicely defines it : Unlike human intelligence -which collects information through human contact with a terror group or enemy state, usually through infiltration - 'chatter', or signal intelligence, is collected by technical means, by using satellites to eavesdrop on phone conversations and email correspondence between suspected terrorists. At the same time SPIKED chides Britain and the U.S. for scaring us poor citizens about it.
How did it get from "stop worrying us about all the chatter that may or may not be a threat" to "Bush is a evil dictator that the MSM and the Democratic Party must stop"? We are promised a full congressional investigation next month. Well, go ahead Democrats! Show us the full glory of your stupidity and your willingness to jeopardize us for your own conceit and power. We'll learn who's serious about protecting us, President Bush and the Republican Party.

Merry Restful Christmas

My only goal this Christmas weekend was to relax and to catch up on my sleep. I can honestly say that I accomplished it. I didn't make it to church. I still need to be able to get to the bathroom real quick. There'll be next year.

I did make a special treat for Christmas morning. Saturday night I made potato dumplings. My mom made these when I was kid and it was one of my favorite dishes. She didn't make them very often because they took a lot of time to make and with eight in the family she had to cook a lot of them. The very best part we all loved was the fried dumplings that were made the next morning from the leftovers. Mmmmm!



Casey is enjoying one of his Christmas presents a friend gave him.



The weekend was cold and wet, but today was beautiful. So I went to see the geese that are wintering at the WRMC's pond. I get to see these every day going to and from work.


This is Sam the duck. All he's after is the food you're suppose to bring him.

Ozarks Lights

Tonight I am feeling really good. For the past two weeks I have been careful not to stray too far from a bathroom. The radiation has affected my stomach and bowels, so I've either been hugging the toilet or sitting on it. Once in a while I was sitting with a bowl in my hand. Yeah, I know, really disgusting and you really didn't want to know that.
Since I was feeling good I ,along with Trixie, went to see the Lights of the Ozarks on the Square. The atmosphere was festive. There were pony rides for the kids and horse carriages for the adults. I managed to get Trixie in one of the carriages and we rode around the Square. The kids were delighted to see a dog riding in a carriage. I tried to get pictures but my camera doesn't like night shots. This is a picture using the auto feature.



This is a picture using the night feature. Trixie is sniffing out something in the bed. I have to figure out how to get good night pictures.



New York has the New Year's Eve Count Down with an apple. We here in Arkansas have a Count Down with a Razorback.



Wooooooooooooo. Pig. Sooie!
Wooooooooooooo. Pig. Sooie!
Wooooooooooooo. Pig. Sooie!
Razorbacks!

Bring in the Violins

I'm trying real hard to be sympathetic to those poor abused NY Transit workers. It's just not real easy when you learn this:

**The average salary of a unionized New York City Transit employee is $48,000. The salary of a New York City police officer with five years experience is $44,100.

Average salary $48,00? What are the top earners making? For driving a bus or train? And they're earning more than the NY police?

**Transit workers pay exactly zero out of their paychecks for health care benefits. This would not change for existing workers — only new hires would, under the MTA's current offer, pay (an apparently unconscionable) 1% of their wages for health insurance.

Earth to TWU, most people with health insurance are footing part of the bill from their salary. That cost keep going up every year too.

**Unlike the rest of the country, which is awakening (albeit slowly) to the realization that retirement should be pushed back to reflect both economic and life expectancy realities, the transit workers, who are already able to retire with full pension at age 55, now think that's somehow unfair and want to be able to retire at 50.

Good Lord, I'm thinking that I'm going to be retiring at age 70. Heck, I'll probably be a Wal-Mart door greeter at age 75.
Now you know why Wal-Mart is so anxious not to have unions in their stores. The unions will have those door greeters earning $48,000 a year.

An Arkansas Christmas

Arkansas version of The Night Before Christmas

A Hero Comes Home

Lance Cpl. Aaron Mankin was seriously wounded by an IED in Iraq on May 11. Lance Cpl. Mankin suffered second- and third-degree burns to his hands, arms, upper neck and face. He was riding in an amphibious assault vehicle when the bomb went off. After multiple surgeries and daily rehabilitation Mankin has come home for a holiday visit with his family.

A boy who has always set goals and timelines for
those goals, Mankin isn't stressed or disconcerted
when asked about his plans for the future. Instead,
his face is full of obvious wonder as he talks about
the fact that he can walk. Despite a future of
as-yet-uncounted surgeries to rebuild his nose, mouth
and ears and to repair damage to his hands and arms,
Mankin talks of his amazement that he didn't suffer
any broken bones or lose a leg that could affect that
future.

