Friday, November 30, 2007

November's Winning Numbers.....

....4, 7, 17, 27, and 29.

a list....from a Witham....No. #1......

Kerrville
Wichita
Los Angeles
Bloomington
Phoenix
Burlington
Portland, OR
Pleasant Garden, NC
Dallas
Lancaster
Richmond, VA
Buffalo
Bradenton
Plymouth
Houston
Missouri City
Detroit
Malibu
Minneapolis
Hales Corners
Montpelier
San Diego
Fort Myers
Omaha
Alamance
Hillsboro
Sarasota
San Antonio
St. Paul
Garden Grove
Elm Grove
Greensboro
Vontay
Tehachapi
Pasadena

Double Sucks to be You, CNN!

First, we have the left whining that the newest anchor on CNN, Campbell Brown, called MoveOn.org "American insurgents", when discussing their now infamous "General Petraeus or General Betray Us?" print ad. Brown said General Petraeus fought insurgents in Iraq, then faced "American insurgents" on Capitol Hill, going on to label MoveOn.org "...the liberal, anti-war group....".

First, let's define "insurgent".

1: a person who revolts against civil authority or an established government; especially : a rebel not recognized as a belligerent

2: one who acts contrary to the policies and decisions of one's own political party


Now, an important key here is the latter part of definition #1. A rebel NOT recognized as a belligerent. The definition of "belligerent"?

Inclined or eager to fight; hostile or aggressive.
Of, pertaining to, or engaged in warfare.


So, let's review.

The use of the term "insurgent" more accurately defines MoveOn.org rather than those in Iraq who have received that label. Why? Because insurgents may "revolt against civil authority" (questioning military certainly would fall into that category), but are not considered a belligerent, i.e.---hostile or aggressive.

No one that we know of with MoveOn.org wanted to assault or assassinate General Petraeus while he was on Capitol Hill.

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On the other hand, what do the "Iraqi insurgents" do? They are better described with other terms that branch off of "insurgent" to zero in on the aggressives who have no problem at all being a belligerent.

Guerilla: a member of an irregular armed force that fights a stronger force by sabotage and harassment.

Insurrectionist: a person who takes part in an armed rebellion against the constituted authority (especially in the hope of improving conditions).

These terms accurately describe those in Iraq, whether with Al Qaeda, Iran, other splinter groups, or representing radical fringe Muslim groups, who have killed, bombed, maimed in hopes of preventing any peace in Iraq, especially if it is in any way connected to or associated with the values of the United States.

I specifically remember the media using the term "guerillas" and "guerilla forces" back in the 70s and 80s when reporting from Beirut, Lebanon during that nation's 16-year civil war.

They should be using "guerillas" rather than "insurgents" in Iraq.

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Hey Media Matters! Lay off Campbell Brown! Her use of the English language is correct. And you thought you owned CNN......


---------This is why it "double sucks" to be CNN, since by now the whole world is aware of CNN's inability to root out Democratic Presidential Candidate supporters who send in questions to YouTube.

As Major Garrett reported to perfection on Fox News, apparently, for example, CNN couldn't Google the name "Keith Kerr" to discover his membership on a steering committee for the Clinton campaign. Now CNN is trying to defend the debate and all participants.

Why did CNN fly Kerr in and not all the video participants? Why did he alone get a chance to follow-up on his question when it wasn't answered to his satisfaction? The other video participants weren't afforded that, were they?

NOTE TO CNN: Google. It uncovers a multitude of information.

Friends.....good to see and hear from.....

....got to enjoy lunch with two great friends from my former church pastorate today. My first-ever trip to O'Charley's, and I was very impressed. In this current "life-stage", where some days are filled with three pets, job-hunting web sites, and eventual human interaction as the day turns to night, it was VERY WELCOME company. :) :)

....at least there are some positives to this period between jobs. It's giving me a chance to do some catching up with friends, which eases the hurt of so abruptly losing daily contact with my work friends.

