Apparently people believe everything they see and hear in the traditional media.
So when the leading news anchor of today, for whatever reason, reports something other than the truth, it matters. The Brian Williams saga has captured public interest since he admitted overstating the truth about his covering a war story from an Army helicopter.
Now that far more than one episode has been exposed, the fallout is affecting not only the anchor, but a major television news network, journalism across the board and the whole concept of preserving our democracy through freedom of the press.
But wait just a minute! Do we ignore good advice like "Don't believe everything you hear" and "Check it out." Must we blindly absorb everything we hear on the boob tube?
Most of us carry around a small device with which we can access almost the entirety of the world's knowledge. Whether breaking news or historical events, we have access to it all.
So instead of watching a reporter doing his thing that may include shameful self-promotion, we can pick up the smart phone or the tablet or the laptop. By hitting the search box with a question or two, we can watch the documented data as it spreads out before us.
Then with knowledge and understanding acquired on our own, we won't be misinformed by anyone. Now we have the power to discover the truth and decide for ourselves. We should use it.
Daily Quote:
If we ever forget that we're One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under. ~ Ronald Reagan
Friday, February 20, 2015
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
BABY BLESSINGS
Our great-grandson from Houston recently came for a several-day visit. When we can again walk normally and speak coherently, I'm sure we will have fond memories of revisiting the joys of having a baby in the house.
Aidan, age 15 months, is a world-class walker and an accomplished climber. He requires 3 meals and 4 snacks daily to maintain his preferred level of activity. Knowing all this, I prepared for his visit with a giant, economy bottle of multi-vitamins and a case of energy drinks.
One complication is that we cannot speak his language. He says the same words repeatedly and uses emphatic gestures and facial expressions. We still don't get it. After several minutes of deep concentration and profuse sweating, we finally understand and rush to obey. However, by that time, his focus has shifted and he bombards us with a new encoded message.
Aidan enjoys playing with Nannah's toys. He carefully examines each one searching for a button to push or a lever to mash. He turns the toy over and over as he checks every seam and part. He seems to be trying to learn how it is made. He loves books and always selects the same three for me to read. He stays in my lap for all three books - only if he is allowed to turn the pages.
He is not rough or destructive - never bangs toys together, doesn't throw them or hit them on the floor. His play-time seems to be a very serious learning experience.
He takes a two-hour nap every day and sleeps 10-12 straight hours each night. We used that down time to fortify ourselves with the vitamins and sports drinks.
Aidan doesn't like to wear shoes. We were not surprised that his new, big-boy shoes could not be found when the visit ended.
For days we will reminisce about his every cute action. And we look forward to a longer visit this summer when his sister-baby arrives. Our sincere hope is that he is speaking Texan by that time, or that we are able to decipher his special language.
How we love and cherish that delightful little boy!!
Daily Quote:
Socialism is great until you run out of other people's money. ~ Margaret Thatcher
Aidan, age 15 months, is a world-class walker and an accomplished climber. He requires 3 meals and 4 snacks daily to maintain his preferred level of activity. Knowing all this, I prepared for his visit with a giant, economy bottle of multi-vitamins and a case of energy drinks.
One complication is that we cannot speak his language. He says the same words repeatedly and uses emphatic gestures and facial expressions. We still don't get it. After several minutes of deep concentration and profuse sweating, we finally understand and rush to obey. However, by that time, his focus has shifted and he bombards us with a new encoded message.
Aidan enjoys playing with Nannah's toys. He carefully examines each one searching for a button to push or a lever to mash. He turns the toy over and over as he checks every seam and part. He seems to be trying to learn how it is made. He loves books and always selects the same three for me to read. He stays in my lap for all three books - only if he is allowed to turn the pages.
He is not rough or destructive - never bangs toys together, doesn't throw them or hit them on the floor. His play-time seems to be a very serious learning experience.
He takes a two-hour nap every day and sleeps 10-12 straight hours each night. We used that down time to fortify ourselves with the vitamins and sports drinks.
