T'Plon's Quarters

What Kind of Celebrity Would You Be?

2009-11-04T10:51:00.000-06:00

You Would Be a Smart Celebrity

You're already very well read and curious about the world. So why would that change simply because you got famous?

If anything, with more money to devote to traveling and charity, you would be even more worldly.

Even though you may abhor most celebrity causes, you'd probably have a cause of your own if you were famous. You just care too much not to.

You'd be a celebrity in the mold of Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon.

What Kind of Celebrity Would You Be?

Blogthings: Quizzes and Tests and Memes, Oh My!

Something fishy?

2009-08-05T12:53:00.004-05:00

The White House has launched a new e-mail address with the purpose of getting citizens to inform on each other. The address is flag@whitehouse.gov . They want us to send examples of disinformation in the health care debate.

Here is the text of my e-mail:

"My name is Debbie Fee, I saw the message on the White House Web site and wondered when we became the society of George Orwell's 1984? You want us to inform on our neighbors and friends because they "might" disagree with the administration? I don't think so!

What happened to the first amendment? During the George W. Bush administration dissent was seen as necessary and patriotic. Now suddenly we're supposed to sit down, shut up, and just accept everything proposed? I say "No, I will not just accept something I see as wrong!" When our own president is seen on unedited video saying he wants a single payer system, I will not be silent and let this "disinformation" go unchallenged.

The truth will be known!"

The real disinformation is Mr. Obama saying he does not want a single payer system. There is video of him telling the AFL-CIO that he does want one and will work on implementing it. It can be seen here: http://www.breitbart.tv/uncovered-video-obama-explains-how-his-health-care-plan-will-eliminate-private-insurance/ More information can be found here: http://blog.heritage.org/2009/08/05/morning-bell-the-people-spreading-disinformation-about-obamacare/

The lies of this administration must be uncovered! HillaryCare was stopped, now it's time to stop ObamaCare.

The Second American Revolution

2009-04-10T17:17:00.002-05:00

Thomas Paine, author of "Common Sense," returns to modern times to pleas for a second revolution to take back America, Now!

O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

2009-04-10T16:24:00.001-05:00

From Tony Perkin:

Today is Good Friday. How can the worst day in human history be described as good? This is the day that Our Lord was crucified. It is the day he hung on the cross for all our sins. It is the day of darkness at noon.

The story of the last days of Jesus' ministry should be familiar to all. Knowing he would be killed, our Lord entered Jerusalem on the back of a colt. He was hailed by the multitudes, who lay their cloaks in his path, who spread palm fronds before him. "Hosanna to the Son of David," they cried. How quickly that would all change.

When Jesus was betrayed by a kiss, violent men took hold of him. He would not allow his disciples to respond in kind. Taken before the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, Jesus said "I have come to bear witness to the truth."

Pontius Pilate answered: "What is truth?" How many governors to this day, rulers of the earth, ask that same question? They act as if truth is all relative, a matter of perspective, if it exists at all.

Jesus feared not. When Pilate told him he had the authority to put him to death, Jesus answered. "You have no authority except that it is given to you from above."

Surely, this was the greatest political statement in history. All authority exercised by the rulers of this world comes from above. And they are responsible to God in heaven for their exercise of it, whether they know it or not. Nothing that happens on Capitol Hill is as important as what happened two thousand years ago on that hill of Calvary.

We hear much of death with dignity these days. Our Lord's death was anything but dignified. He was beaten, mocked, spat upon. They stuck out their lips as they cursed him. When he cried out in thirst, they gave him only vinegar on a sponge. Roman soldiers cast lots--they actually gambled--for his garments.

I hear that some people today prefer not to be called Christians. They tell reporters that this word has too much "baggage." Imagine the baggage--the weight of all the sins of the world--that Jesus carried along with that rugged cross.

We strive, knowing we are unworthy, but we strive nonetheless to be His followers. Being called Christian is our greatest hope. Being despised for His sake is our greatest honor. Perhaps the best words for this most sorrowful day are to be found in that timeless hymn, "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded."

O sacred Head, now wounded,
with grief and shame weighed down,
now scornfully surrounded
with thorns, thine only crown:
how pale thou art with anguish,
with sore abuse and scorn!
How does that visage languish
which once was bright as morn!

What thou, my Lord, has suffered
was all for sinners' gain;
mine, mine was the transgression,
but thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior!
'Tis I deserve thy place;
look on me with thy favor,
vouchsafe to me thy grace.

What language shall I borrow
to thank thee, dearest friend,
for this thy dying sorrow,
thy pity without end?

O make me thine forever;
and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never
outlive my love for thee.

I thank you, my Lord and my God, for every breath I take. I thank you for bearing my sins and the sins of this fallen world. Make us yours forever, Lord, and let us never outlive our love for you.

IOWA WEATHER HISTORY

2009-04-08T16:30:00.002-05:00

IOWA WEATHER HISTORY
Back in 1973, a severe storm brought high winds and heavy snow to Iowa. Belle Plain received 20 inches of snow, and 19 inches blanketed Dubuque, record totals for both locations for so late in the season. Snow drifts up to sixteen feet high closed highways.

I was 13 years old when this storm happened. I remember a snow drift across our driveway that was up to the bottom of the eaves of our house. That's over six feet high. That's the highest I've ever seen snow drifted, ever.

Iowa Supreme Court Okays Gay Marriage

2009-04-03T13:06:00.002-05:00

The Iowa Supreme Court this morning upheld a Polk County judge’s 2007 ruling that marriage should not be limited to one man and one woman.

The ruling, viewed nationally and at home as a victory for the gay rights movement and a setback for social conservatives, means Iowa’s 5,800 gay couples can legally marry in Iowa beginning April 24.

There are no residency rules for marriage in Iowa, so the rule would apply to any couple who wanted to travel to Iowa.

Once again a judge or group of judges throws out a law that reflects the will of the people of a state. I hope the legislature will reword the Defense of Marriage Act. Since Iowa does not have residency rules, we will become a mecca of gay marriage, the Vegas of perversion, if you will. As if Vegas isn't perverted enough with straight marriage.

What Part of Spring Are You?

2009-03-26T00:05:00.000-05:00

You Are Chirping Birds

You are a very caring person. You especially feel for innocent beings, like animals and children.

You are keyed in to the world and very peaceful. You believe that everyone is connected.

You remain focused and in the moment. You are not easily distracted.

You have a good memory, especially for things that you hear. You listen carefully.

What Part of Spring Are You?

It's been a long time coming. . .

2009-03-21T12:46:00.004-05:00

June 28, 2009 will be the one year anniversary of the commissioning of my STARFLEET, The International Star Trek Fan Association, Inc. chapter, USS Vre'kasht NCC-33187.

Back in 2003, when I joined STARFLEET (SFI), I had no desire to start my own chapter. I was happy being a cog in someone else's dream. Being a department head was as much responsibility as I wanted.

Now, here it is, two ships and six years later and I'm the captain of my very own ship getting ready to celebrate one year of full chapter status.

Of the five members we had when we launched on September 22, 2007 for our "shake down" cruise, only three of us remain. The XO, Chief of Security, and me, your humble captain. We do have a total of sixteen members right now. We only need ten to retain our deployed status with SFI. I expect one member to let her membership lapse when it expires in April. She has never attended a meeting and hold no position on board, so it won't be a huge impact to ship function when she goes. I hate to lose any members, but I can't force them to stay or to participate. We do have a good, active core group of members. Our ship's doctor seems to be our newest active member. He has only missed one meeting since he joined, and that was because he didn't realize we met every Friday night. He hasn't missed a meeting since.

Let's see where the ride ends.

OBAMA ANTHEM LYRICS

2008-08-25T22:30:00.002-05:00

The following song is from "The Glenn Beck Program" on radio. it's sung to the tune of the Soviet National Anthem.

OBAMA ANTHEM LYRICS
All hail the messiah
Obama, Obama
The path to the new socialist motherland
Our savior, our savior
Obama, Obama
The leader more famous than Lindsay Lohan
Bow down and praise the one
Give him your money and your guns
Give us a country
That makes your wife proud
Lord Barry heal the bitter ones
White and Clinging to faith and to guns
Hope for the change of the hope of the change!

We've Commissioned!

2008-07-08T11:57:00.001-05:00

This was posted to the Region Six Yahoo Group list on June 28. Admiral Urvand mentions there will be an official notice, that has not happened in the week since this was first posted. I doubt it will ever happen.

"- I'll have the official notice out in a day or so, but I had the pleasure of commissioning the USS Vre'kasht, NCC-33187 into service.Congratulations to her crew!

- With the commissioning of Vre'kasht, I am pleased to announce that T'Plon has been promoted to the rank of Captain and Siran has been promoted to the rank of Commander. Congratulations to you both!

Mike
****************************
Admiral Michael Urvand
Chief of Operations, Starfleet
Flag Commander, USS Imperium NCC-2125"

A cool site.

2008-03-17T02:16:00.001-05:00

I found this cool site linked to from the Where's George? forum, my other hobby. It is called My Mini City. A person can create their own city or just visit any city every day and that will increase the population or which ever link is clicked. As the city grows the buildings increase on the page for the city. My city is called Vulkansu. As I write this the population is one. Help me out and grow my city! As the city grows the other links become available so that other city functions can grow too.

What Tarot Card Are You?

2007-12-26T23:48:00.000-06:00

You are The Hermit

Prudence, Caution, Deliberation.

The Hermit points to all things hidden, such as knowledge and inspiration,hidden enemies. The illumination is from within, and retirement from participation in current events.

The Hermit is a card of introspection, analysis and, well, virginity. You do not desire to socialize; the card indicates, instead, a desire for peace and solitude. You prefer to take the time to think, organize, ruminate, take stock. There may be feelings of frustration and discontent but these feelings eventually lead to enlightenment, illumination, clarity.

The Hermit represents a wise, inspirational person, friend, teacher, therapist. This a person who can shine a light on things that were previously mysterious and confusing.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Barton Solvent fire in Des Moines, IA

2007-12-22T11:39:00.001-06:00

This was a short video I took using my cell phone. Barton Solvents had a massive fire on October 29, 2007. At that time I was working about a mile south of their location. The fire broke out before noon, or so. This was shot around 3:30 that afternoon. The fire wasn't extinguished until 8 pm that night. Miraculously no one was killed or seriously injured when the fire started.

The Huckabee Hustle

2007-12-19T12:30:00.000-06:00

I found this article at The American Thinker, written by Selwin Duke. I find the comparison between Mike Huckabee and Jimmy Carter startling and right on target. I was a Huckabee supporter until I started to hear and read things about his position on illegal immigration.

Now I find myself looking for another candidate to support. As some one else has said previously, I wish we could take all the parts we like about a candidate and put them into one person. I like certain things about 3 or 4 different people. I guess I'll have to look and see which one has the most I like and the least I don't like. I think for right now it's Tom Tancredo, but I worry as to how electable he is. I like Guiliani on immigration but worry about his abortion views and his gun control policies as mayor of New York.

We need a social conservative as much as we need a political conservative. I hope we can find and elect one.

My Zlio Shop

2007-12-10T12:09:00.000-06:00

As you can tell I have made an addition to my blog. I recently opened a shop on Zlio. I added a section here with a preview of some of my products. If you see something you like, buy it! Enjoy!

Flickr

2007-09-15T09:53:00.001-05:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Very Punny

2007-08-30T11:03:00.000-05:00

I found these on the Where's George? forum.

"I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger.....and then it hit me.

Police were called to a day care where a three-year-old was resisting a rest.

Did you hear about the guy whose entire left side was cut off?
Well!!! He's all right now.

The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference.

The butcher backed up into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his
work.

To write with a broken pencil is pointless.

When fish are in schools they sometimes take debate.

The short fortune teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.

A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months.

A thief fell into wet cement. He became a hardened criminal.

Thieves who steal corn from a garden could be charged with stalking.

We'll never run out of math teachers because they always multiply.

When the smog lifts in Los Angeles, U.C.L.A.

The math professor went crazy with the blackboard. He did a number on it.

The geology professor discovered that her theory of earthquakes was on shaky
ground.

The dead batteries were given out free of charge.

If you take a laptop computer for a run you could jog your memory.

A dentist and a manicurist fought tooth and nail.

A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired.

A will is a dead giveaway.

Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.

A backward poet writes inverse.

In a democracy it's your vote that counts; in feudalism, it's your Count
that votes.

If you don't pay your exorcist you can get repossessed.

With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.

Show me a piano falling down a mine shaft and I'll show you A-flat miner.

When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.

The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine is now fully recovered.

A grenade fell onto a kitchen floor in France, resulted in Linoleum
Blownapart.

