VETERANS DAY

I posted this video a while back, but wanted to again just in case you missed it. There aren't really words to express my gratitude to all our Veterans. "Thank you" just doesn't seem to do it, but that's what we've got. Thank you one and all from the bottom of my heart.

BLUE, BLUE, BLUE, BLUE...

Okay, this is a photo of President George W. Bush and President-Elect Hussein at the White House today. I'm wondering if this was planned? It's almost like a stinkin' fold-over "left and right comparison deal" (I know there's a real name for that, but I just don't know what it is).

I guess I'm probably reading too much into this, but both of these guys showed up wearing Navy Blue suits, white shirts, blue neckties, and something that looks like an American Flag lapel pin...not sure, but that's what I suspect it is.

There are only two differences here. One is that W had dark hair when he took office, and now he's as gray as his wonderful Momma. Hussein is still dark-haired...give him a week or two of intelligence briefings.

And, while Hussein's necktie is solid blue, W's blue tie is polka-dotted. I would have liked for W to be able to wear a "red" necktie. But he can't. His administration has not really represented us "red state" conservatives. I guess a polka-dotted blue tie is just about right.

SORRY???

Well, it seems that President-Elect Hussein has apologized to Nancy Reagan for his "off handed" remarks during his first press conference since the election, accusing her of seances in the White House.

I'm pretty sure that his handlers had to explain to him why he should apologize for slapping an old lady like he did. I don't believe for one minute that Hussein has any remorse, regret, or realization of how wicked this kind of stuff is. That big smirk, and self-loving smile when he said it tipped his hand. It is really easy to pick on Joe the Plumber, or even old ladies when you've got an adoring media, accomplices in State agencies, and Secret Service Agents surrounding you. He is a true jerk. He is riding high now, and really does believe that his dookie smells good.

I can just envision a press conference...

March 15, 2009:

President Hussein: "David Gregory, my buddy from NBC...whacha' wanna ask?"

Gregory: "Mr. President, The Washington Post reported yesterday that in an interview with CNN the First Lady, when asked how she was 'settling in at the White House,' answered 'Well, I feel more like Sally Hemings than Eleanor Roosevelt.' This has created a firestorm on talk radio, in the blogosphere, and on the real newscasts on the networks at 6. What do you say about this uproar?"

President Hussein: "Well, uh...uh...the First Lady was misunderstood...uh...taken out of context...uh...tired from dealing with the children...uh...misunderstood...uh...well at least Michelle's not a drunk like Betty Ford, and she doesn't have a fat butt or throw idiot chimpies like Barbara Bush...and uh...she doesn't have keg legs like Hillary...or uh...make those stupid white folks cakes like Dolly Madison...and uh...uh...next question!

SUNDAY IN BROOKLYN...

I've decided not to be "down" today about LSU's loss. This one always does it for me.

Brooklyn isn't all a crime-laden wasteland. They've got a big old church there, with a kickin' choir!

The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir -

EYE IS ALL BETTER...TIGERS AREN'T!

Well, I watched yesterday with one rusty eye as the #1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide beat my beloved LSU Tigers in overtime. I guess the "Eye of The Tiger" was just as rusty as mine.

It is starting to get frustrating to see my team go out-play the opposition, but still lose. This is the second "big game" that we've thrown away with interception returns, and quite frankly just bad passing.

Lee is a fine young man. He's just not ready to play at the SEC level yet. He'll get there. I just hope that all his weapons aren't playing on Sunday by the time he does...

But my eye is all better! I woke up this morning with no pain, swelling, or redness. It's a beautiful, cool morning with forecast for a nice warm afternoon. The birds are singing, God is in His Heaven, and we really need a quarterback...

RUSTY EYE...

Literally, I've got a rusty eye. I was changing some faucets in one of Dad's old apartments yesterday evening, and a bunch of old cruddy rust fell in my left eye while I was taking the old ones off.

I hate it when that happens. By the time I got finished my eye was red and trying to swell up. I don't know why, I didn't do anything but rub it every 10 seconds for about half an hour.

