Gas Prices Up - Stock Market Up

The stock market is making a turn upward since recent near depression drop. The drop in the stock market was because of over extended credit on homes. Thus resulting in foreclosures. Higher gas prices did not help matters any.

In the last couple of days we have seen a nice upward trend in the stock market. Arab inverters are putting money in Citigroup to help our financial crisis.

The new Federal Reserve head is playing a cautious role in the decision to cut interest rates or not.

A lot of people seem to be just trying to get through the Christmas Holiday in hopes of a brighter future after the first of the year.

The average family, and more so the family that is running tight with money and the one who feel it the most. Gas prices are up. The very people we pay for our crude oil is buying our country.

It seems we as members, citizens of the United States have not been very productive. Now we are paying for it. Should be not cut back on our standard of living and learn to product more and be more efficient than what we use

Kingdom of Heaven

The Kingdom for Heaven is not meant for this life. Even though we are here for a very short time, it will make such a large impact as to how we spend our lives on the other side.

The phrase Kingdom of Heaven refers to a state or life of harmony with God, man and nature. Different cultures around the world use the phrase to rally people to their belief system.

Jesus when he spoke on Mt Olivet said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." There are other references such as: "Seek ye first...", "The kingdom of heaven is within you...", and "the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

I know different men have abused the phrase. Some for selfish pleasure. Others have used the phrase as a movie title.

This Christmas where is your Kingdom of Heaven? Is helping those around you or is it stuck in selfish pleasure?

Hillary Clinton, Larry Craig, George W. Bush

What do these three people have in common, beside being politicians. Well, the news and other media groups like to poke fun at them.

There is a website named Stupid.com. If you are looking for that perfect Christmas gift to a good friend that has everything. Or a political rival who you would like to give a good ole jab in the ribs.

You can order from Stupid.com any of the following items.

• Hillary Clinton Nutcracker
• George Bush Countdown Key Chain
• Larry Craig Action Figure
• Duct Tape Wallet

Make Christmas fun this year. Give a gag gift and laugh.

Tameka Foster gave birth to a boy.

Yesterday, Tameka Foster had baby boy weighing 7 pounds and 9 ounces. She is the wife of Usher.

There are times when through all the bad things in this world a spark of good news gives us hope. One of those sparks of life is the birth of a child.

News reporting or commentary by its very nature attracts readers when something bad happens. It could be to some individual or some group. If you stop to think about it. It can be quite depressing, and a bad way start ones day.

• I would rather hear about a good quality of life.
• I would rather hear about some good happening.
  
• I would rather hear about the rise in the stock market.

Take today, and look for the good things in the news. The good things in life around you.

Disasters - Hope in Dispair On Cyber Monday

Disasters - Fire, Hurricane, Flood on Increase is the underline theme of news headlines. 120 disasters per year in the early 1980's has rose to over 500. Scientist say is it all because of Global Warming.

Today is Cyber Monday, the Monday after Thanksgiving that shoppers turn from the mall to the internet for the Holiday shopping deals. Did you know that Cyber Monday was originally a marketing gimmick that has turned into a shopping reality.

The earth is fall apart. The stores are working hard to get our money. Our youth have this idea that there will be peace on earth.

This is why we protested in the 60's and 70's. We wanted to change the self righteous, political establishment. Human rights, removing anger were our goal. Where are we today?

We have failed at changing the order of the universe. Some have buried their heads in drugs, or religion. Maybe we should read the BIBLE again. Take hope in a new heaven and new earth, after this one has pasted away.

Southern California On Fire - Again?

Flames rage up the mountains and down the canyons above Malibu. According to CNN, 1500 acres and 20 plus homes in less than 5 hours have been burned.

The fear is back, that only weeks ago, gripped the residents. Vivid images of smoke and 75 foot flames tower over their up scale community.

Malibu is a trendy, upper class city of southern California. The city's website gives you current news and events.

Here we go again. Dry grass and strong winds make for deadly mixture. There has not been enough winter to any rain in the sunshine state.