You are stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.

Local Area Network in Australia: The LAN down under.

He broke into song because he couldn't find the key.

A calendar's days are numbered.

A lot of money is tainted: 'Taint yours, and 'taint mine.

A boiled egg is hard to beat.

He had a photographic memory which was never developed.

A plateau is a high form of flattery.

Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.

When you've seen one shopping center you've seen a mall.

If you jump off a Paris bridge, you are in Seine.

When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she'd dye.

Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis.

Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.

Acupuncture: a jab well done."

What Sign Is Your True Love?

2007-02-07T15:06:00.000-06:00

This is pretty cool because my fiancee is an Aquarius!

Your True Love Is an Aquarius

Why you'll love an Aquarius:

Independent yet devoted, you'll appreciate the unique approach to love Aquarius takes.

You both see love as a bit of a game, and Aquarius will challenge you until you're completely hooked.

Why an Aquarius will love you:

You're secure enough to give Aquarius tons of space - even if it means separate interests and friends.

You have the brains to keep Aquarius engaged and curious. And the passion to change the world together!

What Sign Is Your True Love?

Screwtape Moves Forward

2007-02-01T17:13:00.000-06:00

"Producer Ralph Winter (Fantastic Four) is partnering with Philip Anschutz's Walden Media to bring C.S. Lewis' novel The Screwtape Letters to the big screen, Variety reported. Walden previously produced The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which grossed $744 million worldwide.

First published in 1942, The Screwtape Letters takes the form of a series of missives from a senior demon, Screwtape, to his wannabe diabolical nephew, Wormwood. As a mentor, Screwtape advises his protege on the finer points of undermining faith and promoting sin. His instructions are interspersed with observations on human nature and Christian doctrine. The book's current publisher, Harper San Francisco, reports sales of almost 1 million copies of the trade paperback since 2001.

The live-action feature adaptation is expected to have a modest budget and a release date sometime in 2008."

This is will be great because the book was not written for children and I am hoping this movie won't be directed at children either. Time will tell.

USS Riverside is Commissioned!

2007-01-29T14:21:00.000-06:00

After 9 months we are at the end of our shakedown cruise, we are now a fully commissioned ship of the line. Here are our orders:

To: All Stations, All Commands -- Attention To Orders.
From: STARFLEET Headquarters, Office of ADM Johnathan Simmons
STARFLEET Chief of Operations
CC: RADM Jerry Tien, Chief of Shakedown Operations Command
Re: Commissioning of USS RIVERSIDE • NCC-1660

To ADM Mike Urvand, Sixth Fleet: You are hereby directed and required to deliver USS Riverside, Constitution-class Heavy Cruiser, STARFLEET NCC-1660, into commission as of this date as a STARFLEET Ship of the Line.

This starship is based in Riverside, Iowa, USA.

To Captain John Schulte, Herein appointed Commanding Officer of USS Riverside: You are hereby directed and required to repair forthwith on board of the said ship and take upon you the charge and command of Captain of her accordingly; and all the officers and company of said ship subordinate to you are further charged and commanded to behave themselves jointly and severally in their respective employments with all due respect and obedience to you, their Captain.

To Commander Debbie Fee (this is me), Herein appointed Executive Officer of USS Riverside: You are hereby directed and required to repair forthwith on board of the said ship and take upon you the charge and command of Executive Officer of her accordingly; and all the officers and company of said ship subordinate to you are further charged and commanded to behave themselves jointly and severally in their respective employments with all due respect and obedience to you, their Executive Officer.

The Commissioning of a new Starship is the proudest duty that I have as Chief of STARFLEET Operations. Your official orders for the Ship's records will be forthcoming via regular STARFLEET dispatch.

On behalf of STARFLEET Operations, Good Luck and God Speed in your STARFLEET journey.

Given under my hand and the seal of STARFLEET Command, stardate 10701.28

Admiral Johnathan Simmons
Chief of Operations
STARFLEET, The International Star Trek Fan Association, Inc.

Where's George hits

2006-12-21T19:51:00.000-06:00

As of today I have had ten hits this month. I have included a Map of the US with my hits on it. It includeds a legend for the map, too.

Number of Hits	State Color
No Hits
Less than 5
5 to 14
15 to 44
45 to 64
65 or more

What Kind of Soul Are You?

2006-12-20T14:02:00.000-06:00

You Are a Seeker Soul

You are on a quest for knowledge and life challenges.

You love to be curious and ask a ton of questions.

Since you know so much, you make for an interesting conversationalist.

Mentally alert, you can outwit almost anyone (and have fun doing it!).

Very introspective, you can be silently critical of others.

And your quiet nature makes it difficult for people to get to know you.

You see yourself as a philosopher, and you take everything philosophically.

Your main talent is expressing and communicating ideas.

Souls you are most compatible with: Hunter Soul and Visionary Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

Memories of a friend

2006-12-18T13:17:00.000-06:00

Three years ago today the wreckage of the airplane carrying a friend and his family was found in a farm field. My friend's name was Larry Lawson, his daughter was Lisa Lawson. The airplane was piloted by Larry's brother, Dan. Lisa's fiance was also on board. Larry and Dan had flown to Chicago to pick up Lisa and her fiance to bring them to Iowa for Christmas.

I first met Larry at church he was always so friendly. He was also a volunteer firefighter/EMT for the Altoona, IA fire department.

How's Your Vocabulary?

2006-11-09T13:50:00.000-06:00

Your Vocabulary Score: A

Congratulations on your multifarious vocabulary!

You must be quite an erudite person.

How's Your Vocabulary?

Election fallout

2006-11-08T08:54:00.000-06:00

I feel like I live in a land of spoon-fed idiots. The voters have decide to let the Democrats do their thinking for them. I fear what will happen over the next two or more years. Constant investigations and an impeachment hearing of President Bush done out of spite over Bill Clinton's impeachment. I fear what will happen to Iraq when the Dems force us to leave before Iraq can defend itself against the insurgents and Al-Qaeda. They have been saying it's another Vietnam and now they have the chance to muck things up and prove themselves right.

On a local note the Democrats control both houses of the state legislature and the governorship for the first time in 40 years. Here come all the Touch Play machines again, into every place that has room enough for one.

I could be over reacting to all of this, it could end up meaning nothing. The Dems in the U.S. House and Repubs in the Senate could just cancel each others plans out. And once again nothing gets done about anything. I just fear that the Dems will screw up the economy by allowing the president's tax cuts to expire.

I guess the best we can do, as citizen, is hang on for dear life because the ride is gonna get bumpy from here on out. And work even hard to get some common sense elected in the next election. Maybe the citizen who elected these idiots will wake up and see what they've done to the country. One can only hope!

Muslim insurgents behead 14-year-old Christian boy

2006-10-31T10:07:00.000-06:00

Attack happened at Iraq plant where victim was running electric generator

Posted: October 31, 2006
1:00 a.m. Eastern

© 2006 WorldNetDaily.com

A website in Assyria is confirming that a 14-year-old Christian boy who was working a 12-hour shift maintaining an electric generator has been murdered by Muslim insurgents.

The Assyrian International News Agency said the tragedy was reported by an Assyrian language web page at www.ankawa.com.

The youth was identified as Ayad Tariq, who lived in Baqouba, Iraq, and was at work on Oct. 21 when a group of "disguised Muslim insurgents" went into the power plant shortly after his shift began at 6 a.m.

The website reported the insurgents asked him for his identification and, according to other witnesses who hid and stayed alive to report on the attack, questioned his identification card's reference to him as a "Christian."

Are you truly a "Christian sinner," they asked.

"Yes, I am Christian but I am not a sinner," he replied.

The insurgents then called him a "dirty Christian sinner," grabbed his limbs and held them while beheading him, the witnesses reported.

They were shouting, "Allahu akbar! Allahu Akbar!" during the murder, witnesses said.

An organization called AssyrianChristians.com said they are the indigenous people of Iraq, with a population that has been in the Middle East from the time of Christ.

However, they have faced a number of purges by the region's rulers over time, including the present attacks by powerful Islamic factions across Iran, Iraq and neighboring nations, officials said.

Only two generations back, Assyrian Christians made up 20 percent of the population of the Middle East, but during the Assyrian Genocide of 1915, an estimated three million Christians were slaughtered there, the organization said.

Current estimates are that there are about 2.5 million Assyrian Christians in Iraq.

Kenneth Scott LaTourette wrote in "A History of Christianity" that the Assyrian Christians became the first nation to accept Christianity, and one of the largest missionary-sending peoples in Christian history.

"The Assyrian Christians are one of the last remaining Christian communities in the Middle East," said Rev. Ken Joseph Jr., of the Assyrian Christians organization.

Tens of thousands of Assyrian Christians have fled their traditional homelands in recent months, officials confirmed.

I wonder if the Mainstream media will cover this story?

The beginning of winter already?

2006-10-11T10:12:00.000-05:00

Yesterday the local weather forecasters were saying there is a chance of snow tonight or tomorrow. There is a freeze warning for tonight also. I like snow but I just feel like I'm not ready for snow or winter yet. I don't know if it's just because it's so sudden this year or maybe I'm just getting old, I don't know.

How Logical Are You?

2006-09-20T14:31:00.000-05:00

You Are Pretty Logical

You're a bit of a wizard when it comes to logic

While you don't have perfect logic, you logic is pretty darn good

Keep at it - you've got a lot of natural talent in this area!

How Logical Are You?

Bulldoze Pluto? I Don’t Think So

2006-08-31T14:54:00.000-05:00

By Jeffrey Bennett
University of Colorado
posted: 31 August 2006
10:05 am ET

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has spoken on the status of Pluto. The only thing missing when they announced the decision at their press conference was the “Mission Accomplished” banner. Yes, I’m afraid this matter is about as settled as the Iraq war in 2003.

You’ve probably heard the basics: Pluto is no longer to be considered a “real” planet, but will instead be part of a new class of objects called “dwarf planets.” These midgets may number anywhere between a handful and hundreds in our own solar system, depending on how you count them and how hard we search for them with more powerful telescopes. But no matter how you cut it, this new definition takes away any pretense of Pluto being a member of the same elite, planetary club as Earth and Jupiter.

As a scientist, I think this was a pretty good outcome, though some of the justifications used to achieve it are dubious. But as a teacher, textbook writer, and builder of scale model solar systems, I have some reservations. In particular, for the model solar systems I’ve helped develop on the University of Colorado Boulder campus and on the National Mall in Washington, DC, I have to ask: Should we now bulldoze Pluto?

A little background: Pluto was discovered in 1930, at a time when astronomers were searching for an object thought to be causing slight perturbations to the orbits of other planets around the Sun. Neptune itself had been discovered in just this way in 1846, after scientists used perturbations in Uranus’s orbit to predict the existence and location of an “eighth planet.” Neptune was found as soon as astronomers pointed telescopes to the calculated position, which is I like to say that Neptune was discovered with physics and mathematics, and only confirmed with a telescope.

Over the ensuing decades, a few scientists claimed to see ongoing orbital discrepancies and embarked on a search for a “ninth planet” that might be causing them. Pluto was found during this search, though about 12 full-moon-widths away from the predicted position. And though hailed as a planet upon discovery, its status gradually became suspect, as we learned that its orbit is much more tilted and elongated than that of any of the other planets, and that it has a mass much less than 1% that of Earth. Worse, reanalysis of past observations suggested that the claimed orbital discrepancies had simply been errors in measurement, making Pluto a solution to a nonexistent problem.

It's official: IAU demotes Pluto

2006-08-26T17:49:00.000-05:00

The world's astronomers have removed Pluto's planetary status.
Francis Reddy

August 24, 2006; updated August 25
Astronomers meeting in Prague have decided by a wide margin that Pluto no longer merits consideration as a full-fledged planet. The historic decision follows a week of sometimes contentious debate over how to define a planet.

Jocelyn Bell Burnell, an expert on neutron stars at the University of Oxford in England, moderated the proceedings with the help of some playful visual aids. A blue toy balloon stood in for Neptune, while a plush toy of Disney's cartoon dog Pluto played the ninth rock from the Sun. Applause followed this morning's critical vote at the International Astronomical Union's (IAU) General Assembly meeting.

"I was relieved," says Caltech's Michael Brown. Brown's January 2005 discovery of Xena (officially, 2003 UB313), which is larger than Pluto, forced the IAU to address this long-simmering issue. "Scientifically, there is no question this is the right way to go," he says. "Eight is enough."

"I am delighted that rationality has prevailed," says Richard Conn Henry of Baltimore's Johns Hopkins University.

