Twinkle, twinkle little lone star
How could Mack Brown go down so far?
In the Big 12 the Sooners faired well
But the Texas Longhorns in clutch games fell
Mack Brown griped and complained to all
But the mountain to climb was way too tall
The Longhorn coach tried to politick the Sooners down
But a neutral computer made Mack Brown frown
So the Longhorns will watch the Big 12 Championship on TV
And will have dreams for a national championship next year---we’ll see.
But for sooner fans, Santa came early as he rode into town and gave Texas fans reason to fight…..
Merry Christmas Oklahoma Sooners-----and you better beat Missouri Saturday night…..
Thursday, December 04, 2008
The Automotive Car Fix---It's the Price Dummy!
Anybody bought a new car lately?
Around Christmas I love seeing those brand new cars with the big red bows on top, thinking that someone went out and purchased a brand new car for a really loved one for a gift.
Never happened to anyone I knew.
And…it won’t happen to me because I don’t spend that much money on a car.
Perhaps that’s what’s wrong with our auto industry---the prices are too high and can’t be justified.
You want to buy a new Cadillac or Lexus, get ready to spend as much as you would for a small home in parts of Oklahoma County. It seems those who spend that much appear unconcerned about debt for something as seemingly insignificant as mere transportation.
Here’s the math, let me know if you agree.
If General Motors produces an electric car at a cost of $40,000 that means a no interest loan for 72 months would be around $555 a month payment.
If I just want a four door vehicle to drive around, I can buy a really good used import for $12,000 that I can pay off in 72 months for $166 a month. At $3 a gallon, I can fill the 12 gallon tank twice and drive more than 700 miles a month for another $100. My monthly costs for transportation would be around $266 and total costs for six years would be $19,152, half the costs for the estimated price of the GM electric car.
It seems to me it would be difficult to justify the cost of a car for more than $15,000, but over the past years we have seen prices for domestic cars increase far beyond what the average citizen can afford.
Around Christmas I love seeing those brand new cars with the big red bows on top, thinking that someone went out and purchased a brand new car for a really loved one for a gift.
Never happened to anyone I knew.
And…it won’t happen to me because I don’t spend that much money on a car.
Perhaps that’s what’s wrong with our auto industry---the prices are too high and can’t be justified.
You want to buy a new Cadillac or Lexus, get ready to spend as much as you would for a small home in parts of Oklahoma County. It seems those who spend that much appear unconcerned about debt for something as seemingly insignificant as mere transportation.
Here’s the math, let me know if you agree.
If General Motors produces an electric car at a cost of $40,000 that means a no interest loan for 72 months would be around $555 a month payment.
If I just want a four door vehicle to drive around, I can buy a really good used import for $12,000 that I can pay off in 72 months for $166 a month. At $3 a gallon, I can fill the 12 gallon tank twice and drive more than 700 miles a month for another $100. My monthly costs for transportation would be around $266 and total costs for six years would be $19,152, half the costs for the estimated price of the GM electric car.
It seems to me it would be difficult to justify the cost of a car for more than $15,000, but over the past years we have seen prices for domestic cars increase far beyond what the average citizen can afford.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Driving More--Enjoying it MORE!!!!
I'm driving more on my Honda Shadow Aero and enjoying it MORE!!!Since I've purchased the wonderful cruiser I refer to as my "Japanese Girlfriend" we have been out riding a Lot.
I've traveled as far west as Portland, as far south as North East 10th Street, as far east as Luther, Oklahoma, and on Thanksgiving Weekend I traveled as far north as I have so far up to Guthrie---COOL!
I've put about 1,500 miles on the Honda since getting it back in July, with my helmet, leather jacket and leather chaps. The leathers really keep you warm and Evel Knievel says they are really handy to keep the ends of the broken bones together until you get to the hospital. I'm very careful and very defensive as a rider.
Boomer Sooner-Happy Thanksgiving!
It's almost hear, as I write this the OU/OSU game is close.
I get very nervous before every OU game because I care too much. Sounds like an old girlfriend right before she says you should both date others.
