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
-----
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
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
-----
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 + +
-----
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, November 19, 2007
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#
-----
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, November 18, 2007
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
-----
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
-----
Saturday, November 17, 2007
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.
-----
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
-----
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
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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
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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
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http://commonsense.ourfuture.org/election_08_meets_great_education_myth
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Friday, November 16, 2007
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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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
-----
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/
-----
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
-----
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
-----
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
-----
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/
-----
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/
-----
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
-----
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
-----
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
-----
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/
-----
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
-----
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
-----
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
-----
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/
-----
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/
-----
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
-----
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
-----
Thursday, November 15, 2007
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
-----
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
-----
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
-----
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
-----
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
-----
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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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
-----
Monday, November 12, 2007
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
-----
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
-----
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
-----
Sunday, November 11, 2007
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
-----
# 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
-----
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
-----
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
-----
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
-----
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/09/AR2007110902573.html?hpid=topnews
-----
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
-----
http://www.esquire.com/print-this/iranbriefing1107#
http://www.esquire.com/features/iranbriefing1107
-----
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
-----
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/11/AR2007111101585.html?hpid=topnews
-----
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
-----
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
-----
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
-----
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
-----
Tampa Bay Rays Announce Plans for New Ballpark
This was a rather shocking announcement coming out of the blue. Nowhere was there any indication the Rays were making any serious plans of pulling out of Tropicana Field. Their plan for a new ballpark on the waterfront in downtown St Petersburg looks to be a great move on the surface and certainly the plan for the new ballpark is marked improvement over the cave-like environs of Tropicana. There appear to be some hurdles to be overcome, but look for this effort to be successful and the new ballpark to be a reality with games being played there in 2012.
-----
Saturday, November 10, 2007
My Week in Review: 4-10 November
The weekly of life of one J_ _ _ _. L_ _ _ _:
Sunday 4 November: I got an extra hour of sleep as daylight savings ended this morning. Arose around 10:45 am after laying under the covers for about an hour mostly asleep. I toasted frozen waffles for breakfast.I went over to King Soopers and got my Sunday papers, some bananas, milk, bread, and apple pie. It was a clear sunny warm day with some good winds blowing and temperatures near 70 degrees -- yet another kind of day I thought we were done with about three weeks ago ! I then got back home around noon, read my papers thoroughly, did the sudoku, and watched the Broncos get slaughtered in Detroit and a pretty entertaining Kansas City/Green Bay game. I continued to read my papers and then watched another good game between the unbeatens New England and Indianapolis. I had a lunchmeat sandwich for a lunch snack. I watched 60 Minutes which had a real good story about elephants in Chad. I then went to work on my desk/office and made some progress, filling up about three garbage bags with refuse and unnecessary or dated items. I had a TV dinner of chicken fried steaks, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, and a brownie. I took all that trash out and the wind was still blowing decently but it was still warm around 50 degrees. I worked on my blog and surfed while having Mighty Joe Young and A Night at McCools as movies on. I shaved and took a shower and hit the hay around 1am.
Monday 5 November: Back to work for the full day. It was a cold day compared to recently but sunny and calm. I do not think it got much out of the low 4os all day. Being Monday I went straight home very tired. I had spaghettios and butter bread for dinner. I watched the NHL game between the Rangers and Flyers, the MNF game between the Steelers and Ravens, and the Avalanche game against Calgary. I drifted off to sleep on the recliner before 8pm and woke up before 10pm and then continued back to sleep in my bed.
Tuesday 6 November: A cold morning as temps got near 20 degrees and the apartment was in the low 50s when I awoke. But it was a bright sunny cloudless day with little wind and temps climbed to the upper 50s. I worked the full day. Took some big empty boxes from work to use in my repack project of boxes in the garage this week or next. I do need to go do laundry as it has been since late July since I last did this task. I also have to go wash my big area rugs in some oversize washers as those carpets have not been laundered in many, many years as I have had them since 1989. This will probably be the project for Wednesday on my day off. I had macaroni & cheese and peas & carrots for dinner. I watched the Rangers/Islanders NHL game, watched "Carpoolers" on ABC, and the last 7 minutes of the Central Michigan/Western Michigan football game and then the 9pm news on CW2. I totally forgot Boston Legal was on. I had turn the heat on for the first time this season as it was getting chilly inside the apt even with a sweatshirt, sweatpants, and slippers on. I guess I will have no excuse for staying up much past 10:30pm with Letterman and Leno off the air indefinitely with no writers to create their jokes and gags due to their strike. If this carries past the end of college football and maybe even the NFL, I am going to have to do other inexpensive activities like hit the bookstore more than once per week to read and go to the $ movies and rent the cheap old videos at the nearby video stores. I was going to do much of this anyway as we got into winter but now it will become more imperative. Bedtime will come tonight after "Nightline" on ABC.
Wednesday 7 November: A day off from work so I slept in until after 10am. It was a real nice day with lots of sunshine and breezy. The temperature reached into the mid to upper 60s after a morning low below freezing. I went over to the park after breakfast and walked two laps around the perimeter which would be about a mile. I then gathered up the laundry and got that task done for another couple of months. After I finished up around 2:45pm, I went over to Subway and had a footlong while I read my papers. When I got home I removed a few things from the garage and brought them up and took a few empty boxes down. I folded and put away my clean clothes and linens, made the bed, and then relaxed surfing while watching the evening news. The CMA awards are on tonight so I will enjoy this concert but I will keep an eye on the Avalanche/Oilers NHL game as well. The concerts were great and memorable. I went to bed around 11pm after Nightline.
Thursday 8 November: Another full day back to work. The unseasonably warm and mild weather continued as we got into the upper 60s under clear blue skies with breezes. I got home around 5:30 and had a salad with 1000 island dressing and a microwave burger. I watched my comedies (Earl, 30 Rock, Office, & Scrubs) while keeping track of the football games (BYU/TCU & WVa/L'ville). I drifted off into a nap around 8:45 and did not waken until around 10:45. I watched Nightline, checked my email, and updated my blog before going to bed around 11:45.
Friday 9 November: Another full day at work. It was yet again another warm and mostly sunny day with a record breaking high of 67 degrees with virtually no wind. It is a real shame to have be stuck indoors on days like these, but I found a few excuses to go outside three times during the afternoon for a couple of minutes. After I got off work, I put fuel in my truck which was painful as the price per gallon is up to $2.93 which is up about 30 cents in the last three weeks. Damn oil corporations and Arabs -- death to them all ! I used a coupon I got in the paper and went to Qdoba and got two burritos for the price of one and read my papers. I got home around 7:45 and just relaxed through the evening. I watched a good close hockey game between the Avalanche and Canucks. I used my foot massager and soothed my sore feet. Bedtime came after Nightline.
