The moment

Nothing is ever as good or bad as it seems in the moment.

JFK, Jr.

Corrections

There has been a couple of things on my mind lately. I have heard some comments from people that I think, even well intentioned, are incorrect.

First, "Happy July 4th!" I don't hear anyone saying "Happy August 4th," or "Happy January 4th." I understand the intentions of what is being said but I think the correct thing to say is "Happy Independence Day." Isn't that what we are really celebrating... independence from Great Britain? Let's try to get it correct in the future.

Second, we don't live in a democracy. We live in a Republic. "I pledge allegiance to the Republic" not democracy. A democracy is: government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them. It requires the participation al all the people not just some or a majority. Although, in today's world democracy and republic are pretty much used interchangeably they are not the same thing. A republic is: a state in which the supreme power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by representatives chosen directly or indirectly by them. Let's remember that we live in a Republic!

End of today's soapbox!

From the Woodward News Online

Published: July 04, 2009 11:28 pm 

Bush delivers Independence Day message

Steve Painter

“There are lessons we can learn from the experiences of the first Fourth of July. More than two centuries later it is clear July 4th was a turning point in history.”
These are the words former President George W. Bush spoke to the largest crowd to see him speak since he left the White House during the historical Let Freedom Ring 2009 at Crystal Beach Arena on Saturday evening.

As a surprise, Bush brought his wife Laura with him to Woodward. Both received a standing ovation from the crowd when promoter Landon Laubhan introduced them.

“I’m traveling with some pretty good company,” Bush said when Laura made her appearance. “She brought good old Western values to the White House.”

“This is a little different from the last eight years,” Bush said about being in Woodward. He said he had spent each Fourth of July during his presidency on the Truman Balcony watching fireworks over the Washington Monument.

He did say, however, that he was happy to be in “the middle-of-nowhere oilfield town of Woodward” as the Associated Press had deemed the city on Thursday.

“No wonder I feel comfortable here,” Bush said to applause when he quoted the article.

Bush then briefly touched on the history of Woodward. Being a Texan, he mentioned another famous Texan who became well known in Woodward -- Temple Houston.
Bush compared himself to Houston, saying Temple grew up in the governor’s mansion in Texas learning the family business just as he did while his father was a politician.

After making comparisons between Texas and Oklahoma, especially in the football department, Bush moved on to the crux of his speech -- patriotism.

“It is important on July 4 that all of us understand that because of the sacrifices of those who came before us America shines as a beacon of freedom,” he said.

Being commander and chief of the United States military is the biggest thing that Bush said he misses about not being president anymore.

“On this Independence Day I give our heartfelt thanks to those who wear the uniform,” he said. “This generation will do its duty and we will prevail.”

Besides military patriotism, Bush said there were other forms of patriotism. He mentioned some local forms such as Meridian Owens, an 8-year-old Girl Scout who saved several people from a burning building in Woodward this past year.

“Patriotism comes in all different kinds of ways,” Bush said, “ but they all involve serving something bigger than yourself.”

He recounted several stories of patriotism that he heard while in the White House. He mentioned Christian Bagge who in 2005 lost both of his legs while in Iraq.

“One of the most uplifting duties of the presidency was meeting people like Christian,” Bush said.

Bush said that when he met Bagge he was told that Bagge liked to jog. As a way to lift the soldier’s spirits Bush said that he and Bagge could go out jogging at the White House sometime.

A few months later Bush got a phone call from Bagge.

“He showed up at the White House with legs made of carbon fiber and a spirit stronger than steel,” Bush said. “He left me in the dust, and with his indelible portrait of courage and patriotism.”

Bush went on to mention a man from Nevada who had a son killed in Iraq. He wanted to serve in the military as a way to pay tribute to his son, but he was 60 years old. Bush said that the man could apply for a waiver if he had a skill the military needed. The man received his waiver and is now serving in Iraq as a battlefield medic in the Navy.

Another story of patriotism Bush told the crowd about involved a blind man in Mississippi who had his home ravished by Hurricane Katrina. This did not stop him though as he went on to become the first blind student at the University of Southern Mississippi to graduate suma cum laude.

Bush concluded his speech by saying, “If you’re a faithful person, I hope your faith is helping others.”

