Do they look the same? 

The tag says that they are.

Very Curious

I'm very curious as to the motives of the major news carriers this last week in regard to the history of the marital status of the first president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Joseph Smith. I wonder why it makes so much prominent news and is so widely published by the major carriers when it is something that happened over 170 years ago. I am curious why it would be so prominent and somewhat vilifying of someone who was a leader of a current American religious belief. I am curious why something of such small significance to the American people makes such a prominent news, especially with much more pressing things happening in the world today. It makes me wonder why and it makes me question their motives. It makes me wonder why the carriers CNN, headline news, CBS, MSN, and others, would carry it so prominently. I wonder what is the point? 

Is it because all of the major carriers are concerned about the souls of the readers? No, I am sure that the news media has absolutely no eternal interest in the people who read and listen to what they have to say. More likely it is driven by a political agenda that seeks to discredit The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or its members. On that note let's look at the facts. Although it was not widely talked about, the polygamist nature of Joseph Smith's marital status was never denied, and never really hidden. The fact that one of his wives was 14 years old was also a major thing. Readers were leaving comments about him being a pervert. In the nineteenth century getting married that early in life was not unheard of, in fact it was somewhat common. So I reject all of the pedophile remarks. My own mother was 16 when she was married, but I would beat the person who referred to my dad as a pedophile. Just because our current laws prohibit things such as this, it is not right to judge people 170 years ago by the norms of today. The fact that polygamy was not illegal then, and it was incorporated into the practices of the LDS church for a time, a fact that has never been denied by the mainstream LDS church. It was made illegal after the fact to give the political powers teeth in controlling or destroying the church in the United States. 

The Church decided to leave the United States, as a body, so that they could practice as their conscience dictated. About the time they decided to make Utah a state, the issue popped up again with a vengeance until the practice was abandoned by decree of the First Presidency of the LDS church. I reject that as a means of judgment against the church. I find it interesting that even though he was polygamous, and he was, that there is absolutely no evidence (DNA) that Joseph Smith had any progeny from any of his wives except Emma Smith, his first wife. I find it amusing that those who are ignorant of reasons that polygamy was practiced are so quick to judge. I believe that the mainstream media used this "news" as a political bullet to bring down the LDS church a notch or two. Could it be that it is due to Mitt Romney being a Mormon (a term that I do not care to be known as)? Could it be punishment because the LDS church has stood up for issues, and has funded them when they go against the teaching and practices of their doctrines and policies? Issues that other Christian churches agree on but are reluctant to ally themselves with the "Mormons". It makes me wonder if prejudice is politically accepted in the news media if it forwards the agenda of certain parties. They preach, teach, expound, and exhort; tolerance and diversity to the point that if you have a different opinion that you; hate people, are a bigot, and are the problem with America. Unless it suits their purposes. 

The vilification of Joseph Smith is nothing new, but it is not going to change the direction of the church. The pointing of fingers and snickering from the great and spacious building in NYC (musical) is not going to push the LDS people down, or make them quit. Joseph was counseled to endure to the end despite persecution and pain, and he did, until there were bullets. Since then he has been both revered and vilified, yet the LDS endure and continue. Joseph was warned that this would happen on September 21, 1823. "...God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people" (JST 1:33). 

Grow up Buttercup...

I want to apologize to my family and friends. I have had enough! I am tired of watching the self-destruction, and I am through with it. I have some very sharp comments, and they are directed at someone specific. I do not intend to explain my comments beyond what is said right now. The person whom this is aimed at knows who they are. I am not attempting to call this person to repentance, I am beyond that. You know what you need to do, and you need to do it.


This directed to a young man who is trying to show that he is grown up, and is doing self-destructive things to prove the he is in fact a “man” who can make his own decisions. What he does he does it openly, so that those who love him can painfully watch. If any pleas to stop doing this are directed at him he thumbs his nose at them, and delights in their pain. I’m telling you that this is NOT being a man, this is being a juvenile lowlife who may no longer have the potential to one day call himself a true man. Why would a man do what you do for the “respect” of “friends” at a cost which is most dear. The people who love you suffer greatly because of your behavior. They cry to the Lord in your behalf, and are wounded to the core for their trouble.