However, not everyone is happy with the decision. The American Astronomical Society 's 1,300-member Division of Planetary Sciences — the world's largest group of planetary scientists — recommended acceptance of the original proposal announced last week. If passed, this would have retained Pluto's status and declared three other bodies — Xena, the largest asteroid, and Pluto's largest moon — planets as well.

"I just think the IAU has embarrassed itself," says Alan Stern, principal investigator for NASA's New Horizons mission to Pluto. "If you read the definition that they have adopted in that room today, it is scientifically indefensible."

"I think there's going to be a protest," says Mark Sykes at the Planetary Science Institute in Tucson. "A minority of the astronomical community passed this."

So, what is a planet?
Following fractious public and closed-door discussions, Pluto no longer makes the cut. Astronomers agreed to define a planet as "a celestial body that is in orbit around the Sun, has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a ... nearly round shape, and has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit."

Objects that meet all but the last requirement — like puny Pluto and asteroid Ceres — are to be classed as "dwarf planets." But a proposal that would give these objects and the "classical" planets — Mercury through Neptune — equal solar-system stature failed.

Everything else in the solar system — comets, moons, and the rest of the asteroids — will be known as "small solar system bodies."

"Tell me where else in astronomy we classify objects by what else is around them?" objects Stern. "It's ridiculous."

"I think there will be a lot of people who just choose to ignore it," Sykes adds.

Nature vs. nurture
A week ago, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) presented its first attempt to define the word planet. If an object orbited the Sun and had enough mass that its own gravity forced it into a nearly round shape, it would qualify. If passed, this meant Charon, Pluto's largest moon; Ceres, the largest asteroid; and the Kuiper Belt object nicknamed Xena would immediately join the rank of planets.

But at least a dozen additional objects orbiting in the Kuiper Belt beyond Neptune also would qualify under this definition — and possibly as many as 53. "Many more Plutos wait to be discovered," Richard Binzel of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology noted.

Many astronomers found this potential explosion of planets troubling. "Maybe planets shouldn't be so special," Sykes counters.

Others said that pushing Pluto's moon Charon to planetary status went too far. "There was a little over-reaching with this thing about 'plutons' and making Charon a planet," Stern says, "but the core ... was all pretty good." The term proposed for Pluto-like objects — "pluton" — was roundly rejected in early discussions, largely owing to its well-established use in geology.

But scientists who study how planets interact were the most perturbed. The original definition looked only at an object's physical nature without regard to its orbital environment.

During Friday's debate, Julio Fernández of the University of the Republic in Montevideo, Uruguay, suggested an alternative that defined a planet as "by far the largest body in its local population." This would keep Pluto, Charon, Ceres, and the Kuiper Belt objects from graduating to planets.

Debate continued Tuesday when the IAU's planet-definition committee put forward only a slightly modified version of the original definition — one that avoided any reference to a planet's orbital environment. "They have presented practically the same resolution as before," Fernández complained during the discussion. Astronomers hammered out a compromise in closed-door negotiations that afternoon.

"They've put together a hastily drafted definition that's purely dynamical," explains Sykes. "Perhaps there could have been a more dynamical definition that achieved their goal that would be better crafted, but unfortunately they just didn't have the time."

Sykes argues that, under the adopted definition, a Mars-mass planet discovered at 200 astronomical units would be classed as a dwarf. (An astronomical unit is the average distance between Earth and the Sun.) "There are some common-sense issues with this," he adds.

"I think the demotion of Pluto into the realm of other minor objects outside the orbit of Neptune is the most consistent thing to do to straighten out the nomenclature of our solar system," says William Blair at Johns Hopkins University. "However, I don't find the wording of the official planet definition to be very clear, and hence it will continue to be open to interpretation."

"Pluto should never have been called a planet," Brown says. "The only reason Pluto exists in its current orbit is that Neptune keeps it there and protects it." Neptune forces Pluto — and many other icy objects, called plutinos — to go around the Sun twice for every three Neptune orbits.

"Pluto and Xena never fit in," Brown notes, although he admits he's wistful about missing the opportunity of having discovered the tenth planet. "We have a chance now to actually educate people on how the solar system really works. I think that's exciting."

Iowa State Fair Attendance

2006-08-21T16:06:00.000-05:00

DAY 2005 2006
Thursday 71,691 73,997
Friday 92,662 92,704
Saturday 100,041 108,331
Sunday 103,921 92,553
Monday 88,201 85,483
Tuesday 92,369 90,201
Wednesday 90,525 94,333
Thursday 82,368 81,998
Friday 82,215 77,505
Saturday 103,875 103,663
Sunday 94,775 112,295

These are the attendance figures for the eleven day run of the Iowa State Fair. Last year It had over 1 million in attendance and I expect it will be the same this year.

I attended the fair twice this year, the first time was on the first Thursday with both of my sisters, a brother-in-law, and both nieces. My younger sister and brother-in-law live in New York state and came home on vacation to go to the fair. They usually come home earlier in the year so they miss the fair. This year they decided they wanted to go.

The second time I went was on Wednesday, August 16. I went by myself, I usually go the first day alone and then another day with my older sister and my nieces. I like to go alone because I can do what I want, when I want, for as long as I want. That's what I like about being single too. I guess I'm just selfish that way! Usually during fair-time my older sister and I go to Living History Farms. That is not going to happen this year, I don't think. Sister and nieces are too busy at their jobs. Maybe next year. Click here to visit Living History Farms' Web site. I would like to volunteer or work there one year, I need a salary though.

Star Trek Devotion

2006-07-28T12:54:00.000-05:00

EARLING - Around since the 1960s, Star Trek has been a favorite television show for generations. With its foundation in science fiction and its use of catch phrases like, "Beam me up, Scottie," it has captured the interest of people around the world, along with the imagination of two men from Earling.
John Schulte, Minneapolis, MN, and Tom Schulte, Earling, are brothers devoted to Star Trek, having been interested in the show since they were kids.

After reading the books as a child, Tom says that he was hooked.
"I've been a Star Trek nut since the original series came out," he said, with John stating that he has watched the show since the early 1970s.
Although the brothers have been fans since then, they did not actively participate in any groups until becoming adults. After surfing the internet, Tom found Star Fleet International.
A fan-based organization of over 4,000 people, Star Fleet International is a national Star Trek fan club existing since the 1970s. The group is comprised of small groups throughout the United States, each with their own crew members.
Because of Earling's location, Tom joined the USS Saint George, a correspondence crew that meets online. While other groups in larger cities can get together to have meetings, Tom's group chats online.
"There are around two dozen people in Iowa that belong to Star Fleet International," said Tom. "but in the immediate area, I'm the only one."
Tom became the science and charity officer of the USS Saint George,a fictional ship reseambling the one on the voyager series. He then held the office of the executive officer Vice President and now is a Commander.
It is the task of the officers to inform the group of new advances in their field in real life, such as medical breakthroughs, much like an officer would on a ship.
With his group meeting online, Tom says that although it is his main hobby it does not consume much of his time, as he usually only spends a couple of hours a day going online to their chat room.
"Its as much of a time commitment as I want it to be," he said.
Although his main interaction with the other members is through the internet, both brothers also go to two conventions every year in Minneapolis, MN and Fargo, ND.
"We have a lot of fun when we physically get together," said Tom. "We have a lot of costumes and everyone really gets into their characters."
Although the group members join to have fun and companionship, they also serve a larger purpose in charity work.
Groups like Tom's cut out coupons to send to those in the military while others will do work with groups like Toys for Tots.
The group members are then given their rankings based on the amount of charity work they have done.
Although Tom has been a member of Star Fleet International since 2000, John did not become involved until Tom took him to a summit consisting of a meeting, a golf event and a charity raffle.
Since then, he has started his own group in Riverside, the fictional future birthplace of Captain Kirk, called the USS Riverside. He is the commander of the "ship." His son Trent is also involved.
"The main interest for me is the community service," said John. "but it's also the friendships that you form when you have a common bond with people."
Although the club is a main hobby for Tom, he also works as a nurse and is the commander of Post 16 in Earling, which is another main interest of his.
Tom states that while its use of technology is a big reason why the show has been so popular, people are also drawn to it because of its optimistic view of the human condition.
"Star Trek had the first public kiss between a white male and a black female and the commander is a woman that is just as respected as everyone else," said Tom.
He explains that this is one of the main reasons that he is so interested in the show, as along with featuring scientific advancements, it also has a theme of understanding and cooperation.
"The reason it lasts longer than the other science fiction shows is that it's really a message of what we could happily be in the future. Everyone is equal."
With this vision of equality and happiness, John and Tom continue to become more and more involved in their hobby. With charity events, conventions, and a little imagination, their Star Trek voyage looks to be a great one.

Could You Pass 8th Grade History?

2006-07-03T14:46:00.000-05:00

You Passed 8th Grade US History

Congratulations, you got 7/8 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade History?

The "Worst" of MSNBC's Keith Olbermann -- 06/27/2006 - Media Research Center - Media Reality Check

2006-06-27T21:37:00.000-05:00

3rd Place Cable Host Uses “Worst in the World!” Segment to Savage Conservatives & His Competitors

The “Worst” of MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann

"Believe it or not, MSNBC's Keith Olbermann says he's not biased. In March he told C-SPAN his philosophy was to 'go after power. You don't go after a Republican or a Democrat.' Last June he told the Houston Chronicle that while his world view included elements from the 'liberal play book,' his on-air approach is strictly even-handed. 'My point of view is about delivering information and context,' Olbermann claimed. 'It has nothing to do with a political point of view.'

But those who watch Olbermann's weekday Countdown program know he regularly seeks to please the far left with liberal agenda segments, ranging from whether George W. Bush is the 'worst President ever' to promoting loopy theories that the Republicans stole the 2004 election.

Olbermann has now helped the Media Research Center quantify his anti-conservative bent. Beginning one year ago this week, Olbermann has picked his choice for the 'Worse,' 'Worser,' and 'Worst Person in the World!' As he told a TV writer last December, 'It's a euphemism for somebody who's wrong and egregiously stupid and abusing their own position.'

To find out what irks Olbermann, MRC researchers examined every one of his 'Worst' segments from their debut on June 30, 2005 to this past Friday, June 23. While many of his targets weren't political (last week he scolded a Chinese restaurant that served meatballs made from cats), about a third of the time (33%), Olbermann's wrath was aimed at a notable liberal or a conservative, or someone flailed for an ideological stance, such as on March 15 when he castigated 'doubters of global warming' because yellow sand was falling from the sky in South Korea.

For someone who claims his editorial decisions have "nothing to do with a political point of view," Olbermann has thrown nearly all of his punches at conservatives. Of the 197 politically-salient designees, nearly nine out of ten (174, or 88%) attacked conservative targets or ideas, compared with 23 nominees (12%) in which liberals were on the receiving end of Olbermann’s ire. Among those attacked by Olbermann: Bill Frist, Donald Rumsfeld, Antonin Scalia, Rick Santorum, Tom DeLay and Pat Robertson (four times). Never targeted: Hillary Clinton, Howard Dean, Michael Moore, or even William Jefferson, the Congressman alleged to have stuffed tens of thousands of dollars in bribe money into his freezer. (See the complete listing of Olbermann's liberal and conservative targets.)

Among the few liberals he did criticize: Representative Cynthia McKinney, for slugging a police officer, and New York comptroller Alan Hevesi, for telling graduates that Senator Charles Schumer would like to "put a bullet between the President’s eyes." But Hevesi was just the runner-up that night; Olbermann decided his Bush hate wasn’t as bad as the Filipino cab driver who accidentally rammed a hearse, sending a corpse flying out of its coffin and into traffic.

Olbermann uses his podium to attack his non-liberal media competitors, especially FNC host Bill O’Reilly, whom Olbermann disparages as "the big giant head" or "Ted Baxter," the dim anchor from The Mary Tyler Moore Show. O’Reilly has been a target 42 times; in contrast, Olbermann has only badmouthed Saddam Hussein twice, most recently on Friday after learning that the ex-dictator’s "hunger strike" actually amounted to skipping only a single meal.

Olbermann’s other media targets: Rush Limbaugh (11 times), Ann Coulter (9), Brit Hume (4), Neal Boortz (3), Glenn Beck (3), the New York Post (2) and columnist Michelle Malkin (2), whom Olbermann rudely called "crazier and dumber than we all thought" and a "nitwit." Sneering at conservatives may make Olbermann popular among left-wing bloggers, but his bias makes him the obvious choice for "Worst Anchorman in the World."
— Brad Wilmouth and Rich Noyes"

Chill out over global warming

2006-06-06T09:01:00.000-05:00

I agree with him completely, too many activists, without any kind of credentials, are hijacking scientific research for their political goals.

David Harsanyi staff columnist Denver Post

You'll often hear the left lecture about the importance of dissent in a free society.

