Survival Mode vs Success

Survival mode is a tough way to live. I have been living in that mode for most of 2007. It prevents me for doing little more surviving, because there is no energy to do anything else.

I look around the house. It could be a lot cleaner. I should of have been caught up on paper work. I need to donate some computer monitors, and printers. The car needs some attention. There are some phone calls I need to make.

There were a couple times this years I collapsed at the front door. I had no more energy from all the physical and emotional pressure. I was working as a day labor, on a construction site. Then walking five miles home. Then I collapsed. I ended up crawling inside the house and falling asleep.

Other times my wife and I could do nothing more than watch television. The depression was so great. No money coming in to pay bills. Bills piling upon other bills. There was no end in sight.

My prayer for to 2008 is to get out of survival mode. We don't smoke, drink or do drugs. There is not reason not to be successful. We want to help other people, but we cannot if we poor and just a breath from living on the streets.

I Am Guilty

I am guilty. No if ands or but about it. A series of wrong decisions got us in the position we are in today. Those decisions did not just happen in 2007. They go back over many years. Some were made when I was a teenager.

My two oldest children are grown. I haven't seen them for years. Even through they both live within 50 miles of me. They just don't want to have anything to do with me. I created that. When they were babies, I left them and their mother. When I came to Idaho, I was hoping to fix it. That didn't happen.

My brother and I have not talked for years. The last time I talked to him was over the telephone. He wanted me to leave my current wife and child and go help my oldest daughter. At that time my oldest daughter acted like she was tolerating me. She did not want to even acknowledge that I was her biological father.

I have not fought to bring the whole family together, including my wife and daughter. My wife's family is in Texas. She has not seen them for over 11 years. My youngest daughter has not seen her grand parents. I have not seen my family members for over 5 years. Since I am the oldest, I should be reaching out and helping them.

That last statement is some pie in the sky idea. I can't even help my wife and daughter. I can't even support them. We are filing for bankruptcy. I don't even know where we are going to get the money to do that.

Beat Up or Go Forward

I could be so easy to get depressed. I could be so easy to become incapacitated with negative emotions. But I choose not to let myself be that way.

This is a very dark time in my life. I have to much counting on me to succeed. I can not give up. I will not give up. I must and will go forward.

Last night when I got home from work, about 7:15 p.m. I found myself grumpy getting ready to snap at my wife and daughter. Once I saw what I was about to say, I went into the bedroom. Then changed my clothes, and went to bed.

I woke up 5 hours later. There was my beautiful wife sitting up in bed. She could not sleep because of all the dark things going on in our lives. We talked for sometime about the feeling we were going through. She was blaming herself. I was blaming myself. Finally, we agreed it was better just to take a hard look at what went wrong in 2007 and move forward.

We agreed that there would be a few things we are definitely going to do from this day forward. I have listed them below.

• Turn loose of the network marketing business.
• Expand, research and turn the writing into and income side business.
• Have our day jobs 40 hour plus per week main income.
• Seek out people that successful for advice.
  
• Pray for wisdom from God to make the right decisions.
  

Bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is one option. This is one option I did not want to consider. Guilt, shame and depression was what was I was feeling as got up the courage to make some phone calls. I had to call over five places. We could afford a lawyer. I had to find another alternative. Finally I found help through a place called Self Help Legal.

From the time I called to the time I walked into their office was about two hours. I met with a large man behind a desk. He did everything to relieve my fears and anxiety. He told me that close of this year about 2,000 people would be filing for bankruptcy in southern Idaho. Just the fact we were not alone, relieved my anxiety.

I spent over an hour with this para legal. The one inch stack of forms, he set in front of me, got less intimidating as we went through them page and line by line. I paid him $200, because that was all I had in my pocket. I still had to come up with another $400 to cover his time and filing costs. When I left, I felt that this was the way we had to go to keep from ending up on the streets or in jail.

Later that day, when I told my wife what I had done. She just looked at me and smiled. Later that night I asked how she felt about going to seek help for bankruptcy. She told me that she was first angry with the world for us having to do it. Then she had to accept how bad off we were financially. Now she was feeling better. She said that she knows it is the right thing to do.

So this weekend I got to go through the box of bills, sort through them and fill out the bankruptcy forms. This if the first time in a long time I was able look at the box. Now I feel we are really climbing out of this whole.

Thursday - A Plan To Seek Help

Well, it is Thursday. I am still alive. I have not committed suicide. I must stay positive. I have two other lives that are depending upon me. I must fight and climb out of this hole with every breath that is inside me. At lease we still have a roof over our heads.

