Chuck's Viewpoint

Tribute to George W. Bush

2010-10-11T12:02:00.002-07:00

WHAT AN AWESOME TRIBUTE TO GEORGE W BUSH! PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE STORY NO
MATTER WHAT YOUR PERCEPTION IS OF HIM. YOU WON'T REGRET IT...

Story by: Bruce Vincent

For those of us who sometimes find ourselves having doubts about our former
President, here is an excellent piece -- worth every minute it takes t=
o=A0read it. This story is from Bruce Vincent of Libby , Montana who had
gone to the White House with others to receive an award from the President.

He writes:
I've written the following narrative to chronicle the day of the award
ceremony in DC. I'm still working on a press release but the White House
press corps has yet to provide a photo to go with it. When the photo comes
I'll ship it out. When you get done reading this you'll understand the
dilemma I face in telling this story beyond my circle of close friends.

Stepping into the Oval Office, each of us was introduced to the President
and Mrs. Bush. We shook hands and participated in small talk.When the
President was told that we were from Libby , Montana , I reminded him that
Marc Racicot is our native son and the President offered his warm thoughts
about Governor Racicot.

I have to tell you, I was blown away by two things upon entering the office.
First, the Oval Office sense of 'place' is unreal. The President later
shared a story of Russian President Putin entering the room prepared to
tackle the President in a tough negotiation and upon entering, the atheist
muttered his first words to the President and they were "Oh, my God."

I concurred. I could feel the history in my bones. Second, the man that
inhabits the office engaged me with a firm handshake and a look that can
only be described as penetrating. Warm, alive, fully engaged, disarmingly
penetrating. I was admittedly concerned about meeting the man. I think all
of us have an inner hope that the most powerful man in our country is worthy
of the responsibility and authority that we bestow upon them through our
vote.

I admit that part of me was afraid that I would be let down by the moment--
that the person and the place could not meet the lofty expectations of my
fantasy world. This says nothing about my esteem for President Bush but just
my practical realization that reality may not match my 'dream. '

Once inside the office, President Bush got right down to business
and,standing in front of his desk, handed out the awards one at a time while
posing for photos with the winners and Mrs. Bush. With the mission
accomplished, the President and Mrs. Bush relaxed and initiated a lengthy,
informal conversation about a number of things with our entire small group.=
He and the First Lady talked about such things as the rug in the office. It
is traditionally designed by the First Lady to make a statement about the
President, and Mrs.Bush chose a brilliant yellow sunburst pattern to reflect
'hope.' President Bush talked about the absolute need to believe that with
hard work and faith in God there is every reason to start each day in the
Oval Office with hope. He and the First Lady were asked about the impact of
the Presidency on their marriage and, with an arm casually wrapped around
Laura, he said that he thought the place may be hard on weak marriages but
that it had the ability to make strong marriages even stronger and that he
was blessed with a strong one.

After about 30 or 35 minutes, it was time to go. By then we were all relaxed
and I felt as if I had just had an excellent visit with a friend. The
President and First Lady made one more pass down the line of awardees,
shaking hands and offering congratulations. When the President shook my hand
I said, "Thank you Mr. President and God bless you and your family." He was
already in motion to the next person in line, but he stopped abruptly turned
fully back to me, gave me a piercing look, renewed the vigor of his
handshake and said, "Thank you-- and God bless you and yours as well."

On our way out of the office we were to leave by the glass doors on the west
side of the office. I was the last person in the exit line. As I shook his
hand one final time, President Bush said, "I'll be sure to tell Marc hello
and give him your regards."

I then did something that surprised even me. I said to him, "Mr. President,
I know you are a busy man and your time is precious. I also know you to be a
man of strong faith and I have a favor to ask of you."

As he shook my hand he looked me in the eye and said, "Just name it."I told
him that my step-Mom was at that moment in a hospital in Kalispell, Montana,
having a tumor removed from her skull and it would mean a great deal to me
if he would consider adding her to his prayers that day. He grabbed me by
the arm and took me back toward his desk as he said, "So that's it. I could
tell that something is weighing heavy on your heart today. I could see it in
your eyes. This explains it."

From the top drawer of his desk he retrieved a pen and a note card with his
seal on it and asked, "How do you spell her name?"He then jotted a note to
her while discussing the importance of family and the strength of prayer.
When he handed me the card, he asked about the surgery and the prognosis. I
told him we were hoping that it is not a recurrence of an earlier cancer and
that, if it is, they can get it all with this surgery.

He said, "If it's okay with you, we'll take care of the prayer right now.
Would you pray with me?" I told him yes and he turned to the staff that
remained in the office and hand motioned the folks to step back or leave.
He said, "Bruce and I would like some private time for a prayer."

As they left he turned back to me and took my hands in his. I was prepared
to do a traditional prayer stance -- standing with each other with heads
bowed. Instead, he reached for my head with his right hand and pulling
gently forward, he placed my head on his shoulder. With his left arm on my
mid-back, he pulled me to him in a prayerful embrace.

He started to pray softly. I started to cry. He continued his prayer for
Loretta and for God's perfect will to be done. I cried some more.My body
shook a bit as I cried and he just held tighter. He closed by asking God's
blessing on Loretta and the family during the coming months. I stepped away
from our embrace, wiped my eyes, swiped at the tears I'd left on his
shoulder, and looked into the eyes of our president. I thanked him as best I
could and told him that me and my family would continue praying for him and
his.

As I write this account down and reflect upon what it means, I have to tell
you that all I really know is that his simple act left me humbled and
believing. I so hoped that the man I thought him to be was the man that he
is. I know that our nation needs a man such as this in the Oval Office.
George W. Bush is the real deal. I've read Internet stories about the
President praying with troops in hospitals and other such uplifting
accounts. Each time I read them I hoped them to be true and not an Internet
perpetuated myth. This one, I know to be true.I was there. He is real. He
has a pile of incredible stuff on his plate each day -- and yet he is tuned
in so well to the here and now that he 'sensed' something heavy on my heart.
He took time out of his life to care, to share, and to seek God's blessing
for my family in a simple man-to-man, father-to-father, son-to-son,
husband-to-husband, Christian to Christian prayerful embrace. He's not what
I had hoped he would be. He is, in fact, so very, very much more.

NOTE: If you decide to forward this story... please do not add to it. Let
Mr. Vincent's encounter stand as he wrote it.

'So You Think You Can Dance' winner is Lauren Froderman

2010-08-13T09:22:00.002-07:00

Last night I watched the finals of So You Think You Can Dance. I had watched the show off and on this year not knowing who the best dancers were. In viewing a few shows throughout the year, I thought that Kent Boyd was the best dance of the final three, so he was my favorite. Lauren Froderman won America's Favorite Dancer and Kent was runner-up.

Channel 10 news followed the show and announced that Lauren, a Phoenix resident, had won. Being the homeboy that I am, I switched to Lauren as my favorite.

'So You Think You Can Dance' winner is Lauren Froderman

Arizona Diamondbacks hit 4 consecutive home runs to tie MLB record in win over Milwaukee Brewers

2010-08-12T10:07:00.001-07:00

On occasion, I turn on the TV during a baseball game and the D-Backs are ahead in the score. Then, all of a sudden the roof caves in and they lose. I blame it on myself.

However last night, it was the opposite. I turned on the TV and Adam LaRoche was batting with the D-Back behind 2-0. He hit a home-run, making it 2-1. Then Miguel Montero joined in with a blast, tieing the score. Mark Reynolds and Stephen Drew followed with go ahead homeruns.

I couldn't believe it. The last place Diamondbacks hit four consecutive homeruns, tieing an MLB record. This has only happened six other times in the history of Major League Baseball. I didn't bring the team bad luck this time.

Read more: Arizona Diamondbacks hit 4 consecutive home runs to tie MLB record in win over Milwaukee Brewers

Urine Test -- This guy has a point

2009-08-03T10:56:00.001-07:00

This was written by a construction worker in Fort McMurray . Read on . . .

I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes, and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to earn that pay check, I work on a rig site for a Fort McMurray construction project. At any time I am required to pass a random urine test, with which I have no problem. HOWEVER, what I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test. Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them? Understand - I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do on the other hand have a problem with helping someone sit on their ass, drink beer and smoke dope. Could you imagine how much money this country would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check? If you agree, please pass this along, or simply delete if you don't. Hope you will pass it along though, because something has to change in this country.

Construction Worker

Washing Dishes in the Dishwasher

2009-07-28T15:15:00.001-07:00

Washing dishes is one of the most dreaded kitchen chores, which means that many people tend to rush through it. "Doing the dishes" haphazardly can result in a poor cleaning job. Thoroughly cleaning all dishes is important for both sanitary and aesthetic reasons.

