Middle America's Worldview

Planned Parenthood has been shut down in the Texas panhandle.

American Life League's (ALL) Stop Planned Parenthood, or Stopp International, says it took a long time, but their campaign against Planned Parenthood finally got some results. "For 12 years in the Texas panhandle, there has been a fight against Planned Parenthood," he notes. "Planned Parenthood, in 1997, operated 19 clinics in the Texas panhandle."

Then the state reduced funding for the organization, and pro-life workers also continued in their efforts to shut Planned Parenthood's doors. "And as of December 31, there will no longer be any Planned Parenthood offices in the Texas panhandle," Sedlak explains. "They will all be gone."

The two remaining clinics in Amarillo have disaffiliated with the national organization. Sedlak says other cities can accomplish the same goal if they are determined, and information on that is available on the Stopp website.

Out of curiosity, I checked out the STOPP site.

On their page called
plan for defeating Planned Parenthood, the site list not only their plan, but what Planned Parenthood is all about.

Planned Parenthood Hoax was an interesting read.

If you read between the lines, you see Israel notified where they are retaliating. Note causalities are on Israel side as well, indicating attacks are made back onto Israel.

Consider this Americans, if Canada or Mexico keeps firing rockets onto American soil, then we would also be forced to retaliate. I just hope Israel will not give the Gaza Strip back to Hamas (Palestine) once they push them off.


Israel is only 40 miles across. The red shows Israel land contrasted by the green showing land owned by Islamic nations.

And Hamas is pissing and moaning about 40 miles of land?

GAZA (Reuters) – Israel hit the Gaza Strip with more air strikes on Tuesday and warned its military action could last weeks, while its Islamist enemy Hamas vowed to keep up rocket attacks on Israeli cities.

Both sides rejected any notion of a ceasefire soon, three days after Israeli leaders launched bombing raids with the declared aim of halting rocket salvoes from the Hamas-controlled coastal enclave.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Israel, which is blockading Gaza, was gathering ground forces at the frontier and would expand its operation "as much as is necessary" to stop the rocket fire and "deal a heavy blow to Hamas."

Israeli warplanes pressed on for the fourth day with attacks on Hamas targets, killing 12 Palestinians. They included sisters aged 4 and 11. Several rockets fired from Gaza hit Israel, a day after three Israelis were killed in cross-border salvoes.

Medical officials put Palestinian casualties since Saturday at 348 dead with more than 800 wounded. A United Nations agency said at least 62 of the dead were civilians. In all, four Israelis have been killed since the operation began.

"We are living in horror, we and our children. The situation is not just bad, it is tragic," said Gaza resident Abu Fares, standing outside his home, near the rubble of a building that was bombed and destroyed overnight.

Israeli media quoted Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as saying the Gaza operation, launched by his centrist government six weeks before a national election that opinion polls predict the right-wing Likud party will win, was in "the first of a several stages."

The United Nations has called for an immediate truce. But Israeli Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit said "there is no room for a ceasefire" with Hamas until the threat of rocket fire had been removed.

"The Israeli army must not stop the operation before breaking the will of the Palestinians, of Hamas, to continue to fire at Israel," he told Israel Radio.

The Israeli military "has made preparations for long weeks of action," added Matan Vilnai, a deputy defense minister, in broadcast remarks.

Mushir al-Masri, a Hamas official, countered: "We are not begging for calm and there is no room to talk about calm amid the continued aggression and siege."

Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah faction in fighting in June 2007. It has rejected international demands to recognize Israel, renounce violence and accept existing interim peace deals.

GAZA TARGETS

In Beit Hanoun, in the northern Gaza Strip, two sisters were killed in a air raid as they were taking out the trash near their home, medical workers said. The area has been a launching ground for cross-border rocket attacks.

Later a security man was killed in a strike on a headquarters in Khan Yunis and Israeli missiles flattened five ministerial buildings and a structure belonging to the Islamic University in Gaza City.

A Hamas sports center and two training camps belonging to the group were also destroyed in the attacks, which plunged Gaza into a blackout as explosions echoed across the city.

Israeli aircraft fired missiles at the home of a senior commander in Hamas's armed wing. He was not home. Another attack targeted offices belonging to the Popular Resistance Committees militant group.

In Ashdod, an Israeli woman bolted from her car to seek shelter after a siren sounded, but she tripped and fell in the street, where she was killed by a rocket, local officials said.

Israel kept schools closed within a radius of about 30 km (18 miles) from the Gaza border, citing concerns about further rocket fire. Residents were told to remain indoors and on the alert for alarms heralding incoming rockets.

Most Gazans in the territory of 1.5 million people, one of the most densely populated on earth, have stayed home, in rooms away from windows that could shatter in blasts from air strikes on Hamas facilities.

Israel declared areas around the Gaza Strip a "closed military zone," citing the risk from Palestinian rockets, and ordered out journalists observing a build-up of armored forces.

Excluding the press could help Israel conceal preparations for a ground incursion.

Israel has said it would allow more aid trucks into Gaza. Dozens of trucks loaded with goods were seen heading to Gaza crossings early on Tuesday.

(Additional reporting by Douglas Hamilton in Beri, Israel; Writing by Jeffrey Heller and Allyn Fisher-Ilan; Editing by Richard Balmforth)

As you may/may not know, I am still addicted to Netflix. It provides me so many dvd's not availible in my local area. I just finished the first season of La Femme Nikita.





"Based on Luc Besson's cult hit of the same name, this frenetic TV series stars Peta Wilson as Nikita, a street-smart femme fatale caught up in the government's web of deceit and double-cross. Accused of a crime she didn't commit, she's being trained as an operative. Her job? To lure terrorists and other enemies into the government's lair and avoid getting hurt in the process."


I must say, the writing is excellent and Petra Wilson plays a very good character role. Not only does she have the physique and beauty, she's an awesome actress in this role.

I came across this La Femme Nikita fan site

We made it safely home late Saturday night. It was another long drive, but we did stop at a couple of new places.

We hit a IKEA store on our way out. I never have been to one. They are a Swedish owned furniture store. It was setup very interesting. You walk through the store (lead by arrows on the floor) to sectional displays of rooms. Each piece of furniture had a tag on it, naming /price/description/bin and aisle. You would jot down those furniture items of interest and pick them up near the exit registers. You also had smaller items, such as lighting, kitchenware, and storage. I would definitely go back.

Regarding the week, without going into details, I would have to say a roller coaster of emotions and thoughts. I, at times, think our sins are taken out on our kids for our own sufferings. Our son had a really bad spell. (Really really bad spell).
We thought we may had lost him. Compounded with this tragic knowledge, my wife would have seen it happen. A very traumatic scene unfolding before you, knowing nothing can be done. We are truly in God's hands. Just as easily as taking him away, God provided him to stay. He bounced back so fast, it was nothing less than miraculous. So this Christmas, as I see the enojoyment of my family opening their presents. As we sit in the living room feasting on our blessings, my Christmas gift will be the 4 of us together another Christmas. These items of pleasure are mere cream compared to the true desert of life. That of being together, enjoying each others time, and creating good memories.

We found ourselves safely in Texas. It was a long drive, started at 6:30 a.m. and arrived around 7 p.m.

We were also lucky enough to hit Austin traffice around 5 p.m., Yeah.

Much has happened, since my last personal post.

We are about to head over to Texas. We had set this time up nearly 3 months ago, but as it is, a ice wave happen to hit our area this same time. So, it will be slow going. We are re-routing our normal path. This new route will add 2 hours on our travel. Sigh.

It's hard to believe next week is Christmas. Somehow, it just doesn't feel like Christmas, yet.

A former Republican presidential candidate says the political corruption scandal involving Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich could result in top advisors to Barack Obama being called to testify before a grand jury very early in his administration.





President-elect Obama has called on Governor Rod Blagojevich to resign for allegedly trying to trade favors for Obama's vacant Illinois senate seat. Although Obama says he had no contact with the governor or his office on the matter, in an interview last month on Fox News Chicago, top Obama advisor David Axelrod said otherwise.

"I know he [Obama] has talked to the governor -- and there are a whole range of names, many of which have surfaced, and I think he has a fondness for a lot of them," said Axelrod.