"From the start, I knew I'd get better," he said Friday.
"I always knew that it was a part of God's plan. God's
been very faithful to me even though I don't deserve it."

This is said over and over by those whose faith is in God. No matter how difficult or terrible the circumstances may appear, we always know that God is near, God love us, God is always good, God is always faithful, God will take care of us. This give us courage to go forward.

Aaron Mankin supports the effort in Iraq and is proud of the freedom that the United States has helped bring to the Iraqi people, despite his severe injuries and his fear for the safety of his fianc/e.

"It's not that I know more, but I understand more than what the major media kicks out," Mankin said.
He understands the difference between an Iraqi village where family life is still apparent and one where insurgents are likely hid away. He understands the joy a child feels when his village is safe and he again can play outside and con candy from the Americans.

He also understands a deep commitment that lets him say "in a heartbeat" he would go back.

Mankin plans to ask the military medical review board to allow him to return to duty after his recovery, although he knows that if he returns, it will likely be a different type of position. If that doesn't work out, he wants to finish his education and become a teacher. He was a substitute teacher in Bentonville prior to his military service.

I love hearing stories like this. It always encourages me to not to give up. Lance Cpl. Mankin, Thank you for your service! You are what American is all about. What we hope our children grow up to be. What ever you do, I know that God will richly bless you!
Blue for bravery. White for honor. Red for sacrifice.
Semper Fidelis

Full Story

Bitch, Bitch, Bitch!

This morning I was suppose to get some blood drawn. I was really good and didn't eat anything past midnight. I showed up to the doctor's office hungry and really wanting my coffee. So now I'm waiting, waiting, waiting, a half hour while the **^&&* tech gossips around. Finally she calls me in and looks through my chart. The doctors orders, my doctor forgot to leave orders of what she wanted and she's out of town. O.K. Fine! How about another doctor submitting the orders. Well, they haven't seen you.
AH, SH**! &*(^!! CRAP!!
Got back to my office, griped to my co-workers and calmed down. Actually, it was a good thing that I didn't get my blood drawn. While I was waiting I observed the tech. She didn't wear any gloves while she was pulling blood from tubes or while she ran tests. She never washed her hands after she completed her tests and called me in. When my doctor returns I'm giving her an earful and letting her know that I won't have my blood done there. If the tech is not doing something basic as wearing gloves, who knows what else is going on in the lab.

Christmas Cats

The Christmas tree is just another toy for the cats. I think they believe I put it up just for them. Tigger and Eli mostly poke around the presents on the floor. It's a great place for them to hide and sneak attack one another.


Bows, on the other hand, is fascinated by the ornaments. I keep catching her pawing at them. To date she had broken two ornaments. Fortunately they're cheap and easily replaced.

Was it a Promise?

There is a question about whether or not Tom Terminella, developer of Mountain Ranch Development on the west side of Fayetteville, had actually promised to build and pay for the widening of Rupple Road and Persimmon Street. I have been to several Ward 4 meetings where this development was presented and discussed by Mr. Terminella. I, like the council members, came away with the impression that Mr Terminella was going to paying for some of the cost of improving those streets. I hope that City Council really looks into this. I'd like to know if Mr. Terminella said he'd pay for those roads just so that the council would approve his development. The Council also needs to make sure that the next time they hear a developer say they will pay for a street they get it in writing. Story

Election Results

Question #1 failed 40 percent in favor and 60 percent opposed. I'm not surprised that it failed. People weren't about to give a government agency that much power. Question #2 also failed, but only by 600 votes. I actually thought this one might pass. People usually pass bonds that affect education. I wonder why people voted it down? Are people feeling the pain in their wallets and aren't going to be passing bonds?

Question #1

Tomorrow Arkansans go to the polls to vote on two bond proposals. The proposal that has been generating controversy is Question #1. This proposal would give the Highway Commission power to issue bonds up to $575 million without the vote of Arkansans. The bonds would be paid from a 4 cent diesel tax that is currently collected.
I will be voting NO on this proposal. One reason: there is no limit on how many years the Commission would have the authority to issue bonds. I think there should be a limit of something like 5-10 years. At the end of bond issuing term they can bring it back to the people of Arkansas to renew their authority if they feel the need. I think a suggestion like this would eliminate the biggest issue about Question #1.