I’m sorry, but it is time to grow up. You need to take responsibility, and be accountable for yourself. You should not be self-destructive, and cause pain to those who wait to see if you will indeed grow up. Nevertheless, you have free will, God given agency to make your own choices. It is your life, your choice. However, in making your choices you will find that attached to them are accountability. You can make the choices to live the life you have chosen, but PLEASE, when it swings around to finally bite you, don’t blame anyone but yourself for your foolishness.

You hurt those who love you just because in your heart you feel that they somehow owe you something, and seeing this will somehow make them pay. No, you are the one who will pay the price with this self-destruction. However, IF YOU YOURSELF WOULD BE DESTROYED, SEEK NOT TO DESTROY YOUR FAMILY. Those who love you. It would be better for you to just go quietly than to hurt them. It is not your parent’s fault that you are a loser. The fault does not fall on God by any means. The fault doesn’t even land on your lowlife friends. It rest squarely on your own shoulders, so don’t even go there with me because it is simply not true.

A man would not do harm to those who love him. No… on the contrary, a real man would take responsibility for himself, and not try to pass the buck. A real man would seek to do everything he could to overcome diversity, and come out on top. A real man would seek to bring his loved ones up as well. You have everything to work toward, and need to pull your inebriated head out and take a long look at yourself. You were meant for better things, but it is your choice whether or not to wallow with the pigs. To use unfounded, self pity to keep yourself down, and “justify” your actions. It is your responsibility to make these changes, and pull yourself up, or prove yourself a waste of skin.

We will mourn you when you finally pass away, but it will be a familiar feeling, and it will pass. They will hurt but only for a time when they realize that the pain you were intentionally causing has stopped. I suggest to them that they continue to pray from you, but separate themselves from the ability for you to cause them constant pain. You are going to do what you are going to do, and if you want better, it is up to you.

Breathe in, breathe out... Smile

Back to the old salt lick... er salt MINE

I have been working at the school for the past week doing tech stuff. I have 3 weeks to accomplish a task. I am working four, 10 hour days, and I have gotten to see the sun come up every morning. Although I love the fact that it does come up, I really HATE seeing the sun come up every morning...

It's Good To Be Back Home Again

I cannot tell you just how good it feels to be home with Patti. I have spent a little more than a week in Denver, Colorado, and then Ruidoso, New Mexico. I have been away from home all of this time, and it has been difficult being apart from my wife. I love her dearly, and it doesn't matter where I am, whenever I am with her I am home.

Tebowing

      On my last two posts I kind of railed hard on some people, and maybe I should not have. I have tried to make it a point in the last few years not to judge others, and try to give people the benefit of a doubt. Some things do however require discernment. Recently to a Bronco fan, I was sort of critical about the Denver Broncos Quarterback Tim Tebow. There is a new word out there “Tebowing” and it has been most of the time the subject of ridicule and comic relief. Tebow will go down on one knee and pray, visible to all including NFL cameramen. He has taken fire from comedians and colleagues alike, and people mock him openly. He continues to do this… Tebowing (Praying). My words about it were simple, but I was making a different point. I just quoted Matthew 6:5-6

5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

      I was not mocking him or making light of his faith, I thought I was going by the idea of WWJD, but there is more than one principle going on here. Tebow is showing that he practices a set of principles that involves prayer. He was raised by parents who were devout missionaries, and worked with many people. He was trained up in the ways he should go, and lives it in ALL of the things that he does. He shows that he is not ashamed, and practices his faith openly. He prays at football games, but has stated that he does not believe that Jesus cares about sporting events, that there are Christians on both sides of the playing field, and he wouldn’t take sides. He simply prays, and what he prays for is between himself and God. Like it is supposed to be.

