Middle America's Worldview

I thought this was a interesting snippet regarding Pelosi.

Personally, I think it's dangerous for Pelosi to be going around 'speaking' to these other leaders on her own. It gives a message of a divided country. It's one thing to disagree with the leader, it's another to engage in communication with the enemies on your own.

Reading the snippet below, it appears she is not only engaging in talks on her own, but seriously miscommunicating. We have enough issues without someone trying to put a shine on their pin.

Does Pelosi have a right to negotiate over Israel’s land?
Can it be possible that Nancy Pelosi is agreeable to a meeting with the president of a terrorist-supporting and harboring state, and yet refuses to meet with the President of the United States?
Earlier this week, Ms. Pelosi declined to attend a meeting with President Bush at the White House to talk about funding for the war in Iraq.
One of the things Pelosi said while on her jaunt to Syria was, "There is no division on policy between us and President Bush -- be it on Israel, Palestine or Syria."
Pelosi has been chided over her "foolish shuttle diplomacy." She has also been taken to task for her claim that the Prime Minister of Israel, Ehud Olmert, requested that she act as a messenger to Bashar Assad with the pronouncement that "Israel was ready to engage in peace talks." Prime Minister Olmert’s spokesperson has since set the record straight – and corrected Ms. Pelosi.
According to Ms. Pelosi, Bashar Assad was prepared to "resume the peace process.”
The Washington Post reported that: "Ms. Pelosi not only misrepresented Israel's position but was virtually alone in failing to discern that Mr. Assad's words were propaganda."

Although, it was a quick weekend (didn't feel like much of one at all), it was still nice in respects of some things.

I left work early Friday afternoon and we drove to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where we attended a "Family Rulz" conference.

Lisa Whelchel and Dennis Swansburg were the guests speakers. I knew of Lisa but hadn't heard of Danny. I was impressed with both.

Friday evening was more of a introduction to the speakers, where as Saturday was the full conference.

Both spoke in 2 sessions that were broken up in a split session (Lisa for the women and Danny for the guys). This was nice, because it allowed everyone to hear both, yet have a special session for just the individual mom/dad.

During all this, the kids were entertained with a movie that Friday night and a magician that Saturday. Everyone enjoyed the conference.

We drove home after the conference, not arriving to Fort Smith till 4:30 p.m. It pretty much killed Saturday.

Sunday we went to church and back home to prepare for the week. I was excited to lead the mens Sunday school yesterday.

The mobile sensor tower caught my eye this morning.

Seems the Boeing company has devised a first SBInet Mobile Sensor Tower that will identify anyone coming across the borders. Their first test was a success in Fort Walton Beach Florida. "The tower houses cameras, radar, wireless data access points, communications and computer equipment, and a tower security system. When combined with Border Patrol agent vehicle modifications, the mobile sensor towers will provide surveillance data to the Common Operating Picture, a critical component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's comprehensive border security solution."

I think it's an interesting idea. However, to identify them and to push them back is two different things. Personally I think we also need to clean up the means to deport those we find.

The kids and I went to Cub Scouts last night. I have to say, I was most impressed with my kids demeanors and the way the behave, compared to the other kids.

Prior to last nights Cub Scout meeting, we have been working on our Cub Scout electives, tasks, ect. to get them signed off at the meeting. Alot of the extra electives are simple tasks, projects, ect.

I grew tired of having to turn the lights off in rooms with no kids. So I called both in last night before the meeting and we did the 'Conservation elective'. We learned how we as a family can save energy by turning off the lights, TV's ect. , especially when no-one is in the room using them. We also learned of water usage, not to leave the refrigerator door open, ect. I have to say, the only thing they are bad at is the lights left on in the bedrooms.

So now, every time I come across a light left on in a room, I go to the kids and simply state, "I am thinking of a word that starts with a C. It's a word that we learned about recently." It's funny to see the figurative light bulb come on and they run back to the rooms to turn out the lights.

What a weekend. I enjoyed Friday night with the kids. While Kel had some time out with her friends, the kids and I watched Meet the Robinsons at the theaters. It was a cute movie. We will most likely buy it when it hits the DVD market.

The remainder of the weekend was the pits. I had alot I wanted to get done, since it was an actual weekend we didn't have to run anywhere. But alas, it was not so.

