quidni pro quo

COMPLACENCY

2011-05-24T22:46:00.001-06:00

(I was looking through my files for something else and came across this bit of doggerel that I wrote some years ago. I'd filed it away and forgot about it, but I still agree with it.)

"Man's Inhumanity...." is truth; oh, hear! And share the blame
For Justice limps with blunted sword, and cowards steal her name.
Our children's children bear the brunt, as villains flaunt their shame.

"We care not for the Public Mood; The Public has no sense
And needs us to look out for them and see to their defense."
So "Public Servants" justify their legal violence.

Slow erosion takes our rights, injustice takes our wealth
Innocents are murdered in the name of Public Health
And burglars could take lessons from the bureaucrats in stealth.

"What Country is this in?" you ask, and "Does the U.N. know?"
"Our President should look into that Country's tale of woe."
"How horrifying, when the State becomes the People's Foe!"

Our brethren turn with hunted eyes to Freedom's Torch, now charred.
We shake our heads in disbelief; "Not In My Own Backyard!"
But the truth is that WE are the ones who left the gate unbarred.

Ignorance is NEVER bliss. And the Vote is not a Right
But a Duty that we owe ourselves, who stand in Freedom's fight
With our Ballot and our Labor and our Love, against the night.

written June 13, 1997

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Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T16:53:00.000-06:00

Patriot Humor

2011-05-03T23:15:00.000-06:00

Bravo, Brandon Mississippi!

2011-04-25T22:15:00.000-06:00

Brandon, Mississippi will go down in history as the town where the Westboro Baptist Church met its match.

On Saturday USMC Staff Sgt. Jason Rogers, who was killed in action in Afghanistan April 7, was buried in Brandon, Mississippi. That, by itself, is a sadly unremarkable – though certainly noteworthy and solemn – occasion to mark.

What is most notable about Sgt. Rogers’ funeral in Brandon, however, is what didn’t happen.

You see, Westboro Baptist Church had threatened to spew their poison at Sgt. Rogers’ funeral.

But the Westboro mob wasn’t on the scene, and Sgt. Rogers was laid to rest without incident – thank God.

Why weren’t there protestors?

Planning ahead by the locals, as it turns out.

Check the link above to read the story from the www.ihatethemedia.com website. Original article that IHTM quoted from at thehayride.com also available.

Warms my heart, it does.

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Who is He?

2011-04-24T00:15:00.001-06:00

"I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: 'I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept His claim to be God.' That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic -- on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg -- or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to." --British author C.S. Lewis (1898-1963)

"I still can't help wondering how we can explain away what to me is the greatest miracle of all and which is recorded in history. No one denies there was such a man, that he lived and that he was put to death by crucifixion. Where ... is the miracle I spoke of? Well consider this and let your imagination translate the story into our own time -- possibly to your own home town. A young man whose father is a carpenter grows up working in his father's shop. One day he puts down his tools and walks out of his father's shop. He starts preaching on street corners and in the nearby countryside, walking from place to place, preaching all the while, even though he is not an ordained minister. He never gets farther than an area perhaps 100 miles wide at the most. He does this for three years. Then he is arrested, tried and convicted. There is no court of appeal, so he is executed at age 33 along with two common thieves. Those in charge of his execution roll dice to see who gets his clothing -- the only possessions he has. His family cannot afford a burial place for him so he is interred in a borrowed tomb. End of story? No, this uneducated, property-less young man has, for 2,000 years, had a greater effect on the world than all the rulers, kings, emperors; all the conquerors, generals and admirals, all the scholars, scientists and philosophers who have ever lived -- all of them put together. How do we explain that -- unless He really was what He said He was?" --President Ronald Reagan (1911-2004)

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A quote from C.S. Lewis

2011-04-24T00:08:00.001-06:00

Solomon was right; there is nothing new under the sun.

2011-03-30T19:23:00.000-06:00

"... a dangerous ambition more often lurks behind the specious mask of zeal for the rights of the people than under the forbidden appearance of zeal for the firmness and efficiency of government. History will teach us that the former has been found a much more certain road to the introduction of despotism than the latter, and that of those men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people; commencing demagogues, and ending tyrants."

Publius, The Federalist Papers #1, Oct 1787

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When all else fails (continued)

2010-08-08T23:31:00.000-06:00

Previous post reminded me of this little incident, when I was at Annual Training with the State Guard this past June.

I kept my HT Yaesu radio clipped onto the shoulder strap of my camelback, all through AT; it's not against regulations or "out of uniform" to have it with me so I tend to keep it handy 24/7.

I had just walked out of the chow hall on Saturday evening. An officer from one of the other units stopped me with a scowl on his face and asked, "Soldier, why do you have to carry that radio with you everywhere?"

I replied, "I don't have to, Sir."

He countered, "Well, why do you carry it then?"

"Because, Sir, when all else fails... Ham radio."

He gave me a long, hard stare, then shook his head and turned back to his group with a muttered, "Damn! I've got to get me one of those."

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Because when all else fails....

2010-08-07T23:53:00.000-06:00

... ham radio!
Note: the following phone conversation is not verbatim, but it's pretty close. Heh.

Hey, Son, you busy this afternoon?
- No, I'm bored.
Well, you want to come down and help me finish installing a couple radios in the truck? Doug helped me get the power cable through the firewall but I "get to" do the rest myself.
- You're replacing the radio in the truck?
No, I'm not replacing the "stereo." I'm adding a couple radios. Communications. Got them from Doug.
- Ah. THAT kind of radio. Whatcha got?
Multi-band ham radio and basic 40-channel CB.
- Kewl. What tools should I bring?
I dunno. I've never done this before!
- Gotcha. Leatherman and a roll of electrical tape should handle it; you've probably got everything else already.
Hmmmm...... Judging by the change in background noise, you're already in your car, aren't you?
- Yep...(LOL) I need to get gas first, so look for me in about an hour.

It was a FUN and interesting afternoon, as my first plan for where to install the radios wasn't workable. (They didn't fit where I thought they'd fit....) Finally got something figured out with good working (temporary) installations that will probably be modified over time, and the little truck now has not one, not two, but three antennas. The original AM-FM antenna has been joined by a pair of three-foot-tall antennas on the roof. The antenna for the ham radio will be replaced eventually, as it was originally paired with a different radio and isn't optimal for the current unit... but it will do until I find what I really want.

There is no way I'm gonna be able to take this truck through a fast-food drive-thru any more. Their roof overhangs are too low, and the CB antenna won't flex. It will be a lot easier to find in a crowded parking lot, though!

I've got RADIO!!!

And unarguably the best son in the world!

73!

It's about time

2010-07-14T22:10:00.000-06:00

Statement by Texas Gov. Rick Perry on Attorney General’s Amicus Brief in U.S. v. State of Arizona Case

Wednesday, July 14, 2010 | Austin, Texas

Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement regarding Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s amicus brief in the U.S. v. State of Arizona case:

“All Americans should support today’s actions by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and other state attorneys general in their efforts to uphold the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the right of states to provide for the public safety and security of their citizens.

“The federal government has failed to secure our borders as drug activity and murder rates soar in many border communities. States are left with no choice. Until the federal government secures the border, I expect more states to legislate in an effort to protect their citizens.

“Regardless of anyone’s feelings on the Arizona law, we must protect the 10th Amendment and right of states to legislate public safety to keep families and communities secure. I join Texas Attorney General Abbott in opposing the Obama Administration’s effort to undermine the right of states to protect their citizens and govern themselves.”

Thank you for catching up with us, Mr. Perry.

I've said it before...

2010-07-13T23:54:00.000-06:00

If you have the same problem with different people, maybe they're not the problem.

Drug cartels threaten to kill a US Border Patrol agent over Independence Day Weekend

2010-07-03T19:50:00.001-06:00

According to reliable sources at the U.S. Border Patrol, a new threat has been issued by the Mexican drug cartels to kill an agent along the southern border sometime over the 4th of July weekend.

The killing would be in retaliation for the shooting of an alleged teenage human smuggler at the Texas border in June. The Border Patrol agent, who was being attacked with numerous rocks, shot at his attackers in self-defense and has been taken off front-line duty; however the Border Patrol agency is standing by the well-revered agent.

The teen that was killed had suspected ties to the local drug cartels and it appears the cartel bosses want revenge.

Aaannd... in so doing, they have de facto declared that the "suspected ties" and "allegations" are indeed true. Our agent was being attacked by criminals. He defended himself with the means legally and practically available to him. His defense was more effective than their offense, which is, of course, the idea behind defense in the first place.

I believe "Stand Your Ground" and "Castle Doctrine" laws and policies should apply to one's Country, as well as one's personal property. Patrick Henry, Benjamin Franklin, and our Founding Fathers had it right.

(photo: BP Agent Robert Rosas' memorial. He was executed yards from the border fence nearly a year ago.)
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Alex

2010-07-03T19:24:00.000-06:00

No deployment this time. But we're on stand-by/ready until hurricane season is officially over in November....

73

TS Alex

2010-06-28T20:12:00.001-06:00

On alert. TS Alex is expected to become Hurricane Alex sometime tomorrow. Depending on its direction, may be deploying. Prayers coveted for those in the storm's path.