My psychiatrist used the best term I've heard since the events of November 5. He has seen some emotional improvement in my mental health and outlook, reminding me that the pain I readily showed at our meeting two weeks ago was "raw". He hit the nail on the head.

Raw. In fact, some of the most "raw" pain I've ever felt. It's one thing when you know something is just around the corner, or going to happen at some point, and yes, there were times from August on that I thought my job was so precarious I had my "future endeavors packing box" underneath my cubicle, partially packed. Honest!

Still didn't change the emotional impact. Days are better, the tears are less and the wounds are working toward the healing process. I think I'm past "raw", but continue to be mired in the first stage of "permanent reality", i.e.---this isn't going to change; that chapter is done.

With the job? No problem. The people? Another story. I'm leaning on God big time to help me through and begging Him that I not lose touch with special friends.

It's been wonderful to be with the kids more! We've probably spent more hours together in November than in the months of July through October COMBINED. You think I'm kidding. I'm not.

And on that note; I have to take one of them to school in just a few hours, so I'd better run. These thoughts came through my mind at, of all places, the eye doctor on Tuesday morning. It was so cool; they had a Bible in the waiting room, and it was opened to Proverbs 25. So I grabbed it and read more than that chapter and was challenged, blessed, chided, and brought closer to God. And something along the lines of the following went through me....

--CHERISH the moments of your past that you shared with special people in your life.

--PRAISE God for those moments and the wonderful memories you hold of those special people during this, an uncertain present.

--TRUST God for Him to introduce you to more special people, while keeping you bonded with those mentioned above, making for a grace-filled future. It also makes for a bus "fuller of friends" than there was before.

Just sitting here; I realized something. I haven't loved enough people yet. I just don't know where the next bunch of people are currently located. :)

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Giving Him The Business!!!




I LOVE referees who cut to the chase and have a sense of humor; especially when my team is being shutout!!!

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Smile!




My newest blog find is "Write From Karen", now appearing on the blogroll to your right. Click the pic above to enter her contest and make sure you visit her blog.

Super cool reading. :)

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Hello, and welcome to week four.....

Unemployment:

Week One: SHOCK

Week Two: DEPRESSION

Week Three: HOLIDAY WEEK (no one hires while going home for Thanksgiving)

....and tomorrow?

Well, I guess we're about to find out. At least you don't have to drive around town and fill out separate apps and make sure you have 15 copies of your resume.

When I'm fully vested in employment again, I'll let you know. Until such time, I search, I search.....

....then I give myself at least a break for blogging. :)

The previous two posts are now put into proper perspective by Miss Mel....

Read here.

Enough said.

P.S.---take some time and read her blog; her story, originally linked from here last month. Then you'll know why she gives proper perspective on thanksgiving, pain, and the God that supplies all our needs. :)

pain......

....we have all experienced pain. It likes to come in different forms in specially shaped packages, and, with timing that often increases its sting.

I know there are millions upon millions of people who, tonight, experience pain the depths of which I could not even begin to fathom.

But I also know that, earlier yesterday afternoon, I excused myself from watching football, came to my room, thought of those I now miss SO much because I do not see them daily, and shed another round of tears.

One day God's grace will heal this hurt and until then I give Him glory for great memories and even for this season of yearning to see someone and not being able to.
Thank God they are not dead; just out of my small sphere of life currently.

And if I feel this much pain over this, I cannot even begin to imagine what it would be like to lose my wife, son, or daughter. Losing Mama has been hard enough and I'm still dealing with that.

Hug the friends around you; tell them how much you love and appreciate them. One day, you may not be able to do so, because someone else put a wedge between your friend and yourself; a third party. But only a physical wedge.....why?

They can't take the friendship away, though. And Dear God, this is why you pray for salvation for ALL the ones you love. One day, I'll see all my friends and family again, and the word "parting" will only reference what one does with their hairstyle, if our heavenly bodies even have hair.

