End of Open Access to this Blog Nears

Friday 25 January 08 marks the end of free open access to the Colorado Cowboy Professor Blog. With the initialization of the new Mountain Time Zone Perspective Blog which will be dedicated to issues in the news and public policy, the CCP blog will focus on personal matters such what is happening in my life, hobbies and interests (for example the weather, sports, music, and the arts), and other items that are not really in tune with being on a more formal opinion viewpoint blog.

I tried to notify all those whom I would like to be able to access the CCP blog, but I lack email addresses that are handy for nieces and nephews. I welcome them to be able to read the blog, so please have them submit a license request for permission to read the CCP blog to this email address:

mtzperspective@mail.com

When I embark on the autobiography blog soon, it will be under the same access restraints as the CCP blog.

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New Blog is Live

The new blog is up and running.

The email address one can use to mail requests for license to access this blog is:

mtzperspective@mail.com

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Postings to Return Here and Elsewhere

Due to my severe head injury and the complications associated with it, I have not posted here on the blog in more than one week. I anticipate returning to this duty in the next few to several days as I feel better.

A new blog dedicated to news articles and public policy and my opinions on these items will be launched within the next two weeks. A couple of working titles are under consideration. Once this new yet untitled blog goes live, the Colorado Cowboy Professor blog will become a restricted blog discussing other issues and observations that are more personal and private that will only be able to be accessed by a limited number of approved readers, almost exclusively family and friends and those requesting access. A special new email address will be initiated to facilitate processing requests for access and will be announced for about a week to ten days before access becomes restricted. Rules for posting comments will remain the same on both the existing and the new blog as were announced on 9 December 07.

The plan for an autobiographical blog still exists but has yet to be undertaken. Given my head injury and the thoughts that come mind on the fragility of life and the ever shortening number of days I have left to live (be it 30 or 300 or 3000 or 10,000), it is a good idea to get this particular new blog, the third one I will have, going in the coming weeks or so to get as much information, memories, reflections, and observations on it for it to be preserved in cyberspace history for all of time.

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Improving

I am feeling better today and was able to sleep without waking up for about 14 hours. The headaches are less often and less harsh in the last two days. The problems I had with balance, dizziness, and vision are gone. I am able to eat food and drink water without getting sick since Friday morning. I think I can work again Monday so I will try. For tonight and Sunday I will stay home but I do have to try to drive on Sunday to the grocery store so I can get some milk. I think I will be okay.

A Hard Week That Get Better at the End

I suffered a head injury Sunday night and did blackout for some time and it is unclear how long. I slipped on ice on the street in front of my truck and behind another vehicle. I hit my head and was knocked out by the ice or the curb next to the sidewalk. When I came to I was groggy and somehow made it back to the apartment. What happened and how much time went by is unclear as I have memory trouble for that night and for the next two days. I must have had a concussion and I did cut the back of my head as I later found blood on my pillow. I got really sick and had vomiting and other sickness and I may not have been able to see for some time by I dont know about that for sure. And the headaches were very big and there were also bodyaches. I either sleep or was passed out Sunday night and Monday and I also had a loss of balance and dizzyness as things were knocked over and spilled and dropped and I do not remember these things happening and being sick and out of my mind I made a big mess of myself and was not good. By Tuesday morning I started to be myself and where I was. I found my phone and luckily I was able to call work and be excused. These last three days I have rested and gotten back better but there are still things wrong. I feel dazed and not all there and cannot focus. Headaches, bodyaches, and sickness are much less and I am sleeping longer now with less interuption. I think I will be okay after the weekend and will go back to work Monday. I am able to eat without getting sick all day Thursday. I have concussions before once when I fell out of a delivery truck when I was working about 10 years ago but I cannot remember the other ones. I know I have some memory loss but I am unclear how much and what kind. Thursday was best day since I fell so I think I should be pretty good in a couple days.
Maybe I will write more on the blog then when I feel better and can think better.

Important Resources for Digital TV Transition

On 17 February 2009, about 400 days from now, analog broadcasts of television signals will cease. Most individuals will not notice due to the fact they have satellite or cable television. But for those who do not or have televisions in their home, work, and automobile; or portable units one takes with them on the run to various locales - the purchase of a digital converter box will be necessary. The US Department of Commerce is administering a coupon program which will provide consumers with up to two $40 coupons that can be used towards the purchase of a converter box from an approved list of manufacturers and suppliers. It is essential to act on application for the coupons post haste, as the number of coupons is limited. Converter boxes are expected to go on sale within 90 days at various retailers, and there is sure to be an advertising campaign to make citizens aware of the availability of this product. Act now so you will not miss out. Links to all the necessary information and online coupon request are at...

https://www.dtv2009.gov/Default.aspx

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Northeast US Winters Increasingly Milder

Scientific evidence of the changing climate in the northeastern US is discussed in this link below. My memories of winters when I was a boy living in upstate New York include the endlessness of that season every year, starting around early November and lasting into April. Lots of snow, lots of snow, winds, icestorms, no going outside, and bundling up. When Spring did arrive, it was nice and wonderful to be able to go outdoors again after months of not being able to except when going from buildings to automobiles to buildings to automobiles to buildings. Which is what I am still doing now where I live as the winter here is seemingly terminal.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22625211/

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Coming Soon: Robotic Soldiers

Technology marches forward without interuption or consideration. One of the most significant changes that will occur in the next generation or so will be the mass robotization of society, particularly in the US and the Western World. As usual, the first place where this will be employed and become mainstream will in the military. By 2040, many jobs in this nation and elsewhere that do not require any technical training or advanced education will be done by cost efficient, perfectly programmed, tireless robots that will look exactly like people and behave and act like them in ways as desired and demanded by their owners and users. Most, if not all, employment that I have held in my life will be filled by robots since the work was largely mindless, mundane, and not requiring any special or sophisticated training or education. By 2065 all adult human beings will be capitalist owners, students, governmental employees, technocrats, professionals, or retired. No other occupation will exist for the most part.

http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/3463/robocop_in_iraq/

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Wanna Be Dictator Chertoff Shoving REALID Down Our Throats

Chertoff is a maniacal, power-hungry, greedy bureaucrat wannabe despot and nutcase, and hopefully more states will join the seventeen that already have decided his interpretation of this legislation is way out of bounds, illegal, and an usurption of states rights to consolidate federal power. REALID is totally unconstitutional and unnecessary in every way.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080111/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/secure_driver_s_licenses;_ylt=AhHt9v4F92ekTLMyc4sk5E.s0NUE

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Capsulizing My Economic and Political Beliefs

These three definitions capture much of my belief structure and thoughts economically and politically. But none go enough to match my fervor on setting limits and controls on the size, market share, power, freedoms, and influence of business and maximizing competition in all sectors of the economy through governmental exertion, influence, power, and funding for entrepreneurs and start ups.

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

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radical_center_%28politics%29

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_way_%28centrism%29

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The Bastards Better Be Afraid

The first article points out the fear of corporate wealthy elites of having John Edwards as the next President or in the next administration in some capacity. These greedy pigs have been exploiting and destroying America's middle class and poor for decades now all to line their pockets and weaken democracy and the standard of living across the land. Destruction and substantial weakening of big businesses in our society is absolutely essential to save our nation and ensure a reasonable standard of living and quality of life for ourselves and the children of today in the near and distant future.

The second article makes a good argument about why Edwards is the choice even for individuals with a heritage and experiences that are removed from what Edwards is talking about.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/feedarticle?id=7217369

http://therealnews.com/web/index.php?thisdataswitch=0&thisid=788&thisview=item

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Mountain West Conference Hoops Heads Full Throttle into Conference Play

With the completion of all non-conference games but one earlier this week, the MWC gets into the struggles and ordeal of the conference games schedule with its heavy travel and diverse difficult venues of play.

