Ten things more popular than Congress

After reporting today “futile talks” the Associated Press reported, “Congress' super committee conceded ignominious defeat Monday in its quest to conquer a government debt that stands at a staggering $15 trillion, unable to overcome deep and enduring political divisions over taxes and spending.”   Congressional negotiators conceded the obvious: that the joint Congressional committee can’t fix our Nation’s Budget Troubles.  At least not now.   The stock market responded with a nearly 250 point drop in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, closing at 11,547.31. 

So, we should not be surprised with a new CBS News Poll that reveals Congress' approval rating has hit an all-time low of 9 percent, the first time the rating has hit single digits since the polls' inception in 1977.  This all begs an interesting question, “what does Congress now rank behind?”  We have the answer from UPI.Com with the 10 things more popular than Congress, and some of these things may shock you!

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

First is the IRS, which posted a 40 percent approval rating in a 2009 Gallup poll.

President Richard Nixon

Former President Richard Nixon's approval rating during the Watergate scandal that eventually ended his presidency sat at 24 percent in a 1974 Gallup poll.

The U.S. becoming Communist

In the most shocking of all of the polled sentiments, more Americans approve of their country becoming a Communist nation than approve of Congress, at 11 percent.

The Airline Industry

Just this year, 29 percent of Americans approved of the airline industry in a Gallup poll.

Paris Hilton

At the peak of her fame in 2005 (and one could say the nadir of her popularity) Hilton had a 15 percent approval rating, according to Gallup.

Lawyers

As broad as the term may be, lawyers tallied a 29 percent approval rating during a Gallup poll this year.

Oil and gas industry

The oil and gas industry has a 20 percent approval rating this year, despite ongoing concerns over prices at the pump and the hazards of drilling.

Banks

In another broad categorization, Gallup polled America's approval of the banking industry to find that 23 percent give them the thumbs up this year.

BP during the Gulf oil spill

The catastrophic blowout at the BP Deepwater Horizon site in the Gulf of Mexico apparently wasn't as much of a blowout in 2010 as Congress is today, as 16 percent of Americans approved of BP during the crisis.

President Barack Obama

It may not seem like it at times, but 46 percent of voters at least slightly approve of the job that Obama's doing up at the White House, according to the latest Rasmussen daily poll.

Congress does two things exceptionally well.  1) Nothing  2) over react.

I'm surprised that they are not concerned about their approval ratings.  But then, maybe they think we are not paying attention?

Edited from UPI.Com 11/21/2011

11.11.11

 

Today is Veteran's Day. Remember those that have protected us, around the world, for the cause of Freedom. Thanks to all who have worn a uniform of the United States Military and placing their lives on the line to keep us safe. Make it a point to personally thank a Veteran today! I will start with my two sons, J & robert!

Thank you for your service to a greatful nation!  We will never forget!

Obamacare...from craddle to grave

Breaking News…

October 12, 2011 3:30 PM

(Owosso, Michigan) – If you live in the area of Owosso, Michigan, “Chances are you or a loved one has been cared for by Memorial Healthcare, with a 150-bed hospital, a comprehensive emergency room, two urgent care centers, outpatient rehabilitation centers, satellite primary care and specialty medical offices, and a cancer/endoscopy center, Memorial Healthcare provides high quality preventative, acute and rehabilitative care close to home.”  But now the facility will be adding to their range of health services for truly “birth to grave one stop health approach.”  That was announced today by James Full, President & CEO of Memorial Healthcare. 

This comes in the wake of changes to our national healthcare system and the passage of the Healthcare Affordability Act, otherwise known as “Obamacare.”  Full went on to say, “We are the first hospital system in the country to gain approval of adding ‘after live’ services to the healthcare experience.”  The hospital will now offer federally assisted “post life” services to all who qualify under the plan.  A board of 3 judges and 3 alternates will serve to determine the suitability and range of services for these new post life services to include, but not limited to, final life expenses.  Deductibles and co-pays may apply.

