Same as Them

I love to paint....What do business consultants do anyway...and a new member to the family.

2010-11-20T22:24:00.007-06:00

I love to paint!!!
That's what I said a month ago when we started painting the entry way. I still love to paint, but I'm tired of it. We want to get finished before Thanksgiving weekend. In other words, we hope to finish tomorrow...we're close.

I wanted to lighten up the space...however, Sydney loves color...so we compromised. The walls are off white (me), and the ceiling is.......ready for this? Brown...!

I panicked when she announced this idea. However, it really looks good! So I'm happy we are nearly done. It will look nice.

I hired a business consultant at the end of 08 ((during the ongoing...(notice that? "ongoing"? don't forget it) credit crunch)).
There was so much BS being disseminated that I needed help filtering out the truth. I know this consultant, as he as worked for me in the past. He is expensive, but worth the money. He helped me navigate a very tough time (08 til now). Lately though, his advice is getting repetitive and he has gotten rather negative and grumpy (don't get me wrong, I can't talk, I'm grumpy at times too, but not to people paying me to help them!)...so I decided to stop the relationship (it was that bad). Then the guy kind of freaked out...maybe there are other problems...IDK...I'll send an email and ask.

Cooper was born...!
He is my Great Nephew number three. He was 10 lbs 3 oz...a very big boy especially considering his mom is 5'1 and tiny...Yes, it was a C section...it had to be. You know it dawned on me that 100 yrs ago this mom, my niece, would not have survived the delivery. So I am thankful for medical progress for sure.

A birth is a big deal.
I went to see them a few times while they were in the hospital. So did others on my niece's side of the family. But get this, on the dad's side...NO ONE showed...NO ONE. He was crushed. I would be too...they are ass holes (sorry, I wont soften it...it is cruel to do that). There was no reason for this but selfishness. He is a good guy and they all get along fine. It is so important to take time for other people...so important.

So, that's it...except...
The Buckeyes sneaked by Iowa today...Woo!
:-)

Thanksgiving is next week. I am planning (I'm always planning, huh... :-) to tell people how I am thankful for them personally (family, friends, clients, others I see day to day)...It won't be perfect cause I'll keep forgetting to do it...Unless, Hmmm...A memory hook...? Like a string tied on my finger (no, too cheesy) or keep a token in my pocket (better)...I'll think of something.

And by the way, THANKS for reading my silly blog...
:-)

Hey Conservatives...!

2010-11-03T21:46:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Republicans won a majority in Congress, and considerably more seats in the Senate. These were, in some cases won by extremely conservative politicians. This victory was achieved with a strategy of opposing anything proposed by the current administration, and brilliant use of the media. It has been such an effective strategy that the Republicans intend to continue it. They have said they will not compromise on any issue going forward. Mitch McConnell said the number one objective of the Republican party the next two years is to see that Obama is a one term president. So in a sense, the Republican platform is simply to acquire power...period...no ideas, no proposals, just acquire power. And if the response the Democrats have made to this so far does not change, the strategy will work. In two years (2012) the Republicans will have control of both houses, and the presidency. Goal achieved...However, what will they do with that power? No one knows what things will be like two years from now, so maybe a better question is what would they have done with that power if they had it the last two years? I have heard many conservatives say they would have liked to see GM, and Chrysler go bankrupt, and the same for most banks in this country. (ie no bailouts). They would not have agreed to a government economic stimulus save some tax incentives (if that) as I understand it. And I suppose we would have built a 20 foot wall across the Mexican border, and stepped up military operations around the world.

My question is, if those things had occurred, what do you think our country would look like? Does our place in the world community look better in that scenario? Does our international reputation even matter? How about your personal situation...what would that look like? Better? I'm curious, do you conservative friends of mine think we would be past our current problems? Or not?

Let me know, but I must say if I get comments that are demeaning to me personally, or demeaning to any group of people for that matter, I'll delete them. (I have not been demeaning here...I'm not even picking a fight...I'm not...really.)

.

Head or heart...

2010-10-31T12:48:00.025-05:00

I am goal oriented. Goals motivate and give me direction. The big thing in goal setting the last ten years or so has been the "life plan" (for lack of a better term). Its not about your business goals, or educational goals, or personal goals; it's about your life...your ideal life style...your dreams...I employ a business consultant...He calls himself a "coach"...whatever...When I bring a major issue to this consultant here is what he asks me. "Do you see your ideal life including this change?" I usually reply, "I don't know..." I think I frustrate him.
:-)

Ah yes, actually I've tried this approach to life, and quickly found it to be insufficient. Some good questions are being addressed; but they don't go far enough.

The life planners contend you can have your dream life if you cultivate the right beliefs, thoughts, and attitudes. Combine that with enough determination, motivation, and focus, and poof...the ideal life...your dreams come true...Success, fame, fortune, wealth, happiness, and perfect relationships with perfect people...Awesome... :-)

The problem is two fold. First, this is, at the end of the day, a self centered approach to life. Self centeredness always leads to trouble. I can personally attest to this. (Hell, I could write a book about it.) In my own life, every time I approach things with a self centered perspective, it blows up...no exceptions...its just a matter of time. The hook is that self centeredness is satisfying for awhile. At the end of the day it is not...Being content and thankful are more important, and more satisfying in the long run...Now, for what it's worth, the life planners do include thankfulness, and contentment in their "life plan" model; however, they are not central ideas.
Second, beliefs, attitudes, and thoughts (which are largely determined by ourselves) do not determine the outcome of our life...What does? I want to argue that our heart does...Yeah...Our "heart"...it determines the direction, consequence, and results of our life...Hmmm.

Please hear me out.
:-)

It is the heart, not the head that matters. Prov. 3 reads..."Guard your heart with all diligence for from it flow the springs of life."
Interesting...

So what is the "heart"? The heart seems to be similar to the soul. IDK if the terms are interchangeable or not...let's say not...they are just closely related.
The heart (according to a complication of definitions) includes thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs (like the life planners). However, in addition it includes emotions, as well as our personality, and life experiences (esp. the formative ones). These we have little or no control over.

At the last, maybe we look outside ourselves, and stop chasing a dream life. Instead we work on personal contentment; influence what we can..and the rest we trust to outside forces that we don't control...

IDK, I said the "life planners" don't go far enough in their questions, and approach. Does this "heart" source go far enough? To basically look outside self, be thankful, and demonstrate faith? I'm not so sure. Maybe the solution is more radical, even disturbing. Could it be as crazy sounding as..."We have to give up our life to gain it"?

Hmmm.

Where have I heard that?
:-)

And, what does that look like? How does it flesh out?
We have an object lesson in the recorded life of Christ, yes...But what does it look like in modern life in America? I'm just thinking out loud here, that's all. Its something to think about, though...again just speaking for myself.

If you read this far, thanks for bearing with me. This is not particularly profound or anything...But typing it out in a blog no one reads (except my mom sometimes...(Hi mom!) and a couple others, I know)...helps it solidify in the old cranium...lol

Can they really do that?

2010-10-20T16:40:00.003-05:00

Unfortunately yes, they can, and do...

A doctor prescribes a drug to a patient (not me, I am not the subject here...but I know who is). The patient takes the drug for five years as part of a maintenance program. The doctor see the patient periodically for check ups only. No changes are made to dose, medication type, or anything else. Like many modern drugs, this drug should not be stopped suddenly. A sudden withdrawal of treatment would not be life threatening; however, it would be unpleasant. The doctor began treatment "for safety reasons" because of the patients activities. The patient would potentially put themselves in danger if they engaged in these activities w/o treatment.

The patient missed an appointment, and the doctor decided not to refill the prescription until an appointment was rescheduled. OK, no problem, that sounds fair (see you tomorrow, right?)....NO...The doctor went to their vacation home out of state for three weeks. The patient was cut off. The patient called the doctor to ask about the activity the doctor was concerned about and got no return call. The patient called several times with questions about activities, whether another doctor might see them, etc. Not one phone call was returned. The patient called another doctor on their own, got an appointment that day, and resumed treatment.

So what do you think? Was the doctor arrogant, or incompetent? Both? Or are they just practicing good medicine? Do you think they were justified in doing this to the patient? I don't. Even though I am not the patient, I'm thinking about a complaint...to save others from this doctor. Someone needs to say something. How would you like to be this patient? If this is common practice, it needs to change.
People who have a responsibility to care for others need to have a higher standard.

Oh, one more detail...! A month later, even though the patient canceled the appointment in advance...they got a "No Show" bill for $50!! They called the doctor's office to ask why they were being charged...Can you guess what happened next?
The doctor did not call back. No one from the office called back.

I think a formal complaint is in order my self...I do.

The doctor uses an outside billing service. As a result you get a doctor who will not discuss the situation, and a billing company who (is arms length) just bills, and adds interest each month if payment is not made...(there is no dispute process). They send them to collections after a specified period of time.
Now, that should not even be legal. You at least need a dispute process!
Maybe I should write my congressman...:-)
IDK

Growing up.....

2010-09-04T12:27:00.008-05:00

"Daddy can I stay out till 2:00? I am with my good friend." she asked.

Me... "2:00?? No."

"Why? I am having a hard day and we want to talk." (Said with a little more attitude.)

"That is too late. Why don't you just ask your mother?" (Who will assuredly say no, w/o discussion.) "I am such a push over." (Now I'm feeling the pressure.)

"Daddy, I am 18!" (Teary sounding.)

"No you can't stay out! Why don't you just come home right now." (Angry? Yes...I am.)

"Daddy, why are you doing this? I am 18 years old. I have never given you reason to worry." (Bulls#@t...I think to myself) "And I am not stupid." (Backing down in tone, but still working me...)

Silence...

"IDK..."
"It's not fair."

Silence

"I don't think of you as an 18 year old. I still think of you as my little girl. (Now I sound teary) I am not the first dad who has had trouble letting his daughter grow up. But I'm working on it...ok?"
"I love you daddy."
"And hey, do you have to be in such a hurry?" (To grow up?) I love you too."

Silence

"Ok. Not a minute later..."
"Love you daddy, goodnight! Bye!"

:-)

How I spent my summer vacation...

2010-07-27T22:02:00.025-05:00

I guess I'm a putts, but I like stay home vacations...this one is over now... :-(

Actually, I just took a few days off. Things at work were getting on my nerves, and the next quarter is going to be very, VERY busy thanks to all the government regs I deal with. As it happens ALL my annual, semi-annual, and five year CE requirements are scheduled for NOW. In 20+ years at this, I have never had that happen. I actually like CE (Continuing Education). I enjoy learning, and am good at tests...but this will be a lot all at once.

OK, back to my vacation...What's a putts do with time off? Hmmm...
I slept in to 8:00-9:00 most days (perfect). Got some things done around the house. Had coffee with my pastor one morning (went to church that next Sunday). Met for beers with my neighbor one evening. Spent time with my kids (mostly, we went to eat...nothing fancy). And spent time with my true love, Sydney...we went to The Hard Rock and played slots one afternoon, (and got another T-shirt). We also went to see "Inception" (the new movie), which was really pretty good! (Max went with us.) And we went to The Philbrook to see the Egyptian exhibit from the Brooklyn Museum...which was great...(Google "To Live Forever" to see a summary of the exhibit).

Also, I have had my name on a waiting list for an Iphone 4....My name came up this week...so that was a treat...and I'm glad I was off since you have one day to show up at the store (the day you get the email notice) to pick up your phone, or they cancel the reservation, and you have to start again...(The new Iphone is amazing, and there is NO PROBLEM with reception, but I'll take a free case anyhow...they offered them to anyone getting the phone before the end of Sept.)

So there was all that, plus the usual work outs, walks with the dog, hanging out with kids, getting some sun, and drinking some wine...So, if you need some rest I recommend a stay home vacation...It's just an extended weekend, and it does wonders all the way around.

So, now it's back to work.
NP... ;-)

Afghanistan

2010-07-15T20:22:00.016-05:00

I'm glad Gen. Petraeus is in command of the whole Middle East operation now. The change is a positive, timely one. However, I'll still be surprised if it ends well. And even if we do get out...(will we ever?) I'm not hopeful for a strong (independent?) Afghanistan...I'm just not. I'll skip the stats on wars in that country. Most everyone knows them, and no one will change their mind because of this stupid blog anyway. So why do I offer an opinion? I don't know...maybe I shouldn't...what do you think? However; remember, there are years of history to back up my position, in any event. The only thing "different" this time is things are worse. It's a complete disaster. We should pray for everyone over there, including my nephew.

My brothers came out last weekend. (One of them thinks we should be out of Middle East wars, the other does not.) We had a great time! We went to the Hard Rock Casino. (We gambled, and broke even, then bought shirts.) And we watched the soccer final. It was good to watch the game with people who know soccer. My bros did a good job explaining the strategy behind what we were watching. Mostly we just hung out, and discussed politics, sports, religion, family, and money....(not sex, since we're married the subject is off limits... :-)Which could be a subject for a future post...

Why do women discuss their married sex lives, and guys can't (or won't)? It's strange...not that men want to discuss married sex (as opposed to sex in general) that much anyhow...women seem to want to verbalize about things like that more than men (sexist, yes (sorry)...its an observation, that's all...do you agree? No?

Max got horribly sick recently. He had a fever of 104, and had terrible back pain...no joke. The doc suggested we take him off all meds for a day to see what happened. (What?) He was in agony w/in a few hours. We went to a different doc the next day. The second was aggressively working to diagnose him, but no luck. Some tests come back this week, so maybe we'll know after the fact. He is better now.

It's hot here...damn hot. It looks like a front might move through tonight, and the rain will cool us off temporarily...good!

Mid Year....

2010-06-30T22:31:00.027-05:00

I do lots of detailed planning because of work. And since my work consumes a great deal of my life, it ends up a life plan of sorts. So this is mid year review time.
How did things go the first six months of 2010? Am I satisfied with things?
As always...no, I'm not...

However, one needs to be reasonable. Some things went well. Business was actually very good. My personal life also saw some growth...I like to think. In other ways I regressed. I told Sydney I am always moving back to "even" it seems. Good thing I work on it too...or I'd be going downhill, theoretically.

Rambling....

I noticed I was "unfriended" (Via FB) by some people after I posted my thoughts on prayer. It's not a surprise to me. They are atheists...but it's strange because I directed none of that at anyone.

My dad gave me a book "The Spirit of Early Christian Thought". It's an excellent read. In the book, Saint Augustine (From maybe the fifth century after Christ??) explains that he was a part of an intellectual atheist group at one time. He started to notice (same as with most modern atheists, if you think about it) that they were better at attacking other points of view, than at defending their own...(Their ideas about life's meaning were absent, or ambiguous at best.) His disappointment in this fact lead him to investigate Christian thought...which he defends brilliantly in his writings (well, at least those referenced in "The Spirit of EC Thought", I'm making no claim to scholarship here... :-).
Interesting, really...but I'm not attacking anyone. I don't try to tell people what to believe (since I don't like people telling me what to believe either (dialog is great though)...so...

I'm actually just rambling, in a major way.

So my prayer post has been removed. I felt bad after the fact, in posting it. Prayer is intensely personal, and private and (at least in my case) belongs that way. I think I lost something (which I hope to regain in time) after I put it on this silly blog. My ideas are no longer posted.

So much for rambling...

I will do a Mid Year Review in the next week, and decide what needs to change for things to move forward...for growth...the rest of 2010. The plan is to list everything I want to change (a along list) and pick the top five...Ugh, I'm hopelessly goal oriented...

I don't plan to post any specifics, but goals have leverage when you're accountable (even casually) to someone for them...so I'll tell someone...maybe Sadie (our dog) jk... :-)

Someone will know...Sydney always knows my latest goals but we don't hold each other to keep them...unless they are specific to our relationship...because it causes unnecessary tension.

