Now, I Am Fully Engaged.

It became even more clear to me after watching the debate last night that Romney would be the Republican's best choice. At one point I was waiting for Romney to slap the crap out of McCain. I believe Obama will be the Democratic nominee and I think if McCain is the Republican nominee, the press will rip him apart for his age, health and lack of energy and Obama becomes President. I predicted in late December that Hillary would be the Democratic nominee but I have to say I now think Obama will get it. Huckabee staying in the race right now only hurts Romney. I think it will probably end up McCain vs Obama and that will make it tough for us to see a Republican in the White House. This has been a very interesting race. Who would have guessed that Guiliani would have decided on such a terrible strategy? Oh yeah, John Edwards is an idiot. His "suspending my campaign" speech was worthless. I believe his whole reason for running was to increase his awareness so he can increase his rates for speech invitations. He should be running a pawn shop in the North Carolina hills.

He Still Has A Shot...

I think McCain was able to capitalize on the military voters in SC and then the older demographics in FL. I'm saying that it ain't over yet and Romney still has a shot. We'll know for sure Feb 6th.

Surprise Surprise Surprise - Voting Problems in FL - But Lyndsey Votes With No Problem

VOTING MACHINES MISTAKENLY SHUT DOWN AT KINGS POINT; VOTING DELAYED
By Bob King | Tuesday, January 29, 2008, 08:46 AM - Palm Beach Post
Voters at Kings Point in south Palm Beach County ran into delays this morning after a poll worker mistakenly shut down the voting machines, Elections Supervisor Arthur Anderson told reporters this morning. “They were on and then someone mistakenly, accidentally turned them off,” Anderson said while visiting H.L. Johnson Elementary School in Royal Palm Beach. “Allegedly someone tripped over a line or something like that.” The machines couldn’t be turned back on, so workers had to bring in replacement machines and program them. “It’s going to delay the process,” he said. I personally think it's a conspiracy on the part of Giuliani's campaign to have the primary results thrown out.

I caught John McCain on Meet the Press this morning and I have to admit, I think McCain did a pretty good job of defending his conservatism. As of right now, I could support either Romney or McCain.

Nice Win!

Ramel Bradley was the man today. He finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. If it hadn't been for KY giving up a 12-0 run to South Carolina at the beginning of the second half we would have won big. And....Joe Crawford was in street clothes today with his foot problem. Up next - @ Georgia next Saturday - 1pm. Cats! Cats! Cats!

South Carolina @ KY

Game time: 1 p.m. today
Prediction - KY wins by 10

Great Weather For Soup!

CASH CAB

Thanks to Justin, I caught the show CASH CAB the other day. I'm now setting the DVR to catch it. I like it a lot. Have you seen it?

Delayed Gratification

I was too tired to stay up for UK's 9pm tip-off with "5th ranked" Tennessee Tuesday night. So I taped it and started watching it at 6am this morning. What a terrific win for KY as they won 72-66 over "5th ranked" Tennessee. I have been waiting for Coach Billy G's system begin to pay off, I have been waiting for us to beat Bruce Pearl of TN every since I saw this photo and I had to wait for the win until this morning as I watched the recording, but it was worth it as I raised my fist into the air at 7am this morning in our den as a sign of victory over "5th ranked" Tennessee. GOOD ARTICLE

My Sister's A Grandma!

A big welcome to the world to Audrey Sevilla Brown! She was born late Sunday evening - Jan 20th and weighed in at 8 pounds and 14 ounces, measuring 19.5 inches. Dayna and Baby are doing excellent! Congratulations Mark & Danya and to my sister Kay and her husband Jeff! What an exciting time!!

Welcome

A very special welcome to West World's newest commentator, Kay Brown, my sister! Her post will show up as "anonymous" but you will know her as Kay. I am sure we will be privy to some interesting insights in the days to come. Welcome aboard! I think the total count is now some where around 7 commentators.

I have to admit, I am a bit nervous about tonight's KY - Florida game. If I remember correctly, I have a friendly wager with Mike & April Brunjes for dinner at Outback's on today's game that goes back to this past summer when Ky's Billy was named our new coach. Maybe I got caught up in the excitement of the moment, but at the time I made the friendly wager, I had no idea we would have so many injuries and that Billy Gillispie's system was so different and demanding than Tubby's. There, I tactfully inserted excuses ahead of time. But hey, what do I know. Kentucky just might pull it out. Go Cats! (Added comment) Mary just pointed out to me how small the crowd is today at Florida for ESPN's Game Day. If Game Day was at Rupp, there would be 15,000 fans there. I bet there aren't 1500 Florida fans there.

