A Poem for Christmas

Here is some thought provoking words worthy of Christmas reflection. I found this poem on the web and it was written by an American soldier.


A Different Christmas Poem


The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,

I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.

My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,

My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,

Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,

Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,

Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.

In perfect contentment, or so it would seem

,So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.


The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,

But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.

Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the

sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,

And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,

A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.


A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,

Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.

Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,

Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,

"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!

Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,

You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"


For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,

Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light

Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,

I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."


"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,

That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,

I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,

"Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."

My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',

And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,

But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.


Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,

The red, white, and blue... an American flag.

I can live through the cold and the being alone,

Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,

I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,

Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..

Who stand at the front against any and all,

To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."


"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,

Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."

"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,

"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little for all that you've done,

For being away from your wife and your son."


Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,

"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,

To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,

To know you remember we fought and we bled.

Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,

That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."


-----

Christmas Gifts from Jim Hightower

Enjoy this video from this poignant observer on the American condition.

http://www.alternet.org/blogs/video/71306/

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The Most Important Environmental Stories of 2007

Here is a list of the top environmental stories for this year.

1. Beginnings of a Backlash Against Coal Industry - California, Kansas, and, quite amazingly, Texas, prevented expansion of coal power plants. Even here in Wyoming, the capital of coal in the Western Hemisphere, the construction of two coal-powered electricity generating plants were cancelled. And globally, more people became aware of the global warming effects coal has. Research continued on developing a cleaner burning coal plant technology through Carbon Capture Sequestration of emissions, and converting coal to either diesel fuel or gasoline to replace dirtier, greater warming petroleum based motor vehicle fuels and lubricants. A plant to do just that is about to be start construction along I-80 in far eastern Carbon County in south central Wyoming. And Illinois will also see the construction of a clean coals plant in the next year or two.

2. Politicos Across the US Begin to Talk About and Encourage Environmental Responsibility and the Idea of Changes in Energy Policy - Most Democrats jumped on board if they had not already, and even some noteworthy Republicans like John McCain, Mike Huckabee, Arnold Schwartzenegger, and Charlie Crist changed their tune at least somewhat. Environmental and Energy Policy would seem to be one of the biggest seven issues on the minds of the American electorate as the 2008 primaries neared and the general elections appear on the horizon.

3. Environmental Movements and Organizations Start to Rise - A number of new organizations (Step It Up, Power Shift, Climate Action Network, & 1Sky) were spawned and saw growth in participation and influence. Older organizations saw increases in interest, memberships, funding, and endowments. In a nutshell - there was an awakening by many, particularly those of a younger generation.

4. Media Awareness of Environmentalism Increases - This is still in its beginnings but nevertheless underway. Media organizations such as NPR, CNN, NBC, Discovery, Sundance, and, horror of horrors, Fox, made some journalistic, programming, and reporting efforts concerning environmental issues.

5. Weather Extremes More Noticeable and Documented - An awareness of the changing of the climate with strongly and strangely unusual weather phenomena occurring with droughts, fire, floods, ice storms, and heat waves being observed in places and at times of the year that was quite out of the ordinary and normal for recorded climatological history.

6. The Greening of the Public Green - Investments in new generation environmental technology grew with conscious population areas such as Silicon Valley leading the way in both product development and in example. Renewable energy technology promises to be among the technological leaders in product development for the coming years.

7. Unity in the Scientific Community on Global Warming - After years of influential contrarians still holding a significant voice in the media, government, and corporacy, near universal agreement was reached on the important critical issue of global warming and recommendations were made that had near complete support of the professional mainstream scientific community.

8. The Warnings and Voice of Al Gore on Global Warming Gained Greatly in Attention and Acceptance - Everywhere and everytime one looked, it seemed as if Al Gore was in the spotlight with his efforts to make the citizenry aware of global warming and to encourage changes in public policy and lifestyles. Expect him to remain on center stage for quite some time as the changes due to warming begin to occur with harsh regularity.

9. Interest Grows on Consuming Local Foods - This was all but unheard of before 2007. In many communities and regions, this movement took off in the minds of the environmentally conscious and even in some ordinary unsophisticated citizens. Look for an increase in gardens and greenhouses by both homeowners and in communities alike.

10. Compact Fluorescent Lights Becoming the New Standard - CFLs are the new wave of light bulbs, though LEDs will eclipse them before long. Legislation passed by Congress in December spelled out the end of the incandescent light bulb, which will largely disappear within a decade.

11. Bush Junta Crushed by Court Decisions on Environmental Cases- Judges in many courts made rulings contrary to the Administrations positions on such issues as endangered fish, greenhouse gases, power-plant pollution, hydroelectric dams, forest management, and even Navy sonar. Expect more judicial decisions of these sorts in the coming years.

12. Growing Controversy over Ethanol - One of the wonder fuels has been found to have a very deep dark side particularly in relation to pollution and its effect on food prices, both for humans and livestock. I believe ethanol will go the way of nuclear in just a few years as awareness of its harsh costs become more evident.

13. Chinese Lead Poisoning Plagues Imported Goods, Particularly Childrens Toys - Another enormous consequence of the demise of American manufacturing became frightenly obvious with the findings of widespread lead contamination in Chinese made goods imported into the US and elsewhere. Numerous recalls occurred, and many conscious parents determined a complete boycott of Chinese made goods was necessary when there were children present in their homes. American corporations were given the blame and were subjected to harsh strong negative publicity for their greed and incompetence on this matter.

14. Climate Skeptics Begin to Fade Away in Importance and Influence - The modern day version of flat earthers strongly took it on the chin and were widely exposed on a number of fronts for false studies, questionable at best research, and out-and-out lying. The most noteworthy of these, Oklahoma US Senator James Imhofe, was humiliated or rebuked in many quarters, including the floor of the US Senate.

15. The Bees Disappear - The most alarming report of the year concerned the rising occurence of Colony Collapse Disorder. The theories for this phenomena were disparate and conflicting, but a firm conclusive reason for the mass disappearance of our apian friends so essential to the efficient and productive food system we enjoy and require remains to be determined.

-----

Paul Potts - A Wonderful Poignant Story to Read

I caught this story on Nightline on Friday night 21 December and wanted to share it. To hear this man sing operatic music is truly amazing and stirring, and his story on how he was able to get recognition for his incredible talent is one for the ages. A great moving story as Christmas is upon us.

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/FallConcert/story?id=4036131&page=1

http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/06/20/084600.php

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

If you google Paul Potts you will get some youtube video links to see him performing his operatic arias.

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At Least Somewhere it is Warm...

While the vast majority of the nation is experiencing winter weather and cold, one place is enjoying a heat wave: Galveston, TX. They have had five straight days of record heat. McAllen and Harlingen, TX, have also enjoyed record highs in the last few days. So there is hope for the rest of us that winter will abate someday. When it is this cold and for so long across much of the US, global warming cannot come soon enough.

SXUS74 KHGX 230828
RERGLS
RECORD EVENT REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HOUSTON/GALVESTON TX
227 AM CST SUN DEC 23 2007

...RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE SET AT GALVESTON...
A RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 74 DEGREES WAS SET AT GALVESTON YESTERDAY. THIS TIES THE OLD RECORD OF 74 SET IN 1933.

$$



SXUS74 KHGX 222211
RERGLS
RECORD EVENT REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HOUSTON/GALVESTON TX
400 PM CST SAT DEC 22 2007

...RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE TIED AT GALVESTON...
GALVESTON`S HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 74 DEGREES THIS AFTERNOON HAS TIED THE PREVIOUS RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 74 DEGREES SET IN 1933...WHICH WAS 74 YEARS AGO.

$$



SXUS74 KHGX 210835
RERGLS
RECORD EVENT REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HOUSTON/GALVESTON TX
235 AM CST FRI DEC 21 2007

...RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE SET AT GALVESTON...
A RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 80 DEGREES WAS SET AT GALVESTON YESTERDAY. THIS BREAKS THE OLD RECORD OF 77 SET IN 1916.

$$



SXUS74 KHGX 202313
RERGLS
RECORD EVENT REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HOUSTON/GALVESTON TX
447 PM CST THU DEC 20 2007

...NEW RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE SET AT GALVESTON...
A NEW RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 80 DEGREES WAS SET AT GALVESTON TODAY. THIS BREAKS THE OLD RECORD OF 77 SET IN 1916.

$$



SXUS74 KHGX 200009
RERGLS
RECORD EVENT REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HOUSTON/GALVESTON TX
347 PM CST WED DEC 19 2007

...NEW RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE SET AT GALVESTON...
A NEW RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 79 DEGREES WAS SET AT GALVESTON TODAY. THIS BREAKS THE OLD RECORD OF 76 SET IN 1916.

$$

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Another Strong Example of Rampant Texan Stupidity