More Ramble...

I started "Outlander"...the best selling novel...it started so well. I was really enjoying the story line and the history (Scotland in the 1700s). I even went out and got a better copy of the book. It is long, and the paperback was hard to read. It was a splurge, I know...right after I bought the better copy the story degenerated into a romance novel...a total chick book...Good grief...I couldn't stand it. It looked alike a chronology of the authors (a woman) sexual fantasies...6 ft 5 Scottish soldier, who always did the right thing, and said the right thing (with the cool accent)...Blek...I also learned more about kilts that I care to know. I put the book down. Now I'm reading "Bad Things Happen". A murder mystery, that was written by a dude.

I've lost interest in World Cup since the USA got eliminated. But I still watch...and I check the Iphone app (I want a new Iphone...I'm due too, I have the original model...they don't even service it anymore.)

Is it Christmas yet???

:-)

You think you're "Tough"?

2010-06-05T21:56:00.007-05:00

It's Tulsa Tough weekend, which is an absolutely amazing bike event. It includes rides for every skill level, beginers to Pros...no kidding. I like to watch the pros race. They should wear armor. It was rather hot, but that's how it goes in Tulsa...you gotta be "tough"...
:-)

Anyhow, other than that this is just an odds and ends post.

I flew to Dallas for a lunch meeting yesterday. That is bad planning, actually. Any delay screws it up. I get nervous as hell till I get there. Also, it's hard to really get all the time I need if I am coming back the same day. I'll drive next time, and spend the night...which sounds like much better planning to me. It takes a little longer...but not that much. We met a the Gaylord Texan, which is quite an impressive place. The atrium is huge (like a football stadium). It features an all glass ceiling (with the lone star at the top)...And, get this...it's air conditioned!! That is quite a feat in sunny, HOT Dallas Texas! It's another place I'd like to take Sydney sometime.

Luke's band had a gig at a pizza parlor...yes, you read that right, a metal band at a pizza parlor. I said he was crazy. Were they planning to to turn the volume down? NOPE!
He said it turned out to be more a venue setting, where you could order a pizza if you wanted one. There was a cover at the door, and lots of open space, etc.

His guitar strap knob broke before the show...Ugh. He said he got through it. He brings two, or three guitars to gigs. They are tuned differently (for different songs). He did not bring the third (spare) guitar to this show. Live and learn, right?

Jenny went to lake today with my outlaws...Er, I mean in-laws. Just kidding, I love them all. She had fun. I worried. She got mad at me for that...I gave unrequested instruction anyway. I love her a lot, that's all.

Max spent most of the week at a friends house. His wisdom tooth sockets are healing nicely. (His wisdom teeth were extracted last week...that's all the kids...we're done!)

He has great plans for summer. I am glad he is taking this initiative. He is doing some work for extra money. Getting in shape with P90-X (I think that's what it's called.) It's an intense old school workout. His mom (who is a person trainer) does the workout with him. In addition, he is planning extra training in martial arts. He plans to go to two church camps this summer as well.

If only I could get Luke to step up his game and make some better plans. He is working, but he could be doing more...(extra guitar lessons, get ahead in his volunteer commitments...etc.) Oh well...we are all have to find our own way, right?

Sydney and I are still trying to think of a good family vacation. (I know, it's getting kind of late...) It has to be fun...good for teens, not to close, and not too far, and reasonably priced. We will have three in college soon, so I don't want to drop five grand on a summer vacation to Disneyland or something...Yes, I am cheap...so shoot me... :-)

Tomorrow I am going to church for the first time this year. And Max is cooking burgers for the family later in the day...including some "sliders"...Yum!

Poof...!

2010-05-31T22:51:00.001-05:00

That felt all wrong...prayer is for the "inner room"...

Psychology....

2010-05-15T23:35:00.020-05:00

Psychology...Is it science? IDK...probably in some respects. I know it attempts to be...However, the following struck me today as odd, unfair, and most importantly unscientific.

Many years ago (at least 20) I was in an automobile accident. Someone ran a red light. I am certain the young lady ran the light. She however, accused me of being drunk (I was not drinking at all) and running the light myself. She was getting married the following weekend (which doesn't really matter, but I remember her saying so). In fact, her fiance showed up at the scene of the accident, as did the Tulsa Fire Dept, EMSA, a Life Flight, (there were no injuries at all, it must have been a slow night) and the Tulsa PD (of course). No tickets were issued because we blamed each other...and there were no witnesses.

I gave a phone deposition the next week for the insurance company. So did the young lady. They (the caller) had a police officer, attorney, and insurance rep. on the line. I had no one with me. A week later, the insurance company called and said they had determined the accident was my fault. HUH? They determined I ran the red light. IS THIS A JOKE? They did not accuse me of lieing, they just said they were going to pin the accident on me...WHAT! WHY?? The insurance rep. who called, stated that psychologist have determined that if someone recounts a situation calmly (w/o passion) they are not telling the truth, and that the girl I hit was much more angry in her deposition. "Hell, I was trying to be polite. That's ridiculous." I said. The insurance adjuster just said, "It doesn't matter, there will be no tickets issued, the case is closed, but your insurance will be paying the damages. You could pursue the case for ego purposes, but that's all it would be." I was pissed, but dropped the subject.

Fast forward to this afternoon. We were watching a show in which an "expert" (psychologist) was explaining what they look for in determining if someone is lieing. One of the subjects being interviewed became very animated about their position. They were passionate about what they were explaining/defending. The expert said, "That kind of behavior is a red flag, when determining if they are lieing. If they become animated, and passionate, it indicates they are lieing." WHAT THE?? You're kidding...Who is to say? These "experts" need to be under a heavy burden of proof. They can just make this crap up and we all accept it.

My point?

I WAS INNOCENT TWENTY YEARS AGO!
THE BITCH LIED...I KNEW IT!! :-)

What was I thinking...thinking out loud?????

2010-05-09T11:19:00.003-05:00

I got up this morning and thought, "Why did I post that last entry?"...which is gone now...I was just thinking out loud, kind of sorting things out. But why post it? I think because, when I do that it feels like someone listened, or noticed...but if I really want someone to listen, notice, and even snoop, and sell my posts, then I should have put it up on FB...!
;-)

Thinking...out loud...uh oh.

2010-05-01T22:18:00.069-05:00

I've been told that...I think out loud. That's what this post is..except I'm typing (out loud). And the post might be edited as well...so...here goes...

Why can't I get into attending church? I love the Lord, believe Scripture, value prayer, and Holy Communion. I enjoy time with my Christian friends. So what's the problem?

Why is the church hour so frustrating? Why is it regularly the loneliest hour of the week for me? Why? The scripture I claim to love says if I don't love my Christian brothers, that I don't love God either. Maybe, I'm deceived...maybe...however, that can happen to anyone...even you...(so don't be too quick to jump on my case...please...)

I never did like going to church. Growing up I was dragged to church each week, (Its OK mom, I learned good stuff in spite of my attitude.) I hated it. I was not following Christ at the time either.

Now I do follow Christ, or think I do. It depends how you define it, I guess. There have been times when I would have considered my present faith as carnal, leading to death for sure. Now I wonder who the hell I thought I was passing judgment like that. It's Gods place to make judgments like that. My place is to judge what is true...not souls.

I have been a follower of Christ for 30 years now. In that time, there have been few churches I enjoyed. I've heard it all..."Don't look for the perfect church." (I'm not). "You will not be satisfied in Christ's church unless you get meaningfully involved, and lead."...(I don't have the patience.). "You have to work behind the scenes, with humility."...(too lonely) "Try a small group."...(too many Chiefs, and not enough Indians) "You're just too negative." (What!? Possibly that's true...but is it really driving this?) "You don't love people." (Ouch! I think I love...but maybe not well.)

I know I should attend, and be involved in a local church. After trying everything I can think of, it has become so hard. I started this post because I was thinking of going to church in the morning for the first time this year. My choice is a 9:00 service (too early... :-) or an 11:15 service (which goes way to damn long each week). Two hours (plus) is too long...truly, it is. Everyone thinks what they have to say is so important. Believe it or not I used to lead Bible studies, and if everyone had something to say, I cut my lesson short to finish when I promised to finish...so time management is doable in Gods house!

I think of that definition of insanity...(trying the same thing over and over expecting a different result)...Maybe insanity is what I'm engaged in.

What is the answer? Part of me wishes I was wrong, and that this is not an issue I should struggle with. Another part of me thinks I just go and make the most of something, anything...it doesn't matter where or what, just go (somewhere they manage time well..:-)

Frankly, I don't observe many people enjoying themselves (being blessed?) in organized religion. They may say they are; although, it looks contrived more often than not. Which reminds me I am not the only one who struggles with this.

There...and I didn't edit this post after all......(next morning) Now I have done some editing, but it's minimal.

Part 2...(later tonight...a thought)

As I read back over this it occurs to me what ingredient was present every time church was enjoyable, or at least tolerable...Relationship...relationship was present (Sorry to sound trite. Remember, I'm just thinking/typing out loud here..so...)...Relationship...We talk about that a lot in church...however, for myself it has not been present in a long time. Relationship...I remember the kind where people enjoyed each other (you were not just a "project"), and helped each other (not out of guilt, or church requirement, but because they wanted to), and (so important for neurotics like myself) didn't give up on each other. In every case from my initial introduction to Christianity, to every positive experience I've had, that has been the key...that's it (where I received, and gave that kind of relationship)...Now it is just not there...

So, is that it? IDK...I don't...Of course I could just be romanticizing...But it might be something to pray about...

Dyslexia

2010-04-24T00:14:00.025-05:00

My wife is dyslexic, as is my son...it runs in the family. I'm not dyslexic; however, and since my son was diagnosed with dyslexia I have read anything I can get my hands on about the subject. I have learned it is a very intriguing quality.

As most people know, many famous, highly creative people are dyslexic. Names include Walt Disney, Charles Schwab, Cher, Albert Einstein, and David Merrill (the COO at Google who arguably has single handedly defined how we organize our selves in the 21st century. Go read his book..."Getting Organized in the Google Era".)I tease my family that we are now being organized by dyslexics! If you read on you may agree with me that this might be a very good development.

When my son was diagnosed dyslexic, I kept asking, "What is this anyway?" So he can't read? Why? Can we "correct" this "problem"? I put problem in quotes because where it is definitely a problem it is also not a problem...a book has even dealt with the idea that dyslexia is not a problem at all but a "gift". (The Gift of Dyslexia, by R.Davis)

What I have learned in my study, and living with my wife and son is that dyslexia is primarily a perception difference. Weather it is a "problem" or "gift" depends on context. A dyslexic does not perceive words the same way a non dyslexic perceives them. That sounds obvious. They perceive the letters in a way that they simply do not line up. However, as I kept researching, and observing my immediate dyslexic family members, I realized they do not seem to perceive ANYTHING the same way as a non dyslexic does. Why? They (dyslexics) simply are not linear thinkers. Reading is a strictly linear process. A dyslexic does not EVER think in a strictly linear way. Non-linear thinking applies to everything around them, reading (obviously), task management, learning, relating, time management, and even emotional integration.

Now, I am not an expert, or professional in this, I am just around it all the time, every day. This is what it looks like. Dyslexics struggle with reading because it is linear thinking (one word follows another...one letter follows the next, etc.) However, they do not struggle at all with visual, or auditory learning. My son studies martial arts. The coach admonishes the other kids to learn like my son because "he picks up on new forms so quickly". What he probably does not realize (and I'm not sure I could explain it, because his English is limited, and my Chinese is non existent) is that my son observes THROUGH a demonstration. The best way for me to explain this to my fellow linear thinkers is that he perceives in 3-D (loosely defined). He "sees" "through" the demonstration. It is perceived in several angles simultaneously. He processes everything he sees that way. He flips the visual around as it unfolds. It is a great asset in a visual observation, but a problem in linear (like reading) thinking. Don't take my word for it. The experts who wrote "The gift of Dyslexia" deal with this phenomenon in detail.

How do you perceive time? Most of the population perceives it as moving along at a certain rate. We linear thinkers (the majority of the population) can usually tell things are moving along...ie we are late, we are early...it is not that complicated, right? A dyslexic does not have the same experience with time. This drove me crazy for years after marrying a dyslexic, because I had not seen the studies which indicate a non linear thinker will not experience the passing of time like I do. "They just aren't paying attention!" I would claim...which makes perfect sense in my linear thinking. Have you ever had the experience when time seemed to move very fast or very slow? It is an occasional experience for me. However, it is the normative experience in a non linear thinker. (The linear thinkers of the world really have a problem with me stating this, but it has been studied, and documented...it's a bummer, I know... :-) Experiencing a "passing of time" is as occasional for a dyslexic as a "loosing track of time" is for a non-dyslexic like me. My son, who is dyslexic understands this about himself, and literally sets his phone alarm on school days, when to get up, then when to get breakfast, when to get his school books together, and get his brother (his ride) and leave. The alarm goes off 5 times every morning. I thought that was brilliant of him. He knows he will loose track if he does not do this. I have had coaches and youth group leaders call me angry because he was not "cooperating" with their schedule...(this is nonsense, he is very cooperative... always). I usually send them the research which addresses this issue, and respectfully ask that they work with him. Then I tell my son to pay more attention as well...(set that alarm! :-)

Well, I don't want anyone who has read this far (thank you, incidentally) to get any more bored than you probably are so I'll wrap this up with how a non-linear person relates to others...It is amazing...unless you stay in a linear mind set. Then it might just seem weird...

A non-linear thinker sees others more completely, and with far less prejudice...they almost seem entirely without prejudgement. They see "through" a person. They see more completely. They "get it" and don't even realize they do. What on earth am I talking about? I'll explain with a story...in another post.

He said, so I said....

2010-04-14T21:52:00.002-05:00

Steve said in his FB status... "I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them."- Thomas Jefferson

So I said..."Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people; and not for profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men..."
John Adams, Thoughts on Government, 1776

I think we are both right...

Moving Right Along....Unlimited Corporate Political Contributions...

2010-04-10T22:07:00.013-05:00

This year, in a land mark decision; the Supreme court ruled (in Citizens United vs The Federal Election Commission) that publicly owned corporations can make unlimited contributions to political action committees. I do not understand their reasoning. It had to do with a corporation being a "person". I understand they (corporations) are "separate legal entities", but not "persons". They don't vote for example. The court also considered it a free speech issue...incidentally voting is an expression of free speech...Hmmm.

I however, am not here to pass judgment on the supreme court! They are simply hearing a case and interpreting the Constitution. That said, this is a situation we should not let stand as US citizens. I have worked for a corporation of some type by whole adult life. I can tell you what kind of "person" they are with great accuracy. They are essentially a selfish, self perpetuating "person". They give only what they have to give. They modestly benefit masses, and greatly benefit a few. They consider their own perpetuation before every other consideration. They are essentially amoral. They create a modern aristocracy...For example the CEO of one publicly held corporation made $50,000,000 last year. The corporation laid off tens of thousands of people in order to pay him. (It has NOT always been this way...this super upper class has developed during my adult life...save it for another post, right?)

This will not be changed by the legislature. Politicians stand to make millions (indirectly) from this judgment. They (the Congress, and Senate) are essentially corrupt bodies, or in the least have designed a corrupt process for them selves. They are dominated by special interests, selling government access to the highest bidder.

What we need is a popular movement...you and me...
We need a Constitutional Amendment.

Last; consider this, corporations are publicly owned. Therefore, foreign governments can own them, and more effectively buy US politicians, to promote their own foreign countries interests. This is a serious situation.