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Be a Volunteer Weather Spotter

2010-06-20T23:52:00.000-06:00

SKYWARN® storm spotters are part of the ranks of citizens who form the Nation's first line of defense against severe weather. There can be no finer reward than to know that their efforts have given communities the precious gift of time--seconds and minutes that can help save lives.

NWS encourages anyone with an interest in public service and access to communication, such HAM radio, to join the SKYWARN® program. Volunteers include police and fire personnel, dispatchers, EMS workers, public utility workers and other concerned private citizens. Individuals affiliated with hospitals, schools, churches, nursing homes or who have a responsibility for protecting others are also encouraged to become a spotter.

Click the link above for more information, including how to contact the coordinator in your region.

The training class is free; I took it this past Friday at the K5WPH clubhouse in El Paso, and signed on.

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Honor From Our Fathers

2010-06-20T22:22:00.001-06:00

by Doctor Zero

My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: he believed in me.
- Jim Valvano

Honor is essential to the maintenance of a free society. We learn about honor from our fathers.

When the duties of fatherhood are widely dismissed, or rendered poorly, our understanding of honor is diluted… and freedom soon begins to wither.

This is not to belittle the importance of mothers. Many single mothers do a spectacular job of providing their children with an understanding of personal honor. We can respect and celebrate the achievements of extraordinary individuals, without blinding ourselves to the effect of broad trends upon vast populations. Both fathers and mothers are uniquely important. Our society is suffering from a pronounced deficit of fatherhood.

There are many ways to define honor. I suggest viewing it as an expression of faith, in both yourself and others. An honorable man or woman displays honesty and integrity because they believe others deserve such treatment. It is a sign of faith in other people that we deal honorably with them, and presume they will do the same, unless they prove otherwise. Honor is also a gesture of respect we offer to ourselves, because we have faith that we can succeed without deceit and savagery. If you truly respect yourself, you believe you can win without cheating.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Go to the link above and read the entire post. This'n is a keeper. My favorite quote:
"Honorable people carry their freedom with dignity. They understand the difference between charity and dependence."

73

That time of year again....

2010-06-06T23:44:00.000-06:00

Got the oil changed, the tires rotated and balanced... the little truck is ready for AT next week. Now I just need to finish getting myself ready, & make sure I don't forget to pick up the SSG who's going to be riding with me.

Poor husband & dog will have to figure out how to get along without me for a few days.

Word is, the experts are predicting an "active hurricane season" so we may be busy later on this year. Last year was negligible, storm wise, which is good as it gives those who live in the affected areas a bit of a breather. We should find out more at AT.
73

Shock - Arrested Gaza Flotilla “Peace Activists” Are Al-Qaeda Members

2010-06-01T23:45:00.001-06:00

Hat tip to Infidels Are Cool for the link:

What a shock. A majority of the arrested “peace activists” who brutally attacked with pipes, metal rods. chairs and knives are linked to terror groups including Al-Qaeda. Several are members of the Muslim Brotherhood. The activists include Turks, Yemenites and Indonesians. And, many of the arrested “peace” fanatics have no identification papers.

Click here to read the entire article.

Is anyone surprised?

And is anyone surprised that BHO, contrary to the USA's historical support of Israel, is supporting the flotilla, or that the LSM is only reporting one side of the conflict?

Remember November. And may God help us all.

Medical registry ignores benefits of responsible gun ownership

2010-06-01T20:35:00.001-06:00

Snippet of article by David Codrea:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Unsurprisingly:

Most victims of gun violence, it turns out, are uninsured, and so academic medical centers...end up spending far more to treat victims than they can ever expect to be repaid.

...Gun violence is...an ailment related quite specifically to such factors as gang violence, domestic and substance abuse, mental illness and accidents that occur just about every day...

"An ailment." Yeah, I got a bad case of the drive-bys flaring up again and the crack's not helping...

The editorial conclusion?

Gun owners can and must do better.

You know, by accepting more "gun control." And note the imperative "must."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Read the rest of the article at the link.
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Soda Bottle Bombs

2010-05-31T15:13:00.001-06:00

Heads up. If it's happening in Michigan, it can happen anywhere. Forwarded to me by a source I trust, and confirmed by Snopes. There's a video on the Snopes page showing one of these bottles exploding.

Police warn of pop bottle bombs left in yards in York township
snopes.com: Bottle Bombs

Pass it on.
73

Memorial Day 2010

2010-05-31T01:04:00.001-06:00

"[L]et us make a vow to our dead. Let us show them by our actions that we understand what they died for. Strengthened by their courage, heartened by their valor, and borne by their memory, let us continue to stand for the ideals for which they lived and died." --Ronald Reagan at Pointe du Hoc, 1984
73

Dear Diary,

2010-05-29T19:37:00.001-06:00

Got home after work on Thursday & decided it was time to wash the bike. Changed my clothes, pulled the gray bike out of the garage, and set to work.

An hour later I had a very clean, sparkly shiny black and chrome motorcycle sitting in the driveway, and no time left to ride that evening. Showered, enjoyed the K5WPH Multiplex net, went to bed.

Friday evening I took a brief ride out to a friend's house and decided the Harley boots I'd gotten for riding weren't fit for riding... that style might work for someone with larger feet but the height and placement of the heel was too uncomfortable for me for shifting and braking. If I had the heel behind the peg I could barely reach the lever; if the heel was on the peg my toes were higher than was comfortable & I had to bend my ankle more to move the lever. My legs were cramping by the time I got home again. How do some gals manage to ride in high heels???

Today I got up early and rode the bike into town for an oil/filter change (I wore my old riding boots this time), and found a new pair of summer-weight riding gloves in the shop as a bonus. Mechanic said I should easily get another 2k-3k miles from the current tires before I need to start thinking about replacing them.

After the oil change I rode a few blocks over to one of the local gun stores to pick up a couple more "party favors" - i.e personal OC spray canisters. I seem to have this tendency to give mine away when I run into female acquaintances who for whatever reason can't or won't pursue a CHL. I got 2 this time, so I have a backup just in case.

Not a very exciting day, but I got to ride the bike and so it's a good day in my book.
73

Bordering on Insanity....

2010-05-11T22:30:00.001-06:00

Bordering on Insanity

If you cross the North Korean border illegally you get 12 years hard labor.

If you cross the Iranian border illegally you are detained indefinitely.

If you cross the Afghan border illegally, you get shot.

If you cross the Saudi Arabian border illegally you will be jailed.

If you cross the Chinese border illegally you may never be heard from again.

If you cross the Venezuelan border illegally you will be branded a spy and your fate will be sealed.

If you cross the Cuban border illegally you will be thrown into political prison to rot.

If you cross the U.S. border illegally you get:

a job,
a drivers license,
social security card,
welfare,
food stamps,
credit cards,
subsidized rent or a loan to buy a house,
free education,
free health care,
a lobbyist in washington
billions of dollars worth of public documents printed in your language
the right to carry your country's flag while you protest that you don't get enough respect
and, in many instances, you can vote.

(by way of The Patriot Post, link in the title above.)
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A Carefully Crafted Immigration Law in Arizona

2010-04-27T19:08:00.001-06:00

by Byron York

April 26, 2010

"...The law requires police to check with federal authorities on a person's immigration status, if officers have stopped that person for some legitimate reason and come to suspect that he or she might be in the U.S. illegally. The heart of the law is this provision: "For any lawful contact made by a law enforcement official or a law enforcement agency…where reasonable suspicion exists that the person is an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States, a reasonable attempt shall be made, when practicable, to determine the immigration status of the person…"

Critics have focused on the term "reasonable suspicion" to suggest that the law would give police the power to pick anyone out of a crowd for any reason and force them to prove they are in the U.S. legally. Some foresee mass civil rights violations targeting Hispanics.

What fewer people have noticed is the phrase "lawful contact," which defines what must be going on before police even think about checking immigration status. "That means the officer is already engaged in some detention of an individual because he's violated some other law," says Kris Kobach, a University of Missouri Kansas City Law School professor who helped draft the measure..."

The article asks a valid question: Has anyone actually read the law?

Read the rest of the article at the link in the title.
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Arizona's Senate Bill 1070 - signed!

2010-04-23T19:33:00.001-06:00

Bravo, Arizona! Bravo, Gov. Brewer! Hold firm!

You can download a PDF of the complete bill at the link in the title.

I've read it through. And I see nowhere in the bill that anyone's civil rights are being violated or even compromised. Also, it looks like AZ has carefully worded this bill to work with all Federal laws and enforcement. There is NO mention of race, ethnicity, or nation of origin.

Read it for yourself.
73

Best laid plans... agley, again.

2010-04-22T22:02:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm mildly disappointed... The Mesilla Valley Amateur Radio Club is having their annual HamFest / BeanFeed this weekend, and I'd understood that it was going to be Saturday. I'd had plans to drive up, & the son was tempted to join me as he'd lucked out with a Saturday off this week.

Nope - it's Sunday morning. I'm not sure now that I'll be able to attend.

On the bright side, I'm less likely to spend money on more radio equipment if I'm not there.

