I Say McCain Picks Rudy As VP

Special bonds can happen at a baseball game. (McCain & Rudy at a recent Yankees game) I'm not a big Rudy fan but let's face it, the McCain campaign needs some star power and a boost of enthusiasm. Plus McCain is pretty old and if elected he really could kick the bucket during his term and somebody has to be able to take the wheel.

Space Cowboys

***** I give it 5 stars! (Just finished watching it)

From The Man I Consider The Smartest Man In The World

By Charles Krauthammer
Friday, July 18, 2008
Barack Obama wants to speak at the Brandenburg Gate. He figures it would be a nice backdrop. The supporting cast -- a cheering audience and a few fainting frauleins -- would be a picturesque way to bolster his foreign policy credentials.
What Obama does not seem to understand is that the Brandenburg Gate is something you earn. President Ronald Reagan earned the right to speak there because his relentless pressure had brought the Soviet empire to its knees and he was demanding its final "tear down this wall" liquidation. When President John F. Kennedy visited the Brandenburg Gate on the day of his "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech, he was representing a country that was prepared to go to the brink of nuclear war to defend West Berlin. Who is Obama representing? And what exactly has he done in his lifetime to merit appropriating the Brandenburg Gate as a campaign prop? What was his role in the fight against communism, the liberation of Eastern Europe, the creation of what George Bush the elder -- who presided over the fall of the Berlin Wall but modestly declined to go there for a victory lap -- called "a Europe whole and free"? Does Obama not see the incongruity? It's as if a German pol took a campaign trip to America and demanded the Statue of Liberty as a venue for a campaign speech. (The Germans have now gently nudged Obama into looking at other venues.) Americans are beginning to notice Obama's elevated opinion of himself. There's nothing new about narcissism in politics. Every senator looks in the mirror and sees a president. Nonetheless, has there ever been a presidential nominee with a wider gap between his estimation of himself and the sum total of his lifetime achievements?
Obama is a three-year senator without a single important legislative achievement to his name, a former Illinois state senator who voted "present" nearly 130 times. As president of the Harvard Law Review, as law professor and as legislator, has he ever produced a single notable piece of scholarship? Written a single memorable article? His most memorable work is a biography of his favorite subject: himself. It is a subject upon which he can dilate effortlessly. In his victory speech upon winning the nomination, Obama declared it a great turning point in history -- "generations from now we will be able to look back and tell our children that this was the moment" -- when, among other wonders, "the rise of the oceans began to slow." As Hudson Institute economist Irwin Stelzer noted in his London Daily Telegraph column, "Moses made the waters recede, but he had help." Obama apparently works alone. Obama may think he's King Canute, but the good king ordered the tides to halt precisely to refute sycophantic aides who suggested that he had such power. Obama has no such modesty. After all, in the words of his own slogan, "we are the ones we've been waiting for," which, translating the royal "we," means: " I am the one we've been waiting for." Amazingly, he had a quasi-presidential seal with its own Latin inscription affixed to his lectern, until general ridicule -- it was pointed out that he was not yet president -- induced him to take it down. He lectures us that instead of worrying about immigrants learning English, "you need to make sure your child can speak Spanish" -- a language Obama does not speak. He further admonishes us on how "embarrassing" it is that Europeans are multilingual but "we go over to Europe, and all we can say is 'merci beaucoup.' " Obama speaks no French. His fluent English does, however, feature many such admonitions, instructions and improvements. His wife assures us that President Obama will be a stern taskmaster: "Barack Obama will require you to work. He is going to demand that you shed your cynicism . . . that you come out of your isolation. . . . Barack will never allow you to go back to your lives as usual, uninvolved, uninformed." For the first few months of the campaign, the question about Obama was: Who is he? The question now is: Who does he think he is? We are getting to know. Redeemer of our uninvolved, uninformed lives. Lord of the seas. And more. As he said on victory night, his rise marks the moment when "our planet began to heal." As I recall -- I'm no expert on this -- Jesus practiced his healing just on the sick. Obama operates on a larger canvas.

Puppies - A Great Way To Start The Week

Caesar has some competition.

