CatHouse Chat

Can we question their patriotism NOW??

Link: ContraCostaTimes.com - Berkeley council tells Marines to leave.

Hey-hey, ho-ho, the Marines in Berkeley have got to go.

That's the message from the Berkeley City Council, which voted 6-3 Tuesday night to tell the U.S. Marines that its Shattuck Avenue recruiting station "is not welcome in the city, and if recruiters choose to stay, they do so as uninvited and unwelcome intruders."

I mean really... Well, I suppose the one good thing you could say is that these idiots aren't so stupid as to fall into the "We support the troops, but not the war" hypocrisy...

Ch-ch-ch-changes!

My friend Kender sent this to me...

I LOVE IT!

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

UPDATE: OMG, he's on a roll!

glumbert - THX for the Eyes

WorldNetDaily: Fear doesn't control my vote

Fear doesn't control my vote.

Under which president has the federal government grown exponentially? Which president thumbed his nose at the voters and arrogantly pledged his support for an amnesty bill for illegal aliens? Which presidents supported abortion, race-based preferences and race-based affirmative action? Which president signed McCain-Feingold? Which president's attorney general vigorously opposed the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative? Which president's attorney general dropped the ball in Lawrence vs. Texas, which opened the door to homosexual marriage and the undermining of the family? Which president campaigned vigorously for Arlen Specter when, in fact, Pat Toomey was the true conservative? Which president had his Justice Department undermine a lower-court ruling in the District of Columbia pursuant to the right to bear arms under the Second Amendment?Want a hint? Once again, they weren't Democrats.

Voting, in my opinion, is one of the most important acts of citizenship an American can perform. The value of that act should not be taken lightly or under duress.

As my grandmother used to say, "No good is no good," to which I add, my voting for one "no good" over another "no good" doesn't make same less "no good." Thus, as I have been forthright in stating from the beginning, I plan to write in the name of my choice, devil be damned, if Democrats win in the meantime. I survived Carter and Clinton. I can endure whomever and whatever they come up with this time, including the certainty of their punitive tax increases.

DITTO!!!

(kittipurrs to the Dread Sith Lord of the VRWC...)

Experiencing God, week three

Oh, this is tough... This is very tough! I'm not seeing a whole lot in myself to like, and - fortunately - it's increasing my appreciation of God's infinite love for me.

Here are some thoughts I've strung together from the first two days of this week's unit:

• God pursues an continuing love relationship with me that is REAL and PERSONAL (precept number two for the whole study)
• Everything that God says and does is an expression of love. I may think He should express His love differently sometimes, but He's God, and I'm not...
• I am completely fulfilled in a relationship with God. He is all that I need.
• My life on earth gives me the opportunity to know Him better and for Him to develop my character into His image.
• I need to invest myself, my time, and my effort into things which are ETERNAL, not temporary.

This week's memory verse is Matthew 22:37 and 38:

Then Jesus said to him, " 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.' This is the first and great commandment."

And the verses which string my thoughts together best are Matthew 6:31-33:

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

Seek God and His righteousness first... and the rest will fall into line. Because it's not about me, it's about Him... *sigh* Do you suppose that one day, maybe, I might get it? For a moment, at least?

That wold be a good thing. A very good thing!

(In case you haven't caught on, I'm going through Dr. Henry Blackaby's Bible study, Experiencing God.)

Southside Concerned Citizens: Appeal to Misleading Authority

Last week, the Southside Concerned Citizens posted an entry on their blog quoting (in its entirety - not very good etiquette)  a Virginia Beach blogger, Eileen Levandoski. Ms. Levandoski - who I've met, very briefly - blogs at VBDems, and had this to say about uranium mining:

Don’t allow Virginia to become a testing ground for a dangerous new experiment in uranium mining! Email/call your Senator especially if he/she serves on the Senate Agricultural, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee who will consider this bill on Monday, Jan. 28th, bright and early at 9:00 AM.

Do please read the whole thing, because she posts no hard facts and evidence to back up her opinion that uranium mining shouldn't be allowed in Virginia. Now, as a blogger and as well as fairly opinionated person, I am all for people expressing their views on issues; it's part of our political system and one of our Constitutional rights.

However, this echo of the talking points made by the anti-uranium folks is hardly productive. Ms. Levandoski quotes from a "commenter at the Daily Press,"(on this article) and refers her readers to a Mr. Rick Kennerly of the Tidewater Climate Action Network.

Wonderful. Lovely! It's great to know people are getting involved... But what are their credentials? What background/education/research and so on do these people have which would lead the average citizen to give weight to these opinions? What studies do they quote? (none) What authoritative scientists to they cite? (none).

Here is part of the definition of this logical fallacy:

The "authority" cited is not an expert on the issue, that is, the person who supplies the opinion is not an expert at all, or is one, but in an unrelated area. The now-classic example is the old television commercial which began: "I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV...." The actor then proceeded to recommend a brand of medicine.

While I certainly appreciate everyone's right to their own opinion, if you want to persuade me, I would like some hard, cold facts. What I see of the facts is that the anti-uranium faction is against even a study to discover and consider the most recent scientific fact and resources on the topic of uranium mining! This has me... confuzzled... to say the least.

I do not understand why so many people are so adamantly against finding out the facts, presenting them in a logical and dispassionate manner, and then permitting informed citizens to review the information and make an intelligent, well-briefed choice.

Just yesterday, Jim Bacon - another blogger, and not an authority, either - expressed his opinion and brought up an excellent question:

I don't profess any expertise whatsoever on the environmental impact of uranium mining. Foes contend that uranium mining produces large tailings piles of water-soluble, radioactive waste. Not something you want leaching into the water table. On the other hand, there may well have been significant advances in engineering and technology that allow the uranium to be processed safely. How do we know unless we get someone to study the question?

The few people with whom I have discussed the issue have expressed a deep distrust of the whole process of the study, believing that there are no possible credible and unbiased sources to conduct it.

I can understand that; I don't trust most people in positions of power, and none completely. We are, after all, imperfect and have our own agendas.

It seems to me, however, that the current debate shouldn't focus on whether or not to mine, but rather on who will conduct and oversee the study, and how it will be carried out. As Mr. Bacon states in the comments:

The big issue in my mind is not whether we should study the practicality of uranium mining -- obviously, I think we should -- but ensuring that the commission has sufficient diversity of viewpoints, sufficient expertise and sufficient transparency to have any credibility once the study is complete. It is imperative to assemble a commission that will have credibility among all parties, or the exercise isn't worth conducting at all.

Why can't the whole argument focus on that? Because if the information and science proves - even under hostile scrutiny - that the Coles uranium deposit can be mined safely and profitably (yes, the order of those two is deliberate), then Pittsylvania County would have a desperately needed source of jobs and revenue.

As I keep saying, let's get the FACTS before we make our decisions. Isn't that what rational, intelligent voters ought do?

RINOplasty indeed!

OK, yet another entry in my long-time love-fest with Chris Muir of Day By Day:

Can you say, "NAILED it!"?

From gossip I've heard this morning, Guilianiis set to drop out (thank God), but there's still Romney, Paul and Huckabee - what is a Conservative woman to do? I don't like ANY of the candidates... Although it is a possibility that I dislike Romney the least. Maybe. Perhaps. If I can control my nausea.

*sigh*

I had a conversation with a friend the other day, and he suggested that if the Constitution Party and the Libertarian Party got together, then maybe conservatives would have a candidate. Of course, he continued, the explosion from that melding would probably rival a multi-gigaton nuclear bomb... (edit/update - and I'm not at all enthusiastic about eithers' stance on foreign policy...)

[headdesk]

I fear for my country. I truly do...

No dignity...

None whatsoever... Tasha the Co-Dependent Puppy enjoys the day....

Chin up, shoulders back...

Picking myself up and dusting myself off...

Thank you to all my friends who stopped by and e-mailed me the messages of support and kindness yesterday. That generosity of spirit was truly a balm to my heart, and I cannot tell you how much I appreciated all your encouragement!