Yesterday, Axelrod issued a retraction, saying "I was mistaken....They did not then or at any time discuss the subject."


Gary Bauer, president of American Values, says as more details of the Blagojevich case unfold, Obama could be facing a public-relations nightmare because of his strong connection to Democratic Party politics in Chicago.

"Certainly this is an astonishing indictment," Bauer offers. "On its face it shows a tremendous degree of illegality and of corruption. We just have to wait and see whether that corruption extended or in any way touched the incoming president."

According to Bauer, "it requires the willing suspension of disbelief to suggest that Mr. Obama, David Axelrod, Rahm Emanuel, and Governor Blagojevich have not talked since the election."

Not only is there hatred within the gay community on the cross and the fact the majority resist homosexual marriage, the media is getting involved.

At least one outlet plays their cards again, Newsweek.

Newsweek magazine has published a lengthy article stating that the Bible supports homosexual marriage. The article was written Lisa Miller, Newsweek religion editor.
Miller's article is one of the most biased and distorted pieces concerning homosexual marriage ever published by any major news organization. The article is much too long for this e-mail.

Dr. Albert Mohler has offered a response to the Newsweek article. I suggest you read Mohler’s article and then read Miller's Newsweek article.

Mohler made a significant point in his response: "The national news media are collectively embarrassed by the passage of Proposition 8 in California. Gay rights activists are publicly calling on the mainstream media to offer support for gay marriage, arguing that the media let them down in November. It appears that Newsweek intends to do its part to press for same-sex marriage. Many observers believe that the main obstacle to this agenda is a resolute opposition grounded in Christian conviction. Newsweek clearly intends to reduce that opposition."

I thought the 1 mile run killed me. This guy juggles balls while running 10K run!




His site is found here.

An American man is suing fast-food giant McDonald's after nude photos of his wife left on his mobile phone were uploaded to the internet.

Phillip Sherman accidentally left the mobile in a McDonald's outlet in Arkansas, and says the store's employees promised to keep it safe until he could pick it up, the Associated Press reported.

Sherman's lawsuit asks for US$3 million in damages for suffering, embrassament and costs associated with moving to a new home.

Seriously, put a lock on that phone.

Awesome!
I would definitely watch this on big screen. Hello May 2009.

Seems if an action figure wears a turban, it's a bonified terrorist. This article caught my attention.

A Lego-style Islamic terrorist figurine has sparked outrage among Muslims and others.

Source

A family owned business creates lego size weapons and some minifigs (Lego dolls modified). I never even heard of BrickArms till this article hit my RSS.

The site has this Mr. White for sale, but British Muslim organization the Ramadhan Foundation has branded the figurine "absolutely disgusting."



Seriously, all this over a toy?



I checked out Will Chapman's site and he actually has a cool idea in making toys. I hope this news spotlight provides him with more sales then headaches.

Seems the new Capital Visitor Center focuses on aspiration, rather than accuracy.
The article calls for patrons to complain the 'out of context' information and call for more accuracy. Yet, realistically Americans are pretty much clueless on accuracy when it comes to historical fact. So, I am not seeing much done here. Thousands of people will view the Center and nod their head in agreement to the inaccuracies and move along. It's a shame really. Americans do not have or spend the time to acquire the facts, rather take the hearsay.


Steven Ayers was the project leader that overseen the exhibit.

A constitutional scholar says the new Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, DC, is an extremely biased and historically inaccurate exhibit that "twists and distorts" the Constitution.

The new $621 billion Capitol Visitor Center features an exhibition hall that is dominated by a very large marble wall called "The Wall of Aspirations." Dr. Matthew Spalding of The Heritage Foundation says the exhibit is not about the Constitution's limits on powers delegated to the government, but instead lists aspirations such as unity, freedom, common defense, knowledge, exploration, and general welfare, and then points back to where they are found in the Constitution.

Spalding, director of the Simon Center for American Studies at Heritage, notes those words all appear in the Constitution, but argues they were taken out of context and used to justify much larger activities by Congress.

"The job of Congress, according to the exhibit, is to achieve these aspirations. So the old notion that says Article 1, Section 8 [of the Constitution] lists the powers that Congress has -- these are the things that Congress can do. [But] that old notion is set aside," he contends. "In its place we have this kind of open-ended 'aspirations' which Congress is going to define and achieve. And to get there, they do very selective quoting and...mangle many phrases in the Constitution to get them where they want to go."

The new Visitor Center project was overseen by the Capitol Preservation Commission, which mostly consists of elected officials like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Spalding says it is unclear who actually designed the exhibit and wrote the text for it, but he is advising people with complaints about the Visitor Center to contact the Architect of the Capitol, the officer charged with upkeep of the Center and its programs.



The underground 580,000-square-foot Visitor Center, which opened to the public this week, was completed three years behind schedule and almost $360 million over budget. It is approximately two-thirds the size of the entire Capitol itself.

Not only is it inaccurate, seems they stripped out the founders faith. With the newly elect President, backed by Liberal Democrats loving Big Government, seems only appropiate.

DeMint correctly noted that it had erroneously described "E. Pluribus Unum" — Latin for "from many, one" — as the national motto rather than "In God We Trust." Despite winning a months-long battle to highlight the importance of religion in U.S. life, DeMint was not satisfied Tuesday, saying the center still misrepresents American history by downplaying the faith of the founding fathers and other prominent figures. The center's "most prominent display proclaims faith not in God, but in government," he noted.

DeMint, rated the most conservative senator by several think tanks and advocacy groups, also protested an engraved statement near the center's entrance: "We have built no temple but the Capitol. We consult no common oracle but the Constitution."

That quote was uttered by Rufus Choate, a Massachusetts lawyer who represented his state in the House in the 1830s and in the Senate the decade after.

Source

Recall the Matthew Shepard murder that the homosexual groups used as a poster child for hate crimes?

Seems a new murder has taken place involving another Shepard. This time, the news has largely ignored it. Why?

That question is being asked by some. The answer may be due to this time a homosexual killed Jason Sheperd, rather than the other way around.

On November 21, William Smithson, 43, of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to life in prison for the September 2006 strangulation murder of 23-year-old Jason Shephard.
Smithson, a homosexual, murdered Shephard after slipping him GHB, a date rape drug, then hid the body in the basement of his home.

I also question why this hasn't been in the public spotlight. Everyone knows Matthew Shepard (by the gay icon, not the botched robbery). Everyone knows Natalie Holloway (recall she was also given a date rape drug). So lets put some light on Jason Sheperd.

Smithson found guilty for Sheperds death


November 15, 2008 article

November 16, 2008 article

November 17, 2008 article

As some overlook the tragedy in India, where Islamic terrorist captured/killed/destroyed, I am still amazed of the news outcome.

Note the evidence they have below.

India says it already has compelling and detailed evidence that the attacks in Mumbai were planned on Pakistani soil and carried out by Pakistani gunmen -- for once, one of the gunmen was actually captured and gave a detailed confession.

Source

Yet, India says a military option is not even on the table.


We also are starting to get an idea of how long it took Indian police to move.

sraelis and Indians alike ask why it took police so long to respond. Kamaljeet Singh, who witnessed the grenade explosion, said that he rushed to a police station and then to a nearby naval base, but that officers told him they had no permission from higher-ups to act.

The Indian response to the attacks across the city has been widely criticized as under-armed, slow and confused.

It took more than three hours for police to arrive at Nariman House, where the Chabad hostel is located, Singh said. Israeli officials believe that by that time, at least one or two of the eight unarmed adults inside were dead.

Source

The United States Tuesday renewed its call on Pakistan to fully cooperate with the Indian-led investigation of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. U.S. officials say they suspect a group based at least partly in Pakistan may be behind the operation. VOA's David Gollust reports from the State Department.

Source

Whatever, we can call them anything and Pakistan will do what Pakistan wants too.

With India saying no military action will be made against Pakistan and their terrorist, while our next U.S. President Elect wants to 'talk' rather than act, I don't see anything being done here.

In short, India was again attacked. U.S., Britain residents taken hostage, people killed, India's finance success will be rocked (Source), and nothing will be done.. Sickening.