After finishing his speech Bush received another standing ovation. He then went into the crowd to shake some hands.

A spectator from the bleachers said “We miss you George,” which promptly started another round of cheers.

Before Bush spoke Laubhan gave his own speech about patriotism, complete with bagpipes. About a half hour before Bush took the stage a message from Mayor Bill Fanning was played on the two screens in the stadium.

“Let Freedom Ring marks the positive results our city has achieved,” Fanning said. “Today is truly a great day to be in Woodward.”

Military

The following was sent to me, today, by a friend in Woodward, Oklahoma, where I grew up. Woodward currently has a population of approximately 18,000. One newspaper describes the town as having more cattle than people, which may be true. I thought this email appropriate at this time, especially the first paragraph. She has requested her name be withheld.

Last night we did go to Liberal, KS where a church up there had a program honoring our military men. It was the most awesome thing I've ever seen...really. I think I cried at least five times. They didn't do anything spiritual but strictly had the theme of our flag. They had men present in uniform with their flag to honor each branch of our military. The choir was totally awesome. The men wore a black tux and the women worse red flowing skirts with sequin over blouses. There were representatives in uniform there for the American Legion and they did a little thing about a young man from their town who was killed in Iraq in 2006. Then they folded a flag while wearing white gloves and presented it to the mother and dad. Very moving! They also did a scene where men posed with a flag like they did at Iwo Jima. Then immediately while they were still posed, the flood lights switched to a scene of men that was exactly like the firemen as they put up the flag in New York after 9/11. Again, many in tears. They had the cutest little kids singing patriotic songs. They had everything memorized and I'll be the youngest boy wasn't more than four years old and he knew every sing word. I could go on and on but it really was simply beautiful and so moving. At the end of it a huge flag dropped from the ceiling that was the size of a stage curtain. Everyone sang the Nation Anthem and they closed in prayer. There were people there from several different towns as I guess they have done it for several years now. They even brought in bus loads. We had six of our people go ahead of time and hold seating for us. I couldn't help but think when we were in LA waiting for the plane recently. I walked up to two soldiers and thanked them for serving. They smiled and I know they appreciated it.  

Our traffic is unreal. They figure there are 30,000 extra people in town for the speech tomorrow night [July 4th] which is to be given by President Bush. Laura is with him. They are asking people to open up their homes and rent rooms to people. One guy who has a dumpy place by the park is cleaning it up, PTL, and renting parking places for $5.00. You couldn't pay me to go to that. It is 102 right now and in the sun, well, I cannot tell you how it feels. Plus the arena where he is speaking is only partially covered and those seats are like $500.00 each. No, we won't be going. We are instead going to Melvin's 90th birthday party at Fay's and Wanda's.  Can taste the steaks already!  :)

Well, I guess that is enough for now.  Sorry this got so long. 

Have a HAPPY 4TH.

Carol

Searching for Mickey and Shamu, day 5

Today was the last day of our adventure. We are all tired and ready to get home and sleep in our own beds. Everyone did exceptionally well.

Today, we went to see Ripley's Believe It or Not. It had been along time since Cheryl, Cory and I had been to one. Lisa, and of course the babies, had never been to one. I think we all enjoyed it and it only took about one hour for the "fast through."

We went to a couple of shopping centers and walked about. By the time we ate a quick lunch it was time to head to the airport to return to reality.

Tomorrow is reality again I guess for everyone but me and I'll get to take it easy and rest some. Cory and Lisa will head back to work.

Cheryl has to head back to Kentucky and to help deal with the aftermath of the ice storm. It was so nice and we are so thankful that her co-workers and compatriots stood in for her so we could make this trip. Cheryl really works for a great company and with a great crew.

Searching for Mickey and Shamu, day 4

After about nine hours at Sea World today Reilee announced that her favorite part was having her picture taken with the Shamu character. Of course, that was just inside the gate as e arrived. Cory asked her why she didn't tell us that earlier.

We saw an awful lot of creatures that were very impressive and went to several shows including Shamu, Clyde and Seymore Take Back the Pirate Ship. We saw seals, sea lions, walrus, manatee, sharks of all kinds, dolphins, beluga whales, penguins and lots of others.