In making the announcement, at their new Healthcare, Rehabilitation and Casket facility, Full had this to say, “These are tremendous achievements for our entire organization, but more importantly, they speak to our focus to use our expertise and technology to improve quality of care, patient flow and ‘final’ outcomes.” 

When contacted, area funeral homes (who did not want to be identified) all were taken back by this new development.  One said that the hospital administrator was, “Full of it” in thinking that the hospital could ultimately compete for these services.  Most agreed that there was a “conflict of interest” with this full service concept.  

Most area residents were ambivalent to the concept, when asked.    But there still seems to be a difference of political opinion on the issue.  Elected Democrats responded, “The economy is in the tank and the government has got to bail the little guy out.  It’s just governments’ role to give it all too each and every one of us!”   Republican elected officials in Washington are waiting and watching to see if they get a favorable US Supreme Court ruling to rescind major portions of “Obamacare” stating “We just don’t have spine to stop all this craziness and the Presidential Election is still over a year away!”

…Mike, wake up!  Uh, ah, what?  Whew, I just had a terrible dream about Memorial Healthcare getting in the funeral business under the new healthcare laws.  What a nightmare.  Wonder what prompted my brain to think of that?...

 A picture can be worth a thousand words!  ...or one good nightmare!

Michigan Winter Weather Forecast, Cold & Snowy… WTF?

AccuWeater, Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok, says about the upcoming winter, “It's going to start fast. By the Thanksgiving holiday, we're going to see pretty good lake effect kick in, and it probably doesn't end through the Christmas holiday.” 

Well for anyone who lives there (or has ever lived there), isn’t this what always happens?  Don’t you expect it to be cold and snowy between Thanksgiving and Christmas?  …and then everyone understands that it will not end until sometime around Easter!

Somehow this year they say the winter “is going to be an exceptional one.”  “Michiganders are going to need to get their snow shovels ready early, ‘cause they’re going to need them for the harsh winter being forecasted for much of lower Michigan, the entire Great Lakes, and especially Chicago.”  In fact, according to AccuWeater.com, “People in Chicago are going to want to move after this winter as snow and cold will be unusually harsh there, this year!”  I think these weather forecasters underestimate the people who live in the “Windy City”, or any place else in the Midwest, for that matter.  They are used to experiencing the harsh winds off Lake Michigan and cold and snowy winters!

Pastelok is predicting that Michigan’s southwest corner, and up to Traverse City, should prepare for early season snow, fueled by cold northwest winds crossing warm Lake Michigan waters.  “The thing with Michigan is that there’s going to be three types of systems, clipper style, lake effect and then late-in-the-season storms, all adding up to extra snow.”  He adds, “Great Lakes snow buildup could act to prolong the colder-than-normal weather beyond February and into early spring.” 

The National Weather Service (NWS) says, “Stay tuned!”  Their predictions are due out in mid-October.   They tell us that we are in a “La Niña” weather pattern.  La Niña is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon where cooler-than-average Pacific Ocean temperatures influence global weather patterns. It typically occurs every three to five years, they say.

So, where does this leave me?  I feel like Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind.  “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn! (…unless I have to make a last minute trip back to Michigan this winter!)"  But, really, we’re just getting over the hottest summer on record in Phoenix of over 110 degree days, so I’m looking forward to a cool down.  The difference is I do not have to shovel any sunshine in the winter!  Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot!

If it gets too cold for my friends back in Michigan this winter; come on out to Arizona for a warm up.  It’s quite pleasant all winter long! 

 

Weather graphics courtesy AccuWeather.com

Moose...taste like chicken?

Today my youngest son, Rob who lives in Alaska, went out on the second day of moose hunting season.  Looking for that large lumbering animal you see all the time in Alaska.  Well, see all the time, except in hunting season!  These creatures are so huge that you wonder how they are able to negotiate thick wooded areas. 

You will be driving down the highway when all of a sudden a moose will appear on the side of the road, seemingly from nowhere!  It may mosey across the road in front of you, or turn and walk back into the woods, and promptly vanish!  How do they get those racks around the trees?  The fact of the matter is, I haven't the foggiest idea.  They are an enigma to me; almost like UFOs at Area 51. 