Maybe I am getting to be a critic as I get older. I came across this article regarding Planned Parenthood handing out vouchers for Medical assistance.

I understand why some would be offensive for them to hand out vouchers for abortions. Especially, since tax dollars are going into Planned Parenthood. However, as I read the article below, I want to ask 2 important questions.

1) How much are the vouchers being handed out worth?
2) How much are the clinics charging for abortions?


If we see the voucher is worth $5 and they charge $500 for abortions, then the article is really misleading.

(shrugging shoulders)

Planned Parenthood condemned for 'lethal gift certificates'
Ken Kusmer - Associated Press Writer - 11/29/2008 4:45:00 AM
INDIANAPOLIS - The nation's leading abortion provider is under fire for handing out gift certificates for its services.



Pro-life supporters say the scheme by Planned Parenthood of Indiana denigrates the holiday season.

The network of 35 clinics across the state announced it is offering holiday vouchers for basic health care services "or the recipient's choice of birth control method."

The organization decided to offer the vouchers because so many people are uninsured or are putting off health care because of prohibitive costs, said Betty Cockrum, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Indiana. Nearly 800,000 Indiana residents don't have health insurance, she said.

Planned Parenthood's annual exams for women, which include Pap tests and breast exams, typically cost $58. The vouchers can be used for the exams, but also for insurance copays and for medication.

Opponents of abortion said Planned Parenthood was making a "mockery" of the holiday season.

"The tragedy is that almost 6,000 fewer children will be celebrating a first Christmas this year because they were aborted in Planned Parenthood's Indiana clinics," said Mike Fichter, president and CEO of Indiana Right to Life.

Planned Parenthood of Indiana operates abortion clinics in Indianapolis, Merrillville and Bloomington.

"They deserve coal in their stocking, not money for lethal gift certificates," said Sister Diane Carollo, director of the Office for Pro-Life Ministry for the Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis.

But Indiana Health Commissioner Dr. Judy Monroe applauded the Planned Parenthood offer, calling it a "really a meaningful gift."

Spokeswoman Diane Quest of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America said the Indiana branch is among a handful of its 99 affiliates that currently offer gift certificates or have done so in the past.

No, not both sides, just the homosexual side. Watch it again. Also, notice the reporters eyes. She is also scared.





The concern is the so called "civil rights" will trample "religious rights". 30 states have now voted in by the people ammendments and support to keep the definition of marriage to 'one man and one woman'. Even the liberal California's people ruled for Prop 8, to protect the definition of traditional marriage. (albeit by a close margin). Irregardless, the people have consistently voted for this.

I have seen a similiar hatred as shown in this video before. Recall the Islamic response of cartoon drawings in Denmark?

Say what you want on certain Chiropractors but I have one that actually does the job.

For the last 2 months, my right foot/heel was killing me. It was worst in the mornings out of bed, or if I happen to sit a certain way. I finally made it to the Chiro yesterday (I don't go unless I really have too).

The diagnosis? Plantar fasciitis.

He also mentioned it's really painful, especially in the mornings. Duh.

He popped me here and there and then put a red laser treatment on it.

This morning is the first morning it actually didn't hurt when I walked on it. I go back next Monday for another treatment.

I can't believe it. I am still feeling that measly mile from Sunday. Walking around the house my leg muscles (shins) are still tight and I literally feel them. Crud, how will I make the 5K next year, if one mile kicks my A$$ now.

Talk about a wild ride. I was late getting home Friday evening. The plane was late getting into Memphis, TN due to fog, then weight. But I finally made it home from a week at Corporate.

Once home, we drove to Tulsa on Saturday. Spending the night, we did the Route 66 marathon. Rather, I watched the Marathon runners. My wife ran the 1/4 (7.2 miles) marathon and it was really cool! I managed to make the kids marathon 1.3 mile, barely. The kicker is my wife after her 1/4 marathon, also ran it with the kids.

The plan was to have her keep up with the little ones, while I run with the older ones. Sounds good. When the shotgun blasted, the kids bolted and left me. I thought "Oh crap". I barely caught up with them. Let's just say, I need to start running/walking.

The kids and wife gained a medal! I am so proud of them.

My week in PA is nearly over already. I have only today and then travel home tomorrow.
While up here, it's normally the same. Work, grab something to eat, hotel.

I was able to gleam some additional information on what is occurring as well as the feelings of the employees. I have grabbed a surprise for the kids and my wife (wink).
So, I am in good shape.

First day down, 3 to go up here in PA. Not much to say on a personal level. I wasn't able to get on the company's network till 11 a.m est regardless that I want to work around 7 a.m.

On the bright side, for resolution, they pulled my hard drive and placed it in another PC that had triple ram. Sweet. I love upgrades.

I couldn't sleep last night, so was able to watch Sarah Conner Chronicles, Heroes (I mean Villians), and a show called My own worst enemy. I may have to watch more of these, because it was rather interesting.

I made it to PA, unscathed. I arrived before midnight, so that was good. I couldn't sleep till nearly one though.

I found it wild, it now cost $15 dollars for one suitcase (non-carry on) and up to $60 bucks for more when you take flight. I was on NorthWest but seen similar signs for American Airlines.

So as the news this morning comments, Gas prices goes down, why not airline tickets?

Yeah, good question.

I just finished watching Expelled-no intelligence allowed. This was a very interesting documentary. I was expecting more of a religion vs science type of discussion. Not at all. This documentary emphasizes the inability of simply asking questions. Questions that cannot be answered by so called experts.

I would suggest everyone to simply watch this 1.5 hr documentary. Netflix has it on instant watch. Netflix users, the link is found here

Don't have Netflix yet?

 

On the DVD, there is a special message from Ben Stein. He basically requests all to sign the Academic Freedom Petition.

The link can be found here.

What is the petition for?

Support Academic Freedom Across America, the freedom of scientists, teachers, and students to question Darwin is coming under increasing attack by self-appointed defenders of the theory of evolution who are waging a malicious campaign to demonize and blacklist anyone who disagrees with them.

Here is a teaser for the movie.

 

 

 

More resources can be found at Resource for Christians

The people spoke, and loud at that.

Overwhelming the youth of U.S. called out the next President of the United States.




As awesome as it sounds, the race was over before 11 p.m est time, before the western states came into play. Resoundly, the east chose the next President of the United States. There are a couple of states still up in the air as I write this post. Yet, it really doesn't matter as far as all is concerned.

Outstanding speeches were made by both candidates. Now, the transition will begin. I am happy the courts will not decide this election.

Resources show Mohammad's first wife spoke to a Jinn (demon). Mohammad himself spoke with demons.




I had heard of Mohammad showing signs of possession, but this was interesting.

You can check out more vids at Resource for Christians

Barack Hussein Obama II was born 4-August-1961, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Father: Barack Hussein Obama, Sr.,
Mother: Ann Dunham,

Barack Hussein Obama, Sr., is reported to be Muslim in religion, now turned Atheist.
Ann Dunham, is reported to be Atheist in religion.

At 2 years of age (1963), father and mother separated and divorced.

Mother remarried to Lolo Soetoro.

Lolo Soetoro is reported to be a radical Muslim in religion.

They relocated to Indonesia in 1967.

Barack Hussein Obama II attended local muslim schools in Jakarta. It is reported he was enrolled in Wahabi School at the age of 6. However, according to CNN, it as a public school with all types of religions. Wahabism is the radical Muslim ideology used in the Jihad against the western world.
He attended Jakarata schools from 6 to 10 years of age.

At the age of 10, returned to Honolulu, Hawaii. He attended Punahou School from the fifth grade in 1971 until his graduation from high school in 1979.



Practiced drugs as a youth

As an adult Obama admitted that during high school he used marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol, which he described at the 2008 Civil Forum on the Presidency as his greatest moral failure.

His win in the Senate was due to no opponent.

Obama's expected opponent in the general election, Republican primary winner Jack Ryan, withdrew from the race in June 2004. This was accomplished due to a newspaper that favored Obama taking the unusual step of suing to force the confidential divorce information of Jack Ryan to become public, and a California judge opened the records at a pivotal time in the campaign.

