FamGuyToday by Aunty Fox

on Clubhouse Drive, the people really go all out on their outdoor Christmas lights. Have always been at the top of the list, for lighting, and this year were rated #1 in the entire Denver area, by the Denver Post. This pic doesn't show the train, the indoor stuff, and other lights, but does give an idea. Look at how high the trees are decorated. This year, the homeowner, Kevin Hart, 47 years old, went to the Dr, the 2nd week in Dec, cuz he wasn't feeling well, and found out he had inoperable cancer. He died on Christmas day. Unbelievable, that someone who put so much into Christmas, after being born on Valentine's Day, could go that quickly and on that day. The family was outside, when we were there with the kids on Christmas Eve, giving out candy, dog biscuits and hot chocolate, but didn't mention a thing. Gotta go talk to them, but don't know what I'm gonna say.

This has been a strange year for snow, or lack of it. The mountains have been hammered, and the ski areas are in great shape, but down here, we've had a couple litlle skiffs, that melted the next day, and that's been it. Kinda dry, as the golf course sprinklers have been running a lot, lately. On that subject, walked 18 holes yesterday, (started out nice, then got cold and windy) and had one of my best rounds (83). That wind was bringing in our first real snowstorm of the year. I got in the hot tub at 9, this morning, and by 9:15 it was snowing, sideways. S'posed to get 5-10" of the white stuff. We'll see, but for now, it looks like the real deal.

Was really hoping the Repubs would put Sarah on the ticket for 2012, but it's not looking good. In Alaska, where people know her best, she has only a 33% approval rating, (those hard core FOX people who don't get any REAL news), and 58% against. Too bad, Sarah, under the lights, behind the mics, would have been fun to watch, as she showed everyone just how intelligent she really is. Damn...

but it's a pretty good antidote to all the Holiday goodies that are around. Some kind of stomach 'disturbance' that makes it real easy to lay off the treats and leftovers. Getting kinda tired of Rahman noodles, but that's about the only thing that looks halfway good. Sorta like that gall bladder thing I had going on a while back...

when we got to the theater to see Harry Potter. Every kid in the area was there, since they had no school, SO, we saw 'True Grit', my first choice, instead. Another VERY memorable movie from the Coen Bros (Fargo, No Country for Old Men). Jeff Bridges was fantastic, as was the 14 yr old girl, and the outdoor scenery. I don't know where they found the 'characters', but it's fun to look at 'em. Never saw the original TG, but sure liked this version. I didn't realize that Steven Spielberg produced it, but it was obvious someone sure knew what they were doing. I wanna see it again....

on this day, Carol and were married. I think she is officially eligible for sainthood next year, after 40. Gonna see the new Harry Potter, ( I wanted to see True Grit), then have a glass of wine and appetizer, to celebrate. Pretty amazing how time flies, but looking in the mirror, I don't look much over 70 years old....

this Christmas Day, watching 'Ben Hur', after a fantastic Christmas Eve with the kids. They are with their 'other' (spouse's) families today, and Carol and I are recovering after a late night of food, games and celebration. The first Christmas that Piper, 18 months, could really enjoy, and she did. Is amazing to see the wonder in a child's eyes, as they see the lights and festivities, and get 'presents'. Some of her favorites were the 'kid sized' table I made, with the little chairs, her new rocking horse, and, surprisingly, the ice cream cone (not real) making set. Hard to describe, but she really likes it. Her celebration started at mid afternoon, then she went to bed, early in the evening and we were up 'til after one, with a wonderful time being had by all. She was awake and up by her normal (7:30) time and the rest of us gradually crawled out, had breakfast and cleaned things up. Haven't seen 'Ben Hur' for a long time, and it...

Prichard, Alabama, was warned it's pension fund would run out, but didn't/couldn't do anything about it, SO, they just stopped sending out checks, cuz there was no money to back them up.  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40793765/ns/us_news-the_new_york_times/ Many states and municipalities are watching, as their finances are much the same.

for all those Oprah fans, who think Sarah Palin is presidential material. Oprah, has an article in next month's Parade magazine that says, 'The American people are too intelligent to elect her as president'. True, I hope, even though there are a bunch of dummies out there who really like the airhead from Alaska.  BUT, what about those women, and there's gotta be a bunch, who like 'em both? Kinda funny, I think, as an intelligent black woman butts heads with the whackjob from Wasilla..

to read that Halliburton paid $35 million to the gov't of Nigeria to drop bribery charges against Dick Cheney. A bribe to drop charges of bribery. Details here. http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1210/46726.html , They should consider themselves very lucky. The last time Bush/Cheney wanted someones' oil, and oil prices to rise, they used 'shock and awe' and started a major war. The Nigerians got off REAL easy....

that explains the difference between Libs and Cons by telling how they treat terrorists, as in, the Libs read 'em their rights etc, and the Cons just blow 'em away. Ha ha ha. They seem to be in a constant state of hypocritical denial. They claim to be the 'defense' experts, but forget they were warned about Bin Laden, and still let him enjoy the biggest massacre ever on US soil, then ran our military into the ground on an 'oops, bad info' war. They claim to be fiscally conservative, but just look at what they did with the surplus they inherited from 8 years of a Democratic administration.. They say they are against deficit spending, but threaten to shut down the gov't unless the top 1% get hundreds of billions in (borrowed money) tax breaks. They claim to be all for the Constitution, but gladly overlook separation of church and state, as long as 'their God' is in charge. They are against Socialism, and fought tooth and nail against Social Security an...