So many of you blessed my socks off yesterday that I am astounded and humbled. Thank you!

And so, as I said to a couple of friends, a day which began with tears of pain and sorrow ended with tears of joy and praise... All because of you.

You honor me.

Thank you.

Therefore, that's the end of that tune, and life goes on! [smiling]

I heard a great song on KLOVE this morning as I was returning from dropping the Munchkin at school (yep, God speaks through the radio, too!). It's an older one by Steven Curtis Chapman, "Magnificent Obsession:"

Lord, You know how much
I want to know so much
In the way of answers and explanations
I have cried and prayed
And still I seem to stay
In the middle of life's complications
All this pursuing leaves me feeling like I'm chasing down the wind
But now it's brought me back to You
And I can see again

This is everything I want
This is everything I need
I want this to be my one consuming passion
Everything my heart desires
Lord, I want it all to be for You, Jesus
Be my magnificent obsession

So capture my heart again
Take me to depths I've never been
Into the riches of Your grace and Your mercy
Return me to the cross
And let me be completely lost
In the wonder of the love
That You've shown me
Cut through these chains that tie me down to so many lesser things
Let all my dreams fall to the ground
Until this one remains

You are everything I want
And You are everything I need
Lord, You are all my heart desires
You are everything to me

You are everything I want
You are everything I need
I want You to be my one consuming passion
Everything my heart desires
Lord, I want it all to be for You
I want it all to be for You

Last night at Bible study (remember, we're studying using Experiencing God; this is the beginning of the third week), God reminded me, yet again, that it's not about me, it's about Him. Dr. (?) Blackaby writes:

To live a God-centered life, [I] must focus [my] life on God's purposes, not on [my] own plans. [I] must seek to view situations from God's perspective rather from [my] own distorted human outlook. (p. 33)

Why do we not realize that it is always best to do things God's way? ... God is not glorified by making our plans succeed. He receives glory when His will is done His way. (p. 35)

Understanding what God is about to do where [I am] is more important than telling God what [I] want to do for Him. (p. 37)

In the video, Dr. Blackaby said

Human reasoning will not give you God's perspective.

and brought up Isaiah 55:8-9 -

  “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,   
      Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. 
“ For as the heavens are higher than the earth,   
      So are My ways higher than your ways, 
      And My thoughts than your thoughts."

Definitely a good thing - an excellent thing! - to remember. I need to train my mind to focus on God, and not on the sturm und drang of my little life. God is so much bigger than I am, and He is far more able to accomplish His God-sized plans if I learn to step out of His way, and do what I see Him doing instead.
 

Richmond Bloggers' Day cancelled for the Kat

For those of my friends who will be up in Richmond on Wednesday, and were looking forward to meeting the Darling Munchkin, I am sorry, but we will not be attending. Due to some circumstances which have left me feeling extremely betrayed and hurt and ANGRY, I thought it best to simply cancel.

I have a friend who says I ought to blog all about it, but I simply cannot - *MY* honor, at least, remains intact.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go cry over some shattered friendships....

BLEG: My laptop just turned into a brick *sob*

You know all the problems I've been having with my WinXP OS Sony Vaio VGN-FS550? Well, the poor baby finally succumbed [pout]. She is now a brick. The Beloved Husband thinks it's quite possibly the mother board, which has already been replaced (back in Nov. 07 - quick service from Sony, but it cost enough that I ought to have gotten a NEW laptop then).

I am now on my ancient (6 years old?) Vaio PCG-V505DXP, which is running Ubuntu (and doing pretty well, actually). I've got to order a new battery, but that's not critical, since I blog while connected to the electrical supply 95% of the time. So, although I don't have *MY* machine, I can still enjoy the benefits of the 'Net. I'm keeping my eye on Dell laptops,  but I also think that I DON'T want a  Windows OS, so D is going to have to install a Linux OS anyway. Which means that Acer might be the way to go, 'cause I think they'll sell the stripped machines (hardware only) and the Beloved Husband will be able to do a clean install of Ubuntu.

But, that also means that I need a Linux/Ubuntu m4a to mp3 converter and an iTunes emulator. I also need a really good video capture/editor,  I need to figure out how to install the mp3 converter plug in on Audacity, AND the Google Video Uploader. If you have suggestions as to how I can do this or what programs I need to download, let me know in the comments (in a detailed fashion - I'm still getting used to Ubuntu).

I'm also wondering if it's worth it to do a "Buy the Kat a 'top" fundraiser... On the off chance I have readers who would like to help, I have a "KatKash" tip jar over on the right under my picture. If you would like to help out, I would be very grateful - if you don't have the spare change, just leave a note of condolence in the comments ;-)

An anyway, your prayers would be most helpful!

[NOTE: This post will stay on top for a while; scroll down for new posts. Thank you!]

Video will be up "shortly"

(UPDATE: For all of my posts pertaining to the Pittsylvania Uranium debate, please click here. Also, if you've looked at the posts after this one, you'll realize I've been having some rather serious computer trouble, and therefore difficulty getting the video up... I'll keep trying, honestly!)

Yes, I did in fact have to swipe the Darling Munchkin's laptop to get this going (that's all right - she's at school and not using it anyway). The last of three videos is going through the conversion now, and I think I'll upload all three to Google Video, since the last one breaks YouTube's 10 minute non-director account limit. Of course, Lord only knows how long they'll take to upload and be "approved," but as soon as they are, I'll post them here.

On a far more positive note, the Beloved Husband, compu-guru extraordinaire, will be home in a few hours. Now, I promise I won't present my sick laptop to him to fix right when he walks in the door... But it won't be too terribly long after, LOL! I would very much like a properly behaved computer humming happily in front of me, and I'm sure that it's the WinXP operating system which is giving poor ViToo (the name I just decided to give her - which makes my old Vaio "ViOne," I guess) major indigestion, and not the other way around.

So, stand by, the video *IS* coming!

I also have the original Marline report on the uranium deposit at Coles' Hill

(UPDATE: For all of my posts pertaining to the Pittsylvania Uranium debate, please click here)

... but since all the sections (inn total) are over 35MB, I'm going to simply offer to send them via YouSendIt to anyone who asks - at least until I get the alternate storage! ;-)

Documents on uranium mining and uranium-related issues

(UPDATE: For all of my posts pertaining to the Pittsylvania Uranium debate, please click here)

I have listed here - all in .pdf format - several documents which will be of interest to those who are investigating the benefits and drawbacks of mining in Pittsylvania County. At the moment, I have not read any of them; I am simply posting them so that concerned citizens may download and examine them.

FULL DISCLOSURE: All .pdf files were provided to me by Virginia Uranium, Inc. Actual links to websites are my own.

I hope that TypePad will accept and hold all of these files, but I don't know how full my disk space is. I am looking around for somewhere I can upload these files for permanent storage, so I can then make sure I have a static and durable place to link to. I have a friend who lives in Louisiana with a business in this general arena, so it may be that he'll be able to host these files along with any others (like video!). If any of my readers have other suggestions, please either e-mail them to me or leave them in the comments - thank you!

I invite all interested parties to download these Adobe Reader files (get it free here), print them out (make sure you have LOTS of paper in your printer!), and discuss them. Just for clarity's sake, please make sure you give full reference information (e.g., document title, page number, paragraph, etc.) in the discussion so that anyone can go to the section you're talking about.

