It's Back

Mary & I are fans of the TV series Lost. We recorded the 2 hours that aired earlier this week that caught us up to where they left off last season along with the first episode of the new season, and watched it all Sat afternoon. So, we're all caught up and ready for another season. We've been hooked on it since the kids introduced it to us almost 2 years ago.

Gutsiest KY Win I May Have Ever Seen

Despite losing Ramel Bradley to injury, and with Joe Crawford hobbled with cramps and a bad foot, plus Jodie Meeks injured and on the bench the whole game, Kentucky still outlasted Georgia 63-58 on Saturday. Crawford still managed 26 points as he limped up and down the floor. Very impressive team effort and coaching job!

Super Bowl

For some reason, I always feel almost guilty for not having "big plans" for the Super Bowl. The same with New Years Eve. The media makes it sound as if everyone is attending huge parties and having an absolute blast with tons of friends. Me? I'll be sitting in my den watching the game and rating the commercials. And, that's about it. Pretty impressive huh? I just hope I can stay awake until it's over. I think the Seinfeld clip took place at a wake for Susan. I predict the Patriots win in a blowout.

John Edwards

I have mentioned before that John Edwards is an idiot. It's nice to see one of the most intelligent men in the world agrees with me. Below is just part of what CHARLES KRAUTHAMMER has to say about Edwards.
Breathtaking. People can change their minds about something. But everything? The man served one term in the Senate. He left not a single substantial piece of legislation to his name, only an endless string of votes on trade, education, civil liberties, energy, bankruptcy and, of course, war that now he not only renounces but inveighs against. Today he plays the avenging angel, engaged in an "epic struggle" against the great economic malefactors that "have literally," he assures us, "taken over the government." He is angry, embodying the familiar zeal of the convert, ready to immolate anyone who benightedly holds to any revelation other than the zealot's very latest.Nothing new about a convert. Nothing new about a zealous convert. What is different about Edwards is his endlessly repeated claim that the raging populist of today is what he has always been. That this has been the "cause of my life," the very core of his being, ingrained in him on his father's knee or at the mill or wherever, depending on the anecdote he's telling. You must understand: This is not politics for him. "This fight is deeply personal to me. I've been engaged in it my whole life." Except for his years as senator, the only public office he's ever held. The audacity of the all-my-life trope is staggering. By his own endlessly self-confessed record, his current pose is a coat of paint newly acquired. His claim that it is an expression of his inner soul is a farce.

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.

2007 Ending Very Well For KY Sports

Kentucky routs Florida International - 92 -49 in basketball and then squeaks out a win in football 35-28 over FL State in the Music City Bowl. If Air Force had beat Cal in their bowl game, it would have been a perfect day in our sports world.

My Head Is Spinning...

Sports Overload? Ky Basketball - Noon Today - Fox Sports South - Air Force Bowl Game - 12:30 today on ESPN - KY Football - Music City Bowl - 4:00 today - ESPN. Unprecedented in my lifetime. It's either going to be a really great day or a not so so great day. Should be interesting. Go Cats! (Twice) Go Falcons! Justin & Kacey (FL State alum) have a bet on today's Music City Bowl. The loser must wear the other team's apparel during all football games next season. I'll post a standing bet right now whoever wants a piece of it. The bet is for a peanut butter milkshake. KY beats FL State by at least 7. (I love peanut butter milkshakes)

Since I Go To Bed Kinda Early...

I taped the Patriots-Giants game and watched it at 6:00 this morning. The Patriots lived up to their expectations, I got to witness sports history in the making plus I got my beauty rest. I would love to see them win the Super Bowl. Maybe I can stay up for that one but if not, thank God for the DVR.

