Middle America's Worldview

I found this to be interesting. Note the scientist are having a hard time understanding how well preserved this carcas can be, if it's really 77 million years old.

Mummified Brachylophosaurus holds secrets millions of years old
By KIM SKORNOGOSKI
Tribune Staff Writer


MALTA — The absolute latest in technology is helping solve a forensics mystery that is 77 million years old.

Five years ago in the badlands north of Malta, paleontologists uncovered a mummified duck-billed brachylophosauruses so well preserved that much of its skin and soft tissue parts remained along with its skeleton.

In the years since, scientists have wondered — if the skin was still there, what about its organs and tissues inside?

Technology has finally advanced enough to take a peek. And this week, 20 experts in various fields are X-raying and photographing Leonardo the dinosaur, even parts buried beneath thick sandstone.

"This specimen could be as important to the field of paleontology as the day Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon," said Nate Murphy, curator of paleontology at the Judith River Dinosaur Institute.

With just one of at least three days of X-raying complete, Murphy wasn't ready Tuesday to reveal the secrets Leonardo was whispering.

But the potential is amazing.

His stomach was filled with the fossilized pollen from 33 types of plants, enabling the paleontologists to recreate the world 77 million years ago.

Tuesday morning the scientists looked at the keratin forming Leonardo's beak, which, like cartilage, is usually dissolved in time.

Bob Bakker, whose theory that dinosaurs were warm-blooded revolutionized and invigorated the field, was on hand in Malta to analyze the recorded images.

He noticed that Leonardo's nose was incredibly hard and sharp, indicating that he used it like a machete to cut leafy branches off trees.

"For 130 years, we paleontologists have had a case of veggiecide," he said. "We suspected these dinosaurs were plant-eaters, but we didn't have the smoking jaws, the smoking gut."

Much of Leonardo remains covered in rock, to protect the fossilized skin, fragile tissues and bones. Until now, the technology didn't exist to look at what was beneath the sandstone.

Starting Monday, scientists and industry leaders donated their time and equipment to advance the study. Over the next 20 months, the Discovery Channel is filming the process for an extensive documentary.

Non-Destructive Testing Group shipped in more than 600 pounds of X-ray equipment for the scans.

The Michigan-based company normally uses the equipment for industrial purposes, like checking vehicles' steering controls for safety flaws.

CEO Bob Bills said this is the first time it's been used to look at dinosaurs.

The rays emit as much as 300 kilovolts on Leonardo. Each time the X-ray was used, the scientists evacuated the building, which was roped off as radiation reaches 30 feet beyond the steel walls.

Because the rays only damage living tissue, Leonardo's fragile remains will be completely unharmed.

The X-rays were combined with advanced imaging technology from Eastman Kodak that is 10 times as sensitive as film. In one shot, the plate collected the same images that would take dozens of cameras shooting different speeds of film to capture.

The computer then sifts through the layers of data, and for that matter sandstone, skin and bone, to Leonardo's insides.

"We might not have to uncover any more to see what's in there," said Kodak's Steve Mango. "Of course, Nate and Dr. Bakker were a lot more excited because they know what they're seeing."

The pair of paleontologists excitedly pointed at the black and gray blobs on the screen at what looked like an enlarged row of TicTacs lying on a mesh-like net. The images showed the top of Leonardo's vertebrae and the soft tissue that is buried under a layer of rock.

"This is really interesting," Murphy said, leaning to get a closer look at the computer screen.

"Oh! I can see it," Bakker exclaimed pointing.

"It looks so soft," Murphy said. "The images are getting clearer and clearer and we're seeing odd things."

One of the most important things discovered so far are half-inch specks that Bakker is jokingly calling blebs. Blebs are basically iron deposits left behind by bacteria.

The blebs are randomly spread throughout Leonardo's insides, and nowhere on the outside.

"This is telling us we have a hermetically sealed sarcophagus," Murphy said.

The evidence goes a long way to justify what many paleontologists are having a hard time believing — that Leonardo is as well preserved as Murphy says it is and how, after millions of years, that is even possible.

Beyond the blebs, Bakker is most interested in studying Leonardo's stomach and digestive system and his unusually long arms.

Unlike most Brachylophosauruses, his arms were long enough to touch the ground, but the joints weren't strong enough to support the dinosaur's weight.

Bakker theorizes that the arms may have been used to communicate with a wave or a dance. Or perhaps its fingers were sensitive enough to pick up sound waves from the ground, allowing the creatures to communicate with others miles away by stomping.

In October, Murphy plans to present his findings at a medical imaging conference in Houston.

Before that, other tests will be done. In September, scientists will be back to use an element scan to break down each type of atom in the bones and the dirt around them.