Well, The Mrs. used some eye wash on it when I came back in, and it's some better today. But it ain't right yet. I knew I should have made The Mrs. go do that plumbing (she wears goggles when she's plumbing). But she was busy cleaning out the gutters and cooking dinner, so I gave her a break.

Dangit! I might have to watch my beloved LSU Tigers play that miserable, good for nothing, no talent, stiff-kneed bunch of pea pies from Alabama this afternoon with one eye closed.

I guess that's not so bad. Sadly, it might be better to watch it with both eyes closed...

NO HONEYMOON FOR ME!

Ben Smith at The Politico reports on President-Elect Barack Hussein Obama, during his first news conference as the "unifying President."

"Obama says he's spoken to all the former presidents -- Carter, Bush, Clinton, as well as the current Bush -- and, looser than he's been in months, dares a joke at the expense of the most recently deceased.

"I have spoken to all of them who are living," he says. "I didn’t want to get into a Nancy Regan thing about doing any seances," he says."

No "benefit of the doubt" is coming from me for this low-class jerk. Yea, go ahead and pick on a plumber from Ohio...but an old lady in her twilight years??? What a jackass! I hope Ron Jr. is proud to have supported such a classy dude. If he had slapped at my Momma like that...well...I'd sick The Mrs. on him!!!

MAYBE WORSE THAN BUSH DERANGEMENT SYNDROME...

I have watched for almost eight years as millions of liberals have truly become deranged because of their hatred for President Bush. I won't go into it, 'cause y'all all know about it. But I will say real quick that "hatred" will chew your guts up, change your outlook on life, and only attract other "haters" to you...IT AIN'T WORTH IT!

But I've come across a new "derangement syndrome" that might be worse than BDS. It's SDS. Saban Derangement Syndrome.

Those of y'all that visit this blog know that I'm a life-long, village idiot LSU Tiger football fan. Being one, there are certain rules I have to follow. And rule number one is that I have to hate every other team in the Southeast Conference...it's a rule. Now, I'm one to follow rules, so I hate all of them. But I, like most LSU fans, only hate the other team just during the week heading up to our game against them...or maybe longer if we get screwed by the worthless, cheating refs who got paid by our opponents to screw us.

But we don't hold on to that hate very long. We just refocus our hate to the next opponent. I forgot to mention...that's rule number two.

But I've seen something in these last two years that really troubles me. There is a real derangement syndrome that has taken over many of my fellow LSU fans. There is an unhealthy hatred of Nick Saban, the coach of those worthless Alabama Crimson Tide football players. It might be even worse than BDS.

When Nick Saban left LSU to coach Miami in the NFL, everybody understood. But when he went right back to coach our SEC rival Alabama, a hatred of Nick grew up like I've never seen. Within days websites were selling "Suck Faban" T-shirts...and there was some stuff even more ugly than that (which I will not mention).

There is a bonfire scheduled tonight on the campus where they're gonna burn an (let me get my word book...) effigy of Nick Saban. Now, that's headed over into BDS territory. It's unhealthy!

When the #1 ranked Crimson Tide rolls into Death Valley tomorrow to face our just average Tigers, there will be a deafening roar of hatred...not your regular LSU fan hatred...something dangerous. I mean, I would like to watch that earthquake machine to see how many numbers it gets up to in Baton Rouge. But it's unhealthy.

I have a hard time working up hate for Nick Saban. Saban is a fine man, and one great football coach. He did a fine job at Michigan State, built a steamroller of a program at LSU, and is in the process of doing the same thing in Tuscaloosa. He knows what's important, and what's not. He is one of the greatest recruiters ever...he's the kinda guy that parents want their boys to play for.

Why the hatred of Nick? Nick gave us one National Championship, and left us with a team that went on to win another one. Nick envisioned an academic support center for athletes, spearheaded the effort, and even gave $50,000 of his own money to it...

Nick is a fine man, a good husband and father, was a classy representative of LSU, and is beloved by darn near every young man that ever played for him.