Thanks to Mary for bringing this to my attention.

Billy G. vs. Billy D. - click

The season is close to 4 months away but here, basketball season never ends.

Whenever I see Al Gore back in the news I feel it's my responsibility to post something to the contrary of Gorology. (Not to be confused with Oprahology) I think it's partly a need to be responsible and partly a need to be sure I personally don't fall into the global warming indoctrination. 

Texting?

Recently returned from a business convention where it seemed everyone was texting. I was even forced to text a few times while I was there. Is it time for me to jump in with both feet and add the additional cost to my cell plan? Is it really that necessary? I could leave 3 voice messages in the time it takes me to send 1 short text - I'm all thumbs.

Happy Birthday Punkin!! We Love You And Miss You!!

Pictured from L-R - Woman who gave birth, Man who caused woman to give birth, Lyndsey (Birthday Girl / Young Lady)

Appreciation....

can take on different meanings. Give me some ice water when I'm thirsty and I appreciate it. We can have an appreciation for hard fought football games, a musician jamming at the top of their profession, a beautiful painting, nice people, a good joke, our homes, food, etc. You know what I mean. How about when things don't go as we anticipated? When we have pain - emotional or physical pain - or both. Today, I have a deeper sense of the word "appreciation." Today I can take walks with my wife and walk the dog, and I can walk up and down steps normally. Today, I no longer need a cane and I no longer need to take pain medication. I can walk a mile for the first time in 5 years. I would have appreciated being able to do that back in March or April after the first knee replacement. But now, I REALLY appreciate it. Today I visited Dr. Nichols and I reminded him that I told him back in January before the first surgery, that he would be my miracle worker. His surgical skills would allow me to walk without pain again. We both have had our doubts the past few months but today we both were all smiles in his office. I now have 111 degrees flexion (bend) in my knee and very little pain. The next 3-4 months will only bring more improvement. Would I have rather not gone through the second knee replacement? Yes. But ya know what? It's OK. Because it has brought me an even deeper sense of appreciation of being able to walk. Honestly, I don't always like the way God works. I guess it's because I often don't understand or even appreciate His ways. I'm not saying He necessarily orchestrated the difficulties. But I am saying He is faithful when we are faithful and sometimes even when we're not so faithful. Today, I have just a little bit better understanding of the word "appreciation" and the word faith.
Well, gotta run :) it's time for Mary and I to take Gracie for a walk!
Oh yeah...how could I forget? I appreciate your prayers more than you know. It's a huge part of the equation. Thank you! I "appreciate" it!

Golf

I went to the driving range this past weekend and was reminded just how simple and fun (and humbling) the game of golf can be.

One Tough Kid - Click

Adam Bender, who plays catcher for his Lexington Southeastern rookie team despite losing a leg to cancer.....

A Mural Painted On The Ceiling Of A Smoking Area

Parade & Neighborhood Fireworks

More Patriotic Marching Evidence

His Dad said "He couldn't help himself. What can I say?"

Meet Mary's Employer - Cool Story - Click

Evidence Of A Patriotic Marcher (See below)

Please Stand Up And March In Place While You Watch (it's fun, really, try it)

Charcoal vs Gas?

I'm still a charcoal guy. I actually enjoy the process of getting the coals ready and waiting for them to get just right. Mom has grilled the last few times and I must say, she is very good at it. I'm pretty sure some hot dogs will end up on the grill this 4th of July. This is a photo of our grill; a Weber.
Of course, charcoal grills have a few drawbacks:
They're fussier and messier. (Some grill jockeys might regard this as a benefit not a disadvantage.)
They're less predictable and require more attention.
They gradually lose heat and need to be restoked every hour.
The chief drawbacks to gas grills are:
A slightly diminished flavor in the end product, for unlike charcoal, gas imparts no taste.
It's harder and in some instances impossible to smoke on a gas grill (although many new models have smoker boxes with dedicated burners, which, theoretically at least, makes this task easier).
Gas grills deprive you of the primal thrill of lighting and playing with fire And...they can explode!

Get Your Flags Out....It's The Fourth!