Tebow being mocked by someone who tackled him

      His example is Jesus Christ, when he was instructing people how to pray. Jesus told his disciples to pray in secret, and then prayed in front of them giving them an example on how they should pray. I don’t think I will be critical of Jesus Christ. Tim Tebow is setting an example. He knows he is seen by many including impressionable young people, he knows he is being made fun of and being mocked (or at least he ought to), and he does it anyway. He does not care what people say, and continues to practice his faith. What is wrong with someone who believes what they say? I think it speaks volumes about the character of that individual. I don’t think he is a hypocrite, but I think he is setting an example.

Blasphemy on Saturday Night Live

      Being made to look like an idiot is something that Tebow faces undauntedly. All Christians are being held up in that light now days. Bill Maher even made a movie called Religulous (mixing religion with ridiculous) just for the purpose of making fun of people who believe in God, and even mocking God himself. Maher is a self proclaimed atheist, and does not believe in a God. That is fine, but in his disbelief he is seeking to spread his ideas to other by mocking God. God however will not be mocked. Maher is using his celebrity status like Tebow, only to the other extreme. Like Tebow, God allows this mocking to continue, but in mocking God, Maher may be forfeiting any claim to blessings in this life and the hereafter, but that is for God to decide, I will not judge Bill either. 

Bill Maher mocks Tebow

Guys being idiots mocking Tebow

        We need look at Tim Tebow as an example to the young, as someone who follows his principles no matter what and sticks to his guns even when he is under fire. The people will point from their high places and laugh. They will mock him and others, and call them fools. Many may fall away from their faith being ashamed, some will not, but don't worry it will all be worked out in the end.

George Washington at Valley Forge

Joan of Arc



Feel like mocking now?

Crackpot Minister

I generally avoid talking about religion or politics (mainly because they SHOULD not be mixed), but a recent conversation with someone, and current issues in the news have gotten me to the point where I cannot keep my mouth closed anymore!!! Baptist minister Robert Jeffress is now in the same category as Harold Camping, a clown and a crackpot preacher. I am not attacking the Baptist faith by any means, my roots go back to the Baptist church and I honor my heritage daily. I know I should not judge, because Jesus said,” Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” However, I have been to Ringling Brothers and know a clown when I see it, and I have been to Pier One and can spot a cracked pot. This man no more knows the mind and will of God than Big Bird. I’ll bet he can tell you what the going rate on “salvation” is though.

I do not know how he voted or who he endorsed in 08, but I bet he didn’t vote for Obama because he is a democrat. He does not feel that Mitt Romney is a suitable candidate because he is a Mormon (a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints). I am not sure what other categories he falls into, but religiously speaking, I believe, the word is bigot. He branded “Mormonism” as a “cult.” Maybe it is by a roundabout definition. However by that definition, what is he??? He also said Mitt Romney is a "good" and "moral" person, but "that does not make him a Christian," SO??? Is Mitt running to be a minister? Is he looking to instill Mormonism into the government of the United States??? He sure didn’t do so in Massachusetts. Don’t mistake this tirade as an endorsement of Mitt Romney, I have no idea yet who I will vote for in the next election. However, let me be clear on this. If I thought that Romney was going to follow an LDS agenda, I would not vote for him. “Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.” The office of the President of the United States of America is not the place for preaching, proselyting, or instilling morals on others. It should not prohibit that from happening either within the limits of the constitution. The office should be run constitutionally only. Do your proselyting in church, and with your families.

This man, “Dr.” Jeffress is an idiot, and anything that he is, or claims to be, and not endorse, is almost a perfect barometer as for who maybe I should give consideration. I detest everything about the man, from his “I’m born again and you’re not” look of condescension, to his phony “I care about you” smile. He is a bottom feeder in religion, and I would suggest any of his congregation or followers to discontinue association with him. He uses Jesus as his own personal cloak, badge, and shield as if he himself were the one who hung on the cross. He uses the Bible as a loophole to say what he himself believes, and uses his association with his church as a megaphone to say which candidate is right.

