Farewell Guys... It's Been Real...

Near Earth Asteroid (NEA) 2004 XP14 is expected on Monday.

There is a debate on how large this asteroid is, whether it is only 1/4 of a mile wide or 1/2 of a mile wide. Either way, this thing is moving at a rate of 11 miles per second which is the equivalent of 4000 mph.

Scientists say that we aren't in any danger of being hit by 2004 XP14. But the terms NEA and PHA (Potentially Hazardous Asteroid) seem to be interchangeable with these guys.

We had a PHA pass by earlier this year.


I guess that these things are a real danger to earth since Congress has initiated a NASA program to protect the United States:

"The U.S. Congress has declared that the general welfare and security of the United States require that the unique competence of NASA be directed to detecting, tracking, cataloging, and characterizing near-Earth asteroids and comets in order to provide warning and mitigation of the potential hazard of such near-Earth objects to the Earth.

The NASA Administrator shall plan, develop, and implement a Near-Earth Object Survey program to detect, track, catalogue, and characterize the physical characteristics of near-Earth objects equal to or greater than 140 meters in diameter in order to assess the threat of such near-Earth objects to the Earth. It shall be the goal of the survey program to achieve 90 percent completion of its Near-Earth Object catalogue (based on statistically predicted populations of near-Earth objects) within 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act."

I didn't realize it, but earth had a near death experience in 2002:

An asteroid that could pulverize a country zipped close by the Earth on Monday, only weeks after astronomers first noticed the big space boulder heading in our direction.

There are a whole bunch of these things headed our way on a regular basis, and NASA still hasn't found them all. But the ones that they have located are named, and they have dates of our expected encounters with them too.


With nature being as unpredictable lately as a short-circuited two year old, I just don't know how much trust I can put in these scientists and their calculations.

I don't know any of these guys personally, and I certainly don't have any idea of what kind of work ethics they have either.

They're a bunch of government employees, if you know what I mean.


Wouldn't asteroids, NEA's and PHA's, be considered a part of nature?


The scientists are also supposed to be figuring out how to deal with a dangerous asteroid. You know...

Change their course, or destroy them.

Aren't we supposed to let nature alone and let it travel its own course?


What would the long term ramifications be if we interfered with this natural event?


Whatever they may be...

I'm sure we'll be sorry.



And we have all of this trouble with global warming and such...

What if the earth's damaged atmosphere messes up all that fancy delicate scientific equipment that they have?

I mean, it's possible they could make an "honest" mistake, right?


What if we have a huge volcano erupt between now and Monday, and the volcano is so violent that it changes our orbit just enough to place us in the path of this monstrous asteroid?

Volcanoes are already the largest contributors to our global warming difficulties.


But the biggest problem I think we face is something that is greater than all of these. Something that we can't put any numbers or calculations to.

Something that we absolutely cannot predict...


What if Allah wills it here?


If that happens...

Well...


We're just screwed.


later...



Huge asteroid to fly past Earth

Asteroid to make close approach to Earth Monday

Near Earth Object Program

What is the difference between a meteor, a meteoroid, a meteorite, an asteroid and a comet?

Press Report: ASTEROID DEFENSE: NASA TO FORMULATE PLANETARY PROTECTION PLAN

Oklahoma City Dog Show...

I was at the Oklahoma City Summer Classic dog show today.

It is being held at the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City the rest of this week and through Sunday.

If you have never been to a dog show, this would be a great opportunity for you to do so and see almost 2000 dogs gathered for an event in one location. There are lots of things to see. Vendors are also there selling unique dog related items that range from dog toys to some very nice pieces jewelry.

Different things happen at different times of the day at a dog show.

Depending on what you would like to watch would determine the time of day that you would want to go.

Of course, you are welcome to stay all day if you wanted to.

If you want to see how the exhibitors get their dogs ready to be shown, then you should go early in the morning. You are welcome to wander through the 'setups' and watch the handlers get their dogs ready for the competition.

Different breeds show at different times of the day. If you have a favorite breed then you will want to know what time it shows. You will then want to make it to the appropriate ring so that you can watch the competition.

If you want to watch the group competition, then those usually start after lunch.

And of course, the Best in Show competition is last.