Although, back then it was a pretty good idea, now that I recall, but that's another story that probably shouldn't be repeated here.....
It's funny the way these games effect me. As a proud University of Oklahoma fan who attended AND Graduated from the University of Oklahoma. I also played sports at OU and earned a letter at the University of Oklahoma for my performance, I'm pretty proud of that.
When OU plays well and wins, I feel better. If OU doesn't win and plays well, I feel better, but when OU plays poorly and loses I feel bad.
Maybe because I know the tradition and appreciate these young men who are the cream of the crop of football players and they are the torch bearers of "Sooner Magic".
Sooner Magic--two words that mean anything is possible. Sooners, simply put, are people who strive at all costs to win.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Big Three Bail Out?
I have owned and still own domestic cars and or trucks.
So, since I've had Chevys, Fords and my parents and friends owned a Dodge or two, perhaps I can explain what needs to happen with the auto makers.
I think it's time for the future of the American automobile makers to write the next book on making cars, and like other companies, they will have to start writing the book at Chapter 11.
We can't bail you guys out anymore, sorry. And your problems aren't being caused by a failure to make great cars, your problem is a worldwide economy that is shuddering. Fuel prices are unstable, Congress screwed up the mortgage industry and now a new president has pledged to write checks to people who don't pay taxes....yeah, that's what it means, sorry Democrat friends.
All those things have created a mess for domestic car makers. Couple that with expensive union contracts that are causing American cars to be $2,000 to $4,000 more expensive that foreign cars, also made in the U. S., and it was a disaster waiting to happen.
The only way for you cars makers to survive is the use the bankruptcy laws to end those expensive labor contracts so you can turn a profit. What's also very interesting is the way the unions backed our new president and the democrats for congress. They have invested around $200 million in Pres. Obama.
Isn't it great that only congressional democrat math can turn $200 million in campaign contributions into $25 Billion in a bailout for the United Auto Workers?
Congress doesn't run anything well, and getting involved in these talks about fixing the economy should scare the bejesus out of every American, because they can't fix this, it needs to fix itself.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Oklahoma---OUT OF TOUCH?
Oklahomans are “out of touch” because we cast our votes overwhelmingly for Sen. John McCain?The candidate who ridiculed conservatives for being bitter and “clinging to their guns and religion” didn’t earn our vote. Who would have thought supporting and defending the First and Second Amendment would be ridiculed by a major party presidential candidate?
Out of touch Oklahoma conservative voted for the candidate we believed would keep taxes low; wants less government, not more; a candidate who supports life instead of using the euphemism “choice” to describe killing babies. Conservatives also don’t think Frankenstein lab experiments on embryonic (meaning babies) brain stem cells should be paid for with our tax dollars because conservatives love babies.
Oklahomans voted for someone to make America the strongest nation in the world, a candidate who pledged to fight the war on terror “over there”, instead of surrendering and having the terrorists “over here”.
Sen. Barack Obama may give a great speech but it will take more than smooth rhetoric and a teleprompter to protect America from bad guys and jump-start our economy. I’m keeping him in my prayers.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Bailout
What an incredible circumstance.
The financial markets played inside the park rules, created by democrat leaders in congress like Cong. Barney Frank and Sen. Chris Dodd. Former Clinton officials who are now supporting and raising money for Barack Obama walked away from Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae with hundreds of thousands and millions of dollars in bonuses for driving these "quasi government groups" into the ditch.
So, where is the accountability?
What should happen?
Rep. Frank and Sen. Dodd should have their heads put on pikes on the steps of the nation's capitol because they stalled and prevented any reforms in 2003 that would have prevented this meltdown in the mortgage industry which is impacting the economic health of our nation.
But democrats never resign, they blame everyone but themselves for any shortcomings. "I did not have sex with that woman," or "It's all about sex and has nothing to do with his job," or "I'm going back to work for the American people," remember?
The media, ignorant of economics will paste over the issue because they like the democrats because they're cool just like them, and can go sleep with anyone and no one cares.
So now, the worst financial crisis may cost taxpayers billions, and no one gets the blame----Except for President Bush and Republicans. Thanks media, you.....