Why not give it a whirl?

Start by challenging global warming hysteria next time you're at a LoDo cocktail party and see what happens.

Admittedly, I possess virtually no expertise in science. That puts me in exactly the same position as most dogmatic environmentalists who want to craft public policy around global warming fears.

The only inconvenient truth about global warming, contends Colorado State University's Bill Gray, is that a genuine debate has never actually taken place. Hundreds of scientists, many of them prominent in the field, agree.

Gray is perhaps the world's foremost hurricane expert. His Tropical Storm Forecast sets the standard. Yet, his criticism of the global warming "hoax" makes him an outcast.

"They've been brainwashing us for 20 years," Gray says. "Starting with the nuclear winter and now with the global warming. This scare will also run its course. In 15-20 years, we'll look back and see what a hoax this was."

Gray directs me to a 1975 Newsweek article that whipped up a different fear: a coming ice age.

"Climatologists," reads the piece, "are pessimistic that political leaders will take any positive action to compensate for the climatic change. ... The longer the planners delay, the more difficult will they find it to cope with climatic change once the results become grim reality."

Thank God they did nothing. Imagine how warm we'd be?

Congratulations Steph!

2006-05-21T20:09:00.000-05:00

Today was the last high school graduation of my nieces and nephews. Today is also Steph's 18th birthday. My mom and I went to her graduation at the high school. It was pretty good for a small town. The commencement speaker was a retiring teacher. Steph had a party at her house so her grandma and I went for a while. She had several people attend, she even had a visit from a teacher.

Steph plans on working this summer and then attending the local community college for 2 years and then transferring to the University of Iowa.

Video of Glenn Beck's New TV show

2006-05-02T10:08:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NnIx711GI8

I can't wait for this to start.

Boycott the Boycott Supporters!

2006-05-01T12:37:00.000-05:00

Today is the big immigrant boycott day. I found a list in my local newspaper of business that will be closed today in supposrt of the illegal immigrant boycott. I think those of us who are here legally should give them a taste of what a real boycott can do to their economy. I think we should not shop at these businesses tomorrow, but only these businesses.

Do you think it was a coincidence that they planned this on May 1st? For anyone too young to remember, May 1st was the day the Soviet Union would hold big parades to show the world how great their economy was doing and how strong their military was. Now what was it that happened to the Soviet Union? Oh, that's right! The USA beat them, drove them to their economic downfall. One day without these illegals buying anything will mean nothing. They either bought what they needed yesterday or they will buy it tomorrow. In the long run today will mean nothing to the economy. What it will effect is the rest of the country's attitude toward them and what it is exactly they want. Imagine how you would feel if some one snuck in to your house in the middle of the night and set up residence there? Then when you called the police to have them removed they tell you that they can't, or won't do anything about it because it is not a priority. How would you react? Would you sit back and welcome even more in to your home or would you do everything in your power to get the illegals out and stop any future illegals from getting in?

Here's the list:

These businesses have told Iowa organizers of a National Day Without Immigrants that they will close today :

Des Moines
•El Rodeo restaurants, 1234 E. Euclid Ave.; 7420 Douglas Ave.; 1310 N.W. 118th St., Clive
•South Union Bread Cafe, 1011 Locust St.
•Centro Restaurant, 1011 Locust St.
•Raccoon River Brew Pub, 200 10th St.
•Tasty Tacos, 1418 E. Grand Ave. ONLY THIS LOCATION
•Raquel’s Pastry, 1828 Hubbell Ave.
•Lara’s Bakery, 1800 N.W. 86th St., Clive
•Letty’s Beauty Salon, 1705 E. Grand Ave.
•L’ Grand Beauty Salon, 1500 E. Grand Ave.
•Botas Rancho Grande
•Tamales La Rosa
•La Favorita Mexican Grocery store, 1700 E. Grand Ave.
•La Tapatia, 1704 E. Grand Ave.
•El Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 400 Locust St.
•Suenos Felices, 505 Euclid Ave.•Plaza Mexico, 3841 E. 14th St.
•Tiendas de La Cruz, 40074 S.E. 13th St.
•Diaz Auto, 120 E. Euclid Ave., 1711 S.E. 14th St., 3205 E. Douglas Ave.
•El Maya Mexican Restaurant, 1246 E. 14th St.
•Modas Marilyn, 4120 S.E. 14th St.
•Tacos Mariana’s, 2225½ University Ave.

The Dangers of Thinking

2006-04-24T13:58:00.000-05:00

This is from an e-mail I received from my sister. I thought it was hilarious! I went from a registered Democrat to a registered Republican.

The Dangers Of Thinking

It started out innocently enough. I began to think at parties now and then -- just to loosen up.

Inevitably, though, one thought led to another, and soon I was more than just a social thinker.

I began to think alone -- "to relax," I told myself --but I knew it wasn't true. Thinking became more and more important to me, and finally I was thinking all the time.

That was when things began to sour at home. One evening I had turned off the TV and asked my wife about the meaning of life. She spent that night at her mother's.

I began to think on the job. I knew that thinking and employment don't mix, but I couldn't stop myself.

I began to avoid friends at lunchtime so I could read Thoreau and Kafka. I would return to the office dizzied and confused, asking, "What is it exactly we are doing here?"

One day the boss called me in. He said, "Listen, I like you, and it hurts me to say this, but your thinking has become a real problem. If you don't stop thinking on the job, you'll have to find another job."

This gave me a lot to think about. I came home early after my conversation with the boss. "Honey," I confess, "I've been thinking..."
"I know you've been thinking," she said, "and I want a divorce!"
"But Honey, surely it's not that serious."
"It is serious," she said, lower lip aquiver. "You think as much as college professors, and college professors don't make any money, so if you keep on thinking, we won't have any money!"
"That's a faulty syllogism," I said impatiently. She exploded in tears of rage and frustration, but I was in no mood to deal with the emotional drama. "I'm going to the library," I snarled as I stomped out the door.

I headed for the library, in the mood for some Nietzsche. I roared into the parking lot with NPR on the radio and ran up to the big glass doors... They didn't open.
The library was closed.

To this day, I believe that a Higher Power was looking out for me that night. Leaning on the unfeeling glass, whimpering for Zarathustra, a Poster caught my eye, "Friend, is heavy thinking ruining your life?" it asked.

You probably recognize that line. It comes from the standard Thinkers Anonymous poster.

Which is why I am what I am today: a recovering thinker.

I never miss a TA meeting. At each meeting we watch a non-educational video; last week it was, "Porky's." Then we share experiences about how we avoided thinking since the last meeting. I still have my job, and things are a lot better at home. Life just seemed . . . easier, somehow, as soon as I stopped thinking.

I think the road to recovery is nearly complete for me.

Today I made the final step . . . I registered to vote as a Democrat!

Mom's birthday is today

2006-04-20T13:41:00.000-05:00

Today is my mom's birthday. This is the first birthday she has celebrated since Dad passed away. She doesn't really celebrate her birthday any more.

What Are They Afraid Of?

2006-04-06T09:33:00.000-05:00

I was on ICR's Web site today and saw this article. The last paragraph voices my thoughts exactly. I have thought that since all this furor over evolution only in the schools started. It basically says that evolutionists don't want anything else taught because they are afraid that evolution won't stand up under scrutiny and they don't like the implications of there being a creator. A creator would mean a higher authority and that means they would have to be accountable to Some One higher. It would seem they are happy with no accountability.

Subject: Ode to Email

2006-04-03T08:48:00.000-05:00

I received this in an e-mail from a friend. This is just a few of the bogus rumors e-mails that are going around. Any time I get one of these rumor e-mails I go to www.snopes.com to check it out.

**Thank You**

** My heartfelt appreciation goes out to all of you who have taken the time and trouble to send me "forwards" over the past 12 months. **

**Thank you for making me feel safe, secure, blessed, and wealthy.**

**Extra thanks to whoever sent me the one about rat crap in the glue on envelopes, because I now have to go get a wet towel every time I need to seal an envelope. **

**Also, I have to scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason.**

**Because of your concern I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet stains. **

**I no longer drink Pepsi or Dr. Pepper, since the people who make these products are atheists who refuse to put "Under God" on their cans.**

**I no longer use Saran wrap in the microwave because it causes cancer.**

**I no longer check the coin return on pay phones because I could be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS. **

**I no longer use cancer-causing deodorants, even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day. **

**I no longer go to shopping malls because someone might drug me with a cologne sample and rob me. **

**I no longer receive packages from, nor send packages by, UPS or FedEx since they are actually Al Qaeda in disguise. **

**I no longer answer the phone, because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica, Uganda, Singapore and Uzbekistan. **

**I no longer eat KFC because their chickens are actually horrible mutant freaks with no eyes or feathers. **

**I no longer have any sneakers -- but that will change once I receive my free replacement pair from Nike. **

**I no longer have to buy expensive cookies from Neiman Marcus since I now have their recipe.**

**I no longer worry about my soul because at last count I have 363,214 angels looking out for me. **

**Thanks to you, I have learned that God only answers my prayers if I forward an e-mail to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes. **

**I no longer have any money because I gave them to a sick girl who is about to die in the hospital (for the 258th time) but that will change once I receive the $15,000 that Microsoft and AOL are sending me for participating in their special email program. **

**Yes, I want to thank you so much for looking out for me that I will now return the favor! **

**If you don't send this e-mail to at least 144,000 people in the next 7 minutes, a large pigeon with a wicked case of diarrhea will land on your head at 5:00 p. m. (CDT) this afternoon. I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbor's ex-mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's beautician.**

Pass the potato

2006-03-10T13:07:00.000-06:00

Help get my potato to all 50 states!
- on -
PassThePotato.com!

Six Months Already

2006-02-26T15:14:00.000-06:00

It's hard to believe that my dad passed away 6 months ago today. I still miss him every day. I still catch myself thinking "I can't wait until Pop gets back so I can ask him about this." Then I realize he isn't coming back and the tears start again. I'm even crying as I type this right now. I didn't think I could miss a person as deeply as I miss him.

Happy Birthday Linda

2006-02-24T19:08:00.000-06:00

Today is my little sister's birthday. She is 13 months, 18 days younger than me. She is living and working in West Point, New York for now. Her husband is in the US Army and he is stationed at the United States Military Academy. He will have served for 20 years this spring. I miss her not being close during the holidays and birthdays.

I hope she has a good day.

Hamas Promises To 'Liberate' Rest Of Palestine

2006-01-26T21:56:00.000-06:00

KCCI.com - News - Hamas Promises To 'Liberate' Rest Of Palestine

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip -- With a landslide election victory under his belt, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh promises to complete what he calls "the liberation of other parts of Palestine."

The militant group's leader didn't clarify which territories he was talking about or what strategy he'll use.

In a victory news conference, Haniyeh said Hamas took more than 60 percent of the vote in Wednesday's parliament elections. The Hamas leader said he doesn't expect President Mahmoud Abbas to resign.

Abbas' Fatah Party took a hard loss in the election. Election officials said Hamas won 76 of the 132 seats in the Palestinian parliament.

The election outcome could have a devastating effect on the peace process. Hamas has dedicated itself to the destruction of Israel, and Israel and the United States both regard Hamas as a terrorist group. And a senior Hamas official said Thursday that recognizing Israel and negotiating with it are, "not on our agenda."

President George W. Bush said Wednesday that the United States will not deal with Hamas unless it renounces violence.

Iowa Republican Party :: News Item

2006-01-13T19:29:00.000-06:00

"A person who kidnaps, rapes and murders a child could be sentenced to death under a Senate bill introduced Monday, the first day of the 2006 session.

Seventeen of 25 Republican senators are co-sponsors of Senate File 2010.

GOP leaders have been trying since last spring to engage Democrats in a debate to revive the death penalty. Iowa hasn't had a capital punishment law for 41 years."

I don't know if the death penalty will be a deterrent to future crime but I do know it will stop that person from re-offending. That is reason enough, in my mind, to warrant it.

Could You Pass 8th Grade Science?

2006-01-10T00:35:00.000-06:00

You Passed 8th Grade Science

Congratulations, you got 8/8 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Science?

What Does Your Birth Month Mean?

2006-01-06T01:11:00.000-06:00

Your Birth Month is January

You are a natural leader who is able to stand up when no one else can.
Strong and powerful, you tend to overshadow those around you.

Your soul reflects: deep love, fascination with life, and a distinctive persona

Your gemstone: Garnet

Your flower: Snowdrop

Your colors: Black, dark red, and dark blue

What Does Your Birth Month Mean?

What Does Your Birthdate Mean?