Which is good, as we're paying a bit more to the plumber than I'd anticipated....
73

And the door slowly creaks open on rusty hinges...

2010-04-21T21:31:00.004-06:00

Whew.

Too long. Waaay too long since I updated here. There's been a lot happen in the last year, including a few immediate & extended family crises that we're still re-grouping & recovering from.

Most of my online posting has been through Facebook, using it to keep in touch just with family and friends I don't get to see very often.

Haven't had a whole lot to say, otherwise, about what's going on in the world that isn't already being said by folks a lot more erudite & analytical than I.

Oh - and I didn't vote for O.

And I love tea.
73

Goodnight, Maille

2009-01-13T19:19:00.004-07:00

For the first time in 29 years, I am officially pet-less.

I've had a pet of one kind or another, and often more than one, continually since we were married.

We're still feeding two semi-feral cats, but if they truly belonged to anyone it was to Maille, aka The Wag of Mass Destruction. She was the dog who worried when I had a sick ferret. She separated the cats when they started fighting. She got calls to "go outside and play" with the neighbor kids. She was my 50-lb wanna-be lapdog, my pound puppy - the dog that chose me when I wasn't looking for a dog. How she knew that I needed her, I can only credit to God.

I don't know exactly how old she was when we adopted her from Animal Control. We had almost 9 good years with her, watching her muzzle turn greyer every year, the arthritis slowing down her walk but never her Wag.

The house feels lonely now. The cats outside miss her, too.

It's a Boy!

2008-12-24T13:10:00.003-07:00

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ, the Lord."
- Luke 2:11

Merry CHRISTmas!

Ride!

2008-11-27T01:31:00.004-07:00

There may be something good about having a "mid-life crisis" after all.

I know I'm having fun!

I did it

2008-11-16T17:24:00.001-07:00

I passed the MSF BRC this weekend.

Thank You

2008-11-10T21:19:00.003-07:00

Tell a Veteran "Thank You!" now. There will come a time (if it hasn't already) when you'll wish the soldiers you remember on Memorial Day were still around to hear your thanks.

Back...... sort of.

2008-11-02T19:24:00.004-07:00

Too long since my last post.... 8 to 5 work days are finally starting to feel "normal" to me again. I only made it to work 4 days in September. My State Guard unit spent the month in East Texas assisting with Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

Lots of memories from the deployment; many good, and many that I'm still trying to sort out.

And it's been interesting trying to get back into a regular work routine. I'll give that as my "excuse" for not posting.

Who is Sarah Palin?

2008-08-29T20:21:00.003-06:00

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin on the Issues

The more I read, the more optimistic I am about our Nation's chances these next four years.

The fact that a McCain-Palin ticket has one-upped the Dems is a bonus.

Horizon City man to face arson charge in church fire

2008-08-23T11:04:00.002-06:00

EL PASO -- A 29-year-old man has been arrested and accused of setting the fire that burned the Horizon Bible Church last month, Horizon City police said Friday.

Salazar, of the 1500 block of Oppossum Circle, also faces a charge of burglary of habitation, a jail log stated. He remained jailed Friday night; his bonds were set at $22,500.

I gotta wonder.... the suspect is accused of causing at least $100K damage to the church, and has additional charges against him, and his bail is set at only $22500?

My biggest prayer is that this really is the culprit. If he's not, there's someone out there still laughing.

Thanks to the FBI, at least we know now that it wasn't a hate crime.

(I was under the mistaken impression that most crimes of this nature were caused by hatred of something.... )

Warehouse set to process convention arrests

2008-08-16T12:41:00.002-06:00

Individuals arrested at the Democratic National Convention will be processed at an industrial warehouse with chain-link cells topped by razor wire, a facility some have compared to the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay.

It says something* about a political party when they expect so many disruptions from convention attendees, that they feel they need a warehouse to process them all....

Entire article at the link.

*and that something is most definitely not flattering...

This is a test...

2008-08-09T19:49:00.005-06:00

Today's Mallard Fillmore:

The Bard Speaks on Obama

2008-08-06T18:51:00.001-06:00

I don't care who you are, this is art.

Gun goes off in courthouse

2008-08-05T22:23:00.003-06:00

Here's a case where a bit more gun control (i.e. better control of one's grip on the gun) might have been a good idea.

EL PASO -- Two federal law enforcement officers suffered minor gunshot wounds Monday inside El Paso's federal courthouse when one of their weapons fired accidentally, the U.S. Marshals Service said.

In spite of how the article starts, it's actually a fairly even piece. It mentions that there was no panic at the courthouse; it was business as usual. Neither of the two LEOs were seriously injured, and both were released after being treated at a local hospital.

A later article stated that the accident happened when the deputy US Marshall removed his firearm from a locker and attempted to reholster it.

It was also noted that the deputy "will be held responsible for firing the handgun." This is a refreshing difference from "gee, we dunno what made it go off. He just picked it up and it went boom!"

And...

Although Payan couldn't comment on the type of gun the deputy fired, he said deputies are typically issued Glock 40-caliber handguns. The handguns have the safety on the trigger, according to the Arms Site, a Web site about firearms.

Heh. While I don't care for them personally (they don't fit my hand properly), Glocks are good, reliable firearms. Especially as long as one remembers to rely not only on the trigger safety, but also on the Master Safety between one's ears.

Here's hoping to a complete and rapid recovery from a somewhat embarrassing accident. For both LEOs.

This is good

2008-08-05T22:10:00.002-06:00

The local fish-wrapper has a front-page online poll today:

How would you feel if El Paso had more gun permits?
Results out of 2412 responses:
More safe - 1300 votes, 53.89%
Less safe - 901 votes, 37.35%
Not sure - 211 votes, 8.747%

House Republicans are not adjourning

2008-08-03T23:31:00.002-06:00

House Republicans go back on the floor Monday to talk gas prices

Continuing with their guerilla tactics from last week, House Republicans will be back on the floor Monday to talk gas prices, even though Congress is in recess, and they may stay there all week.

More than a dozen Republicans have already committed to make appearances, according to House GOP leadership aide, including National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Tom Cole (Okla.).

The session will not be televised, since C-Span does not control the cameras inside the House chamber. Rather, those come under the purview of Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and the Democrats, and they're unlikely to do anything to help Republicans....

... or the Americans who elected them.

Link and story courtesy of The Crypt.

They Missed Out on a Visit from the Rock Star

2008-08-02T00:06:00.004-06:00

And he wants to be the Commander in Chief....

Lawn Darts is a newcomer to the world of online comics, written by someone who's been there and drawn by someone who understands.

I have stories I would like to tell. Not so much really for the audience base, or such as that. More so for me. I want to tell them, so they aren’t forgotten, even if I’m the only one who really remembers. Some of these are stories of people I’m never going to see again. But they made a difference, they made me laugh, and they deserve to be remembered. - Justin

Worth following.

Midnight, last night

2008-07-30T18:56:00.004-06:00

It's a scary thing to be suddenly awakened from a sound sleep by the smell of smoke. Realizing that the faint haze in the moonlit room isn't a lack of focus from bleary eyes, but is very real.

Wood fires and trash fires smell a bit like that.... so do structure fires. I woke the husband and we checked our home thoroughly - even though by then it was obvious the haze and stench were coming from somewhere outside.

We went outside and checked the immediate neighbors' homes. No sign of flames. Our roof was clear as well. But the haze covered the entire neighborhood. And then, the sound of sirens.... passing within a block of our home, and stopping almost immediately.

The chapel a few blocks over was on fire. It was brought under control fairly quickly, and didn't spread to any surrounding structures. Even so, damage was pretty extensive, and arson is strongly suspected. I drove past on the way home after work, and the entire area is still taped off as the investigation continues... it will take a while to clean up and rebuild, if the congregation chooses to do so.

It took us a while to get back to sleep. Some years ago, our own church building across town was hit by an arsonist. We've lived through this, and the adrenaline reaction to this fire took a while to subside. I used last night as an excuse to add a couple more smoke detectors and a 2nd fire extinguisher to our own home.

The most important thing is, no one was hurt or killed. God is good.

The Church is not a building.... it is the hearts and dedication of the people. I hope they understand that, and choose to rebuild.

California 'dodges bullet' as 5.4 earthquake rocks region

2008-07-29T19:30:00.004-06:00

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — A 5.4 magnitude earthquake shook Southern California on Tuesday, spooking millions from Los Angeles to San Diego in a juddering reminder of the region's vulnerability to seismic shocks.

No major injuries or damage were reported following the quake, which struck at 11:42 am (1842 GMT) near the town of Chino Hills, 33 miles (50 kilometers) east of Los Angeles at a depth of 7.6 miles (12 kilometers), the US Geological Survey said.

....

Henry Renteria, the director of California's Office of Emergency Services, said he expected to receive reports of minor damage as the day progressed.

"But luckily, I think we dodged a bullet here, and have not seen any major issues with this event," Renteria told reporters.

While I am VERY glad that damage seems to be minimal for a quake of this magnitude (I do have family in that area), I still find it funny that Renteria chose that particular metaphor. After all, this happened in California.

"Help! even Mother Nature's shooting at us!"

