You Belong in the USA |
 Sweet! People either love you or hate you And you really don't care what anyone thinks Big and bold, you do things your way |
Monday, March 07, 2005
What English Speaking Country Do You Belong In?
Are You Right or Left Brained?
You Are 60% Left Brained, 40% Right Brained |
The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports. |
What Mood Are You In?
You Are In a Fantastic Mood |
 You're confident, focused, and on top of your game. People are attracted to your energy right now. This is the time to go for it - you're likely to get what you want! |
Are You An Extrovert or An Introvert?
You Are 20% Extrovert, 80% Introvert |
You are quite reserved You aren't afraid of social situations... But you very much prefer to go it alone And why not? You're your own best friend! |
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Groundbreaking
This morning my church held the groundbreaking for our addition for out building. We have been saving and planning for this for about a year and a half. I don't know when the actual building will start. It probably won't be very long. I took a couple of pictures that I will post later.
The weather today was beautiful. The temperature was in the 60s and 70s and sunny. It was a little windy but nice. Tonight we are having our first thunderstorm of the year. I love a good thunderstorm!
The weather today was beautiful. The temperature was in the 60s and 70s and sunny. It was a little windy but nice. Tonight we are having our first thunderstorm of the year. I love a good thunderstorm!
Friday, March 04, 2005
What Star Trek Species?
You scored as Vulcan. Congratulations. You must be very smart to be a Vulcan.
What are you for Startrek species? created with QuizFarm.com |
Thursday, March 03, 2005
D.M. loses round one in license site battle
A transportation bill that includes the plan to shut the Park Fair Mall station easily wins House approval.
By TIM HIGGINS
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
March 3, 2005
Des Moines lost the first major battle in its effort to keep its lone driver's license station within its borders Wednesday when the Iowa House approved money to build a new suburban location.
The $9 million project faced opposition from Des Moines-area lawmakers who tried to sink the plan or force the Iowa Department of Transportation to open a second Polk County location for Des Moines residents.
But all of their efforts failed and the House voted 93-7 in favor of legislation that would pay for the new station in Ankeny as part of a larger transportation spending bill. The bill now goes to the Senate.
"It's a big defeat for the city of Des Moines," said Rep. Janet Petersen, a Des Moines Democrat. "Why in the world would we take a vital service out of the population (center)? . . . It makes no sense."
The DOT wants to close the license station at Park Fair Mall and move the operation to seven acres just south of the Ankeny airport, which it has already purchased.
The agency needs the Legislature's approval for money to build the new facility, which will house the state's entire Motor Vehicle Division as well as offices where Polk County residents and truck drivers can apply for driver's licenses.
Which genius thought up this plan? "I know, we'll take the driver's license station out of the biggest city in the state and move it 15 miles out of town, it'll be great!" Not only is Des Moines the biggest city in the state it is also the county seat. Why, for crying out loud, would they think moving an office every driver has to visit on a fairly regular basis is a good idea? Someone is probably making a buck on the deal somewhere.
By TIM HIGGINS
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
March 3, 2005
Des Moines lost the first major battle in its effort to keep its lone driver's license station within its borders Wednesday when the Iowa House approved money to build a new suburban location.
The $9 million project faced opposition from Des Moines-area lawmakers who tried to sink the plan or force the Iowa Department of Transportation to open a second Polk County location for Des Moines residents.
But all of their efforts failed and the House voted 93-7 in favor of legislation that would pay for the new station in Ankeny as part of a larger transportation spending bill. The bill now goes to the Senate.
"It's a big defeat for the city of Des Moines," said Rep. Janet Petersen, a Des Moines Democrat. "Why in the world would we take a vital service out of the population (center)? . . . It makes no sense."
The DOT wants to close the license station at Park Fair Mall and move the operation to seven acres just south of the Ankeny airport, which it has already purchased.
The agency needs the Legislature's approval for money to build the new facility, which will house the state's entire Motor Vehicle Division as well as offices where Polk County residents and truck drivers can apply for driver's licenses.
Which genius thought up this plan? "I know, we'll take the driver's license station out of the biggest city in the state and move it 15 miles out of town, it'll be great!" Not only is Des Moines the biggest city in the state it is also the county seat. Why, for crying out loud, would they think moving an office every driver has to visit on a fairly regular basis is a good idea? Someone is probably making a buck on the deal somewhere.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Lion or Lamb?
As the old saying goes if March comes in like a lion it will go out like a lamb and vice versa. Today was definitely a "lamb" day. It was a little on the cool side but it was sunny, so in my book that qualifies as a nice day.
Monday, February 28, 2005
Where Did Spring Go?!?
It was snowing today and while I generally love the snow the later in the year it comes the less i like it. While it is still winter it is getting to that point where it starts to feel more like spring than winter. The forecast is calling for colder temperatures for the next couple of days and then warm up a little later in the week. We'll see what happens.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Birthdays
Today was my little sister's birthday. She is living in New York state because her husband is in the Army stationed at West Point. They have been there about two years now. He is going for his twenty year pension. At this point I think he has three or four years left. I sent her a card on Tuesday so I'm hoping it got to her by today, but if it's late that's ok too because the one she sent to me was a day late. We had a running joke for two or three years where we would deliberately sent our cards late just so we could send the funny belated cards. I think it started when she sent me a card late one year and we were joking around about it and I joked that I was going to send mine late to get her back, and it kind of snowballed just from there.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
You Call This Spring?!?
The high temperature for the last week or so has been in the upper 30's and low 40's. Late last night (a couple of hours ago to be exact) it was actually snowing. It was just a dusting though. I guess for the third week of February in Iowa you can't expect 60 degree weather yet. We are actually doing good to get that in April with any regularity.
Sunday, February 20, 2005
What Shapes Your Personality?
Debbie, your personality is shaped by your Logical nature.
Your clear logic makes it easy for you to be direct and reasonable in your thinking and communication. When trying to make sense of an ambiguous situation, you probably prefer to consider facts and past experience over all other approaches. For example, it would not be unusual for you to choose a tried-and-true approach to reasoning over an idealistic one.
Your clear logic makes it easy for you to be direct and reasonable in your thinking and communication. When trying to make sense of an ambiguous situation, you probably prefer to consider facts and past experience over all other approaches. For example, it would not be unusual for you to choose a tried-and-true approach to reasoning over an idealistic one.
Saturday, February 19, 2005
The Influence of Birth Order
Debbie, your position as middle child shows most strongly in your even-tempered nature.
Similar to other middle children, you are probably very stable emotionally which makes people feel at ease around you. In addition, having older and younger siblings taught you how to appreciate diverse points of view. You have learned that the best way to resolve conflict is by remaining calm and open to compromise. Like other middle children, you tend to radiate warmth, affection and maturity. You are likely to display an extraordinary ability to remain composed even in stressful situations.
Birth order influences your relationship with your parents, siblings (if you have them) and how you ultimately learn to interact with the world. It can provide an insightful way to better understand your approach to friendships, romance, and how you meet life's challenges.
Similar to other middle children, you are probably very stable emotionally which makes people feel at ease around you. In addition, having older and younger siblings taught you how to appreciate diverse points of view. You have learned that the best way to resolve conflict is by remaining calm and open to compromise. Like other middle children, you tend to radiate warmth, affection and maturity. You are likely to display an extraordinary ability to remain composed even in stressful situations.
Birth order influences your relationship with your parents, siblings (if you have them) and how you ultimately learn to interact with the world. It can provide an insightful way to better understand your approach to friendships, romance, and how you meet life's challenges.
What's Your Gift For Gab?
Debbie, your gift for gab is Spreading The News!
Move over, Paul Revere, when it comes to getting the word out, you'll gladly take the reins. From celebrity gossip to intellectual debates to what's going on this weekend, your varied interests and contacts mean that your news-feed might cover any number of topics. Simply put, you pay attention to the world around you and it's rare you miss a beat (or a good scoop).
You're all about communicating, and the more conversations you start, secrets you uncover, and trivia you gather, the better. Idle chitchat? Nonsense! Anything that brings people together can only be a good thing. Pass it on!
Move over, Paul Revere, when it comes to getting the word out, you'll gladly take the reins. From celebrity gossip to intellectual debates to what's going on this weekend, your varied interests and contacts mean that your news-feed might cover any number of topics. Simply put, you pay attention to the world around you and it's rare you miss a beat (or a good scoop).
You're all about communicating, and the more conversations you start, secrets you uncover, and trivia you gather, the better. Idle chitchat? Nonsense! Anything that brings people together can only be a good thing. Pass it on!
Friday, February 18, 2005
New Bells And Whistles
On Monday, February 14 I registered with Brevenet.com to get a hit counter for my humble blog because I am curious that way. I have since registered a couple other features, Today in History and Daily Cartoon, but deleted them from the blog because I didn't like they way they fit my space. They were too big, so they were always at the bottom of the page. Right now the only services I am using are the hit counter and the newly added Guest Map. So, if you are reading this please post to my map. I'll be ever so grateful.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Spring Is Within Sight
Monday afternoon I was outside with my dog because the temperature was 59 degrees. I saw that the crocus and other early spring flowers were starting to grow. Most of our snow has melted and it was rainy and foggy all day Sunday. The local TV station's web site said the high for Monday would be 47 degrees, which is a nice temperature for the middle of February!
Thursday, February 10, 2005
OneIshy :: Personality Test Results
Your personality is PhlegmaticMelancholy.
Your scores are below
Overall:
Melancholy:13
Phlegmatic:22
Sanguine:3
Choleric:2
Strengths:
Melancholy:6
Phlegmatic:12
Sanguine:2
Choleric:0
Weakneses:
Melancholy:7
Phlegmatic:10
Sanguine:1
Choleric:2
Your scores are below
Overall:
Melancholy:13
Phlegmatic:22
Sanguine:3
Choleric:2
Strengths:
Melancholy:6
Phlegmatic:12
Sanguine:2
Choleric:0
Weakneses:
Melancholy:7
Phlegmatic:10
Sanguine:1
Choleric:2
GUARDIAN. AdvisorTeam
Guardians, are the cornerstone of society, for they are the temperament given to serving and preserving our most important social institutions. Guardians have natural talent in managing goods and services--from supervision to maintenance and supply--and they use all their skills to keep things running smoothly in their families, communities, schools, churches, hospitals, and businesses.
Guardians can have a lot of fun with their friends, but they are quite serious about their duties and responsibilities. Guardians take pride in being dependable and trustworthy; if there's a job to be done, they can be counted on to put their shoulder to the wheel. Guardians also believe in law and order, and sometimes worry that respect for authority, even a fundamental sense of right and wrong, is being lost. Perhaps this is why Guardians honor customs and traditions so strongly--they are familiar patterns that help bring stability to our modern, fast-paced world.
Practical and down-to-earth, Guardians believe in following the rules and cooperating with others. They are not very comfortable winging it or blazing new trails; working steadily within the system is the Guardian way, for in the long run loyalty, discipline, and teamwork get the job done right. Guardians are meticulous about schedules and have a sharp eye for proper procedures. They are cautious about change, even though they know that change can be healthy for an institution. Better to go slowly, they say, and look before you leap.
Guardians make up as much as 40 to 45 percent of the population.
The Four types of Guardians are:
Supervisors (ESTJ) | Protectors (ISFJ) | Inspectors (ISTJ) | Providers (ESFJ)
Guardians can have a lot of fun with their friends, but they are quite serious about their duties and responsibilities. Guardians take pride in being dependable and trustworthy; if there's a job to be done, they can be counted on to put their shoulder to the wheel. Guardians also believe in law and order, and sometimes worry that respect for authority, even a fundamental sense of right and wrong, is being lost. Perhaps this is why Guardians honor customs and traditions so strongly--they are familiar patterns that help bring stability to our modern, fast-paced world.
Practical and down-to-earth, Guardians believe in following the rules and cooperating with others. They are not very comfortable winging it or blazing new trails; working steadily within the system is the Guardian way, for in the long run loyalty, discipline, and teamwork get the job done right. Guardians are meticulous about schedules and have a sharp eye for proper procedures. They are cautious about change, even though they know that change can be healthy for an institution. Better to go slowly, they say, and look before you leap.
Guardians make up as much as 40 to 45 percent of the population.