Obama's views on gun control is focused on an opinion article in the Wall Street Journal:
As a state senate candidate in 1996, Mr. Obama endorsed a complete ban on all handguns in a questionnaire. The Obama campaign has claimed he "never saw or approved the questionnaire," and that an aide filled it out incorrectly. But a few weeks ago, Politico.com found an amended version of the questionnaire. It included material added in Mr. Obama's handwriting.

As Senator

Obama was sworn in as a senator on January 4, 2005. It is reported he chose to be sworn in on the Koran rather than the Bible. However, this is stated to be false.


A March 16th, 2005 AP article puts Senator Obama on record to ban oil drilling in the Alaska frontier known as ANWR [61]

His 2007 voting record in the U.S. Senate makes him as its most liberal member. Among fellow Senate Democrats, he was further left than liberals like Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, Dianne Feinstein, Charles Schumer, Russ Feingold, Carl Levin, Joseph Biden and Harry Reid.[62] He has grown steadily more liberal since arriving at the Senate: the same analysis assessed him as 10th most liberal in 2006[63] and 16th most liberal in 2005.[64]


Senator Obama is the chairman of an important subcommittee that has oversight of our efforts in Afghanistan. He has not held a single hearing on Afghanistan even though American forces are risking their lives in a theatre of war.

As senator, Obama has requested nearly $936 million in earmarks which averages to $500,000. per day over four years, [69] for which the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste has given him a rating of 10% in 2007 (18% lifetime).[70] A score of 100% represents voting against all pork, and 0% represents voting for all pork. Democrats averaged 5% in 2007, whereas Republicans averaged 60%. [71]

Bills co-sponsored
Obama's principal legislation was S. 2433, which was an attempt to force the U.S. to increase its foreign aid by hundreds of billions of dollars under the guise of reducing global poverty, which was subsequently blocked by conservatives.[72]
Obama did support and co-sponsor a bill championed by Tom Coburn and known as the Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act of 2006, which was signed into law by President George W. Bush on Sept. 9, 2006. This law created a website that will list the federal government's grants and contracts.[73]
Between Jan 13, 2007 and March 13, 2008, Sen. Obama has sponsored 120 mostly liberal resolutions and bills in the Senate.[74] His supporters cite the following less liberal examples, but this list is not representative:[Citation Needed]
• S.117 : A bill to amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to improve benefits and services for members of the Armed Forces, veterans of the Global War on Terrorism, and other veterans, to require reports on the effects of the Global War on Terrorism, and for other purposes.
• S.133 : A bill to promote the national security and stability of the economy of the United States by reducing the dependence of the United States on oil through the use of alternative fuels and new technology, and for other purposes.
• S.453 : A bill to prohibit deceptive practices in Federal elections.
• S.713 : A bill to ensure dignity in care for members of the Armed Forces recovering from injuries.


Catholic Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver, where Obama received his Democratic Party nomination, recently criticized Obama as the "most committed" abortion-supporting candidate "since the Roe v. Wade abortion decision in 1973.[10]

The National Abortion Rights Action League NARAL has given Barack a 100% rating for his efforts in Congress 2005, 2006 and 2007 [99].

Obama has steadfastly advocated support for partial birth abortion as an Illinois legislator. Barack's wife, Michelle Obama, wrote a fundraising letter[102] in support of partial birth abortion and against the proposed ban. Barack voted against the Born Alive Infant Protection Act to give a child who survived an abortion procedure life support healthcare. Obama wanted the life terminated even if he or she survived outside the mother's womb.[103] With Obama no longer in the state Senate, the Born Alive legislation passed in 2005.

In example, as a state senator in Illinois, he voted "present" rather than "aye" or "nay" nearly an astounding 130 times.


Obama said "the first thing I'd do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act."[11] That bill "would invalidate virtually all state and federal limitations on abortion, and would make partial-birth abortion legal again."[12]

• Obama stated that the autobiography of Malcolm X, a Nation of Islam leader who became a Muslim, inspired him in his youth.[19]

• • Obama raised nearly $1 million and campaigned for a Kenyan presidential candidate who had a written agreement with Muslim leaders promising to convert Kenya to an Islamic state that bans Christianity.[20]
• Obama's claims of conversion to Christianity arose after he became politically ambitious, lacking a date of conversion or baptism.[21]
• On the campaign trail Obama has been reading "The Post-American World" by Fareed Zakaria,[22] which is written from a Muslim point-of-view.[23]
• Contrary to Christianity, the Islamic doctrine of taqiyya encourages adherents to deny they are Muslim if it advances the cause of Islam.
• Obama uses the Muslim Pakistani pronunciation for "Pakistan" rather than the common American one.[24]
• Many of Obama's statements about religion conflict with Christianity, leading one group to demonstrate with a 7-part video series, "Why Barack Obama is Not a Christian."[25]
• Obama was thoroughly exposed to Christianity as an adult in Chicago prior to attending law school, yet no one at law school saw him display any interest in converting. Obama unabashedly explained how he became "churched" in a 2007 speech: "It's around that time [while working as an organizer for the Developing Communities Project (DCP) of the Calumet Community Religious Conference (CCRC) in Chicago] that some pastors I was working with came around and asked if I was a member of a church. 'If you're organizing churches,' they said, 'it might be helpful if you went to a church once in a while.' And I thought, 'I guess that makes sense.'"[26]


There is apparently no evidence of any Christian activities or local church participation by Obama while he was in Massachusetts from 1988 to 1991. Finally, Obama abruptly left his church in Chicago in 2008 when it became politically controversial, without first finding another church to join.


Obama claimed to have visited 57 states while campaigning for president of the United States, which of course has only 50 states.[28] He could never explain where the false number of 57 came from, but it has been observed that there are 57 Islamic states and Obama was educated at an Islamic grade school while he lived in an Islamic country.[29]


Among his backers is homosexual pornography baron Terrence Bean.



On the Campaign for Presidency

He has the same ideology as Karl Marx.

Obama has espoused the socialist idea of "spreading the wealth" in other words raising the tax rates on business and the wealthy to a burdensome level in order to redistribute their income to low income individuals, many of whom don't currently pay taxes. The slogan "From each according to their ability to each according to their need" is an idea originally proposed by Karl Marx.

Barack Obama continued to collect money for a 2010 Senate re-election campaign as late as June 2008, and has filed reports recently indicating that money is still pouring into this fund. This is especially notable because it is an efficient way of sidetracking donations from his Presidential race. The website is now defunct.

By early April 2007, his campaign generated over $25 million from over 100,000 contributors. $23.5 million of that money will be available for the Democratic Primary.[77] After the first Democratic presidential debate in Columbia, South Carolina, Obama's image as an "articulate" spokesman came into question after his failure to state right away that he would retaliate in case of further terrorist strikes against the United States.[78][79]

Obama keeps donations secret by exploiting a loophole that allows campaigns to refuse to divulge donations under $200.00. This is useful to the candidate because many of his contributions are from dubious foreign or illegal sources. It is described as the "largest pool of unidentified money that has ever flooded into the U.S. election system, before or after the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reforms of 2002." [89]

Obama has no military or executive experience and little foreign policy experience.[108] Yet he is the favorite of the leftist attack site "MoveOn.org" for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States in the 2008 election,[109] campaigning to the left of Hillary Clinton.[110]




While campaigning, he has visited several foreign countries. In Russia and the former Soviet republics, he met with representatives of the International Republican Institute and National Democratic Institute to discuss democracy in the former Soviet republics. He also met with Russian military officials and visited several nuclear and biological weapons destruction sites in Russia, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan with Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Richard Lugar (R-IN). On the same tour, he visited London, UK, and met with Tony Blair, sitting UK Prime Minister.[133]
Obama visited South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Chad; he discussed his tour of Robben Island prison, met with U.S. troops, and visited refugee camps of the people fleeing Darfur. He also addressed Africa's growing AIDS epidemic. [134]
During a ten-day-long tour of the Middle East, he talked with government leaders in Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, and Israel. [135]

Secrecy
Recall when it was a big deal to share the college grades in comparison with Gore and Bush?
The Democratic party feels it necessary to keep all questions about Obama at a safe distance. It is an unprecedented move to keep secrets about a Presidential candidate. The following questions remain sealed from the public. [88]
1. Certified Copy of original Birth certificate(see certificate controversy below)
2. Columbia College records
3. Columbia Thesis paper
4. Campaign donor analysis requested by 7 major watchdog groups
5. Harvard College records
6. Illinois State Senate records
7. Illinois State Senate schedule
8. Law practice client list and billing records/summary
9. Locations and names of all half-siblings and step-mothers
10. Medical records (only the one page summary released so far)
11. Occidental College records
12. Parent's Marriage Certificate
13. Record of baptism
14. Selective Service Registration
15. Trips schedules for trips outside of the United States before 2007
16. Scholarly articles
17. Access to his Grandmother
18. List of all campaign workers that are lobbyists



You can view all of the contributions to Obama here. However, remember, there is a loophole that allows campaigns to refuse to divulge donations under $200.00. There are no limits of 199.99 donations.


