Fayetteville's Farmers Market, Gone to the Dogs

Saturday morning the Farmers Market featured a Dog Parade. The parade was organized by Walt Eilers, candidate for Fayetteville Mayor. The purpose of the parade was to get dog owners organized to get Fayetteville an appropriate dog park. Walt said that he want each quadrant in Fayetteville to have a dog park. I really doubt that is a possibility but Fayetteville does need a really nice dog park. The one at the Animal Shelter is too small and is mostly used by the shelter for their rescue dogs.
I myself would like to see an off leash dog park. I went to the one in Lawrence, Kansas. It was very nice with open spaces, a forested area and steams. There have been efforts in the past to get a dog park, but every area suggested for a park was rejected by non dog owners. It sure would be nice if Fayetteville dog owners got organized this time and made the dog park a reality.

Wedington Speeders Beware!

Saturday, Captain Casey Brown asked me how I felt about the traffic on Wedington now that it is widen. I told him it was easier to turn on to it and that the back-up by the Catfish Hole and Westwood Gardens was gone. He said that that open stretch on Wedington was causing some problems. It appears that people have decide that part of Wedington is a race course. Captain Brown said that the Police Dept was making extra patrols to catch the speeders. So, if you are driving down Wedington, slow down! The Police are watching!

Nancy Allen, No Re-election

I am so sad to have Nancy Allen decide not to seek re-election. I really appreciated that she was willing to ask questions. Maybe her questions irritated the Mayor and some on the Council, but when she didn't understand something, she asked. Far too many people would just keep their mouth shut. I think that people on the Council need to be challenged more on their past and present actions. Maybe if enough people encouraged her, she might change her mind.

Fayetteville Animal Shelter, Reopening Celebration

The Fayetteville Animal Shelter celebrated it's grand reopening after the renovation of the building. There was plenty of goodies for the dogs and people. I snagged a hot dog and a cute little bracelet.

Some of the renovation like the plumbing and lighting came from renovations pulled from the police department, said Captain Casey Brown. The renovation in the dog pens made the place look cleaner and brighter. Still, a cage isn't a home for the dogs. This little guy really, really would like a home.


The most noticeable change was in the cat area. Instead of those wired cages, they were in plastic cubicles with plenty of pillows and blanket. Yet, cats aren't suppose to be in little boxes. This sweet heart is really lovable and has the most amazing green eyes.



The shelter has a whole bunch of kittens which kinda overflowed into the hallway. As you passed through, you just had to play with them. I caught Captain Casey Brown playing with a couple. The renovations couldn't happen without a lot of people volunteering. The Shelter had special gifts for the people who volunteered and were asking for more people to join the special group of people who care for the animals.

I'm Sorry!

It's been nearly 3 weeks since I had that accident with the dogs. My foot is still swollen such that I can't get a shoe on it. I have a boot that I'm able to do limited walking but it sure is taking a long time to heal.

More dogs at Friday Ark. and canine carnival

Fayetteville, Losing the Fireworks

Fayetteville is not the only city to cancel it's fireworks. Other cities are having to cut out their fireworks show. I understand the worry about firework displays being held in people's backyards. There is probably going to an increase in accidents. I just hope nothing serious. I'm not sure that Fayetteville will be able to put the fireworks back into the budget with the high gas and energy prices. I think that if Fayetteville got together with Springdale to share the costs there could be still be a big firework show in the area. A good suggestion for Parks and Recreation.

Yoo-hoo! Still Looking for Scapegoats!

Come out, come out, where ever you are! Congress is still looking for some one to blame for the high gas prices. Man, these guy haven't just buried their heads in the sand but they've poured in the cement. For the past 40 years Congress has cripple efforts to make sure America produced enough energy for the future. I am surprised that we've not had this crisis sooner, although we've had plenty of warnings. Heck, while we're screaming to Drill Here, Drill Now environmental activists are doing everything they can to shut down energy production.

Coal is cheap, but it has no friends. Anticoal activists brag that 59 coal-fired plants were canceled in 2007. Nearly 50 more in 29 states are being contested. Recall how the private equity buyers of Texas utility txu agreed last year to cancel eight power plants to defuse environmental opposition. It takes years to plan and at least six years to build a large power plant.

We'll just have to keep yelling at Congress. Even now, 4 Arkansas State Republican Representatives issued a statement demanding that Congress take real steps to solving the energy problem.

We're approaching a scenario where $4.00 a gallon is a cheap price for gas. And when liberals in Congress propose burdening our energy industry with increased taxes and wasteful mandates, they are ignoring the laws of supply and demand by kicking our economy when it's already down. The only way to lower the price of energy is to lower production barriers and inefficient mandates and thereby increase the number of energy suppliers....In short, these are much more palatable, serious, and productive solutions than the failed ideas currently on the table in Congress: higher taxes on energy companies, socializing energy production, and unsuccessfully begging Saudi Arabia to pump another half-million barrels of oil every day. We would be much better off increasing our own domestic production capacity, and we urge the federal government to take action on this front immediately.

I think it's time we stand up and give the members of Congress who are butt kissing the environmentalists a big kick in the rear. Sign the petition, DRILL HERE, DRILL NOW, PAY LESS!

Agility Fix

My sprained ankled is not going to let me do agility training with Casey for at least 3 or 4 weeks. I've decided that I'd get my fix by putting Eli through a couple of obstacles.

More cats in action at Friday Ark

Fayetteville, State Plan for Garland Avenue

I stopped by this evening to see the plans for Garland Avenue. I managed to talk with Lioneld Jordan for a few minutes on my views about the State's plan. I am not really happy about the continuous center line and the 10 foot multiuse path. Garland Avenue passes through mostly residential areas and a fair number of students live in this area. I see no need to put in a continuous lane. It would be better to leave that out and put in well place turning lanes. Garland should be more bike friendly and follow Fayetteville's Alternative Transportation Plan. The multiuse path on the west side, designed for both bikes and pedestrians, is not the safest way for bikes to travel. There should be dedicated bikes lanes on both sides. I think a better plan for Garland Avenue is sidewalks, dedicated bike lanes, turning lanes as needed and dump the continuous central lane.

Fayetteville, Arkansas Health Dept Evacuation

Boy, we had some excitement very close to work today. We heard all the sirens blast through just after 9 AM. With so many going off we'd figure something serious was going on. I got my first look at lunchtime. At that time they had just a few state department vehicles blocking the Health Dept's entrances.

By the time I left work, they had blocked the whole street and it appears that they had a large number of people from hazardous materials present. I came back later tonight to take care of something at work and when I left at 7 PM the road was still closed down. The good news is that no one seems to be seriously hurt.