The Four types of Guardians are:
Supervisors (ESTJ) | Protectors (ISFJ) | Inspectors (ISTJ) | Providers (ESFJ)
Sunday, February 06, 2005
What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?
|
Your Dominant Intelligence is Linguistic Intelligence |
 You are excellent with words and language. You explain yourself well. An elegant speaker, you can converse well with anyone on the fly. You are also good at remembering information and convicing someone of your point of view. A master of creative phrasing and unique words, you enjoy expanding your vocabulary. You would make a fantastic poet, journalist, writer, teacher, lawyer, politician, or translator. |
What's Your Political Persuasion?
|
You Are a Religious Republican |
 You make up the conservative, Christian, dedicated core of the Republican Party. You believe it's important for religious people to stand up for their beliefs in politics. And for you, this means voting your conscience - which almost always means voting Republican. Your pet causes include the sanctity of life, school vouchers, and prayer in school. |
You Know You're From Iowa When...
|
You Know You're From Iowa When... |
|
Vacation means driving through the Amanas or going to Adventureland Down South to you means Missouri You have no problem spelling or pronouncing "Des Moines" You know the answer to the question, :"Is this Heaven?" You know where all the Yoders live (or Andersons, or Van den Bergs) You know what "hawks" and "clones" are All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit or vegetable You can locate Iowa on the map You've ever been on a "Geode Hunt" Your idea of a really great tenderloin is when the meat is twice as big as the bun and is accompanied only by ketchup and a dill pickle slice You say "catty-wampus" instead of "kitty-corner" You've never taken public transportation You have boiled fish in lye for Christmas You know what "uff-da" means and how to use it properly You know what "Amish Country" is The only reason you go to Wisconsin or Missouri is to get fireworks You know exactly where "Field of Dreams" was filmed When someone says they are going out for dinner or supper, you know which meal they are talking about. You listen to "Paul Harvey" every day at noon. You think of the major food groups as deer meat, beer, corn, and soy nuts. You're pulled over and asked by the cop, "Had a little to much to drink, (your first name here)? You own the complete "Dukes of Hazzard" video collection. "Hick" is a style of clothing. You can use the words, 'crik', 'holler', and 'skunk weed' in the same sentence. Your Christmas gift, when you were ten years old was a shotgun (a BB gun if you were a 'townie'). You know someone personally who is involved in meth trade or manufacture. Your idea of a party is throwing cans of WD40 in a campfire while you're drunk. You've been to a rave in a barn. You've had sex in the back of a truck ... amid cows. You know that cows don't sleep standing up. You're concerned about the rates of corn growth in Illinois as compared to that of Iowa's. You listen to Ag Day at 6AM ... two hours after you get up in the morning. You believe that trees in Iowa lean towards Nebraska ... because Nebraska sucks! You know several people who still refer to Japanese cars as "rice-burners." "Styx" plays a concert at the county fair, and people actually show up. You don't get nervous when you walk into a biker bar (unless you're an Iowa City cop). You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends from Iowa. |
What's Your Element?
|
Your Element Is Air |
 You dislike conflict, and you've been able to rise above the angst of the world. And when things don't go your way, you know they'll blow over quickly. Easygoing, you tend to find joy from the simple things in life. You roll with the punches, and as a result, your life is light and cheerful. You find it easy to adapt to most situations, and you're an open person. With you, what you see is what you get... and people love that! |
What Breed of Cat Are You?
You are a Random cat! Also known as an alley cat
or a mutt. You aren't given to high-falutin'
ways, but you're accessible and popular.
People love you for who you are, not what you
are.
What breed of cat are you?
brought to you by
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Star Trek: Enterprise Cancelled!
UPN and Paramount Network Television have jointly announced that this will be the final season of Star Trek: Enterprise on UPN. [Production will continue until the end of this season, which will finish shooting in March.] The series finale will air on Friday, May 13, 2005.
The biggest reason this program had low ratings is because it was on a new, small network that was not in a lot of markets. The only way I ever got to see Enterprise is because for the first 2 seasons my local WB station aired it after the WB network programming. For seasons 3 and 4 the episodes were/are taped and shown on the local NBC affiliate on Saturdays at midnight.
This is another ignorant, short-sighted move by network executives. If they would move production to syndication they would have a larger audience but they were trying to launch a new network that has, with the exception of Enterprise, crappy programs. Although having never seen any of them I can't really say that from experience but others have said so.
I just feel a little angry and a lot frustrated.
The biggest reason this program had low ratings is because it was on a new, small network that was not in a lot of markets. The only way I ever got to see Enterprise is because for the first 2 seasons my local WB station aired it after the WB network programming. For seasons 3 and 4 the episodes were/are taped and shown on the local NBC affiliate on Saturdays at midnight.
This is another ignorant, short-sighted move by network executives. If they would move production to syndication they would have a larger audience but they were trying to launch a new network that has, with the exception of Enterprise, crappy programs. Although having never seen any of them I can't really say that from experience but others have said so.
I just feel a little angry and a lot frustrated.
Groundhog Day
Today was Groundhog Day and Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow meaning 6 more weeks of winter.
Georgia's Groundhog Predicts Early Spring
He may not be the country's most famous groundhog, but odds are more people will like his prediction. General Beauregard Lee came out of his miniature mansion in Georgia this Groundhog Day and failed to see his shadow. That means we're in for an early spring. It also contradicts what Punxsutawney Phil said in Pennsylvania. Beau has a remarkable 97 percent accuracy rate. General Beauregard Lee has been serving up springtime forecasts for the past 15 years in Lilburn, GA.
N.J. Groundhog Missing
There's no joy in Hunterdon County, N.J., this Groundhog Day because there's no groundhog.
A four-legged weather prognosticator known as J.B. has been missing from its Franklin Township burrow for almost a year. The disappearance of J.B., which stands for Just Because, has led The Eastern Extension of the Slumbering Groundhog Lodge to disband after 15 years of forecasting with marmots. Members would go to the woods in top hats and white robes every Feb. 2 and thump on the ground with sticks to get J.B. to come out. If the groundhog saw its shadow, there would be six more weeks of winter. Lodge members have been thumping all summer and fall, but J.B. hasn't surfaced. No one knows what happened to the groundhog.
Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Due to the fact that groundhogs normally live only 2 or 3 years, do you think maybe J. B. is dead? The article doesn't say how long he has been forecasting spring's arrival or how old he was when he started forecasting. There are a lot of unanswered questions here.
Georgia's Groundhog Predicts Early Spring
He may not be the country's most famous groundhog, but odds are more people will like his prediction. General Beauregard Lee came out of his miniature mansion in Georgia this Groundhog Day and failed to see his shadow. That means we're in for an early spring. It also contradicts what Punxsutawney Phil said in Pennsylvania. Beau has a remarkable 97 percent accuracy rate. General Beauregard Lee has been serving up springtime forecasts for the past 15 years in Lilburn, GA.
N.J. Groundhog Missing
There's no joy in Hunterdon County, N.J., this Groundhog Day because there's no groundhog.
A four-legged weather prognosticator known as J.B. has been missing from its Franklin Township burrow for almost a year. The disappearance of J.B., which stands for Just Because, has led The Eastern Extension of the Slumbering Groundhog Lodge to disband after 15 years of forecasting with marmots. Members would go to the woods in top hats and white robes every Feb. 2 and thump on the ground with sticks to get J.B. to come out. If the groundhog saw its shadow, there would be six more weeks of winter. Lodge members have been thumping all summer and fall, but J.B. hasn't surfaced. No one knows what happened to the groundhog.
Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Due to the fact that groundhogs normally live only 2 or 3 years, do you think maybe J. B. is dead? The article doesn't say how long he has been forecasting spring's arrival or how old he was when he started forecasting. There are a lot of unanswered questions here.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Monday, January 24, 2005
The Blizzard of 2005
My sister, who lives in West Point, NY, called last night and said they had received 2 feet of snow from this storm. On Friday the TV weather people were saying we were going to get a quarter inch of ice and then 3 or 4 inches on top of that. Needless to say, we go9ing nothing from the storm. It went north of us. I think we got a few flurries but nothing else.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Inaugural Address by George W. Bush
What follows is the complete text.
Vice President Cheney, Mr. Chief Justice, President Carter, President Bush, President Clinton, reverend clergy, distinguished guests, fellow citizens:
On this day, prescribed by law and marked by ceremony, we celebrate the durable wisdom of our Constitution, and recall the deep commitments that unite our country. I am grateful for the honor of this hour, mindful of the consequential times in which we live, and determined to fulfill the oath that I have sworn and you have witnessed.
At this second gathering, our duties are defined not by the words I use, but by the history we have seen together. For a half century, America defended our own freedom by standing watch on distant borders. After the shipwreck of communism came years of relative quiet, years of repose, years of sabbatical – and then there came a day of fire.
We have seen our vulnerability – and we have seen its deepest source. For as long as whole regions of the world simmer in resentment and tyranny – prone to ideologies that feed hatred and excuse murder – violence will gather, and multiply in destructive power, and cross the most defended borders, and raise a mortal threat. There is only one force of history that can break the reign of hatred and resentment, and expose the pretensions of tyrants, and reward the hopes of the decent and tolerant, and that is the force of human freedom.
We are led, by events and common sense, to one conclusion: The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands. The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in all the world.
America’s vital interests and our deepest beliefs are now one. From the day of our Founding, we have proclaimed that every man and woman on this earth has rights, and dignity, and matchless value, because they bear the image of the Maker of Heaven and earth. Across the generations we have proclaimed the imperative of self-government, because no one is fit to be a master, and no one deserves to be a slave. Advancing these ideals is the mission that created our Nation. It is the honorable achievement of our fathers. Now it is the urgent requirement of our nation’s security, and the calling of our time.
So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world.
This is not primarily the task of arms, though we will defend ourselves and our friends by force of arms when necessary. Freedom, by its nature, must be chosen, and defended by citizens, and sustained by the rule of law and the protection of minorities. And when the soul of a nation finally speaks, the institutions that arise may reflect customs and traditions very different from our own. America will not impose our own style of government on the unwilling. Our goal instead is to help others find their own voice, attain their own freedom, and make their own way.
The great objective of ending tyranny is the concentrated work of generations. The difficulty of the task is no excuse for avoiding it. America’s influence is not unlimited, but fortunately for the oppressed, America’s influence is considerable, and we will use it confidently in freedom’s cause.
My most solemn duty is to protect this nation and its people against further attacks and emerging threats. Some have unwisely chosen to test America’s resolve, and have found it firm.
We will persistently clarify the choice before every ruler and every nation: The moral choice between oppression, which is always wrong, and freedom, which is eternally right. America will not pretend that jailed dissidents prefer their chains, or that women welcome humiliation and servitude, or that any human being aspires to live at the mercy of bullies.
We will encourage reform in other governments by making clear that success in our relations will require the decent treatment of their own people. America’s belief in human dignity will guide our policies, yet rights must be more than the grudging concessions of dictators; they are secured by free dissent and the participation of the governed. In the long run, there is no justice without freedom, and there can be no human rights without human liberty.
Some, I know, have questioned the global appeal of liberty – though this time in history, four decades defined by the swiftest advance of freedom ever seen, is an odd time for doubt. Americans, of all people, should never be surprised by the power of our ideals. Eventually, the call of freedom comes to every mind and every soul. We do not accept the existence of permanent tyranny because we do not accept the possibility of permanent slavery. Liberty will come to those who love it.
Today, America speaks anew to the peoples of the world:
All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you. Democratic reformers facing repression, prison, or exile can know: America sees you for who you are: the future leaders of your free country.
The rulers of outlaw regimes can know that we still believe as Abraham Lincoln did: “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it.”
The leaders of governments with long habits of control need to know: To serve your people you must learn to trust them. Start on this journey of progress and justice, and America will walk at your side.
And all the allies of the United States can know: we honor your friendship, we rely on your counsel, and we depend on your help. Division among free nations is a primary goal of freedom’s enemies. The concerted effort of free nations to promote democracy is a prelude to our enemies’ defeat.
Today, I also speak anew to my fellow citizens:
From all of you, I have asked patience in the hard task of securing America, which you have granted in good measure. Our country has accepted obligations that are difficult to fulfill, and would be dishonorable to abandon. Yet because we have acted in the great liberating tradition of this nation, tens of millions have achieved their freedom. And as hope kindles hope, millions more will find it. By our efforts, we have lit a fire as well – a fire in the minds of men. It warms those who feel its power, it burns those who fight its progress, and one day this untamed fire of freedom will reach the darkest corners of our world.
A few Americans have accepted the hardest duties in this cause – in the quiet work of
intelligence and diplomacy … the idealistic work of helping raise up free governments … the dangerous and necessary work of fighting our enemies. Some have shown their devotion to our country in deaths that honored their whole lives – and we will always honor their names and their sacrifice.
All Americans have witnessed this idealism, and some for the first time. I ask our youngest citizens to believe the evidence of your eyes. You have seen duty and allegiance in the determined faces of our soldiers. You have seen that life is fragile, and evil is real, and courage triumphs. Make the choice to serve in a cause larger than your wants, larger than yourself – and in your days you will add not just to the wealth of our country, but to its character.
America has need of idealism and courage, because we have essential work at home – the unfinished work of American freedom. In a world moving toward liberty, we are determined to show the meaning and promise of liberty.
