Housing Prices Down Across Much of US

This report indicates declines, some steep, in many parts of the US for home values and prices in the last quarter and throughout last year. Indications are that the decline is just starting and over the next two years most homeowners can see final numbers between 10 and 35 % as a total decline from what the prices and values peaked at in 2006 and the first half of 2007. The closer to the coast and more one is in the suburbs, the greater the decline. And the declines could be greater depending on other world and national events.

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/HomebuyingGuide/HomePriceReport.aspx

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Henry Hyde, 1924-2007

Henry Hyde was a sixteen term Illinois US Congressman from 1975 to 2007 and served in the US Navy during World War II. Hyde was legislator with a mixed history. He showed independence and thoughtfulness on some issues and yet was a paradox with views on other issues and legislation that defied sensibility. He was part of the huge savings and loan scandal in the 1980s and was also exposed for his longterm adultery in the late 1990s when he was trying to push through the impeachment of President William J. Clinton. Overall, Hyde was the epitome of a sleazy self-serving politician bent only on serving and enriching the interest and wallets of his cronies and lackeys. His behavior and actions on the Reagan Iran-Contra scandal and coverup is one of the best examples of his treachery.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Hyde

http://www.consortiumnews.com/2007/113007.html

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Colorado Rockies 2008 Spring Training Games Schedule

Here is the first release of the upcoming games schedule for the Colorado Rockies for the 2008 Cactus League Spring Training. It would be awesome if I could figure out a way to get down to the desert for a few games ...

WED 27 FEB: @ Chi WS (TEP) 1pm
THR 28 FEB: CHI WS 1pm split squad
THR 28 FEB: @ Ariz (TEP) 1pm split squad
FRI 29 FEB: MEXICO CITY REDS 1pm
SAT 1 MAR: MLW 1pm
SUN 2 MAR: @ Oak (Papago Park) 1pm

MON 3 MAR: @ Ariz (TEP) 1pm
TUE 4 MAR: KC 1pm
WED 5 MAR: CHI WS 1pm
THR 6 MAR: @ SD (Peoria) 1pm
FRI 7 MAR: @ KC (Surprise) 1pm
SAT 8 MAR: ANAH 1pm
SUN 9 MAR: @ SF (Scottsdale) 2pm

MON 10 MAR: ARIZ 2pm
TUE 11 MAR: SEA 2pm
WED 12 MAR: @ Chi WS (TEP) 2pm
THR 13 MAR: TEX 2pm
FRI 14 MAR: @ Sea (Peoria) 2pm
SAT 15 MAR: @ Tex (Surprise)
SUN 16 MAR: SD 2pm

MON 17 MAR: SF 2pm
TUE 18 MAR: **idle**
WED 19 MAR: @ Chi WS (TEP 2pm
THR 20 MAR: @ Chi C (Mesa) 2pm
FRI 21 MAR: CHI C 2pm
SAT 22 MAR: @ Ariz (TEP) 2pm
SUN 23 MAR: LA 2pm

MON 24 MAR: @ Mlw (Maryvale) 2pm
TUE 25 MAR: CHI WS 2pm
WED 26 MAR: ARIZ 2pm
THR 27 MAR: @ Anah (Tempe) 1pm
FRI 28 MAR: @ Ariz @ Bank One Ballpark 7pm

TEP = Tucson Electric Park

Times listed are for MST thru Sat 3/8 & MDT from Sun 3/9 and afterwards
Times listed are for listening/viewing audience OUTSIDE of Arizona. Subtract one hour if in Arizona starting SUN 9 March.

Opponents and game times subject to change
Additional games may be announced, including for Saturday 29 March. As of this post, the Oakland Athletics are not scheduled to appear at Hi Corbett Field.

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College Football Picks for Week Fourteen, 29-30 November & 1 December

The final week of the regular season of this college football year has finally arrived. The picks for the games being played on Thursday 29 November through Saturday 1 December will include all eighteen games. (home teams in bold)

Thursday 29 November

Rutgers (+2 1/2) 38, Louisville 28 UPSET X +

Friday 30 November

Fresno St (-14) 39, New Mexico St 27 + +

Saturday 1 December

Central Michigan (-3 1/2) 27, Miami OH 20 (MAC Championship @ DET) + +
Navy (-14 1/2) 44, Army 17 (@ BALT) + +
Central Florida (-7 1/2) 39, Tulsa 28 (C-USA Championship) + +
# 6 Virginia Tech (-4 1/2) 23, # 11 Boston College 16 (ACC Championship @ JAX) + +
Troy St (-15) 27, Florida Atlantic 17 X +
Nevada (-7 1/2) 33, Louisiana Tech 20 + +
# 7 Louisiana St (-7) 38, # 14 Tennessee 30 (SEC Championship @ ATL) + X
# 8 Southern Cal (-20) 56, UCLA 20 + X
Oregon St (+even) 26, #17 Oregon 22 + +
# 19 Brigham Young (-17) 36, San Diego St 17 + +
California (-13 1/2) 21, Stanford 13 X +
North Texas (-2 1/2) 34, Florida Int'l 16 X X
# 2 West Virginia (-28 1/2) 55, Pittsburgh 14 X X
Arizona (+7) 23, # 13 Arizona St 20 UPSET X +
# 1 Missouri (+3) 30, # 9 Oklahoma 26 UPSET (BIG 12 Championship @ KC) X X
# 12 Hawaii (-14) 38, Washington 27 + +

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NFL Picks for Week Thirteen, 29 November/2-3 December

Here are the picks for the games being played during Week Thirteen from Thursday 29 November to Monday 3 December.

Thursday 29 November

GB (10-1) @ DAL (10-1): Packers (+7) 38, Cocaineboys 33 UPSET X X

Sunday 2 December

ATL (3-8) @ STL (2-9): Rams(-3) 30, Falcons 22 + +
BUF (5-6) @ WASH (5-6): Redskins (-6) 19, Bills 16 X +
DET (6-5) @ MINN (5-6): Vikings (-4) 31, Lions 17 + +
HTN (5-6) @ TENN (6-5): Titans (-4) 31, Texans 23 + +
JAX (8-3) @ IND (9-2): Jaguars (+6 1/2) 30, Colts 27 UPSET X +
NYJ (2-9) @ MIA (0-11): Dolphins (-1) 23, Jets 17 X X
SD (6-5) @ KC (4-7): Chargers (-7) 23, Chiefs 14 + +
SEA (7-4) @ PHIL (5-6): Seahawks (+3) 32, Eagles 30 UPSET + +
SF (3-8) @ CAR (4-7): Panthers (-3) 17, FortyNiners 13 + +
CLE (7-4) @ ARIZ (5-6): Cardinals (+1 1/2) 24, Browns 23 UPSET + +
DEN (5-6) @ OAK (3-8): Broncos (-4 1/2) 29, Raiders 27 X +
TB (7-4) @ NORL (5-6): Saints (-3 1/2) 23, Buccaneers 20 X +
NYG (7-4) @ CHI (5-6): Giants (-1 1/2) 27, Bears 20 + +
CINC (4-7) @ PGH (8-3): Steelers (-7 1/2) 33, Bengals 17 + +

Monday 3 December

NENG (12-0) @ BALT (4-7): Patriots (-20 1/2) 39, Ravens 10 + X

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107-69/108-68/15-24
10-6/13-3/2-2
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2008 MLB Hall of Fame Ballot Released

Today saw the issuance of the names of the men to be considered for election into the Baseball of Hall of Fame. This year's list includes but 25 nominees. Among the names most likely to be considered are Rich Gossage, Jim Rice, and Andre Dawson. Others that should be elected at some point in the future on this year's ballot are Tommy John, Bert Blyleven, Jack Morris, Lee Smith, and Alan Trammell. Among those that will be one and out are Travis Fryman, Jose Rijo, Brady Anderson, Shawon Dunston, David Justice, Chuck Knoblauch, Todd Stottlemyre, and Chuck Finley. And then there are the others that are of greater significance on the ballot like Rob Nen, Tim Raines, Rod Beck, Don Mattingley, Dave Concepcion, Dave Parker, Dale Murphy, Harold Baines, and Mark McGwire - names that have at least some controversy or question about them from both writers and fans.

Hopefully the writers will show some wisdom and elect Gossage, Rice and Dawson for induction this upcoming summer. And the other five men at some point while they are still living.

http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story/?ID=223706&hubname=

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3128273

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Tuesday 27 November News Articles and Observations

Here are the news articles from Tuesday 27 November I paid attention to and my observations on them.