Anti-Christian Democrats

Blogger DunnerMeister preserved the web page

that the Democratic Party of Washington state last week was offering for sale car magnets showing the familiar Christian fish symbol--only inside the fish appears the word HYPOCRITE and a cross against a background of red-orange flames.

I knew that Democrats didn't like Christians very much (although they adore their money). They've been hiding their dislike of the Christians. They've mostly spewed scorn at the Conservative Christian Right. The Democrats have finally come out of the closet and shown their true colors.

via JAMES TARANTO

The Weekend

I've been busy this weekend. Baking cookies and bread, cleaning the house, shopping, picking up the dogs' little gifts in the backyard and filling up the bird feeders. This morning I sneaked in a little hike in Devil's Den. Hiking in winter is not only really cold, but with the leaves gone, you see a different side of the woods. This section of the woods has a little waterfall. When it freezes, it looks beautiful.


This year, however, we haven't had a lot of rain so there isn't a lot of water running over the rocks. The icicles aren't as spectacular.


We did catch this little surprise. A white possum crossing frozen Lee Creek. It allowed me to get fairly close to it. I wonder how rare white possums are?

Fayetteville HS Choir's Madrigal Feast

A Madrigal Dinner is a feast with four or five courses tied together with music, pageantry and humor.

Friday evening began with me being escorted to my seat by a page and my name herald to the other diners. The church's parish was decorated in candles, garland, wreaths and a Christmas tree. The menu:

Wassaile Bowele, Florentine Salade, Ham, Baked Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, Bread, Flaming Plumme Pudding

Each course was herald in by the Lords and Ladies (choir) singing one or two songs. Ah, yes, all the singing by choir was done a cappella.
As for the humor portion of the evening. Well, you decide. One of the knights rode around the room on his horse(stick) yelling "December 24th." He was the "Knight before Christmas." Another knight rode around the room on his horse(stick) with two people behind him holding signs that said "Quiet" and telling everyone to "Ssshush". Yeah, that's right, "Silent Knight." Then, someone screams. Someone has stabbed the "Silent Knight." At which point the jester quips "he's a Holy Knight now!" >>Groans!<<<
The gem of the evening was the Carol Concert at the end. A truly wonderful performance by the Fayetteville HS Choir.

Will do Windows

I have been trying to get a picture of Casey for a long time. It's difficult because he just doesn't cooperate. Serves him right that I have to use this embarrassing one of him. I don't know why he's licking that window. This isn't the first time he's done it. I just don't see the attraction and I don't exactly appreciated him smearing up the window. I think I'll spread some soap on it. Heh, Heh!

Updates

Boy, is it cold! I mean really freezing! It's suppose to be 6 degrees tomorrow morning. I definitely am going to be wearing my thermals tomorrow. The snow this morning was nice. Too bad it didn't last long. I've been finishing up my family Christmas letter. It's a bit longer than previous years. This year wasn't quite the "same old same old".
I've gotten some updates on a few items.

"Winning Iraq: The Untold Story." If you want to see it in it's entirety, we're re-running it on Sunday December 11, at 9p and midnight, eastern time.

Brian Gaffney
Executive Producer

Then there's the Christmas Card to the ACLU. People at work got a kick out of the idea.

MERRY CHRISTMAS,

We are excited to be able to announce the creation of our "Merry Christmas ACLU E-Card" You can now send several E-cards a day to the ACLU as well as send your actual phyiscal Christmas card to their national offices.

You can now see the E-card and send it from http://muscleheadrevolution.com!

What I need you to do is forward this information to as many people as is possible. All of the details, address, and instructions are found at this link: http://muscleheadrevolution.com.

Please send it to as many people as you can think of who may help us, and encourage them to check it out once a day every day between now and Christmas - there will be additional ways that everyone can be involved!