For now, I cry. One day, I smile again. And there's nothing wrong with both.

Why not "Happy Thanksgiving" today?

No, I didn't make it to the ol' blog during the "recognized holiday" called Thanksgiving Day back on Thursday, but as I lay me down to sleep shortly (I like my night-night pill!), I want to publicly be thankful for a few things.

NOTE: This is NOT an exhaustive list. Just a few ice chunks off the side of the iceberg.

--I am thankful my daughter looks and acts more like her Mom every day.
--I am thankful that, though my son looks alot like me, God can still use Him and even provide him with a good wife! In about 15 years, of course.
--I am thankful that Virginia Tech won yesterday.
--I am thankful that Missouri vs. West Virginia is a now a possible National Championship game in college football. It would be the best thing that ever happened to the sport. If Mizzou or the Mountaineers could make it, why not TCU, or Hawaii, or Central Florida, or even N.C. State? No more juggernauts (hear that Oklahoma, USC, Florida, Miami, Texas, Ohio State, etc.....)!!!
--I am thankful that my blood pressure levels are down when compared to my last doctor's visit in March. Gee---wonder why that is......hmmmm....
--I am thankful for a lunch date with two great friends next week.

and, I am thankful I got to call another season of Patrick Henry High School football on the radio. Didn't miss a game, either!

Be thankful for something today, or better yet, someone. Like the woman lying beside me. Whoa, now--I'M thankful for her, you find a lady of your own! :)

Monday, November 19, 2007

I'd Better Hurry Up, Or I'll Be Late For.......

.....taking Harry J. out back for the morning wee-wee?

Welcome to week three of "Hi, you've reached Rob and I ain't working right now. At least for a wage, that is."

So, as you may note, I didn't show up here on the blog during week two. Here are some highlights from last week:


And those were the highlights of last week.

JUST KIDDING!

In reality:

--I spent four hours watching wrestling with Robbie (two for Raw, two for TNA Impact, which I enjoy more, if Mike Tenay would just SHUT UP!)

--Working on my sports card collection; figuring out what to keep, what to say goodbye to, and what I might do with some of the cards I'm not keeping. Could a connection with a blog be far behind?

--Dentist delivery, piano practice delivery, eye appointment.

--Spent Friday night not broadcasting Patrick Henry's football playoff game. And they WON! I hope we get clearance to air the Regional Final against Hanover Friday night, which is a rematch of the week one 29-28 cliffhanger won by Hanover.

--Went to our "home church!" on Sunday for the first time since, well, last Thanksgiving time. Enjoyed the service, Dr. Posey's sermon on Psalm 100 (she is so cool!!) and got to spend some time talking with some old friends. Even got a lunch date lined up with a couple of them for next week. At this moment in time, I'm "starving for good conversation", especially without having a cell phone, so I'm really looking forward to catching up and sharing.

Never been to O'Charley's, which was their immediate destination choice.

--Actually watched some TV with wifey! NCIS (which I actually like), and...ah...

NCIS! (hee hee)

Caught a great biography of Jack Benny last night; what a comedic genius. When you can say nothing or just make a simple facial expression and make people double over laughing, that's a gift.

I also caught some of a special on the 75th anniversary of the Washington Redskins. Interestingly enough, could have stopped at, about, year 59. When Mark Rypien is your last "hero".......

I mean, I was disappointed. WHAT??!!?? No Heath Shuler? No Gus Frerotte and the helmet-butt? What about Norv Turner or Steve Spurrier?

Now I can certainly understand not mentioning Daniel Snyder. He sure reminds me of a baseball club owner just up I-95......

Terry Allen, Michael Westbrook, Deion Sanders version 3.0, Rod Gardner......

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Now, I could go on for hours about the great 'Skins, especially during the George Allen "Over The Hill Gang" days when I watched them every Sunday with my brother.