Below are some steps from WikiHow on using dishwashers to get the best results:

Scrape off as much of the food as possible into the disposal, rather than get your dishwasher clogged with it. Definitely remove things like bones, corncobs, seeds, and peelings, etc.
Pre-rinse the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. Dry food will not wash away.
Avoid letting food dry on the dishes. Use warm, soapy water and a scrub brush when necessary to remove stuck on food.
Proteins such as eggs and cheese; cooked- or baked-on foods; and starches that have dried onto the dish often require extra attention. Fill these items with warm, soapy water and let them soak before placing them in the dishwasher.
Learn as you use your dishwasher what generally comes off and what does not. Proteins such as eggs and cheese; cooked- or baked-on foods; and starches that have dried onto the dish often require extra attention. Fill these items with warm, soapy water and let them soak before placing them in the dishwasher.
The dishwasher detergent can make as much difference as to how much pre-rinsing you have to do as the dishwasher, and it's the easier thing to replace. Read reviews or simply try other brands when you run out to find one that works best for you.
Insert the plates into the slots in the bottom section of the dishwasher. Face them toward the center and, if they lean at all, lean them inwards and downwards. Try to keep all surfaces separated and accessible to the stream of water from the sprayers.
Place the cups, glasses, and bowls in the top section of the dishwasher. Stack the bowls neatly on an incline, so that the washing solution can reach inside the bowl and so that they will drain.
Place Tupperware and other plastic items on the top rack. Because the heating element in most dishwashers is on the bottom, placing plastic items in the bottom rack could cause them to melt or warp.
Place the various pots and pans open-side down in the bottom section of the dishwasher.
Place utensils with handles down in the utensil baskets in the bottom section of the dishwasher.
Lay larger serving utensils horizontally across the top section of the dishwasher. Arrange serving spoons with the bowl facing down so that water does not collect in them.
Don't wash good cooking knives in the dishwasher. Sharp knives are often dulled by the washing cycle by rubbing against other items. Wash good knives by hand, especially if they have wooden handles.
Mix up different kinds of utensils in the utensil baskets to prevent several of the same item from nesting in one another and blocking the water.
Place cutting boards on the very outside of the bottom section of the dishwasher if they will not fit in the slots designated for plates.
Fill the soap container on the bottom section of the dishwasher with powdered dishwasher detergent. Fill to the designated line.
Filling the second soap container (often an open one) may not be necessary. The dishwasher manufacturer and detergent companies usually recommend it, but if your results are satisfactory without it, save yourself the extra detergent. Or, fill the second cup only if the dishes are very dirty. Try it both ways.
If your dishwasher has a feature for a rinse agent such as "Jet-Dry" or vinegar, fill with rinse agent to designated line. This will help to reduce water spots, especially if you have hard water. The rinse aid may not need refilling every time you run the dishwasher, but do top it off every couple of weeks to a month, or according to the instruction manual.
Make sure breakables do not touch, since the dishes can vibrate during the washing cycles.
Check before each run that spinning arms can spin freely and that there is nothing obstructing tubes or sprayers. Also, make sure that the detergent cups can open fully.
Run the garbage disposal before running your dishwasher. Dishwashers often drain into the same pipe as the sink, so it's important that the pipe be clear. If you don't have a garbage disposal, use a strainer in the sink drain to stop crumbs and debris from accumulating in the pipe.
Run hot water into your sink until the water coming out of the tap is hot. Dishwashers can heat up the water somewhat, but they usually work best when the water starts hot. If water is scarce, run the water into a container and use it to water plants.
Close the door to the dishwasher and start the dishwasher, using the instructions for your particular dishwasher. Generally, you must select a cycle and fully close and latch the door.

Gin, The Dancing Dog

2009-06-16T09:56:00.003-07:00

Dogs are great...especially Gin, the dancing dog.

Go to this website and check her out.

“Phun, Phun, Phun” -- Philadelphia to Phoenix

2009-01-21T15:06:00.000-07:00

The NFC #6 seed, Philadelphia Eagles, comes to the Valley of the Sun to battle the NFC #4 seed, Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals were a higher seed than the Eagles because they ended up the weak Western Division champions. Philadelphia actually had a better regular season record.

The Eagles dropped the NFC #1 seed, New York Giants, by the score of 23 to 11, and the Cardinals plummeted the #2 seed, Carolina Panthers, 33 to 13. The two unheralded teams will meet in the NFC Championship game next Sunday. Go Cardinals!

The experts predictions must be classified as “failed predictions.” Some experts even broadcast that Arizona should not be in the playoffs and some said that they were the worst team ever to play in the playoffs. What does that say about the teams they beat, Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers? Too bad experts! Get a real job.

From the Arizona Republic, Bob Young's Heat Index reported these negative statements against the Cardinals:

Fox Analyst, Daryl Johnston's commented at halftime of the Arizona-Carolina game when the Cardinals were up 27-7 that the Cardinals could have a horrible second half.
NBC Analyst, Cris Collinsworth at halftime of the Arizona-Carolina game called the Cardinals the worst playoff team in history.

My Favorite Gospel Music

2009-01-12T16:08:00.000-07:00

This song, I've Just Seen Jesus, by Sandi Patty and Larnelle Harris sends chills up and down my spine when I hear it.

One of my favorites songs is Amazing Grace. This song has been performed by many musicians and vocalists and one of my favorites, Elvis Presley, sings in the video below.

Another favorite is He Touched Me as sung by the Gaither Vocal Band.

My favorite Christmas song of late is Mary Did You Know, written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene, who sings it in the video below.

Sweet Hour of Prayer has always been one of my favorite hymns, but when I heard this recording by Vance Perry singing all four parts, I had to list it as one of my favorites.

Updated 1/12/09

Light Rail is Here

2008-12-28T10:14:00.012-07:00

The light rail has come to Arizona in Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa. Bob and I rode the train on Saturday, December 27, from Tempe's Veterans Way and College Station to the Phoenix McDowell and Central Station. There we joined Alex for lunch at Cheuvront's.

Free parking was provided in a parking structure across from Sun Devil Stadium. The Veterans Way and College Station is Tempe's main stop. Activities included fireworks, festival booths, Fifth farmers market, green-scene booths, archaeology displays and live music throughout the day, including Tempe's own Roger Klyne & the Peacemakers.

While waiting for the train, we saw hikers climbing "A" Mountain. At the top of the mountain, we could see a huge Manora and the star of Bethlehem with the three wisemen.

Two war protesters held up a banner that said, "YOU CAN'T WIN AN OCCUPATION." Another cardboard sign below the banner said, "4215 Dead."

We had to wait for a second train because the first train was packed like sardines. After waiting 25 minutes, the train arrives. We became sardines packing our bodies into any available open space. An hour and 13 stations later while taking deep breaths and holding in our stomaches, we arrived at our destination. Alex drove us back from Cheauvront's to the garage to pick up Bob's car and drive home.

2008 Christmas in Phoenix

2008-12-26T18:29:00.005-07:00

Click the picture for a larger view.

Thanks to Loleen and the Meadows Family for a beautiful gift for Christmas. We served the French Roast Coffee on Christmas Day.

Christmas dinner was prepared by Bob Jones and Chuck Plake. Guests included Rachel Thornton, Bryan Sallee and Alex Ontiveros. Pictured to the left is Rachel, Bob and Bryan.

Prime Rib Roast, cooked by Bob Jones on Christmas Day. Click here to find the recipe of Bob's Perfect Prime Rib.

'Twas a rainy day in the Valley of the Sun.

Decorations provided by Bob Jones. Click here for Bob's decorations.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

2008-12-26T12:41:00.005-07:00

In January of this year, at a meeting of the Engineers Club of Sun City, Arizona. A.P.S. (the local power company) gave a presentation in which they explained their plans to build such a plant south of Phoenix below Gila Bend. They were very upbeat about it's possibilities. Maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Take a look at this video and pay particular attention to the very last statement made by the spokesman.

http://www.valcent.net/i/misc/Vertigro/index.html

Bob's Christmas Decorations 2008

2008-12-26T11:46:00.013-07:00

Bob Jones decorates magnificently. He works in a methodical fashion and loses track of time. Several neighbors in the his condominium complex marveled at his abilities likening it to Macy's display windows.

He placed two nativity scenes under the trees on the patio.

He made excellent use of poinsettias.

He decorated the walls and managed to save one tree for inside the house.

And Sophia watched...

Kerr, Porter must go

2008-12-13T16:46:00.001-07:00

The old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” applies to the Suns current dilemma. Steve Kerr tried to fix the Suns, rather than fine tune them. Kerr brought Terry Porter in to fix the defense, but too much emphasis on change of an elite team created a lackluster, average team. Shaq and Porter won’t fix a fan-drawing playoff team that had a 65% winning percentage and that peeled off 15 and 17 consecutive wins. An NBA team only needs a defense that allows the other team to score one point less that the offense. Mike D’Antoni’s offense was better than the defense of all but a couple of NBA teams. And the team was much more fun to watch. Put the blame where it belongs. Get rid of Kerr and bring back D’Antoni as general manager and head coach.

The Law of The Garbage Truck

2008-11-12T06:07:00.004-07:00

I get so many emails that have a lot of nothing to say, but his one gave me something to think about.

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport.

We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy; and I mean, he was really friendly.

So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!' This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, The Law of the Garbage Truck.

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They runaround full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so...... 'Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.'

Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it.

~Author Unknown~

Thanks to Chris, I now know who the author is of this great work. It is David J. Pollay. More of his work can be found at http://www.davidjpollay.typepad.com.

Cool. We passed. We ran. We won!

2008-09-07T10:42:00.004-07:00

Arizona State dominated Stanford in passing and almost all other facets of the game. ASU led not only in passing, but rushing and defense. The defense stopped Stanford's running game. Overall, the Sun Devils played super.

The crowd was big with 59,441 fans and the largest student section I have seen in some time. ASU (2-0, 1-0 Pac-10) has allowed Stanford only 23 points in the last three years, having scored 120 points against Stanford. Their next opponent is UNLV (1-1), who lost to Utah 42-21.

Keegan Herring and Shaun DeWitty entered the game for the first time this year, but Carpenter overshadowed them. Carpenter threw for 345 yards and was sacked only twice, four sacks less than the Stanford game last year.

