In Haiti, American’s Greatness Shines Again

Americans are called once again to give to a nation that has been devastated. Contrary to those who think Americans are selfish and evil, we will once again response with compassion and generosity. Even in the middle of a recession, we will dig down deep and pull out money to help Haiti. Remarkably, Red Cross has already raised $1 Million+ through text message donations. Other aid agencies such as the Salvation Army, Feed the Children and Catholic Relief Services are preparing resources to deliver to Haiti. Interestingly a number of friends have commented via Twitter and Facebook that their own churches have missions in Haiti and are making plans to help. We need to not only pray for the Haitians who are suffering, but also for those who are in Haiti helping with rescues. It’s dangerous work and there are still earthquakes occurring.

It's our nation at its finest. When there is a disaster, it's the Americans who come to the rescue. American, a nation born through the Grace and Goodness of God, is now the hope arising out of the disaster. We who have been so blessed by God are giving from our blessing.

Fayetteville City Council, Amended HMR Tax

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

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

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

Churches Feeling the Recession

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

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

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

Looking Good, Casey!

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

2009, Just Plain Pissed Off

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

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

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

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

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

Fayetteville, White Christmas

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

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

Veterans Day!

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

God richly and abundantly Bless America!

Springdale, 9/12 Tea Party

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







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

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

Fayetteville Millage Tax, Global Warming

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

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

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

Rep Joe Wilson, I'm Sorry!

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

Susie Q's Malt Shop, Re-Opening

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

Fried Bologna Sandwich?

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

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

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

Sweet and Gentle Trixie, 1993 - 2009

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

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

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

Rep John Boozman, Health Bill Town Hall

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



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

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

Passailaigue, Going For World Record to Launch Lottery

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

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

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

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

Frog Guarding Geocache

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

Rep John Boozman, NW Arkansas This Weekend

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



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

Fayetteville, When is Weed Not a Weed?

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

The Arkansas Lottery, Disappointment?

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

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

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

Cap and Tax Funny

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