Personal thoughts I have on this.

Although raised as a muslim, in his own words, it sounds more like Panthesim for the religion of choice.

“In our household the Bible, the Koran, and the Bhagavad Gita sat on the shelf alongside books of Greek and Norse and African mythology. On Easter or Christmas Day my mother might drag me to church, just as she dragged me to the Buddhist temple, the chinese New Year celebration, the Shinto shrine, and ancient Hawaiian burial sites. But I was made to understand that such religious samplings required no sustained commitment on my part. Religion was an expression of human culture, she would explain, not its wellspring, just one of the many ways — and not necessarily the best way — that man attempted to control the unknowable and understand the deeper truths about our lives.

In sum, my mother viewed religion through the eyes of the anthropologist she would become; it was a phenomenon to be treated with a suitable respect, but with a suitable detachment as well.”

Knowing by the age of 8-9 you already have laid down your values and worldview, it does concern me, Obama was raised in a primary Muslim area during this time. It is factual less than 1% of Muslims change their religion. So to say your raised in one or absence of a religion and change, is unusual. However, it is possible.

I was always told "birds of feather, rest together". This meaning also is said as, you are like those you take company in. Recently, more and more central allies of Obama are coming into light. Those that are brought out show to be shady, at best. He of course distances himself from these known allies, but not till they are identified and become public.

Among the top 3 are Bill Ayers (who reportedly helped him in his books).

Kevin Jennings is the outgoing head of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), a group known for its efforts to establish so-called "Gay-Straight Alliance" clubs in public schools across the country.
Linda Harvey, president of Mission America, says many parents would be frightened to know that one of Senator Obama's top homosexual fundraisers founded a group, namely GLSEN, which has recommended books that condone sex between men and teenage boys.

"GLSEN believes that there should be homosexual clubs in K-12 schools, that children can self-determine their own sexuality at the grade-school level, that evidently it's fine for children to read and be exposed to many, many child corruption elements of sexuality, including the possibility of having sex with an adult," Harvey explains.

Jennings' position in the Obama campaign, according to Harvey, either shows the senator does not have people vetted very well or actually supports teaching kids "the tactics of revolution."

Then there is also Rev. Jeremiah Wright. With Wrights radical views, it's no wonder Obama has distanced himself. Now its reported Wright has been caught having an affair.

I do find this man an interesting character, but I am also cautious of him.

The week went quick. An emergency School Board meeting was called for Thursday night. However, I was unable to make that one. I make an effort to be early on everyone, but I had a sheduling conflict on this one. I was maintaining the presentation sounds/powerpoints, ect. for the Fall Co-op.

That night went well. I was really surprised to hear the positive feedback from the kids in my classes. It was a bit hard to draw them out, to inquire. However, they started to warm up in the end.

For Thursday classes, I purposely made them light and easy, bringing soda and cookies. It was really a pleasure to do the classes. I would definitely do it again, if the offer was made availible.

We went and watched the best movie I have seen in years. I laughed out load as well as grew some wet eyes. My wife and I watched Fireproof last night. We bought the tickets online in advance and was glad we did. It looked to have been sold out again.
I cannot say enough how much I really really am glad to see this.

Those who have seen it, check out Fireproof my Marriage.

The wife is at work, while I pack up and we are heading to Texas for a week.

I had a great time over the weekend camping. I especially enjoy the peace and quite, being unplugged from the computer. Personally, I could really get into it. Cooking steaks over a campfire, pulling wood in, ect. Sigh. But as much as I like it, I have to return to the 20th century (or is it the 21st now?).

Shall I really provide yet another hectic week of todo's?

Not counting my real job during the day;
Monday - Cubscout meeting
Tuesday - My girls birthday party with my mom and her cousins.
Wednesday - My girls birthday party with wifes mom and dad (my dad my show up).
Thursday - 1/2 day at work, but last day of Co-op. That night Co-op Presentation.
Friday - A real night of with my wife! We re-plan to go see Fireproof.
Saturday - Wife works her 3rd (or 4th job), leave for Texas for a week.


If that isn't enough to make myself grey, I have a ton of crap to get done for the above and before we leave for Texas. Sigh.

A hot chick with a gun. Can't get much sexier than that.

I pulled this interesting article from One News Now.

You can read this article to make your own call. However, I think they are making the incorrect argument. Rather than postulate the immortality of it all, the issue is the tax-payer funding. If someone wanted to open a specialized school for gay/transgendered/homosexuals, I would think it's considered alternative education. If this city supports this and it goes through, then they should also have a dedicated 'non-homosexual' school opening (paid by the tax-payers), an all white, all black, all indian, ect. ect.

I am not sure of the state laws in Illinois, but normally the way it works is, if a public school opens its' doors to one group, it must do so to all groups. If not, they are on grounds of discrimination.

Similiarly, if the state is supporting a homosexual public school, it should also support a non-homosexual public school, all-white, all-black, all-indian, ect. ect.

Public school is just that. A government funded (your taxes) school for all children.

A battleground is forming in Chicago over a proposed "gay"-friendly high school for homosexual, lesbian, and transgendered students, or any other students who want to attend. According to reports, taxpayer money would be used to fund the school.





The school would be called the Pride Campus of Social Justice High School, and plans are under way to possibly open its doors in 2010. Advocates of the school say it is needed in order to combat the bullying, dropout, and depression rate among homosexual students. The Chicago Sun-Times quotes a member of the school's design team who says students at the school would be taught about "gay and lesbian historical figures" so those students "have heroes."

Laurie Higgins and her group, the Illinois Family Institute, are at the forefront of the fray. "A high school that is dedicated to or centrally focused on homosexuality necessarily requires that public educators have come to some prior conclusions about the nature and morality of homosexuality," she points out. Those are aspects of homosexuality that she says stand "far outside the purview of public educators." (hear audio report)

Pro-family advocate Peter LaBarbera of Americans for Truth About Homosexuality [Caution: This website contains graphic images] takes issue with the fact that the school would be run on taxpayer monies. "The taxpayers -- whether they're Christians, Orthodox Jews, Muslims -- they will be funding [this] pro-homosexual indoctrination school for so-called 'gay' youth," he explains.

The activist also takes issue with the prospective principal of the school -- 29-year-old Chad Weiden -- who was asked what it would have been like if had had a school like Pride Campus to attend.

"...[H]e says quote: 'I would have made progress a lot earlier. I would have had a model of what it meant to be a gay man -- that a gay man could be in a committed relationship, a marriage; could have children. I didn't know that was possible.'

"Well, it's not possible," LaBarbera reacts. "Two men cannot produce a child -- and they can't, quote, 'have children.'"

Higgins agrees that public funding for the school would be inappropriate. And as for the rationale for the school being needed to combat bullying of homosexual students, she believes rules of conduct should be established and enforced on an equal basis. "The task is to combat harassment and abuse and bullying, while not affirming disordered thinking and immoral behavior," she explains.

And while she acknowledges that some homosexual students are bullied, Higgins' experience in public education reveals another group that she feels suffers more. "I can say with assurance that the kids who are very conservative Christians are probably the ones who are the most ridiculed or made fun of," she states.