• Could we be looking at a trend for the next few months?
• Could Southern California become scorched earth?
  
• Could this all be part of Global Warming?

Tell me what you think.

Brazilian Jail - Brazil Girl

I am amazed at the lack of respect some people have for each other. This morning when I read about a 15 year old girl in jail with 21 men, I got sick to my stomach.

An area of northern Brazilian state called Para is about twice the size of France. This area is known for being a lawless state. The reported events around the jailed girl only speak to the depraved nature of this region.

CNN reports that social workers were barred from visiting this girl. Other reported events speak of a massive cover up. Now the world is looking to Para everybody is getting on the band wagon crying for justice.

What I want to know is how did this 15 year old girl end up in a jail with 21 men. Don't tell me that this is an isolated event. I have read other reports to where this is much more common than what the local government wants us to believe.

News reports from the BBC tell of more barbaric behavior among the local officials in charge of the jails.

What will happen? The general public cry for justice. People march and protest. Some local government officials will retire, quietly. Other officials will go to jail, in a prison of all women.
But many of people, especially in the United States will go on with Christmas shopping.

Black Friday?

Why do they call the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday? It seem to me it would be better to call it "Green Friday". Green meaning money. It is the day big day that merchants start the big push to separate you from your money.

This year many malls are opening a 1am. Their are even a few major stores that were open yesterday with their "After Thanksgiving Sale".

Anyway, if you are reading this you more than likely have braved the early morning crowds a your local mall. In the process you have been elbowed, toes stepped on, and a little poorer.

The real Black Friday is for the 154 people on a cruse ship Explorer that is going down in the Antarctic waters. Unlike the Titanic of 1912, all the passenger are report to have been safely evacuated and on other ships.

The word Black has such a dark, unhappy, and disastious implication to the day. Regardless of all that is happening in the world. I have purposed to make this a good day after Thanksgiving. How am I going to do that? I am going to continue to thank people I know for their influence in my life.

Thanksgiving Is Being Thankful

Today is a day to be thankful for what we have. There are 100's of stories of people who are thankful for what they have, this Thanksgiving.

This year has been a very rough year for my family and I. When I look around, I see people who are far worst off than us. The little two-year-old Indian girl who has gone through massive surgeries just to function in this world. The families of all the causalities of Iraq. And they many more who I could list. But they would make us all depressed.

What I want to write about this morning is my family. Like any other family we have had our disagreements. There are members who have not talked to seen for years. But I love them, everyone. Why? Because they are family.

I am thankful for each member of my family living or dead has influenced on my life.

• My Dad - He was very old school. Not very well educated. He did the best he knew how to do. I am thankful that was such a hard worker. He would work long hard hours in a saw mill to put food on our table.
• Mom - She had us two boys. Regardless of our stubbornness, she taught us that we needed to be moral good Christian men who respect those in the world we live.
• My Brother - We have not seen or spoke to each other in years. I am still thankful for him. Even though he is my younger brother, I look to him as my older brother. Considering our parents two sons, he was always the more mature.
• My Wife - Yes, this is my 4th marriage, but Norma and I have lived together for over 11 years. I have never closer now than we are at this time. She keeps me from going off the deep end of despair. I look at her and see a reason to keep going.
  
• Tre'anna - My youngest daughter. All girl, smart, and energetic describes her.
• Carolyn - I have not talked with in years. Even though she only lives a few miles from me. I think about her and her brother. I see my wasted, rebellious youth.
• Everett John (Jay) - I have not seen him for years. When I hear about his adventures and life, I see myself at his age. I only wish I could of have been a more positive influence on his life.
• Norman Ford - My father-in-law who I have only talked with on the phone. I see the influence of his life. I respect him for all his hard honest work in a difficult time, and difficult situations.
• Mary ? - My sister-in-law. I don't think I have ever know someone who is so tender hearted and caring about my wife, her little sister.
• Edward - A brother-in-law who I have never met face to face. I have talked with him many times on the phone. I have read some of his writing, and learned some of his history. Sometimes I wish my life was as valiant and courageous as his.
  