(Actually, though... maybe she's just shooting back?)

Federal Judge Upholds Florida’s NRA-Backed “Guns at Work” Law

2008-07-29T19:23:00.003-06:00

Fairfax, VA—A federal judge handed down a decisive victory for gun owners in Florida yesterday. U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle ruled that state law allowing employees with Right-to-Carry permits to keep a firearm in their private vehicles while at work is constitutional.

Just passing on the good news. Entire article available at the link above.

(Psst... hey, Texas! are you paying attention?)

Hey, Cat

2008-07-17T19:42:00.002-06:00

Cat, if you see this, please contact the Sheriff's department.... if for nothing else so they can let your family and friends know you're OK.

We love you, we're worried about you, and we're praying for you.

Or if you don't want to contact the sheriff, then email me. Or someone. Let us know you're all right.

Please.

Bush lifts executive ban

2008-07-14T19:09:00.002-06:00

...on offshore drilling.

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush lifted an executive order banning offshore oil drilling on Monday and urged Congress to follow suit.

Citing the high prices Americans are paying at the pump, Bush said from the White House Rose Garden that allowing offshore oil drilling is "one of the most important steps we can take" to reduce that burden.

However, the move is largely symbolic as there is also a federal law banning offshore drilling.

"This means that the only thing standing between the American people and these vast oil reserves is action from the U.S. Congress," Bush said.

Link to complete article on CNN above.

h/t to SYLG.

Juárez says crime sites are not for children

2008-07-11T21:29:00.004-06:00

The Juárez police department is asking residents to stop taking children to view the murder scenes that have become a daily occurrence in the troubled city.

Whiskey. Tango. Hotel. In A Handbasket.

The new "entertainment" in Cd. Juarez... some folks are touring the murder scenes. With their kids.

Lord have mercy.

(complete story at the link above.)

Guns may be allowed at Texas colleges

2008-07-07T20:04:00.003-06:00

Texans might soon be able to pack heat on college campuses.

That is just one of several proposals that could reach lawmakers next year as they — and legislators nationwide — explore broadening some gun laws.

“It addresses personal protection,” said state Rep. Joe Driver, R-Garland, who heads the House committee that considers gun bills. “People who do things [like the Virginia Tech shooting] basically know they are walking into a gun-free zone.

“They are cowards ... facing people not allowed to fight back.”

It's a decent article, although not completely factual... for example, this line: Texas law now prohibits guns in places such as government buildings and lets private businesses ban weapons on their property.

Yes, private business can post 30.06 and legally bar the carrying of concealed weapons on their property - if they post exactly as prescribed by law. No problems there... private property rights should be respected. However, such postings are not enforceable at State government offices, unless it's along the lines of a court; one may also not carry on the premises of a school, and there are a few other restrictions. Federal government is a bit different, and has its own guidelines. The article did not differentiate between the two. It said "government buildings" and leaves the reader with the mistaken impression that they're all off-limits.

A professor recently testified on the issue before a legislative committee, saying he is responsible for making sure students get out of the building safely if there’s a fire, tornado or other dangerous situation.

“But he said he’s tasked — if somebody starts shooting students — with hiding under his desk,” Driver said.

Utah is the only state so far to allow weapons at all public universities.

And so far, it looks like Utah has had neither a) gunfights in the dorms, cafeterias or classrooms, nor b) problems with someone coming on campus with the intent of committing suicide-by-cop, and taking others with them.

Pay attention, America. (and you, too, Texas! I'd like to be able to go on campus for various open-to-the-public activities without having to disarm... especially this close to the border.)

Entire article at the link above.

Washington state sued over parolee's crimes

2008-07-05T08:32:00.003-06:00

OLYMPIA -- Washington state is being sued over a rape and murder committed by Michael John Braae, 48, a former country singer known as "Cowboy Mike," while he was on parole.

In a case seeking unspecified damages, survivors of Lori Jones, 44, of Lacey accused the state Corrections Department of disregarding a judge's order to tighten supervision of Braae a year before she was killed.

Entire article available at the link above.

Rape, murder, aggravated assault, eluding an officer... Braae was charged, tried, found guilty, and then placed on parole after serving several years.

The paroling judge, Christine Pomeroy, ordered "community supervision" - but the state Corrections Department instead placed him on the lowest level of supervision, that did NOT require visits with probation officers, disregarding the judge's order.

And now Lori Jones is dead.

I wish her family Godspeed in this lawsuit.

If they won't give up, why should we?

2008-07-02T12:14:00.006-06:00

FORT BRAGG, N.C. - When Capt. Ivan Castro joined the Army, he set goals: to jump out of planes, kick in doors and lead soldiers into combat. He achieved them all. Then the mortar round landed five feet away, blasting away his sight.

"Once you're blind, you have to set new goals," Castro said.

He set them higher.

Not content with just staying in the Army, he is the only blind officer serving in the Special Forces — the small, elite units famed for dropping behind enemy lines on combat missions.

I think Capt. Castro's story is a good one for this Independence Day weekend. Full story at the link above.

h/t to blonde sagacity.

Laughter in God's House

2008-07-01T20:03:00.005-06:00

Our little family church was celebrating the 60th wedding anniversary of one of our couples this past Sunday. At their request, we sang a number of old hymns mixed in with modern worship songs and choruses, and what we didn't have music for we sang a capella. (M & A are an absolutely wonderful couple...we are so blessed to know them.)

Now, I don't claim to have a voice to write home about, but I do love to sing with a group. (my enthusiasm tends to outstrip my ability... so if I can blend in with a group I tend to sing better. ) Unfortunately, a couple of the a capella songs went just a wee bit higher than my comfortable alto range for a few notes, and my voice tends to either go seriously squeaky-flat or seriously quiet under those circumstances. (Trust me, quiet is better...) However, I also noticed than when my voice gave out, that I messed up some of the other singers as well. I apologized several times for flubbing the music.

Then one of the guys commented, "Yeah, when your voice goes out, the whole thing goes out." Someone else agreed, and the first guy explained, "You have a good voice for 'filling in' on the songs when there's no music. It sounds fuller when you sing. When your voice goes out, the whole thing kind of fades."

Filling in? Fuller?

I couldn't help it. I turned to my hubby, pouted my lip out, and said, "Honey, does this song make my voice look fat?"

M & A laughed harder than anyone else....

Conversation

2008-06-28T22:56:00.002-06:00

The son and I were chatting this afternoon, discussing politics, among other topics, and he came up with this gem...

One of the differences between McCain and Obama is, that McCain has constituents.

Obama has groupies.

The 2nd, Affirmed

2008-06-26T20:27:00.003-06:00

Rather than reinvent the wheel, I'm going to send you over to The AnarchAngel to read his well-worded synopsis of the Heller decision.

You can find the entire ruling here.

Now please pardon me while I go do a happy dance....

More embarassing than anything else....

2008-06-25T20:38:00.005-06:00

Sometimes there's stupid, and sometimes there's world-class stupid.

Sunday, I was using a sharp knife to open a stubborn container... you're familiar with those stiff, form-fitted plastic monstrosities that everything from toys to computer accessories seem to be heat-sealed in nowadays? I had to reach and cut a place where the scissors wouldn't fit, hence the knife.

I did say that it was a sharp knife, right?

10 stitches.

Stupid.

But at least I didn't get any blood on the carpet.

Stupid, stupid, stupid......

Bush never lied to us about Iraq

2008-06-25T20:18:00.003-06:00

... Nearly every prominent Democrat in the country has repeated some version of this charge, and the notion that the Bush administration deceived the American people has become the accepted narrative of how we went to war.

Yet in spite of all the accusations of White House "manipulation" -- that it pressured intelligence analysts into connecting Hussein and Al Qaeda and concocted evidence about weapons of mass destruction -- administration critics continually demonstrate an inability to distinguish making claims based on flawed intelligence from knowingly propagating falsehoods.

In 2004, the Senate Intelligence Committee unanimously approved a report acknowledging that it "did not find any evidence that administration officials attempted to coerce, influence or pressure analysts to change their judgments." The following year, the bipartisan Robb-Silberman report similarly found "no indication that the intelligence community distorted the evidence regarding Iraq's weapons of mass destruction."

Entire article available via the Los Angeles Times; click on the post title to read it.

The administration simply got bad intelligence. Critics are wrong to assert deception.

Keep in mind that this was written by James Kirchick, who is an assistant editor of the New Republic.

Mayor Tells Law Dept. to Sue City Council

2008-06-17T18:10:00.003-06:00

DETROIT (AP) - The Detroit Law Department has been told to file a suit in Wayne County Circuit Court to stop a City Council attempt to force Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick from office.

Since when can an elected official tell (not hire, mind you - he's made it an order) lawyers who works for the city to file suit against that city because the city is fed up with his shenanigans?

Makes me wonder exactly who, in that supposed-to-be-impartial department, does the mayor have in his hip pocket? (or, should my question be, "who doesn't work for the mayor instead of the city?")

Anyone remember this song? "Oh, there was a crooked man, and he had a crooked house...."