But if you just want to see lots of different types of dogs compete, then it is better to go to the show site earlier in the day.

Always remember...

Do not touch any dogs without permission.

And don't be offended if you are told "no". Untold hours are spent grooming these dogs and *mussing the do's*, before they have shown for the day, is very upsetting to the handlers.

I won't be there tomorrow, so I won't get to say "hey" to any of my friends.

Have a great Friday guys and I'll meet you back here...

later...

My Observations...

Source: Newsok.com





ABC News wants to know if global warming is affecting your life.

Send Us Your Stories and Video...Extend the Reach of ABC News' Reporting by Sharing Your Observations

Have you noticed changes in your own backyard or hometown? The differences can be large or small — altered blooming schedules, changes in plants or animals in your community, erosion or droughts.

I think I might gather some of my own observations and send them in.

Since we are in a period of drought here in Oklahoma, I could send pictures of my dead patches of grass as proof.

Maybe we won't go into another wet rainy period for a while. It would ruin my opportunity at stardom and fame.

If only we were living in the dustbowl days...

Now those would be some great photos to submit.

later...

Yes, It's What You Think It Is...

I guess that's what you get when you depend on the mainstream media to tell you the facts about things.

You know, the truth about events.


Of course, I don't suppose that the truth would really matter about a lot of stuff though.


Especially if you were reporting about your neighbor's dog,

Or maybe about the local fire department's annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser...



But...

I bet if the the journalist misrepresented 'those' stories, there would have been an upswell of indignance from the locals.

Folks who would want the reporters to get the facts straight.



Of course, if you happened to have a certain political leader in your gunsights...

Someone that you were trying to "take out of the picture"...

You know, a political agenda...


Then maybe the cold, hard facts wouldn't be quite as important.



It really makes me angry about the leak that was reported by the New York times.

I know I posted about this
yesterday, but it is still bothering me today.


How could some *snobbish* liberal media uppity-up take my family's life and well-being into his hands and treat us like so much trash.

No concern, whatsoever, about anyone's well being.

Much less the entire country.


It is clear that the media has it in for President Bush.

No matter what the cost is.


There comes a time, whether you like someone or not, that there are some things that are just a whole lot more important than your own personal feelings about a person.


Since they have found
WMD's (weapons of mass destruction), who are they going to say the liar is now?

Bush, or Saddam?


We'll have to wait and see what kind of *angle* and *spin* they are going to put on their future stories...

I can hardly wait.

later...


This post was written for last night! BUT... Blogger was NOT cooperating.

Who's In Charge of this Country Anyway?

There are many things that I tell my kids.

Things like...

Brush your teeth.

Put up your clothes.

Clean your room.

Do your homework.

You know... regular stuff.


But I also tell them other things.

Things that I think are important.


One of the things I tell them is:

You don't need to tell people everything you know.


I think it's important to know when and where to keep your mouth shut.


So President Bush got a little hot with the New York Times today for a story they printed about some of the government's intelligence gathering methods.

And he should have.


How stupid can people be?

Don't you think that it is important to keep secrets a secret, ESPECIALLY if they involve our national security?

Once again we see the mainstream media trying to run the country from their newsrooms.

They don't report the facts...

They have an agenda to promote.

And it's anti-American too.

The mainstream media is trying to run the United States through the manipulation of public opinion and selective reporting.


You can hear the arrogance:

Keller told CNN he didn't expect to be prosecuted. "So far, the administration, and in particular the attorney general, while they have dropped some hints about prosecution, they have not embraced in full the argument that the Espionage Act applies to journalists," the Times editor said.

I think the New York Times should be prosecuted for treason and espionage.

And Mr. Bill Keller needs to be taken out of the driver's seat and...


fired.

later...

A prudent man is concealing knowledge, And the heart of fools proclaimeth folly.

Proverbs 12:23 (Young's Literal Translation)

So Tired... My Mind is Wandering...

I finished two papers today, mowed the lawn, and did an ultrasound at work today.

Thank goodness for friends like Connie and Lynn, or my lawn wouldn't have gotten mown this week OR last week.

Last week-end my mower up and quit "mowing".


I think that it is a clogged fuel line or a carburator problem, but I just don't have the time or inclination right now to fix it myself.