But, wait a minute, moose are known to walk down the center of town in Alaska.  As if they didn't have a care in the world.  I saw one hanging out between townhouses right on base at Ft. Greely. How about grazing on the front lawn at the Administration Complex.  However, when moose hunting season is in play; you have to head for the bush country and hunt them down!  So, that is what Rob had to do this morning, seek out and hunt the moose down.

Being a proud parent, and wanting to give support to my son, I proudly posted the picture on my facebook page.  One, to let everyone know of his achievement, and two 'cause I thought it was pretty exciting.  Several posts from friends and family to congratulate him...but, one very interesting question.  "What does moose taste like?" 

Whenever someone asks that question about wild game, you know they have an idea that it tastes awful in their world.  Been there myself a few times.  So, my answer was the same one all parents use to tell kids when they ask this food question, "Taste like chicken!"  Oh, the power of persuasion! 

By the way...it taste like beef.  Unless, someone tells you it is moose, then you try to convince yourself that it taste like chicken!  The mind is a terrible thing to waste.  So too, is a great moose roast.

Congratulations Rob!!!

The New Office Status Symbol - A Standing Desk!

Jim Carlton/The Wall Street Journal

 

Facebook employees Kristen Dallara and Greg Hoy 

Facebook employees Kristen Dallara and Greg Hoy say they manage to stay more alert by not sitting down all day. Silicon Valley's newest status symbol is a humble piece of furniture.  A growing number of workers at Google Inc., Facebook Inc. and other employers are trading in their sit-down desks for standing ones, saying they feel more comfortable and energized. They also are motivated by medical reports saying that sitting for too long leads to increased health risks.

A standing desk sits high off the floor so a worker can either stand at it or sit on a high stool to use it. Officials at Palo Alto-based Facebook say a number of employees asked about standing desks after news articles were published about the health risks of sitting all day.

CloJim Carlton/The Wall Street Journal

Facebook employee Greg Hoy

The stories cited medical studies that tied excessive sitting to increased obesity and other health problems because of factors including a drop in physical activity. A 2010 study by the American Cancer Society found that women who sat more than six hours a day were 37% more likely to die prematurely than women who sat for less than three hours, while the early-death rate for men was 18% higher. The American College of Cardiology released a study in January that found increased mortality among people who sat longer at home than those who didn't.  No one seems to compile statistics on the standing-desk trend. But anecdotal reports suggest Silicon Valley is embracing the movement.

Facebook officials say they have seen an upsurge in requests for standing desks to five to eight a week with a total of between 200 and 250 deployed at the company of more than 2,000 employees. Facebook also is trying out a treadmill station—where a worker can walk or run on a treadmill while tapping at a computer.

Google spokesman Jordan Newman said that "many employees at Google opt for standing desks, and we offer them as part of our wellness program" though he said he didn't know the exact number.

Greg Hoy, 39 years old, asked for a standing desk shortly after joining Facebook seven months ago as a design recruiter. "I don't get the 3 o'clock slump anymore," he said. "I feel active all day long."

Tiffani Jones Brown, 29, said she also requested a standing desk when she joined Facebook two months ago as a content strategist, in part to keep her energy level high. "I get really tired when I sit all day," Ms. Jones Brown said.

There is a learning curve to using standing desks, however. Ms. Jones Brown said that at first it was hard for her to concentrate on writing tasks because she was focused on things like maintaining correct posture. Other stand-up workers use tricks to not be bothered by being on their feet most of the day. "I kind of move my legs around, no real position," said Kirk Everett, one of two standing workers in the 21-employee offices of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group in San Jose, a tech industry trade association.

Mr. Everett is a pioneer in standing desks, having gotten one seven years ago to help recover from a back injury. He said he could never go back. "It is so much better," said Mr. Everett, vice president of government relations for the trade group. "Staying seated all day is your enemy."

Write to Jim Carlton at jim.carlton@wsj.com

Hot As H...E..double hockey sticks!