The financial markets played inside the park rules, created by democrat leaders in congress like Cong. Barney Frank and Sen. Chris Dodd. Former Clinton officials who are now supporting and raising money for Barack Obama walked away from Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae with hundreds of thousands and millions of dollars in bonuses for driving these "quasi government groups" into the ditch.
So, where is the accountability?
What should happen?
Rep. Frank and Sen. Dodd should have their heads put on pikes on the steps of the nation's capitol because they stalled and prevented any reforms in 2003 that would have prevented this meltdown in the mortgage industry which is impacting the economic health of our nation.
But democrats never resign, they blame everyone but themselves for any shortcomings. "I did not have sex with that woman," or "It's all about sex and has nothing to do with his job," or "I'm going back to work for the American people," remember?
The media, ignorant of economics will paste over the issue because they like the democrats because they're cool just like them, and can go sleep with anyone and no one cares.
So now, the worst financial crisis may cost taxpayers billions, and no one gets the blame----Except for President Bush and Republicans. Thanks media, you.....
Thursday, August 21, 2008
French Kissing Candidates II
TIME MAG PUTS OBAMA ON COVER -- FOR THE 7TH TIME IN A YEAR!
[MCCAIN HAS BEEN ON COVER TWICE]
[MCCAIN HAS BEEN ON COVER TWICE]
French Kissing Candidates
Wow, who would have thought Barack Hussein Obama would be faltering in the polls and the media would be trying to buck him up. Especially after the, let's fact it, French kissing the media has been doing with Barack for the past year.
It's really embarrassing to see this fawning from the media. And it seems to reinforce the love-fest the national media has with Barack. Despite all the effort, as I write this missive, Barack has lost a narrow lead and now trails Sen. John McCain in the most recent polls. Heading into a national convention and announcing his Vice President soon, Barack could be way out in front if the media could ONLY convince people to support this inexperienced--let's face it--socialist. If you disagree with someone because of the policies they support, you are a conservative and oppose policy issues. Some Democrats are liberals and support more government programs, more government spending and higher taxes. As a conservative, I support fewer government programs, less government spending and lower taxesss.
I disagree with Barack on many issues, but mostly because he lacks the experience to be president. Hey, Barack, just a reminder, abortion is bad and if you are president every decision is within your paygrade.
It's really embarrassing to see this fawning from the media. And it seems to reinforce the love-fest the national media has with Barack. Despite all the effort, as I write this missive, Barack has lost a narrow lead and now trails Sen. John McCain in the most recent polls. Heading into a national convention and announcing his Vice President soon, Barack could be way out in front if the media could ONLY convince people to support this inexperienced--let's face it--socialist. If you disagree with someone because of the policies they support, you are a conservative and oppose policy issues. Some Democrats are liberals and support more government programs, more government spending and higher taxes. As a conservative, I support fewer government programs, less government spending and lower taxesss.
I disagree with Barack on many issues, but mostly because he lacks the experience to be president. Hey, Barack, just a reminder, abortion is bad and if you are president every decision is within your paygrade.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Selling the House
This is different, the family is in the process of selling the home where we have lived for 20 years.
We have a new home we have purchased and are selling the current house and it looks great.
I can't remember doing as many chores and improvements in a short amount of time, and it is amazing how great everything looks. I'm working on fixing the sprinkler system which is going to be a little tricky since I have spent about 20 hours working on the system over the last year. I'm going to try something new and we'll see how it works.
We have a new home we have purchased and are selling the current house and it looks great.
I can't remember doing as many chores and improvements in a short amount of time, and it is amazing how great everything looks. I'm working on fixing the sprinkler system which is going to be a little tricky since I have spent about 20 hours working on the system over the last year. I'm going to try something new and we'll see how it works.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Aromas of Spring and Summer
There are aromas that mean Spring and Summer. Aromas, I don't like to call them smells because that has such a negative connotation to it. It's similar to the difference between the chocolate chip cookies and a skunk. They both have an aroma about them, one good, the other not so good.
Now, it's quickly becoming summer and there are aromas that are seared in my mind, most from childhood.