Saturday 10 November: I woke up only about two hours or so after having gone to bed so I surfed some more for about an hour and fell back asleep around 2:30 am. I slept well and did not reawaken until around 10:45am. It was partly cloudy day with temps reaching the mid to upper 60s with no wind. I had cereal for breakfast and enjoyed my day off watching college football. I started with Wisconsin's upset of Michigan, Iowa State's big comeback over Colorado, and Northwestern edging Indiana. I also saw Nebraska come to life and pound Kansas State, Missouri pound Texas A&M, and Clemson swamp Wake Forest. As the afternoon continued, I watched Wyoming get drilled by Utah, Air Force hand it to Notre Dame, New Mexico edge Colorado State in a close one, Texas outlast Texas Tech, and Illinois upset #1 Ohio State. The evening games saw Virginia batter Miami, Kansas outbattled Oklahoma St, Boston College took it on the chin to Maryland, and South Carolina came up short against Florida. The night games featured Oregon St clubbing Washington St, San Diego St trouncing Nevada-Las Vegas, and Fresno St on the islands getting whipped by unbeaten Hawaii. I had a sandwhich for lunch and au gratin potatoes for dinner. Todd was supposed to come by but he never did. All in all, a quiet autumn Saturday spent at home...its been since November of '03 that I have been able to treasure days like this at this time of the year. I watched the Star Trek episode "The Deadly Years" before heading off to bed around midnight.
-----
Sunday 4 November: I got an extra hour of sleep as daylight savings ended this morning. Arose around 10:45 am after laying under the covers for about an hour mostly asleep. I toasted frozen waffles for breakfast.I went over to King Soopers and got my Sunday papers, some bananas, milk, bread, and apple pie. It was a clear sunny warm day with some good winds blowing and temperatures near 70 degrees -- yet another kind of day I thought we were done with about three weeks ago ! I then got back home around noon, read my papers thoroughly, did the sudoku, and watched the Broncos get slaughtered in Detroit and a pretty entertaining Kansas City/Green Bay game. I continued to read my papers and then watched another good game between the unbeatens New England and Indianapolis. I had a lunchmeat sandwich for a lunch snack. I watched 60 Minutes which had a real good story about elephants in Chad. I then went to work on my desk/office and made some progress, filling up about three garbage bags with refuse and unnecessary or dated items. I had a TV dinner of chicken fried steaks, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, and a brownie. I took all that trash out and the wind was still blowing decently but it was still warm around 50 degrees. I worked on my blog and surfed while having Mighty Joe Young and A Night at McCools as movies on. I shaved and took a shower and hit the hay around 1am.
Monday 5 November: Back to work for the full day. It was a cold day compared to recently but sunny and calm. I do not think it got much out of the low 4os all day. Being Monday I went straight home very tired. I had spaghettios and butter bread for dinner. I watched the NHL game between the Rangers and Flyers, the MNF game between the Steelers and Ravens, and the Avalanche game against Calgary. I drifted off to sleep on the recliner before 8pm and woke up before 10pm and then continued back to sleep in my bed.
Tuesday 6 November: A cold morning as temps got near 20 degrees and the apartment was in the low 50s when I awoke. But it was a bright sunny cloudless day with little wind and temps climbed to the upper 50s. I worked the full day. Took some big empty boxes from work to use in my repack project of boxes in the garage this week or next. I do need to go do laundry as it has been since late July since I last did this task. I also have to go wash my big area rugs in some oversize washers as those carpets have not been laundered in many, many years as I have had them since 1989. This will probably be the project for Wednesday on my day off. I had macaroni & cheese and peas & carrots for dinner. I watched the Rangers/Islanders NHL game, watched "Carpoolers" on ABC, and the last 7 minutes of the Central Michigan/Western Michigan football game and then the 9pm news on CW2. I totally forgot Boston Legal was on. I had turn the heat on for the first time this season as it was getting chilly inside the apt even with a sweatshirt, sweatpants, and slippers on. I guess I will have no excuse for staying up much past 10:30pm with Letterman and Leno off the air indefinitely with no writers to create their jokes and gags due to their strike. If this carries past the end of college football and maybe even the NFL, I am going to have to do other inexpensive activities like hit the bookstore more than once per week to read and go to the $ movies and rent the cheap old videos at the nearby video stores. I was going to do much of this anyway as we got into winter but now it will become more imperative. Bedtime will come tonight after "Nightline" on ABC.
Wednesday 7 November: A day off from work so I slept in until after 10am. It was a real nice day with lots of sunshine and breezy. The temperature reached into the mid to upper 60s after a morning low below freezing. I went over to the park after breakfast and walked two laps around the perimeter which would be about a mile. I then gathered up the laundry and got that task done for another couple of months. After I finished up around 2:45pm, I went over to Subway and had a footlong while I read my papers. When I got home I removed a few things from the garage and brought them up and took a few empty boxes down. I folded and put away my clean clothes and linens, made the bed, and then relaxed surfing while watching the evening news. The CMA awards are on tonight so I will enjoy this concert but I will keep an eye on the Avalanche/Oilers NHL game as well. The concerts were great and memorable. I went to bed around 11pm after Nightline.
Thursday 8 November: Another full day back to work. The unseasonably warm and mild weather continued as we got into the upper 60s under clear blue skies with breezes. I got home around 5:30 and had a salad with 1000 island dressing and a microwave burger. I watched my comedies (Earl, 30 Rock, Office, & Scrubs) while keeping track of the football games (BYU/TCU & WVa/L'ville). I drifted off into a nap around 8:45 and did not waken until around 10:45. I watched Nightline, checked my email, and updated my blog before going to bed around 11:45.
Friday 9 November: Another full day at work. It was yet again another warm and mostly sunny day with a record breaking high of 67 degrees with virtually no wind. It is a real shame to have be stuck indoors on days like these, but I found a few excuses to go outside three times during the afternoon for a couple of minutes. After I got off work, I put fuel in my truck which was painful as the price per gallon is up to $2.93 which is up about 30 cents in the last three weeks. Damn oil corporations and Arabs -- death to them all ! I used a coupon I got in the paper and went to Qdoba and got two burritos for the price of one and read my papers. I got home around 7:45 and just relaxed through the evening. I watched a good close hockey game between the Avalanche and Canucks. I used my foot massager and soothed my sore feet. Bedtime came after Nightline.
Saturday 10 November: I woke up only about two hours or so after having gone to bed so I surfed some more for about an hour and fell back asleep around 2:30 am. I slept well and did not reawaken until around 10:45am. It was partly cloudy day with temps reaching the mid to upper 60s with no wind. I had cereal for breakfast and enjoyed my day off watching college football. I started with Wisconsin's upset of Michigan, Iowa State's big comeback over Colorado, and Northwestern edging Indiana. I also saw Nebraska come to life and pound Kansas State, Missouri pound Texas A&M, and Clemson swamp Wake Forest. As the afternoon continued, I watched Wyoming get drilled by Utah, Air Force hand it to Notre Dame, New Mexico edge Colorado State in a close one, Texas outlast Texas Tech, and Illinois upset #1 Ohio State. The evening games saw Virginia batter Miami, Kansas outbattled Oklahoma St, Boston College took it on the chin to Maryland, and South Carolina came up short against Florida. The night games featured Oregon St clubbing Washington St, San Diego St trouncing Nevada-Las Vegas, and Fresno St on the islands getting whipped by unbeaten Hawaii. I had a sandwhich for lunch and au gratin potatoes for dinner. Todd was supposed to come by but he never did. All in all, a quiet autumn Saturday spent at home...its been since November of '03 that I have been able to treasure days like this at this time of the year. I watched the Star Trek episode "The Deadly Years" before heading off to bed around midnight.