A. Recommended Book for Reading

-- The Seventeen Traditions, by Ralph Nadar

http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/11/27/5461/

http://www.seventeentraditions.com/

http://www.seventeentraditions.com/toc.html

http://www.amazon.com/Seventeen-Traditions-Ralph-Nader/dp/0061238279/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196226833&sr=1-1

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B. Widespread Corporate Price Gouging of the American Citizenry

This is a significant problem in our nation as there has been a critical and widespread loss of morals, ethics, and consciousness by corporate executives, boards, and management. While I cannot recommend price controls, public and governmental rebukes and penalties should be issued regularly to control, humiliate, and embarrass these hoods and shysters that are more the rule than the exception throughout corporations and big business.

http://www.democrats.org/page/community/post/stephencrockett/CvJy

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C. For More, Being an Enviromentalist Continues Beyond Death

I would very much to see this become the norm, and, if the resources exist when I die in next several years, I would like to be part of this growing movement.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-green_burials_26nov26,0,4277541.story

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D. Ominous Report On Climate Change

This UN Report gives us ten years. I, like many others, are far more pessimistic. We are past the tipping point and we will all be amazed and alarmed to see the pace and extent of climate change in the next several years. People in the Mountain Time Zone will be telling stories of what it was like to see cold and snow on a regular basis back in the 2000s decades and before instead of seeing this as a rare and unusual phenonema as it will be in 2020.

http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2007-11-27T145632Z_01_N19489506_RTRUKOC_0_US-UN-DEVELOPMENT-CLIMATE.xml

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E. Winter Outlook from Dr Klaus Wolter

This climatologist has a superb record of being able to forecast the climate in upcoming months.
His forecast for this winter is much warmer and drier than normal from Northern Wyoming south through the Mountain Time Zone and across the Central and Southern High Plains. Maybe this last week or so will be among the harshest periods of this winter...

http://www.cdc.noaa.gov/people/klaus.wolter/SWcasts/index.html

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F. The Evil of Saudi Arabia That is Killing and Maiming Our Soldiers

Saudi Arabia, its rulers, and citizens are plainly bad for the planet earth. We are only giving the rope and gun to our executioners by following the foreign and energy policies we have and will continue to seemingly forever. And worst, these scumbuckets are killing and maiming the men that are sacrificing so much in a hostile land so far away from their homes and families.

http://www.niagarafallsreporter.com/gallagher342.html

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G. Another Work of Classical Literature Butchered by Hollywood

Beowolf was one of most boring, painstaking pieces of literature I ever attempted to read as a youthful student. The Hollywood movie version is nothing short of travesty in their quest for profits and greed in exploiting naive and unsupervised youth everywhere.

http://www.alternet.org/movies/68959/?page=entire

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H. Timeless Wisdom to Heed

This plead and argument by Jim Hightower is advice worthy for all to follow.

http://www.alternet.org/blogs/video/#69046

http://www.hightowerlowdown.org/node/1462

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I. Lott Bows Out

The Mississippi Senator plans to walk away from the US Senate before years end, mainly so he can rake in the big bucks sooner as a lobbyist. Its too bad he lasted this long as his record is spotty at best and he will be not remembered favorably in history.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/11/26/lott.resign/

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J. The Truth: The Issue That Will Cost the Democrats Dearly, Including the Presidency Likely

Politicians just do not get it. Most Americans want a strong crackdown on illegal immigration and strong rigidly enforced laws enacted. This is the one issue that is a growing smoldering fire that will cost the Democrats the White House in 2008.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/puente/667269,CST-EDT-puente26.article

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K. Its a Lot Lonelier at the Top

With the ringing defeat of Australia Prime Minister John Howard, the Bush Junta is largely without an ally or friend on the globe.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/gallery/allies/

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L. Economic Downturn Likelihood Grows

More and more economists and analysts independent of the White House and large corporations firmly believe 2008 will be a tough year across the board economically for most Americans. How bad will it get ? Stay tuned... but for now, save money, control and limit your spending, and carefully review your investments.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071126/bs_nm/summers_recession_dc;_ylt=AnTUh9Jb9aXQB2iDKay_Sca573QA

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M. Heaven Help Us

This would be akin to having had Nixon give sanctuary to Idi Amin back in 1974. But at least Pakistan would be better off and Texas would see some improvement in their leadership.

http://satiricalpolitical.com/?p=1243

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Goodbye to Coach Sonny Lubick

Sonny Lubick ended 15 seasons of coaching football at Colorado State University, and with his departure all football fans lose a classy man and an example for other coaches and players everywhere. Like his brother Fisher DeBerry down the road at Air Force, his departure did not come on his terms. We are all poorer with his final ride into the sunset and he will be missed deeply by college football fans not only on the Front Range and throughout the Mountain Time Zone, but by even fans like me whom are alumni of one of CSU's biggest rival. Thanks, Coach, for sharing your wisdom and enthusiasm with so many, particularly the all the young men you led all these years. Be sure to get in some golf time with that monumental peer of yours, Fisher DeBerry...

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2007/nov/27/lubick-steps-down-with-dignity-class-/

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_7566144

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3130502

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Some Alternative Christmas Gift Ideas

Here are some online merchants that offer some alternative types of gifts.

http://www.xperiencedays.com/

http://www.giftcertificates.com/

http://www.oneshare.com/

http://www.starscapesfx.com/rockymountains

http://www.sportsfanfare.com/

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A Nice Sports Story from the Past

Until 1960, Denver University had a college football team that was usually competitive. Often the team played a Thanksgiving Day game usually against Wyoming. The school probably made the right choice in eliminating the sport, but its nice to see the past memories are still celebrated by some.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2007/nov/24/dream-relived/

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Saskatchewan Roughriders Win 95th Grey Cup

The Saskatchewan Roughriders outlasted the Winnipeg Jets, 23-19, to win their third Grey Cup in franchise history and first since 1989. Major professional sports smallest market in North America is Regina, Saskatchewan, so this would be akin to Wyoming win the college football championship in the United States or the New Orleans Saints winning the Super Bowl.

http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/sports/story.html?id=cf53e64f-9bd5-4725-82d0-c2e0c23f49ba

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Sunday 25 November News Articles and Observations

The following are some of the recent news articles on Sunday 25 November and my observations on them.

A. Valuable Resource to Bookmark

With all the turbulence and turmoil in the setting of the schedule for the upcoming primary and caucus season, this link provides a clear and concise schedule to refer to. Its somewhat difficult to believe the first caucus in Iowa is but 39 days away and the first primary in Iowa is now just 44 days away. Recent polls show a close race in all four races being contested in these two states.

http://ctbob.blogspot.com/2006/11/for-political-junkies-2008-primary.html

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B. Absolutely, Ross Perot was Correct in His Forecast and Beliefs

Hindsight is always 20/20. The politicians in the early 90s made costly, horrible choices that have had grave consequences for most Americans except for those highly connected within Corporate America such as executive, boards, contractors, managers, and investors swollen with stock and ego.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/11/25/EDNTTH48M.DTL

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C. Source for Plenty of Educational and Enlightening Reading

You can spend quite a bit of time reading what is included on this website. I heartily agree with most of the observations and conclusions here.

http://www.ilsr.org/

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D. CO2 Sequestration: Questions and Concerns Rise

It will be interesting to see if any research and testing in the next few years raises realistic doubt on process of Carbon Capture and Storage. I likely think if any concerns to the contrary are raised they will be covered up and squashed for years to come as the energy fuels industry has much to lose if they are exposed as frauds and doing nothing to stop climate change even more than they are now.

http://www.alternet.org/environment/68490/?page=entire

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E. What an Utter Waste...

The criminal behavior, irresponsibility, and malfeasance of President George Bush and Vice-President Richard Cheney will haunt this nation's families and individuals deep into this century.

http://www.alternet.org/columnists/story/68631/

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F. Mr Whipple Lives !

Unfortunately, this is not funny.

http://www.internetweekly.org/2007/11/cartoon_mr_whipple_of_pakistan.html

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G. The Kind of President All Americans Need So Desparately Again

We have not had a man of such stature in so long leading our nation. Perhaps the last one was Kennedy; certainly it was Eisenhower, but even he was not as beloved, trusted, and believed in as our greatest President, Franklin Roosevelt, as Bill Moyers states so clearly. George W Bush is the anti-Roosevelt, the epitome of all that is wrong, incorrect, misguided, and evil.

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20071210/moyers

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H. This Is the Only Presidential Candidate That Will Recall the Wisdom, Vision, and Leadership America Had With Franklin Roosevelt

Today, I heartily and fully endorse Dennis Kucinich for the office of President of the United States for nomination and election in 2oo8. This article by the great writer Gore Vidal captures why this man is the one for this job and providing leadership to this nation at this critical juncture in its history.

