Icicle

There is a growing icicle coming down from the roof, each day getting a little longer. The melting and refreezing of snow on the roof is creating quite the spire of ice. Since I may have to go take it down, I decided it needed a photo taken first. I would estimate its current length at about 4 feet. It has become a crystalline stalactite.

This is a twilight time picture, but it gives an unusual lighting effect to see the yellow from the incadescent bulb at the bottom gradiating into the bluish hues of the late afternoon sky and the ice itself. Add to it the reflections from the icicle creating patterns of light on the wall, and it gives you an interesting picture.

Converging Contrails

Jet contrails converging toward the airport

One morning I saw this interesting sight. Several jet contrails marking the sky, and converging toward Denver International Airport. I suppose the conditions in the atmosphere were perfect for keeping them visible for a longer time, so we end up with this view.

Pensive Kitty

Teddy pondering the meaning of life

Animals make interesting photographic subjects. This is one of my favorite pet portraits I have done. This is Teddy, one of the cats that belong to my son and his family. I caught Teddy sitting in the kitchen greenhouse window beside the plants. He is a very friendly cat, and has three "brothers"; Linksie, Betelgeuse, and Herman.

Lonely Pine

Lonely scrub pine awaiting the impending storm

This is a picture I shot back on April 1, 2006. There was a storm approaching from the west, and this pine seemingly is standing defiant, as if to say, "Bring it on! I've faced worse than you!" I also wonder about the stump beside it. Why was it taken down, while its partner lives on beside the dusty road on the Colorado prairie?

Sometimes, the most mundane and ordinary things have a story to tell, if only one stops long enough to listen and ponder.

An Interesting Storm Cloud

Supercell developing near Castle Pines - click on photo for larger view

I am going through some pictures I have archived and came across this one. I took this photo on July 12, 2004 at 7:26 PM. You can see the light from the setting sun illuminating the west (right) side of the cloud formation. From this vantage point, I am to the northwest of the storm.

Supercells can bring violent weather, including hail, heavy rain, and even tornadoes. I pulled over to the side of the road on Monarch Boulevard in Douglas County, Colorado to take this shot. To me, it appears this cloud is in the process of exploding, and offers a very interesting view of this dynamic meteorological system.

Montana's Instructions for Idiots

The state of Montana, Big Sky Country, is a vast stretch of land where winters can be brutal. Getting stranded in a blizzard can be a terrifying and life-threatening experience. So, to be helpful, the state has issued Montana's Take-Along Winter Survival Handbook, available for download as a pdf file.

This is actually a survival handbook that has a lot of great tips, but on page 20, there are instructions on how to use automobile parts to save a life. The last tip says:

• For warmth and signal, burn a tire. (Not on the car!) Release the air pressure, and use gasoline, oil, or any other means to ignite it.

Now two things here strike me as kind of dumb. First, the obvious warning to the morons of the world to not burn the tire while it is still on the car. Secondly, gasoline, oil, or any other means to ignite it? Any other means? Perhaps a pocket knife or a hubcap? Probably won't work too well.

Still, the book is a worthwhile guide to download, print, and keep in the car. Dumb warnings aside, it is a good effort.

Netscape Reaches the End of the Line

The current owners of the Netscape Navigator web browser announced today that the venerable product that popularized the World-Wide Web will no longer be updated or supported. The demise of the once market-leading browser is the end result of a long decline.

Based on the groundbreaking Mosaic, Netscape was a commercial version brought out by Marc Andreessen and others, and was at one time the top web browser in terms of technology and market share. Its decline started with the inclusion of Internet Explorer in Microsoft's Windows Operating System, the purchase of Netscape by America Online, and is today little more than a repackaging of Firefox, its open source progeny. Today, I don't think I know of anyone still using Netscape.

So Netscape morphs into just a web portal, with the browser itself being relegated to the annals of computing history. It was a good run.

Colonoscopy Update

It is a sunny, beautiful day here in Colorado, with blue skies, sunshine, and lots of snow on the ground from the storms of Christmas Day and yesterday. I am back home after the colonoscopy and am very pleased to have it over and done with. Before going into the particulars, let me say that after dreading this for years, it is really no big deal. Everyone told me the preparation was the worst part, and indeed that is true. Plus, the good news is that I have absolutely no problems, no polyps, no cancer, and there was nothing to be removed or biopsied. All the doctor did was go in and take a look around. Because of that, the procedure took only about ten minutes from the time they got started until finished; however I wouldn't know because of the sedation.

The day started by getting up at 6am to get ready to go to the hospital. After trekking through the snow via backroads to avoid the traffic jam on I-225, we arrived for check in. This is where one unpleasant surprise awaited. As it turns out that since this procedure was taking place at a hospital rather than a regular endoscopic clinic, I had to pay a $300 co-pay, rather than it being free. That "gotcha fee" almost made me walk right back out. But, after the prep and my wife's urging to stay despite our both being upset about the fee, I calmed down and went ahead with it.

The nurse took me to a room with a reclining chair in it and had me change into one of those most fashionable hospital gowns. I was allowed to keep my socks on. They then brought me some warmed blankets, hooked an IV up to my hand, and took my blood pressure, which was elevated. Shortly, a young man came in a wheel chair to get me and take me to the room for the procedure. He was very nice and explained everything to me, and showed me the colonoscope. My only concern about that machine was that the "hose" part was a bit thicker than I had hoped, being a little larger in diameter than my index finger. It has a light, a camera, surgical tools, and an air injector on the end. The air is used to open the colon so the camera can see inside. Soon, the doctor showed up and we got started.

The nurse gave me some medication (Versed and Phentanol) through the IV, to relax me and get the sedation going. I don't remember a thing until it was over, and I heard the doc saying everything looked great. Seemed like only a couple of minutes since I went under.