What should we do? There are a couple things we can do right now. Sign on-line petitions, and get informed, and involved according to your own time and conscience in the matter. Check out these web sites right now, if you have a minute...

wwww.movetoamend.org
www.freespeechforpeople.org
www.dontgetrolled.org

"Democracy cannot live side by side with the control of government by monopoly..."
La Follette (1924)

What Changed?

2010-04-09T22:05:00.004-05:00

We had The Patriot Act, The Military Tribunal Act, Wireless Wiretapping, and torcher...All illegal and, or unconstitutional. Add tax cuts with no corresponding budget cuts, and a huge UNFUNDED senior drug benefit...both irresponsible spending by the federal govt. And I could go on...there is more, much more...

All this occurred during the Bush years...But tell me, what happened in 2008 that brought on tea partiers, brick throwers, and extremely negative commentary (Obama is Hitler for example (Glen Beck went there)...that's horrible) by political pundits? What?

Yes, we had an unfunded stimulus bill, and a crummy health bill since then... But what? What happened in 2008 that turned things so horribly ugly?

I have a feeling, it's a hunch...and I can't pinpoint specifics; however, this new attitude seems to have racial undertones. I know for a fact there are those who are not only power hungry...but they also do not want a black man in the "White" House.
Is that it? I have a feeling it may be.

I am not at all sure about this, but I want to put in my goofy blog anyhow...Time will tell if I am right. (I have tended to be right about this kind if thing in the past...)

I did not support the Iraq war, or Patriot Act, or a number of other Bush initiatives and I didn't pitch any rocks through windows, or make caustic remarks about it, and I didn't hear of anyone else doing that either.

What changed in 2008 is it became personal for some people who had the power, money, and influence to turn things ugly, and they have.

I don't like the tone...it saddens me. I have a bad feeling about where it could end up. I have been adding a request to prayer lists where I can, that we not only pray for our leaders..we pray they would reconcile, and forgive each other...there is important work to do. And hate will not help anyone...except maybe those sick individuals who hope to gain power at any cost.

Spring Break...weekend.

2010-03-21T22:24:00.006-05:00

What a nice weekend...!!
I took Thursday, and Friday off...got things done...I love to get things done...

You know, the things on your list that are important (like car maintenance) but you just keep putting them off...WELL, I'M DONE...all caught up.

The weather Thursday and Friday was gorgeous. Sunny and 70, you can't beat that.

So I got outside a lot those days. Sydney and I spent some time together walking, and I went for a swim (indoor pool) :-)
AND a run (outside, of course)...

I walked the dog, went to River Parks...all that. It was great.

I got some time with each of my kids too. I also called my parents, and an old friend during some spare moments.

Sometimes things go well...sometimes things fall into place for awhile...

Sydney says I have to start to handle stress better, or it'll kill me. I agree. It's been too much for too long, and a great deal of it is manageable...Weekends like this are part of the solution....so is deep breathing, and eating right...Sydney has a list to follow...Lists, you have to love lists, so I'm on it.

70 on Friday, and 5 inches of snow on Saturday. What a perfect excuse to sit and finish the book I've been reading, and start a new one.

I got to Skype my brother Sat night..it's always nice to talk to him.

Sunday most the snow melted...Oklahoma weather is great...so I got out again...went for another swim...on my way out I brushed the snow off my daughters car...

Then I got a, "You're the greatest dad in the world." text from her... :-)
Woo!

Apple Post...It's only fair....unbelievable though...

2010-03-14T23:09:00.002-05:00

After I posted my TRUE STORY (ie problems) with my, (and Sydney's) iPhones, I am happy to say they have both been resolved...as if by magic. No kidding! Sydney was able to recover her apps...she reinstalled them, and was not charged again in the process, although she had to do it all manually. AND, I just happened to plug my iPhone into my PC to charge the battery, and BEHOLD...it updated all the critical software automatically while I sat here dumbstruck. Could it have anything to do with my post? IDK.

I am thankful though...very. It tops off what has been a nice weekend. We didn't do anything particular, it was just nice. I had some time with my family. Things were relaxed, and Ohio St. won. All good.
So...it's only fair I post that things were resolved with Apple...I can officially say "I love my iPhone" again.

Apple....this is a bummer.

2010-03-09T21:54:00.008-06:00

I asked Apple where I could send a letter about this, and they said they had no idea...What? Can I just send a letter...like to customer service? "There is no way to that, sir." (right)...So, I'll blog about it...even though this is not what a letter would say....maybe I can help somebody...hey, free speech, right? :-)

If you read this...and agree...the point is this...you don't have to get an iphone anymore to get the great smart phone functions. OK, you probably knew that. Good...

But you wouldn't know that if you talked to Apple! They still think they're the only game in town. We have iphones...they give you 90 days tech help...90 days...! That's about enough time to get through the "how to" questions, which we didn't have...If you want longer tech coverage cough up more money (which runs out anyway in a little longer time). The phones are fun (not anymore, actually), but if you have a problem...ANY PROBLEM, APPARENTLY...you are sunk.

We have two phones and they are both sinking fast at this time. Maybe I'll call tech support...oh, wait...they won't help!! :-)
Get this...My iTunes had a problem...they said I didn't have support, (duh) but some "free advice" was given..."reinstall itunes"...WRONG...I only succeeded in loosing all my music...Download it from the phone? No, because itunes is still corrupted...Thanks for nothing...Now that I can't update critical software; the phone will be inoperable in a short time...woo! Is that legal for them to do that? "Critical" software? IDK. Maybe they think I'll get a new phone now....Funny.

My better half just plugged in to update her phone, (just a routine update) and it said she had to restore the phone to factory settings...! I understand this is a problem they have with PC users now...hmmm...someone who has some clout is going to see what they are doing sooner or later, you know...So, reset and then what...? Loose all apps, that's what...OK, they will claim everything is restored if you just have the phone backed up...no wait...because that really gets dicey if you don't have a MAC (no kidding!)...is that also legal? If so, it's still bad business...Now I need a MAC if I want an iphone? Hmmm....How about a DROID? (I bet it works on a PC just fine, and also works on a MAC....IDK, but I'd make that bet...and I'd also bet MAC users are not surprised by this problem I'm having. :-)...
Back to the point..OK, a DROID, or a regular CHEAP internet ready phone will do most of the ipone tricks, and internet access is a third of the price on those plans? Yup.

So, there you go...unbeleiveable, huh...or saddly, maybe it's just a little too BELIEVABLE!

And hey, if anyone knows where to send a letter...let me know...(just kidding, it's probably just a waste of paper...)

I'm done now...

This is it....

2010-01-20T18:55:00.006-06:00

I think I'll take a blogging sabbatical. I think a lot of this interaction...which was minimal here...true...has moved to FB...which is also getting tiresome...the next big thing is always just around the corner... :-)

In conclusion...

We don't belong in Afghanistan, or Iraq.
Everyone in the country does not deserve, or need to own a gun.
Decent health care should be a right, not a privilege.
No law abiding citizen should be discriminated against, or marginalized.
Jesus was a socialist...(If you don't believe that, read Acts.)
And at the end of it all...God always wins...

Bye for now.

Is Cleanliness Next to Godliness?? And the Healthcare Bill....

2010-01-17T23:52:00.018-06:00

It's Martin Luther King weekend...so I get Monday off. I plan to help my niece move...maybe, that is. I'm assuming she'll still do the move this weekend. Today her dog got hit by a car, and they had it's leg amputated. Then her daughter (age 7) came down with the flu. I feel for her.

I am praying for, and plan to direct my giving to the efforts in Haiti. That must be a living hell. There is no real rule of law. The situation could turn impossible without God's intervention.

Pat Robertson's comments were totally out of line. He is an example of a Christian leader with no accountability. It's sad...
God will judge the world...we know that. Sin is sin...we know that. To single out this failed society, and connect the failure to a 200 year old event, (which as far as I know isn't even documented very well, if at all) and then condemn them is offensive.

My little sheltered corner of the world (for now) has been pretty good. We got a lot done around the house today. (ie cleaning, shopping...) I'm getting along with my daughter after a good (although brief) talk....now it's my oldest closing off...Ugh...
I've had some good workouts...The football games ended to my satisfaction, which really just means Minnesota won...that's who I'm pulling for this year...(Sean, woo!)

I got to visit and catch up with a friend Friday night. Brian and I went to the same church a number of years ago. We both love wine, and used to get together with a group and drink the stuff semi regularly. (Sean set up the wine tastings...thanks for that buddy :-)
So we got together and had some wine and good conversation.

Brian lives in a beautiful home on a hill with beautiful views of the city...it is is the cleanest place I have been in a very long time. Afterwords, I came home to my dirty house and announced we had to fix things up. I explained to Sydney how I would be embarrassed to have them over (Yes...I already invited them over for next visit...but I think we're going out :-).

The truth is, we painted and decorated every room in the house about 5-9 years ago, and it's time to get after it again. We have holes in walls (thanks Max). The wood floors are worn out (2 Great Danes). And the carpeting...don't ask. Hey, you have to live somewhere! Right!?! Yes, I am making excuses... :-)

The only problem is the budget. We have one kid, and will soon have two kids in college. Eventually we'll have three in college. I also will have three teenage drivers with in 6 months...Hmmm...So, paying for home improvement on top of all that?
Hey, painted concrete floors are in style...!

So is cleanliness next to Godliness? Hmmm...Only on a ritualistic level...in my opinion. :-) What do you think...?
Anyhow, we have some work to do around here.

OK, if I lived in Massachusetts, I would vote for the Republican, Scott Brown just to kill the health bill in the Senate. They accomplished nothing with this bill as far as I can tell...Except I won't be denied coverage. Of course, I may not be able to afford the cost! But I wont be denied...which is BS...so is making it a legal obligation for me to buy insurance....and they estimate with this bill my health costs will probably go UP...the whole process looks corrupt frankly.

The funy thnig abuot speling.....and reading...?

2010-01-08T23:13:00.012-06:00

Accdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.

This has been circulating on FB...in actuality only 55% of all people can read it...I could, can you?
I wonder if that 55% also don't pay special attention to spelling?

And what does it say about dyslexia? We have dyslexia in my family. (Immediate and extended)

Yeah...I'm fishing here.

Know your heart....I was just thinking about this so...why not blog it..... :-)

2010-01-01T22:24:00.010-06:00

Years ago I was trying to make a major life decision. It had to do with work if I remember correctly. I had analyzed the situation into oblivion. To me everything is connected somehow spiritually, which can tend to complicate my thinking at times, and simplify it at others. This time it complicated it; so I didn't know what to do. That said, someone I know suggested I speak to a highly respected church elder in town about my situation. I thought that would be perfect. Maybe they would give me the spiritual wisdom I was trying to find.

We spoke by phone. I never met the man, and don't remember his name. But I do remember the conversation. I started by explaining my situation, and circumstances. I gave him my take on how things stacked up spiritually (trusting God, His leading, the future). His reply surprised me. All he said was, "At the end of the day, you will follow your heart. Whatever is there will determine what you decide." This sounded terribly simple, and frankly nonspiritual to me at first. However, after I thought about it awhile...I concluded he was right. And I made the change I was considering.

I know all the "the heart is deceitful" verses; however, there is also this, which is what he was referring to...I think. Pr 3:5-6; 4:23-27... and Ps 37:4.

Since this talk I have tried to "know my heart"...or maybe better said, I try to consider "where my (your???) heart is at". It's hard to know!...but still it's worth considering...when working things out.

How it's done...

2009-12-30T20:02:00.008-06:00

If you're a teenage girl in a family of boys, what do you do? How do you make that work? Ask Jenny...she has her brothers, (and her dad) right where she wants them. Check his out...it's a funny story.
Her car broke down. Lucky for her it was at the house. It required a tow, and a repair job (new ignition). I gave her the tow truck phone number...

"Call em", I said...An hour passes by...nothing is happening.
I say, "Come on, call em Jen."
"I don't know what to say, dad."
"You say you need a tow."
"Dad, will you call them? I might do it wrong."

Ugh...Ok, I called them. But Jen needs to go out and talk to the tow truck operator. They show up an hour later.

Where is Jen?

"JENNY!!!", I yelled.
"I'll be right there dad!"

I go out to talk to the driver. As he is finishing up...guess who shows up? That's right! Jenny. And she's all smiles...nice.
"Hi guys!" "Can you get my radio out of the dash?" The driver was happy to do so.

OK...I know I'm being played...but it's over. The car will be repaired and she can go get it later...
Later arrives, and what do you know, Jen has plans! (Surprise) Friends are on there way.

"I'm not doing this for you." I said.
"OK, dad, I love you." (Followed by a hug.)
" I love you too honey."

I'm still not getting her car. A few minutes later, Luke walks down stairs...

"I don't know how that happened." He said.
"What happened?"
"Jenny just roped me into going to get her car."
I smiled...

"Jenny, you're a stinker!", I said.
Jen replies, "Huh?" (with an innocent look)...

She is really good at this. It's not all manipulation though, and it doesn't strike me as terribly negative either..it's just how a girl in an all boy family might handle things.

Please don't jump to conclusions. This is just a funny story. The truth is, Jenny is very responsible, smart, respectful, and a self starter...She does not rely on this kind of thing to get by...Ok?

Anyway, at the end of it all...She owes me breakfast (tomorrow). I imagine Luke will get in on that too.
I love her very much...
She can make me feel like a king...even while getting me to handle her problems.

Blek....

2009-12-29T19:23:00.017-06:00

So I took down my NY Resolutions post...enough of that...it's kind of narcissistic to put your NY Resolutions up on a blog anyhow...However...I did write my action plan yesterday. I'm kind of happy with them (my resolutions)...They are different than usual...Time will tell if any personal changes occur.

I asked Max about his NY Res...He said, "I had one, but I forgot what it was..." He is so funny...the kid makes me smile...everyday...no kidding.

Upward, and onward...

It's snowing again in Oklahoma. And I need to go out...I pray to not get stuck...the Tahoe is no good on snow. My wheels (although very cool) have tires w/little tread...Gha.

What the hell happened to our National Security? They (the FBI?) had intelligence on this guy who tried to blow up a jet, and didn't share it? I can just see their idiotic mind set...(This intelligence cost us time, and money...we're not sharing it for free.) We'll jerks, it almost cost lives! Stop your ego trip.

I wonder if the government in Iran will topple? It's happened before. And what might replace it? I remember the first time they had "free elections" and Admadinejad won. I thought, "these people are just plain radical". But the second go round, where it was obvious the election was rigged, I thought different. We should pray for them...same for the Palestinians...(more rigged elections).

Avatar...have you seen it? I have not...yet...but I want to. It's just that we had a blizzard, and then it was selling out...every show. Then back to work, and more snow. Argh! Maybe I'll have to make going to see it a NY resolution! :-)

I am almost finished reading, "Holiness, Truth and The Presence of God", (by Frangipane)...for the second time. He describes a level of spirituality I will probably never attain...however, he also spells out what a deep walk with God looks like. You have to read slow, and think through some terminology (at least I do). Take "holiness" for example...means "set apart", right? Great. What does that look like in a traffic jam, or at work...? Hmmm. Ok...that's all I got.

Still reading? hahaha...fine...good!

Cause I thought of one last thing...Once in awhile I ask myself, "Why do I keep a web blog?" It started as something cool to do on the net. I got the idea from a friend...Sean...Yeah, you buddy. I have some thoughts about this I think I'll share later. But mostly...I think it's just a habit. :-)

Merry Christmas...