Voting for Melanin, and Not Character

I guess the desire for a black president is so compelling, that some black Republicans are considering voting for Obama. If you are a bona fide Republican, you'd be giving up a lot of your principles to vote for a left-wing whacko like Obama. Black Republicans already get a lot of grief because they struggle against the slavery traps of the Democrat Party. They are already classed as traitors to their race because they refuse to accept the chains of socialism. Black Republicans have already suffered enough abuse so why weakly surrender to a plainly inferior presidential candidate like Obama, just because he's black? Obama will not be the last black man to run for President. There will be another that you can proudly support because you agree with his principles and admire his character.
This is the time to stand on your principles and not on your emotions. Black Republicans have come through so much it would be a shame to just throw it all away on some one like Obama. "You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?" Galatians 5:7. We are voting for the President of the United States not the President of the Black American Dream.

For most of my adult life I took an oath to a simple document, the US Constitution, to support and defend it against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and to bear true faith and allegiance to the same. My allegiance is to America, its people, and their rights as put forth in that superb document. I shall not discard my principles and commitment to my God and Country, just because. I applaud Senator Obama for his accomplishment, however, there is no way I will vote for someone that is so contrary to my beliefs in lower taxes, limited government, individual rights and freedoms, individual responsibility and accountability, not collective prosperity sharing.

I grew up in inner city Atlanta Georgia, and my elementary school, Our Lady of Lourdes, is across the street from Ebenezer Baptist Church. Dr King's seminal ideal of "content of character vs color of skin" resonates with me. Regardless of the probable ensuing vitriolic name calling, my ideology and principles are not in concert with those of Senator Obama. I wish him well, but I dont wish him to be President of THESE United States of America".

Lieutenant Colonel Allen B West (US Army, Ret)
Republican Candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives
Florida District 22

Eli, Newspaper War

The best time of the week is Saturday morning. You can sit back and relax with a cup of coffee and fight with the cat over control of the newspaper.

More animals at Friday Ark

Fayetteville, War on the Water Bottle

I really don't think Mayor Coody has drank the city water. The taste isn't all that great and at times really nasty.

Coody said the water that comes straight from the tap is just as good and not nearly as expensive.

While I'm not one of those who waste their money buying bottled water, I do filter it. That seems to take out the nasty taste.

Consumers are choosing bottled water because they think it's safer or purer than tap water, when in reality regulations on municipal water are more stringent, Coody said.

Then there are the consumers who think the city water tastes crappy and prefer to drink something that tastes good.

Coody's announcement comes during a national movement to reduce the consumption of bottled water.

I want to know why is Coody picking on water bottles? Why isn't he trying to reduce the consumption of beer and cola bottles. They have the same environmental impact as the water bottle. Why this unfair persecution of water? Water is healthier to drink than beer and cola, so why not go after them instead?

She's Going to Blow!

I am in a really filthy mood! It's been a very long day and I'm frustrated and in pain. Yeah, I took a pain pill. It hasn't kicked in yet. I'm losing my patience trying to get things done while in crutches. Boy, you just take two whole, working legs for granted. I spent 2 hours in the Orthopedics's office this afternoon. The doctor decided to put me in one of those big, heavy, hot walking boots. Three or four weeks, Arrgh!
What am I going to wear? My slacks aren't going to fit over the boot. I've been wearing shorts. Should I just buy some more and wear those? They've been working well but I'd have to make sure I keep my legs shaved. I have some sweats that might fit over the boot for those days that I didn't get to the shaving. Hmmm, I just have to ask the fashion guru's at work.

Corn, The New Gold

The flooding in the Midwest is a really good example of why it's not a good idea to use a food crop as fuel.

Corn prices climbed further into record territory Thursday after more rain doused the Midwest, leaving flooded corn crops deeper underwater and threatening livestock owners who depend on the grain to feed their herds.

There will be bigger increases in the price of food, which is going to hurt more people. The poor around the world have already been the hurt by the ethanol hoax. The current weather disaster is just going to make things worse for them and it might start hitting those in the middle class. What are the food banks going to do? They have had a hard time buying food plus they been dealing with more people utilizing their services. Is this going to be enough to make Congress repeal their stupid ethanol mandate? Is Congress going to listen to the cries of the poor and hungry or the environmentalist lobby?

Nominating Committee and the Telecom Board

I agree with Kyle that it's a bit odd that Marvin Hilton who was just fired as the cable administrator was applying to be on the Telecom Board. The Nominating Committee's decision not to recommend him for the Board position might be a start for the City Council to take care of the problems surrounding the Telecom Board. While Hilton's knowledge about telecommunications makes him well qualified for the position, there are other things to consider as well.

Lucas said if Hilton had a better relationship with the board, possibly "things could have moved along better."
"I've certainly watched a few meetings where he got in it with them," Cook concurred.

I wonder if the Nominating Committee is going to be able to get some one for the open position. I imagine that most people aren't going to be willing to deal with the issues surrounding the Telecom Board.

Crashing into Dogs

Sunday morning I got run over by 2 dogs, and I lost. I was doing agility training with Casey when another dog decided to play with Casey. They both ran into the path I was running and splat, I was on the ground clutching the grass in agony. We had to call the first responders because I couldn't walk. They splinted my ankle and carried me to my truck. Those rural responders were really terrific! I was able to drive myself to the hospital after dropping Casey off at home. Fortunately, I didn't break any bones, but I really tore up the ligaments. I have an appointment with Ortho later this week to see how badly they're torn. So, my foot is really swollen, a nice purple color and really, really hurts. I've just been working in the mornings because the pain gets worse as the day progresses. I am rolling around the office on my chair and having everyone wait on me. I'd better milk it for all it's worth. At home, I'm mostly sitting/sleeping in the recliner with my ankle elevated. This would be a really good time to catch up on my reading except the pain medication makes me sleepy. So, I've been catching up on my sleep.

Fayetteville's Telecom Board

Greg Harton had a very insightful article on the problems occurring on the Telecom Board.

The Government Channel has made its own news lately as Mayor Dan Coody's public information and policy advisor, Susan Thomas, took on the role of enforcing Government Channel policies after she fired longtime city employee Marvin Hilton. Hilton had served as a proverbial punching bag for some members of the Telecommunication Board, and he took it. Thomas, who is no shrinking violet, required only a few weeks before she'd had enough and started pressing for clarity of authority and policy when it came to Government Channel policies and procedures and the role of the Telecom Board. It apparently got nasty enough that Thomas asked to be relieved of her role of interaction with the Telecom Board until clear lines of authority and policy were established.