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20071126/vidal

http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071124/GJNEWS02/711240031/-1/CITIZEN

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I. The Corporate Pigs Wallow with the Globe's Evil

This story is not surprising as Saudi Arabia is a nation based on corruption and graft. Birds of a similar feather flock together and corporations across the globe are much the same way.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/25/business/25bae.html?ref=business

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J. A Look into the Future

This article is probably too optimistic concerning the future of American prosperity and influence.

http://www.thestar.com/News/Ideas/article/279581

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K. Mortgage Foreclosure Crisis Continues to Grow

2008 looks as if well over an additional 2.5 million homes will be foreclosed on causing huge ripples negatively in the economy across the nation. And increasingly this nation is looking at a similar repeat of what happened from 1925 to 1933 when housing values fell by 30 % across the nation. History is looking like it could repeat itself.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071124/apfn_doomsday_scenario.html?.v=1??

http://economistsview.typepad.com/economistsview/2007/11/shiller-a-time.html#more

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119586137992302497.html

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L. A Look into Gasoline Prices We Will All Be Paying At Least Next Summer

Frightening, isn't it. Especially for those with no mass transit alternatives who are locked into the commuter culture.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-highgas23nov23,0,762327.story?coll=la-home-center

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M. Misguided Ballot Issue Faces Coloradoans in 2008

This Proposed Constitutional Amendment in Colorado is a poorly conceived (no pun intended) legal attempt to control the majority by a vocal bullheaded iconoclastic minority and it is destined to go down to defeat, but the airwaves will be full of false messages by the future losing side trying to snow the voting citizenry in a huge waste of time and money that could have been spent on the poor, homeless, disadvantaged, sick, and elderly.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2007/nov/24/no-holds-barred-abortion-battle/

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N. FYI: Map of Nuclear Power Plant Locations

Japan, Western Europe, and the Eastern US are the locations where most of these potentially deadly nuclear power plants are situated. Surprisingly, there are none in Australia.

http://www.insc.anl.gov/pwrmaps/map/world_map.php

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O. The Story of Colorado's Fort Logan

This is a great historical summary on a significant place in this state's history by a noteworthy historian of great repute and humor.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2007/nov/24/noel-fort-logan-legacy-extends-to-nation/

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P. The Biggest and Largest Fools

http://www.insidecrm.com/features/20-worst-vc-investments-111907/

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Just Another Possible Horror of Horrors

I would think the conclusions reached by the analyst in this article are overstated. But I do believe concern will continue about the ongoing collapse of the US Dollar currency in future months with the Euro perhaps getting to 1.75 and other currencies internationally gaining additional strength. Will OPEC refuse to take US dollars for payment ? That is getting to be a distinct possibility, but no action on this matter will probably occur for several months. This is a very complicated issue and all the ramifications of the continuing collapse are not easily recognized and fully understood by the American public and the elected leadership throughout the nation. One thing for sure is that the American standard of living is destined to continue to decline noticeably for most citizens.

http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Business/2007/11/19/forecast_us_dollar_could_plunge_90_pct/4876

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My Week in Review: 18-24 November

The Life and Times of Yours Truly for this particular week.

Sunday 18 November: I had to work today which was kind of a downer as I missed being able to watch Sunday afternoon football while leisurely reading my newspapers. So it was the full day of work and the extra money will definitely be a plus. I awoke around 8:15 am and after breakfast, I made it over to King Soopers for the weekly grocery run. I will have to get over to Walmart for part two of this run on Tuesday. It was a cloudy breezy day with temperatures climbing into the mid 60s after a morning low barely below 50 degrees. We have one more day of significantly above normal temperatures on Monday as we are forecast to be amazingly and incredibly near 70 degrees before it gets back to a routine more normal as below normal temps are forecast through next weekend and some light snowfall will happen. I got home in time to watch the last two reports on 60 Minutes and then tuned into the Patriots' dismantling of the Buffalo Bills on SNF. I had some carrots and a chicken sandwich for dinner and worked on my blog and surfed into the late evening, watching the news, the FSN Evening Highlight Show, and the alltime great classic film "Casablanca" before going to bed around midnight, as I have three full days of work still ahead of me.

Monday 19 September: I awoke before the alarm clock and readied myself for a full day at work. It was a crystal clear day with light to medium winds and temperatures setting a record by climbing to 70 degrees. This is more than 25 degrees above normal and even the morning was warm as we set a record for a maximum low temperature. All this comes to an end crashing down by 40 degrees by mid afternoon Tuesday with 4" of snow after sundown with strong howling north winds beckoning in a Canadian airmass which will dominate the climate in the region for the next several days. We got about four months or so of this to look forward to but hopefully the projections of a warm mild dry winter will bear out so these cold waves will strongly be the exception rather than the rule through March into April. I got home after 5:15pm and watched the news, worked on my blog, surfed the web, talked to Todd on the phone before he heads to Utah for the long holiday, watched the Broncos whip Tennessee on MNF, had Lipton Parmesan Noodles and butter bread for dinner, and headed off to bed by 1o:45pm as I was quite tired.

Tuesday 20 November: Once again I awoke before the alarm clock and got a little extra headstart on the day. It was another full day at work. The day started out with clear blue sunny skies and no wind but cold as the front came through around dawn. It never got much past 35 degrees and the clouds arrived by 2pm and snow falling by 7pm with 3-5" expected overnight. After I got off work, I went over to Walmart and got some more groceries to keep me stocked up on nonperishibles for another month. I also got myself a pumpkin pie to savor in the coming days. After I got home I had a salad and a sandwich for dinner, watched the movie "Dick Tracy", and caught the Avalanche game against Calgary (yet another decisive road loss). I caught the 9pm news, surfed the 'net, worked on the blog, and went on to bed around 10:45pm.

Wednesday 21 November: A strong taste of winter was apparent today as I awoke to see about 3" of snow had fallen overnight. Fortunately it was powder so it could be swept off the windshield without any scraping of ice. It was doggone cold too and it never warmed up as we topped out at about 25 degrees with despite sunshine aplenty after 12 noon as skies cleared. I worked all day and a little extra as the business closed early tonight at 6pm and I stayed on through and got out about 6:30. I went over and got myself a bottle of wine and headed home out of the cold. Fortunately with this kind of storm the wind dies off so its not any colder than it is already. I had a salad, a can of chili, and some butter bread for dinner. I watched an episode of the TV series "Pushing Daisies" (its kind of bizarre) and just surfed through the news and really did not pay attention to what was on for the most part. Since it was a longer than usual day at work, I ran out of fuel before 11pm and went to sleep, comfortable in knowing I get two straight days off to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet.

Thursday 22 November: I awoke around 10am on this holiday. It was a clear cold day as temps only climbed into the low to mid 20s after a low around zero. I had some oatmeal for breakfast and watched the Packers/Lions game. After the game ended I watched half-interested some movies and just relaxed as I did not want to watch Al-Qaida's team, the Dallas Cocaineboys play the hapless Jets. Brother HBL called and wished me well. I then got into watching a 1991 movie with Hume Cronyn and Fred Savage entitled Christmas on Division Street about a homeless man befriended by a teenager. Then surprisingly I got a call from Brant inviting me over to join him and his family for dinner. I had understood that they would be going out of town for the day but they changed their plans and decided to stay in town. I headed over around 6pm , enjoyed a wonderful tasty feast with all the fixings, engaged in some nice conversation, watched some of the Avalanche game after seeing both football games were routs, and headed home around midnight on a bitterly cold night. I checked my email and blog and saw my thoughtful youngest sister LAC left a warm caring message. I went to bed around 1:15am.

Friday 23 November: Eating that great dinner Thursday night let me sleep deeply and uninterupted until after 1oam. I awoke and watched the Colorado/Nebraska game and kept up with Delaware/Delaware St. I switched over to the Wyoming/Colorado St game after 12noon, listening to the play-by-play on radio with Dave Walsh and Kevin McKinney of the Wyoming radio network (two great guys I met a number of years back) and kept up with Louisiana St/Arkansas. After that I watched the remainder of the Texas A&M/Texas game. It was mostly cloudy day and still cold as temperatures reached the mid to upper 20s with virtually no wind. We finally start to warm up on Saturday and melt the 2" of snow still on the ground and elsewhere including the bed of my truck. As day turned into evening I had some pumpkin pie for dinner and a little later I had two chicken patty sandwiches. I watched the Hawaii/Boise St football game which was entertaining and well -played as most of the games this Friday had favorable results. I started to watch the movie "Casino" before going to bed around 1am.

