One day things are going as usual. Stop at pick up groceries, don't forget to put gas in the car, you know the usual stuff we do everyday without much thought. Next thing you know, Bam! Life hits!
As most do (probably) I have routines that I carry out almost every day and every night.. Habits they are called. Maybe it is my favorite glass I drink from or the blue jeans that feel the best or maybe its the normal things I hardly ever notice. Like walking, breathing, talking,smelling thinking even the simplest habit of blinking of my eyelids.
Never notice too much until we get that phone call we have dreaded for years. Also, it could be a layoff notice from our employer where we have worked for several decades. Whatever the moment may be, we notice that our life is in the Hands of God. We are not made of steel we are simply mortal. You know the kind that one day will grow old (if God allows) and our body will be simply leaving us as we had always known it..
I have been dealing with this for some time now watching my dad grow old. It's not easy because I can do nothing to stop it. We are just temporal beings on this earth. That's when life hits us and normal is not normal anymore.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
I received this from a friend in my email! Author unknown
WET
PANTS
Come with me to a third grade classroom...... There is a nine-year-old kid sitting at his desk and all of a sudden, there is a puddle between his feet and the front of his pants are wet. He thinks his heart is going to stop because he cannot possibly imagine how this has happened. It's never happened before, and he knows that when the boys find out he will never hear the end of it. When the girls find out, they'll never speak to him again as long as he lives.
The boy believes his heart is going to stop; he puts his head down and prays this prayer, 'Dear God, this is an emergency! I need help now! Five minutes from now I'm dead meat.'
He looks up from his prayer and here comes the teacher with a look in her eyes that says he has been discovered.
As the teacher is walking toward him, a classmate named Susie is carrying a goldfish bowl that is filled with water. Susie trips in front of the teacher and inexplicably dumps the bowl of water in the boy's lap.
The boy pretends to be angry, but all the while is saying to himself, 'Than k you, Lord! Thank you, Lord!'
Now all of a sudden, instead of being the object of ridicule, the boy is the object of sympathy. The teacher rushes him downstairs and gives him gym shorts to put on while his pants dry out. All
the other children are on their hands and knees cleaning up around his desk. The sympathy is wonderful... But as life would have it, the ridicule that should have been his has been
transferred to someone else - Susie. She tries to help, but they tell her to get out.
You've done enough, you klutz!'
Finally, at the end of the day, as they are waiting for the bus, the boy walks over to Susie and whispers, 'You did that on purpose, didn't you?' Susie whispers back, 'I wet my pants once
too....’
May God help us see the opportunities that are always around us to do good...
Remember.....Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car.
Each and everyone one of us is going through tough times right now, but God is getting ready to bless you in a way that only He can. Keep the faith.
IF we all would do what we know is right! That includes me too!
WET
PANTS
Come with me to a third grade classroom...... There is a nine-year-old kid sitting at his desk and all of a sudden, there is a puddle between his feet and the front of his pants are wet. He thinks his heart is going to stop because he cannot possibly imagine how this has happened. It's never happened before, and he knows that when the boys find out he will never hear the end of it. When the girls find out, they'll never speak to him again as long as he lives.
The boy believes his heart is going to stop; he puts his head down and prays this prayer, 'Dear God, this is an emergency! I need help now! Five minutes from now I'm dead meat.'
He looks up from his prayer and here comes the teacher with a look in her eyes that says he has been discovered.
As the teacher is walking toward him, a classmate named Susie is carrying a goldfish bowl that is filled with water. Susie trips in front of the teacher and inexplicably dumps the bowl of water in the boy's lap.
The boy pretends to be angry, but all the while is saying to himself, 'Than k you, Lord! Thank you, Lord!'
Now all of a sudden, instead of being the object of ridicule, the boy is the object of sympathy. The teacher rushes him downstairs and gives him gym shorts to put on while his pants dry out. All
the other children are on their hands and knees cleaning up around his desk. The sympathy is wonderful... But as life would have it, the ridicule that should have been his has been
transferred to someone else - Susie. She tries to help, but they tell her to get out.
You've done enough, you klutz!'
Finally, at the end of the day, as they are waiting for the bus, the boy walks over to Susie and whispers, 'You did that on purpose, didn't you?' Susie whispers back, 'I wet my pants once
too....’
May God help us see the opportunities that are always around us to do good...
Remember.....Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car.
Each and everyone one of us is going through tough times right now, but God is getting ready to bless you in a way that only He can. Keep the faith.
IF we all would do what we know is right! That includes me too!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Republican or Democrat?
Odds are that most all of us who are registered to vote in this country are republican or democrat. So if you fall into this category, why are you connected to either party?
I registered back in 1978, the first year I could. I remember that my first presidential vote was for Ronald Regan, a couple of years later. I liked his stance in particular on defence for our country. I really didn't care that he was a famous actor from Hollywood. I liked him and most of his positions on the issues.
I had watched the Carter administration and their response to the Iranian hostage situation. Every day when I would come home from working in the coal mine, I would watch the news with my dad to see what had happened the day before with our fellow Americans held as hostage's. I didn't like it at all! They were paraded around in front of the cameras while our country watched in horror. It was that crisis that helped shape my political views.
So what party do I owe my loyalty to? Republican or Democrat. I owe it to God!
I feel that all of us should do what we feel is right between us and our Creator. No matter what political party we are affiliated with. Yes I understand that we almost have to be one or the other to vote in a primary. As most of you know, I'm a registered republican. Do I always agree with everything the national, state or local party adheres to? Not at all. Its a matter of our principals and moral convictions. To me, the republican party is closer to my beliefs and opinions. Yet, that gives me no special privilege to say I'm better than anyone else. If a Democrat is closer to the way I feel and my morals led me, I will go that direction.
We owe it to our country and those who have given their blood on foreign lands to vote for what we feel is the right thing to do. Not the popular view at the time. No matter what party affiliation. At least that's my opinion.
I registered back in 1978, the first year I could. I remember that my first presidential vote was for Ronald Regan, a couple of years later. I liked his stance in particular on defence for our country. I really didn't care that he was a famous actor from Hollywood. I liked him and most of his positions on the issues.
I had watched the Carter administration and their response to the Iranian hostage situation. Every day when I would come home from working in the coal mine, I would watch the news with my dad to see what had happened the day before with our fellow Americans held as hostage's. I didn't like it at all! They were paraded around in front of the cameras while our country watched in horror. It was that crisis that helped shape my political views.
So what party do I owe my loyalty to? Republican or Democrat. I owe it to God!
I feel that all of us should do what we feel is right between us and our Creator. No matter what political party we are affiliated with. Yes I understand that we almost have to be one or the other to vote in a primary. As most of you know, I'm a registered republican. Do I always agree with everything the national, state or local party adheres to? Not at all. Its a matter of our principals and moral convictions. To me, the republican party is closer to my beliefs and opinions. Yet, that gives me no special privilege to say I'm better than anyone else. If a Democrat is closer to the way I feel and my morals led me, I will go that direction.
We owe it to our country and those who have given their blood on foreign lands to vote for what we feel is the right thing to do. Not the popular view at the time. No matter what party affiliation. At least that's my opinion.
Friday, September 25, 2009
YouTube - US Senior Citizen Speaks Out on Healthcare Bill - Part 1
Please listen to this common sense man and then listen to part 2
YouTube - US Senior Citizen Speaks Out on Health care Bill - Part 1
YouTube - US Senior Citizen Speaks Out on Health care Bill - Part 1
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
Extended Car Warranty. WATCH OUT!
Too good to be true? As the old saying goes, "Well It Probably Is". My S-10 pick-up truck has 155,655 miles at last glimpse. Now there are advertisements that say I can purchase an extended policy for my vehicle if it is under 200,000 miles. Sounds good to me! Yet after checking on the Internet for people who had complaints, I think I won't! That is, purchase a policy. Another case of "Too Good To Be True"!
Always remember that if you hear of a company with a good / great deal, use the Internet and google that company for any complaints against them. If there are from several different people, I would definitely check them out.
CLICK ON TITLE ABOVE "Extended Car Warranty. Watch Out" to take you to a news video on this subject. At the search video bar, type in "US Fidelis". Choose the BBB issues warning.....
Always remember that if you hear of a company with a good / great deal, use the Internet and google that company for any complaints against them. If there are from several different people, I would definitely check them out.
CLICK ON TITLE ABOVE "Extended Car Warranty. Watch Out" to take you to a news video on this subject. At the search video bar, type in "US Fidelis". Choose the BBB issues warning.....
Friday, August 28, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Cash For Clunkers Turned Out To Be A "CLUNKER"
Sounds really good! Don't you think so?
Thinking about the whole "Cash for Clunkers" passed by Congress and signed by President Obama, there will be (In My Opinion) a unwanted effect to the part of the country where we reside.
Here are a few of the problems I foresee:
Thinking about the whole "Cash for Clunkers" passed by Congress and signed by President Obama, there will be (In My Opinion) a unwanted effect to the part of the country where we reside.
Here are a few of the problems I foresee:
1. Auto parts stores will eventually see a slack in business due to less used automobiles in the market.
2. There will be less used vehicles to purchase especially for someone who simply needs another car and yet they can't afford the price of a new one.
3. Need a used part? There will be fewer of these also because the government is having them scraped. Junk yards will be getting slimmer.
I understand that we need to change some unwanted consequences to our dependence on foreign oil. I believe this is a noble cause. The solution is simple. Drill here in our country for oil!
With the recession the way it is and also the unemployment rate is high, we probably need to keep some of those "clunkers" around. We may not be able to get the loan to purchase that new clunker to be.
Friday, August 14, 2009
A Coin Flip Vacation!