Can my beloved Tigers beat 'Bama tomorrow? Yep! I knew we couldn't beat Florida. I thought we could beat Georgia (we outplayed 'em, but still lost). I know we can beat Alabama. I've watched them play a couple of games, and they're really not as good as their #1 ranking. Don't get me wrong, they're good...but not #1. But give Nick a couple more years.

Do I hate Alabama? Of course I do! We play 'em tomorrow...it's a rule! They're a worthless bunch of good for-nothing, stupid, low-life navel gazers who couldn't find the end zone with GPS.

Oh yea...their cheerleaders are a bunch of skags, too! Fact is the boy cheerleaders are prettier than the gals.

Do I hate Nick Saban? No. I will at 2:30 tomorrow afternoon...but not until then, and not by Saturday night.

AUTISM...

I'm ignorant when it comes to the truth about autism. But I do have a son that has been diagnosed with a mild form of autism called Asperger's Syndrome. If you are interested you can read the Wik take on it here.

We knew very early on that there was something very different about our 4th son. His brothers were 16, 14, and 7 when he was born...so we had a good bit of experience raising children. No "panic" from young parents here. We just knew that something was very different. The Mrs. used to joke, "well...it WAS an old egg."

He has struggled socially, and physically. The treatment for Aspergers is mostly social therapy (helping him understand how important it is to speak to others, not be afraid of asking questions, and encouraging him not to "withdraw" in unfamiliar situations or if his "routine" has been disrupted).

It also involves physical therapy. Asperger kids are very clumsy, and don't develop physical skills as quickly as others. But they are quirky. They can be very good at "odd" physical things, but not good at all at "normal" physical things.

My son is 12 years old now, and ambidextrous. He is equally awkward with both hands. If you throw him a ball he can't catch it. And he is just as likely to throw it back with either hand. If you kick him a soccer ball, he will use either foot to kick it back. I have tried with 3 different bicycles as he has grown to teach him to ride a bicycle. We have gotten so close...but dangit...he just can't seem to separate the right brain from the left to get the pedaling down...we've gotten close...maybe one day.

He has always twirled his toys in his hands. He found a piece of pvc pipe and an elbow in the garage one day when he was about 8 and began to twirl it in his fingers (like he twirled his action figures). For Christmas that year his brothers gave him a box full of 3/4" pvc pipes cut in different lenghts, and 90 & 45 degree pvc elbows. It is fascinating to watch. His brain knows exactly which length of pipe and which elbows he needs to put together to make the perfect balance for "twirling" on a particular day.

He twirls his pipes from the time he wakes up until he heads out the door for school. He drops his pipes when he walks out the door...and picks them right back up when he gets home. He understands that he can't have them at school. He has challenges at school that I think his "pipes" might help him through, but he has matured enough that he doesn't need them. But he still finds some mental comfort twirling his pipes. He does well in school. His first report card in Middle School sported 5 A's, 1 B, and 1 C...the C was due to not turning in homework...we're working on that.

We are very blessed that our son's autism is mild, and will most likely not hamper his future. He may always need some extra help...but he is so sweet, unassuming, and intelligent. He will make it! He passes milestones. He is way behind the curve in so much, but far ahead of it in others. He will make it...

Is autism on the rise?

A blog that I frequent ran a story from the Pacific Northwest that links autism to counties there that have more precipitation. I don't know...could be. There are hundreds of theories as to why autism seems to be so prevalent.

But I have my suspicions that autism is really not on the rise. The last figures I heard were that 1 in 140 US children are autistic (autism has a very broad definition with many different syndromes involved). Think back to when you were in school. My high school had about 1,200 students. I know that there were at least 9 or 10 kids that were considered "weird." You know...they had trouble fitting in...were awkward at sports...withdrew from crowds, etc.

In those days severely autistic kids just didn't go to school. They were kept at home, or in an institution. But those 9 or 10 "iffy" kids went to school, never being diagnosed with any particular syndrome. They were just "weird."

Maybe you went to a small elementary school in a rural area. Maybe the school had 140 students. Surely, there was "that one kid" that was very odd...much different from the others. Perhaps "that one kid" was autistic. My theory is that there have always been "1 in 140." Maybe even more. We are just now recognizing the various syndromes, and trying to treat them.