From the Environmental Protection Agency:

• Study on Uranium Mining, Vol 1: Mining and Reclamation Background (.pdf)
• Study on Uranium Mining, Vol 2: Investigation of Potential Health, Geographic, and Environmental Issues of Abandoned Uranium Mines) (.pdf)
• Technical Resource Document: EXTRACTION AND BENEFICIATION OF ORES AND MINERALS, VOLUME 5: Uranium - Mining Waste (.pdf)

A search on "uranium" at the EPA's website brings up over 6,000 articles which mention uranium in some way. Not all of them may be pertinent to the discussion here in Pittsylvania County. ;-)

The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), a Guide to Nuclear Energy (.pdf)

Virginia Coal and Energy Commission, 1985 - Report to the Governor and the General Assembly of Virginia, Senate Document No. 15 (.pdf)

Uranium Task Force Report, 1984 (.pdf)

SENES Consultants (webpage), ASSESSMENT OF RISK FROM URANIUM MINING IN VIRGINIA, prepared for the Virginia Coal and Energy Commission, 1984 (.pdf)

Response of Marline and Union Carbide to Elizabeth Haskell, member of the Uranium Administrative Group, dated May, 1983 (.pdf) (not certain what it's a response to, but perhaps it's addressed that way because Ms Haskell was the chairwoman of the group?)

Origin of Uranium Mineralization at Coles Hill Virginia (USA) and its Natural Attenuation within an Oxidizing Rock-Soil-Ground Water System, a dissertation by James L. Jerden Jr., of Virginia Tech (website), September, 2001 (.pdf)

Applied Geochemistry (website), Phosphate based immobilization of uranium in an oxidizing bedrock aquifer  (.pdf), an article by James L. Jerden Jr.and A.K. Sinha, of Virginia Tech (website)

Either I shoot my computer now...

... or I wait until the Beloved Husband can beat it into submission for me!

Ever since the Darling Man had to re-install the evil, vile and pernicious (*sigh* at last, a chance to use that word!) Windows XP after Christmas my poor 'puter has kept telling me that I need to install updates that it then tells me it can't install.

Many websites and even some e-mails have come up blank (except for graphics), because - I assume - some text set needs to be uploaded with the updates...

And now the bloody thing refuses to recognize my camcorder so I can  get the on-site video I took yesterday at Virginia Uranium uploaded and posted! *And* I haven't figured out how to tell Ubuntu (on my other, old 'puter) how to do it, either.

*grr* *snarl*

Of course, I suppose I could swipe the Munchkin's laptop for my nefarious purposes - but that's running *gag*Vista*gag* and I wonder if that will actually end up making my head explode in frustration...

Honey? Come home quick!

Continuing the uranium debate

(UPDATE: For all of my posts pertaining to the Pittsylvania Uranium debate, please click here)

I was contacted yesterday (in the comments on my Virginia Uranium post) by Gregg Vickrey, who is associated with Southside Concerned Citizens - Chatham, requesting me to contact him to set up another interview. It may be as early as Friday, or it may not be until the week of February 4th (next week is a bit busy for me, guys!).

I have advised both Virginia Uranium and Mr. Vickrey that all e-mails from now on on this subject will be considered by me to be available to publish and discuss. I want to be open and transparent with my readers both in my communications and in my biases, and I feel this will help keep us all honest.

Secondly, I have proposed to SCCC and VUI that we set up some meetings which I will videotape and publish. I think it would be good to get both sides together in a small group and discuss the issues, one by one, scientist to scientist, person to person, without all the trappings of political maneuvering.

My main concern, whatever decision *I* make on this issue, is to do my best to make sure each "side" is given their chance to speak and make their case. I think it would serve our community well if as much information as possible is available for them to review and consider as they make their decisions.

I have requested and will continue to request information and documentation from all parties that I can post for public review. Although I will give my personal impressions of the people I meet and interview and of their arguments and evidence, I will neither stoop to ad hominem attacks, nor will I tolerate them from either side.

Evidence, people. Data. Links. Hard, cold facts.

The truth will always take care of itself, in the long run. So let's get the discussion going, let's keep it open, public, and civil, and we will all benefit!

UPDATE: Walter Coles, Jr., has just e-mailed me and said "Kat, we want the truth/facts/science to prevail.  Therefore we will gladly participate in whatever format that you have in mind."

Let's get this puppy rolling! ;-)

Technorati Tags: Virginia Uranium, Southside Concerned Citizens, uranium mining, mining, energy

Virginia Uranium: Let's get the information!

(UPDATE: For all of my posts pertaining to the Pittsylvania Uranium debate, please click here)

I just got home (OK, not "just" - it's now two hours later, and OOooo! My .wma file of the interview finally uploaded! You should right-click and "save file as" to your desktop and listen to it from there) from an extended interview and tour of Virginia Uranium, Inc.,  with Walter Coles, Jr. He introduced me to his father as well as Mick Mastilovic, the VP of Operations. All three gentlemen were gracious and willing to give me all the information they had; they answered questions fully, and emphasized their concern for safety and for our community.

For the record, on their behalf but not at their request, I believe them to be men of good character who are truly concerned for what is best for our community and its safety and well-being. I have seen charges of deceit and lying levelled against the Coles elsewhere, and from the information I have at this time, I find those allegations ignorant at best and libellous at worst - and I realize that some may find that statement worthy of attack.

However, considering that I am simply a concerned citizen - and not even a blogger of great renown and influence - they were happy to patiently answer any questions I had, and would keep answering until I understood the data and the issues involved. The openness and focus they had on educating me about uranium, uranium mining, and the safety issues involved were refreshing. I would encourage anyone to contact them to request a similar interview and tour, and I am confident that the staff of Virginia Uranium would jump at the opportunity to show others what they are all about.

Should the "opposition" wish to conduct an interview with me in a similar manner, I would certainly be delighted to accommodate them. My first question to them would be, "Why would you be uninterested in a scientific study by an impartial source which would give us firm information on safety risks concerning possible mining in this area?" In my opinion, the more information we have, the better decisions we make. So, why shouldn't the study be done?

Mr. Coles stated that the money to fund the study would be provided by Virginia Uranium, not Virginia taxpayers. He stated that the company was extremely motivated to have the study done by an impartial source with no follow-on interests. If, for instance, Virginia Tech were to do the study, they might be inclined to be biased in favor of results which would promote uranium mining; after all, many of their graduates might eventually be employed by VUI. However, Virginia Uranium is interested in institutions which will conduct the study without expectations of return.

At this point, Virginia Uranium is interested in knowing whether uranium mining can be done safely here in Pittsylvania County. From what they told me, even if the study started tomorrow, it looks like a minimum of perhaps three years before any solid, scientifically-backed answers could be provided - possibly even longer. Therefore, I am all for going ahead with the study so that we all have hard evidence on which to base our decision as to whether we want to support or oppose uranium mining.

The full audio file of the interview and presentation they gave in the office this morning is here (again, right-click and "save as" to listen to it from your computer - thanks for the suggestion Isophorone!). It is a .wma file (44megs!), and over 90 minutes long, but I present it without editing in the interest of full and fair disclosure. It will take a while to listen to, but I hope you do. Over the next few days, I plan on commenting on several of the questions we covered, and I hope also to post my video shots from the site where they are drilling for tests.

I received a warm response from Walter-the-Younger when I suggested that I return and get a series of videos interviewing the staff about what VUI is doing, how they acquire the samples, safety procedures and so on. I believe that interviews and videos like this can educate both me and the general public so that we can all make informed choices.

Please don't let the words "uranium mining" stampede you into the "not in my back yard" mentality. Let Virginia Uranium have the study done - heck, get LOTS of studies done! - and then we can have the debate over whether or not we want the mine.

The few, the proud... Our heros!

Kittipurrs to my blog brother, Jerry...

Oh, I love these types of commercials! The Army has some good ones out, too - but I haven't seen anything for the Navy (*gasp!* Hey, and Navy wife, here!) or the Air Force like this. But, then, I just bust out with pride for ALL the courageous and honorable men and women who volunteer to serve and defend this country. America really doesn't know how richly we have been blessed!

Oh, WOW!!

This is what Wonder Bread WISHES it was! OMG, it's soft, it's tasty, and it's HOMEMADE!

UPDATE: I should note that this recipe is from The Bread Bible, by Rose Levy Beranbaum, beginning on page 244: "Basic Soft White Sandwich Loaf." Now I've got to study this book to see if I can do this same, lovely-soft-yummy loaf with whole wheat flour..... But... ***SWOON!!!*** This loaf is just divine!!!