My wife Tammy and I took a crazy vacation using the direction of not a GPS, map, or compass. We simply did something different. We flipped a coin and took off with a tank of gas and a cooler of cold cuts.We had talked about it for years. Taking a road trip not knowing were we would end up. When we were at the end of Blackberry Lane, (The road we live on) we took a coin and flipped it! That would tell us the direction we would head. Heads to the right and tails to the left. We went left. Every time we came to a intersection, I would flip the coin. If it was heads, we would continue to go straight. Tails meant I would flip it again to see if we went L or R.
We ended up in Chattanooga, TN. The next morning we took a tour of "Ruby Falls". Ruby Falls is a cave that starts out at 260 feet below ground at Look Out Mountain with a temp of 60 degrees farenheight year round. As we took the tour, we were lead to a water fall that was the most beautiful natural sight I have ever seen!
The man who sunk the shaft to open the cave back up, (the mouth had been closed by the government years earlier) named the water fall after his wife "Ruby". She would often go there to rest her mind from the cares of this world.
It cost around $16.00 for each adult and it was worth every penny of it too.
Find you a coin and flip it. May be the best trip you have ever took. It has been for me.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
This is Wrong (CLICK ON THE WORD "WRONG").
No matter what your opinion is, what happened here is truly wrong. No one should be subject to any violence for their political vies in this country be it Democrat or Republican!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Crittenden County Fiscal Audit
Luallen Releases Audit of Crittenden County Fiscal Court See the audit report for Full Details
Crit Luallen Auditor of Public Accounts209 St. Clair St.Frankfort, KY 40601Contact:APA Press Release Contacts Phone: (502) 564-5841Fax: (502) 564-2912Press Release Contacts
(Frankfort - August 3, 2009) State Auditor Crit Luallen has released the audit of the financial statements of the Crittenden County Fiscal Court for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008. State law requires annual audits of county fiscal courts.
The audit found that the county’s financial statements, in all material respects, fairly present the county’s assets, liabilities, and equity arising from cash transactions and revenues received and expenditures paid in conformity with the modified cash basis of accounting.
The Auditor noted no instances of noncompliance. The Auditor also noted no matters involving internal control over financial reporting and its operation that were considered to be material weaknesses.
Crit LuallenAuditor of Public Accounts209 St. Clair St.Frankfort, KY 40601WEB: www.auditor.ky.gov/
Crit Luallen Auditor of Public Accounts209 St. Clair St.Frankfort, KY 40601Contact:APA Press Release Contacts Phone: (502) 564-5841Fax: (502) 564-2912Press Release Contacts
(Frankfort - August 3, 2009) State Auditor Crit Luallen has released the audit of the financial statements of the Crittenden County Fiscal Court for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008. State law requires annual audits of county fiscal courts.
The audit found that the county’s financial statements, in all material respects, fairly present the county’s assets, liabilities, and equity arising from cash transactions and revenues received and expenditures paid in conformity with the modified cash basis of accounting.
The Auditor noted no instances of noncompliance. The Auditor also noted no matters involving internal control over financial reporting and its operation that were considered to be material weaknesses.
Crit LuallenAuditor of Public Accounts209 St. Clair St.Frankfort, KY 40601WEB: www.auditor.ky.gov/
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Henderson votes to suspend League membership in 2010 : Bluegrass Politics
Henderson will pull away from League of Cities.
Henderson votes to suspend League membership in 2010 : Bluegrass Politics
Henderson votes to suspend League membership in 2010 : Bluegrass Politics
Thursday, July 30, 2009
"Cash For Clunkers" May Be Suspended
Going to by that new automobile? If you are, you better hurry to get the $4,500.00 "Cash-For-Clunkers" rebate.
According to Politico.com, "The Obama administration is telling lawmakers that its much-touted 'cash-for-clunkers' program has already run out of money and will be shutting down Thursday night, according to three Senate aides familiar with the discussions".
I guess it was good while it lasted.
According to Politico.com, "The Obama administration is telling lawmakers that its much-touted 'cash-for-clunkers' program has already run out of money and will be shutting down Thursday night, according to three Senate aides familiar with the discussions".
I guess it was good while it lasted.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Around The Corner
While in the garage tonight, I recalled a time in my life starting in January of of this year.
I was sitting at the same computer that I'm at now, about to order a generator when about half way through the order, the electricity went "Total Blackout"!
Do you remember? The dreaded ice storm of 09.
After I shook off the shock of that memory, I began to compile a impromptu list in my head of things I need if it happens again. I believe I have most of the items to get us through another week or so of a terrible shortage of electricity and water.
My List:
I was sitting at the same computer that I'm at now, about to order a generator when about half way through the order, the electricity went "Total Blackout"!
Do you remember? The dreaded ice storm of 09.
After I shook off the shock of that memory, I began to compile a impromptu list in my head of things I need if it happens again. I believe I have most of the items to get us through another week or so of a terrible shortage of electricity and water.
My List:
- A working generator
- Water
- Fuel
- Cooler
- Non-perishable food
- Candles
- Matches
- Any Medication's
- Cell phone charger W/ extra battery
- Good extension cords
- And of course, heat. Kerosene or propane.
I can remember talking to my neighbor, Kurt Beavers and we both made the same statement. NEXT YEAR I WILL BE PREPARED!
Guess what? It is next year and I'm not prepared like I should be. I believe I will put that on my wife's "Honey Do List". For me of course!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Running for County Judge Executive
I'm very aware of the challenge that will await any one who assumes the position of judge executive.
I do not want to mislead the voters of this county with a bunch of promises that I might not be able to keep. However, I will say that I will continue to work hard, try my best and take pride in Crittenden County and it's citizens.
We live in a great part of Kentucky. I've thought many times that I could have been born in a country like North Korea, Iran or even Iraq.
God willing, I will try my best to earn your respect and gain your vote with confidence. I'm not perfect and I know no one that is. There was only one that was perfect and He was nailed to a tree. I owe everything to Him.
I do not want to mislead the voters of this county with a bunch of promises that I might not be able to keep. However, I will say that I will continue to work hard, try my best and take pride in Crittenden County and it's citizens.
We live in a great part of Kentucky. I've thought many times that I could have been born in a country like North Korea, Iran or even Iraq.
God willing, I will try my best to earn your respect and gain your vote with confidence. I'm not perfect and I know no one that is. There was only one that was perfect and He was nailed to a tree. I owe everything to Him.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
I Have Decided To Run
I have filed a letter of intent with the Kentucky Registry of Elections this week. I intend to seek the office of Crittenden County Judge Executive this coming election.
I ask that all would say a prayer for me that I will do the right thing.
God willing I plan to pursue this with a passionate enthusiasm.
Greg West
I ask that all would say a prayer for me that I will do the right thing.
God willing I plan to pursue this with a passionate enthusiasm.
Greg West
The Kentucky County Judge Executive, Magistrates, and Commissioners Association is currently meeting in Louisville, KY.
July 16th Session include:
Here are two of the Roundtable Sessions to be held July 17th:
Roundtable #1:
July 16th Session include:
- Governor Address (Gov. Steve Beshear)
- Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo speaks
- Atty General Jack Conway speaks
- Auditor Crit Luallen speaks as well as a few other speakers
Here are two of the Roundtable Sessions to be held July 17th:
Roundtable #1:
- Planning & Zoning
- Administrative of the Courts (AOC)
- KY Division of Emergency Management
- Departments of Corrections
Roundtable #2:
- Ky Association of Counties
- Department for Local Government
- Transportation Cabinet
- Division of Waste Management
Saturday the 18th will have a:
- U.S. Census Update as well as a Congressional Update by Rep. John Yarmuth
I feel it is essential for a representative of the Fiscal Court to be present at these type of meetings. Besides myself, Magistrate Helen McConnell, Magistrate Dan Wood and wife Mindy, Judge Executive Fred Brown and wife Minnie Lou are here also. My wonderful wife Tammy came too.
Some may think it is a waste of time and taxpayers money! Most if not all of us pay for our own transportation, meals, gas, motels room to be here. We gain acquaintances, information that can possibly help our county and help us to understand several programs better.
Like Martha Stewart says: "It's A Good Thing"!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Cap And Trade Bill Passes House!
American Clean Energy and Security Act - Vote Passed (219-212, 3 Not Voting)
otherwise known to us as "Cap and Trade"
On Passage06/26/2009House Roll Call No. 477 111th Congress, 1st Session Passed: 219-212 The House passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act, which aims to reduce greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change through a cap and trade system of pollution credits.
On Passage06/26/2009House Roll Call No. 477 111th Congress, 1st Session Passed: 219-212 The House passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act, which aims to reduce greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change through a cap and trade system of pollution credits.
Vote Map: House Roll Call No. 477
Votes For :
219
Votes Against :
212
Not Voting :
3
Votes For :
219
Votes Against :
212
Not Voting :
3
RED = Majority of state legislature voted NO
GREEN = Majority of state legislature voted YES
How the U.S. House from Kentucky voted:
• Rep. Ben Chandler (D-6)
Y
• Rep. Geoff Davis (R-4)
N
• Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-2)
N
• Rep. Harold Rogers (R-5)
N
• Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-1)
N
• Rep. John Yarmuth (D-3)
Y
• Rep. Ben Chandler (D-6)
Y
• Rep. Geoff Davis (R-4)
N
• Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-2)
N
• Rep. Harold Rogers (R-5)
N
• Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-1)
N
• Rep. John Yarmuth (D-3)
Y
powered by Capitol Advantage ©2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Pitchman Billy Mays Found Dead
Billy Mays
Police: TV pitchman Billy Mays found dead at home
June 28, 2009, 11:35 AM EST
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Billy Mays, the burly, bearded television pitchman whose boisterous hawking of products such as Orange Glo and OxiClean made him a pop-culture icon, has died. He was 50.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Death Of A Man
You would almost have to be a hermit if you haven't heard about the death of Micheal Jackson this week. For me the tragedy is not because the world lost such a great gift and talent, it is because he was a person like you and me and the eye's of the public mourn the death of a singer.