So I took it to the repair shop last week.

Connie and Lynn are lending me an extra lawnmower that they have.

What a blessing!


*Thanks guys*!


I got to thinking a little bit this evening about people who are stuck-up.

You know, *snobs*.

I got to wondering how people get to be that way?

And I really want to know what's going through their minds.


Are they stuck-up and snobbish because they think they are better than you?

Or do they feel that they can only have conversations with people who meet specific standards of theirs.


Do they ever see the 'common' people that are standing around them?

Or are they just so critical of others that they can't stand to look?


Do they even know that they are considered a snob?


That would be about right.

A snob would be so stuck-up that they wouldn't realize that they were a snob.


Where's the justice?

later...

Hey...

I was on the road for seven hours today and then ended up at work.

So, I am tired.

Again.

The kids are at Nana and Pa's for a couple of weeks of good fun with their grandparents.

Out in the country where we love to be.


Here's a link to a blog post by the the journalist, Terry Mattingly, who wrote the article I referenced on the movie "Facing the Giants".


You guys have a great Sunday.

later...

Thanks to My Readers...

You guys have received a wonderful compliment, as well as an invitation, from Jan The Happy Homemaker.

Hey, your readers are so good at commenting on your blog! Where did you find such nice people?

Dear dogscatskidslife readers: please visit me, too! I could use some thoughtful readers like you!

Thanks guys.

You've all been so very kind.

later...

Facing the Giants... For Real.

Let's see...

What is it that the letters A.C.L.U. stands for?

Oh yeah... The American Civil Liberties Union.


Where was the ACLU when Brittany McComb was censored while she was giving her valedictorian speech?


Well, they were cheering on the sidelines. Ecstatic that they had succeeded once again in squelching another Christian voice in America.


If it was a Jewish kid standing up there talking about God, would the same thing have happened?

How about if it was a Muslim talking about his faith?

Do you think that the ACLU would have encouraged and supported the censorship of that student's speech?


How about if it was any kid, other than a white kid, who was up there talking about any other religion, any religion other than Christianity?

Do you think that would have made a difference?

Do you think they would have let that valedictorian complete their speech?


You have to remember, the ACLU is the organization that says they are supportive of free speech.

You do realize that they support every individual's right to burn the American flag don't you.

"The right to voice a dissenting viewpoint - no matter how unpopular - is a bedrock principle of America," said Caroline Fredrickson, Director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office. "The First Amendment is most important when it protects speech that is controversial and repugnant."

Excuse me?

Would you mind repeating that again?


The ACLU promotes the exercise of free speech.


And even the freedom to not speak...

“The pledge will continue to be recited in schools, but will no longer be forced upon all students,” said attorney James Green, Legal Panel Chair of the ACLU of Florida’s Palm Beach County Chapter. “This case is about protecting the rights of all students -- including those who choose not to stand and recite the pledge.”

Do you think that Brittany McComb feels a little picked on here?

Do you think that maybe her rights were violated?

Maybe her speech just wasn't controversial and repugnant enough. It just didn't have that 'shock' factor that they are always looking for.

Maybe if she had a rebellious and anti-establishment attitude about her, then things would have played more in her favor.


Or do you think that maybe the ACLU expects Christians to turn the other cheek, take our licks, and whimper off like a beaten pup?

We're not Muslims, so we really don't pose any real life or death threat to the general public.

If you know what I mean.


By the way...

There's a new movie coming out this September.

It's called Facing the Giants, and it is a Christian movie that was made by donated funds, time and talent that were freely given by uh...

Christians.

None of the actors were paid as the majority of the cast and crew were volunteers with no prior experience.

Because of their unique availability, retired senior adult men, stay-at-home moms, and home schooled teenagers primarily compiled the working crew to operate the set during the six weeks of shooting. Locations for the movie were donated by local residents, businesses, and schools. All ages were involved as Sunday school classes cooked meals and became the “caterers” to the crew each day. Training the volunteers and facilitating the production was a hired team of five professionals...

With all of that donated stuff, what did those darn Baptists go and do?

They went and made a PG movie with it all.


Can you believe it?

Those Christians made a movie that kids can't see without their parents present.