We may try to make our way to downtown Lexington this year for a parade, concert (John Michael Montgomery) and of course fireworks. Oh yeah....a hot dog or two. I love this country!

Is McCain Still Running? I Hardly Ever See Coverage Of Him

He's Sleepy....

The Reason They Met In Unity, NH Is Because There Isn't A "Dysfunctional" NH

Heard That Line On Fox News This Morning...

Possibly The Best Idea Ever For TV?

Nice Kid - Really Dumb Move

You grow up in Florida and decide to swim in a canal where you know there are alligators....in the middle of the night? Dude...

Question: Why Is Obama Supposedly Helping A Multi-Millionaire Family Pay Off Debts?

Maybe it's because he's such a nice guy, but I don't think so. Obama on Tuesday asked his finance team to help Clinton pay back at least $10 million from her failed presidential campaign, setting the stage for joint appearances by the two former rivals later in the week. The former first lady reported a $22.5 million debt at the end of May, more than half of which was a personal loan to her presidential campaign.
I think the answer to my own question is that Obama is using his supporters $$, not his $$, to buy the votes of people he thinks love Hillary so much that there's a good chance he might not get their votes unless he (although it's not really his $$) helps a multi-millionaire family pay off debts that they could pay off themselves. Do we really think the Clintons are struggling because of Hillary's debts from a stupid campaign? Bill makes approximately $200,000 PER SPEECH At that rate, if Bill would get to work, he would only need to make 112.5 speeches to pay off their debt. He could have it paid off in less than a year. But isn't it easier to find someone else to bail you out? Ask the people who are begging the federal government to pay off their stupid real estate moves with our tax dollars.

IT'S OUR FAULT

Save Trees! Stop Printing Newspapers!

I Needed A Fix -Music City Bowl 2007 - KY 35 - FL State 28

Next Opponent - Louisville - August 31st

I No Longer Like # 85

Headline You Won't See - "FEMA Doing Heck Of A Job"

Homeowners, politicians and community leaders in the flood-stricken Midwest say that so far, the agency is doing a HECK OF A JOB.

Deal Or No Deal?

Chrysler came up with its own plan to bring back $2.99 gas, which it hopes will spur lagging sales.
Chrysler announced a month-long "Let's Refuel America" program that will give buyers of most of its vehicles a card good for purchases of gasoline or diesel fuel that locks in the price at $2.99 a gallon for three years-12,000 miles per year. Best I can figure, I might save $900 a year in fuel (using $4.50 per gallon) which equals approximately $2700 over the course of the 3-year offer. Haven't they been giving cash back rebates for about the same amount prior to this gas crisis? A sucker's born every minute right? We never buy new anyway so it doesn't apply to us.

Why Aren't The Oil Companies Drilling On Land Where They Already Hold Leases?

This is the question the Democrats who oppose off shore and Alaska drilling keep throwing back in the faces of those who are saying it's time to release the restrictions and start drilling.
One of the problems is that the oil companies have to pay heavy drilling fees to state and/or federal government for any oil that is drilled in the US. They don't have to pay those fees for oil that is imported from other companies. This makes it cheaper to buy the oil and import it rather than to drill for it here. Boy is that stupid!
But the other issue is that the land granted to them is under a lease that expires in the near future. Until recently, this drilling was not necessary because oil was less than $40 a barrell. Now that it is over $200 a barrel, they do need to drill, but the lease on that land is expiring soon. So the oil companies are not developing the land in fear that it may be illegal to drill there once the lease expires. In the meantime we'll continue to be dependent and held hostage by the Middle East countries. So go ahead and extend the leases! While everyone is pointing fingers at each other, prices continue to creep up. I think the US should start tapping into the the oil in Iraq and call it payback.

How Much Would It Cost B.O.?

Everybody Loves A Parade (Most of the time)

Gay Pride banners went up on Lexington's Main Street for the first time Friday, a prelude to downtown's first public celebration of Lexington's gay community. Is it really necessary to throw a parade to tout your sexuality? Doesn't that tend to hurt your cause? I'm sure the streets will be lined with adoring kids for this one.