I remember when I was a kid, (I believe it was 1971 or 1972) that I heard Micheal sing Rock-in- Robin on our A.M. radio. He and singer Donny Osmond were battling it out for the top pop spot.
He was good at what he did on stage and in the record studio. He had a great talent that God can only give.
What has upset me the most is that I hear so many people that merely miss the talent more than the man. He came in to this world like we all have come, by the birth of a mother and he died like we all will also die. Some will and most won't die under the same circumstances as Micheal did. Yet we all must die. The most troubling thing about all this is that I nor anyone else has the right to judge his soul. That right only belongs to God!
We all (to some degree) live in glass house's and we shouldn't throw stones in a glass house. I feel many times we rush to judgement without knowing the big picture of someones life. The woman taken in the act of adultery was brought before Jesus and the religious people of that day, (notice I did not say the born again believers but religious) asked what should happen to her? Jesus simply knelled down and began writing on the ground. What he wrote the bible doesn't tell us yet it was very powerful because they all left except Jesus and the woman.
What we need to do is love one another as Jesus taught us too. That doesn't mean we have to love each others ways yet we have to love their soul. We have the chance every day to help someone. I truly believe that! Maybe it's not a celebrity like Micheal Jackson but the one standing at the checkout line or the one we talk to on the phone that day. Countless opportunities come our way every single day.
Maybe, just maybe we can reach out a little more and judge a little less. I think I will leave the judging to our Creator.
I remember when I was a kid, (I believe it was 1971 or 1972) that I heard Micheal sing Rock-in- Robin on our A.M. radio. He and singer Donny Osmond were battling it out for the top pop spot.
He was good at what he did on stage and in the record studio. He had a great talent that God can only give.
What has upset me the most is that I hear so many people that merely miss the talent more than the man. He came in to this world like we all have come, by the birth of a mother and he died like we all will also die. Some will and most won't die under the same circumstances as Micheal did. Yet we all must die. The most troubling thing about all this is that I nor anyone else has the right to judge his soul. That right only belongs to God!
We all (to some degree) live in glass house's and we shouldn't throw stones in a glass house. I feel many times we rush to judgement without knowing the big picture of someones life. The woman taken in the act of adultery was brought before Jesus and the religious people of that day, (notice I did not say the born again believers but religious) asked what should happen to her? Jesus simply knelled down and began writing on the ground. What he wrote the bible doesn't tell us yet it was very powerful because they all left except Jesus and the woman.
What we need to do is love one another as Jesus taught us too. That doesn't mean we have to love each others ways yet we have to love their soul. We have the chance every day to help someone. I truly believe that! Maybe it's not a celebrity like Micheal Jackson but the one standing at the checkout line or the one we talk to on the phone that day. Countless opportunities come our way every single day.
Maybe, just maybe we can reach out a little more and judge a little less. I think I will leave the judging to our Creator.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
If North Korea Fires Missile At Hawaii, What?
I really want to know what you think about this question; " If North Korea fires a missile in the direction of Hawaii, what would you do if you were the president?"
A FEW COMMENTS RECEIVED SO FAR:
Would need more information. My first instinct would be to do as we did to Japan. We are bogged down with irons in the fire now. If they only aimed at us, but didn't hit, a stronger resolution might help, but we haven't been able to deal with them in the past. So far it's just threats. Do you kill thousands and injury thousands more because of a threat? I think it would be more fun to shoot down their missile, as they say we are capable of doing. This would be a good test of our missile defense shield.
Anonymous
Blow then out of the water!
Anonymous
The quote that will follow is from a google news search on this subject. In it President Obama address this issue.
US 'prepared' for N.Korea missile launch: Obama
1 day ago
WASHINGTON (AFP) — President Barack Obama assured Americans in a televised interview on Monday that the United States is "fully prepared" for a potential North Korean missile launch toward US territory.
"This administration -- and our military -- is fully prepared for any contingencies," Obama told CBS when asked about the possibility that North Korea could fire a missile toward Hawaii on or about July 4, the US Independence Day.
Asked if that meant Washington was "warning of a military response," Obama answered: "No. It's just we are prepared for any contingencies."
"I don't want to speculate on hypotheticals," he said. "But I do want to give assurances to the American people that the T's are crossed and the I's are dotted in terms of what might happen."
North Korea, meanwhile, said Monday it was a "proud nuclear power" and would hit back if it considered itself to be under attack.
Okay, what would you do? Send your answer to greggorytw@gmail.com and I will post your answer as anonymous or will leave your name if you give permission.
One person told me today that they would "Do the same thing the United States did to Japan in WW II." I replied "that we were the only nation at that time to have an atomic bomb!" Now there are several that do and who they all are, well, that's a guess at best.
What do you think?
A FEW COMMENTS RECEIVED SO FAR:
Would need more information. My first instinct would be to do as we did to Japan. We are bogged down with irons in the fire now. If they only aimed at us, but didn't hit, a stronger resolution might help, but we haven't been able to deal with them in the past. So far it's just threats. Do you kill thousands and injury thousands more because of a threat? I think it would be more fun to shoot down their missile, as they say we are capable of doing. This would be a good test of our missile defense shield.
Anonymous
Blow then out of the water!
Anonymous
The quote that will follow is from a google news search on this subject. In it President Obama address this issue.
US 'prepared' for N.Korea missile launch: Obama
1 day ago
WASHINGTON (AFP) — President Barack Obama assured Americans in a televised interview on Monday that the United States is "fully prepared" for a potential North Korean missile launch toward US territory.
"This administration -- and our military -- is fully prepared for any contingencies," Obama told CBS when asked about the possibility that North Korea could fire a missile toward Hawaii on or about July 4, the US Independence Day.
Asked if that meant Washington was "warning of a military response," Obama answered: "No. It's just we are prepared for any contingencies."
"I don't want to speculate on hypotheticals," he said. "But I do want to give assurances to the American people that the T's are crossed and the I's are dotted in terms of what might happen."
North Korea, meanwhile, said Monday it was a "proud nuclear power" and would hit back if it considered itself to be under attack.
Okay, what would you do? Send your answer to greggorytw@gmail.com and I will post your answer as anonymous or will leave your name if you give permission.
One person told me today that they would "Do the same thing the United States did to Japan in WW II." I replied "that we were the only nation at that time to have an atomic bomb!" Now there are several that do and who they all are, well, that's a guess at best.
What do you think?
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Bye Jodie!
Jodie Meeks has decided to go pro. Where he will be drafted is just a matter of need at the time he's needed.
Meeks was one of the few bright spots this past season for the Kentucky Wildcats. “I just feel relieved that it’s over,” Meeks said of his decision. “I gave it a lot of thought. I played really well in the workouts and I got a lot of feedback.” as reported by By Jerry Tipton of the McClatchy-Tribune News Service.
I think this is really a good thing for both Jodie and the Wildcats. Coming back after such a personal great year for Meeks, probably would have been difficult. He was the go to guy for a team that was lack luster at best. With the highly recruited class of freshmen and transfers coming, Meeks as a senior would have to learn a new offense with a coach that is looking on building a program.
Meeks was a pro anyway last year. He just didn't get the benefits and the pay.
That's how I feel anyway. If you would like to comment, I will post it if you leave your name and give me the "OK" to do so and wish to opine to the other readers.
Send comments to: greggorytw@gmail.com
Meeks was one of the few bright spots this past season for the Kentucky Wildcats. “I just feel relieved that it’s over,” Meeks said of his decision. “I gave it a lot of thought. I played really well in the workouts and I got a lot of feedback.” as reported by By Jerry Tipton of the McClatchy-Tribune News Service.
I think this is really a good thing for both Jodie and the Wildcats. Coming back after such a personal great year for Meeks, probably would have been difficult. He was the go to guy for a team that was lack luster at best. With the highly recruited class of freshmen and transfers coming, Meeks as a senior would have to learn a new offense with a coach that is looking on building a program.
Meeks was a pro anyway last year. He just didn't get the benefits and the pay.
That's how I feel anyway. If you would like to comment, I will post it if you leave your name and give me the "OK" to do so and wish to opine to the other readers.
Send comments to: greggorytw@gmail.com
Monday, June 15, 2009
Ed Whitfield on Cap-n-Trade
Here is a letter that Congressman Ed Whitfield wrote that was in the Paducah Sun. There is a lot of truth in his letter. We better take note!
Here it is below:
Kentucky coal, consumers face hard hit if cap-and-trade passes
BY Congressman Ed Whitfield
Monday, June 15, 2009
On June 2, the Paducah Sun printed an editorial pointing out the many problems plaguing a cap-and-trade program currently being debated in the United States Congress. The editorial highlighted many of the concerns I have been stating for months to both my colleagues in Congress and constituents in Kentucky’s First Congressional District.
As the only Kentucky congressman on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over the American Clean Energy Security Act of 2009, I have fought hard to ensure that Kentucky coal continues to play a role in our nation’s energy mix and that consumers are not saddled with sky high electricity costs. The cap-and-trade system established in the bill could have an enormous negative impact on the use of coal, a vital resource for Kentucky and the entire country.
Today, the United States possesses enough coal to power the nation for the next 250 years, with much of this supply coming from the Commonwealth. Kentucky produced nearly 126 million tons of coal in 2006, making it the third-leading coal producing state in the country. The industry directly employs more than 17,000 people across the Commonwealth and indirectly provides three additional jobs for every miner employed.