One can basically trisect the nine team conference into teams that will make the postseason, will try to make the postseason, and will not make the postseason. The three teams that are going to be there all year and should be playing in the NCAAs are New Mexico, San Diego St, and Brigham Young. All three are outstanding clubs capable of winning the conference. The three clubs that are close and could make the postseason are Nevada-Las Vegas, Utah, and Air Force. All three are not fully complete teams and a notch below the elite three. But they each could gel and coalesce into strong contenders and prove to be surprises as the season continues on. The three teams at the bottom, Texas Christian, Colorado St, and Wyoming, will struggle and seem certain to have losing campaigns for both conference and overall play. TCU could play spoiler at times but its looks like a long winter in Fort Collins and Laramie.

I would expect BYU and SDSU to qualify for the NCAAs; New Mexico needs to have a great conference season and MWC tournament to get in as there has been a long standing bias against the Lobos by the NCAA tournament committee. UNLV, Utah, and Air Force all could reach the tournament but are more likely to be in the NIT. I look for five or six MWC teams to be playing in the postseason in late March.

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National Hockey League Reaches Halfway Mark

All 30 clubs in the NHL have now played at least 41 games which marks the halfway point of the regular season. It has been a quite competitive season as all but a handful of teams still harbor hopes or expectations of a berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

In the East, Ottawa got off to a great start and has never looked back, setting the pace in their division and conference all season. New Jersey leads the Atlantic, but it is a close race with the four other divisional clubs playing well and competitive for the divisional title and postseason. Carolina has set the pace in the Southeast and has opened up a little space over the other four clubs, all whom having losing records. In the Northeast Montreal has stayed within sight of the Senators and the Bruins have played better than expected, but Buffalo and Toronto have underperformed and will have to play much better to get to postseason. It would not be surprising to see all five Atlantic division teams in the postseason and just one from the Southeast.

As for the Western Conference, the conversation starts and ends with one club: the Detroit Redwings. Detroit is a machine, methodically destroying its opponents as they have racked up 70 out of a possible 90 points so far in the campaign for a winning percentage of .778. They are threatening to have the best record in league history, exceeding the great 1976-77 Montreal Canadiens. The Redwings lead the Central Division by 21 points over St Louis so its all but over there. In the Pacific, a good three way dogfight is underway as San Jose, Dallas, and the defending Stanley Cup Champion Anaheim are all neck and neck with surprising Phoenix just 7 points off the lead. Los Angeles is the league's worst club and buried in last place. In the Northwest, another good three way dog fight is ongoing between Minnesota, Vancouver, and Calgary all tied at the moment with injury-racked and powerplay goals-deprived Colorado just 5 points back. Edmonton has played better than expected and is just 8 points back. Look for three teams each from the Pacific and Northwest in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with St Louis joining overwhelming favorite Detroit in the postseason from the Central.

The regular season continues on with the finales wrapping up on Sunday 6 April with the playoffs scheduled to start on Wednesday 9 April to begin the best postseason in sports.
Hopefully the Avalanche get healthy and find their mojo on the powerplay so they can meet preseason expectations of winning the Northwest Division title. No way can we have the dreaded evil Redwings play for and win the Cup !

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NFL Picks for Divisional Playoffs

Here are my National Football League picks for the games being played in week nineteen, the Divisional Playoffs, on Saturday and Sunday 12-13 January.

Saturday 12 January

SEA(11-6) @ GB (13-3); 2:30pm MST (FOX)

Seahawks (+7 1/2) 30, Packers 27

JAX (12-5) @ NENG (16-0); 6pm MST (CBS)

Patriots (-13) 27, Jaguars 20

Sunday 13 January

SD (12-5) @ IND (14-2); 11am MST (CBS)

Colts (-10) 32, Chargers 20

NYG (11-6) @ DAL (13-3), 2:30pm MST (FOX)

Giants (+7 1/2) 29, Cocaineboys 24

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Insecure Wyomingites Do Not Like to be Ignored

I would rather the borders were to be closed to keep any more illegals from coming into the state...

http://www.thespeciousreport.com/news.aspx?newsnum=7070129

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Recommended Book for Reading

Free Lunch: How the Wealthiest Americans Enrich Themselves at Government Expense (and StickYou with the Bill) - - by David Cay Johnston

http://www.buzzflash.com/store/items/908

http://www.amazon.com/Free-Lunch-Wealthiest-Themselves-Government/dp/1591841917/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199937544&sr=1-1

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This Will Come Back to Haunt Rudy

This sounds like something Adolph Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and Mao-tse Tung said while they were consolidating power and eliminating all opposition to their rule.

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9502E0D91E3DF934A25750C0A962958260

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More on the Evil Fox News

Perhaps we need this propaganda agent around and on the airwaves so we can more easily identify corrupt politicians and corporations that are out to destroy the American way of life all so they can further enrich themselves and grab more power. The evil is showing us their evil supporters and sponsors so that they can be destroyed.

http://discuss.epluribusmedia.net/node/446

http://ltradio.blogspot.com/2008/01/mob-of-angry-republicans-chase-hannity.html

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Serious Hard Questions

I find it difficult to believe that members of Bush administrations, including perhaps the president, vice-president, and others individuals in the highest circles of government, could have known the 911 attacks were going to occur, and even more incredibly, made direct and indirect assistance to ensure the success of the attacks. But some of the other conclusions made in this story and others linked in it may have a residue of truth depending on how it is interpreted. But perhaps it is wise to adhere to the sayings, "nothing is impossible" or "never say never", in reacting to these stories.

http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/lindorff/051

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One Meter Increase in Sea Level Within Three Decades

I look for an increase in sea level of at least six inches by 2020 and one foot by 2035. It very well may be more and in a sooner period of time.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/08/science/earth/08gree.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

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Corporations Looking to Censor, Control Internet

This greedy usurption of power by half-wit corporations like AT&T is totally inane and hopefully will be crushed by litigation that will protect First Amendment rights for the citizenry.

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/08/att-and-other-isps-may-be-getting-ready-to-filter/index.html

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Recommendations for Enjoying Las Vegas

Las Vegas: the epitome of fun, excitement, and escape. Everyone should try to make it there for a vacation for a few to several days at least once a year or so. There are so many entertainment options and much to see in Southern Nevada. These are two links to bookmark for future reference when considering what to take in on your visit.

http://travel.msn.com/Guides/article.aspx?cp-documentid=440067&GT1=10846

http://www.vegas4visitors.com

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ESPN Spring Training Baseball Broadcast Schedule Set

Only 51 days until the first spring training Major League Baseball broadcast that will be able to be watched by most fans is on the air. Many additional broadcasts wil be available on the regional sports networks that are part of DirecTV and Dish Network satellite services starting on Wednesday 27 February, and I will make a post of that schedule when it becomes available in about one month.

The ESPN schedule, which does include a Colorado Rockies game at Hohokam:

FRI 2/29... 11am... LA @ ATL (ESPN).....ORLANDO

WED 3/5... 11am...MIN @ NYY (ESPN)...TAMPA

THR 3/6....11am....LA @ BOS (ESPN).....FT MYERS

FRI 3/7......11am...NYM @ CLE (ESPN)...WINTER HAVEN

TUE 3/18...11am...WSH @ DET (ESPN)...LAKELAND

WED 3/19..10am...TOR @ BOS (ESPN)...FT MYERS

THR 3/20..11am....NYY @ TOR (ESPN)...DUNEDIN

FRI 3/21..... 2pm....CHI @ COL(ESPN2)...TUCSON

THR 3/27....11am...NYM @ ATL (ESPN)...ORLANDO

SAT 3/29......3pm...CHI WS v NYM (ESPN)..MEMPHIS

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View on Fading Allure of New Years Day Bowl Games

Admittably, the college football product that has been showcased on New Years Day for decades has lost most of its luster. Interest was much keener as late as a decade ago, but the ineptitude of the NCAA in failing to create a championship playoff system with sixteen teams including all ten conference/league champions and six at-large schools plays heavy in the general loss of interest by fans and the public. The BCS championship game played Monday night 7 January was not warmly received and accepted whatsoever and television ratings reflected that. The NHL is poised to seize a noteworthy place on a day where television viewing of sports is often the best and only option for many.

http://www.bizofhockey.com/?option=com_content&view=article&id=56&Itemid=1

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Clinton Wins Upset Victory over Obama in New Hampshire Primary

In a stunning upset, New York US Senator Hillary Clinton gained an important victory in the New Hampshire primary, defeating Illinois US Senator Barack Obama to reverse a recent slide in her campaign and slowing, at least temporarily, the Obama momentum that seemingly had been viewed as becoming non-stoppable after successes in the Iowa Caucuses.