 

The Blazing Phoenix Sun setting in the west

• By: Allison Miller, Weather at Phoenix, Arizona ABC15

PHOENIX - Lack of monsoon rainfall and an unusually intense high pressure system to our east have contributed to the warmest period on record at Sky Harbor International Airport.
This has led to a record-breaking month! In fact, August 2011 will go down as the hottest August on record -- of all time.
On top of that, August ties July 2009 as the hottest month ever on record in Phoenix. The average daily temperature (average of highs and lows) was 98.3 degrees which ties that of July 2009. The normal for August is 93.6.
In August 2011, the average high temperature was 109 degrees, breaking the old record of 107.3 set in 1962. The average low temperature was 87.5 degrees, breaking the old record of 86.1 set in 2007.
In addition, we broke several other records:
On August 26, 2011 we hit a high of 117! That broke the all-time record high ever recorded in the month of August at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix. The previous August record was 116 set on August 10, 2003, August 4, 1973, and August 1, 1972.
We have already tied or broken 14 records in August -- seven record highs and seven record warm lows.

Our 110+ degree days also are not letting up. We have seen 31 days at or above 110 so far this year, well above the average of 18. The record is 32 days set back in 2007 and it looks like we will break that record by the end of the week, with more 110+ days in the forecast.

Talk About Procrastination...

 Fermat's Last Theorem, jotted in the margins of a ancient Greek mathematical text by Pierre de Fermat in 1637, vexed mathematicians for 358 years before it was solved. 

I now have the perfect answer for my uncompleted work, (other than the dog ate it)!  Click on the link below and read on, from the Christian Science Monitor...

 Why Pierre de Fermat is the patron saint of unfinished business

Why Shuttles Are Being Retired, What's Next - ABC News

Why Shuttles Are Being Retired, What's Next - ABC News

Atlantis - An End of An Era

As the space shuttle Atlantis had a flawless blastoff from Cape Canaveral this morning at 8:26 am EDT, it is the end of an era for America and NASA.  With no new program, either with NASA or the private sector, what will come next for the United States and our space program? 

Many accomplishments have been attributed to our efforts to explore beyond the reaches of Earth.  Many things we take for granted today are as a direct results of the race to space and our desire to see what is "out there".  Space technology has impacted all our lives, in the food we eat, how we communicate, are entertained and the materials we use; just to name a few benefits.   Even how we view the universe today is different than 50 years ago, as knowledge from the space program is even challenging some of the laws of physics, as we understand more about the cosmos.

The shuttle was a workhorse to space, which, after 30 years,  had become expensive and outdated.  A new launch system is needed which is more efficient and cost effective.  That could well come from private contractors, free enterprise and a "for profit" concept.  Encouraging ideas as it well could be the next industry that takes America's Economy beyond.


What is next?  A good question, but I'm sure one that will be answered soon.  In the meantime, "Godspeed Atlantis"!

We're just dust in the wind!

More Phoenix storms forecast after huge evening dust storm

by Brittany Smith, Connor Radnovich and Matt Haldane -
Jul. 6, 2011 10:16 AM
The Arizona Republic-12 News Breaking News Team

More storms are forecast for Wednesday evening, following a massive dust storm that swept across the Phoenix area Tuesday night, leaving a path of dust, debris and damage in nearly every part of the Valley.
Wednesday evening’s forecast includes a 20 percent chance for thunderstorms in the Valley and between a 20 percent and 25 percent chance for dust storms beginning between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

(Westboundkid)  Wow...now look at these photos of the storm!  The Valley is a dust bowl today.  Should I wash my car, or ignore it?  Looks like it might make sense to wait a day or so and see what else turns up. 

 From the northwest, looking southeast, at downtown Phoenix last night during the Haboob (dust storm) which was 70 miles wide and over 5,000 feet tall of wind & dust.