That is my family. Near and far from me physically, and emotionally. This Thanksgiving 2007, I am thankful for them. The influence they have in my life.

Cambodian - Khmer Rouge; Justice At Last

In the Cambodian capital, the alleged chief torturer, Kaing Guek Eav, of the Khmer Rouge appeared in court. The U.N.-backed genocide tribunal opened its first formal hearing.

The Cambodian Khmer Rouge was credited with the death of 1.7 million people. That was 21% of the Cambodian population The deaths were either from executioin, disease, starvation or overwork over a four year period. The book and the 1984 movie Killing Fields was about this dark period in Cambodian history.

Now after nearly 30 years, justice is being served. Thanks to funds from the United Nations these demons of death and torture will get displayed before the world. As the world looks on, the Cambodian people get to renounce what was done. This should give some closure to the survivors.

But why so long? It seems to me that it is almost inhuman torture to hold these men in prison all these years. The same swift speedy justice that was done to Nazis after World War II should of have been done to these men. The Nazi tortures were found tried and executed within a 10 years after the end of WWII.

JJ Did It - NASCAR Champion

Jimmy Johnson did it again. Two NASCAR Nextel Cup Championships back to back. This has not happen in NASCAR since 97 and 98 when Jeff Gordon did it.

I have been watching or following the NASCAR Cup series for a long time. NASCAR has gone through a lot of changes. Cars, rules, drivers, not to mention the money.

I wonder if a NASCAR champion of 30 years ago could drive in the Cup Series of today. Why? Take a look at what is required of a drive in 2007. A NASCAR driver of today not only has to be great driver, but he must be a great pr symbol.

I remember when Tony Stewart won his first championship. Joe Gibbs had to stand beside him. Everytime Tony start to say the wrong thing, Joe would poke him in the ribs or step on his toe.

NASCAR is a big money, big family image sport. This is a big difference from when it first started. Back in its early years, drivers were drunks, rough, and crazy. They were not pictured as ideal family men.

Junior Johnson was is another NASCAR champion who is a prime example of the NASCAR of the past. He ran moonshine, illegal whiskey, then took his driving skills to track.

Boise State Football - Really, Really Good

BSU is having back to back championship seasons. Can there be any other football team that deserves the recognition considering all they have been through.

This month beating opposing teams with scores like 52 - 0 and 58 - 14 makes Boise State football team look really good or those other guys really bad. Well, if you drive around the city of Boise Idaho will see it and its residence deck out in orange and blue. They believe their team is really, really good.

I am not one that follows to much sports, but my family, along with the most of the nation, and myself is tracking each yard and victory. Is that Bronco Fever? Yes it is and all of central Idaho has it.

Next week the Boise State Broncos along with a large portion of Boise Idaho will be in Hawaii. This will mean if Boise will go to the Sugar Bowl or not. Depending on who you read, BSU or UofH will be a good close game.

Well, for half of the nation recovering from turkey and cranberry overdose. BSU at Hawaii will make a good game to watch. Let the wives and moms go shopping, the men will get their adrenaline flowing by watching the first quarter of the BSU vs Hawaii game.

MySpace Suicide - Megan Meier’s

Megan Meier’s MySpace Suicide just goes to show a vurnenable our children are to this electronic media, known as the internet. Even under close parental supervision, a young teenager hangs herself over an prank!

The latest figures on teenage suicide Each year 5000 teen and young adults kill themselves. The suicide rate for 15-19 year olds was higher approaching the 1990's than it had ever been. It is expected, that in this decade, 2000-2010, 2 million 15-24 year olds will attempt suicide.

Our children should out live us. Every time my daughter runs to her bedroom crying, I ask myself, "How is she going to deal with the problem she ran to her room over?"

We can not put our children in a protective bubble, but we give them skills to cope with lives disappointments. No! We got to do more we go to live and teach them to deal with the hard things in life. The rejection, the bullies, and all the other pressures in growing up.