Reilee, Cory and Lisa touched manta rays in the "petting pool." Once Reilee got her nerve up she thought it was pretty neat and wasn't too interested in leaving them.

It was another great day with new experiences and a fun time.

Other than being a little too cool in the mornings the days have been wonderful... not too cool, not too warm.

We head home tomorrow but we have had a great time and are thankful for the weather and all the time together to share the experiences.

Searching for Mickey and Shamu, day 3

Today, magical at the Magical Kingdom. We found Mickey Mouse and Minnie, Chip and Dale, Pluto, Ariel, the Fairy God Mother and her two mice, the Princess, Cinderella and I can't remember who else.

We rode so many rides including the Haunted House, Dumbo, Peter Pan and of course, It's a Small World.

Reilee was such a good girl and enjoyed everything. She wanted to ride just a couple of the rides more than once but didn't. She spent a lot of time with her Daddy on the rides. He took lots of time explaining what was going on or what was going to happen because he still remembered so much from our last trip here. It was good to see and remember how much he enjoyed the trips we made when he was growing up.

Connor had a good time, too. One could see all the sensory stimulation he was getting. All of the music, lights and activity simply fascinated him. He showed lots of interest in Rikki Tikki with the animated birds singing. I was surprised at his level of excitement.

We capped off the day with a wonderful dinner that Cheryl had arranged for a surprise for Reilee on the second floor of the castle. It was hosted by Cinderella and entertainment was provided by the Fairy God Mother and her two mice. It was actually an excellent dinner and I would recommend it for everyone, with or without children.

We got back to the hotel about 9:30 p.m. so we spent about 12 hours in the Magic Kingdom today. We all weathered the day in good spirits, behavior and satisfied we did all we could in one day with a one year old and a five year old, 2 twenty-somethings, a wonderful Grandma (whose age shall not be given, but was one of the youngest Grandmas on location) that was so thoughtful to provide such a wonderful trip and one Papa tagging along on his little scooter.

For this Papa this has been a day that I have looked forward to and prayed that I would live long enough to see and enjoy. I am thankful that Cheryl provided this experience for all of us and that my Lord Jesus has allowed me to live long enough to have these memories for the rest of my life.

God is good and great!

Searching for Mickey and Shamu, day 2

Cory, Lisa and Connor arrived in Orlando today and Cheryl and Reilee picked them up.

Cheryl and I then went and listened to our obligatory talk regarding timeshares. After a couple of hours of listening, looking and discussion we decided not to buy right now but we were definitely impressed.

After that we all loaded up in the van and Cheryl drove us over to Cocoa Beach so every one had a chance to see the ocean and the beach. Connor was totally unimpressed!

We stopped at Ron-Jon's Surf Shop while in Cocoa Beach and Cory helped me pick out a hat to wear for the rest of tghe week.

With that we were all worn out and grumpy so we headed back to the hotel and called it a day!

Didn't find Mickey or Shamu today!

Searching for Mickey and Shamu, day 1

We're off! It was time to leave for the airport so Cheryl told me to take my suitcase, put it behind the car, start the car and she and Reilee would follow with their suitcases. Simple enough, right.

Cheryl and Reilee come out with their suitcases, put them in and Cheryl asks "where's your suitcase?"

My suitcase is gone. I'm sitting in the car and someone has taken my suitcase.

Then, it hits me. My neighbor was loading stuff in his car; he must have taken my suitcase with all of his things and left. Now what?

My suitcase, besides my clothes, has my meds. So off we head the apartment office to see if they have a cell number for him. Sure enough they have a number and he is just moving to a different apartment in the complex. He brought my case back and the first challenge is averted.

Inauguration Day 2009

What a historic day! Although I have never been an Obama supporter it is truly a historic day in our nation and I really think the country was ready for a black president, as well as a woman president.

In my 54 years I have seen and remember some great days in our country and world; some were:

• Walking on the moon;
• An actor, Reagan, being elected president;
• Seeing Reagan, in person;
• Fall of the Berlin wall;
• End of the Cold War;
• The International Space Station;
• and, of course, the election of the first black president.

I hope the youth of this nation realizes the times they are living through and experiencing.

New Year's resolution

I have never made New Year's resolution! Well, this year I think I am going to give it a try.