In the west valley, a long shot of the size of last night's Haboob

End of the Road

Rob, Jack, Erin & Heidi

Mile Marker 1422 at the end of the Alaska Highway

The Alaska Highway extends 1422 miles from Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska.  The Alaska Highway, or better known as the Alcan, was constructed during World War II for the purpose of connecting the contiguous U.S. to Alaska through Canada.  Unlike the famous Route 66 in the lower 48, most of which has been abandoned or bi-passed in favor the super-highway system of the Interstate, the Alcan Highway is still a viable ground transportation system in use today. 

However, rerouting in Canada has shortened the highway by approximately 35 miles since 1947, mostly by eliminating winding sections and sometimes by bypassing residential areas. Therefore, the historic milepost markings are no longer accurate but are still important locally as location references. 

Officially, the Alaska Highway ends in Delta Junction, at mile marker 1422, as noted in the picture above.  As all good things must come to an end, our Alaska Vacation is also nearing the “end of the road”.  I do not know where the time has gone, or why it goes by so fast when you are having fun?  We have seen so much, and yet only scratched the surface to the great Alaska Wilderness. 

White capped Alaska Range Mountains

More Denali Splender

We have experienced a lot of quality time with friends & family, and taken in as much of Alaska as we could.  We have had new experiences, continued some old traditions and viewed some breathtaking landscapes that only a place like Alaska can offer.

Rob, Erin, Jack, Bumpa & Nana

Celebrating our Anniversary in Fairbanks

But surely the best part of the trip has been to hold and love our new grandson, “Kodiak” Jack.  He can already call me, “Bumpa” and we are working on “Nana”, before we leave in a few days.   

At nearly a year old; Jack is already determined and confident in taking on the world.  Growing up in Alaska is no place for a shy boy and Jack shows every bit the kind of kid that will not let much grass grow under his feet or take “No” for an answer.  For him and his folks, this is not the “end of the road”, but the beginning of a journey!  We are looking forward to being a part of that trip!

The Gang in Denali

"Kodiak" Jack & his Dad Rob

It’s a Small, Small World

Whenever we travel, I’m always amazed by the people you bump into on the trip that you might know or who might know someone you know.  I like people watching and vacations are one of the best times to do this activity.   I always have an eye open to what people are wearing and an ear open to what they are saying.  Both of these activities will typically result in finding people, who know people, you know; regardless of where you are in the world.

Jude, Mike, Heidi & Rob

While here in Alaska we had the opportunity to meet up with my former neighbors from Owosso, Michigan, Rob & Jude Johnson.  They moved from Michigan to Alaska, when Rob retired from teaching high school science back in 2006.  They now make their home near Wasilla and work for Princess Cruise Lines on the land portion of an Alaskan Cruise.  We had a wonderful time catching up on each of our lives since Michigan.  The Johnsons’ have always been fun to be around and always have great stories to tell about their experiences.  Plus, they always seem to be involved in the center of activities that are eventful.  Never a dull moment when you are around the Johnsons!  Like the role they are now taking in Alaska being associated with the Iditarod.  We are now considering a trip to Alaska in March 2012, to volunteer with Rob & Jude, for the start of the Iditarod Race and to explore Anchorage and the southern region of Alaska.

We met at Denali National Park and stayed 2 days at the Princess Denali Wilderness Lodge.   Denali National Park was established in 1917 and covers 6 million acres.  That is 9,492 square miles!  Located in Alaska’s interior, the park contains Mt. McKinley, the highest mountain in North America at an elevation of 20,156 feet above sea level.  The Alaska Range Mountains extend through the entire park, providing breathtaking views and interesting ecosystems including tundra and active glacier regions.  Denali is visited by nearly 1.2 million tourists each year and the park is open May to September.  Wild life includes grizzly & black bear, caribou, dall sheep, moose.  You are almost guaranteed to see wildlife! 

 

How about this moose and her calf walking right past us on our tour!

Rob & Jude, through their Iditarod volunteer work, were familiar with Jeff King, the “Winningest Musher in the World!  (www.huskyhomestead.com)  A 4 time winner of the Alaska Iditarod, in the off season he breeds, raises and trains Alaskan Huskies from his home at Denali.  So, we took the Goose Lake Kennel Tour for an absolutely fascinating 3 hour experience to hold Husky Pups, see them in training and learn more about the sport of mushing, Alaska style.