You do realize you could go to hell for watching a PG movie, right?

So why would a bunch of Christians go and make one?


The movie, Facing the Giants, got a PG rating for thematic elements.


Those folks who keep us safe from hell, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), are trying hard to take care of us stupid Christian Americans.

They're doing their best to keep the sheep from going astray.

Finally, Hollywood is looking out for my best interests.


Now I can rest in peace, free from the fear of movie-going hell, protected by the MPAA from thematic elements that I might otherwise stumble into unawares.


Do you want to know what the thematic elements were?

Sex?

No.

Violence?

No.

Language?

No.

Christian evangelism?

Yes.


Christians need to start facing these giants, kick some ass, and quit playing the game of political correctness.

later...

13-14When the Passover Feast, celebrated each spring by the Jews, was about to take place, Jesus traveled up to Jerusalem. He found the Temple teeming with people selling cattle and sheep and doves. The loan sharks were also there in full strength.
15-17Jesus put together a whip out of strips of leather and chased them out of the Temple, stampeding the sheep and cattle, upending the tables of the loan sharks, spilling coins left and right. He told the dove merchants, "Get your things out of here! Stop turning my Father's house into a shopping mall!" That's when his disciples remembered the Scripture, "Zeal for your house consumes me."

John 2:14-19 (The Message)

Tired...

Well...

I did it again.

I got really sleepy and tired while I was reading my text.


I think I slept for three hours?


Anyway... it's time for bed.


Today was the first day of summer.

Now the days will be getting shorter.


I like being outside and I enjoy the longer days of sunlight.


I really don't like having less daylight hours.

Especially since it seems that I sleep through most of them.


later...

Oklahoma Senator Sees Cars $$ for Oklahoma...

Oklahoma Senator Harry Coates believes that the Disney Pixar film Cars is ...a windfall for all of Oklahoma....

With the new animated movie based on the Historic Route 66 that cuts through the state of Oklahoma, a rise in tourism to the state is expected.

The blue Porsche's character in the Cars movie is derived from the Route 66 Rock Cafe's owner, Dawn Welch.

The little Cafe has quite a history. And with the Rock Cafe in Stroud, Oklahoma, being recognized as a national historic landmark, it won't be hard for tourists to find the little cafe.

In fact, business has already increased.

Welch said that business in her café is up by about 40 percent because of the movie. Coates says the state needs to take advantage of all interest the movie is generating in Route 66.

It is evident that Dawn Welch has worked hard to get where she is at today. I think it's great that she is reaping the rewards of her hard labor.

It's positive stories like this that makes you feel good. It makes you happy to see someone achieve their goals and dreams.

Stories like this also cause you to think about, and remember, the good things that are in Oklahoma.

later...



The Rock Cafe
114 W. Main Street
Stroud, OK 74079
918 968-3990

Hours of Operation

Sun.- Thurs.
6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Fri. & Sat.
6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Stop and Smell the Roses...

I need to learn how to do this more.

You know.

Stop and smell the roses.

I had opportunity to visit the Melton Art Library in Oklahoma City. It is hidden away, in a warehouse type of building, off the beaten path.

The Melton Art Library is located at 4300 N. Sewell in Oklahoma City. Their telephone number is (405) 525-3603.

Within its walls are untold riches. There isn't much about the Melton Art Library on the internet. At least not much more than an address and a telephone number. I suppose professional art enthusiasts know all about it because of the research that is done there.

I was taken aback by the works that were there. They aren't in fancy little displays and a lot of the art is stored.

I have never heard anything about the Melton Art Library and there isn't anything to be read about this amazing library either.

So, I thought I would post about it.

Here on my little blog.

The Melton Art Library is a hidden treasure in Oklahoma City that caught me quite by surprise. Consisting of an eclectic collection of art, it is apparent that a true lover of artists, and their works, resides within the unassuming building. There seems to be no tangible boundaries in the intriguing assemblage, framed or not, famous or infamous, that I discovered in the museum.

It was evident that each piece held a special place in the heart of the curator; and it was amazing at how many of the artists held a similar position in her heart also. Much like that of a doting grandmother, each artist and their work were given special merit and praise.