Art Andersen, an imaging specialist with Virtual Services Inc., said the scans could be used to examine forensic evidence that normally was removed to get to the bone.

That dirt could show the outline of flesh and muscles, helping better piece together what dinosaurs looked like.

Murphy hopes the studies will build interest and funding for more tests — particularly CT scans that could take three-dimensional images instead of the one-dimensional pictures captured in the X-rays this week.

"A long, long time after I'm pushing up daisies, scientists will be learning from this specimen," he said.

Reach Tribune Staff Writer Kim Skornogoski at 791-6574, (800) 438-6600 or kskornog@greatfal.gannett.com.


Originally published June 21, 2006

Well, it's Monday. The wife is already out of the house at work, sooooo early in the morning. I was able to read a couple of chapters in the book of James before the kids were also awake.

I went ahead and created an additional blog called Truth Sharer since my prior blog still does not allow me to get into it nor view it. Oh well. Perhaps this one will stay stable.

I managed to live through yesterday's work. I was surprised how sore my legs were by the end day at home. I am just not use to bending and lifting. All in all, it doesn't appear it will be bad. Just a matter of learning the ropes and being alert.

I hope all have a good day.

Last night I was able to go to a Men Believers group. It is a group of fathers that homeschool. A first for me as well as a first time 'men' gathering. We watched a dvd of Crown Internation regarding finances. It was only 3 segments, but it was very interesting. I was at first hesistant by not knowing what to expect. It was a pleasant surprise.

Today was the first day of my new part-time job wasn't bad today. I was there 6 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. today. Most of it was orientation, so not too much physical work today. I was able to run with the supervisor today on errands to the stores, ect. While he did his errands he also showed and informed me some stuff. I will be going into tomorrow at 6 a.m. as well. Tomorrow I will be on an actual route with a full-timer.

When I arrived home, the kids and I played some games and had some time together. So far so good.

On a side-note, my Q and A for the Christian blog is not happening. I posted a good post, in my opinion, Friday and the crazy thing now only gives me "We're sorry but we were unable to complete your request". Sigh, I only posted 11 times on it, but frustrating.

I ran across this interesting subject yesterday and had to share it.
The subject is bump keying. Personally, I hadn't heard about it till I read it at Gadgets Engadget. After reading their article, and watching the 2 minute video on the 11 year old at Defcon, I did a search on google out of curiosity.

Here is a 7 minute you tube on it that many will find surprising.


Basically, bump keying is just that. You modify the key (doorlock, padlock, ect) and place it in a similir lock. You tap the key while turning and walah, the lock opens. No picks, no hidden key code, just bumping and it opens. The 11 year old girl at Defcon opened a lock in 11 seconds flat. The 7 minute video goes into more detail on how and the seriousness of the issue. Primarily, the thief that uses it in houses an apartments leave no trace of burgarly. Insurance companies are not willing to compensate on the owners losses.


Seems England is attempting to thwart this with magnetic locks, ect. while America remains uneducated on the subject. Hence, my post today.

The bump key making does require a special machine or a steady experienced hand to file it down.

Out of further curiosity, I had to check Ebay. Sure enough people are selling them

I found this article to be of interest. Seems all demonstrations are being clamped down.

Minister Arrested at Mormon Pageant

The Daily Herald has this report of a Christian pastor being arrested for trespassing on PUBLIC property because he upset the mormons.


SALT LAKE CITY -- For the second week in a row, an evangelical Christian minister has been arrested outside a Mormon-themed pageant in northern Utah.


Daniel "Chip" Thompson, the 47-year-old director of Solid Rock Christian Fellowship, a campus ministry at Snow College in Ephraim, was arrested for investigation of criminal trespassing by the Cache County sheriff's office Friday night at the Clarkston Pageant. The pageant depicts the life of Martin Harris, an early follower of Joseph Smith, founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.


Thompson was with eight others handing out religious tracts that compare Mormonism with the beliefs of other forms of Christianity. He said the Clarkston City cemetery's amphitheater, where the pageant is performed, is public property, so he should not have been arrested.


"The Mormon officials started saying this was against the law -- 'you can't be here,' " Thompson said Monday. "We just said, 'Sir, this is public property and we're within our legal rights to express our freedom of speech and our freedom of religion. This is America.' "


On Aug. 11, Brigham City pastor Joel Kramer, 39, of Living Hope Ministries was arrested at the same pageant for investigation of disorderly conduct in a dispute over Kramer's taping of the pageant for use in Christian videos he produces.


Both Kramer and Thompson have court dates set for Sept. 13 at the Justice Court in Clarkston.