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Latest Winter Outlook Forecast is Much Warmer
The NWS has put forth their forecasts for the coming months in three month blocks. In my area, the outlook has the probability of normal to above normal temperatures to be around 70 % through March, and further we get into the winter, its even more likely we will be above normal. After 1 February the outlook goes to 82 %. Maybe a 70 degree day will occur in December or February...
Nationally the likelihood of the warmest above normal temperatures is in the southwest from Las Vegas and all of Arizona to across all of New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma and eastward into Arkansas and Missouri and northward across all of Kansas and most of Colorado. The only areas where it may even be close to normal are Florida, the Pacific Coast, and the Pacific Northwest across Montana into western North Dakota.
http://www.weather.gov/climate/calendar_outlook.php?wfo=cys
http://www.weather.gov/climate/l3mto.php
http://www.cdc.noaa.gov/people/klaus.wolter/SWcasts/index.html
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Nationally the likelihood of the warmest above normal temperatures is in the southwest from Las Vegas and all of Arizona to across all of New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma and eastward into Arkansas and Missouri and northward across all of Kansas and most of Colorado. The only areas where it may even be close to normal are Florida, the Pacific Coast, and the Pacific Northwest across Montana into western North Dakota.
http://www.weather.gov/climate/calendar_outlook.php?wfo=cys
http://www.weather.gov/climate/l3mto.php
http://www.cdc.noaa.gov/people/klaus.wolter/SWcasts/index.html
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Where is There Any Good Economic News ?
The news lately about the US and global economy is all bad. Oil prices will cross the $100 threshold next week, an occurrence unimaginable just a few months ago. The US dollar is in a freefall, having lost over 12 % of its value in recent months against the Euro and more against other currencies. Gold prices are shooting up quickly. The elitist stock market is even in decline, with the Dow having lost about 9 % of its value in the last five weeks. Other indices have seen reversals as well. Retail sales are tanking, the home mortgage crisis grows worse day by day, banks are hemorraging billions of dollars, and the US Treasury has printed about an extra third of a trillion dollars extra to keep the money supply and credit flowing. And prices for all consumer necessities such as food and fuel continue to rise and put the squeeze on everybody.
This is the most grim economic period since the early years of Reagan, over a quarter-century ago. And the most frightening thing is that we are no where near bottom or at a point where the worst is in sight. This will be a long difficult winter for many, and the biggest question awaits --
will we start to see a discernable rixe in unemployment in the coming months with everything else going into the dumper ? Its already seemingly happening in the bellweather state, California.
And to think there is over 400 days left of the Bush Junta in power !
This is the most grim economic period since the early years of Reagan, over a quarter-century ago. And the most frightening thing is that we are no where near bottom or at a point where the worst is in sight. This will be a long difficult winter for many, and the biggest question awaits --
will we start to see a discernable rixe in unemployment in the coming months with everything else going into the dumper ? Its already seemingly happening in the bellweather state, California.
And to think there is over 400 days left of the Bush Junta in power !
NFL Picks for Week Ten, 11-12 November
The picks for this weekend's NFL games which is the tenth week of the season and the final weekend where there are byes for some teams.
Sunday 11 November
JAX (5-3) @ TENN (6-2): Titans (-4) 20, Jaguars 13
X X
DEN (3-5) @ KC (4-4): Chiefs (-3) 23, Broncos 16
X X
BUF (4-4) @ MIA (0-8): Bills (-4) 33, Dolphins 17
+ X
CLE (5-3) @ PGH (6-2): Steelers (-10) 29, Browns 16
+ X
STL (0-8) @ NORL (4-4): Saints (-11) 27, Rams 10
X X
ATL (2-6) @ CAR (4-4): Panthers (-3 1/2) 24, Falcons 13
X X
PHIL (3-5) @ WASH (5-3): Redskins (-3) 17, Eagles 14
X +
MINN (3-5) @ GB (7-1): Packers (-6) 27, Vikings 17
+ +
CINC (2-6) @ BALT (4-4): Ravens (-3 1/2) 16, Bengals 14
X +
CHI (3-5) @ OAK (2-6): Bears (-4) 20, Raiders 13
+ +
DAL (7-1) @ NYG (6-2): Giants (+3) 30, Cocaineboys 27 UPSET
X X
DET (6-2) @ ARIZ (3-5): Cardinals (+1) 20, Lions 17 UPSET
+ +
IND (7-1) @ SD (4-4): Chargers (+4 1/2) 24, Colts 21 UPSET
+ +
Monday 12 November
SF (2-6) @ SEA (4-4): Seahawks (-9 1/2) 31, FortyNiners 14
IDLE: NENG NYJ TB HTN
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Sunday 11 November
JAX (5-3) @ TENN (6-2): Titans (-4) 20, Jaguars 13
X X
DEN (3-5) @ KC (4-4): Chiefs (-3) 23, Broncos 16
X X
BUF (4-4) @ MIA (0-8): Bills (-4) 33, Dolphins 17
+ X
CLE (5-3) @ PGH (6-2): Steelers (-10) 29, Browns 16
+ X
STL (0-8) @ NORL (4-4): Saints (-11) 27, Rams 10
X X
ATL (2-6) @ CAR (4-4): Panthers (-3 1/2) 24, Falcons 13
X X
PHIL (3-5) @ WASH (5-3): Redskins (-3) 17, Eagles 14
X +
MINN (3-5) @ GB (7-1): Packers (-6) 27, Vikings 17
+ +
CINC (2-6) @ BALT (4-4): Ravens (-3 1/2) 16, Bengals 14
X +
CHI (3-5) @ OAK (2-6): Bears (-4) 20, Raiders 13
+ +
DAL (7-1) @ NYG (6-2): Giants (+3) 30, Cocaineboys 27 UPSET
X X
DET (6-2) @ ARIZ (3-5): Cardinals (+1) 20, Lions 17 UPSET
+ +
IND (7-1) @ SD (4-4): Chargers (+4 1/2) 24, Colts 21 UPSET
+ +
Monday 12 November
SF (2-6) @ SEA (4-4): Seahawks (-9 1/2) 31, FortyNiners 14
IDLE: NENG NYJ TB HTN
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Friday, November 9, 2007
Fox News: Cradle of Perversion, Sensationalism, Risque Video
The lowest of the low in media used to be the supermarket tabloids you would see near the checkout stand. Clearly, Fox News is now the hands down clear leader in being the sleaze news source in mass media. These people have no consciousness and a frat boy party attitude towards creating the content that makes up their broadcasts. Shame on those who still watch this sewage.
http://foxattacks.com/decency?utm_source=rgemail
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http://foxattacks.com/decency?utm_source=rgemail
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Hall of Fame Veterans Committee Lists Nominees
The Baseball Hall of Fame Veterans Committee will have 2o names to choose from in making selections for election into the Hall this winter. Most if not all of the names are more than worthy certainly for the Hall. If one name from this list of retired and deceased managers, executives, and umpires needs to be chosen, it would have to be longtime Baseball Players Association Director Marvin Miller, whose impact on the game is almost unmatched in the history of the sport. Other names that should receive greater consideration perhaps would be Doug Harvey, Bob Howsam, and Gene Mauch.