Saturday 24 November: A full day at work with a starting time one hour earlier and the workday did not finish up until after 5:30 pm. After having to deal with the hassle of getting out of downtown because of the Christmas Parade closing streets and disrupting traffic, I then went to the post office to mail my electric bill and pick up the mail. In that mail was a card for Thanksgiving from youngest sister LAC and she enclosed some recent photos of her daughters. It was very kind and thoughtful of her to send me this as I largely get no mail except utility bills, bank statement, and lots of junk mail that sometimes contains coupons for free food. After I got home around 6:15, I rested and watched some college football (Kansas/Missouri; Auburn/Alabama; & Washington St/Washington), and listened in to the Wyoming/Wichita St basketball game on the radio. It turned out to be a warmer day with sunny skies and temperatures reaching over 40 degrees after three straight days below freezing. Some more snow did melt but there is still a good quantity that still is sitting in many places and the streets have ice on them in areas where the sunshine is limited. I realized I went all week without going out for a meal I had to pay for. So I ate in at home once again as I had a salad for dinner and some cream of mushroom soup. The long day resulted in me being quite tired so I went to bed around 10pm after I surfed and caught up on my email, websites, and blog.

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2007 Grey Cup

2007 marks the 98th anniversary of the first contesting of Canada's football championship, and this year's 95th game marks a first as the the two prairie province teams, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Saskatchewan Roughriders, are matched up in the CFL Championship game. This historic game is scheduled for kickoff on Sunday 25 November at 3:30pm MST at the Rogers Centre/Skydome in Toronto and will be broadcast in the Mountain Time Zone on Altitude, the broadcast home of the Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets. The Canadian game of football is much more open, lively, and exciting version of the game with players that are mobile and quick than is played in the NFL and with the longer and wider playing field being used results in games with much more action, scoring, and competitive athleticism than what has evolved in the heavily moneyed, elitist, hotdogging, and sportsmanship-poor NFL. I will pick Winnipeg to take home the Grey Cup, North America's second oldest sports trophy behind the Stanley Cup.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Football_League

http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/sports/story.html?id=07ad931d-25fa-45d2-ac45-fac065c93078

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Grey_Cup

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_Cup

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rogers_Centre

Poignant Words on this Thanksgiving Day

A lot of things have happened
Since the last time we spoke
Some of them are funny
Some of ‘em ain’t no joke
And I trust you will forgive me
If I lay it on the line
I always thought you were a friend of mine

Sometimes I think about you
I wonder how you’re doing now
And what you’re going through
The last time I saw you
We were playing with fire
We were loaded with passion
And a burning desire
For every breath, for every day of living
This is my thanksgiving

Now the trouble with you and me, my friend
Is the trouble with this nation
Too many blessings, too little appreciation
And I know that kind of notion well, it just ain’t cool
So send me back to Sunday school
Because I’m tired of waiting for reason to arrive
It’s too long we’ve been living
These unexamined lives

I’ve got great expectations
I’ve got family and friends
I’ve got satisfying work
I’ve got a back that bends
For every breath, for every day of living
This is my thanksgiving

Have you noticed that an angry man
Can only get so far
Until he reconciles the way he thinks things ought to be
With the way things are

Here in this fragmented world, I still believe
In learning how to give love, and how to receive it
And I would not be among those who abuse this privilege
Sometimes you get the best light from a burning bridge

And I don’t mind saying that I still love it all
I wallowed in the springtime
Now I’m welcoming the fall
For every moment of joy
Every hour of fear
For every winding road that brought me here
For every breath, for every day of living

This is my thanksgiving
For everyone who helped me start
And for everything that broke my heart
For every breath, for every day of living
This is my thanksgiving

“My Thanksgiving” by Don Henley

-----

NFL Picks for Week Twelve, 22-26 November

Here the picks for Week Eleven's NFL games being played on 22-26 November

Thursday 22 November

GB (9-1) @ DET (6-4): Packers (-4) 30, Lions 17
+ +
NYJ (2-8) @ DAL (9-1): Cocaineboys (-14 1/2) 34, Jets 17
+ +
IND (8-2) @ ATL (3-7): Colts (-14) 37, Falcons 16
+ +

Sunday 25 November

TENN (6-4) @ CINC (3-7): Titans (-1 1/2) 31, Bengals 24
X X
BUF (5-5) @ JAX (7-3): Jaguars (-8) 27, Bills 13
+ +
OAK (2-8) @ KC (4-6): Raiders (+6 1/2) 13, Chiefs 9 UPSET
+ +
HTN (5-5) @ CLE (6-4): Browns (-4) 32, Texans 23
+ +
SEA (6-4) @ STL (2-8): Seahawks (-3) 23, Rams 17
+ +
MINN (4-6) @ NYG (7-3): Giants (-7 1/2) 27, Vikings 16
X X
NORL (4-6) @ CAR (4-6): Saints (-3) 20, Panthers 10
+ +
WASH (5-5) @ TB (6-4): Buccaneers (-3) 23, Redskins 17
+ +
SF (2-8) @ ARIZ (5-5): Cardinals (-10 1/2) 34, FortyNiners 20
X X
DEN (5-5) @ CHI (4-6): Broncos (+1 1/2) 19, Bears 16 UPSET
X X
BALT (4-6) @ SD (5-5): Chargers (-9) 27, Ravens 13
+ +
PHIL (5-5) @ NENG (10-0): Patriots (-24) 52, Eagles 10
+ X

Monday 26 November

MIA (0-10) @ PGH (7-3): Steelers (-16) 38, Dolphins 13
+ X
12-4/10-6/1-1
-----

Week Thirteen College Football Picks for 22-24 November

Here are the picks for 40 of the college football games being played in Week Thirteen from 22-24 November. (home teams in BOLD)

Thursday 22 November

# 6 Arizona St (+3 1/2) 27, #10 Southern Cal 24 UPSET X X

Friday 23 November

Colorado (-4) 34, Nebraska 28 + +
Mississippi St (-7) 31, Mississippi 27 + +
Colorado St (-3 1/2) 23, Wyoming 13 + +
# 1 Louisiana St (-13) 33, Arkansas 14 X X
Texas A&M (+6 1/2) 24, #13 Texas 20 UPSET + +
#19 Boise St (+3) 44, #15 Hawaii 42 UPSET X +

Saturday 24 November

#23 South Florida (-10) 27, Pittsburgh 16 + +
North Carolina St (-2 1/2) 20, Maryland 13 X X
#14 Boston College (-14 1/2) 31, Miami FL 21 + +
# 8 Virginia Tech (-4) 27, #16 Virginia 20 + +
East Carolina (-12) 33, Tulane 20 + +
Kentucky (-2 1/2) 31, # 18 Tennessee 29 X +
Central Florida (-20) 35, Texas-El Paso 21 + +
Vanderbilt (+1) 24, Wake Forest 22 UPSET X X
Utah (+4 1/2) 26, #25 Brigham Young 33 UPSET X X
Memphis (-7 1/2) 31, Southern Methodist 26 + +
Tulsa (-12 1/2) 52, Rice 16 + X
Western Michigan (-11) 33, Temple 16 + +
Southern Mississippi (-14) 37, Arkansas St 20 + X
# 3 West Virginia (-16 1/2) 38, # 20 Connecticut 20 + +
North Carolina (-14 1/2) 17, Duke 10 + +
UCLA (-3) 27, # 9 Oregon 23 + +
Georgia Tech (+4 1/2) 24, # 7 Georgia 22 UPSET X X
Utah St (+2 1/2) 36, Idaho 26 UPSET + +
Oklahoma St (+11) 27, # 10 Oklahoma 24 UPSET X X
Fresno St (+1) 38, Kansas St 24 UPSET + +
Stanford (-3 1/2) 34, Notre Dame 23 X X
Nevada (-4 1/2) 30, San Jose St 17 X x
Marshall (-14 1/2) 20, Alabama-Birmingham 10 + +
Florida (-14) 27, Florida St 10 + +
New Mexico (-10 1/2) 43, Nevada-Las Vegas 22 + +
South Carolina (+2 1/2) 29, # 22 Clemson 26 UPSET X +
Washington (-7) 34, Washington St 29 X +
Louisiana-Monroe (-3) 26, Louisiana-Lafayette 23 + +
Florida Atlantic (-11 1/2) 27, Florida Int'l 7 + +
# 24 Cincinnati (-20) 44, Syracuse 17 + +
#2 Kansas (-2) 20, #4 Missouri 17 (@KC) X X
Auburn (-6) 27, Alabama 20 + +
Texas Christian (-11) 45, San Diego St 13 + +

-----

Monday 19 November News Articles and Observations

Some of this day's news articles and my observations on them are hereby presented.

A. Ninth Warmest October in US

And it was even warmer in this part of the nation. November is promising to be in the same ballpark in spite of this week's looming cooldown.