America’s Most Literate Cities, 2007

When it comes to being book smart, Lexington is on the move. Topping Central Connecticut State University's list are Minneapolis, Seattle, St. Paul, Denver and Washington, DC. Everything from newspaper circulation to the number of libraries and bookstores determine the rankings. In our region, Lexington at # 17 scored better than Nashville, Columbus, Indianapolis and Louisville.
COMPLETE LIST HERE

Predictions For 2008

Here are my predictions for 2008. Feel free to add your own. The amazing Karnak has been known to miss a few.
Rest of 2007 - Our economy will continue to be labeled as "extremely disappointing" although retail sales will be almost 4% higher than last year. Could it be that people are waking up to the consequences of debt and spending less? Presidential politics will continue to dominate the headlines although frankly, most Americans could care less. We will see stories everywhere of the importance of healthy eating and losing weight. KY defeats FL State in the Music City Bowl and receives zero credit for the accomplishment
Early 2008 - My total knee replacement will be a complete success and I will be able to ride a bicycle and take fairly long walks with Mary for the first time in years. Andrew & Lyndsey will take over their own Chick-Fil-A franchise in Stuart, FL and Rick will emerge from his divorce stronger than ever. Our dog Gracie will continue to show signs of improvement in her relations with Chubs and Allie. Kay & Jeff become grandparents! The KY basketball team will lose 4 games in January and 4 games in February and will be on track for the first losing basketball season in I can't remember when. Justin finishes up more special operations training in Oklahoma.
Spring 2008 - Weather will be in the headlines as tornadoes wreck havoc on trailer parks. Hillary Clinton will be touted by the mainstream media as our first female president and the media will be forced to report success in the War on Terror although they don't want to admit there is a War on Terror. I will begin playing golf as my new knee allows me to chase stray golf balls hit into wrong fairways. Flooding will be blamed on global warming. Justin & Kacey will marry and begin a wonderful life together. Katrina victims will still be trying to get help. Rick will be amazed at his new life and what God has helped him through.
Summer 2008 - As another drought sets into various parts of the country, global warming will be touted as the cause and the momentum of "going green" will be at an all time high. Hillary Clinton will still be touted as our next president as the War on Terror continues to show progress. Hurricane Katrina victims will still be trying to get help. Troops will begin pulling out of Iraq - not because of any success - but because of the pressure from the Democratic congress. A trip to Arkansas to see Kay & Jeff and some fantastic fly fishing will take place.
Fall 2008 - Global warming will be blamed for the lack of fall colors in leaves. Hillary Clinton will become our 44th President. KY Football kicks off with high expectations, despite the meaningless win over FL State in the bowl game. Lyndsey & Andrew travel to KY to see the fantastic fall colors despite the stories of a lack of fall colors. Hurricane season produces 8 fewer hurricanes than predicted - due to global warming.
Winter 2008 - We will see snowstorms that will be blamed on global warming. Gas prices will be at an all-time high as we begin to hear talk of a recession and how Hillary and the new administration will be able to save us all. Katrina victims will be anxiously awaiting the Hillary administration's ability to solve all their problems. Universal healthcare will be on the front burner as we anxiously await Hillary's ability to solve all our healthcare woes. We will hear stories of how Christ has been taken out of Christmas but no one will care. We get news that many family members will be able to get together for Christmas. Predictions of a woeful economic Christmas will be in the headlines but it could be our last poorly performing Christmas because the new Hillary administration will be able to navigate us through all economic problems. Real estate rebounds in anticipation of the new Hillary administration. KY will be going bowling for the third year in a row. KY Basketball is kicking a__. Gracie, Chubs and Allie will lay together on the den floor. My new knee allows me to do the most Christmas shopping ever. God is still running the show so I can relax.

Gotta Love It...

Merry Christmas!

The Birth of Jesus - Luke 2:1-20
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

What Is She Dreaming?

http://www.livevideo.com

A Racist and Offensive Christmas Card?

We received a Christmas card from a relative in Ohio (I feel almost positively certain they will never see my blog) who said on the card "glad you are back to Hillbilly country." What is it that makes people do that? It is a derogatory statement that seems to flow freely from some people's mouths who think nothing about the offensive overtones. I'm thinking seriously about asking the government for some kind of restitution. How do you think this would make my ancestors feel? I am getting quite tired of the profiling and the stereotyping by some who apparently have no concern for the feelings of others. Hillbilly? Why...I tell you what...I ain't gonna put up with it no more. Dadgum it...it's really startin to get my goat! I got me half a mind to load me up some buckeyes in the pick up and pay me a visit to Ohio and start throwing buckeyes through some winders. Ya'll with me? Best I can tell theres Hillbillys everwear, not just in Kintucky. Reckon?