Aidan doesn't like to wear shoes. We were not surprised that his new, big-boy shoes could not be found when the visit ended.
For days we will reminisce about his every cute action. And we look forward to a longer visit this summer when his sister-baby arrives. Our sincere hope is that he is speaking Texan by that time, or that we are able to decipher his special language.
How we love and cherish that delightful little boy!!
Daily Quote:
Socialism is great until you run out of other people's money. ~ Margaret Thatcher
Monday, February 16, 2015
OPEN CARRY DEBATE
There's a reason some of the loudest activists want Texas to do away with handgun licenses.
Many of the protest leaders favoring "open carry - open campus" cannot get a license because of their past crimes.
One activist from Houston arrested last week outside a Texas Capital hearing has a long criminal record, including convictions for deadly conduct, criminal mischief and drunken driving.
A protest leader in Tarrant County has an extensive record of misdemeanor arrests including a guilty plea and time served for theft. He is an elected precinct chairman and an outspoken proponent for "constitutional carry" of handguns, meaning without a license. He considers licenses an unjust interference with what he calls his "God-given rights."
Another pro-advocate's violent threats and menacing behavior shocked the Texas Capital into installing panic buttons. Investigation found he had a long record of burglarizing vehicles.
One Open Carry Texas chapter leader was arrested by troopers at the Capital entrance on charges of criminal trespass. The troopers had warned him not to come in carrying what appeared to be a plastic toy gun. He was identified as a Marine who had spent 60 days in jail on charges involving deadly conduct and possession of amphetamines.
Do these people sound like "good Texans" eligible to carry handguns? They're not the only ones. I could list many more, but you get the picture.
Today's Quote:
God gave us memories that we might have roses in December. ~ Sir James Barrie
Many of the protest leaders favoring "open carry - open campus" cannot get a license because of their past crimes.
One activist from Houston arrested last week outside a Texas Capital hearing has a long criminal record, including convictions for deadly conduct, criminal mischief and drunken driving.
A protest leader in Tarrant County has an extensive record of misdemeanor arrests including a guilty plea and time served for theft. He is an elected precinct chairman and an outspoken proponent for "constitutional carry" of handguns, meaning without a license. He considers licenses an unjust interference with what he calls his "God-given rights."
Another pro-advocate's violent threats and menacing behavior shocked the Texas Capital into installing panic buttons. Investigation found he had a long record of burglarizing vehicles.
One Open Carry Texas chapter leader was arrested by troopers at the Capital entrance on charges of criminal trespass. The troopers had warned him not to come in carrying what appeared to be a plastic toy gun. He was identified as a Marine who had spent 60 days in jail on charges involving deadly conduct and possession of amphetamines.
Do these people sound like "good Texans" eligible to carry handguns? They're not the only ones. I could list many more, but you get the picture.
Today's Quote:
God gave us memories that we might have roses in December. ~ Sir James Barrie
Friday, February 13, 2015
A CHANGED PERSPECTIVE
For many years, I dreamed of owning a Fiat - a white one with red upholstery.
The Fiat's compact size always appealed to me as did the conveniently placed dashboard instruments. Speed was also a factor. The gas pedal responded to a slight push with instant acceleration and the hum of the engine spoke to my heart.
Now in the winter of my life, I accept the fact that I will never own a Fiat. I no longer want one. I'm totally content with the calm dependability of my ten-year-old Honda Accord.
A dream from childhood was to pilot a plane. I visualized myself at the controls of a sporty little Cessna soaring high above the mundane ties of Earth. Now I carefully plan my trips to the gym, grocery store and beauty salon to avoid rush hour and the opening and closing of schools.
As a young wife and mother, I purchased a Julia Child cookbook determined to master escargot, soufflé and quiche. Today, I'm thankful for the opportunity to purchase a rotisserie chicken at the market. I also pick up a loaf of pre-sliced garlic bread and a cellophane bag of washed, ready-cut vegetables for a salad.