Heidi & I holding future Iditarod Winner - Porkchop!

In this huge national park on our tour, “Michigan” was somehow mentioned.  Again, my ears pick up.  One of Jeff King’s young trainers tells me that she is from Bellaire, Michigan!  She knows my sister Nancy and hung out with my nephew Jeff.  Her name is Carrie, and she is going back to visit Michigan this fall.  To come so far and to find people so closely connected.  This truly is a small world!

 Me with Carrie from Bellaire, Michigan

What do you do…when there is notin’ to do?

OK, so I knew what to expect on this trip to Alaska, having traveled here nearly 2 years ago.  I tried to prepare Heidi on what to expect.  “What, the mall is 90 miles away?  How do you buy what you need?”  Typical girls’ response to living in the wild! 

“Well, dear, there is the PX on post and an IGA in town”, I told her.  This is not a shopper’s paradise; by any stretch of the imagination.  But you know what?   She has found out, that even doing nothing can be exhausting.  There are the spectacular views of the whitecaps of the Alaska Range Mountains, and the pure Alaska air makes you sleep like a baby, even though the sun never sets this time of year.  More on that later!  We can go on the quad runner for miles and miles and not see a sole.  A simple walk around the block of Rob & Erin’s neighborhood is a mile trek, some of which is through a wilderness trail to get fully around the “block”.   

We have forgotten what it was like to have a baby around the house.   We are getting to know our nearly 1 year old grandchild, I call him “Kodiak Jack”, his Mother would prefer I just call him Jack!  Either way, he is a livewire, and we love the little cutie dearly! 

You have to eat!  So we spent an entire day making one of Rob’s favorite childhood meals, meatloaf & scalloped potatoes.  All day to prepare, 12 minutes to devour!  Oh, and there is wood to stack.  Seems there is a pile of wood in everyone’s yard here in Alaska.  With home heating oil priced at over $4 a gallon, and in the dead of winter they use between 100 – 150 gallons a month to heat the house; it makes sense to supplement the home heating with a wood burning stove in the living room. My back is killing me, and I estimated that we still have another 7 trailer loads to stack so they can get through the first part of this coming winter!   

We visited Donnelly Dome in the evening.  Wild life galore and the Aleyaska Pipeline stretches right through it.  A good chance for us to get a perspective of the size of the pipeline, and to see it up front and personal, along wild bison and moose with babies, along the way!  The beauty of nature in this wilderness is impressive!   

And, back to that “daylight a nighttime” thing.  Now that takes some getting used to!  At midnight, your body says “go to bed!” …your mind says, “You can have another drink before the sun goes down!”   

Wow, we have done so much on our Alaska Trip already, and our time has just begun.  What to do next?  I might need to have another drink and think about it!

Escape the Warmth!

Looking to escape these Arizona temperatures, but not before experiencing the hottest day of 2011 here today, at 110 degrees. OK, let me get this out first...."but, it's a dry heat!" Some say, "If I hear this again; road rage may strike!" For me, I've come to think that 110 isn't really hot, it just isn't right for sitting outside under the patio cover and having a cold adult beverage. I might call today "warm".

We endure the heat of summer in order to never have to shovel any sunshine during the winter. In fact, from November to June, the weather here is pretty enjoyable in the "Valley of the Sun" of Phoenix, Arizona. We have had a very remarkable spring, with cool evenings and mornings and daily temps that are comfortable. Maybe I'm just getting used to the climate here, after all I'm going on 3 years living in Arizona and that almost makes me a native by Arizona residence standards, as nearly everyone here is from "somewhere else".

So now I am staring down this vacation to Alaska in the face, and all of a sudden this 110 degree day seems intense! ...and on Friday, when we arrive in Fairbanks, Alaska, late in the evening, it will still be daylight but the temperature could be 60 degrees colder than today's high! 60 degrees than what I am calling today a "warm" day. Eeeks! Can that be true? Close your eyes, tap your heals together 3 times, and repeat after me..."there's no place like home! No place like home! No place like...."