I would not ask him, or trust his answers as to what he thinks a “Mormon” believes. I believe he would use half truths, lies, and innuendo to say things that support his words. I think he has about the same accuracy in what a Mormon believes as the Broadway play The Book of Mormon does. He might look at what Romney does support and turn a blind eye to what he believes religiously. He might find that Romney’s background values support the values that he purports to follow, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” I think Jeffress should stay out of politics, and find a job more suited to his talents. I am SURE there is a car lot out there that needs a salesman. He gives the word “Christian” a bad taste, and if he is what a Christian is, count me out. However, who is he to define the word Christian? I am not by any means hanging this tirade on all Baptist preachers. I believe that the vast majorities are servants of God, but this one, his type sickens me. He can twist scripture to his own agenda, like Pat Robertson or the heretic Fred Phelps. I wonder where this talent comes from, I doubt it is supernal. Just because he is a Baptist preacher does not qualify him to be the mouthpiece of Jesus on Earth. I will leave the mind and will of Jesus Christ to Jesus himself.

If he does not believe I am a Christian, I can live with that, I DON’T WANT TO BE associated in the same category as the likes of him. I know what I believe, I know what I am, and I know who holds the keys of MY salvation. It is most definitely NOT this Bozo. He does not even have a map to my salvation, which is a personal relationship that I have with my Savior. It is not my social associations with a group; it is who I gave myself to. Who the HELL is Jeffress to be able to be my judge??? I advise him to be careful, because he is making his own measuring stick by which he will be measured. As to his association with his church and his office, that I feel he has abused, I believe this says it all. “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

To clarify, I do not put myself above Jeffress or any of his congregation, or any of you. I know that I am a sinner, and I know that I have said and done things that are not right in the sight of God. I may be hell bound too, but I am NOT going to be bullied anymore. I am not going to be a voiceless victim of the opinions of others, and roll over and take it. I have turned the other cheek too many times. I will not proselyte the unwilling, or shove my beliefs down their throat. I will follow my conscience, and allow you to do the same without my two cents, unless asked for my opinion or beliefs. Don’t suppose to hang a special careful moniker on me, or tell me what I am, or tell me YOU know where I am going, or who I really worship. YOU DON’T KNOW and it is NOT your place to know, or to presume to assign MY position in the eternities. You did not hang on that cross, and you simply do not hold that authority. If I do or do not make it to see the throne of God, it will be because I was judged by the only One who has that authority and that is good with me. I will trust that, and I will trust in Him.

Hypocrite

hyp•o•crite (noun)
1 : a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion.
2 : a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings.

Pat Robertson has proven to me what I have often suspected that he is, a hypocrite. He made a statement that it is okay to divorce a spouse because of Alzheimer’s disease. Tuesday this week he said; “I know it sounds cruel, but if he’s going to do something, he should divorce her and start all over again, but to make sure she has custodial care and somebody looking after her.” He stated further, "I certainly wouldn't put a guilt trip on you ... I can't fault him for wanting some kind of companionship, and if he sense in a sense, she's gone, he's right It's like a walking death. Get some ethicist besides me to give you the answer. I recognize the dilemma and the last thing I'd do is condemn you for taking that kind of action."

First of all Mr. Robertson, she is NOT gone until she is dead. Marriage vows are not until you are in a like death state, they go on till the death of one of the marriage partners. They are “from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.” Have you not been to a wedding and listened to this?

Okay all of that aside, you have claimed to be a minister for years and years, and for some reason or another, people listen to you. You have proclaimed and in essence condoned something that is not what you have preached, and therefore you are a false prophet. You need to retire or maybe go into seclusion before you do more damage than you are worth. You have elevated yourself UP to crackpot evangelism much like your contemporary Harold Camping.

In my humble opinion, one should be faithful to ones vows and covenants. In my opinion, marriage is one of the most holy of these, and should not be cast aside, because she seems like she is “gone” and is a hardship. What would Jesus do? Would he abandon the cause because it was too much for him? No, he suffered pain that caused him, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit, and would that He might not drink the bitter cup. Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, He partook of the cup and finished his preparations to the children of men, even you Pat. He did not back down when it became too hard, and he endured his suffering to the end. Maybe we should take his example.