The play of the game came with 52 seconds left in the first half. Stanford's Travis Golia kicked off out of bounds after the Cardinal scored a field goal to close within 3 points. The Sun Devils had already used their three time outs. The out-of-bounds kick off gave the Devils the ball on the forty and stopped the clock. The Sun Devils went for a touchdown rather that settling for a Thomas Weber field goal. The big play happened after the Cardinal were penalized for roughing Carpenter. Carpenter rolled right and found Kerry Taylor. Taylor outran cornerback Wopamo Osaisai, Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week, for a 45-yard touchdown and a 20-10 lead.

ASU dominated this game. Carpenter is going great now. It seems as though he is on a mission and if he keeps going, he will be a first round pick. After next week's game with UNLV, ASU dives into probably one of the hardest schedules in all of college football: four ranked teams in a row, not to mention #1 and #2 in the mix.

Stanford is going to be a big game for many other PAC-10 teams this year. This was a great win for the Devils.

Game Photos

2008 Diamondbacks

2008-09-07T09:46:00.013-07:00

This year, I bought one of the D-Backs 10th anniversary packages. For $110, a person can buy ten tickets. My son and daughter also bought me one of the packages. The two packages allowed me to see ten games.

I took my grandson, Rob and his wife, Mel, to see one of the games, but for the remainder of the games, Alex went with me. Almost all of the games I chose, the D-backs were having a promotion. We were given T-shirts, duffle bags, bobbleheads of Bob Melvin, Eric Byrnes and Dan Haren, and an Eric Byrnes baseball cap--complete with blonde curls.

Although the tickets were reasonable, parking is $10 and the beers are $8.00 each. The rest of the drinks and food from the concessions were not cheap either. Being a cheapskate, I usually bought two bottles of water and a package of peanuts for $5.00 from a stand by the parking garage. Once in a great while Alex and I would buy a beer. I can't complain though. With the birthday gift tickets and the promotional items, I did alright with my expenses.

During the first seven games, the D-Backs were in first place. But as of yesterday, September 6, the Dodgers moved into first place by 1/2 game.

Not only are the games exciting, but the whole atmosphere is like a carnival with games for kids, tables in areas to visit and have a drink with a fellow sports fan. The organist is located in one of the areas and is approachable. He will sign autographs. And there is always something to arouse your interest. The rally backs throw out souvenirs in between innings; there are races and games on the scoreboard; and there are quizzes to clean out the cob webs in the brain and an opportunity to guess the night's attendance.

I truly enjoyed and am continuing to enjoy by birthday gift from my children, Ken and Jennifer. Thanks kids. I love you.

Congratulations to Gold Medal Winner Henry Cejudo

2008-08-28T08:11:00.009-07:00

Writer Montini called it, "The feel good story of the Beijing Olympics." Henry Cejudo won the gold medal for the 55-kilogram (121-pound) division in wrestling. Cejudo, a Mexican-American is a citizen but his mother is not. After taking the gold, the former Maryvale High School athlete told the Republic's Norm Frauenheim, "This is cool, coming out of a Mexican-American background. It just feels so good. Not many Americans get to do something like this. I feel like I'm living the American dream."

What will happen to his mother? Who knows? Thanks to the media, Cejudo's mother is outed for having entered the country illegal before Henry was born. His father, who wasn't much in the picture during much of Henry's life died some time back in Mexico.

The Arizona Republic reports, "'Cejudo said he would have never won Olympic gold without some tough love from his brother, Angel, a four-time state champion at Maryvale. When I was growing up, I got a couple of knuckle sandwiches from him,' Cejudo said."

For all Americans, I can say that he represented us well. To see him run around the ring with the American flag with a jubilant smile on his face shows that he is a real American.

Why not allow his mother become a citizen?

Other Articles: Cejudo's medal golden for Maryvale; Maryvale basks in Cejudo's golden glow; AZ notes: Gold win nets Cejudo $65K; A Valley wrestler, an American dream, a Beijing gold.

My Tribute to Mommaw

2008-01-31T08:14:00.002-07:00

Mommaw, her sister, Ruby, and their husbands together with several other Saints of God founded Gospel Mission, which later became Life Tabernacle. Rev. Joe K. Ballard was the pastor until my dad, Charles F. Plake, became pastor in the late 1950s.

On April 1, 1959, Mommaw became my step mother. My dad "eloped" with Elmeta Plake to be married in Prescott, Arizona. It is my understanding that the two of them asked Loleen, my sister, and Linda, Mommaw's daughter who that day became my step-sister, as witnesses so that people didn't think that it was an April fool's joke.

Mommaw had the memory of an elephant and would argue with anyone who challenged her memory. My Dad always said that Mommaw would argue with a sign post. I brought this to her attention on a couple of occasions. She agreed with a smile confirming my comments.

She was an easy person to get along with. Mommaw, Bob Jones and I traveled on Amtrak to San Antonio to attend Becky Courade-DeFossett's wedding and a CFPlakeFamily Reunion. It was Mommaw's first and last train trip. We arrived in San Antonio five hours late--not bad for Amtrak. But the return trip took 48 hours, which I believe is an Amtrak record.

We did not complete the trip by train. Amtrak flew us from El Paso to Tucson to retrieve our car. You would think that an 86 year old lady would be uncomfortable. If she was, we didn't know it. Mommaw did not complain the whole trip. In fact, she comforted Bob and me. She kept quoting her favorite verse, Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Mommaw had a long life, but she wanted to outlive her sister Ruby, who lived almost 99 years. Mommaw lived for ninety wonderful years.

Much kudos to Rachel for organizing a party that celebrated her life on her 90th birthday, September 23. And thanks to the members of Life Tabernacle who attended the celebration. Mommaw appreciated it too. She talked about it each time that I visited her afterwards. At the gathering, I proposed a toast to Mommaw's long life and concluded by saying, "And may she live another ninety years."

Mommaw responded by saying, "That's a long time."

Below is one of Mommaw's favorite songs that my Dad sang, entitled, Time Has Made a Change in Me by Harkins Freye.

1. Time has made a change since my childhood days;
Many of my friends have gone away,
Some I never more in this life will see
Time has made a change in me.

Chorus:
Time has made a change in the old home place;
Time has made a change in each smiling face,
And I know my friends can plainly see
Time has made a change in me.

2. In my childhood days, I was well and strong
I could climb the hillside all day long,
I am not today what I used to be
Time has made a change in me.

3. When I reach my home in that land somewhere,
With my friends who wait to meet me over there,
Free from pain and care I'll forever be,
Time has made a change in me.

Mommaw, I love you and will always have an album of your memories impressed in my mind.

A tour of ASU Sports Facilities

2008-01-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

Recently, Jim invited me along with his employee, Gabe, to the Tempe Diplomats’ tour of the Sun Devil Sports Facilities.

The tour started in the Wells Fargo Arena Wells, the home for Sun Devil men's and women's basketball as well as volleyball, gymnastics and wrestling, is one of the nation's finest collegiate arenas. Constructed in the spring of 1974 at the cost of $8 million, the 14,198-seat facility also plays host to graduation ceremonies and a variety of concerts and shows.

We were then led to the Ed and Nadine Carson Student Athletic Center. On the first floor is the Hall of Fame and trophy cases of all the trophies won by the Sun Devil sports teams. On another floor is the center is the state-of-the-art 16,000-sq. foot weight room at the Lawrence Strength and Conditioning Center.

In the football locker room is a view of Sparky, the symbol of Sun Devil athletics.

The tour ended with a buffet at Karsten Golf Course Club House. The Karsten Golf Course is home to the ASU Golf Program, which turns out winning teams year after year. Many touring professionals have honed their skills on the fairways and greens of this classic Pete Dye, Scottish links course.

Mommaw's 2007 Christmas

2007-12-27T09:29:00.000-07:00

Bob Jones, Rachel and I enjoyed Christmas Eve Dinner at Mimi's in Mesa with the intention of visiting Mommaw at Springdale West in Mesa. Bob Jones developed a nose-bleed and had to return home.

Rachel and I carpooled from the restaurant to the nursing home. When we arrived in Mommaw's room, she was asleep. She looked very peaceful. Rachel tried to wake her on a couple of occasions but had to shake her before she finally woke up. She told us that she wished that she knew we were coming. I don't know why, there is nothing more that she could do. Teddy (a present Santa had given her) was sleeping next to her on her bed.

Mommaw tends to slip in and out of the present time. She told us that she spent the night with Quincy the other night but that they get up too early. Quincy went to see the Lord several years ago. She introduced me and Rachel as her grandson and granddaughter. On one occason, I left her room to sit across the hall as one of the aides was dressing her roommate to sit in her wheelchair. Mommaw saw me and told Rachel, "There's Charlie Plake across the hall."

After the roommate exited the room, I returned to Mommaw's room. She saw another patient rolling through the hall. She said "There goes Charlie Plake." Then spoke loud enough for the man to hear, "Charlie, I want you to meet my grandson and granddaughter."

It is sad to see Mommaw like this. I remember when she had the memory of an elephant. My dad said that she would argue about what she remembered and usually won. I believe the incident she told us about Quincy actully happened but that it took place several years ago and her brain makes her think that it just happened.

Rachel and I took Mommaw into the conference room to open her presents. We enjoyed our time with her. Often she talked about several of the people that were attended her 90th Birthday Party. I tried to tell her who was in attendance, but my 71-year-old brain had a few problems of its own.

Poor Rachel. She had a hard time keeping Mommaw and me straight.

What is a Best Friend?

2007-12-09T10:42:00.000-07:00

My son asked me the other day, “Why is Jim your best friend?”

I fumbled and stumbled and came up with a couple of whimsy answers, “Because I do everything he says and because we have a lot in common.” The first answer, meant to be a joke, is far from the truth. The second answer is not really true either.