That is why everyday, I get on my knees and pray to God for wisdom in raising my daughter. You see, my two oldest children, I was not there for them. Periodically, I see them on the internet. My heart cries. I can not help blame myself for not being there for them when they were young.

Barry Bonds - It is over

It looks like Barry Bonds career is over. He was taking steroids. His 762 home runs will forever have the mark of being drug induced.

It is official,Barry Bonds lied. He lied to millions of baseball fans. He lied to the baseball commission. He lied to the United States Congress. He lied to himself, thinking he could get away from the truth.

We can't fully blame Barry Bonds. The pressure is so great to excel in sports, work, and life we are all looking for something that will give that little edge. Sports figures are tempted with steroids.

I did a little research. I could not find any cost number for professional sports. However, a high school football team testing for steroids have an budget expense from $7,000 to 9,000 per season. That is a lot of money for any high schools budget.

Baseball players having the pressure to perform. Leagues having the pressure to keep everyone honest. Which means on a level drug free playing field. This is going to affect the cost of us who want to go and see a good honest game?

Paris and Six Drunk Elephants?

This morning when I was going through the morning news and trends, I had to stop and do a double take. There was a news headline about Paris Hilton and six drunk elephants.Images popped into my head of Pairs Hilton getting six elephants drunk and taking them down Hollywood Blvd.

Then I saw another posting on the internet of Paris Hilton doing a pole dance, in New York City. Man, that girl gets around. Talk about a wild child.

Where are her parents? What do they think about her crazy life style? They can not be approving.

Britney Spears is in the news again. If you like keep track of all these wild children and their adventures check out TMZ.com.

Look at me, talking like my parents in the 60's and 70's. The only difference is that, today the news of our children's wild deeds get out to the world a lot faster.

Sowing ones wild oats comes with rumors and some pretty tall tales of deeds done. I just hope some of those rumors are not true. I hope the wild oats won't do any lasting damage. But Six drunk elephants being lead down Hollywood Blvd by Paris Hilton. That is just a bit too wild.

Eva Longoria Sex Tape?

Eva Longoria has confirmed that she has starred in the sex tape. Eva says that it’s not what the people are thinking. The tape is a funny video and not a real sex tape. Desperate Housewives star did this minute-long video. It was a staged for FunnyOrDie.com.

I put the video below for you to see. It is nothing more than two people joking around on a bed.

People in the public eye like that attention. It not only feeds their ego, but it means money in their large bank accounts. This "sex tape" is nothing more than a semi clean "publicity stunt".

Us common folks love to see and hear about sex, drugs, especially dirt on anybody in the public eye. This year we have seen Senator Larry Craig, Britney Spears, and a host of others. Our human nature loves to view the dark side of other. That way we feel more self righteous.

The Osmond Family

Possibly one of the greatest fathers died a week ago in Provo Utah. George Osmond was the patriarch of one of the most popular singing families. All of his children including Donny and Marie are known for their singing and family values.

A true test of any man's reputation is by the lives of his children. Not many men, after they are dead have their children on Oprah's show. The Osmond siblings discussed the man who created an entertainment dynasty-their father. They honor his memory with laughter, tears and an incredible.

Even though I may disagree with his religious beliefs, I wish I could of have had the same influence on my children as he did. He had to be a businessman, a counselor, an expert at time management, a coach, and a life of personal integrity. I can not see anyone faulting George Osmond.

I can not see any better example of an earthly father.

Oil Spill, Russian Disaster, West Mother

This morning when I was checking the morning news the Oil Spill in the San Francisco Bay, the Russian Oil Spill, and Rapper Kanye West's mother dies. All this bad news and more after a supposed positive NBC's Green Week. All of this bad news is quite depressing. I haven't even touched on the state of financial institutions.

Of course every week, along with most everyday is filled with death. Some days more than others. It is not just people, but plants, animals, and our planet. What is a person to do?

One of the most inspiring song I have heard in years comes from a now cancelled TV show. That was Star Trek Enterprise. The song is titled, "Faith of the Heart".

I have been called an eternal optimist. It may just be so. But in the light of so much death, and gloom we need to have a ray of light.