Cicadas Are Packing Their Bags

“The end is beginning,” says University of Kentucky entomologist Lee Townsend, adding that "in some places, it’s possible to hear birds singing again because the numbers of screeching insects are diminishing."
I personally think they sound like miniature weed-eaters. These once-every-17-year visitors that have inflicted themselves on Kentucky and parts of a dozen other states will be leaving soon. This will make Gracie sad. I bet she has eaten a bucket full. It's been fun watching her leap into the air, grab them in flight, wrestle them into her mouth, and take a big gulp. I've been waiting for her poop to start flying away. Wouldn't that be nice?

The News Tonight....

seemed almost like a comedy spoof.
Obama still arguing against offshore drilling for oil, Pentagon officials getting grilled for torturing terrorists; you know the guys that cut people's heads off, gay marriage making big headlines in CA although it's not marriage, and then a report that Anheuser Busch may be selling out to a company from Belgium. Oh yeah, there was a story from China about a funeral for a Panda bear. Where is Archie Bunker when you need him?

A Baller? I Think Not

1. He's wearing long pants
2. His shirt tail is tucked in
3. He's not sweating
4. No one else is even trying to get the ball

I Am The Most Blessed, Most Fortunate and Luckiest Dad & Husband In The World

I seriously do not know how any father or husband anywhere could ask for more. I am soooo proud of my family!!!

Mike's 1st Round of Medical-Land Tips - Helping You Navigate Medical-Land

1. Before leaving for your doctor's appointment, pray for patience and for your sense of humor to remain intact. There is humor in the land of pain & despair but you have to be on alert. Print out directions and know exactly where you're going; many of the buildings look the same in Medical-Land.
2. Leave early for your appointment. There is a very slim chance they can work you in before the person in front of you in the case they haven't arrived.
3. Upon arrival, use valet parking if they have it. That will eliminate the stress of finding parking thus helping your blood pressure reading. As the population continues to age, parking becomes more & more rare in Medical-Land and the people who govern Medical-Land don't care about parking; they have their own parking places.
4. Understand that striking up conversations with strangers on the elevator, in the lobby areas or in the 1st holding area within the doctor's compound, is risky. The people visiting Medical-Land (contrary to the people who run and work in Medical-Land) like to talk about themselves and their aches & pains. You may have to endure a long and intense discussion. I usually take the risk but that comes from the experience of being able to read people.
5. As you enter your particular ruler's kingdom, approach the glass in the first holding area, pray again for patience and then look for a sign on the glass in front of you instructing you how to sign in. Seeing that sign and obeying it can get you off on the right foot with the keeper of your records. Otherwise the record keeper could choose to place your file below other visitors to Medical-Land who happen to see the sign and obey it.
6. Choose a waiting seat in the first holding area on the end. This will give you more elbow room as the holding area begins to fill up. Make a note of the time you take your seat of waiting. I'll explain why later.

KY's Newest Recruit

President Bush Was Right

Over the top super hyper economist Jim Kramer said on the Today Show this morning: "I'm a conservationist but it's time to start drilling." I agree and disagree with Mr. Kramer. We do need to start drilling in Alaska, off the FL coast, etc. but the time to start drilling was years ago. This is from a Sierra Club article written in 2001. "Bush officials would love to explore our protected wildlands too--with oil drills. President Bush has already expressed his eagerness to drill for oil in the biological heart of a national wildlife refuge in Alaska's Arctic. But why stop there? Administration officials and their Republican allies in Congress have been poring over maps of public lands in all 50 states with the zeal of a family planning its summer vacation--except that these guys are searching for places to plunk down oil and gas wells."
Who is to blame that we aren't drilling for more oil in our own country to lessen our dependency on foreign oil? The environmentalist wing of the Democratic Party, the same people who said we were going to war for oil.
Although we took a drive into the country on Sunday, we are watching our driving habits more closely now. I haven't driven for almost 3 weeks so that certainly helps the budget. I don't know if the V-8 Jeep Cherokee will leave the driveway again.