Lets hope for some of these distinguished men to be successfully elected to the Hall.
http://www.bizofbaseball.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1673&Itemid=42
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Lets hope for some of these distinguished men to be successfully elected to the Hall.
http://www.bizofbaseball.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1673&Itemid=42
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Tampa Bay Devil Rays No More
The now ten-year old perennial hapless AL East cellar dwellers changed their name today to the Tampa Bay Rays. Untold numbers of Christian zealots rejoiced as the Devil is out of Tampa Bay major league baseball. Hopefully they will attend a few more games in '08 and help move this team towards competitiveness and contention soon. Tampa Bay has lost at least 90 games in each of the first ten years of their existence and has give Florida Gulf Coast baseball fans little to cheer about all these years. Hopefully '08 is the start of better times. The new colors and logo are pretty cool looking as well.
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Thursday, November 8, 2007
Barbara West Dainton, 1911-2007
This is an unknown name to most, but she was an accidental participant in one of the greatest tragedies of the early 20th Century, the sinking of the Titanic. Dainton was only about one year of age at the time of the sinking, and she was the next to last person to be still be a living survivor of the tragedy. Another British woman, Millvina Dean, born in 1912, is now believed to be the sole living survivor of the sinking of the renowned ocean liner brought down by an iceberg to the bottom of the North Atlantic in April 1912 and captured so dramatically and emotionally in two memorable films seen by many.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21692850/?GT1=10547
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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21692850/?GT1=10547
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Wednesday, November 7, 2007
College Football Picks for Week Eleven, 8-10 November
Here is my picks for 50 of the college football games being played from Thursday 8 November to Saturday 10 November. (home teams in bold)
Thursday 8 November
# 7 West Virginia (-17) 31, Louisville 16 + +
Brigham Young (-7) 30, Texas Christian 24 + +
Friday 9 November
Rutgers (-19) 30, Army 7 + +
Saturday 10 November
Illinois (+15 1/2) 27, # 1 Ohio St 24 UPSET + +
# 2 Louisiana St (-36 1/2) 68, Louisiana Tech 17 + +
# 3 Oregon: IDLE
Oklahoma St (+5 1/2) 23, # 4 Kansas 20 UPSET X X
# 5 Oklahoma (-40) 51, Baylor 14 + +
# 6 Missouri (-20 1/2) 38, Texas A&M 24 + +
# 8 Boston College (-7) 17, Maryland 13 X +
# 9 Arizona St (-7 1/2) 32, UCLA 26 + +
#18 Auburn (+2) 24, #10 Georgia 22 UPSET X X
#11 Virginia Tech (-6 1/2) 31, Florida St 24 + +
#12 Michigan (-3 1/2) 27, Wisconsin 24 X +
Cincinnati (- 6 1/2) 23, #13 Connecticut 13 + +
Texas Tech (+6 1/2) 48, #14 Texas 37 UPSET X X
South Carolina 20, #15 Florida 17 UPSET X X
#16 Hawaii (-17) 44, Fresno St 34 + +
California (+4 1/2) 27 #17 Southern Cal 23 UPSET X X
Miami FL (-3 1/2) 23, #19 Virginia 20 X +
#20 Boise St (-24 1/2) 55, Utah St 17 + +
#21 Clemson (-9) 26, Wake Forest 23 + X
#22 Alabama (-6) 24, Mississippi 16 X X
#23 Penn St (-24 1/2) 44, Temple 13 + +
Arkansas (-1) 31, #24 Tennessee 24 X X
#25 Kentucky (-4 1/2) 28, Vanderbilt 23 + +
Wyoming (+ 13 1/2) 30, Utah 27 UPSET X X
Air Force (-3) 27, Notre Dame 20 + +
New Mexico (-9 1/2) 37, Colorado St 23 + X
Indiana (-2) 21, Northwestern 20 X +
Purdue (-5 1/2) 33, Michigan St 26 X X
Georgia Tech (-14 1/2) 29, Duke 13 + +
South Florida (-16 1/2) 45, Syracuse 13 + +
Colorado (-5) 44, Iowa St 30 X X
Tulsa (-1 1/2) 35, Houston 33 + +
Southern Methodist (-6 1/2) 20, Rice 16 X +
Washington St (-11) 27, Stanford 13 + +
Kansas St (-7 1/2) 33, Nebraska 27 X +
Iowa (-15) 27, Minnesota 16 + +
Middle Tennessee St (-14) 35, Louisiana-Lafayette 24 X +
New Mexico St (+3 1/2) 27, San Jose St 24 UPSET X X
Navy (-16) 42, North Texas 27 + +
Troy (-24) 32, Western Kentucky 13 + +
East Carolina (-7) 24, Marshall 21 X +
Florida Atlantic (-9) 30, Arkansas St 22 + +
Southern Mississippi (-15) 45, Memphis 21 X X
North Carolina (+3 1/2) 32, North Carolina St 29 UPSET X X
Texas-El Paso (-4 1/2) 36, Tulane 28 X X
Central Florida (-21) 35, Alabama-Birmingham 16 + +
Oregon St (-4) 27, Washington 17 + +
Nevada-Las Vegas (-3) 34, San Diego St 27 X X
27-23/33-17/1-8
-----
Thursday 8 November
# 7 West Virginia (-17) 31, Louisville 16 + +
Brigham Young (-7) 30, Texas Christian 24 + +
Friday 9 November
Rutgers (-19) 30, Army 7 + +
Saturday 10 November
Illinois (+15 1/2) 27, # 1 Ohio St 24 UPSET + +
# 2 Louisiana St (-36 1/2) 68, Louisiana Tech 17 + +
# 3 Oregon: IDLE
Oklahoma St (+5 1/2) 23, # 4 Kansas 20 UPSET X X
# 5 Oklahoma (-40) 51, Baylor 14 + +
# 6 Missouri (-20 1/2) 38, Texas A&M 24 + +
# 8 Boston College (-7) 17, Maryland 13 X +
# 9 Arizona St (-7 1/2) 32, UCLA 26 + +
#18 Auburn (+2) 24, #10 Georgia 22 UPSET X X
#11 Virginia Tech (-6 1/2) 31, Florida St 24 + +
#12 Michigan (-3 1/2) 27, Wisconsin 24 X +
Cincinnati (- 6 1/2) 23, #13 Connecticut 13 + +
Texas Tech (+6 1/2) 48, #14 Texas 37 UPSET X X
South Carolina 20, #15 Florida 17 UPSET X X
#16 Hawaii (-17) 44, Fresno St 34 + +
California (+4 1/2) 27 #17 Southern Cal 23 UPSET X X
Miami FL (-3 1/2) 23, #19 Virginia 20 X +
#20 Boise St (-24 1/2) 55, Utah St 17 + +
#21 Clemson (-9) 26, Wake Forest 23 + X
#22 Alabama (-6) 24, Mississippi 16 X X
#23 Penn St (-24 1/2) 44, Temple 13 + +
Arkansas (-1) 31, #24 Tennessee 24 X X
#25 Kentucky (-4 1/2) 28, Vanderbilt 23 + +
Wyoming (+ 13 1/2) 30, Utah 27 UPSET X X
Air Force (-3) 27, Notre Dame 20 + +
New Mexico (-9 1/2) 37, Colorado St 23 + X
Indiana (-2) 21, Northwestern 20 X +
Purdue (-5 1/2) 33, Michigan St 26 X X
Georgia Tech (-14 1/2) 29, Duke 13 + +
South Florida (-16 1/2) 45, Syracuse 13 + +
Colorado (-5) 44, Iowa St 30 X X
Tulsa (-1 1/2) 35, Houston 33 + +
Southern Methodist (-6 1/2) 20, Rice 16 X +
Washington St (-11) 27, Stanford 13 + +
Kansas St (-7 1/2) 33, Nebraska 27 X +
Iowa (-15) 27, Minnesota 16 + +
Middle Tennessee St (-14) 35, Louisiana-Lafayette 24 X +
New Mexico St (+3 1/2) 27, San Jose St 24 UPSET X X
Navy (-16) 42, North Texas 27 + +
Troy (-24) 32, Western Kentucky 13 + +
East Carolina (-7) 24, Marshall 21 X +
Florida Atlantic (-9) 30, Arkansas St 22 + +
Southern Mississippi (-15) 45, Memphis 21 X X
North Carolina (+3 1/2) 32, North Carolina St 29 UPSET X X
Texas-El Paso (-4 1/2) 36, Tulane 28 X X
Central Florida (-21) 35, Alabama-Birmingham 16 + +
Oregon St (-4) 27, Washington 17 + +
Nevada-Las Vegas (-3) 34, San Diego St 27 X X
27-23/33-17/1-8
-----
Seattle Citizenry Votes Down Mass Transit/Roads Measure