Soon, I was riding back home with the lovely spouse driving the car, as they don't let you drive after the medication. I was totally lucid, and since I hadn't eaten in almost two days, we went to get some lunch. I started getting very sleepy, and couldn't finish my lunch, so I brought some of it home for later. Upon arrival at the house, I couldn't help taking a nap.

So, the bottom line is this...
If you are asked to get this test...do it! It really is not a big deal at all. The fear of the unknown is the worst part, but I can tell you that it is nothing. Most important of all, it can save your life. Consider these facts:

• Colorectal cancer takes 50,000 lives in the United States every year (think about this...that's about like a 9/11 every 3 weeks!)
  
• Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for both men and women, coming in second only to lung cancer
• Someone in the country dies of the disease every 9.3 minutes
• More people die each year from colorectal cancer than to breast cancer and AIDS combined

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common, and yet preventable, cancers.

I am glad I went ahead with this. Since everything looks good, I now don't have to do it again for ten years, unless something new develops. But I can tell you this... I will not hesitate to do it again when necessary.

What a Way to End the Year

Well, this is not way to end the year. I have been fighting off a cold-like bug, and it finally has me. I rarely take any sick days off work, but today I don't feel like going in and sitting in my spacious 4x4 cubicle box. Plus, it is snowing again! We got about a foot on Christmas, and are expecting another 5 to 10 inches today. But that isn't the worst of it, so if you are queasy, you may not want to read further. This could fall into the area of "TMI", or "too much information".

Already feeling sick, I have a task to do before our current insurance runs out at the end of the month. Tonight I have to prep for the dreaded colonoscopy. I can only have clear liquids today. Then this afternoon, I have to take 4 Dulcolax tablets, and at 5 pm I have to mix a half gallon of Crystal Light with a whole bottle of Miralax. The dosage on the bottle says one capful in a drink, but I have to down the entire bottle! Holy Shit!! Literally!

I have no doubts this will be a miserable evening! Then after I am...shall we say, emptied out...I get the joy of going to the hospital tomorrow morning and getting the equivalent of a 6 foot long garden hosed snaked up to the innermost parts of my insides. The thought of all of it, from the laxatives to the colonoscope, scares the crap out of me. Well, maybe not...the laxatives will take care of that. They say the prep is the worst part, as the procedure itself is done under the influence of some drugs that take away any memory of it and compress time. Still even if I don't remember it later, I don't want to know while it is going on.

I am doing my best to go through with this by steeling my nerves for the experience. This is a baseline procedure they now recommend if you are 50 or older. Since I am turning 55 next month and never had one, I the doctors want to do it to screen for any indications of colon cancer. Oh the joys of reaching middle age.

I will have several people upset with me if I don't go through with it. My brother in Wisconsin has said he will be pissed off at me if I don't get it done, the lovely spouse will also not be happy, and my good friend in Maryland has also told me to get it done. This friend is particularly sensitive to it, as we lost a mutual friend a couple of years ago to colon and liver cancer. He was only 56. The three of us used to work together at WCBC Radio back in the 1970s.

So, I am trying hard to keep myself psyched up enough to go through with this. For JR, for Bob, for all my loved ones, and for myself. Between worrying over this and being sick, I didn't sleep well last night, and doubt I'll sleep much tonight. Tomorrow morning, we have to drive through the snow to the hospital in Aurora for an 8am check in. At 9, they'll begin, and I should be in recovery by 10. Then another hour or two for the drugs to wear off enough for me to be driven back home. So hopefully I'll get a clean report and be back home enjoying lunch by 1pm or so.

Yes, I am a big baby about medical stuff, I'll admit it. But I am also a rational human being, so logic dictates I get this done.

It's Not Always Easy Being a Dog

Please Dad...let me back in now!

Molly has a pretty good life. Easy living, all necessities provided, along with lots of love. Still, how would you like to have to go out in the snow to pee? Poor baby!

That sad little face has to be warmed up!


Ah, now that feels better, and my toy thinks so too!

Colorado Christmas Morning

White Christmas arrives in Colorado

So, the weatherman predicted light, intermittent snow showers. Well, I said earlier that I washed the car yesterday, so guess what? Yep, lots and lots of snow coming down since last night. It has been coming down nonstop. They say the odds are against snow on Christmas day, but we got it today. The only bad thing about it is I have to go out and buy some ice for the Christmas fiesta. ICE! With all this snow! Seems odd buying ice when the weather is like this.

'Twas The Night Before Christmas

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care . . .

Christmas Eve, 2007. Hard to believe it. Both the day and the year have come so fast. I still have vivid memories from childhood of my family going to Oklahoma City for the Christmas holiday. It was always Christmas Eve at my paternal grandparents' house in the Capital Hill section of OKC, then Christmas morning at the maternal grandparents' house in Bethany, Oklahoma. One thing I remember was that both sets of grandparents had at one time or another, one of those aluminum Christmas trees that were popular back in the 1960s. Since these trees were metallic, you couldn't wire them up with regular lights, but they had their own allure of a spotlight color wheel that sat on the floor beside them and projected different color of lights onto the shiny branches. The light was a spotlight with a plastic wheel of four different colors that rotated in front of it, thus constantly changing the hue of the light on the tree.

Since in those days we lived in warmer climates, it was always a treat for us kids if it snowed while we were in Oklahoma. That meant snowball fights, snowman building, and snow ice cream. Yum!

Now I am the grandpa, and it is up to me to help build lifelong memories for my grandchildren. Time moves on whether we like it or not.


Santa ornament from the USPS

Another thing I have concluded is that life is to be enjoyed, not put in a box and stored away. A perfect case in point is the above picture. A few years ago, the United States Postal Service issued a series of Christmas stamps featuring the head of Santa Claus wearing hats of four different colors. To go with these stamps, they also sold sets of ornaments matching the Santas on the stamps. At the time, I bought several sets, thinking that they might be worth something to collectors someday. Well, this year I looked on e-bay and saw that these ornaments have not increased in value. In fact, they were selling below what I paid.