McCain Says Constitutional Right to Life Applies to Unborn

2008-06-15T14:46:00.002-06:00

At last... While I still, primarily, will be voting against Obama, it won't bother me quite as much that I'll be voting for McCain.

Click the headline above to read the article.

Here's a sheriff who gets it

2008-06-15T14:15:00.003-06:00

The Rev. Jesse Jackson's protests against a Barrington gun manufacturer are costly to taxpayers and his efforts are misdirected, Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran said Saturday.

"I believe that the Reverend Jackson’s efforts could be better utilized than demonstrating in front of a licensed wholesaler of guns," Curran said.

Curran said efforts to stop abortion, address the lack of male role models for young men and reduce sexual promiscuity could do more to affect violence in the streets than protests at a gun manufacturer such as D.S. (Arms).

"Raising children is a difficult job and it is even more difficult when we do not have a certain level of maturity," part of Curran's statement said. "This is a message that needs to be given especially by those that claim to be delivering Gods message."

Read the complete article.

H/T to Of Arms and the Law.

If I Die Before You Wake...

2008-06-06T17:57:00.002-06:00

A song/video by one of our soldiers in Iraq. Click on the post title for the link... definitely worth the couple minutes it takes to listen.

If I die before you wake...

Back home now I know you're probably sleepin'
Over here it's the middle of the day
I finally found the time to write a letter
Sittin' here a half a world away

I heard about all them folks protestin'
As if I really want this war
But that don't stop me from believin'
There's just some things worth fightin' for

CHORUS
And if I die before you wake,
I pray the world will take
A good look at what God's given us
That we could only understand,
everything is in his hands
All we need is a little faith and trust
I want you to know it ain't too high a price to pay
If I die before you wake

Tell everybody that I miss them
And I can't wait to get back home
But until then I'll serve my country
And be proud to wear this uniform

CHORUS
No it ain't too high a price to pay
If I die before you wake

This is just....

2008-06-02T20:22:00.002-06:00

... wrong. Very wrong.

Obama Uses Police Memorial for Porta Potties

PORTLAND, OR – Police officers in Portland, Oregon, are still waiting for an apology from Barack Obama after campaign staffers of his recent rally in Portland, Oregon, setup porta potties directly on top of the Portland Police Memorial, which honors the agency’s 25 fallen police officers.

This photo by Officer Thomas Brennan shows the porta potties setup on the police memorial, with its flag still at half mast.

Click here to read the rest of the article from Police*Link.

And may God help this country....

Lest we forget...

2008-05-25T22:34:00.003-06:00

"War is an ugly thing. But not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." - John Stuart Mill

Feminism is an experiment...

2008-05-24T21:45:00.004-06:00

I know many women are shocked by my views. They expect the daughter of Alice Walker to deliver a very different message. Yes, feminism has undoubtedly given women opportunities. It's helped open the doors for us at schools, universities and in the workplace. But what about the problems it's caused for my contemporaries?

...I don't want to hurt my mother, but I cannot stay silent. I believe feminism is an experiment, and all experiments need to be assessed on their results. Then, when you see huge mistakes have been paid, you need to make alterations.

I hope that my mother and I will be reconciled one day. Tenzin deserves to have a grandmother. But I am just so relieved that my viewpoint is no longer so utterly coloured by my mother's.

I am my own woman and I have discovered what really matters - a happy family.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Read the complete interview on Mail Online.

Hat tip to Dr. Helen.

Updating the Blogroll

2008-05-18T17:50:00.003-06:00

Added three new links to my blogroll:

Reclaim Conservatism
A brand new blog. If the first two posts are any indication of things to come, most definitely worth watching.

Common Folk Using Common Sense
"This ’tis be th’ rantin’ of a stoothearted lad in America o’ Scot ancestry (by way o’ th’ Green Isle), wi’ little care fer th’ mincin’ ‘o words. Interrupt me no’ when I is at me haggis and grits. Impede no’ th’ path t’ me comfy chair nor me wee dram lest ye would be laid aboot th’ heid & shoulders wi’ truncheon stout. I knows th’ moonshine fra’ th’ dew, th’ kudzu fra’ th’ thistle, an’ joost what is worn ‘neath me kilt.
Caveat lector.
A proud descendant of Clan Mac Cullaich.
Brewed in Scotland, bottled in Ulster, and uncorked in America."

Oleg Volk
I've been following his photo-advocacy of the 2nd Amendment for some time. 'Bout time I acknowledged that fact.

Armed Forces Day

2008-05-17T20:18:00.004-06:00

Today was a good day... State Guard spent the day on Fort Bliss, sharing in the post-wide celebration. The post was opened up to the general public for tours, a chili cook-off, demos, and just general good fun and organized mayhem.

Had a number of folks wondering why we wore the Texas State flag on our arms instead of the US flag - so we got to introduce the State Guard to people who hadn't realized before that there was such a thing.

Spoke with Veterans, listened to their stories of service, and of friends present and fallen, shook hands with men and women that I have a profound respect for, and made new friends. Yes, there's competition and rivalry between the various branches of the military - but it's obvious that they still consider themselves all part of the same extended family, and they've got each other's backs when and where it counts.

And I actually did something that I'd never dreamed of doing before in my life - I went off the rappelling tower. For a lot of folks, this is really no big deal, but I've lived with a major fear of heights most of my life. I've only recently discovered that a lot of the vertigo is because of my allergies - falling even a short distance, like on a carnival ride, upsets my balance terribly especially if I'm even slightly congested. So this was a major accomplishment for me - a 45-foot drop, with nothing but a rope between me and disaster. Not even a wall to bounce off of. The Jump Masters were very encouraging - I've got nothing but respect for them and their professionalism, and their sense of humor.

And I was laughing so hard when I reached the ground that I climbed back up the tower and did it again.

HOOAH!

The Concealed Carry Creed

2008-05-16T19:16:00.002-06:00

The Concealed Carry Creed

My weapon is for the protection of my life and the lives of others. That is its sole purpose. It does not confer rights, responsibilities or authority greater than that of other citizens. It merely allows me to protect life.

I will seek never to have to use my weapon. If I can avoid conflict, I will. If I can resolve conflict, I will. If I can escape danger, I will. If I am forced to bring my weapon to bear and use it, I will.

I will acquire superior training with my weapon. It is not the weapon that saves lives, but my effective use of the weapon. I will ensure my training is sound, my knowledge is current, and my mind is prepared.

I will know, understand, and obey all laws and ordinances concerning my weapon no matter where I happen to be. Failure to do so harms all who seek to legally carry an effective means of self protection.

I will know and follow the Four Rules of safe gun handling. I am a member of a growing community that must foster and teach safe and responsible gun handling if the community is to survive.

© Xavier 2008 Used by permission

Send in the puppeteers

2008-05-14T21:40:00.003-06:00

I don't "do" political polls.

What I really want, is a candidate who knows his/her own mind - and speaks it - without changing it to match whatever "public interest topic" is the coup du jour of that campaign stop. This "all things to all voters" doesn't cut it with me. I value consistency. The things one stands for should be the same no matter what the circumstances, or what interest group one is speaking with.

I want to see representatives who tell us what they believe, and hold to be important. I don't want someone who polls us to tell them what they should stand for. (especially since that can change according to whomever they are talking to at the moment.) If a politician's stance closely matches mine, that person has my vote. If it doesn't, they don't. And if their stance changes according to how the wind is blowing that day, I tend to vote against them even if I don't agree completely with their opponent. As I said, I value consistency - I want to know what to expect, good and bad, from the people I help elect.

Because a campaign promise should be more than, as Bill Clinton once said, "just something everyone knows you need to say to get elected."

Swift Resolution

2008-05-01T19:06:00.002-06:00

Apparently, Brandon Robertson decided to save the taxpayers some money.

Trooper shooting suspect committed suicide, possible accomplice apprehended

Suspect in state trooper's killing found dead

AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) -- The man suspected of fatally shooting a state trooper was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Northeast Texas, the Department of Public Safety reported Thursday.

His judgement is in God's hands, now.

And I found out today that Trooper Burns is almost "family" - his sister works for the same agency I do, in a different division. The email went out state-wide today with info on an account that has been set up to aid the family, and date/time on the viewing and services.

Again, may God bless the family, friends and co-workers of Trooper Burns - may they find closure and comfort.

BOLO

2008-04-30T19:35:00.006-06:00

TX DPS seeking suspect in trooper shooting

Manhunt continues for suspect

Law officers today continued an exhaustive manhunt in East Texas for a former law enforcement officer suspected of killing a state trooper at the end of a traffic chase Tuesday night in Marion County.

Brandon Wayne Robertson, 37, is named in a warrant charging him with capital murder.

Robertson was last known to be driving a light blue 1997 Dodge Intrepid with Texas tags 039 LCG, authorities said.

Texas state Trooper Scott Burns, 39, was killed just before 8 p.m. east of Lake O' The Pines after a brief chase that ended at a rural crossroads near the Kellyville community.

*

Authorities said Burns had just pulled over a car when the driver got out with a shotgun and started shooting before the trooper could get out of his car. Residents who heard the police car's siren and then gunshots called 911.