Chicago Public Schools is soliciting public input for a vote. LaBarbera and Higgins both encourage concerned Chicago parents to petition that the school not be allowed to open.

I been meaning to ride my bike more, but having to be in a board meeting till midnight puts a drag on it.

My daughter had challenged me to a basketball game in the backyard. I thought, hmm, might be fun.

Not only did it put a sweat on me, but I actually one (fairly). LOL. Not sure if she was more surprised or I.

I totally enjoyed it.

I recall when this occurred.

In 2000, a hacker from Montreal known only as Mafiaboy managed to shut down five websites, including Yahoo, eBay and CNN.

After a manhunt, the FBI and the RCMP arrested Calce, who pleaded guilty to more than 50 charges and spent eight months in a youth detention centre.

Full story here

In his book, Calce says hacking incidents are growing by the thousands and hackers are now no longer just competing with each other.

My wife and I were talking the other day and she brought up something I hadn't really thought of.

She usually gets up anywhere from 4:30 to 5 a.m every morning. In comparison my lazy butt doesn't want to till at least 6 a.m. Maximum for the kids is 7 a.m., although they are normally up around or before 6 a.m.

I have a tendency to do the breaksfast, ect. providing my wife till nearly 8 a.m.

This gives her 3 hours each morning to run, catch up on work, alone time, ect. ect.

That's the background, now back to our discussion.

She was referring to her extra 3 hours a day. "Did you realize that's an extra 21 hours a week?" I hadn't really added it up.

But looking at it, she is gaining nearly 3 days per week to get stuff done.

I thought more on that this morning, as my lazy butt remained in bed, while she is out running. : )

We are seeing the pieces of the puzzle being put together. However, will America be told or see the whole picture before election?

I had a great weekend. The fact of no on-call for work is a given. Friday night my son and I went to a Dad's/Lad's retreat. We camped out under the stars in a tent, with a little over 20 other dads and lads. Very nice. He was able to get muddy from waist down and we spent some quality time alone. This was our 2nd time to go to one of these. The first time, he fell out around 9 p.m. just when the campfire stories was going. This time, I had to pull him into the tent after 11 p.m. Such a drastic change since we been on that Gluten Free diet.

We arrived at the campsite around 6 p.m. and setup camp. Some were there, but many trickled in afterward. After the kids played, ect. we ate hotdogs, chili, ect. 3 dads had a hotdog stick each that had 5 prongs. They were knocking out 15 dogs at a time.

As the night fell, everyone sat around the campfire while singing commenced. Then out of no-where a Kapow! Someone came running toward the camp, turned and another Kapow!

One of the dads is a Civil War buff (and history teacher). He had a full confederate soldiers outfit with a replicate Muzzle used in the army. He portrayed a solider in the Civil War telling the kids of the battle he is in. (Speaking of the actual battles occurring in our area during the Civil War). Afterwards, he answered any and all questions regarding the war. The kids loved it.

The next day, we moved up to another area and had the kids play games, they use to play long ago (before electricity). Kick the bucket, capture the flag, and king of the bucket was among them.

All in all, a great time. It made me really want more of this type of time with the family.

Some people are just batsh*t crazy. Much like a sponge they just soak in whatever their given. Rather than doing some research and get oneself educated, they take their buddies nod as gold. Sigh.

Stop the ACLU posted an article showing some kids singing praises to Obama. Because he's going to save the world with peace and harmony. Whether Obama is aware of these acolytes is anyone's guess. However seeing the euphoric look on these adults is scary. The kids can't be blamed. They are only doing what their told. Hitler said control the children, control the nation (paraphrase).

The Stop the ACLU article is found here. They note the adults that put this together. Their not your average mom-pop.

Seems we continue to hear everyday more terrorist attacks partaking by those who follow Islam.



Woman Honor thyself, in this article has shown the full speech by Geert Wilders. Mr. Wilders informs everyone the extreme issue of Europe being Islamocised and taken over geographically/politically by those following Islam. It is worth the reading.

Andrew Bostom also has the full speech.

The great concern when I read this, is the fact, it may be already too late. You can hear their urgency in the message. So why isn't the media on this? It would seem the bloggers and internet writers are the last of free speech.

Speaking of the net and freedom of speech. The Religion of Peace has a very interesting/scary link on Jihad 2.0.

Front page Mag has an article showing the rise of Islamic websites recruiting, indoctrinating, and providing answers to would be terrorist.

Some things the article points out these sites are providing are videos of killing American troops, answers regarding Jihad, Islam's answer for Pedophilia (they are for it).

The servers providing many of these websites have been moved to U.S. due to our Federal Judges protecting said sites under the freedom of speech. Sigh.

Note this idea of Islam taking over geographically/politically is not new. I posted an article back in 2006 regarding Canada being hijacked by Islam.

I'm against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG. Instead, I'm in
favor of
giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a We Deserve It Dividend.

To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000 bonafide
U.S.
Citizens 18+. Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every
man,
woman and child, so 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and
up.

Divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billon - that equals
$425,000.00.
My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a We Deserve It
Dividend.

Of course, it would NOT be tax free, so let's assume a tax rate of 30%.
Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes. That sends
$25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam but it means that every adult
18+
has $297,500.00 in their pocket - a husband and wife has $595,000.00.

What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family?

Pay off your mortgage - housing crisis solved.
Repay college loans - what a great boost to new gradsd Put away money
for
college - it'll be there Save in a bank - create money to loan to
entrepreneurs.
Buy a new car - create jobs
Invest in the market - capital drives growth Pay for your parent's
medical
insurance - health care improves Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean - or
else

Remember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks who
lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is
cutting
back. And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces.

If we're going to re-distribute wealth let's really do it...instead of
trickling out a puny $1000.00 ( "vote buy" ) economic incentive that is
being proposed by one of our candidates for President.

If we're going to do an $85 billion bailout, let's bail out every adult
U S
Citizen 18+!

As for AIG - liquidate it. Sell off its parts. Let American General go
back to being American General. Sell off the real estate. Let the
private
sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.

Here's my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn't. Sure it's a crazy
idea
that can never work but can you imagine the Coast-To-Coast Block Party!

How do you spell Economic Boom?

I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 Billion We
Deserve It Dividend more than do the geniuses at AIG or in Washington
DC.
And remember, The Birk plan only really costs $59.5 Billion because
$25.5
Billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.

Ahhh...I feel so much better getting that off my chest.

Kindest personal regards,

T. J. Birkenmeier

Never freaking ends. I am in a somewhat bum mood this morning. Seems the weekends just fly away and we are staring at yet another week of work.eat,sleep, and running.

Sigh.

The endless cycle.

On a high note, I was able to attend the "Worldview Weekend" over the weekend. It was held locally Saturday night. There were 3 keynote speakers and each were awesome! I went in with a $50 dollar limit and purchased the $49.95 box special. Hundred dollars more and you could have every book, dvd, offered. But, I didnt really want to push that much anyway. The seminar was free to attend and it looked to have a full house that showed up. I didn't hear the head count, but the speakers mentioned more than once they were surprised how many showed.

The 3.5 hours went rather quickly. The archeologist showed rare video of findings at the real Mt. Sinai. Artifacts showing a mennorrah dating 5-6 hundred years before Christ, minimum. It looks to be the earliest known writings of the Jewish people. Very cool.

To check out Worldview Weekend, check out the site.

We had another special board meeting last night. We all hope this is the last one till our next regular board meeting.

This last weekend went too fast. I had to be up early Sunday morning for work. They were upgrading their servers again. This time effecting 4 facilities. After about 2 hours, they retracted and called it off due to complications.

So with the work Sunday, School Board Monday night, my work/eat/little sleep run continues.

I have at least 3 conference calls scheduled today, already.

I found this very interesting article regarding, what it takes to be a Hacker.

How to be a Hacker is a good read and defines a true hacker, very well.

Too often one's own ideas of a subject is simply incorrect. The real issue is if those individuals attempt to define their own incorrect ideas on others.

I survived the first day of 6 for Co-op. I was able to take 1/2 days for the 6 Thursdays in order to provide 2 hrs of computers.

The first hour I provided a powerpoint session on the history of computers, then ended the hour with shortcuts, speaking of the net as we went.