This is one of the most ridiculous taxes I have ever heard of. Sure it goes to a good cause but Texas should have put the assessment on liquor, soda pop, beef, fast food, premium cable TV service, and movie rentals. These products are much more likely to be playing a role in a sex crime than going to a nightclub. One would think the tax will be declared unconstitutional in the courts in the coming months.

http://www.ksat.com/news/14908589/detail.html

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Iran Will Be a Nuclear Nation by March '08

This is a report to keep in the back of your mind and recall when events and circumstances occur after the Vernal Equinox by US military forces.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/12/23/iran.nuclear/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

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Big Explosion on Mars Coming on 30 January

We all remember when the comet hit Jupiter in 1994 that created some spectacular images. It will be interesting to see if this asteroid collision will create a noticeable change on Mars. It is doubtful it can be seen without a really good telescope. And besides, often the weather interferes with astronomical observations.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071221/ap_on_sc/mars_asteroid_12;_ylt=Avr4t02JKqsFJHrlFWupscwE1vAI

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The Sad Plague of Adultery Among the Powerful and Wealthy in Our Society

This is a very sad and disturbing problem in our society and nation. We probably need to return to laws criminalizing this behavior and activity as existed in the past less than fifty years ago. The harm it does to other people, particularly innocent children of the offenders, is vast and eternal. It is amazing the right wing Christian zealots do not talk about this, but maybe not, as they probably commit this moral crime and sin as much as everyone else does, which is estimated to be over 50 % of all men and 35 % of all women in married relationships in the United States. In regards to politicians and rich corporate types, money and power has a very strong way of corrupting and immoralizing them to a level of evil not so evident before they achieved their wealth and power and the rate is higher among these types.

http://www.pensitoreview.com/2007/12/29/2007-gop-adulterers-hall-of-fame-nominees/

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George Bush, His Junta, and the Destruction of America

Unfortunately, we still have 393 days left of this junta working to destroy America and its middle class citizenry (to say nothing of the poor) and enrich corporations and the wealthy. The price we all will pay for his treachery and evil will be seemingly eternal. George Bush has worked very hard to make us know what it means to have hell on earth... and he is succeeding.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/peter-dreier/bushs-class-warfare_b_77910.html

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Meteor Showers to Witness

I was discussing meteor showers with someone I met while at work and decided to become more aware of the number of showers that can be witnessed on a annual regular basis. Moving to an area where light pollution is reduced substantially will allow me to plan on seeing as many of these phenomena as possible, although some will require assistance from a telescope.

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

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

-----

My Week in Review: 16-22 December

The day-by-day look back at what my week included.

Sunday 16 December: I awoke around 10am and saw that outside it was clear cold sunny day with strong howling NW winds that brought the temperatures into the mid 30s and maybe melted just a little of the snowpack. I ventured out around noon to go to King Soopers for a grocery run. The splashback off the roads on to the windshield was annoying as always. After I got home, I baked myself some biscuits for brunch, read my newspapers, and watched the NFL games of the day. Most were not close but we did get a good ending for the Jaguars/Steelers game. Thankfully the Cocaineboys were beaten by Philadelphia and Miami finally won a game, ousting the Ravens in OT. I enjoyed another quiet day and evening at home in solitude. Later I watched 60 Minutes and then watched the Redskins/Giants game. I had cheeseburger patties that I microwaved for dinner. It was a sad evening as I read Dan Fogelberg, the great musician from my youth and young adulthood years, had died. All this cold and largely dry weather has my hands all dried out and itchy and lotion only provides temporary relief. Thus, a nice long very hot shower was quite enjoyable later in the evening. I went to bed around midnight.

Monday 17 December: Back to work for the full day as the weather improved notably. We had clear to partly cloudy skies with minimal winds and temperatures reaching the mid 40s. Today marks the one year anniversary of my living in Cheyenne. While it was not my intent to move here on a permanent basis one year ago, all in all its worked out. Housing prices are more reasonable here and one can afford to have a nice rental in a good safe part of town while surviving on living poor wages. While at times I am isolated, lonely, and like a hermit, the alternatives that existed for me one year ago were not good. I will probably live here for a few to several years, perhaps for the remainder of my life, as coming up with the financial resources to locate to one of my prefered alternatives is a challenge very difficult to overcome. The climate here can be formidable at times and its not a place where outdoor activities are conduicive most of the year with a harsh winter and spring and increasingly hot summers. Denver has a much more pleasant climate than Cheyenne or Albuquerque or Phoenix. Much of what happens in the future depends on my health and employability. I do not expect to live much more than five to ten years although my circumstances may lead me to live a longer life than can be imagined like the fellow in this story. Who can predict but with each passing year I grow more concerned about my ability to be self-supporting and not be a burden on anyone as physical aging becomes more apparent and my body starts to break down in little but noticeable ways. Anyway, back to the mundane day as I got home around 7pm, had a salad and some applesauce for supper, watched a good MNF game, surfed the 'net, updated the blog (a certain male relative was not courteous in his remarks !), and checked the email. I have the monthly Walmart grocery run looming later this week and I also need to do some various tasks around the place in the next several days. After watching Nightline, I headed off to try to sleep around 11:15pm.

Tuesday 18 December: I awoke around 9:15 am ahead of the alarm clock as the eight hour work day loomed. It was clear day but clouds started to increase later in the afternoon as temperatures reached into the low 40s with light winds. After I got home around 7:30 pm I had Spanish Rice with a can of tomatoes mixed in and butter bread for supper. I got the first massive electric bill of the winter and it was at $80 which was disillusioning considering how cold I am keeping the place. I fear the bill I get next month and in the following 2-3 months will be near $150 for each month which will seriously financially stress me. Its going to be a grim seriously long hard very cold winter indeed. January will force my hand to find new employment that pays better than what I get now. Anyway, back to the mundane humdrum as I relaxed after the long work day, watched a good episode of Boston Legal, Nightline, and ST: TNG before retiring around 12:15am.

Wednesday 19 December: A repeat of Tuesday for the most part. A mostly cloudy day with increasing winds as the temperature reached 40 degrees with the looming threat of more snow within the next 36 hours and a strongly unsettled pattern now projected deep into next week which is not very good news. I got home by 7:30pm amd had a salad and some beef noodle soup for dinner. I watched the movie "Castaway" which is a great film. I fell into bed before 11pm while watching Nightline and then ST: TNG which put me to sleep as the length of night is about at its peak although sunsets are now inching their way back after six months of decline. It will not be very noticeable for a number of weeks by most.

Thursday 20 December: Back to work for the full day. It was a mostly cloudy day with temperatures reaching the low 40s with healthy winds. I got home around 7:30 pm and watched the Steelers/Rams game while keeping tabs on Utah/Navy. I had some Lipton chicken parmesan cheddar noodles for dinner. Later I watched Nightline and ST: TNG before going to bed around midnight.

Friday 21 December: The end of the long work week arrived today. We had light snow starting before dawn and less than 1" accumulated. The sun did peak out briefly in the mid afternoon as temperatures stayed in the upper 20s with strong cold winds. After work, I stopped at the post office to get my mail and I received a Christmas card from youngest sister LAC which was very kind and thoughtful of her. I then went to Perkins and had a chicken sandwich, a salad, and piece of apple pie a la mode for dinner and did some surfing on the 'net for a couple of hours in the relaxing setting there. Afterwards I ventured home in the cold and watched the news, Nightline, and ST: TNG before calling it a day around 12:15am.

Saturday 22 December: The first full day of winter is upon us and the weather improved today as we had crystal clear blue skies with light winds and temperatures that reached 26 degrees after a morning low of 9 degrees. I stayed in on my day off and had a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast. There were three college football bowl games on today and an NFL game tonight so I have something to watch as I surf the 'net, work on my blog, and keep up on any email that comes in. I also did some straightening up the place as in the last week I have done nothing in that respect after getting home from the long workdays. I took it easy all day and into the evening. Todd said he would try to come by to watch the Las Vegas Bowl, but he feared the snowdrifts in his 800' long driveway would keep him home and busy so he did not get to escape.
I did the dishes, straightened up the main room, stacked the papers, and had Spaghettios for supper. I watched an episode of the original Star Trek after the bowl games wrapped up and then went off to bed around midnight.