I am not sure if it was the best thing for these two pastors to do. It doesn't seem appropiate (to me) to be taping a activity in order to denounce it without some form of consent.

I posted awhile back on my kids being addicted to the world of Pokemon. That actually waned a little bit. First it was Teen Titans, recently the new craze has been Xiaolin Showdown. Low and behold, a new series comes out and boom, Poke-craze all over again.

We had our friends kids stay over last night. The other friends kids came this morning. Last night 4 kids (2 are mine) watched and played Pokemon. Today, pretty much all day, 6 kids played Pokemon. Sigh.

I guess it's partially my fault. I found a new (new to me) video store near by. The kids and I checked it out this last weekend and they had 5 Pokemon VHS tapes my kids had not seen nor own. A miracle in itself. Fortunately, the video store old movies are 5 movies, for 5 days at 5 bucks. Not a bad deal at all. Needless to say, they have been watching and re-watching the tapes before we return them.

I guess a new Pokemon Chronicles is now on tv?

This Pokemon empire is 10 years old.

I took the kids to watch BarnYard this weekend. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.

The film was good and had a good underlining message. There were some hidden funnies the kids didn't catch, but overall it was a good movie.

I asked the kids if they enjoyed it. They both liked the movie. The only part they did not like was the scenes with the coyotes. It was a bit scary for them. I won't post any spoilers here. However, I am recommending the movie.

I will have to say the message was at some point the kids have to put away the toys and parties and grow up, taking responsibilty. There is also a message of leadership that can be found in the movie.

Personally, I liked the songs in the movie. Ben, the leader, plays Tom Petty's song "Don't back down" as he beats the coyotes off.

You can view other reviews here regarding the movie.

I am reminded of First Corinthians chapter 13 verse 11.

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I become a man, I put away childish things.

The other night at Church, I had a thought come to me. Yes, believe it or not you do not leave your brain at the door when you enter a church. (smile)

I have noticed more and more discussion is being made on ideology and theology regarding the actions people currently take. The Middle East war is based on theology. While more and more crime is being committed, people are viewing their ideology on the 'why'.

Anyway, back in the 60's the big Civil Rights movement made waves. The fight was to stop segregration in schools (which imho is not a bad thing). This movement continued up to 1971. Take Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education case. They forced busing to be carried out in the South, where school segregation had once the force of law. So irregardless of the childs wishes, they were forced to mix.

My point is the courts and government made a point to mix the people based on skin color. The emphasis in the 60's and 70's seem to be based on physical attributes.

Fast forward to the present. It appears a similiar war in culture is being made. However, this war is based on idea's and theology.

Check out the controversy with intelligent design vs evolution. Look at the war in the Middle East. The terrorist are taking action based on their theology.

It's just a thought.

Man, is it really Wednesday already?

Yesterday evening I had a new and wonderful experience with the kids, I just have to share. In the attempt to provide a new enviroment and allow Kel some quite time, I took the kids to the local library. I am now officially in charge of the homework. This also provides a break for Kel and allows me to participate in the education of our kids. (Gee, didn't mean for it to sound like a commercial there).

Anyway, the kids were for it. We gathered our stuff up and headed to the library. We found a room not being used and were provided privacy and a big table, plenty of room to do our work. Basically, I had one read to me, while the other did their math, writing ect. I would help the other one as necessary. Then we switched. The other read to me their required reading as the sibling did their writing. It worked out well and allowed me to feel some one on one time with the kids.

I think the kids liked it and it was a different enviroment to work in. Personally, I throughly enjoyed it. I mistakenly left my cellphone, but it allowed no interruptions for us. After we did the homework, the kids picked out a book and I treated them to a ice-cream on the way home.

Some things I noted in each child that needed to be worked on. I also found out quickly, I in turn need to work on a bunch of stuff personally. I knew the teacher would need to know much more to teach the student. I was actually looking forward to that. However, I didn't realize how long it's been since I did cursive. Being on a PC all day for communication and having to only sign my name in cursive (all my written notes are done non-cursive), I found out real quick how much I suck in it.

I always believe in what you teach. So, this homeschooling is not only benefiting the kids in the one on one education, but myself as well. There is a feeling of accountabilty when the full responsibility is placed on you day to day.

Another thing, I am noticing as well. The amount of time that is wasted in public schools. We have doubled some of the kids work and they still manage to get it done earlier than a regular public school day. I found this to be an eye-opener.

The only complaint I had last night was the library chairs grew hard after an hour sitting in them. ( laugh )

I simply was not able to blog yesterday. Work was busy all the way through, compounded on having to get some things done at home. I also had a school board meeting last night till nearly 9 p.m local time. So yes, it was definitely a Monday.