In a stinging defeat for forward thinking leaders and the environmentally conscious, Seattle voters rejected Proposition 1, a measure that would addressed transportation problems in the King County and surrounding metro area over the next 20 years with a comprehensive proposal that was wide-ranging and multidirectional. This vastness of the scope of the measure may have been one reason for its defeat.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2003998763_elexroadsandtransit07m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003999373_webprop1aftermath07m.html
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http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2003998763_elexroadsandtransit07m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003999373_webprop1aftermath07m.html
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Monday, November 5, 2007
Seattle Votes Tuesday on Mass Transit & Roads/Highways Improvements
Considering that Seattle is highly environmentally conscious area, it is somewhat surprising that mass transit there is among the poorest in the major West Coast cities. The election coming up on Tuesday 6 November will determine if an ambitious broad plan will begin to be undertaken over the next two decades and more. The entire Seattle/King County metropolitan area and adjacent counties will be undergoing a significant infrastructural facelift and traffic will be of a greater annoyance for quite some time in many places.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/2007/10/20/2003965191.pdf
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http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/2007/10/20/2003965191.pdf
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Sunday, November 4, 2007
CMA Awards Show this Wednesday 7 November
The annual CMA Awards Show is on ABC from 7pm to 1opm MST on Wednesday 8 November.
One of the many highlights of the upcoming show will be a performance by the Eagles of songs from their new album, Out of Eden. Numerous other noteworthy and up-and-coming performers are also going to play. It will be a great way to spend the evening -- being able to watch a multi-performer concert that also includes comedy, humor, and emotion.
http://www.cmaawards.com/2007/news/press_detail.asp?re=704&year=2007
http://www.cmaawards.com/2007/news/appearances.asp
http://www.cmaawards.com/2007/nomwin/default.asp
http://www.cmaawards.com/special/my_picks/
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One of the many highlights of the upcoming show will be a performance by the Eagles of songs from their new album, Out of Eden. Numerous other noteworthy and up-and-coming performers are also going to play. It will be a great way to spend the evening -- being able to watch a multi-performer concert that also includes comedy, humor, and emotion.
http://www.cmaawards.com/2007/news/press_detail.asp?re=704&year=2007
http://www.cmaawards.com/2007/news/appearances.asp
http://www.cmaawards.com/2007/nomwin/default.asp
http://www.cmaawards.com/special/my_picks/
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A Look into Lives I can Relate to
Having been homeless and living in my truck for over seven months and then to live in a motel for over a year before getting housing, I can understand the circumstances and hardship many of these people are experiencing. In urban areas where housing costs are not in balance with wages, it is difficult for many to get to the point financially where one can have set aside enough money to re-establish a home of their own. And there is the unjust and immoral practice of using credit reports to determine whether a person can be allowed to rent a place.
I am just extremely thankful to have been able to escape this trap due to the kindness and generosity of some wonderful people in my life. You much more appreciate having a home of your own after going through a prolonged period without and despairing that you will never be able to get a home of your own again.
http://www.mercurynews.com/mikecassidy/ci_7304760?nclick_check=1
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I am just extremely thankful to have been able to escape this trap due to the kindness and generosity of some wonderful people in my life. You much more appreciate having a home of your own after going through a prolonged period without and despairing that you will never be able to get a home of your own again.
http://www.mercurynews.com/mikecassidy/ci_7304760?nclick_check=1
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NFL at Season Midpoint
With the completion of this weeks games, all clubs in the NFL will have played at least half their schedule. An outlook for the remainder of the season follows.
NFC
It is not a sure thing to project postseason participants based on a club's performance in the season's first half, but there is a strong probability that allows one to project what clubs will make the postseason. In the NFC, there are four teams that are looking strong: Green Bay, Detroit, Dallas, and New York. Washington is a dark horse for the wild card. Two divisions have yet to have established a clear front runner. In the South, look for New Orleans to eventually win out although both Carolina and Tampa Bay should have a say until the closing weeks. In the West, mediocrity is the rule as it figures Seattle and Arizona will be the eventual winner. The winner of the game on 14 December in Week Fourteen in Seattle between these two teams should take the division. I think you can stick a fork in Philadelphia, Minnesota, Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco, and winless St Louis.
AFC
This is the better of the two conferences with the league's four best teams residing there. Clubs that are as sure as possible likelihoods to be in the postseason are undefeated New England, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and San Diego. The wildcards will come from among Jacksonville, Tennessee, Baltimore, and Cleveland. Buffalo, Kansas City, and Houston are dark horses. I say Tennessee and Jacksonville will win the wild card slots. You can stick a fork in New York, winless Miami, Cincinnati, Denver, and Oakland.
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NFC
It is not a sure thing to project postseason participants based on a club's performance in the season's first half, but there is a strong probability that allows one to project what clubs will make the postseason. In the NFC, there are four teams that are looking strong: Green Bay, Detroit, Dallas, and New York. Washington is a dark horse for the wild card. Two divisions have yet to have established a clear front runner. In the South, look for New Orleans to eventually win out although both Carolina and Tampa Bay should have a say until the closing weeks. In the West, mediocrity is the rule as it figures Seattle and Arizona will be the eventual winner. The winner of the game on 14 December in Week Fourteen in Seattle between these two teams should take the division. I think you can stick a fork in Philadelphia, Minnesota, Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco, and winless St Louis.