Polls taken even today indicated a likely Obama victory by 6-10 percentage points over Clinton, but steps taken by Clinton in the closing days in the Granite State to present herself as more a real and human individual and less as an analytical, terse, and stony politician evidently propelled large numbers of voters, particularly older women, to come to her support and sweep her to victory over an Obama campaign that had gained tremendous momentum in the last week and was thought to be on the verge of delivering the Clinton campaign another serious blow to her campaign aspirations. Turnout in the primary was believed to be a record.

The race goes on now as their seems to be a real dogfight that will ensue into the next round of state primaries and caucuses. One can even envision this race perhaps carrying on without a clear leader even past the Super Tuesday primaries on Tuesday 5 February.

Next up, the Michigan primary - next Tuesday 15 January --, followed by the Nevada caucuses on Saturday 19 January and the South Carolina primary for the Republicans on the same Saturday.

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=4103339&page=1

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Here is the Photo of the New 150" Television

Its H U G E ! But it will fit in most every living room of any residence I have ever been, but... its going to be the equivalent of about one-quarter to one-third of most home values.

http://www.portfolio.com/news-markets/national-news/ap/2008/01/07/panasonic-debuts-150-inch-plasma-tv

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Utter Stupidity and Foolishness

It is certain that when my youngest nieces reach adulthood, the only places they will be able to see any polar bears will be in a zoo. If they would want to see them in the wild, the only places where that will be happening then will be in the documentaries and films of the past.

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN0734805620080107

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Great Idea

Businesses that have liquor licenses and serve liquor should be subjected to a law like this. It would create a safer, more amiable environment for all types of clientele wishing to patronize businesses but fearful of potentially dangerous circumstances fueled by rowdies and hoods listening to profanity-laden cRap music in establishments directly and in nearby peripheral areas.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8U1V2O80&show_article=1&catnum=9

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Closed Captioning Text Coming to Radio

A wonderful development to behold. Now one will never have to guess what the lyrics are when they are listening to a song.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=cp_fm0rfmpe439&show_article=1&catnum=7

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McCain Rocks to Big Win in New Hampshire

As projected, Arizona US Senator John McCain rolled to an easy primary victory in New Hampshire, whipping neighboring former Massachusetts governor Willard "Mitt" Romney and Iowa Caucuses upstart winner Mike Huckabee. It is quite the comeback for McCain, given up for dead just a few months ago after being the early favorite to be the GOP choice following the '04 elections. Can his momentum carry over into the South and Super Tuesday later this month and in February ? The strategies of the other contenders like Giuliani and Thompson was to wait until these larger states had their say. McCain obviously has the experience and voice to lead the nation, but many voters still have their say on those matters in the upcoming primaries and caucuses that await.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/08/nh.main/index.html

http://www.newsweek.com/id/40211?bcpid=203711663&bclid=203863583&bctid=1370847323


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2007 Fifteenth Hottest Ever for Cheyenne

If you take away January and December 2007, it was the hottest year ever for the Capital City. With the exception of 2002, every year in this decade has been hotter than normal and generally place in the top ten of all time. Only three years prior to 1954 are now among the twenty-two all time hottest.

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/crnews/display_story.php?wfo=cys&storyid=12107&source=0

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Making $$$ From the Wind

Its great to see interest rising on developing this widespread source of renewable energy. God knows, we have got enough of it to go around to meet the energy needs of millions.

http://www.trib.com/articles/2008/01/08/news/wyoming/7fa9640c39256f2e872573ca000a67bc.txt

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New Motor Vehicles Significantly Overpriced

It looks like we will see these kinds of motor vehicles sitting unwanted on car lots across the nation as the time for demand for them has passed. Eventually they will sell, after Detroit automobile corporations get some brains and cut their prices to an large extent.

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/PersonalFinance/story?id=4086538&page=1

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Gossage Makes HoF; Rice, Dawson Denied

Rich Gossage finally was elected to the MLB HoF, but it was disappointing not have Jim Rice and Andre Dawson, among others, not being elected as well. Rice's percentage of votes bodes well -- any individual getting between 70 and 75 % did get eventually elected in the Hall. But it has to be in 2009 for Rice as next year is the last year he will be on the ballot for regular election.

http://www.bizofbaseball.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1820&Itemid=42

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7652754?MSNHPHMA

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Birthday Wishes to my Niece Sam

Happy Birthday wishes go out to my niece Sam. Congratulations on your big day ! You have a bright, wonderful, exciting, and successful future ahead. Your Dad and Mom have much to be proud about with you. Enjoy your day, eat some tasty cake and ice cream, and smile lots !

College Football Season Ends

The BCS championship game tonight wraps up the 2007 college football season.

Results for the Bowl Season:

Straight Up: 22-9, .710

A-T-S: 24-7, .774

On the Upsets: 4-5, .444

Results for the Season:

Straight Up: 438-204, .682

A-T-S: 419-223, .653

On the Upsets: 34-83, .291
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Just think, only 7 months and 21 days (234 days) until the 2008 season kicks off...

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The Disappearing Glacier of New Guinea

Few people know there even are glaciers in New Guinea, near the Equator, and even fewer know much about them. This is a fascinating scientific mission to be embarked on in 2009. Much will be able to learned from the findings made on this expedition.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080107/ap_on_re_au_an/glacier_quest_1;_ylt=AlELBaO16O7QidOCf3PIfT8E1vAI

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A Very Honest and Funny Look at the GOP Candidates

These observations were made by a nine-year old, and they are dead-on. I laughed when I read this. It is a great honest look at these guys who are desparate to become President at virtually any cost for the most part.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/1/6/25723/26527/751/431492

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Direct US Military Role Nears for Pakistan

Reports indicate a direct expansion of the "War on Terrorism" or World War IV is about to happen as the Bush Administration will likely authorize US troops to be stationed in an active military role within Pakistan. This decision could occur within the next several weeks, or sooner, depending on events within Pakistan itself.

http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/01/06/6205/

http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=40693

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"Time Keeps On Slippin', Slippin' -- Into the Future!"

What awaits us in 2008 for extreme climatological and meteorological phenomena and events will be shocking to observe. By the way, all that snow that fell in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Rocky Mountain ranges this week -- look for huge destructive flooding in March and April in the surrounding low country adjacent to those mountains. A late winter and early spring heat wave across the West will be costly and deadly for many.

These are some of the actions that will need to be taken within the next decade. Even then, it will be too late. (source)

1) Relatively dry countries and regions that rely on irrigation to grow exotic (and profitable) crops must immediately start on a serious and urgent buy back of all irrigation licenses and undertake schemes to help both farmers and communities adjust. In the post-War(ming) world it isn't going to be possible to find enough water to make deserts bloom, and the water will be needed for other purposes.

2) Immediately halt wood-chipping and logging in old growth forests, and the clearing of vegetation in farming areas. But simultaneously encourage a plantation timber industry based on already cleared unviable farm lands.

3) Immediately pressure state and local governments to put an end to any new coastal developments, and investigate relocation of individuals and businesses already on coasts.

4) Put an end to all fishing activity on coral reefs, ban commercial shipping through waters above them, and seriously review tourism in those areas.

5) Massively invest in research and development of new farm enterprises, new crops, new livestock breeds, and put serious money into providing income to farmers protecting natural ecosystems on their farms. A massive campaign of buying back farming properties suitable for conservation activities would also commence. And it would extend the National Park systems (land and marine) and provide adequate funding for them.

6) Seriously invest in rail infrastructure, and plan for transport needs in a way that fully integrates rail, road, sea and air transport, in order to massively reduce energy needs in the sector.