So, I decided we would open them and enjoy them. Why save everything away and never get to enjoy them. Life goes by and all the good stuff gets hoarded and saved. Now the Santa ornaments adorn our tree and go well with all the other items we have on it. So I say, take out the good stuff and use it. Don't save the good dishes for company . . . family is more important than anyone, so why not share our best with those we care about?

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Flakes A'Comin' & Santa Too!

Denver 5-Day Forecast from myfoxcolorado.com

I mentioned in the last post that we have snow forecast for Christmas Day tomorrow. A few of the forecasts are wavering on that a bit, but it looks like we'll at least get some intermittent snow showers. The radar shows a nice storm to the west over Utah heading this way, so we can hope. I also washed my car today, so I imagine that'll mean we get more than we want!

Another pleasant thing was that today my employer let us leave early, allowing me to get a little last minute shopping done. Now time to clean the house up for our kiddos to arrive tomorrow for the fiesta.

On another note, Santa is already making his rounds, as it is already night in parts of the world. Remember, you can track Santa along with the good folks at NORAD by CLICKING HERE. You can see video of his progress at NORAD's You Tube page by CLICKING HERE.

He even has visited the International Space Station (see video below). This further proves Santa's magic, as you can hear the sleigh bells and his jolly "Ho, Ho, Ho!" in the vacuum of space!

Tomorrow Night Santa Makes His Rounds

How did it get to Christmas so fast? Every year it seems that once Halloween comes, the rest of the year flies by. This year it looks like it will be the kind of Christmas that Bing Crosby would have loved, as we are expecting a nice snowfall on Tuesday.

The kids will all be coming over, and that will be the best part of the holiday for me. We will be having a very non-traditional dinner, as one of my daughters-in-law doesn't like ham or turkey, so this year we decided to have a Mexican Fiesta! Feliz Navidad! We will be having chicken enchiladas, a taco and fajita bar, Mexican rice, and a virgin Margarita punch. Sounds like a nice change of pace. Who says you have to go with the same thing every year?

Besides, I think I must be part Mexican somewhere, because whenever the lovely spouse says, "What do you want to eat?", my usual reply is, "How about Mexican?" ¡Aye, caramba! ¡Comida Mexicana es muy, muy bueno! We even bought a string of lights that looks like red chili peppers, so we will be ready.

Almost Needed That One Horse Open Sleigh

Well, I know the video quality is crap because it came from the camera on my cell phone, but you can ride along with me. The morning started out beautiful, with clear blue skies. But right after lunch, just as the TV weather forecasters had predicted, the snow started to fall. This is a little bit of my commute home this evening. The background sound is from XM Radio's Special Xmas channel, a station featuring the weirdest, most demented songs of the holidays. The song that starts about :30 into the video sings about Santa doing the mambo. Truly, there are no redeeming qualities to either this post or video...but it is just an experiment at uploading from the camera phone to You Tube.

Isn't It Ironic? Don't you think?

Here is a story that is a real bit of real life tragedy and irony. Ken Hendricks, 66, a real-life, self-made multi-billionaire who built his fortune in the roofing supply business died last night. How did Mr. Hendricks meet his demise? Well, the roofing magnate was checking the roof of his garage when he fell through, suffing massive head injuries that proved fatal.

The really sad thing about this is that Hendricks seemed to be a down-to-earth guy. In an interview with Inc.com last year, he said about his $3.5-billion wealth, "It doesn't make any difference to me: I can't spend it. I'd have to sell the company, and I'll sell the company over my dead body."

My condolensces go out to his family and friends.

Life & Death on a Cosmic Scale

A black hole in one galaxy of 3C321 attacks its companion galaxy - NASA image

Scientists on the Chandra X-Ray observatory project have discovered a rare occurrence; a black hole in one galaxy firing a stream of deadly radiation at its companion galaxy. The smaller galaxy in the 3C321 system is right in the cross-hairs of the black hole, which is bombarding it with a stream of energy so powerful that it can destroy planets, solar systems, and certainly any life that may be in the way. Scientists say that this influx of energy will stimulate the formation of new stars and planets, even as it destroys the old.

This got me thinking about how this cycle is repeated over and over on many scales. The late astrophysicist, Dr. Carl Sagan, noted that we are made of "star stuff". The heavy elements that make up our earth and our very bodies, were formed by the explosion of older stars. Without their destruction, we never could have existed. On a smaller scale, the atoms in our bodies may have been part of a dinosaur or a tree, and in the future may once again be part of some other life form.

Still I wonder just how many civilizations may be in the path of this cosmic death ray? How many sentient beings may be utterly obliterated by such an event? We will likely never know, but it does serve as a reminder that nothing lasts forever. Not us, not our species, not even our own planet and sun. Everything we hold dear will someday be displaced by an uncaring, unending cycle of destruction and renewal. At some point, our sun will explode, sending the atoms of our solar system into space to perhaps become part of another planet or star.

The reality of how the cosmos operates is far more awe inspiring than any religious mythology created by the human mind.

Sad News

I just read that singer / musician Dan Fogelberg died this morning at age 56 of advanced prostate cancer. I always loved Dan's music, and am sad to learn of his death.

http://www.danfogelberg.com/news.html

Squirrels Love Peanuts

Snacktime for little squirrel - Click photo for larger version

We got another snow storm on Friday, but yesterday brought a beautiful, blue sky as a canopy over the white landscape. My son and daughter-in-law put some peanuts out for the blue jays and squirrels, and this little guy was ready to make a meal of them. I like this shot, because not only is the squirrel's fur and bushy tail clearly in focus, but I managed to get the depth of field narrow enough to blur the background and keep the focus on the subject. There is an entire family of these little creatures that come out to eat, and they are much fun to observe.

