My Personal 2009 Recap

We are at New Year's Eve for 2009. So, I thought I would give a recap of events surrounding me this year.

1. Discovered the back surgery I had in July 2008 did not work as well as my doctor thought it would. That is no surprise to me personally. Doctor said from looks of MRI, I may need another surgery to relieve pressure of a disc on a sciatic nerve. I told him I would have to be out of my mind before I let him do that to me again.

2. I had two near terrible accidents this year. One, when a semi on the interstate decided to move over into my lane. I had to off to the curb and almost into a ditch. Two, a drunk driver went through a red light, narrowly missing me. Unfortunately, he broadsided the guy behind me.

3. My X began making overtures about "getting back together" in June. I told her there was a better chance of President Obama becoming as conservative as Rush Limbaugh than us getting back together.

4. Finished my novel, "Diary: Alone on Earth" in June of this year. Thus far, no luck in getting a publishing house to publish it. Can't even get a literary agent to give me the time of day. But, I won't quit. I'll keep plugging away in hopes someone, somewhere will take the time to read my novel. I'm just not going the way of self-publishing.

5. I've given up hope of ever finding "Mrs. Right." Oh, don't feel sorry for me. It happens. Not everyone is fortunate to find their one true love in this world. Since I accepted that this year, I feel more at ease about it.

6. I've started doing more computer maintenance work this year. Sometimes, I have more work than I can handle. I have considered hiring a young kid to train and possibly help out. It's not that simple. That's all I'll say about that.

7. I've gained about half of the 40lbs I lost prior to this year. I don't know what happened. I don't eat that much. I exercise twice a day on the treadmill with 30lbs of weights. I will let you guess what my New Year's Resolution will be now.

8. In October, I gained another great-niece. She is beautiful, of course. By this time next year, she will be walking everywhere.

9. I considered selling my 1995 Nissan truck 3 times and backed out 3 times as well. I had 2 buyers and decided at the last minute to not sell. I know it's an inanimate object. But, it's almost like an old friend to me now.

10. This year, I discovered that when I start feeling about myself, there is always someone else who has worse problems. I thank God for what I have in this life. And, strangely enough, I thank God for what I do not have as well. Maybe God just thinks I don't need what I pray for each night. Or maybe He thinks I can't handle what I pray for each night. Regardless, after watching so many people lose their homes, their savings and their jobs, I know there is someone who is always much less fortunate than I. But, for the grace of God, there go I.

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year.

Nature Wednesday

Today, for Nature Wednesday, we have what appears to be a beaver (or a big damn squirrel) fighting off birds for lunch, an amazing chameleon, and a Mama duck and her entire gang. Enjoy!

Drunk on the Senate Floor

Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) was giving the Republicans hell on the Senate floor prior to the Christmas vacation last week. Nothing unusual about that. Republicans have been catching hell about the healthcare boondoggle all year. But, what was surreal about Sen. Baucus is that he decided to celebrate Christmas [video link] a bit too early. To put it bluntly, he was drunk as hell! Slurred speech, stuttering, losing his balance a couple of times, I am curious why the Senate Majority leader did not have Baucus escorted from those hallowed halls of the U.S. Senate. Oh wait...The Senate Majority leader is Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada. Never mind on that. I just answered my own question.

It's bad enough we had Republicans engaged in sex scandals a few years ago. They got voted out of office. Now, in a round about way, the equally disgusting Democrats are taking their place. These are the people who keep telling us this healthcare bill is "good" for us. These are the people who tell us to "trust them," they know what is best for us. I'm sure there have been numerous occasions when both Republicans and Democrats have been loaded when they took to the Senate floor to give a speech. But, on a debate as important as this healthcare bill, you would think they would at least be sober. I suspect once all the details come out about this healthcare bill, it will be the American public staggering around drunk so they can try to forget they voted for these idiots.

Terroism Rears Its Ugly Head...Again

As everyone must know by now, Northwest Airlines Flight 253 was the scene of a terrorist plot [article link] as the flight attempted to land in Detroit. If not for the heroic efforts of the passengers aboard, this could have been a catastrophe. Umar Farouk Abdul of Nigeria, tried to light the explosive device in an attempt to kill, at least, all of the 278 aboard Flight 253. Abdul's father had notified U.S. authorities that his son had become involved with al-Qa'ida. Abdul was on a "watch list" of possible terrorists. Yet, he was not on a "no fly" list.