Furthermore, coal continues to be the most economical way to produce electricity. Proposals to hinder the industry would drive up electricity costs significantly. In Kentucky, we generate 92 percent of our electricity from coal. Under a proposed cap-and-trade system, it is estimated that electric bills in the Commonwealth would increase anywhere from 26 percent to 65 percent. Electric bills for businesses would also jump, driving up costs for all goods and services. During tough economic times, Americans simply cannot afford this.
The reality is, implementing a cap-and-trade program before carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies are available would have a devastating impact on the U.S. economy. Instead of forcing coal out of the energy mix by mandating unreasonable standards, we need to encourage the development of these clean coal technologies. With proper investment and support, CCS technologies can be advanced quickly to allow coal to be used in clean and innovative ways.
All of us — Democrats, Republicans and independents — are committed to protecting our planet for the well-being of future generations. It is essential that as we work to produce cleaner energy we balance the need for cleaner fuel sources against the need for protecting jobs in the U.S. and keeping our country competitive in the global market place. Rest assured as this legislation moves forward in Congress, I will continue my efforts to ensure that consumers are protected and that Kentucky coal continues to play a role in our nation’s energy portfolio.
Here it is below:
Kentucky coal, consumers face hard hit if cap-and-trade passes
BY Congressman Ed Whitfield
Monday, June 15, 2009
On June 2, the Paducah Sun printed an editorial pointing out the many problems plaguing a cap-and-trade program currently being debated in the United States Congress. The editorial highlighted many of the concerns I have been stating for months to both my colleagues in Congress and constituents in Kentucky’s First Congressional District.
As the only Kentucky congressman on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over the American Clean Energy Security Act of 2009, I have fought hard to ensure that Kentucky coal continues to play a role in our nation’s energy mix and that consumers are not saddled with sky high electricity costs. The cap-and-trade system established in the bill could have an enormous negative impact on the use of coal, a vital resource for Kentucky and the entire country.
Today, the United States possesses enough coal to power the nation for the next 250 years, with much of this supply coming from the Commonwealth. Kentucky produced nearly 126 million tons of coal in 2006, making it the third-leading coal producing state in the country. The industry directly employs more than 17,000 people across the Commonwealth and indirectly provides three additional jobs for every miner employed.
Furthermore, coal continues to be the most economical way to produce electricity. Proposals to hinder the industry would drive up electricity costs significantly. In Kentucky, we generate 92 percent of our electricity from coal. Under a proposed cap-and-trade system, it is estimated that electric bills in the Commonwealth would increase anywhere from 26 percent to 65 percent. Electric bills for businesses would also jump, driving up costs for all goods and services. During tough economic times, Americans simply cannot afford this.
The reality is, implementing a cap-and-trade program before carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies are available would have a devastating impact on the U.S. economy. Instead of forcing coal out of the energy mix by mandating unreasonable standards, we need to encourage the development of these clean coal technologies. With proper investment and support, CCS technologies can be advanced quickly to allow coal to be used in clean and innovative ways.
All of us — Democrats, Republicans and independents — are committed to protecting our planet for the well-being of future generations. It is essential that as we work to produce cleaner energy we balance the need for cleaner fuel sources against the need for protecting jobs in the U.S. and keeping our country competitive in the global market place. Rest assured as this legislation moves forward in Congress, I will continue my efforts to ensure that consumers are protected and that Kentucky coal continues to play a role in our nation’s energy portfolio.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Vacinie Breakthrough for H1N1 Flu!
First Batch of Swine Flu Vaccine Produced
Associated Press
Friday, June 12, 2009
BASEL, Switzerland — Swiss pharmaceuticals company Novartis AG said Friday it has successfully produced a first batch of swine flu vaccine weeks ahead of expectations.
The vaccine was made in cells, rather than grown in eggs as is usually the case with vaccines, the company said.
Associated Press
Friday, June 12, 2009
BASEL, Switzerland — Swiss pharmaceuticals company Novartis AG said Friday it has successfully produced a first batch of swine flu vaccine weeks ahead of expectations.
The vaccine was made in cells, rather than grown in eggs as is usually the case with vaccines, the company said.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Who is Americas Number #1 Selling Car Company?
We need the executive(s) of this car company running the nations automobile industry.
This little car has had no bail outs, no czar appointed by the president and no need to sell off dealerships! From what I can find researching the Internet, this car actually out sells even the Toyota Camry. Remarkable, isn't it?
This car went on the market in 1979 and is produced in the United States. WOW! A home grown business that is really doing well.
The Little Tikes Cozy Coupe outsold every car in the United States in 2008 with more than 457,000 units delivered according to the Boston Globe.
The company has sold more than 10 million Coupes worldwide in the model’s 30-year run.
The company has sold more than 10 million Coupes worldwide in the model’s 30-year run.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
See How Congress Is Voting!
Want to see how your congress senator's and representatives are voting? Look below.
This information is available to the public. If you want to track the votes of congress, you can subscribe to the address below:
EMAIL: megavote@mailmanager.net
Web Link: http://www.congress.org/
Recent Senate Votes
Cloture Motion; Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act - Vote Agreed to (84-11, 4 Not Voting)With this vote the Senate chose to open debate on a bill that would give the FDA regulatory authority over tobacco, but would not allow the agency to ban cigarettes or other tobacco products.Sen. Mitch McConnell voted NO......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jim Bunning voted NO......send e-mail or see bio
Recent House Votes
Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act - Vote Passed (397-25, 11 Not Voting)This bill would authorize programs, advisory groups and spending to improve security at U.S. airports and rail systems. It also prohibits the TSA from using whole-body imaging machines at primary security checkpoints of airports.Rep. Ed Whitfield voted YES......send e-mail or see bio
Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act - Vote Passed (258-154, 1 Present, 20 Not Voting)The House approved this bill that would provide paid leave to federal employees for 4 of the 12 weeks of parental leave available to them.Rep. Ed Whitfield voted NO......send e-mail or see bio
Upcoming Votes
Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act - H.R.1256The Senate will continue its work on this tobacco regulation bill.
Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009 - H.R.2346The House and Senate are both expected to vote on final approval of this war supplemental bill.
Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011 - H.R.2410The House is scheduled to vote on this bill that would authorize funding for the Department of State and the Peace Corps through fiscal year 2011.
Pakistan Enduring Assistance and Cooperation Enhancement Act of 2009 - H.R.1886The House is expected to work on this bill to authorize democratic, economic and security assistance to Pakistan.
MegaVotec/o Capitol Advantage2751 Prosperity AveSuite 600Fairfax, VA 22031
MegaVote is powered by Capitol Advantage © 2009.
This information is available to the public. If you want to track the votes of congress, you can subscribe to the address below:
EMAIL: megavote@mailmanager.net
Web Link: http://www.congress.org/
Recent Senate Votes
Cloture Motion; Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act - Vote Agreed to (84-11, 4 Not Voting)With this vote the Senate chose to open debate on a bill that would give the FDA regulatory authority over tobacco, but would not allow the agency to ban cigarettes or other tobacco products.Sen. Mitch McConnell voted NO......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jim Bunning voted NO......send e-mail or see bio
Recent House Votes
Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act - Vote Passed (397-25, 11 Not Voting)This bill would authorize programs, advisory groups and spending to improve security at U.S. airports and rail systems. It also prohibits the TSA from using whole-body imaging machines at primary security checkpoints of airports.Rep. Ed Whitfield voted YES......send e-mail or see bio
Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act - Vote Passed (258-154, 1 Present, 20 Not Voting)The House approved this bill that would provide paid leave to federal employees for 4 of the 12 weeks of parental leave available to them.Rep. Ed Whitfield voted NO......send e-mail or see bio
Upcoming Votes
Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act - H.R.1256The Senate will continue its work on this tobacco regulation bill.
Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009 - H.R.2346The House and Senate are both expected to vote on final approval of this war supplemental bill.
Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011 - H.R.2410The House is scheduled to vote on this bill that would authorize funding for the Department of State and the Peace Corps through fiscal year 2011.
Pakistan Enduring Assistance and Cooperation Enhancement Act of 2009 - H.R.1886The House is expected to work on this bill to authorize democratic, economic and security assistance to Pakistan.
MegaVotec/o Capitol Advantage2751 Prosperity AveSuite 600Fairfax, VA 22031
MegaVote is powered by Capitol Advantage © 2009.
Monday, June 8, 2009
FREE STATEWIDE DISCOUNT DRUG CARD PROGRAM
If you need help with prescriptions, there is a free drug discount program available. I found this at this web address. Simply click on it and follow the instructions: http://www.kentuckyrxcard.com/index.php
Hope it helps. The page below is from their web site.
FREE STATEWIDE DISCOUNTDRUG CARD PROGRAM
As a resident of Kentucky, you and your family have access to a FREE Discount Prescription Drug Card program. Simply download and print a free Kentucky Rx Card below. If you are not able to print, or otherwise obtain a card, simply visit any CVS/pharmacy or Kmart location in Kentucky and ask the pharmacy to have your prescription processed through the Kentucky Rx Card program. This program has a "LOWEST PRICE" feature that provides cardholders the lowest plan price on prescriptions at participating pharmacies (Medication Pricing/Discounts are calculated on the plans lowest negotiated contract price and the pharmacy’s “usual and customary” price). Kentucky Rx Card is accepted at over 50,000 pharmacies around the country. Please enter your name and e-mail address below and we will generate a printable membership card for you. You may create as many cards as you need. This card is pre-activated and can be used immediately.
Hope it helps. The page below is from their web site.