The Melton Art Library was an inspirational visit for me. It gave me a different view of a world that I have never been exposed to, or even understood. I found myself in a state of awe while I gazed at pieces that were hundreds of years old, their creators’ hands long idle. I also saw something else in this museum that is rare indeed. I caught a glimpse of passion.

later...

Hope Everyone Had a Great Sunday...

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there.

Jan over at The Happy Homemaker posted a most wonderful link.

I just had to post it here too.

Thank you, Jan.


The song playing is my favorite song.

The video is beyond poignant.




later...

The Campaign Trail...

Cliff Branan's wife was driving her husband around the neighborhoods today.

I happened to be in my front yard and they stopped for a second. Cliff got out and shook my hand and told me if I ever needed anything to give him a call.

Wrong thing to say to someone like me; I'll take him up on the offer.

While I had Cliff in my front yard I took advantage of the situation...

I told him that there was something that he could do for me right now.


The traffic on my street has been increasing exponentially every year.

I really don't know why either.

But I'm tired of it.

The last straw was when I saw an 18-wheeler drive by my front yard.

What the heck?!

This is a neighborhood, not a freeway!


I have already written the city about it. We'll see if Cliff gives them a holler for me too.


My suggestion to the city was for them to slap a few extra stop signs on the street to help make it 'not so attractive' of a street for travel.

Cliff is hitting the campaign trail a little early I guess. He is wanting to get re-elected to the District 40 Oklahoma senate seat.

His campaign website isn't even up yet, but you can read about him on the state website.

I hope you will learn about your candidates and go to the polls and vote this year.

It's really important.

later...

Lightening in the West...

There are a line of thunderstorms heading our way tonight.

Rain.

A large amount of cloud to ground lightening.

65+ mph winds.

Hail.


Our 'newer' vehicle is in the garage...

And I have brought my American flag in.


Pattie over at Stolen Moments is in Europe right now.

She's left Switzerland and has made it to Italy.

Tuscany.


It sounds like her and her husband are having a wonderful time.


I think I'll pour myself a very nice glass of wine from an Oklahoma vineyard...

Watch the approaching lightening...


And call it a night.

later...

There Goes the Neighborhood...

D.T. stopped by and asked me if I had seen this.

Of course, leading the sheltered life that I do, I had not.


Have you guys heard?

A super highway, the width of four football fields, will be going through Oklahoma City.

Have you heard of these folks?

North America SuperCorridor Coalition Inc.?


I know, I've complained about I-35 so much that I have refused to drive on it for several years now.


Seeing, much less driving on, a steroidal I-35 is just too much for me to comprehend right now.


This thing looks like its going to happen, whether we are aware of it or not.

I don't guess our opinion really matters.


A gigantic highway, that you will probably be able to see from space, starting at Mexico and going all the way to Canada.

*Dang*

There goes the immigration debate.

I don't guess we need to discuss that subject any further.


They all talk about trade, commerce and all that stuff, but I can't help but wonder...

Wouldn't a steroidal rail system work better for this kind of thing?

Wouldn't it be more fuel efficient and cut back on the need for Middle Eastern petroleum products too?

Instead, we're increasing the traffic and the number of 18-wheelers.

Can you imagine the eminent domain issues this is going to create?

All the homes and citizens that will be displaced?


Gee... once again I find myself wishing that I had been consulted first before they had made a decision about something like this.


I really hope we're not sorry after it's all said and done.

later...

Home for Sale in the Oklahoma City/Bethany Area...

I just received an e-mail from a friend who is in desperate need of some help.

Her husband has been transferred to San Antonio, Texas, and she is left here in Oklahoma, with the children, waiting for their home to sell before they can move.

They have two sons, one of which is autistic. They need to be moved as soon as possible so that they can find another home and get settled before the start of the upcoming school year.

I have offered to help her by posting her house on my blog in hopes that some of you, or someone who is searching the internet for a house to buy, could help her out.

So...

If you, or someone you know is looking for a house to buy in the Bethany/Oklahoma City area here is one that is in a beautiful and quiet neighborhood.

It is a very nice home in a really great location. The neighborhood is in a hill type area with oak trees in every yard.

The house is located on an isolated street that consists of a half circle with no other through streets intersecting with it; which makes it great for families with kids.