AFC
This is the better of the two conferences with the league's four best teams residing there. Clubs that are as sure as possible likelihoods to be in the postseason are undefeated New England, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and San Diego. The wildcards will come from among Jacksonville, Tennessee, Baltimore, and Cleveland. Buffalo, Kansas City, and Houston are dark horses. I say Tennessee and Jacksonville will win the wild card slots. You can stick a fork in New York, winless Miami, Cincinnati, Denver, and Oakland.
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The Eight Secrets to Happiness
There are sure to be others, but these eight are a good foundation for living a happier life.
1. Make Time for Friends.
2. Forget about Pay Raises; Don't Dwell on Them.
3. Don't Trade Up: You don't know what you have until you do not have it any more.
4. Keep your Commute Short in Time and Distance.
5. Count your Blessings.
6. Enjoy a Good Meal.
7. Challenge Yourself.
8. Give Anything and Everything Time to Happen; Be Patient.
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1. Make Time for Friends.
2. Forget about Pay Raises; Don't Dwell on Them.
3. Don't Trade Up: You don't know what you have until you do not have it any more.
4. Keep your Commute Short in Time and Distance.
5. Count your Blessings.
6. Enjoy a Good Meal.
7. Challenge Yourself.
8. Give Anything and Everything Time to Happen; Be Patient.
-----
Nearly Year-Long Warmth Run Continues
October temperatures ended up at 3.5 degrees above normal, making this the ninth consecutive month of above normal temperatures for Cheyenne. This also makes 11 of the last 12 months above normal. The record of consecutive months above normal was set recently from September '04 to January '06, a span of 17 months. With the exception of last January, every month in 2007 so far has been warmer than normal, with last March being nearly eight degrees warmer than normal to set the pace. Depending on what happens the last seven weeks of the year, this very well could be the warmest year on record for Cheyenne. It will need to be but just 2.4 degrees above normal for November and December each for that to happen. Similar results will probably be seen in other communities throughout the region, time zone, and nation when everything is all said and done.
http://www.weather.gov/climate/index.php?wfo=cys
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http://www.weather.gov/climate/index.php?wfo=cys
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Comparing Cities Economically
Here is an easy to use java script comparative economic graphic database constructed by the Arizona Republic to compare eight cities. For the most part, Seattle ranks as the best and Phoenix or Atlanta as the worst.
http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/indicators/index.html
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http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/indicators/index.html
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Saturday, November 3, 2007
My Week in Review: 28 October to 3 November
Here is a little look into my daily life over the last week:
Sunday 28 October: A day off so I awoke around 9:30. One of my atomic clocks erroneously had programmed display showing daylight savings had ended so I thought it was an hour earlier when I first awoke and groggily looked at it. I had some cereal for breakfast and started to watch a little NFL. I then went out to run some errands. I took my newspapers over to the recycling bins, emptied the truck cab of trash and miscellania, went to King Soopers for my newspapers and some bananas, and since I had my computer with me, went on over to Taco John's and set up the computer and surfed after I read my newspapers and ate a taco and set up my little TV to watch and listen to some more NFL action. This is one of several places that have wireless internet to take avail of. The others here are the local bookstore & newsstand, Perkins, Shadows, and the Flying J. McDonalds is supposed to have wifi available at all their stores in the near future, but no sign of it here yet. Other places like Starbucks and Barnes & Noble have wifi access but they make you pay for it. I will not go out to a place and pay for something I can get free elsewhere. Today the warm weather returned again as it is cloudless sunny blue skies and near 70 degrees with little wind. It is supposed to be the same the next two days (while I am at work) and then cool down back to near 40 degrees on Wednesday (my next day off). Last night I thought I had lost my checkbook so I called the bank to put a freeze on my account. I then found the checkbook in my laundry hamper ! The Alzheimers is already starting to hit. So until I physically go into the bank on Monday and get a live person to unfreeze my account I cannot do much. So no grocery shopping until maybe Tuesday night. I watched Game Four of the Series as Boston finished off Colorado to win it in four. Despite the disappointing finish, this Rockies' season was the best ever and full of many exciting moments. And if they had to lose, better it be to the Redsox. I puttered around the place and went to bed around 12:30am.
Monday 29 October: Back to work for the eight hour day. Went to the bank during lunch to unfreeze my account. It was a very warm sunny breezy day that got into the low to mid 70s. Spent a good bit of the afternoon replacing fluorescent bulbs throughout the business. After I got home, I relaxed, ate some tunafish sandwiches, and watched the Broncos on MNF. Took a long hot shower before I hit the hay about 10:15pm.
Tuesday 30 October: Woke up feeling poorly and under the weather. Worked the full day but my energy level was low. It was a warm sunny breezy day close to 70 degrees after a early cloudy start. I got home around 5:30 and was sluggish. I then just went straight to bed around 7pm and slept until around 1:30am. I woke up and had some chicken noodle soup and some biscuits to eat and caught up on my email. Went back to bed around 3am, seemingly falling asleep quickly.
Wednesday 31 October: I slept until after 11am as I had the day off. All the rest I got helped as I felt better. A much cooler day as it did not reach 50 degrees although it was clear and sunny and the wind was very light. I think there may have been a little rain and snow overnight but there was no evidence of it by the time I stirred. I went out about 2pm to go to the post office, bank, and Walmart to buy groceries. After getting all that done by about 4pm, I headed over to Burger King for a sandwich and to read the newspapers. I got back home around 6:15pm and turned on some music to listen to while I puttered around the place. Todd stopped by around 7pm for about 45 minutes and we talked as I was successful in avoiding having trick or treaters hit me up for candy. I went to bed around 11pm.
Thursday 1 November: November arrives here on the High Plains as we enjoy a sunny day with temps in the low 60s. I had to scrape windows on the truck for the first time this season. I worked the full day and get home by 5:30. I watched a little of the VT/GT college football game; the Avalanche/Penguins NHL game; and my Thursday TV shows: Earl, Office, and Scrubs. Mostly I relaxed and surfed. For dinner, I had canned lasagna. I went to bed around 10:45pm.