I don't understand how it was that someone on a watch list for terrorism is not placed on a no fly list. Maybe they didn't have enough proof. But, the idea he is on the watch list should be enough in this day and time. U.S. authorities are going to have to explain this to the American public. If Abdul had tried to explode that device in the bathroom, it would have been disaster for Flight 253. As it was, that flight and the 278 passengers were greatly blessed to have some aboard who fought back in the tradition of Flight 93 of 911. How different things are today. Prior to 911, flight crew and passengers were taught to cooperate with hijackers or terrorists. Today, crew and passengers immediately fight back!

Vegas Bellagio Fountains

Like many people throughout the USA and the world, a vacation to Las Vegas is something that people dream about. It's not just casinos any longer. There are as many family attractions in Vegas as there are in nearby Disneyland. Having been to Las Vegas several times, you never leave without some amount of satisfaction. Sure, some leave a bit less wealthy than they did when they first went there. But, the casinos are in business to make money. That is something that everyone should recognize. What few recognize or think about are the many luxurious hotels in Vegas.

When you think of Las Vegas hotels, you think of showgirls, fine dining, spas and salons. One of the premier Las Vegas hotels is the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. It basically has everything one could possibly want in a luxury hotel. For a fine dining experience, contemporary dining, or just a fine casual dining experience, you will find it all at Bellagio. Need to have a business meeting in Las Vegas? You simply couldn't go wrong with Bellagio. They have Five Diamond facilities to meet your every corporate need.

One of the main attractions of Bellagio (and one that has always drawn my attention each time in Vegas) are the world famous Vegas Bellagio Fountains. They operate the fountains from 3PM to Midnight, Monday through Friday. On weekends, from noon to Midnight. The price for witnessing this fantastic spectacle is something you don't see in Vegas often; it's free!

It's hard to describe the Bellagio Fountains. It is something you have to see for yourself to believe it. They have choreographed musical routines that simply take your breath away. How they interweave the huge fountain routine with music is amazing to me. I don't know how they do it. But, they never fail to please you. One of the things that few know about the Bellagio Fountains is that this is an area that many choose to get married in Vegas. I can't imagine a more scenic background for wedding pictures than the Bellagio Fountains. Next time you are in Vegas, give yourself a free treat; go to the Bellagio Fountains and enjoy!

Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus!!!

The most heartwarming and treasured Christmas story of them all, in my opinion. Now, for your reading pleasure, a timeless treasure.



Eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York's Sun, and the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial Sept. 21, 1897. The work of veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church has since become history's most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or whole in dozens of languages in books, movies, and other editorials, and on posters and stamps.

"DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old.
"Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
"Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN it's so.'
"Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

"VIRGINIA O'HANLON.
"115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET."

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Christmas Eve

As a child, this was my 2nd or 3rd favorite day of the year. The anticipation of what "Santa" might bring or not bring me for Christmas. It seemed that night time would never come! My siblings and I all wanted to go to bed about 7PM in hopes that Santa would somehow visit our home first. Mama wouldn't let us go to bed that early because we would wake up about midnight. But, even when we did go to sleep, we really didn't sleep. The Christmas I remember most was the Christmas we didn't expect much from Santa. Mama told us that Santa wouldn't be bringing us many toys that year for reasons we couldn't understand at the time. But, as we sadly went to bed that night, we just couldn't help but believe Santa would somehow come through for us.

My sister woke up first that Christmas...screaming! We both had bicycles...totally unexpected!!! My brother and I had b-b guns, plastic soldiers with which we would wage war against each other for hours. We had more candy, cookies and cake than we would ever be able to eat. So, what happened? It seems that a good Samaritan group (which is no longer in business) came to our aid that year as "Santa." I'll never forget the tears in Mama's eyes as we all squealed with delight. For her, those squeals of joy were her "Christmas presents." Merry Christmas, Mama. We all miss you.

Christmas Nature Wednesday

Well, maybe a strange combination for Nature Wednesday. But, there are animals in the Nativity scenese. So, here you go. Merry Christmas!

"Seedy Chicago Politics"

"Seedy Chicago Politics" is how South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham (a man who is despised by anti-illegal advocates) described [article link] the senate's version of socialized medicine passed early Monday morning. Bribes to several so-called "moderate Democrats" to get their votes is one example of what Sen. Graham was referring to. Senator Landrieu of Louisiana got over $300 million dollars for her state and was so proud of that fact, she corrected someone when they said it was $100 million. Is this the "change we can believe in" that alleged President Obama referred to in his campaign? It not only is politics as usual, it is politics more than usual. The Obama cult members, of course, see nothing wrong with this. They will follow him into hell itself if necessary. But, many sensible people are seeing President Obama for what he is and what Rep. Joe Wilson said; he is a liar.