One is the smell of cut grass. I have some cool grasses in my front yard, and the aroma of that grass freshly cut reminds me of being a child in California. The neighbors would all cut their grass and the aroma of the cut grass would fill the neighborhood.
Then in the evening when the delta area of San Francisco cooled, the aroma of the grass mixed with the aroma of shish kabobs cooking on the charcoal grill are things that always will remain with me.
Now, the heat of summer is becoming more searing and humid. When I awaken in the cool of the day, the early day is cool and the awakening earth brings forth its own aroma, which makes you realize the world is alive and it fills your soul with hope that the change of the seasons can make all things happen...if not this year, the next.
Now, it's quickly becoming summer and there are aromas that are seared in my mind, most from childhood.
One is the smell of cut grass. I have some cool grasses in my front yard, and the aroma of that grass freshly cut reminds me of being a child in California. The neighbors would all cut their grass and the aroma of the cut grass would fill the neighborhood.
Then in the evening when the delta area of San Francisco cooled, the aroma of the grass mixed with the aroma of shish kabobs cooking on the charcoal grill are things that always will remain with me.
Now, the heat of summer is becoming more searing and humid. When I awaken in the cool of the day, the early day is cool and the awakening earth brings forth its own aroma, which makes you realize the world is alive and it fills your soul with hope that the change of the seasons can make all things happen...if not this year, the next.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Memorial Day-2008
Memorial Day commemorates all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in military service to preserve our freedoms.
Many of my relatives all served in the military, I figured it up once and these relatives served in every war since the First World War. Some declared, some undeclared.
How many years? I figured more than 150 years of service, including a close friend who was killed in Viet Nam.
So what does it mean?
The United States of America is the most wonderful country in the world, and while there are other countries that may boast just as special, I believe I'm right. There is ONLY ONE country in the world where immigrants can come and begin the legal process to become a citizen and become an American.
I can't go to France and become a Frenchman, or to England and become and Englishmen, but anyone who follows the rules can come to American and become an American. What a country.
The United States instills such pride that we send our religious volunteers, our Peace Corps, our troops and our foreign aid to promote, preserve and protect freedom loving citizens of the world. We do that using the most amazing technology in the world. Some are killed or die for their American ideals.
There are critics and liberals who don't understand America or the idea of America. The idea of America is what lives and inspires people around the world to want to strap themselves to anything that floats to try and get to U. S. shores so they can catch the dream of becoming an American.
If you are an American, God has blessed you with the most important gift: citizenship in the greatest country in the world.
If you were in trouble in a foreign country you will proudly exclaim you are an American citizen. And if you were stranded in a remote area, could you feel any better if over the ridge appeared a "Band of Brothers", American troops with the Stars and Stripes patches on their shoulders?
The greatest country in the world has created the greatest population of citizens who fight to preserve their freedom and encourages and promotes the freedoms of others around the world who crave this God-given gift.
We celebrate those who served and fought to preserve, protect and promote our freedoms today. God bless them all and let them rest in peace knowing we shall never forget them and their sacrifice.
Many of my relatives all served in the military, I figured it up once and these relatives served in every war since the First World War. Some declared, some undeclared.
How many years? I figured more than 150 years of service, including a close friend who was killed in Viet Nam.
So what does it mean?
The United States of America is the most wonderful country in the world, and while there are other countries that may boast just as special, I believe I'm right. There is ONLY ONE country in the world where immigrants can come and begin the legal process to become a citizen and become an American.
I can't go to France and become a Frenchman, or to England and become and Englishmen, but anyone who follows the rules can come to American and become an American. What a country.
The United States instills such pride that we send our religious volunteers, our Peace Corps, our troops and our foreign aid to promote, preserve and protect freedom loving citizens of the world. We do that using the most amazing technology in the world. Some are killed or die for their American ideals.
There are critics and liberals who don't understand America or the idea of America. The idea of America is what lives and inspires people around the world to want to strap themselves to anything that floats to try and get to U. S. shores so they can catch the dream of becoming an American.
If you are an American, God has blessed you with the most important gift: citizenship in the greatest country in the world.