It is a three bedroom brick home with a large back yard and it is located within the Putnam City school district.

The multi-listing service number is MLS# 255107. Here is the real estate agent's number for this listing: 405-720-7400


By the way...

If you are looking for a good real estate agent I have a friend who would be glad to help you.

later...

Cytauxzoonosis aka Bobcat Fever...

We had our first 2006 case of cytauxzoonis come in the hospital today.

The cat was presented for lethargy and anorexia of less than one day duration. Her admitting temperature was over 105F (normal temperatures in cats range from approximately 101 to 102F). While dogs and cats have a slightly higher normal temperature than humans, that does not make them immune to the effects and dangers to 104F+ fevers.

Having a pet come down with Bobcat Fever is not a good thing because almost 100% of the domestic cats that are infected with cytauxzoonosis will die, many of them within 48 hours or so.

The reason why it is called Bobcat Fever is because wild cats, usually bobcats, carry the protozoan in their bloodstream. Cytauxzoonosis is considered a blood parasite. While very few of these wild cats will die, they are breeding grounds for the disease. Once again we see the tick as an active vector; with the American Dog Tick, Dermacentor variabilis, playing a critical role in the lifecycle of this organism. Cats contract the disease by being bitten by an infected tick.

The early symptoms for cytauxzoonosis usually include acute lethargy, depression, fever, and anorexia.

The only prevention that a pet owner has against the fatal disease is to keep their cats 100% indoors and to implement a flea and tick prevention program in their home, on the cat, as well as their surrounding property. Cats that go outdoors can be expected to have a higher risk of tick exposure.

And it doesn't matter whether or not you and your cat live in town or in the country. The cat that came in this morning was from the greater Oklahoma City metroplex area. In other words, a city cat.

One good thing about this protozoan, cytauxzoonosis, is that it is not zoonotic. That means that people can't get it. It also stays within the cat family. While dogs do not contract Bobcat Fever, they have enough problems of their own with the tick-borne diseases of Ehrlichiosis canis, Lymes disease, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

If you would like to read more about Bobcat Fever you can click on the links below.

later...

Cytauxzoonosis in Cats: An Overview

Cytauxzoonosis

Piroplasms

Yeah. It's Irritating...

Blogger is all screwed up again.

People can't post comments.

People can't get on my blog.

I can't see my blog either...

It's all screwed up and it only has my header and 1 1/2 of my latest posts showing.

Not only that, there's not a sidebar either.


*sigh*


You know, I learn something new every day.

Take for example the word kludge:

kludge\KLOOJ\ noun: a system and especially a computer system made up of poorly matched components


Example sentence:
"The original satellite contrivance was the asynchronous satellite downlink with a phone connection uplink. This was doomed to fail because it was a kludge." (John C. Dvorak, Boardwatch Magazine, February 2002)

And all this time I thought that's what Blogger meant.


later...

Did you know?
The first recorded use of the word "kludge" is attributed to Jackson W. Granholm, who defined the word in a 1962 issue of the magazine Datamation as: "an ill-assorted collection of poorly-matching parts, forming a distressing whole." He further explained that it was derived from the German word "klug," meaning "smart" or "witty." Why Granholm included a "d" in his spelling is not known. What we do know is that speakers of American English have agreed to keep it silent, making the vowel pronunciation of "kludge" reflect the pronunciation of German "klug" (\KLOOK\). We can also tell you that not everyone agrees with Granholm on the "d" matter: the spelling "kluge" is also popularly used.

*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.

Look on the Bright Side...

With record breaking temperatures and no rain in sight, we are certainly feeling the effects of a drought.

Before, when the temperatures were cooler, we didn’t mind it so much.

Or that’s how it appeared to me anyway.

Either way, I’m struggling to keep and maintain my flowers and lawn, both of which suffered dearly over the winter. With large patches of dead grass that couldn’t survive until spring, it is easy to get discouraged.

So I got to thinking…

How can I turn this desperate and dire situation into a positive?

I’ve done my best to look at the bright side of things...

And here’s what I came up with:

Top Ten Best Things about a Drought in Oklahoma

10. Dead lawns are good for urban air quality. They don’t need mowing, which subsequently reduces exhaust emissions from tens of thousands of lawnmowers.