I Am An ID-Ten-T

Saturday turned out to be quite unusual. Let's start out with the washing machine saga.

We have been struggling to get a correct diagnosis and repair on the washing machine for at least three weeks, and last weekend, a repairman came out and found the pump was just clogged with assorted things which likely came out of my pockets. So, since last weekend I had all my laundry caught up at the laundromat, it was time to finally do my first post-repair load. I gathered up a pile of underwear, t shirts and white socks, put them in the washer, and thought I was ready to go.

Now understand that we have had this very same machine for 7 years, and it's operation is very familiar. Anyway, I turned the timer dial to the right setting, pulled the knob out to try to start the machine, but the knob comes right off. I try to pull the shaft that the knob attaches to, again without success. I tell the lovely spouse, and she calls the repair people and gives them a demand to come out before the end of the day.

Anyway, the repairman shows up, walks into the laundry room, and when I show him how the knob comes off, he chuckles and says, "Oh, this isn't like most machines. You don't pull the knob out. It has a 'Start' button. You just push that!"

Oh my gosh. What a perfect ID-Ten-T error on my part. (This error is used by computer support people for a stupid user...spelled it out ID10T). I felt so doggone foolish. Like I said, I have used this machine for 7 years. What kind of misfiring neurons did I have going on?

The other unusual thing is that we rarely go to the movie theater, but yesterday, we did. Since our grandchildren are staying with us this weekend, we had already planned to take them to see Alvin and The Chipmunks at Southlands Cinema. I usually watch movies at home, but maybe 2 or 3 times a year, we will go see one. As a side note, this was a very good movie to take kids to see. Nothing objectionable at all, and my grandkids liked it a lot, especially my 9-year-old granddaughter.

The bad thing is that before we were done, it was about $55 for the 2-hours. We got matinée tickets for $5.50 each, but with one drink each for the 4 of us, plus a medium bag of popcorn and 2 orders of nachos, the grand total soared. Man, that is some big markup on that junk! But of course, grandkids get what they want...that's the rule, you know. They are made for spoiling. Anyway, since we don't do it often, I just paid it and enjoyed the time with the kids. Plus, when we got home, we had a good time watching funny You Tube videos, like screaming frogs, and the series my grandson loved...Chad Vader, Day Manager, the videos about Darth Vader's less successful brother who is a grocery store day manager.

So, I am up early today, as usual, so I suppose I will make a run to the store and get pancake mix. Kids have to have grandpa's pancakes for breakfast, so I can't disappoint! Or I may just make some from scratch. Either way, they'll love them, just as long as they aren't Buckwheat cakes. Grandma made those for them one time, and let's just say, they were not a hit. These are kids who are very picky eaters, so plain pancakes it will be. Hopefully I won't have the same trouble with the stove that I did with the washing machine.

Friday Night Thoughts

Fireworks at the Nativity?

Somehow I need to find the time to go back and read the Christmas story from the Bible. I don't seem to recall a verse saying something like . . .

Then wise men from the east came, asking 'Where is he that is born King of the Jews? We have seen his sparklers, roman candles, and bottle rockets, and have come to worship him.'

or perhaps . . .

When the couple arrived at the inn, the innkeeper said, 'There is no room here. You can take your wife to the stable'. Yet Joseph saith unto him, 'Innkeeper, I have $1.3-million dollars. Can't we have the penthouse?'

No, I don't recall such verses, but apparently something similar must appear in the version used by First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. You see, the church is putting on a lavish Christmas pageant that costs $1,300,000 to produce and perform. The production uses live camels, fireworks, and Broadway producers. Whatever happened to shepherds wearing their father's bath robes and angels with tinsel and foil halos? Megachurches have gone way over the top. When you ask "What would Jesus do?", I imagine it would be to find a better use for $1.3-million. But we do know how he so loved a good fireworks display!

Heretic!

Well, speaking of religion, I am for this week a heretic from the most holy of holy religions in the Denver area. As any Coloradoan can tell you, the undying worship and adoration of the Denver Broncos IS the state religion. While I like the Broncos, I found myself rooting against them last night, as the Houston Texans spanked the ponies 31-13. What had to make it a sweet victory is that the Texans head coach, Gary Kubiak, was an assistant under Mike Shanahan while with the Broncos. To make it even more interesting, the Texans' quarterback coach is Shanahan's son Kyle. When I was in Houston, the Oilers were my NFL team, but since those turncoats moved to Tennessee, I have to be on the bandwagon for their replacement, the Texans! After all, as much as I love Colorado, I still feel like Houston is my Hometown.

A Federal Case?

In other sports news, Congress is looking into alleged use of performance enhancing drugs by Major League Baseball players. Some of the names that have been implicated have disappointed me, particularly that of Roger Clemens. Still, with the U.S. involved in two foreign wars, the mortgage crisis, a recession, and global warming all going on, why is this a case for the Congress? It seems more like MLB should be cleaning up its own house, but it is a private enterprise, so why is this the most pressing thing on the Congressional agenda?

Yet Another Nutcase Goes Berzerk

The carnage in America continues with deadly shootings at two Christian institutions in Colorado yesterday. Early in the morning, a young man killed two and injured two others at Arvada, Colorado's campus of Youth With A Mission. Then in the early afternoon, 70 miles away in Colorado Springs, a gunman opened fire in New Life Church (Ted Haggard's old church) and killed one person before a security guard took out the gunman. It is currently unknown if this was the same assailant in both cases, but I am hoping so, since if not, there is still a defective human being at large in the Arvada case. I read that the Arvada Police have reason to believe they are connected, and I guess ballistics analysis should help support that theory or refute it. In any case, while it is sad that anyone dies, the guard at New Life likely saved many more people by killing the gunman. My condolences go out everyone affected by these unconscionable acts of violence.