-----

Comparing Two Presidential Candidates

Willard Mitt Romney and John Reid Edwards are at opposing poles on most economic issues and in their professional journeys, consequences, and philosophies. Edwards would still seem to be not a favorite to win the Democratic nomination, but that could still change. Romney is one of GOP frontrunners along with Giuiliani, Huckabee, McCain, and Thompson in the presidential nominating race that will be sorted out in the next 45 days. But the thought of Romney as President is quite frightening and brings to mind all kinds of terrible scenarios and consequences for the middle class and poor in our nation.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/23/business/23wealth.html?ei=5089&en=bf082b7510474657&ex=1356066000&partner=rssyahoo&emc=rss&pagewanted=all
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Edwards

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

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And Speaking of Evil Corporations

The decision of the CIGNA insurance corporation on this medical matter concerning this young girl is nothing short of murder, and since California allows the death penalty, this corporation should be legally executed in California and the value of the stock in the company in proportion to its value in California be taken from all stockholders and distributed to these victims as well as others.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-transplant22dec22,1,500306.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

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Oil Corporations: The Greatest Evil on Earth

Some of the other types of corporations in the running for this title would include those peddling insurance, pharmaceuticals, retailers, and in the media. Their presence have and will continue cost many individuals their lives and increasingly so in the not-so-distant future.

http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/12/22/5958/

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Rising Sea Levels Will Endanger Republicans ?

Unfortunately, the scenario envisioned by the writer of this article is not so simple. But it is strongly probable the areas he mentioned will start to see the effects of rising sea levels within a decade, creating American refugees and triggering a mass movement by many to inland areas.
But any changes to the political landscape will not be so pronounced.

http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/12/22/5963/

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Excellent News from the Grand Canyon State

This report indicates success from recent laws enacted in Arizona to address the rampant illegal immigration plaguing that state. However, I fear many of these illegals are not returning to their home nation but instead are simply moving to another state where laws are lax. Arizona, Oklahoma, and Colorado are the only states that have enacted such harsh laws to address the infestation, and Colorado has laws that are fairly weak. Look for these illegals to go to such states as Texas, California, Florida, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Georgia, and other states where the economy is fairly robust and officials and employers both have a long tradition of looking the other way in spite of public outcry.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/12/22/immigrants.leave.ap/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

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Interesting News Story Concerning the Recent Past

The information discussed in this story does not surprise me. Many high powered officials in law enforcement have and continue favor easy ways to suspend constitutional and civil liberties and at least temporarily strongly curb human rights at the drop of a hat at the slightest hint of trouble. Hoover is one of those whose reputation in history is quite evident on this approach.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/23/washington/23habeas.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

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An Effort Worth the Price

I have always picked up pennies, nickels, and dimes that I see on the ground at the places I go to. If other people want to help me pay the sales taxes, so be it. There have times where I have found over 25 cents on the ground while entering a business. Fools and their money are soon parted and I am one of those who gain.

http://blogs.moneycentral.msn.com/smartspending/archive/2007/12/14/see-a-penny-pick-it-up.aspx

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Happy Birthday to nephew Jessie

Best wishes to my oldest (and only) nephew on his 20th birthday. You have a bright and wonderful future ahead for you and your Dad and Mom have a lot to be proud of you in so many ways. Now, about being a fan of that NFL football club in North Central Texas, we all know wisdom comes with age and maturity...it will be a largely forgotten error of youth in not so many years...

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The NHL Absolutely Get This Right -- Unlike the NFL and NBA

It is very unfortunate and highly greedy and selfish to have sporting events scheduled on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. These are days that should be free of all work so individuals can spend time with their families and friends. The NFL, NBA, and NCAA have yet to figure that out. It is good to see one professional major sports league, the National Hockey Leagues, has. The NHL has a long history of having set aside these two days so everyone in the sport can get away and spend this time as it should be.

http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/story.html?id=eddf9fb9-e7f0-4f99-9be3-eb5389af9123

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The Legacy of Bush-onomics

A giant daunting task awaits the next presidential administration as the aftereffect of eight years of the Bush Junta running the economy promises to be a challenge that likely will not be met anytime soon. The Junta has botched the whole deal and the mess is incredible. The consequences for all American citizens is enormous and long reaching. The quality of life, standard of living, and opportunities that existed before 2001 probably will never return.

http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2007/12/bush200712

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Quick Harsh Deaths Essential for Gang Members

Creatures like these need to be given quick executions absolutely that must be done without any delay. Organized criminal organizations such as these must be utterly destroyed and eradicated posthaste ! What would be fantastic would be to have public hangings every Saturday morning where dozens of these vermin would get strung up until their necks snap with sacks over their heads for all to witness. That would send a powerfully strong message eliminating any ideas or thoughts in participating in gangs and being a servant of Satan. Death to all gang members !!!

http://news.aol.com/story/_a/gangs-drop-tattoos-adopt-preppy-look/20071216134209990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001

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College Football Bowl Games Picks

The college football bowl games season commences on Thursday 20 December with the Poinsettia Bowl and includes 31 games and will conclude on Monday 7 January. About half of the games are maybe worth watching or listening to*.

THR 20: Poinsettia - Utah (-7 1/2) 44, Navy 37 *
+ +
FRI 21: New Orleans - Florida Atlantic (-2 1/2) 29, Memphis 23
+ +
SAT 22: Papa Johns - Cincinnati (-13) 28, Southern Miss 17
+ +
SAT 22: New Mexico - New Mexico (-3) 24, Nevada 20 *
+ +
SAT 22: Las Vegas - Brigham Young (-5 1/2) 35, UCLA 21 *
+ X
SUN 23: Hawaii - Boise St (-10 1/2) 52, East Carolina 24 *
X X
WED 26: Motor City - Central Michigan (+7 1/2) 29, Purdue 27 UPSET *
X +
THR 27: Holiday - Arizona St (+2 1/2) 30, Texas 24 UPSET *
X X
FRI 28: Champs - Boston College (-4 1/2) 24, Michigan St 20
+ +
FRI 28: Texas - Texas Christian (-4) 20, Houston 13
+ +
FRI 28: Emerald - Oregon St (-6) 38, Maryland 27
+ +
SAT 29: Car Care - Connecticut (+2 1/2) 22, Wake Forest 20
X +
SAT 29: Liberty - Central Florida (-3) 32, Mississippi St 20
X X
SAT 29: Alamo - Penn St (-5 1/2) 27, Texas A&M 20 *
+ +
SUN 30: Independence - Colorado (+3 1/2) 27, Alabama 24 UPSET *
X X
MON 31: Armed Forces - Air Force (+3 1/2) 33, California 27 UPSET *
X X
MON 31: Sun - Oregon (+7 1/2) 26, South Florida 16 UPSET
+ +
MON 31: Humanitarian - Fresno St (+6 1/2) 34, Georgia Tech 27 UPSET *
+ +
MON 31: Insight - Oklahoma St (-8) 34, Indiana 23 *
+ +
MON 31: ChickFilA - Auburn (+3) 20, Clemson 17 UPSET*
+ +
TUE 1: Outback - Wisconsin (+2 1/2) 27, Tennessee 24 UPSET *
X X
TUE 1: Cotton - Missouri (-3) 33, Arkansas 29
+ +
TUE 1: Capital1 - Florida (-11) 34, Michigan 24
X +
TUE 1: Gator - Texas Tech (-6) 35, Virginia 30 *
+ +
TUE 1: Rose - Southern Cal (-14) 38, Illinois 20
+ +
TUE 1: Sugar - Georgia (-7) 34, Hawaii 24 *
+ +
WED 2: Fiesta - West Virginia (+8) 31, Oklahoma 22 UPSET *
+ +
THR 3: Orange - Kansas (+ 4 1/2) 20, Virginia Tech 19 UPSET *
+ +
SAT 5: Internat'l - Rutgers (-10 1/2) 30, Ball St 13
+ +
SUN 6: GMAC - Tulsa (-4 1/2) 37, Bowling Green 22
+ +
MON 7: BCS - Louisiana St (-6) 32, Ohio St 25 *
+ +

22-9/24-7/4-5
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NFL Picks for Week Sixteen, 20-22-23-24 December

Here are the picks for the penultimate week of the regular season of the National Football League for the games being played from Thursday 20 December to Monday 24 December.