Yesterday, my wife and I set a plan to help us through this time of disaster. I got a list of organizations that help people like us. Today, I am going to call each one. We really need to find out what we can do. We really need to keep a roof over our heads. We really need to keep our car, so we can get back and forth to work.

My hours at work have doubled. That is a good thing. I am just under 40 hours. My wife's job is continued until the end of January.

I really felt bad, yesterday, because I could not take my wife our to dinner. It was our anniversary. All I could give her was a hug and tell her how much I love her.

I am afraid to check the mail because of more bills. If we lose this place we can't afford to get in another one. Rents are what we pay for mortgage and space rent on this manufactured home.

I have some leads on blogs and other writing jobs. These I can do as a second job. Maybe just maybe this will bring in the extra income to get out of this whole we are inside.

Christmas Is Over Now The Street

Christmas is over and now it is time to pay the piper. Debt and all the bills that were ignored from 2007 have come due. 2008 may find me on the street.

There is no one to blame but myself. My only regret is that this will affect my family, also.

Today, I am going to make a bunch of phone calls. I am hoping at the very least that I can move us to a small trailer. But we have no money.

Over the last couple of months I have been selling off almost every non-needed thing we own. Now our house is soon to go. Our income when from $1000 per week to less than $500, between my wife and I. It seems no matter what I have done in 2007 we kept bringing in less money. No the wolf is at the door.

At least our daughter had a good Christmas. We spent about $100 on her a guitar and cloths. Even still we are doom.

Hamburger For Christmas

Christmas of 1972 is one Christmas I will never forget. I was 18. I had promised my parents that I would be home for Christmas. On December 23rd I was in Arizona hitchhiking my way to a small town north of Reno Nevada. I was without money and worried that I would make it home in time.

I got a ride from an older man who was driving to LA for Christmas. I could tell he had never picked up a hitchhiker because he asked to see my drivers license before he would let me in his car.

A couple hours later, he dropped me off at the freeway on ramp just outside Kingsman AZ. He was going to a near by restaurant to get a meal. About a few minutes later, he came back. Told me get in the car. Then he drove back to that restaurant, where he brought me a hamburger.

The next day was Sunday, and I was in Las Vegas. A man in his 30's gave me a ride. He dropped me off at a local church. After Sunday morning service, he took me to McDonald's. There he bought me a half dozen hamburgers, before dropping me off north of city.

I got home a 6pm on Christmas day. But I will never forget those Christmas hamburgers.

Rats Fleeing The Ship

Illegal immigrates leaving the United States and heading back home. Conditions are getting so rough that a growing number of illegal immigrates are head south for Christmas and good.

If I write about something that is happening in the news, I usually like to add the links or sources where I got the facts. Today, I found an article that maybe so new that I feel the need to write needs to be posted.

• Are we starting to get so tough on them that they are leaving?
• Is our economy so bad that the poverty of Mexico is attractive?

I have been told by several friends that I am over reacting. The American economy is not as bad I think it is. Do they have their heads in the sand? Maybe so. I just know that Latino's leaving the United States for home after being here for several years make me think of rats deserting a sinking ship.

What do you think? Am I right or Wrong?

CompUSA, Circuit City and Best Buy

What does CompUSA, Circuit City, and Best Buy have in common besides being a Big Box Store?

Well CompUSA is closing there doors in 2008. The general belief is that their failing was due to lack of good customer service. CompUSA was not taking care of their customers.

Friday Circuit City is reporting huge losses. The spoke person said that Circuit City is expecting losses for the end of the year. I ask you were is their customer service?

Best Buy report cash flow earning don't look that healthy. I am curious what their earning report for the Christmas season will be like.

Regardless of CompUSA, Circuit City, and Best Buy's prices they are suffering from lack of good customer services. People who spend their hard earned money expect to get a good value and good service. People who go to Costco don't expect help in getting their electronics to work. They just want a great saving.

The stores that are going to benefit are the local computer and technology stores. They know the value of good customer service. Yes their prices are a little higher, but you get face to face customer service. If their is a problem the owner and/or manager is right there to get the issue resolved.

What is your preference, price or service?

Christmas Shopping - Last Weekend

As the typical American man, I hate shopping. When it comes to Christmas shopping I put my back to the local mall and run as fast as I can.

My Christmas shopping is done by November 1st or I buy online. In the worst case, I will wait a couple days after Christmas for all the best deals. Anything to miss the Christmas crowds.

For you last minute Christmas shoppers. I have put below some last minute places to get the best deals.