While blame is being scattered among the Telecom Board, the Administration and a few aggressive public members, the final authority is the City Council. It's their responsibility to make sure that the Telecom Board members are fulfilling their responsibilities and are following the policies and procedures of the Telecom Board. The City Council has the authority to remove any member who isn't compliant. That may be seen by some of the more activist people as limiting free speech but the Council has a duty to the public to make sure that the Telecom Board is working. I agree with Greg that the Board is an ongoing disappointment and I think it's time for the Council to get some balls and deal with it.

West Fayetteville, Neighborhood Market

Finally, the west side of Fayetteville is going to get a Neighborhood Market. Boy, I have been waiting 10 years to get one off of Wedington. I was really worried about having another big development put in on Wedington. The traffic is bad and other development would make it worse. We've got Lioneld Jordan to thank for making it happen. He worked with the developers and got them to complete Salem Road all the way to Persimmon Street during Phase I.

One of the conditions of approval is that the applicant construct Salem Road as a collector street from Wedington Drive to Persimmon Street in the first phase of the development.

This will take some of the traffic off of Wedington. I'm glad the developers worked with the city to make it happen.

Another Reason Not to Vote For Obama

Well, this is an interesting take on why one shouldn't vote for Obama.

Editor, the Tribune: I voted for Barack Obama in the Missouri presidential primary. I now regret that vote after discovering that he is addicted to cigarettes. I believe this is a defining issue of character and judgment. I believe that smoking is indefensible in terms of health and family impact, and therefore anyone who smokes has exhibited very poor judgment. My opinion is that any person who is incapable of exerting enough self-discipline to quit smoking should be void from holding the most powerful position in our country. Self-discipline and good judgment are necessary for great leadership.

Socialist, racist, America hater - OK; Smoker - Eew Gross, How Evil!

ArkGeo 2008 Annual Social

Yeah, I was out having fun this weekend. The Arkansas Geocachers Assoc held their annual meeting at Lake Catherine. It was my first time to meet these people you only know by their caching name. There was plenty of food, caching and prizes to be won. Yup, I picked up a couple of prizes!

This is the educational table. You could compare your GPS features with others. Find out what programs people were using to store or organize their caches. I found out the clue to solving the We Forgot! mystery caches in Rogers. Sneaky, very, very sneaky!
There was also showing off your geocoins. "CacheMates" definitely has a nice collection. Unfortunately, I didn't stay for the hotdog and marshmallow roast. I missed out on a very special event.

The "Wake" for "Uncle Elwin" and the scattering of some of his ashes was a new experience but now he can call Arkansas home. You had to have been there.

I'm really looking forward to the next years Ark-Geo Event somewhere in Arkansas!

More pictures here!

Scull Creek Trail Bridges, Installation

Matt Mihalevich,Trails Coordinator sent out this announcement.

This Thursday, June 5th, Kinco Contractors will install 3 of the 6 trail bridges for Scull Creek Trail. Should be an exciting day if anyone wants to stop by. I have attached a map of the bridge locations. They will begin at 7:00 a.m. and they expect to install a bridge every 2 hours.

It should be an interesting sight!

Fayetteville, The Government Channel's Role

I read City Attorney, Kit William's memo about the 2 concerns he had about the way the Government Channel was being used.

Allowing forums, roundtable discussions, talk shows etc., on the Government channel rather than on the Public Access Channel would eventually mean that the primary purpose of the Government Channel to show the citizens their government at work could be drowned out by special interest groups debating or discussing their views while taxpayer paid city employees had to plan, film, produce and cablecast the show

In a time when the city's finances are not doing well we shouldn't have citizens start ordering the city employees to spend money on their projects.

However, he went on to say that in recent years the Government Channel has "wandered"into Public Access Channel domain by producing and cablecasting public interest forums. Williams argued that trying to limit the content of forums to "governmentapproved subjects"is difficult and may not be constitutional under the First Amendment of the U. S. Constitution.

There will be some one who feels that their project belongs on Government Channel and would sue the city if it was reject. Having previously accepted public interest forums, the city is likely to lose such a lawsuit. I think Kit's concerns are reasonable and deserve to be investigated. That's why I was so shocked to read about a full blown conspiracy in which Susan Thomas,Public Information Officer, was trying to censor and/or outright kill all free of speech. How did the newspaper editor put it?

The term for it is power grab.

Ah, yes, and this conspiracy also involves the "administration" (Mayor Coody).

The bigger concern is that the administration’s latest intrusions open the door to further meddling in programming on the Government Channel. Some future administration might be inclined to tamper with the policies even more. The programming could become just what it was designed not to be: a tool to put the current administration in the most favorable light.

Yeah, the tin-foil hat conspiracy brigade is in full force. I was reading this and this and I just wondered what in the heck were they smoking. Fortunately, there is some one that has been acting like a sane, rational adult. Nancy Allen. Her comments at the May 22nd meeting were right one. Way to go Nancy! She is quite right that the City Council needs to review the policy of the Government Channel and also the responsibilities of the Telecom Board.
So, the issues brought up by Kit Williams has created more friction between the Telecom Board and the City Administration and has led Susan Thomas to say she didn't wish to appear before the Board. Richard Drake, Chair of the Telecom Board has vented his feelings about the whole situation and wondered if he should resign. Based on what I saw from the meeting, I would have said no, don't resign. However, he decided to blog about the whole situation and probably made the whole thing worse.

So, in essence, I was publicly Slimed by a member of city staff.
Which is fine, as far as it goes. I’m a big boy. But there is a larger issue at stake here, and that is one of fairness, and equal treatment before the city.
I didn’t mention the fact that the person who chose to Slime me before the city council was highly-paid for no particular reason, but to make a point. In the grand balance, is the word of a staffer to be taken over the word of a citizen-volunteer - who makes zilch - automatically by the city council, without even hearing from the individual involved?

Yes, now I think you should at least resign from the chairmanship. It is so wrong for a member of a city board, particularly the chair, to write this about a city employee. I don't even care if Richard is in the right. Richard should have taken any beef he had to the Mayor or any City Council member. His blog was the wrong place to do it. There is a rule in blogging that says you should never write about your boss. There should be another rule and that is to never blog about a city employee when you're a member of a city board.

Arkansas Illegals in College

I am assuming that the administrators want these illegal immigrants as students in their colleges.

Purcell sent a letter last week warning schools not to offer illegal immigrants in-state tuition, unless they wanted to give the same benefits to an out-of-state student. The department began polling the state's two- and four-year colleges and universities after that to find out their admissions practices.

These students have studied hard to get into college, they've filled out forms, and made arrangements to afford their education. Why don't they put in the same time and effort getting into to college to becoming a legal citizen? Why doesn't the college after identifying bogus social security numbers start the students through the process of becoming U.S. citizens? As long as these students haven't committed any crimes I see no problem with them continuing school while they go through the citizenship process. Heck, give them the incentive of in-state-tuition if they apply for citizenship.