I couldn't sleep (duh). So, I caught up on the reading of my blogs of interest. Yes, another two shout-outs to those still not posting to their blogs.

I am also running a script I neglected at 10 p.m. for work. We had thunderstorms that ran through for awhile. I know it rained, due to it hitting the windows, but how much, no clue. In this area of Oklahoma, we have hit above 100 every day the past 2 weeks. It was 103 yesterday, over 100 the weekend and last thursday was 106 not counting humidity. Unreal. You would think the yard would be a freaking dirt mound now.

Not much to report on. The weekend was nice and relaxing. I didn't even have one call over the weekend due to being on-call. I made up for it during Monday's support.

I actually slept in till 7 a.m. local time. Woo hooo! Plus it's a Friday to boot. So that has to be a good thing.

I was trying to mess with our cable modem this morning. For some unknown reason, it appears the modem will not work off of a cable splitter. If I do a direct connect from the wall outlet, it works fine. The nice little green light over 'cable' comes on. But if I attach a splitter (as it had been setup for over a year now), low and behold no green light. The only purpose of my splitter is to provide me the ability to watch the news on a small tv in the office during my day. Oh well. Maybe someone else has an idea. No. I really don't want to buy another modem.

I still plan on going into the Pepsi interview this morning. At least I have a better idea of what questions to ask. I guess we will see how that pans out.

It was 106 degree's in Oklahoma yesterday. That is not counting the humidity. High today (as of yesterday) is 103 and tomorrow 102. Nice eh?

I was reading the book of James the other day and another passage hit me. In James chapter 3 it goes into detail about a persons tongue. Not a Phys Ed anatomy class, rather what you do with your tongue. A quick analogy, 'even though a large ship is seen, the small rudder drives it'. It also refers to the fact the same tongue that blesses God also curses man. Man, don't I know that one. I have a bad problem of cussing at times. So, again, another stark look in the mirror and not liking what I see. Perhaps that is why people are put off reading the bible. It simply provides a clean mirror to take a good look at yourself.

I was able to take the kids to church last night. Normally, we don't hit Wednesday nights. However, one of our new things we are attempting is to go on church more often.

It was good to go. I personally needed it and the message was very good.

Interesting enough, when I returned from church, I received a call from Pepsi. They are now interested in having a interview with me for a job. The job is suppose to be part time over the weekend. But, 20-30 hours for those 2 days. According to the one setting up the interview, I would run to the stores and set out the merchandise. So, it doesn't sound like unloading trucks, but it does sound similiar to using a jack to pull the carts and stock the shelves. The job was quoted to be around 8 bucks an hour. I went ahead and setup the interview. I don't really know if logically, it will be worth it (especially with gas 3 bucks a gallon). It will depend realistically how many places I will need to go to stock, the hours (nights or days), ect. I guess we will see.

I was woke up around 4:30 a.m. locally by work this morning. Yes, I am on-call again this week.

I did my thing for work and tried to get back to sleep. But alas, I am one of those, once up-stay up. I couldn't get back to sleep. So, I caught up on my blog reading this morning. Some will note my comments on your articles.

I was saddened, but not really surprised, to read Joe Lieberman didn't win the primary. On one side of the argument, the right is saying "See, see, Democrats have out-ted their last and only moderate." On the left, they are saying "Good riddance you Bush clone." Sigh. To think the democratic party has turned so far left to ostracised their once candidate for Vice-President gives me shivers. Let's face it, people and groups will use you when they need you and dump you when they believe they don't.

While I was lying in bed this morning trying to get back to sleep. A frustration came over me. We had a discussion on my last Sunday School that really got me thinking. The discussion correlated with Angel's article on a church going to laughter. I guess after reading that, it simply re-emphasized my frustration. As most know, many churches have clicks. This can be seen inside as well as outside members. This hampers the Gospel message to the people in general. So on top of that, I am seeing more and more preachers and churches in general changing their 'good news' messages about Christ to 'good news to make the ears tickle'. They are only saying what the people want to hear.

Simply put, preachers are becoming motivational speakers, not men of God.

This is becoming ever more frustrating for me. So now we are having churches watered down, misconstruing the real message. Those that actually believe accepting Jesus as your personal Saviour are now left fighting the world and their own church's. So what's the deal? Can't anyone handle the truth anymore?

On top of it all, scripturally, we (as people) cannot save anyone. Yes, that is what I said. I, the church, the preacher, the singing choir, cannot save anyone. Only God can save someone. SO that person you are speaking to about Christ, can only be saved by 1)God actually touches them and 2)that individual accepts that gift. So what are we left to do as believers? 1)We are commissioned to spread God's word. The real word, not a laugh track, let me make you feel good about yourself message. 2)Pray.