Although we enjoy several things in common, there are many things that we don’t have in common. We both like the Sweet Adelines, we both prepare taxes (He is more experienced than I.), and we were Delta Sigma Pi fraternity brothers. I like sports; he doesn’t. I like to eat; he is very careful what he eats. I weigh almost twice his weight. And the beat goes on.

The question started me thinking. I asked Jim, “Why are we best friends?” His answer, “I can tell you things and you won’t repeat them.” In other words, he can trust me. And I feel the same way about him. I trust him like I would trust a brother.

I looked up “What makes a best friend?” on the Internet. Wikipedia states, “Best Friend, someone with whom one shares the strongest friendship.” WordNet defines best friend as the one friend who is closest to you.

Other quotes found in Blogs:
• "A true friend is that rare soul who sees right through you but will see you through."
• “Someone you can count on... someone who won’t judge and someone who gives without wanting in return.”

I found all of these quotes true with our relationship. I am still thinking "What is a Best Friend?" although it doesn’t make a difference if I know or don’t know. I will always love my best friend like a brother.

My Quality Time with Ken

2007-12-05T08:26:00.000-07:00

Today, I spent the day with my son, Ken, who will be 50 next year. Slow down, son, you are making me older. ‘Twas a nice thought to spend the day with his Dad.

Ken came to the Valley to attend a Boeing planning seminar at the Sheraton in Mesa. On Sunday, we met at my house in Tempe, had lunch at Monti’s La Casa Vieja in Tempe, checked into the Sheraton in Mesa, watched the Cardinals beat the Cleveland Browns and the BCS Bowl Selections in his room and chowed down at dinner in the hotel restaurant. Ken telephoned Kim several times earlier in the day to get a play-by-play description of the San Diego Chargers football game, his favorite football team.

On Monday and Tuesday, Ken had meetings. Today, he drove me to the V.A. Hospital in Phoenix for my doctor’s appointment. While I was visiting with my doctor, he studied for a course pursuing his master’s degree at Biola University, a private Christian University in Southern California.

After leaving the hospital, Ken and I lunched at Durant’s, a legendary steakhouse in the heart of Phoenix. Not knowing what to do, we watched Sea Monsters, a 3-D movie at the IMAX Theater in Arizona Mills Mall.

What a day! It was a joy to be with my son. I can see that he inherited several of my traits. He likes school, enjoys researching, cheers for his favorite sports teams, is quiet and unassuming and is a great overall human being. :-) I love him very much.

APS Fantasy of Lights

2007-11-25T11:04:00.000-07:00

Bob and I tried to attend the Tempe APS Fantasy of Lights two nights in a row. On Friday night, we walked Mill Avenue to view the parade. We asked several Mill Avenue businesses employees but no one could tell us anything. The bartender at Rula Bula's searched the New Times and discovered the parade was Saturday night.

The Arizona Republic's Friday edition had printed that the parade would take place "today". Doesn't anyone proofread papers anymore?

The New Times announced that we could have free parking if parade-goers would donate a can of food for needy families. We took four cans, but no one was at any of the parking lots to collect the food. Doesn't anyone proofread papers anymore?

Both papers reported, "Parade begins at 6:00 p.m. on Mill Avenue, south from 3rd St. to 7th St., west on 7th St. to Maple, north on Maple to 5th St., west on 5th to Ash in Tempe."

But the APS Website said, "6:30 p.m." Doesn't anyone proofread papers anymore?

We missed most of the event except for the parade because of the false reporting. We had fun though. I guess that's all that counts. We waited 1 1/2 hours for the parade to begin, but it only lasted thirty minutes. Santa was on time as he graced Mill Avenue at 7:00 p.m.

The wait made us tired. So we went home to rest and watch TV. A good night for two old retirees.

USC Too Powerful

2007-11-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

The Arizona State Sun Devil football team played like they had eaten too much turkey this Thanksgiving day. The tryptophan from the turkey took its toll on the team causing them to play sloppy almost the whole game.

In past games, the Sun Devils were noted for their lackluster play in the first half but outscored their opponents by a huge margin in the second half. Tonight was a different matter. USC was sharp throughout the whole game, but ASU played sloppy the whole game. Final score was 44-24 in favor of USC.

The atmosphere was fun though. Shelly and Craig Foster, Jim and Margie Beaton’s daughter and son-in-law, were seated next to me cheering for their Sun Devils; Little Richard together with backup from the Sun Devil Band provided half-time entertainment, screaming out, “Good Golly Miss Mollie” and a couple of his other hits; and Charles Barkley stood on the sideline in support of what he called, “my Sun Devils.”

Signs in the student section read: “O.J. Stole My Other Sign” and “We Beat Stanford.” O.J. was a star for USC. Stanford beat USC but lost to ASU 41-3.

ASU has a very slim chance of going to the Rose Bowl. For ASU to stand a chance of spending New Year’s Day in Pasadena, USC must lose to UCLA; Oregon must lose to Oregon State; and ASU must beat Arizona. That’s a tall order.

Do you feel a recession coming on?

2007-11-22T07:02:00.000-07:00

Yes, I feel a recession coming. I am trying to sell my house. The last time I tried to sell a house started the 1990 recession.

I Like Molasses

2007-11-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

Today, I was looking up a no-sugar-recipe for pumpkin pie and ran across one that used Splenda and molasses. Molasses reminded me of a song my Dad sang to Loleen and me that included these words: "'Cause I like molasses, good ol' country sorghum. I eat 'em in the summer and the fall."

I looked the words up on the Internet and sure enough I found words as remembered by Big Jim from Jackson. They go as follows:

Everybody has some food that they like best,
Somethin' that they're fond of, more than all the rest.
Mine is black molasses. They really are the stuff.
I eat 'em morning, noon, and night. I never get enough,
'Cause I like molasses, good ol' country sorghum.
I eat 'em in the summer and the fall.
Get 'em hot and get 'em spread On a big hunk of short'nin' bread,
That's the way I like 'em best of all!

I went to see my sweetie just the other day.
She had supper ready; wanted me to stay.
She didn't have no 'taters; didn't have no meat.
Just a big black jug of molasses was all she had to eat.
'Cause she likes molasses, good ol' country sorghum.
She eats 'em in the summer and the fall.
When they trickle down my chin, I let her lick 'em off again;
That's the way I like 'em best of all!

Grandpa's teeth are missin', ever' single one.
When he eats his molasses, he smacks 'em with his gums.
And Grandpa's eyes are failin'. He can't hardly see
Just what's in his molasses, but never a care gives he.
'Cause he likes molasses, good ol' country sorghum.
He eats 'em in the summer and the fall.
When they get so thick with flies They resemble raisin pies,
That's the way he likes 'em best of all!

What is my fondest memory of Thanksgiving?

2007-11-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

It is difficult to think of one Thanksgiving that is my fondest memory since I have lived through 70 of them. Each Thanksgiving has fond memories and the ones remembered the most are those that produced a lot of pictures. The fondest memory I have of each Thanksgiving is gathering together with family and sharing with each other what we are most thankful for. Since we have God in our lives, each of us start with, “I thank God for…” Family, spouses and children receive the most accolades in our moments of sharing Thanksgiving. I thank God for family.

Forgiveness

2007-11-10T09:17:00.000-07:00

When I was a small boy in the early 1940s, my father, a church pastor in East Texas, taught my three sisters and me not only when we should apologize, but he also taught us that we should forgive if someone apologized to us. If my sisters and I argued with each other or angered one another during one of our sibling scuffles, my father would make us apologize but he also demanded we forgive each other. The lesson was easy to learn with my sisters, but it was difficult to learn if I was unduly harassed by a bully.

One Sunday after church, two teenage brothers picked on me by chasing me, wrestling me to the ground and grabbing my arms and swinging me around like a runaway flying scooter ride at the state fair. The roughness of the boys brought me to tears. Fortunately, our fathers caught us in the ruckus. The boys said they were just playing, but their father made them apologize, and my dad suggested I forgive them.

Oh boy that was hard. I could understand the boys having to apologize but why should I forgive someone when I didn’t start anything. I was a stubborn little boy but being fearful of a spanking (common in those days), I finally gave in and said, “I forgive you.”

My dad later explains to me that we need to forgive when others apologize. He asked me, “Do you ever ask God to forgive you when you pray?"

I said, “Yes, every time I pray I ask for forgiveness of my sins.”

He gives a little sermon about how God always forgives us when we repent of our sins, and he tells me the story of the Prodigal Son and how the father forgave him for going astray. He says, “Apologizing is asking for forgiveness. We should forgive others when they ask for it. Forgiving one another causes less resentment and hostility, and it makes life easier to live.”

I thank God for my father. He taught me forgiveness, which has brought happiness to my life. Forgiving another person relieves stress and helps me to build on friendships and relationships.

Phoenix Union-North was No. 1 Valley rivalry

2007-11-02T06:14:00.000-07:00

Reading today's article entitled, "Phoenix Union-North was No. 1 Valley rivalry," reminds me of my high school days at North High. I attended North High from 1950 to 1954. The school's mascot was a Mustang and Phoenix Union's were coyotes.

Every year, the football game between the two schools was the game of the year. With 20,000 fans cheering at the games, the rivalry was Phoenix's #1 sports event. The Phoenix Union favorite song was, "The Old Gray Mare, She Ain't What She Use To Be." And on the other side of the field, North High would cheer:

Roses are red.
Violets are blue.
If the skunks had a school,
They'd name it P.U.

After enlisting in the Air Force and graduating from ASU, I noticed the rivalry begin to fade. But it was still fun to tease my step-sister, Linda, who attended Phoenix Union in the late 50s.

Take a look at the article...