Caution: Graphic Photo

You asked so here's a photo of the knee after the operation and a photo of my first excursion on it as I leisurely stroll down the hall with a physical therapist. Thank you for your prayers and support! A special thanks however to Mary, my wonderful nurse! Between taking care of me, dispensing my 17 + pills per day and chasing down Gracie, she has her hands full. Hopefully my nursing needs will be tapering off quickly in the next couple of weeks. It felt good to get a shower yesterday evening and sleep in my own bed. It's still tricky finding just that right comfortable position, but it's coming. I was able to put some weight on it this morning and came down the 16 stairs from our bedroom with 1 crutch while holding on to the handrail. I keep getting flashbacks to when my knee problems first started 34 years ago. I'm sure it wasn't a coincidence either that my doctor was the type who prayed with Mary and I prior to surgery and the anesthesiologist is a guy in my BSF class. Out patient physical therapy begins next week. Mary finally found a pt office that accepts evening appointments so she can take me after she gets off work 3 times per week for the next few weeks. We're on our way! I think this is one of those periods in a marriage where the "for better or worse" part of the vows kicks in.

What the heck....I think I'll just get a new one.

It still blows my mind that they can replace an old knee joint. I am scheduled for a total knee replacement this Wed at 10:30 am. Your prayers are appreciated. For those who know me, the good news is that you won't have to hear me complain about the pain and frustration of not being able to take a simple walk down the street. I view this procedure as a miracle. I believe God chooses to involve His children to accomplish miracles in this day and age and sadly, we choose to take them for granted and we miss them.

Hard Work & Patience Really Does Pay Off

Yesterday's defeat over formerly un-defeated & 13th ranked Vandy was like watching the UK of old. Grit, determination, teamwork and a sold out Rupp Arena with 24,000 fans on their feet and into the game. If there was ever a team that deserved confirmation that hard work really does work, it's this team; a team trying to understand what coach Billy Clyde Gillispie has been trying to say. If you want to win it all, you have to work "this hard." If you don't, then there's no room for you in my system. At least that's my take on the point that Billy is making. Big win and I will admit...I had some serious doubts when we lost our 16 point second half lead and we went into overtime. UK 79 - Vandy 73 - in double overtime.

Pull Up Your Britches

TALLAHASSEE
Senate Panel OKs Droopy Pants Ban - January 10, 2008
Youths who let their drawers droop to expose underwear, or worse at school would be get a verbal warning after a first offense but face suspension if they keep doing it under a measure that cleared a Senate committee Wednesday. The Prekindergarten-12th Grade Education Committee unanimously approved Sen. Gary Siplin's "pull up your britches" bill (SB 302). It next will go to the Senate floor after the Legislature convenes its regular annual session in March. "We want to make sure the focus is on the blackboard and not the backboard," said Siplin, D-Orlando.
I say to you ages 6 and over "pull up your pants; you look like an idiot!"

Dog Attacks Muslim While Praying

We are trying to raise our dog to accept people of all faiths but it hasn't been easy.
Actually Justin did a "pop-in" visit in a round about way on his way to Altus, OK for Aircraft Commander training, and thought it would be fun to wrestle with Gracie. "Ya gotta love the pop-in." (Seinfeld quote)

Yes, we would like to cash this check please...

When Virgilio Cintron, 66, died at his apartment at 436 West 52nd Street recently, his roommate and a friend saw an opportunity to cash his $355 check, the police said. They did not go about it the easy way, the police said, choosing a ruse that resembled the plot of “Weekend at Bernie’s,” a film about two young men who prop up their dead employer to pretend that he is alive. The roommate, James P. O’Hare, and his friend, David J. Dalaia, both 65 and unemployed, placed Mr. Cintron’s body in the chair and wheeled it around the corner, south along Ninth Avenue in NY City on Tuesday afternoon, the police said. The men parked the chair with the corpse in front of Pay-O-Matic at 763 Ninth Avenue, a check-cashing business that Mr. Cintron had patronized. They went inside to present the check, but a clerk said Mr. Cintron would have to cash it himself, and asked where he was, the police said. “He is outside,” Mr. O’Hare said, indicating the body in the chair, according to Mr. Browne. The two men started to bring the chair inside, but it was too late. Their sidewalk procession had already attracted the stares of passers-by who were startled by the sight of the body flopping from side to side as the two men tried to prop it up, the police said. The late Mr. Cintron was dressed in a faded black T-shirt and blue-and-white sneakers. His pants were pulled up part of the way, and his midsection was covered by a jacket, the police said. While the two men were inside the check-cashing office, a small crowd had gathered around the chair. A detective, Travis Rapp, eating a late lunch at a nearby Empanada Mama saw the crowd and notified the Midtown North station house. Police officers and an ambulance arrived as the two men were trying to maneuver the corpse and chair into the check-cashing office. The two men were taken into custody and questioned. The police said they were considering charging them with check-cashing fraud. Mr. Cintron’s body was taken to a hospital morgue. The medical examiner’s office said its preliminary assessment was that he had died of natural causes within the past 24 hours. (NY Times)

We Beat 'Em.... 43-37

I am beginning to get interested again....

The idea that's it over after Iowa and New Hampshire is ridiculous. Still a long way to go. During the recent flurry of political activity, I find myself becoming interested again and as I mentioned a few months ago...I am still leaning toward Romney. It's going to be getting interesting that's for sure. I enjoyed seeing Hillary get beat in Iowa. Not that I like Obama; I just think it's fun seeing anyone beat Hillary. boo..hoo...hoo...