In America’s ideal of freedom, citizens find the dignity and security of economic independence, instead of laboring on the edge of subsistence. This is the broader definition of liberty that motivated the Homestead Act, the Social Security Act, and the G.I. Bill of Rights. And now we will extend this vision by reforming great institutions to serve the needs of our time. To give every American a stake in the promise and future of our country, we will bring the highest standards to our schools, and build an ownership society. We will widen the ownership of homes and businesses, retirement savings and health insurance – preparing our people for the challenges of life in a free society. By making every citizen an agent of his or her own destiny, we will give our fellow Americans greater freedom from want and fear, and make our society more prosperous and just and equal.
In America’s ideal of freedom, the public interest depends on private character – on integrity, and tolerance toward others, and the rule of conscience in our own lives. Self-government relies, in the end, on the governing of the self. That edifice of character is built in families, supported by communities with standards, and sustained in our national life by the truths of Sinai, the Sermon on the Mount, the words of the Koran, and the varied faiths of our people. Americans move forward in every generation by reaffirming all that is good and true that came before – ideals of justice and conduct that are the same yesterday, today, and forever.
In America’s ideal of freedom, the exercise of rights is ennobled by service, and mercy, and a heart for the weak. Liberty for all does not mean independence from one another. Our nation relies on men and women who look after a neighbor and surround the lost with love. Americans, at our best, value the life we see in one another, and must always remember that even the unwanted have worth. And our country must abandon all the habits of racism, because we cannot carry the message of freedom and the baggage of bigotry at the same time.
From the perspective of a single day, including this day of dedication, the issues and questions before our country are many. From the viewpoint of centuries, the questions that come to us are narrowed and few. Did our generation advance the cause of freedom? And did our character bring credit to that cause?
These questions that judge us also unite us, because Americans of every party and background, Americans by choice and by birth, are bound to one another in the cause of freedom. We have known divisions, which must be healed to move forward in great purposes – and I will strive in good faith to heal them. Yet those divisions do not define America. We felt the unity and fellowship of our nation when freedom came under attack, and our response came like a single hand over a single heart. And we can feel that same unity and pride whenever America acts for good, and the victims of disaster are given hope, and the unjust encounter justice, and the captives are set free.
We go forward with complete confidence in the eventual triumph of freedom. Not because history runs on the wheels of inevitability; it is human choices that move events. Not because we consider ourselves a chosen nation; God moves and chooses as He wills. We have confidence because freedom is the permanent hope of mankind, the hunger in dark places, the longing of the soul. When our Founders declared a new order of the ages; when soldiers died in wave upon wave for a union based on liberty; when citizens marched in peaceful outrage under the banner “Freedom Now” – they were acting on an ancient hope that is meant to be fulfilled. History has an ebb and flow of justice, but history also has a visible direction, set by liberty and the Author of Liberty.
When the Declaration of Independence was first read in public and the Liberty Bell was sounded in celebration, a witness said, “It rang as if it meant something.” In our time it means something still. America, in this young century, proclaims liberty throughout all the world, and to all the inhabitants thereof. Renewed in our strength – tested, but not weary – we are ready for the greatest achievements in the history of freedom.
May God bless you, and may He watch over the United States of America.
Vice President Cheney, Mr. Chief Justice, President Carter, President Bush, President Clinton, reverend clergy, distinguished guests, fellow citizens:
On this day, prescribed by law and marked by ceremony, we celebrate the durable wisdom of our Constitution, and recall the deep commitments that unite our country. I am grateful for the honor of this hour, mindful of the consequential times in which we live, and determined to fulfill the oath that I have sworn and you have witnessed.
At this second gathering, our duties are defined not by the words I use, but by the history we have seen together. For a half century, America defended our own freedom by standing watch on distant borders. After the shipwreck of communism came years of relative quiet, years of repose, years of sabbatical – and then there came a day of fire.
We have seen our vulnerability – and we have seen its deepest source. For as long as whole regions of the world simmer in resentment and tyranny – prone to ideologies that feed hatred and excuse murder – violence will gather, and multiply in destructive power, and cross the most defended borders, and raise a mortal threat. There is only one force of history that can break the reign of hatred and resentment, and expose the pretensions of tyrants, and reward the hopes of the decent and tolerant, and that is the force of human freedom.
We are led, by events and common sense, to one conclusion: The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands. The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in all the world.
America’s vital interests and our deepest beliefs are now one. From the day of our Founding, we have proclaimed that every man and woman on this earth has rights, and dignity, and matchless value, because they bear the image of the Maker of Heaven and earth. Across the generations we have proclaimed the imperative of self-government, because no one is fit to be a master, and no one deserves to be a slave. Advancing these ideals is the mission that created our Nation. It is the honorable achievement of our fathers. Now it is the urgent requirement of our nation’s security, and the calling of our time.
So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world.
This is not primarily the task of arms, though we will defend ourselves and our friends by force of arms when necessary. Freedom, by its nature, must be chosen, and defended by citizens, and sustained by the rule of law and the protection of minorities. And when the soul of a nation finally speaks, the institutions that arise may reflect customs and traditions very different from our own. America will not impose our own style of government on the unwilling. Our goal instead is to help others find their own voice, attain their own freedom, and make their own way.
The great objective of ending tyranny is the concentrated work of generations. The difficulty of the task is no excuse for avoiding it. America’s influence is not unlimited, but fortunately for the oppressed, America’s influence is considerable, and we will use it confidently in freedom’s cause.
My most solemn duty is to protect this nation and its people against further attacks and emerging threats. Some have unwisely chosen to test America’s resolve, and have found it firm.
We will persistently clarify the choice before every ruler and every nation: The moral choice between oppression, which is always wrong, and freedom, which is eternally right. America will not pretend that jailed dissidents prefer their chains, or that women welcome humiliation and servitude, or that any human being aspires to live at the mercy of bullies.
We will encourage reform in other governments by making clear that success in our relations will require the decent treatment of their own people. America’s belief in human dignity will guide our policies, yet rights must be more than the grudging concessions of dictators; they are secured by free dissent and the participation of the governed. In the long run, there is no justice without freedom, and there can be no human rights without human liberty.
Some, I know, have questioned the global appeal of liberty – though this time in history, four decades defined by the swiftest advance of freedom ever seen, is an odd time for doubt. Americans, of all people, should never be surprised by the power of our ideals. Eventually, the call of freedom comes to every mind and every soul. We do not accept the existence of permanent tyranny because we do not accept the possibility of permanent slavery. Liberty will come to those who love it.
Today, America speaks anew to the peoples of the world:
All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you. Democratic reformers facing repression, prison, or exile can know: America sees you for who you are: the future leaders of your free country.
The rulers of outlaw regimes can know that we still believe as Abraham Lincoln did: “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it.”
The leaders of governments with long habits of control need to know: To serve your people you must learn to trust them. Start on this journey of progress and justice, and America will walk at your side.
And all the allies of the United States can know: we honor your friendship, we rely on your counsel, and we depend on your help. Division among free nations is a primary goal of freedom’s enemies. The concerted effort of free nations to promote democracy is a prelude to our enemies’ defeat.
Today, I also speak anew to my fellow citizens:
From all of you, I have asked patience in the hard task of securing America, which you have granted in good measure. Our country has accepted obligations that are difficult to fulfill, and would be dishonorable to abandon. Yet because we have acted in the great liberating tradition of this nation, tens of millions have achieved their freedom. And as hope kindles hope, millions more will find it. By our efforts, we have lit a fire as well – a fire in the minds of men. It warms those who feel its power, it burns those who fight its progress, and one day this untamed fire of freedom will reach the darkest corners of our world.
A few Americans have accepted the hardest duties in this cause – in the quiet work of
intelligence and diplomacy … the idealistic work of helping raise up free governments … the dangerous and necessary work of fighting our enemies. Some have shown their devotion to our country in deaths that honored their whole lives – and we will always honor their names and their sacrifice.
All Americans have witnessed this idealism, and some for the first time. I ask our youngest citizens to believe the evidence of your eyes. You have seen duty and allegiance in the determined faces of our soldiers. You have seen that life is fragile, and evil is real, and courage triumphs. Make the choice to serve in a cause larger than your wants, larger than yourself – and in your days you will add not just to the wealth of our country, but to its character.
America has need of idealism and courage, because we have essential work at home – the unfinished work of American freedom. In a world moving toward liberty, we are determined to show the meaning and promise of liberty.
In America’s ideal of freedom, citizens find the dignity and security of economic independence, instead of laboring on the edge of subsistence. This is the broader definition of liberty that motivated the Homestead Act, the Social Security Act, and the G.I. Bill of Rights. And now we will extend this vision by reforming great institutions to serve the needs of our time. To give every American a stake in the promise and future of our country, we will bring the highest standards to our schools, and build an ownership society. We will widen the ownership of homes and businesses, retirement savings and health insurance – preparing our people for the challenges of life in a free society. By making every citizen an agent of his or her own destiny, we will give our fellow Americans greater freedom from want and fear, and make our society more prosperous and just and equal.
In America’s ideal of freedom, the public interest depends on private character – on integrity, and tolerance toward others, and the rule of conscience in our own lives. Self-government relies, in the end, on the governing of the self. That edifice of character is built in families, supported by communities with standards, and sustained in our national life by the truths of Sinai, the Sermon on the Mount, the words of the Koran, and the varied faiths of our people. Americans move forward in every generation by reaffirming all that is good and true that came before – ideals of justice and conduct that are the same yesterday, today, and forever.
In America’s ideal of freedom, the exercise of rights is ennobled by service, and mercy, and a heart for the weak. Liberty for all does not mean independence from one another. Our nation relies on men and women who look after a neighbor and surround the lost with love. Americans, at our best, value the life we see in one another, and must always remember that even the unwanted have worth. And our country must abandon all the habits of racism, because we cannot carry the message of freedom and the baggage of bigotry at the same time.
From the perspective of a single day, including this day of dedication, the issues and questions before our country are many. From the viewpoint of centuries, the questions that come to us are narrowed and few. Did our generation advance the cause of freedom? And did our character bring credit to that cause?
These questions that judge us also unite us, because Americans of every party and background, Americans by choice and by birth, are bound to one another in the cause of freedom. We have known divisions, which must be healed to move forward in great purposes – and I will strive in good faith to heal them. Yet those divisions do not define America. We felt the unity and fellowship of our nation when freedom came under attack, and our response came like a single hand over a single heart. And we can feel that same unity and pride whenever America acts for good, and the victims of disaster are given hope, and the unjust encounter justice, and the captives are set free.
We go forward with complete confidence in the eventual triumph of freedom. Not because history runs on the wheels of inevitability; it is human choices that move events. Not because we consider ourselves a chosen nation; God moves and chooses as He wills. We have confidence because freedom is the permanent hope of mankind, the hunger in dark places, the longing of the soul. When our Founders declared a new order of the ages; when soldiers died in wave upon wave for a union based on liberty; when citizens marched in peaceful outrage under the banner “Freedom Now” – they were acting on an ancient hope that is meant to be fulfilled. History has an ebb and flow of justice, but history also has a visible direction, set by liberty and the Author of Liberty.
When the Declaration of Independence was first read in public and the Liberty Bell was sounded in celebration, a witness said, “It rang as if it meant something.” In our time it means something still. America, in this young century, proclaims liberty throughout all the world, and to all the inhabitants thereof. Renewed in our strength – tested, but not weary – we are ready for the greatest achievements in the history of freedom.
May God bless you, and may He watch over the United States of America.
Presidential Inauguration
Thursday saw the inauguration of George W. Bush as our president for a second term. His inauguration address was very moving. Here is an excerpt:
"From all of you, I have asked patience in the hard task of securing America, which you have granted in good measure. Our country has accepted obligations that are difficult to fulfill, and would be dishonorable to abandon. Yet because we have acted in the great liberating tradition of this nation, tens of millions have achieved their freedom. And as hope kindles hope, millions more will find it. By our efforts, we have lit a fire as well – a fire in the minds of men. It warms those who feel its power, it burns those who fight its progress, and one day this untamed fire of freedom will reach the darkest corners of our world."
The bold text is by me to highlight one of the more poetic passages of the text.
"From all of you, I have asked patience in the hard task of securing America, which you have granted in good measure. Our country has accepted obligations that are difficult to fulfill, and would be dishonorable to abandon. Yet because we have acted in the great liberating tradition of this nation, tens of millions have achieved their freedom. And as hope kindles hope, millions more will find it. By our efforts, we have lit a fire as well – a fire in the minds of men. It warms those who feel its power, it burns those who fight its progress, and one day this untamed fire of freedom will reach the darkest corners of our world."