The second hour we touched on the history of the GML, HTML, XML and provided a brief look at HTML and its contents. And yes, another powerpoint presentation to move through the topics.

My boss ladies allowed me to leave after our 1 p.m est team call. But of course unlike our past cancelled calls, or 15 minute ones, this one dragged the full hour. I expected to be out of there by 1:30 est, but I swear, one of them purposely spoke this time to delay me. This same one had said 4 words (maybe) in the last 5 meetings, if we had them.

OH well, after leaving the house without the wireless router and turning around to get it, we made it to the church.

Being there a bit late and with myself and wife only putting together 10+ rooms, starting my class a bit late, one word on Co-op - EXHAUSTING.

Speaking 2 hours was a bit tougher than I expected. My class consists of twelve in the first hour and 14 for the second. I immediately conveyed to them, I wanted the class to be driven by them and their interest in what we covered. I did not want to provide presentations, rather an interactive setting. The class was to be given to them. "I am here for you and your interest." Only about 2 provided me some feedback in what they wanted to see out of these 6 weeks. So we will go with it.

This is an opportunity on both sides. Seems Co-op really doesn't offer much for the older kids, and this being my first time in this type of environment, something really oool can come out of it.

It did provide me a greater appreciation for both teachers and my wife directing this thing.

Although exhausting, it was very satisfying to see little light bulbs go off while explaining things. (smile)

This week and last has been exhausting.

Last week, I had on-call all week, 2 school board meetings, church, time with my Dad for his birthday, registration for a fall co-op, my wife being sick, and whatever else thrown my way. Sigh.

This week hasn't slowed down. Another school board meeting, first time at a cubscout meeting, church, work, and little sleep. The first day of Fall Co-op is tomorrow and I continue to worry of my first presentations. Sigh.

Off to church again.

Everyone takes some idea or statement and runs with it. However, Stop the ACLU seem to find a word for word copy Obama used at a rally.

Oh man, where can I watch this?

Very interesting.

Check out Jeff Emanuel's Comparison with Palin and Obama article. Yes, again a comparison is done on Vice-President candidate to President Candidate. However, this is too rich.

I learned of the article on Stop the ACLU's Call Obama (Uh-bama) a WAAAAH!bulance! article.


LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL

I commented about one of my birthday gifts, 3 months of free Netflix in a prior post.

Now the 3 months is coming to an end, we are brought to a decision, should we keep Netflix?

We probably will. I normally do not rent that many movies. I have spells, where I will grab two or three movies within the month, if time allows me on a weekend. That is also dependent upon anything decent is out.

So if I don't rent that many movies to begin with, why is Netflix so cool?

1) The ability to view movies online, anytime. Netflix refers this as "Instant viewiing". I would like to see more options of the tv series for online viewing. I have been able to view many shows, I normally would not have seen. Namely, MI5, Sleeper Cell, documentaries such as Super High Me, ect. What's really nice is the ability to view without waiting. I must say, this particular function of Netflix has spoiled me. The normal turnaround of movies is 2 days. However, one you begin using 'Instant View', those 2-3 days seem longer. This has also provided a means to introduce me to great viewings, I wouldnt have otherwise known or been interested in spending money to "try". Normally at a video store, you put out the money to "try" a title, only to be disappointed with it. Whereas, on instant viewing you try out titles and if it sucks, you only wasted some time on it.

2) Search functions for movies. No more calling up the local video store or trolling through the store for a movie. Netflix boasts to have over 100K titles. That sounds good, but realistically for each individual, they are not going to want to watch them all. So each individual would need to view his/her interest within Netflix's database. I find the search easy for Netflix.





You can simply look for any title, via the search function or Netflix actually has a cool "More like this". This tab shows similar titles of interest upon the one your currently viewing. It's a great means to see a title you may not had known, but falls in the same genre of your interest.

3) One monthly balance. When I was running to the video store, the cost was dependent upon how many titles I chose. Whereas Netflix, you know how much your monthly cost of video renting will be. It remains the same, dependent upon your choice of programs. This may seem silly, but in the long run and on budgets, it worthy to be noted.

4)The rating system. Regarding the personal rating system, I am sure it has more implication on the movies Netflix offers than I am aware of. What's nice is the option 'not interested'. This immediately flags certain genres that you do not want to clutter your screen upon browsing for interested subject material.



Netflix continues to try to get you to "rate more movies". I suppose this is to help streamline those possible titles that interest you. It's a great idea. However, what I would like to see is 'family rating' and 'individual rating'. Each household would have different likes/dislikes and it would be interesting to allow up to 4 (for example) household members to rate. This would allow each individual within the home the means to narrow down and possibly open up additional options of viewing.

What I don't like about Netflix
Although the rating system is comprised for a means to mold your interest, it at times seems restrictive. I wonder if I rated some thing differently, would more diverse titles be shown to me? Yet after 1000 ratings, I really don't want to go back and 'play' with them to see.


As I mentioned earlier, I would like to see a multiple rating option per family member.


I would like to see their database opened up to allow programmers to create their own search engines. This may already exist somewhere, but it would be interesting to see an open API, or protocol to allow personal search engines to be created.


I really can't think of anything else. I might write another article as I learn more of Netflix. I would say, it's definitely worth checking out.

They have a deal of 4.99 per month offer, currently. Check out the top of the blog to hit the Netflix button.

I wanted to share something today. In this past year, we have struggled with our insurance company to pay the co-pay on speech therapy. Last year, we had to fight up to December to get them to pay the full year co-pay. They did, eventually.

This year, we were pro-active in setting each thing they requested before the year started. However, again, we have been fighting throughout the year, with no end in sight.

Note, we have been paying cash for each visit since January. Needless to say, its added up.

Now, my wife and son are on their second trip to Austin for doctor visits. Again, paying out of hand, then have to submit the bill to the insurance. Last month’s submittals haven’t been processed by the insurance yet.

My wife called this morning, conveying the initial test was more expensive than last months, and they want additional test, we hadn’t foreseen.

OK, you get the picture and backdrop. What to do?

In comes the blessing. I had seen last week online our insurance finally paid back to the speech therapist a month (not the full year yet). So I knew it was heading their way. This uphill battle looked to be over. I received a call today first from my wife then from the speech therapist secretary. Not only did the insurance pay the co-pay, but more than expected. We have some money coming back to us. ( Since we were paying up front for all those visits).

So not only does the speech issue looks to be resolving, but with the money returning to us, we can pay for the extra test!

I am here to say God does provide blessings, even in this day and age.

My wife and son headed out early this Labor Day to Austin. A followup of doctor visits. God willing they will be back by Thursday night safe and secure.

My daughter stayed with me this time, so we have some quality time together.

We ran all day on Labor Day. We hit about 8 stores, played putt putt golf, and watched Star Wars Clone wars. I wont say who won the putt putt, but I did get two coupons for my birdies (wink).

All in all, I had a blast, enjoying not only the fun times but also my quite time in the car with discussions. I continue to grow amazed at the concept my young daughter has on certain events.

Regarding the movie, my favorite character has to be the new Padawan.
Not only is the character cute, but plays well with the young Skywalker.

I been watching Sleeper Cell off and on, when I was able at night (normally when everyone else is asleep). Last night I finished the second series.




The show was very intense showing not only subplots but very heavy character driven.

I found the behind scenes (online) interesting to learn the writer was indeed Muslim. The goal was to show not only the impact of terrorism in the world, but the struggle of the Islamic faith within the religion. The battle is two-fold. The obvious killings in the name of Allah by the radical thinkers and the battle of interpretation within the religion of the Holy Koran. I found it very fascinating.

What's also interesting to note is the banned books relating to Islam.
Recently, two books have been banned, Bangkok Post relating to the women in Islam.

It happens in Russia as well.

As well as Australia.

Pretty much around the world.

The Sisters in Islam created a site to promote the knowledge of censoring the freedom of speech/writing.

It sure is nice being home. I arrived Friday evening and slept like a rock in my own bed. It was nice to catch up with the family.

Fortunately, this time, when I left no-one got sick. Before, it would never fail, when I leave someone within the family would get sick.