2009-12-23T19:07:00.023-06:00

When I reflect on what occurred 2000 years ago in a barn, located in a middle eastern hick town I am always awestruck...always, always. Some people play the event down, others are threatened by it. Not me. God took on human flesh. What?! Incredible. I know people who just can't believe it...God? Became a man? A girl, having never had sex, gave birth to this divine child? Come on...
I can understand not being able to get your head around that for sure. This is too much, really. Right?

But if you read between the lines a pattern emerges. This event is grounded in history, space and time. There were eye witnesses to the event who recorded it. I know archeologists argue about the evidence, or lack of it (it depends, sometimes they find good evidence, other times they find problems); however, archeologists argue about everything. Fact is, there are accounts in the historical record that something big occurred that night. One can argue the event changed history. (I know there is a politically motivated movement to change the terms, but it remains...the event changed history)...Then eventually the movement that resulted overtook an empire (Rome), and spread all over the world.

Stunning...absolutely amazing, no matter what your worldview. And the bottom line? This was/is excellent news. This is a fantastic deal for everyone, everywhere in every situation and circumstance. I know some imply the opposite...that it's bad news...some Christians even say it's bad news (in so many words). But God didn't say that. He said this is great news, and a super deal...God took on humanity...wow...

So that's what I think of when I reflect on what occurred in a barn, in that middle eastern hick town...2000 yrs ago.
Merry Christmas...!

iTunes Warning...

2009-12-22T21:36:00.007-06:00

I like my iPhone, and I use iTunes almost everyday. As can happen with computer software, iTunes got corrupted. I called Apple tech support...(I am off warranty so I get limited help...the techs are very friendly, but by the time the voice response is done with me, I am usually grumpy. Then I get to talk to someone...I must talk funny, Apple voice response only understands half of what I say...).
So, the solution? Uninstall/reinstall iTunes. I'll lose all my music, I say. You can sync your phone, and recover it, they tell me. Ok. So, I uninstalled and reinstalled iTunes...now my music is gone, AND iTunes will not recognize my phone. I have no connection now. So I called tech help again and spoke to the voice prompt for awhile, (ugh) then finally got to talk to a tech...what now, I ask? Reinstall iTunes, they say...Hmmm...This is starting to sound like a cop out, I think. They also said to try another computer...what? (I guess, if I can connect to another computer I can get software updates...but no music.)
If I had known I was getting the run around, I would have left it alone...I'm kind of screwed here.
I have most of my music backed up on Micrsoft Media, lucky for me...so beware if you use iTunes and don't have a back up plan.

Do over....!

2009-12-19T20:29:00.005-06:00

Sometimes don't you wish life had a "do over" function? You get to go through the same day/situation/decision again, and do better. I'll bet the democratic leadership wishes they could do over the health care reform process. What they plan to vote on looks pretty watered down to me.

Remember when Pres. Obama said a government plan was not essential in a bill? I said, and still maintain, that it was over right then. There will be no government run health plan, and no meaningful reform...we can't even have a public option. Why can't I even have a public "option"? Because it hurts the insurance companies, I know...we can't have that...they struggle so much...(sarcasm). The bill will just be a big grab for the insurance companies now. Of course, not until we suffer through endless political posturing.

All this while I pay out the nose because I had a kid break a leg, and I got sick, both in the same month. I'm at $700 out of pocket costs and counting. We still haven't heard from the bone specialist (translation, "high dollar consultation"). "Consultation", because he didn't actually do anything...the bone was set. We just had to go see him twice (so far) to be sure the bone was healing properly...which I gladly did...I'm just saying I haven't seen the bill. I imagine I will pay out of pocket expenses of $1000-$1500 before it's over. Merry Christmas...(more sarcasm...that's all though).

When will the USA join the rest of the developed, industrialized world and adopt a singe payer plan? Only after a full blown health care crisis...unfortunately.

Personally, I wish I could do over last night! My step nephew got married. And, for bad reasons I decided we would leave before the reception was over. In a do over I would have stayed. I think I might also have muscled in on some of the family activities. We were excluded, but now I'm told we were supposed to know to participate (how?)...I want a do over!

I can think of all kinds of applications for a "do over". Not like "Ground Hog Day" where Bill Murray had no choice but to do it over till he got things right...We would like to control the function, thank you...so I'll add it to my wish list... :-)

H1N1 Epilogue...Part I is below....

2009-12-11T23:28:00.009-06:00

I am recording this in order to remember it if anything else... so sorry if it's boring.
Its Dec. 11...I went to the gym for the first time since I took ill. (Three weeks ago). I weighed in at 150. That's down from 162! Amazing...I went for a swim, and was surprised at how weak I was. I managed 700 yards...I expected to do 1000 yards. Come to think of it, I still get tired easily. If I do a little cleaning, or have to climb to get something it really takes it out of me.

I ate my first full meal on Monday Dec. 7...my birthday! (which is nice...cake you know). So I am guessing I am at about 85-90% of full recovery. I have asked at pharmacies, and other neutral places about flu shots. I don't want to go to the doctors office for one. In fact, I went in to see my doc for a regular check up about one week before coming down with this...so I guess I caught it then...stay out of doctor offices!

I am thankful no one got this from being around me...Jen and Sydney were around quite a bit just to get me what I needed; when I couldn't get out of bed w/o the room spinning, and being winded, and vomiting...and I was afraid they might be next. Thank God it was not the case. So, I think this is all I'll say about my H1N1 experience...it was the sickest I have ever been by far...it scared me.

So on the bright side...Sydney made it a fantastic Thanksgiving...she has never had the opportunity (other family always does this...and don't get me wrong, she's not complaining)...and the kids said she would not let anyone leave the table til they played a game. She says, "The family that plays together, stays together." Good words, and true.
She also finished 95% of the Christmas shopping...stepping up to the plate on that one! Sydney likes to shop, and I was not around to hinder her with schedules (or budgets, although she stayed pretty much on target... :-)
I lost 10 pounds right at the holidays...nice! So I can have some extra pie if I want some...I still would not recommend H1N1 as a diet.

Last, I had a lot of time to think. I haven't said anything about this, but I got really depressed after a week into this...during the worst of the sickness. It has passed; however, I thought some things through that had mostly bounced around in my head for a long time. They were issues surrounding work. And other issues relating to friends (or lack thereof) in my life.
I ended up in a place where I trusted God with these. It's a good place to be for now. I hope to be sensitive to what God leads. Now I am content. Laying in bed sick just happened to help.

The H1N1 Chronicles

2009-12-05T20:53:00.003-06:00

It's Nov 19th...I don't feel good, and I have a cough. Maybe I'm coming down with something. I go to work anyhow, as it could also be nothing...the cough gets worse throughout the day so I leave a little early...I don't want to gross people out. Everyone is on edge due to the swine flu scare anyhow. People get scared so easily these days...it seems silly to me. "You just need to live your life...don't be so afraid...", I say.
Since so many bugs are going around I decide to go to the doc and get some anti-biotics. I have upper respiratory problems most winters so it makes sense. He tests me for H1N1...Why? "You probably have it", he says...what? My test is negative. "You may still have it, we get lots of false negatives", he tells me. OK, so it's not bad in adults anyway, right? "It depends",...he says. I go home and go to bed.
Maybe I'll take Friday off and relax. My cough improves overnight, but I start to run a fever of about 101. I feel crummy, and stay in bed. I get up and do a little work from home just to not get behind. By evening I still have a fever, and a headache, and a lower back ache...the cough is also back, and worse. I take a shower to get rid of the chills...it works. I am quarantined to my bedroom by Sydney...she moves to the living room. I moan all night long from pain.
Saturday morning 11/21 is the Ohio St Michigan game...! I get up. I have a fever of only 100. Maybe I'm getting better. Sydney brings me a cup of coffee, and a glass of OJ. I drink these, and promptly throw it up. Through the day, my headache comes back with a vengeance, and my back ache is persistent. I wonder if maybe I've thrown out my back coughing. I sleep through the Ohio St. Michigan game...in fact I sleep most of the day.
Saturday night, my fever is 102, my head feels like it's going to explode, and my back is killing me. This, and I start vomiting every hour, all night. It gets to be mostly dry heaves, as I have nothing left in me. I pray when I'm awake to get better.
Sunday, my mom calls to check on me. Sydney tells her the story. She is praying for me now too. I also ask to get on the work prayer list...
This goes on for the next four days...a fever of 100-102, a headache, and back ache from which I can get no relief, and vomiting at least every hour. I think to myself that I can see how this might kill someone...I can't go like this much longer. My mom calls everyday to check on me and pray.
Thanksgiving...The family dinner was supposed to be at our house. We had to move it. The family asked that none of us join them at their house either, which may be a little overkill, but my sister in law is unemployed and thus has no health insurance. I would feel terrible if they tied her getting sick to us in any way.
My fever is still 100, but the other symptoms have lessened somewhat. I take a shower, which really takes it out of me. I have no energy. I still have headaches on and off, but the back ache has gotten better, and I am only throwing up every few hours. Sydney made Thanksgiving dinner, and Jenny brought a plate to my room. I took three bites, and then took a picture of the meal. They did a great job! I just can't eat.
My fever finally broke Sunday night. That makes 10 days with a fever...10 days! I still can't eat. Food tastes like metal. Sydney brings me sport drinks, and chicken soup. I smell like chicken soup...I need a shower just to wash away the smell. I am also extremely fatigued. I can't be up more than a half hour at a time. But I continue to improve each day. I can eat a little more, and I can be up a little longer.
I finally get up on Dec 4, and go to work for a half day. Most people think I look terrible, and suggest I'm still sick. "You can't just lay in bed the rest of your life", I tell them. I go home and go to bed at 4:00 in the afternoon...and don't get up till Saturday morning.
I am now on the mend. I feel better, and am eating a little more each day. Since nothing tastes right I am trying new things. Why not. Mustard on a turkey sandwich for example. I still sleep a lot. The doctor said it could be a month before I fully recover. A month!
So my advice is this...to everyone...Be afraid, and get the H1N1 vaccine. Surprised? :-)
This is not worth it. I have never been so sick.

OSU Won...and stuff...

2009-11-15T15:23:00.003-06:00

Ohio St. won against Iowa...because they got really lucky in my mind. I watched the game on ESPN360, and simultaneuosly sent IMs to friends all over the world, from Skiatook lake (Hey Robb!) to Norway...I love the internet. Then Oklahoma St. won...so it's all good...So now we (Ohio St.) go to the Rose Bowl. Not a bad finish to a shaky season. I wonder if Pryor will finally live up to his billing...

Our dog Sadie was violated yesterday...by a Chihuahua!! A brave, self confident little guy...but confused...very confused. Not only was he taking on a female 10 times his size...he mounted her...........on the front leg.....hahahahahaha! She just stood there looking at him...I can only imagine what she was thinking.

Luke stood in for a bass player in a local band this weekend, with one practice session. I told him I wouldn't have done that. I hear it all worked out.

I was going to post something industry related (my industry) but decided not to do so, since they (my employer) are very picky about what we say...screw free speech...which is all I would have been engaged in...not proprietary company info...that is not covered by the first amendment... :-)

It's a rainy day here. But I went to the pool to try my new TYR swim goggles...they were great. It's nice to see again in the pool. My old goggles (and they were very old) were so scratched up I could not even see my watch anymore.

I'm hoping to do a family dinner today...the teens are already plotting good excuses not to go... :-( I was the same way...so I don't fault them much. I just try to make it extra special for anyone who participates.

About my last post....and some rambling thoughts.

2009-11-01T22:01:00.005-06:00

I guess you're never too young to trick or treat. (See my picture in the last post?) We had the fewest kids come by since we moved here 10 years ago. :-(
I felt sorry for Max, cause he loves this stuff and couldn't go out on account of his broken leg.

We have had the nicest weather I can remember for the end of Oct. this weekend. I also think we're over due! It's been non-stop cloudy, and rainy for what seems like two months...blah. We grilled out, and had a great family dinner. I love those.

Have you ever thought about what makes you tic? What's your passion? What do you live for? What makes getting up everyday worth it? These are good questions to ponder now and then...and the answers change as your life changes. I don't buy the "one thing" idea from Urban Cowboy myself, it can be several things. One of mine is my family. I am passionate about my family, being a husband and father, and trying to do it right...loving, teaching, serving, helping kids grow to mature, independent, Godly adults....I'm rambling here...a tangent from the family dinner...yes....family is not my only passion, but is the only one I'll bore you with (if you're still reading this).

I went to the maul today (for new clothes)...Am I the last person to give up cargo pants? I saw only one person all day wearing them, and it was me...everyone was in jeans...and to make matters weirder, there were NO cargo pants for sale, EXCEPT at The Gap on the clearance rack. This puzzles me...cargo pants are far, far more comfortable than jeans...and how about all the extra pockets? I don't get it, I really don't. I finally found a pair in, of all places...Wal-Mart ($15), so I got them. There you go.

I rooted for the Vikings today over Green Bay. I like Brett Farve, and think he got lousy treatment at Green Bay. I know their is plenty of blame to go around, I just think the organization trumped the humanity in this situation...So, I'm glad the Vikings won. And I would love it if they also won the Super Bowl this year...

That's all for now...thanks for reading this silly stuff.

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-01T21:58:00.000-06:00

Hi Mom...

2009-10-20T21:52:00.002-05:00

Well...my mom read my last post where I thought she suggested I don't love people enough, and that's why I haven't been at church much...she emailed me that she didn'y say that...and I believe her!

So mom says I am "very caring most of the time"...ok then...sorry mom.

I didn't mean anything accusing in the post...I actually thought it was an interesting idea. Maybe it (lack of love) could be why many people blow off church...even me...maybe not. It's worth considering. Why don't I go to church...at least lately? Well, maybe it's lonely, that's what I said in the post. It is also frustrating...

OK, fine, now what is love? It is patient, kind, long suffering...all that and more, right? Does patience, and kindness and long suffering (or better put, living with difficulties) have any application here? I think it does...I just said I thought the idea (not loving) applied to me was not fair because I've tried...maybe I need to try harder, IDK.

It's Rainy...I have nothing to say here..just a little odds and ends deal.

2009-10-14T21:17:00.004-05:00

It has rained almost daily for the last month. Living in Oklahoma I've learned to really appreciate a nice, cool, rainy day..which I have...but a nice, cool, rainy month? No...
So I am ready for some sun shine.

The kids are out for fall break. I might have to put them to work, because Grammy, and Granddad are coming to see us. Better clean up some! It's always good to see Grammy and Granddad.

We haven't been making church lately. I'm not sure what to do about that. I know I need to be with other believers, if anything just to contribute something, or encourage someone. That's an important part of life. However, church tends to be the loneliest hour of the week for me. My mom says maybe it's because I don't love people enough. Hmmm. IDK about that...in fact, I don't think that's fair.

Work has been good. The market has had quite a run...most of it quite unexpected...but I'm not complaining!

I'm reading The Secret History....which I understand is a relatively old book...10-15 years old?...I like it. It is well written, and really draws you into the story. I read the other day a section where one main character had to spend a winter in an unheated apartment. I literally felt cold after reading. I expected to look outside and see snow. Funny...Other than that, it is a creepy book about a murder...and I recommend it.

Luke's band opened for Chthonic last week. I found out after the fact this is an award winning, international band...from Taiwan. I wish I had stayed longer.

That's all...I just thought I'd blog something random....this is it.

WHY??

2009-10-02T22:37:00.005-05:00

I just spent an hour blogging about health care (check the two posts below, or not... now that you know the subject...! :-)...I think I do this because I can express my opinion without people yelling at me. Out here in Oklahoma I am no doubt a minority.