2006-01-05T21:56:00.000-06:00

Your Birthdate: January 6

You tend to be the rock in relationships - people depend on you.
Thoughtful and caring, you often put others needs first.
You aren't content to help those you know... you want to give to the world.
An idealist, you strive for positive change and dream about how much better things could be.

Your strength: Your intuition

Your weakness: You put yourself last

Your power color: Rose

Your power symbol: Cloud

Your power month: June

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

22 Congressmen Hate Christmas

2005-12-24T00:49:00.000-06:00

"Whereas Christmas is a national holiday celebrated on December 25; and

Whereas the Framers intended that the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States would prohibit the establishment of religion, not prohibit any mention of religion or reference to God in civic dialog: Now, therefore be it resolved, that the House of Representatives -

(1) Recognizes the importance of the symbols and traditions of Christmas;
(2) Strongly disapproves of attempts to ban references to Christmas; and
(3) Expresses support for the use of these symbols and traditions, for those who celebrate Christmas."

Click on the title for the whole article including the 22 Representatives who voted against the resolution.

Wisconsin Elementary School Changes 'Silent Night' While Decorating For A Christmas Witch

2005-12-10T22:45:00.000-06:00

"In Dodgeville, Wisconsin, Ridgeway Elementary School's 'winter program' has changed the name of 'Silent Night' to 'Cold in the Night.' Sung to the tune of 'Silent Night,' the lyrics include: 'Cold in the night, no one in sight, winter winds whirl and bite, how I wish I were happy and warm, safe with my family out of the storm.'

The 'winter program' included decorating classrooms with Santa Claus, Kwanza symbols, Menorahs, and Labafana--a Christmas witch!

Also in Wisconsin, the Glendale-River Hills School District has banned every Christmas song which has any Christian 'motive or theme.' But while banning Christian Christmas songs, the district permits secular holiday songs as well as songs celebrating Hanukkah. In defending this policy, Frances Smith, the district administrator, says that the Hanukkah songs are more cultural than spiritual.

What these schools are doing to our children is not educating, but indoctrinating! And they are using Christmas as an excuse. Following the lead of the National Educational Association, Wisconsin educational leaders preach tolerance and diversity while being highly intolerant! Most of the residents of Wisconsin are tolerant, but not their educational leaders.

Banning nativity scenes. Banning Christmas songs in school. Banning Christmas in advertising. Calling a Christmas tree a 'holiday' tree. Calling a Christmas parade a holiday parade. Refusing to mention the Reason for the season. It is time to take a stand for our children, our families, our faith and our freedom! "

Disney's 'Narnia': Christ Need Not Apply

2005-12-09T18:54:00.000-06:00

The following article is from NewsMax.com. For the last several years Disney has been more interested in making money than anything else. The movies they have been making is plenty of evidence of that fact. Their marketing of the Chronicles of Narnia should not be that surprising. This is just more wood on the fire.

"Disney's holiday season release of 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' is set for this weekend -- and some Christians are worried the media giant is more intent on cashing in on the faithful, rather than sharing the film's Christian message.

The Disney backed film is based on one of C.S. Lewis' 'Narnia' books. Lewis was a noted Christian apologist, and his Narnia books have been viewed as religious allegory about the life of Christ.

While Disney clearly hopes to tap into the same audience that made Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of the Christ' a huge box office hit, the same people behind the firm version of 'Narnia' are vocal in downplaying its supposed links to Christianity.

"Faith is in the eye of the beholder," declared one of the movie's actresses, Tilda Swinton, who said Lewis' original book is more "spiritual" than religious.

"You can make a religious allegory out of anything if that's what you're interested in," she told BBC News.

The $150 million film, made by Walden Media and distributed by Disney, is the story of a struggle between good and evil in the snowy kingdom of Narnia. Four English siblings enter the enchanted land and discover talking animals who await the return of the lion king, Aslan. The inhabitants believe he will free them from the tyranny of Jadis, the White Witch.

Aslan sacrifices himself to save the life of a human boy, or "Son of Adam." He later rises from the dead to lead his troops in a battle against the witch's forces.

But the film's director, Andrew Adamson, also has pooh-poohed the idea that the allegory reveals Christ's resurrection, saying that concept is a common theme in the fantasy genre.

"The religious aspect is something the press is more interested in than the world at large," he told the BBC.

Said "Narnia's" producer, Mark Johnson: "When I read the book as a child, I accepted it as a pure adventure story. It never occurred to me Aslan was anything more than a great lion" rather than a Christ figure.

"Christian themes were very important to C.S. Lewis and imbued everything he did, but he himself denied any religious implications."

Despite those comments from the movie's creators, the film has already received pledges of support from evangelical groups in the United States, many of whom say Lewis - who wrote seven books in the "Narnia" series - did create the story as an allegory about the life of Jesus.

Reportedly, elementary schoolchildren and teenagers in Bible study groups are booking theaters to see the PG-rated movie, which opens Friday.

"We believe that God will speak the gospel of Jesus Christ through this film," said Lon Allison, director of Illinois' Billy Graham Center.

But a Hollywood insider who has dealt with Disney's marketing executives told NewsMax that the media giant has had great apprehension promoting the film to Christian groups and has done so only in a low-key manner.

"Disney is loathing the idea that the likes of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity or a preacher like Jerry Falwell will actively promote the film. They want the Christian community's money, but not their viewpoint," the source said.

Last year, Hollywood witnessed the Christian zeal for Gibson's "Passion" movie, which has grossed anywhere from $400 million to more than $600 million worldwide, depending on the source.

The producers of "Narnia" have generated advance buzz among Christians by showing previews to Christian leaders, preachers and evangelical organization, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal.

USA Today asked: "Is the world created by C.S. Lewis a rip-roaring piece of fantasy - or a fairy tale suffused with Christian imagery?

"The answer is both, and that raises a related question: Can Disney succeed by selling the movie on two tracks - as a sort of cross between ‘The Lord of the Rings' and ‘The Passion of the Christ'? If so, ‘Narnia' figures to be a holiday blockbuster."

Said producer Johnson: "We're not selling the movie to any particular group. With a movie this size, we're trying to sell it to everybody."
Put another way, Disney would like to sell "Narnia" minus Christ - but still have Christians pay the bill. "

DailyJoke

2005-11-15T23:29:00.000-06:00

"The True Origin of the Internet

In ancient Israel, it came to pass that a trader by the name of Abraham Com did take unto himself a young wife by the name of Dot.

And Dot Com was a comely woman, broad of shoulder and long of leg. Indeed, she had been called 'Amazon Dot Com.'

And she said unto Abraham, her husband, "Why dost thou travel far from town to town with thy goods when thou can trade without ever leaving thy tent?"

And Abraham did look at her as though she were several saddle bags short of a camel load, but simply said, "How, dear?" And Dot replied, "I will place drums in all the towns and drums in between to send messages saying what you have for sale and they will reply telling you which hath the best price. And the sale can be made on the drums and delivery made by Uriah's Pony Stable (UPS)."

Abraham thought long and decided he would let Dot have her way with the drums. And the drums rang out and were an immediate success. Abraham sold all the goods he had at the top price, without ever moving from his tent.

But this success did arouse envy. A man named Maccabia did secrete himself inside Abraham's drum and was accused of insider trading. And the young man did take to Dot Com's trading as doth the greedy horsefly take to camel dung. They were called Nomadic Ecclesiastical Rich Dominican Siderites, or NERDS for short.

And lo, the land was so feverish with joy at the new riches and the deafening sound of drums that no one noticed that the real riches were going to the drum maker, one Brother William of Gates, who bought up every drum company in the land. And indeed did insist on making drums that would work only with Brother Gates' drumheads and drumsticks.

And Dot did say, "Oh, Abraham, what we have started is being taken over by others."

And as Abraham looked out over the Bay of Ezekiel, or as it came to be known "eBay" he said, "We need a name that reflects what we are."

And Dot replied, "Young Ambitious Hebrew Owner Operators."

"YAHOO," said Abraham.

And that is how it all began. It wasn't Al Gore after all."

Could You Pass 8th Grade Math?

2005-10-30T00:27:00.000-05:00

You Passed 8th Grade Math

Congratulations, you got 9/10 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Math?

Sermon Notes

2005-10-29T22:45:00.000-05:00

I was cleaning some of the old bulletins out of my Bible this afternoon and found a bulletin that I had written some notes in about death from a sermon on John 11:11-16. That is the passage about the death of Lazarus. Here is what I have written:

Biblical Death
is separation
1. Physical - soul from body
2. Spiritual - soul from God, no intimacy with God
3. Eternal - permanent, separation of soul from God - Hell

Death is a doorway not a passage.
"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8

This was from July 3, 2005. Little did we know Dad only had about 6 weeks left at this point. July 3rd to August 26th is not that long after all.

Two Month Mark

2005-10-27T18:48:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the two month anniversary of Dad's passing. I'm doing better, at least I'm not crying every day anymore. Just about anything can set me off but I don't cry at everything now. I assume things will keep getting better. Monday the 24th would have been Dad's 81st birthday.

DailyJoke

2005-10-08T23:23:00.000-05:00

"An elderly woman died last month. Having never married, she requested no male pallbearers. In her handwritten instructions for her memorial service, she wrote, 'They wouldn't take me out while I was alive, I don't want them to take me out when I'm dead.'"

This is my feeling exactly!!

Fall Is Here

2005-10-05T23:17:00.000-05:00

The weather today went from summer to fall in about 3 hours. 9 o'clock this morning is was 73 degrees and cloudy with occasional showers. By 11 am it was raining and 57 degrees. It rained off and on all afternoon and the temperature stayed in the 50s. Right now the temperature is 47 degrees and the rain has stopped. Tomorrow is going to have a high in the high 40s or low 50s.

I still can't believe Dad is gone. There is a lot of stuff he did every year to get ready for winter. He did stuff to the garden and yard that I have no clue what to do. I miss him so much!!

The Washington Nationals Suspend A Chaplain For Not Thinking 'Religiously Correct'

2005-10-05T22:35:00.000-05:00

This is from an e-mail I received from the American Family Association:

"The Washington Nationals professional baseball club has suspended a volunteer chaplain and rebuked a baseball player because they hold religious beliefs that are "Religiously Incorrect."

Volunteer chaplain Joe Moeller and outfielder Ryan Church were having a conversation concerning Christianity. Church asked Moeller a question about Jesus and salvation. "I said, like, Jewish people, they don't believe in Jesus. Does that mean they're doomed?" Church asked.

Volunteer chaplain Moeller simply nodded his head in agreement. For his "religiously incorrect" thinking—even if it was simply a nod of the head—Moeller was suspended.

Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld, leader of an Orthodox Jewish congregation in Washington, said, "The Nationals did a good job about bringing hate into the locker room." A chaplain and a baseball player are accused of hate speech because they were discussing a basic tenet of their faith!

Wow! Now it is not "religiously correct" for Christians to just "think" that salvation comes through Christ alone. The Nationals immediately suspended Chaplain Moeller and Church issued an apology for asking the question."

That's one way of being tolerant of other people's beliefs. Oh, that's right, I forgot. They are tolerant, of everyone but Christians. If we aren't careful we won't be allowed to even mention Christ in public.

Here is the link to the Washington Post article.

An Anniversary of Sorts

2005-09-19T21:53:00.000-05:00

Three weeks ago today was Dad's funeral. Friday Mom and I went to Hobby Lobby and bought some flowers and took them out to the cemetery to decorate Dad's grave. It was the first time we had been there since the post funeral visit on the Friday after the funeral. I felt bad about waiting so long but Mom wasn't up to going before now. She is taking it really hard. I think she is doing better every day, she would deny that but I can see it. I know I'm doing better. I start a new assignment tomorrow. I accepted a part-time position because I don't think I (or Mom) are ready for me to be gone all day, every day.

A Job Update

2005-09-19T21:51:00.000-05:00

I called Spherion this morning and they had a part-time position I am starting tomorrow. I will be doing data entry for an insurance company. I will be working 9-2 Monday, Tuesday, and Friday for about a month. YAY!!

After I talked to Spherion I went outside and picked up the fallen apple and then mowed the front yard. After lunch Mom wanted to go to Lowe's and look at bathroom ventilators. She ended up buying a small one and someone will be here on Thursday to install it. The installation will cost $145, including labor. I think she would do as well just putting a fan in the window.

What's your Superhero Name?

2005-09-12T14:57:00.000-05:00

Your Superhero Profile

Your Superhero Name is The Phantom Falcon

Your Superpower is Mutant

Your Weakness is Bald People

Your Weapon is Your Poison Crossbow

Your Mode of Transportation is Cow

What's your Superhero Name?