*

Burns had been with the Department of Public Safety for five years. He was married with a five-month-old baby.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Only snippets of the article are given - you can follow the link to read the rest. Click here to see more info and a pic of Trooper Burns. May God bless his wife and baby.

If you see Mr. Robertson or his vehicle, or have any information that might assist in his apprehension, please dial 911 immediately.

Ever had...

2008-04-28T19:14:00.002-06:00

... a customer who asks a question, but never stops talking long enough for you to answer?

Film legend Charlton Heston dead at 84

2008-04-06T08:47:00.002-06:00

LOS ANGELES -- Charlton Heston, who won the 1959 best actor Oscar as the chariot-racing "Ben-Hur" and portrayed Moses, Michelangelo, El Cid and other heroic figures in movie epics of the '50s and '60s, has died. He was 84.

Read the entire article at the link above.... I especially appreciate this snippet:

The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1994 at a party with Hollywood and political friends. They had been married 64 years when he died.

Actor, activist, and a man who honored his commitments. What's not to respect?

God speed, and God bless, Mr. Heston. We'll miss you.

Businesses may not usurp constitutional rights

2008-04-02T22:04:00.003-06:00

Excerpts:

"The right to keep and bear arms is clearly protected by both the U.S. Constitution and the Florida Constitution. "Bear" means transport and "keep" means you can take it with you. Further, the Florida Constitution specifically makes it clear that the right to keep and bear arms for self-defense is pre-eminent."

"Expecting armed robbers and other "uninvited guests" to obey a "gun free zone" is idiocy. Criminals don't obey the law — that's what makes them criminals.

Let's be clear. NRA believes in private property rights, but corporate property interests don't override the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. Owning property doesn't make one an emperor.

After all, civil rights laws, zoning laws, safety inspections and fire codes all supersede property rights. Workers should not have to choose between protecting themselves and following a thoughtless workplace policy."

~~~~~~

Read the entire article on Tallahassee.com.

Today at the office....

2008-03-31T19:34:00.005-06:00

Young Mom with rambunctious toddler boy: Honey, sit still and pay attention so that she (and here she pointed to me) can give you some candy when we're done.

Me: No, Ma'am, I don't have any candy at my desk. Please don't tell him that.

YMWRTB: I know you don't, but I'm trying to get him to listen and calm down.

Me: (fuming)

It's no wonder this kid didn't listen to his mom... he probably knew from experience that she was lying.

Fitna

2008-03-29T21:59:00.002-06:00

FITNA available on YouTube

This is the one I watched, with English subtitles.

Don't let this get swept under the rug, folks.

He is risen!

2008-03-23T13:48:00.001-06:00

Death and darkness, get you packing,
Nothing now to man is lacking,
All your triumphs now are ended,
And what Adam marred, is mended.
- Henry Vaughn

"Atomic" is just a different way of saying "gotcha!"

2008-03-10T21:11:00.003-06:00

I dislike the time change. Both of them.

Before I continue, let me mention that I live in the Mountain Time Zone.

A couple months ago, I purchased a travel-size "atomic clock" - one that sets itself based on transmissions it picks up, so is always accurate, and that allows you to change the time zone you're in without having to mess with changing the time.

Saturday evening, I tried to set the clock ahead an hour but couldn't remember the magic combination of buttons. Based on feedback from other folks, I knew the clock would advance itself anyway but that it could take a few hours, or a few days. So, I left it alone & used my phone as the alarm for Sunday morning.

Sunday evening, the clock still hadn't reset and I wanted to make doubly sure that I'd wake up in time for work on Monday. So, thinking how terribly clever I was, I told the clock to display Central Time - an hour ahead of us on Mountain Time. Voila.

Woke up this morning to the clock beeping at the appointed time, 05:00 Central. Hit the snooze and wondered why the backup alarm on my phone wasn't also going off.

Let the snooze cycle again, then got up - and was completely awake before realizing that yes, the clock really had beeped at 05:00 Central. It was just after 04:00 Mountain. The blasted clock had finished resetting itself during the night.

And my body is still set on the fall clock... so effectively my brain is telling me I've been awake since 03:00!

That little clock almost had flying lessons. In the dark. With no landing lights.

Next time change, I use the back-up alarm exclusively until I'm sure the Atomic Wonder has properly reset itself.

Did I mention I dislike the time change?

West Texas Oil Refinery Explodes, Injures 5 People

2008-02-18T17:16:00.004-07:00

Monday, February 18, 2008
Associated Press

BIG SPRING, Texas — An explosion rocked an oil refinery Monday in a violent blast that shook buildings miles away and injured at least five people, officials said.

All workers were accounted for about an hour after the explosion, said Blake Lewis, spokesman for refinery owner Alon USA.

Lewis said one worker was injured, but Big Spring Mayor Russ McEwen, speaking at a news conference later, said four were hurt. McEwen said one of the workers was sent to a burn unit.

The blast sent black smoke billowing into the sky, closed schools, shut down an interstate and left residents rattled.

The fire sparked by the blast was under control Monday morning, Lewis said. The Dallas-based company does not know what caused the explosion, he said.

~~~~
More details and photos at the above link; CNN and others also have write-ups.

Cosden Refinery, now known as the Alon-USA Refinery, is Israeli-owned. And Big Spring is a fine, close-knit community. There's a lot of support in the region for the refinery and the jobs it provides.

I'm going to be curious to see what comes out in the investigation - whether this was an accident, or deliberately caused, especially considering the threat made by Hezbollah just about a week ago against "Israeli holdings in foreign lands."

I'm very glad that so few people were seriously injured, and so far that there seem to be no fatalities.

Now I'm going to be impatiently drumming my fingers on the desk, waiting for further details.

snerk

2008-02-02T12:51:00.000-07:00

Women teach suspects a very hard lesson

2008-02-01T22:06:00.000-07:00

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo (AP) -- It looks like a couple of suburban St. Louis purse snatchers picked the wrong women to attack. The victims fought back - with a snow shovel.

Police in Maryland Heights released details of the Sunday incident outside a Schnucks grocery store. The women were unloading groceries when the thieves tried to steal two purses from their cart.

One of the women grabbed a shovel from the suspects' pickup and smacked one of the men upside the head. The other woman jumped into the cab and attacked the other suspect, then grabbed the keys so he couldn't drive away.

Police tracked the men to a hotel. The man struck with the shovel required staples to close the gash in his head.

Both are jailed and charged with robbery.

--- Information from: KMOV-TV, http://www.kmov.com

~~~~~~

To borrow an expression, *gigglesnort*

The best bathroom graffiti ever!

2008-01-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

(Seen on the wall of the ladies' bathroom at The Chaos Cafe, in Artesia, New Mexico. The food was pretty good, too!)

Whiskey. Tango. Hotel...?

2008-01-26T15:11:00.000-07:00

Driver who killed teen sues for damage
By Harold Heckle
Associated Press Writer

MADRID, Spain -- A speeding motorist who killed a teenage cyclist is suing the boy's parents over damage to his luxury car, the government says.

Enaitz Iriondo, 17, died instantly in August 2004 when businessman Tomas Delgado's Audi A8 crashed into him at 100 mph near Haro in northern Spain, an Interior Ministry traffic report said. The speed limit was 55 mph.

Iriondo was not wearing reflective clothing or a helmet, the ministry report said. As the sun had set when he crossed the path of Delgado's car from a side road, a regional court found both parties at fault and closed the case, the report said.

Delgado, whose insurance company paid Iriondo's parents $48,500 in compensation for their son's life, filed a suit in late 2006 to recover $29,400 in damages to his car and car rental costs, the ministry traffic report said.

"It's the only way I have to claim my money back," Delgado was quoted as saying by the newspaper El Pais, which first reported the story on Friday. El Pais said a ruling was expected next week.

Iriondo's parents were shocked.

"It's the final straw, a stab in the back," Iriondo's mother, Rosa Trinidad said, according to El Pais. "Before the lawsuit we thought the poor guy would find it hard to live the rest of his life with the thought of having caused our son's death."

The European Union's statistics office says Spain recorded 113 traffic fatalities per million inhabitants in 2004. The average for the 25-nation bloc was 95. In 2006, 3,016 people died on Spain's roads.

UPDATE - Mexican officials arrest man in border agent death

2008-01-23T18:27:00.000-07:00

By E. Eduardo Castillo / Associated Press

MEXICO CITY -- Mexican authorities said Wednesday they had arrested a man in northern Mexico in the weekend killing of U.S. Border Patrol agent Luis Aguilar.

Jesus Navarro Montes, 22, was arrested in the northern state of Sonora on Wednesday, said a spokesman for Mexico's federal Attorney General's office who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with department policy.

Navarro was transported to the city of Mexicali in Baja California after he told Mexican authorities he ran over Aguilar on Saturday, the spokesman said.

Aguilar was trying to stop a suspected smuggler who had illegally entered the country from Mexico when he was hit by the vehicle, according to Agent Michael Bernacke, a spokesman for the agency's Yuma sector.

The incident happened in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area about 20 miles west of Yuma on Saturday.