The bold text is by me to highlight one of the more poetic passages of the text.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
No More Work
I was informed this afternoon that my assignment was ending today. I was not really surprised because both yesterday and today we worked all of the batches in the validation queue. We were put to work doing look ups for account numbers on privacy forms. I was ,told they might have more work in a couple of weeks.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
The Weather That Wasn't
For the last two or three days we have had really wet, icy weather. Yesterday the National Weather Service was predicting another winter storm for today where we would get up to a quarter inch of ice accumulation. They said we would have freezing drizzle all day today and late this afternoon it would start to snow. When I left work this afternoon I found that nothing had happened today. There was absolutely no ice on my car! Looks like the NWS blew it this time. They are predicting temperatures are going to drop to below zero tonight and tomorrow the high will be around 7 Fahrenheit.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Saturday, January 08, 2005
I Am Loved!
| 43% Of The Internet Loves Me! |
| I am loved by 43% of the population, including: 23705 people who love windows users 46312 people who love night people 23684 people who love midwest people In return, I love 44% of the population, including: 6823 puppies 12236 midwest people 46212 students |
| show the love at spacefem.com |
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Happy Birthday
Today is my birthday. We had several inches of snow over night and this morning. I decided I didn't want to risk crashing my car getting to work so I called in and told them I might be in later. I ended up going in at noon and just worked a half day. On my way home I stopped at the grocery store and bought a cake mix and a can of frosting. When I got home I baked the cake and Around 9 p.m. it was cool enough to frost so I did and then I cut it. Happy birthday to me!
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Ice and Sleet and Snow, Oh My!
We are looking at getting a foot or more of snow here by Thursday morning. The snow started Tuesday afternoon and it is expected to snow off and on all day Wednesday. The heaviest snow should be Wednesday afternoon and evening. My birthday is Thursday and like it usually happens, I am getting snow for it. My mom has said that I was born in a blizzard so I expect snow every year around my birthday.
Monday, January 03, 2005
WHAT ABOUT STEM CELL RESEARCH?
I found this excellent article about stem cell research at the Web site for The Institute for Creation Research or ICR today. It makes a lot of very good points aganst the need for embryonic stem cells in research. This article is in the list of "Dr. John's Q&A's. The link is here.
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Weather Woes
Saturday we got freezing rain and ice and Sunday we are expecting more so Cheryl, my pastor's wife, called and said church was being canceled today. I hate driving on ice so I was glad when I heard that. I'm wondering what the roads will be like on Monday. I noticed on Friday the city had put down brine to help with the ice so I'm hoping it won't be too bad getting to work. Dad has a doctor's appointment to start his last round of chemo at 8 am on Monday so I'm hoping the roads are clear by then. With my birthday being on Friday I hope this ice isn't my birthday storm. I usually get snow so I'm hoping for it this year too. Oh well, no point in worry about what I can't change.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
New Year's Eve
In my last post I said I would give details about my New Year's eve plans. There were seven of us there, including our hosts. Pastor and his wife were invited but decided to stay home. Everyone there, except Denny, were in the mission group with whom I went to the Ukraine. We had a potluck supper. After we ate we sat around and just talked all evening. We ate at 7 p.m. One couple brought some games but we never played any of them. No one stayed until midnight. I think it was about 11:30 when we toasted the new year and then everyone left. I looked at the clock in my car and it read 11:45. I got home at about 12:03. My old church we would have a gathering at the church on New Year's eve and everyone would be ready to leave by 9. One year some friends and I decided we were going to stay until midnight and evetone there thought we were crazy and made no bones about telling us! I think that was probably the last time we tried that. It wasn't worth the hassle.
Thursday, December 30, 2004
New Year's Eve Plans
I finally have plans for New Year's eve this year. Last year I didn't do anything because Sanctuary, a local praise & worship group, didn't perform their concert like they had the previous three years. At first I was told they broke up and then a few weeks later I was told that they had just reduced the size of the group. I haven't heard any more about them so I don't know what their status is know. This year a friend from church is having some people from church over. I don't know what we will be doing but time spent with my friend is fun. I will most details later. Stay tuned.
Friday, December 24, 2004
Merry Christmas!
Once again it is the Christmas season, My church has a Christmas eve service every year and I went to it this year. Pastor Alan had a short message based on Revelation 22. He said that just like the people were supposed to be alert, ready, and watching for the messiah to come so we should be alert, ready, and watching for the messiah to return. When Jesus returns, if we are not ready, we will be left and face the tribulation.
Twas the Night before Christmas (Egghead style)
'Twas the nocturnal segment of the diurnal period preceding the annual Yuletide celebration, and throughout our place of residence, kinetic activity was not in evidence among the possessors of this potential, including that species of domestic rodent known as Mus musculus. Hosiery was meticulously suspended from the forward edge of the wood burning caloric apparatus, pursuant to our anticipatory pleasure regarding an imminent visitation from an eccentric philanthropist among whose folkloric appellations is the honorific title of St. Nicholas.
The prepubescent siblings, comfortably ensconced in their respective accommodations of repose, were experiencing subconscious visual hallucinations of variegated fruit confections moving rhythmically through their cerebrums. My conjugal partner and I, attired in our nocturnal head coverings, were about to take slumberous advantage of the hibernal darkness when upon the avenaceous exterior portion of the grounds there ascended such a cacophony of dissonance that I felt compelled to arise with alacrity from my place of repose for the purpose of ascertaining the precise source thereof.
Hastening to the casement, I forthwith opened the barriers sealing this fenestration, noting thereupon that the lunar brilliance without, reflected as it was on the surface of a recent crystalline precipitation, might be said to rival that of the solar meridian itself - thus permitting my incredulous optical sensory organs to behold a miniature airborne runnered conveyance drawn by eight diminutive specimens of the genus Rangifer, piloted by a minuscule, aged chauffeur so ebullient and nimble that it became instantly apparent to me that he was indeed our anticipated caller. With his ungulate motive power travelling at what may possibly have been more vertiginous velocity than patriotic alar predators, he vociferated loudly, expelled breath musically through contracted labia, and addressed each of the octet by his or her respective co! gnomen - "Now Dasher, now Dancer..." et al. - guiding them to the uppermost exterior level of our abode, through which structure I could readily distinguish the concatenations of each of the 32 cloven pedal extremities.
As I retracted my cranium from its erstwhile location, and was performing a 180-degree pivot, our distinguished visitant achieved - with utmost celerity and via a downward leap - entry by way of the smoke passage. He was clad entirely in animal pelts soiled by the ebony residue from oxidations of carboniferous fuels which had accumulated on the walls thereof. His resemblance to a street vendor I attributed largely to the plethora of assorted playthings which he bore dorsally in a commodious cloth receptacle. His orbs were scintillant with reflected luminosity, while his submaxillary dermal indentations gave every evidence of engaging amiability. The capillaries of his malar regions and nasal appurtenance were engorged with blood which suffused the subcutaneous layers, the former approximating the coloration of Albion's floral emblem, the latter that of the Prunus avium, or sweet cherry. His amusing sub- and supralabials resembled nothing so much as a common loop knot, and their ambient hirsute facial adornment appeared like small, tabular and columnar crystals of frozen water. Clenched firmly between his incisors was a smoking piece whose grey fumes, forming a tenuous ellipse about his occiput, were suggestive of a decorative seasonal circlet of holly. His visage was wider than it was high, and when he waxed audibly mirthful, his corpulent abdominal region undulated in the manner of impectinated fruit syrup in a hemispherical container. He was, in short, neither more nor less than an obese, jocund, multigenarian gnome, the
optical perception of whom rendered me visibly frolicsome despite every effort to
refrain from so being. By rapidly lowering and then elevating one eyelid and rotating his head slightly to one side, he indicated that trepidation on my part was groundless.
Without utterance and with dispatch, he commenced filling the aforementioned appended hosiery with various of the aforementioned articles of merchandise extracted from his aforementioned previously dorsally transported cloth receptacle. Upon completion of this task, he executed an abrupt about-face, placed a single manual digit in lateral juxtaposition to his olfactory organ, inclined his cranium forward in a gesture of leave-taking, and forthwith effected his egress by renegotiating (in reverse) the smoke passage. He then propelled himself in a short vector onto his conveyance, directed a musical expulsion of air through his contracted oral sphincter to the antlered quadrupeds of burden, and proceeded to soar aloft in a movement hitherto observable chiefly among the seed-bearing portions of a common weed. But I overheard his parting exclamation, a! udible immediately prior to his vehiculation beyond the limits of visibility: "Ecstatic Yuletide to the planetary constituency, and to that self same assemblage, my sincerest wishes for a salubriously beneficial and gratifyingly pleasurable period between sunset and dawn."
The prepubescent siblings, comfortably ensconced in their respective accommodations of repose, were experiencing subconscious visual hallucinations of variegated fruit confections moving rhythmically through their cerebrums. My conjugal partner and I, attired in our nocturnal head coverings, were about to take slumberous advantage of the hibernal darkness when upon the avenaceous exterior portion of the grounds there ascended such a cacophony of dissonance that I felt compelled to arise with alacrity from my place of repose for the purpose of ascertaining the precise source thereof.
Hastening to the casement, I forthwith opened the barriers sealing this fenestration, noting thereupon that the lunar brilliance without, reflected as it was on the surface of a recent crystalline precipitation, might be said to rival that of the solar meridian itself - thus permitting my incredulous optical sensory organs to behold a miniature airborne runnered conveyance drawn by eight diminutive specimens of the genus Rangifer, piloted by a minuscule, aged chauffeur so ebullient and nimble that it became instantly apparent to me that he was indeed our anticipated caller. With his ungulate motive power travelling at what may possibly have been more vertiginous velocity than patriotic alar predators, he vociferated loudly, expelled breath musically through contracted labia, and addressed each of the octet by his or her respective co! gnomen - "Now Dasher, now Dancer..." et al. - guiding them to the uppermost exterior level of our abode, through which structure I could readily distinguish the concatenations of each of the 32 cloven pedal extremities.
As I retracted my cranium from its erstwhile location, and was performing a 180-degree pivot, our distinguished visitant achieved - with utmost celerity and via a downward leap - entry by way of the smoke passage. He was clad entirely in animal pelts soiled by the ebony residue from oxidations of carboniferous fuels which had accumulated on the walls thereof. His resemblance to a street vendor I attributed largely to the plethora of assorted playthings which he bore dorsally in a commodious cloth receptacle. His orbs were scintillant with reflected luminosity, while his submaxillary dermal indentations gave every evidence of engaging amiability. The capillaries of his malar regions and nasal appurtenance were engorged with blood which suffused the subcutaneous layers, the former approximating the coloration of Albion's floral emblem, the latter that of the Prunus avium, or sweet cherry. His amusing sub- and supralabials resembled nothing so much as a common loop knot, and their ambient hirsute facial adornment appeared like small, tabular and columnar crystals of frozen water. Clenched firmly between his incisors was a smoking piece whose grey fumes, forming a tenuous ellipse about his occiput, were suggestive of a decorative seasonal circlet of holly. His visage was wider than it was high, and when he waxed audibly mirthful, his corpulent abdominal region undulated in the manner of impectinated fruit syrup in a hemispherical container. He was, in short, neither more nor less than an obese, jocund, multigenarian gnome, the
optical perception of whom rendered me visibly frolicsome despite every effort to
refrain from so being. By rapidly lowering and then elevating one eyelid and rotating his head slightly to one side, he indicated that trepidation on my part was groundless.
Without utterance and with dispatch, he commenced filling the aforementioned appended hosiery with various of the aforementioned articles of merchandise extracted from his aforementioned previously dorsally transported cloth receptacle. Upon completion of this task, he executed an abrupt about-face, placed a single manual digit in lateral juxtaposition to his olfactory organ, inclined his cranium forward in a gesture of leave-taking, and forthwith effected his egress by renegotiating (in reverse) the smoke passage. He then propelled himself in a short vector onto his conveyance, directed a musical expulsion of air through his contracted oral sphincter to the antlered quadrupeds of burden, and proceeded to soar aloft in a movement hitherto observable chiefly among the seed-bearing portions of a common weed. But I overheard his parting exclamation, a! udible immediately prior to his vehiculation beyond the limits of visibility: "Ecstatic Yuletide to the planetary constituency, and to that self same assemblage, my sincerest wishes for a salubriously beneficial and gratifyingly pleasurable period between sunset and dawn."
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Christmas Program
Our church Christmas program was Sunday night. After the total chaos of the dress rehearsal on Sunday morning, I think the program came off pretty well. The first time I saw the script was Saturday, I'm just glad I didn't have a speaking part in it this year. The choir sang throughout the play and since I'm half the alto section I had to be there. The program was mostly for the Sunday School classes. I think we had some where between 25 and 30 kids involved. That is a big change from when I started attending this church 5 years ago. I think we had 6 or 8 kids in all classes.
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Dad's Cancer Part 3
Let me start by saying, Praise God!!
"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!"
-Thomas Ken
"God is still on the throne and prayer changes things..." - Pastor Noah Hutchings
Dad had an appointment with his oncologist Tuesday to go over the results from Friday's CT scan and blood tests. Apparently the chemo he has been going through has done it's job. The doctor said that on the CT scan it looks like the center of the tumor is dead. The center is what causes the tumor to grow. The plan now is for Dad to do one more round of chemo in January. After that I'm not sure what the plan is for him. I'm sure they will keep checking it at regular intervals.