The resolution... I am going to make a concerted effort to stay in contact with friends and find old friends and stay in contact with them. Doesn't sound like much but considering I've never made resolutions before it might turn out to be pretty aggressive for a first shot.

I actually started last evening. I called a former employee from my days in Muskogee, OK, that I hadn't talked to in almost 18 years. We spent a little time catching up. Since the last time I saw or talked to her she, also, has had cancer. She has been cancer free for 9 years. It was a fun visit and we got each other's email address so we could continue to stay in contact.

patriotism

Last night I watched a little of the Olympics because I knew that Michael Phelps would be swimming again. In the 200-meter he took the gold medal by breaking his own world record. Team mate, Peter Vanderkaay, took the bronze medal.

I was touched and felt especially proud when after they received their medal the Star Spangled Banner was played and both boys put their right hand over their heart. The media has made comment about how nice each of these young men are. It is obvious that someone taught them to be proud of their country and the proper stance to take when the national anthem is played.

There are a lot of older adults that could take some lessons from these young men... some of which are running for public office.

Prairie Home Companion

I enjoy listening to the Prairie Home Companion and the News from Lake Wobegon by Garrison Keillor. In Kansas City, NPR broadcasts it Sunday mornings and evenings and it is a two hour show. It is in the line of an old-time radio show. Many of the stories and characters remind me of the small town where I grew up in western Oklahoma. It is really a "hoot" but you have to listen very closely because there is a lot of subtle, dry humor.

The cast has been on vacation in July so Mr. Keillor has been rebroadcasting some of the story episodes. This week there was a portion from a Memorial Day broadcast that included Lincoln's Gettysburg Address:

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

I am shocked that the courts and Congress have not tried to rewrite this speech and rid it of "under God." I wonder how many of our representative have read this speech, little less the last line... "government of the people, by the people, for the people" not for the personal and financial benefit of the representatives themselves.

I think it has been a while since anyone in Washington has listened to what the will of the people is!

she's baaaack!

Rosie O'Donnell: Rev. Jeremiah Wright 'Made Sense to Me'

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

AP

Rosie O'Donnell

NEW YORK  —  Rosie O'Donnell defended Rev. Jeremiah Wright on the "Today" show on Monday, saying Barack Obama's former pastor "made sense to me."

The comedian also compared herself to Wright, saying "some people confuse passion for rage." She also came to Wright's defense on his views on the origins of AIDS. [click here to read full story]

This woman just can't help but make an ass of herself! Yes, I'm prejudice; I can't stand her! I just don't understand why anyone would have her on their TV show or why anyone would watch and listen to her idiotic ideas.

2008 NCAA National Champions

  

University of Kansas Basketball

Jayhawks

what's up with the Chiefs?

Chiefs to release Law, Bell, Reed, Dunn

By ADAM TEICHER

The Kansas City Star

The Chiefs continued their rebuilding process by telling four more veteran players they would be released, sources said.

One, cornerback Ty Law, was a starter last season. Two, linebacker Kendrell Bell and defensive tackle James Reed, are former starters while the fourth player, tight end Jason Dunn, was once a key reserve.

All of the players are over 30 except Bell, who turns 30 in July.

The Chiefs have either released or will release six veterans who had 2008 contracts. Offensive tackle John Welbourn and wide receiver Eddie Kennison, both also over 30, were previously released. [emphasis added]

I certainly understand that the Kansas City Chiefs are trying to "rebuild" with younger players. Apparently, you must tear down or destroy before you can "rebuild".

Just wondering... do anti-age-discrimination laws apply to sports corporations?

The ridiculous!

These two stories just stuck me as ridiculous! The story about the Hiltons even made the national news tonight. Obviously, they were groping for some thing to fill the time.

Priests brawl at Jesus' birthplace

BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) -- Greek Orthodox and Armenian priests attacked each other with brooms and stones inside the Church of the Nativity as long-standing rivalries erupted in violence during holiday cleaning on Thursday.

The basilica, built over the grotto in Bethlehem where Christians believe Jesus was born, is administered jointly by Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic authorities.

Any perceived encroachment on one group's turf can touch off vicious feuds.

On Thursday, dozens of priests and cleaners were scrubbing the church ahead of the Armenian and Orthodox Christmas, celebrated in early January. Thousands of tourists visited the church this week for Christmas celebrations.