Now to the “gone” statement; if the lack of evidence of intellect is your indicator that they are gone, then when does life end? You have been telling people that life begins at conception, and have said how evil it is to end it. Well, now by your definition, it is only when the person can be a contributor to a relationship. What about those fetuses? They are then gone by that definition. Retarded children, autistic children, they fall under this loophole that you have now provided. Shall we abort or abandon them too??? What about crackpot preachers?

I'm Baaaaack

It has been awhile since I posted something on my blog, and I thought I would get back in the practice. Facebook and its immediate constant updates took the place of blogs for a time. Patti and I are now, or at least in 6 hours will be on summer break. It has been a good school year, and we have been blessed.

Red and Buck are still as stubborn as ever, and have a tendency to get into the occasional scrap (more Buck than Red). We have some wild cats living out back that I have been feeding occasionally to keep the rodent population down. When I was going out back to do something Buck went gallantly charging into the valley of death, contrary to my orders to stay put. I heard when he caught the cat... BARK BARK BARK YELP!...bark bark. He was more inclined to listen when I said go get in the yard.

Yesterday I was using the weedeater, and once again Buck decided it was time to do battle. I didn't even know he was nearby, as I was still in the starting mode and switching between half and full choke. He lit into the head of the weedeater, for about half a second. It put a few welts on his nose, and one small cut. I felt so bad for him, but being a teacher I felt it was a good education. He still barks at it, but at a slight distance. Red has become the gentle dog, and only barks at the occasional grackle, or anyone who passes by outside. Buck being the mindless tailchaser that he is, barks at his reflection in the sliding glass door.

Constant Swearing = Lack of Intellect

This afternoon Patti and I went to McDonalds for a soft drink after work. Patti graciously went in to get them. She said there were some young people (obviously from out of town) who were swearing loud enough to be heard by all. Using the filthiest of words, the 7 words that George Carlin said were the heavy seven. Those are the ones that'll infect your soul, curve your spine and keep the America from winning the war. I won't go into the list of what those words are I am sure you probably have a good enough imagination.

She got into the car almost in tears, commenting on how this is a family restaurant and that they were saying things for all to hear. One mother moved her children to one of the outside tables to get away from it. Patti asked me why some people feel the need to say such things. I of course trying to be Mr. Answer Man said, the answer was simple A lack of ability to express themselves due to a lack of intellect. They don't have the ability of self expression, but they do know seven words that will get peoples attention "look at me," "Listen to me, I know seven words!!!"

If you think that it use of this sort of language is cultural, and that it is how people of your culture are supposed to speak, maybe you should step back and take a look at the bigger picture. I doubt your ancestors would approve, and would probably be discouraged and ashamed. If not, they should be.

Youth whose speech is dominated by profanities only broadcast their dismal knowledge of the English language. Language is beautiful, and the lack of consideration it receives is almost criminal. This is what I fear for the younger generation. I fear that their utter disregard - and in some cases contempt - for the importance of language and the skill of communication will prove devastating. It is not only the mindless cursing that threatens to cripple our generation, but it is also the vocabularies composed of “likes,” “cools,” “uhs” and other such drivel.

Teenagers do not realize it, but their inability to express themselves with meaningful words will result in no one wanting to listen to them. Their opinions will certainly not hold much sway for want of eloquence, and in many cases, coherence.

Crass, juvenile speech may not hinder you now, but if it is all you practice, it will be a rude awakening when you finally realize that you cannot attain the heights you had set for yourself. Do you want to influence and shape the worlds of business, politics, or culture?

Then do not make the mistake of valuing your speech so cheaply.