Update: I just heard on KCNC-TV in Denver that a second person in the New Life shootings has died in the hospital overnight.

Band or Building?

Here is an interesting coincidence I just had to take a picture of. The quality is not that good since I took this late in the day in poor lighting, so I converted it to black and white for visibility. In any case, there is an office park in Englewood, Colorado called Meridian, and one of the streets there is Maroon Circle. There is a new office building going up there, and here is the construction sign. I just thought it was funny, as the building is named Maroon 5. That also happens to be the name of a popular music group. What next? Buildings like Dave Clark 5? Fab 4?

Dashing Through the Snow

Snowing at Southlands - click for larger view of all the flakes falling

The Winter Solstice is a couple of weeks away, and the beautiful snowfall we have this weekend makes it all the more evident. Today, we decided to go do a little holiday shopping at Southlands, and then to have lunch at Ted's Montana Grill. This was the first time I have eaten at Ted's, but it was outstanding. I had the bison meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes and Aunt Fannie's squash casserole. The lovely spouse had grilled salmon that was grilled to perfection. Everything is made fresh at Ted's, and the service was fantastic as well. Our server, Joey, and the manager Antonio, made sure we were well taken care of. Finishing off with key lime pie made this a perfect lunch. The Ted who owns Ted's is none other than Ted Turner, the founder of Turner Broadcasting and CNN.

Anyway, on our way into the restaurant, I decided to snap this picture across the plaza of Southlands, looking over the ice rink and toward the cinema. The snow was falling at a pleasant rate, not blowing, but just very pretty to look at. Some days I really enjoy living in Colorado. Today is one of them.

Some Thoughts on This December 7

A Date Which Will Live in Infamy

Today is the 66th anniversary of the sneak attack by the Japanese Empire on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. In asking Congress for a declaration of war against Japan, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt stated that December 7, 1941 was "a date which will live in infamy". This horrible event was the 9/11 to the generation of Americans living at the time. Of course, most people back then heard about it on the radio, and saw footage on newsreels, as television broadcasting was still experimental.

To hear radio coverage of the President's address to Congress, CLICK HERE.

In the attack, twenty-one U.S. Navy ships were damaged or destroyed, 2,350 people died, and 1,178 were injured. This also decisively ended the movement for the U.S. to stay out of the war. Today, we would be remiss if we didn't pause to remember those who gave their lives in service to the nation that fateful day.

Delaware Day

December 7, 1787 was the day that the legislature of Delaware ratified the Constitution of the United States, thus earning its nickname, The First State. Delawareans are quite proud of this fact, and since 1939 have annually held remembrance of the fact by celebrating Delaware Day. So, to our friends in America's second-smallest state by geographic area, a very happy Delaware Day.

Mitt Romney, Mister Intolerant

Yesterday, I mentioned Mitt Romney's speech in Bryan, Texas, calling for support from those who would be suspicious of his Mormon faith. Well, today I got a copy of the entire transcript, and it looks like Mitt is telling the evangelicals, "Hey, I'm just like you . . . intolerant. Join me, and we'll discriminate against those evil non-believers." Here is one excerpt of the speech:

"We separate church and state affairs in this country, and for good reason. No religion should dictate to the state nor should the state interfere with the free practice of religion. But in recent years, the notion of the separation of church and state has been taken by some well beyond its original meaning. They seek to remove from the public domain any acknowledgment of God. Religion is seen as merely a private affair with no place in public life. It is as if they are intent on establishing a new religion in America – the religion of secularism. They are wrong."

Note to Mitt . . . secularism is not a religion. You need a belief in a deity to qualify for that. As for establishing a "new religion in America", isn't that exactly what your so-called "prophet", Joseph Smith, did in the 1800s when he concocted . . . oops, I mean "restored" . . . the LDS religion? Pot, meet kettle! So Mitt, get your panties untwisted and quit slamming 14% of the U.S. population, a percentage that far outnumbers the barely 1% share that are membership of the LDS church. Pretty bold intolerance from someone who belongs to a group that most Christians believe to be a cult of Satan. How quickly Mitt has forgotten the intolerance that Latter Day Saints have endured over the years!

Another Horror in the Heartland

Once again, a troubled young man inflicts immeasurable pain on innocent people by shooting at others before committing suicide. This time, it was at a busy shopping mall in Omaha, Nebraska. It would be sad enough if Robert Hawkins had just killed himself, but like Dylan Klebold, Eric Harris, Charles Whitman, and many others, he decided to take innocents to the grave with him.

It is being reported that the 19-year old gunman was upset over a romantic break up and losing his job at McDonalds. Broken hearts and fast food jobs come and go for normal people that age. Obviously there was something more behind this horror.

Since the perpetrator's name will be remembered, I don't want to neglect here to mention those whose lives he took:

• Gary Scharf, age 48
• John McDonald, age 65
• Angie Schuster, age 36
• Maggie Webb, age 24
• Janet Jorgensen, age 66
• Diane Trent, age 53
• Gary Joy, age 56
• Beverly Flynn, age 47

Incidents like this will probably never be 100% preventable. However, this sad tale once again begs the question as to why we don't have better mental health care in this country. Even most medical plans partition off mental illness as a separate type of limited coverage. Here are nine lives, gone forever, leaving their loved ones to grieve over this inexplicable act of senseless violence.

OOPS!

The Associated Press is reporting that a teen in Houston had just finished getting his drivers license on Monday, and while leaving accidentally drove into the Department of Public Safety building, punching a hole in it. The trooper who conducted the test was not in the car at the time.

Talk about a big oops, this had to be one. I would imagine that freshly-minted license may end up being revoked, if not by the police, at least by the boy's parents. Once more we see that life is more interesting than just about anything you can make up.