Something to Cheer About...ITS MARY'S BIRTHDAY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! WE LOVE YOU!!

It's Back - Biggest Game of the Year!

While watching the local news this morning, I caught this story of people camping out in 15 degree weather for a few leftover tickets for tomorrow's game with Louisville. HERE'S LAST YEAR'S POST ABOUT THE GAME and HERE'S JUSTIN'S POST plus
HERE'S A GOOD ARTICLE ABOUT THIS YEAR'S GAME
GO CATS!
Game is on CBS at 4:00pm - I will be available for live game comments via Instant Messenger / IChat

Public Service Info For Family & Friends in Florida

COLD WEATHER TIPS
Dress in layered clothing (sweatpants under swimming trunks) and wear some kind of head cover. Keep pets inside; when necessary to walk them, do so on the grass or sand, not the cold sidewalk. Do not stop to pick up poop piles, per usual. Protect livestock, lizards, gators, frogs and other animals with adequate shelter, extra feed and supplemental heat. Bring pot inside. Cover palm trees with burlap or cloth. Cold will penetrate plastic. Check furnaces (if you have one) for sufficient ventilation and wire condition. Never place space heaters close to lawn mowers, weedeaters or generators. Make sure fireplace flues are working properly. (Not applicable) Check extension cords used with generators for breaks or fraying. Do not use charcoal or gas grills indoors unless sunlights are open. They produce deadly carbon monoxide fumes. Check on the elderly and infirmed; they're everywhere. Bring pink pelicans inside. Wear socks with flip flops. The car heater switch is near the ac switch - move switch into red zone. Turn fan on. Turn sprinkler systems off for a couple of days. Wear hat while walking on the beach. Stock up on food & water; you're pros at that. Hand a homeless person a sweater. If it makes you feel safer, go ahead and put up storm shutters.
Hang in there! We have ya in our prayers.

Has To Be The Best Review of 2007 Out There

It's a hilarious look at 2007 by Dave Barry (And a long read) Kudos to Barry J for the forward.

We Are Beginning To Win...

A little over 3 months ago a lady Mary works with mentioned that her mother was going into a nursing home and was looking for a new home for her cat. We made the decision to bring her in and we're glad we did. We named her Chubs and she and our old cat Allie did not get along well at all for the first 6 weeks. Then it seemed they would tolerate each other at best. Three weeks ago we made the decision to add a dog to the family. After a brief search, we found the dog we were looking for through a local shelter so "Gracie" enters the scene. Our empty nest has been interesting the last 3 weeks. The good news - the cats have bonded in a show of solidarity. The bad news - the cats just don't understand 7 month old Gracie's desire to "play." They became so stressed and afraid to make their way to the litter boxes in the laundry room that we had to move the boxes from the laundry room to the master bath; not something we wanted to do but needed to do so the cats could feel safe. That was a temporary fix and 1 of the cats (not sure which one since we didn't do any lab testing) decided to drop two poops on our bedroom floor. That was the moment of truth...the beginning of the animals vs. us - a battle of wits. Mary and I had a meeting of the minds while the animals were sleeping. A plan has been put into motion. Some recent weapons of warfare are working. Please note the new cat door to the laundry room. This gives the cats an escape from the dog when necessary and puts them back into an environment where they had become accustomed to pooping. But that's not the best part of the recent laundry room additions. Please note the new automatic cat poop scooper; one of those inventions that make you wonder "why didn't I think of that?" As Mary and I have begun to reclaim our master bedroom we are noticing the cats encouraging each other to wander back downstairs again; an area of the the house they used to enjoy. (Note picture) Meanwhile, we wanted to get an Invisible Fence (Please note picture) to give Gracie more freedom in the yard and give us more freedom too. We now watch the Dog Whisperer religiously and Caesar is constantly reminding us of the importance of exercising the dogs. We got 3 estimates at an average of $900 installed. Ouch! Not to be outdone, Mary gave me a motivational speech that included her saying "I will crawl around the yard on my hands and knees if it means saving $700." We purchased an underground containment system at Pet Smart for $220 and spent last Friday & Saturday installing it ourselves. I dug the trench with my electric edger/trencher as well as an ax/pick while Mary lived up to her commitment by crawling around the yard for 2 hours on Saturday burying the wire. (That's my kind of woman) I made the electrical connections and presto - instant containment! We have a "perimeter" around our house (along with aching bodies) Weapon # 3 is in place and after 3 days of training, it is working beautifully. Also in the last 3 weeks, we have trained Gracie to more easily enter her crate at night which is in my office and for the last 5 nights, she hasn't whined at all after going to bed. We are winning for now but I can see their little minds churning all the time; trying to get a step ahead of us but we are determined. Chubs & Allie are beginning to hold their ground against a playful Gracie and Gracie is learning to hold her ground in her new "perimeter". We are holding our ground and we are winning, for now.