9. Promotes a healthy lifestyle by getting people off of their *couches* and into 100+ degree weather to drag around a couple of hundred feet of water hoses and move water sprinklers.

8. Neighborly bonding can occur due to increase in outdoor activity as listed in #8.

7. Instigates water rationing which in turn creates water conservation; which is something I guess we should be doing in a drought anyway.

6. Sets the stage for more thousand acre burn offs from wildfires. This cleans the land of any old tires, sheds, and undesirable brush.

5. Weeds don’t flourish and neither do perennials, shrubs, and trees. Only the healthy and strong will survive leaving you with only excellent specimens, hopefully.

4. Diverts government funds to starving ranchers and farmers adding to the national debt.

3. Ends age old arguments over who the best neighborhood gardener is. If something is alive in your flower bed, you’re above average. If it is alive and has a bloom, you’re an excellent gardener.

2. Boosts the economy due to expensive foundation repairs that are caused by the shrinking of dried and cracked soil.

1. The roof doesn’t leak.

later…

Internet Predator Prevention Seminar

Oklahoma County District Attorney Wes Lane, working collaboratively to protect families within the community from Internet Predators

*FREE*

Wednesday, June 14, 2006
6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
OSU-OKC
900 North Portland
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Student Center – 3rd Floor
Conference Rooms North and South

Please join us as the FBI presents a compelling presentation on
Internet Predators.

For more information please call Stephanie Pok at (405) 713-1787. Seating is limited to the first 250 attendees.

Facts
•1 in 4 children ages 10 – 17 have been exposed to pornography online
•1 in 5 children under 17 years of age have received unwanted sexual solicitation online
•1 in 33 kids have received an aggressive solicitation to meet an internet predator
•U.S. Customs estimates more than 100,000 web sites are involved in child pornography

It's Time To Be Honest...

I have to tell you guys that I'm different.

Cut from a different mold.

Sometimes people just don't know how to take me and others...

Well, they don't "take me" at all and just walk off.

That's ok.

I understand.

Really.


As I have shared before, I just don't have that social knack that others do.

You know the person.

The one everyone likes, and likes to hang around with.

And I have to break it to you guys.

I'm not that kind of person.


So I got to thinking...

I got to thinking about how people describe other people.

How folks perceive themselves.


An analogy if you will.


A word or two that would describe a person.

A simple word that would give you an idea of who they are and what they're like.


For example:

Some people are described as a "social butterfly"...

Or a "Golden Retriever"...


Well, I got to thinking some more...

"What word would describe me best."


And really folks...

What popped into my head wasn't the word "angel".


In fact, it's kind of embarassing.


But I think that all of this a good exercise; and I challenge all of you to think about it too.



Oh?

You want to know what the word was?


hmmm... Okay, I'll tell you.


The word was...



fart



Yep...


Sometimes I'm funny and, well...

Sometimes I'm not.

It just depends on where I'm at...

And who I'm with.



And it won't be too long before I become an ol' fart too.


later...

Two Weeks Until School is Out...

The kids had their annual concert this evening. It's an annual event that is held at the end of the school year.

A way to display the kids' accomplishments for the year.



Here is Carrie warming up with the 'guys'.

This group of kids like to play electric guitars.

But I think Carrie is really just a 'groupie'.

She also plays the flute and sings in the choir.

The kids get to display their various entries that they took to the Regional and International contests.


Here's the display for Parker's science project that he made.

It made it out of regionals and placed 14th at Washington, D.C., in the international competition.

They're both growing up.

later...

Tularemia aka Rabbit Fever...

Photos courtesy of Texas A&M University.
Cottontail Rabbit
Jackrabbit




An outbreak of tularemia has been identified near the Rick Husband International Airport in Amarillo, Texas. A health alert has been issued for the area of concern.

Tularemia is a zoonotic disease that can be fatal to humans. Due to the nature of the bacteria it is also considered to be a possible bio-terrorist agent.

It is at this time of year that many people run across wildlife that appear to be injured or abandoned. The temptation of many is to pick these animals up and to offer aid.

A general rule of thumb is: leave wildlife alone.