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/crnews/display_story.php?wfo=cys&storyid=11056&source=0

http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/2007/oct/oct07.html

-----

B. The Final Weather Forecast for the Upcoming Winter

This final forecast is not much different from the previous versions: much warmer and drier across most of the nation, particularly in the Southwest, Rockies, and Central Plains.

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/crnews/display_story.php?wfo=cys&storyid=11055&source=0

http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/90day/

http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/pacdir/DDdir/NHOME3.html#Seasonal

http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/precip/CWlink/MJO/enso.shtml

http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/expert_assessment/drought_assessment.shtml

-----

C. Anyone Remember A-1 Beer ?

I do, barely. I did drink some of this raspy bitter brew a couple of times when I was in high school. Hopefully the reincarnation of Arizona's state beer will be much tastier and better prepared.

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/1119a1beer1119.html

-----

D. American Criminal Justice is Morally Bankrupt and a Huge Economic Drain on Society

This is another part of our nation that is in need of a vast overhaul and serious reform. Politicians, primarily Republicans, have created a nightmare that is wasteful, inept, and syphons and sucks large sums of money from other social programs including education of our children and youth.

http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/11/19/5330/

-----

E. Salt Lake City to Construct Shelter Specifically for Homeless Seniors

This might be the kind of place I may be forced to live in as I get older, further move towards probable blindness and possible deafness, and become more unemployable.

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_7502468

-----

F. Two Passings of Culturally Trivial Individuals

Mr Whipple and Frau Hilda are no more in real life, just entertaining footnotes in reruns and nostalgia. I have never squeezed the Charmin but envy Colonel Hogan being able to squeeze the Fraulein...

http://www.mail.com/Article.aspx?articlepath=APNews/General%20Entertainment/20071120/Obit_Valdis_20071120.xml&cat=entertainment&subcat=&pageid=1

http://www.mail.com/Article.aspx?articlepath=APNews\TV\20071120\Obit_Mr._Whipple_20071120.xml&cat=entertainment&subcat=tv&pageid=1#

-----

Sunday 18 November News Articles and Observations

This is some of what made news this Sunday 18 November and my observations concerning these reports.

A. Economic Report on Wyoming

While '07-08 is not as prosperous and robust as some recent years, indications are that things are going great across the board for the most part.

http://eadiv.state.wy.us/wef/Economic_Summary0907.pdf

http://eadiv.state.wy.us/

http://www.laramieboomerang.com/news/more.asp?StoryID=107360

-----

B. The Great Little Electric Car Being Manufactured in Montana

I posted about this several months back. This is an ideal environmentally friendly vehicle being produced in our region and the outlook is very promising for future growth in this company and sector.

http://www.newwest.net/topic/article/the_zenn_of_driving/C41/L41/

http://www.ecoautoinc.com/

-----

C. Action Needed to Extend Solar Energy Federal Tax Credits

These tax credits that provide incentives for installation and use of alternative solar power equipment are due to expire soon so it is essential that Congress renews this program and enlarges it to encourage greater participation by citizens and possible consumers.

http://www.seia.org/takeaction.php

http://www.newwest.net/city/article/solar_future_suddenly_cloudy/C94/L94/

-----

D. A Knowledgeable Opinion on Possible Baseball Expansion and Relocation

The conclusions by this expert are probably right, but also disappointing. I firmly believe MLB needs to add two clubs as soon as possible to give the American League 16 clubs, the same as the NL. This is essential to bring greater parity between the two leagues as the AL has largely dominated the NL in All-Star Games and in the World Series in the last decade plus. I believe the two markets most deserving of new expansion clubs to be Portland and either Las Vegas or Sacramento. There is more than enough talent out there to staff two more clubs and their minor league clubs system.

http://www.bizofbaseball.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1703&Itemid=99999999

-----

E. The Number One Asset Homeowners Should Add to Their Homes: A Greenhouse

With radically higher energy prices and global warming becoming more a fact of life every day, the cost of goods for products we consume, particularly fresh foods, is only going to increase. Many homeowners would be wise to start determining a way to keep healthy fresh foods in their diet at a reasonable or low cost, and the way to do that is to grow your own in a greenhouse on ones property. Most foods we enjoy, even such foods such as citrus fruits, bananas, and most vegetables, could be grown for personal and family consumption in such structures with a conscientious effort.

http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2007/nov/16/vb-price-locally-grown/

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/17/science/earth/17cnd-climate.html?hp=&pagewanted=all

http://words-of-power.blogspot.com/2007/11/sustainability-update-11-17-07-distance.html

-----

F. Note: If a Toy is Made or Assembled in China, DO NOT BUY IT !!!

Chances are, no matter where the toy is purchased at, that the toy is contaminated with lead. American retailers will see a big downturn in their toy sales this Christmas season as many parents will simply not take the risk with these poor quality Chinese made products.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-leadmain-story,0,7756666.story?coll=chi_breaking_500

-----

G. The Economy of Michigan is Sinking Hard and Fast

The foundation of manufacturing heart of our nation is crumbling and disappearing. Will the woes being felt so deeply and harshly in the Wolverine State spread to other parts of the nation within a decade ? If the Chinese and Arabs have their way, yes...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7097585.stm

-----

H. News on International Oil & Gas Developments

Even with Global Warming moving towards full throttle, the basis of energy across the planet continues to be developed and expanded at breakneck speed with no stoppage or even a slowdown in sight for many years ahead.

http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/lalumia/307

-----

I. Pakistan: Quite the Huge Mess and Growing Quagmire

What is happening in Pakistan is of great concern. The future does not look promising in any way and I believe it is likely that at least some US troops may have to be deployed there to ensure the current dictator maintains power and keeps Pakistan's nuclear weapons out of the hands of the radicals that would like take power if Musharraf is ousted and forced out.

http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/contributors/1437

-----

J. Insight on Why the War with Iran is Coming and is Inevitable

I am at a loss to come up with a reason or more with what will prevent this looming catastrophe and crisis.

http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/68064/?page=entire

-----

K. Immigration: Among the Biggest Issues

This is probably the third most important issue for most citizens behind only the Iraq War and the economy. This may be the issue that will be the undoing of probable Democratic Presidential nominee Hilary Clinton.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1119/p01s02-uspo.html

-----

L. And Now, the Solar-Powered Car !

Lets hope entrepreneurial actions and technological innovations like this continue to flourish and become part of the mainstream.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1115/p01s10-ussc.html

-----

My Week In Review: 11-17 November

The week in review for yours truly.

Sunday 11 November: I awoke around 9:15 am and prepared to go to work at 11am. First after cleaning up, I had a couple of bowls of cereal for breakfast. I then made a quick trip over to King Soopers and got some of my weekly groceries (except perishables) and the newspapers. I will have to go over again on Monday to get milk and any other perishables I think I may want. I then worked from 11 am to around 5:30 as it was not too busy. After I got done, I went over to Arbys and had their $5.95 special and read the Sunday papers while listening to the first half of the Chargers-Colts SNF game. I then headed home around 7:45 and spent the evening catching up on the NFL games, surfing, and watching some TV including the news. Today was a cloudy cool day as the temps only got to the low 50s with no wind. The forecast is for some snow showers overnight into the morning with only a dusting expected. It may end up being all rain. I blogged some during the evening and headed off to bed around 1:15am.

Monday 12 September: A day off so I slept in until around 9am. I spent the morning just relaxing, surfing, and listening to the Fox radio (103.5 FM - KRFX). It started out as a cloudy day and I saw no signs that any precipitation fell (none did) as the forecast of a snow event turned out to be wrong. Skies cleared starting around 11am and the rest of the day was fully clear blue skies although cool with temps only in the low to mid 50s and largely calm winds. The wind is supposed to start blowing like all git out later today and through tonight into Tuesday. But the forecast is for us to be back into the 60s for most of the week ahead. I went out about 1pm to the post office, King Soopers for milk and the papers. I then went over to McDs and had a strawberry sundae while I read those Monday newspapers. I headed back home around 4pm and went to work on the endless project of organizing my office and supplies. I took a break around 6:15 to catch the evening news and then settled in to watch MNF between San Francisco and Seattle and the Hurricanes/Panthers NHL game on Versus. The hockey was good but the football game was a dud. I went back to work on the project after a couple of sandwiches for dinner. I quit around 11:30 and took the trash out on a surprisingly nice and nonwindy night (so much for that forecast again). I then caught up on my email, websites, and blog while half watching a two bit movie. I realized that I only said about two sentences all day and that was to the girl at McDs. Its like that on most of my days off -- largely complete solitude with only limited contact with other humans at most. I think I said something to myself about a squirrel I saw in the street when I was driving earlier also. I hit the hay around 1am.