7) Reinstate public ownership of water, energy and transport companies in order to effectively respond to community needs without the distorting effect of the profit motive in those essential services. And encourage individuals and companies to generate their own energy from renewable sources and feed back into the grid, and aim at making every community self sufficient in water by recycling.

8) Facilitate the production of basic food necessities on a local and regional basis, to reduce transport costs of food.

9) Look at the needs of the work force were in terms of the new war economy, and properly encourage tertiary education and retraining to again have a local manufacturing industry, specializing in renewable energy technology, fuel efficient cars, transport industries, and IT.

10) Review Free Trade Agreements and introduce measures to prevent takeovers of local companies by overseas corporations, and the outsourcing of jobs.

11) Put an end to any programs of prescribed burning (or 'thinning') of forests, realising that the dual impacts of climate change and burning on forests is going to cause massive loss of biodiversity, permanent damage to forest ecosystems, and ultimately the loss of the forests themselves.

12) Review and reduce the mining and sale of coal.

13) Review and reduce airline activity.

Can you think of others?

http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/01/07/6222/

http://blisteredorb.blogspot.com/

http://www.blognow.com.au/mrpickwick/Climate_change

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Construction to Resume on New Bridge over Colorado River Below Hoover Dam

Delays due to failures of constuction equipment that are unique to this project and the complexity and enormity of constructing a highway bridge across this chasm have resulted in the project being completed two years than originally planned. I would guess the Mike O'Callaghan -Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge and connecting roads will not open until sometime in 2011 due to additional unforeseen complications. Once completed, the new bridge and highway will save about 15 minutes to one-half hour on a trip to or from Las Vegas south and east to I-40 outside of Kingman. Eventually I-215 will connect from near McCarren Airport to this bridge and the highway into NW Arizona.

http://www.lvrj.com/news/13495692.html

http://www.hooverdambypass.org/

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

http://www.tfhrc.gov/pubrds/julaug99/hoover.htm

http://www.azdot.gov/CCPartnerships/Partnering/PDF/PAC/Hoover_Dam_Bypass.pdf

http://www.desertpropertyonline.com/hoover_(boulder)_dam_bypass.htm

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Iranian Incident With US Naval Vessels

I was rather alarmed to hear of this news. I hope it is an isolated incident, but it would not be surprising to hear of repeat incidents of similar nature. We all remember it was an incident like this in April 1965 that led to the full escalation of the Vietnam War. The Gulf of Tonkin Incident was later proved to be staged and largely a hoax. Could another repeat of history occur ?

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080107/D8U1AS1G5.html

http://manifestojoestexasblues.blogspot.com/2008/01/strait-of-hormuz-incident-this-time.html

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Starbucks Now Basically Inside McDonalds

This development was inevitable. Interiors of McDonalds have grown stale and blase with their childproof, low maintenance plastic benches and tables. The new McDonalds will have sofas (!) televisions, new age music playing, and softer lights. Rather than be a pit stop, the new goal will be for people to come hang out and stay for longer durations, reading newspapers and magazines and surfing the 'net while enjoying a more upscale menu. This sounds like a huge makeover that will also include the very customers themselves. No more geezers, screaming and out of control kids, and blue collar slobs like what you see there now.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119967000012871311.html?mod=rss_whats_news_us

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Population on Cape Cod

This sounds to be a serious problem in, say 15-20 years. But it will not be unique to Cape Cod. Many places will see their average age of their citizenry rise as children will not be as common in areas where there are well-educated individuals, the environmentally conscious, and where pursuits and pastimes do fit well with children.

http://www.denverpost.com/nationworld/ci_7897277

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Solar Power Systems on Sale at Home Depot

This is great news to read about. Hopefully consumers will become further aware of the increased availability and the great cost savings present, among numerous other benefits.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/2008-01-05-solarpower_N.htm

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Driverless Cars and Trucks by 2020

This would be a great technological leap, and a huge change for society. The resulting changes in lifestyles is almost impossible to totally comprehend. I find it difficult to believe the costs of these vehicles will be less than $30K for the first several years of production. There will also be a downsizing that will have occure in police forces in most places, as traffic tickets revenues will all but disappear around 2030.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8U0M82O0&show_article=1

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Fox News: The Epitome of Stupidity and Bias

Death to Fox News ! It is simply the mouthpiece and proganda agent for the corporacy and the military-industrial-prison-outsourcing economic complex. I have deleted it from my television and strongly encourage others to do the same. The American version of TASS is no longer welcome within my presence.

http://thinkprogress.org/2008/01/04/fox-news-populisms-win-is-americas-loss/

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War Crimes: May They Bring Down Bush and Cheney

It is starting to get very interesting within the Beltway. Two key questions, though: Will AG Michael Mukasey be under any constraints from the White House in conducting a full and complete investigation that will likely result in indictments of the President, Vice-President, and other past and present Executive Branch officials and bureaucrats ? And does he have the guts, professionalism, patriotism, and conscientiousness to do it ?

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/06/opinion/06rich.html?_r=2&ref=opinion&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/04/AR2008010404308_pf.html

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Understanding the Republican Power Elite and Brokers

Republicans have been using religious conservatives for decades as puppets so as they can further their own radical economic order and plan, throwing them a bone once in a rare while. It appears some of those religious conservatives are starting to figure that out and are throwing their support to one of their own, Mike Huckabee, rather than another one of the long line of imposters that are actually wolves in sheeps clothing. A similar scenarion was underway in 2000 when McCain was on his way to beating the elitist's candidate Bush before dirty tricks and subterfuge was employed in the South after the New Hampshire primary. This time that same scenario won't work but different variations of it could be deployed. This time, hopefully the elitists fail and the people make the choice. And those choices will not be Willard "Mitt" Romney or Rudolph Giuliani.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/06/opinion/06rich.html?_r=2&ref=opinion&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

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Time To End No Child Left Behind

Clearly this federal education legislation is flawed and failed. It places full blame on educational inequities on schools and absolves parents and employers of parents of any responsibility or part in the success of education of children. It lays forth a program that is an unlevel playing field and fails to take into account demographics, poverty, infrastructure, and information technology availability. A new improved law needs to be enacted to supercede No Child Left Behind that would involve tax incentives and penalties, but given my choice, I would prefer education be managed and legislated on the state and local level with only limited federal oversight and involvement.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/01/06/EDJCU970F.DTL

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Wickenburg Increasingly Becoming Part of Phoenix

Wickenberg is a small town that is 54 miles NW of downtown Phoenix. Yet the sprawl of the Valley of the Sun metropolitan area is rapidly encroaching on this hinterland. Wickenberg is like Gilbert or Chandler was 30 years ago. Within 30 years there will be over 50,000 people there and an adjacent freeway to take residents into the central (currently north) part of the Valley.

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/0106wickenburg0106.html

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My Week in Review: 30 December - 5 January

The weekly look back for the closing days of '07 and the opening days of '08.

Sunday 30 December: I awoke around 10:30 am and had cereal for breakfast. I caught the first halves of the Jaguars/Texans and Saints/Bears before heading out to do the weekly grocery run at King Soopers. By noon, snow had started to fall and the cloud ceiling dropped to become fog with the snow. At least it broke freezing, barely, as we reached 33 degrees just before the snow began after a morning low of 15. We will end the month about four degrees below normal from averages with around 20 total inches of snow. December could have been worse but it sure would have been nice if it had been better. Six straight weeks of largely ceaseless winter weather and conditions is getting old, but we are not yet even half way through the season. By the time I started to drive back home about 2-3" had already fallen. I made a pitstop at the post office to pick up my mail and send the evil electric corporation their monthly demand that gouged me. I got home and hibernated, reading my newspapers, doing the sudoku, and watching the Vikings/Broncos and Steelers/Ravens games. As evening dawned, I watched the regular season finale for the NFL with Titans/Colts while staying track of the Colorado/Alabama Independence Bowl. I had some sandwiches for dinner and worked on my blog, surfed the 'net, and kept up on my email. Bedtime occurred around 2am.