"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!"
-Thomas Ken
"God is still on the throne and prayer changes things..." - Pastor Noah Hutchings
Dad had an appointment with his oncologist Tuesday to go over the results from Friday's CT scan and blood tests. Apparently the chemo he has been going through has done it's job. The doctor said that on the CT scan it looks like the center of the tumor is dead. The center is what causes the tumor to grow. The plan now is for Dad to do one more round of chemo in January. After that I'm not sure what the plan is for him. I'm sure they will keep checking it at regular intervals.
Monday, December 13, 2004
Visited Countries
create your own visited countries map
or vertaling Duits Nederlands
The two European countries I have visited are Poland and Ukraine. I went on a missions trip in July 2001 with a group from my church. We flew from Chicago to Warsaw, Poland then took a smaller jet to Odessa, Ukraine where we spent a week teaching Vacation Bible School at a church there.
Friday, December 10, 2004
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Quiz :: Which of the Greek Muses are you?
You scored as Polyhymnia. You are Polyhymnia, the muse of sacred poetry. Religion is the biggest part of your life, and you're not afraid to let everyone else know. You are kind of shy and not great at letting people know who you really are.
Which of the Greek Muses are you? created with QuizFarm.com |
Evil Test
Are you evil? find out at Hilowitz.com
Friday, November 26, 2004
Turkey Holocaust
Tomorrow my family and I will be partaking in the annual turkey holocaust. That is what PETA has labeled Thanksgiving. They say we shouldn't eat anything that is alive, but plants are alive, so what are we left to eat? Water? I don't know, I figure if God told us in the Bible that we can eat meat, I'm going to eat meat when and what I want.
So, we shouldn't eat turkey and a Maryland school district is saying that we can't thank God on Thanksgiving. If we can't thank God for our blessings what is the point of Thanksgiving? Believe it or not Thanksgiving is a religious holiday, just like Christmas and Easter.
So, we shouldn't eat turkey and a Maryland school district is saying that we can't thank God on Thanksgiving. If we can't thank God for our blessings what is the point of Thanksgiving? Believe it or not Thanksgiving is a religious holiday, just like Christmas and Easter.
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Farewell Dan!
Dan Rather announced he is stepping down from the CBS Evening News anchor desk. All I can say is YAAAY!!!!! He is so biased it's a wonder he can walk upright. Check it out at RatherBiased.com where they have documented Dan's leftward slant. Check out the bizarre section too.
Saturday, November 20, 2004
Church Dinner
My church had our annual Thanksgiving potluck dinner tonight. I took a 9x12 pan of pumpkin pie cake. It was still pretty warm when I got there so it was put in the freezer to cool off. Unfortunately it stayed there until everyone was done eating. I ended up leaving it there for tomorrow. We always have sweets for whoever wants them to eat between services. I'm hoping it all gets eaten tomorrow because we still have some left from the pan I made for the food day at work on Thursday. Most of the food was pretty good. We were only there for 2 hours though. It felt to me like everyone was in a hurry to leave. I don't know if they all had somewhere else to be or what.
Friday, November 19, 2004
Another Cold
I had 2 appointments this afternoon, one was to give blood and the other was for a hair cut. I canceled my appointment to give blood last night because I have a cold. I hadn't had a cold in four years and this year I am dealing with my second one. I forgot how miserable they are. Hopefully I can get back to none for several years like before my surgery. My other appointment I kept because my cold doesn't affect a hair cut unless I sneeze and Bev cuts a big hunk out of my hair (which she didn't by the way).
Monday, November 15, 2004
Complication From Surgery
I went to see my doctor today because I have had pain beside my surgery scar for about a week. He thinks I might have an incisional hernia. He wants me to wait two weeks and see how I'm doing. If it isn't any better I'll have to see a surgeon to see if it needs to be fixed surgically. I would have to have this complication. Dr. Vermilion, my doctor, said it isn't that uncommon for hernias to develop, especially when the scar is as big as mine. I don't have insurance yet so I'm not sure what I am going to do. I'll have to hope that I keep working and that Adecco's insurance will cover it. That won't be until after the first of the year.
Thursday, November 11, 2004
We Are The Red States
This opinion piece was originally posted on Chattanoogan.com and read on Sean Hannity's radio show today. Now if only the liberals could understand this.
We Are The Red States . . .
Published on: 11/07/04
We are the red states.
We listen to talk shows and Fox News.
We tear up when we hear the national anthem.
We drive SUVS and fly business class.
We go through drive-thrus, have mortgages, and shop at Wal-Mart.
We attend BBQs, football games, fire hall meetings, and places of faith.
We believe life is precious and marriage is sacred.
We believe there are some things worth dying for.
We have the utmost respect for those who lay their life on the line defending our freedom and protecting our streets.
We believe religion is not a philosophy but a way of life.
We raise our children as best we can.
We’ll help anyone who really needs it, and not blame others for our own bad choices.
We read our Holy Books.
We pray because we know wisdom comes from God, not man.
We go about our lives quietly as we care for our families.
We might not have time to demonstrate, but we make time to vote.
We expect the values we teach our children to be respected in our schools.
We expect people to say what they mean and mean what they say.
We expect to work hard and earn the just rewards of that labor.
We expect to be able to watch a football game with our kids and not have to worry about the content of the half-time show.
We expect terrorists and those who harm the innocent to be punished.
We are farms, ranches, small businesses, and town squares.
We are BBQs, baseball games, fishing holes, and civic clubs.
We are little league games, piano recitals, Bible Studies, and car pools.
We are grandfathers in Iwo Jima, fathers in Vietnam, and sons and daughters in Iraq.
We are fly-over country.
We are the red states.
Cindy Tucker
LaFayette, Ga
We Are The Red States . . .
Published on: 11/07/04
We are the red states.
We listen to talk shows and Fox News.
We tear up when we hear the national anthem.
We drive SUVS and fly business class.
We go through drive-thrus, have mortgages, and shop at Wal-Mart.
We attend BBQs, football games, fire hall meetings, and places of faith.
We believe life is precious and marriage is sacred.
We believe there are some things worth dying for.
We have the utmost respect for those who lay their life on the line defending our freedom and protecting our streets.
We believe religion is not a philosophy but a way of life.
We raise our children as best we can.
We’ll help anyone who really needs it, and not blame others for our own bad choices.
We read our Holy Books.
We pray because we know wisdom comes from God, not man.
We go about our lives quietly as we care for our families.
We might not have time to demonstrate, but we make time to vote.
We expect the values we teach our children to be respected in our schools.
We expect people to say what they mean and mean what they say.
We expect to work hard and earn the just rewards of that labor.
We expect to be able to watch a football game with our kids and not have to worry about the content of the half-time show.
We expect terrorists and those who harm the innocent to be punished.
We are farms, ranches, small businesses, and town squares.
We are BBQs, baseball games, fishing holes, and civic clubs.
We are little league games, piano recitals, Bible Studies, and car pools.
We are grandfathers in Iwo Jima, fathers in Vietnam, and sons and daughters in Iraq.
We are fly-over country.
We are the red states.
Cindy Tucker
LaFayette, Ga
Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead!
The announcement was made today that Yasser Arafat died early this morning. A lot of media people and world leaders are giving tributes to him say he was a great leader. They all seem to forget the fact that HE WAS A TERRORIST!!!!! He was responsible for the deaths of the Israeli Olympic team in Munich in 1972. He has a lot of innocent blood on his hands for which he has to answer. He was the father of the modern terrorist. He started hijackings and suicide bombers. If he were a great leader he would have accepted the settlement deal made in 1990. The man wasn't even a Palestinian, he was Egyptian. He was born in Cairo. I can't shed an tears for his passing. Maybe now there will be peace. I doubt if it will happen though, at least not until the treaty made with Israel by the Ant-Christ.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
More Job News
I found out today that this assignment may go on for quite a bit longer. The list of work doesn't seem to go done much these days. I was told that there were at least a thousand new Home Depot credit card applications we will have to process. They are very boring to do but they are job security.
Sunday, November 07, 2004
Michael Moore Is At It Again
The story is from NewsMax.com:
Sunday, Nov. 7, 2004 10:03 a.m. EST
Moore Predicts Impeachable Bush Blunder
In a bid to encourage demoralized Democrats, left-wing filmmaker Michael Moore is predicting that President Bush will become so "cocky and arrogant" that he'll commit an impeachable offense that will end in his removal from office.Moore was silent on the crushing defeat of John Kerry for 48 hours after the election. Then, on Thursday he posted a list of all the Iraq war dead along with a terse statement that he hoped they would "forgive" America for re-electing Bush.
On Friday he elaborated with a list of 17 reasons Democrats need not despair.
"Bush is now a lame duck president," Moore reminded. "It's all downhill for him from here on out."
One likely possibility, says the celluloid conspiracy monger, is that the White House will alienate the GOP base by abandoning Christian conservatives - since he no longer needs them for re-election.
Another is that Bush "will become so cocky and arrogant -- and thus, reckless -- that he will commit a blunder of such major proportions that even his own party will have to remove him from office."
Adds Moore: "This is such a wonderful country -- it doesn't even need a president!"
Joseph Taranto contributed to this report.
Way to go Michael, keep looking for the bright side! Doesn't mean it'll happen but keep those spirits up!
Sunday, Nov. 7, 2004 10:03 a.m. EST
Moore Predicts Impeachable Bush Blunder
In a bid to encourage demoralized Democrats, left-wing filmmaker Michael Moore is predicting that President Bush will become so "cocky and arrogant" that he'll commit an impeachable offense that will end in his removal from office.Moore was silent on the crushing defeat of John Kerry for 48 hours after the election. Then, on Thursday he posted a list of all the Iraq war dead along with a terse statement that he hoped they would "forgive" America for re-electing Bush.
On Friday he elaborated with a list of 17 reasons Democrats need not despair.
"Bush is now a lame duck president," Moore reminded. "It's all downhill for him from here on out."
One likely possibility, says the celluloid conspiracy monger, is that the White House will alienate the GOP base by abandoning Christian conservatives - since he no longer needs them for re-election.
Another is that Bush "will become so cocky and arrogant -- and thus, reckless -- that he will commit a blunder of such major proportions that even his own party will have to remove him from office."
Adds Moore: "This is such a wonderful country -- it doesn't even need a president!"
Joseph Taranto contributed to this report.
Way to go Michael, keep looking for the bright side! Doesn't mean it'll happen but keep those spirits up!
Saturday, November 06, 2004
Scott Peterson Question
The jury in the Scott Peterson trial has been deliberating since Wednesday, November 3. My question is concerning the charges he is facing. He is charged with two counts of first degree murder, one count is for his unborn baby. Okay I'm confused, it's murder if the mother wants it and abortion if she doesn't? How does that work? What if a woman is killed on her way to an abortion clinic. Would it still be two counts of murder or only one because she was on her way to kill her baby herself? Who decides these thing? What if she hadn't told anyone if she wanted the baby yet? I'm just so confused!! It was just so much easier when a baby was a baby from conception to birth every time. I don't know, maybe I'm just too old fashioned.
Friday, November 05, 2004
Still Working
I am still on my temp assignment. It has gone twice as long as originally planned which is fine by me. It is still pretty boring but it does pay pretty well.
It's Official
Iowa has a winner and it's George W. Bush!!! Secretary of State Chet Culver said less than one-half of 1 percent separated Bush and Kerry.
As of Friday, Bush had 745,980 votes to 732,764 for Kerry, with the number of outstanding ballots too few to change the outcome.
Culver said part of the reason it took so long to count the ballots is that there was a record voter turnout in Iowa. The results won't be certified until November 29. There are absentee ballots and provisional ballots still being checked. Iowa is now officially a red state!
As of Friday, Bush had 745,980 votes to 732,764 for Kerry, with the number of outstanding ballots too few to change the outcome.
Culver said part of the reason it took so long to count the ballots is that there was a record voter turnout in Iowa. The results won't be certified until November 29. There are absentee ballots and provisional ballots still being checked. Iowa is now officially a red state!
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Prayer violates D.M. mandate
This story from the Des Moines Register is another example of "tolerance" from the liberal left. Religion is fine as long as it isn't Christianity. You have to wonder, if it had been a Muslim or some othe non-Christian religous leader, would anything have been said about a reading from their sacred text? Would a passage from the Koran stir controversy? I think not. One thing the article doesn't say is that the invocation before council meetings is open to all religions.
A reading of the Lord's Prayer before a City Council meeting sparks controversy.