Thursday 20 December

PGH (9-5) @ STL (3-11): Steelers (-7 1/2) 30, Rams 13
+ +

Saturday 22 December

DAL (12-2) @ CAR (6-8): Panthers (+10 1/2) 22, Cocaineboys 20 UPSET
X +

Sunday 23 December

CLE (9-5) @ CINC (5-9): Browns (-3 1/2) 27, Bengals 24
X +
GB (12-2) @ CHI (5-9): Packers (-8 1/2) 24, Bears 17
X +
HTN (7-7) @ IND (12-2): Colts (-7) 23, Texans 13
+ +
KC (4-10) @ DET (6-8): Lions (-4 1/2) 27, Chiefs 16
+ +
NYG (9-5) @ BUF (7-7): Bills (+2 1/2) 20, Giants 16 UPSET
X X
OAK (4-10) @ JAX (10-4): Jaguars (-13 1/2) 33, Raiders 17
+ +
PHIL (6-8) @ NORL (7-7): Saints (-3) 26, Eagles 24
X +
ATL (3-11) @ ARIZ (6-8): Cardinals (-10) 34, Falcons 27
+ +
TB (9-5) @ SF (4-10): Buccaneers (-6 1/2) 22, FortyNiners 16
X +
MIA (1-13) @ NENG (14-0): Patriots (-22) 31, Dolphins 3
+ X
NYJ (3-11) @ TENN (8-6): Titans (-8 1/2) 20, Jets 16
+ +
BALT (4-10) @ SEA (9-5): Seahawks (-8) 27, Ravens 10
+ +
WASH (7-7) @ MINN (8-6): Vikings (-7) 27, Redskins 20
X +

Monday 24 December

DEN (6-8) @ SD (9-5): Chargers (-10) 34, Broncos 20
+ +

10-6/14-2/0-2

Florida Marlins May Finally Have Their New Building

After many years of futility, it would appear a new ballpark is in the works for the long beleagured Florida Marlins. Miami City Government approved funding for the new state of the art retractable roofed facility and it would all that remains is working out the fine print in setting terms for an agreement and plan. Hopefully this time it will become a reality.

With the imminent success of the Marlins, only the Oakland Athletics have yet to finalize plans for their new building which is to be set in the SE Bay Area east of San Jose and south of Oakland. All other MLB clubs have secured a building in recent years, content with their older existing building (BSN, CHIC, LA), or moving towards playing in a new building also in the next few years (NYM, NYY, MINN, WASH, TB)

http://capefish.blogspot.com/2007/12/dade-commission-oks-downtown-mega-deal.html

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Investing Wisely for a Successful and Constructive Future and Society

VB Price does a superb job on explaining why and recommending what investments those inclined to do should be doing in the near and distant future. Price and I see eye to eye on most everything and his approach to creating a better and more productive society is one that anyone should listen to and heed. The futures of today's young children are at stake.

http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2007/dec/15/vbprice-alternative-energy-public-transit-offer-st/

-----

Carbon Emissions Continue to Grow Most Everywhere

This report contains information on the quantity of carbon dioxide and other emissions by states and nations, as well as other ways. The most important data concerns the historical comparisons of emissions over the last 28 years comparing Europe to the US to China. Europe is the epitome of responsibility, conservation, modernization, and action. The US continues to rise at a rate that is greater than that of population growth. China is a disgrace and a disaster as their emissions have skyrocketed. The future is indeed grim without question.

http://www.eia.doe.gov/environment.html

http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/12/15/carbon-dioxide-blogging/

-----

The Growing Spectre of Negative Home Equity Across the USA

Research indicates an alarming rise in the number of homeowners whose homes possess negative worth or equity. Falling home prices in many areas around the nation will only exacerabate the problem. At this time, most projections are for home prices and values to fall by as much as 35 % from their peaks in '05 and '06. Largely unforeseeable events and circumstances in the next year or two may result in declines greater than that in some critical areas around the nation, particularly in Sunbelt suburbs. It would seem a correction of home values relative to most wages, particularly since most jobs being created pay less than $12 per hour, is now underway and will only continue as to create a balance between the huge available supply and the resources existing for those who will fill the demand.

http://calculatedrisk.blogspot.com/2007/12/homeowners-with-negative-equity.html

http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/12/14/why-negative-equity-matters/

http://www.bos.frb.org/economic/wp/wp2007/wp0715.htm

-----

My Week in Review: 9-15 December

The weekly report for a denizen of a distant winter outpost on the cusp of the Great White North.

[***Starting this week I will post this on this blog entry daily and update it each day (as I have done in recent weeks) and then repost the updated blog entry on a daily basis with a new blog entry on this subject starting again each Sunday. ***]

Sunday 9 December: A cold morning which I thankfully avoided as another day off meant I could sleep in, which I did until around 10am. After a breakfast of a banana and oatmeal, I took off to King Soopers for the weekly grocery run and the Sunday newspapers. It was a sunny crystal clear day with no wind but the high temperature only got to 15 degrees as the storm left us with about 7" of snow and this upcoming week promises more as well as temperatures staying in the deep freezer. I went over to Shadows after King Soopers to watch the Steelers/Patriots and Broncos/Chiefs games. Pittsburgh stayed close to unbeaten New England for the first half but were blownout in the second half and the Broncos wiped out KC, scoring early and often for their easiest win this season. I had some quesadillas, a glass of beer, and some ice cream before heading home around 5:15pm. After carrying up the three bags of grocery up the treacherous snow covered stairs, I settled in for a quiet evening. I watched 60 Minutes which had good stories on Congo gorillas and LaDanian Tomlinson as well as the weekly humor from Andy Rooney. Its hard to believe Rooney is still around as he was a war correspondent almost 65 years ago during World War II. But even at age 89, he still does a thoughtful and insightful commentary on a regular weekly basis on 60 Minutes as he has for almost the last 40 years. I then watched the Avalanche/Blues game while keeping tabs on Indianapolis/Baltimore SNF. I went through my newspapers again, cut coupons, did the sudoku puzzles, and did little else. It was largely a lost weekend with nothing accomplished at home besides a couple of very long hot showers to ease my joint pains in my hands, neck, ankles, feet, and elsewhere. I also updated the blog, surfed the 'net, and checked my email - things I generally do every evening. The upcoming week is a full one as I have to work at 8am MWT; a 1-close shift on Tuesday; and an 11-7:30 shift on Friday. About the only thing on the schedule will be to get gasoline for the Ford as I can get about 15-17 days on six to seven gallons. Its hard to believe the year has but three weeks left and Xmas is here in two weeks. For Xmas, I am not sure what I will do; brother HBL mentioned an invite to his home back in November but I have not had any followup or confirmation of that. The other option is excellent though as Brant and Sara will insist on me joining them for another feast like the one they treated me too just a few weeks back on Thanksgiving. 2007 has been a year that can be defined as a paradox in some ways. Some bad things in the beginning but a lot of good wonderful things that only increased as the year went on as some friendships were beyond extraordinary and tremendous in many ways which I will never be able to repay or completely show my true deep gratitude. This may have been my best overall year from many perspectives for this decade for sure and perhaps going back to the early 1990s. At least my health is holding up for the most part. I had a bowl of tomato soup with crackers for supper with some butter bread. I went to bed around 11:15pm.

Monday 10 December: I awoke before the alarm clock went off but struggled to get out of bed as work started one hour earlier today. It was a much warmer day as skies were crystal clear to start the day and temperatures reached the mid 30s and some snow melted. Clouds started to build as the day neared its end in anticipation of another snow event as 3" are expected on Tuesday and the rest of the week will be cold and the wind is expected to return. I decided not to eat the regular bag lunch I have eaten on work days exclusively for the last three to four months. I had a coupon so I got two for one Super Star cheeseburgers at the nearby Carl's Jr which is three blocks from work. I probably experienced a 20 % jump in my cholesterol as a result of eating these two juicy decadant sandwiches. I probably should not eat beef again until next week as a result of this tasty but not so healthful splurge. After work ended, I got fuel for the White Knight, paying only $2.84 per gallon, and returned home to watch MNF, surf the net, read my emails, and work on the blog. No supper for me tonight after eating those two burgers for lunch - its back to the lunch routine Tuesday -- a couple of peanut butter & grape jelly on wheat bread sandwiches, a banana, five generic peanut butter sandwich cookies, a Little Debbies creme filled oatmeal cakelet, and a cream soda pop. After an okay MNF game, I caught the news and headed to bed around 11pm after Nightline. I looked out the window before retiring and saw the snow had begun again.

Tuesday 11 December: I got to sleep in today as my work shift does not begin until 1pm but runs until close after 10:30pm. We got walloped by snow overnight and through the morning as about one-half foot fell. It was light and powdery snow. The city was overwhelmed and snow removal was all but nil as I drove to work as municipal incompetence in dealing with incliment weather seems to be the standard in way too many places and streets management are braindead in coming up with a 21st century appproach to reducing the impact any snowfall has on drivers and pedestrians. I worked all day for about a nine hour shift and did not return home until after 10:30pm. I had a salad (iceberg lettuce, carrots, red cabbage, chopped celery, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and french dressing) and a slice of blueberry pie for supper. I watched Nightline, and my newest evening joy, back to back episodes of Star Trek TNG and Star Trek DS9. I truly enjoy both these series and will make a regular effort to catch them most weeknights. These programs used to be on during the late evening time slots back in the early to late 90s and I watched them regularly then so its great to have them back on at a good viewing time for me again, and its not like I will ever have any better alternative at that time of the night besides sleeping. I watched the last half of DS9 from bed and drifted off to sleep before 1am as the next two days are long 8am to 6pm shifts.