Hm. The dough was very wet and soft; perhaps I need to experiment and see if I can adjust a whole wheat recipe to do something similar [pondering].

Mmmm!

Life is SO good! (And so is the bread!)

Fresh baked bread!

These are the first four loaves... I've got one more I need to bake. Here, the two loaves on the right are a recipe I use often - the two on the left are from a new recipe, and the one I haven't baked yet is a third. Hey! Gotta find the perfect mix, right? LOL!

Just ate some of the whole wheat/cracked wheat loves (the first recipe) with butter... Oooooooo!

Preemptive snow day

We're supposed to get some nasty weather rolling through here, starting in the early hours of the morning. So, the Darling Munchkin's school launched a preemptive strike and decided to announce today that school would be closed tomorrow...

Woohoo! Alarm is turned off, and I think that tomorrow is BREAD BAKING DAY!!!

And now for something completely different...

moar funny pictures

moar funny pictures

I'm sorry... I just HAD to!!!

The CatHouse loves ICANHASCHEEZBURGER!

Upcoming interview with Walter Coles Jr., of Virginia Uranium, Inc.!

(UPDATE: For all of my posts pertaining to the Pittsylvania Uranium debate, please click here)

Well, what a rush!

Just moments ago I got a note in my inbox from Walter Coles, Jr., inviting me over for a tour and an interview! So, on Tuesday morning, I'll pack up my little camera and my digital voice recorder, and head off to meet him and learn more about the process.

Mr. Coles, Jr., is the executive vice president of Virginia Uranium, Inc., and his family - along with the Bowen family - owns the majority of VA Uranium. I am honored that he contacted me via my little blog, and I will be delighted to pose any questions from my readers about safety, environmental issues, permitting, traffic, security, and so on. Mr. Coles is very gracious to extend this invitation to me, and I would request that any questions you offer would be phrased in the same manner of courtesy and in the interest of finding the best plan for our entire community.

I do not have an agenda either way - if uranium mining can be done safely, securely, and kindly to the environment, as well as providing jobs and revenue to our community, then I'm all for it. If it cannot, then I couldn't possibly support it, of course. This is an information-gathering tour, and if a local group opposing this development wishes a similar meeting, I'd be happy to post that interview as well.

In the interest of fairness and honesty, I will be posting the FULL sound files from ANY conversations and interviews I have on this topic (assuming I have enough batteries!), as well as pictures and commentary.

Pittsylvania County in hot debate over uranium mining

(UPDATE: For all of my posts pertaining to the Pittsylvania Uranium debate, please click here)

Well, my post back in October about the possibility of uranium mining coming to Pittsylvania County has garnered more than a few hits off of search engines, as well as a couple of e-mails (and I appreciate the rational and courteous discussion!), so I thought I'd review and expand a little bit.

First of all, what I've been hearing on the street, so to speak, is that many people in the county are adamantly against mining uranium, which is certainly something I can understand. Obviously, there are very important health and environmental issues which need to be addressed: has the technology for mining improved so that the ore can be mined and processed safely? What are acceptable levels of risk (sorry, folks, but you will never get zero risk - just ain't gonna happen)? What precautions will be made to protect the water supply and how effective are they? What impact will mining have on the local environment and where will it be concentrated?

Those are just a few of the many worthy and intelligent questions concerned citizens need to ask and which need to be answered fully and carefully.

There's another murmur that I'm hearing (and again, this is HEARSAY, so I'm not saying it as fact) is that Gov. Kaine is really pushing this through. Now, he's only got two more years left in office as of this writing, so I don't know that he can in fact push it through that quickly. However, just recently the Chatham Star-Tribune published a story on January 3, 2008, about some permits being denied to Virginia Uranium, Inc.:

The Pittsylvania County Planning Commission voted 4-3 Thursday night to recommend that a special-use permit for Virginia Uranium Inc. be denied.

Virginia Uranium began exploratory drilling northeast of Chatham in December to confirm what is believed to be the largest uranium deposit in the United States.

The company is seeking permission for a temporary office trailer and storage for new core samples. [note: the Star-Trib.'s archives can be a little odd, so I'm not certain if that link will always be valid]

However, just about a week later, the permits have now been approved:

The Pittsylvania County Board of Zoning Appeals rejected a recommendation from the Planning Commission Tuesday night and voted 4-2 to approve a special-use permit for Virginia Uranium Inc.

Virginia Uranium began exploratory drilling in December to confirm what is believed to be the largest uranium deposit in the United States. [ditto]

So, although this is the Board of Zoning Appeals overriding the Planning Commission, it's still a fairly confusing situation! Plus, I've also heard that the Commonwealth granted some permits (.pdf file) to Virginia Uranium, Inc., for some exploratory drilling, and I would have thought that was the federal government's jurisdiction...?

There's also the fact that our area's new State Senator, Robert Hurt, is associated with Virginia Uranium, Inc., due to the fact that his father is a part owner in the company. Now, yeah, I may be a bit credulous, but I don't automatically assume improper bias just because of that, but Sen. Hurt - as I'm sure he's aware - will have to walk a very careful line to assure that he is fair and honestly weighs the benefits and costs of this venture. He will have a difficult job serving the needs and desires of his constituents, and I'm sure that no matter which way he goes, he'll be castigated by the other side. The other side of that, for me, is that if Gov. Kaine does indeed want to push this through, my knee-jerk response (since I'm very conservative, and he's not) is to say "Heck, NO!" ;-) I hope, however, that I can do the research and get more information so I can make a well-reasoned and considered choice...

So, at this point, I guess I'm still pretty neutral. I'd like more information about advances in safety and mining techniques, and I definitely don't want to go forward without great confidence that this endeavor will have minimal impact on my neighbors' health and the environment. There are many issues which MUST be addressed and resolved before I can properly offer either my support OR opposition. Certainly Pittsylvania needs the development and the income, but not at the expense of our citizens' well-being.

Hm. Perhaps I'll have to drive down Cole's Rd. and take some pictures... I'd like to see more of what's going on with my own eyes.

As a side note, a place which OUGHT to be a source for information on what's going on, the Pittsylvania Board of Supervisors, hasn't updated its Agenda/Minutes page since May, 2007 - I need to drop them a line and request the information!

BTW, for reference, here is a link which ought to search the Star-Trib.'s archives for "uranium" (who knows what you'll get; their search and archive section is dismal), and here's a Google search for "uranium mining Virginia Pittsylvania"

HAH! Another excellent beer ad!

Guinness: Tipping Point
Uploaded by Razorbuzz

Rube Goldberg meets dominoes...

It reminds me of the "Big Ad"....

(Purrs to the PuppyBlender [good thing he doesn't try that with cats, huh?])

One day at a time...

Last night, several members of the church I'm attending (which will, I suspect, soon become MY church) joined together with the Pastor, and began Henry Blackaby's Bible study, Experiencing God. I've been wanting to do this study for a while - heck, it's been out and changing lives since 1990 - and finally I have the opportunity to get back into the Word of God with a group of people who are earnest about getting closer to God and walking with Him.

It's going to be a bit of an uphill climb for me; I've tried and failed so often that I fear I'm going to fall flat on my face again. But, this first day of the study reminded me that God does not want my faith and obedience tomorrow, He wants them NOW.

One day at a time.

If I simply commit to following and obeying Jesus one step, one moment at a time, right NOW, then tomorrow will take care of itself. I do not need to look down the coming weeks and months and try to foresee all the problems, defeats, bumbles and stumbles I may have - all I need to do is walk with my Savior today, step by step.

Blackaby uses the example of a farmer riding with him in the car, and giving him directions to get to the farm:

Because there was more than one way to get to [the farmer's] house, he could have taken me any way he wanted to. You see, he was my map. What did I have to do? I simply had to listen to him and do what he said. Every time he said, "Turn," I did what he said. He took me a way I had never been and could not have discovered on my own. I could never retrace that route by myself. The farmer was my map; he knew the way.