FREE STATEWIDE DISCOUNTDRUG CARD PROGRAM
As a resident of Kentucky, you and your family have access to a FREE Discount Prescription Drug Card program. Simply download and print a free Kentucky Rx Card below. If you are not able to print, or otherwise obtain a card, simply visit any CVS/pharmacy or Kmart location in Kentucky and ask the pharmacy to have your prescription processed through the Kentucky Rx Card program. This program has a "LOWEST PRICE" feature that provides cardholders the lowest plan price on prescriptions at participating pharmacies (Medication Pricing/Discounts are calculated on the plans lowest negotiated contract price and the pharmacy’s “usual and customary” price). Kentucky Rx Card is accepted at over 50,000 pharmacies around the country. Please enter your name and e-mail address below and we will generate a printable membership card for you. You may create as many cards as you need. This card is pre-activated and can be used immediately.
To Be 6 Again...
A man was sitting on the edge of the bed, observing his wife, looking at herself in the mirror. Since her birthday was not far off he asked what she'd like to have for her Birthday.'I'd like to be six again', she replied, still looking in the mirror.On the morning of her Birthday, he arose early, made her a nice big bowl of Lucky Charms, and then took her to Six Flags theme park. What a day!He put her on every ride in the park; the Death Slide, the Wall of Fear,the Screaming Roller Coaster, everything there was.Five hours later they staggered out of the theme park. Her head was reeling and her stomach felt upside down.He then took her to a McDonald's where he ordered her a Happy Meal with extra fries and a chocolate shake.Then it was off to a movie, popcorn, a soda pop, and her favorite candy,M&M's. What a fabulous adventure!Finally she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed exhausted. He leaned over his wife with a big smile and lovingly asked,'Well Dear, what was it like being six again?'Her eyes slowly opened and her expression suddenly changed. 'I meant my dress size, you idiot!!!
SEND THIS TO ALLWHO NEED A LAUGH
SEND THIS TO ALLWHO NEED A LAUGH
Saturday, June 6, 2009
How Do You Get Rid Of Ants?
If you know of a safe way to stop ants from invading a kitchen without using a poison, please email me at greggorytw@gmail.com and I will post your method and will test it also. Here are a few suggestions that I found at http://www.thefrugallife.com/ants.html Let me know if any work for you.
Getting Rid of Ants
Getting Rid of Ants
We have 'them, too. About everybody we know does, here in Southern California. We don't like to spray poisons around, so we have to put up with them to some extent, but we have found that they hate baby powder (preferably scented talcum). If you find a trail of them in your house, or some "scouts" looking for food so they can bring the rest of their nest to enjoy it, just sprinkle the baby powder on the ants and wherever they are coming in from, if you can find it, and you will see them begin to get upset. After a while, they'll be gone, and they won't be back again for awhile, even after you remove the powder. We dust baby powder on our honey jar and sugar bowl, as well as the outside of the cats' dish and it keeps the ants off.
• I have a suggestion for the ant problem; plain old cinnamon. I put in or at the site of the ant invasion, they back off quick!
• Black pepper is a nonlethal, poison free, cheap, and safe way to get rid of ants - sprinkle the black pepper where you see them congregating and watch 'them scatter. Follow them to where they're exiting - which is the same spot they're entering in at - and sprinkle the pepper at that spot to keep them from coming back in. It's safe to use in your cabinets, on windowsills, near your pets and kids, around food, etc.
• I have a book with several tips for the use of apple cider vinegar. One of them is getting rid of ants. Make a mixture of 50/50 water and vinegar and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the surface with the solution several times a day. Ants guide themselves with their scent. Vinegar has a natural chemical that alters ants' scent and which ants avoid.• My husband was in conversation recently with a gentleman in the pest control business. This man preferred to use environmentally safe methods to control pests. His recommendation for ants was: equal parts Windex and Ivory Soap. Simply mix, and spray problem areas.
Israel's A Strong Ally
President Obama has made it a point to visit several countries in the Middle East in the first months of his presidency. That is all well and good as long as he remembers who our strongest and most dedicated ally in the Middle East is. ISRAEL! I think it is a mistake for him to stand on soil of other Mid East countries and take Israel to the woodshed. The United States of America is disliked by many countries around this world and it does not hurt to try and be at peace with them as long as they will do the same toward our country. Yet Israel, with out a doubt, would be there to help the U.S. if and when we need them. It is not the place of an elected official with the title of President, to explain to the rest of the world that America has been an arrogant nation. That is wrong in my opinion.
Today marks the 65Th anniversary of D-Day when nearly ten thousand of our brave soldiers gave both life and limb to help save and free people they had never meet before. As I write this, there are many men and women giving freely of their service to our nation. For this, we should be thankful and respectful. As our President stood in Egypt speaking of his, (President Obama) Muslim roots this week, the soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy lay in graves marked with a cross. As the bible says, St. John 15 v. 13: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends". Those soldiers truly proved their friendship to the Nation's of this world.
Today marks the 65Th anniversary of D-Day when nearly ten thousand of our brave soldiers gave both life and limb to help save and free people they had never meet before. As I write this, there are many men and women giving freely of their service to our nation. For this, we should be thankful and respectful. As our President stood in Egypt speaking of his, (President Obama) Muslim roots this week, the soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy lay in graves marked with a cross. As the bible says, St. John 15 v. 13: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends". Those soldiers truly proved their friendship to the Nation's of this world.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Cap & Trade. Cap What And Trade For What?
We witnessed first hand what good ole Crittenden Countians hard work can produce this week. Jobs that is! Now some in congress want to put a hindrance on our possible recovery from our current recession by adding unnecessary burdens upon the American family. It is called "Cap-And-Trade". this would raise the cost of our heating and cooling fuels for nearly all of us. Coal mining is very important to our area where we live, very important. This would put a huge burden upon coal companies who hire local workers that pay good wages with good benefits. Also, the plants that purchase the coal to run generators for power plants would be hurt too. I think it is wrong, that's my opinion.
The link to this story below can be found at: http://councilfor.cagw.org/
Tell the House: Reject the Waxman-Markey "Cap-and-Trade" Bill!
The House of Representatives is currently considering the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 -- “cap-and-trade” energy legislation that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by giving the federal government the power to limit the amount of oil, gasoline, coal, and other fossil fuels used by American utilities and industry. In reality, this cap-and-trade plan is nothing more than a hidden tax that The Heritage Foundation has estimated could increase the average American family’s energy bill by $1,500 annually!
Introduced by Reps. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and Edward Markey (D-Mass.), the so-called Waxman-Markey bill will place a severe regulatory burden on American businesses, which will increase their costs and reduce their competitiveness, hurting our nation’s economy.
These higher operating costs for utilities, oil companies, and industry will ultimately trickle down to individual Americans, and you will pay an estimated 74 percent more for gasoline, 90 percent more for electricity, and 55 percent more on your natural gas bill. And that’s not the end of it. You’ll also pay more for every product that requires fossil fuels in its manufacture or transportation!
The Waxman-Markey cap-and-trade plan will also grow the size and cost of government by requiring the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a greenhouse gas (GHG) registry, create a GHG emission allowance transfer system, and set emission allowances from 2012-2050. This army of new bureaucrats will eventually control every aspect of industrial, commercial, and individual energy use. What’s more, the cap-and-trade program will necessarily be ripe for political favoritism and corruption, as politicians and bureaucrats manipulate the system for favored industries.
Climatologist Chip Knappenberger has estimated that the 83 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions mandated under Waxman-Markey by 2050 will result in a drop in climate temperature of only nine-hundredths of 1 degree Fahrenheit. That’s equivalent to just two years of avoided global warming.
In short, the Waxman-Markey bill will achieve virtually no environmental pay-offs, while imposing huge costs on our businesses, our economy, and each and every American as a taxpayer and consumer.
Please tell your U.S. Representative today to vote NO on the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (the Waxman-Markey cap-and-trade bill)!
You may send your opinion to me at: greggorytw@gmail.com
Your name will remain anonymous unless you give me permission that it can be printed and publicised. I will post some of your options if I receive them. Thanks, Greg
The link to this story below can be found at: http://councilfor.cagw.org/
Tell the House: Reject the Waxman-Markey "Cap-and-Trade" Bill!
The House of Representatives is currently considering the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 -- “cap-and-trade” energy legislation that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by giving the federal government the power to limit the amount of oil, gasoline, coal, and other fossil fuels used by American utilities and industry. In reality, this cap-and-trade plan is nothing more than a hidden tax that The Heritage Foundation has estimated could increase the average American family’s energy bill by $1,500 annually!
Introduced by Reps. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and Edward Markey (D-Mass.), the so-called Waxman-Markey bill will place a severe regulatory burden on American businesses, which will increase their costs and reduce their competitiveness, hurting our nation’s economy.
These higher operating costs for utilities, oil companies, and industry will ultimately trickle down to individual Americans, and you will pay an estimated 74 percent more for gasoline, 90 percent more for electricity, and 55 percent more on your natural gas bill. And that’s not the end of it. You’ll also pay more for every product that requires fossil fuels in its manufacture or transportation!
The Waxman-Markey cap-and-trade plan will also grow the size and cost of government by requiring the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a greenhouse gas (GHG) registry, create a GHG emission allowance transfer system, and set emission allowances from 2012-2050. This army of new bureaucrats will eventually control every aspect of industrial, commercial, and individual energy use. What’s more, the cap-and-trade program will necessarily be ripe for political favoritism and corruption, as politicians and bureaucrats manipulate the system for favored industries.
Climatologist Chip Knappenberger has estimated that the 83 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions mandated under Waxman-Markey by 2050 will result in a drop in climate temperature of only nine-hundredths of 1 degree Fahrenheit. That’s equivalent to just two years of avoided global warming.
In short, the Waxman-Markey bill will achieve virtually no environmental pay-offs, while imposing huge costs on our businesses, our economy, and each and every American as a taxpayer and consumer.