I know a lot of people are happy about this healthcare bill being passed. The pimp on the street doesn't have to pay for the healthcare of his hookers now. They guy working 40 hours a week with a mortgage with a wife and two kids are going to support him now. And, if illegals can't afford the insurance on the new exchange, that same poor sap will fund illegals to get American taxpayer money. There is no way the Obama cult members can deny that. Change we can believe in? Sure, there is change. It is change to a Chicago style politics we have not seen in the White House before. Those that voted for "hope and change" better hope you have some loose change left to pay for health insurance now. Or you'll be going to prison, courtesy of the federal government.

Musings on Christmas

1. It seems every year that Christmas no sooner ends, then you have to start preparing for Christmas again. I guess that comes with aging. I noticed in September that Wal-Mart, Sears and other department stores had their Christmas decorations out. In fact, it wasn't that long ago that retailers tried a "Christmas in July" for many years. That seems to have fizzled out over the past couple of years.

2. I guess it goes without saying, but Christmas just isn't the same when you find out there isn't a Santa Claus. I found out there wasn't a Santa in a round about way. I was about 8 years old and my cousin asked me if I still believed in Santa. Stunned beyond belief, I said, "Of course not." I cried that entire night.

3. Of course, calories are out the window during this time of year. I guess I will have to get started on another diet as soon as Christmas is over. I've gained 15lbs since May. Don't ask me how I did it. I don't know.

4. I make it a point not to go to any department stores after Thanksgiving. It's rare that I do any Christmas shopping in department stores. I have done most of my shopping online for many years now. I just am not one for the hustle and bustle of crowds. Of course, a lot of people enjoy the Christmas crowds. More power to them.

5. Finally, we should all stop and think what this season is all about. It's about Jesus Christ. It seems with Christmas becoming more and more commercialized, the reason for the season is frequently lost. I am as guilty as anyone else. I miss going to church this time of year. I haven't been since my mother died back in 1998. I have my reasons why I don't go. But, I miss being in church this time of year. God Bless everyone and Merry Christmas

The Politics of Fear

It seems the Obama Administration and the Democratic Party will go to any lengths to get this so-called "Heathcare Reform Bill" shoved down the throats of the American people. This includes fear mongering from the Chief Executive, alleged President Obama. It wasn't that long ago he stated that the stimulus bill needed to pass to keep unemployment from reaching the 8% level. We are now at 10% unemployment with the stimulus bill and the threat of another. We all are in agreement that healthcare costs must be brought down to a manageable level. However, the approach by the Democrats (or, at least, rumored since no one knows what is in the bill) is to throw trillions of taxpayer money at the problem and hope it sticks. President Obama [article link] has stated the federal government will go broke if this healthcare bill is not passed. That is patently absurd. How can he say something like this without giving anything to back up this kind of statement? He stated that our insurance premiums will go up. News flash...they are going up anyway if this healthcare bill is passed. The insurance companies have already stated this would happen even without the public option.

It would be nice to report something along the lines of the president saying, "We need healthcare reform because so few people can afford adequate coverage. This bill will do just that since it requires everyone to buy health insurance...or else." At least he would be honest for a change. This president, despite his words in this article, doesn't give a damn about the deficit. Neither does the Democratic or Republican parties. All of them want to protect their own little turf. The Republicans are not fooling me. Most, if not all, would support this bill were it not for the polls showing more and more Americans turning against it. But, the Democrats are pulling a kamikaze attack on the American people anyway with their insistence this bill be passed. Like Pearl Harbor, the day this bill is passed (and it will) will be a "Day that will live in infamy" for the Democratic Party.

Nature Wednesday

For this nature wednesday, I decided to dedicate this post to bears. They are immensely fascinating to me. But, I'm not sure I would ever want to see one in the wild. The pic with three bears together is very unusual. I suspect those are either a mother and cubs or three siblings. The two cubs shadow boxing caught my attention as well.

Senator Lieberman Resists

I've got to give credit where credit is due. Senator Joe Lieberman is standing up to the Democratic blitzkrieg [article link] to ram a healtcare bill estimated anywhere from $1-2 trillion dollars down the throats of the American people. The preposterous idea of allowing people at age 55 to buy in to Medicare defies all logic or reason. Medicare will be paying out more money than they are taking in sometime in the next decade. Then, Medicare will go broke. Adding millions more to Medicare will hasten its demise. Sen. Lieberman apparently can see this happening. Why can't people like Sen. (soon to be former Senator) Harry Reid see this as well? He can see this will devastate Medicare. But, like so many in the Democratic Party, he doesn't give a damn. The end justifies the means to these fiscally irresponsible people. Sure, "W" started it. But, now, The Anointed One and his lemmings have taken fiscal irresponsiblity to a whole new level. This country has never seen out of control spending like this in it's entire history.