Somebody's Going To Get Hurt

The Bluegrass has some of the most beautiful scenic roads in the country. We drove down to the Ky River this morning and watched cars cross the river on the VALLEY VIEW FERRY. On the way back we had to wait on a bicyclist on quite a few dangerous curves and then pulled around him when we felt it was safe. Should the bicyclist's right to "enjoyment" on the roads take precedence over the safety of motorists? I think that many of the roads around here should be off limits to bicyclists. We encounter them almost every time we are out for a drive on the back roads and it drives me crazy. Somebody's going to hurt; I just hope it's not us.

KY Basketball Rocks! They Continue To Lead The Nation

Cinderella...

I met Steven Curtis Chapman a few years ago backstage at a concert we did in West Palm Beach. He and I talked about how each of us grew up in Paducah, KY and were amazed we knew some of the same people. When you talk with Steven, you walk away impressed with his genuineness. He's the kind of guy that looks you directly in the eye and pays attention to what you're saying. That was a special meeting for me. His songs are powerful. The words to his song "I Will Be Here" are displayed on our bedroom wall in a frame as a special reminder to Mary & me that we will always be here for each other, even though the years make us older. Steven lost his 5 year old daughter MARIA in a terrible accident at their home on May 21st. His teenage son, backed over her in the driveway. I have prayed for him and his family. I can't even imagine what they must be going through. And I thank him for his music. His song "Cinderella" is special to me too. I can't listen to it without flashing back through the years and seeing Lyndsey. They grow up so fast. Unfortunately, Steven won't be able to dance at Maria's wedding.

NBA Championship Begins Tonight On ABC.....Only Thing Missing: Charles Barkley

The Democratic Nominee

Why hasn't Obama been crucified for this idiotic comment like Dan Quayle was crucified over telling a kid to add the letter "e" to potato?

Some Good Ole Fashioned Truth....

Jerry Mathers as "The Beaver" turns 60 today!

Cheering In The Darkness

As I lay in bed in the evenings unable to fall asleep the past week or so, I have watched every eastern division game between the Celtics & the Pistons. I found myself enthusiastically cheering for the Celtics; even pounding my fist into the air in the dark spare bedroom as they clinched games 5 & 6. (I'm sleeping in there temporarily so I don't keep Mary awake) I also pulled for the Lakers to beat the Spurs hoping to see another historical Celtics vs Lakers championship series. It's been fun to watch the maturity of KY's Rajon Rondo of the Celtics and the continued smoothness of KY's Tayshaun Prince of the Pistons. When the championship series cranks up this Thursday evening, I'm pulling for the Celtics!

Some Mighty Fine Pickin & Singin....

Classic Comedy - A Tribute To Harvey Korman...died yesterday....81

Classic Tim Conway for sure. Harvey Korman didn't even say a word in this sketch and he cracks me up. They did some great stuff on the Carol Burnett Show.

Cautiously Optimistic

I have always been hesitate to post info regarding progress or lack of progress regarding my knee replacements (in the same leg) because I have never had faith it was on the right track until now. I know how closely you all are following along and how much you care. I can't thank you enough for your calls, emails, prayers and visits. What we thought would be about a 6 week rehab back in January is now entering its 6th month. What makes me optimistic enough to post info? A visit from a physical therapist yesterday who said it was a great sign of a good outcome to be able to achieve the motion I have already achieved with the CPM machine. The 110 degrees I mentioned a few days ago was not accurate. The leg wasn't quite loaded into the machine properly so I wasn't getting a totally accurate reading. Now however I'm getting a pretty darn accurate reading and I'm at 92 degrees within 1 week with a goal of 105 degrees within 3 weeks. My doctor didn't prescribe the machine with the first knee he put in in January. We asked for the machine this time. He took the first knee out last week and replaced it with a smaller knee that fits better (2.5 hour surgery) and I can tell a difference. The blisters caused from the surgical tape (I won't go into that part) are healing nicely and should be healed up in a couple of weeks. The bleeding appears to have almost completely stopped which allows me to stay aggressive in the CPM machine. And just a while ago, I walked with my cane to the bathroom so I'm able to put almost all my weight on the leg. My pain level seems to be subsiding a bit too so all in all, I think we're on track this time but, I'm cautiously optimistic.

