Urine Test -- This guy has a point

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

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:

1. 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.
2. Pre-rinse the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. Dry food will not wash away.
3. Avoid letting food dry on the dishes. Use warm, soapy water and a scrub brush when necessary to remove stuck on food.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Place the various pots and pans open-side down in the bottom section of the dishwasher.
11. Place utensils with handles down in the utensil baskets in the bottom section of the dishwasher.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. Fill the soap container on the bottom section of the dishwasher with powdered dishwasher detergent. Fill to the designated line.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. Make sure breakables do not touch, since the dishes can vibrate during the washing cycles.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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

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

Go to this website and check her out.

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

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:

1. 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.
2. NBC Analyst, Cris Collinsworth at halftime of the Arizona-Carolina game called the Cardinals the worst playoff team in history.

Other questionable remarks included:

• Deion Sanders claimed that he would give up Super Bowl tickets if the Cards made it. Yeah right!

Many Cardinal fans are guilty of calling the Cardinals weak or other such negatives. But the 2008-2009 Cardinals appear to be real.

The University of Phoenix Stadium will stage a massive party next Sunday. Cardinal fans in Arizona have waited 20 years for a team they could cheer for. There will be “Phun” in Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun. That prediction will not “phail.”

As far as predicting a winner, I will leave that up to the "experts." As some people have said, "The Cardinals are as likely to go to the Super Bowl as a black man is being elected President of the U.S."

Update: HOORAY! The cardinals are going to the Super Bowl to play the Pittsburg Steelers.

Updated 1/21/2009

My Favorite Gospel Music

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