One theory on the rise of autism has to do with childhood vaccinations. My 12 year old was not vaccinated as a child. There was a huge controversy over vaccinations when our last two boys were born, and we opted out. There may be some compounding of autism caused by vaccinations, but the jury is out. My opinion is that autism has always been with us, and is probably no more prevalent today than it was when Jesus walked the planet.

I'll close this by saying that The Mrs.' joke about "old eggs" could be more true than not. Many, many women are waiting until their late 30's and 40's to have children. If there is an increase in autism it is possible that she's right. But certainly, many young mothers bear autistic children.

So, my conclusion is the same as my opening...I'm ignorant when it comes to the truth about autism.

McCAIN DEFEATS OBAMA!!!

Looking back at this election cycle, as an optimist I can say, "The Glass is a Quarter Full!" When I see the vote tallies, I realize that probably only 1/4 of the US population is truly conservative.

When I see that several million more citizens chose a Marxist over an American hero...and consider that most of the felons, illegal aliens, and people not engaged enough to even care probably would have voted Obama, I realize how hard the climb is going to be.

But McCain did win. Though he's not a conservative, and this conservative voted for him in self defense, I want to commend him. He won because he held true to himself. His campaign was the worst since GHW Bush's second, but it was "his" campaign. McCain determined early on that it wasn't going to be personal...no Rev. Wright, etc. He determined not to get down in the gutter with the Dems. He held true to his pledge to use public financing while the liar Obama broke his. He remained true to himself, while the liar Obama roamed all over the map. (Truthfully, I don't think Obama yet knows himself well enough to decide what to be true to.)

Did it cost John the election? I don't know...but probably not. What cost John the election is the fact that he's not a conservative, therefore unable to articulate conservatism and alert the public to the dangers of liberalism.

As for me, I will always look back at this election as a "win" for McCain...and I pray not a "loss" for the nation.

AN HONOR...

Well, Barack Hussein Obama is now our President-Elect. I've got to admit that I am surprised. I had just refused to believe the polls ahead of the election. I was not willing to admit to myself that my America had swung so far left, or felt so safe in this unsafe world as to elect a man with Obama's obvious failings.

But it has, and it does.

I wish Obama success... I hope he grows into the job of Commander in Chief. I hope that he wisely uses our military to keep us safe at home, and liberate the oppressed.

But I fear that he is going to have to grow some thicker skin. A good Commander in Chief must have skin like an elephant, not an onion.

And, I wish him failure... I hope that he fails to socialize health care, to raise taxes, to shut down energy production, to pass cap and trade policies, to redistribute wealth, to appoint radical leftist judges to the Supreme Court, to re-institute "The Fairness Doctrine," to confiscate the retirement savings of US citizens, and to "fundamentally change America" as he has promised.

I pray that the realities of the job (and perhaps some wise people in Congress...I know it's a stretch) will derail his Marxist plans.

I thought about it this morning...At 49, I have had the honor of voting for four men that I consider true heroes. Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bob Dole, and now John McCain. Each of these men served their nation (and the concept of liberty) bravely. Very few of the billions of humans on this planet have had such an honor...and very few ever will.

I hope that I have such an honor again before I die...and before the Republic does.

Well...gotta get to work...

VOTED THIS MORNING...SAW SOMETHING NEW...

The polls open at 6:00 am in Louisiana. I decided to go on early and beat the crowds. I got there at 6:03, and the line was about 30 deep.

One poll worker that I know told me, "we've never opened with a line before." There are two machines in my polling place, and I only had to wait about 20 or 25 minutes. Voted McCain for President, John Kennedy for US Senate, and "no" on all 7 Constitutional amendments. (My US House race won't be decided until next month...Hurricane Gustav messed up our primary schedule).

But I saw something I've never seen before. Of the 30 or so people ahead of me in line, at least 6 of them had to be instructed by the poll workers as to how to use the machines. Take what you will from that observation.

Mac might be in trouble...

ME AND OBAMA HAVE SOMETHING IN COMMON!!!