8 – 0

2007-10-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

The Arizona State Sun Devils won their eight consecutive games by beating the number 18 California Bears 31–10. ASU is in sole possession of first place in the Pac-10. The team is 4th in the BCS Poll and on its way to the national-championship hunt.

Next week, the Sun Devils play at No. 5 Oregon (7-1, 4-1). This will be their most important game since the 1997 Rose Bowl.

Again the Sun Devils put a scare in front a full stadium by getting behind 13-0, 20-7 and at halftime 20-14. But Coach Erickson has the team believing that they can overcome their opponents, which they did by outscoring the Bears 17–0 in the second half.

Tailbacks Keegan erring and Dimitri Nance combine for 181 yards rushing. The defense shut out Cal n the second half and kept the deficit manageable by forcing some field goals early.

GO DEVILS!

THANKS MARGIE AND JIM…

After big win, craziness ensues

ASU versus OSU

2007-10-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

It looked like the Sun Devils had played lower division teams in the first three games when Oregon State started the game with nineteen points in the first quarter. That’s right, 19-0 right off the bat. Whew! It was scary. How could they ever oercome a nineteen point deficit? But that they did.

Over the next three quarters, the Sun Devils outscored the Beavers 44 points to 13 to end up with a final score of 44-32. Like the Colorado game, the Devils came out flat in the first quarter. In both games Rudy Carpenter threw an interception to set up a touchdown. However, ASU intercepted the Beavers a few times too...five as a matter of fact.

The fans are louder with fewer boos this year than last year. It is easy to get invoved in the game with this exciting team.

Jake Plummer attended the game as he was inducted into ASU’s Hall of Fame at halftime.

Thanks again to Jim and Margie for allowing me to go in their place.

Commuter rail a hot topic at Arizona Rail Symposium

2007-10-06T13:36:00.000-07:00

Tempe, Ariz.— With a projected growth rate of 109 percent, Arizona is expected to add 5.5 million new residents by 2030—mainly in Maricopa and Pima counties. How Arizonans get around in, and between, its two biggest metropolitan areas is the topic of the second annual Arizona Rail Symposium.

Elected officials and transit professionals from around the state will discuss the growing demand for transportation options, and whether the future of Arizona commuters includes commuter rail. Experts from commuter rail systems in Salt Lake City and the Sacramento, California, area will be among the speakers.

The highlight of the conference is expected to be a commuter rail panel discussion that will include state Sen.Thayer Verschoor, Rep. Steve Farley, Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman, Pinal County Supervisor Sandie Smith, and ADOT Public Transportation Director Jim Dickey.

Commuter rail is rail service that typically uses existing freight railroad tracks and equipment. Stations are generally five to 10 miles apart and operations focus on peak-commute hours with less frequent service during off-peak hours. Commuter rail generally travels greater distances than light rail, at higher speeds.

The Second Annual AzTA Rail Symposium will be held 7:30 a.m.– 3 p.m., Sept. 28, at the Tempe Mission Palms hotel. The cost to attend the conference is $150 for AzTA members, $175 for non-members. Registration forms area available online at www.AzTA.org.

The Arizona Transit Association is a nonprofit, statewide organization dedicated to improving public transportation in all of Arizona’s communities. Membership includes local, regional and state governments; chambers of commerce, major employers, transit program operators; and contractor and suppliers.

See power point presentation at September 8 meeting.

Congratulations to Champions Phoenix Mercury

2007-09-17T12:09:00.000-07:00

The Phoenix Mercury captured their first WNBA crown on Sunday to become Arizona’s third professional champion behind The Arizona Rattlers and the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Mercury handily beat Detroit by a score of 108-92.

Coach Paul Westhead in his second year as head coach was the brains behind the winners. Diana Taurasi, Penny Taylor and Cappie Pondexter carried the team in the championship series. Cappie was the most valuable player.

Diana Taurasi writes in her WNBA.com Blog, “People doubted the running game, they doubted Small Ball, they doubted the Rover defense and we say YES to all the naysayers, doubters and haters. We are Phoenix. We run-and-gun, we shoot the three and we win championships.”

ASU Wins Third Consecutive Game

2007-09-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

For the third time in the last four years, the Arizona State University wins its third consecutive game. Thanks to San Diego State University Aztecs.

In the first half, it looked as though the Aztecs would make a game of it. For the first time this season, a team scored points against ASU in the second quarter making the score 14-10. But ASU rallied for ten straight points to lead by a score of 24-10 at halftime.

The Sun Devils scored ten more points in the second half versus three for San Diego State making the final score 34-13. I left the game after the third quarter with the score at 31-13 only missing ASU adding another field goal.

Keegan Herring, replacing Ryan Torain, rushed for 161 yards, the second most in his career with the Sun Devils. He also scored two touchdowns.

It is too early to tell how good the team really is. The combined record of the teams is 1-7. The game this coming Saturday will help reveal the strength of the Sun Devils. ASU will be playing a Pac-10 school, Oregon State (2-1).

I want to thank Jim and Margie for giving me the ticket. I wished they could have made the game, but Jim and his son-in-law disassembled and moved two huge, oak desks from his Chandler home to his newly purchased home in Trilogy.

2nd effort for ASU

Arizona Toughens DUI laws

2007-09-17T11:32:00.000-07:00

If you drink and drive, be prepared for heavy penalties. Arizona law has become tougher. In the past, only extreme and repeat offenders had to equip their cars with ignition-interlocks to drive a car. Now first-time offenders are required to have the devices. In addition to fines, penalties and lawyer fees, a convicted drunken driver will bear the cost of about $100 to install the device and an additional $60 to $80 per month.

A taxi is much cheaper.

Tough DUI law to begin

A Tour of the Tempe Center for the Arts

2007-09-10T12:30:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, Bob and I attended the Grand Opening Family Day at the Tempe Center for the Arts. It was a hot and humid day. Thank God, the hosts had plenty of ice-cold water and food too for the multitude of people that toured the center. The free performances were classy too.

The main theater is designed so that none of the seats is more than 55 feet away from the stage. But the parking lot was not designed to handle as many cars as showed up on Sunday. We had to walk a good quarter of a mile to get to the Center. Maybe people came for the hamburgers and hot dogs.

Some facts mentioned in the Arizona Republic about the Center:

• The Tempe Center for the Arts is 88,000 square feet.
• It will primarily serve about a dozen community music, theater, dance and visual arts groups.
• The main theater is modeled after an Italian opera house. None of the 600 seats is more than 55 feet from the stage.
• The main theater has four levels of seating.
• The dome above the main theater is made of 280 tons of concrete. It was cast in place during a single pour that took nearly eight hours.
• The arts center is 100 feet tall, with a main roof of five layers.
• The 55,000-gallon negative-edge reflecting pool creates a 300-foot long waterfall into Tempe Town Lake.
• Building the arts center took 1,400 tons of steel.
• There is 40,000 square feet of wood paneling inside the arts center, including African mahogany and oak.
• About 760 wine glasses can fit on the lobby’s glass drink rails.
• There are 300 doors. The soundproof doors to the theater weigh more than 300 pounds.
• There are 347 parking spaces for vehicles and 130 for bicycles. (Not enough for Sunday’s event.)

It was a fun day. I can’t wait to attend some of the performances.

Friends of Tempe center for the Arts

Something to Cheer About

2007-09-02T11:30:00.001-07:00

The ASU football team looked very good last night in their game with San Jose State. It appears we have a running game to go with the passing game, and we finally have a defense. The crowd was noisy. I hope it continues.

The band looked snazzy in their new uniforms. Pants are black which makes them look astute and shapely. And I like the white extenders on their caps. It makes them look tall and proud.

Maybe we have something to cheer about.

ASU marching band: Larger, louder

Hottest Summer on Record in Phoenix

2007-08-31T16:37:00.000-07:00

I can now say I have lived through the hottest summer on record in Phoenix. The number of days of 110 degrees or hotter was recently broken at 28 and continues to climb. I believe the current number is 30 unless today reached 110. Whew, gives us a break.

CF Plake Bible

2007-07-30T16:42:00.000-07:00

This Bible had been housed in the pulpit at Life Tabernacle. It lay open at the scripture of Dad's last sermon. On Sunday, July 29, Dennis McDaniel presented it to me in a ceremony at the church.

Quotations

2007-07-13T17:24:00.000-07:00

"Too many church services start at 11 o'clock sharp and end at 12 o'clock dull." Vance Havner

"Wealth brings many friends, but a poor man's friend deserts him." Proverbs 19:4

"It is right to flee from temptation but not from duty." Tom Dooley

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 7:21

"Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler. Whoever is led astray ty them is not wise." Proverbs 20:1

“A mother is a mother still, The holiest thing alive.”
Samuel Taylor Coleridge quotes (English lyrical Poet, Critic and Philosopher. 1772-1834)

"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived,
what God has prepared for those who love him." I Corinthians 2:9

"Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." Roman 13:7

"If you like knowledge, go to school. If yo like wisdom, get on your knees." Vance Havner

"Most church members live so far below the standard, you'd have to backslide to be in fellowship. We are so subnormal that if we were to become normal, people would think we're abnormal." Vance Havner

Phoenix-Tucson commuter rail gains support

2007-07-04T10:40:00.000-07:00

It's good to see that public officials are beginning to notice that a commuter rail between Phoenix and Tucson is needed.

Phoenix and Tucson are on a collision course with about twenty miles left to connect. Catherine Reagor in her Arizona Republic article says, "Arizona's two largest metropolitan areas are on course to meet and merge within a decade, engulfing several small towns along the way."