However, the sickness turned to drama on my absence.

No details, but it seems everything regarding School Board, my side of the family, ect. had things occuring. Although, I wouldn't wish this type of drama for anyone, I am glad my family stayed healthy.

I found a free printable calendar online. The site is called Keep and Share. It allowed me to write out the family schedule and more importantly print it out, by month. Now I have the rest of the year on the refrigerator with an overview of what's coming up. I have included everything from speech to my on-call dates. It was a good find. You can also mark it so the calendar doesn't go public, online.

I had intended on mowing when I returned, but it keeps raining. I will have a jungle to deal with now.

One other thing, I had not realized I was scheduled off this following Monday. I had to use a number of vacation days, or lose them. So, it looks like I will have an extended weekend. This will make it nice since my last weekend was shot for work.

After my initial ACME run on Sunday, I grabbed these for the week. I think I am getting hooked on the AMP. They didn't have cherry (frown).





Here is the car I picked out this week from National.

I didn't get my nap Sunday, so my sleeping was shot.

I tried to sleep after the server upgrade (around 6 a.m.), but from text pages (no I am not oncall), phone calls, and the housekeeper banging on my door, I gave up and got up.

I walked the King of Prussia Mall to get some exercise as well as work out some soreness from the day before. I grabbed some food from TGIF's on my way out back to the hotel for both lunch and dinner.

I was able to watch some Netflix online shows, mainly Sleeper Cell, from Showtime. Talk about an intense show. I have grown to really like it.

Then I fell out, pretty much around 7:30 p.m. Sunday night.

This of course had me up at 4 a.m. wide awake.

I went into work early (I like it alone there). I was able to see some peers I hadn't seen in quite awhile. Hear the stories, between the cubicles and everyones fears.

I actually split at 5 p.m. that Monday night. Grabbed my staple TGIF and went to the hotel. The internet was pretty much dragging so watching Sleeper Cell was cut short.

I crashed early again Monday night.

Tuesday morning, I slept in till 6:30 a.m. head to work and had a busy day. I actually feel like I was able to get some work done Tuesday, as opposed to Monday. However, one of the guys commented I was quite and I looked intense. "Yeah buddy, its called working."

I love seeing everyone up here, but how they get anything done with the interruptions is beyond me.

Since the whole interface group is in town, we are all in a auditorium room together. It's nice to be together, but distracting for me. I have grown spoiled with my single room working alone (in a quite atmosphere).

Since a 5 hospital facility was upgrading their server (brand new one), I remained at work till after 7 p.m. I ran to a store to get my kids a surprise then some food on the way to the hotel. I made it in after 8, nearly 9 p.m. tonight. I already have my 5:30 wakeup call set.

I will be at Siemens 1/2 day tomorrow.

I want to see and speak to everyone here, but also miss my family.

I had to travel during Saturday evening. So, I wasn't able to view the full discussion forum of Obama and Mccain by Rick Warren. I was able to catch maybe 10-20 minutes.

I found a site that has the full discussion posted, via youtube.

Obama - Mccain at SaddleBack

Personally, I thought it was good means to simply ask the same questions to two different guys. Obviously, there will be different answers, but what is important is their answers to these questions. Hopefully, a) they were not given the questions prior and b) they can get through many of the questions.

If you don''t have time to view, below is a link to the transcript.
Obama-Mccain Saddleback transcript

Started up in Tulsa around 6 a.m. Watched Kel do the 5K. I attempted the 1K with the kids. Drove home, no time for a nap. Unloaded, and enjoyed some time with the family. Then off to the airport.

Now I am in PA. It was an interesting flight in.

I arrived at the nearby airport (early as usual). The ticket lady asked if she can help. I said I had a flight through Dallas to PA. She named me right off the bat.

Uh, yeah, how did you know it was me.

I was the only paying customer on the flight. Yeah. I was it. Crazy. So from Arkansas to Dallas, Texas I had a quite ride.

Yet from Dallas to Philly, I (among others) got to hear the screaming kid in the back.

I arrived in Philly and waited for the rental driver to pick me up. Fortunately, it wasn't a hassle to get a car and on my way to King of Prussia. So at 2 a.m. I made it to the hotel safe.

Now in 3 hours, we should have those servers upgraded. Then I can sleep for awhile.

Very interesting.

The U.S. may have captured one of the most important terrorism suspects yet -- a mother of three with a degree from one of the top universities in the nation, and ties to al Qaeda.

Until her capture last month in Afghanistan, Aafia Siddiqui was the only woman on the FBI's list of most wanted terrorists. She is believed to be a top agent of al Qaeda.

"We've been looking for her for a long time, and we knew she's been involved in a variety of nefarious activities," former CIA officer John Kiriakou explained.

Siddiqui was a neuroscientist, schooled in America at MIT before her return to Pakistan.

Her captors found on her information on chemical, biological and radioactive weapons. She was also carrying maps of New York City and its subway system, Times Square and the Statue of Liberty, as well as the nearby Plum Island Animal Disease Center, home to many lethal pathogens.

"They found someone who is highly educated, who's very capable and who's willing to do the research," Kiriakou said.

The FBI said Siddiqui also possessed a computer thumb-drive storage device loaded with emails to potential terrorists. They hope it's a roadmap to terror plots in the works.

Siddiqui is now in custody in New York City, where friends and family have been protesting her innocence.

She's charged with trying to shoot the agents and soldiers who captured her, a fight in which she was shot.

The FBI is now trying to track down some of Siddiqui's classmates from MIT.

CBN News Terror Analyst, Erick Stakelbeck, says it's very significant that she was educated in the U.S.

"This is exactly what al-Qaeda wants. They want to place operatives in the U.S. who are westernized, who are fluent in English," he said. "Aafia Siddiqui fits both of those qualifications. And not only that, she's very, very intelligent."

Enterprise Security has an interesting article relating to modern day hacks. Long is the day for a simple phone call asking for a password into the mainframe.

I have taken some of the article below with comments, but it is a good read.

Want to break into the computer network in an ultra-secure building? Ship a hacked iPhone there to a nonexistent employee and hope the device sits in the mailroom, scanning for nearby wireless connections.

How about stealing someone's computer passwords? Forget trying to fool the person into downloading a malicious program that logs keystrokes. A tiny microphone hidden near the keyboard could do the same thing, since each keystroke emits slightly different sounds that can be used to reconstruct the words the target is typing.

A similiar tact was shown on a MI5 show. The target was given cuff links as a gift. They had a small mic within that allowed this same technique.

Hackers at the DefCon conference here were demonstrating these and other novel techniques for infiltrating facilities Friday.

Their talks served as a reminder of the danger of physical attacks as a way to breach hard-to-crack computer networks. It's an area once defined by Dumpster diving and crude social-engineering ruses, like phony phone calls, that are probably easier to detect or avoid.

As technology gets cheaper and more powerful, from cell phones that act as personal computers to minuscule digital bugging devices, it's enabling a new wave of clever attacks that, if pulled off properly, can be as effective and less risky for thieves than traditional computer-intrusion tactics.

Moore's law has already proven this, time and time again.

Consider Apple Inc.'s iPhone, a gadget whose processing horsepower and cellular and wireless Internet connections make it an ideal double agent.

Robert Graham and David Maynor, co-founders of Atlanta-based Errata Security, showed off an experiment in which they modified an iPhone and sent it to a client company that wanted to test the security of its internal wireless network.

Graham and Maynor programmed the phone to check in with their computers over the cellular network. Once inside the target company and connected, a program they had written scanned the wireless network for security holes.

They didn't find any, but the exercise demonstrated an inexpensive way to perform penetration testing and the danger of unexpected devices being used in attacks. If they had found an unsecured router in their canvassing, they likely would have been able to waltz inside the corporate network to steal data.

To keep the phone running, the researchers latched on an extended-life battery that lasts days on end. But they only really need a few minutes inside a building to test the network's security.

Ingenious.

Eric Schmiedl, a lock-picking expert and undergraduate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, outlined several surveillance methods long used by government intelligence agents that have become more accessible to garden-variety criminals because of the falling price of the technologies.

Gotta love it.