After the Rain

Tigger is enjoying the garden although it is a bit wet. We've had rain nearly every day this week. All the rain is making the garden grow really nicely. Of course, the weeds are growing too. At least we've been really lucky in not getting any tornados.

More cats at Friday Ark

Walton Arts Center, In Fayetteville or Out?

I don't see the Walton Arts Center staying in Fayetteville. The PTB in the institution really want the bigger stage for bigger productions. When you talk to anyone from the Center that's seems to be their number one priority. While it would be nice to see some of the bigger productions, is there going to be enough people to shell out the big bucks to see those shows?
While the city of Fayetteville is going to try everything it can to keep it on Dickson Street, I don't think there is enough space for a bigger theater and more parking. I just don't think every entertainment venue can fit on Dickson Street. It's time for Fayetteville to look beyond Dickson Street and have other entertainment sections in the city.
The Walton Arts Center does still have it's possibilities. One of the things I miss in living in L.A. is the small theaters a lot of the cities had. For $10 I could go see a play, put on by local amateur actors. Some of them were better than the touring Broadway shows. Springdale has the Art Center of the Ozarks, I think the Arts Center should be home to a Fayetteville theater group.

Economy, Still No Recession

Hey, Democrats and MSM! You aren't trying hard enough! We still aren't in a recession yet! Frankly, I'm amazed that the economy has managed to grow.

The signs Thursday of resilience in the U.S. economy appeared welcome. "The GDP news was pretty good. From our perspective, we're not going to see a negative quarter of GDP, so earnings are going to improve," said Scott Wren, senior equity strategist for Wachovia Securities

Still, the growth is small so more pessimistic reporting could tip the economy over into a recession. The Democrats have to hurry though. The election is just a few months away and given all the baggage Obama has the Democrats really need a recession.

Soul-Searching Republicans

There is an expectation that Republicans are going to lose big this fall. So we have a few leaders commenting on why they are losing and what to do about it. Tom Coburn wrote

Voters are tired of buying a GOP package and finding a big-government liberal agenda inside. What we need is not new advertising, but truth in advertising.Becoming Republicans again will require us to come to grips with what has ailed our party – namely, the triumph of big-government Republicanism and failed experiments like the K Street Project and compassionate conservatism.

The Republican Party needs to start acting like Republicans. The Republican leadership needs to stop the massive spending increases and entitlement programs. They need to start giving people freedom instead of dependence on the government. Glenn agrees with Tom and further comments

He's right. At least, the GOP leadership is. Grassroots Republican seem to be in despair . . . .

I disagree with the despair in the Republican grassroots. We got frustration, anger and a willingness to toss out the Republican leadership. The grassroots are searching among their ranks for candidates who are dedicated to the conservative principals of the Republican Party. The national outlook for Republicans look like a mess right now, but local candidates are learning the lesson about straying from the principals. For Republicans to win - and be worthy of winning - they need to get back to where they belong.

Memorial Day

In Flanders Fields, John McCrae, 1915.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Fayetteville, Gulley Park, The First Summer Concert

I took Casey and Trixie out to the Gulley Park Summer Concert which started tonight. Ultra Suede, one of my favorite bands, opened the Concert Series. It is a gorgeous night. The wind was slightly blowing and took the edge off the humidity. I took a book hoping to read but Casey was in a playful mood. I'll have to get to the park earlier next time and run his energy off.

Visit more dogs at canine carnival

NW Arkansas, Salvation Army

Last night I attended the Salvation Army's Appreciation Dinner. This dinner was to celebrate all the people who volunteer for and/or financially support the Army. Much of the service was recognizing various people and organizations that had made special contributions to the Army. However, as I looked around the crowded room I realized that there were many people that volunteered for the Army that weren't getting any special awards. In NWA alone, 7,516 volunteers rang bells, served meals, sorted toys, and served in disasters. Last years Angel Tree program helped 6,960 children and seniors. That's a tremendous number of people working to help others. When you read all the things the Army is doing in NW Arkansas you realize that how very special these people are. Of course, they would say that they are only doing what they do best, helping people.
The dinner just reaffirmed my decision to make the Salvation Army one of my primary organizations to support. I love having so many people helping out and also knowing that out of every dollar given to the Army, 90¢ is used for services. I know that most of the money is used to help people rather than to administrative costs. Now, I just have to find the time to actually start helping out instead of giving money. Maybe I should ring the bell this year.

Why Republicans Are Going to Lose

I'm pretty sure John Brummett's prediction on the election in November is fairly accurate.

It is for a John McCain victory for president coupled with significant gains for Democrats in the House and Senate, perhaps sufficient in the latter chamber to overcome filibusters with the help of the two or three reasonable Republicans.

I, however, disagree with his reason why the Republicans will face a Congressional defeat.

the now-demonstrated inability of Republicans to tie fear of Obama around the necks of local Democratic congressional candidates.

The people in the Republican Party are sick and tired of their Congressman acting more like Democrats than Republicans. The grossly bloated farm bill is a prime example why the Republican Party is in trouble. This bill increases farm spending by 44% over last year and because of GOP backing, Bush's veto will be overturned. Then, to make matters worse, Bob Novak reports that

Seventeen pork-minded Republican senators gave the Democratic leadership necessary support to waive from the farm bill the brand new ban of earmarks on a bill that had cleared both houses. Thirty-two craven Republican House members voted for upper-bracket tax increases to finance new veterans benefits.

The GOP candidates in Mississippi and Louisiana lost because their Democrat opponents were running as better Republicans than they were.
Jonathan Adler from The Corner comments

My own Congressman, Rep. Steve LaTourette, joined the pork parade by supporting the farm bill. No surprise there, as LaTourette's been a weak sister for quite some time, but this is the last straw. I'll never vote for him again. I'm sick of big government guys like him giving the rest of the party a bad name.

Hallelujah and Amen!

Bows, Capturing the Sun

It's been unseasonable cool this week. It's not quite cold enough to turn on the heat, but it's cool enough to wear long sleeves. For the cats, it's all about getting the coveted sunlight spot.

More cats at Friday Ark

The Republican Leadership Sucks

I am really, really royally pissed at the leadership in the Republican party. I was really puking when I heard McCains's envirowacko speech. What a con job! He's joined the Democrats in creating a humongous government agency that will be taxing us up the wazoo. Then came his 2013, fanciful, big vision thing, I'm hurling again. Boy, did that have a surprising lack of realism to it. Mark Steyn says he met 3 kinds of Republicans

1) A small number who are disgusted with the GOP and say this Bob Barr/Ron Paul/Whoever chap is going to get their vote.

2) A small number who are disgusted with the GOP and plan on sitting on their hands this November.