Tuesday 13 November: Back to work for the full day. The morning was mostly cloudy but it did clear up somewhat by afternoon with some mixed sunshine as temperatures got into the mid 60s after a windy night in the few hours before sunrise. Daytime winds were breezy and warm. After I got home, I was really tired and I fell asleep in my chair within about 45 minutes. I awoke around 7:30 after a nap of about an hour or so. I had a salad with 1000 island dressing and a bowl of soup for dinner. I watched the third period of the Blues/Redwings game and zapped a little until Boston Legal came on at 9pm. I went to bed after Nightline.

Wednesday 14 November: My schedule changed at work for this day as I was moved to a late morning to close full shift. So I slept until around 9:30 and had breakfast before heading in for the shift. Today ended up being the coldest day of the season so far as it only got to 37 degrees under clear sunny skies with a good strong wind most of the day. When I got off from work, the wind had ceased blowing and the temperature was dropping fast. By Thursday at dawn we will have gotten down into the low teens. But another warmup is forecast to get underway with temps into the 60s for the next four days before strongly going downhill just before Thanksgiving. I got home around 9pm, had some chicken noodle soup and some butter bread for dinner, and watched the evening news and Nightline. I may have strep throat as my throat is very dry and raspy and I feel run down and poorly. Drinking lots of fluids seems to be the only relief. The midnight hour arrived and I felt very tired so I hit the hay in due haste.

Thursday 15 November: A day off so I slept in. I am still feeling poorly so a day at home resting is the main order of the day. I slept fairly good until around 11:30am. I felt a little better but still not 100 %. I stayed in and relaxed, surfing the internet and watching some TV. The weather outside shows a marked improvement as temperatures have rebounded into the low 60s under fair skies with SW winds blowing in the warm air after yesterday's and last night's chill down into the lower teens. I went out around 2pm to check the mail and get the papers. I went over to Taco Bell and had some cinnamon twists and a taco while I read. I returned home around 4pm and just rested as I was without much energy. I drifted off for about one-half hour. I awoke and had a salad for dinner. I watched my Thursday shows (perhaps for the last time for some of them until the writers' strike ends) while keeping track of the Oregon/Arizona game. I caught the 9pm news and spent time surfing before heading off to bed after Nightline around 11:15pm.

Friday 16 November: I woke up before the alarm around 7:15 so I took a long hot shower before breakfast and then heading out for a full day of work. It was a partly cloudy day with temperatures into the mid 60s and windy. The forecast is for a strong downturn in the weather starting mid-day Tuesday but the outlook for the storm and its intensity has diminished to a thinking of just a little snow and cold but nothing record breaking or even close to it. We probably will not see 40 degrees from late Tuesday until at least Sunday the 25th. Hopefully this just a halfweek disturbance and we get back to around normal or above normal temps for the last week of November and beyond. So far I have had to only turn the heat on three times which is real good for being into mid-November. I had rice and mushrooms with some buttered French bread for dinner. I watched another good episode of Ghost Whisperer while keeping up on the Avalanche game which ended in a rout in Dallas for the Stars. I then watched the Hawaii/Nevada game while I worked on my blog and surfed. Overall, I felt better today than the last two days but as 10:30 pm arrived, I felt tired and shut myself down on the massaging recliner with no lights on and just the game on (it started at 9pm). I drifted to sleep on and off until the game ended after midnight and then went off to bed, looking forward to my last day off before Thanksgiving Day.

Saturday 17 November: I awoke around 9:30am and enjoyed my day off from work watching college football. It was a mostly cloudy day with wind as the temperature reached into the mid to upper 50s. Todd came over around 11:30 and stayed until around 4pm as we watched Wyoming get beat by BYU; Ohio St edge Michigan; Utah St win over New Mexico St; Kansas annihilate Iowa St; Penn St fall to Michigan St; Louisiana St stop Mississippi and Illinois beat Northwestern. He ordered a pizza for delivery. As the afternoon waned, we watched the start of the Utah defeat of New Mexico before he left. I watched the remainder of that game and also kept up on the last minute Boston College win at Clemson, West Virginia getting by Cincinnati, Oklahoma State pounding Baylor, and Oregon St crushing Washington St. The evening game had Texas Tech upsetting Oklahoma. I had a piece of pie as a late evening snack and took a nice hot long shower before going to bed around 12:30am.

-----

Another Warm One for October

Climatological reports are in for October '07, and the recent strong trend of warm months continues with no end in sight obviously. And very soon, perhaps as soon as 2008, most every month will be a new record setter and each new year will bring the promise/threat of new records being regularly set.

http://global-warming.accuweather.com/

http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/2007/oct/national.html

http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/2007/oct/currentmonth.html

http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/2007/oct/yeartodate.html

http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/cag3/cag3.html

http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/cag3/state.html

http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/cag3/city.html

-----

Over a Third of a Trillion Dollars Sent out of US by Immigrants

This is just another reason why the US economy is having issues, troubles, and problems. To have that amount of money leaving the nation and not being spent in local communities to contribute to the local economies in the areas of jobs, taxes, charities, investments, and new business development is simply disappointing and then some. Legislation must be enacted to prevent some or all this money from leaving the nation without at least large fees and penalties.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/18/weekinreview/18deparle.html?ei=5089&en=af969c6930d2314d&ex=1353042000&adxnnl=1&partner=rssyahoo&emc=rss&adxnnlx=1195362438-OVVpyydy/YIN1uulZiTVwA

-----

The Overwhelming Truth of the Great Education Myth

This myth, touted by corporate America and their government lackeys, has been quite apparent to me for many years. There is no panacea for many who work to get college degrees and yet continue to find themselves no better off economically than they were before endeavoring to get a degree which required an enormous amount of sacrifice, time, money, and effort.

http://commonsense.ourfuture.org/election_08_meets_great_education_myth

-----

Joe Nuxhall, 1928-2007

Joe Nuxhall lived a remarkable life. He was the youngest big leaguer ever, pitching for the Cincinnati Reds at the age of 15 in June 1944 facing such renowned hitters as Stan Musial. After several years in the minors, he returned to pitch for the Reds from 1952 to 1967 and had a decent career. He then spent almost 40 years as a broadcaster announcing Reds games in Cincinnati for local fans on radio and television as the voice of summer for many baseball fans through three generations. All of Cincinnati and the Ohio Valley feels a great loss with the passing of the beloved "Ol' Lefthander".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Nuxhall

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3113499&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=nuxhall

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071116/SPT04/311160011/-1/nuxhall

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16 November News Articles and Observations

These are some of the recent news articles that caught my attention and some brief observations on them.

A. Yeehaw ! Less than One Year Left of the Junta !

Yes, I know, the inauguration of the next president will not be until 20 January '09. But once the election occurs next 4 November, the lameduck status will completely kick in and the last 76 days will be just an exercise in killing time... (lets hope !)

http://www.sfgate.com/columnists/morford/

-----

B. Energy Department Chooses New Electricity Transmission Lines Corridors

Though these transmission are essential for the future, there will be a lot of complaining and griping about their placement, and some lawsuits are inevitable.

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_7478876

http://corridoreis.anl.gov/documents/dpeis/maps/Draft_Westwide_Corridors_Nov2007.pdf

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C. Exciting News on the Prairie

This demonstrates how other alternatives are beginning to be more numerous in more places to the traditional agriculture and livestock industries which have long dominated the economy in the High Plains of the Midwest.

http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/11/16/5275/

-----

D. The Manure Flows and Spews from the World's Largest Corporation

Unfortunately, most corporations are like Walmart, feeding the public lies and mistruths about how "environmentally responsible" they are. Few multinational corporations have any interest or purpose in behaving responsibly as good and proper institutions. After all, it would cost them more money and cut into their profits resulting in lower pay for corporate executives and management. The short term is the only way they can ever look at things.

http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/11/16/5286/

-----

E. The Dying of the Dollar and Its Immenent Collapse

Everywhere you turn, the news about the dollar is bad and fears are worsening daily. If the dollar does collapse, what will be the ramifications for Americans ? Among them, much higher fuel prices, marked increases in the cost of almost all consumer goods (since the Republicans let the corporations take all our manufacturing out of the nation), and the end of the opportunity for most Americans to travel internationally. Worst of all, we may all have to endure an economic downturn that may collapse even into a depression with widescale unemployment, hyper inflation and a loss of the taxpayer safety net for many.