1. Flat Screen Monitors
2. Wal Mart
3. Best Buy

For all you who do not know what to buy get a gift card. Frist read what Consumer Reports has to say about gift cards.

New Orleans Still Needs Help

New Orleans is still on the road to recovery. After over 2 years New Orleans people are still suffering from Katrina. Money along with donations have poured into the area. It does not seem to be enough. Or could it be the money and donation are being miss managed?

People are rioting over the city destroying public hosting. The homeless population is currently double what it was before Katrina. It appears that people are forced to live in the streets while houses are vacant. Sure these homes may need work to make them livable.

Why can't these house owner offer a deal with the homeless. In exchange for staying in the house they clean it up. The homeless can do the labor while the house owner provide the materials to fix it up. This would be an arrangement that would benefit both the homeless and the house owner with rentals that are sitting empty.

It was mentioned to me that there is such a selfish level of corruption that the money for fixing up these houses from FEMA is pocketed by the owner. Tell me what you think?

Eric Volz Helpless Behind Bars

Eric Volz is the prime example of being in another country, helpless because that country does not hold to the same legal values as we do. Thinking about Eric tightens my stomach with fear.

Eric Volz sits in a Nicaraguan prison with their court system saying release him. The sentencing judge and proscuter are not willing to release him. After a higher Nicaraguan court ordered his release, the sentencing judge hid out until the proscuter could file for an appeal of the higher court ruling.

I seriously doubt that Eric Volz will stay in Nicaragua. He will most likely leave the country to never return again. Instead this judge and friends wants to keep him there at the cost to the Nicaraguan people. It is like they are saying, We want to keep and make Eric suffer, because we like it.

I have heard enough horror stories about Americans in jail around the world. It has made me fearful to travel to abroad. I was afraid that I would be stuck in jail away from loved ones. The reason was I said or did something that offend the people in the country I was visiting.

Tell me about your experiences. What do you think about this subject?

Sex and Violence and Scandel

Sex, violence and scandal get most all of the attention. The top news stories of today are centered around sex and violence.

• Britney Spears little sister.
  
• Earthquake off the coast of Alaska
• Robertson's Ambush remembered
• Naked women in Arizona

The human desire for conflict and excitement takes over the news. Granted even the books that are most popular, like Harry Potter, have violence and conflict. What about the most popular online game, World of Warcraft?

I should talk. I watch on television all of the CSI's, and other crime drama's. In sports I watch NASCAR with all of it driver bumping and other conflicts on the track. Even in my reading of the Bible, the Old Testament characters overcoming adversity is what I tend to read.

Am I just as sick and pervert? No I am human. It is all part of you make up of being human.

Animal Abuse Is Close To Human Abuse

In a small city next to Boise ID, at cat's tail was left in a mailbox. This is not an isolated incident. People who physically abuse animals have escalated to the abuse of men, women, and children.

This is a serious issue. There is even a national registry for people abuse animals. NBC air a report about a veterian who took investigating abuse to the level of CSI. We are going to see more special teams to protect animals.

There are two type of animal abusers. The aggressive physical abusers who mutilate and create fighting situations. Dog fights is the most common of this form of abuse. The other group just ignore proper care and feeding. Cats and dogs allowed to breed unclean and crowded conditions. I could list 100's of examples.

I am very emotion about this subject, because I an owner of three cats. Each has a personality of their own. They are a big part of our family.

• Princess - The oldest, the most sophisticated, and overseer of the other two cats.
• Star Fire - The most independent. Star Fire is our Garfield. A house cat that must go out each morning for his morning walk.
• Oscar - The youngest that keeps the other cats young. He bolts through the house for any reason.
  

What can we do in our daily life to help the creatures in which we share this planet?

Jack La Lane is Back!

This morning when I got up, my wife was up watching an info commercial of Jack La Lane. I had to do a double take. He is still alive.

I remember in the 50's and 60's watching Jack La Lane doing jumping jacks on our first TV. He was the first fitness guru on TV. His exercises were simple. Dad would do the exercises with Jack before he would go to work.

Today, he is doing one of those early morning info commercial. Now I got motivated me to Google Jack LaLane. Google came back with 58,600 and Yahoo came back with 146,000 instances that Jack La Lane was found on the World Wide Web.

I found JackLaLane.com. The Official website of Jack La Lane. So I click on the link. Jack has very impressive website. It contains a pictures, health tips, and products. There a few cartoons. It is done with the same energy and style that I remember as a kid watching him on TV.

You check out Jack's website. If for nothing else to see what a 91 year that exercises is like.