3) A much bigger number who are disgusted with the GOP but say it's a waste of time flirting with Barr or flouncing off in a huff because it's going to be Obama or McCain in the Oval Office so we have to vote for McCain faute de mieux.*

Right now I'm going for door number 2!

Casey, First Novice Title

I took Casey and Trixie up to Lawrence, Kansas for a dog agility trial. Lawrence is a really beautiful city, they have a really nice fence free dog park. My only expectation of Casey for the trial was not to get all excited and goofy. I wanted him to concentrate on me and my directions. Boy, did he perform well! Saturday was a bit frustrating because he was still getting distracted but Sunday he mellowed out and worked well. We came home with first place ribbons in all the events he was entered, Q'd several of the runs and earned his first Novice Title in weavers. All that hard work is starting to show!

More dogs at Friday Ark. and canine carnival

La Nina, Arkansas 2008

Finally, a normal cyclic climate event is being report as responsible for the more violent weather that has been hitting Arkansas. The knee jerk "global warming" crap is thankfully absent.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service say a phenomena known as La Nina — a cooling of water along the equator — is the reason why the state and country are experiencing nearly double the number of tornadoes in 2008 than in an average year.

The last time I remember the La Nina effect being so strong was in 1988/1989 while I was in school in L.A. Boy, was there a lot of rain and flooding. We didn't have the tornadoes.

The current La Niña event, characterized by a cooling of the sea surface in the central and eastern Equatorial Pacific, has strengthened slightly in recent months and is expected to continue through the first quarter of 2008, with a likelihood of persisting through to the middle of the year. ScienceDaily

It looks like we can expect more tornadoes and rain into next year. It's a good time to check out your emergency kit.

Cold April

From National Climatic Data Center

The average temperature in April 2008 was 51.0 F. This was -1.0 F cooler than the 1901-2000 (20th century) average, the 29th coolest April in 114 years. The temperature trend for the period of record (1895 to present) is 0.1 degrees Fahrenheit per decade.

Brrr! Bring back global warming!

I Need a History Lesson

History was never one of my strongest subjects in school. So, when did the U.S. grow to 57 states?

The Difference!

Funny, but oh so true!

To Do List Overflows

Blog writing has been sporadic due to life. At the end of the day I've been so tired that I've had no desire to write. Heck, I haven't been listening to TV or radio enough to know what's going on in the world. Thank God for the Drudge Report. I poked my head up and noticed that Clinton and Obama were still running. Yawn!
I wrote up a list of things that have to be done around the house. Oh crap! I really don't feel like doing them. I want to have fun on the weekends.
Our new tech showed up Monday and he's still coming back, we didn't scare him off. I'm hoping that he'll take some of my work. Of course, everyone else is looking at him that way too. Wonder who will win? Yeah, about those Ding Dong wrappers on the floor. No, it wasn't me at the end of the day trying to de-stress. I stored a box of Ding Dongs on the bottom of the pantry shelf. Casey took the opportunity to eat them while I was at a meeting. Knowing that chocolate is toxic to dogs I made an emergency call to my vet. The vet said it wasn't enough chocolate to hurt Casey. He just might have diarrhea for a few days. He was right. I found the little piles of very dark poop. I just wish he had cleaned up some of the crumbs a little better so I didn't have to shampoo the rug.

Stockpiling the Pantry

Food riots in other countries have caused some concern here in the U.S. with a couple of big retailers limiting bags of rice. It doesn't seem there will be a rice shortage here in the U.S. Some are saying not to worry about the availability of rice so there is no need to stock up. There are some that say it's time to load the pantry.

Reality: Food prices are already rising here much faster than the returns you are likely to get from keeping your money in a bank or money-market fund. And there are very good reasons to believe prices on the shelves are about to start rising a lot faster.

It appears that food prices are going to keep rising and no one knows when it will end. Sunday, in church, the pastor had every one hold up their wallets/purses and he prayed about the cost of gas and food. I've pray for a person's finances or a particular financial project, but I've never had an entire church hold up and pray over their own wallets. Maybe God are warning us that there is difficult times ahead.

WRMC, Smoke Free and Polluting

I don't like cigarette smoke. I don't like the smell nor the asthma problems I can have because of it. However, I do understand that cigarettes are addictive and it can be very difficult to almost impossible to kick the habit.
In late 2005, Washington Regional Medical Center and the surrounding medical offices became smoke and tobacco free. Smoking was not allow on the premises not even in parking lots. That is why you see smokers sitting or standing on the edge of the sidewalks on all the streets surrounding the hospital and offices.
Most people have been pretty good about picking up their trash and butts, but not all. Well, one could complain about the people who smoking. Me, I would like to know why the hospital and clinics don't put in a designated smoking area. Why not have a place that people can smoke and throw away their trash instead of throwing in on the street, curb and surrounding bushes. In trying to deal with smokers the hospital has caused a new one, pollution.

Courtney Henry, Can We Really Trust Her?

It’s hard to get some answers from the candidates for the Arkansas Court of Appeals. You want to ask questions to discover this person’s character, what their beliefs and principles are without getting into specific issues. Of course, the election of judges is supposed to be nonpartisan, which further complicates questioning. The Court of Appeals doesn’t really address constitutional issues, mostly workman compensation and employment compensation appeals, but it could be the stepping stone up to the Supreme Court.
Still, we want to know if the judges we elect are going to follow and interpret the law or are they going to decide to legislate from the bench. Are they going to protect our freedoms as guaranteed in the Constitution or are they going to eliminate them? It has been the standard practice of liberals, when defeated by voters in the voting booth, to take their issues to court and get them to overturn the will of the voters.
These were the issues on the minds of the people present at the Washington County Republican Women’s forum, this Wednesday. I found it interesting that the candidates for the Court of Appeals, Courtney Henry and Ron Williams didn’t seem to disagree much with each other. The biggest difference between them was the experience. Ron Williams has been working as a lawyer almost as long as Courtney has been alive. He has had significant court experience while she has had none.
There was confrontation at the forum though. It was between Courtney and the moderator Mary Mann. Courtney kept answering questions saying that they were partisan and she couldn’t answer. She was starting to get a little hostile. Mary finally lectured Courtney saying that they were not asking political questions. They were asking questions about her judicial philosophy, was it conservative or liberal. Courtney has presented herself across NW Arkansas as a conservative so it was a bit suspicious that she’d get so confused about the direction of the questions.
Courtney has nothing in her back ground that would suggest that she is conservative. Just because she says so doesn’t make it so. The only thing we have is who she hangs out with and her voting record. Her family is Democratic with strong ties to the Clintons. She voted Democrat in the primary which means she voted for an extreme liberal who’d love nothing more than to have judges legislate from the bench. Based on this I don’t really believe Courtney when she says she’s conservative on judicial issues.
It was apparent by her speech and manner that she has had some training and grooming on how to appear before voters. I believe Courtney has ambitions to higher things then the Court of Appeals. I am not willing to place Courtney on the path to the Supreme Court solely based on her word that she’s a strict constructionist.