~~~~~
Now let's see whether he'll actually be tried....

~~~~~
Edited to add:
Word is, Navarro probably turned himself in for extradition. US jails are safer in this situation than a Mexican jail would be. Seems the cartels don't like it when one of their runners "stirs up the hornet's nest" like this, & authorities wouldn't have been surprised to find just a burnt out Hummer with what was left of a body in it.

Agent, El Paso native killed

2008-01-21T22:28:00.000-07:00

By Stephanie Sanchez / El Paso Times

A Border Patrol agent struck and killed by a vehicle being driven by a suspected drug smuggler Saturday near Yuma, Ariz., was identified Sunday as an El Pasoan who graduated from El Paso High School.

Senior Patrol Agent Luis Aguilar Jr., 32, was killed when he attempted to stop a suspected smuggler who had illegally entered the country from Mexico, said Michael Bernacke, a spokesman for the agency's Yuma sector.

Bernacke said Aguilar was trying to place spike strips in the path of a Hummer and a Ford pickup on Interstate 8 when the vehicle driven by the suspected smuggler hit and killed Aguilar. The death occurred about 9 a.m. Saturday near the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, which is in southeastern California about 20 miles west of Yuma.

Officials said both vehicles fled into Mexico.

The FBI is leading the investigation, along with other federal, state and local authorities.

Bernacke said Mexican authorities also have been contacted and that they are aiding the search for the suspects.

According to the Customs and Border Protection Web site, Aguilar is the first agent to be killed by smuggling suspects in several years. Most other agents killed in the line of duty died in crashes or drownings.

Luis "Louie" Aguilar Sr., a 41st District Court bailiff, who is a candidate for Precinct 4 constable, said his son, Luis Jr., played baseball and wrestled at El Paso High School.

He said his son graduated from the school but he said he would not comment further because he was ordered by Border Patrol agents to not speak to the media about his son's life.

Luis Aguilar Jr. lived in Yuma with his wife and two children.

Bernacke said Luis Aguilar Jr. began his career in the Yuma sector six years ago.

"Today we mourn the loss of one of our own," Border Patrol Chief David Aguilar said in a statement. "This serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers our agents face every day while securing our nation's border and our way of life."

The Imperial Sand Dunes is popular with off-road vehicle enthusiasts but is also frequently used by smugglers trying to bring people or drugs into the country from Mexico.

Stephanie Sanchez may be reached at ssanchez@elpasotimes.com; 546-6137.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.

~~~~~~~~
One of our guys. Our prayers are with the Aguilar family.

Blindsided

2008-01-10T20:26:00.000-07:00

I've met Chris and Melody Byrne. While I don't agree 100% with them (who does agree with anyone on anything 100% of the time?), I do respect them immensely. They're good-hearted, generous folks, constantly doing for and giving to others. Now, they're in a bind themselves.

Read.

And if you can spare even a couple bucks or so, please do. I dropped a few in the tip jar. I wish I could do more.

One Brief Observation

2008-01-09T19:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, millions of law-abiding citizens did not commit a crime with a handgun. It’s not quite like reporting “no cats are stranded in trees tonight” but you get the picture. Once again, millions of law-abiding gun owners (legal ones) did nothing to warrant their being turned into criminals because some politician thinks passing firearms bans stops criminals.

Without turning this into a history lesson, Ronald Reagan addressed the idea of gun control as a method of controlling crime. In 1983 he said: “It's a nasty truth, but those who seek to inflict harm are not fazed by gun control laws. I happen to know this from personal experience.”

He also had straightforward ideas about how to make dents in crime: “…we've heard the charges that supporting gun owners' rights encourages a violent, shoot-em-up society. Don't they understand that most violent crimes are not committed by decent, law abiding citizens, they're committed by career criminals? Hard-core criminals use guns, and locking them up and throwing away the key is the best gun control law we could ever have."

Six years after Michigan’s enhanced concealed carry regulations went into effect, the statistics seem to prove Reagan’s observation. In fact, the Detroit Free Press has reported that “the incidence of violent crime in Michigan in the six years since the law went into effect has been, on average, below the rate of the previous six years. The overall incidence of death from firearms, including suicide and accidents, also has declined.”

That’s a far cry from anti-gun groups’ predictions of shootouts at traffic stops, rampant violent crime and a total collapse of the general public welfare. Instead, we have a chief with the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police admitting, candidly, that police fears about passage of the enhanced conceal carry were misplaced.

Today, Michigan joins Texas, Ohio, Florida and other states where concealed carry hasn’t led to a “wild west mentality” or shootouts, or even increased instances of handguns being used in crimes.