Wednesday 12 December: A very cold and clear morning that saw temperatures make it to above the freezing mark as winds were calm overall under sunny skies. It was a very long day at work as I put in a ten hour plus day. When I got home, I had some cheddar broccoli pasta and some butter bread. I fell asleep in my chair before 7:30, not making it through the Avalanche/Blue Jackets game. I awoke around 9:30 and staggered into bed for a deep full nights sleep.

Thursday 13 December: Back to work again for the 8-5 haul. It was a clear cold morning although a little warmer than the last couple of days as temps started in the mid teens but clouds built starting around noon and we only got to 27 degrees as the winds picked up and snow started falling AGAIN shortly after dusk. About 3" is expected overnight. After I got home, I had some canned lasagna for supper and watched the Broncos/Texans game while keeping up on the Avalanche/Predators game. The last night of no reruns in total was tonight with the last original episode of 30 Rock before everything goes into reruns until further notice from now on. Maybe we will get some new episodes of my favorites by the middle to end of February if we get lucky. At least for the next three weeks there is football with the bowl games starting next Thursday and running until Monday 7 January. And there is the NFL and NHL as well and Mountain West Conference hoops kick into the conference schedule on Saturday 5 January so I will have some things to watch and keep up on for most nights until early January. After watching the Broncos lose rather convincingly to end their postseason aspirations, I checked in on the 9pm news, checked my email, surfed and blogged and relaxed. Brother HBL called and we conversed for over an hour on a wide variety of topics. I watched ST: TNG and hit the hay around midnight, knowing I get to sleep in a little on Friday as I do not go to work until 11am.

Friday 14 December: Little if any snow fell overnight and into the morning, but bitterly cold temperatures were the order of the day. It was cloudy for the most part with a few peeks of sun late in the afternoon, but the winds were cold and harsh and the temperature only made it to 18 degrees but it felt much colder on ones bare face. This cold wave has been ongoing for three and a half weeks with the exception of two days early last week. Its getting old and wearisome so hopefully the forecast of no precip and temps reaching into the low to mid 40s next week will bear out. I worked an eight hour day and returned home after 7pm. Brant called me shortly after my arrival and we will try to get together this weekend perhaps to see the movie "No Country for Old Men" which is a favorite for consideration for next year's Academy Awards. I thawed out, had some chicken noodle soup for dinner, watched 20/20 & the 10pm news, and generally relaxed. Thank goodness I have the next two days off and I get to hole up and just relax. Bedtime came around midnight.

Saturday 15 December: A cold sunny windy day with temperatures reaching only about 25 degrees. Thus, little snowmelt occurred leaving us with still 4-6" on the ground and side streets snowpacked with main streets having numerous slick spots. I awoke around 10am and stayed in. I had homemade oatmeal for breakfast and had to turn the heat up to get warmed up. I watched the film "Bicentennial Man" for the first time and it was extremely good. I largely spent the afternoon surfing the 'net. I watched the NFL game between the FortyNiners and Bengals while keeping track of the Avalanche/Predators. The landlord came by around 4pm and gave me some Christmas cookies and pastries and a card, which was a wonderfully nice surprise and gift. Todd dropped in for about a half-hour after 9pm to tell me his woes and the certainty of his ending marriage. I had some turkey lunchmeat sandwiches for lunch and bowl of tomato soup for dinner. The winds were keeping the temperatures up around 20 degrees when I went outside for a few minutes around 10pm.

With the now daily publishing of this post, a permanent new blog policy goes into effect effective 9 December 2007. No longer will any negative, nonsupporting, boorish, degrading, demeaning, depreciatory, disparaging, derogatory, or insulting comments be permitted to be placed on this blog. Friendly, warm, constructive, supportive comments are welcome as usual. This is a forum for my opinions, feelings, and observations as stated clearly in the blog heading. Those wishing to state or express their disagreement with mine are strictly limited to this phrase: I disagree with you.

I do not go to other blogs of acquaintances, colleagues, friends, neighbors, and family and post combative or hostile comments. To do so would be uncivil, ill-mannered, rude, insolent, impolite, nonfriendly, discourteous, and wrong. Thus, the same will be always the case here on this blog.

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NFL Picks for Week Fifteen, 13-15-16-17 December

Here is my forecast for the results in this week's NFL games being played from Thursday 13 December through Monday 17 December.

Thursday 13 December

DEN (6-7) @ HTN (6-7): Texans (-3) 27, Broncos 19
+ +
Saturday 15 December

CINC (5-8) @ SF (3-10): Bengals (-10) 33, FortyNiners 20
X X
Sunday 16 December

ARIZ (6-7) @ NORL (6-7): Cardinals (+4 1/2) 27, Saints 24 UPSET
X X
ATL (3-10) @ TB (8-5): Buccaneers (-14 1/2) 38, Falcons 10
+ +
BALT (4-9) @ MIA (0-13): Dolphins (+4 1/2) 13, Ravens 10 UPSET
+ +
BUF (7-6) @ CLE (8-5): Browns (-5 1/2) 23, Bills 16
+ +
GB (11-2) @ STL (3-10): Packers (-10 1/2) 34, Rams 17
+ +
JAX (9-4) @ PGH (9-4): Jaguars (+3 1/2) 21, Steelers 17
+ +
NYJ (3-10) @ NENG (13-0): Patriots (-23) 77, Jets 6
+ X
SEA (9-4) @ CAR (5-8): Seahawks (-9) 21, Panthers 13
X +
TENN (7-6) @ KC (4-9): Titans (+4 1/2) 20, Chiefs 17 UPSET
+ +
IND (11-2) @ OAK (4-9): Colts (-11 1/2) 44, Raiders 20
+ X
DET (6-7) @ SD (8-5): Chargers (+10) 29, Lions 7
+ +
PHIL (5-8) @ DAL (12-1): Eagles (+11 1/2) 26, Cocaineboys 24 UPSET
+ +
WASH (6-7) @ NYG (9-4): Redskins (+6) 20, Giants 16 UPSET
+ +
Monday 17 December

CHI (5-8) @ MINN (7-6): Vikings (-11) 33, Bears 26

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Arctic Sea to be Ice-Free by 2012 !

This is one possible conclusion envisioned by researchers looking into the changing climate and ecosystem of the Arctic region. This scenario seems to be unlikely, but just a few years ago scientists believed it would be impossible for at least another century. The rate of change and the suddenness of how fast global warming is impacting the planet gets more alarming with each passing month. What other enormous tumultuous changes await us are sure to be as alarming and possibly beyond our current imagination.

http://news.aol.com/story/_a/ominous-arctic-melt-worries-experts/20071211220409990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001

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Another Record Cheyenne Snowfall

For the second time in less than a week, a new record for daily snowfall in Cheyenne occurred.
And winter is still yet to officially commence !

SXUS75 KCYS 120447
RERCYS

RECORD EVENT REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHEYENNE WY
0946 PM MST TUE DEC 11 2007

...RECORD DAILY MAXIMUM SNOWFALL SET AT CHEYENNE...

A NEW RECORD SNOWFALL OF 5.2 INCHES WAS SET AT CHEYENNE TODAY. THIS BREAKS THE OLD RECORD OF 2.1 SET IN 1949.

-----

Monday 10 December News Articles and Observations

These are some of the news articles that caught my attention on Monday 10 December and my observations on them.

A. Christmas Cannot Be All that Bad...

I think the writer of the first link below overstated things rather substantially. But there are many ways to look at and appreciate the real significance of what the day is supposed to be out. One other viewpoint is discussed in the second link below.

http://www.alternet.org/environment/69068/

http://www.coloradoconfidential.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3203

-----

B. Wyoming Coal to Liquids Plant Moves Closer to Reality

The new plan for this new progressive technologically advanced facility is for coal to be processed into a liquid which likely to be gasoline instead of diesel fuel. Hopefully the plan for the construction of the plant will allow for either option depending on what consumer demand is calling for. The carbon dioxide gases created in the process are targeted for complete capture and slated to be used for other energy projects.

http://www.trib.com/articles/2007/12/09/news/wyoming/651691d924c2f3c5872573ab007e1714.txt

-----

C. Significant US Supreme Court Ruling

I believe this is a good decision from every standpoint. The winners will be the American public who make mistakes and should be given a greater fair shake to get their lives back to being productive and positive in a faster time, and taxpayers who are asked to spend way too much money on criminal justice and inmate incarceration.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/10/washington/10cnd-scotus.html?hp

-----

D. What a Mess and a Shame

The professionalism and competence of the American diplomatic corps has been utterly disrupted and largely destroyed by the ineptitude of the Bush Junta.