that I DVR'd, and can see that I am not the only one who is concerned about our financial future, as nearly all the states, like the Fed gov't, are about to go broke.  Like a slow motion train wreck, as their outgo WAY exceeds their income.  It IS gonna happen, and the only question is, how soon, and how are they gonna cope? One year? Two years? The fed gov't has bailed out the states, with printed money, but even that is gonna end, SOON, and then we all gotta face reality. Will be VERY interesting, as gov'ts have to face financial reality, after the Bush administration wrecked our economy.

for Christmas, as we had some nice fluffy snow this morning, after a week in the 60's and even a record day of 70 on Weds. Babysitting today, and enjoying Piper, as she watches the geese, on the course just outside, with wonder in her eyes. Found out she REALLY likes cherry flavored CapriSun, with a straw. 'Tis so much fun to spoil 'em...

but I find myself thinking about some of my favorite outdoor moments, and I see a theme. One of my really special fishing memories involves a huge brown trout, working a pool in the Blue River, one morning right when the sun was coming up. I saw the rises, and spent a lot of time sneaking into position, and laid a fly into the perfect spot. 'Twas a long battle, but I landed one of the most beautiful fish I'd ever seen. Then I released it. Another time, I was pheasant hunting, and was driving between fields when I saw a big rooster, with a hen, sitting in the ditch. I turned around, and stepped out with my shotgun. They just looked at me, and I had to go into the ditch to 'kick 'em out'. I just watched as they flew away. SO pretty.. Another time, was elk hunting, with a cow license, and watched as a bull, then a cow with a calf stepped out of the woods, right at sundown. Was an easy shot, but I couldn't do it. Not the only time I couldn't shoot a cow elk with...

You can put in any zip code and see the ethnicity of any neighborhood, zooming in or out. Pretty cool.... http://projects.nytimes.com/census/2010/explorer?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=ab1

Stephen White's new book, that takes place in Boulder, and really enjoyed it. He just keeps getting better as he ages. Spent quite a bit of time with JoAnn, a librarian, last week, explaining what type of books I like and explained I had read all of them by my faorite authors, so she recommended some new possibilities. I started "Bitterroot', about an ex-Texas Ranger, running into trouble w/white supremicicsts in the Rockies of Montana, but quit about 60 pages in, cuz it just wasn't believable. Am now reading 'Flesh and Blood' by Jonathan Kellerman, that is much better. I hope his style holds up, cuz he has over 15 books out there that could get me through the doldrums of winter. So far, however, winter hasn't arrived, as we are expecting golf weather of about 70 today. Too nice to stay in and read.

This 1:25 min video is the result of a father taking a picture of his daughter every day for ten years. Watch her grow up before your eyes. Click on 'video collection' in 2nd paragraph. http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/web/12/13/age.videos.buzz.net/index.html?hpt=C2

to see the Repubs win this latest round of tax bullshit. The BIG money guys, the top one per cent are gonna save hundreds of billions, as our country borrows the money to pay for it. . It is THE difference between Dems and Repubs,  Thanks Bonehead, or Boehner, whatever you go by...

cuz we live in Colorado, which some people think of as COLD, but we live on the Front Range, where the cold, snowy weather goes over us. Mid 60's today, 70 tomorrow. Good golf weather, and I'm gonna wear shorts, tomorrow, just to rub it in for you people in the frost belt. Best of both worlds, as the mountains get HUGE snow, (4 ft in Breckenridge, just this week), but golf weather 'round here. 'Tis a privelege to live in Colorado.

from our trip to Vegas, Dec 7-10, but the Homeowner's Assoc. Party at the clubhouse, last night, didn't help. Trip started out with a plane load of cowboys, and I asked one sitting close what was going on and he couldn't believe I didn't know there was a Nat'l Finals Rodeo out there. He looked at me kinda weird when I asked if it was too late to enter the 'Bulldogging' event, cuz I always thought that looked real easy. Was really interesting as the town was FULL of cowboys and cowgirls from one end to another. Cowboys DO have fun. Was kinda worried cuz our room at Bally's was so cheap, but had a friendly desk clerk and got a room on the 21st floor overlooking the strip and the fountains of Bellagio. Spent most our time at Paris, which connects to Bally's with an amazing walkway that is set up like a Parisian neighborhood. Some great restaurants along the way as well as live music (My fav was the dueling pianos/sing-along). My buddy Tay, (or VegasToll...

when Julian Assange gets thrown in jail for telling the truth, and Rupert Murdoch makes a fortune by telling lies.

that we're back in town after 4 days in Vegas. Had a great time, but  recovery takes a lot longer than it used to. Later...

how FOX, the 'no-spin' network, spun the new ex-Prez ratings, that came out today. They trumpeted how GWBush had 'doubled in popularity', but didn't mention he was still 2nd lowest, only ahead of Nixon, even after his 'history altering' work of fiction, 'Decision Points', he has been pushing so hard. Not hard to double a popularity rating in the low 20 percentile when you have an entire network engaged full time, in the propaganda business.

on both sides of the aisle, have extended the tax breaks for millionaires, that we must borrow hundreds of billions to pay for, as our country can't begin to make ends meet. If you ever wondered what is really going on, just look at this latest bill, that extends a 'temporary tax break', by GW Bush, that began our 'fiscal flame out', 9 years ago. The Repubs can't even pretend, any more, that they have any fiscal responsibility.