In the same way, Jesus is our map. He doesn't give us directions and then let us follow them on our own; He walks beside us and directs us each moment of the day. All we have to do is listen to Him and follow His instructions.

God wants NOW. If I obey one moment and one step at a time NOW, God will take care of tomorrow. If I obey one day at a time, I will be in the center of God's will and won't be running ahead or dragging behind where He wants me NOW.

I have often felt discouraged with myself. The cycle of trying and failing can be very wearying, and I frequently wonder if God isn't fed up with me. I mean, I know He's not, because He has promised to complete His work in me, and He has promised never to leave or forsake me. He has given me His Spirit as His guarantee and seal, to witness to my spirit that I am His child and to give me His strength to walk in obedience.

Today's lesson had three verses which really caught my attention. First, John 17:3 -

And this is eternal life, that they may know You [God the Father], the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.

God wants me to have eternal life. He wants me to know Him, to know His Son.

The next verse is John 7:17 -

If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.

If I choose to do His will, if I choose to follow Him, He will prove out in my life just who He is and that He is good and loving and just and true.

The final verse is this week's memory verse, John 15:5 -

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

I cannot tell you how many times this verse keeps coming up in my life. Over and over and OVER again, He brings it to my attention. Subtly, bluntly, slyly, serendipitously... He keeps reminding me of this verse - how often do I need Him to bludgeon me over the head with it before it gets through my thick skull?!

Without Christ I can do nothing. Without His power and His love and His salvation, I have nothing. Without Him, I produce nothing.

I. Can't. Do. This. ALONE.

I'm not supposed to!

With Him, I can do all things! I have all things! I can produce all the fruit He desires!

So - one day, one step, one moment at a time. God wants me to walk with Him NOW. He wants me to abide in Him NOW. He wants me to relax into Him NOW. He wants me to obey Him NOW.

I can't change what's gone before. I can't control what is going to come. But what I can do is follow Him NOW. He has covered my past with His blood. He knows and has the future under His control. All He wants from me is... NOW. I don't need to fret over what's done and gone, and I don't need to borrow trouble from tomorrow or fear future failures... I just need to give Him NOW.

One day at a time.

You know... I think I can do that.

I think it's time that I reposted this...

This is a post from March 27, 2007. I've been more and more irritated with the Republican party in general, and Bush's latest stupidity concerning the gun ban in D.C. is yet another burr under my saddle...

I'm far too tired with the lack of character displayed by members of my former party. I'm disgusted with the fact that they exhibit little to no moral fortitude, neither do they appear to care about conforming to the founding principles of our country.

So, I'm done with them.

Now, Democrats, don't start crowing with joy because your party isn't any better! Your representatives seem pretty rife with self-serving corruption, too, and I'm tired of having to choose between the pot and the kettle.

Therefore, I'm now calling myself a Christian Conservative. Note the order of that: Christian is first. My first allegiance is always to my risen Lord and Savior, and I cannot endorse any candidate who does not live according to a biblical moral code, who does not keep to the highest standards of integrity and honor.

First off, if you're "pro-choice," I want nothing to do with you. I will not cast my vote in favor of anyone who supports the state-sanctioned murder of innocents. Abortion is an abomination in the sight of God, and a terrible, black stain on our country's conscience. Any candidate who wants my support must believe firmly in the sanctity of life and have a record to prove that they will fight for that position. I want a candidate who is unabashedly against Roe v. Wade, and outspoken in favor of its reversal.

Secondly, I want an honest candidate. I want a man or a woman who strives for openness and integrity in every area of their life, personal and public. I understand how mistakes can be made - none of us are perfect - but mistakes should be dealt with immediately, with full disclosure and proper apologies accompanying appropriate preventative measures for the future. I don't want any mealy "Well, if you were offended, I'm sorry" apologies, I want "What I said/did was wrong and unacceptable. I take full responsibility, and I will not do that again. I apologize."

I want a candidate with fortitude and perseverance. I want follow through. I want a candidate whose handshake is a guarantee of a done deal. I want a candidate who knows he or she is my employee, who will use my tax dollars responsibly, honestly and transparently. I want someone who remembers what it's like to be a typical citizen, with little access to the "halls of power" or mansions and private jets. I want someone who honors and upholds our laws, and does not exempt himself from them.

I want a candidate who loves this country and believes in its foundational goodness. I want this man or woman to be dedicated to protecting its citizens and our borders. I want our military to be cherished and supported, and directed with wisdom and shrewdness.

I want this candidate to understand that our Founding Fathers were intelligent men who did not write in parables. Our Founding Documents were written in clear English, with documented interpretation and discussion as to their meaning, and the current "dynamic translations" of the Constitution shame and insult our Fathers.

I want a candidate who is color-blind. I do not want any special rights for any ethnic group: either you are qualified to do a job, or you're not - skin color has no bearing on the issue. I want a candidate who works towards encouraging people to take responsibility for their own lives and actions, to stand on their own feet. Welfare and programs like it should be reserved for people who truly need the assistance, and not those who simply have no motivation. I want a candidate who has practical intelligence, however: if one group of people is statistically far more likely to blow up planes, trains, schools, banks, etc., then that's the group our law enforcement officers should focus on.

Finally, I want strong Christian candidates. I want people who go to church on Sunday and read their Bible every day. I want devoted followers of Christ, who take up their cross daily to follow their Savior. I want the humble, servant's attitude of a disciple of Christ. I want them to display a compassion and fortitude similar to Jesus, and I want them to be bold in calling evil by its name.

These are tough standards, and I realize I may have to go with the best available on some - some! - of these points. But if you don't pass on the first test, and don't get at least 80% on the rest, then get out of my face: I want nothing to do with you.

So. Is there anybody out there who can meet my standards? I'm watching. I'm looking.

And I'm hoping and praying...

To the original post I will add that if you don't take our National Security seriously, if you are in favor of benefits and fast-track citizenship to illegal immigrants, then you are a spineless coward who does not truly have the interests of American citizens in mind. On the contrary, you are out to destroy our sovereignty and, yes, I question your patriotism.

Secondly, our government sent our troops into Iraq and Afghanistan. It is now our responsibility to support our military and do all we can to help them finish the job and come home triumphantly. These men and women have volunteered for service, have shed blood, sweat and tears to help Iraq and Afghanistan become free and productive countries. We owe our men and women in uniform the honor and respect of a grateful nation. If you don't stand four-square behind our troops and the job they are doing, then, yes, I question your patriotism.

Finally, if you can't vigorously support tax reform, fiscal responsibility, low taxes, and openness and transparency in all monetary aspects of our legislature, then I not only call you cowardly, craven and anti-American, I call you a liar and a thief. I would say that if you wouldn't do it to your dear, sweet Mom, you shouldn't do it to the American taxpayer. Too many of you have proven you're willing to have your Mom roast in Hell so you can have your moment of power and 15-second soundbite, however, so I doubt that will mean much to you.

If the Republican party can't get on board, if they continue to turn away from their base and our values, then I'm looking for a new party. I'm tired of the status quo, I'm tired of business-as-usual, and I'm tired of just settling for the lesser of two evils.

"Here I stand; I can do no other. God help me. Amen!"

George W. Bush, you are SCREWING your base!

Link: Of Arms and the Law: Government files amicus -- on DC's side!.

Quick read: Gov't says, yes, it's an individual right. BUT we join with DC in asking Court to reverse the DC Circuit, because it applied strict scrutiny to the DC law. It should only have applied an intermediate standard. That is, the legal position of the US is that DC Circuit was wrong, a complete ban on handguns is NOT per se unconstitutional, it all depends on how good a reason DC can prove for it.

Hey, Bub-ya, it's actions like THIS which are turning me away from the Republican party! Stuff like this is why I call myself a Christian Conservative.