City and town officials between Phoenix and Tucson must develop a futuristic mind-set for the coming decade like the Vice Mayor of Mesa, Claudia Walters. In kicking off a meeting of Commuter Rail Stakeholders Group, she said "We must have rail that connects Phoenix to Tucson...This is for the future of our children and grandchildren."

Additional reading:

Phoenix-Tucson commuter rail gains support

When Phoenix, Tucson merge

Re: Newsweek Poll

2007-06-19T05:47:00.000-07:00

Below is an email I received from my nephew. I don't know who wrote this piece, but there is so much truth in it that I felt compelled to use it on this blog. I hope the author doesn't mind.

The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?

The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president. In essence 2/3s of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.

So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What we are so unhappy about?'' Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.

Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes , an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.

This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.

Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U. S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have , and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here. I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?

Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?

Think about it...... are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day. Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells , and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O. J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way...... Insane!

Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative." "With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"

Are You Interested in This Year's NBA Finals?

2007-06-09T06:22:00.000-07:00

No. I will not watch the NBA Finals. Why? I firmly believe that the Spurs will control the series by their boring style of play. If I was interested in seeing knockdowns and kicked legs, I would watch kickboxing (borrrring!). I am more interested in finesse and the entertaining Suns-style of play. And I think the world is too. I have talked with basketball fans from other parts of the nation that have become Suns fans because of their entertaining style. I will not be surprised to see very low television ratings throughout the NBA Finals. It may take awhile, but the Suns-style of play will win out.

No Harm No Foul

2007-05-17T07:32:00.000-07:00

As my grandkids would say, “Stern is a dork.” But I would say, “The only thing that is worse than a lawyer is a lawyer who is an administrator.” Everyone who passed the third grade can read the rules, but an administrator should evaluate the rules and justly apply them. His suspensions of Stoudemire and Diaw were equivalent to a fourth grade kangaroo court. He was trying to be objective, but he should not use objectivity when it doesn’t make sense. His referees are frequently subjective and know that an infraction is not always committed when no harm is done. Thus, no harm no foul.

In Memory Of Lynn

2007-05-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

Today, Bob Jones and I took Lynn to the veterinarian, where he administered euthanasia to Lynn. Lynn has been our pet since September 1993. She is an offspring of my niece’s pet, Sugar.

I grew fond of Lynn since Day “1”. When she was small, she would sit on the back of my platform rocker leaning against my neck. When I was home, she would always be at my side, and when I left for vacation, she would jump up and down when I returned home.

My children could not believe my fondness for Lynn. When they were growing up, they were held responsible for taking care of their pets. They assumed I didn’t care for animals.

I will miss Lynn. She meant a lot to me. She is resting in peace instead of suffering from congestive heart failure, an enlarged heart, an enlarged liver and many other things that go along with failing organs.

It was difficult to make a decision on euthanasia and to witness the incident. The doctor said that we made the right decision, and Bob and I are glad that we stayed there to watch. We left knowing she is resting in peace.

Grand Aid in Arizona

2007-05-09T14:34:00.000-07:00

Grandparents raising grandchildren may get some relief if lawmakers vote to appropriate $2 million to continue a program that provides a one-time grant of $300 and a $75 monthly stipend for each child in their care

• As co-sponsor of a recent “Grandfamilies Rally” at the state capitol, AARP Arizona encouraged participants to support the bill. “With an increasing number of grandparents assuming the role of caregiver, this legislation is sorely needed,” says Lupe Solis, AARP associate state director for advocacy. More than 52,000 Arizona grandparents are currently raising grandchildren.

• Call 1-800-352-8404 to ask legislators to support funding for SB 1110

Source AARP Bulletin

Are You Eligible for VA Medical Care?

2007-05-09T10:19:00.000-07:00

Only about 5.5 million of almost 24 million American vets are receiving VA medical care. Who’s eligible? Potentially all veterans are eligible.

• Eligibility for most veterans’ health care benefits is based solely on active military service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard (or Merchant Marines during WW II), and discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.
• Reservists and National Guard members who were called to active duty by a Federal Executive Order may qualify for VA health care benefits. Returning service members, including Reservists and National Guard members who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations have special eligibility for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for two years following discharge from active duty.
• Health Care eligibility is not just for those who served in combat.
• Other groups may be eligible for some health benefits.
• Veteran’s health care is not just for service-connected injuries or medical conditions.
• Veteran’s health care facilities are not just for men only. VA offers full-service health care to women veterans.

Other sources
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Disabled American Veterans
• America Legion
• Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

Phoenix is Growing Up

2007-04-29T07:45:00.000-07:00

Light rail is making our city a major city. One of these days, Phoenix will be growing up like a kid into adulthood. The costs are great but we have many adult cities to learn from, i.e. Boston, Chicago, New York, and San Francisco to name a few.

Thursday night, the new train was tested on Washington Street "Things went great. The train performed the way it was designed to perform and that's all good," said Joe Murie with Valley Metro.

The Train will be tested many more times before its maiden trip in late 2008.

Light Rail Needed

2007-04-28T12:32:00.000-07:00

The Valley of the Sun is a sprawling megalopolis. It needs light rail and other modes of transportation to keep up with modern big cities. Light rail is a start but it also needs to grow along with the Valley. And it should include a line from the Valley to Tucson.

Read about the recent tests...

Today is Tax Day

2007-04-17T07:16:00.000-07:00

Today is Tax Day. Americans must do their yearly duty and pay taxes on the income they are blessed with.

Income taxes were first collected during the civil war, but an Amendment to the Constitution gave Congress the authority to tax our income. The first Tax Day was March 1 when it was much easier to do. It became more complicated and was changed to the March 15, the Ides of March. In 1955, Tax Day was move to April 15. If it falls on a weekend or holiday, it is moved to the following business day.

Some taxpayers contend that April 15 is still too soon even though we have computers to do most of the work. Some say taxes are too complicated. Others blame their procrastination. Thank goodness for extensions.
This year, Tax Day is Tuesday, April 17, 2007. This is due to April 15th falling on a Sunday and Emancipation Day, a legal holiday in the District of Columbia, falling on April 16th.

Rutgers Team Forgives Imus

2007-04-15T06:49:00.000-07:00

Let's applaud Vivian Stringer, the coach of the Rutger's basketball team. She's a leader. She knows how to forgive and move on. Purported leaders, Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, need to learn from her.

Stringer said the team's goal was never to get Imus fired. The Rutger's team accepted Imus's apology. I ask 'Rev.' Sharpton and 'Rev.' Jackson, "Isn't that what Christians are suppose to do?" Imus made a mistake. We all make mistakes. But our Lord forgives us or our transgressions.

I truly respect Vivian Stringer. During the winter of 2007, her basketball team was supposed to play Arizona State University's basketball team in a championship game of the Paradise Jam Tournament in the U.S. Virgin Islands. But Aubree Johnson's (an ASU player) brother died in his bed while attending the tournament. ASU made the decision not to play the game. All the Rutger's team had to do was show up to win the game by forfeit. Stringer and the team decided not to go to the arena.

I don't know if Vivan Stringer is a Christian, but she acts like a Christian. I know this for a certainty--she doesn't have 'Rev.' tacked onto her name. In my book, she is a saint.

Stringer Accepts Apology

Imus Is Forgiven

2007-04-15T06:17:00.000-07:00

I don't agree with what Imus said, but I believe in forgiving. I believe that we, as Christians, should follow the lead of Jesus when he forgave the woman at the well and told her to "go and sin no more".

We all say things we wish we could take back. What Imus said was wrong, but do we need to continue to punish him. The Bible says, "Let him without sin cast the first stone."

I have said similar things. I have repented to God. He has forgiven me. That is all I care about. I would not care about Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson.

Imus Apology

S. 294 The Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act

2007-04-12T06:52:00.000-07:00

The 110th Congress, which convened on January 4, 2007, had a full plate. Included in the agenda are the priorities for passenger rail advocates, which are:

Amtrak reauthorization: The Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (now S. 294) has been introduced, again this time by Senators Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Trent Lott (R-MS). The bill provides for common-sense Amtrak reform and operational improvements, authorizes Amtrak for the five years Fiscal 2008-2012, provides for capital assistance for states, and development of state rail plans. Right now, the bill needs co-sponsors; see if your Senators are co-sponsors and if not, ask them to sign on! Email addresses can be found at http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm.

(Click here for a detailed synopsis of PRIIA is available on the National Association of Railroad Passengers website.)

Response to Senator Gould re: light rail

2007-02-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

How can Sen. Ron Gould be a chair of the Senate transportation committee? Shouldn't he have an open mind? He is against light rail because "it is a debacle". Maybe that is true, because government is involved. But we have no better alternative, and we seem to work through the greed and misappropriation of government spending.

Today's cost is small compared to say seven years down the road. I remember when bay area residents were against BART because of the expense. In today's economy, the BART cost is now a pittance. Costs will increase. Now is the time to start with the light rail system even with government handling the funds.

All You Can Eat

2007-02-04T11:10:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed the message by Richard Gotthardt this morning at Grace Community Church. The message created a resolution in me to read the Scripture each day.

Richard says "Our appetites change and so does our appetite for the Word of God. We need to develop a craving for the Word of God."

to the words, situations and happenings in the days they were written. He says, "Put the Word of God and Spirit together."