in Denver, tonight. The Broncos have finally fired Josh McDaniels, the 'total jerk', coach. He took a Denver team, with some problems, and made them much worse, as he sent many of their best players, 'down the road', cuz they wouldn't kiss his young, arrogant ass. Good riddance. The players he got rid of, have gone on to fantastic seasons, as he has won 5 of the last 22 games, as a coach. As former player Alfred Williams said, 'He's a bully, not a manager'. A real SOB, that the owner, Pat Bowlen, finally fired. Gonna take a while to get competitve again, but at least we have a start.. Hit the road, jerk...

as the economy slips away and people gotta blame someone. Let's say you (American people) loaned out your car (the economy), and the driver (Bush) got drunk and crashed it into a tree. You need your car, right away, so you go to the body shop and tell the mgr (Obama), you want it NOW. He says it's gonna be a while, to get parts and do the labor and he's not even sure it can be fixed. Who do you blame for your problem? If you are a reasonable person, you blame the drunk driver. If you are not, you blame the body shop and it's manager. That's the HUGE difference between Dems and Repubs as we had our car wrecked and we want it fixed, NOW.

or possibly Alabama or Mississippi, those bastions of education and intelligence, could they get public and gov't support for building a lifesize "Noah's Ark' amusement center. The theme park was conceived by the same Christian ministry that built the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Ky., where dioramas designed to debunk evolution show humans and dinosaurs coexisting peacefully on an earth created by God in six days. The ministry, Answers in Genesis, believes that the earth is only 6,000 years old — a controversial assertion even among many Bible-believing Christians. Company spokesman, Mike Zovath, who doesn't believe in global warming, says, "It's important to provide factual information to those who seek it'. And you wonder why these states lead the nation with people living under the poverty level? See entire article here: Click here: In Kentucky, Noah’s Ark Theme Park Is Planned - NYTimes.com

but as part of her 'Alaska' show, Sarah Palin shot a nearly tame, yearling reindeer, (also known as a caribou). In a video that's available on Politico.com, she is shown missing the animal FOUR times, from a stable, supported rest, with a scoped, high power rifle, as he gradually walks toward her, curious about all the commotion. On her 5th shot, Annie Oakley drops the naive, inquisistive, spike bull. She should be SO proud.

I'm not too optimistic on the economy, is the stories I hear about what it's like 'out there'. I had a long talk, with my good  buddy Kenny, who was my electrician for many of the houses I built.  Seems he started a new job, recently, after he was unable to find anything going on in the Denver area. He's very happy to have found work, BUT, it involves driving 2 1/2 hours each way, to a field NW of Laramie WY, to work on a natural gas relay station. It was either that, or lose his house and everything else. 'I got lucky', he said, ' a lot of my buddies got nothin'. Pretty sad, out there, as the economy can't recover from being totally trashed by the Bush crowd. Would love to see some signs of hope, but talked w/my buddy Don, a general contractor, at the party last night, and he's saying there's nothing to even bid on, any more. Same thing I'm hearing from my buddy Scott, in the landscaping business.  Bunch of articles, lately, about mu...

with some of our good, old time friends. They really 'do it up' with decorations, food and drinks, AND, this party is different, every year, cuz it's 'formal', and Carol makes me wear my tux, and she really 'sparkles'. Lots of interesting, electic guests, with a major part of them being Swedes, being Lena's friends, and a surprising number of former Nebraskans.  One of them, I met last night, was Jackie Shavanaugh, who happens to be the sister of Mike Shavanaugh, who takes really good care of my folks, back in Kearney. Small world, as we found out we coulda been at the same parties, in Kearney, years ago, with her family.

as our 'over the range' microwave croaked last night. Took it down and took it apart, hoping it would be a fuse problem. Nope. Got a repairman over, to see if it could be fixed, and/or if it was worth fixing. Nope, it's dead, SO got on Craig's list, and found a deal in Loch Buie. Bottom line, spent most of the day driving, then mounting the new one, with the MAIN problem being lining up the holes in the cabinet over the range,  Carol got a 'dinged' finger in the process and not sure it was worth going through the hassle of a 'used' one, but new ones were over $300, plus installation. Seems to be up and working, but Carol's pretty crabby over the whole thing, and I got a sore back. Sure, it's easier to just have a new one installed, but....

is the really hot guitarist that plays lead in Michael Jackson's 'This Is It'. Totally amazing. You just gotta see and hear her. I REALLY recommend the movie, in many ways, AND hope to see and hear more of her.

the Michael Jackson movie, 'This Is It', and it is amazing. The movie made from the rehearsals of his last tour, that never happened. Really awesome musicians, dancers, sets and special effects as he does all the favs, "Beat It', 'Billie Jean', 'Thriller' and so many more, including some really good new ones. Such a shame, for such talent to have been lost, forever. I had read and heard that he was weak and sickly, but as I watch him sing and dance, he seemed to be at the top of his game. The world is truly a lessser place without his one of a kind talent. Can't believe that no one has put it all together, with an impersonator, for a Vegas show, or taken it on the road. What a crew, that had to be just totally devastated. C'mon. Don't waste it. Someone, please, revive the time, money and talent that went into this production.