By JASON CLAYWORTH
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
November 4, 2004
A Catholic priest's reading of the Lord's Prayer at a Des Moines City Council meeting last month violated a mandate to avoid endorsements of specific religions, the city attorney said Wednesday. City Attorney Bruce Bergman said Mayor Frank Cownie asked him to explore the issue after the Rev. Jim Kiernan of St. Ambrose Cathedral led an audience of about 60 through a recital of the Lord's Prayer before the Oct. 25 meeting. Bergman determined that the prayer violated a city standard that invocations use God's name in only a generic sense to maintain a separation of church and state. Cownie, a Presbyterian, said the prayer could be deemed offensive to non-Christians and result in a lawsuit or a court order to end all invocations. "We want to do the right thing for all the people in the city of Des Moines," he said. Kiernan declined to comment. His nephew is Councilman Michael Kiernan, who said Cownie used the prayer issue to grind a political ax. The two were on opposite sides of Tuesday's vote to merge Des Moines and Polk County governments. "You have got to wonder about the connection here," Michael Kiernan said. "I feel bad for my uncle that he's being pulled into this. "Most Iowa cities start meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance, said Tom Bredeweg, executive director of the Iowa League of Cities. Bergman said religious leaders invited to open future meetings will be apprised of the rules. Meanwhile, Councilman Archie Brooks said he isn't bothered by the Lord's Prayer. "That's the prayer the Lord taught us," he said.
A reading of the Lord's Prayer before a City Council meeting sparks controversy.
By JASON CLAYWORTH
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
November 4, 2004
A Catholic priest's reading of the Lord's Prayer at a Des Moines City Council meeting last month violated a mandate to avoid endorsements of specific religions, the city attorney said Wednesday. City Attorney Bruce Bergman said Mayor Frank Cownie asked him to explore the issue after the Rev. Jim Kiernan of St. Ambrose Cathedral led an audience of about 60 through a recital of the Lord's Prayer before the Oct. 25 meeting. Bergman determined that the prayer violated a city standard that invocations use God's name in only a generic sense to maintain a separation of church and state. Cownie, a Presbyterian, said the prayer could be deemed offensive to non-Christians and result in a lawsuit or a court order to end all invocations. "We want to do the right thing for all the people in the city of Des Moines," he said. Kiernan declined to comment. His nephew is Councilman Michael Kiernan, who said Cownie used the prayer issue to grind a political ax. The two were on opposite sides of Tuesday's vote to merge Des Moines and Polk County governments. "You have got to wonder about the connection here," Michael Kiernan said. "I feel bad for my uncle that he's being pulled into this. "Most Iowa cities start meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance, said Tom Bredeweg, executive director of the Iowa League of Cities. Bergman said religious leaders invited to open future meetings will be apprised of the rules. Meanwhile, Councilman Archie Brooks said he isn't bothered by the Lord's Prayer. "That's the prayer the Lord taught us," he said.
Election Aftermath
With the stunning win by President Bush the opposition is starting to realize that we, in the majority, don't like them. We don't like what they stand for or how they try to attain it. Now we have to hope they can figure out how to work together with us.
It looks, right now, like Iowa will end up going with Bush. We have not backed a Republican for president since Reagan in 1984. I'm just disappointed Leonard Boswell was re-elected to the Senate. I have objections to many of his views.
It looks, right now, like Iowa will end up going with Bush. We have not backed a Republican for president since Reagan in 1984. I'm just disappointed Leonard Boswell was re-elected to the Senate. I have objections to many of his views.
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
It's up to you: 20 reasons to vote
I thought this was an excellent list from the Des Moines Register.
Here are 20 reasons why you should vote:
By KEN FUSON
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
November 2, 2004
1. Because you're for somebody.
2. Because you're against somebody.
3. Because you'll make your sixth-grade social studies teacher happy.
4. Because Iowans may never again wield this much power. Iowa is one of a handful of swing states in what's expected to be a close election. It's why President Bush and Sen. John Kerry campaigned here what seemed like every other day.
5. Because the next time you read abumper sticker that says, "If you don't vote, don't complain," you can stop the driver and gripe to your heart's content.
6. Because sometimes a single vote does count. Four years ago, Al Gore defeated Bush by 4,144 votes in Iowa. That's two votes per precinct.
7. Because there are no television sets in the voting booth, which means the odds are great you will not hear the phrase, ". . . and I approved this message."
8. Because millions of people around the world don't have the chance.
9. Because Americans have died so you can.
10. Because, for some strange reason, it just makes you feel good.
11. Because you'll balance out somebody you really, really disagree with.
12. Because, despite all their wealth, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett and Donald Trump get to vote only once. Just like you.
13. Because the experts can poll you and spin you and spend millions of dollars trying to influence you, but they still can't tell you what to do behind that curtain.
14. Because even if it's only an illusion to think you are making your voice heard, that's still better than knowing with absolute certainty that you remained silent.
15. Because your neighbor will. And you don't want HIM choosing your leaders, do you? Hmmm?
16. Because it's free.
17. Because your children will notice.
18. Because you'd stand in line that long for good concert tickets.
19. Because our soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan and other dangerous places deserve to know you cared enough about them to help choose their commander in chief.
20. Because of United Airlines Flight 93. An amazing thing happened on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, on that hijacked airplane. The 33 passengers knew, from cell phone calls to loved ones, that two other hijacked planes had struck the World Trade Center. Unless they acted, they realized that they, too, were doomed. And do you know what those strangers did?
From the 9/11 report: "According to one call, they voted on whether to rush the terrorists in an attempt to retake the plane. They decided, and acted."
What a remarkable act. With their lives at stake, with their country facing peril, these 33 men and women of diverse backgrounds did a most American thing: They took a vote. They decided to rush the cockpit. And a plane that might have destroyed the White House or U.S. Capitol crashed instead in a Pennsylvania field.
Why vote? Choose your reason.
Honoring their sacrifice will do just fine
Here are 20 reasons why you should vote:
By KEN FUSON
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
November 2, 2004
1. Because you're for somebody.
2. Because you're against somebody.
3. Because you'll make your sixth-grade social studies teacher happy.
4. Because Iowans may never again wield this much power. Iowa is one of a handful of swing states in what's expected to be a close election. It's why President Bush and Sen. John Kerry campaigned here what seemed like every other day.
5. Because the next time you read abumper sticker that says, "If you don't vote, don't complain," you can stop the driver and gripe to your heart's content.
6. Because sometimes a single vote does count. Four years ago, Al Gore defeated Bush by 4,144 votes in Iowa. That's two votes per precinct.
7. Because there are no television sets in the voting booth, which means the odds are great you will not hear the phrase, ". . . and I approved this message."
8. Because millions of people around the world don't have the chance.
9. Because Americans have died so you can.
10. Because, for some strange reason, it just makes you feel good.
11. Because you'll balance out somebody you really, really disagree with.
12. Because, despite all their wealth, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett and Donald Trump get to vote only once. Just like you.
13. Because the experts can poll you and spin you and spend millions of dollars trying to influence you, but they still can't tell you what to do behind that curtain.
14. Because even if it's only an illusion to think you are making your voice heard, that's still better than knowing with absolute certainty that you remained silent.
15. Because your neighbor will. And you don't want HIM choosing your leaders, do you? Hmmm?
16. Because it's free.
17. Because your children will notice.
18. Because you'd stand in line that long for good concert tickets.
19. Because our soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan and other dangerous places deserve to know you cared enough about them to help choose their commander in chief.
20. Because of United Airlines Flight 93. An amazing thing happened on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, on that hijacked airplane. The 33 passengers knew, from cell phone calls to loved ones, that two other hijacked planes had struck the World Trade Center. Unless they acted, they realized that they, too, were doomed. And do you know what those strangers did?
From the 9/11 report: "According to one call, they voted on whether to rush the terrorists in an attempt to retake the plane. They decided, and acted."
What a remarkable act. With their lives at stake, with their country facing peril, these 33 men and women of diverse backgrounds did a most American thing: They took a vote. They decided to rush the cockpit. And a plane that might have destroyed the White House or U.S. Capitol crashed instead in a Pennsylvania field.
Why vote? Choose your reason.
Honoring their sacrifice will do just fine
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Election Results
No one is saying it right now but it looks like President Bush is going to win re-election. Yay!! I guess I can sleep easier tonight.
Election Determines Fate of Nation
Election determines fate of nation
written by Mathew Manweller...
Central Washington University political science professor..
"In that this will be my last column before the presidentia lelection, there will be no sarcasm, no attempts at witty repartee. The topic is too serious, and the stakes are too high. This November we will vote in the onlyelection during our lifetime that will truly matter. Because America is at a once-in-a-generation crossroads, more than an election hangs in the balance. Down one path lies retreat, abdication and a reign of ambivalence. Down the other lies a nation that is aware of its past and accepts the daunting obligation its future demands. If we choose poorly, the consequences will echo through the next 50 years of history. If we, in a spasm of frustration, turn out the current occupant of the White House, the message to the world and ourselves will be two-fold. First, we will reject the notion that America can do big things. Once a nation that tamed a frontier, stood down the Nazis and stood upon the moon, we will announce to the world that bringing democracy to the Middle East is too big of a task for us. But more significantly, we will signal to future presidents that as voters, we are unwilling to tackle difficult challenges, preferring caution to boldness, embracing the mediocrity that has characterized other civilizations. The defeat of President Bush will send a chilling message to future presidents who may need to make difficult, yet unpopular decisions. America has always been a nation that rises to the demands of history regardless of the costs or appeal. If we turn away from that legacy, we turn away from who we are. Second, we inform every terrorist organization on the globe that the lesson of Somalia was well learned. In Somalia we showed terrorists that you don't need to defeat America on the battlefield when you can defeat them in the newsroom. They learned that a wounded America can become a defeated America. Twenty-four-hour news stations and daily tracing polls will do the heavy lifting, turning a cut into a fatal blow. Except that Iraq is Somalia times 10. The election of John Kerry will serve notice to every terrorist in every cave that the soft underbelly of American power is the timidity of American voters. Terrorists will know that a steady stream of grizzly photos for CNN is all you need to break the will of the American people. Our own self-doubt will take it from there. Bin Laden will recognize that he can topple any American administration without setting foot on the homeland. It is said that America's W.W.II generation is its 'greatest generation'. But my greatest fear is that it will become known as America's 'last generation.' Born in the bleakness of the Great Depression and hardened in the fire of WW II, they may be the last American generation that understands the meaning of duty, honor and sacrifice. It is difficult to admit, but I know these terms are spoken with only hollow detachment by many (but not all) in my generation. Too many citizens today mistake'living in America' as 'being an American.' But America has always been more of an idea than a place. When you sign on, you do more than buy real estate. You accept a set of values and responsibilities. This November, my generation, which has been absent too long, must grasp the obligation that comes with being an American, or fade into the oblivion they may deserve. I believe that 100 years from now historians will look back at the election of 2004 and see it as the decisive election of our century Depending on the outcome, they will describe it as the moment America joined the ranks of ordinary nations; or they will describe it as the moment the prodigal sons and daughters of the greatest generation accepted their burden as caretakers of the City on the Hill."
Mathew Manweller
written by Mathew Manweller...
Central Washington University political science professor..
"In that this will be my last column before the presidentia lelection, there will be no sarcasm, no attempts at witty repartee. The topic is too serious, and the stakes are too high. This November we will vote in the onlyelection during our lifetime that will truly matter. Because America is at a once-in-a-generation crossroads, more than an election hangs in the balance. Down one path lies retreat, abdication and a reign of ambivalence. Down the other lies a nation that is aware of its past and accepts the daunting obligation its future demands. If we choose poorly, the consequences will echo through the next 50 years of history. If we, in a spasm of frustration, turn out the current occupant of the White House, the message to the world and ourselves will be two-fold. First, we will reject the notion that America can do big things. Once a nation that tamed a frontier, stood down the Nazis and stood upon the moon, we will announce to the world that bringing democracy to the Middle East is too big of a task for us. But more significantly, we will signal to future presidents that as voters, we are unwilling to tackle difficult challenges, preferring caution to boldness, embracing the mediocrity that has characterized other civilizations. The defeat of President Bush will send a chilling message to future presidents who may need to make difficult, yet unpopular decisions. America has always been a nation that rises to the demands of history regardless of the costs or appeal. If we turn away from that legacy, we turn away from who we are. Second, we inform every terrorist organization on the globe that the lesson of Somalia was well learned. In Somalia we showed terrorists that you don't need to defeat America on the battlefield when you can defeat them in the newsroom. They learned that a wounded America can become a defeated America. Twenty-four-hour news stations and daily tracing polls will do the heavy lifting, turning a cut into a fatal blow. Except that Iraq is Somalia times 10. The election of John Kerry will serve notice to every terrorist in every cave that the soft underbelly of American power is the timidity of American voters. Terrorists will know that a steady stream of grizzly photos for CNN is all you need to break the will of the American people. Our own self-doubt will take it from there. Bin Laden will recognize that he can topple any American administration without setting foot on the homeland. It is said that America's W.W.II generation is its 'greatest generation'. But my greatest fear is that it will become known as America's 'last generation.' Born in the bleakness of the Great Depression and hardened in the fire of WW II, they may be the last American generation that understands the meaning of duty, honor and sacrifice. It is difficult to admit, but I know these terms are spoken with only hollow detachment by many (but not all) in my generation. Too many citizens today mistake'living in America' as 'being an American.' But America has always been more of an idea than a place. When you sign on, you do more than buy real estate. You accept a set of values and responsibilities. This November, my generation, which has been absent too long, must grasp the obligation that comes with being an American, or fade into the oblivion they may deserve. I believe that 100 years from now historians will look back at the election of 2004 and see it as the decisive election of our century Depending on the outcome, they will describe it as the moment America joined the ranks of ordinary nations; or they will describe it as the moment the prodigal sons and daughters of the greatest generation accepted their burden as caretakers of the City on the Hill."