The truth is I am extremely analytical...to near paralysis at times. I have thought this out personally, economically, morally, spiritually, legally and any other way I can. I have read between the lines, questioned my own bias, and considered opposing views. At the end of the day, I recognize I could be wrong. I've been wrong before...lots of times. So thanks for listening/reading.

Bottom line? If you think a public option is a disaster in the making, I don't think you have anything to worry about. I ramble on about my opinion; but the truth is, there will be no public option...it died when Obama said it was not a central issue for him to sign a bill. Its all just political posturing now.

I do pray we get a bill that starts to fight rising costs, and stops the insurance industry from dropping and excluding people from care...and that's a long shot.

Don't be a hater, vote for Nader

2009-10-02T22:08:00.003-05:00

Remember that campaign slogan? HAHA

I'm not sure what underlies the politics of hate and fear, but part of the attitude stems from the lie that government can do nothing competently. I am personally proud to be an American, and am thankful for our form of government. It sure isn't perfect...but let's not throw the baby out with the bath water.

I can offer some examples where our government is competent. First, and most obvious, we have a great military...which at our country's founding was an issue to some. Now it's a given that running the military is a legitimate function of the federal government. Then, some argued it should be a function of the states...yup... :-)
That said, today we have the best run military in the world, bar none.

The Postal System is another example. I'll clarify the key point for me here. The post office is not by any means perfect...but we don't doubt for a minute when we mail a letter that it will not be delivered (almost always) to its destination...(not perfect, but competent).

That's where I'm coming from. Our government is not perfect...but nothing is perfect. Not the government, or the company you work for, or your family, or even you, right?
(yes...this esp. goes for me :-)

So, much of the hate/fear atmosphere we live with is generated from an irrational demand that government be perfect. An associated point, and I can't state this strongly enough is that government should be transparent, and accountable (for and by the people).

But government has a function, and a place, as a solution to help, not hurt. A good example...I work in the banking system. We have a huge level of government regulation...and it's needed in our case because there is so much potential for abuse.

Health care has become the same kind of animal. It has enormous potential for abuse. A major corporation announced this week that retirees in their plan will no longer have health coverage starting next year. These people have no recourse...none at all. Are you next? Am I? If you were sick, and dependent on that plan you might consider this decision a form of abuse...no appeal, no (public?) option...just tough luck for you. You paid your premiums, you kept your end of the bargain, but they couldn't make a buck off you...

When health care was carried out by the town doc, private care was fine. Now that is just not the case. Health care is complex, and costly. We need a safety net. Will it be perfect? No, it will not. I favor it, knowing full well it will be messy...but the option is needed...

Sorry, I got away from trying to say let's not all hate each other, or our leaders over this (or any other issue). The atmosphere depresses me.

Many world governments are not competent, our is. It will never; however, be perfect.
We should be thankful for what we have, while keeping government accountable....and not letting hate, or fear drive our thinking.

To The Honorable John Boehner....

2009-10-02T21:33:00.004-05:00

I tried to email him from his website; but he has considerable hoops to do so. I'm glad he's not my congressman. That would not fly here in Oklahoma. So maybe he searches the net for anything with his name. It's a long shot, but here goes...a brief comment congressman.

Dear Sir,
Today you said you have yet to hear from one American who is for government run health care (ie public option). Frankly, I find that hard to believe; however...I want to let you know I'm an American, and would like to see a public option offered. There you go...one American.
Best Regards,
Jim (Sameasthem)

The Lost Symbol

2009-09-26T16:47:00.004-05:00

I finished Dan Brown's new book...It is a typical Dan Brown novel; another page turner. I wish more authors were as "fun" to read. That said, I was disappointed in the book. I'm not recommending it to anyone. The plot and story structure draw heavily from The Da Vinci Code (a better read for sure). There is a museum type setting. A crazed, religious fanatic murderer. Bob Langdon, and a pretty, (as well as intelligent) female to share the ride. Mr. Brown also may have had a movie deal in mind because some of the story feels more like a movie than a novel. I'm not sure about that, but you get that sense as you read.

The story takes place in Washington, DC, so I learned quite a bit of trivia about DC architecture, which was interesting. Brown builds his plot to a surprising climax, then spends the last 50 (or so) pages of the book sharing his personal theology. This through the eyes of another respectable, highly intelligent, prominent character in the story, Peter Solomon. I am not at all interested in Dan Brown's personal world view myself (and I suspect I'm not alone).

He presents a mostly pop theological view that sees all religions leading to the same one God; and more importantly to Brown, they lead to man's enlightenment, and evolution (a "quantum leap" in our humanity). It's presented as something of an intellectual absolute truth. However, the real truth is that this thinking is inconsistent, and based on very sketchy theology, as well as fringe science (Noetics). It was a boring, and unnecessary end to the mostly predictable book (if you read Da Vinci Code).

It seemed like Mr. Brown felt so successful in his Da Vinci Code work (which had weird theology as well, I know...but was easily refutable) that he thought we would all be dieing to hear what he thinks of the seen and unseen world. No thanks on that for me... :-) It would have been a fun, interesting (in many respects), exciting (although predicable) read if he had stopped at the climax of the story; because he smuggled in enough of his worldview in the body of the story for discussion, and provocation(?) purposes.

Around the world health care...

2009-09-04T22:47:00.001-05:00

I found this on my brother Charlies FB page...

Obama plans a speech to kids at school...so...that's nice...

2009-09-04T11:08:00.001-05:00

I heard about this on the news, because there is apparently an uproar from parents about the speech. The complaint is that Obama is indoctrinating kids, brainwashing, and interfering in their lives.
If you look past the pundits (who sell commercial time if they get us to watch and get worked up) to the official release...it is just a speech about the importance of education, and the need to take responsibility for your life. No gov. questionnaire, no demand for community service (as if that's bad)...just a speech.

This anti Obama speak looks personal (not political) to me...

Now the census...that's another story...talk about invasive! It doesn't stop with how many people are in your family. Its...how many people are in each bedroom, who are they, how many toilets in your house, income levels, number of prescriptions you have...the document is pages and pages long. We have to fill it out completely by law...we can go to jail for refusing...What!...Why are we bitching about a Presidential speech, when we should be really bitching loud about this thing...

Weekend Issue...... :-)

2009-08-30T16:08:00.005-05:00

A productive weekend, and the weather couldn't be better.

I turned on the TV yesterday and my HS football team was on ESPN. They were getting killed, so I just watch a few minutes. Then we turned a reality show on...called "My Antonio"....have you seen this? It is about a handsome, former actor/model who is searching for love by having twenty gorgeous women compete for his attention. A dream come true? Noooo! The show looked to me as if it was about a level headed gentleman locked up with a bunch of crazy, premenstrual chicks...and to make matters worse his over protective mother, and ex-wife are there too! Hilarious!...but I felt sorry for "Antonio", I really did...anyhow, that was not the productive part of my weekend, but it was funny!

Here is what was productive...I got lots of exercise in (walking, and chin-ups..there's a chin-up bar in my BR door now, so I do 5-6 every time I go in the room...I recommend it), did my Leukemia Society volunteer work (I'm a neighborhood coordinator), spent good time with Sydney, and the kids, and had a strong/meaningful prayer time Sunday morning in lew of attending church (sorry mom)...All that's left is paying the bills...

I think we'll have a family meal tonight. I'm glad we did these when the kids were younger cause it gets harder all the time...college, work, friends...all compete. Since it's beautiful out, we'll grill.

The eReaders Wars: Amazon vs. Sony vs. Apple... - The Atlantic Business Channel

2009-08-26T22:27:00.001-05:00

The eReaders Wars: Amazon vs. Sony vs. Apple... - The Atlantic Business Channel

Shared via AddThis

Something good...

2009-08-26T20:14:00.005-05:00

Sometimes it seems like I have nothing nice to say. This last year that has been true. I haven't found much to like. My therapist says I'm grieving...
At the same time, I am thankful for so much...

Besides the usual things (family, health, job), and the most important things (Jesus in my life, forgiveness, and what goes with it) the weather here has been phenomenal...cool, and dry...like southern California...I get to go for long walks with the dog at night...it's great...

I have really enjoyed reconnecting with old friends from HS, and college on FB. That occurred just this year. What a blessing! And I've gotten to read some really good books. (Not Evolution of God...I just thought it was interesting...but I think I'm the only one...it's just what I do. When I heard preachers saying speaking in tongues was unscriptural, and potentially demonic; I didn't just take their word for it, I went out and got books by Oral Roberts and Kenneth Haggin, and read their arguments...no kidding.) Rambling here...

Let's see...books...The Last Secret of the Temple, Praying, Evangelism and The Sovereignty of God, John Adams, The October Horse, Caesar, all were great....Sydney has suffered through my train wreck with me but we are getting along better than ever (well that's my opinion...she may not see it that way...I 'll ask her.)

God blesses...

So, I'm going for a walk, with my buddy...the dog...it is going to rain tomorrow...np, we need it... :-)

OK, then...

2009-08-20T20:36:00.011-05:00

So this dude at work has been emailing a list of radically conservative political propaganda (Glen Beck type stuff)...Sometimes he sends two, or three emails a day...he's really got too much time on his hands... :-)

He thinks he will effect change this way. The emails express (those he chooses to forward) are the kind of ideas that promote hate, and fear; and some are frankly...offensive.

I finally asked him to take me off his list.

But he sends this crap every couple weeks anyhow. I just delete them without reading. Last week he asked if I read the last email he sent. I told him no, I delete his emails. He said I was thin skinned...I told him I was not, and to back off.

Today he came by and said, "Sorry for your loss"...since Ted Kennedy died (I'm not a Kennedy fan though...I kind of think the whole family is over rated.)....but my coworker added he was glad Kennedy died...I said, "You shouldn't ever be happy someone dies esp. of something like brain cancer"...I got a dirty look for that comment. He hates just like material he spends all his time reading...sad....but I wonder...

Was it the chicken, or the egg? Did spending considerable time reading, editing, and distributing, then probably discussing this BS make him hate, or does he read and like what reflects what's inside anyhow...I imagine he hates me too...since I agree with democrats on some issues...Hmmm...

Both sides of big issues do this, (promote hate and fear)...and they are both wrong...

The Evolution of God...

2009-08-20T19:20:00.012-05:00

This is a book by Robert Wright. He taught philosophy at Princeton; and religion at Penn State. I indicated on my FB status when I started the book and caught hell for it...no pun intended.. :-)

Now that I'm finished I thought I'd organize my thoughts about it...over here on my blog.

Should I mention this on FB, with a link? Hmmm IDK

Here goes...

I would never accuse Robert Wright of being a Christian. At best he is an agnostic. The majority of the book reads like a history of religion outline...he deals primarily with monotheism; and examines the relationship between Islam, Judaism, and Christianity through time.

He contends that God "evolves". What he is really saying is the idea of god develops (intentional little "g", yes...because he does not end up anywhere near the notion of the one true God). He believes that god is an idea, which people have used and developed to help them integrate their lives, society, and culture. He does not address the very real notion that God is constant, and that society, and culture have developed as a response to His revelation and not vice versa.

So why did I read this book? First, I am interested in hearing opposing views to my own...(which is also true of my politics, within reason...politics can get crazy...crazier than religion in my experience...the land of the irrational thought...). However, as we know, God works in unusual ways. Wright ends up defending Gods existence in spite of himself. Since 9/11 we have been bombarded with a kind of pop atheistic intellectualism...(Dawkins, Hitchens, Harris, a film by Bill Maher etc.) They base their attack on God, and those who believe in Him upon the notion of the superiority of reason, and science.

Wright, in his conclusions shifts the debate. Basically, he says that just because you can't see, and measure something that it is not worthless to a worldview. He uses science against itself. He mentions the fact that we can't see electrons, we can't even conceive of them (check quantitative physics...crazy stuff). However, we can measure them, and observe their properties and their effects. This same principle applies to conceptualizing God. We can't see Him, or really conceive of Him adequately, (ie My (Gods) thoughts are higher than your thoughts) but we can observe His effect, and measure His properties. What are those effects/properties? Wright points primarily to a "moral order" which has always existed, no matter the culture or time. He sees God as a logical source of that moral order...(Gods measurable properties)

These arguments effectively short circuit the attack we have had from the pop atheists...he changes the ground rules for the debate in favor of Christianity...

I'm glad I read it.

Max, and all that

2009-08-19T17:35:00.007-05:00

We had Sydney's birthday yesterday...I grilled K-bobs for the family...Jenny baked an amazing cake. It was lemon with soft lemon cookie in the middle...it was a hit...I asked, what's wrong with a chocolate cake? So she made "a boring chocolate cake" (her words) also. Anyhow, it was good to see everyone...after the party I took the dog on a long walk...my swim keeps getting rained out, and that's all my exercise!

The Dam Jam (Tulsa bike tour/race) director is a friend of mine, so I told him I would help as a volunteer this year..
"Are you sure?", he said?
"You bet", I said. "I'm in"...
"Great", he says, "We'll see you in Prior at 6:30"................
6:30 in the morning...bleh...I don't do 6:30 anymore..."Is there anything I could do later?" What's with me? I have real problems waking up at 5:00 or anythime before 7:00. I used to be able to wake up easy...is it age? I know lots of elderly that get up early...but me, in the last couple years, no way...he let me off easy though.

So, Max and I were driving down the street the other day, and a cop passed (a female), he says..."I don't believe it!"...
"What?", says I.
"A woman cop."
"Whats wrong with that?"
"It's a woman cop, and women can't drive...!"

Hahahaha...hey, he doesn't get it from me!
Funny kid.
I said, "If you're ever pulled over by a female cop keep that to yourself..."

More and more of my clients are on my Facebook. Most of them don't like to listen to my political venting (who does, right?). So I delinked it. Now it won't post on FB anymore. People can still click the link though. It is kind of arms length.

Insurance companies rule...

2009-08-17T21:12:00.002-05:00

I have kept quiet about this issue. I could not stand the negative (hateful, irrational) atmosphere surrounding the discussion. I am even a little uneasy about saying anything now, although the core issue/solution is dead anyway. The public (government) option is gone. That should make a lot of people happy...no death squads, or bureaucrats getting between us and our doctors...

But I have a prediction...five years from now...maybe sooner, we will all see this was wrong...and that a government option was not evil...we will also, in retrospect realize that this bill (I make this prediction w/o a final bill even being written...because it's obvious where this is going)...this (currently unwritten) bill will have accomplished very little (helping the uninsured, policy potability, cost containment), and will have been a huge money grab for the insurance companies...

Last, in the next five years many, many of us will experience what it is like to be locked out of health care due to job changes, and costs...you and me (the middle aged) will flat not be able to afford coverage...

Shout me down if you like...but I'll be back with this in five years...or less.

Sadie moves to the front of the class.

2009-08-11T22:05:00.003-05:00

Sadie is my Great Dane. I took her for a walk last night around the pond. A flood retention pond, Rob...not like your pond/lake :-).
It was after dark. A nice evening for a walk. Then about half way around (the pond) a girl asked if we could use Sadie as "bait"...Huh?

Just then her dog (a 1 yr old puppy), who was off leash, and not intending to go back on leash ran by...Sadie popped her head out of her collar and off they ran...OMG. What I was thinking is this...She is off collar, and has a dog to run with and....ducks, lots of ducks...this is not good. So this girl is apologizing to me, and telling me how her boy friend is on the way...I didn't really know what to say to her...but I asked if I could try one thing...I would tell Sadie to "sit", in a firm, stern tone.

IT WORKED! She sat down, and waited for me to walk to where she was and slip the collar back on...this with the other dog running around her (and me) and don't forget the ducks...actually the ducks had decided not to wait around. But...Sadie was IMPRESSIVE!