Don't Blame Bush for Katrina

2005-09-05T11:19:00.000-05:00

"Don't Blame Bush for Katrina
Christopher Ruddy, NewsMax.com
Monday, Sept. 5, 2005

George Bush and the federal government are not to blame for the disaster we have witnessed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
In fact, the primary responsibility for the disaster response lies with New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco and other local officials.
Yet leading Democrats and their allies in the major media are clearly using this disaster for political purposes and ignoring one obvious fact.
This fact – which needs to be repeated and remembered – is that in our country, state and local governments have primary responsibility in dealing with local disasters.

The founding fathers devised a federal system of government – one that has served us remarkably well through great disasters that have befallen America over more than two centuries.

But if we believe the major TV networks, George Bush, FEMA and the Republicans in Congress are all to blame for the current nightmare.

Let's remember that FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, was created only in 1979. It was formed to coordinate and focus federal response to major disasters – to "assist" local and state governments.

Common sense suggests that local and state governments are best able to prepare and plan for local disasters.

Is a Washington bureaucrat better suited to prepare for an earthquake in San Francisco, a hurricane in Florida, or a terrorist act in New York?

After the Sept. 11 attacks against the World Trade Center, no one suggested that the Bush administration should have been responsible for New York's disaster response or that federal agents should have been involved in the rescue of those trapped in the buildings.

Last year, four major hurricanes slammed into Florida. Governor Jeb Bush led the disaster response and did a remarkable job, with nothing happening like what we have seen in New Orleans.

The primary response in disasters has always come from local communities and state governments.

First responders and the manpower to deal with emergencies come from local communities: police, fire and medical. Under our federal system, these local departments answer to local authorities, not those in Washington. These first responders are not even under federal control, nor do they have to follow federal orders.

In addition to local responders, every state in the Union has a National Guard.

State National Guards answer first to the governor of each state, not to the president. The National Guard exists not to defend one state from an invasion by another state, but primarily for emergencies like the one we have witnessed in New Orleans and in other areas impacted by Katrina.

Tim Russert and the Blame Game

The media would have you believe that this disaster was worsened by a slow response from President Bush and his administration, though the primary responsibility for disaster response has always been with local and state governments.

It is true that federal response was not as fast as it could have been. The president himself has acknowledged that fact.

But the press has focused on the first 48 hours of federal response, not uttering a word about the fact that New Orleans had 48 hours of warning that a major Category 4 or 5 would make landfall near the city, yet local officials apparently did little to prepare.

Obviously, Gov. Blanco did not effectively deploy her state's National Guard.

And New Orleans' city leaders did almost nothing to evacuate the portion of the population with no transportation. In failing to follow their own evacuation plan, these officials did little to pre-position food, water and personnel to deal with the aftermath.

I was surprised Sunday to watch Tim Russert, on his show "Meet the Press," tear into Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff. During his encounter with Chertoff, Russert did not suggest once that local government had any role in dealing with the disaster. Russert also asked for Chertoff's resignation.

It wasn't until after the first 29 minutes of his show – 29 minutes – that Russert raised the question of local responsibility. And when he did so with Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard, he did so in a passing way. Broussard brushed off his question with a non-answer.

Broussard began his interview claiming that the nation had "abandoned" New Orleans.

That is nonsense and a lie.

Broussard, who was never identified by "Meet the Press" as a Democrat, spent much of his time attacking the Bush administration, as has Democratic New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin.

Broussard then ended his performance as he collapsed in tears with a demand: "For God's sake, just shut up and send us somebody!"

His tears didn't wash with me. My sympathies lie with the tens of thousands of people who have suffered or died because local officials like Broussard, Mayor Nagin and Governor Kathleen Blanco, also a Democrat, failed monumentally at their jobs.

As former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial told Russert, the disaster in New Orleans was "foreseeable."

In fact, New Orleans has long known that such a disaster could take place if a major hurricane hit the city.

The municipality even prepared its own "City of New Orleans Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan."

The plan makes it evident that New Orleans knew that evacuation of the civilian population was the primary responsibility of the city – not the federal government.

The city plan acknowledges its responsibility in the document:

As established by the City of New Orleans Charter, the government has jurisdiction and responsibility in disaster response. City government shall coordinate its efforts through the Office of Emergency Preparedness.

The city document also makes clear that decisions involving a proper and orderly evacuation lie with the governor, mayor and local authorities. Nowhere is the president or federal government even mentioned:

The authority to order the evacuation of residents threatened by an approaching hurricane is conferred to the Governor by Louisiana Statute. The Governor is granted the power to direct and compel the evacuation of all or part of the population from a stricken or threatened area within the State, if he deems this action necessary for the preservation of life or other disaster mitigation, response or recovery. The same power to order an evacuation conferred upon the Governor is also delegated to each political subdivision of the State by Executive Order. This authority empowers the chief elected official of New Orleans, the Mayor of New Orleans, to order the evacuation of the parish residents threatened by an approaching hurricane.

It is clear the city also recognized that it would need to move large portions of its population, and it would need to prepare for such an eventuality:

The City of New Orleans will utilize all available resources to quickly and safely evacuate threatened areas. Those evacuated will be directed to temporary sheltering and feeding facilities as needed. When specific routes of progress are required, evacuees will be directed to those routes. Special arrangements will be made to evacuate persons unable to transport themselves or who require specific life saving assistance. Additional personnel will be recruited to assist in evacuation procedures as needed. ...

Evacuation procedures for small scale and localized evacuations are conducted per the SOPs of the New Orleans Fire Department and the New Orleans Police Department. However, due to the sheer size and number of persons to be evacuated, should a major tropical weather system or other catastrophic event threaten or impact the area, specifically directed long range planning and coordination of resources and responsibilities efforts must be undertaken. [You can read New Orleans' Emergency Plan for hurricanes at its Web site: http://www.cityofno.com/portal.aspx?portal=46&tabid=26]

The city's plan also specifically called for the use of city-owned buses and school buses to evacuate the population. These were apparently never deployed, though the Parish of Plaquemines just south of the city evacuated its population using school buses.

The plan, written well before Katrina was even a teardrop in God's eye, was obviously never heeded or implemented by local leaders.

But why should the New Orleans mayor and Governor Blanco take responsibility when they can blame George Bush and the Republicans in Washington?

With congressional elections fast approaching, Democrats who are out of power in every branch of the federal government know they need to change the tide quickly.

They have apparently seized on the Katrina disaster to harm the president politically.

Criticism of the federal government's response is fair and warranted. But putting full responsibility for this disaster on the Bush administration is way over the top.

Primary responsibility for this disaster remains with local officials like Nagin and Blanco, not President Bush."

One Solitary Life - an essay on the life of Jesus Christ

2005-08-27T11:22:00.000-05:00

"One Solitary Life

Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty. Then for three years He was an itinerant preacher.
He never owned a home. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put His foot inside a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place He was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself...
While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed upon a cross between two thieves. While He was dying His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth � His coat. When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.
Nineteen long centuries have come and gone, and today He is a centerpiece of the human race and leader of the column of progress.
I am far within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that were ever built; all the parliaments that ever sat and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has that one solitary life."

Arlos V. Fee

2005-08-27T01:10:00.000-05:00

Arlos V. Fee
Pleasant Hill
Arlos V. Fee, 80, beloved husband, father, and grandfather went home to our Lord on August 26, 2005, at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, after a long and valiant fight with cancer. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, August 29, with full military rites, at Sunset Memorial Gardens on Fleur Drive. Visitation will be Sunday evening from 5 to 7.

Arlos will be remembered and mourned by his wife of 50 years, Millie; daughters, Marsha Ver Steeg of Carlisle, Debbie Fee of Pleasant Hill, and Linda and Jeff Frey of West Point, NY.; grandsons Cory Frey of West Point, NY; and Chris Frey of Shaw Air Force Base, SC; granddaughters Kate Ver Steeg and Stephanie Ver Steeg both at home. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ores and Arnie Fee; his brother, Robert Fee; and sister, Ardythe Grove.

He serviced with the Army in World War II and the Korean War. He received a Purple Heart for injuries suffered in Korea. He was an avid gardener, keeping a large vegetable garden as well as several apple trees. He was also a skilled wood-worker.

The Fight Is Over

2005-08-26T23:24:00.000-05:00

Dad lost his fight with cancer this morning at 8:15. My mom, sisters, and I were all with him when he passed. Linda called about 6:30 and said the nurse had told her Dad's passing was close, up to 24 hours away. Mom and I figured we had some time before we needed to go to the hospice. About an hour later Linda called again and said the nurse had come back and said that Dad's passing was very close and that we should get there as soon as possible. The hospice is only about ten minutes away, so we got there just after 7:30. I called my pastor, Alan, right after we got there and told him and he came right away and got there a half hour before Dad passed. Alan got the chance to pray with Dad one last time. I'm glad he got that chance. Dad prayed to accept Jesus as his savior not too long after he was told there was nothing more the doctor could do for him. That was my main wish for him.

The End Approaches

2005-08-22T22:37:00.000-05:00

Sunday morning Dad made the decision that it was time to go to Taylor House Hospice because when he got up during the night to go to the bathroom he almost fell. He has gotten progressively weaker and unsteady on his feet.

This afternoon when he tried to get up to go to the bathroom he couldn't stand so he asked for a Foley catheter. He is getting so weak now. Mom says he has told her he is ready to go, he is tired of fighting. I can't say I blame him, he has been fighting this cancer for almost 5 years now.

Last night and tonight my sister, Linda, and her husband, Jeff, are spending the night at the hospice. Linda said that last night Dad would wake up and not know where he was for a few minutes. She would talk to him a little and he would be ok. During the day he is sleeping more and more. The hospice nurse that came to the house said that he would sleep more and would probably die in his sleep.

Linda is supposed to go back to West Point on Saturday. I don't know if she can get more time off or not, I hope so. I asked Chris, my nephew, how much time he had off from the Air Force. He said he could take as much time as he needed but after this weekend he would be in the negative for leave. I think Jeff can take as much time as he needs and that he probably has plenty leave coming to him. I don't know what will happen.

What's Your Pizza Personality?

2005-08-11T21:58:00.000-05:00

Pepperoni Pizza

Robust and dominant.
When you go for something, you go full force.
You tend to take control of situations easily.
And in return, you get a ton of respect.

What's Your Pizza Personality?

The Worst News

2005-08-11T14:10:00.000-05:00

Tuesday Mom and Dad when to see his oncologist for the results from his blood work and possibly another chemo infusion. The doctor told them the last infusion hadn't done any good so he was recommending stopping all treatment. He said Dad could have 2 weeks, 2 months, or up to 6 months. They talked about all their options for home care, hospice care, or whatever. Today Mom called the Home Care service and the admitting nurse came out to help us decide what we wanted to do. Dad decided he wanted to stay home as long as we can take care of him. He is getting so weak he can't stand for long. Last night when mom and dad went downstairs to shower he had trouble getting back upstairs. This morning he couldn't even stand long enough to shave.

The saddest part is that Mom and Dad's 50th anniversary is on October 10 and Dad's 81st birthday is on October 24. I don't know if he can last that long. I hope he can. I want them to have that anniversary and I want him to have that birthday. I'm not ready to lose my daddy yet!

I was also told that Tuesday was the last day of my assignment at DataVision.

Today is the first day of the Iowa State Fair. I had planned on going today but with everything going on I'm still home and I'm not sure I will be going today. This will be the first time in 5 years I haven't gone the first day. Even last year, a month after my surgery, I went to the fair. I bought 2 tickets in advance so I hope I get to use them.

www.IowaGOP.org : News

2005-08-05T19:38:00.000-05:00

"7/28/2005 - Vilsack calls for a partial repeal of the tax cuts Congress passed over the past four years.

In response to Vilsack's comments, Iowa Republican Party Chairman Ray Hoffmann of Sioux City said that raising taxes will erase the country's economic progress of the last few years.

'I think Gov. Vilsack just doesn't get it. Tax increases just don't work, they never have worked and I don't think they ever will work. A tax decrease has worked,' he said.

Read the Full Story By Dan Gearino Globe Des Moines Bureau here.

I couldn't agree more! All tax increases have ever accomplished is a cut in spending by businesses and reduced spending by consumers. You can't spend what the government takes away. And it seems the government is all too willing to take your money. Especially when the Democrats are in office!

Small Changes

2005-07-29T23:18:00.000-05:00

Last Wednesday night, the 27th, I had an appointment for a haircut. All day long I kept trying to decide if I wanted to keep my hair the style it is or do something different. At this point just about the only thing different I can do is let my hair grow longer. Tomorrow I have an appointment to get my hair colored. I had it colored auburn quite a while ago and I am going to go with a little bit redder color this time. The color was a little to subtle last time I think.