At a time when he should be fighting the Repubs over the tax cuts, he sneaks out of town to support the war in Afghanistan, that he promised would start ending in 2011, but he pushed it out to 2014. I used to like the guy, and compared to the Repubs, he's FANTASTIC, but compared to what he promised? He sucks. Typical politician who is totally out of touch with the people and their problems. C'mon Barack, you're s'posed to be smarter than THEM, but you are a HUGE disappointment. Who are you trying to appeal to?

that FOXNews takes a kernel of truth and distorts it to fit their message, Glenn Beck, one of their 'stars', uses the truth of precious metals rising in price, for his own means. His sponsor, Goldline, is under investigation for selling precious metal 'commemoratives' to his gullible listeners at highly inflated prices. Instead of buying physical silver or gold, they pay outrageous prices for 'Franklin Mint' type 'special products'. Tough shit, I say, to all his disciples who 'invested' in his much hyped coins, etc. If you aren't smart enough to recognize his particular brand of crap, you deserve to be fleeced, like the rest of the sheep.

I like silver so much, is the fact that it doesn't force me to choose if the economy is gonna tank further ( which I definitely believe) or it's gonna miraculously recover from disaster of the Bush years. Also, every indication from the gov't shows that rather than facing problems, they'll just continue to kick the can down the road and print more money, cuz it's MUCH easier. After listing the MANY uses of industrial silver, this article goes on to say, It is estimated that more than 95% of all the silver ever mined throughout history has already been consumed by industrial use. That silver is gone forever, unrecoverable at any price. In 1900, there were approximately 12 billion ounces of silver in the world. Today, that figure has fallen to about 300 million ounces of above-ground, refined silver. This means that at current prices, it would only take about four billion dollars to purchase all of the above-ground silver in the world today. 4 billion dollars to b...

of Keith Olberman, who, like the entire cast at the FOXNews fiasco, is clearly biased, and also not a fan of Bristol Palin. BUT, for him to come out and name her as his 'worst person in the world', is a new low for him. Not her fault that her mother happens to be the worst choice for prez in recent memory. Her mother is a hot capitalist and Bristol is a brave girl caught up in the hoopla. Can't say I like either one of them, but don't hate 'em, like I do the clowns at FOX, who make a living distorting the news.

 I see a lot of visits from the Louisville, KY area, to my blog, but never any comments. Kinda weird, and you can do what you want, but pretty strange that you just 'lurk' all the time. That's OK, it's just kinda funny the same ones are always 'peeking', but can never find anything to comment about.

I been reading lately, cuz they haven't been that great. Stuart Woods and James Patterson are just fluff that gets me through the day, BUT, have started a good one. Stephen White is a talented author, whose books are based around Boulder and the Foothills. His latest one, that I just started, seems even better than normal, which is pretty good. 'The Last Lie' starts off with a bang, and, so far, is very interesting. Will let you know how it turns out, but am looking forward to 'the ride'. BTW, the illustration on the book cover is from within 100 yards of Paul and Kathy's house, right above Spanish Hills. Kinda interesting...

but it has made a big difference. When you live in Colorado, you really appreciate the low humidity, except this time of year, when it gets REALLY dry, and your eyes and nasal passages suffer. SO, we just got an ultrasonic humidifier, that pumps 2 gallons of water into the air, each day. BIG difference as we  live and breathe.  I can really feel the difference, and I like it. You kinda notice it, until you leave for a while, then come back to the house and can feel the difference, big time. Good stuff...

Sen. John Bonehead said, 'The people have spoken, and they want the tax cuts extended for ALL Americans.' WRONG! Every poll out there shows that over 70% of the people don't want them extended for those earning over $250,000. We're talking about returning to pre-Bush levels, which would be an additional 4%. Doesn't matter for (R) John Bonehead and pals. Make it up as you go, the FOXNews crowd will support whatever you say....

as the mess that Bush caused, after inheriting a surplus, becomes a shitstorm. Just like a family can't go on forever, spending more than they make, it's the same w/the gov't. Gotta cut from something, and the Repubs have dug in, with their ultimate goal to take down Obama, and the American economy as acceptable collateral damage. They wrecked it, and they are willing to make it worse, in order to get back in charge. Sickening, but VERY real. Just look at the facts...

and inclination, here is an excellent 'refudiation' of a typical Texas redneck congressman who is a 'birther' and makes many unsubstatiated claims, including 'Obama is God's revenge on America'. Anderson Cooper is remarkably calm as he rips him a new asshole. Listen and learn about Texas politics... http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2010/12/01/anderson_cooper_birther/index.html

it all makes sense. NEVER has the TSA found a domestic terrorist! The underwear bomber and shoe bomber were foreign nationals, with obvious anti-US tendencies, BUT, the TSA has made our lives miserable, and MUCH more expensive, as they feel up grannies traveling from Denver to Salt Lake City. Doesn't make sense? Oh, but it does, as you see who is profitting. The entire Homeland Security System, set up to profit Bush's buddies, has changed our lives forever. A somewhat good idea, that went totally ballistic. Just follow the money,whenever you wonder what's really going on. A few people are making HUGE profits (like Michael Chertoff) as we wait in lines. Show me where I'm wrong...

the news tonight, I see my favorite nonpolitician speaking. If I could place someone in power, for MY country, and the future of my loved ones, it would undoubtedly be Colin Powell. A registered Repub, but someone who has shown he 'gets it'. Does anyone else see this?

we are left with, after the cowboy prez, is trying to 'nation build' with a bunch of illiterate, corruption prone Afghans. SURPRISE, it ain't gonna work. After W enriched his big oil and defense buddies, we are left with the bill and the consequences. Does anyone think we can win in Afghanistan, outside of FOXNews disciples, that is? Duh, it's a money pit, where we pay and the Bush buddies profit. Some things never change...

this time of year you often get the urge to share with those less fortunate, but you're not sure how. I've looked around quite a bit and this is my favorite. https://seasontoshare.giveo.com/ , for several reasons. All donations are matched, at 50 cents on the dollar, by the McCormack foundation, which also pays all administrative costs. Contributions stay local and are divied up among many worthwhile causes, mostly child oriented. From all the research I've done, they are just the best, AND, they don't keep hitting you up again, like some charities. 'Tis the season to share, and this is a good place to do it, in my humble opinion.