I personally have a hard time praying. I am working on this. This is one of my greatest weapons, that I do not fully utilize. So that's my current frustration. Sorry for the diatrab.

Over the past month (3 months if asked my wife ((smile)) I have been cranky and just down-right, well down.

Speaking with other, ahem, elder gentlemen, asking on their thoughts as to the why. Interesting enough, both on separate occasions have conveyed the same message.

"Your body is getting older and you cannot do what you could do as before. Your mind is dealing with that fact."

Man, that's tough. I don't think of myself as 'old'. I mean get real, I see the shows and the actors having the 'bod' all pumped up and able to go that extra mile. I don't mean falling out of helicopters and bouncing up and sprinting along. But then again, I am not making a few million for a movie while having extra time enhancing my body either. Rather, I am stuck in front of a computer all day and unwilling to work my body in the evenings.

Oh well, so that must be the answer. I think my inability to hold up on the 10 hour work at Walmart was a crushing blow to my man-hood as well. So with the acceptance of 'my spirit may be willing, but the flesh is getting weaker' I will have to put on a new attitude. Simply put, accept it and move on.

In other news, I have decided to create an additional blog. One called Q and A for the Christian. I need to start reading my bible again. In order for me to do that, I personally enjoy finding answers to sought out questions. I spoke with Kel about it last night, and her worry was people commenting dumb stuff or going into a argument. Both will probably be true. But the purpose is not debate, rather a means to create simply a question and answer blog. It will allow me to be accountable to read and research, but hopefully more importantly provide some answers to the reader. So if you have any questions that was never answered, shoot them my way and I will research them for you.

I placed the new blog on my right panel as well.

I haven't blogged much lately, due to being busy and all. It's easier to notate on already written articles, then creating your own.

I was able to play with the kids today. Once in the pool and then some games later. We also watched two new ( new to us anyway ) VeggieTales shows. The movies were Sheerluck Holmes adn the Golden Ruler along with Larry Boy and the bad apple. I rented them for tonight. Something new to watch and VeggieTales always have a good message in their theme.

After the show the family attempted to put together a b-dazzle puzzle? Has anyone seen these? Ours was the 3 firetrucks. After about 10-15 minutes of frustration, the family quite. I messed with it for a bit longer alone. I actually put the thing together. There are no cheats that come with it. Kel said they would be a good stocking stuffer. I informed her, they would drive me crazy. I start on them and wouldn't be able to quite till I get it.

During the week I have also been listening to a new station, on the net, of all places. Christian Rock.net plays, obviously, Christian Rock 24/7. You can listen to it for free. Needless to say, I have been having it on in the background continously.

Another noted online station is 1160. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. eastern time, Bauer and Rose is on. Again, all free and this one is informational.

So there are two new things, free, that I found to be enjoyable.

Next week, we will plunge into HomeSchool. Kel has been getting everything ready on paper regarding organization, schedules, work-list, chores, ect. She is a God-send of such things. However, she drives herself nuts to get it just right.

Found this link on Stop the ACLU website. This is important legislation and needs to be approved by the Senate. Make the call to your Senate and Representives and have your voice heard.

There are two out there I am requesting all to call upon.

Senate Bill 3696 and the companion bill H.R. 2979.

S 3696 (PERA), sponsored by Sen. Brownback (R-Kan), a companion bill to H.R. 2979 (PERA), sponsored by Rep. Hostetter (R-Ind.), would amend all relevant federal laws to eliminate the authority of judges to award taxpayer-paid attorney fees to the ACLU, or anyone else, in lawsuits under the Establishment of Religion Clause of the First Amendment against veterans memorials, the Boy Scouts, or the public display of the Ten Commandments of other symbols of America’s history with a religious aspect.

This bill will stop the judges in awarding groups like ACLU the taxpayers money for their legal fees. Please note this is the bread and butter for groups like the ACLU.

Not only does the ACLU use this provision to fund their agenda of secular cleansing and threaten small schools and towns, they also use it as a tool of punishment for those that resist their agenda. They have accumulated literally millions of taxpayer funded attorney fees when in fact they have no actual attorney fees.

Many wonder where groups like the ACLU get their funds. Most are from frivolous lawsuits and then have the losing party pay for their legal fees. These fee's are not only atrocious, but ridiculously high.

Check out this webpage provided by Stop the ACLU showing how much ACLU alone has acquired from the taxpayers. Note it does not list them all.

Find your Representives here and Find your Senators here.

Contact them and ask them to support PERA.