Just then the boy friend showed up. And he would not acknowledge my presence...ok...I'll be going then.

Sadie moves to the front of the class in my book. She gets more freedom, and trust from me...she is free to join me in more trips, if she likes..all that...
GOOD, SMART DOG!

WOW

2009-08-09T15:36:00.002-05:00

WOW added a new patch which automatically installs, and disables most of the graphics on the game unless you manually upgrade your graphics card...not an easy procedure. If you are not tech savvy enough to do that, they offer a command that, if entered works around the problem, but reduces game efficiency. As you can probably guess, I had to enter the command, so the game works now, but is choppy. I wonder if that will be permanent...I hope not!

I posted a couple pictures below. I have a level 55 Death Knight. This is the lowest level for the character. You start being subservient to the evil Litch King (pictured here). He apparently started good, but was corrupted...you must escape from him early on...(I'm working on that). Also, my Paladin (which Luke souped up to be powerful beyond his lowly level of 24) was given a mount...this is great, as it gets you around the game much faster and looks really cool.

My Blood Elf Paladin got a mount! A war horse...I didn't expect it this soon.

2009-08-09T15:33:00.001-05:00

This is my level 55 Taurin Death Knight....I call him Imaburger...get it?

2009-08-09T15:30:00.001-05:00

I've always been a GM owner...however...

2009-07-24T23:54:00.001-05:00

Let's see...GM declares bankruptcy...which they have now miraculously completed....Preplanned? Absolutely...In the process they eliminated hundreds of local dealerships, many which were profitable to the company! Why?

It's simple economics. They are eliminating supply. Now their new ads declare "it's never been a better time to buy a GM car, since the price you pay is the price on the car"...I translate that into you pay sticker price!!
Period, no negotiating, no deals. What? Grrr.

Declare bankruptcy, which screws investors...Eliminate supply, which screws local businessmen... Then refuse to work out a deal...who does that screw...Hmmmm...everyone....I expected better...really.

I think I'm going to check into Fords, for my American car option...the company (Ford) has been well run in the last year (a tough business environment to say the least!)...They have not declared bankruptcy, or accepted government assistance...(However, I believe they eliminated dealers like GM, and Chrysler...corporate management across the industrial board has been ruthless the last year or so)...Is that ok? Is it good old capitalism? Or is it something else? (Another post for sure.)

Anyhow...Ford Motors the only US car company not mostly government owned...and I think you can still make a deal at the local dealer...the best time to buy a GM car my foot...it smells...bad...don't you think?

The Javanilla Shake....RIP

2009-07-10T20:15:00.000-05:00

This was the best milk shake on the planet (no kidding)...and they were FREE on Fridays at Borders if you bought their ground coffee...if I needed coffee on a Friday, that is where I would go...and now they are discontinued...Now what?? Anyone have suggestions on fantastic coffee shakes? Better yet FREE coffee shakes?

To my young friends...revised...

2009-07-10T19:56:00.000-05:00

This was in another post...however....I thought I was not expressing myself very well. I am not in a position to really address this...it's complicated...so I put it on my blog...maybe they will read it...and I don't want to go and insult other friends either...so this is revised....

To my young friends (you know who you are) trial separations do not solve marital problems. The problems will still be there after you get back together. You have to compromise and work things out. Get help if you can.

IDK, maybe if you tried to view your marriage as a permanent relationship, just like the one with your kids. It doesn't matter if they (kids) behave badly, or disappoint you, right? You keep trying, and trying. Sometimes it eats at your gut, I know! But you are not giving up on them (kids)...ever...no matter what...hard as it is. And the work will most likely be worth it in the end...Syd and I try to apply that concept to our marraige...and I don't deserve her, I know, so I am thankful for that.

It's hard, and there are no guarantees in marriage (or life really). Many marriages end, even with a lot of effort...but back to my point...trial separation? Hmmm...Getting help? A pastor, friends, family, a counselor? Better...
And try to kop that attitude..."I want this to be a permanent relationship"...it gives you staying power.
I love you guys...hang in there.

Sameasthem?

2009-07-09T19:29:00.000-05:00

"Sameasthem" is an internet name I chose to indicate that at the end of the day we all have a lot in common. (and noone else had used it so it was a good screen name) :-)...

The point is, weather your young or old, rich or poor, educated or not, live in a big city or in a remote village in the jungle. We all want to feel like we matter, that we are loved and are able to love someone else. We all laugh, cry, celebrate, worry, and think things through. For all that makes us unique, we still share these qualities. So what, right? Tell you something you don't know, right?...I'll never do that! :-) ha

So why pontificate? It all goes back to health care...Gotcha! No, don't stop reading here, I really want to make another point. It might even be seen as a prayer request. I would love meaningful health care, at least a safety net...in case I (or those I love) ever need it, but I am not hopeful that it will happen...which brings me to the point of all this blather...

The political climate in this country has even more gotten toxic than during the Presidential election. (I didn't think that was possible.) It's so bad we (friends, family, neighbors) can't even talk about things anymore. Maybe more important, our leaders can't talk about important issues. We are so polarized.

The truth is, first, like I said, we are really in many ways all in the same boat. And second, both sides of each issue are probably about half right, as well as half wrong. The best solutions tend to be in the middle. We won't get there if we just dig in our heals and flip each other off...(ie California)...or pick your own example, there are many...there, now I'm done...

Hmmm

2009-06-05T20:31:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting here on a Friday night...nothing to do...so why not blog some nonsense? No, I have a life, I'm just home now...really!

Max and I went to Best Buy and some guy ditched us in line. He could not have been more rude. He had to literally squeeze by to get to the spot. My first thought was that he must be with the people just a head of us...nope...just a rude dude...for sure...I wanted to take a swing at him, but I am too old for that...and wiser, hopefully...but I still thought about it.

Max has been working for me this week to earn money for a DVD he wanted...thus the trip to Best Buy...I got the gutters blown out, the windows washed inside and out, and the yard cleaned up...$40...not bad...the kids have stayed out of trouble for awhile...I usually get that stuff done for free...consequences you know...got to have consequences now a days...

I can't seem to find reasonable accommodations for our Ohio visit this year...we might skip till next year...hotels are full, or too expensive, or won't let us take our dog...If you're a "leave the dog at home" person...my answer to you is..."no"...

I'm reading "Knowing God", by Packer again...must be the 10th time. It is one of my favorite books...a classic...it's depth is phenomenal.

Both the teenagers are employed! (another reason we might not make Ohio...probably a more acceptable reason to the anti dog crowd...they are not anti-dog, really/mostly, just opinionated)

Jen ran out and got a job first place she went...watch out for that kid, let me tell ya...she came home and told Luke he could still get a job at the same place but had to go in Wednesday...he said he would for sure...(Luke has been "looking" for a job for months now...he says...I think he is doing just enough to appear to be "looking"... ugh...) :-)

Anyhow, I called him Wednesday night and asked how the interview went...he says "Oops!"
"You're kidding me...you forgot? Good grief", I said calmly...I told him, "If I were you I would not goof off with friends, or play video games, or even eat till I got a freakin job!! Grrr!!"...not so calm at this point.
He says,"Hey, you're not me!"
Yeah...Now I'm really steamed...Just before I went ballistic on him he said..."Just kidding, I got the job...haha"....I called him a name, something like "jerk"...for pulling my chain...he gets immense pleasure doing that...so go to "On The Border" and give big tips....that's my advice...maybe my family can come here from Ohio and we'll all go.

I was afraid this would happen....

2009-05-21T22:24:00.001-05:00

There were two speeches today. One by President Obama, and the other by former Vice President Cheney. I didn't like either one. Cheney twisted facts, and utilized half truths to defend his actions while Vice President in respect to torcher. The fact that we resorted to torcher in this country has always bothered me. It (water boarding) is illegal by our own law, and is also by international treaty.

What bothered me worse...much worse...was President Obama stating that he will continue to suspend habeas corpus in certain circumstances. If we are willing to detain, and imprison anyone suspected of terrorism, what stops us from expanding that application?

What if some Christians got nutty, and violent...and were determined to be a treat to national security. What if after that you, or I...those of us who are level headed followers of Christ happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time...detained, and imprisoned indefinitely...

Obama campaigned on reversing this suspension of civil rights. Now he makes an about face (after 4 short months in office!). Add that he is a more slick communicator that former President Bush; possibly resulting in people ignoring what he is doing.

I was afraid this would happen. Politicians hate to give up power once they have it. This time it is dangerous....and it sucks...This takes the shine off this President for me...I'll complain to my congressman, and Senators, but they support this executive power...so, any suggestions?

Carrie Underwood- All American Girl Music Video

2009-04-25T20:37:00.001-05:00

All American Girl...what a tear jerker song...

Woodward Park

2009-04-24T17:53:00.000-05:00

I took Sydney to Woodward Park. It has to be one of the nicest parks in the country. And what a gorgeous day. We just sat, and talked and watched the world go by. We used to go there all the time when we were dating (many years ago).

I was watching a Carrie Underwood music video (All American Girl, which I like since I have a daughter)...she had Tulsa as a background...cool....she's from Oklahoma. It amazes me all the country superstars from Oklahoma. Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, Vince Gill, Reba Mcentire, Leon Russell...and there are many more. Amazing! I'm not a big country fan, but told Luke (my musically talented kid) he should think about it.

On the dark side...Aerosmith is coming to Tulsa. I kind of want to see them, but I'll be expensive...$100-200/seat....if you want to see.

My brother Charlie broke his leg...cause he is uncoordinated... :-)

He went to the hospital, and for $5 he had X-rays, saw two doctors, was put in a cast and given medication, all in 35 minutes. Think about that the next time your sitting in an emergency room with a broken arm (like I did), or needing stitches (done that too), and you sit and wait 4 hours to see a doctor, then wait 3 more hours before your finally done. After that you get to go fight with your insurance company about who pays what. Why should that be the status quo? Do we really have some kind of superior health care system to everyone else? Is it even remotely possible we are getting sold a bill of goods while we get fleeced by insurance companies and health professionals? I'm not saying so, I'm just giving the facts...blah, blah.

Ah...Woodward Park...what a nice place...

This actually scared me...(revised)

2009-04-15T21:37:00.000-05:00

There were protests all over the country today. Over what? Many of the participants weren't sure. Some held up signs complaining Obabma raised taxes...he hasn't, and has said he is going to consider not doing so....he is not an idealist, he is quite a practical individual...thank God.
I saw another sign that said... "I want my America back!" What?

The protest had the appearance of a "we hate everything Obama" rally. We have had torcher, an unnecessary war, the biggest erosion of personal rights in the history of the Republic (search and seizure w/o a warrant...warrantless wire taping, and suspension of habeas corpus to name three) in the last few years...and there was never anything like this! The fact that so many were clueless about the nature of the protest scares me as all of us can be manipulated to do all kinds of crazy things. Nazi Germany started as a conservative movement, many members claiming to be Christian. Don't think it can't happen here...anything can happen here.

A good friend of mine who participated today said it was more a rally to protest spending. I guess that's okay, but I did not get that impression when I drove by, or from the local news (FOX). It's also my opinion that we would have had the financial system seize up (no cash available) and be in a horrible depression right now if they had not passed TARP, flawed as it was...and massive government spending...we are still looking at a wicked deflationary problem if the economy does not turn...mark my words...
I'm not putting details here explaining why I think deflation is a bigger problem that inflation; however...email me privately if you're interested, and I'll back it up.

My friend Rob brought up the Fair Tax today...maybe that is a part of a solution...

Bottom line? We all need to be careful of what we wish for.

Stupid Stuff

2009-04-03T20:24:00.000-05:00

I spoke to a friend of mine who said at his Bible study they had concluded President Obama is "evil". "Why on earth did you conclude that?", I said. He could not say...Really? That is a pretty serious charge!
I said, "Can't you disagree (even quite strongly) with someone, and not go so far as that conclusion...that label? Yikes!
I think he has done a great job his first 2 months in office. He is an excellent leader. (Not that what I think matters...but that's what I think...)

I went to the wine store tonight. They have a new wine manager...he gives out wine lessons to all the customers he helps. It just seemed like he was talking way too much given the questions people had...Like..."Does this taste good?" You don't need to know the French wine catagories to answer that question!! He's new, he'll learn, I know, I know...I need to be nice.
I was hoping he would not get around to me... he didn't... :-)

Luke called on Wednesday night to tell me he was moving in with his girl friend, and was not coming home...April Fools!! HAHAHA
I said he was really funny; but late, and was grounded for a week. He said..."WHAT!" April Fools back at cha! LOL

Max "jammed" his elbow...I've never heard of such an injury. However, he can't move the arm hardly at even all after a week. He says he's fine...that's because he does not want to go back to the doctor...we'll see on that one.

Jenny has been great lately...I love the times she is like this; very sweet, and endearing. She went with me to get jelly beans today which she thinks are very important to have around this time of year.

Sydney and I are taking an art class together. (I'm such a good husband.) I'm the only guy in the class. I keep thinking the local news is going to show up to do a story on art classes, and I'll never hear the end of it.

I'll watch some basketball this weekend (NCAA) even though I don't follow any of the teams left. I was talking with a friend today who feels the same way. He concluded there are some games you just have to watch interested or not...lol

Well that's it...I just thought I should post something even if it's kind of stupid...Blah, blah...

What do you think?

2009-02-28T17:20:00.000-06:00

Thought control...has been on my mind lately. We may look back someday and see that we were the most manipulated generation in history. I remember the first time I learned how advertisers manipulated us into thinking a certain way...even to believe we need something I could easily go without. It was in an English class...but that is beside the point.

The stunning thing is how widespread the mind controllers have become. How can we keep thinking for ourselves? And how can we teach our kids to think for themselves?
It's not only advertisers, and politicians...we now have news casters, musicians, actors, and other entertainers, even employers (mine uses some obvious, and some subtle methods to keep me where they want me to be)...I note it is not always to reach for my greatest potential either, although at other times it is...don't leave out teachers, and preachers (esp. at the mega churches)...are they really encouraging following Christ, or just completing some personal agenda? (I know, I know...personal agenda has a place at times...fine...but what if it gets to be the main thing? (City of Faith))

How would one discern that? We can! We should!
Check I Thes. 5:21 (one of my favorites).

I tell my kids to apply the smell test...does this claim really make sense? How do the claims (even if eloquently stated) stack up to what you know is true?
People who want to tell you what to think will deal in generalities, (and associate them with greed, ambition, adventure, and fear)...but what are the specifics? Do they stack up? I heard some talking head the other day say the new Obama budget was "risky, and radical"...ok, maybe so, (I haven't read it...I wonder if they had) but why do they say this (specifically)? And can they back up those specifics? What is particularly insidious is whenever ideas, are associated with money, and power; which is often. I think the health care debate is really about money and power, and we all get fed a lot of BS while nothing improves.

So, if you haven't stopped reading this ramble, thanks...since I've been thinking about it I thought I'd stick it in my blog...I wonder if I can get my kids to read it? jk...I won't do that...maybe... :-)

Obama's First Month

2009-02-26T21:43:00.000-06:00

I hear so much complaining! Yikes!! You would think our new President is a buffoon listening to some people. There must be a certain attraction...to complain about politicians, just for the sake of complaining. Let's call it the "Rush Limbaugh Syndrome". HAHA...joke there...

However, when I look at Obama's first month in office, I am impressed overall! Perfect? No... Is he new to the job? Yes...

However!!

What exactly has he done?