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2007/12/10/all_power_no_influence/

-----

E. The Needed Correct Public Policy on Health Care Coverage is Being Dismissed

It is truly unfortunate the leaders in the race for the Presidential nomination, particularly in the Democratic Party, are offering a health care plan full of holes, corruption, and just plain foolishness. Let us hope these individuals are engaging in a campaign of subterfuge until one is elected and takes a look at the new political landscape awaiting them in the winter and spring of 2009.

http://blogs.thestate.com/bradwarthensblog/2007/12/can-anyone-any.html

-----

G. US Ignored Kyoto; Will Bali be a Repeat ?

For now and the next eighteen months, yes. Obviously, it will depend on what happens with the '08 election to determine what, if any, actions and policy changes will occur. Meanwhile another 2-3 years will go by and the greenhouse gas pollution being emitted here and elsewhere on the planet will only grow, resulting in a worsening and hastening of the impending changes.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/dec/10/climatechange.usnews

-----

H. Another View on the Treachery and Corruption that Have and Will Cost Millions of American Citizens

Criminal prosecutions and enormous civil actions are required against these fiends. Entire companies need to be destroyed. Heads must roll.

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20071217/prins

http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_richard__071208_mortgage_industry_in.htm

-----

I. The Latest on all the Crooks, Criminals, and Hoods Dominating Alaska's Government

The list just about includes everyone of any political importance in The Last Frontier. Heads need to roll here as well.

http://community.adn.com/adn/node/112569

-----

J. New Water Pact Agreement by Colorado River Basin States

I am not as optimistic concerning the future situations this agreement is supposed to address. I still believe there will be issues and exchanges of strong words and threats by various politicians and bureaucrats when circumstances get more grave than predicted or anticipated.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/10/us/10water.html

-----

K. Another View on the Stupidity and Idiocy of Rudy Giuliani

Rudy is a bonehead and incompetent and I am not the only one to firmly believe that. We are in great danger in every way if somehow he becomes President of the United States next year.

http://mimuspauly.blogspot.com/2007/12/question-of-day-but-first.html

-----

L. What Awaits US and its Citizens in the 2008 Elections ?

I change my opinions weekly on what the results of the elections will be. There are so many dynamics, some many varying vital issues to so many, and, most importantly, so much time yet to pass and many unknowns yet to occur and develop. It would appear making any firm predictions is largely an exercise in futility. In some ways, it is like trying to choose the numbers that will be the winners in any lottery being played around the nation.

http://www.tomdispatch.com/post/174872

-----

M. Wise Insights from Gary Hart

I would strongly agree with his observations and conclusions. But George Bush and Richard Cheney are the ones making the choices and decisions, and they have no use for Gary Hart, which is huge mistake on their parts.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gary-hart/the-nie-iran-report-and-a_b_75894.html?view=screen

-----

N. Introducing the Hydrogen Powered Automoblile -- Naturally, Its a Honda...

Hopefully motor vehicles like this will become commonplace rather than oddities in the coming several years. Our very future is contingent upon just that ! It sounds and looks to be a great little car for a technology being applied initially and is largely new.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/09/automobiles/autoreviews/09HONDA.html

-----

O. Will the Minnesota Vikings Become the Los Angeles Conquistadors in 2012 ?

I greatly fear for fans of the Minnesota Vikings in the next several years. By the way, do not be surprised if the Vikings are in the Super Bowl in Phoenix in seven weeks... and that would help with their challenge of getting a new state-of-art new building in Minneapolis just like every other club in the NFL has over the last 10-15 years. Right now, only the San Francisco FortyNiners, Oakland Raiders, and San Diego Chargers are the only other clubs playing in non-upgraded buildings that are older than 20 years of age or without a new building under construction, being modernized or upgraded, or a plan firmly in the works.

http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071209/SPORTS/112090010/1002

-----

P. Latest on Front Range High Speed Rail

Not much is new, but it remains on the minds of many. My opinion is in the comments section of the article under the name Wyoming Cowboy.

http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2007/12/07/local_news_updates/19local_12-07-07.txt

-----

Q. Led Zeppelin is Back !!!

The most significant rock group of the 1970s and the masters of the power guitar in a blues-rock format have reunited for a concert in England and the reviews were positive. Whether they choose to tour or create some new music is still to be determined. Needless to say, "The Song Remains the Same" and we fans are looking forward to being on that "Stairway to Heaven".

http://origin.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_7684282

http://www.mail.com/Article.aspx?articlepath=APNews/General%20Entertainment/20071210/Led_Zeppelin_20071210.xml&cat=entertainment&subcat=&pageid=1
-----

Proof of the Vast Number of Braindead Whackos Across America

If you watch this video, it will provide some insight (as if it is really needed) on what Americans are like and what they consider to be important. Is it any wonder the nation is going to hell in a handbasket so quickly and thoroughly. Is it really possible the meaning of many people's existence is a fastfood burger !?! Sadly and evidently, yes...

http://www.whopperfreakout.com/

Gentry Liberals and the Democratic Party

The columnists make strong arguments in trying to understand the Democratic Party of today, who they really represent, and why the decline in the middle class standard of living and quality of life would not be reversed by a Democratic President in conjunction with a sizeable Democratic majority in both houses of Congress.

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-op-kotkin2dec02,0,3533253.story

-----

My Week in Review: 2-8 December

The weekly look back into the past seven days of my life, one filled with adventure, intrigue, subterfuge, risque liaisons, and thrills.

Sunday 2 December: I awoke around 9:45am and saw the skies had cleared but the winds were howling, ushering in some warmer air ahead for the week. I had a couple of bowls of cereal for breakfast and caught up on my email and started to watch the NFL games. I headed over to King Soopers after twelve for the weekly grocery run which looks to be light. After I got home, I diligently read my newspapers, did the sudoku puzzles, clipped coupons, and enjoyed the quiet afternoon watching football. I had a couple of turkey lunch meat sandwiches for lunch. It was a largely sunny day with some clouds and windy as temperatures reached into the mid 30s. Later after the Broncos lost to the Raiders, I caught the news, 60 Minutes, the BCS Selection Show, and SNF. Around 9pm I took a long hot soothing shower and then had a salad for supper. I surfed, checking my websites and email; worked on my blog; and watched some various TV before heading off to bed around midnight as a long hard five straight days of work ahead of me.

Monday 3 December: A full day plus of work as I did not return home until nearly 6:30pm. It was cloudy morning that turned partly cloudy through the remainder of the day as the high temperature got to around 53 degrees with strong winds out of the west. Being a working Monday, I just rested when I got home, watching a very good MNF game between the Patriots and Ravens. I stayed on top of the Avalanche/Sharks, surfed, checked the email, and had Spaghettios and butter bread for supper. I went to bed just before 10pm.

Tuesday 4 December: Another day back at work. It was a warm day as it never got much below 50 degrees during the night and warmed to around 60 degrees under partly cloudy skies with very strong westerly warming chinook winds that completely melted away what miniscule amounts of snow and ice remained from last Saturday and before. The grass outside my apartment is a bright green color as is alot of the grass throughout the town that I see although the wind has probably removed every dead leaf in every tree for miles around. Once again I got home after 6:30pm, had cheddar broccoli rice for supper, enjoyed a frozen lemon ice drink, watched Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer ( I cannot believe its been 45 years since I first watched this show back in 1964 !), and a couple of old M*A*S*H* episodes before catching the nightcap news, then doing the dishes, and going to bed around 10:15pm.

Wednesday 5 December: The work week continues as I have another 9+ hour day to fufill. It was a sunny day for the most part as temperatures climbed to around 50 degrees with a lot less wind than the previous few days. After ending my shift, I stuck around to help one of my coworkers write a term paper, helping her with content, grammar, and the overall product. I got home around 8:15pm: I ate a salad and chicken patty sandwich for dinner; caught on my email, websites, and blog; watched the news; and fell asleep in my chair before 10pm. I awoke in time to watch Nightline and then I slogged my way into bed about a half-hour later.

Thursday 6 December: Back to work again as the last half of the week gets underway. It was a sunny morning that warmed into the mid 40s by afternoon as clouds increased and the wind increasingly blew as snow and cold are in the forecast for the next 3-4 days starting very early Friday morning. I once again stayed later at work to assist my colleague with her term paper and we wrapped up the project. I got home around 7:30 and I unfortunately missed Earl. I did get to watch 30 Rock, The Office, and Scrubs. I also kept up with the Redskins/Bears game. I had Spanish Rice with a can of diced tomatoes thrown in to make it richer and tastier. I caught the 9pm news, worked on my blog, checked my email, and surfed. I watched Nightline before going to bed shortly after 11pm. For the most part, Thursday was a repeat of Wednesday.