If you feel that the animal needs assistance then you should call your local animal control authorities.

Things to remember:

*If an adult wild animal is allowing you to get close enough to capture it, then something must be terribly wrong

*Young rabbits that are found in their nests are usually not abandoned. Mother rabbits do not stay in the nest with their young and will only go to the nest to feed them twice each day. Leave baby rabbits in their nest undisturbed.

The bacterium Francisella tularensis can be found anywhere within the United States. The animals that it is most commonly found in are rodents, rabbits, and hares. The bacterium is usually carried and transmitted to animals via ticks, deer flies, or other insects.

How do people contract tularemia?

1.) By being bitten by an infected tick, deerfly or other insect.
2.) By handling infected animal carcasses.
3.) By eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
4.) By breathing in the bacteria.

To learn more about this disease you can go to the Centers of Disease Control's website about tularemia.

later...



Key Facts about Tularemia

Health Officials Suggest Caution in Wake of Tularemia Case

Wild Rabbits Can Pose Health Risk from Tularemia

A Guide To Assisting Wildlife Babies: What to do when you find them

06.06.06...

Today was a regular day for me and the kids.

Regular days are good.


Being 'regular' is especially good.


Routine is a good thing and helps you to maintain your equilibrium.


June 6, 1944, wasn't a routine day though.

It was D-Day.

The invasion of Normandy.


Thousands of lives were given on that fateful day.


Encyclopedia Brittannica has a really neat website about the invasion of Normandy in 1944.

I was especially intrigued by the newsreel entitled "Penicillin and Plasma Saves Lives".

We were very proud of our technology back then.

And rightly so.


You can visit the D-Day Museum whose name has been changed to The National WWII Museum.

Or drop by The National D-Day Memorial Foundation website.


Either way... today wasn't about us and 06.06.06.

Even though we would like to think that it was.


later...

Just Thinkin'...

My neighbor is painting his house on the week-ends.

The first week-end he got the old paint scraped.

This past week-end he got the front and the side where the garage is painted.


He is a very industrious neighbor and has been doing some expensive home improvement stuff these last two summers.


What I was wondering is why he chose the color that he did?

Then I think, maybe his wife picked it.

If she did... Then why did she pick that color?


They are covering white paint and I think that's great. I like color, but...



It isn't an atrocious color like orange, pink, or something really weird. It's just a strange color of tan.

Kind of yellowish/goldish?

Which I guess doesn't make it tan at all...

I don't know what color you would call it.

?goldenrod?

It's not quite a 70's 'harvest gold' because it is lighter than that.

But it isn't that yellow either.


Either way... I'm just thinking.

When people decide that they want to change or rearrange my landscape and environment...

Why don't they ask me for my opinion first?

Before they go and do something that I'm going to have to look at for the next 5+ years or so.

later...

You Know the Ol' Sayin'...

A picture is worth a thousand words.


So, I think I'll just go ahead and stop typing now.


later...

Tomorrow...

Has He not made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part?


Will he not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire? II Samuel 23:5 (NIV)

Tomorrow I will awake to the calm crisp cool morning.

I will speak to my Lord...

I will praise Him for my blessings.

I will present to Him my petitions.


I will face the day with courage and will be strengthened by His Mercy.

At midday I will seek Him.

I will seek refuge from the fury of the day.


In the evening, I will wrap myself in the blanket of His love.

I will rest in the comfort of His arms.


I will sleep...

And be renewed.


later...

I Have a Question...

I have failed to tell you guys about my latest correspondence with Rayovac.

You may remember about my purchase of four new rechargeable batteries that would not fit in my charger.

And then I wrote my letter to Rayovac.

They were nice enough to write me back and send me some replacement batteries.


When I last corresponded with them I told the customer service representative that the batteries they sent did not work. I also asked her where she would like me to return the batteries to.


I have since received an e-mail from said customer service representative stating that I could mail them the charger instead and that they would send me a replacement battery charger.


That was *nice*.


Well, you guys remember my *distress* over all of this and then the wonderful gift that I received on Mother's Day from my children.


Since I have a brand-spanking new battery charger and an abundance of brand new rechargeable batteries...

Do I really need to send the o-l-d battery charger back and get another new one?

later...