First, he has most his cabinet up, and functioning (and finally paying taxes!) :-) Hey it's not Obama's fault, (or character flaw) that some of these guys did not pay taxes, he didn't know, and he took the blame for not knowing before nominating them...frankly I was surprised some of them got confirmed...However....
That said, overall, I'm happy to see a largely functioning cabinet this early in the game. Some past Presidents have taken months to do this.

Second, executive orders to close Guantanamo, and end torcher. That has been a scar on this country, and what went on there, the concept of sending people where they had no laws should concern us all. After all, who might be next? I know it will be tough, but the ball is rolling. Good!...note, I still think terrorists should be tried...fairly...not just turned loose....and I know it is a complicated situation...

Third, economic stimulus!! Woo Hoo!! We have to do this...and no matter what, it will be sloppy...I am in finance...here's the deal...remember we have GDP made up of several contributing factors...consumer, industry, service, government, etc. If one dries up significantly another can fill the gap (if only partially). We have consumers hunkered down, and government is filing the gap...temporarily...it does not have to end in an unpleasant way (but it still might, I know). However, for now, this is the right thing to do. Done! In the first month! Remarkable!

Next,(isn't all this impressive, when you think about it?) health care, you may not agree with me, but the solution to the train wreck we have in health care will have to be a government solution. We are the only industrialized nation in the world not to have some kind of health care safety net. You and I should not have to worry about health care if we loose our job...or get sick! True story...I have a friend who's mother was diagnosed with MS...her insurance company's response? They canceled her policy!...does that suck or what!? Obama has issued directives, and asked for money to be set aside in the budget to deal with the problem.
Government will have to run this. And I'm sure I'm right about that... :-) ... yes...

Next, environmental concerns...President Obama has aggressively signed into law tax incentives, and other incentives to generate new technology which is intended to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and deal with greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, (I read) he has done more to further this cause in a month than the previous administration did in eight years.

Last, he has demonstrated a genuine concern for the problems in the middle east (Obama's fist interview took place on Arabian television). And our Secretary of State has already visited China (like it or not, China and the US are inseparably linked)...That is a whole other post.

So, there you go...I'm pretty impressed so far!
I have some criticism as well. But I'll save it..
I don't want end this with a complaint!
:-)

Any ideas...?

2009-02-10T20:49:00.000-06:00

Remember last year when the price of everything went up because oil/gas prices were so high? Well now that oil/gas prices are at about a third of their previous level, why do prices remain high, and continue higher?

Hint: It's not inflation.

Joe Satriani-Surfing With The Alien

2009-02-10T20:39:00.001-06:00

Amazing.......nuf said..........

Big Bad Ass Government

2009-02-06T18:48:00.000-06:00

Take a look at Rep. Claire McCaskil on CNBC for an excellent object lesson of the problem of big government. I'll try to find the video...when you see it, you'll have no doubt she is thoroughly enjoying her 15 minutes of fame. She and a couple other congressmen are proposing a bill to limit executive pay at companies who took TARP funds. I know, I know...Obama is with them...(boo).

If government gets involved with "fixing things" they tend to throw their unlimited weight around...These guys are clueless on the subject they are addressing...which is compensation levels in capitalist markets.
Hey, I think Lawyers make too much. Maybe there should be a law.

This is price fixing pure and simple. We will loose talent. I already saw one European bank CEO say the top talent should just come work for foreign banks. Some form of that will occur. The government tends to do this kind of thing whenever they involve themselves. It is a result, partially of ignorance, and partially of ego. Politics is a huge ego trip. And to get on TV suggesting something popular (even if unwise) is a bigger ego trip...

On the bright side, this ends TARP. I saw Ken Lewis (CEO Bank of America) on CNBC today say he would not take any more TARP...(note the TARP he is in got crammed down his throat, he did not want it), and that his bank would pay down the TARP they had in 2-3 years. Way to go! I applaud him for this...really.

OK, one more thing here...executive pay does seem extreme to me...but it is a function of markets, and director boards to correct it, not Claire McCaskill....how much does she make anyhow, (including PACs)? :-)

Miracle on the Hudson

2009-01-19T16:38:00.000-06:00

I spoke to a pilot friend of mine about the water landing last week. He said that was absolutely a miracle; and that, no offense to the pilot (who did a fantastic job!), he would not have been able to do it on another day. Under normal circumstances he would have shredded the wings and/or cart wheeled the plane across the water. He would have hoped to save a few, if he was lucky. My friend reminded me, and anyone who has ever flown can understand this; when you come in for a landing they are fighting turbulence, thermals, and cross winds. If you pay attention you will note the pilots flipping stabilizers on and off, changing speed, and generally trying to keep the aircraft "straight and level". It is the trickiest part of flying. So kudos to that pilot; he is an ace, but this really was a miracle!

RU Fireproof ?

2009-01-16T23:17:00.000-06:00

My parents are here, and we thought we would to go to a movie. It's nearly impossible to find one I can take them to! I mean one in which there is not some element of rudeness, language, sex, potty (or otherwise embarrassing) humor, or a combination of these. It's not that they're prudes, it's just that they are my parents! My mom said she heard "Fireproof" was good. I said, "let's go!" since it would not be my choice if the movie had any of the ingredients I mentioned here... :-) Yeah, I know...

I had not heard of this movie. It's low budget for sure. The subject matter is marriage, from a Christian point of view. The film does a great job of expounding the Christian mind set, and relational methods that build a solid marriage (or saves one). It was also a tear jerker...and I'm getting to be such a baby...jeez.
Max went with us (age 14), and I'm glad because he will probably remember this stuff, and will hopefully put it into practice. I think I'll take my older kids back to see it later...I may have to coerce them; however, I think it would be worth it because the material was really well presented. They would come away with something that might really help them someday.
Anyhow, I recommend the flick.

Goodbye 2008

2008-12-31T22:33:00.001-06:00

What a year!
I've gripped about how difficult it has been more than once...which is too much, sorry. In other ways it has been a remarkable year. It has also been a historic year. The world financial system will never be the same. The implications are far reaching and are mostly still unknown. Be careful, and exercise wisdom. That said...
Sports Illustrated proclaimed this the best sports year EVER. I think you can argue that! College football, Tiger Woods amazing feat before going under the knife for his knee, the Olympics in Beijing, Mike Phelps. Amazing!!
Last but certainly not least...we witnessed the most engaging political race at least of my life time...accumulating with an African American being elected President of the United States. Wow.
What a year!

Aborted...Flying from Tulsa to Dallas.

2008-12-13T23:12:00.000-06:00

I have had many weird experiences flying. The weirdest?? a baby being born midway; on an international flight from Frankfurt, to St. Louis, which forced us to divert our destination and land in...Montreal! This (legitimately) was to accommodate the mom, and the baby boy. But on my last flight I experienced a first...Sydney and I were flying from Tulsa to Dallas. We were on final approach into DFW, we were over the runway, maybe 20 feet off the ground...and the pilot aborted the landing! That was unnerving. Maybe there was an obstruction...or not, because here is the weird part. We didn't just come back around for another try. We got airborne, maybe 3500 feet and turned right. We flew about 5 minutes, made a slight turn and landed. I was sitting next to a passenger who travels from Tulsa to Dallas frequently. He said it seemed as if the pilot was trying to make the landing at the wrong airport! Love Field is also in Dallas, and AA lands there as well as Southwest Airlines now. He said, the direction of the flight after the aborted landing would fit with this. The passenger theorized that the pilot probably flew into Love Field everyday, and that this was a rare change in destinations. He, and the copilot for that matter, just didn't think...till the last minute. I didn't ask about it on my way out. I wonder if they would have come clean?

Have you ever had something like that happen?

Advent Conspiracy Promo Video

2008-12-13T22:52:00.001-06:00

My cool friend; Carol Spann, had this on her FB.
I asked if I could pass it along....so I'll put it here, and send it to my pastor.

Merry Christmas!

Surcease Angels

2008-12-07T00:54:00.001-06:00

Luke plays in this band. Maybe I'm biased but they do a great show. I have some other clips on Youtube under "sameasthem" if you'd like to watch.

The Wisdom of Wine....

2008-11-15T11:24:00.000-06:00

My brother sent this to me in an email...

To my friends who enjoy a glass of wine... and those who don't.

As Ben Franklin said:
"In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria."
In a number of carefully controlled trials, scientists have demonstrated that if we drink 1 liter of water each day, at the end of the year we
would have absorbed more than 1 kilo of Escherichia coli, (E. coli) - bacteria found in feces.

In other words, we are consuming 1 kilo of poop.

However, we do NOT run that risk when drinking wine & beer because alcohol has to go
through a purification process of boiling, filtering and/or fermenting.

Remember:

Water = Poop
Wine = Health

Therefore, it's better to drink wine and talk
stupid, than to drink water and be full of sh-t.
There is no need to thank me for this valuable information:

I'm doing it as a public service.

Bobby Bowden

2008-11-15T10:48:00.000-06:00

Like I've said over, and over ad nauseam, this has been one of the toughest years of my life. Definitely top 5, probably top three. Florida St. coach Bobby Bowden shed some light on this today.
He was answering questions about problems in his football program. He explained that all the teams have problems somewhere along the way. He called them "disappointments", not problems...interesting. Then he personalized things, and got philosophical. He said, "life in many ways is a series of disappointments. It doesn't matter so much that we have them; what matters is how we react to them. And how we respond to them will determine whether we fail or succeed". He closed by saying they would deal with the team's disappointments, and turn them to their advantage. I really needed to hear that. I try to be proactive with disappointments, but to "deal with them and turn them to my advantage"? Very timely, so I wanted to post those words. It helps me to remember them. And maybe someone else will benefit from them as well.

World of Warcraft

2008-11-11T21:24:00.001-06:00

Dog and cat are bored....

2008-11-11T19:31:00.001-06:00

This is crazy! The cat usually fights with the dog. (The dog thinks they are just playing when the cat goes after her.) So I get my video out and they just sit and look at each other!
I'll try again though...cause the fight/play is funny.

It's all good, right? This boring, but I'll post it anyway.

2008-11-07T21:46:00.000-06:00

When my son (Luke) was five years old, during his bed time prayers one time he said, "Dad, pray that my dresser moves from that side of the room to the other side of the room."
"Why on earth would I want to do that?" I said.
"Jesus said, if we have a tiny bit of faith, we could tell a mountain to fall in the sea, and it would....so will you pray that about my dresser?"
"Maybe Jesus meant something else when He said that." I fumbled around with concepts like "metaphor", which mean nothing to a five year old. Luke finally concluded, "We don't have faith, do we dad." Wow.
I was humbled. I have always remembered that conversation. He was right, we don't have faith. Or rather we (I) don't have the kind of, or level of faith that I wish I had. (Much smaller than a mustard seed, I suppose.)
Jesus gave that example in response to a request, "Lord, increase our faith!" The context is Jesus teaching His followers to be completely forgiving! It's Luke 17, I think; and is an incredibly rich piece of scripture. He followed up His example of faith with two practical applications. To first, obey Him, learning to take Him at His word. And second, to cultivate an attitude of unworthiness in our relationship with Him. There is much more there, but that's most of what I get out of it...
Bible study is now dismissed... :-)
I promise not to turn this blog into a Bible commentary...I actually have a point here...but what was it? Hmmm...have you quit reading yet? :-)
Here's my point.........
I may not have faith. (When I say that, I don't mean I have some kind of atheistic mind set. I just mean compared to the kind of faith I think I should have I am quite pathetic...I also think God sees most of us like that...and He is merciful anyhow.)
When I am pressed/stressed etc. I quickly demonstrate the truth of my small faith. However, even though I don't have faith, I need faith...if you are in the same boat here, then WE need faith. Faith has to do with what we don't know, and with what we don't see. "What is going to happen next?" I don't know! But I/we who don't have faith, have to CHOOSE faith. At the end of the day, that is where we end up. It is true of everyone, all of us, and them (even Bill Maher :-). So I will choose faith...in what? (See where I'm going?) It's not enough (for me at least) to put faith in myself, or "the good" (It's all good, right?), or that things will work out (when is that?). I must choose to put my faith in more. That's my point here. That's what's been stewing in my head today.

1000 points of light............

2008-11-02T13:29:00.000-06:00

1000 points...Remember that? It was Bush Sr, and his new world order. We had the 1000 point experience this weekend. Sydney, Luke, Max, and myself helped start a Habitat house. You have like 50-60 people. Each one pounds a few nails, cuts some wood, and helps each other. It's a lot of people each doing a little work each, and presto, a house appears! At least the frame, and yes, we had three professional framers on sight. It was fun. And Luke and Max each got 1000 ataboy points...these can be redeemed when they are on the shit list... :-)
And that's NOT all, but it's all I think I want to write here. Time for WOW.

Lay Offs

2008-10-27T21:32:00.001-05:00

They will be coming for a lot of us I'm afraid. I had a friend get a pink slip recently. She was devastated. This has never happened to her in her entire career. She has always been employed and/or recruited to new work. It was a cold, heartless, and calculated process...which is pathetic. Why? Is it the lawyers? Did someone get sued? Can't the former employer offer some help?
My father; now retired, was CEO of a chemical company. The corporation had huge investments in various assets including; land, plants, equipment, office space, transportation, etc. He frequently said the company's most important asset was its people. We still hear that today, right? Well he put his money where his mouth was. There were times when the company was forced to reduce employment. However, it never happened unless it was a last resort; and then, people who were affected got every consideration that could be afforded. They were offered other placements within the company where feasible. Additionally, in every case employees were given employment counseling, and time with recruiters who were to find them new work. In some cases, new employment coincided with the time they ended employment at the chemical company.
My friend was just shown the door...her former employer has lost their way...I pray for her...that at the end of the day she will find she is better off.

Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama on Meet the Press

2008-10-20T13:51:00.001-05:00

I case you missed it.

Facebook

2008-10-18T22:28:00.000-05:00

You know, Facebook is great. I have gotten reconnected to many old friends from high school, churches I have attended, triathlon, and others where our paths don't cross enough. I've even made new acquaintances with people from all over the world. It is really quite remarkable.
My plan was to use this post to complain about some of the bugs on the site...but I don't think I will.
Just this...sorry if I don't respond to requests...I just don't see them, sometimes months after they were sent! I can't find them!
And posts, or uploads??
Tonight I spent half an hour uploading a picture of a cooked guinea pig. (gross, I know...but funny) It uploaded successfully. I have no clue where it is. :-)
Is that complaining? Maybe...but not intended...the site has been a lot of fun... and even a blessing in some ways.

Saturday

2008-10-18T19:01:00.000-05:00

I got to watch the Bucks play two weeks in a row. That's rare!
Last week they won, but it was disappointing game...or a better word might be BORING.
This week Michigan St...who hate us by the way...
Woody Hayes turned them in years ago for recruiting violations.
They have never forgiven us. I'm not kidding! Crazy...brooding is so counter productive.
So, this week? We kicked ass. THAT'S MORE LIKE IT!

And the beat rolls on.

2008-10-12T20:17:00.000-05:00

OU lost to Texas! Why? Texas brought it to them in the third quarter, and part of the fourth. Consecutively...touchdown, field goal, touchdown, touchdown...That's the game. I don't care how many bad calls there were, and there were several. Texas beat us hands down. It's a tough game every year. So another undefeated team goes down (OU).
But how bout them pokes! I'm waiting to see this weeks rankings.

I got to watch the Ohio State game. They squeaked by Purdue. They do not look like they have any intensity. They are not playing like a national contender (which they are not, I guess). They play flat. I still think it boils down to coaching. I know, I know, everyone loves Jim Tressell...he has a lot of integrity, and class. And that is needed at Ohio State. I just think more motivation, drive and focus are also needed at this point.