Monday 31 December: I slept in until around 11am and never left home. I am not the type to take in any New Years Eve celebrations often. I believe I have only gone out once this decade and that was on 31 December 2004. I did that just because the prior three New Years Eve I always had to work extraordinarily long hours driving the cab and dealing with a lot of revelers when I could not be one. Prior to that, I think the last time I went out was in 1999. So maybe I will go out in 2008 or 2009 since doing it about every five years is about right. One year in my life I would not mind seeing the new year dawn in Las Vegas. It will also be neat to see it happen at the bottom of the planet and have it happen during daylight. My day today was about the same as most others at home recently as I had cereal for breakfast, watched all or parts of the six bowl games, caught parts of two NHL games, and watched a SNL tribute program on NBC through the evening. I had some butter bread for a snack. The weather was forbidding outside as it has regularly been lately. Skies were clear but it was quite windy with temperatures reaching only 20 degrees after a morning low of 12 as blowing snow was happening everywhere in the region and led to closed highways and roads throughout Wyoming and Colorado. I plan on staying up tonight well past midnight, though, to see 2008 makes its debut and see the sorry 2007 move its ass out the door finally.

Tuesday 1 January: I slept until after 10am and had oatmeal for breakfast. I watched all or part of four early bowl games: Outback (Wisconsin/Tennessee); Cotton (Missouri/Arkansas); Capital One (Michigan/Florida); and Gator (Texas Tech/Virginia). But I mainly watched the outdoors NHL game in Buffalo between the Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins played in falling snow which was cool to observe as the game ended up in a shootout in near blizzard conditions from a lake effect snowstorm. Later I watched the Rose Bowl (Southern California/Illinois) and then the Sugar (Hawaii/Georgia) though both games were blowouts. It was a crystal clear blue skies day but cold as the temperature only reached 21 degrees after a morning low of 9 with the wind largely dying off by dawn compared to yesterday's blowstorm. We are finally supposed to warm up somewhat starting Wednesday through the upcoming weekend as temps will get into the 40s and may even touch 50 for the first time in a month. The next three weeks are the coldest of the year climatologically and historically most everywhere across the nation, so any positive breaks during this period are very welcome before we start to embark on the long climb out of winter towards more pleasant weather and conditions. I simply stayed home all day without going outdoors at all and continued the winter hiberation vacation through day four with six left. For supper I had some peas & carrots and a ham & swiss on rye. LAL called me after 6pm to wish me a Happy New Years and we had a good conversation. Hopefully I will figure out a way to visit her and KVS and their families sometime during this year. Wednesday I will get up and about and do some tasks and errands and get out of the place for maybe a tasty cheeseburger.

Wednesday 2 January: I awoke around 9:30am and headed out for a breakfast burrito at McDonalds after getting my newspapers for a change of pace for breakfast. It was a sunny day and much warmer as the temperature broke freezing and reached 34 degrees after a frostly low of 2 degrees. The winds also settled down noticeably and switched to coming out of the southwest, beckoning warm air in the coming days and temperatures will rise even overnight into the mid to upper 3os as these chinooks often do in January and February. I then went over to Barnes & Noble for a couple of hours and perused some periodicals and books to while away part of the afternoon. I returned home around 3pm and took the rest of the day to surf the 'net, blog, keep on the email, and watch CNN. Later I switched over to watch the Thrashers/Hurricanes game and the Fiesta Bowl between Oklahoma and West Virginia. I then switched over for yet another Avalanche debacle, losing to the Coyotes. Later I caught the reappearance of both David Letterman and Jay Leno after both shows have been off the air for about two months due to the writers strike and both were entertaining. I later caught an episode of ST: V and watched a couple episodes of M*A*S*H before going off to some kip around 1:30am.

Thursday 3 January: I awoke around 11am and caught some news on CNN before going out and getting the newspapers and having some tacos at Taco Johns. It was a cloudy day but warmer as temperatures reached 47 degrees after a low of just 36 degrees as strong southwest winds blew all night and day to warm the air and even melt a little snow and ice. I returned home around 2:30 and worked on the blog, surfed the 'net, and stayed on top of my email. The penultimate college football game is tonights Orange Bowl between upstart Kansas and Virginia Tech. I also caught parts of the LMU/BYU game. The Orange Bowl featured ZZ Top as the halftime show which was great and cool to watch. I also stayed on top of the Iowa caucuses on CNN as Wolf Blitzer was on top of all the results and analysis with the expert CNN team. For supper I had frozen chicken and dumplings heated in the microwave. I did not do much active or important the rest of the evening and went to get some kip around 1am.

Friday 4 January: A Friday off from work. After I awoke around 11am, I had some oatmeal for breakfast. After spending a couple of hours surfing the 'net, I headed outside to escape the place. It was a cloudy day and quite windy although the winds diminshed substantially later in the afternoon. We reached 44 degrees after a morning low of only 37 which tells you we really had strong winds overnight. Snowmelt is occuring but still there is a long way to go. I almost fell several times on spots of ice. I took the truck over to get air put in all five tires, and two were low. I then headed over to King Soopers, picked up the newspapers and a couple of groceries, and then went to McDs to read, listen to the radio, and enjoy a cheeseburger. I got back home around 5:45 and went about finishing working on my office which I was able to get done for the most part. I listened to some my CDs (various 70s music) as I worked on the project. I then cleaned up the kitchen, including shaking rugs, taking out trash, and sweeping the floor. I got my humidifier up and running and hopefully that will help somewhat with my dry throat, nasal and sinus cavities, and skin. I took a break at 9pm to watch Bill Moyers' Journal on PBS as he had interviews with Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul. Later I watched one of my favorite movies, Crocodile Dundee II while I worked on the blog, caught up on my email, and surfed the 'net. Bedtime was at 1:30am.

Saturday 5 January: The NFL Playoffs started today so I stayed home and did not go out at all. After a breakfast of oatmeal around 11am, I surfed on the net and watched some MWC hoops between Air Force & Utah and the Rutgers/Ball State International Bowl in Toronto. The Redskins/Seahawks game was fairly good and close into the fourth quarter. We had cloudy skies with winds as the temperature climbed to 48 degrees after a morning low of 28. As we got into evening, some rain (!), hail, and snow pellets fell. Quite unusual and unexpected. I had some turkey sandwiches for a late afternoon snack. The Jaguars/Steelers game started at 6pm and JAX controlled the game for the most part although they had to rally to pull it out. I also kept up on the Islanders/Avalanche and TCU/SDSU. I made myself a frozen lemon smoothie (squeezed lemon, ice, water) for a treat. For dinner I had some cream of mushroom soup and some grilled cheese sandwiches. I later watched ST:TOS; M*A*S*H; the first Austin Powers movie; the first Batman movie; and then faded off to get some kip around 2am.

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June Jones Leaving Hawaii

This is seriously disappointing news. Jones had built Hawaii football to the cusp of being a national power, and the program was only going to continue upward under his leadership. But the big money being offered by Southern Methodist University evidently got his attention and, in due time, his agreement to coach the Mustangs starting in 2008.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3183007

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Names in Consideration for Nomination for Academy Awards

The 80th Academy Awards nominations get released on Tuesday 22 January with the awards being announced on Sunday 24 February. Here are some names and their performances which will be given consideration for nomination and winning honors.