DailyJoke

2005-07-23T18:29:00.000-05:00

"A recent survey has compiled all the qualities that people expect from the perfect pastor:

Results of a computerized survey indicated that the perfect pastor preaches exactly 12 minutes.

He frequently condemns sin but never upsets anyone.

He works from 8 a.m. until midnight and is also a janitor.

He makes $60 a week, wears good clothes, buys good books, drives a good car, and gives about $80 a week to the poor.

He is 28 years of age, but he's been preaching for 30 years.He is wonderfully gentle and handsome.

He gives himself completely but never gets too close to anyone to avoid criticism.

He speaks boldly on social issues, but must never become politically involved.

He has a burning desire to work with teenagers, but he spends all his time with senior citizens.

He makes 15 daily calls to parish families, visits shut-ins and the hospitalized, spends all his time evangelizing the unchurched, and is always in his office when needed."

Doohan's ashes to be sent into space - Access Hollywood - MSNBC.com

2005-07-20T18:41:00.000-05:00

"Doohan died at 5:30 a.m. at his Redmond, Wash., home with his wife of 28 years, Wende, at his side, Los Angeles agent and longtime friend Steve Stevens said. The cause of death was pneumonia and Alzheimer's disease, he said."

A sad day. Farewell Scotty!

News / Stem Cell Research Doing Evil to Do Good - Institute for Creation Research

2005-07-17T00:51:00.000-05:00

"Criticism has been sharp both in the United States and abroad as stem cell research advocates emphasize the medical breakthroughs that studies might accomplish.

Yet, many including not a few scientists and President Bush have opposed expanded embryonic research because of the issue of where these embryonic cells come from. When the House of Representatives recently voted to lift the ban on stem cell funding, President Bush threatened to veto, citing the ongoing destruction of emerging human life (AP 2005)."

How Observant Are You?

2005-07-15T00:33:00.000-05:00

Overall, Your Observation Skills Get: B+

Your senses are pretty sharp (okay, most of the time)
And it takes something big to distract you!

How Observant Are You?

Happy Hysterversary?

2005-07-12T22:24:00.000-05:00

One year ago today I was in the hospital at the University of Iowa to have a hysterectomy. I feel like this year has been a steady improvements over last year. This year I am working 40 hours a week and hopefully on August 2 I will be hired on permanently at DataVisioin. It's a boring job but the money is decent. The most important thing about it is it pays the bills.

What's Your Expression Number?

2005-06-29T01:08:00.000-05:00

Your Expression Number is 1

You have the skills to be a top executive or businessperson.
But first you must develop your natural capacity to be a good leader.
You are truly original - with a creative approach to life and a very sharp mind.

You reach for the sky, and you have the potential to reach it.
Assertive and straight forward, you have little need for supervision.
You are self-confident, self-reliant, and courageous in your convictions.

While you sometimes fear loneliness, you prefer to be left alone.
A bit self centered, you may be hard to live with at times.
You also have a strong dominant streak - which can push others away at times.

What's Your Expression Number?

The World's Shortest Personality Test

2005-06-29T00:24:00.000-05:00

You are pure, moral, and adaptable.
You tend to blend into your surroundings.
Shy on the outside, you're outspoken to your friends.

You believe that you live a virtuous life...
And you tend to judge others with a harsh eye.
As a result, people tend to crave your approval.

The World's Shortest Personality Test

More Chemo

2005-06-23T22:16:00.000-05:00

Last Friday Dad had a CT scan and Tuesday he saw his oncologist, The doctor said the tumor had grown a little bit, so Dad is scheduled to have another round of chemo next week. He also has another appointment with the neurologist next week. Maybe he will be able to tell is what caused the swelling in Dad's brain last month.

AFI list of top 100 quotes from U.S. movies

2005-06-22T21:23:00.000-05:00

1. “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn,” “Gone With the Wind,” 1939.
2. “I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse,” “The Godfather,” 1972.
3. “You don’t understand! I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I could’ve been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am,” “On the Waterfront,” 1954.
4. “Toto, I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore,” “The Wizard of Oz,” 1939.
5. “Here’s looking at you, kid,” “Casablanca,” 1942.
6. “Go ahead, make my day,” “Sudden Impact,” 1983.
7. “All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up,” “Sunset Blvd.,” 1950.
8. “May the Force be with you,” “Star Wars,” 1977.
9. “Fasten your seatbelts. It’s going to be a bumpy night,” “All About Eve,” 1950.
10. “You talking to me?” “Taxi Driver,” 1976.
11. “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate,” “Cool Hand Luke,” 1967.
12. “I love the smell of napalm in the morning,” “Apocalypse Now,” 1979.
13. “Love means never having to say you’re sorry,” “Love Story,” 1970.
14. “The stuff that dreams are made of,” “The Maltese Falcon,” 1941.
15. “E.T. phone home,” “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” 1982.
16. “They call me Mister Tibbs!”, “In the Heat of the Night,” 1967.
17. “Rosebud,” “Citizen Kane,” 1941.
18. “Made it, Ma! Top of the world!”, “White Heat,” 1949.
19. “I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!”, “Network,” 1976.
20. “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship,” “Casablanca,” 1942.
21. “A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti,” “The Silence of the Lambs,” 1991.
22. “Bond. James Bond,” “Dr. No,” 1962.
23. “There’s no place like home,” “The Wizard of Oz,” 1939.
24. “I am big! It’s the pictures that got small,” “Sunset Blvd.,” 1950.
25. “Show me the money!”, “Jerry Maguire,” 1996.
26. “Why don’t you come up sometime and see me?”, “She Done Him Wrong,” 1933.
27. “I’m walking here! I’m walking here!”, “Midnight Cowboy,” 1969.
28. “Play it, Sam. Play ’As Time Goes By,”’ “Casablanca,” 1942.
29. “You can’t handle the truth!”, “A Few Good Men,” 1992.
30. “I want to be alone,” “Grand Hotel,” 1932.
31. “After all, tomorrow is another day!”, “Gone With the Wind,” 1939.
32. “Round up the usual suspects,” “Casablanca,” 1942.
33. “I’ll have what she’s having,” “When Harry Met Sally...,” 1989.
34. “You know how to whistle, don’t you, Steve? You just put your lips together and blow,” “To Have and Have Not,” 1944.
35. “You’re gonna need a bigger boat,” “Jaws,” 1975.
36. “Badges? We ain’t got no badges! We don’t need no badges! I don’t have to show you any stinking badges!”, “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre,” 1948.
37. “I’ll be back,” “The Terminator,” 1984.
38. “Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth,” “The Pride of the Yankees,” 1942.
39. “If you build it, he will come,” “Field of Dreams,” 1989.
40. “Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get,” “Forrest Gump,” 1994.
41. “We rob banks,” “Bonnie and Clyde,” 1967.
42. “Plastics,” “The Graduate,” 1967.
43. “We’ll always have Paris,” “Casablanca,” 1942.
44. “I see dead people,” “The Sixth Sense,” 1999.
45. “Stella! Hey, Stella!”, “A Streetcar Named Desire,” 1951.
46. “Oh, Jerry, don’t let’s ask for the moon. We have the stars,” “Now, Voyager,” 1942.
47. “Shane. Shane. Come back!”, “Shane,” 1953.
48. “Well, nobody’s perfect,” “Some Like It Hot,” 1959.
49. “It’s alive! It’s alive!”, “Frankenstein,” 1931.
50. “Houston, we have a problem,” “Apollo 13,” 1995.
51. “You’ve got to ask yourself one question: ’Do I feel lucky?’ Well, do ya, punk?”, “Dirty Harry,” 1971.
52. “You had me at ‘hello,”’ “Jerry Maguire,” 1996.
53. “One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got in my pajamas, I don’t know,” “Animal Crackers,” 1930.
54. “There’s no crying in baseball!”, “A League of Their Own,” 1992.
55. “La-dee-da, la-dee-da,” “Annie Hall,” 1977.
56. “A boy’s best friend is his mother,” “Psycho,” 1960.
57. “Greed, for lack of a better word, is good,” “Wall Street,” 1987.
58. “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer,” “The Godfather Part II,” 1974.
59. “As God is my witness, I’ll never be hungry again,” “Gone With the Wind,” 1939.
60. “Well, here’s another nice mess you’ve gotten me into!”, “Sons of the Desert,” 1933.
61. “Say ‘hello’ to my little friend!”, “Scarface,” 1983.
62. “What a dump,” “Beyond the Forest,” 1949.
63. “Mrs. Robinson, you’re trying to seduce me. Aren’t you?”, “The Graduate,” 1967.
64. “Gentlemen, you can’t fight in here! This is the War Room!”, “Dr. Strangelove,” 1964.
65. “Elementary, my dear Watson,” “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,” 1929.
66. “Get your stinking paws off me, you damned dirty ape,” “Planet of the Apes,” 1968.
67. “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine,” “Casablanca,” 1942.
68. “Here’s Johnny!”, “The Shining,” 1980.
69. “They’re here!”, “Poltergeist,” 1982.
70. “Is it safe?”, “Marathon Man,” 1976.
71. “Wait a minute, wait a minute. You ain’t heard nothin’ yet!”, “The Jazz Singer,” 1927.
72. “No wire hangers, ever!”, “Mommie Dearest,” 1981.
73. “Mother of mercy, is this the end of Rico?”, “Little Caesar,” 1930.
74. “Forget it, Jake, it’s Chinatown,” “Chinatown,” 1974.
75. “I have always depended on the kindness of strangers,” “A Streetcar Named Desire,” 1951.
76. “Hasta la vista, baby,” “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” 1991.
77. “Soylent Green is people!”, “Soylent Green,” 1973.
78. “Open the pod bay doors, HAL,” “2001: A Space Odyssey,” 1968.
79. Striker: “Surely you can’t be serious.” Rumack: “I am serious ... and don’t call me Shirley,” “Airplane!”, 1980.
80. “Yo, Adrian!”, “Rocky,” 1976.
81. “Hello, gorgeous,” “Funny Girl,” 1968.
82. “Toga! Toga!”, “National Lampoon’s Animal House,” 1978.
83. “Listen to them. Children of the night. What music they make,” “Dracula,” 1931.
84. “Oh, no, it wasn’t the airplanes. It was Beauty killed the Beast,” “King Kong,” 1933.
85. “My precious,” “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers,” 2002.
86. “Attica! Attica!”, “Dog Day Afternoon,” 1975.
87. “Sawyer, you’re going out a youngster, but you’ve got to come back a star!”, “42nd Street,” 1933.
88. “Listen to me, mister. You’re my knight in shining armor. Don’t you forget it. You’re going to get back on that horse, and I’m going to be right behind you, holding on tight, and away we’re gonna go, go, go!”, “On Golden Pond,” 1981.
89. “Tell ’em to go out there with all they got and win just one for the Gipper,” “Knute Rockne, All American,” 1940.
90. “A martini. Shaken, not stirred,” “Goldfinger,” 1964
91. “Who’s on first,” “The Naughty Nineties,” 1945.
92. “Cinderella story. Outta nowhere. A former greenskeeper, now, about to become the Masters champion. It looks like a mirac ... It’s in the hole! It’s in the hole! It’s in the hole!”, “Caddyshack,” 1980.
93. “Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!”, “Auntie Mame,” 1958.
94. “I feel the need — the need for speed!”, “Top Gun,” 1986.
95. “Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary,” “Dead Poets Society,” 1989.
96. “Snap out of it!”, “Moonstruck,” 1987.
97. “My mother thanks you. My father thanks you. My sister thanks you. And I thank you,” “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” 1942.
98. “Nobody puts Baby in a corner,” “Dirty Dancing,” 1987.
99. “I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too!”, “The Wizard of Oz,” 1939.
100. “I’m king of the world!”, “Titanic,” 1997.

Source: Associated Press

Peter Kirsanow on Howard Dean and the GOP on National Review Online

2005-06-17T23:17:00.000-05:00

"During a discussion with minority leaders and journalists on Monday, Howard Dean declared that Republicans are a pretty monolithic party. They all believe the same. They all look the same. It's pretty much a white Christian party. He further stated that the Republicans are not very friendly to different kinds of people and Democrats are more welcoming to different folks, because that's the type of people we are. Dean continued to defend his remarks as recently as Thursday."

Hmmm, I wonder how he explains the black J.C. Watts or the Jewish Ken Mehlman?

Adult Stem Cell Breakthrough Ignored - NewsMax.com: Inside Cover Story

2005-05-31T18:46:00.000-05:00

"Adult Stem Cell Breakthrough Ignored
Scientists at Australia's Griffith University have engineered a breakthrough in the field of adult stem cell research that's so significant, say experts, that it could render the debate over embryonic stem cell research moot.