Please tell your U.S. Representative today to vote NO on the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (the Waxman-Markey cap-and-trade bill)!
You may send your opinion to me at: greggorytw@gmail.com
Your name will remain anonymous unless you give me permission that it can be printed and publicised. I will post some of your options if I receive them. Thanks, Greg
Thursday, May 28, 2009
It Is Because Of Safetran Employees
This press release came from the governors office today.
These jobs are a direct result of our local workers at this plant. In an economy where this country is losing jobs to overseas companies, Crittenden County and especially the workers of Satetran are to be proud of their accomplishment.
Greg West
Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office Governor Beshear Announces Expansion of Safetran Systems Corp. in Crittenden County
Press Release Date:
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Contact Information:
Jay BlantonJill Midkiff502-564-2611
Project will result in approximately 150 new jobs, $2.8 million investment
MARION, Ky. – Gov. Steve Beshear today joined company and community leaders in Crittenden County to announce the expansion of one of its corporate citizens. Safetran Systems Corporation, part of the Invensys Group, a worldwide leader in railroad crossing technology and crossing warning systems, will invest up to $2.8 million into its Marion facility, creating approximately 150 new jobs in the Commonwealth over the next few months.
“The expansion of our existing industries is vital to our economic progress,” said Gov. Beshear. “Today’s announcement that Safetran Systems Corporation will make an additional investment into the Marion facility, creating 150 new jobs, is wonderful news. The economic impact will be felt throughout the entire region. I’m delighted the Commonwealth could partner with Safetran and the community to make this project a reality.”
Safetran plans to significantly upgrade and expand an existing 110,000 square-foot facility on a 24-acre site on Industrial Drive in Marion. The manufacturing site is in close proximity to Safetran’s corporate headquarters, based in Louisville.
Established in 1920, Safetran has five facilities, two located in Kentucky, and one in California, New York and Florida. Products include electro-mechanical signal devices, the electrical/electronic control systems that activate them, communications systems, as well as complete signal system design and construction.
“I want to compliment the efforts of the Cabinet for Economic Development and Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, as well as everyone who contributed to this result,” said Kevin E. Riddett, president of Safetran. “This is a great day for Invensys/Safetran as well as the state of Kentucky. Our decision to grow our Marion facility serves as a testament to the relentless commitment of our employees and the sincere, tireless efforts of the Kentucky delegation who displayed a higher sense of urgency to make this day possible. Kentucky was competing with other states for this opportunity – the difference was that Kentucky never deviated from the goal of winning this project.”
The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved Safetran for tax benefits up to $2,275,000 under the Kentucky Rural Economic Development Act, an incentive program designed to attract and expand manufacturing employment in the state. Additionally, the company was approved by KEDFA for a $525,000 Economic Development Bond to assist in the expansion.
“One of the main reasons Safetran chose to expand in Marion is because of the hard-working, dedicated employees they have found here,” said Crittenden County Judge Executive Fred Brown. “One hundred and fifty jobs for Marion are like 10,000 jobs for a larger city. It’s a major announcement.”
“In previous recessions, it seems like Marion is the caboose when the economy is ready to take off again,” said Marion Mayor Mick Alexander. “But this time, it seems like we’re going to get through this recession without any sudden halt in the local economy.”
“This is tremendously positive news for our community and a testament to the skills of Kentucky workers,” said Sen. Dorsey Ridley, of Henderson. “The people of Marion — and all Kentuckians — should be proud of their partnership with Safetran Systems. It’s an example of the great things that can happen when private businesses work with local and state officials to build stronger communities.”
“I’m delighted with this announcement and happy state government was able to make a positive contribution,” said Rep. Mike Cherry, of Princeton. “But, I am particularly pleased that Safetran has recognized our most important asset – the quality and productiveness of our local, homegrown workforce. Given the opportunity, I’m confident they can compete favorably with any workforce anywhere. We all need to thank them for their pivotal role in making this expansion happen.”
A community profile for Crittenden County can be viewed at http://thinkkentucky.com/EDIS/cmnty/index.aspx?cw=014.
These jobs are a direct result of our local workers at this plant. In an economy where this country is losing jobs to overseas companies, Crittenden County and especially the workers of Satetran are to be proud of their accomplishment.
Greg West
Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office Governor Beshear Announces Expansion of Safetran Systems Corp. in Crittenden County
Press Release Date:
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Contact Information:
Jay BlantonJill Midkiff502-564-2611
Project will result in approximately 150 new jobs, $2.8 million investment
MARION, Ky. – Gov. Steve Beshear today joined company and community leaders in Crittenden County to announce the expansion of one of its corporate citizens. Safetran Systems Corporation, part of the Invensys Group, a worldwide leader in railroad crossing technology and crossing warning systems, will invest up to $2.8 million into its Marion facility, creating approximately 150 new jobs in the Commonwealth over the next few months.
“The expansion of our existing industries is vital to our economic progress,” said Gov. Beshear. “Today’s announcement that Safetran Systems Corporation will make an additional investment into the Marion facility, creating 150 new jobs, is wonderful news. The economic impact will be felt throughout the entire region. I’m delighted the Commonwealth could partner with Safetran and the community to make this project a reality.”
Safetran plans to significantly upgrade and expand an existing 110,000 square-foot facility on a 24-acre site on Industrial Drive in Marion. The manufacturing site is in close proximity to Safetran’s corporate headquarters, based in Louisville.
Established in 1920, Safetran has five facilities, two located in Kentucky, and one in California, New York and Florida. Products include electro-mechanical signal devices, the electrical/electronic control systems that activate them, communications systems, as well as complete signal system design and construction.
“I want to compliment the efforts of the Cabinet for Economic Development and Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, as well as everyone who contributed to this result,” said Kevin E. Riddett, president of Safetran. “This is a great day for Invensys/Safetran as well as the state of Kentucky. Our decision to grow our Marion facility serves as a testament to the relentless commitment of our employees and the sincere, tireless efforts of the Kentucky delegation who displayed a higher sense of urgency to make this day possible. Kentucky was competing with other states for this opportunity – the difference was that Kentucky never deviated from the goal of winning this project.”
The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved Safetran for tax benefits up to $2,275,000 under the Kentucky Rural Economic Development Act, an incentive program designed to attract and expand manufacturing employment in the state. Additionally, the company was approved by KEDFA for a $525,000 Economic Development Bond to assist in the expansion.
“One of the main reasons Safetran chose to expand in Marion is because of the hard-working, dedicated employees they have found here,” said Crittenden County Judge Executive Fred Brown. “One hundred and fifty jobs for Marion are like 10,000 jobs for a larger city. It’s a major announcement.”
“In previous recessions, it seems like Marion is the caboose when the economy is ready to take off again,” said Marion Mayor Mick Alexander. “But this time, it seems like we’re going to get through this recession without any sudden halt in the local economy.”
“This is tremendously positive news for our community and a testament to the skills of Kentucky workers,” said Sen. Dorsey Ridley, of Henderson. “The people of Marion — and all Kentuckians — should be proud of their partnership with Safetran Systems. It’s an example of the great things that can happen when private businesses work with local and state officials to build stronger communities.”
“I’m delighted with this announcement and happy state government was able to make a positive contribution,” said Rep. Mike Cherry, of Princeton. “But, I am particularly pleased that Safetran has recognized our most important asset – the quality and productiveness of our local, homegrown workforce. Given the opportunity, I’m confident they can compete favorably with any workforce anywhere. We all need to thank them for their pivotal role in making this expansion happen.”
A community profile for Crittenden County can be viewed at http://thinkkentucky.com/EDIS/cmnty/index.aspx?cw=014.
Watch Out! There Small, Very Small.
They seem smaller to me this year than any other year that I can remember. Those dreaded little scary things called "TICKS"! It's probably just me being scared to find one on my body, yet when I do, I want it off now! You have surely read, received an email or heard it from someone telling you the right way to remove a tick. So I decided to go to the CDC website and see if there was a page describing the correct way to remove a tick. Here is what I found. Remember, this is what the CDC website has and it is available to the public. This is not me telling you how to remove a tick. It is the CDC and can be found by going to their website http://www.cdc.gov/ and typing in "Tick Removal.
Tick Removal
Remove a tick from your skin as soon as you notice it. Use fine-tipped tweezers to firmly grasp the tick very close to your skin. With a steady motion, pull the tick’s body away from your skin. Then clean your skin with soap and warm water. Throw the dead tick away with your household trash.
Avoid crushing the tick’s body. Do not be alarmed if the tick’s mouthparts remain in the skin. Once the mouthparts are removed from the rest of the tick, it can no longer transmit the Lyme disease bacteria. If you accidentally crush the tick, clean your skin with soap and warm water or alcohol.
Don’t use petroleum jelly, a hot match, nail polish, or other products to remove a tick.
Avoid crushing the tick’s body. Do not be alarmed if the tick’s mouthparts remain in the skin. Once the mouthparts are removed from the rest of the tick, it can no longer transmit the Lyme disease bacteria. If you accidentally crush the tick, clean your skin with soap and warm water or alcohol.
Don’t use petroleum jelly, a hot match, nail polish, or other products to remove a tick.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Thank You Chase
Chase grew up with my two children, David and Amy. Chase and I spoke briefly at Dycusburg, KY (where he was raised) during Dycusburg Days not too long before he was injured in Iraq. With so much talk about whether or not we should be in this war, I cant but think of those brave soldiers, (like Chase). He has always been a very polite young man and I want to take this portion of this blog to say, "Thank You Chase" for doing what the most of us haven't. You are a true hero in my opinion. God bless you and all those who serve to protect our freedom's.