The stomach virus hit our daughter first, then Kel, and finally me. Talk about sucking.
Needless to say, it wasn't fun. Fortunately, it hit during the weekend in respect of no losing any work time. I wouldn't want to wish it on anyone.

I slept most of the weekend, when I didn't have to get up every other hour. Last night, I actually slept all the way through. I crashed around 7 p.m. and woke up feeling alot better around 6:30 a.m.

This will be yet, another busy week. I have a board meeting tonight, cub scout Tuesday night, church Wednesday night, and we leave early Friday night for a conference in Arkansas. Never a dull moment.

This caught my eye today. Seems there is a boycott on "The View" out there for Rosie.

I have to be honest. I've only seen pieces of The View, maybe 5 times in the past year. My wife has a tendency to watch it, when she can. She then relates to me some of the antics that goes on.

I was sent a email today regarding a boycott of the products funding The View with a request to not only ban, inform, the companies of the products, but to also inform The View your doing so. I recall this same action occurring for NBC's show "The book of Daniel". I commented on that incident here.

Anyway, it seems a new rise against Rosie on the website Stop Rosie.com, featuring their online petition.

I knew some people didn't like her bully'ing and rudeness, but seems this movement is beginning to pick up some steam.

Michelle Malkin has come into it to help identify the sponsors.



The video is 2 minutes and 41 seconds long.


I think initially, ABC was using Rosie's attitude and demeanor as a means to attract audience. Rosie's bout with Trump enabled The View with many more viewers during the tyrade. However, this same woman, may also be their demise. As more of the population take part of hitting the sponsors and ABC's money belt, their mind will probably change.

Contact ABC

Sponsors of ABC’s “The View”

* All Detergent
* BAM Power Cleaner
* Best Foods Mayonnaise
* Bush’s Baked Beans
* Claritin-D
* Clorox
* Cottonelle Toilet Tissue
* Crest Whitening Rinse
* Disney
* Dove Ice Cream
* Excedrin
* Head & Shoulders Shampoo
* Honey Bunches of Oats
* Humira
* I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter
* Janome Sewing Machines
* Loestrin 24
* M&M’s
* Marshall’s
* Miracle-Gro
* Pepto Bismol
* Pier 1 Imports
* Pillsbury Toaster Strudel
* Reach One Ultimate Clean Toothbrush
* Scrubbing Bubbles
* Sears
* Singulair (Merck - none found)
* Stainmaster Carpet
* Stanley Steemer - Editor’s Note: A Stanley Steemer representative has contacted GOPUSA to say that they are currently in the process of removing their commercials from “The View”.
* T.J. Maxx
* Tide Laundry Detergent
* Vaseline Intensive Rescue Body Lotion
* Woolite
* Zyrtec (Pfizer)

Please check out Falling Panda for their great efforts in pushing this boycott forward.

I heard about this going on in Europe on the way home today. The news on the radio was reporting the Church of England actually thinking of removing the cross from their flag.

???? Say what?


Yes. According to the radio news, it seems the church doesn't want to 'offend' some by the cross. Seems it reminds some of the Crusades.

This seems strange when only last year the church criticized the preferential treatment of the Muslims.

As one said on the radio, "multiculturalism causes conflict". I am leaning to agree.

In our world of multi-culture, it would be logical to have disagreements. But to overlook the truth of history to appease one section of beliefs over another? True fallacy.

This new generation of kids will be mis (or non) informed of their history, all on the account of appeasement. Those that neglect history will only repeat it.

We are finally home. I am glad for it. We cleaned up the house and started laundry as soon as we hit the door. I made a run to town after we unloaded the car and made a list of basics (bread, milk, eggs, ect.)

Since we started driving from Nashville around 8 a.m. this morning and not arriving home till after 5 p.m., no-one felt like cooking. I grabbed some KFC on my errand to town.

One of the highlights for me was the Tennessee Museum. There were alot of Civil War artifacts there. I took around 195 pictures at the Museum alone (literally). I wasn't able to use flash, so some pic's were a little grainy.



Tomorrow is work again. I really dread looking at the business email since it's been 5 days (not counting the weekend).

Up early for our day at Nashville. We hit the Opry Mills last night. It was a nice mall. We also walked over to the Opry House and Opry museum. The Museum had already closed, but we were able to see where they were located for us tonight.