I have embedded the long version of the video from YouTube. Listen and watch it a couple of times. It may motivate you to go out and do something positive, today.

Veterans - Thank You

Today we honor those men who fought so that we could have basic freedoms. Over the 200+ years of our country we have had many wars. Millions have suffered both physical and mental wounds for an idea and philosophy we hold; "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

We have always had citizen of this country who disagreed with our government to fight a war. That is okay. Men and women have fought, suffered, and died so they could voice their objections.

This morning I have searched on Google Images. Some were not pretty. Some made war look glorious. There were even some charts and posters.

Still I have to say, THANK YOU, to all those who fought in wars, and conflicts. I may not of have agree with them all, but I have to respect what was done for my freedom.

Da Vinci's - Everybody Loves A Mystery

Leonardo Da Vinci was a man who had a power affect on mankind to this day. From the the Mona Lisa to the Da Vinci Code. and the Last Supper all contain a shroud of mystery.

Everybody loves a secret, hidden treasure, or code. Even down to solving a crossword puzzle. It makes us feel smart when we find it.

Leonardo Da Vinci was a smart man. I believe he knew very well how everyone loves a mystery. He used it to sell his painting. A great marketing tool.

In our age of information and computers, this same mystery/marketing tool is being used. It is called an Easter Egg. They are games, pictures, and other neat little things hidden in DVD's, pictures, and computer programs.

These Easter Eggs may not of have increase sales, but they keep people going back to see these little hidden treasures.

Toys - Recall - Which Ones Are Safe?

The news has been filled with dangerous toys. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission list is so long I have given up on trying to research the reason for each recall. I do know that the vast majority of toys come from China.

Toy Info.org is a website that is sponsored by the US Toy Industry to help inform parents about the recalled toys. Kids Health.org is another resource for finding safe toys for your children. About.com has a complete guide to help choose toys by age range.

Call me a bit old fashion, but what has happen to wooden building blocks, and Legos? These are the toys that have been around through many generations. They have been proven safe, entertaining and educational.

Considering that this is going to be tight Christmas on many families pocket book. Going back to the basics may be a good move.

War Veterans - Homeless

This morning CNN reported that 25 percent of the homeless population in the United States are war veterans, while the homeless represent 11 percent of the civilian adult population. Soldiers returning from the Iraq war are becoming homeless more quickly than veterans from Vietnam.

The inability to readjust back into American society has been given the reason for the problem.

I thought this was only a problem with returning soldiers of the Vietnam era. But the same post traumatic stress is affecting our returning soldier from Iraq and Afghanistan.

This problem is not just to young men in the early 20's, but 30, and 40 returnees. War has always ways been called, "HELL". Spending a year or so in HELL changes a man or a woman to the point that functioning in American Society difficult.

Hearing loud noises and thinking it is gun fire. The inability to relax. Coming home a different person. All these mark a war vet.

Bottomline: What can we do for these poor torment men and women? They didn't give their lives for their country. They gave their emotional sanity.

Oil Is Still Rising!

Oil is still rising Oil prices jumped to a new trading record above $98 a barrel Wednesday. Traders remain worried about whether supplies will be adequate to meet demand for heating fuel in the approaching Northern Hemisphere winter.

All the experts are saying that it is going to be a cold winter. Home heating oil to gasoline for your car will be in short supply. There is not relief in sight!

Economic Analysis say that the upward trend of the price of oil is in relation to the down ward trend in the U.S. dollar. So what are we to do???

As a nation we must learn to use less crude oil. As individuals we must reduce our lifestyles. Instead of living from pay check to pay check, we need to look at increase our financial cushion.

I realize this is difficult considering the cost of living keeps going up, up, and up. If we are going to keep from living on the streets, we have to take some radical action.

Al Quada Is After Our Children

In London, MI5 broke the news that Al Quada has been actively recruiting teenagers. I don't believe that it is only in England that this is happening.

Us as parents get to busy to spend time with our children. They become prey for radical group that want to use them as human bombs.