You can watch his story on You Tube by following the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5b_WepZrtg&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fdycusburg%2Eblogspot%2Ecom%2F&feature=player_embedded
You can watch his story on You Tube by following the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5b_WepZrtg&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fdycusburg%2Eblogspot%2Ecom%2F&feature=player_embedded
Saturday, May 23, 2009
This video is from the morning after the worst ice storm to hit Crittenden County, Kentucky. I was driving as many of the county roads in district # 5, (the district in which I'm magistrate on the fiscal court) as I could get through. This road is located near Dycusburg, KY and was cleared enough for emergency workers to make it to a patient the night before. I used my small digital Kodak to document the storm.
Follow the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0CzCvPIBmg
Follow the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0CzCvPIBmg
Another Comment On "TORTURE"
For me, torture is best defined by someone who has endured it. I think it is very telling that John McCain is the most outspoken critic of Bush and Cheney's policies and acts of torture. McCain suffered first hand the hideous consequences of torture. The CIA and FBI have released studies that directly REFUTE what Dick Cheney Is out saying about the effectiveness of torture. The reputation of our country is greatly tarnished by the despicable and ILLEGAL acts of torture authorized by the Bush White House. My definition of torture....Eight years of tyranny by the Bush/Cheney bunch and the shame of our country's secretive breaking of the agreement set forth by the Geneva Convention regarding torture. My father served this great country for 5 years during WWII and I know what he would say about Bush and Cheney's policies - SHAMEFUL and where were they when our country needed defending?
You are welcome to use my name.
Rene' Wallace
You are welcome to use my name.
Rene' Wallace
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thank You To Our Soldiers!
I wanted to take this time to thank all of the men and women who serve or have served in the armed forces. If not for you, the liberties that we often take for granted, would not be. This is not just a holiday for us to enjoy. It is a day of remembrance for those who freely gave their life blood for our freedoms. I say, "Thank You and God bless you".
GW
GW
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Comment on "TORTURE"
Here is one answer that I received concerning the definition of torture:
If you would like to give your opinion concerning torture, send an email to; greggorytw@gmail.com Unless you say it's okay to use your name, your answer will remain anonymous.
"Torture is any pain or discomfort induced by something or someone out of your control. For example the government, friends & family, weather and sometimes ourselves. Sometimes it's mental or physical or both, Reading your blog is a good example. (Just kidding)"
anonymous reader
If you would like to give your opinion concerning torture, send an email to; greggorytw@gmail.com Unless you say it's okay to use your name, your answer will remain anonymous.
"Torture is any pain or discomfort induced by something or someone out of your control. For example the government, friends & family, weather and sometimes ourselves. Sometimes it's mental or physical or both, Reading your blog is a good example. (Just kidding)"
anonymous reader
Define "TORTURE"
To you and you only, what is your definition of torture? Is "water-boarding" torture in your opinion? Is "sleep deprivation" considered torture to you?
I really would like for you to email your answers to me and I will post some of the answers to your response's of what torture means to you.
Thanks, Greg
greggorytw@gmail.com
I really would like for you to email your answers to me and I will post some of the answers to your response's of what torture means to you.
Thanks, Greg
greggorytw@gmail.com
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
H1N1 "Swine Flu" Cure Has Been Discovered!
*SWINE FLU CURE HAS JUST BEEN DISCOVERED! My daughter (who is a registered nurse) told me the other day that scientist had discovered a cure for the "Swine Flu"! It's been around for quite some time and is commonly known among Arkansas pig farmers as "OINK-ment".
This is only a joke! Come on now!!!!
This is only a joke! Come on now!!!!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
LOOK UP!
Just a Thought. When was the last time that you stopped to look up at the sky? I used to do that allot when I was a boy. Funny how we get so busy that we often forget the simple things. Like;
- Being able to get out of bed
- Being able to use a bathroom
- Feed ourselves
- Talk & walk
- Have our memory.
- And finally, look up at the sky.
The sky has many thing in it besides just clouds. Look sometime. You may see a bird, dust, snow, rain, sun, lighting and so on and on and yes a cloud.
I remember when the sky had no planes. As a habit, I use to go outside and count how many jets I could see at one time. Usually there were an average of seven any where I was at.
Then September 11, 2001 happened. I was about to undergo surgery to remove my gallbladder in Crittenden Hospital when a nurse came into the room and said, "have you seen what has happened in New York"? No I had not at that time, yet I was glued to my T.V. the rest of the days following. I do remember that night of 9/11 going outside and looking up toward the heavens and I vividly remember seeing no lights flashing from any planes. That is a memory I will never forget if God allows me to keep my memory.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Here We Go Again!
At our last Fiscal Court meeting, our County Judge informed the County Magistrates that the state had informed him, that the "Truck License" funds would be cut this coming fiscal year beginning July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010. The cut will be pretty heavy to our county. Estimated at this point around $70,000.00.
For years now and ever since I was elected to the fiscal court and began my duties on January 1, 2003, the truck license fee's that the state gave to each Kentucky county has been around $200,000.00 - $220,000.00. For many years, this is how county officials were able to keep the life & safety jail open and running. Through these truck license funds. What would happen was these monies were transferred from the general fund into the jail fund. To the best of my recollection, these fees were for road improvement, yet had to be used to run the jail.
There are 120 counties in our Commonwealth of Kentucky. Each of the 120 would divide equally among themselves the amount that was predetermined by the state. So if Crittenden received $220,000.00 then Webster, Union and all other counties would receive the same. So think about this. Take away $70,000.00 from each county or each county road fund and multiply that x 120 = $8,400,000.00! That hurts us all.
There are other cuts coming down the state pipeline as well so we need to be ready.
What can you do. Call or contact your state elected officials and let them know that we
need at least the monies we have received in the past if at all possible. And remember to pray for them to make solid decisions that will affect us all.
Well, here we go again trying to keep up what roads we have only with less money.
At least that's how I feel.
GW
NOTE: The Crittenden Press has local, state & federal officials listed from time to time. You can get there contact information there or by surfing the world wide web.
For years now and ever since I was elected to the fiscal court and began my duties on January 1, 2003, the truck license fee's that the state gave to each Kentucky county has been around $200,000.00 - $220,000.00. For many years, this is how county officials were able to keep the life & safety jail open and running. Through these truck license funds. What would happen was these monies were transferred from the general fund into the jail fund. To the best of my recollection, these fees were for road improvement, yet had to be used to run the jail.
There are 120 counties in our Commonwealth of Kentucky. Each of the 120 would divide equally among themselves the amount that was predetermined by the state. So if Crittenden received $220,000.00 then Webster, Union and all other counties would receive the same. So think about this. Take away $70,000.00 from each county or each county road fund and multiply that x 120 = $8,400,000.00! That hurts us all.
There are other cuts coming down the state pipeline as well so we need to be ready.
What can you do. Call or contact your state elected officials and let them know that we
need at least the monies we have received in the past if at all possible. And remember to pray for them to make solid decisions that will affect us all.
Well, here we go again trying to keep up what roads we have only with less money.
At least that's how I feel.
GW
NOTE: The Crittenden Press has local, state & federal officials listed from time to time. You can get there contact information there or by surfing the world wide web.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
We Got Robbed Lamond!
There is a story that I remember about a frog, water, and a pan. The frog hopped into a pan filled with water that was sitting on a cook stove. The stove had just been turned on and the frog thought everything was just fine and dandy. As the story goes, the frog sit in the water as the temperature began to go higher and higher. Finally, the water began to boil and the frog was cooked alive.
Lately I have been feeling like "We The American People" are in essence , that frog! Some refer to this as "Pain At The Pump". I prefer to call it "Greed". Not by those who purchase the gas from the large oil companies and sell it to us the consumer, but what is known as The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries or for short commonly called OPEC. As well as some very large American oil companies.
The information below will give a brief history of the countries and when they united together to control a major part of the market for petroleum products. This information was found at the following link: http://www.opec.org/aboutus/history/history.htm
Notice the five countries I have text colored red.
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is a permanent, intergovernmental Organization, created at the Baghdad Conference on September 10–14, 1960, by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. The five Founding Members were later joined by nine other Members: Qatar (1961); Indonesia (1962) – suspended its membership from January 2009; Socialist Peoples Libyan Arab Jamahiriya (1962); United Arab Emirates (1967); Algeria (1969); Nigeria (1971); Ecuador (1973) – suspended its membership from December 1992-October 2007; Angola (2007) and Gabon (1975–1994). OPEC had its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, in the first five years of its existence. This was moved to Vienna, Austria, on September 1, 1965.
Are we now the frog? I feel it's a tragedy that so many of this country's service men and women have been called upon to give their precious blood for these other countries that seem to not appreciate it but very little. Is it not amazing how quick those countries have forgotten what the service members of the American Armed Forces have done for their freedoms and the protection given several of the founding member countries against ruthless dictators?
I'm very thankful that we have several local gas stations to provide this product to us. Remember the January ice storm? I had to drive from Paducah to Cadiz (@ exit 65 on I-24) just to get enough gas to get back to Marion! There were lines everywhere in Paducah and no gas to be found. It's certainly not the small business people causing this, yet I do blame many of those elected leaders in our nation's capital of Washington.
During our last presidential election, both sides of both parties were using slogans like; "Drill Here, Drill Now" and "We Can Burn Clean Coal". "It was stated that "If We Can Put A Man On The Moon, We Can Burn Clean Coal". Seems like those things have been put on the back burner on the other side of the dead frog.
Fred Sanford said it best when he walked into his house one day and noticed that everything of any value had been stolen. He yelled out to his son, " We Got Robbed Lamond"!
I kind of feel like we are getting robbed also.
GW
Lately I have been feeling like "We The American People" are in essence , that frog! Some refer to this as "Pain At The Pump". I prefer to call it "Greed". Not by those who purchase the gas from the large oil companies and sell it to us the consumer, but what is known as The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries or for short commonly called OPEC. As well as some very large American oil companies.