FOXNews, is coming down hard on Obama (surprise!) cuz he wants millionaires to pay an extra 4% on income over a million dollars/year, and he wants a price freeze for gov't employees, BUT, they are totally against deficit spending. Seem stupid to you? Of course, unless you are a Repub/FOXNews fan, then you just close your brain and 'baaaaa' your support.

Thanksgiving get together at Nate and Laura's this year. Piper wasn't quite used to all the people in HER house and took a little while to 'welcome' everyone, but she came around, shortly. With 2 sets of grandparents, 7 aunts and uncles, plus guests, it was a few more faces than she was used to, but, once she realized there were lots of goodies and no shortage of people to spoil her, all was well. The hosts provided the main course and guests brought piles of food, enough for left-overs for all to take, BUT, in one of the worst catastrophes of modern time, Carol and I didn't get any turkey, in our take-home. Can't tell you how it happened or how disappointed I was when I went to the fridge, and nada. I think I had tears in my eyes, but tried to hide it, as Ted and Kari came over and we watched CU take their final beating from Nebr, before they both change conferences. The good news? Couldn't get my (CU) bet in with Vegas Tolly, so that saved me something. Th...

can't patrol the border, cuz they are too busy busting 77 year old Willie Nelson with pot, AGAIN. They got nothing better to do than stop and search his tour bus? Sorta like shooting fish in a barrel for the Keystone Cops of Texas. Good job, guys, keeping the public safe by putting Willie in jail for smokin' weed. Bet they went out and got drunk to celebrate.

that didn't realize that South Africa was a country, comes Sarah's latest gaffe. "We have to stand behind our North Korean allies", she said on FOX, after saying she wouldn't appear on any 'biased networks'. Yup, presidential material if I ever saw it...

if you don't have a clue, politically. This morning, on FOXNews, Sarah announced she wasn't gonna waste time on biased news outlets, like ABC with Katie Couric and her 'gotcha' interview. If you remember, Katie had the unmitigated gall to ask Ms Palin what, or which newspapers she read, and Sarah couldn't think of one. THAT was unforgivable, SO, Sarah announced on FOX, that bastion of impartiality,  that whe wouldn't appear on biased news networks. If that didn't make you laugh out loud, you just ain't payin' attention, or you just don't have a clue.

but still not easy. Dad called and said mom, (86 yr old) passed out for 20 mins and ambulance took her to hospital. Will let y'all know when/what I know.

has always seemed like the logical way to explain how our gov't works, SO, as the TSA bigwigs grow rich, it only makes sense to look at who profits. This is an easy one. Michael Chertoff, former Bush administration head of Homeland Security is a lobbyist for Rapiscan, who, with his clout, was awarded a $173 million contract to provide the scanners.The NY Post has a good story this morning describing the neferious role of Michael Chertoff, the former head of Homeland Security, who, like Rudy Guiliani, makes big bucks consulting on counter-terror strategies.

while the kids go see the new Harry Potter. Tough duty, having to play with Piper for a few hours. This was part of the 'hat on, hat off, game. What a cutie. She really amazed me how she could put puzzles together. Been watching 'Raising Hope' on TV, to learn how to be better grandparents, and I think it's working.

for Carol's softball pic, I came across this one, which Ranny requested earlier, from a 'bonfire night' when Carol (on the left) was a cheerleader, at Kearney State. Sorry, just don't have many pics that survived from those days. I barely did, myself.

if I were in charge, cuz it's not right to collect unemployment 'forever' and alot of these people have been doing it for 2 years, but the timing kinda sucks. One of the first things the new Repub House of Reps did was to cut off unemployment benefits, as of Nov 30th. I'm sure some of the recipients were milking the system, but, the truth is, after the disaster of the Bush presidency, there's just not many jobs out there. As I said, not sure what's right, but many families just got their safety net pulled out from under them, at the same time the Repubs are fighting to keep the tax breaks in effect for multi-millionaires.

the trouble of asking, (see previous post) here's a pic (of a pic) of Carol in her Rogue uniform.

reminds me of a story. MANY years ago, when we first moved to Colorado, pre-children, Carol, being the excellent athlete she is, was invited to play on a women's softball team. Ron's Rogue's were well sponsored with all their fees paid and had really nice red and gray uniforms. And they were good. We didn't realize why, at first, but after a while it became obvious that Tammie and Carol were about the only 'straight' girls on the team. One of the better players, we'll call her Terri M, cuz that's her name, could hit, run and throw sorta like a guy. Over the years I got to know and like her, cuz, 'not that there's anything wrong with it'. Fast forward many years, and we were in Central City/Blackhawk at the casinos one night, and who walks through, dressed like a biker guy, stoned on her ass, with a cute little chick in tow? Terri M, who hadn't changed all that much. A few years later, (last year), Carol and I were going through DIA, catch...

about it, gotta tell you about 'Due Date', where Carol and I laughed a LOT. Zach Galafianakis is SO funny, and Robert Downey Jr is always fun to watch, but they were over the top in this one, sort of a remake of 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles'. Sometimes it got kinda sad, as the story hit too close to reality, but then they'd jolt you back to the comedy. Nothing is off limits or too risque, (well, almost) as Ethan and Peter travel across the country together. Bottom line, a lotta laughs. Couldn't figure out all the kids camped out in the lobby, til we noticed alot of them were in costume, Harry Potter costumes, for the show at 12:01 tonight. Looking forward to that one, too.