We both fall asleep in church!

LET'S HELP THIS OLD BOY ...

...Realize his dream!

Well, I was driving on Airline Drive today (way, way too much traffic on that road) in my ratty old truck. I was about 14 deep at a red light when a truck pulled up on my right.

It was loud. It was so loud that I couldn't even hear my radio. So, I looked over and realized that I was next to a truck that was even worse than mine. I mean, this thing looked like the fellow had bought it at the U-Pull-It Auto Parts place.

I'm always (let me get my word book...) intrigued by trucks that are worse than mine. It kinda makes me feel well off.

I looked at this old boy, and I've got to tell you, he was ugly. I mean mud-fence ugly. It was one of those "when you were born, the Doctor slapped your Momma" deals. I'm sure he's real nice, but he is ugly.

So the light finally goes green, and we start to move. I could tell he wanted to get in my lane, 'cause he hung his left arm straight out...so I let him come in front of me. When he got in front of me I saw a bumper sticker on his truck (I think it was holding his tailgate on) that made me blow Dr. Pepper all over my dashboard! I laughed and laughed and laughed!

All y'all Rednecks get out there and vote tomorrow! Let's help this old boy maybe realize his dream!

THESE GUYS (AND GALS) ARE GOOD!

As an old Redneck dude that has run a couple of marathons, it is always (let me get my word book...) astounding to me how marathoners continue to improve.

The guy that won the NY City Marathon today ran it in under two hours and 9 minutes. Listen to me...that is quick! I remember when the idea of anyone finishing under 2:09:00 was considered suicidal. Now it happens regularly.

And the chick that won in the chick division ran it in under 2 hours, 24 minutes. There are some marathons run where even the winning guy doesn't break 2:24:00.

It's astounding! Marathoners are the most impressive athletes in the world (well, maybe right behind Ironman triathletes) to me.

Radcliffe, Dos Santos capture New York Marathon titles

NEW YORK (AFP) — Britain's Paula Radcliffe won her third New York Marathon crown in a blowout here on Sunday while Brazil's Marilson Gomes dos Santos won his second title on a last-mile pass of Morocco's Abderrahim Goumri.

Radcliffe won in an official time of 2hrs, 23mins 56secs with Russian Ludmila Petrova second in 2:25:43 and marathon debutante Kara Goucher third in 2:25:53.

"It was a close finish at the end with the others so it was nice to make it a little easier on my husband this time," Radcliffe said.

Dos Santos, who also won here in 2006, fell off Goumri's pace in the 21st mile but held his form and surged ahead of the Moroccan in Central Park for the victory in 2:08:43 with Goumri second for the second year in a row in 2:09:07.

DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN!

BLOOD IN THE STREETS? MAYBE THE ULTIMATE INSULT...

Okay, I know I'm just a dumb Redneck and my thoughts aren't worth much, but something has been stewing me up lately during this election cycle. That is this drumbeat from pundits, the US Press, and lefties at home and abroad that are warning of riots nationwide, should Barack Obama lose this election.

Peaceful Transfer of Power -

Western Civilization generally, and the United States most especially is built on the idea (among other things) of the peaceful transfer of power. I'm not a historian, but until the US came along it almost always took a war to "throw the bums out" of power. We came up with a better way...a civilized way...a way that respects a system, not the guy with the most firepower.

Surely, we have used force in our history to depose dictators, despots, kings, etc. But we do everything possible to leave the liberated with a governmental system that will allow them to enjoy this same reality...the peaceful transfer of power.

I wonder when I hear these warnings what in the world these idiots are thinking. I am pretty sure that in some way it is an intimidation tactic. "Hey, let's scare the crud out of the public! Let's plant a little seed in their head that might scare them more of a vote for McCain, than 4 years of a President Obama!"

And I wonder what these idiots think will happen if blood does run in the streets? Do they think John McCain will just say "Hey y'all...I'm sorry I won...okay, I GIVE! UNCLE! Okay, you can be President, Barry! Because so many violent people don't want me, I'll just let you have it!" Of course not. What will happen is that the Governors will call out the National Guard, and shut the whole mess down.