Thanks, and MERRY CHRISTMAS
Kevin McCullough
Host/Executive Producer
"The MuscleHead Revolution"
AM 570 WMCA - New York City * Connecticut * Rhode Island
AM 970 WMCA - New York * NewJersey * Pennsylvania * Delaware
kmc@WMCA.com
http://muscleheadrevolution.com

Recovering

I reviewed my Friday post and was amazed at all the errors. I must have been really tired. Which is probably why I spent most of Saturday sleeping. I didn't really intend to, it was such a nice day. My body protested and forced me to sleep. I felt much better on Sunday. Although I still had problems eating.
I've manage to finished reading a book. Michael Crichton's State of Fear. It's a good adventure story. He has put in a lot of good data on the myth of global warming. I found the most intriguing part to be a discussion between one of the main characters, Peter Evens, and a professor.
The professor states:

The requirement of every sovereign state is to exert control over the behavior of its citizens, to keep them orderly and reasonable docile. Social control is best managed through fear. Pgs 454-455

The professor said we use to have the fear of nuclear war, the Communist Menace, the Iron Curtain. With the fall of the Berlin Wall we no longer have that fear. It needed to be replaced. Enter the environmental crisis. We had the Kyoto Agreement and Al Gore screaming about a deepening global climate crisis. That all changed with 9/11. We now fear terrorism.
As a Christian why should I fear anything? God is sovereign and God is good. I trust God with the control of the universe. I believe that God controls all things for my good. If God is working everything for my good why should I be afraid. So, I don't have to fear the future, the unknown.

Fun Time!

In case you have nothing better to do, try this.

My score was: 96% , Ave error 3 miles, Time: 246 secs

via Grouchy Old Cripple

Merry Christmas!

Yes! I proudly say Merry Christmas! So There, ACLU!

If you've been paying any attention you've notice that Christmas has been disappearing. Christmas is becoming a forbidden word. A legal assault by the ACLU combined with the MSM that blatantly promotes secularism has succeeded in convincing some Americans that the words Merry Christmas are inappropriate while celebrating the national holiday of Christmas! So, those of us who still believe in Merry Christmas are fighting back.
Kevin McCullough is organizing a very special Christmas card campaign. Between now and Christmas he is asking you to send the ACLU direct "Merry Christmas" cards. Heh, heh, heh, hah, hah!

And we aren't talking about these generic "happy holiday" (meaning nothing) type of cards...

Go get as "Christmas" a Christmas card as you can find... something that says.. "Joy To The World", "For Unto Us A Child Is Born", but at least "Merry Christmas", put some of your own thoughts into it, sign it respectfully and zip it off in the mail to

ACLU
"Wishing You Merry Christmas"
125 Broad Street
18th Floor
New York, NY 10004

via Michelle Malkin

UPDATE:

4:36pm EST
MERRY CHRISTMAS ACLU - FOX NEWS TONIGHT: We're thrilled to get the news that the "Merry Christmas ACLU" campaign was picked up by Fox News Channel's BIG STORY Weekend Edition. It airs at 10:00pm EST and we're slated to debate a member of the ACLU/law professor from Nebraska.

Great!

We will also be given the chance to explain the campaign to flood the National Offices of the ACLU with "Merry Christmas Cards". Please make plans to join us. Tonight on the Fox News Channel, 10:30pm.

I'm also scheduled to appear on the RightMarch.com radio show at roughly 5:20pm tonight as well.

Fox

Last night I watched a program on Fox "Winning Iraq: The Untold Story". Unfortunately, I tune in at the last part of it. What I saw was really good. I e-mailed a request to the network to re-air it. I hope they do. It's rare to see what's really happening in Iraq on T.V. I mostly get the "real news" from bloggers.
This is the first war where we've had unprecedented first hand coverage of the war. We've have embedded journalists and blogs from soldiers fighting the war. So why is it that Fox's program is a rare thing? What the soldiers are doing in Iraq should be covered more by the MSM. But, nooo! The MSM get upset with the U.S. military's practice of paying Iraqi papers to run articles emphasizing positive developments in the country. Heck, why should the military be paying newspapers to run positive stories. The MSM should have been doing it all this time. Another reason why I watch Fox and not those other news channels.

I'm Tired!

I've been feeling ill the last couple of days. I haven't been sleeping well since I had my surgery. Once I recovered from the surgery I started getting hot flashes. I really don't mind them during the day. They aren't severe and don't last long. Heck, since the days have been getting colder a hot flash has been a good way to get warmed up. The flashes keep waking me up several times during the night. I really want a night of uninterrupted sleep. I've an appointment with my doctor in a week. I'm going to beg for some sleeping pills.
On top of that I've been nauseated again. Actually I typing with a bowl in front of me, just in cause. Yeah, I know, thanks for sharing. Only 6 more weeks of radiation to go!


Eli was playing in the grass last week while I was hanging up the lights last week. Bows is finally eating the "special" food. My basic plan was "you'll eat it when you get hungry enough".