A Couple of Signs

Not much to say about these, I just liked them. The first picture is the sign for the Fat Frog Cafe in Littleton, Colorado. The second is an old 7up sign that is still in use. I wonder what its story is. Looks like it's been around for a few years. Pretty cool old logo, isn't it? Yeah, I remember when it was the current logo!

A Spicy Saturday

December already! 2007 has flown by. It seems time is passing so fast that I could use the hands of a clock for a fan.

Today is a cold, overcast day in the Denver area, but it could be a lot worse. The mountains in the southwest part of the state are getting up to four feet of snow. So far, we have a bit of drizzle, but I would not be surprised if we have a little white accumulation overnight.

Today I went to an interesting little shop in Downtown Littleton. It is a spice shop where they grind and blend custom mixes of spices. You can tell what type of business it is as you open the door, as the aroma of the variety of spices hits the olfactory sensors. It is not overpowering, and is really quite nice.


A big bag of Indonesian Black Pepper

There is a stack of cloth-lined wicker hand baskets stacked by the door for use while shopping. The store is not fancy at all, but it is very attractive. Jars, vials, and pouches of various spices are displayed on shelves, in bins, and even in bread pans. There are several vintage scales where the employees custom blend varieties of spice. If you don't see what you want, they will blend it for you as you watch.


Jars of ground, exotic chili powders on display

In the picture below, one of the "Spice Girls" (no, not those Spice Girls) is using an old balance scale to weigh and mix spices for a customer. She was very gracious in allowing me to take her picture while she worked. She knows her craft well, as you can see the blur of her hands working rapidly to create the particular blend of flavors requested. I am not sure if the lady in the background on the cell phone was watching her, or watching me take a photo.


Blends of spices made to order

As I mentioned, there were several older scales in the shop. Below is one that is reminiscent of those that used to populate the produce sections of supermarkets when I was a child. The produce man would take your paper bag of produce, weigh it, and mark the price on the bag with a big wax crayon.

This particular scale was holding some spice mills, and a couple of mortar and pestle sets. There were more sets on display nearby in the front window of the store.


Old scale, spice mills, and mortar & pestles

We purchased some milling spice, some chai spice, and some other herbs and spices for use in cooking. I can hardly wait for some delicious spiced apple cider. The best part of all is that these fresh spices were less expensive than what you would pay at the typical grocery store. I know this first visit won't be our last.

For a More Joyous Holiday Season

Today is Black Friday, the day after the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, when retailers look forward to the potential of the season, and consumers go on a quest for bargains. For many shoppers, it it the thrill of the hunt; modern man's version of the hunting survival instinct that allowed our species to survive its infancy.

As a rationalist, I don't hold any religious or supernatural beliefs as justification for the holiday season. However, I do enjoy the secular benefits; time off work, being with family, and the change of the seasons. That said, I live by a credo that I have mentioned here before; the only sin is causing unnecessary harm or suffering to another. Its that simple. Still, I try to go beyond that in my daily life . . . actually doing my best to make the day a little better for those with whom I come in contact. Not only does this spread cheer and goodwill, you wouldn't believe how much stress goes away just by making a decision to not consider non-urgent things in life urgent, and by truly caring about the people around you. I do this every day, but during the rush of the Christmas shopping period, it could make for a more enjoyable December. Here are some of the things that I try to practice:

• Greet people with a smile and a warm "Hello" or "Good Morning!" It is amazing how this simple act brings smiles to others and lets you make a fleeting connection with someone. The funny thing is, this can start a chain reaction that you will never know about, touching many more people.
• Stop the rush. You will get there when you get there, so enjoy the time out. Whether its a line of traffic, or a line at the checkout stand, being upset won't help. In the car, put on some music you like, be it Christmas carols, classical symphonies, or rock and roll oldies. I find that classical music or some jazz is very de-stressing. You'll find you may be disappointed when you get through the wait, as you have enjoyed the time so much more.
• Let the other guy or gal go first. Now this is counter to our instincts, but it really doesn't hurt. Let that car into the queue. Offer someone with fewer items than you to check out first. It doesn't hurt. Really.
• Don't get upset with a greeting you disagree with, be it "Happy Holidays", "Merry Christmas", or "Happy Channukah". It's the thought behind it that counts. Such greetings are not typically attempts at proselytization. They are simply good wishes. I can use as many of those as I can get.
• If you are fortunate enough to have a job, share a little with those less fortunate. Donate to a food pantry. Give toys to charitable organizations. Coats are always welcome, and can be found inexpensively at clearance stores. If you have the time to do so, volunteer to deliver items, work at a food pantry, or to serve food to those in need.
• Teach children that it isn't all about me, me, me. Instill the joy of simple things, such as the twinkling holiday lights, hot cocoa by the fireplace, time with loved ones. Also, teach the joy of giving and serving others. Let them participate in finding charitable gifts to share.
• Practice those random acts of kindness. Pay the toll for the car behind you. Help someone with packages. Hold the door open for others. Be sure to tip those who serve you and who depend on those tips for their livelihood.
• Shovel the snow off your neighbor's sidewalk.

There are many others. Be creative. Come up with other ideas. Not only will these brighten the holiday season, but can be practiced year round. We're all in this life together. Let's make the journey better for everyone. Love your neighbor.

Happy Holidays to all!

A White House Pardon

I saw a headline today that read President Bush Pardons Turkey. I thought he had pardoned himself, but no. It was the White House Thanksgiving Turkey that got a presidential reprieve.

Time & Technology Marches On

Human beings are clever little apes. We have walked on the earth's nearest neighbor in space and mapped our own genome. We have harnessed the power of the atom and sent our surrogate eyes and ears into the interstellar void. We have conquered many dread diseases and yet our ultimate individual demise remains a certainty.