Since our Opry Land tickets hadn't arrived before we left, I called them yesterday. Our tickets should be ready for us at the Box Office tonight. I guess this will be a real test of Ticket Master.

Today our plan is to drive into downtown Nashville. We hope to eat at a Loveless Cafe for breakfast. It suppose to be the 'best' in this area.

We are also planning to split a little this day. Kel will drop me off at the Tennessee State Museum while she and the kids go to the Science Center. Although, I really don't like the idea of us splitting up, I am excited to see the Museum without feeling rushed.

We traveled down to Newport today. Hit the Aquarium first thing, once it opened. I was impressed. It was much bigger then I had expected. The kids had a blast, and I was glad for it. We also hit the mall in the same area on the levy. It wasn't big, but the food was good.

We also took the bus into Cincinnati, Ohio. I found a great deal.

The book is "Civil War - A complete Photographic History Nearly 4,000 images of the war". I purchased it for only 20 bucks. It was a booger to carry around Cincinnati. Id didn't care, I thought it was a great find and I know I will enjoy it.

The hotel room we are in, is also nice. We are located in Newport, Kentucky overlooking the Ohio River at Cincinnati.

Tomorrow we head to Nashville, Tennessee. We will travel through Louisville to get there. We are looking to hit Fort Knox on the way.

I am finally on vacation. It officially started Thursday night, when I was able to get away from work. (smile)

Thursday we drove to Collinsville, Illinois. We stopped at Wilson's Creek National Museum. Sweeny Museum wasn't opened, but we were able to check out the main visitor center. I thought it was all fascinating. We were able to watch a LED show of the battle regarding "Bloody Hill" as well as a short 15 minute film. There were some artifacts we could view at the center. We didn't do the drive (45 minutes), but will definitely have to come back to check out the Sweeny Museum.

We left Collinsville this morning and made our way to Tipton, Indiana. The drive from Collinsville to Tipton was pretty dry. I seen farm land after farm land as far as the eye could see.

We met up with Anne and her husband. It was nice to find our destination. I had to dust off my pool experience (been a couple of years) and play her husband. We also purchased the movie The pursuit of happyness and watched it together. It was an awesome, character driven movie.

We hit Indianapolis tomorrow for the day.

I found an interesting search engine called Good Search.

Every time you use GoodSearch, they will donate one penny ($0.01) to the charity of your choice. It's an interesting idea.

The example the provide is the following.

For instance — if 10,000 people searched 5 times a day, that could easily multiply out to an amazing $182,500 a year in support for the charity! JUST FOR DOING SOMETHING YOU ALREADY DO EVERY DAY!

GoodSearch works just like Yahoo! or any other search engine. You don't need to download any software, sign any agreements, pay any money, or even give them your name. And GoodSearch is powered by Yahoo!, one of the most reliable search engines out there. So you can be sure it's reputable, safe, and secure.

Here is the link that shows how to use the Good Search Engine

You can also download it to IE or Firefox, via a toolbar.

I received a email for "Prison Fellowship" mentioning the Good Search Engine.

Another great find on YouTube!



The video is 5 minutes 43 seconds.

Today and tomorrow. That is my mantra today. I already have my suitcase packed and ready to head out of here tomorrow.

No surprise. My preconceived thoughts to have certain things accomplished while I am up here, did not come through. However, other items have. So I simply take what I can.

Tuesday is the only evening I actually did not stay over an hour at work. Last night, I didn't leave till 6 p.m. It's like that up here. I only have a empty hotel room to go to, so why not work? (shrugging shoulders).

I plan to leave on time (ha ha) today, due to a really early flight out tomorrow. This will allow me to get to bed early tonight.

A fascinating Evolution video I came across last night.




The video is 9 minutes, 59 seconds. Well worth the time.

Although, I do not enjoy leaving the family behind as I come up here in PA, I do learn more of the group I work with each time.

Yesterday, unexpectedly, both boss ladies and a peer came to lunch with me. Normally I only take a peer out to lunch. This becomes a one sided conversation as I listen to my peer's frustration, expectation, ect.

There is a different atmosphere when the group is together. Individually, they are more reserved in discussion. However, each (well 2 anyway) still discusses something about themselves, I didn't know before. I truly find it fascinating to listen to people's experiences, history. This puts a new facet of themselves out there that allows me to gleam a little more understanding about them. The more I know about them, the easier it is for me to understand their view and perception of how the world operates for them.