the American electorate is hopelessly stupid, Lisa Murkowski wins an historic write-in victory over Sara's personal pick in Alaska, where they know Palin the best.  AND, I found out how Bristol is surviving on 'Dancing'. Seems the Tea Partiers found a glitch where they can vote repeatedly, by using fake e-mail addresses, and they overwhelmed the system, (cuz these people vote, not intelligently, but overwhelmingly) Not surprising, but one guy in Wisconsin was so upset by the Bristol's 'success' he blew out his TV with a shotgun, and got arrested. Poor Bristol. Must be pretty embarrassing to have to keep going through the charade that she is a great dancer, when it is SO obvious that she's not.

I've never blogged about it, that I can remember, BUT, I've never had the 6-pack sampler from Grand Lake Brewing Co, before. Amazing, if you like really good, unique, beer. Don't wanna overdo it, but, this is good stuff. At least 3 different beers, out of the 6, are 'above and beyond'. Can't explain it, but if you have a chance to try it..... Grand Lake Brewing Co, the highest brewing co in the world. 'It's all down hill from here'. So true...

makes fun of Prince William and Kate, BUT, actually, I love the fact there is some romance in the world today, as compared to all the bad news. What a lovely couple. Excuse me, if I'm not cynical enough, but I love the diversion, from all the negative stuff. Go for it, kids...

one of my favorite bands to travel with, and where I had some of my most memorable memories, was 'The Who'. Great concerts, and really interesting guys. Keith Moon, Daltry, Entwhistle, and Pete Townsend, who I actually kinda knew, cuz I talked w/him several times. BUT, what I'm thinking and saying here, is their song, 'Won't Get Fooled Again', with 'Meet the new boss, same as the old boss', is relevant today, as that's what it's all about. After all these years, it's the same ol' shit. Dems vs. Repubs, who really cares, cuz there's not that much difference in 'em. Some things never change, but in those days, the music was much better...

with everyone who knows him. Richard, a Viet Nam vet, was the shortstop on our men's and coed softball teams for MANY years, and now lives in CA. Just saw him this summer when he flew back for Tammie's 50th. Hey there folks, Well I finally got an opportunity to go on my first cruise. I signed up for the Mexican Riviera for 7 days aboard the Carnival Splendor. Yes siree bob, I was on that cruise ship that was stranded and helpless off the coast of Mexico and made the headline news.When the fire broke out and shorted everything, the ship shuddered and lost speed. The cruise director, John, came over the PA system and calmed everyone down. Throughout Monday they tried to fix it so we had power but the damage was too extensive. They officially terminated the cruise that night. We didn't have any power, electricity, the toilets wouldn't flush, no water, no lights, no cell tower to use our cell phones, no hot food. We were totally helpless and drifting 60 miles out of our c...

Everywhere you look, and even where I don't look, as in all over FOXNews, there he is. Dubya is out there, pushing his new book, where he tries to put a new spin on the most disastrous presidency of modern time. He smirks as he says he has no 2nd thoughts. Oh really. Doesn't surprise me, cuz he never had a clue in the first place. He addresses torture, which, in his words was waterboarding 3 people, but blows off all the electrical, hot/cold, food/water deprivation, etc, he OK'd, and blows off the oil prices, the lies involved in attacking Iraq, and complicity in changing financial rules. And according to him, the recession, 'just happened', but he saved us. Am sick of seeing his face every time I turn on the tube. Crawl back in your hole, George, and just hope our country can survive the time you 'served' us, (up to the oil companies).

http://www.aolnews.com/world/article/deadly-explosion-at-grand-riviera-princess-hotel-in-playa-del-carmen-mexico/19716152 The lobby of an all-inclusive resort, the Grand Riviera Princess, near Playa del Carmen blew up today, killing 7 and injuring many others, mostly Canadians. It seems it was a build up of 'swamp gas', or something similar, but not natural gas, used only in the kitchen. It blew out the windows of nearby resorts. Have never stayed at that particular resort, but have stayed at many, right in that area. Pretty scary.

to the football game at Colo School of Mines, yesterday, when they played Univ Nebr at Kearney, in Golden, for the conference championship. Would have been nice to be w/Nate, Ted and the crew at a small time version of college sports, where tickets were $8, and a beer and hot dog well under $5. While we watched CU beat Iowa St, under their new coach, the game in Golden went into 3 OT's w/the Miners winning 53-51. Would have been a great one to see. Maybe Carol could have worn her old cheerleader's outfit.

that we have to purchase a channel, on cable TV, to watch the Buffs, today, but we did. Just in time to see them go ahead of Iowa St., who just last week went into overtime before they were beaten by a good Nebraska team. Would love to see my old classmate, Bryan Cabral, the CU interim coach, turn the team around, and see the Buffs play some serious football.  Heard the announcers brag about Boulder, saying it is located 'somewhere between the Rockies, and reality'. Go Buffs!

that Bush actually wrote his book did they?  BUT, MSNBC shows, this morning, a bunch of 'his' quotes were stolen, from the likes of John McCain, Tommie Franks, Bob Woodward, Hamid Karzai, etc. When you're as sharp as a bag of wet leather, I guess you gotta get your 'quotes' somewhere, other than the huge volumes of W's 'misquotations' and blunders that they could have chosen from.