I recognize and embrace a changed perspective. Now I value easy convenience and labor-saving short-cuts. I find that I enjoy a life of no sweat, no strain, go-with-the-flow daily living.
Quote for the day:
A party without cake is just a meeting. ~ Julia Child
The Fiat's compact size always appealed to me as did the conveniently placed dashboard instruments. Speed was also a factor. The gas pedal responded to a slight push with instant acceleration and the hum of the engine spoke to my heart.
Now in the winter of my life, I accept the fact that I will never own a Fiat. I no longer want one. I'm totally content with the calm dependability of my ten-year-old Honda Accord.
A dream from childhood was to pilot a plane. I visualized myself at the controls of a sporty little Cessna soaring high above the mundane ties of Earth. Now I carefully plan my trips to the gym, grocery store and beauty salon to avoid rush hour and the opening and closing of schools.
As a young wife and mother, I purchased a Julia Child cookbook determined to master escargot, soufflé and quiche. Today, I'm thankful for the opportunity to purchase a rotisserie chicken at the market. I also pick up a loaf of pre-sliced garlic bread and a cellophane bag of washed, ready-cut vegetables for a salad.
I recognize and embrace a changed perspective. Now I value easy convenience and labor-saving short-cuts. I find that I enjoy a life of no sweat, no strain, go-with-the-flow daily living.
Quote for the day:
A party without cake is just a meeting. ~ Julia Child
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
LIFE'S LITTLE PLEASURES
This beautiful morning, large patches of clear blue peek through cumulus clouds as they change shape and move high overhead. We're happy that the cutting cold wind has died down and the temperature has risen 20 degrees.
It's a few minutes past eight and my husband and I, wearing gardening gloves and sturdy shoes, stand beside our cherished small garden plot. In the barrow rest a hoe, a trowel, a spading fork and six dozen onion plants.
Since the King of the Castle recently spent several days in the CCU of our local hospital, I take charge of the spading fork. Diagnosed with congestive heart failure and A-Fib, the King's strenuous activities are strictly limited. As I thrust the fork into the good fertile Texas soil, I notice the pleasant aroma wafting up and see the decomposing leaves that enrich the soil. "This is good dirt," I remark. That has not always been true.
After we signed all documents making this small space of North Texas our home, we discovered that our property was built on soil consisting primarily of ugly, dense, yellow clay. The lawns had been improved by loads of loam and plats of St. Augustine grass. But the little garden spot was ignored. The King soon remedied that with a large compost barrel and multiple bags of peat moss and fertilizer thoroughly worked into the soil.
We both appreciate a good country meal of black-eyed peas with lots of snaps, stewed okra, and a platter of sliced fresh tomatoes and onions. Special accents are cantaloupe and a pan of hot cornbread. In a few months, all these delicacies will be available to us any time we wish. We will purchase only the cornbread ingredients - I refuse to grind corn.
Valuable advice from Will Rogers:
Never squat with your spurs on.
Never miss a good chance to shut up.
It's a few minutes past eight and my husband and I, wearing gardening gloves and sturdy shoes, stand beside our cherished small garden plot. In the barrow rest a hoe, a trowel, a spading fork and six dozen onion plants.
Since the King of the Castle recently spent several days in the CCU of our local hospital, I take charge of the spading fork. Diagnosed with congestive heart failure and A-Fib, the King's strenuous activities are strictly limited. As I thrust the fork into the good fertile Texas soil, I notice the pleasant aroma wafting up and see the decomposing leaves that enrich the soil. "This is good dirt," I remark. That has not always been true.
After we signed all documents making this small space of North Texas our home, we discovered that our property was built on soil consisting primarily of ugly, dense, yellow clay. The lawns had been improved by loads of loam and plats of St. Augustine grass. But the little garden spot was ignored. The King soon remedied that with a large compost barrel and multiple bags of peat moss and fertilizer thoroughly worked into the soil.