Legal Issues

"I was married by a judge, I should have asked for a jury." (Marx)

Letter to Warner Brothers: A Night in Casablanca

Groucho Marx

Abstract: While preparing to film a movie entitled A Night in Casablanca, the Marx brothers received a letter from Warner Bros. threatening legal action if they did not change the film’s title. Warner Bros. deemed the film’s title too similar to their own Casablanca, released almost five years earlier in 1942, with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. In response Groucho Marx dispatched the following letter to the studio’s legal department:

---

Dear Warner Brothers,

Apparently there is more than one way of conquering a city and holding it as your own. For example, up to the time that we contemplated making this picture, I had no idea that the city of Casablanca belonged exclusively to Warner Brothers. However, it was only a few days after our announcement appeared that we received your long, ominous legal document warning us not to use the name Casablanca.

It seems that in 1471, Ferdinand Balboa Warner, your great-great-grandfather, while looking for a shortcut to the city of Burbank, had stumbled on the shores of Africa and, raising his alpenstock (which he later turned in for a hundred shares of common), named it Casablanca.

I just don’t understand your attitude. Even if you plan on releasing your picture, I am sure that the average movie fan could learn in time to distinguish between Ingrid Bergman and Harpo. I don’t know whether I could, but I certainly would like to try.

You claim that you own Casablanca and that no one else can use that name without permission. What about “Warner Brothers”? Do you own that too? You probably have the right to use the name Warner, but what about the name Brothers? Professionally, we were brothers long before you were. We were touring the sticks as the Marx Brothers when Vitaphone was still a gleam in the inventor’s eye, and even before there had been other brothers—the Smith Brothers; the Brothers Karamazov; Dan Brothers, an outfielder with Detroit; and “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” (This was originally “Brothers, Can You Spare a Dime?” but this was spreading a dime pretty thin, so they threw out one brother, gave all the money to the other one, and whittled it down to “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?”)

Now Jack, how about you? Do you maintain that yours is an original name? Well it’s not. It was used long before you were born. Offhand, I can think of two Jacks—Jack of “Jack and the Beanstalk,” and Jack the Ripper, who cut quite a figure in his day.

As for you, Harry, you probably sign your checks sure in the belief that you are the first Harry of all time and that all other Harrys are impostors. I can think of two Harrys that preceded you. There was Lighthouse Harry of Revolutionary fame and a Harry Appelbaum who lived on the corner of 93rd Street and Lexington Avenue. Unfortunately, Appelbaum wasn’t too well-known. The last I heard of him, he was selling neckties at Weber and Heilbroner.

Now about the Burbank studio. I believe this is what you brothers call your place. Old man Burbank is gone. Perhaps you remember him. He was a great man in a garden. His wife often said Luther had ten green thumbs. What a witty woman she must have been! Burbank was the wizard who crossed all those fruits and vegetables until he had the poor plants in such confused and jittery condition that they could never decide whether to enter the dining room on the meat platter or the dessert dish.

This is pure conjecture, of course, but who knows—perhaps Burbank’s survivors aren’t too happy with the fact that a plant that grinds out pictures on a quota settled in their town, appropriated Burbank’s name and uses it as a front for their films. It is even possible that the Burbank family is prouder of the potato produced by the old man than they are of the fact that your studio emerged “Casablanca” or even “Gold Diggers of 1931.”

This all seems to add up to a pretty bitter tirade, but I assure you it’s not meant to. I love Warners. Some of my best friends are Warner Brothers. It is even possible that I am doing you an injustice and that you, yourselves, know nothing about this dog-in-the-Wanger attitude. It wouldn’t surprise me at all to discover that the heads of your legal department are unaware of this absurd dispute, for I am acquainted with many of them and they are fine fellows with curly black hair, double-breasted suits and a love of their fellow man that out-Saroyans Saroyan.

I have a hunch that his attempt to prevent us from using the title is the brainchild of some ferret-faced shyster, serving a brief apprenticeship in your legal department. I know the type well—hot out of law school, hungry for success, and too ambitious to follow the natural laws of promotion. This bar sinister probably needled your attorneys, most of whom are fine fellows with curly black hair, double-breasted suits, etc., into attempting to enjoin us. Well, he won’t get away with it! We’ll fight him to the highest court! No pasty-faced legal adventurer is going to cause bad blood between the Warners and the Marxes. We are all brothers under the skin, and we’ll remain friends till the last reel of “A Night in Casablanca” goes tumbling over the spool.