But the clean-up turned ugly after some of the Orthodox faithful stepped inside the Armenian church's section, touching off a scuffle between about 50 Greek Orthodox and 30 Armenians.

Palestinian police, armed with batons and shields, quickly formed a human cordon to separate the two sides so the cleaning could continue, then ordered an Associated Press photographer out of the church.

Four people, some with blood running from their faces, were slightly wounded.

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press.

 

Paris loses out: Hilton fortune pledged to charity

Wed Dec 26, 2007 8:38pm GMT

By Michelle Nichols

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. hotel heiress Paris Hilton's potential inheritance dramatically diminished after her grandfather Barron Hilton announced plans on Wednesday to donate 97 percent of his $2.3 billion (1.16 billion pounds) fortune to charity.

That wealth includes $1.2 billion Barron Hilton stands to earn from both the recent sale of Hilton Hotels Corp. -- started by his father Conrad in 1919 when he bought a small hotel in Cisco, Texas -- and pending sale of the world's biggest casino company, Harrah's Entertainment Inc.

That money will be placed in a charitable trust that will eventually benefit the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, raising its total value to about $4.5 billion, the foundation said in a statement.

Barron Hilton, chairman of the foundation, intends "to contribute 97 percent of his entire net worth, estimated today at $2.3 billion, including the created trusts, at whatever value it is at the time of his passing," the foundation said.

Paris Hilton was not immediately available for comment on her grandfather's plans for his fortune.

Jerry Oppenheimer, who profiled the Hilton family in his 2006 book "House of Hilton," has said Barron Hilton is embarrassed by the behaviour of his socialite granddaughter Paris and believes it has sullied the family name.

Barron Hilton, who is 80, has not commented on Oppenheimer's remarks.

The foundation supports projects that provide clean water in Africa, education for blind children, and housing for the mentally ill. Its aims, based on Conrad Hilton's will, are "to relieve the suffering, the distressed and the destitute."  Continued...

In the line of ridiculous, did I say I don't like cats! I don't like cats on my patio; I don't like cats in my house; I don't like cats in movies; I don't like cats in TV shows; I don't like cats on my TV; I don't like cats in front of my TV; I don't like cats in emails; I don't like cat web sites; And, I don't think cats are cute: I don't like cats with hats; I don't like cats with puppies; I don't like cats with babies; I don't like cats! EVER! I Promise!

Marshall Family's Animated Christmas Lights; Wichita, KS '07

The 20 y/o engineering student that did this is the grandson of close friends who live in Hutchinson, Kansas. Hope you enjoy this as much as I have.

It takes all kinds...

 

Woman Accused of Groping Mall Santa

1 hour ago

DANBURY, Conn. (AP) — Santa Claus says that a woman who sat on his lap was naughty, not nice.

A Santa at the Danbury Fair mall said the woman groped him.

"The security officer at the mall said Santa Claus has been sexually assaulted," police Detective Lt. Thomas Michael said of the weekend complaint.

Sandrama Lamy, 33, of Danbury, was charged with sexual assault and breach of peace. She was released on a promise to appear in court on Jan. 3.

Police quickly found and identified Lamy because the woman was described as being on crutches, said Capt. Bob Myles.

A call seeking comment from Lamy was answered by a recording Tuesday morning. A woman later called back and said: "It's a false report and I don't have any idea."

Police did not give the name of the disconcerted Santa, but they said he is 65 and felt badly because children were waiting to see him. "He was apparently shocked and embarrassed by the whole incident," Myles said.

A man who teaches hundreds of prospective Santas a year — "Santa Tim" Connaghan, president of RealSantas.com — said he's never heard of a similar incident, though it's not unusual for adults to want to pose with Santa.

"I've had some very nice ladies sit on my lap," said Connaghan, who did not train the Danbury Fair Santa. "Once in a while they'll say 'I hope Mrs. Claus isn't going to be upset.' You have to be discreet and kind and say 'Oh no, she'll be OK. You can sit here, but only for one photo.'"

A spokeswoman for Cherry Hill Photo, the company that coordinates Santas for Danbury Fair, declined to comment Tuesday.

Straight No Chaser