But I don't think it will happen if McCain wins. There might be a little trouble, but heck, we have a little trouble after big football games. The nation can overcome whatever minor trouble comes up pretty quickly.

The Ultimate Insult -

I'm sure that intimidation is some of it, but I think it's deeper. I think these lefties really believe deep down that black folks won't be able to control their rage if Obama is not elected. I think that deep inside they view blacks as violent, undisciplined, and stupid.

If I was black, I think I would feel like I'd been slapped in the face every time one of these jerks warns the nation of how violent I am...of how full of rage I am...of how little I care about the peaceful transfer of power, and our electoral system. I would also take note that nobody is talking about riots, rage, and "blood in the streets" if the white guy loses.

I'd be an angry black man alright! I'd be angry at these libs that pretend to be "in my corner."

The message of these libs is clear. And it might be the most insulting racial message I have heard in national politics. These people are racists. They truly believe one race to be inferior, and unable to fully understand and be committed to the system, unlike their fellow white citizens. I've known forever that racism's heartbeat comes from the "left" in American politics.

These lefty jerks just reinforce that.

GORGEOUS AFTERNOON!

It is a beautiful November afternoon in NW Louisiana. The cold front has passed. I'm wearing shorts (I'm sure the neighbors are just thrilled).

My 18 year old son, Phillip, was obviously antsy. He decided to change the plugs on his truck, and change the oil. He's been driving it for about a week. His motorcycle is out of commission. The throttle cable broke, and he's waiting on a replacement.

I went out and "helped" him...I probably just got in his way. But it was too nice to stay inside. He's a sharp young man...and a lot of fun to visit with.

We both came in greasy. I won't have him here much longer. I'm gonna miss him.

Well, I think I'll watch the second half of the Florida/Georgia game. Florida is up 14-3 over those miserable, good for nothing, horrible excuses for football players from Georgia at halftime. I'm surprised those miserable pieces of bulldog dookie from Georgia are that close (I bet they bought a ref).

TOUGH DAY FOR AN LSU TIGER FAN...

Well, y'all know that I'm the village idiot LSU Tiger football fan. And I've had a few tough days already this season. But this is the toughest.

I knew coming into this season that there was no chance of repeating as BCS National Champs. Back in the Spring, Coach Miles threw our extremely talented quarterback, Ryan Perriloux off the team. And I'll forever be respectful of Miles for doing it. He needed to go. He was a trouble-maker, who couldn't seem to grab the concept of discipline. Though very, very talented, and well able to lead us back to The Big Game, Coach Miles made a stand for teamwork, discipline, and things that are bigger than winning football games. I think Les knew right then that it was over for this year...but he did the right thing.

We were left scrambling with young, inexperienced (though very good young men) quarterbacks. Both of these boys have taken their knocks, and I'm sure that over time they will both be great leaders...just not this year.

This is a tough day for me. LSU plays Tulane tonight. It's a game we will win, and might help us get healthy...but nothing really is at stake anymore. It's not an SEC game, and can't help us in the polls...in fact, it can hurt us if we don't go out and completely dominate The Green Wave.

But what makes this Saturday even tougher is that Florida and Georgia are playing. Both of them have a tremendous amount to gain (and lose) in this game. Florida killed us (it was a blood-bath massacre)...Georgia won on our mistakes. I'm looking forward to watching the game here in about an hour, but it's tough!

It's hard for a Tiger fan to root for any other team in the SEC...because we really, really hate all of them. So, I've had to decide which team I hate less. I've settled on the Florida Gators as the team I hate least. I really think they have a better program, better players, and definitely better-looking cheerleaders.

Georgia is still a bunch of whiny dogs...all the way up to their worthless coach Richt.

So, I'm rooting for The Gators. Besides that, I promised my buddy down in Florida that I would...he puts a lot of stock in my well-wishes. Man, it's tough to root for Florida. But I'm looking on the bright side...it's easy to root against Georgia.

BREAST CANCER...."CRAWL FOR THE CURE!"