Best Picture:
American Gangster
Atonement
Eastern Promises
The Great Debaters
Michael Clayton
No Country For Old Men
There Will Be Blood

Best Actor:
George Clooney: Michael Clayton
Daniel Day-Lewis: There Will Be Blood
Johnny Depp: Sweeney Todd
Ryan Gosling: Lars and the Real Girl
Emile Hirsch: Into the Wild
Christian Bale: Rescue Down
Philip Seymour Thomas: The Savages
James McAvoy: Atonement
Viggo Mortensen: Eastern Promises
Denzel Washington: American Gangster

Best Actress:
Julie Christie: Away From Her
Marion Cotillard: La Vie en Rose
Angelina Jolie: A Mighty Heart
Keira Knightly: Atonement
Ellen Page: Juno
Jodie Foster: The Brave One
Helena Bonham Carter: Sweeney Todd
Keri Russell: Waitress
Laura Linney: The Savages
Nikki Blonsky: Hairspray

Best Supporting Actress:
Kate Blanchett: I'm Not There
Catherine Keener: Into The Wild
Saoirse Ronan: Atonement
Amy Ryan: Gone Baby Gone
Tilda Swinton: Michael Clayton
Ruby Dee: American Gangster
Jennifer Jason-Leigh: Margot at the Wedding
Jennifer Garner: Juno
Vanessa Redgrave: Atonement
Marisa Tomei: Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

Best Supporting Actor:
Casey Affleck: The Assassination of Jesse James
Javier Bardem: No Country For Old Men
Hal Holbrook: Into the Wild
Philip Seymour Thomas: Charlie Wilson's War
Tom Wilkinson: Michael Clayton
Paul Dano: There Will Be Blood
JK Simmons: Juno
Ben Foster: 3:10 to Yuma
Ethan Hawke: Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
John Travolta: Hairspray

Print this list out and keep if for reference for when you go to the video store.

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Census Figures Point to Looming Changes in States' Congressional Representation

The US Census Bureau recently released population estimates for each of the states for the three-quarters point of this decade. Statistical projections can now largely made on what the ramifications of population growth or decline will have on each of the states number of representatives in Congress starting with the 2012 elections. Another change will be in the number of votes each state will have in the Electoral College. That number is equal to the number of US senators plus US representatives each state has.

Fourteen seats are expected to reallocated with nine states gaining representation and twelve states losing representation.

The states projected to gain seats in the US House of Representatives and votes in the Electoral College with the new totals in parentheses.

Texas: four (from 34 to 38)
Florida: two (from 27 to 29)
Arizona: two (from 10 to 12)
Georgia: one (from 15 to 16)
North Carolina: one (from 15 to 16)
South Carolina: one (from 8 to 9)
Oregon: one (from 7 to 8)
Utah: one (from 5 to 6)
Nevada: one (from 5 to 6)

The states projected to lose seats in the US House of Representatives and votes in the
Electoral College with the new totals in parentheses.

New York: two (from 31 to 29)
Ohio: two (from 20 to 18)
California: one (from 55 to 54)
Pennsylvania: one (from 21 to 20)
Illinois: one (from 21 to 20)
Michigan: one (from 17 to 16)
New Jersey: one (from 15 to 14)
Massachusetts: one (from 12 to 11)
Missouri: one (from 12 to 11)
Minnesota: one (from 10 to 9)
Louisiana: one (from 9 to 8)
Iowa: one (from 7 to 6)

The Northeast and Midwest will lose 12 of those seats, and these will probably be mostly Democratic seats. The South and West will gain all of the new 14 states, and many, if not most, of the new seats may be filled by Republicans, but that remains to be seen as the West is starting to become more tilted towards the Democrats at this time. The Rocky Mountain West is expected to gain four seats.

I have been closely following electoral politics since the 1968 election and is remarkable to see how much change has occurred in the voting representation in Congress and the Electoral College. New York has shrunk by one-third from 43 to 29; Pennsylvania from 29 to 20; Ohio from 26 to 18; Iowa from 9 to 6; Illinois from 26 to 20; and Massachusetts from 14 to 11. States gaining include Florida more than doubling from 14 to 29; California from to 55 and down to 54); Texas from 25 to 38; Arizona from 5 to 12; Colorado from 6 to 9; Georgia from 12 to 16; and Nevada from 3 to 6.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-01-05-southseats_N.htm?csp=34

http://www.270towin.com/

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Romney Wins Wyoming Republican Caucuses

This caucus event went on with virtually zero publicity, even within Wyoming. The media and many of the candidates themselves all but ignored it as it took place in the long dark shadows of Iowa and New Hampshire at a time of year when winter is at its most ferocious and incliment peak. And Wyoming Republicans will be punished for their impudent decision to even conduct this caucus, as the GOP in Wyoming will lose fourteen, or half, their convention delegation as punishment from the national GOP for holding binding caucuses this early.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22517585/

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Two Critical Voting Cases to be Heard by Supreme Court

The Supreme Court will hear arguments on 9 January concerning two case involving the state of Indiana mandating that voters present photo identification before being permitted to vote. Appellate courts have ruled in favor of the state. Its hard to say how the Supremes will rule, but my guess is that they will uphold the appellate rulings and stay on the side of the state. I would hope they can find a legal argument and reasons to rule to the contrary.

http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=3&docID=news-000002651471

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More on Growing Unemployment

The ripple effect from the collapse of the housing industry is spreading through the economy as was easily able to be predicted. We are only feeling the first swells. The big serious waves have yet to hit and how much damage will occur is still unclear and difficult to project. But many will suffer and experience hardship.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/04/AR2008010401564.html?hpid=moreheadlines

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CIA Bureaucrats Getting Lawyers

You know its serious when important powerful people start scrambling to get lawyers. They did something seriously wrong, something criminal, and in due time, will be convicted and sentenced to prison. The question that is most on the mind of observers is, did this fish rot from the head down ? Or more succinctly, what is the level of involvement by White House officials, including President Bush, Vice-President Cheney, former Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld, and Senior White House Counsel Rove. I firmly believe all were involved in the making of the decision to destroy this evidence and implimenting a plan to have that done. These, of course, are impeachable offenses and possible criminal offenses as well. Lets hope we have a John Dean out there that will tell the truth and the whole truth about the treachery and evil that went on behind the scenes that has disgraced and shamed America.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/84572

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Excellent Much Needed Legislative Proposal

This is desparately needed and long overdue federal legislation. We need housing costs and rentals to get back to where they were historically before this long reign of Republican free market fundamentalist extremists took power. Housing costs need to be around 25 % of wages and incomes instead of over 45 % like they are today.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080104/us_nm/usa_subprime_fha_dc

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Bill "Goebbels" O'Reilly: Certifiable Nutcase

This is just another example of how and why Bill O'Reilly is nothing but a joke as a journalist. Instead, he is a propogandist, a modern version of Joseph Goebbels. The scary and disgusting thing is that he is the most watched source of "news" on cable television. Its like leading lemmings to the sea night in and night out, or more appropriately, to the gas chamber.

http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/alerts/323

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Mountain States Environmental Predictions by Bill Schneider

It will be interesting to follow these stories through 2oo8 and see if any of them come to eventuate. The issues with a federal concern are probably DOA this calendar year with the lame duck administration and this being a political election year.

http://www.newwest.net/topic/article/wild_bills_predictions_for_2008/C41/L41/

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Coming Soon to Ski Areas in Colorado and the West

This looks like a great and easy way for counties to raise additional revenues from tourists and foriegners.

http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/travel/article3134330.ece

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Polls in NH Show Obama Pulling Away

The bounce that was expected to occur for Barack Obama after his caucus victory in Iowa is evidently going to happen in New Hampshire. Most polls are showing his lead widening over Hillary Clinton to a double digit margin. I believe an Obama victory by about eight percentage points or more will occur on Tuesday in the nation's first primary in the Granite State.

http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/new_hampshire/election_2008_new_hampshire_democratic_primary

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Fernley NV Hit by Levee Break

I was in Fernley in 1995 for a few days. The town is about one-half hour east of Reno along I-80 in very mountainous countryside, and is basically desert-like with few trees. Widespread destructive flooding occurred as water got as high as house roofs. Initial investigations indicate the levee was weakened due to activity by gophers.

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080105/D8TVQT1O0.html

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Radio Shack Sinking in Fetid Toilet

The stock price of Radio Shack (RSH) dipped below $15 as the stock has lost 58 % of its value in just over six months. I take great delight in this as the jackasses that run this corporation are simply bullying egotistical boobs with mindset of yesteryear from the district level on up to corporate HQ in Ft Worth, TX. I predict they continue to die a slow death and go bellyup within the next 24 months. YEE HAW !