Friday 7 December: The 66th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, a tragic day and one of the most significant turning points in American History that had major ramifications on many and directly led to my and fellow siblings' creation. About 5" of Pacific snow fell overnight. This is snow that is wet but less than snow originating from Gulf moisture. Winds are also largely calm with this source of snow. After scraping and sweeping windows, I crept along the snowcovered roads and made it into work after stopping to get my newspapers. The cold cloudy snowy day had temperatures never reach 30 degrees. The end of the workday started one hour earlier and it was over ten hours long. After my shift ended, I had to scrape windows again as they were covered in a deep glaze as the snow had ended and we were now experiencing freezing fog which coats everything with ice. I crept home, thankful to be done for the week. I watched the Avalanche/Flyers game, surfed the 'net, checked my email, and worked on my blog. For dinner, the choice I made was for kielbasa and ranch beans; I will pay the price for this with a night of constantly blowing smoke ahead for me. I switched over to watch the 1953 Academy Award winning film "From Here to Eternity", appropriate to commemorate the Pearl Harbor Attack Anniversary Day. I was hoping to do some outside projects this weekend but the weather will be in the dumper through the next several days so I guess I will just stay home and work on projects inside the next two days as I am off work. I caught the last part of the 10pm news and Nightline and went to bed around 12midnight.

Saturday 8 December: It was nice to be able to sleep in without having to go to work and I did just that, not awakening until after 11am. The winter storm continued as it appeared another couple of inches of snow fell overnight. The serene cold scene served to keep me indoors all day. I had some cereal for breakfast and just hung out and relaxed. I watched the classic Academy Award winning film "Treasure of the Sierra Madre" starting about 2pm as this Saturday was free of college football for the first time since August. Later I watched four consecutive episodes of Seinfeld for some good laughs just as always. It maybe got to 20 degrees today and snow began to fall again in midafternoon as our total accumulation over the last 48 hours is now somewhere around 8". Roads and highways in and out of Cheyenne are closed in all directions. I microwaved a burger patty and had that for a late afternoon snack. Mostly I relaxed at home, surfing the 'net, checking my email, working on my blogm and half-heartedly watching tv. I had some Lipton noodles alfedo and a can of peas & carrots for dinner. I caught the late news and headed off to bed shortly before midnight.

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Giuliani: "The Essence of Americans is to be Salesmen ! "

This is true heart of the matter kind of man we have to look forward to if Rudy Giuliani is elected President. SALESMEN !?! A more repugnant immoral disgusting image can hardly be imagined ! (except for torturers along the lines of the Bush and Reagan henchmen) It is interesting to see Iowa is moving towards a moral Christian candidate, Mike Huckabee, as the primary nears in less than a month despite some concerns over his philosophies. Might Rudy be a shooting star doomed to crash before what he achieves and believes to be his destiny ? Lets hope so. But the only GOP candidates worthy of any consideration would be John McCain or Ron Paul. They are truly the only men in the GOP capable of leading this nation if the citizenry chooses to elect a Republican as President.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/elections/687674,CST-NWS-rudy08.article

http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/articles/editorblog/018

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The Truth About the Widespread Poverty Across America

The standard of living topped out for working class Americans in 1980. Since then, Republicans starting under Ronald Reagan though George Bush Junior along with Democrats like Bill Clinton have deeply cut social services and programs designed to assist the economically deprived and assist them in moving firmly into the Middle Class. A return to these assistance programs that would greatly narrow the vast income disparity that is greatly harming many Americans are among the great pressing public policy needs that have to be restored when the Bush Junta is done with and out. Hopefully the new administration has some heart and compassion and will also be joined by numerous members of Congress on a plan of action to do just that.

http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2007/dec/08/vb-price-poor-choices/

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Corporate Capitalism: The Allure of Status and the Greed It Demands Will be the Death of Human Civilization

The economic model of Corporate Capitalism and its fervant partner Consumerism which drills into basic human psychology the need for status and creating the greed to get it is the basic problem mankind is facing as the global climate changes and heats resulting in a new world with great suffering, hardship, deaths, and disruption. Starting within 10-15 years, all we have known will start to undergo a discernable and alarming change. Much, if not all, of this change will have been caused by the economic model pushed on the citizenry by governments corrupted by the almighty dollar or other currency pushed on them by heathen and sinful corporations, their executives, officers, managements, and stockholders. It would appear inevitable that this economic model of choice necessitated for much of mankind will result in the destruction of society and a probable longterm steep decline in the population of humans over the next few centuries.

http://www.yesmagazine.org/article.asp?ID=2171

http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=40379

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article3231234.ece

http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/12/08/5710/

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CompUSA Bites the Dust

The medium-sized computer retail store chain CompUSA will be no more within a few weeks as larger and more powerful competition was too much for CompUSA to overcome. You can look for additional casualties in the electronics retail arena. Best Buy, Circuit City, and Walmart are monstrous behemoths that can and will eliminate any possible noteworthy competition within a surprisingly short period of time. Look for Microcenter and Radio Shack to join the long list of deceased electronics retailers before the end of this decade. Colorado is fortunate to have a couple of other options in Ultimate Electronics and The Big Picture as alternatives that may have enough to survive, at least for the short term.

http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9831235-7.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-5

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NFL Picks for Week Fourteen, 6-9-10 December

Here are the picks for this week's NFL games being played from Thursday 6 December through Monday 10 December.

Thursday 6 December

CHI (5-7) @ WASH (5-7): Redskins (-3) 27, Bears 20
+ +

Sunday 9 December

CAR (5-7) @ JAX (8-4): Jaguars (-10 1/2) 24, Panthers 13
+ +
DAL (11-1) @ DET (6-6): Lions (+13) 34, Cocaineboys 31 UPSET
X +
MIA (0-12) @ BUF (6-6): Bills (-7) 27, Dolphins 13
+ +
NYG (8-4) @ PHIL (5-7): Giants (+3) 16, Eagles 13 UPSET
+ +
OAK (4-8) @ GB (10-2): Packers (-10) 31, Raiders 14
+ +
SD (7-5) @ TENN (7-5): Titans (-1 1/2) 27, Chargers 26
X +
STL (3-9) @ CINC (4-8): Bengals (-8) 37, Rams 28
+ +
TB (8-4) @ HTN (5-7): Buccaneers (-3) 20, Texans 17
X +
ARIZ (6-6) @ SEA (8-4): Seahawks (-7 1/2) 32, Cardinals 20
+ +
MINN (6-6) @ SF (3-9): Vikings (-10) 45, FortyNiners 17
+ +
PGH (8-4) @ NENG (12-0): Steelers (+10) 23, Patriots 20 UPSET
X X
CLE (7-5) @ NYJ (3-9): Browns (-3 1/2) 33, Jets 23
+ +
KC (4-8) @ DEN (5-7): Broncos (-6 1/2) 26, Chiefs 14
+ +
IND (10-2) @ BALT (4-8): Colts (-10) 38, Ravens 17
+ +

Monday 10 December

NORL (5-7) @ ATL (3-9): Saints (-4 1/2) 42, Falcons 20
+ +

12-4/15-1/1-2

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Record Precipitation and Snow for Cheyenne

It was a real winter day here, but thankfully the source of the moisture was from the Pacific Ocean which made it a lot more bearable.

SXUS75 KCYS 080432
RERCYS

RECORD EVENT REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHEYENNE WY
0928 PM MST FRI DEC 07 2007

...RECORD DAILY MAXIMUM PRECIPITATION SET AT CHEYENNE...

A RECORD RAINFALL OF 0.52 INCH(ES) WAS SET AT CHEYENNE TODAY.THIS BREAKS THE OLD RECORD OF 0.28 SET IN 1919

....RECORD DAILY MAXIMUM SNOWFALL SET AT CHEYENNE...

A RECORD SNOWFALL OF 4.9 INCH(ES) WAS SET AT CHEYENNE TODAY.THIS BREAKS THE OLD RECORD OF 3.1 SET IN 1932.

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Saturday 1 December News Articles and Observations

These are some of the news articles from around Saturday 1 December and my observations on them.

A. Look for Another Risque Go Daddy Ad During the Upcoming Super Bowl

The company's ads in the past gained them a huge increase in clientele. Obviously people did more than just watch the eye opening ads.

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/1128biz-godaddy1128.html

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B. Legal Troubles for Trent Lott's Brother-in Law

Maybe this was another reason why ol' Trent decided to hang it up from the Senate later this month. I smell something fishy here...

http://mvdg.wordpress.com/2007/11/29/trent-lotts-brother-in-law-indicted/

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C. Sad Indictment About American Society and Investors

One has to wonder if a switch from Republicans running the show to Democrats will result in things like this being different. I, for one, am not optimistic.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/story/0,,2219566,00.html

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D. Walruses Take Over Russian Arctic Coast

Just another strong indication of climate change occuring, especially in the Arctic region where the effects and ramifications are far greater than many other places.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071126143646.htm

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E. Is This the Kind of Man We Want as Our President ?