Mike wake up, it's time to get going to the airport! "Wow, Auntie 'Em, I had a dream that I was in the middle of the 7th largest city in the country and the temp was 110 degrees. Then suddenly, I was in the wilderness of Alaska, and I was cold!" She smiles at me and blurts out in that bold demeanor, that only a crazed aunt can, and says,  "That's not a dream you idiot, it's real!  You better take your fleece and wear it on your trip, or you might catch a death of pneumonia!"

Do I need to pack my ear muffs & hand warmer too? 

Countdown...4 days until Alaska

Countdown...4 days to Alaska. Although Heidi has been packing for nearly 1 month now, I have officially started putting things in a bag effective today! We are leaving town just in time, as this week the weather forecast here in Arizona is triple digits in the low 100's.  I'm still taking my Columbia Fleece to Alaska, as we will experience a 40 degree colder temperature variation up there. Also making arrangements to see Rob & Jude Johnson while up there.  At this writing, we are expected to meet at Denali and spend a couple of days together. 

Are you sure today is only Monday? My mind keeps wondering into vacation mode!

Memoral Day 2011

Started my Memorial Day Celebration with a United States Armed Forces Dedication titled "Answering the Call to Defend Freedom."  Memorial Day is a day of remembering, honoring and commemorating the men and women who have died in the service to our country.

 Remember that our freedoms have not been granted by the preacher, politician, teacher, protester or news reporter. It comes to us by the sacrifice, dedication, commitment and lives of those who have fought for freedom in our military services!

A great speech from Colonel Jeffrey Weed, Vice-Commander, 56th Fighter Wing, Luke Air Force Base, here in Arizona.  He tied together those who have died in other conflicts with the most recent deaths in Afghanistan of 2 US Soldiers, who were ambushed by an act of terrorism, following a negotiation session on helping the Afghan Government to better provide for their people.

Another moving part of the ceremony was the 21 gun salute and the playing of taps!  It brings a tear to the eye every time.

As you enjoy your holiday today, please take a moment to think of the many who are serving and those have given the supreme sacrifice so that we can live in the land of the free and the home of the brave!

HAVE A HAPPY & SAFE MEMORIAL DAY!

New Technology

So, I think that I have entered the new age of technology.  Well, for me, anyway, it seems new and exciting.  I am now able to video chat with my friends and family.  OK, I know, nothing new to you, right?  Well for me, it is a miracle.  I can now communicate as if we are together in the same room.  Talk, laugh, see what is new with each other and even have a drink together, as if there were no miles between us. 

Now this doesn't take the place of a good 'ole handshake and a hug, but from my perspective, this is as close to being there as you can get today.  Maybe the next thing will be a virtual computer room where we can program, say, dinner out with whoever, have a great time together with a few laughs! 

I had my first video chat the other day was with my buddy Doug.  He is one of my best friends since 7th grade.  I was getting ready to go to work, he was at home for lunch (a 3 hour time zone difference).  Got caught up on the lastest in my former hometown and what was going on in his life.   Clear as a bell, none of that time delay or shakey video from my past.  A high definition experience, almost like being there!

Then there was my chat with my nephew, who is half a world apart in Russia, teaching at a Christian Resource Center in Siebera.  ...NO, he gave up a perfectly great job at the University of Michigan to do this, believe it or not!  ...Anyway, we spoke for a good half hour.  He was getting ready for the day, I was getting ready to go to sleep the night before the day he was already in.  Does that make sense?  In other words, he lives 11 hours in the future!  Technology...and they say a time machine is just for science fiction!

I say let's video chat...who knows what it might bring?  I'm really hoping it brings my kids, grandchildren, more friends and mayby even my 88 year old Dad.  He is getting to know the computer thing, too.  I'm hoping he doesn't view video chat as some kind of complicated science fiction?