1. Scripture is God's clear and authoritative Word to you. (2 Peter 1:21).

2. Scripture will lead me toward a blessed life. (Psalm 119:1). the word blessed has a rich meaning. We have used it often to "bless" someone when they sneeze or just to say have a "blessed" day. It is deeper than the connotation given in the sayings. Miriam-Webster dictionary defines blessed like this:

1 : to hallow or consecrate by religious rite or word
2 : to hallow with the sign of the cross
3 : to invoke divine care for -- used in the phrase bless you to wish good health especially to one who has just sneezed
4 a : PRAISE, GLORIFY b : to speak well of : APPROVE
5 : to confer prosperity or happiness upon
6 archaic : PROTECT, PRESERVE
7 : ENDOW, FAVOR

3. Scripture will lead me towards a blameless life. (Psalm 119:1). "Blameless means living above reproach." We think of perfection when we hear the word. It actually means:

1 : an expression of disapproval or reproach : CENSURE
2 a : a state of being blameworthy : CULPABILITY b archaic : FAULT, SIN
3 : responsibility for something believed to deserve censure

4. Scripture allows me to know God more intimately. (Psalm 119:2)

5. Scripture helps me to keep a clear conscience. (Psalm 119:6).

6. Scripture will keep me from sinning against God. (Psalm 119:9-11).

Pause to Make Promises

2007-01-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

God's promise to Abraham Genesis 15:1. Abraham 99 Sarah 90. Let God do what he does (he promises) on his own. We can't manipulate or coerce. Let God have his way. God promised Abraham a son at 99, Sarah at 90. Sarah laughed. Abraham got his son, Isaac, at age 100. Isaac means laughter.

Moral: God is faithful even when we are faithless. Justification by faith: Genesis 15:6.

A promise is only as good as the person who made it.

I take God at his word.

Preserve our historic railway assets

2007-01-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

I agree with those who say the time is right to bring Union Station back to life. Angela Cara Pancrazio’s article mentions a few of the stations that have been refurbished and brought back to life. There are several stations around the U.S.A. and Canada that are major centers in their city. I have ridden the train in all but four states and all but five provinces in Canada. The railways are full of historic assets that need to be preserved.

Many cities have refurbished their depots which in turn revitalized their downtowns. Angela mentions Kansas City, St. Louis and Los Angeles. I have visited each of these depots and marvel at their preserved architecture. Penn Station in New York, Union Station in Chicago and South Station in Boston are very busy places with the hustle and bustle of people. Gare Centrale in Montreal is an underground city, with tunnels to hotels and the Bonaventure metro station. Many of the smaller depots along the U.S. and Canadian rails have converted to museums preserving many of the huge assets these nations have accumulated. Phoenix is a huge city that will become humongous. Now is the time to plan for the future.

I believe that preserving our railroad assets and saving our memories by improving the depot will add to revitalization of the historic downtown Phoenix. Selling it to a private enterprise will erase those memories and liquidate historic works of art. After all, Athens has not sold the Parthenon.

JDBPC Christmas Party

2006-12-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Jim and Margie for the JDBPC Christmas party, Friday, December 15, 2006 at the Friendship Village Health Care Center.

The guests at the party included clients, family, friends and employees. The group was fun and in good Christmas spirit.

Margie and Jim mean so much to me. They have been my friends through the good times and every difficulty and obstacle. I love them both very much.

SURVIVOR: COOK ISLANDS

2006-12-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

Yul is the Sole Survivor of SURVIVOR: COOK ISLANDS, but it was a tough fight between Ozzie and him. I believe the reason Yul won was he found the hidden Immunity Idol early in the game and used it to win him the million dollars. Although he won the game fair and square, Ozzie played a winning game too. He displayed more abilities of actual survival than Yul. Yul played a strategic game which is a product of screen play for television.

The series was boring for the most part, but the last few episodes and the competition of the leading characters, Yul and Ozzie, made it one of the best Survivor series.

Response to "A message gone bad"

2006-12-05T07:06:00.000-07:00

In your article, “A message gone bad,” you call yourselves multimedia experts. To the pretentious multimedia experts at The Arizona Republic: If I believed for a moment that you know what the “sender” really grasps, I would not be writing this opinion. The issue with Officer Schofield and the litter-bugs goes beyond that one dimension. Yes, the society in the continental United States may agree with you, but the society in Hawaii and other parts of the world would laugh at the incident. To them, this story would be much-to-do-about-nothing.

In Hawaii, the melting-pod of many races, one race (senders) jests with another race (recipients) about its idiosyncrasies. The “sender” in this story had no harmful intentions, and I am sure that he is very apologetic. (Hasn’t The Arizona Republic been apologetic over the years?) Some of the recipients’ race was incensed. The “recipients” need to lighten up. As Rodney King once asked, “Why can’t we all just get along?” It takes both sides to get along. The race of the “recipients” has been more vocal about the idiosyncrasies of the “sender”. But that’s not important. We take it in stride—so should the recipients.

Officer Schofield, making a point on his show, was and is entertaining. I have watched him for several years and enjoy his programs, which are beneficial to the Tempe police force.

The Medicine Tree

2006-10-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

The Medicine Tree is a non-profit organization serving to advance the standard and quality of medical care for those infected with HIV and Chronic Hepatitis through the art and science of naturopathic medical treatment, education, and research.

The organization is committed to providing clients with compassionate care, comprehensive natural therapeutics and empowering education, at no charge and without discrimination.

Tax Deductible Donations

The Medicine Tree is founded upon the guiding principles of Naturopathic Medicine, and is established in service to those infected with HIV and Chronic Hepatitis. Make tax deductible donations directly or contribute by sending a Santa Letter to a child.

Santa Letters

Thank you Margie Beaton

2006-10-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

Margie and Jim Beaton have been my friends since early 1960s. I was the best man in their wedding on February 2, 1963. We have been best friends since then.

This weekend Jim traveled to Nashville for a weekend CPE seminar. Margie and I attended the ASU Sun Devils homecoming game vs. Stanford Cardinal. ASU lost its previous three games to California, Oregon and USC but beat Stanford today 38-3. The 80-degree weather made this day beautiful.

I enjoyed the visit with Margie. We rode the bus to and from the stadium. We talked about many things, including Jim's work, the Sweet Adelines, her trip to Colorado and Las Vegas for the Sweet Adelines International Competition and my trip to Canada. I enjoy talking with Margie. She is sweet and practical.

A note of thanks to Luis Gonzalez

2006-10-21T06:51:00.000-07:00

Gonzo is a hero and philanthropolist. Read what the chairman and CEO of Northern Trust Bank wrote.

A note of thanks to Luis Gonzalez

Oct. 21, 2006 12:00 AM

Seven hundred homeless children became his friend on a December afternoon in 2001. As he always does, he looked softly at each of them, right in their eyes, and his heart opened up. If only for that one moment, every one of these kids felt as if they were the most special person on Earth.

He helped raise more than $1 million for Arizona Quest for Kids, a mentoring and scholarship program for underprivileged children. Dinners, luncheons, auctions; beach ball promotions with a local pool company; proceeds donated from his radio show. He never said no to any idea that helped this organization become one of the premier high school dropout-prevention programs in the state.

The last three years he has donated his suite at the ballpark to more than 100 local charities, most of which have an impact on children with challenges: Phoenix Children's Hospital, Child Crisis Center, Arizona Blind and Deaf Children, Save the Family, Whispering Hope Ranch, Epilepsy Foundation, to name just a few.

Baseballs, bats, gloves, catcher's equipment. Over 4,000 used items were collected and distributed to inner-city Little League programs in Phoenix. He was the inspiration behind the effort.

He trained for two months to run 13 miles in the 2005 PF Chang Half Marathon. More than 250 runners and walkers became part of "Team Gonzo" to raise money for more than 30 local organizations.

Hurricane Katrina devastated several Gulf Coast communities. Thousands found refuge in Veteran's Memorial Coliseum. He made a beeline to an electronics store and personally delivered an assortment of gifts to hundreds of kids.

I have had the pleasure knowing Luis Gonzalez and his family almost from the day they moved to Arizona. The aforementioned were just some of the situations in which we were involved, and just the tip of the iceberg.

Tens of thousands here in Arizona have had their lives brightened by one of the most genuine, extraordinary human beings to grace Arizona soil. He's a once-in-a lifetime guy.

Rather than mourn his departure in Arizona on and off the field we should celebrate having been beneficiaries of his good works for eight years. Thanks, Gonzo.

David Highmark, Paradise Valley

The writer is chairman and CEO of Northern Trust Bank; he founded Arizona Quest for Kids in 1999 and serves as chairman.

Hey, that was a good team out there!

2006-10-21T06:45:00.000-07:00

This gentleman says it best about the game with the Cardinals and Chicago Bears on Sunday, October 15. Go Cardinals!

Oct. 21, 2006 12:00 AM

What's the matter with you people?

Sure, it was a heartbreaking defeat, but losing by that close of a score to a 5-0 team is one heck of a lot better than "we" have been doing in recent years. (I say "we" because I am by no means a sports fan. But I did watch the first and last quarters of the game just because of all of the hoopla. Other than that, ESPN is on only for billiards.)

What was proven was that we have a darn good team, and that it could hold its own against a top-rated team.

Don't knock them down this early. Just think of what they will do to teams not as strong as whoever those guys were that they played Monday night. - Vick Carsten,
Sun City

The Scottsdale Chorus

2006-10-06T08:19:00.000-07:00

My friend, Margie Beaton, gave me an album, "Anything Can Happen," by the Scottsdale Chorus, the 2006 International Champions of Sweet Adelines. The album includes their winning package at the International Competition. The chorus competed against 34 choruses from all over the world.

I have been a fan of the Scottsdale Chorus for years. Margie, who sings in the chorus, and Jim have been friends of mine for over 40 years.