If you were in trouble in a foreign country you will proudly exclaim you are an American citizen. And if you were stranded in a remote area, could you feel any better if over the ridge appeared a "Band of Brothers", American troops with the Stars and Stripes patches on their shoulders?
The greatest country in the world has created the greatest population of citizens who fight to preserve their freedom and encourages and promotes the freedoms of others around the world who crave this God-given gift.
We celebrate those who served and fought to preserve, protect and promote our freedoms today. God bless them all and let them rest in peace knowing we shall never forget them and their sacrifice.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Talents For The Home
When you were a kid, was there something you did that turned out better than your friends?
Maybe it was dodge ball, tether ball, football, baseball or something else, it was just easier for you. Maybe it is cooking, or decorating or driving efficiently.
Sometimes you are pretty good at some things but because it appears effortless to others, they think you are so much better.
Sometimes it was frustrating when you're a child because sometimes kids aren't very understanding when someone else can't match their performance.
If it's happened to you---great! If it hasn't happened to you, keep reaching for something because it's a great feeling.
What's the secret--mostly it's the confidence to try something new.
I have a very close friend who has gotten into the investment of real estate. I've worked building houses and other projects and I've been able to help her make some repairs and they turned out great. The truth is I worked my buttocks off and I'm really tired.
It was great to have others compliment you on the work you do. So often in our lives we work at jobs or projects that take so long that sometimes they don't get resolved or completed for us to reflect and relish. Too bad, because it feels good.
You remember Jesus, his story was in all the papers. Jesus explained how under-appreciated he was in his own hometown. "Nothing good ever came out of Nazareth," it's reported.
Often times as adults, it's even more pronounced that we are under-appreciated, particularly in our own hometown.
When you can use your skills and get the praise for those skills, it makes you feel great. It makes you feel like a kid again. And feeling like a kid is a wonderful feeling. I hope you can feel like a kid again.
Maybe it was dodge ball, tether ball, football, baseball or something else, it was just easier for you. Maybe it is cooking, or decorating or driving efficiently.
Sometimes you are pretty good at some things but because it appears effortless to others, they think you are so much better.
Sometimes it was frustrating when you're a child because sometimes kids aren't very understanding when someone else can't match their performance.
If it's happened to you---great! If it hasn't happened to you, keep reaching for something because it's a great feeling.
What's the secret--mostly it's the confidence to try something new.
I have a very close friend who has gotten into the investment of real estate. I've worked building houses and other projects and I've been able to help her make some repairs and they turned out great. The truth is I worked my buttocks off and I'm really tired.
It was great to have others compliment you on the work you do. So often in our lives we work at jobs or projects that take so long that sometimes they don't get resolved or completed for us to reflect and relish. Too bad, because it feels good.
You remember Jesus, his story was in all the papers. Jesus explained how under-appreciated he was in his own hometown. "Nothing good ever came out of Nazareth," it's reported.
Often times as adults, it's even more pronounced that we are under-appreciated, particularly in our own hometown.
When you can use your skills and get the praise for those skills, it makes you feel great. It makes you feel like a kid again. And feeling like a kid is a wonderful feeling. I hope you can feel like a kid again.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
What a Rip-Off
A new experience--I was robbed!
It happened at the Downtown YMCA.
What happened was someone went to my locker while I was exercising, and forced the combination lock open and took my cash. Thankfully no credit cards, just cash was missing.
I noticed a pouch I carry was on the floor of the locker, left there AFTER they rifled my pockets, took the cash and returned my wallet to my pants pocket.
I happened around 5:40 p.m. I figure.
Cash missing, credit cards intact, oh well.
How did I find out? I was going to purchase some fruit, and I had no cash. My mind raced and I figured it out.
Ah Spring!
It happened at the Downtown YMCA.
What happened was someone went to my locker while I was exercising, and forced the combination lock open and took my cash. Thankfully no credit cards, just cash was missing.
I noticed a pouch I carry was on the floor of the locker, left there AFTER they rifled my pockets, took the cash and returned my wallet to my pants pocket.