It's idiocy like this why the Republican party will not receive one thin PENNY from me until they've proven they've returned to their base and have stopped the big government, nanny state, fiscal irresponsibility, spineless, self-promoting, and power-mongering behavior of the past eight years (I'm being kind).

Piss off, you two-faced, lying bastards! Don't forget: the Second Amendment is a sword that the people will use if the government takes away too many of our God-given rights. Which is, I suppose, why you want to take it away...

[throws hands up in disgust, spits on the Republican party, and stalks away]

Christian Marriage

In these days of rampant "Feminism," this is a very difficult topic to address. People hear the "Wives, submit to your own husbands" and stop there, never putting the issue in context and reading all of Paul's commands to Christians.

Paul is often accused of being a misogynist and putting women down, when in fact, he - and Christianity - hold women in high regard. In Galatians 3 for example, Paul explicitly states that

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Men and women, rich and poor, slave or free, black or white or orange with purple polka dots, ALL are equal before Christ.

Secondly (this is an update), I want to make note of the fact that the words used for husband and wife, "aner"and "gunay" in the Greek, are also used to refer to men or women in a general sense. Therefore, many of these concepts of submission and love are applicable to ALL Christians, not just married couples. As Paul said earlier in Ephesians, "... be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you (4:32)" and "... submitting to one another in the fear of God." (5:21). So we can all benefit from a discussion of how Christian marriage ought to work, don't you think?

With that stated, let's go on now and study Ephesians 5, verses 22-33:

The Cotillion live-blogs tonight's debate

If you want to join in, please do so - we're testing out a new (to us) program: Cover It Live.

So hop on in with your commentary! You'll get all the responses and comments from all of the Cotillion ladies who are blogging.

Channeling Aladdin - Aladdin, are you there?

moar funny pictures

Kensington iPod products aren't getting any more of my money

Over Thanksgiving, I went into the Apple store in Orlando to purchase a new car adapter for my iPod. I had a very good adapter, but it was about 7 years old and was difficult to read on the fly. Although it did an excellent job, I also couldn't use a protective case for my iPod, and things tend to get banged up in the car.

So, I purchased a Kensington Digital Transmitter, model number K33185. It appeared to work for a few day, but then I noticed a lot of static interfering with my music - and it happened no matter what frequency I used. As a side note, it also didn't go all the way down to 88.7, which seems to be the frequency most likely to have nothing on it.

So, I called the Kensington help line listed on my Apple Store invoice and got a very helpful (although somewhat linguistically-challenged) gentleman who, after going through a few trouble-shooting questions and actions, told me he was going to send me a new unit. From his remarks, I understood it to be a new model, and he said it was "much better."

Fine. All well and good. Even the most rigorous and quality controlled manufacturing process can turn out the occasional dud. And thus, I awaited my new accessory with anticipation.

My new Kensington K33411US arrived in a very timely manner, and I've been using it for a month now.

*sigh*

Same problem.

Now, I don't know if it's the long cord which runs between the transmitter and the iPod plug - I liked the cord because it made it easier to see my iPod when I needed to change playlists or remind myself what group was singing a song - but I suspect it may be. Sometimes the static will fall off a little if I move the iPod to a different place in my vehicle, but that kind defeats the purpose, doesn't it?

Therefore, I'm now back to using a naked iPod in my beat up old FM transmitter dock. It's difficult to see, it blocks the cup holder (gotta hold my coffee on my, erm, lap), but at least I can hear my music without static.

I guess that's a reminder of the old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

Well, now... *THIS* is interesting...

Found this quiz via Uncle Jimbo at Blackfive, and here are my results:

85% Mitt Romney
78% Fred Thompson
76% John McCain
75% Tom Tancredo
70% Mike Huckabee
61% Rudy Giuliani
59% Ron Paul
42% Bill Richardson
42% Hillary Clinton
39% John Edwards
36% Barack Obama
36% Chris Dodd
32% Joe Biden
25% Mike Gravel
18% Dennis Kucinich

2008 Presidential Candidate Matching Quiz

Now, I'm assuming that the quiz makers didn't include Duncan Hunter... But I'm astonished that it scores me with Romney on top - I'd love to see more info on how they come up with these results.

The fact that my results rank Guiliani so low is hardly surprising since I wouldn't vote for him even if he were the Republican candidate. And of course all the Democrats are on the lower half of the list. But again, even there, Shrillary is higher up than I thought she'd be.

Of course, how the Democrats rank for me makes no difference, because I wouldn't vote for any of them if you held a gun to my head!

This woman deserves a Citizen of the Century award!

Link: 'Mean mom' sells son's car after misdeed - Yahoo! News.

Jane Hambleton has dubbed herself the "meanest mom on the planet." After finding alcohol in her son's car, she decided to sell the car and share her 19-year-old's misdeed with everyone — by placing an ad in the local newspaper.

The ad reads: "OLDS 1999 Intrigue. Totally uncool parents who obviously don't love teenage son, selling his car. Only driven for three weeks before snoopy mom who needs to get a life found booze under front seat. $3,700/offer. Call meanest mom on the planet.

Good for her! I pride myself on being a kind of nazi-mom: I do not accept poor behavior from the Darling Munchkin *OR* her friends. I'm happy to be playful and tease and laugh with them, but all of them know that there is a line they must not cross in my household.

Disrespect, irresponsibility, whining, malingering, lying... None of these are tolerated at home in the CatHouse - and it's wonderful to see that there are other parents out there who are willing to hold the line and follow through with real consequences.

"You can choose your actions, but you cannot choose the consequences."

So. Choose your actions wisely.

Hooray for Jane Hambleton; America needs more parents like her!

Work release convict assaults fellow employee at McDonalds

From VALLEY TRUE GRITT:

The ruckus it seems is that one of the convicts had begun a running argument with a regular employee which began to escalate. The employee complained to the assistant manager about the aggressive manner the convict was showing him and the threats that were being made. The assistant manager did nothing to stop the situation. Very shortly thereafter the convict attacked the employee and beat him quite badly. The employee finally got away and made it to the front of the store asking for help (all bloody from the beating). No one came to his assistance including the stores management. Somehow 911 had been called and the police arrived. No one seemed to care what had happened to the employee because rescue was never called nor was any offer made by management to convey him to a doctor or emergency center. Owners showed up shortly and both the employee and the convict were served no trespass papers. The convict was then taken by the police back to his unit and the employee was fired.

To make matters even worse, according to the information I've received, the assault was caught on security cameras and the manager apparently saw fit to distribute these videos.

I have not been able to find any references to this crime outside of the linked blog post, and am requesting that any of my readers who might know of this, would you please contact me? PLEASE let me know if any of the local papers mentioned this assault (which happened on 03Jan08), and what information you have on RHAE, Inc., the company which apparently owns the franchise.

Do I hate Google Video, or do I hate my DSL?

I was in Martinsville, VA, yesterday to be at the announcement that RTI International Metals, Inc., was opening a plant in Henry County which would bring needed business and revenue to that depressed area.

My regular video camera's battery was almost dead (*GRF!*), so I used my little purse camera and got the three main speakers, Gov. Tim Kaine, Dawne Hickton (RTI's Vice Chairman and CEO), and one gentleman from Henry County whose name escapes me (mainly because I forgot to bring the information flyer home with me [smacks self]).

Each video was too large for YouTube (I don't have a "director" account), and over the 100 megs allowed by Google Video's online uploader - and so I started uploading with the desktop uploader at three o'clock yesterday afternoon.

The first video took FIVE HOURS to upload. The second video finished uploading this morning as I took the Darling Munchkin to school. The third is still sluggishly dribbling in to Google.

*sigh*

Anyway, here are the two which are live:

Well, d'uh!

Stop giving antibiotics for colds, doctors told:

Mr Johnson says: "The past 60 years have seen great advances in health care and medicine. For example, the use of antibiotics has saved countless lives, but antibiotics do not work on most coughs, colds and sore throats and their unnecessary use can leave the body susceptible to gut infections like Clostridium difficile."