Happy Birthday Clay!!

Happy Birthday Clay. I wish we could be there to celebrate with you. What a fine young man you are!! 15? whew...
Love ya! Aunt Mary & Uncle Mike
(animals sure seem to like you)

Happy Memorial Day!

Thank you Justin for your service to our country and while I'm at it - Thank you Mary for your service to me as I work my way through re-hab # 2! I had a cool thing happen today. I am seeing my knee bend to 110 degrees while strapped into a CPM MACHINE This is the first time I have seen my knee bend like that in 34 years.

Not Surprised At This...

ARTICLE

The Dumbest Generation?

I'm not saying it. HE IS

Where Was Buddah?

Where was Buddah? Believe it or not, this was a question that popped in my head while watching the earthquake disaster in China. Another question: How could a good and loving Buddah allow bad things to happen to good people? Is it a fair question? It's a question that someone asks of God every time something terrible occurs. I don't mean to make light of the disasters. The question, when asked of God, I think reveals our doubt that He actually exists. It seems judgmental too. Who are we to question? Why do good things happen to bad people? I think if you're going to ask the first question then the other question seems legit. This much I know; I don't have all the answers and I never will, but I do have grace from God and eternal life as given through Christ and I don't have to work for it. It's a gift and for that, I'm thankful. I'll think I'll leave all the answers to the atheists.

It Really Did Happen!

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Justin West!! What a wonderful weekend! The couple will be honeymooning for 8 days in Costa Rica. It was great seeing everyone and there is talk of another possible reunion in Charleston sometime next year.

(Special thanks to Rick West Photography)

JDub & KC Tying The Knot VEEERRY Soon

After the wedding on Saturday, the couple plans to honeymoon in Goose Creek before moving into their double-wide. JDub is employed by the military and looks forward to kickin some raghead butt. KC is lookin forward to raisin a bunch of young 'uns.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY - 2 YEARS!

We sure are proud of both of you and love you and miss you!! Any advice from you veterans for Kacey & Justin before their upcoming wedding? Mom & Dad

I'm Sorry But It's A Horse....

Yes...you too can sign the GUEST BOOK for Eight Belles.

CLASSIC COMEDY

Justin With "Big Brown" Wins The Sweepstakes Glasses!

The Picks ....Good Luck! Post Time 6:04pm - Coverage On NBC @ 5:00pm

Kacey - Big Truck, Visionaire & Court Vision
Mary - Anak Nakal, Gayego & Cowboy Cal
Rick - Smooth Air, Denis of Cork
Justin - Big Brown, Colonel John
Lyndsey - Pyro, Monba
Clay - Adriano, Z Humor
Andrew - Tale of Ekati, Recapture the Glory
Ted - Eight Belles, Cool Coalman
Mike - Z Fortune, Bob Black Jack

Order Of The Draw

The post positions for the horses were drawn yesterday (See photo of Billy Clyde Gillisipie at the drawing) and I am now pleased to announce the order of The West Family Derby Sweepstakes drawing for horses. The order that the players would pick their horses was determined through a random drawing and here is the order. The first two players drawing (Kacey & Mary) will get three picks each; everyone else gets two picks. Your picks will be posted Friday evening. Here are some ODDS Oh yeah....Mary is fixin some Derby pie!
1. Kacey
2. Mary
3. Rick
4. Justin
5. Lyndsey
6. Clay
7. Andrew
8. Ted
9. Mike

Tubby Smith - A True Kentuckian (click)

I thought these were some interesting comments from Tubby Smith after being inducted into the KY Sports Hall of Fame yesterday. By the way, he'll be at the Derby on Saturday.
Even though this state isn't Smith's home now, it will be again one day. He said that when he retires, he and Donna will head back to their old Kentucky home. "We're not going to be putting our feet in the sand in Destin, Fla., or any place like that; we'll be putting our feet in the Kentucky River sand," Smith said. "We're so blessed to have been a part of such a special place. We'll be Kentuckians until the day we die."

Post Positions Have been Drawn...Stay Tuned