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From Esquire Magazine - The Rules: A Man's Guide to Life

I particularly like rules #129, 130, 188, & 225.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jan/05/reuteman-goofy-or-not-a-few-pearls-of-wisdom-to/

http://www.amazon.com/Esquire-Rules-Revised-Updated-Because-Gotten/dp/1588164667

http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=H4c5yj7HGmoC&dq=the+rules+a+man's+guide+to+life&printsec=frontcover&source=web&ots=QG8WY09skN&sig=i5_Niu4CJRKqsr_5XKCcdFSIE44#PPA6,M1

http://www.esquire.com/

http://www.joeydevilla.com/2003/11/29/excerpt-from-esquires-the-rules-a-mans-guide-to-life/

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Pitchers and Catchers Report in 45 Days !

Yes, the words that stir the soul in the dead of winter, "pitchers and catchers report, are on my mind as I look ahead to the warmer longer days of late winter into spring and the return of the national pastime.

Here is a schedule of Grapefruit and Cactus League games that are on the itinerary for late February. [all times MST]

G R A P E F R U I T
TUE 26 February
Florida Southern Univ @ Detroit, 11am (LAKELAND)
Univ of Miami FL @ Florida, 11am (JUPITER)
Florida St Univ @ Philadelphia, 11am (CLEARWATER)
Univ of Michigan @ New York M, 11am (PORT ST LUCIE)

WED 27 February
New York M @ Detroit, 11am (LAKELAND)
Univ of Georgia @ Atlanta, 11am (ORLANDO)
St Louis Univ @ St Louis, 11am (JUPITER)
Cincinnati @ Philadelphia, 11am (CLEARWATER)
Manatee Comm Coll @ Pittsburgh (BRADENTON)
Washington @ Florida, 5pm (JUPITER)

THR 28 February
Florida @ Baltimore, 11am (FT LAUDERDALE)
Houston @ Cleveland, 11am (WINTERHAVEN)
Toronto @ Detroit, 11am (LAKELAND)
New York M @ St Louis, 11am (JUPITER)
Pittsburgh @ Philadelphia, 11am (CLEARWATER)
Boston College @ Boston, 11am (FT MYERS)
Minnesota @ Cincinnati, 11am (SARASOTA)
Northeastern Univ @ Boston, 4pm (FT MYERS)
Atlanta @ Los Angeles, 5pm (VERO BEACH)

FRI 29 February
Univ of So Fla @ New York Y, 11am (TAMPA)
Baltimore @ Florida, 11am (JUPITER)
Cleveland @ Houston, 11am (KISSIMMEE)
Detroit @ Toronto, 11am (DUNEDIN)
Los Angeles @ Atlanta, 11am (ORLANDO)
St Louis @ New York M, 11am (PORT ST LUCIE)
Tampa Bay @ Cincinnati, 11am (SARASOTA)
Florida @ Washingtond, 11am (MELBOURNE)
Pittsburgh @ Philadelphia, 11am (CLEARWATER)
Boston @ Minnesota, 5pm (FT MYERS)

http://www.springtrainingonline.com/features/master_schedule.htm

C A C T U S
WED 27 February
Colorado @ Chicago WS, 1pm (TUCSON ELEC PK)
Kansas City @ Texas, 7pm (SURPRISE)

THR 28 February
Colorado @ Arizona, 1pm (TUCSON ELEC PK)
Chicago WS @ Colorado, 1pm (HOHOKAM)
Texas @ Anaheim, 1pm (TEMPE)
Oakland @ Milwaukee, 1pm (MARYVALE)
San Diego @ Seattle, 1pm (PEORIA)
Chicago C @ San Francisco, 1pm (SCOTTSDALE)

FRI 29 February
Chicago WS W@ Arizona, 1pm (TUCSON ELEC PK)
Mesa College @ Colorado, 1pm (HOHOKAM)
San Francisco @ Chicago C, 1pm (MESA)
Anaheim @ Texas, 1pm (SURPRISE)
Kansas City @ San Diego, 1pm (PEORIA)
Seattle @ San Francisco, 1pm (SCOTTSDALE)

http://www.springtrainingonline.com/features/master_schedule_cactus.htm

Most games in both Florida and Arizona end on Thursday 27 March with the following weekend games being played in MLB stadiums.

I will post schedules later in January or early in February of all spring training night games, the games scheduled outside of spring training ballparks, and the master television schedule including all games available on satellite. And a final update of this schedule later as well.

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MAJ Andrew Olmsted, 1970-2008

I read Olmsted's Iraq War blog on the Rocky Mountain News website regularly and his honest straight forward messages were of hope and he strived to be upbeat. His loss is devastating and he is unreplaceable, particularly for his family. The army major and his colleague CAPT Thomas J Casey of Albuquerque were the first casualties of 2008 in the Iraq War.

http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003692089

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jan/05/just-devastating-news/

http://www.npr.org/blogs/bryantpark/2008/01/final_post_1.html

http://www.andrewolmsted.com/

http://www.icasualties.org/oif/

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Economy Worsens

With this rise in umemployment that I saw coming nine months ago, the recession is even more so underway despite objections by government and corporate lackeys and hard statistical proof in other ways. Look for unemployment to rise closer to 6 %, perhaps higher, by Spring.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/04/AR2008010401564.html?hpid=topnews

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A View on John Edwards

My stance remains the same today after the Iowa caucuses. My support goes first to Kucinich. I do realize that he is strongly unlikely to win. So John Edwards gets my vote among the top three Democratic contenders. I am not sold on Obama yet, although his message and ideas are becoming more refined and sophisticated over time; and Clinton is totally out.

http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/29761

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The Twenty Dumbest People, Events, & Things of 2007

The most troubling thing about the list is that it contains a number of elected and public officials guilty of stupid and inept actions that are on a par with mindless celebrities and the flash in the pan rabble.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/living/2004097410_maddumblist310.html

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A View on Ron Paul

The GOP political establishment and hierarchy is in a stunned state of shock following the strong showings of Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul in Iowa. The news will not be much different next week in New Hampshire. Although John McCain probably will win the primary, the two insurgent candidates will continue to do better than the GOP establishment would like. The race and fight for the GOP nomination may last much longer than what was envisioned even just a few weeks ago.

http://www.seeingtheforest.com/archives/2008/01/the_appeal_of_r_1.htm

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Will Obama Win in New Hampshire ?

After his victory in the Iowa caucuses, one would believe so. The demographics in New Hampshire will be more favorable for the Illinois senator than in Iowa. Another third place for Clinton may put a serious wound into her campaign. One is starting to get the feeling that it is deja vu all over again -- we are living a repeat of the 1968 campaign and Osama is channeling the spirit of Robert Kennedy with his message of hope and idealism that is strongly appealing to the youth and disenchanted across this nation.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/01/04/will_nh_be_obama_territory_too.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joseph-a-palermo/barack-obama-rfk-and-bl_b_79751.html

http://www.madison.com/tct/mad/topstories/265458

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Bill Moyers on PBS Program Tonight

Please catch the Bill Moyers Report tonight, Friday 4 January at 9pm MST to watch his interviews with Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul.

http://www.opednews.com/articles/genera_the_web_080102_kucinich_and_paul_to.htm

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Submarines Bringing Cocaine into the US

If this is being done on a scale more than we can imagine, one has to be concerned that al-Qaida may deploy a similar method to bring terrorists and a nuclear weapon onto US soil this way.

http://newssophisticate.blogspot.com/2008/01/cocaine-laden-submarines-over-18.html

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Understanding New Hampshire in 2008

The Granite State has undergone enormous changes in the last decade plus as the sprawl from the Boston metropolitan area has swelled north and west resulting in significant noteworthy changes including in the political landscape. While once New Hampshire was a relatively sure GOP stronghold in largely Democratic New England, the changes that have been seen have also converted the state to a more Democratic stronghold with greater economic diversity, population, wealth, and economic development.