Mathew Manweller
Monday, November 01, 2004
Election Thoughts
This Web site has an excellent post about why Christians should vote for George W. Bush. I am voting for Bush because he is pro-life and not afraid to stand firm in his convictions. It seems that Kerry will say whatever his audience wants to hear. He'll sat wherever it take to get their vote. It also seems that all Kerry ever does is point out Bush's errors instead of giving real answers of what he plans to do if elected. It seems he has no vision of the future. We need a strong leader who has a plan for the future and not one who just reacts to outside actions. We someone with strong convictions who will stand by them and act upon them when needed.
I just pray that the person the country needs at this point in history is elected. This brings to mind Esther 4:14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
My biggest fear is that there will be a repeat of 2000 and the Florida recount fiasco.
I have heard a lot of the talking heads on television talking about how bitter the rhetoric is this election. I think the reason is that we have drifted, or in some cases run, so far from God in this country that society has become less civil and therefore the election commercials have too.
I just pray that the person the country needs at this point in history is elected. This brings to mind Esther 4:14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
My biggest fear is that there will be a repeat of 2000 and the Florida recount fiasco.
I have heard a lot of the talking heads on television talking about how bitter the rhetoric is this election. I think the reason is that we have drifted, or in some cases run, so far from God in this country that society has become less civil and therefore the election commercials have too.
Saturday, October 30, 2004
Friday, October 29, 2004
Another Friday
Dad's in the hospital getting his first dose of chemo infusion. He will have to do this every two weeks for two months. So far he says he hasn't had any side effects. Praise God for that!
The weather today was very warm, it reached 80 degrees. I don't know if that set a record but I think it had to close.
The weather today was very warm, it reached 80 degrees. I don't know if that set a record but I think it had to close.
Thursday, October 28, 2004
New Plan for Chemo
Dad has to go into the hospital tomorrow until Sunday for his chemo because Medicare is not paying for the home health care aide to do the chemo at home like they had originally planned. I still don't understand why they can't start the chemo at the hospital send him home and then go back to the hospital to disconnect the pump. It doesn't make sense and seems like a waste of money to keep him in the hospital for 3 days.
Lunar Eclipse
Last night's lunar eclipse was not visible from my location due to rain. I had to watch it on the Web from Switzerland. Ya gotta love the Internet!
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Politics
First off I just have to say, I am so sick of these political ads! If you were to believe everything they say neither candidate should be in office, and probably should be in prison. I am voting Republican because of many issues, among them taxes, pro-life, social security, and defence. I actually think we should have a national sales tax. If it were an accross-the-board 1 cent tax we would have more money for the government because everyone, regardless of income or loopholes, would pay the tax.
I agree with President Bush and his stance on stem cell research. Fetal stem cells are not needed for research. Adult stem cells have proven to be more effective at treating disease than embryonic cells. This is a link to a Web site called Do No Harm: The Coalition of Americans for Research Ethics http://www.stemcellresearch.org/
This is from Forbes.com:
Steve Forbes, 09.06.04, 12:00 AM ET
Celling Out the Truth
John Kerry is making a big issue of stem cell research, claiming the Bush Administration's restrictions are cruelly delaying cures for Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries and other afflictions. This is misleading and dishonest. No one questions the use of adult, or nonembryonic, stem cells for medical research and cures. There is no moral issue here. Stem cells are relatively easy to obtain, one of the biggest sources being umbilical cords. The debate is over those harvested by killing embryos. Three years ago the President rightly banned the destruction of new embryos for stem cell research, believing that creating a life for the purpose of destroying it for therapeutic ends is profoundly wrong. But he opened the door for federal funding to projects using already harvested stem cells. And there is no ban on privately funded efforts. It is an unquestionable scientific fact that human beings begin life as embryos; that's the first stage in our development. From there, we grow to fetus, to infant, to child, to adolescent, to adult. We wouldn't tolerate the idea of killing children or adults to obtain various body parts for medical purposes. So--morally, philosophically--why should a human at the very start of life be treated like a pig raised for insulin? (Listening to his opponents, you'd never know that the President already crossed that line.) While Britain is now granting licenses to use cloning techniques to create embryos for "harvesting," other nations, including France, Germany, Austria and Ireland, have totally banned the creation of embryos for stem cell research. Stem cells derived from nonembryonic sources have already produced heartening medical advances and have saved thousands of lives. So why the focus on embryonic stem cells? Good question. Results from embryonic stem cell experiments have often been disastrous, which is why private research money is overwhelmingly going to areas involving nonembryonic stem cells. It may be that embryonic researchers want to use a little demagoguery to get their hands on more federal funds. Or perhaps certain pro-choice advocates figure their cause would be buttressed if someday we became dependent on harvesting stem cells from embryos for medical purposes. No matter the rationale, the issue, as advanced by the Democrats, is disquietingly, ethically off-base.
I agree with President Bush and his stance on stem cell research. Fetal stem cells are not needed for research. Adult stem cells have proven to be more effective at treating disease than embryonic cells. This is a link to a Web site called Do No Harm: The Coalition of Americans for Research Ethics http://www.stemcellresearch.org/
This is from Forbes.com:
Steve Forbes, 09.06.04, 12:00 AM ET
Celling Out the Truth
John Kerry is making a big issue of stem cell research, claiming the Bush Administration's restrictions are cruelly delaying cures for Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries and other afflictions. This is misleading and dishonest. No one questions the use of adult, or nonembryonic, stem cells for medical research and cures. There is no moral issue here. Stem cells are relatively easy to obtain, one of the biggest sources being umbilical cords. The debate is over those harvested by killing embryos. Three years ago the President rightly banned the destruction of new embryos for stem cell research, believing that creating a life for the purpose of destroying it for therapeutic ends is profoundly wrong. But he opened the door for federal funding to projects using already harvested stem cells. And there is no ban on privately funded efforts. It is an unquestionable scientific fact that human beings begin life as embryos; that's the first stage in our development. From there, we grow to fetus, to infant, to child, to adolescent, to adult. We wouldn't tolerate the idea of killing children or adults to obtain various body parts for medical purposes. So--morally, philosophically--why should a human at the very start of life be treated like a pig raised for insulin? (Listening to his opponents, you'd never know that the President already crossed that line.) While Britain is now granting licenses to use cloning techniques to create embryos for "harvesting," other nations, including France, Germany, Austria and Ireland, have totally banned the creation of embryos for stem cell research. Stem cells derived from nonembryonic sources have already produced heartening medical advances and have saved thousands of lives. So why the focus on embryonic stem cells? Good question. Results from embryonic stem cell experiments have often been disastrous, which is why private research money is overwhelmingly going to areas involving nonembryonic stem cells. It may be that embryonic researchers want to use a little demagoguery to get their hands on more federal funds. Or perhaps certain pro-choice advocates figure their cause would be buttressed if someday we became dependent on harvesting stem cells from embryos for medical purposes. No matter the rationale, the issue, as advanced by the Democrats, is disquietingly, ethically off-base.
Friday, October 22, 2004
Weekend Plans
Tomorrow a group of ladies from church are going to the tearoom in Perry to celebrate Cheryl's birthday. Cheryl is the pastor's wife and her birthday is September 11. We normally celebrate her birthday closer to the actual day but this year September had too many events planned. We went to the tearom last year and it was fun. When I get home I plan on baking a cake for Dad's birthday on Sunday. If I feel like it I also will bake chocolate chip cookies. I might just make them as bars, that would be the easiest way to go. I'll have to see how I feel tomorrow. My belly and lower back have been really sore the last couple of days and I'm not sure why.
Thursday, October 21, 2004
New Job?
Yesterday afternoon I had a job interview at Jordan Creek Mall with The Three Dog Bakery. They have a kiosk there. I was offered the job if I wanted it. The pay is not very good, they are only offering $8 an hour. That is $2 less an hour than I have been making. I came home and discussed it with my parents. I went to work today and found out my assignment was originally for at least a month which means there are two weeks left. All day I was thinking I should take the job and then thinking it would be too expensive to get out there for $8 an hour. When I got home today I called Adecco and told them that the assignment was for another two weeks and that I was staying there. I called the 3 Dog Bakery and told them that i was not going to take the job and she said that if I changed my mind to let her know. So the door there is not totally shut.
Monday, October 18, 2004
Dad's Cancer Part 2
Dad had his surgery this morning. He seems to be doing fine tonight. He will have to wait until next Tuesday for the first chemo treatment.
Today at work all of the temps in the area were I am working were fingerprinted. I really don't know why they did it now, my assignment is supposed to end on Friday. I hope it does get extended though. The work is boring but it is a paycheck I'm sorely needing. We'll see what happens tomorrow.
Today at work all of the temps in the area were I am working were fingerprinted. I really don't know why they did it now, my assignment is supposed to end on Friday. I hope it does get extended though. The work is boring but it is a paycheck I'm sorely needing. We'll see what happens tomorrow.
Friday, October 15, 2004
Dad's Cancer
After the CT scan and blood work, Dad's oncologist told him that the chemo isn't working anymore and the cancer is growing again. Monday morning Dad will have a port implanted for chemo infusion directly into his liver. A nurse will have to come and do the chemo and it will be there for 48 hours. I just pray that this chemo will work.
Monday, October 11, 2004
Good news on the job front!
When I got home this afternoon my mom told me to call Adecco, so I called and they just wanted to know if I could go to full-time hours starting tomorrow! Now I just have to pray that it will go longer than a couple of weeks. Several months would be nice.
Friday, October 08, 2004
What the? . . .
I got a recruitment letter the other day from a group called End-of-Life Choices. This group used to go by the name of The Hemlock Society. They advocate human euthanasia and assisted suicide. I was appalled when I opened it and ssaw what it was about. I am a strong pro-life supporter. As far as I am concerned no one has the right to decide when a life is over. I firmly believe that while there's breathe there's life. I am not sure what my response should be to this letter. Should i ignore it, write to them and ask them to take my name off their mailing list, or just what. They call the right to kill ones self the next civil rights struggle. I think they are just using buzz words to stir up emotions.
Work at Last
I finally got an assignment! It is only part-time but it is better than nothing. There is possibility of more hours from day to day but I only worked 4 today because I was hungry and didn't bring anything for lunch. I am getting $10 an hour for this assignment. I think it is for 2 weeks. Maybe it will go longer.
Monday, October 04, 2004
SpaceShipOne
History was made this morning when SpaceShipOne flew for the second time in four days, it also won the ten million dollar Ansari X prize. The maximum altitude, or apogee, was measured at 368,000 feet, 11,000 feet greater than the record of 357,00 feet set in the 1960s for a plane launched craft. I watched it on TV live and felt just like I did in 1969 when the US landed on the moon. My first thought today was "We have got to keep doing this!" The whole purpose of the Ansari X prize is to encourage further development of civilian space flight. NASA has become too cautious because society has become too cautious. We gain nothing when we risk nothing. The old adage of "nothing ventured, nothing gained" really does apply in this case. During the 1960s when NASA was working to reach the moon everyone involved knew there was a chance someone could die and accepted the risk. Nowadays it seems the last thing the general public wants is any risk. It almost seem they think the knowledge we would gain from space exploration is not worth the risk to anyone. I guess it all depends on ones perspective.
Saturday, October 02, 2004
Mount St. Helens VolcanoCam - Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
This is a Web site run by the USDA. Pretty cool site.
Friday, October 01, 2004
Winter's Coming
Today's weather was crappy! The sun shone for about five minutes this afternoon. Late this afternoon it rained like it was coming out of a bucket. The low temperature tonight is going to be below freezing.
We had some excitement at the local newspaper this morning. Apparently someone mailed an envelope full of some kind of powder to the paper with a three or four page letter. The latest reports claim the brown granular substance is metaldehyde, a component of snail poison. The Iowa Department of Health said late Friday that metaldehyde is not dangerous "if handled properly". The substance can be dangerous if inhaled or ingested, which did not happen at the Register. It also could cause skin irritation if left on the skin for a long enough time. A hazardous materials crew, FBI agents, Iowa National Guard troops, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, a Secret Service agent and U.S. Postal Inspectors responded to the scene. The Secret Service was involved because President Bush will be in town on Monday to campaign and they checked to make sure there was no threat to the president.