Carol, and I guess lots of other people, like to watch "Dancing with the Stars". As a publicity gimmick, that really worked, they added Bristol Palin as a contestant. Fine, but they oughta keep it a dancing show, based on talent, not a popularity contest where her mother's backers can flood the show with votes and keep her on. It's not that it looks like she's enjoying herself. Each week, she clomps across the stage, doing her well rehearsed, robotic moves, looking like she just swallowed a toad. She cries during interviews about being away from home. Poor kid. I don't have anything personal against her, BUT, when Kurt Warner and Rick Fox, who can actually dance, get sent home, and miss thunder thighs stumbles on, puh-lease... First of all, she's not a star, and 2nd, she's not a good dancer, but I guess she is cashing in on the family name, which you really can't blame her for doing.

most Americans, 52%, have an UNfavorable view of Sarah Palin. My first reaction was, right on!, but the more I think about it, I'm not that negaative toward her. She's good looking, fairly intelligent, and is a great capitalist. My problem is with people who think she's presidential material. Are you sh****ng me? Where would anyone get that idea, other from FOXNews, etc? One thing I DO hate about her, is her voice, as she screeches, 'Who loves their freedom, huh, who loves their freedom?', then waits for the sheep to cheer. Like fingernails on a chalkboard. Hot former governor, fast buck artist, yes. Presidential material? RU kidding?

as I read the paper this morning, skimming a review of 'Bad Religion', who played locally, last night. Had just spoken w/Kari about the band last week, though I haven't heard them, that I know of, and saw a quote from the leader, Greg Graffin saying, 'religion is such an easy target', but I didn't realize how easy, until I teamed up with Steve Olson'. No shit. Seems he co-wrote a book, 'Anarchy Evolution', that debunks lots of modern religious dogma. No big deal, but was kinda surprised to see my name in print, this morning, as he said. One example might be our song I Want Something More. The lyrics discuss how we as humans struggle to form our world view. That is why religion was such an easy target — not to tear it down, but to identify its fatal flaws. Hmmm, must be something about the name, Steve Olson, that stirs profound thinking.

If the parties were ideologically pure, the battles would be easier to understand. But considering that it was a Republican president who doubled the national debt and a Democratic one who tripled the number of troops in Afghanistan, each party should save the lectures on how its opponent has a monopoly on bad policies.

I mentioned that the former leader of Germany called Bush a liar, for saying Germany would support W's invasion of Iraq. His top aide also joined in today, saying, "We noticed that the intellectual reach of the president of the most important nation at the time was exceptionally low," Uwe-Karsten Heye, who was Schroeder's spokesman at the time, told German news channel N24, according to the Telegraph. "For this reason, it was difficult to communicate with him. He had no idea what was happening in the world. He was so fixated on being a Texan." SOO, I'm not the only one who noticed?

One: This traffic helicopter is up in the same place, EVERY day, and they'd never seen anything like it. Two. Look close, when they magnify the image, and you can see fire shooting out from the back, NOT like an airliner. Three. If the gov't can lie to us, they WILL. I don't pretend to know what it is, BUT, I know, based on prior experience, I don't trust the gov't to tell us the truth.

I bought a new Chevy Avalanche And returned to the dealer yesterday because I couldn't get the radio to work. The salesman explained that the radio was voice activated. 'Nelson,' the salesman said to the radio.The radio replied, 'Ricky or Willie?' Willie!' he continued and 'On The Road Again' Came from the speakers. Then he said, 'Ray Charles!', and in an instant ' GeorgiaOn My Mind' replaced Willie Nelson. I drove away happy, and for the next few days, Every time I'd say, 'Beethoven,' I'd get beautiful classical music, and if I said, 'Beatles,' I'd get one of their awesome songs. Yesterday, some guy ran a red light And nearly creamed my new truck, but I swerved in time to avoid him. I yelled, 'Ass Hole!' Immediately the radio responded with, Which one, Rush Limbaugh, Glen Beck, or Sarah Palin? Damn I love this truck...

Bush Lying, Says Ex-German Leader By: CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney (CNN) -George Bush's memoir only hit bookshelves Tuesday, but already one prominent ex-world leader says the former president isn't being truthful when it comes to his description of a 2002 conversation about the possible use of force in Iraq. Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who left office in 2005, is disputing a passage in Bush's new book that claims Schroeder privately offered the president full-fledged support in 2002 should he decide to invade Iraq. "The former American president is not telling the truth," Schroeder said Tuesday according to the German newspaper Der Spiegel. Bush would lie about Iraq ( and other stuff)? Knock me over with a feather... See the whole article, here, http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/10/ex-german-chancellor-accuses-bush-of-untruths-in-memoir/#more-134656

this evening, about pastors (who had their voices disguised and faces 'fuzzed' out), in the Bible belt who had 'lost their faith', but still preached, cuz they couldn't find another job. They explained how, as they read the bible, they realized all the 'inconsistencies', and they wrestled with their consciences, and felt guilty, but didn't know what else to do. They said they knew of many others like them, who were afraid to say what they thought, for fear of being ostracized. Pretty interesting story.