Being a teenager is difficult enough; raging hormones, awkwardness, along with just trying to fit in a group. If the parents are off to work, and other social activities there is no guidance.

In the United States, Dr James Dobson has devoted his whole life to keeping families together and safe.

In Europe, they work at giving young people an education or trade. Europe program unofficially titled, "Every young person education and skill to work." This is done in hopes young adults will have value of self worth in what they do and who they are.

My question is what are we going to do about keeping our children from becoming human bombs for Al Quada?

Pakistan and You

Some people are asking why should they be concerned about Pakistan. A country half a world away. It would be taking U. S. dollars that we need so badly here. Especially since we have the Christmas season so close and our economy is so bad.

On the service it looks like the old line of politicians leaders don't want a woman in power. Maybe the current leaders don't want to leave their position of power. I agree with the report from the BBC. The root cause is that Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf (if you can pronounce his name) has had several ruling against him from the the Pakistan courts.

What makes it so scary for me is that a group of men can for no apparent reason declare martial law, and then devolve the country's legal system. Pakistan police , even, used force against lawyers when they tried to reverse this crisis through legal means.

The bottom-line: No one individual or group in power has the right to change the rules if it does not suit their own agenda.

Daylight Saving Time - Fall Back

Daylight Savings Time has ended for most of us. There are only one state that is stubborn to have time their own way, that is Arizona. Set your clocks back one hour. If you want more information about Daylight Saving Time click here.

You have 25 hours, today, instead of the usual 24. That means you can sleep, work, or just watch football for an extra hour. I hope you are not like some businesses that are open 24/7. That may mean your shift will be an extra hour long.

California - Shake and Bake

On Halloween morning, a magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck in a rural area of northeast of San Jose, California.

Southern California is lining up fire crews and aircraft to get a jump on wildfires if the hot, dry Santa Ana winds expected to return this weekend cause major flare-ups.

I left California over ten years ago, because the cost of living was just getting so high. The poverity level was around $30,000. From an article in the Pittsburgh Turbine the cost of living in California has not changed much.

People and disaster are making California an undesired place to live. Southern California is suffering from fire damage and the threat of fires. Northern California is constantly in the fear of a major earthquake. Those in the middle or on the outer edges of California are suffering financially from the economic impact.

We are headed for tough times. The people in California will probably suffer more than the rest of us. We as part of the United States, one nation, under God need to pull together. If we all stay in our own little world and cry, we too may end up "Shaken and Baken".

Stock Market Down - Oil Is Up

Yesterday, the New York Stock Exchange dropped a 360 points as investors found themselves confronted by two big negative reports. Oil prices shot up to $96 per barrel. Citigroup Inc. and Bank of America Corp., the two biggest U.S. banks, were downgraded for being a credit risk.

Investors pulling money out of stocks turned to the safe haven of the Treasury market. Bloomberg is reporting a darker picture of our nations financial health. Asian and European stock markets are down following what has happen in New York.

The stock markets have built in a suppose crash protection. In light of what has been happening in the housing market and oil, that crash protection has just delayed a major crash. You only can delay a bad thing only so long.

This Christmas/Holiday shopping season is going to be very weak. Don't expect any bail out sales numbers. High oil prices will raise prices and reduce sales. The housing mortgage issue will only reduce sales. I don't see any major turn around this year. Maybe after the election next November?

Halloween - Is Over and Weird

Yesterday's news has a slight weird and frightful bent. California had another earthquake. The death toll in the Dominican Republic and Haiti rose to 81, from Tropical Storm Noel. The television Halloween specials seemed to have gone over the top.

Well Halloween is over. It sure seem like a weird one.

• Uploading my blog's picture of the day was delay by over an hour.
• A visit to the hardware superstore had a debt card malfunction.
• Cell phone stopped working from 8 am to 3 pm.
• My two main email accounts were stuck downloading email.
• Voices over the phone were blending with people in the same room as me.
  
• The only thing that seem normal was the Halloween party at end of the day.

Well, I am glad it is over today is All Saints Day. Hopefully life will start getting back to some resemblance of normal.