Friday 2 November: Another full day working. It was a cold sunny day as a front swept through and the temperature started out in the low 20s and made it only to about 45 degrees. I got home around 5:30 and had some Spanish Rice with tomatoes for supper. I watched the NMSU/Nevada college football game on and off; fully watched Ghost Whisperer; and just relaxed in my recliner and surfed. Today was the last day for about two and a half to three months of getting off work with the sun still shining after 5pm. With daylight savings ending Saturday night, the early darkness will be here and does not really get noticeably reversed until we get well into January. Because of where we are on the continent and in the time zone, it is always sad and depressing to deal with 4:30pm sunsets for the coming months. We do not get another post 5pm sunset here in Cheyenne until 20 January and it will be 3 March until we get back to the 5:53 pm sunset we will have on Saturday 3 November, the last day of daylight savings this year. So it is no understatement to say we will be in the dark for awhile. Getting off work when its already dark and having worked all day during the daylight for the most part (except when making the quick trip into work in the morning) leaves one feeling blue and glum. I have been doing this as for as long as I can remember, but it would be nice to live on the far western side of the time zone rather than close to the eastern edge so the winter days would last later into the afternoon. Maybe someday I can experience time from this different perspective for a year or so. It was nice to have daylight savings time extended one extra week in the autumn and three weeks in the late winter and early spring. I think sometime down the road I would like to see another three weeks added on to autumn end and another week to the winter end. But this probably will not be happening for a long time. Just like I want to see the Mountain Time Zone eliminated and the other three North American time zones that encompass the continental US be extended to cover the change. The results would be that the Central Time Zone would be stretched west to include NM, CO, WY, & MT and the Pacific Time Zone would be stretched East to include AZ, UT, & ID. Then I would not have to move to be in the western edge of a time zone... Uh, back to reality.. I watched "Crocodile Dundee and went to bed around 1:15am.
Saturday 3 November: I awoke around 9:30am and had oatmeal and hot chocolate for breakfast. It was a clear sunny day although somewhat windy as temperatures climbed from below freezing to the low 60s. I re-read the Friday papers while college football was airing. I stuck mostly to Penn St/Purdue and Kansas/Nebraska. Later I followed Oklahoma St/Texas; Navy/Notre Dame; Air Force/Army and BYU/CSU. The late afternoon games featured New Mexico/Texas Christian; Oregon/Arizona St; Colorado/Missouri; and Alabama/Louisiana St. For lunch I had some lunchmeat sandwiches and a couple of homemade banana smoothies. As the evening commenced I focused most of my viewing interest on Wyoming/San Diego St but kept tabs on a couple of other ongoing games such as Florida St/Boston College and California/Washington St. I worked on updating my blog, getting rid of some dated or passe content and deleting out some gadgets that were superfluous. For supper I had some cream of chicken broccoli soup and some biscuits. A relaxing quiet day spent at home. Bedtime was planned for around midnight.
-----
Sunday 28 October: A day off so I awoke around 9:30. One of my atomic clocks erroneously had programmed display showing daylight savings had ended so I thought it was an hour earlier when I first awoke and groggily looked at it. I had some cereal for breakfast and started to watch a little NFL. I then went out to run some errands. I took my newspapers over to the recycling bins, emptied the truck cab of trash and miscellania, went to King Soopers for my newspapers and some bananas, and since I had my computer with me, went on over to Taco John's and set up the computer and surfed after I read my newspapers and ate a taco and set up my little TV to watch and listen to some more NFL action. This is one of several places that have wireless internet to take avail of. The others here are the local bookstore & newsstand, Perkins, Shadows, and the Flying J. McDonalds is supposed to have wifi available at all their stores in the near future, but no sign of it here yet. Other places like Starbucks and Barnes & Noble have wifi access but they make you pay for it. I will not go out to a place and pay for something I can get free elsewhere. Today the warm weather returned again as it is cloudless sunny blue skies and near 70 degrees with little wind. It is supposed to be the same the next two days (while I am at work) and then cool down back to near 40 degrees on Wednesday (my next day off). Last night I thought I had lost my checkbook so I called the bank to put a freeze on my account. I then found the checkbook in my laundry hamper ! The Alzheimers is already starting to hit. So until I physically go into the bank on Monday and get a live person to unfreeze my account I cannot do much. So no grocery shopping until maybe Tuesday night. I watched Game Four of the Series as Boston finished off Colorado to win it in four. Despite the disappointing finish, this Rockies' season was the best ever and full of many exciting moments. And if they had to lose, better it be to the Redsox. I puttered around the place and went to bed around 12:30am.
Monday 29 October: Back to work for the eight hour day. Went to the bank during lunch to unfreeze my account. It was a very warm sunny breezy day that got into the low to mid 70s. Spent a good bit of the afternoon replacing fluorescent bulbs throughout the business. After I got home, I relaxed, ate some tunafish sandwiches, and watched the Broncos on MNF. Took a long hot shower before I hit the hay about 10:15pm.
Tuesday 30 October: Woke up feeling poorly and under the weather. Worked the full day but my energy level was low. It was a warm sunny breezy day close to 70 degrees after a early cloudy start. I got home around 5:30 and was sluggish. I then just went straight to bed around 7pm and slept until around 1:30am. I woke up and had some chicken noodle soup and some biscuits to eat and caught up on my email. Went back to bed around 3am, seemingly falling asleep quickly.
Wednesday 31 October: I slept until after 11am as I had the day off. All the rest I got helped as I felt better. A much cooler day as it did not reach 50 degrees although it was clear and sunny and the wind was very light. I think there may have been a little rain and snow overnight but there was no evidence of it by the time I stirred. I went out about 2pm to go to the post office, bank, and Walmart to buy groceries. After getting all that done by about 4pm, I headed over to Burger King for a sandwich and to read the newspapers. I got back home around 6:15pm and turned on some music to listen to while I puttered around the place. Todd stopped by around 7pm for about 45 minutes and we talked as I was successful in avoiding having trick or treaters hit me up for candy. I went to bed around 11pm.
Thursday 1 November: November arrives here on the High Plains as we enjoy a sunny day with temps in the low 60s. I had to scrape windows on the truck for the first time this season. I worked the full day and get home by 5:30. I watched a little of the VT/GT college football game; the Avalanche/Penguins NHL game; and my Thursday TV shows: Earl, Office, and Scrubs. Mostly I relaxed and surfed. For dinner, I had canned lasagna. I went to bed around 10:45pm.
Friday 2 November: Another full day working. It was a cold sunny day as a front swept through and the temperature started out in the low 20s and made it only to about 45 degrees. I got home around 5:30 and had some Spanish Rice with tomatoes for supper. I watched the NMSU/Nevada college football game on and off; fully watched Ghost Whisperer; and just relaxed in my recliner and surfed. Today was the last day for about two and a half to three months of getting off work with the sun still shining after 5pm. With daylight savings ending Saturday night, the early darkness will be here and does not really get noticeably reversed until we get well into January. Because of where we are on the continent and in the time zone, it is always sad and depressing to deal with 4:30pm sunsets for the coming months. We do not get another post 5pm sunset here in Cheyenne until 20 January and it will be 3 March until we get back to the 5:53 pm sunset we will have on Saturday 3 November, the last day of daylight savings this year. So it is no understatement to say we will be in the dark for awhile. Getting off work when its already dark and having worked all day during the daylight for the most part (except when making the quick trip into work in the morning) leaves one feeling blue and glum. I have been doing this as for as long as I can remember, but it would be nice to live on the far western side of the time zone rather than close to the eastern edge so the winter days would last later into the afternoon. Maybe someday I can experience time from this different perspective for a year or so. It was nice to have daylight savings time extended one extra week in the autumn and three weeks in the late winter and early spring. I think sometime down the road I would like to see another three weeks added on to autumn end and another week to the winter end. But this probably will not be happening for a long time. Just like I want to see the Mountain Time Zone eliminated and the other three North American time zones that encompass the continental US be extended to cover the change. The results would be that the Central Time Zone would be stretched west to include NM, CO, WY, & MT and the Pacific Time Zone would be stretched East to include AZ, UT, & ID. Then I would not have to move to be in the western edge of a time zone... Uh, back to reality.. I watched "Crocodile Dundee and went to bed around 1:15am.