The results of the four-year research project showed that olfactory stem cells can be turned into heart cells, brain cells, nerve cells - indeed, almost any kind of cell in the body - without the problems of rejection or tumors forming, a common side effect with embryonic stem cells.

The poorly funded Griffith University team Â which conducted its research with a mere $200,000 in grants Â appears to have found a direct and non-controversial alternative to the use of stem cells derived from leftover embryos created during fertility treatment, reported the Australian newspaper.
"Our experiments have shown adult stem cells isolated from the olfactory mucosa have the ability to develop into many different cell types if they are given the right chemical or cellular environment," research team leader Alan Mackay-Sim told the paper.

Mackay-Sim's team of scientists managed to grow nerve cells, glial cells, liver cells, heart cells and muscle cells from cells harvested from the human nose.

The breakthrough, first announced two months ago, has been largely ignored by the U.S. media, which has focused on embryonic stem cell research as the only option to cure debilitating ailments like Hodgkin's, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

As a result of the lopsided press coverage, California voters passed a $6 billion referendum to fund embryonic stem cell research last November, with similar programs proposed around the U.S. - though embryonic stem cell research has yet to show any significant medical progress.

In Australia, however, the medical community is excited over Mackay-Sim's adult stem cell breakthrough."

I wonder when the main stream media will cover this story. Maybe if it was an American study it get some notice? Probably not, the media prefer to advocate death.

Which Classic Story Role Do You Play?

2005-05-30T13:32:00.000-05:00

You Are The Key Character
"It's what I was meant to do."
You are the true enigma. No one knows much about you, you do not understand much of yourself, and your life seems to carry no purpose. Yet regardless of everything around you - everyone knows that you are here for some reason, even if no one yet knows what that is. Things seem to simply fall into place for you. Almost as though some force is working either through you, for you, or around you. No matter your troubles, ou have been sent here to unlock something. This is your destiny.

Which Classic Story Role Do You Play?
brought to you by Quizilla

The Biography of a Bad Statistic - FactCheck.org

2005-05-27T18:05:00.000-05:00

"Summary

Politicians from Hillary Clinton and John Kerry to Howard Dean have recently contended that abortions have increased since George W. Bush took office in 2001.
This claim is false. It's based on an an opinion piece that used data from only 16 states. A study by the Alan Guttmacher Institute of 43 states found that abortions have actually decreased. Update, May 26: The author of the original claim now concedes that the Guttmacher study is 'significantly better' than his own."

More Tests for Dad

2005-05-26T22:36:00.000-05:00

Dad had another MRI today to try and determine ehat caused the swelling in his brain two weeks ago. He will talk to his oncologist tomorrow morning for the results. I'm praying it isn't cancer but I'm afraid it will be. Hopefully the results will be definitive. Not knowing is harder that bad news.

The Darwinian vs. God Contest

2005-05-26T21:16:00.000-05:00

One day a group of Darwinian scientists got together and decided that man had come a long way and no longer needed God. So they picked one Darwinian to go and tell Him that they were done with Him.

The Darwinian walked up to God and said, "God, we've decided that we no longer need you. We're to the point that we can clone people and do many miraculous things, so why don't you just go on and get lost.

"God listened very patiently and kindly to the man. After the Darwinian was done talking, God said, "Very well, how about this? Let's say we have a man-making contest." To which the Darwinian happily agreed.

God added, "Now, we're going to do this just like I did back in the old days with Adam.

"The Darwinian said, "Sure, no problem," and bent down and grabbed himself a handful of dirt.

God looked at him and said, "No, no, no. You go get your own dirt!"

Atheist in Trouble

2005-05-22T14:46:00.000-05:00

An atheist was spending a quiet day fishing when suddenly his boat was attacked by the Loch Ness monster. In one easy flip, the beast tossed him and his boat high into the air. Then it opened its mouth to swallow both.

As the man sailed head over heels, he cried out, "Oh, my God! Help me!"

At once, the ferocious attack scene froze in place, and as the atheist hung in mid-air, a booming voice came down from the clouds, "I thought you didn't believe in Me!"

"Come on God, give me a break!!" the man pleaded. "Two minutes ago I didn't believe in the Loch Ness monster either!"

The Mule, the Monkey & The Man

2005-05-22T14:08:00.000-05:00

God created the mule, and told him, "You are mule. You will work constantly from dusk to dawn, carrying heavy loads on your back. You will eat grass and lack intelligence. You will live for 50 years."

The mule answered, "To live like this for 50 years is too much. Please, give me no more than 20."

And it was so.

Then God created the dog, and told him, "You are dog. You will hold vigilance over the dwellings of Man, to whom you will be his greatest companion. You will eat his table scraps and live for 25 years."

The dog responded, "Lord, to live 25 years as a dog like that is too much. Please, no more than 10 years."

And it was so.

God then created the monkey, and told him, "You are monkey. You shall swing from tree to tree, acting like an idiot. You will be funny, and you shall live for 20 years."

The monkey responded, "Lord, to live 20 years as the clown of the world is too much. Please, Lord, give me no than 10 years."

And it was so.

Finally, God created Man and told him, "You are Man, the only rational being that walks the earth. You will use your intelligence to have mastery over the creatures of the world. You will dominate the earth and live for 20 years."

The man responded, "Lord, to be Man for only 20 years is too little. Please, Lord; give me the 20 years the mule refused, the 15 years the dog refused, and the 10 years the monkey rejected."

And so God made Man to live 20 years as a man, then marry and live 20 years like a mule working and carrying heavy loads on his back. Then, he is to have children and live 15 years as a dog, guarding his house and eating the leftovers after they empty the pantry; then, in his old age, to live 10 years as a monkey, acting like an idiot to amuse his grandchildren.

And it is so ...

Home At Last!

2005-05-19T22:19:00.000-05:00

Dad came home from the hospital this afternoon! Everyday he is getting better. He is still wobbly so the hospital sent him home with a walker with wheels on the front. Hopefully the more he walks the less he will need it.

On The Rollercoaster

2005-05-17T22:25:00.000-05:00

Last night one of Dad's doctors told us that he definitely did not have a stroke. Apparently all of his problems were caused by swelling in his brain. They did a CT scan and MRI on Saturday and another MRI yesterday and they are not showing a tumor in the brain either, so right now the doctors don't know what caused the swelling. The plan right now is to let the swelling go down and do another MRI in two weeks. This sounds so much like what we were told when Mom had her aneurysm, her test weren't clear and they waited ten days to do a second CT scan to see how many aneurysms she had and where they were. Yesterday the doctors were planning in doing a lumbar puncture but today decided against it. I never heard why they aren't going to do. I'm guessing it's because the risks don't outweigh the benefits. The radiation doctor said there are three reasons for this swelling: cancer, infection, or something else they haven't found yet. He said it probably isn't an infection so it has to be something else. I think they are all expecting it to be cancer. Dad was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2000.

The radiation doctor told Dad that if there is a tumor they will use radiation to kill it because it will probably be cancer. Right now I am clinging to the hope that there is no tumor but if there is it is very small. I just hope I am not setting myself up for a big disappointment.

Every day he seems to be less confused than the previous day. He still seem to be slow in understanding things. He'll comment on something he saw five minutes ago like he just saw it. I assume that will improve with time as the swelling decreases. As always I leave it in God's hands, He can deal with so much better than I can.

Does Your English Cut the Mustard?

2005-05-15T15:29:00.000-05:00

Your English Skills:

Grammar: 100%

Vocabulary: 100%

Punctuation: 80%

Spelling: 80%

Does Your English Cut the Mustard?

Mr. Oxenrider, my high school Grammar teacher, would be so proud!

How Liberal / Conservative Are You?

2005-05-15T00:55:00.000-05:00

Your Political Profile

Overall: 95% Conservative, 5% Liberal

Social Issues: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

Personal Responsibility: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

Fiscal Issues: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

Ethics: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal

Defense and Crime: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

How Liberal / Conservative Are You?

What A Crappy Day

2005-05-14T22:18:00.000-05:00

Dad is in the hospital today after suffering a stroke. The hospital was supposed to call us to let us know what room he was in and tell what was going on with him. They never did call. Mom ended up calling the hospital to find out his room number. We never did hear from a doctor. I'm hoping we hear something tomorrow. All we know right now is that there is no paralysis. Both arms and leg seem to be working. His left hand is weaker though but that seems to be the extent of the damage right now. Right now there is more we not know that do know. I have a very good feeling that he is going to be okay. When we went to the hospital to see him tonight he was very sleepy. He seem to be aware of where he was and who we were. I think a good nights sleep will help his cognitive functions. It's all in God's hands now.

Storms Push Streams, Rivers To Near Flood Stage

2005-05-13T21:00:00.000-05:00

More Storms Expected Over Southeast Iowa

POSTED: 9:16 am CDT May 13, 2005
UPDATED: 3:27 pm CDT May 13, 2005

DES MOINES, Iowa -- This week's storms are filling up rivers and creeks across Iowa, pushing some to near flood stage.

It's not over yet, but drier weather is on the way. More thunderstorms are possible again Friday, especially over southeast Iowa. However, a flash flood watch issued for much of the southern half of Iowa has now been canceled.

Some of the rivers being watched include the east and west forks of the Des Moines River in northern Iowa, the Raccoon River in central Iowa, and the Iowa River and the North Skunk River in eastern Iowa. The rain has set a daily record in Des Moines.

The forecast calls for scattered showers and thunderstorms Friday. Dry conditions are is expected Saturday night and into the beginning of the next week.

River and Stream Elevations

The Raccoon River at Fleur Drive is forecasted to crest at 15.6 at 1 a.m. on May 14. The river elevation is currently at 14.52 ft. at Fleur Drive.
The Lower Des Moines River at SE 6th is forecasted to crest at 24.90 ft. on May 15 at 1 a.m. Current elevation is 24.31 ft.
The Upper Des Moines River at Second Avenue is forecasted to crest at 20.0 ft. on May 15 at 7 p.m. Current elevation is 18.01 ft.
Four-Mile Creek crested at 13.15 ft. at 4:15 p.m. Friday. Current elevation is 11.96 ft.
Walnut Creek crested at 12.34 ft. at 11:30 p.m. on May 12. Current elevation is 9.39 ft.

Road Closures:

George Flagg Pkwy. from Park Ave. to SW 30th

SW 30th St. from George Flagg Pkwy. to Bell Avenue

Jefferson from E. 38th to Williams

Mattern from E. 38th to E. 39th Court

E. 37th from Easton to Arthur Avenue

Four-Mile Drive from Jefferson to Williams

Williams St./E. 42nd from Jefferson to Dubuque

Source: City of Des Moines Public Works Department

If it keeps raining like this we may see some flooding. If we get a couple dry days it probably won't flood.

Two Hindu Puns

2005-05-13T19:25:00.000-05:00

Two Hindu swamis were in conversation.

One said to the other, "How did you like my latest book, 'The Art of Levitation'?"

His companion replied, "It kept me up all night."

***

A Hindu devotee asked God, represented by the multi-armed Lord Narayana, this question. "My dear Lord," he said. "I understand that you have innumerable inconceivable potencies. But out of all of them the energy of light seems to be the most amazing. Light pervades the spiritual world, it illuminates the material universes, and life is impossible without it." He continued, "I would like to know how you make it work."

"Oh, that's easy," was the reply. "Many hands make light work."

A Good Day

2005-05-12T23:57:00.000-05:00

Today at work I had three batches that I had keyed come back from QA with no errors! That gives me four perfect batches in total so far in less than two weeks. With new keyers, which I am, all batches are QAed for 2 to 4 weeks or longer as need.

More Good News

2005-05-12T23:53:00.000-05:00

Dad had another appointment with his oncologist on Tuesday. It had been four weeks since his last appointment. This time his doctor told him he was going to let him go six weeks before his next appointment.

Come, Thou Fount

2005-05-08T20:31:00.000-05:00

Words: Robert Robinson, 1758
Music: John Wyeth, 1813.

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet, Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, Mount of Thy redeeming love.

Here I raise my Ebenezer; Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure, Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger, Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger, Interposed His precious blood.

O to grace how great a debtor Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above.
.

This is one of my favorite hymns. My favorites are the old ones.

Happy Mother's Day

2005-05-08T19:10:00.000-05:00

Today was a pretty good day. My sister and nieces came up today for a barbecue and my mom and sister didn't get in an argument! My sister and nieces usually play canasta when we get together like today. My sister won this time. First time in quite a while. I came in second and my niece was last, my other niece didn't play this time. I don't remember the last time I won a game. I won a couple of hands today though. Last time I never won a single hand.