We both appreciate a good country meal of black-eyed peas with lots of snaps, stewed okra, and a platter of sliced fresh tomatoes and onions. Special accents are cantaloupe and a pan of hot cornbread. In a few months, all these delicacies will be available to us any time we wish. We will purchase only the cornbread ingredients - I refuse to grind corn.
Valuable advice from Will Rogers:
Never squat with your spurs on.
Never miss a good chance to shut up.
Monday, February 9, 2015
AN ICEBOUND DAY
When Winter grips North Texas in a strangle hold, she often gifts us with a solid sheet of ice covering every surface. On those icebound days we stay busy with indoor activities and avoid the streets and highways.
What shall we do on an icebound day? Watch the icicles form on the trees' shivering limbs? Enjoy the cardinals' investigations of the bird feeder? Watch the birds skating on the former birdbath that is now a rock-solid ice rink?
I chose to curl up in my favorite chair wearing heavy socks and bundled in a warm acrylic throw while reading Jan Caron's novel, Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good. Twenty years ago Caron began her Mitford series, and this is her 10th and newest book. The beloved Father Tim Kavanaugh and his wife, Cynthia, have returned from an extended trip to Ireland when they learn that Mitford's newspaper has questioned whether the town's citizens are still concerned about those less fortunate.
Father Tim is busy dealing with troubled youth, police involvement and town gossip. There are also tears, divorce, adultery, death, illnesses, an arthritic dog and attempted suicide. But he still finds time to motivate and guide the townspeople to prove that the community can indeed take care of its own.
The hilarious Christmas celebration in downtown Mitford (pp. 448 t0 conclusion) is a splendid commotion in which the citizens demonstrate, through their generosity and love, that they still take of all family, friends, neighbors and Mitfordians.
If you haven't read these treasures by Jan Caron, I recommend that you begin with At Home in Mitford and read all the way through Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good. Then an icebound day will feel like springtime on the Big Island.
Quote of the day: When you base your life on principles, most of your decisions are already made before you encounter them. ~ Shared by Chuck from Phoenix
What shall we do on an icebound day? Watch the icicles form on the trees' shivering limbs? Enjoy the cardinals' investigations of the bird feeder? Watch the birds skating on the former birdbath that is now a rock-solid ice rink?
I chose to curl up in my favorite chair wearing heavy socks and bundled in a warm acrylic throw while reading Jan Caron's novel, Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good. Twenty years ago Caron began her Mitford series, and this is her 10th and newest book. The beloved Father Tim Kavanaugh and his wife, Cynthia, have returned from an extended trip to Ireland when they learn that Mitford's newspaper has questioned whether the town's citizens are still concerned about those less fortunate.
Father Tim is busy dealing with troubled youth, police involvement and town gossip. There are also tears, divorce, adultery, death, illnesses, an arthritic dog and attempted suicide. But he still finds time to motivate and guide the townspeople to prove that the community can indeed take care of its own.
The hilarious Christmas celebration in downtown Mitford (pp. 448 t0 conclusion) is a splendid commotion in which the citizens demonstrate, through their generosity and love, that they still take of all family, friends, neighbors and Mitfordians.
If you haven't read these treasures by Jan Caron, I recommend that you begin with At Home in Mitford and read all the way through Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good. Then an icebound day will feel like springtime on the Big Island.
Quote of the day: When you base your life on principles, most of your decisions are already made before you encounter them. ~ Shared by Chuck from Phoenix
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
TELL IT LIKE IT IS
The English language is complex, confusing and fascinating. I love its cadence, inflections, twists and turns and double meanings. The tiny word "in" placed in front of familiar words changes the meaning and tickles the funny bone.
Regarding chocolate, I'm in Satiable. I prefer milk chocolate with nuts, but I enjoy all varieties.
People who are in Considerate upset me. I prefer polite kindness.