Tigger, Truck Model

Most people have a really hot guy or girl drapped over their truck. I've got a cat. Sighhh!

More cats at Friday Ark

National Laboratory Week

All this week we are celebrating Laboratory Week at work. The majority of people going to the doctor's office don't realize that most of the blood and tissue go to a laboratory for processing and diagnosis. You never see the technologists that process your specimen and either submit a final diagnosis or pass it on to a pathologist. A lot of specimen processing is done by machines/computers but it's absolutely amazing to realize that there are just some things machines can't do. It takes the eye, knowledge and sometimes intuition of a person to get a result. So when you step into that doctor's office say a silent thank you to all the laboratory professionals behind the scene making sure that your laboratory results are quick and accurate.

More Here

USA, Sam's Club Restricts Rice

I read about Costco limiting rice on the west and east coasts, but I was a bit wary about believing it. Well, it's true, as Sam's Club joins
Costco in limiting rice purchases. While it's mostly people deciding to hoard against future price increases you wonder if maybe you should be doing the same thing. Congress, the President and the Presidential candidates are hell bent on pursuing their disastrous global warming policies so gas and food prices are just going to get a whole lot higher. Sure wish I had a 100 gallon gas tank in the back yard!

Arkansas Home-Schooled Student Finishes Second

Congratulations to Virginia "Ginger" MacFarlan who won 2nd place in the American Legion National Oratorical Competition earlier this month. The title of her oration is: “Our Constitution: Born In Conflict, Nurtured By Debate.” Ginger presented her oration at the Washington County Republican Women's meeting last month. It was absolutely wonderful. If there is any way that you can get her to present it, do it! It gives you a wonderful appreciation of how very special our Constitution is.

Tax Freedom Day!

Today is the day we are now free to enjoy our own money. Americans have earned enough money to pay all their federal, state, and local taxes for the year. Here's a video to celebrate!

Florida, Nutz to You

Florida is attempting to ban the novelty item that I'm sure men are attempting to signal that they have a pair just like them.

The proposal would make displaying bull genitalia reproductions on a vehicle subject to a $60 fine, moving violations and points against a driver license.

I find these things as offensive as nude women on mud flaps and little boys peeing in the wind. I wonder if Florida will make these a violation too. I believe police have better things to look for than some tacky novelty item. You'd think legislators would learn by now not to fool around with a "good old boy's" toy.

Celebrating Earth Day

I enjoy hiking, bird watching, wildflowers and trees. I love nature and abhor the trash that people just throw out. Years ago I considered myself an environmentalist, but not any more. Why? Because environmentalism has become a socio-political movement that seeks to control people. It's no longer about science and being a good steward of the earth. It has become a smokescreen for people wanting to expand government and exercise power. It is now rooted in a disdain for personal freedom and capitalism. Environmentalists are going to be relying on mandates, restrictions and a whole slew of legislation to control people. Environmentalism is the new Marxism.
Anyway, I just had to get that out. But we should celebrate with some humor. Here's George Carlin on Earth Day.

Wal-Mart Women

Well, we may be having a new election focus group that everyone will be watching and commenting on.

Move over, Soccer Moms, there's a new gal in town. Lobb may not know it, but she's part of what looks to be an increasingly crucial demographic in the Presidential election: Wal-Mart Women. These lower-middle-class white women who shop frequently at the discounter are stretched thin and feel increasingly vulnerable.

Of course, these just discovered women are former Republicans who finally smarten up and are going to be voting Democrat. They are following the myth that a Democrat will do better on the economy. Of course the Democrat leadership are hoping that these Wal-Mart Women are too stupid to remember the Democrat's war with Wal-Mart.
Wal-Mart Bashing and Democrats Against Wal-mart
I don't know if Hillary would want to remind people that she sat on Wal-Mart's board of directors and Michelle wouldn't want to brag about her membership on a board of a major supplier to Wal-Mart. There are just too many liberals that hate the supreme leader of capitalism.

Biofuels are Becoming Evil

It wasn’t but a short time ago that biofuels where hailed as that which will save the world. We would be able to use as much fuel as we needed and still protect the earth from green house gases. Ahhh! How things have changed. Biofuels are now being proclaimed as evil and being blasted for creating global food shortages and adding to world wide starvation.

"A conflict (is) emerging between foodstuffs and fuel ... with disastrous social conflicts and dubious environmental results," outgoing Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi told the International Energy Forum here as rising food prices worldwide raise the spectre of famine in some countries.
Venezuelan Energy Minister Rafael Ramirez said that biofuels were having a negligible impact on the oil markets. "But look at the impact (they have) had on food prices. It's madness," he said, adding: "All the countries of Latin America have been hit by the surge in food prices."

I don’t think that the oil producing countries are being very sympathetic either.

Qatari Energy Minister Abdullah bin Hamad al Attiyah said the world would have to choose "what its priority is going to be -- driving or eating."

Meanwhile in the U.S., politicians are falling all over themselves to put in some sort of climate change legislation. All 3 presidential candidates have bought into the global warming fraud and are eager to put in restrictions on coal plants, oil and gas drilling and any activity that they believe would generate green house gases.
I use to admire Newt Gingrich, but now I'm spitting mad at him. He's wimped out on global warming just so he isn't tagged a meany, cold-hearted Republican. The old Newt of the conservative movement have effectively been Newtered.
American today is having a hard time with higher food and gas bills, housing downturns and worries about a recession, but just wait until the President and Congress get finished with their climate change legislation. All I can say is hold onto to your wallets and hope you can hold on to your job, home and car. Look at for your neighbor because a lot of people are going to be going to be needing a helping hand.

Fayetteville, Working Skull Creek

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Wednesday afternoon I joined others with the Sidewalk and Trails Task Force in cleaning up the Skull Creek trail. Most of the clean-up was in the creek rather than the trail itself. I picked up quite a bit of plastic from the stream, mostly shopping bags. One of the more interesting items was the bra and men's underwear. Picking up the trash with a bunch of people is really enjoyable. The day was beautiful and the bank of the stream is actually quite pretty. The violets were blooming profusely in the shaded banks and there were birds flying among the bushes and tree. The Sidewalk and Trails Task Force adopted the trail volunteering to keep it cleaned. Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Division has recently added an Adopt-A-Trail program which is similar to its Adopt-A-Park. Those who are interested should contact the Lisa Netherland, the Adopt-A-Park and Trail coordinator, 444-3471 or e-mail Netherland at Lnetherland @ ci. fayetteville. ar. us. gov.