Now, I know there are those who are going to say it is selfish of the Republicans and moderates like Sen. Joe Lieberman not wanting to support healthcare for all (yes, including illegal aliens). But, it is far, far more selfish to burden our grandchildren and great-grandchildren with a debt that will cripple them in the years to come. This is both selfish and immoral. It is immoral to take benefits from senior citizens in Medicare after they have paid into it all their lives. It is immoral to ration their healthcare. Despite what the Democrats say, that is exactly what will happen under Obamacare.

Swine Flu: Not As Bad As First Feared

A report [article link] came out last Friday that British scientists have come to the conclusion the Swine (or H1N1) flu is not as bad as feared. In England, there are 26 deaths in every 100,000 cases. That is slightly worse than the seasonal flu. In the U.S., the death rate is slightly worse at 0.048 or 1 death in every 2000 cases. This is not nearly as bad a scenario than what was first predicted. I remember health officials of the Obama Administration (of course) saying there could be 900,000 deaths in the U.S. alone. Some predicted the first pandemic of the 21st century could equal or surpass the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic.

However, people are still being encouraged to get the Swine Flu shot. There have been Swine Flu deaths in my area. But, in each case, it was someone with a pre-existing medical condition that succumbed to this pandemic. If you do have a medical condition such as a heart problem, rheumatoid arthritis or whatever, it might be a good idea to get the Swine Flu shot. I still have not gotten the Swine Flu shot. I just got the seasonal flu shot last week. Those shots are few and far between now.

The seasonal flu season is just getting started. So, if you can find a place to get the seasonal flu shot, I highly recommend you get one. I started getting the flu shot 6 years ago. I have not had the flu since that time. As far as the Swine Flu; that is going to be your call. But, right now, I personally am not inclined to get one since I am in good health. However, if the lines are not long, I may just go a head and get the shot.

On the Road - Addendum

As reported yesterday, I'm on the road this week. I can post to my blog thanks to my trusty laptop and wifi at the motel. I'm looking forward to getting back home this weekend. But, got to do what I got to do first.

It appears that one of my "things" yesterday came true. I let my car tires get too thin with tread. I got pulled over by a local cop yesterday. I knew I wasn't speeding. But, he told me that he noticed the tread on my tires as we were both at a traffic light. He did the old Lincoln head routine and, of course, my tires were "dangerously thin on tread" to use his nomenclature. So, I went around this strange city yesterday looking for a good deal on tires. I had hoped I could wait until I got back home. But, it's either get the tires or pay the ticket and then get the tires. I have had cops pull me over for many different things over the years. But, this is the first time I've ever been ticketed for my tires.

So, after calling around, I got a pretty good deal on some tires at Firestone. That was the easy part. The hard part was going back to the police station and getting the ticket torn up. The issuing officer said he would tear up the ticket if I got the tires within 48 hours of the ticket time. I did it in less than 6 hours. Only problem, the ticketing officer was off work for the next two days. So, what to do? These local cops got the idea that they couldn't tear up the ticket. Which, to me, was total BS. Luckily, as I was about to head out the door, a Police Sargent took pity on me. He went outside with me, inspected my new tires and took care of the ticket. At least, I hope he did.

On the Road

I'm traveling this week on personal business. I'm not one who is fond of travel. Never have been. But, this is unavoidable. So, I was forced to travel some 300 miles from home. Some things that I personally always notice when I travel:

1. Food taste differently. Don't ask me how or why, but it just does. I have a loss of appetite as well. Maybe that has something to do with food tasting differently to me.

2. Ill at ease. I just don't feel the same when I travel. It's like I'm a totally different person. I am also a bit edgy as well. So, it's not a good idea to get on my bad side when I'm on the road.

3. Alone. Even if I'm with a group of people (which I'm not at this time), I feel alone. It's like I'm invading on these people's territory. Strange, I know. But, it is the way I feel.

4. I don't sleep as well. I don't sleep too well anyway, even with my CPAP. But, on the road, it is even worse.

5. Worry. I worry about the most mundane, unnecessary things. Things like my car, money, losing my wallet, cell phone, car keys, etc.

6. Finally, for some reason, I don't like taking my medicine when I'm on the road. And, that is another worry...what if I have to go to the hospital so far from home? Damn. Stupid, I know. But, that is how I roll when I am on the road.