I've been in many places, but I've never been in Kahoots. You can't go alone - someone has to be in Kahoots with you.
I've never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.
However, I have been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven, and I've been there several times.
I've also been in Doubt. It's a sad place and I try not to visit there often.
I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.
One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense. I head straight for that section in the library.
I may have been in Continent, but I don't remember what country I was in.
I try not to be in Tolerant. You can lose friends there.
I was in Consolable when the Cowboys lost to the Packers, but then I said, "We'll take 'em next year."
Another fun activity is making a list of ordinary words preceded by "en." You'll be en Grossed for a long time.
Quote for the day: To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible. ~ Thomas Acquinas
Regarding chocolate, I'm in Satiable. I prefer milk chocolate with nuts, but I enjoy all varieties.
People who are in Considerate upset me. I prefer polite kindness.
I've been in many places, but I've never been in Kahoots. You can't go alone - someone has to be in Kahoots with you.
I've never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.
However, I have been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven, and I've been there several times.
I've also been in Doubt. It's a sad place and I try not to visit there often.
I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.
One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense. I head straight for that section in the library.
I may have been in Continent, but I don't remember what country I was in.
I try not to be in Tolerant. You can lose friends there.
I was in Consolable when the Cowboys lost to the Packers, but then I said, "We'll take 'em next year."
Another fun activity is making a list of ordinary words preceded by "en." You'll be en Grossed for a long time.
Quote for the day: To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible. ~ Thomas Acquinas
Monday, February 2, 2015
PET PEEVES
I have several, but the one I'm steamed about today is the irresponsible action of people who forget, refuse, or never learned to use their vehicle's turn signal.
Every time I'm out and about, whether in a small town or large city, I see this lazy behavior. How hard can it be to flip the lever? It happened again today.
I was returning from a 10-mile drive out of town when a large vehicle pulled out of a side road in front of me. It was one of those heavy pick-up trucks with huge tires much loved by Texas cowboys and sportsmen. Traffic was light, and I had no trouble observing the driver's driving habits from one side of town to the other. We drove on a county road, an interstate highway, city streets and through residential areas. He faithfully stopped for red lights and stop signs, but NOT ONE TIME did he use a turn signal-- neither left nor right. And he had at least 12 opportunities. I lost count after that. Why? Does anyone know why?
Between the gun rack in the rear window and his Stetson, I couldn't see his face well, but he appeared well-barbered and clean-shaven -- sober, capable and competent. No tats or piercings were visible. He was so thoughtful and well-mannered that when he tossed his Styrofoam cup full of chewing tobacco juice out the window, he made sure it hit the pavement then bounced on out into the ditch. He tipped his hat to people in cars who passed him. Evidently his mama did a good job instilling proper consideration of others.
So how did she miss the turn signal instruction?
Quote for the day: Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Every time I'm out and about, whether in a small town or large city, I see this lazy behavior. How hard can it be to flip the lever? It happened again today.
I was returning from a 10-mile drive out of town when a large vehicle pulled out of a side road in front of me. It was one of those heavy pick-up trucks with huge tires much loved by Texas cowboys and sportsmen. Traffic was light, and I had no trouble observing the driver's driving habits from one side of town to the other. We drove on a county road, an interstate highway, city streets and through residential areas. He faithfully stopped for red lights and stop signs, but NOT ONE TIME did he use a turn signal-- neither left nor right. And he had at least 12 opportunities. I lost count after that. Why? Does anyone know why?
Between the gun rack in the rear window and his Stetson, I couldn't see his face well, but he appeared well-barbered and clean-shaven -- sober, capable and competent. No tats or piercings were visible. He was so thoughtful and well-mannered that when he tossed his Styrofoam cup full of chewing tobacco juice out the window, he made sure it hit the pavement then bounced on out into the ditch. He tipped his hat to people in cars who passed him. Evidently his mama did a good job instilling proper consideration of others.
So how did she miss the turn signal instruction?
Quote for the day: Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
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