Story

Eli, Framed

Eli, Framed
Originally uploaded by val

I've had several pictures of the cats in this window from the inside of the house. I was outside pulling weeds from the flower beds when I took this one of Eli. It was cold that morning and Eli decided to supervise from inside the house.

More cats at Friday Ark

Obamanomics Idiocy

The exchange between Charlie Gibson and Sen Obamo regarding capital gains taxes was certainly eye opening. What got into Charlie for actually revealing the truth about taxes?

And in each instance, when the rate dropped, revenues from the tax increased. The government took in more money. And in the 1980s, when the tax was increased to 28 percent, the revenues went down. So why raise it at all, especially given the fact that 100 million people in this country own stock and would be affected?

Hey, he's not suppose to reveal that cutting taxes actually works and benefits millions of working people. Then we have Obama's startling response.

Well, Charlie, what I've said is that I would look at raising the capital gains tax for purposes of fairness.

Obama accepted the low tax/higher revenue premise but he insisted that his Marxist stance of "fairness" trumps fiscal effectiveness. In other words, we need to raise taxes because it would be worth it to stick it to rich people. The problem with Obama's desire to impoverish the rich he would also impoverish ordinary working people. We are putting our money into the stock market too and are also benefiting from the lower capital gains tax. Social Security is not going to be available when we retire and millions of us have been placing any extra money into our retirement programs and it's really important that we get all the tax breaks we can get.

Woof! A Penguin!

Casey and Trixie spotted this penguin while they were on their walk. Mmmm, it's says that there is a reward. Well, they can think of nothing more rewarding than a really big pile of rib bones. Yummy!

Global Warming, Corrupt Science

I'm sure you heard these; "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9) and "those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it". Well, you can tell people haven't been studying history. Trofimko Lysenko is being mentioned in regards to the hoax of global warming. What we have today is the scientific community once again being hijacked by a fraud that could cost millions of lives.

Their comments came amid growing unease over the planting of biofuel crops as food prices rocket and riots against poverty and hunger multiply worldwide.
UN Special Rapporteur for the Right to Food Jean Ziegler told German radio Monday that the production of biofuels is "a crime against humanity" because of its impact on global food prices

For the past 10 years temperatures have at best reached a plateau and a potential cooling phase is expected. Yet European and American Governments are rushing headlong into foolish legislation to control a problem that does not exist. Given the economic devastation that is already happening and which will not doubt worsen as they attempt more global warming legislation, what possible justification can these governments have for pursuing such a destructive path? Maybe there's still hope that real scientists will learn the lesson of Lysenkoism and strive to defeat the people with vested interests in keeping the hoax alive.

In recent months, rising food costs have sparked violent protests in Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Haiti, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Mauritania, the Philippines and other countries. In Pakistan and Thailand, troops have been deployed to avoid the seizure of food from fields and warehouses, while price increases fuelled a general strike in Burkina Faso.

I just wonder how many millions of people must starve before the global warming fanatics realize the horrors their deception has caused?

Food Crisis Story

The Morning Sun

The morning sun has been a rare sight these past few weeks. Last night's storm added another 3 inches of rain. At least I've been lucky not to have been flooded or have any wind damage. Eli is keeping watch, making sure that the kitty across the street doesn't trespass. Bows is contemplating Eli's tail. Tigger is making sure he's out of the way when the fight between Bows and Eli begins.

More cats at Friday Ark

Illegals, Protecting the Criminals

We have the Mayor of LA warning the Feds not to enforce our laws and San Francisco is going to be advertising their status as a sanctuary city. The mayors are expressing their concern for the poor illegals, but who are they really protecting.

but Homeland Security spokeswoman Laura Keehner said the department believes its priorities are correct. She said work-site investigations focus on national security and public safety and that the agency also investigates companies it believes may have committed visa fraud, money laundering, and other violations.

and

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have since May 2006 conducted raids across the country, including arrests in San Rafael, Oakland, Richmond, San Pablo, Santa Clara and other cities across the Bay area. Immigration officials have said they were executing arrest warrants for immigrants who had committed crimes

In our little area of the world we have a group, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) that is crying over those same poor illegals.

A minority rights activ- ists says the 287 (g ) program creates a "tense climate"that has dehumanized illegal immigrants.

Come on! The police in NW Arkansas are not arresting poor, innocent, hardworking, God-fearing victims. The police are fighting well organized, violent gang members.

The charges included attempted capital murder, battery, and weapons, drugs and alcohol offenses.

I am not at all worried about dehumanizing these illegals. They are already dehumanized by committing these offenses. The police in NW Arkansas are working hard to protect people from these criminals. I would love nothing more than to deport these criminals back to Mexico. It's too bad that groups like MALDEF are working so hard to protect these criminals. I think it's time they abandon the dark side and join us in fighting crime and keeping our neighborhoods safe. As for the Mayors of cities like LA and San Francisco, they have pretty much announced to the world that criminals are welcomed in their city and that they have no interest in protecting their citizens from illegal criminals. I am so glad that there are a few cities in NW Arkansas that are willing to get these criminals off our streets and are willing to work with ICE to accomplish it. Those are the cities you'd feel safe living in.

Fayetteville, Botanical Garden Greenhouse

Yesterday I got the opportunity to see the new production greenhouse at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. A Ball grant provided the greenhouse and they will continue to supply seeds and plants to the Garden. The greenhouse will give the Garden the opportunity to start and propagate their own plants. Any extra plants could be sold to the public.


The old sidewalk around the Fayetteville Square was dug up and replaced. Do you know where some of that old sidewalk went? Yup, the Garden is using pieces of it to make some walkways. You know, there might be more pieces available for anyone else who wants to piece of the Fayetteville Square.

Just Say Thank You!

Today, in a very moving ceremony, President Bush presented the The Medal of Honor to Michael Anthony Monsoor. Also today, General Petraeus testifies to Congress this week on the progress in Iraq. Wednesday will be the fifth anniversary of the fall of Baghdad. Many young Americans have put their lives on hold and even sacrificed their lives for America. May God be with our Armed Forces and their families always. If you haven't thanked a soldier for their sacrifice here's a simple way to do it.

The Gratitude Campaign



(h/t Gateway Pundit)

What a Weekend!

It was an absolutely gorgeous weekend. The weather was perfect. I started the weekend with a trip to the Farmer's Market. The new sidewalks are really nice. It's a whole lot easier to move through the square. People can talk to the vendors and not block people walking past. The square wasn't completed but the corner planters that were done looked good.