I'll tell you what's intense...work! OMG, why did I throw out my xanax? No one saw the current environment coming. No one. In the last big down turn, I had some warning. This time was different. This was a crash. It is going to be more about being proactive, and deciding what to do next. How to best make up ground. There will be some incredible opportunities...it's a matter of determining what they are.

I heard someone joke about the "bailout", or rather "recapitalization plan"...Did you see the G7 using that term? They must have read my blog...leave a comment guys!! :-)
I'm rambling....here's the joke...The bailout is for Wall Street? How can that be? Wall St. is gone! True. Stunning, but true.

I also attended my brother in law's fathers funeral this weekend. They asked me to pray. At the last minute they decided to make it a funeral for his mom as well, (she died many yrs ago...it's a long story). I started the prayer using what I thought was her name. Then I thought...what if that's not it? So I stopped the prayer and asked...I think my prayer kind lost something at that point...I apologized.
Speaking of prayer, I am still praying for leaders to find a solution to this financial mess...unless this the appointed end.

God always wins you know...and we want Him to, right?

Hey Sydney, tell her this!! Maybe...

2008-10-04T18:20:00.000-05:00

Of the two million couples who get married each year in the US, nearly half end up divorced. It takes a long time for many of us to realize that the perfect partner-someone who shares our likes and dislikes, and who couldn't agree more with our political opinions, and religious convictions, and sexual preferences; and who would never in a million years want to sleep with the window open when we want the window closed-doesn't exist...

As Leo Tolstoy observed, "What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility."

Sy Safransky
The Sun

Recapitalization Plan

2008-10-03T22:06:00.000-05:00

That is more accurate than "bailout", in which case you just basically throw money at a problem. Why is this different than a bailout? The U.S. government did this in 1929, and in the late 1980s. They bought distressed assets from banks, and other financial institutions. This removes bad assets off bank books, thus creating capital. Then the government resold, or collected interest from the assets they purchased. The government made substantial profits both times they recapitalized the financial system.

I called one of my former college professors today. He is very astute; and still does some teaching, as well as consulting work in the banking industry. He thinks the government will make money this time as well. This is not substantially different than past interventions. I also asked him what he thought of Ron Paul's claim that this action will "destroy" the dollar. He disagrees. We are not out of the woods. This should have been done earlier in the game. Of course hindsight is always 20/20. I hope it is not too little too late for the economy in general. We will almost certainly have a bad recession, but hopefully avoid something worse. This recapitalization should help.

Odds, Ends, and the Family...ie Rambling...

2008-09-24T21:26:00.000-05:00

If you never pray for government leaders, this would be a good time to start. Pray for wisdom, insight, unity, and Gods will to come through. I'm in financial services, and last week we almost had the system stop...that means you can't get your money, no joke...That would have been terrible. It may have stayed like that for a week or more. Can you imagine? Even in college, we learned that the banking system is a house of cards, it always has been. So some day it may unravel...but we should not invite that scenario...I'm not defending anyone on Wall Street either. I'm just thinking about all of us living our lives in peace, and dignity...

So, on to happier subjects! Max is into paint ball now...and he wants gear (expensive!) I told him to wait and see if he stays interested for more than a month...I have an object lesson I can point to so he understands. It's a set of drums. He wanted those drums sooo badly. He drummed on everything, all the time. "Dad, I just love to drum...it's who I am." Wow...so we got the drum set, which was cool since I learned to play (nothing complicated). I've always wanted to do that. Max, however, lost interest with in a few weeks. So, now the drums are mine...I'll keep them for awhile. But Max is not that way in everything. He stayed with Wu Shu for over a year now.

This has been an extremely stressful year. My worst ever, stress wise. I think that is true for a lot of people. So I am trying to adapt, as when these kind of patterns set in they usually remain for some time. So, I have decided to drink more wine...kidding. No, I exercise, walk the dog, read, pray, and try to prioritize (work is off the hook busy).
I am close to breaking my "return all phone calls" rule. There is just not enough time in the day. I know people who don't return calls because they think it's "executive", I think it's "inconsiderate", so I need to find a solution which lets people know the reason is time...ideas anyone?

I don't know about anyone else but I'm sick of politics...it's funny, for all the comments I've made (all throughly thought out in my melancholy mind) I have not once had someone say "Hey, you make a good point."...that is, unless they agreed with me in the first place. (Hey, I've told people I disagree with I think they have a good point when they do...Really!) So...I guess we all develop our ideologies over a long period of time, and they are based not only in our intellect, but also our emotions. So, it's a tough nut to crack.

I'm thinking of ways to get involved in my local church again. I see so many get involved, then lead, then get frustrated, then quit. So, I'm a little timid about doing anything; however, it's on my mind.

Jen is working on "character"...this is her own project. She has been much easier to get along with since she started. Luke is doing lots with his music...two bands, lessons, and may go to work at a music store...I told him today that a friend of his is going into engineering...he replied that he had a level 54 Paladin....HAHA...He kills me.

Last Sydney and I...we are taking a pottery class together...wheel...she is the best in class...I am not.
We really want to take a trip...but the logistics! :-)

If you read all the way through this blather, thanks for listening!

Most IMPORTANT Point EVER Made by Bill Maher!!!

2008-09-22T18:11:00.001-05:00

I don't necessarily agree with the title of this video, but it is a good point. Why don't more people complain? Do you know that in the Wall Street bailout that they have written in the law that it cannot be subject to overview?
Yea, I'll get a link for you

More of the same...there is socialism, then there s fascism.

Isn't it ironic?

2008-09-21T18:59:00.000-05:00

First, the notion that Democrats will tax, and regulate our country into a socialistic disaster are clearly not true. Look at the Clinton Presidency...higher taxes, but not crushing taxes. A budget surplus, and no socialism.
Now isn't it ironic that in the last 8 years we have not only eroded our civil rights (Patriot Act, Military Tribunal Act, Warrantless wire taps, etc.) We regulate education more than ever, (No Child Left Behind)...And now we have now socialized the banking system! (Freddy Mac, Fannie Mae, AIG, and massive oversight to come.) It will affect us all, trust me on that one. It is also ironic that minimum oversight, and regulation might have averted this melt down. So, who brought us big government, and socialism? Not to mention that after over 20 years have still not delivered on Roe v Wade. The Republicans. I've heard the counter arguments, and they are weak as Ohio State Buckeye football teams in high profile games. The Republicans brought us socialism either because they have a false ideology, they can't govern, are lying about the "small government" platform, or a combination of all three.
I hope we wake up.

COX Cable...an epilogue...

2008-09-15T21:18:00.000-05:00

Did anyone read my Cable Company post last week (see below)? I have rather limited readership of this blog. However, it just so happened that a COX Cable employee read that post, and left an anonymous comment! They offered to get me in touch with someone who could resolve my problem. My first reaction was that I was getting punked in some way, or that someone might be after personal information. It's not that I have trust issues, or am paranoid. It's just that, although it's a fantastic tool, you have to keep your guard up on the internet. After all, it was an anonymous comment (under the name "Will")! I responded that I was skeptical; however, they could leave contact info in the comments if they wanted to do so, and that I would follow up. The next day I had someone to contact by email (Christine). We set up a time for a phone call in order to go over my problems. We had that call today. Christine is in "communications" (I think thats it). I believe the first COX employee to leave the anonymous comment (Will) was also in communications. First of all, Christine made sure she understood me. I tend to ramble...to say the least...it's something I try to keep in check...however, it happens...Anyhow, she repeated what I was trying to explain to be sure we were on the same page...she showed great personal skills...and told me where she would go for a solution, and that I would hear from her colleague (Jennifer) later today... I did. Jennifer had my problem outlined in detail, and had ALL the issues resolved. She left me with direct contact information in the event I have any further problems. Amazing. So, I'm glad I stayed with COX! I asked Will how on earth he stumbled upon my web blog. Although he didn't come right out and say so; however, I got the impression that he and other COX employees search the web for this kind of thing! That sounds like forward, proactive thinking. Anyhow, I am quite impressed.

The Big Game

2008-09-14T14:19:00.000-05:00

Well, Ohio St. got clobbered (understatement, I know) by USC. With most of last years team returning, the talent is not in question. But what about coaching? In my opinion, Jim Tressel, although a great coach in many respects, does not get his teams prepared enough for big games. It's as simple as that.
It was an embarrassing loss. I'll be getting a lot of abuse about it at work tomorrow!
"Hey, It's just a game"...that's what I'll tell em...

Matt Damon Rips Sarah Palin

2008-09-11T15:59:00.001-05:00

I'm not hearing a celebrity here, but rather a citizen who is asking the right questions.
Check it out...

The Cable Company...a personal memoir...

2008-09-07T16:22:00.000-05:00

AT&T came by a couple weeks ago and offered me U-verse (or the name sounds like that), which is their new internet access service. They also offered to upgrade equipment on the TV, and phone if we bought a package deal. We could even save money! I told them I had good luck with the cable company (COX Communications) and that I was probably not interested.

I called COX and told them what I was offered, and asked them to upgrade our equipment and extend a price break. They quickly agreed. So they set up what was to be one free installation. We would get a new DVR for the TV, and a new router, which would put us on Cox Home Network,(that is their wireless internet service). They even worked out a price cut. Everything sounded good.

Next, what unfolded and might still be unfolding is unbelievable! The installer came out, installed the DVR, and said that was all that he had on his work order. He knocked our router out of its configuration, so we had no internet access.
This was only the beginning...of my spending my entire Labor Day weekend on hold with COX, and/or waiting for technicians to show up (three separate appointments). No one could fix the internet. I spent literally hours of my weekend on the phone, or waiting for techs to show up.

What I learned is that no one at COX can communicate with anyone else. Technicians cannot communicate with an in house rep. if I want to verify something. Supervisors only handle one aspect of a problem (billing is separate from, tech help, which is separate from scheduling, and no one knows each other either, apparently). For instance I was told I would have no installation charges at all, then I was told I would be charged. (separate sides of the issue (charge/credits) are handled by different supervisors...what?? You're kidding, right? Nope.) I never did get the In Home Network. We finally reconfigured the router ourselves with the help of a computer geek friend. (I mean geek in the most positive way.) But now COX shows on their records that I DO have In Home Network anyhow (trust me, I don't). At the start I got the names and extensions of the people who initially set up the "upgrade". However, no one can contact them either! The name and extension "don't help" them find anyone. So why did they give me that information? I think I know why.

The fact is no one at the cable company working in "customer service" (they should call it something else, it's not "service") has any accountability, or ownership in what happens to customers! They can do whatever they like. No one knows what the hell is going on!

For all I know the first tech did have the router install on his work order but decided to leave after he screwed up my router configuration. The other tech who tried unsuccessfully to install In Home NW, and promised to get me a call from a supervisor, ( I never got one) just turned in his work order as "finished". So now COX thinks I have In Home Network. Great...

I am now waiting on my bill. I can only hope that I have not racked up huge expenses on this disaster. The original rep told me there would be no charges. As I noted, that seems to be a worthless promise. I'll post what happens with the bill. Maybe I'll get lucky.

Another tech called to come out and give the router install another try (however, this time they showed it as a "warranty call"...ugh)...for an In Home NW install that never happened. Since we had fixed our old router ourselves, we told him that we wanted to cancel. I wonder what he turned in to his supervisor? Maybe he said that he ran new cable over the whole house, and added ten new TVs...and to charge us accordingly... :-) crazy...

The hell of it is more and more customer service is getting run this way. No ownership, and no accountability...which makes it nearly impossible to get a problem solved. I considered sending a letter to COX, but who would care? Any suggestions?

Barack Obama on O'Reilly Factor 09-04-08

2008-09-06T18:25:00.001-05:00

Obama goes on FOX w/O'Reilly! Wow, and when will the opposition go on and interview with anyone? This says a lot about him right here. He is smart, and quick, and philosophical. Wouldn't that be great to see in a President?
I will try to watch the whole interview. I love this stuff.

God's Judgement??

2008-08-31T15:51:00.000-05:00

Did you know a group associated with Focus on the Family (which started out as great organization, but has become ravenously political, even to the point of having groups call for them to loose tax exempt status) asked Christians all over the US to pray for rain on Barrack Obama's Democratic nomination acceptance speech since it was out doors? (Would Jesus do that?) Now, they did pull the ad, however, I imagined they prayed that way...I wonder what they make of the fact that there was not a cloud in the sky that day? Is that God's blessing on Barrack? Could it be!

Now, the Republican Convention has to cancel the first day of their convention because of Hurricane Gustav...not that it's in the town where they are meeting, but it will affect them. I don't buy this theology myself. It gives itself to too much tea leaf reading. I suspect that will be the case this time too. So how will they read them? The tea leaves, that is...funny, really...except...

These guys will pronounce God's judgment on anyone (like me) who questions them. I have heard them myself preach that "whoever questions God's anointed (them, usually) will not prosper" (kind of a broad term there, "prosper")...Many Christians fear them. They should all read I Thess 5:19-22, esp. vs 21.

One more thing...where we worship they do not participate in this nonsense, rather they preach God's love, and our mandate to participate in demonstrating that love (which includes the gospel, yes).

Let's pray for more fellowships to be like that.

Joe Biden

2008-08-23T22:11:00.000-05:00

I always thought he liked to hear himself talk too much. At congressional hearings he talked about himself more than he discussed anything of substance with those he was grilling at the moment.
And he seems arrogant, like John McCain has been lately.
This was a big decision...swing and a miss for Obama...I hope I'm wrong.

Christian Vote

2008-08-23T12:31:00.000-05:00

I think I understand the Christian political mentality, because I have been there. More often than not our political views are fear driven. Fear of the end of the world, fear of questioning our Christian leaders positions on abortion, stem cell research, human cloning, gay civil rights, and other highly emotional issues. Could someone be using us? (I know, I know, most politicians are using us at some level...but not in Jesus name.)

Several years ago I started to ask "why" the fear mongering? God is love, love drives out fear...so...God drives out fear. Sounds logical, don't you think? Seeing things through Gods perspective should eliminate, not promote fear. Many Christian political leaders promote fear so that they can advance their own political agenda. Does the everyday Christian on the street understand what that agenda is? We may find at the end of the day that it is not "Christian" at all.

God makes room for all of us. The far right agenda divides us. For example, they ask...when does conception occur? We let the Bible be a final authority on issues like that. (Well, it does not answer the question.) You have to jump hoops to a pagan religion where parents were sacrificing their children to Moloch. That is nowhere near Roe v Wade. So maybe we should ask a different question. Like how does the Bible does define life? It answers that question. "Life is in the blood", and "life is in the breath". That would indicate our current law is way to liberal. But God gives us room to talk and not label the opposition as "murderers". Don't demonize me for posting that. I can give you book and verse. (Duet 12:23, and Gen 2:7) And someone else will say Obama supports all abortion. OK, if that is the case, I disagree with him. There are other issues where I do agree with him that are also important.

Maybe the best question a Christian could ask a Presidential candidate is what is Christianity, or what is a Christian? If you watched the Christian Forum the other night Obama answered that question much more accurately (faith in Jesus death for the forgiveness of our sins) than McCain (who just talked about his experience as a POW). But the right is still refusing to vote for Obama. Fear is the reason, I know, I've been there.

Fact Check: Refuting More McCain Attacks

2008-08-16T15:59:00.001-05:00

Just passing this along. I'm glad the are taking the high road.

Pickens Plan

2008-08-14T22:51:00.001-05:00

I signed up for this. Mr. Pickens is the only individual who has had the creativity, intelligence, and guts to propose a sensible, workable, and largely unpolitical energy plan. But it won't happen unless you and I sign off on this, and contact our government representatives.