Many oddsmakers believe Rudy is the odds-on favorite to win the Presidency in about eleven months. Heaven help us.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/01/opinion/01collins.html?_r=2&th&emc=th&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=3214

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F. ...But Many Republicans Are Saying "NAY" to Rudy

Many hard-right and morally conservative members of the GOP are bound and determined to find a way to stop Giuliani from taking the Republican Presidential nomination. But they know they are quickly running out of time and alternatives.

http://washingtontimes.com/article/20071201/NATION/112010053/1001

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G. An Increase in Automobile Fuel Mileage Standards Agreed to in Congress

Unfortunately, a Bush veto that will be unable to be overridden is forthcoming on this potential legislation. I believe that success in increasing the fuel mileage standard will have to come primarily on the state or metropolitan level unless there is a huge across the board Democratic win in November '08.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/01/washington/01energy.html?th&emc=th

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H. More on the Powerful Executive Order 13,438

I wrote about this dangerous executive branch edict some months back. The more that one learns about the wide ranging implications this order, the more dire the concern.

http://www.fas.org/blog/secrecy/2007/11/executive_order_on_asset_seizu.html

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I. Hard Cold Facts on the Economic Plight of Most Americans

The numbers are not pretty whatsoever. And the over two million Americans that have or will lose their primary asset, their home, being added to these statistics make them even more alarming and grim. The corporations and wealthy are clearly winning the class war and it will take much to overcome and defeat them and put them back in their place.

http://www.crooksandliars.com/2007/11/28/strong-economy-maybe-for-some-but-not-the-middle-class/

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J. Mandating Corporate Citizenship

This is a start, but a mass wave of anti-trust lawsuits and legal action by legislatures to control, limit, and weaken corporate power, size, and market share is absolutely essential.

http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/11/30/5521/

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K. The Evil of Being Part of a Corporate Consumerist Capitalist Society

We are all a part of it to one extent or another. And we are all seemingly largely powerless to stop it and reverse it back to the kind of personal economy with economic security that existed a half-century ago. And we are all paying a heavy price, not only financially, but also psychologically for this evil economic quagmire we are buried in. And it will only be worse for the young of today. Imagine devices mandated for workers to have implanted so corporate employers can monitor and direct their employees' and consumers' thoughts. This will be a reality within two decades.

http://www.alternet.org/story/68927/?page=entire

http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/68043/?page=entire

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L. Restaurant Recommendation if in Denver

There are several locations of this restaurant, but the one I enjoyed eating at was on Leetsdale Avenue near Holly Street in SE Denver. It is not fancy, but the food is absolutely splendid.

http://www.westword.com/2007-11-29/news/santiago-s/

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M. Gates Rubber Plant Site in Denver Begins the Big Overhaul

This abandoned tract of eyesore deserted manufacturing buildings dating back to the first half of the 20th century located where I-25 crosses South Broadway is now starting to see change after years of planning. It is particularly gratifying to see that 95 % of the materials from the site will be recycled. Its just too bad buildings of a higher height (15-25 stories) are not part of the plan and housing for those with limited or smaller income (rents under $400 per months) are not being included since its so close to a mass transit hub.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2007/dec/01/long-awaited-gates-project-gathers-steam/#comments

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N. Don't Be Taxing that Toilet Paper

A silly corporation, K-Mart, in Pennsylvania tried to defend the practice of collecting taxes on toilet paper and thankfully the court made them take it in the butt for their foolishness.

http://www.azcentral.com/offbeat/articles/1130biz-toiletpaperlawsuit30-ON.html

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My Week in Review: 25 November - 1 December

This week's look into the exciting and full life I lead... (LOL)

Sunday 25 November: I awoke around 9:45 am after a sound night and morning of sleep. It was a day off so I languished in bed until after 11:30. It was a sunny day with very light winds and temperatures that climbed into the low 40s after a less cold morning start around 20. I then headed over to King Soopers for the weekly grocery run which did not amount to much other than some milk and vegetables. I also got the Sunday morning papers and enjoyed reading them after I got home while watching the NFL games with Vikings/Giants and Chiefs/Raiders. As the afternoon continued the Broncos were in Chicago while the Grey Cup was also on. Denver blew a big lead late and the Roughriders edged the Blue Bombers for the Cup. I then caught 60 Minutes which had three good reports and then turned over to SNF. I had some perogies for dinner and a can of peas. It turned into a quiet routine day and night overall as I did not do any unusual except surf, blog, zap, and observe. Bedtime came around midnight.

Monday 26 November: A day off from work before I start four straight. I awoke around 10am and languished about the place for a few hours until heading outdoors around 2pm. I walked a lap around the park as it still had snow in places on a day where it got to around 40 degrees under mostly sunny skies with light winds. I then went over McDs and read the daily papers while enjoying a cheeseurger and pop. I then returned home around dusk and started working on some projects around the place like hanging pictures and plaques. Todd came by around 6:15 and we watched a surprisingly competitive MNF game between the Steelers and Dolphins played in a rainstorm and on a field that was so saturated it was like a bog. One punt came down on the nose of the ball and stuck into the "turf". Pittsburgh won 3-0 on a FG in the last half minute as it was the long scoreless game in the NFL since November 1943. He took off after the game around 9:30 and I then did the dishes, shook some rugs, mopped part of the kitchen floor, and watched the 10pm news. I caught on my email, websites, and blog before going to bed around midnight.

Tuesday 27 November: Back to work for the full day and all this week and probably next week as well I will be working an extra hour until 6pm. It was a warmer day with partly cloudy skies and some moderate winds as the high temperature reached 50 degrees. I got fuel for the White Knight after getting off, paying $2.93 per gallon. I got home and had a salad for dinner and some cream of tomato soup. Did not do much but relax and after a long day, I went to bed around 10:15pm.

Wednesday 28 November: Another full day at work. A colder day and mostly cloudy as it only got to 31 degrees. I was real beat all day and faded fast after I got home. After having some chicken noodle soup and butter bread, I fell asleep in my chair watching the Avalanche/Oilers game shortly after 8pm. I retired to my bed for the night before 9;45pm.

Thursday 29 November: Another long full day at work that was even longer as a client kept me there until past 6:30. It was a cold blustery day with a cloudy gloomy start that saw some sunshine by mid afternoon with temperatures barely making 40 degrees after a morning low in the teens. By the time I got home I had missed almost the entire first quarter of the Packers/Cocaineboys game. I tuned in and also watched Earl, 30 Rock, the Office, and Scrubs. I had Cajun Rice with red beans for dinner and finished off my jug of apple cider thats been in the refridgerator for over a month. I caught the 9pm news after the game ended, surfed the web, worked on my blog, and went to bed around 10:30pm.

Friday 30 November: I awoke before the alarm clock went off to see we would have a cold day ahead as it was about 10 degrees when I left home at 7:30am for a long full day work that turned out to be pretty busy. I got home before 6:30 pm and was quite exhausted. I had a salad and lunch meat sandwich for dinner and generally just rested. I got a call around 8pm from brother HBL as he got me caught up on how things were for him and his familyand I wished him a happy 44th birthday. I watched a little of the Fresno St/NM St football game before switching over to the Avalanche/Sharks game. The long day and week pretty much wiped me out so I was asleep before 9:30pm.

Saturday 1 December: A day off so I did not waken until after 10am. I toasted some frozen waffles for breakfast. It was a cloudy cold day with some snow showers with no accumulation and temperatures staying in the mid 20s at best. I watched parts of many football games: Central Michigan/Miami; Tulsa/Central Florida; Army/Navy; Eastern Washington/Appalachian St; and Boston College/Virginia Tech. I got out my foot massager and filled it with some nice warm soapy water and soaked my sore aching feet for a good hour or so and they felt noticeably better. I then watched Tennessee/Georgia; UCLA/Southern Cal; Oregon/Oregon St; and a little later BYU/San Diego St. I had the rest of my pumpkin pie for lunch. Around 4pm, the clouds finally start letting loose of snow and about an inch fell into the midevening. The evening games featured West Virginia/Pittsburgh; Arizona/Arizona St; and Missouri/Oklahoma. I had a piece of cod and mashed potatoes for supper. I got a call from Brant and we made plans to get together at the Sports bar on Sunday to watch the Broncos game. The night game was Washington/Hawaii. Its kind of sad this is the last Saturday of college football for this year. I also kept tabs on the Avalanche/Kings. All in all, a nice quiet day spent at home. Bedtime came around after 1am following the exciting but late starting Hawaii/Washington game.

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Housing Prices Down Across Much of US

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

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

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Henry Hyde, 1924-2007

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

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

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

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Colorado Rockies 2008 Spring Training Games Schedule

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEP = Tucson Electric Park

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

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

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