I should have worked in the garden cleaning up the flower beds, but I had to get out. NW Arkansas has had a lot of rain so there are a lot of waterfalls I want to see. I went out to the Wedington Trail. It's a good trail to loosen up those hiking muscles. I stopped for lunch at the underground spring. Casey took the opportunity to take a little dip. While I was out I also pick up some of the geocaches that line the Wedington Trail. They were fairly easy, I didn't have to work hard to find them.

I ended Saturday shopping in Rogers. I caught these balloonists enjoying the last hours of the day. Sunday, I did work in the garden. Whew! I was sore after the hike and bending over the flower beds didn't help much either. I took a big dose of ibuprofen at bedtime.

More dogs at Friday Ark. and canine carnival

Eli, The Paperweight

I really don't need any help keeping the paper from falling out of the printer.

More cats at Friday Ark

Radio Station of the Year

Congratulations to KLRC for once again being chosen Radio Station of the Year by the Gospel Music Association.

Small Market
KLRC – Fayetteville, AR – Sean Sawatzky, Station Manager

The recipient in each market category was determined by a panel of judges who reviewed the following areas - community involvement, ratings, air check and industry leadership.
The radio stations will be acknowledged during the Dove Awards, to be held April 23, 2008 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN.

Way to go people! You're Great!

Fayetteville, Who's the Bully?

The Northwest Arkansas Times did the job that the NY Times should have done a whole lot better. While the NY Times portrayed Billy Wolfe as the victim and the Fayetteville School District as unfeeling and uncaring, the NWA Times found a different story. The picture emerging isn't quite matching the story the Wolfe's are telling. Oh yes, Billy has taken some hits from students, but Billy, it seems, is very good at bulling himself.
I find it interesting that everyone is taking the school district to task for not protecting Billy better, but my question is why hasn't the school protected the other students from Billy? If what students are saying is true about Billy, isn't there any concern on the school's part that Billy's actions against other students might become more aggressive. It's even more worrisome in that Billy's parents are unwilling to believe that it's their son that causing problems. If I were a parent I'd be concerned that Billy might actually come to school with a weapon and begin killing people.
In any case, the Wolf's use of national publicity isn't working well for them. In the past students have avoided Billy to escape his taunting, now I bet they avoid him like he has the plague. I wonder, has any one the courage to be his friend?

Border Changes

Getting the US-Mexico border straighten once and for all. Hmmm, when did Mexico invade the U.S.?

UPDATE:
An Absolut Toast:
Here's to Robert Frost,
Cheers!

Another Cup of Coffee, Brain Protection

Brew up another pot! One of my favorite beverages may be good for my brain and I tell you, I need all the help I can get!

Coffee may cut the risk of dementia by blocking the damage cholesterol can inflict on the body, research suggests.

Oh shoot, the study is being done on rabbits. Rabbits drink coffee? Well, one can hope that the same process that works in rabbits works in humans. Hmmm, better not take chances. Excuse me, I going for another cup.

Story

Fayetteville, In The Center Ring!

Former Arkansas Attorney General Steve Clark is contemplating running for Mayor of Fayetteville. The Northwest Arkansas Times is salivating at that possibility.

One thing's for sure: The lackluster mayoral race we've seen so far got a dose of excitement with Clark's notion of running. His decision to run will certainly make it all very, very interesting.

Yeah, you got to admit that Mr. Clark's candidacy would bring a more carnival atmosphere to the election. It'll give the newspaper writers and editors something new and exciting to write about. Hey, I think it's time for a poll to see how many people would want Mr. Clark to run!

Government Bailout, Taxpayer Burden

Finance is mostly a mystery to me, it's not one of my strong points. I'm always happy when I find an article that clearly explains an issue. David Freddoso has done a really good job explaining what went down on the federal bailout of Bear Stearns. It just makes me sick that when corporations make really bad decisions the taxpayer is suppose to pony up and bail out the company.

The ones being rescued are Bear’s bond-holders. They keep their shirts. The stockholders at least keep their socks. The profits from the good times are retained, and the losses are socialized.

There are many businesses in Fayetteville that have failed and never has the Federal government rode up on a white horse and saved them. Why should large corporations get saved.

The taxpayers’ involuntary generosity also benefits the other large institutional holders of mortgage-backed securities. For these, the bailout holds forth hope that the government will someday be there to save them from the free market as well. But can it save everyone?

Does this mean that companies are going to feel free to make bad and risky decisions because the government is going to bail them out?

A Rainy Weekend

I realized that I was not going to have the weekend I planned when I got a phone call as I was leaving work Friday. It was from my aunt and uncle from Minnesota. It seems they were a few miles away and they wanted direction to my house. Oh crap! The house is a freaking mess! I broke all speed records getting home. They haven't shown up yet so I started to put things away. I kept cleaning up until I realize they should have been here by now, what happened? Sure enough, they called and they were still lost. They turn right when they should have turned left. Whew! I have more time to clean up! Well, we had a nice visit. They were on their way south and just stopped to spend the night and have a quick visit.
All the rain this weekend put a kibosh on my gardening plans. I did manage to pick up a few geocaches around town while I was running errands Saturday. I'm starting to learn how really mean and sneaky some people can be when they hide caches.

Congress Continues to Blame Big Oil, Ignores Own Stupidity

Once again Congress had dragged in the oil executives for a bashing.

"On April Fool's Day, the biggest joke of all is being played on American families by Big Oil," Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., said, aiming his remarks at the five executives sitting shoulder-to-shoulder in a congressional hearing room.

No, Rep Markey, the biggest April Fool is you and the rest of your colleagues who grandstand about gas prices. Gas prices are high because of the incompetence and the lack of balls on the part of Congress. Instead of making the oil companies easy targets for your socialist demagogues, how about overturning the asinine legislative barriers Congress has enacted to cripple American's energy requirements?
Gas prices are affected by refining capacity and the price of crude. We need more domestic oil production, new refineries, fewer blends of gasoline, and less ethanol. The current situation seems like a perfect storm in which several fronts collide to produce a monstrous storm. We have substantial restrictions on domestic oil exploration, restrictions on refinery expansion, mandates for massive amounts of biofuel, and costly new regulation on emissions.
The profit margins for Exxon Mobil(10.0%), ConocoPhillips (6.1%), and Chevron (8.5%) are excessive according to Congress. Lets see we have Microsoft (29+%), Cisco (21+%), Johnson & Johnson (17.3%), Procter & Gamble (14%), 3M (16.7%), General Electric (13%), Anheuser-Busch (12.7%), Coca-Cola (19.8%) and even McDonald’s profit margin (10.5%) is a little better than the oil companies. Why isn't Congress hauling them up to the Capital?
Of course the government makes far more money per gallon of gasoline than the oil companies without lifting a finger to find, transport, refine, etc., it into a useful product. How about reducing gasoline taxes. Congressman?