How About Some Winter?

http://www.livevideo.com

FL State's Roster Gets Chopped

ESPN Reports "At least 20 Florida State football players will be suspended from playing against Kentucky in the Dec. 31 Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl, as well as the first three games of the 2008 season, for their roles in an academic cheating scandal involving an Internet-based course, a source with knowledge of the situation said Tuesday morning."
I actually hate to see this for two reasons. 1. I would have liked to have beat them when they're at full strength. 2. I like Bobby Bowden and I hate seeing this happen under his watch. The question I have is, if they have known about this since May, what took so long?

Give Us Your Best Shot

The Turners on Chinoe Drive are the best in Lexington, KY when it comes to Christmas lights. Let's see what ya got. Email it to jmwest47@gmail.com and I'll post it. There will be fewer lights burning bright this year at the Turner family's annual holiday display outside their home. But inside, the family battered and bruised will all be accounted for. Ron Turner was badly hurt Sept. 19 in the crash of a private plane that also seriously injured his son, Daren Turner. The accident occurred when Turner's plane ran out of gas less than a mile from the Chattanooga, Tenn., airport. No one was killed.
"Actually, they thought I was dead," Ron Turner said. He broke ribs, collarbone and vertebrae; injured his chest and lungs; and suffered a concussion. Turner says the injuries will keep him from putting up the family's usual light show: Santa Claus with sleigh, a Nativity scene and 55,000 colored lights. "I can't go to the magnitude I did in the past," said Turner, founder and chairman of Amteck of Kentucky, an engineering and electrical contracting company, and Turner Development. "I have 59 screws and seven steel plates inside me," he said. Daren Turner suffered broken lower vertebrae, and he still wears a back brace and has limited movement. The Turners have been lighting up their house for 25 seasons, and the display has become more elaborate in the last few years. This year, Turner says he will cut back to 30,000 colored lights, along with the usual 20 floodlights. "It's hard on both of us," said Ron Turner's wife, Linda. "We feel we're letting down the community. We hope they will understand." They will continue to donate gifts to needy children, they said.
The Turners said they have been overwhelmed by cards and flowers they have received since the plane crash.
"Perhaps next year we can go back to the way it was before," Ron Turner said. "That's my hope and prayer."Merry Christmas!

Send A Letter To Santa...

Hi, I'm Bif, the elf in Santa's Mailroom. This is where all of Santa's letters from boys and girls get delivered in time for Christmas. This sure is a busy time for me in the Mailroom, every time I turn around there's another bag for me to sort!
Santa really loves to get letters from boys and girls. They tell him if they have been naughty or nice and what they want for Christmas. I know Santa would like to get a letter from you. All you have to do is click HERE and I'll help you write your letter to Santa.

We Lost Again...Why? Lack of Effort. UAB 79 -UK- 76

I knew we didn't have the talent. Why? Because Tubby left the cupboard bare...he didn't recruit worth a darn the last 5 years. The fans knew it. I thought however, we could make up the difference from a lack of talent this year with effort, because Billy Gillispie is known for getting the best of his players. The truth is - I'm not seeing the effort. That in my book is due to a lack of motivation and motivation comes from the coach, so you draw the conclusion. Maybe you can't motivate players you don't recruit; I don't know. We have 2 key players injured and another huge recruit who transferred out and those are legitimate excuses but...we have now lost to - Gardner Webb and University of Alabama / Birmingham, along with blowouts to North Carolina and Indiana. I'm just looking for effort and I'm not seeing it and that is discouraging.

Is Christmas Important?

FYI - Nine Democrats vote 'no' on Christmas resolution.
(Associated Press report OneNewsNow.com December 13, 2007)
The U.S. House has passed a resolution "Recognizing the importance of Christmas and the Christian faith"-- but it wasn't unanimous. The measure was approved by a vote of 372-to-9, with all of the "no" votes cast by Democrats. A similar resolution recognizing the importance of Ramadan and the Islamic faith was passed unanimously in October.
The nine votes against the Christmas resolution were cast by Gary Ackerman and Yvette Clarke of New York; Diana Degette of Colorado; Alcee Hastings of Florida; Jim McDermott of Washington; Bobby Scott of Virginia; and Barbara Lee, Pete Stark and Lynn Woolsey of California.