I happened around 5:40 p.m. I figure.
Cash missing, credit cards intact, oh well.
How did I find out? I was going to purchase some fruit, and I had no cash. My mind raced and I figured it out.
Ah Spring!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Spring...finally
I wondered what it would be like to have someone come to my yard and ask me what did I do to get such a great looking lawn.....and it finally happened.
Two of my neighbors made it a point to ask me about what I did to get such a great looking lawn this year.
It does look good. I have to mow the grass and bag it, and that can be a bit of a headache because it grows so fast, but it looks great. I am pretty proud of the way my lawn looks, and plan to add some pictures.
Just wait, it really does look awesome.
Two of my neighbors made it a point to ask me about what I did to get such a great looking lawn this year.
It does look good. I have to mow the grass and bag it, and that can be a bit of a headache because it grows so fast, but it looks great. I am pretty proud of the way my lawn looks, and plan to add some pictures.
Just wait, it really does look awesome.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Oscar, Oscar--What were you Thinking?
"And the Oscar is awarded to......"
Sorry I didn't watch. But I know a few things that bother me about the event and the awards.
Did you see any of the movies that were nominated? I didn't. And I'm glad that I didn't.
The big winners included "No Country for Old Men" and "There Will Be Blood" among a bunch of other films that few normal people saw.
Does it matter?
What do you think the rest of the world thinks about our society when these are "The Best Picture" and "Best Actor" for slutty, murderous, violent films with movies stars that are insecure, egotistical and exceedingly liberal!
More importantly, what do you think the Muslim world thinks about these movies and how does it present our society to them?
The answer is that it only emboldens them to believe that our society is degenerated and immoral.
And, I would bet that it makes it easier to recruit Muslim Extremist Fascists to do the dastardly deeds they do to the rest of humanity.
Too bad. And I'll bet the liberal Hollywood Elites don't care one bit.
Sorry I didn't watch. But I know a few things that bother me about the event and the awards.
Did you see any of the movies that were nominated? I didn't. And I'm glad that I didn't.
The big winners included "No Country for Old Men" and "There Will Be Blood" among a bunch of other films that few normal people saw.
Does it matter?
What do you think the rest of the world thinks about our society when these are "The Best Picture" and "Best Actor" for slutty, murderous, violent films with movies stars that are insecure, egotistical and exceedingly liberal!
More importantly, what do you think the Muslim world thinks about these movies and how does it present our society to them?
The answer is that it only emboldens them to believe that our society is degenerated and immoral.
And, I would bet that it makes it easier to recruit Muslim Extremist Fascists to do the dastardly deeds they do to the rest of humanity.
Too bad. And I'll bet the liberal Hollywood Elites don't care one bit.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Here's How, Hillary
Hillary Clinton is in trouble. She's having trouble gaining votes, despite the feeling that she was the odds on candidate to become the next President of the United States.
Now she's trying to figure out how she can recapture her momentum. Here's an idea, explain that in Michigan and Florida deserve the chance to vote. Stand up for the little guys who didn't get to cast their ballots in primaries because they were shut out by the big powerful Democrat Party Machine. Stand up to the machine and demand that those people and more importantly the delegates, get a chance to vote in this important election.
This is a state's rights issue, and it's unfair for the big powerful machine run by that liberal Howard Dean preventing these good Americans from casting their vote.
Just a thought.
Good luck Hillary!
Now she's trying to figure out how she can recapture her momentum. Here's an idea, explain that in Michigan and Florida deserve the chance to vote. Stand up for the little guys who didn't get to cast their ballots in primaries because they were shut out by the big powerful Democrat Party Machine. Stand up to the machine and demand that those people and more importantly the delegates, get a chance to vote in this important election.
This is a state's rights issue, and it's unfair for the big powerful machine run by that liberal Howard Dean preventing these good Americans from casting their vote.
Just a thought.
Good luck Hillary!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Big Easy-Big Sleazy
Everyone in Oklahoma City is being asked to vote for a 1 cent sales tax on March 4th, 2008 to support spending $125 million to refurbish a recently built arena and build a practice center for a professional basketball team to the city, probably the Seattle Super Sonics that just happen to owned by some Oklahoma City businessmen.