Over-use of antibiotics, which can be used only on bacterial infections, has been blamed for the rise of drug-resistant tuberculosis. The drugs can strip natural bacteria from the gut and allow C.diff to take hold and kill vulnerable elderly people.

Too-liberal use of antibiotics, especially when patients do not finish their courses, allows multiplication of bugs that have mutated to become resistant.

If antibiotic use is not curbed, doctors could run out of effective treatment as certain bugs become resistant to more and more drugs. Pharmaceutical companies are unwilling to invest the billions of pounds needed to research and develop new antibiotics because they are not very profitable.

I have always made it a policy that, as much as possible, our family allows our own bodies to fight off sickness. Rest, fluids, and good nutrition go a very long way in assisting your body combat any nasty bugs you pick up!

When the Darling Munchkin was about 9 months old, I took her in to the Doctor because of her cough. The guy didn't even examine her for more than a minute before he was writing out a prescription for an antibiotic!

"Whoa, wait a minute!" I said. "Does she need the antibiotic, or do we just need some palliatives which will make her comfortable while she fights off the infection on her own?" Immediately he tore up the scrip for the antibiotics and wrote one for some kids' Tylenol and cough medicine.

Too many parents - too many people in general! - think that if they're sick they MUST have antibiotics, and that just ain't so! Even when an antibiotic might be called for, I have always preferred to try to fight off the illness without it first. The Munchkin is a very healthy child (in part because of this attitude, I believe) and in all her 11 1/2 years has only had antibiotics about five times. The rare times she has been sick, it's usually a 36-hour fever which we control with Tylenol and Ibuprofen.

Remember, when you get sick (unless your immune system is already compromised for some reason), start with rest, fluids (water, juice, broth - NO ALCOHOL ;-) ), and good nutrition. Give your body the supplies it needs to conquer that nasty bug, and I bet you'll find you don't need nearly so many antibiotics!

Oh, we're off to see the wizard...

OK, so maybe not the "Wizard," but I am off to see the Eyebrow: Gov Timmy!Kaine will be in Martinsville today, and since Alton and badrose have been insisting that I come visit, I'm going to head out after I've dropped the Munchkin off at school.

So, there may be pictures and a write up. Or there may not. Hm... Should I bring the videocam...?

Day by Day Cartoon fundraiser HUGE success

Chris Muir, the author of the fabulous Day By Day cartoon, planned on having a fundraiser to gather $10,000.00 to help with the growing expenses of the site as well as help compensate him for the time and effort he puts into the strip. He'd planned on running it for the month of January...

Seems like we-his-readers had different ideas:

I can't believe I'm saying this...

Please don't send DBD any more money!

Well, I put up a perfectly good 10K Fundraiser thermometer "graphic," and you guys just smoked past that in under 8 hours. The Fundraiser notice was barely up for 24 hours. As of 5:28 this evening, (January 7, 2008), DBD readers have hurled - hurled, I say - $20,185.52 this way.[...]

I am truly amazed. Gobsmacked. Stunned. And, obviously, at a loss for words necessary for what all of you have done.

All I can think of is from what I said earlier: "I know this is very much a vote from readers on DBD."

Thank you. Thank you all for your vote.

You're welcome, Chris.

After all, we don't just love your characters - we love you, too!

[note: I can't permalink to his letter because the redirect to the PayPal donation page is embedded in it.]

On the "air" tonight!

Don't forget to click over to Radio CIA for the best in Christian and Country programming on the Internet. Tonight (and Thursday), Sacred Hideaway will be on at 7 pm Eastern time. Your humble hostess (that would be me!) will be teaching out of Ephesians 5:5-21, and for a preview you can go read my previous post.

Besides teaching, I'll be spinning up some great Christian songs, so we'll have a great time of praise, worship, and study. I look forward to the opportunity to open the Bible and lead you in discovering God's word!

Ergun Caner's testimony

I posted another video with Dr. Caner earlier this morning, and then found these three videos of him giving his testimony at Thomas Road Baptist Church.

As he said... "You want some? Come get it!"

Hahahahaha!!

You go, Chris!!

Out of Islam and into the grace of God

My blog-brother Jim Bowden linked this video of Dr. Ergun Caner, who is the Dean at Liberty Baptist University and a former muslim. It's going to take you about thirty minutes to watch, but it is FANTASTIC!

After I'd seen that video, I poked around a little more and discovered that Dr. Caner has a brother who has also converted to Christianity. They appear together in this video:

What courage and conviction - and what grace! As "apostates," they are marked for death, yet they stand up and proclaim the truth of the Fatherhood and love of God, and the glory of Christ their Savior...

Thanks, Jim... Wonderful and encouraging finds!

Civis Americanus Sum!

My blog-brother, Shaun Kenney, has hit it out of the ballpark!

To announce one's citizenship as an American citizen used to be a calling card to the world. Like the British Empire before us, Americans uniquely enjoyed the status of all things attributed: wealth, power, but a naivete and simplicity that presented the opportunity to appeal to our revolutionary spirit.

But unlike the British, ours was intended to be an empire not of culture and commerce, but of liberty.

Announcing one's citizenship to the world is a calling card, and depending on the circumstances it implied many different things. For the Romans, it meant death. Byzantines, protection. Russians, violence. British, culture.

For Americans, the announcement of one's status as an American was formerly in the vein of missionary zeal. In a Jeffersonian sense, it was the defense of innate human rights. In a Lincolnian sense, one did not belong to a man, but to Divine Providence. In a Wilsonian sense, men had the right to govern themselves.

Go read. NOW.

How far, Lord?

Casting Crowns, one of my favorite Christian bands, has always been wonderfully biblical in their lyrics, and their new album, the Altar and the Door, continues this tradition.

How far does God remove our sin from us when we place our trust and faith in Him? Casting Crowns song, "East to West," uses Psalm 103 to answer that question.

The LORD is merciful and gracious,
         Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
He will not always strive with us,
         Nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
         Nor punished us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
         So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
         So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
As a father pities his children,
         So the LORD pities those who fear Him.
For He knows our frame;
         He remembers that we are dust.

 

Here I am Lord and I’m drowning, in Your sea of forgetfulness
The chains of yesterday surround me, I yearn for peace and rest
I don’t want to end up where You found me
And it echoes in my mind
Keeps me awake tonight
I know you’ve cast my sin as far as the East is from the West
And I stand before You now as though I’ve never sinned
But today I feel like I’m just one mistake away
From You leaving me this way

Chorus:
Jesus can you show me just how far the east is from the west
‘Cause I can’t bare to see the man I’ve been
Rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
‘Cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other

I start the day, the war begins
Endless reminding of my sin
And time and time again
Your truth is drowned out by the storm I’m in
Today I feel like I’m just one mistake away
from You leaving me this way

I know You’ve washed me white
Turn my darkness into life
I need Your peace to get me through
To get me through this night
I can’t live by what I feel
But by the truth Your Word reveals
I’m not holding on to You
But You’re holding on to me
You’re holding on to me

How to live like a Christian, part 3...

Annnnnnd it's back to the Bible again! If you've been following along over the past few months, I've been meandering through the book of Ephesians since, oh, October at least. Most of the material I've posted I've used for my weekly show, Sacred Hideaway, which is available at Radio CIA on Mondays and Thursdays at 7pm eastern time.

Last week, we began near the end of chapter four, but continued into the beginning of chapter five. This week, we're going to take another slice from this section, and of course next week I get the exciting opportunity to talk about husbands and wives - my, how wonderful! [rolls eyes at self].

So, on to the fray...

First Sunday

Ah, it was good to be back with God's family again this morning! The last time I was in church was just before Thanksgiving, and it was a blessing to return.

In Sunday School this morning, we studied commitment; how our first commitment ought to always be God, and then to our family. I got a lot of good ideas that I'm going to incorporate into my Sacred Hideaway show this week (remember, Monday and Thursday at 7pm ET on Radio CIA).