Even our more simple technology, while remaining somewhat the same externally, continues incremental evolution over time. The cars of today look and operate much the same as those built 70 years ago. But the automobiles of today are much better than those of the past. Tires rarely go flat, engines are much more fuel efficient and put out less pollutants, and safety features like air bags and seatbelts make for a much less dangerous ride. The engine is controlled by a computer, and reliable electronic ignitions and fuel injection have replaced points and carburetors.

Television is another example. In the 1950s and 1960s, television sets as they were called, worked on vacuum tubes. Like the similar incadescent light bulb, vacuum tubes burn out. TVs of the time would take a few seconds to "warm up" before you could watch. Typically, the sound came on first, followed by a picture appearing on the black and white picture tube. Then when turned off, the picture would shrink to a bright spot that remained on the tube for a few seconds.

It was standard procedure that when a TV started to malfunction, the owner's first task would be to unplug the set, remove the back of the TV, and start pulling out all the tubes. The symptom could be the picture shrinking, or no sound or picture at all. But almost all the time, the problem was a tube gone bad.

Once the tubes were removed and their location in the set noted, a trip to a local grocery or convenience store was next. How well I remember the tube tester at 7-11 where I accompanied my dad with a bag of tubes on many occasions. The tube tester had a panel of tube sockets on top. The procedure was to use a guide book to see how to set the dials, plug the tube into the proper socket, and push a "test" button. A light and gauge indicated if a tube was good or bad. Once the bad tube or tubes were identified, a replacement could be procured from the lower part of the cabinet that held the tube tester, and you would buy the ones you need and head home. Hopefully, once the tubes were back in place, the TV would work fine.

The weird thing is that I remember one particular tube that seemed to go out often on our old Emerson black and white console TV. That tube was 6KE8. That TV was in a blond wood cabinet with two doors that closed to hide the picture tube (screen) when not in use. The speakers were in the bottom half of the cabinet, and in those days there was no remote control. Well, we kids were actually the remote, as we heard "Could one of you kids switch the TV to Channel 11 please?" There was a volume knob and a channel selector knob that let you choose from channels 2-13. That was it. No UHF. And there were 3 channels we had back then via rabbit ear antenna. They were KPRC-TV 2 (NBC), KGUL (Now KHOU) 11 (CBS), and KTRK 13 (ABC). The other channels were all static.

Today, I get a couple of hundred channels, and still not much worth watching. Yet if I were to get in a time machine and bring that old Emerson into 2007, it would still work. That is until early 2009, when the United States shuts off analog television and makes the move to all digital. Now each channel will be capable of high definition and multiple programs over a single station, all in widescreen, color glory, and all without the need for tubes. And even past that date, if the old TV were hooked up to a converter box, cable or satellite receiver, and it would still show programs. That is until that 6KE8 burned out again. I doubt the 7-11 clerk of today would even know what the heck I was talking about.

As for now, my current TV still has one tube...the CRT. This is a plain, standard definition color TV of 7 year vintage, but it looks so good that I see no reason to spend more to go to HD just yet. Someday, I will make the change, but I can't see spending the money for it right now. I guess the days of my being an early adopter of technology are long gone.

Here We Go Into the Icebox

Well, here we go into a new work week. It's Monday. I know a lot of people dread Mondays, but I try to enjoy every day. After all, we spend 1/7 of our life on Monday, so why go around upset about it? I wish everyone a wonderful Monday today.

This will be a beautiful Monday here along the Colorado Front Range. Sunny skies and a high predicted to reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit. But it isn't going to last. By Wednesday, our next cold front will pass by, making the high for that day only 25 degrees...a drop of 45 degrees! YIKES!

I suppose I can give my new snow boots a little more use, as that system is expected to drop at least 8 inches of snow. This Indian Summer is coming to a screeching halt, just before the Turkey Day Holiday. I guess that is what is meant by going "Cold Turkey"!

Have a terrific week, everyone!

Yes, This is the Right Place!

Don't let the mods to the page header throw you...this is still my blog!

I'll admit it... I am a bit too lazy to dig in and create my own template, so this is, and has always been, a standard Blogger design. But being either too lazy or too busy to create a custom design only gets you so far. So, I decided to at least add a custom header image. The photo on the header is from WV 279, but it could be anywhere, so I'll use it to illustrate life's highway from whence I post.

Maybe someday I'll be more ambitious about this. For now, this will have to hold you.

Roadside Comfort Food

One of my favorite special series on Food Network is Alton Brown's Feasting on Asphalt, where Alton and his crew trek across America on motorcycles with the express purpose of avoiding the Interstates and sampling the regional culinary delights at small, usually family-owned restaurants along the way. During the trip to West Virginia, I tried out a place that Alton needs to visit on a future show.

Just four days before I stopped in, the Stagecoach Family Restaurant #5 had opened for business. This family-operated eatery along US 50 advertises "Home Cooked Food" on its signboard, so who'd want to miss that?


The signs beckon the hungry traveler on US 50 near Grafton

This particular afternoon, the lovely spouse, her lovely mother, and I were out running an errand, and decided it was time for lunch. So we decided to try out the Stagecoach to see if the food was a roadside hit or a roadside dud. So into the unpaved parking lot we go, crowded as it was. We pull the rented Chrysler Pacifica into a spot and head toward the door to the restaurant's austere roadside building.


Lunch inside! The Stagecoach Family Restaurant, simple and functional

As we walked inside, a spartan salad and soup bar was positioned to our left. The ingredients appeared fresh, but what drew my eye was the largest pot of hot broth and noodles I have seen anywhere. There was also an equally big pot of chili, steaming and emitting a wonderful aroma.

The dining room was simply furnished and the walls were paneled in a rough, light-colored wood. A table in the middle had been prepared for a larger party which was to enter shortly.


The main dining area of the Stagecoach

The placemats were simple, laminated affairs, covered with advertisements for local businesses, including two for the local hospital and one for a company that sells tombstones. My hope was that I would not be needing the services of either of these fine companies after eating at the Stagecoach! As it turns out, that is not likely to happen here.