Sincerely,

Groucho Marx

Unamused, Warner Bros. requested that the Marx Brothers at least outline the premise of their film. Groucho responded with an utterly ridiculous storyline, and, sure enough, received another stern letter requesting clarification. He obliged and went on to describe a plot even more preposterous than the first, claiming that he, Groucho, would be playing “Bordello, the sweetheart of Humphrey Bogart.” No doubt exasperated, Warner Bros. did not respond. A Night in Casablanca was released in 1946.

Granddad and God

The other day I went to Silver City with Patti and she went into Walgreens while I waited. I was looking at the traffic going by, and saw a familiar red and white blazer with a step side pass. It was granddads old blazer... I don’t think I have seen it since the late mid to late 90s, but it took me back. I got to thinking about him, and the times we had together. Here is an entry from my journal that I wrote September 14^th, 1996.

It has been a Number of months since Granddad died, and it seems like a think about him a little every day. I don’t know, I loved grandma every bit as much, but I find myself thinking of granddad more. I think it was because granddad and I did more things together, especially in those first few months after grandma died. From the time I was a small child I remember doing things with granddad, and enjoying being with him. We would ride together, go hunting, fishing, sightseeing, he and grandma would take me camping quite a bit.

I remember when I was 5 years old, I had just started school (I was nearly 6) in August of 1969. One day mom drove up after school picked me up and asked if I wanted to go camping with grandma and granddad. I had never been camping before that, and it sounded like fun. Yes, I went. We drove to a place near the Grant and Catron county line, and turned off into the river bed (big or little dry), and followed it for a mile or two till we came to the spot where big dry and little dry come together, and run into the Frisco river (San Francisco River).

I don’t know how long I was there, but I had the time of my life, literally. 25 years ago (41 now), and it is still a clear picture in my mind. Fishing (as well as an impatient 5 year old could), swimming (my first time in deep (3’) water), and sleeping and eating outside. The scene is a beautiful one in my mind. It was right after the rainy season, and everything was green and beautiful. Norm, Terry and I slept on Army cots around the campfire, while grandma and granddad slept in the bed of their Ford pickup.

One night granddad went to bed early, and I went to lie down next to him in the back of the pickup. He told me there was nothing better than lying out under the stars, and looking at the heavens. He then said something like “I’m not a religious man, but I believe in God, and out here is where I feel the closest to him.” He pointed to the stars and said, "after looking at that, you couldn’t tell me there is no God."

I’m sure that I had heard about God, as a matter of fact, I attended Sunday school regularly at Ft. Sam prior to that. However, never in my life to that point, had I ever really considered God, and never did it have such an impact on me as it did the night my granddad bore his testimony of the existence of God. He wasn’t trained in religion, although I know he went to church with Grandma Olivia. He wasn’t a churchgoer until later on in life, but there was never any question of his belief or faith in God.

As I lay in the back of that ol’ Ford, I stared at the stars and considered God for the first time. That night I don’t think there was a moon because the stars were highly visible, and they filled the sky. I stared at the stars till I fell fast asleep, and woke up about dawn on my cot. Thank you granddad for helping me gain a foundation, and belief that an “unseen God” is not a myth, and if we really look, we can see him.

Happy Valentines Day Patti

Patti I love you, and I am proud of you every day. I thank God and all my lucky stars that I was given such a wonderful lady to walk with me on my journey, and letting me walk with you on your's.

I love you and am in love with you "You're my bread when I'm hungry. You're my shelter from troubled winds. You're my anchor in life's ocean, but most of all, you're my best friend."

Forever Your's.
Treb

Till the rivers all run dry,

till the sun falls from the sky,

Till life on earth is through,

I'll be needing you.

I know sometimes you may wonder

from little things I say and do,

But there's no need for you to wonder

if I need you, cause I'll need you...

Till the rivers all run dry,
till the sun falls from the sky,
Till life on earth is through,
I'll be needing you.