Specific verses which really made me stop and think were

Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

and

Luke 14:26-27 - If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

The level of commitment we owe Jesus is no light and easy thing: it must be a dedicated, purposeful, and consistent pursuit. No, we will never be perfect disciples here on earth, but because of the sacrifice Christ made for us, we need to strive to do our best to follow Him. When we fail - and we will - we must fall on the grace of God for forgiveness and strength to try again.

That leads me to a hymn we sang this morning, "I Must Tell Jesus." I had never heard this hymn before, but its words are so true:

I must tell Jesus all of my trials;
I cannot bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me;
He ever loves and cares for His own.

Refrain

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
I cannot bear my burdens alone;
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

I must tell Jesus all of my troubles;
He is a kind, compassionate friend;
If I but ask Him, He will deliver,
Make of my troubles quickly an end.

Refrain

Tempted and tried, I need a great Savior;
One Who can help my burdens to bear;
I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus;
He all my cares and sorrows will share.

Refrain

O how the world to evil allures me!
O how my heart is tempted to sin!
I must tell Jesus, and He will help me
Over the world the victory to win.

Refrain

I need to remember that I cannot possibly do any work for Christ in my own strength. It is His strength and His life which I must rely upon. He is a very present help in times of trouble, and He has said that there are no temptations I have that are unusual - but He will always provide a way for me to bear up under the load.

It was wonderful to see Pastor Hank, because I'd spent the past four weeks or so being terribly embarrassed whenever I saw him - after all, I'd promised that I'd be in church this Sunday or that, and always found an excuse to remain at home (OK, once or twice I did have a legitimate excuse, honest!). So, it will be nice to see him dropping off his kids at school and being able to wave with a clear conscience, LOL!

For his sermon, Pastor Hank spoke from Genesis 1, and it was fanTAStic to hear the Word preached so strongly and unapologetically! As Pastor Hank said,

If you don't get Genesis 1:1 right, you're not going to get anything right!

"In the beginning, GOD..."

If we don't begin with God -  the true, living and holy God - then everything we do and think will be based upon the wrong foundation! It's not what scientists say, it's not what your friends say, it's not what your family says - it's what *GOD* says. God speaks the Truth, and though the world scoffs and says that "science" disproves the claims of the Bible, it is the claims of a sinful, ephemeral race against the Word of the God of Truth who is our Creator and Sustainer.

As I write this, I am reminded of Romans (d'uh! My favorite book of the Bible!), particularly chapter one, verses 18-23:

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

And that's me, too... Although I have been saved by God's wonderful grace and mercy, I still wrestle with my sin nature. Unfortunately, I don't even give it an earnest wrestle - too often I just roll over and let my carnal desires just walk away with me.

But since God created me, since He knew me before I was born, since He formed me in my mother's womb, and since He died for me, *I* need to recommit, each and every moment of the day, to serving and glorifying Him, to making every effort to control my heart and mind and conform them to His purpose. As Paul said, it's only reasonable:

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Father, I pray that You help me keep my mind, heart and spirit anchored in You. You are the way, the truth and the life, and there is no other name under heaven by which we may be saved. Seal my heart, keep me true to You, and convict me of sin so I may come to You in true remorse. Help me turn away from carnal desires, and give me righteous and godly desires in their place so that I may proclaim Your glory and be a true witness to Your power and love. I ask these things in the name of You Son, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Amen.

ALERT! BLOGGER TO BE ARRESTED!

The terrible news about the upcoming arrest of Lionheart UK reached my inbox in the wee hours of Friday, January 4, 2008:

Hi AOW

I just wanted to let you know that I am being arrested by the British police because of my blog.

As Pamela stated in her post on the topic at Atlas Shrugs,

[Lionheart] has been a warrior on the war on the jihad in the UK and exposed the drug running that funded Islamic jihad in Britain and posted on the tsunami of sharia enveloping his beloved country. The Brits have submitted to Islam and they mean to shut down anyone who speaks for freedom, justice and liberty. Silencing the daring truth tellers...."Hate speech" legislation is the club the political elites will wield to club us into submission.

A breakfast omlette-fritatta-thingy

Got hungry this morning (gee, what a surprise), but didn't want to go to too much trouble... So I sort of did, anyway... Here's what you need:

First, turn on your oven broiler.

Then, assemble your ingredients:

• 1 1/2 strips of bacon, lightly chopped
• 1/4 cup of onion, chopped
• 1-2 eggs, beaten (or use EggBeaters, which is what I did)
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 cherry tomatoes, quartered (or use some regular tomato - but it's got to be a good one!)
• freshly ground pepper

In a small frypan, start the bacon cooking over med-high heat on your stove top. When it's about halfway done (and I like mine floppy, not crisped to death, so you may need to adjust the timing) add the onion. Stir occasionally so nothing burns. When the bacon is almost done to your taste and the onions are soft, translucent and lightly browned, add the egg(s). Scatter the tomatoes on top, and then the cheese. Grind some pepper over everything (mmmmm, PEPPER!), and cook for a minute or two to let the bottom of the fritatta set up. Then, pop it under the broiler until the cheese is melted, the tomatoes are warmed, and the egg is cooked through.

Slide it out onto a plate and enjoy!

Yeah, I already ate half (90% by now... Mmmm!) before I thought to take the picture.

YUMMAY!!!!!

The Quilting Kat rides - er, QUILTS - again!

UPDATE: Well, it turns out that "Quilting Kat" is already taken, and by another lady in Virginia. SooOOOoo, I grabbed Kat's Quilting instead because the Beloved Husband liked that better than "Quilting by Kat... *sigh* I'm going to host that storefront/blog here on TypePad, but the design I'm trying to set up is beating my butt at the moment...

Well, I don't know how this will affect blogging, but I've decided to re-open my machine quilting business. The Beloved Husband rightly says that we need to pay off the credit card (evil thing!), and no one around this very depressed area of Virginia wants to hire a 40-something who only wants to work part time because of family constraints.

Besides, my beautiful Noelani, my APQS Millennium, really could use the work! Certainly I'm pretty prolific (when I'm sewing), but even *I* can't keep her supplied with enough tops to quilt!

I had gone down to my local quilt store on Thursday to get some backing for a quilt top. I wanted to let them know I was going to start up my longarm business, and make sure I wasn't stepping on anyone's toes - quilters are a very friendly lot, but courtesy and grace go a looooooong way.

The shop had recently bought their own longarm, a different brand than Noelani, and I spoke at length with the lady who they'd hired to quilt for the shop. We had a lovely time, and I thought perhaps the shop could use some of the pantographs (all over designs on a long scroll of paper - you follow them with your machine using a pointer or a laser, and the machine sews that pattern onto the quilt top)I had but never use, so I offered to bring them down yesterday (Friday).

How fortunate that I did! My friend quilts all-over designs, whereas my specialty and passion is freehand and custom quilting... So, when I went back yesterday, she had brought her own top in for me to quilt!

The Beloved Husband was quite impressed that I had gotten a paying quilt so quickly...

So, if you're a quilter with a top in need of quilting, I can do that!Give me a shout out at my e-mail (right hand column, under my picture), and we can talk about it. Rates are starting at $0.015 per square inch; so measure your quilt, multiply the length by the height, and then multiply that number by .015, and you'll get a good idea of what it will cost. Remember, that's only a guesstimate: I'll have to verify the measurements, and the type of quilting you want may cause the price to rise - my colleague's quilt is $0.02 per square inch, and I'm giving her a hefty professional discount.

Oh. And *NO* sheets: Noelani is a very flexible and forgiving machine, but she hates sheets, and her bobbin barfs all over them.

So, blogging will be lighter when I've got quilts to load, but I'll also try to take pictures and talk about some of my successes and nightmares... In the meantime, I hope my friends will pray for me and for my success. It will be nice to contribute financially to the family, and this is a great way to set my own schedule and earn a little pin money.

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