The lunch was unexpected, but enriching.

Yesterday, I was in the office nearly 12 hours. I didn't get out till 7 p.m., hitting TGIF on the way to the hotel.

I was able to watch "Enterprise" and "Digging up the Truth" before crashing last night. I also picked up some Tylenol PM to assist my rest while I am up here.

I also spoke with the boss lady and it does not appear I will be required to buy another pair of shoes while I am here. I am glad, because I just can't see buying some shoes when I have 2 brown shoes at home in the closet.

I touched down in PA last night around 10:30 p.m. est time. After I picked a car from National and drove to King of Prussia, it was around 11:30 p.m.

Since I drunk 2 cups of coffee on the plane, I didn't get to sleep till well after 1 a.m. During that time, I caught a bit of Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO. I found myself actually enjoying it. He had Huckabee on the show for a bit. I was impressed with Mike's answers.

It was in the 60's for temperature at home, I came into snow on ever side of the road here in PA. Below is a quick shot (via phone) of the parking lot.

Believe it or not, I failed to bring my shoes. Bummer, I will be having to were the white tennis shoes today. I guess I will have to hit the mall this evening after all.

It's been awhile since a good post, so here it goes.

First, I am glad it's Friday. It has been a long week, with everything going on. I had a special school board meeting Monday night, an additional 3 and 4 year old 24/7 all week, the same raw busy running as usual (speech, church, ect.), and a unexpected call from work to top it all off. Seems, I will be running up to Corporate the week of the 19th. This was unexpected but hopefully a good trip.

The nephews should be picked up today before 3 local time. Last night one of them fell out of bed and had a bad dream. I am thinking it is probably due to having to leave today. They tell us, they miss and want to see their dad (nothing for their mom), but do not want to go home. They want to spend the night again, again, again, .....
You get the picture.

I have the regular school board meeting next Monday night. I will be taking a friends daughter with mine to a irish dance class this evening. I will have the son tag-a-long with us. Kel has to prepare for a float tomorrow while we are away.

Tomorrow holds for us a annual cub scout derby, the float, and a irish dance. A busy Saturday to say the least. Our regular church visit will be Sunday. So essentially the weekend is shot already.

Next week looks just as busy.

So, if I resort to only one good updated blog per week, hope you 5 readers will understand. (smile)

We had a great weekend away at Tulsa. The kids and I were able to play a game of LaserQuest. There were 26 players involved (2 birthday parties were happening) in the game we participated. Out of 26, guess who actually won? Yeah, I actually had the highest score. I was surprised at that as well.

Our daughter participated in the Jr. Vet class at the Zoo. I think she really enjoyed it. She was able to, among other things, dissect a chicken wing. LOL

In other news, I ran across this article involving YouTube and BBC. Since I have become addicted to YouTube, I found it interesting.

YouTube Strikes a Deal with the BBC
Joe Lewis | Staff Writer

In a move that seems to run contrary to recent trends, YouTube has
actually come to an agreement with a major content provider. The
BBC announced on Friday that it has struck a deal with the popular
video-sharing site that will see the UK based broadcasting company
share in advertising revenue generated by YouTube traffic.

After highly publicized breakdowns in negotiations with CBS and
Viacom, it looks like Google and YouTube have finally managed to
court a suitor into the video-sharing fold, avoiding any potential
copyright snares that might ensue with current BBC content on the
site.

The BBC's Tim Weber has more on the particulars of the agreement:

"One of the BBC's two entertainment channels will be a "public
service" proposition, featuring no advertising."

"It will show clips like trailers and short features that add
value - for example, video diaries of David Tennant showing
viewers around the set of Dr Who or BBC correspondent Clive Myrie
explaining how difficult it is to report from the streets of
Baghdad."G

I remember the song "Working for the weekend" by Loverboy back in the day.

Seems that is what we do anymore. At least for those that have a weekend off . Time is flying so fast anymore, we turn around and the weekend is among us already. I know I will blink twice and the weekend will be over.

Irregardless, I am looking forward to the weekend. We plan to go to Tulsa to visit family. Our daughter has a Jr Vet class scheduled for tomorrow. I also plan to play a laser tag game with them as well.

So today will fly like norm and I will working for the weekend.