For the last two years we had the New Orleans Hornets here when the New Orleans area recovered from Katrina.
New Orleans is one of the oldest cities in America. The French Quarter is a very interesting place filled with loud music, strip clubs, live sex acts, drunks, hookers, liquor flowing in the streets (before the vomit flows) and people who live on the streets.
People come from all over the world to experience New Orleans and then leave.
Do I want a professional sports team, besides the Oklahoma Sooners? Folks say we need a pro sports team to keep growing. That's the big problem. I like growth, but at the same time I want a town without traffic problems seven days a week and every night in the areas I want to go.
Because, after all, it's all about me, isn't it?
For the last two years we had the New Orleans Hornets here when the New Orleans area recovered from Katrina.
New Orleans is one of the oldest cities in America. The French Quarter is a very interesting place filled with loud music, strip clubs, live sex acts, drunks, hookers, liquor flowing in the streets (before the vomit flows) and people who live on the streets.
People come from all over the world to experience New Orleans and then leave.
Do I want a professional sports team, besides the Oklahoma Sooners? Folks say we need a pro sports team to keep growing. That's the big problem. I like growth, but at the same time I want a town without traffic problems seven days a week and every night in the areas I want to go.
Because, after all, it's all about me, isn't it?
Sunday, February 03, 2008
John McCain-How It Happened
It was a mistake. A mistake compounded by other mistakes and the ripples were felt around the nation.
So what happened?
While the Republicans had some good candidates, there was a little wrinkle that really had an impact. Maybe it was a conscious decision by some to influence the race, you have to wonder.
But now, we have John McCain leading in the Republican primary after he won with interlopers from the independent ranks influencing the race.
In those states where it wasn't a closed primary: Republicans can only vote for Republicans and Democrats can only vote for Democrats; McCain pulled in independents who aren't necessarily conservative, voted for McCain, a not so conservative candidate.
In Iowa and New Hampshire independents are given free range to vote. Heck, in Iowa, if you show up at a caucus they aren't going to ask where you live, you get to show your support and that's that.
So in the key beginning states to declare a front-runner, McCain benefitted from non-conservatives in New Hampshire, then was able to eack out a win in South Carolina.
Who wanted independents to make my choice for a presidential candidate? Not me.
So what happened?
While the Republicans had some good candidates, there was a little wrinkle that really had an impact. Maybe it was a conscious decision by some to influence the race, you have to wonder.
But now, we have John McCain leading in the Republican primary after he won with interlopers from the independent ranks influencing the race.
In those states where it wasn't a closed primary: Republicans can only vote for Republicans and Democrats can only vote for Democrats; McCain pulled in independents who aren't necessarily conservative, voted for McCain, a not so conservative candidate.
In Iowa and New Hampshire independents are given free range to vote. Heck, in Iowa, if you show up at a caucus they aren't going to ask where you live, you get to show your support and that's that.
So in the key beginning states to declare a front-runner, McCain benefitted from non-conservatives in New Hampshire, then was able to eack out a win in South Carolina.
Who wanted independents to make my choice for a presidential candidate? Not me.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Juno
I went and saw the movie "Juno" over the weekend. How did it happen? This was a movie getting wide spread coverage and play, but it is "PRO LIFE"!
How did something like this get out of Hollywood? The truth is, it didn't. It was produced by "indi's" or independent producers.
Let's face it, a pro-life movie had to be produced outside Hollywood. If it was a pro-choice flick, it would have only lasted a few minutes anyway.
So a touching story about a pregnant 15 year old girl and her decision to keep the baby.
And remember, it's a baby---NOT a fetus.
Oh well, will this popular movie make a difference on the pro-choice, fetus hating crowd in la la land?
Probably not.
It was a fun movie to watch, check it out.
How did something like this get out of Hollywood? The truth is, it didn't. It was produced by "indi's" or independent producers.
Let's face it, a pro-life movie had to be produced outside Hollywood. If it was a pro-choice flick, it would have only lasted a few minutes anyway.