In other news, Mount St. Helens erupted after 24 years of silence. It was a very mild eruption, there were no lava flows and ash only drifted a few miles down range. The ash plume reached 16,000 feet. Compared to the 1980 eruption this time was mostly steam. There might be more in the coming days but for now that all.
We had some excitement at the local newspaper this morning. Apparently someone mailed an envelope full of some kind of powder to the paper with a three or four page letter. The latest reports claim the brown granular substance is metaldehyde, a component of snail poison. The Iowa Department of Health said late Friday that metaldehyde is not dangerous "if handled properly". The substance can be dangerous if inhaled or ingested, which did not happen at the Register. It also could cause skin irritation if left on the skin for a long enough time. A hazardous materials crew, FBI agents, Iowa National Guard troops, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, a Secret Service agent and U.S. Postal Inspectors responded to the scene. The Secret Service was involved because President Bush will be in town on Monday to campaign and they checked to make sure there was no threat to the president.
In other news, Mount St. Helens erupted after 24 years of silence. It was a very mild eruption, there were no lava flows and ash only drifted a few miles down range. The ash plume reached 16,000 feet. Compared to the 1980 eruption this time was mostly steam. There might be more in the coming days but for now that all.
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
It's Fall All Right!
Well, we had to turn on the furnace today. I finally had to wear a long sleeved shirt today. I think the high temperature today was about 68 degrees. I am not sure I am ready for fall or winter yet.
I feel like this whole year has been a waste of time. This whole year I have worked about 6 weeks. I worked for Wells Fargo until January 27 and then I worked for three weeks as a temp in April. I am totally fed up with Adecco and Office Team. Last time I called Office Team they didn't have a copy of my resume so they couldn't do anything until they got that. I replied to the e-mail that I was sent to me from the person I spoke with on the phone. I haven't heard anything since. I have applied to four or five position advertised with Office Team. Adecco has been the agency with which I have had the most assignments in the past. All I get when I call any more is that they will keep my name on the list for assignments. I am almost to the point of "what's the point of calling, it won't make a difference.", but I keep calling, just in case I guess.
I feel like this whole year has been a waste of time. This whole year I have worked about 6 weeks. I worked for Wells Fargo until January 27 and then I worked for three weeks as a temp in April. I am totally fed up with Adecco and Office Team. Last time I called Office Team they didn't have a copy of my resume so they couldn't do anything until they got that. I replied to the e-mail that I was sent to me from the person I spoke with on the phone. I haven't heard anything since. I have applied to four or five position advertised with Office Team. Adecco has been the agency with which I have had the most assignments in the past. All I get when I call any more is that they will keep my name on the list for assignments. I am almost to the point of "what's the point of calling, it won't make a difference.", but I keep calling, just in case I guess.
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Fall In the Air?
There was a definite chill in the air today. This evening when I was walking Fawn there were a couple of time when we were in the shade it was almost cold. It is supposed to get down to 44 degrees tonight. It won't be long until we are looking forward to the temperature getting up to that level. And then I can start to look forward to snow.
My belly is still hurting from my surgery. I am starting to think maybe I should call the doctor and see what he says about it. I just wish I could get a job! I am sick of not having a job!
My belly is still hurting from my surgery. I am starting to think maybe I should call the doctor and see what he says about it. I just wish I could get a job! I am sick of not having a job!
Monday, September 27, 2004
Sunday's Sermons
Yesterday's sermons were about God's judgment on his people. The morning sermon was from Malachi 2:1-9, titled "Taking God Seriously". The main points are that we, as God's people, need to study the bible and then apply that knowledge in our everyday life. God has guidelines for ministers also. they are
- Stand in awe of God.
- Study God's word.
- Give biblical advice.
- Pray for the people.
- Turn people from sin to righteousness.
God's top 3 activities for for ministers are
- study
- teaching and preaching
- praying
Here is link to read the passage for yourself. http://bible.gospelcom.net/cgi-bin/bible?passage=malachi+2%3A1-9&NKJV_version=yes&language=english&x=22&y=4
The evening sermon was Ezekiel 19-21. These chapters are a lamentation over the judgment coming to Israel. God is judging them for their disobedience. Ezekiel has been preaching repentance and the people have been ignoring it. God can tolerate only so much sin before He says "Enough already!". Judgment is coming to America soon too. How long can we ignore God before He has the same reaction? We are killing 3,000 unborn children every day by abortion. The holocaust must stop now.
Friday, September 24, 2004
Evil Wal-Mart
For the 28th time in my life I have donated blood. I am working on my 4th gallon. One of the questions they ask in the pre-screening is if I have been pregnant in the last 4 weeks. Seeing as how I am almost 11 weeks post-op from my hysterectomy it would be tough to have been pregnant in the last 4 weeks.
In other news, I am finally free of the evilness of Wal-Mart!! I received 26 $5 gift cards to Wal-Mart from Wells Fargo for working overtime during November and December last year. I used the last 2 cards today. I never have to step foot in that evil place again. You might ask why I am calling it evil and I would answer that by saying it is because of their attitude toward other businesses and their customers. They have the attitude that because we are so big we can do anything we want. When I worked for them from 1986 to 1988 we used to laugh when "we" drove a small store out of a town. I remember being glad when Pamida left Indianola after the store opened there. When I worked for Place's the store that was in Indianola closed before Wal-Mart ever opened because we knew we couldn't compete. As far as I'm concerned Wal-Mart is trying to monopolize the market and that is why I say they are evil. They also don't care about their employees. I worked part-time as a cashier and gave breaks to the outlying registers and the snack bar. When I asked the Manager to work in a department he told me "As long as you work for me you will never work the floor because you are too slow." What a way to boost morale! Not long after that I gave my notice and quit.
In other news, I am finally free of the evilness of Wal-Mart!! I received 26 $5 gift cards to Wal-Mart from Wells Fargo for working overtime during November and December last year. I used the last 2 cards today. I never have to step foot in that evil place again. You might ask why I am calling it evil and I would answer that by saying it is because of their attitude toward other businesses and their customers. They have the attitude that because we are so big we can do anything we want. When I worked for them from 1986 to 1988 we used to laugh when "we" drove a small store out of a town. I remember being glad when Pamida left Indianola after the store opened there. When I worked for Place's the store that was in Indianola closed before Wal-Mart ever opened because we knew we couldn't compete. As far as I'm concerned Wal-Mart is trying to monopolize the market and that is why I say they are evil. They also don't care about their employees. I worked part-time as a cashier and gave breaks to the outlying registers and the snack bar. When I asked the Manager to work in a department he told me "As long as you work for me you will never work the floor because you are too slow." What a way to boost morale! Not long after that I gave my notice and quit.
Thursday, September 23, 2004
AB FAQ
AB FAQ
My favorite cooking show is "Good Eats". I just love Alton Brown, the host. I think we have similar senses of humor. His show is on Food Network weeknights at 6 and every Wednesday at 9 and 9:30. For more info about the show check out www.altonbrown.com
My favorite cooking show is "Good Eats". I just love Alton Brown, the host. I think we have similar senses of humor. His show is on Food Network weeknights at 6 and every Wednesday at 9 and 9:30. For more info about the show check out www.altonbrown.com
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
The Woes of a Temp
So I called my temp agency on Monday and got the same answer as the last 5 months, "We'll keep your name on file and let you know." I am starting to think that they aren't even considering me for any jobs they have. I have told them numerous times that I will do anything, file , stuff envelopes, or anything.
In other news, sometime between Saturday night and Sunday morning my belly has started hurting again. Today it has been hurting as much as it did yesterday. I am thinking that if it is still hurting like this on Friday, I will call my doctor and see what he has to say about it.
In other news, sometime between Saturday night and Sunday morning my belly has started hurting again. Today it has been hurting as much as it did yesterday. I am thinking that if it is still hurting like this on Friday, I will call my doctor and see what he has to say about it.
Sunday, September 19, 2004
Great Site
I found this site when I was looking for information to help my sister in New York. This site has a lot of information for pre- and post-op hysterectomy.
Saturday, September 18, 2004
More Chemo
My dad had another oncology check up yesterday and he is back on chemo for another two weeks. He was off for two weeks this time in stead of the month like last time.
Thursday, September 16, 2004
Doggy Boo Boo
I had to take my dog to the veterinarian yesterday because she was limping and wouldn't put any weight on her rear left leg. I was afraid she had hurt her knee but the vet said her knees and hips are fine. She thinks it was a bee or wasp sting because there was a red spot on her rear left foot and her temperature was elevated a little bit. Dr. Nelson, the vet, gave her an injection of cortisone to counteract the effects of the venom in the sting. She said the effects should last for 24 hours. She said if the limping returned after that she probably strained or sprained something in her leg. If Fawn does start limping again I need to keep as quiet as I can for 2 weeks and hope she heals. Right now she seems fine but the cortisone hasn't worn off yet.
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Pet Peeves
I was watching television when a commercial for a local Italian restaurant came on, throughout the entire ad the announcer pronounce it "I-talian" with a long i instead of a short i. My first thought when I heard that was "Do they come from I-taly?" I don't know if this is a local thing or if other areas pronounce it that way too.
Another pet peeve of mine is when people will say "There's 5 people waiting." When it should be "There are 5 people waiting." I guess it's laziness. I have caught myself doing it, I mentally kick myself and swear to not do again.
Another pet peeve of mine is when people will say "There's 5 people waiting." When it should be "There are 5 people waiting." I guess it's laziness. I have caught myself doing it, I mentally kick myself and swear to not do again.
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
Hinterlands?
Yesterday, when he was in Iowa, President Bush said "I tell you, the crowds we're seeing out here are really big. I believe something is going on here in the hinterlands, in the heartland, that is going to mean a victory come November." Some of the Democratic bigwigs in Iowa are asking for an apology from the president for his comment.
This is the definition from the Merriam-Webster dictionary Web site:
Main Entry: hin·ter·land Pronunciation: 'hin-t&r-"land, -l&nd
Function: noun
Etymology: German, from hinter hinder + Land
1 : a region lying inland from a coast
2 a : a region remote from urban areas b : a region lying beyond major metropolitan or cultural centers
If you look at the first definition, "hinterland" is appropriate for Iowa. We are in the middle of the country, a thousand miles from any ocean. Definition 2a isn't accurate for the whole state but it is for parts of the state. Definition 2b can be viewed from two different perspectives. The first is that since we do have some large cities it is not accurate. The second view is that the whole state is in the hinterlands because we are not a major cultural center. Chicago is 340 miles away from Des Moines and it is the closest "cultural center" and we are over a thousand miles from either coast. While we do have cultural events here we are not a trend setter like LA or New York.
This is the definition from the Merriam-Webster dictionary Web site:
Main Entry: hin·ter·land Pronunciation: 'hin-t&r-"land, -l&nd
Function: noun
Etymology: German, from hinter hinder + Land
1 : a region lying inland from a coast
2 a : a region remote from urban areas b : a region lying beyond major metropolitan or cultural centers
If you look at the first definition, "hinterland" is appropriate for Iowa. We are in the middle of the country, a thousand miles from any ocean. Definition 2a isn't accurate for the whole state but it is for parts of the state. Definition 2b can be viewed from two different perspectives. The first is that since we do have some large cities it is not accurate. The second view is that the whole state is in the hinterlands because we are not a major cultural center. Chicago is 340 miles away from Des Moines and it is the closest "cultural center" and we are over a thousand miles from either coast. While we do have cultural events here we are not a trend setter like LA or New York.
Boredom
It's been a while since I posted anything because not much has been happening. I have been filling out job applications every time I find something I think I have the necessary qualifications, sometimes even if I don't. You have to take a chance, right? Anyway, I applied a Nebraska Furniture Mart and got a phone interview yesterday. They do a credit check so I probably won't get this job because of bad credit. I think I could do this job with my eyes closed because it sounds like the same job I had the last time I worked in retail.
Thursday the 26th -- I went to the dentist for my six month check and cleaning. No cavities, YAY!!
Friday the 27th -- I had an appointment to give blood but my hematocrit was too low so they deferred me for 28 days. My next appointment is September 24th. Hopefully next time!
Monday the 30th -- I finally got my hair cut. It had been three months since my last hair cut. I normally get my hair cut every six weeks. My last scheduled appointment was on July 5th. That was the day I was in the emergency room figuring out what was causing the pain in my abdomen.
Thursday the 26th -- I went to the dentist for my six month check and cleaning. No cavities, YAY!!
Friday the 27th -- I had an appointment to give blood but my hematocrit was too low so they deferred me for 28 days. My next appointment is September 24th. Hopefully next time!
Monday the 30th -- I finally got my hair cut. It had been three months since my last hair cut. I normally get my hair cut every six weeks. My last scheduled appointment was on July 5th. That was the day I was in the emergency room figuring out what was causing the pain in my abdomen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