SEC Championship Game

Being an Alabama fan, it just doesn't get any better than Bama beating Florida for the SEC football championship last Saturday. It had been 10 long years since Alabama won the Southeastern Conference Championship in football. QB Tebow and Florida were 5 point favorites going into the game. As it turned out, it wasn't much of a game. Alabama took the opening kickoff and drove down the field. Bama scored and never looked back. It was a very satisfying win for Bama fans everywhere. Now, we look forward to playing Texas for the BCS Championship. If you are a Bama fan, this pure nirvana.

Tim Tebow is not only one of the very best college players of all time, he is probably one of the best college QBs of all time also. He is a very dedicated Christian and does mission work in the Philippines. By all accounts, Tebow is a good person with high moral standards. And, while I have also criticized his behavior of showboating, and playing to the crowd, it is often forgotten how young he is. Sure, he plays to the cameras, and is a glory hound. Point taken. But, he will grow out of this, I'm sure. And it is not his fault all the media hype is surrounding him. Sure, he enjoys it. Hell, who wouldn't? And, although I am thrilled with Bama clobbering Tebow and the Gators, I could not help but feel a tinge of sympathy for him as he cried toward the end of the game. Tim Tebow has endured the highs of being an athlete. He needs to realize there are lows as an athlete as well. I wish him the best in his life. Now, on to Pasadena and ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!!!!!!

Salvation Army Soldiers

You've seen them in front of all the major department stores during the Christmas season. The people who tirelessly ring that bell, with the metal kettle to drop donations at their side. I call them Salvation Army soldiers. Because that is what they are, basically. Standing for hours on end, ringing that bell. I've often wondered just how they were able to do that. I'm sure they take breaks. Still...it takes a very dedicated "soldier" to do that. The Salvation Army is one of three charities to which I make an annual donation. Once I do that, I feel I have done my duty. So, I have felt no remorse not to drop any change in that kettle when going to Target or Wal-Mar, Sears...whatever.

Yesterday, as I was heading into Home Depot, there was the Salvation Army soldier doing his duty in front of that store. I had a long walk before I could get to where the bell ringer was in front of the store. So, I had time to notice all the people who were passing him by. But, he kept ringing that bell, cheerfully it seemed to me at the time. But, as I walked past him, I noticed tears in the corners of his eyes. I have no idea if those tears were due to being in physical pain. Maybe problems he has at home. Or maybe, just maybe, it was due to all those people in such a rush that they just simply ignored this man, faithfully ringing that bell for all to hear in the parking lot. Or maybe those tears were due to the terrible economic times in which there are so many people suffering this holiday season. Maybe that is why those tears were there on his face. I walked past him also. But, as I was about to enter the store, I turned around, opened my wallet and stuffed a five-dollar bill into his kettle. He very gratefully thanked me and, I in turn, thanked him for his service.

The point I'm making; in the hurry, hurry frantic pace we find ourselves in this holiday season, please don't forget those less fortunate than yourself. There are organizations and people trying to make people's lives a little more bearable during this Christmas season. When you walk past that Salvation Army soldier, you might want to remember that.

A New Blog on Short Stories

I would like to announce the opening of my new blog, "David's Short Stories." It actually opened up about two weeks ago. However, the first "short story" was not published until yesterday. The first part of "Grandpa and Fireflies" is now available for reading. I plan on publishing the second part next week sometime. I started the new blog because I keep getting asked for examples of my "other work" from publishers and literary agents. As most of you may know, I am still attempting to get my online novel, "Diary: Alone on Earth," published since this past June.

This first story deals with a young boy growing up in rural southern Mississippi. He is talking about his grandpa, his experiences with him and some of the knowledge imparted to this young boy. If you have any suggestions, constructive criticism or any type of comment, please leave them at my new blog, David's Short Stories.

Nature Wednesday

For Nature Wednesday this week...how about some more waterfalls? You betcha!

2009 Hurricane Season Ends

For once, the National Hurricane Center got it right. They stated this would be a mild hurricane season and they were right on the mark. In years past, they have stated dire predictions about the season, only to be proven completely off the mark. The only "hurricane" to hit the U.S. coast was Hurricane Ida as it came ashore in Mobile, AL. Ida was a moderate tropical storm by the time it came ashore. And, it was a November hurricane at that. Those are usually very mild by the time they make it to the U.S.

With the end of the 2009 hurricane season yesterday [article link], I think a lot of people are thankful for a brief respite from the normal viciousness of the hurricane season. 2005 will long be remembered on the gulf coast. We are thankful that Hurricane Ida did not form two months prior or things could have been very bad indeed. We are thankful for the El Nino conditions that caused this to be a mild season. But, we are mindful things change from season to season. I don't know what the 2010 season holds for us. Hopefully, it will be another season as mild as 2009. But, I'm not willing to bet any money on that.