Welcome Home Gracie!

She was picked up in Scott County by animal control and then placed into a "foster home" for 3 weeks. That's how they do it in Scott County. There is no official shelter. People volunteer to house stray pets. We found her on line through kypets.com and after filling out a 2-page application and after they checked our references, and conducted an in-home visit, we were deemed good enough to "adopt." She's a keeper! A real sweetie. One of the smartest dogs I have ever come across. She is about 7 months old. So far, there have been 2 encounters with Chubs the cat (one included a chase scene through the house, the other was a stare down ended by a hunch-back hiss) but I can tell Gracie won't hurt the cats. They have teamed up and have been huddling together under the bed scheming up a game plan of survival. I think Allie talked Chubs into going downstairs to see what was going on and that's what started the chase scene. I'm sure they will come up with another plan. Gracie may just bring Chubs and Allie closer together. How cool is that? Even though there's 4 females in the house now, they still let me watch sports on the big TV.

It's No Longer Just A Slogan - It's A Requirement!

CONGRATULATIONS TO LYNDSEY & ANDREW! THEY HAVE BEEN AWARDED THE CHICK-FIL-A FRANCHISE FOR THE STUART MALL LOCATION IN STUART, FL!!! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU! GREAT JOB ANDREW!!
The new gig begins March 1st after much training. Love ya!
Mama & Pops

Special Guest Posting From My Close Friend

Crisis at NEW LIFE CHURCH
I have worked in Christian radio for over 20 years.
I have worked for some of the most well-known Christian ministries in the nation. I have had a few impressive titles. But that’s not MY ministry! It never has been!
MY ministry is the same as yours… to “do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with my God.” That’s what I am called to do. I try to live this out in my home, my work, and my church. I just happen to work at a ministry that is doing great things nationwide (WAY-FM), but that’s my job, not my ministry.
Now, the shootings have happened at MY church…WOW! I am truly shaken to the core. This hits so close to home. I have a 15 and 18 year old daughter, just like Mr. Works. (Who lost his daughters and was also shot) I go out of that same exit at the church almost every Sunday morning at about 1pm. For some strange reason (oh yeah, it was the weather), I didn’t attend New Life last Sunday. I stayed home, and received a phone call at 1:25pm, as the incident was just happening. It was a good friend, who was safe. Then, I watched the news like everyone else.
My family and friends are all ok. But my church, and my emotions are shaken. Something like this really could happen anytime anywhere!!!! The only safe place is heaven. I’m thinking that I need to get back to MY ministry…(Note: I’m not quitting my job at WAY-FM.) I’m going to hug my kids more. I’m going to pray for their safety every single day. I’m going to call them on their cell phones several times a day and I’m going to take their phone call (even if I am in a meeting). I’m going to work to improve my relationship with my teenage daughter. I’m going to spend more time talking with my kids about life and death and God and priorities. I’m going to shake more hands and learn more names next Sunday at church. I’m going to carry this into my workplace, too.
Pray for New Life. We are shaken. Pray that there will never be a copycat of this. And get back to YOUR ministry.
Faron Dice is the General Manager of the CHRISTIAN HIT RADIO SATELLITE NETWORK part of the WAY-FM Media Group, Inc. in Colorado Springs, CO. (This is the company I work for and Faron is a huge reason why) You can contact him at faron@chrsn.com

Helping You Get In The Spirit

The Love Bowl - Coming soon to ESPN

(Read in your movie or TV show promo voice)
Her name is Kacey Fields. She grew up in Tallahassee, FL as a die-hard FL State fan attending football games since the age of 7. His name is Justin West, a true-blue KY fan since birth. The two fell in love but little did they know their relationship would lead to direct confrontation in the form of a football bowl game - The Music City Bowl. Can their relationship survive such an unexpected turn? Who will win such an important, relationship-testing ball game? One answer can be found some where on a desolate FL beach. Tune in, December 31st - 4pm eastern time for the THE MUSIC CITY BOWL, live from LP FIELD - HOME OF THE TITANS and find out...the rest of the story.