But I might lose a job offer if I get too focused on that list.

Oh, I don't think job offers are as available this week as are unfortunate turkeys. Maybe another post. :)

Sunday, November 11, 2007

This was the week that was......

....unexpected greetings from myself and Harry J. when Rachel departs the school bus

....an all-expense paid trip to tour the new Target on Staples Mill Road

....a BORING Thursday night (haven't had one since 1999)

....for the first time since 1999, new ISCI codes have been released for new commercials that I actually do NOT know.

....legal stuff

....the beginning of the great sports card purge of 2007-08 (it'll take more time than '07 has left to give)

....a weekend filled with hardly any appetite

....GOOD NEWS! Got to church! Kids enjoyed it, Mom didn't feel well, so I think the foursome make the trip next week.

....for the first time in six years of broadcasting Patrick Henry football games, the continuous clock rule went into effect, not because PH had a huge lead (over 35 points), but THE OPPONENT did.

....still, PH makes the playoff and is rewarded with a trip to Dinwiddie.

....second prize, by the way, was a one-way trip to Dinwiddie. Just kidding. :)

....at least we're getting some cold weather! The air conditioner in the bedroom, though, is leaving much to be desired for "Winter Plan 07-08". (Leave heat pump around 65-66 for kids while using window AC in our room for frozen conditions)...

....I was actually awake an entire day on a Sunday; saw football, went to Target, even folded clothes!

....but I missed my nap.

....but I missed a Sunday afternoon/evening trip into work to catch up more.

...........................................

And, so, the worst week of my life since December, 2002 mercifully comes to an end. This week? Heck if I know. I don't have a key, or a code, or an invitation to be employed at the moment. Looks like I'll be reducing the 110,000 + sports card collection even more.

Now, if I could do something about looking four months' pregnant rather than seven. Well, let's not be too hard. I did walk Harry J. this week, so that's a start. Besides, what am I gonna do at 330 in the afternoon? Watch Dr Phil? When that happens, start the suicide watch.

(That last joke was, indeed, a joke.)

THANK GOD this week is done. Well, in seven minutes....

Thursday, November 08, 2007

BREAKING NEWS: NO JACK BAUER??!!?? NO CHLOE??!!??

First my job is gone, now Jack isn't coming to my house in January??

This week cannot end soon enough!!!

Click HERE for the saddening saga.

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

But I'm Not In Bed Yet!

A different take on the classic line from "Monty Python and the Holy Grail".

"Bring out yer dead!"

"But I'm not dead yet!"

I am happy to announce that both yesterday and today I was stirring by 11a, and up and running not much later than that. :)

Right now it's appointment city, as we go to the doctor, the dentist, etc. to catch up on checkups and cleanings now that we have some copious spare time. :)

Tuesday was walk Harry, take out the trash, take Rachel to dentist, pick up Mom and Robbie, go to Rachel's parent-teacher conference, stop by school book fair, and, finally, take Dad to the new Target to give him the grand tour.

Today? Get up, take Robbie to school, come home, lie down (never went to sleep), get up, go to dentist for my checkup, go to Dollar Tree for my Crystal Geyser Water (they didn't have any), then back home for awhile.

Coming up? Rachel gets home, Harry is happy, Harry is walked, Mom gets home, Robbie gets home and I have no clue as to what else.

I'm new to this "being at home on a Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/Friday" deal, you know. :)

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In closing, I will say, now that it's standard time again, I'm thinking a midday nap is useless....when it's dark before 6pm. :)

Monday, November 05, 2007

Breaking News, or, got a job opening? :)

As of about 930am today, I am, for the first time in my life, unemployed.

I no longer work for Clear Channel.

And that will be my only statement on the issue on this blog. Just wanted to let you know where I am and where I'm not. So don't call my work number or email me there. Leave a comment here instead! :)

October's Winning Numbers

....7, 17, and 27.

At least they rhyme. :)