Too many times I don't tell you,

too many things get in the way,

and even though sometimes I hurt you,

still you show me in every way...

Till the rivers all run dry,
till the sun falls from the sky,
Till life on earth is through,
I'll be needing you.

Don Williams

Fashion Statement?

Patti is wearing a wonderful ensemble complete with poofy hat and nonslip socks. The gown is fastened in the back and opens down the sleeves (I believe my design I never saw one before 1994 when I designed one). It comes with it's own identitiy bracelets. MMC Total cost $1800.00.

Dusting of Snow

This is the extent of the snowfall in Lordsburg. I am on my way to work , and yes I forgot my coat in the back seat of the car. It is nice and frosty waiting for me. Not that I am complaining, I want to get my roof patched before it snows or rains much more.

Merry Christmas

I just wanted to tell everyone Merry Christmas. Well... and Happy Hanukkah to my Jewish friends.

MAVERICK PRIDE

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

Theodore Roosevelt

April 23, 1910

The Mavericks lost to Tularosa 35 - 0 today, but aside from the agony of defeat that I am sure you are feeling right now, in the long run you are champions. Yes this is a cold comfort I am sure, but you are great. The last game did not end like we wanted it to, but I.. WE are proud of you. It is not an easy task to win as much as you did, and you are to be congratulated. Your spirit of team pride carries on with the whole town of Lordsburg. "Winning isn't everything," that is a phrase you will hear, but don't think it a meaningless saying. Many wars were won after a number of lost battles. Just look at the big picture, and you will see that this is true even here. Did you gain from this season, and did you learn something? This was a defining moment, that shows character, and in a defining moment either you define the moment or the moment defines you. In the face of defeat, did you try? Did you do all you could do? Just getting there showed you tried, and I am sure you did all you could do. It is possible to make NO mistakes, and still fall short. In defeat did you show the character of a champion? That is what you are. You left here champions, our champions, to face another town's champions. When you return you will still be our champions. Don't forget that. To try and fail does not define a loser, that is a trait revealed in the character and attitude of the one who fell. Are you going to let it make you a loser? That is up to you.You went there a champion, and even though you fell short, a champion you will remain. The lion may one day fall, but if he does fall, he fell a lion. Trophies are great, but in the end it is what is in your heart that you take with you.

Thankful

I have been thinking that I have left my blog alone for quite some time, and need to update. Things here are going good. We are getting ready for thanksgiving, and Christmas. It has been a pretty good year for the most part. We are blessed.

I am thankful for my family. Those that are still here, and those that have gone on. I am thankful for my health and my infirmities, one showing my strength, and the other making me stronger. I am thankful for my job, and the living it has provided for me and my family. I am thankful for my house, and my home. I am thankful for my freedom, and the blood that paid for it. I am thankful for my soul and for the blood that paid for it. I am thankful for a ton of little things that make my life easy, and for a ton of things that make my life hard. I am thankful every minute (nearly every minute), that I am alive, and thankful that I live (a separate thing entirely). I am thankful for a loving wife, and the understanding that she has. I am thankful every day that she is with me and stands by me. She supports me in the good and the bad that happens. I know I am not perfect. I am to hell and gone from perfect, but she bolsters me, supports me, and keeps my in check. Thank you Patti.

I imagine that I will spend the rest of my life working to pay off the foibles in my life, and if that is my lot, so be it. I may live from month to month, but in a larger sense (a BIG picture sense) I am rich. My life could not be any better, and I am thankful.

It is my prayer that all of you are as blessed and thankful too.

Veterans Day 11-11-09

The Mansions of the Lord

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To fallen soldiers let us sing
Where no rockets fly nor bullets wing
Our broken brothers let us bring
To the Mansions of the Lord
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No more bleeding, no more fight
No prayers pleading through the night
Just divine embrace, eternal light
In the Mansions of the Lord.
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Where no mothers cry and no children weep
We will stand and guard though the angels sleep
On through the ages safely keep
The Mansions of the Lord.

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Remembering those who have served, and those who have sacrificed on the battlefields and on the home front.

Thank you