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/24139.html

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Latest on '08 US Senatorial Elections

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Senate_elections%2C_2008

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A Look Back at a Post 45 Weeks Ago

Obviously the biggest error, among others, was judging the viability of Mike Huckabee's campaign. He has come a very long way and could become the nominee. That was considered impossible when I made my first post analyzing the presidential candidate field.

http://colocowboyprofessor.blogspot.com/2007/02/early-look-at-08-presidential.html


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Postseason College Football All Star Games

You have to be employed by a professional football organization or seriously bored, ill, or incapacitated to sit and watch any of these games in their entirety.

Hula Bowl HONOLULU Saturday 12 January 4pm VERSUS

North-South All Star Game HOUSTON Sunday 13 January 10am ESPN2

East-West Shrine Bowl HOUSTON Saturday 19 January 5pm ESPN2

Senior Bowl MOBILE Saturday 26 January 2pm NFL-N

Texas v Nation Game EL PASO Saturday 2 Feb 3pm CSTV

A couple of other college football all star games are scheduled to be played around the nation, but television coverage information is sketchy at best at this point.

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NFL Predictions for Week Eighteen: The Wild Card Games Weekend

Here are the picks for this weekends NFL Wild Card Playoffs games, played on Saturday 5 January and Sunday 6 January.

Saturday 5 January

Washington @ Seattle (2:30; NBC):
Redskins (+4) 27, Seahawks 25 UPSET
X +
Jacksonville @ Pittsburgh (6:00; NBC):
Jaguars (-1) 23, Steelers 21
+ +

Sunday 6 January

New York @ Tampa Bay (11am; FOX):
Buccaneers (-3) 27, Giants 22

Tennessee @ San Diego (2:30; CBS)
Chargers (-9) 31, Titans 23

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The '76-'77 Montreal Canadiens

Everyone is in a tizzy over the greatness of this season's NFL unbeaten New England Patriots, but 31 years ago there was a hockey club that played an eighty game season with results unmatched in history. The Montreal Canadiens were a machine that season and every other club was steamrollered as the Habs marched to another Stanley Cup with little if any resistance.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/columnist/allen/2008-01-03-1977-canadiens_N.htm

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A Growing Widespread Problem: Juiced Cops

This is just but one report indicating increased usage of a criminal substance, steroids, by police officers across the nation. What can be done about it ? Until other law enforcement officials, probably judges, mayors, and governors take action, or an individual involved in a crime gets a test forced upon a police officer that is found to be positive and may play a role in a case or incident, not much. Police officers are largely allowed to be above the law unless they do something really stupid or overt.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/Story?id=3745740&page=1

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Food is Going to Increase in Expensiveness

Rising fuel and energy prices, urban sprawl that claims arable and productive farmland, rising third world standards of living, conversion of food crops to alternative energy products, and out and out human population growth continuing past the point of logic and reason within the US and around the globe will only serve to force additional price increases in food.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1231/p13s01-wogi.html

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Obama Wins in an Upset in Iowa

Illinois US Senator Barack Obama is the upset winner in the Iowa caucuses with about 36 % of the vote. John Edwards finishes second, and the big heavy favorite Hillary Clinton finishes third. The Richardson, Biden, and Dodd campaigns are now done if they were not before as none of them got more than 2 % of the votes in the caucus.

Now the question is, can Barack build on this momentum and win in New Hampshire. Voters seem to be embracing change over experience at this point with these results and in polls across the nation. Obama is clearly the candidate of younger voters under age 35 by a wide margin.

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College Football Schools Needing '08 Opponents

Twenty four schools need to still add one opponent to complete their '08 schedules. The thirteen BCS schools are in red.

UPDATE: * = no longer in need of opponent(s) as of THR 2-7-8

Alabama *
Boston College *
Brigham Young *
Georgia Tech
Idaho *
Illinois
Indiana *
Louisiana-Lafayette
Louisiana State
Louisiana Tech *
Louisville
Miami FL *
North Texas *
Northern Illinois *
Ohio
Oklahoma *
Southern Miss *
Syracuse
Troy *
Tulsa *
UAB
UNLV *
Virginia Tech
Wisconsin

Eight schools still need to add two opponents to fill out and complete their '08 schedules:

Arkansas *
Army *
Central Michigan *
Eastern Michigan *
Kent State
Rutgers (*needs one opponent)
Tulane *
Western Michigan

And Louisiana-Monroe needs three opponents at this point to fill out and complete their schedules. (* needs two opponents)

It will be interesting to see how many of these schools, particularly the BCS ones, weasel out and schedule an FCS or Division II school instead of being gallant and courageous and putting a program that is competitive.

http://www.nationalchamps.net/NCAA/college_football_2008_schedules/index_openings.htm

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Huckabee Wins Easily in Iowa

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee swept to a relatively easy win in the Iowa Caucuses, swamping favorite Mitt Romney by about 10 percentage points. This is an upset to most GOP and political observers and insideres. Fred Thompson will finish third and John McCain fourth. Huckabee still faces long odds to win in New Hampshire and the nomination. Romney may be on the ropes. A loss next Tuesday in the Granite State and his campaign may be fatally wounded.

Democratic results are inconclusive at this point as the top three are in a virtual tie with less than one-third of the votes in.

Next up is the Wyoming caucuses (Republicans only) on Saturday 5 January; the New Hampshire primary on Tuesday 8 January; the Michigan primary on Tuesday 15 January; the South Carolina primary (Republicans only) and Nevada caucuses on Saturday 19 January; the South Carolina primary (Democrats only) on Saturday 26 January; and the Florida primaries on Tuesday 29 January.

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/path.presidency/

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Another Serious Consequence from Shorter Less Severe Winters

The revalation in this report concerning rates of carbon dioxide absorption or carbon sinks by trees and other flora due to changes in the climate is very troubling and throws another variable into the mix in determining how fast and extreme will global warming impact the planet, its ecosystems, and mankind.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jan/03/climatechange.carbonemissions

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380 Days Left of the Junta !

Thank goodness we are about into the final one-eighth of the Junta rule. Unquestionably this has been the worst presidential administration in my lifetime and rivals the worst in the nation's history including those of Harding, Coolidge, Hoover, Buchanan, Peirce, Fillmore, and others.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/blog/2008/01/02/BL2008010201493.html

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Arctic Warming Extends High into the Atmosphere

This report signals even deeper troubling news concerning global warming in the part of the globe where it is expected to be the greatest the fastest.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/01/080102-arctic-warming.html

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Live Results from Iowa

The caucuses get underway in the Hawkeye State around 7pm CST (6pm MST) with results starting to be tabulated, compiled, and released around 8pm CST (7pm MST).

One can go to this link to see live changing results after that time.

http://www.iowacaucusresults.com/

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2007 Eighth Hottest for Billings

The climate in Billings is starting to get more warmer as each year passes by. Miles City also had its eighth hottest year ever and Sheridan its thirteenth.

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/byz/local_news/2008/BILyearsum07.php

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/byz/local_news/2008/MLSyearsum07.php

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/byz/local_news/2008/SHRyearsum07.php

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Clouds to Obscure View of Quadrantids

The Quadrantid Meteor Shower overnight Thursday into Friday 3-4 January is being touted as perhaps the best meteor shower to observe, but unfortunately most of the western US will be under cloudy skies overnight so we will not get the opportunity to take in this astronomical show.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22488764/?gt1=10755

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Good Likelihood of $4 per Gallon Gasoline

Oil Prices ended up rising 60 % during 2007 from around $62 to $100 per barrel. Many in the energy industries are projecting a similar rise for 2008. If this unfortunate scenario does eventuate, the price per gallon of gasoline fuel will rise to a point that is almost incomprehendible. While prices will get to at least $4.00 per gallon virtually everywhere, you can be sure that some places like California will see prices around $5 per gallon and other coastal areas will be deep into the $4 range. It is very disconcerting to consider a 35 to 50 % increase this year in ones fuel budget, let alone all the other cost increases to food and other goods and services effected by this sharp fuel prices increase.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jan/03/colo-could-see-gas-at-4-this-summer/

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