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article3169638.ece

http://www.thebusiness.co.uk/news-and-analysis/358346/saudi-minister-warns-of-dollar-collapse.thtml

http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/11/14/5210/

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F. Bananas and Terrorism

Its not that amazing that multinational corporations participate in the sponsorship of terrorism, torture, and murder to ensure their profits. This has been going on for over a century and the US government has constantly turned a blind eye towards this criminal activity time and time again.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/law/11/14/chiquita.lawsuit/index.html?section=cnn_latest

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G. Utah Growing Like a Weed

The Beehive State saw a record in the growth of the population last year with no end in sight on this upward spiral. Get ready for higher taxes, Utahns.

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_7478889

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H. Speaking of New and Higher Taxes...

After years of delaying the inevitable during the Bill Owens years, Colorado is facing a huge increase in various fees and taxes to get a handle on three troubled areas the state and its citizens are facing: higher education, transportation and roads, and health care and insurance. The current Ritter administration faces a tough choice on which of these three issues should be the focus of a substantial tax and fee increase. Observers feel the governor will choose transportation first, which will result in obscene increases in vehicle registration and drivers' license fees; an increase in the sales tax; and a likely near doubling of the state gasoline tax. The news will only get worse for Colorado citizens in the near future when it comes time to consider the increases in taxes and services for the other two areas which may be even more imposing.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2007/nov/09/ritter-might-seek-tax-hike-for-one-of-three/

http://www.coloradoconfidential.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3109

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I. Dark Clouds on the Horizon

With all the other troubles and problems facing Americans, what may rank as among the most frightening of looming issues may be the resumption of the Cold War between the US and Russia. Current and future projected trends are very unsettling.

http://www.alternet.org/story/67821/

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J. Real Live Star Wars

The Chinese already are in the process of placing nuclear weapons in their orbiting satellites. It is only inevitable the US and other nations will follow suit. The thought of this is highly disturbing.

http://www.alternet.org/audits/67699/

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K. Six Degrees Increase of Global Temps in 20 Years

A report issued today says just that. The dangers and perils of global warming and climate change are becoming more ominous as each day, week, month, and year go by. And it is too late to do anything about it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/17/science/earth/17climate.html?_r=1&ei=5089&en=6d5dfd9f9c66d814&ex=1353042000&oref=slogin&partner=rssyahoo&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

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L. Leonid Meteor Shower this Weekend

Here where the High Plains meet the Central Rockies, the show will possibly be obstructed by clouds. But if you are up and about around 10pm to 1am you may want to look to see if you can catch a few meteors falling by going to the darkest place you can find and look to the eastern sky.

http://www.space.com/spacewatch/071116-ns-leonid-preview.html

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Iran Crosses Nuclear Threshold

This report indicates Iran is closer than ever to being capable of constructing a nuclear weapon. With this news, what will be the reaction of the Bush Junta ? Is it possible to imagine a war starting during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons ? I would think not. Posturing and strong talk for a period of time will probably continue to happen, so the earliest war may start probably will commence militarily in February.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/iran/story/0,,2212071,00.html

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College Football Picks for Week Twelve, 15-18 November

We are to week twelve of the college football season, the last full week of the regular season for many teams, including all those below the FBS classification who will start their playoffs this weekend or next. The next two weekends have only a limited schedule or have conference championship games the first weekend of December. (home teams in BOLD) (47 total games)

Thursday 15 November

# 2 Oregon (-11 1/2) 34, Arizona 24 X +
Arkansas St (-14) 38, North Texas 27 + +

Friday 16 November

#16 Hawaii (-6 1/2) 33, Nevada 31 + +

Saturday 17 November

# 1 Louisiana St (-19) 48, Mississippi 16 + X
# 3 Kansas (-27) 41, Iowa St 3 + +
# 4 Oklahoma (-10) 38, Texas Tech 34 X +
# 5 Missouri (-10) 44, Kansas St 17 (@ KC) + +
# 6 West Virginia (-7) 33, # 22 Cincinnati 27 + +
#21 Michigan (+ 4 1/2) 27 # 7 Ohio St 23 UPSET X X
# 8 Arizona St: IDLE
#23 Kentucky (+7 1/2) 23, # 9 Georgia 20 UPSET X X
#10 Virginia Tech (-16) 38, Miami FL 13 + +
#11 Southern Cal: IDLE
#12 Florida (-35 1/2) 56, Florida Atlantic 6 + +
#13 Texas: IDLE
#14 Virginia: IDLE
#17 Boston College (-8 1/2) 27, #15 Clemson 23 UPSET + +
#18 Boise St (-35 1/2) 54, Idaho 10 + +
#19 Illinois (-14 1/2) 33, Northwestern 16 + +
#20 Tennessee (-12) 26, Vanderbilt 17 + +
#24 Connecticut (-21) 44, Syracuse 20 + +
#25 Wisconsin (-16 1/2) 27, Minnesota 13 + +
Brigham Young (-11 1/2) 30, Wyoming 17 + +
Air Force (-13) 35, San Diego St 20 + +
Utah (-15) 34, New Mexico 17 + +
Texas Christian (-20) 34, Nevada-Las Vegas 13 + +
Temple (-1) 27, Kent St 22 + +
Georgia Tech (-10) 24, North Carolina 16 + +
Tulsa (-17) 32, Army 17 + +
Florida St (-8) 24, Maryland 17 + +
Rutgers (-12) 27, Pittsburgh 13 + X
Arkansas (-11) 27, Mississippi St 26 + X
New Mexico St (-9) 31, Utah St 24 X +
Notre Dame (-6) 34, Duke 23 + +
Alabama (-25 1/2) 28, Louisiana-Monroe 10 X +
Central Florida (-14 1/2) 33, Southern Meth 14 + +
Rice (-3) 16, Tulane 13 X +
Iowa (-13 1/2) 27, Western Michigan 17 X +
Penn St (-2 1/2) 30, Michigan St 20 X X
Indiana (+3 1/2) 29, Purdue 27 UPSET + +
Houston (-13 1/2) 32, Marshall 20 + +
Navy (-17) 40, Northern Iowa 24 + +
Memphis (-11) 33, Alabama-Birmingham 17 + +
California (-7 1/2) 24, Washington 20 X +
Wake Forest (+6) 24, North Carolina St 20 UPSET + +
Oregon St (+3) 34, Washington St 32 UPSET + +
Oklahoma St (-16 1/2) 58, Baylor 28 + +
Louisiana Tech (-5 1/2) 26, San Jose St 23 + +
Louisiana-Lafayette (-3) 29, Florida Int'l 20 + +
Texas-El Paso (+3) 27, Southern Missisippi 24 UPSET X X
South Florida (-8 1/2) 31, Louisville 21 + +

Montana 29, Montana St 27 +

36-11/40-7/4-3
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NFL Picks for Week Eleven, 18-19 November

Here are the picks for National Football League games being played on Sunday 18 November and Monday 19 November. Predictions records so far this season are 82-62,.569 straight up; 85-59,.590 against the spread; and 13-21,.382 on the upsets.

Sunday 18 November

SD (5-4) @ Jax (6-3): Jaguars (-1 1/2) 23, Chargers 20
+ +
KC (4-5) @ Ind (7-2): Colts (-14 1/2) 33, Chiefs 13
+ X
Oak (2-7) @ Minn (3-6): Vikings (-5) 26, Raiders 19
+ +
Cle (5-4) @ Balt (4-5): Browns (-3 1/2) 16, Ravens 13
+ +
TB (5-4) @ Atl (3-6): Buccaneers (-4) 27, Falcons 20
+ +
Ariz (4-5) @ Cinc (3-6): Cardinals (+3) 29, Bengals 24 UPSET
+ +
Mia (0-9) @ Phil (4-5): Eagles (-9 1/2) 34, Dolphins 20
+ +
NOrl (4-5) @ Htn (4-5): Texans (pick) 23, Saints 20
+ +
Car (4-5) @ GB (8-1): Packers (-10 1/2) 24, Panthers 13
+ +
NYG (6-3) @ Det (6-3): Lions (+3) 26, Giants 23 UPSET
X X
Pgh (7-2) @ NYJ (1-8): Steelers (-10 1/2) 31, Jets 6
X X
Wash (5-4) @ Dal (8-1): Redskins (+11 1/2) 27, Cocaineboys 26 UPSET
X +
StL (1-8) @ SF (2-7): Rams (-3 1/2) 32, FortyNiners 17
+ +
Chi (4-5) @ Sea (5-4): Seahawks (-5 1/2) 23, Bears 17
+ +
NEng (9-0) @ Buf (5-4): Patriots (-17 1/2) 47, Bills 10
+ +

Monday 19 November

Tenn (6-3) @ Den (4-5): Broncos (-2) 23, Titans 16

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Recommended Book for Reading

Lost History: Contras, Cocaine, the Press & 'Project Truth' - by Robert Parry

http://www.amazon.com/Lost-History-Contras-Cocaine-Project/dp/1893517004/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1195160940&sr=1-1

http://www.buzzflash.com/store/items/835

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It Just Keeps Going Up and Up and Up...