Thom Brennaman Leaving Diamondbacks

2006-10-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

This is a sad day for me. First Joe Garagiola and now Thom Brennaman are leaving the Diamondback's broadcasting team. Joe Garagiola is a Hall of Famer and Thom Brennaman broadcasts nationally on Fox. Both make the broadcast of the floundering Diamondbacks interesting. Watching the games on TV won't be the same without Thom and Joe.

Santa Letters For Charity

2006-10-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

Order a
Santa Letter or
Greeting Card for your child,
grandchild, nephew, niece or any
child who enjoys the spirit of Christmas.
On or about December 10, the letter or card will
be mailed from the North Pole, in a matching or colored
envelope with an official North Pole, Alaska postmark. To
receive a North Pole postmark, the order must be received by
December 9. Order your letter from the following categories:
Santa Letter
Santa Greeting Card
Write-your-own Letter

Oregon Rips ASU

2006-09-30T18:22:00.000-07:00

Oregon used a balanced attack and a relentless defense to crush ASU 48-13 Saturday. The hot weather along with the bad play of the Sun Devils vacated the stadium early. I really can't think of anything positive to say about ASU's play save the 100 yard runback on kickoff by Terry Richardson. I thought Koetter was strong on offense, but the offense did not score one touchdown while the defense allowed seven.

Goodbye Gonzo

2006-09-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

While Gonzo may not be the best player the Arizona Diamondbacks ever had, he ranks in the top three and is my favorite. His personality and care for the community has endeared him to me and to “CRPlake Hall of Fame.” On the last day of the season, October 1, 2006, the Diamondbacks honored Gonzo, Counsell, Rick Dozer, past president, Joe Garagiola, past general manager and Jerry Conlangelo by presenting them with a replica of the 2001 World Series trophy. Hopefully, this event will heal the differences between the old and new regime.

Thanks to Diamondback Broadcasters

2006-09-30T07:41:00.000-07:00

Kudos to Thom Brennaman, Mark Grace, Joe Garagiola, Greg Schulte, Matt Williams and the rest of the Diamondbacks broadcasting staff. Your broadcasting made this so-so season entertaining. Your candid and humorous remarks about the game and players made me return to my TV set to watch my floundering favorite team. As the perennial saying goes, “I can’t wait ‘til next year.”

University of Phoenix Stadium

2006-09-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

It's a $154.5 million name. The University of Phoenix will pay the Arizona Cardinals $7.7 million per year for the next 10 years to have their name tacked to the Cardinals Stadium. The fans don't seem to like the name. I don't either, but I don't care for any of the names like Chase Field, AT&T Ballpark and all of the names that advertise businesses.

I believe the Bidwills are trying to make money. They say that they will use the funds to pay for better players. We have heard this story before. We'll see.

Chuck Sankey Home For Reunion

2006-09-24T06:38:00.000-07:00

Dr. Charles (Chuck) Sankey flew back to Phoenix and Tempe for a high school reunion at Central High School. It was a pleasure to see him. Chuck and I ate breakfast at the U.S. Egg in Tempe. His son, David, joined us later.

Chuck and I served together on the Alameda Park Condominium Association board before he moved to Kansas. We reminisced about old times, and I updated him on current events at Alameda Park.

Chuck taught classes at ASU, the country's largest University.

Happy 89th Birthday Mommaw

2006-09-24T06:29:00.000-07:00

Saturday was Mommaw's 89th birthday. Her birthday party was staged at Bill Johnson's Restaurant on Van Buren in Phoenix. At the party were Daniel, Janelle, Kailie, Rachel, Brian, Bob Jones, Bob Plake and Mommaw.

California vs. Arizona State

2006-09-23T13:43:00.000-07:00

The Sun Devils were about as prepared to take the field Saturday as Koetter was prepared to name a quarterback at the beginning of the season. California's football team showed ASU there is more to a football team than offense. The California team was well-prepared. Their offense, defense and special teams showed Koetter how to play the game.

Kirk's Ranch

2006-09-18T08:36:00.000-07:00

This weekend, my friend Kirk and I hiked his ranch looking for arrowheads, pottery chards and wildlife. Kirk found three arrowheads, but we were uable to find the pottery chards he had previously spotted. We saw plenty of wildlife, including a garter snake, hawks, ravens, elk, antelopes, one mountain lion, coyotes, jack rabbits, gophers and white cranes.

We took I-17 from Phoenix to Flagstaff, then I-40 to Williams and AZ-64 to the dirt road turnoff to the Four Hills Ranch subdivision at Howard Mesa. The turnoff is about 34 miles south of the Grand Canyon. Soon after leaving AZ-64, we pulled up to a stop sign to allow the Grand Canyon Railway train to pass. The train may be boarded in Williams, AZ. Alex and I rode the train on one occasion.

Kirk temporarily parked a small trailer on his ranch. He anticipates building a house on his property near where the trailer is parked. As you look west from the trailer, his property extends across the canyon to the west side where he has about one acre. More residents have their homes on the west side of the canyon, but Kirks says that it is too much like a city. He wants to move away from the city life.

Because of the monsoon season providing so much rain this summer, the canyon is plush green. The canyon is a tributary of the Colorado River that carves its way through the Grand Canyon.

The first business on Kirk's agenda was to visit Art's ranch house. Art is hired by one of the rancher's to watch the property by mending fences and protecting the cattle.

Home of Plake Tax Service

2006-09-14T14:37:00.000-07:00

Visit Plake Tax Service. Refer your friends. Email me for questions.

The Knudsen Brothers

2006-09-14T14:15:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite singing groups are The Knudsen Brothers. Their harmony blends like a chorus with a band, but it is all done vocally. They have a new Website called Six Real Brothers, which is six tenths of the siblings. There are ten boys in the one family.

Listen to SIX of SIX's best songs on the newpop-out SIX Jukebox! Click here to listen now!

Mike Boogie Wins Big Brother All-stars

2006-09-13T07:47:00.000-07:00

Mike Boogie, a member of the Chill town alliance, won Big Brothers All-stars. Not only did he win the $500,000, but he also cleaned-up by winning a car, a trip to Aruba and a plasma TV. He won the laser game, naming all Big Brother winners in order. The better player, Janelle, was bumped in this game, but she won America's Vote, a $25,000 prize. She won nine games overall, which was a Big Brother record. The runner-up, Erica, reached the finals by riding the coattails of many front runners.

While Big Brother is fun to watch, I often tell myself and others around me that I will never watch the show again. I don't believe that the best player ever wins. The winners, like dictators, use deceit and dishonesty to get to the top. The better game player was Janelle. I am thankful she won the $25,000.

Gonzo, The Oldest Baseball Player to Hit 50 Doubles

2006-09-13T07:28:00.000-07:00

Last night, my favorite Diamondback player, Luis Gonzales, hit his 50th double to set a mark for the oldest player to hit 50 doubles. Gonzo was 39 years, 9 days. Other older players to hit 50 or more doubles are: In 1926, Tris Speaker of Cleveland, 38 years, 176 days; in 1978, Pete Rose of Cincinnati, 37 years, 171 days; again in 1926, Baby Doll Jacobson of St. Louis (NL) and Boston (AL), 36 years, 44 days; and in 1910, Nap Lajoie of Cleveland, 36 years, 40 days.

Gonzo has carried the Diamondbacks offense for many years. The greatest hit of his life vaulted Gonzo into the limelight when he drove in the winning run in the ninth inning of the seventh game of the 2001 World Series.

Great Rendition of The Star Spangled Banner

2006-09-11T18:58:00.000-07:00

Tonight a group, called Valor, sang the National Anthem at the Diamondback's game. I love harmony and gospel music. These men are great gospel singers. Listen to their rendition of The Star Spangled Banner. Click the URL, http://www.valormusic.net/anthem.html.

Arizona Cardinals Open New Stadium With Win

2006-09-11T07:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the Arizona Cardinals began the regular season with a 34-27 win over the San Francisco Forty Niners in their new stadium. It looked as though they were going to score big. In the first quarter, they scored 21 point having scored only 27 points in all first quarters last year. But the forty niners made a game of it having a chance to win on the last two plays of the game.

I hope that I will be able to see a game in the new stadium, but the seats are sold out for the year.

This past weekend was good to the Valley of the Sun teams. Other than the Cardinals, the Diamondbacks won three consecutive games from the St. Louis Cardinals and the ASU Sun Devils routed Nevada 52-21.

9/11--Where Was I?

2006-09-11T06:28:00.000-07:00

On September 11, 2001, I was waiting to leave the hospital after a three-day stay for a medicine reaction. Breakfast was about to be served when a nurse walked into my room, turned on the television and said an airplane had hit the World Trade Center. We watched the news for awhile when we saw an airplane hit the second tower. We didn't see the airplane hit the Pentagon, but the news covered the story. The nurse had to work so she left me alone watching the news. I was anxious to leave the hospital but the news passed the time quickly until I was able to leave about 11:00 a.m.

Today is the fifth anniversary of the attack. Last evening, I watched 9/11 on CBS. It is a documentary with two brothers, Jules and Gedeon Naudet, filming the tragedy. The two were filming a documentary about a young firefighter in his probationary period when they became wrapped up in the 9/11 story. Previously, they had met actor/filmaker/screenwriter James Hanlon, who had become a New York City firefighter and was instrumental in arranging the filming of the documentary.

Many of the shots were close-up of the disaster but was edited and did not show the horror of people jumping from the towers. It did show a priest who was documented as the official first victim of 9/11. His victim number was 00001.

Bob Jones and I visited Ground Zero in May 2004. Although it was almost three years after the tragedy, the people visiting the temporary memorial were solemn. The only noise was the street traffic. No one was talking. I suppose they were all like me with visions of this horrific event in their minds.