The information below will give a brief history of the countries and when they united together to control a major part of the market for petroleum products. This information was found at the following link: http://www.opec.org/aboutus/history/history.htm
Notice the five countries I have text colored red.
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is a permanent, intergovernmental Organization, created at the Baghdad Conference on September 10–14, 1960, by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. The five Founding Members were later joined by nine other Members: Qatar (1961); Indonesia (1962) – suspended its membership from January 2009; Socialist Peoples Libyan Arab Jamahiriya (1962); United Arab Emirates (1967); Algeria (1969); Nigeria (1971); Ecuador (1973) – suspended its membership from December 1992-October 2007; Angola (2007) and Gabon (1975–1994). OPEC had its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, in the first five years of its existence. This was moved to Vienna, Austria, on September 1, 1965.
Are we now the frog? I feel it's a tragedy that so many of this country's service men and women have been called upon to give their precious blood for these other countries that seem to not appreciate it but very little. Is it not amazing how quick those countries have forgotten what the service members of the American Armed Forces have done for their freedoms and the protection given several of the founding member countries against ruthless dictators?
I'm very thankful that we have several local gas stations to provide this product to us. Remember the January ice storm? I had to drive from Paducah to Cadiz (@ exit 65 on I-24) just to get enough gas to get back to Marion! There were lines everywhere in Paducah and no gas to be found. It's certainly not the small business people causing this, yet I do blame many of those elected leaders in our nation's capital of Washington.
During our last presidential election, both sides of both parties were using slogans like; "Drill Here, Drill Now" and "We Can Burn Clean Coal". "It was stated that "If We Can Put A Man On The Moon, We Can Burn Clean Coal". Seems like those things have been put on the back burner on the other side of the dead frog.
Fred Sanford said it best when he walked into his house one day and noticed that everything of any value had been stolen. He yelled out to his son, " We Got Robbed Lamond"!
I kind of feel like we are getting robbed also.
GW
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
I Wish I Had Payed Attention, NOW ANYWAY!
I've always loved to write short stories. When I was a young boy living in Marion, I would often write a story about something that would grab my attention. Be that my dad, my imagination or a situation I had been in. Do I wish now that I had payed attention in school? Yes! Especially in English studies.
Probably or better put definitely, most readers will be able to determine that I didn't listen very well in English class. To me, school was a waste of my time. I wasn't going to be using education anyway. I already knew it all. Was I ever wrong!
Since I have decided to create this blog, I have found myself wondering and pondering about some of these questions:
Probably or better put definitely, most readers will be able to determine that I didn't listen very well in English class. To me, school was a waste of my time. I wasn't going to be using education anyway. I already knew it all. Was I ever wrong!
Since I have decided to create this blog, I have found myself wondering and pondering about some of these questions:
- What is proper English anyway?
- How do I know if a comma goes here or there?
- Am I dragging out a sentence?
- Why and when do I use a ( ' ) that thing?
Most certainly some that read or even follow this will be watching to see if I'm going to do this or that. Some may be inquisitive about what I think and believe. All will be able to see that I do not have a college degree in writing. (yet I did take English 101 & 102 after I graduated from high school).
Yet the one thing I want to tell everyone that reads this is that education is not a waste of time! School is for learning about stuff that we certainly will need. Most of it anyway. Now, I really wish I had payed attention in school.
GW
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Do you remember when we were kids and time seemed like it was a comity that we were entitled too?
We had very few worries, bills, plenty of friends around most of the time and no one uttered the words "Lets Go Green"!
My family ventured into Crittenden County by way of automobile from nearby Union County in 1965. My dad wanted to move away from Sturgis, a little populated town in the southern part of Union County. Why did we move? I still don't know except that dad wanted too. So we did! We the children of the West clan, didn't ask too many questions in those days. Most of the time, we just went were our parents went or were our feet would take us. Most of the days(as well as the nights), were spent right at home.
Sometimes when things get to complicated and life has a way of "knocking us down", I reminisce of the days of old when I was a child. I can almost feel being there now, sitting on an old worn-out couch and being so mad a grandpa! He had a stroke and had to move in with us. He was my mothers dad and for some reason, we just didn't seem to connect to one another. One of the reasons was that we had a black and white T.V. that had reception to three channels when we were lucky. I would be watching "Batman" or the "Time Tunnel" and he would have to watch President Johnson! The Vietnam war was going strong then and nightly address's to the nation were every night. Well, that's the way it felt to me anyway. I couldn't stand watching that old man with big ears! That was a bad war in times that I consider "good". My next door neighbor (the only house next to ours) son had been killed in that war. I vividly remember the count of dead soldiers each night on the news and I didn't like it at all. Yet, grandpa wanted to hear the President and what he had to say. The best thing about that memory is that the T.V. was worn out too! After a few minutes turned on, the picture tube would get hot and simply go out and I loved it. Grandpa finally had to move to what we called in those days, 'A Rest Home".
To me, things were better then and worries were seldomed mentioned. We were satisfied with each other in those days.
In summer, the only cooling we had was a box window fan with a removable window screen. I can say that I stayed pretty comfrontable though. In winter we had a coal furnace in the basement and one grate in the living room, yet I really don't remember being cold in my bed with five quilts. Dinner was each night at the table with all the family. That is, if you wanted to eat! the only McDonald's I knew of was in some old song. No Burger King or Dairy Queen yet I ate some of the very best meals a boy could have.
Why have we strayed away from those kinds of memories? Was it because we were truly "Green" then? I hear of "Cap and Trade" or "Fuel Efficient" now and I think about the days when I was a young boy living in the country were most everything was already considered "Green".
Maybe the answer to the ice caps melting and global warming is to just go back forty years or more and live like we did then. That is my definition of "Green", and it wasn't that bad either.
That's, "Mostly, My Opinion".
We had very few worries, bills, plenty of friends around most of the time and no one uttered the words "Lets Go Green"!
My family ventured into Crittenden County by way of automobile from nearby Union County in 1965. My dad wanted to move away from Sturgis, a little populated town in the southern part of Union County. Why did we move? I still don't know except that dad wanted too. So we did! We the children of the West clan, didn't ask too many questions in those days. Most of the time, we just went were our parents went or were our feet would take us. Most of the days(as well as the nights), were spent right at home.
Sometimes when things get to complicated and life has a way of "knocking us down", I reminisce of the days of old when I was a child. I can almost feel being there now, sitting on an old worn-out couch and being so mad a grandpa! He had a stroke and had to move in with us. He was my mothers dad and for some reason, we just didn't seem to connect to one another. One of the reasons was that we had a black and white T.V. that had reception to three channels when we were lucky. I would be watching "Batman" or the "Time Tunnel" and he would have to watch President Johnson! The Vietnam war was going strong then and nightly address's to the nation were every night. Well, that's the way it felt to me anyway. I couldn't stand watching that old man with big ears! That was a bad war in times that I consider "good". My next door neighbor (the only house next to ours) son had been killed in that war. I vividly remember the count of dead soldiers each night on the news and I didn't like it at all. Yet, grandpa wanted to hear the President and what he had to say. The best thing about that memory is that the T.V. was worn out too! After a few minutes turned on, the picture tube would get hot and simply go out and I loved it. Grandpa finally had to move to what we called in those days, 'A Rest Home".
To me, things were better then and worries were seldomed mentioned. We were satisfied with each other in those days.
In summer, the only cooling we had was a box window fan with a removable window screen. I can say that I stayed pretty comfrontable though. In winter we had a coal furnace in the basement and one grate in the living room, yet I really don't remember being cold in my bed with five quilts. Dinner was each night at the table with all the family. That is, if you wanted to eat! the only McDonald's I knew of was in some old song. No Burger King or Dairy Queen yet I ate some of the very best meals a boy could have.
Why have we strayed away from those kinds of memories? Was it because we were truly "Green" then? I hear of "Cap and Trade" or "Fuel Efficient" now and I think about the days when I was a young boy living in the country were most everything was already considered "Green".
Maybe the answer to the ice caps melting and global warming is to just go back forty years or more and live like we did then. That is my definition of "Green", and it wasn't that bad either.
That's, "Mostly, My Opinion".
Why I Wanted To Blog!
There are so many different vehicles to contact and share our thoughts with one another in this "Technology Age" we now live in. We have cell phones, land line phones, radio, Internet, T.V., snail mail. With most of the vehicles of communication, there are many different "Little Cars" we can drive in to get to our destination for information. Some of the information is merely OPINION"S! That's okay too. Yet living in this modern age of technology, there needs to be a greater distinctive difference between opinion and fact. From CNN to FOX news, we often hear the same headline, yet we hear a different story. Separating fact from fiction is not always an easy task. For me and "MY OPINION", I try and use what common sense God has given to me. I can almost hear many say that, "He Didn't Give You Very Much" and I can say too that, "Amen"! I still try to use common sense when different topics (that often divide us) rear their ugly head.
In the days and weeks ahead, I will try to use "Mostly, My Opinion" to have a dialogue with others on the topics of the day or sometimes even to share why we feel the way we feel on many different issues. I will try to respect your opinion and I will also ask of you the same towards my opinion. We can and should be able to see things differently and still be civil in doing so.
So gentlemen and gentle ladies, Start Your Engines And Lets Do This!
In the days and weeks ahead, I will try to use "Mostly, My Opinion" to have a dialogue with others on the topics of the day or sometimes even to share why we feel the way we feel on many different issues. I will try to respect your opinion and I will also ask of you the same towards my opinion. We can and should be able to see things differently and still be civil in doing so.
So gentlemen and gentle ladies, Start Your Engines And Lets Do This!
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