Saturday 3 November: I awoke around 9:30am and had oatmeal and hot chocolate for breakfast. It was a clear sunny day although somewhat windy as temperatures climbed from below freezing to the low 60s. I re-read the Friday papers while college football was airing. I stuck mostly to Penn St/Purdue and Kansas/Nebraska. Later I followed Oklahoma St/Texas; Navy/Notre Dame; Air Force/Army and BYU/CSU. The late afternoon games featured New Mexico/Texas Christian; Oregon/Arizona St; Colorado/Missouri; and Alabama/Louisiana St. For lunch I had some lunchmeat sandwiches and a couple of homemade banana smoothies. As the evening commenced I focused most of my viewing interest on Wyoming/San Diego St but kept tabs on a couple of other ongoing games such as Florida St/Boston College and California/Washington St. I worked on updating my blog, getting rid of some dated or passe content and deleting out some gadgets that were superfluous. For supper I had some cream of chicken broccoli soup and some biscuits. A relaxing quiet day spent at home. Bedtime was planned for around midnight.
-----
Friday, November 2, 2007
Great Potential News
If this report turns out to be true, this would be truly wonderful news. The REAL ID Act is blatantly unconstitutional. illegal, a deliberate power grab by federal law enforcement bureaucrats, and an utter invasion of privacy.
http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9809992-7.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-5
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http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9809992-7.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-5
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The Most Influential Conservatives and Liberals in the United States
The London Telegraph compiled a list of whom they believe to be the one hundred biggest Conservatives and Liberals living in the US this week. The list includes many familiar and not-so-familiar names. Conspicuously absent on the list of conservatives is George W Bush, a rather curious decision by this internationally respected media giant.
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/66840/#more
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;jsessionid=AI4KMWYZKSMFJQFIQMGSFF4AVCBQWIV0?xml=/news/exclusions/uselection/nosplit/uscons1-20.xml
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;jsessionid=0RQSPWIDQ2KQJQFIQMGSFF4AVCBQWIV0?xml=/news/exclusions/uselection/nosplit/liberals1-20.xml
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http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/66840/#more
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;jsessionid=AI4KMWYZKSMFJQFIQMGSFF4AVCBQWIV0?xml=/news/exclusions/uselection/nosplit/uscons1-20.xml
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;jsessionid=0RQSPWIDQ2KQJQFIQMGSFF4AVCBQWIV0?xml=/news/exclusions/uselection/nosplit/liberals1-20.xml
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Explaining the Downturn in the Quality of Life: One Viewpoint
This article does a partial job in explaining the downturn in the American standard of living over the last thirty years, but it omits the horrendous consequences of the vast expansion of American corporations and the cost that has had on small businesses, competition, and the flight of capital from communities, among other factors.
http://www.alternet.org/story/66639/?page=entire
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http://www.alternet.org/story/66639/?page=entire
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NFL Picks for Week Nine, 4-5 November
Here are the picks for the NFL games in Week Nine, Sunday 4 November and Monday 5 November:
Sunday 4 November
WASH (4-3) @ NYJ (1-7): Redskins (-4 1/2) 23, Jets 13
GB (6-1) @ KC (4-3): Chiefs (-1) 20, Packers 19
ARIZ (3-4) @ TB (4-4): Cardinals (+4) 26, Buccaneers 23 UPSET
CAR (4-3) @ TENN (5-2): Titans 27, Panthers 17
SF (2-5) @ ATL (1-6): FortyNiners (+3) 17, Falcons 13 UPSET
JAX (5-2) @ NORL (3-4): Jaguars (+3 1/2) 23, Saints 20
DEN (3-4) @ DET (5-2): Lions (-3) 34, Broncos 27
CINC (2-5) @ BUF (3-4): Bills (+1 1/2) 26, Bengals 20 UPSET
SD (4-3) @ MINN (2-5): Chargers (-7 1/2) 37, Vikings 13
SEA (4-3) @ CLE (4-3): Browns (-1 1/2) 19, Seahawks 16
NENG (8-0) @ IND (7-0): Colts 27, Patriots 24
HTN (3-5) @ OAK (2-5): Texans (+3) 29, Raiders 23 UPSET
DAL (6-1) @ PHIL (3-4): Eagles (+3) 31, Cocaineboys 26 UPSET
Monday 5 September
BALT (4-3) @ PGH (5-2): Steelers (-9) 20, Ravens 10
IDLE: MIA STL CHI NYG
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Sunday 4 November
WASH (4-3) @ NYJ (1-7): Redskins (-4 1/2) 23, Jets 13
GB (6-1) @ KC (4-3): Chiefs (-1) 20, Packers 19
ARIZ (3-4) @ TB (4-4): Cardinals (+4) 26, Buccaneers 23 UPSET
CAR (4-3) @ TENN (5-2): Titans 27, Panthers 17
SF (2-5) @ ATL (1-6): FortyNiners (+3) 17, Falcons 13 UPSET
JAX (5-2) @ NORL (3-4): Jaguars (+3 1/2) 23, Saints 20
DEN (3-4) @ DET (5-2): Lions (-3) 34, Broncos 27
CINC (2-5) @ BUF (3-4): Bills (+1 1/2) 26, Bengals 20 UPSET
SD (4-3) @ MINN (2-5): Chargers (-7 1/2) 37, Vikings 13
SEA (4-3) @ CLE (4-3): Browns (-1 1/2) 19, Seahawks 16
NENG (8-0) @ IND (7-0): Colts 27, Patriots 24
HTN (3-5) @ OAK (2-5): Texans (+3) 29, Raiders 23 UPSET
DAL (6-1) @ PHIL (3-4): Eagles (+3) 31, Cocaineboys 26 UPSET
Monday 5 September
BALT (4-3) @ PGH (5-2): Steelers (-9) 20, Ravens 10
IDLE: MIA STL CHI NYG
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The FAIR Tax: An Alternative to the Income Tax
It will be interesting to see if an idea like this can get off the ground in Congress in 2009. It is quite obvious the current income tax system in broken and biased against certain demographics in our nation. The big question is will this proposal be able to generate like revenues for the federal government as the current system does. Another question is what effect a change in tax systems will have on the demand for middle and high end consumer goods. Only Huckabee of Arkansas among the current candidates for the presidency has endorsed this proposal. Something certainly must be done to address the failure of the current income tax system and that proposal must be politically and economically palatable to a majority of lawmakers, policy analysts, and the next presidential administration. This may be the best hope.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_tax
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_tax
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American Nuclear Attack on Syria in September ?
Until investigative journalism does some digging and research, the truth behind what happened in the Syrian desert in September will remain a mystery. It is shocking to contemplate that American military forces deployed a nuclear weapon on foreign soil and the American public is being totally kept in the dark about an action of this magnitude.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1192380718519&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
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http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1192380718519&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
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