The news continues to be awful concerning gasoline fuel prices. Experts forecast a rise of at least twenty cents per gallon before the end of November. That would put most fuel prices at or above the $3.25 per gallon level in most areas of the Central and Northern Rockies and adjacent High Plains. Prices will be higher in metro areas like Denver, Salt Lake, and Boise. Prices in the Southern Rockies will be higher, perhaps near or above $3.35 to $3.40 per gallon in such places as Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas, and Albuquerque. And one can only shudder on hearing on high it will be along the west coast where near $4.00 per gallon levels will be the standard.

The most horrifying thing is that we now can expect without question prices next spring to go above $4.oo per gallon everywhere in this region and probably higher depending on global events. Oh the Horror ! Oh the Horror !

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071112/us_nm/usa_gasoline_price_dc

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Colorado Rockies to Move Spring Training to Goodyear ?

This story broke today and I have mixed feelings about it. While it would be sad to see Hi Corbett Field left behind as it has a spectacular retro ambience, arguments can be made about having the organization move to a modern facility currently under construction for the Cleveland Indians to utilize in '09 that is more fan friendly and offers more convenient access to Arizona's other spring training sites. Given the White Sox are moving to Glendale to join the Dodgers in another new facility, the potential move makes sense in a lot of ways. Where will the Diamondbacks go ? The SE Valley near Gilbert or Chandler are a likely destination. But it will be a great loss not to have Tucson as a Spring Training site. The settings, climate, and postgame entertainment, dining, and recreational options are as good if not better than what Phoenix has.

http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/211059

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FYI: List of TV Markets and Major Sports Teams

As one can see, most of the top eighteen markets have full coverage. There are noteworthy exceptions:

# 2 Los Angeles - National Football League
#10 Houston - National Hockey League
#13 Tampa - National Basketball Association
#17 Cleveland - National Hockey League

Markets 19 and 20, Orlando and Sacramento, have only NBA teams. Market 29, Hartford, has no teams. And the markets in the 36th to 49th place have only three teams (#37 NBA San Antonio; #47 NBA Memphis; and #49 NFL Jacksonville). It would appear Buffalo (#50) and New Orleans (#53) have at least one too many teams that they can support, which explains why the Buffalo Bills are positioning themselves to have Toronto as at least a co-market with regular season games to be played in the Skydome (Rogers Centre) in the coming years starting in '08 and why the New Orleans Hornets of the NBA are likely to be leaving the Crescent City within the next two years to either Kansas City, Las Vegas, St Louis, or Baltimore.

Of course if we had professional sports structured with community ownership like what exists in the smallest professional market, #70 Green Bay, home of the storied and legendary NFL Packers, all markets of any size greater or nearly equal to this one could support a team or more.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_TV_markets_and_major_sports_teams

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Recommended Book for Reading

The End of America: A Letter of Warning To A Young Patriot -- by Naomi Wolf

http://www.amazon.com/End-America-Letter-Warning-Patriot/dp/1933392797/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-2165565-0580921?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194847241&sr=1-1

http://www.buzzflash.com/store/items/754

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Macro-Consequences of Oil Prices Rising

The inevitable downturn in the quality of life and the standard of living for Americans is well underway thanks to the incompetence and corruption of the federal government, particularly the Bush White House junta; and the power, evil, and unquenchable greed of oil corporations.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/09/AR2007110902573.html?hpid=topnews

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Why War with Iran is Inevitable

The hawks in the White House have decided convincingly that it must be done. The window for the onset of this war has closed for the year 2007, but reopens again in 2008 around the first of March. An action of this magnitude by the Bush Administration will have grave and profound ramifications on all and every American citizen and community. This is what we have to look forward in the near future.

http://www.esquire.com/print-this/iranbriefing1107#

http://www.esquire.com/features/iranbriefing1107

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More on the Widespread Alaska Republican Corruption and Criminals

I sure hope Alaskans are as intelligent as I think they are and will throw all these Republicans out !

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/11/AR2007111101585.html?hpid=topnews

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Report on Successful Rural Counties

This recently published report by Daily Yonder lists 289 rural counties across the nation that are viewed as being models of "success". The list includes eleven Colorado counties, three in Idaho and Utah each, one in Montana, and five in Wyoming. Obviously lists of this kind are highly subjective and filled with biases. But these are all counties that offer a quality of life that is often better than one would experience in an urban or suburban setting.

http://www.newwest.net/main/article/the_rural_wests_most_prosperous_counties/

http://www.ace.uiuc.edu/Reap/Papers.htm

http://www.dailyyonder.com/rural-americas-most-prosperous-counties

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Cubin to Leave US House

Wyoming US Representative Barbara Cubin announced Saturday she would not seek re-election for an eighth term to the US House of Representatives, ending months of speculation on what her plans would be. Cubin has missed more than half the roll call votes during her current term, largely due to illnesses by her husband and an injury she suffered.

This is great news for Wyoming's citizens. Cubin has a woeful record of accomplishment in Congress and has grown rather stale in the job. Whether her replacement is a Republican or a Democrat, the new congressperson has a tall agenda facing them, not only on the national agenda but also for the state of Wyoming. The state is in serious need of additional federal funding particularly in the areas of transportation and renewable energy resources and infrastructural development.

Wyoming's highway system is in need of improvements and upgrades. Interstate 80 cuts across the southern part of the state from Utah to Nebraska spanning nearly 400 miles. Enormous increases in semitruck traffic has left the highway in desperate need of maintenance, expansion, and safety improvements. Large stretches of the highway require a third lane in each direction to be added. The interstate interchange of I-80 and I-25 near Cheyenne is in need of a total reconstruction and modernization as it is inadequate and unsafe. Safety improvements to provide additional safeguards to drivers in light of the increased truck traffic is needed such as lighting, signage, ramp and acceleration lane expansion, and increased availability of modern technologies to aid drivers need to be implimented. In addition, highways not part of the interstate system need to be improved or built. A four to six lane interstate level highway is desperately needed between Rawlins and Casper. A similar highway is also needed connecting the Big Horn Basin to Casper. The Casper to Riverton highway needs to be modernized and upgraded to a four to six lane interstate level highway. The Casper beltway needs to be completed on the city's westside linking Wyoming Blvd and CY Avenue to I-25 with the construction of a new highway making that link. Interstate 180 in Cheyenne has never been finished and is still yet to be a non-signaled highway. Additional reststops and pullover areas are needed throughout the state on both interstate and US highways. And funding should be made to make aesthetic and cosmetic improvements to all entrances into Wyoming on the interstates (Nebraska and Utah on I-80; Colorado on I-25; South Dakota and Montana on I-90)Ideally, that would include a border reststop with tourist and historical information and perhaps even a commercialization of these entrances to include restaurants, lodging, and entertainment.

The other transportation area in need of attention is in regard to passenger rail service. A re-establishment of Amtrak service across Southern Wyoming generally along I-80 from Salt Lake City to Denver is something that should really be done. The infrastructure is largely in place but it would have to be coordinated with the UP railroad with their busy coal transportion schedule.It would be nice to see the UP train depots in communities in Southern Wyoming be in use again in their original purposes. With the pending proposal of construction of a highspeed rail corridor from Casper to Albuquerque, a regular connecting rail line from Amtrak would make sense. The economic development and tourism expansion ramifications of this action would be highly beneficial to many.

And in regards to energy infrastructure, transmission lines are needed to be able to send energy that will be generated by wind turbines to where there is population needing to use this energy. This would also open the possibility of development of solar energy facilities as Wyoming has plentiful sunshine that would allow this kind of energy development.

Finally, the US is in desperate need of finding a new transportation fuel based energy to replace oil and gasoline that originates from the politically unstable and volatile Middle East and other regions around the globe. We in Wyoming as well as in Southern Montana have that replacement fuel waiting to be utilized: coal to diesel fuel. This is not a new technology. Germany powered their military during World War II doing just this. There is a 500 year supply of coal in this region and investment in plants to make this conversion are in true need. This diesel fuel is actually a cleaner burning and more environmentally friendly resource and technology exists to capture the CO2 created in the process and utilize it to force natural gas and water from subsurface areas for human and commercial use. Some investment by the federal government is needed to get this new kind of energy into development.

The Cubin representation in Congress never looked into these vital areas, so the next Wyoming Representative in the US House has an opportunity to push this agenda along with many others to help the US become energy independent and Wyoming more economically diverse and safe.

http://cbs4denver.com/wyomingwire/WY--Cubin-Congress/resources_news_html
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