I was included as Carol watched Oprah, today, and guess who was there, trying to change history again? That's right, Dubya was saying how he was 'blindsided' by the economic turndown, (his words) BUT, he saved us from a depression. OH REALLY. This huge recession, 'just happened' during his watch, but he saved us with TARP. What a bunch of bullshit, but people were eating it up. He actually looked like a caricature of himself, some SNL impression of GW Bush, as when he laughed, his shoulders bounced up and down and head remained still.  The audience had to be hand picked to applaud at the right places, as they actually acted like they believed he had 'written' the piece of propaganda called 'Decison Points'. His ghost writers had a hell of a job, but they were pretty good, as he ducked and dodged around the damage he caused our country. Was kinda funny and sad, frustrating and maddening, at the same time. Bottom line, he damn near wrecked us, and as t...

enjoying the huge flakes of the first snowfall, I'm reading one of Carol's catalogues and enjoying some of the stuff you can get printed on t-shirts, or whatever: Inside every old person there's a young one wondering, What the Hell Happened? Some people say I have a bad attitude, Screw Them If you met my family, you would Understand In dog beers, I've only had One Sarcasm, just one more service I provide Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups Ha Ha, I'm retired and you're not I'll have a caffe mocha vodka valium latte to go, please Just be happy I'm not a Twin I love the nights I can't remember with friends I can't forget Behold, Fartacus I'm not sure if I found a rope or lost my horse Obviously it's a boring, but very beautiful, afternoon. Just glad I'm not out driving in it.

was finally sacked, after years of speculation. Dan Hawkins was officially fired as football coach at CU. Seems the final straw was last Sat, when CU blew a 28 point lead in the 4th quarter. What seemed totally inexplicable at the time, as he kept calling for pass plays, when the Buffs should have been sitting on a comfortable lead, made sense in retrospect, as it was obvious he was trying to get a passing record for his son Cody before he was sacked as coach. The interim coach is Bryan Cabral, a '78 grad, who was a Rec Therapy classmate of mine. We did several 'projects' together before he went on to be a linebacker in the NFL and then returned as an ass't coach for the Buffs. Will be interesting to see who the new coach will be, with lots of speculation about former nat'l champ coach Bill McCartney, and Dave Logan who has been a very successful high school coach, on the local level, as well as an excellent broadcaster. I'd vote for Logan, myself, BUT, at ...

what I said about Bush, being human, as I watch his interview with Matt Lauer on TV, tonight. He is the same smirking, lying bastard that earned his place in the inner ring of hell. As just a small part of his trying to justify the disaster of his presidency, he explains how Saddam killed 5,000 civilians, but dismisses the fact that he killed over 100,000, as he tries to overlook the damage he did, to us and the world. May he roast forever, if you believe in that kind of stuff.

as I watch W 'come out' and try to change history, that I hate him a little less than I used to. Not that I ever saw him as an evil genius, but, I see him more as being used, by his dad and Cheney, the Big Oil guys, and Rumsfeld, the Big Defense guy, who made billions for their businesses as they used the yokel they installed in the White House. However, I can't believe Dubya was as stupid as he seemed, as he was led down the path, toward wrecking a country. He HAD to know, even as dense as he seems. Still, am starting to see him as somewhat human, as he struggles to remake his legacy, as the worst president EVER, who took a record surplus and turned it into a record deficit, and left our country limping toward disaster.

The weatherman is forecasting an end to our 70 degree days, and saying rain turning to snow, tomorrow. Yuck. Has been so nice, for so long, that I've really gotten used to it. Guess it couldn't last forever, though.

for doing something 'sorta' right. In Dubya's new book, he explains how mad Dick was, for a long time, cuz Darth Vader wanted his buddy Scooter, pardoned.  After Joe Wilson and Valerie Plame were villified for saying Saddam had no WMD's, Cheney and pals went after them for telling the truth, which meant the prez and his buddies were lying. Scooter Libby was the front man, and rec'd 30 months after a trial proved his (their) guilt. Cheney was REAL pissed that Bush didn't pardon him, which he didn't do, as that would have been TOO obvious, even for the Bushie crowd. He did commute his sentence and restored all retirement benefits, etc, SO, what was the big punishment, for Libby, not to mention for the Bush crowd that KNOWLINGLY lied to start a war?

and real close to Nate and Laura's, is the small town of Nederland, CO, home of Lake Eldora Ski Resort, Caribou Ranch recording studio, Barker Reservoir, and some unique local businesses, according to this article this morning. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/08/us/politics/08pot.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha22 Interesting little town.

on November 7, 2000, the presidential election pitting Al Gore against George W. Bush morphed into the legal recount contest ultimately titled Bush v. Gore . After Gore got the most popular votes, the election was decided by W's brother's state and his dad's supreme court. Alas, what could have been. Maybe Gore wouldn't have ignored the info about Bin Laden and 9-11. He probably would not have invaded Iraq, after Afghanistan, then allowed torture, and run up the price of oil, and allowed the financial markets to change the rules for 'liar loans' and eventually wreck our economy. Wow! Only ten years ago, but what a ten years it has been, after Bush profitted from the spoils of his family's politcal power.

In his deftly crafted and utterly selective new memoir, W is the president we all wished him to be: compassionate, bipartisan, funny, charming, instinctive, independent, able to admit and learn from mistakes. Heck, after I finished reading it, I was ready to vote for the guy. Read it all, here.  http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/opinion/07dowd.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha211 He liked being 'The Decider' but wasn’t interested in the unglamorous part of decisions, the due diligence required before you plunge into wars that can break the military.

I prefer to concentrate on the similarities between John Boehner and Obama. Both are passionate golfers, addicted to cigarettes, have two daughters and were raised by a single mom and their grandparents, and... finally,,, drumrollll... They are both dark complected. Let's hope they can find a way to work together for all of us. Ha, I doubt it.