So a touching story about a pregnant 15 year old girl and her decision to keep the baby.
And remember, it's a baby---NOT a fetus.
Oh well, will this popular movie make a difference on the pro-choice, fetus hating crowd in la la land?
Probably not.
It was a fun movie to watch, check it out.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Who Cares?
Just exactly why are Iowa residents important? Or New Hampshire folks, what do they know that one common sense Oklahoman doesn't know?
What's happening is that Iowa has a caucus (popularity contest) where anyone can show up and cast a vote (registered to vote or not) to express their opinions. And in New Hampshire anyone can vote for anyone in an open caucus.
So these states make a decision and the rest of the nation makes note and perhaps---perhaps decides for those other political activists who wins the primary sweepstakes.
Does it make sense? Every state wants to think they are important, and these early states do make a significant change in perception for the rest of us.
These states get to influence thousands and perhaps hundreds of millions of voters before the real test of a primary where registered democrats vote ONLY for democrats and registered republicans vote ONLY for republicans.
Does it help? Perhaps it does. And while these are expensive, they do show a tenacity to the political process and after all, we want someone to be president who wants to be president, don't we?
What's happening is that Iowa has a caucus (popularity contest) where anyone can show up and cast a vote (registered to vote or not) to express their opinions. And in New Hampshire anyone can vote for anyone in an open caucus.
So these states make a decision and the rest of the nation makes note and perhaps---perhaps decides for those other political activists who wins the primary sweepstakes.
Does it make sense? Every state wants to think they are important, and these early states do make a significant change in perception for the rest of us.
These states get to influence thousands and perhaps hundreds of millions of voters before the real test of a primary where registered democrats vote ONLY for democrats and registered republicans vote ONLY for republicans.
Does it help? Perhaps it does. And while these are expensive, they do show a tenacity to the political process and after all, we want someone to be president who wants to be president, don't we?
Thursday, January 03, 2008
HuckObama
Iowa voters get first shot at helping select a candidate, and the democrats chose Obama and the Republicans chose Huckabee.
The democrat field was a mish-mash over the past few weeks, Hillary had believed being a former first lady and having Bill around would make her the choice for the next nominee, but a funny thing happened in Iowa. No one likes to be told to vote a certain way, and voters felt that's what was happening. Hillary is shrill and comes off as cold and irritating, and her positions on issues were causing concerns with voters so much that she stopped taking questions! How could she?
John Edwards, the trial lawyer and former senator started to catch fire and placed second.
On the Republican side, Mike Huckabee is a good politician. His top rival, Mitt Romney is losing steam because people don't think he has been conservative enough for enough time. When he was Governor, Romney wasn't much of a gun rights guy or much of a pro-lifer, but he changed. It's a good thing, but it comes off as opportunistic to take positions and then change them.
So, what does it mean? It means the crop gets thinned, and folks on other states don't get to have the impact of the Iowa caucuses have. Too bad, I was beginning to think the presidential campaign would ever end.
While this isn't the end, and it isn't the beginning of the end, it is the end of the beginning.
Winston would be proud.
The democrat field was a mish-mash over the past few weeks, Hillary had believed being a former first lady and having Bill around would make her the choice for the next nominee, but a funny thing happened in Iowa. No one likes to be told to vote a certain way, and voters felt that's what was happening. Hillary is shrill and comes off as cold and irritating, and her positions on issues were causing concerns with voters so much that she stopped taking questions! How could she?
John Edwards, the trial lawyer and former senator started to catch fire and placed second.
On the Republican side, Mike Huckabee is a good politician. His top rival, Mitt Romney is losing steam because people don't think he has been conservative enough for enough time. When he was Governor, Romney wasn't much of a gun rights guy or much of a pro-lifer, but he changed. It's a good thing, but it comes off as opportunistic to take positions and then change them.
So, what does it mean? It means the crop gets thinned, and folks on other states don't get to have the impact of the Iowa caucuses have. Too bad, I was beginning to think the presidential campaign would ever end.
While this isn't the end, and it isn't the beginning of the end, it is the end of the beginning.
Winston would be proud.
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