The portions coming out of the kitchen appeared to be significantly generous, so I took it easy at the soup & salad bar. I had to try some of the noodles & chicken broth, so I selected just a little lettuce, bell peppers, cheese and dressing for my salad. As I love noodles, this made a great appetizer.


The simple salad and bowl of noodles & broth I ate. Tasty!

Perusing the menu was an appetizing exercise by itself. There were so many home style delights from which to choose, that it wasn't an easy choice. Since they are a small operation, the specials run out quickly. Much to my dismay, one that I had my eye on was the honey-dipped fried chicken. However, the lovely spouse wanted that, so I told her to get it and just let me have a bite. The waitress went back to the kitchen and found they had one serving left, so that went to the "LS", who did give me the drumstick. Oh my goodness! That is some of the best tasting fried chicken anywhere. Colonel Sanders, you are a pretender!


The Stagecoach's honey-dipped fried chicken

Since we wanted to sample different dishes, my mother-in-law went for the hot roast beef sandwich lunch. WOW! All I can say is she chose wisely. I only wish the taste of these yummy items could be posted online for all to sample.


There was nothing to beef about in regards to the hot roast beef sandwich

Since it is autumn, I felt like a real holiday-style dinner. Therefore, I selected the turkey and dressing plate. Let me tell you, it is delicious. The mashed potatoes were made from scratch, the glazed carrots I chose were perfectly cooked and coated with a wonderful glaze. A thick slab of homestyle dressing and good pieces of tender turkey breast were also in attendance, and covered with a generous amount of gravy. Some may not like that much gravy, but it was just right for me.


The turkey dinner was also a good choice

The Stagecoach also offers homemade pies and cake, but by the time we ate our lunch, there was no room left for dessert. Of course, that required us to stop in again a couple of days later just to sample the pie and coffee.

So the bottom line is this: If you enjoy home style comfort foods and are traveling on US 50 through West Virginia, I would recommend stopping by the Stagecoach. You won't be disappointed. It is located on the south side of the highway on the west end of Grafton.

One more thing . . . you might want to slow down for a different reason. Just about every time I passed the place, there were Taylor County Sheriff Department vehicles parked out front, with the officers themselves inside enjoying a hot meal. You don't want to be the cause of making one of them mad for having to get up from the table and go after you!

More From Valley Falls

The CSX Railroad goes under a bridge at Valley Falls, WV

Let's take a look at a couple of more photos from my trek to Valley Falls last week. These two came out pretty nice I think.

The photo above is the CSX (formerly B&O) railroad that runs through the area. You can tell a train has gone by, because you can see its tracks (hardee har har). The picture is looking north, as the railroad makes its journey to the north paralleling the Tygart Valley River. Notice the new ties lying along the right of way on the far side of the tracks. It appears that this stretch of line will be undergoing some maintenance soon.


Lichen on a tree

Our next picture shows some interesting lichen growing on the bark of a tree. I purposely put the falls and autumn foiliage in the background into soft focus by using a narrow depth of field. I think maybe I went a little too soft on it, but it still makes a decent picture.

Eerie Old House

Last week, I took this picture last week in Grafton, and in fact, the color version of it is in a previous post. Something about this house intrigues me. It is interesting and eerie at the same time. I decided to play around in Photoshop a bit. First, I converted it to black and white, added a slight sepia tint and a film grain texture. To see the effect better, click the picture to see a larger version. I kind of like it. What do you think?

Oklahoma's Centennial

Today, November 16, 2007 is the centennial for the state of Oklahoma. One hundred years ago, the Sooner State was admitted to the United States as a full and equal partner. Forty-five years and a couple of months or so later, I would breathe my first lungful of air in Oklahoma City. Yep, I've been alive now for over half the length of time that Oklahoma has been a state. Sobering thought!

In any case, it is time to say Happy 100th Birthday to the Great State of Oklahoma.

Oklahoma! OK!

Roadgeekin' in the Alleghenies - Part II

Yesterday it was back to the Pittsburgh International Airport for the flight back to Denver. Since we got a few shots from Pittsburgh to Morgantown on the way in, seems only fitting to get a few on the way back. As always, click the photo to see a larger version.


WVDOT loves big highway shields!


Mismatched Interstate shields. The I-68 has a big number font and no state name, while the I-79 uses a thinner, smaller font and includes the state name.


Driving west on I-68, approaching the end of the highway where you can go either north or south onto I-79.


There is no END Interstate 68 sign, but this is it! West end of 68.


Now we are northbound on I-79. That change in pavement is where WVDOT maintenance ends and PaDOT takes over...in other words the state line. This is also the Mason-Dixon Line that demarcates the borders between southern Pennsylvania and West Virginia; Pennsylvania and Maryland; and where it turns southward, the border between Maryland and Delaware. The defining of the line also finally settled for good the issue of dispute in Cresap's War, a shooting war in the early 1700s between Maryland and Pennsylvania.

I also call this picture, "Welcome to Pennsylvania, Land of Lots O' Signs".


Buckle up for safety!


Slow down partner! PA maximum speed limit is 65, instead of the 70 we could legally travel in West Virginia.


Finally! Pennsylvania sees fit to welcome me a few hundred feet into the state.


Nearing Washington, PA, we see where we will join I-70 for a short duplex of the two highways through town.


Clearview font in view.


La la la...just drivin' along.


Told you we were on a duplexed stretch of road! So there!


Interesting coincidence...Exit 19 is US Highway 19.


End of the duplex. I was tempted to keep going on I-70 on to Denver, but alas, I had a rental car that had to be returned to the good folks at Thrifty at Pittsburgh International. Oh well! Onto the ramp we go to continue up I-79 North.


Wow, I didn't know I was this close to Houston! The other town mentioned on this sign, Eighty Four, PA is famous as the namesake of 84 Lumber.