But reporting a downturn in crime is viewed as reporting cats that aren’t stuck in trees – not exactly front-page news. Years ago, sensationalized reporting was summed up in five words: “if it bleeds, it leads”. That comment wasn’t intended as a compliment and was supposed to serve as a reminder to reporters, editors and TV producers that sometimes the important stories weren’t the most exciting, visual or riveting.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get it then, and we apparently aren’t getting it now.
--Jim Shepherd
The Shooting Wire
January 09, 2008

~~~~~~~
Worth subscribing to.

How to End the Year With a Bang...

2007-12-31T22:54:00.000-07:00

... or, "I didn't know the tattoo was loaded!"

Men shoot themselves in tattoo attempt

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CHAPARRAL, N.M. -- Getting a tattoo can be a painful proposition, but usually it's just the needle you have to worry about. Two men trying to trace a loaded .357-caliber Magnum as a pattern for a tattoo accidentally shot themselves, the Otero County Sheriff's Department said Monday.

Robert Glasser and Joey Acosta, both 22, were treated at a hospital in El Paso, Texas, after the shooting Thursday evening in nearby Chaparral.

Authorities said Glasser was struck in the hand when the gun accidentally went off, and Acosta was hit in the left arm. Their injuries were not life-threatening, authorities said.

Sheesh.
How many things wrong can you find with this article?
(1. the gun was loaded, and not holstered. 2. the gun was pointed in an unsafe direction - at themselves. 3. they didn't unload the gun first. 4. guns don't "accidentally go off" - one of them must have been tracing the trigger. 5. they didn't verify the gun was unloaded first. 6. why did it take two of them to make the tracing?)

Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T22:09:00.000-07:00

I'm scratching my head over the fact that for many years now, one of the most celebrated icons of the starting New Year is the Dropping of the Ball.

Now, I'm not particularly sports-oriented and never have been, but even I understand what dropping the ball means....

Windows Vista secret

2007-12-28T19:32:00.000-07:00

Much of Vista's problem comes from a background program called "Superfetch." This is supposed to monitor your program usage, note which programs you use the most and when, and then keep those programs pre-loaded and ready to start instantly when you call them up. MS boasts that there's "no need" to turn Superfetch on - it's on automatically, all the time. Needless to say, this is a major memory hog - and one of the biggest reasons why Vista needs more RAM to function properly than prior operating systems did. And the actual savings in time to the user when opening a program, is in mere fractions of a second. Not worth it, IMO. Plus, it has no user-configurable interface. In other words, you're stuck with it whether you want it or not.

Actually, no you're not. Click on START, then RUN, and enter the following command:

net stop superfetch

My husband and I are running laptops with Vista, and with a bit of non-techie tweaking here and there (including turning OFF the auto Windows update) we have both laptops running like souped-up XP machines.

Neither of us misses Superfetch at all.

Tyger, tyger...

2007-12-27T21:22:00.000-07:00

It never fails....

A dangerous tiger escapes from its enclosure at a zoo, kills one person and mauls two brothers (after also mauling a zookeeper a year ago), and is shot and killed by officers as it turns on them.

Now, a family is mourning their son, and another family praying for the recovery of theirs, and people are crawling out of the woodwork to blame the officers who killed this "beautiful, endangered" predator who was "just doing what comes naturally."

Oh, gimme a break.

Folks, I will freely admit, and without apology, that I am racist... I am a HUMAN RACE-ist. I believe that the HUMAN RACE is, and should always be, at the top of the food chain. I don't care what ethnicity, color, nationality, religion, gender, political persuasion, et al you are, if you are a member of the HUMAN RACE then I'm more than just a wee bit prejudiced in your favor.

God called us to be good stewards of nature, not to worship it. Yes, it's a tragedy that the tiger had to be killed. It would be preferable if this had never happened in the first place. However, it did happen, and the alternative was to allow a creature that had learned it could kill, to try again. And again, without apology, I say "No."

To the families mourning and praying this evening, you have my prayers as well.

To the officers who stopped the tiger from killing anyone else, good shooting.

To those who are researching and working to ensure this can not happen again, while still being humane and generous to the animals in your charge, you have my wish for clear heads and sufficient resources to make it happen.

And to those who think the tiger was worth more than the lives of their fellow man, I hope you never find yourself on the wrong end of a tiger's claws. Because we'll find out what you really believe, then.

[/rant]

Guns seized after Katrina? NRA wants you

2007-12-27T19:14:00.000-07:00

NEW ORLEANS - The National Rifle Association has hired private investigators to find hundreds of people whose firearms were seized by city police in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, according to court papers filed this week.

The NRA is trying to locate gun owners for a federal lawsuit that the lobbying group filed against Mayor Ray Nagin and Police Superintendent Warren Riley over the city's seizure of firearms after the Aug. 29, 2005, hurricane.

In the lawsuit, the NRA and the Second Amendment Foundation claim the city violated gun owners' constitutional right to bear arms and left them "at the mercy of roving gangs, home invaders, and other criminals" after Katrina.

The NRA says the city seized more than 1,000 guns that weren't part of any criminal investigation after the hurricane. Police have said they took only guns that had been stolen or found in abandoned homes.

NRA lawyer Daniel Holliday said investigators have identified about 300 of the gun owners and located about 75 of them. Some of them could be called to testify during a trial, he added.

"Finding these folks has been a nightmare," Holliday said. "That is really the guts of our case — to establish that there was indeed a pattern of the police going out and taking people's guns without any legal reason to do so."

In April 2006, police made about 700 firearms available for owners to claim if they could present a bill of sale or an affidavit with the weapon's serial number.

An attorney for the city and a police department spokesman didn't return a reporter's telephone calls Wednesday.

Alan Gottlieb, founder of the Bellevue, Wash.-based Second Amendment Foundation, said the police department has returned only about 100 of the 1,000 seized guns.

"Obviously, we don't expect the city to find everybody. We only wanted to see a good-faith effort, and that's what the city didn't do," Gottlieb added. "It's a bad example to let them get away with it."

In court papers filed Monday, NRA attorneys say finding the gun owners has been difficult because the storm has scattered so many residents.

New Orleans had an estimated 455,000 residents before Katrina, but less than two-thirds of that number live there now.

The NRA is asking for a delay in the trial, set to begin Feb. 19, saying they need more time to find gun owners. U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier had not yet ruled on the request Wednesday.

Today's Cartoon by Randy Glasbergen

2007-12-25T22:16:00.000-07:00

Noel

2007-12-25T01:25:00.001-07:00

And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them! And they were sore afraid ... And the angel said unto them, "Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings o great joy, which shall be to all my people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord."

"And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, and good will toward men."

"That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown." - Linus Van Pelt

From my family to yours, may you have a blessed and merry CHRISTmas!

NORAD Tracks Santa, 2007

2007-12-24T17:36:00.000-07:00

Click on the link above, if you've got young kids (or are one at heart!)

Merry Christmas to all y'all!

I can't believe it's not (safer than ) real butter!

2007-12-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

Please pardon the firmly planted tongue-in-cheek....

Flavoring additive puts professional cooks at risk

Additive found in more than 6,000 products

Occupational health specialists have said that repeated exposure to diacetyl has led to the deaths of at least three workers, destruction of the lungs of scores more and sickened hundreds of others who worked in plants that produce flavorings, microwave popcorn, candy, beverages, oils and other products.

Two real butters were analyzed and diacetyl was found in a range of 7 ppm to almost 16 ppm.
In all the margarine and shortening products, levels of 7 ppm to almost 180 ppm were present.
A butter-flavored cooking spray released more than 164 ppm of diacetyl.
Butter-flavored cooking oils used by professional cooks ranged from 23 ppm to 234 ppm.
Two brands of oil for popping corn came in at 1,062 ppm and 1,125 ppm.

Interesting... so it seems the fumes from cooking with real butter are actually safer than the "Generally Recognized As Safe" (and also more PC) butter substitutes.

21 illegals arrested in raid on Deming tamale plant

2007-12-12T22:50:00.000-07:00

By Louie Gilot / El Paso Times

Article Launched: 12/12/2007 12:00:00 AM MST

Immigration agents raided a Deming (NM) tamales plant Monday and arrested 21 undocumented workers in an operation they dubbed Operation Tamale, said Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.

The arrests are the result of a five-month investigation of Proper Foods Inc., 1319 E. Pine St., where 300 people prepared, packaged and distributed tamales for wholesale and retail sale. Agents had a criminal search warrant.

"Work-site enforcement operations are part of ICE's efforts to promote national security, protect critical infrastructure, and ensure fair labor standards," said Roberto Medina, special agent in charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in El Paso.

All but one of those arrested Monday were Mexican nationals. They were 10 men; 10 women, including a Honduran; and a 17-year-old boy.

ICE officials said they contacted the Mexican Consulate to reunite the boy with his family. Consulate spokeswoman Socorro Cordova said the boy would stay in the care of the federal government in Juárez until his parents made arrangements for his return.

Consular officials interviewed all of the immigrants arrested, Cordova said.

"We wanted to make sure that they had been paid all the wages they were due, and they reported that all the wages had been covered," she said.

ICE officials said three women were released on their own recognizance and told to appear before an immigration judge at a later date. Two men and four wo men were put in the El Paso immigration detention center to await deportation.

The others were voluntarily returned to Mexico on Monday. The different treatments depend on whether the migrants had been deported before, whether they have criminal records, or whether they ask to see a judge because they have grounds to stay in the United States.

Louie Gilot may be reached at lgilot@elpasotimes.com, 546-6131.

Immigration agents move in on tamales plant

~~~~~~
I'm going to be following articles on the Border Patrol, especially what's happening in this general region, a lot more closely than I used to.

My thanks to the men and women who do the job.

I survived...

2007-12-09T18:44:00.000-07:00

... the Lt. Colonel's Christmas party.

This annual occasion is considered a formal social - class A's, or dress blues if you have them, or formal civilian wear if you don't, is requested. For one's guest, as well. And while the party isn't mandatory, it is considered bad form to not show up unless one has a very good reason. After all, the Lt. Col's wife puts a lot of work into putting the evening together.

And it turned out to be a very enjoyable evening.

One of the Sergeants, and the Command Sergeant Major, showed up in full Scottish military regalia complete with sporran, hand-knitted socks, sock daggers, and bare knees - and plenty of stories to go with the outfits.

There was an officer from Switzerland attending with his wife, a lovely lady from Venezuela who is trying to learn English. Very interesting people to speak with; conversation was a mix of English, Spanish, and a touch of German. The wife of the kilted Sergeant and I swapped hunting stories. She had taken her very first elk this year, after several years of trying; I didn't get anything this year but had fun anyway. Another woman who hunts! huzzah!

Very little alcohol, but one of the younger Sergeants took advantage of it anyway - and his demeanor for about a half-hour afterwards caused one of the other Sergeants to declare him "OCS material." He's going to have to deal with the teasing for a while....

The food was excellent, the conversations were inclusive and relaxed, and it was a marvelous time. There was food, more food, desserts, drinks, chocolates, and more food on almost every table in the house.

And the Lt. Colonel has three of the prettiest cats... one of them, Hotai, even consented to join the party and accept admiration from everyone. The other two were nothing more than whiskers and big eyes peering around the corner at the crowd that had invaded their territory.

Even my husband allowed that he enjoyed the social. I think I can probably talk him into going again next year.

The Difference

2007-11-11T08:08:00.001-07:00

Veteran's Day 2007

2007-11-10T18:17:00.000-07:00

What were you doing on 07/07/2007?

I was at the Armory, signing papers. Since then, I have spent one weekend a month with some of the finest people anyone could ever hope to be associated with - The Texas State Guard, 39th Regiment, Charlie Company.

This is a non-combat unit; our primary focus is civil affairs and disaster recovery. And it's totally voluntary - we don't get paid until/unless we're officially deployed, and we provide our own uniforms and gear. But this "fiscal disability" is also an asset when it comes to the rubber hitting the road; because everyone has his own gear, we don't have to requisition supplies and wait before we can mobilize. State Guard was on the spot at Katrina two days before the National Guard could arrive.

Why Texas State Guard? To quote the CSM before I signed: "State Guard is for those who are too old, too fat, or too slow to qualify for the regular military, but who still want to serve." (He was grinning as he said it - many of the Guard have prior military or LEO experience, or are currently LEOs who want to do more. Personally, though, I qualify under at least two of those descriptions.) The older I get, the more I appreciate the job that the military, of whatever service or branch, does. But I never thought I could ever qualify to be part of it, even in the slightest way.

If you'd told me a few years ago that I'd be wearing ACUs and attending drill (and loving it) I wouldn't have believed it. But I firmly believe that the Good Lord led me to this place, and that he wants me here for a while.

This morning I had the honor of marching in our Color Guard in the Veterans Day Parade. And it was a thrill to see just how many people locally honor our veterans, and respect what the flag stands for.

I'm proud to be an American.
I'm proud to be a Texan.
I'm proud and humbled to be accepted as "part of the family" in the Texas State Guard.

To all our Veterans, of whatever service, who have served this great country:

I salute you!

Random Silliness at work

2007-11-08T19:09:00.000-07:00

Customer: What's the fee going to be?
Yours truly: A whopping $5.45.
Customer: Ouch! that's exuberant! *
I won't be able to feed my kid for a month!
Yours truly: Let me guess - your kid is a goldfish.
Customer: No, a chihuahua.

(*I think he meant "exorbitant" - but he was grinning the whole time.)

A Door, Opened

2007-11-04T19:58:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow morning, we get up early to get our son to the bus before heading off to work ourselves.

He's been accepted into the Border Patrol Academy, and has already been sworn in during Orientation last week.

We're button-bustin' proud of him.