AZ Desert

OK...so here is my first attempt to paint a landscape of the Arizona desert.  Not too bad, for a guy who has never taken any painting lessons, if I can say so myself! Now I know why so many people do this, as it is very therapeutic.  Calms your stress and can be a lot of fun, too.
Anyway, for all of you art connoisseurs, don't steal my joy.  Constructive criticism only!!! 

Medical marijuana dispensary opens near Catholic Church and school. Should this be illegal?

OK...have the City Fathers (and Mothers) of Owosso, Michigan lost their minds, or lost their will? Or, has political correctness contaminated the gene pool? Now, come on, a marijuana dispensary directly across the street from a school? And, what about "drug free" zones? Hey, we could not place an establishment that sells alcohol of any kind here, nor a dirty book store, or a gentlemen's club there. So, can anyone give any good reason why a marijuuana dispensary should not come in question in that location? This seems like a black and white issue to me. and the answer is that the City of Owosso, Michigan should find a different location on their zoning map to place this, and preferably not next to a school, church or residential district. Shut it down now! End of the report. Come on guys ( and gals of the city council), think about it, you might end up on the right side of an issue for a change! Medical marijuana dispensary opens near Catholic Church and school. Should this be illegal?: "A medical marijuana dispensary moves in across the street from a Catholic Church and school in Owosso."

A Week to Remember

February 26, 2011

Phoenix, AZ

This past week has been a delightful one.  At my age, many of us are not able to spend quality time with our elderly parents.  Many parents of my generation are confined to nursing homes, mentally and or physically disabled, or have long passed the surely bounds of Earth.  I am a lucky man indeed…as my Dad, at 88 years young, is taking in life almost as fast as it can dish it out. 

Although a bit slower in his step, he is still able to carry on an intelligent conversation about almost anything.  Politics, business, the world around him, good food and drink are all fair game as topics of discussion.  Best if done with a drink in hand; and his favorite drink is a Manhattan made with Canadian Mist, Southern Comfort, triple sec, sweet vermouth on ice with a dash of bitters.  No cherry needed!  He even still has all his natural teeth to eat a nice grilled steak.  Nothing puréed for my Dad to digest! 

Our week included a trip on the Phoenix Light Rail to Tempe, the home of Arizona State University.  The light rail allowed Dad to see how Phoenix has expanded from the days in the 1960’s when he would travel here to visit customers who were making swamp coolers.  Back then, he ran the Redmond Electric Motor Company, and this was “swamp cooler heaven”!  Several manufacturers for a growing hot dry climate.  Back then, Phoenix was nothing more than a cow town of about 40,000 residents.  A far cry from our current status as the 5^th largest market in the country! 

The Arizona Biltmore, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and the Wrigley Mansion were two points of interest to Dad.  Both are filled with history of the past and hope for the future.  With spectacular views and lush surroundings it was the perfect place to reflect and dream. 

We also had the chance to see the Del Webb museum.  Del Webb is the man who built it, and they came!  In the early 1960’s he bought some cotton fields 30 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix.  Back then, with only a 2 lane highway to get out there (US-60 the highway between Phoenix and Las Vegas), Del Webb built the original Sun City.  He convinced older citizens to leave their families behind to live an affordable and active life in the “Valley of the Sun”.  Never shovel snow again and drive your own golf cart to your country club, play as much golf as you can stand, and provide a club for nearly any hobby or activitiy you can think of.  Wow, what a life…and we are living it!

Dad and I even went on a day trip to Sedona.  Found the lot he almost purchased for a retirement home on the first country club in Sedona.  My parents were going to spend their later years with their good friends Don & Mary McCarthy.  Don retired as the Marketing Manager of Stroh’s Beer in Detroit and sadly both have passed, as has my Mom.  But for my Dad it was good for him to see what the neighborhood has become.  He remembered Sedona as the tiny villiage nestled in the magnificent towering red rock cliffs and mountains of Arizona where every turn is breath taking. 

 A great week…one filled with great moments and a lifetime of memories.  My only wish is that my Dad will return soon.  How about next month Dad?  I still have some Manhattan fixin’s left over we need to finish!