CIA or Google - You have no privacy

Who knows more about you? Is it the CIA or Google?

Stop and think about it. The CIA, FBI, or should better say Homeland Security is constantly gathering information about US citizens. The information armed with the Patriot Act is to protect us from another attack like 9/11.

Now Google is a different story altogether. Is a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange. It is a For Profit company. They give you search results, while at the same time they sell advertising and tracked market results.

Where does that leave you?

Well, I could take the stand of a paranoid person that says, "Everybody is out to get me." I could blow it off and say, "It is all just over reacting." However, I am at neither extreme. I am a realist.

I truly believe that we need to have safe guards in place to protect us. Information made public and held in trust needs to be done so with over site. As much as I hate the dirt showing of our presidential candidates, it is stuff we need to know. We need good impartial information to make informed decisions.

That is right. I am very middle ground when it comes to privacy. I do have some dark horses in my closet, but who doesn't? I do want to know who I am taking as a partner. But I do not want to read my neighbor's emails to his wife.

Christmas - What do you want?

• What do you want for Christmas?
• Is it something practical?
  
• Is it something fancy?
  
• Is it something that will add to your toy list?
  
• Could it be something that will benefit all of humanity?

My daughter is asking for a guitar. She want like music. She has that inter desire to perform in front of people. So at 7 years old is a good gift for her.

My wife has put up so much pain and heartache from different people. I want to give her something that will make her feel special.

I would just like to see a better year in 2008. So I my Christmas wish list is wisdom, and things that would make me a better person to whom I live around and do business.

I made bad decisions in 2007. Some accumulated affects of medications doctors put me on were finally seen. Now steps are being taken to reverse them. I am doing it with prayer and the doctors. That would be spending money I do not have at this time.

When I started this blog it was about the computer industry. It has been ever changing to me and my commentary of news. I would like to get it more focused to help people see a little different perspective than what might not been seen or read anywhere else.

Tell me what you want from this blog in 2008. That will be my Christmas gift to you.

Mitchell Report - Look Out!

The Mitchell Report was released yesterday. It not only discussed the extent that sports enhancing drugs are used in baseball, but it named names of players that used them. There were not just 5 or 10 players, but 85!

The desire to excel in any sport pushes the player to get that little bit of an edge over the competition. It could be a trick move. Many teams record their games and play them back, afterwards for the team to learn and improve. I have even seen computer models showing what the individual player does in comparison to what he or she should be doing. Is there little wonder that what is ingested is meant to enhance a players performance.

Back when I was in high school (the late 60's) football players were told to eat high carbohydrate meals before a game to help them. This was usually meant a big plate of spaghetti. Today, we have specialize foods, drinks, and snacks to help player get the most out of their game.

The bigger the players salary, the bigger demand on performance and winning. Why should we be surprised about players using enhancing drugs. Sure drug test the player, but don't be surprised that they have been cheating on test.

Ever since the start of drug testing on sports, and other professions, there has been people who have wanted to cheat on the drug test. Along comes doctors, drugest, and criminals who have come up with ways to cheat those drug test. Infact you can go on the internet and get kits that will help you test clean on almost any drug test.

If we want a sport where the players are not using performance enhancing drugs, we will have to make that sport one that does not require high performance from the players. That sport would be no fun to play or watch.

Righting A Wrong - Is not $725

Imprisoned for what he did not do. Branded for he was not. Made to suffer for a life time. Is $725 enough compensation?

Samuel Snow was imprisoned back in 1944. Fifteen months later he was release. He returned home where he worked as a janitor. Today, at 63 he received a slap in the face instead of justice.

The $725 is just for pay while he was imprisoned. No adjustments for the years it was withheld. Any non-government business would be forced to pay interest and penalties.

What about a lifetime of suffering a wrong? What about the US government admitting and standing up for the truth, and justice?

Today, Mr Snow name is not officially cleared. Medical benefits and retirement pay are withheld because of his discharge status has not be reversed. A veteran of WWII, caught in the wrong place at the wrong time is made to pay.

What would do if you were caught in this situation?

Fed, Stock Market, Oklahoma, It is all Down

Watching the news, last night, all I heard was the word down. So all I could conlude was the December 11, 2007 was a very down day.
The Fed dropped interest rates, and the stock market went down. At the same time the housing crisis is making Christmas a real down time.

The ice storm has got Oklahoma down. Computer and government offices are down. More than 600,000 people have their electricity down. Airports are down.

A twin truck bombing in Algiers took down over 30 people. A triple car bomb in southern Iraq took down 39 people and wounding more than 100.

All this down stuff happening it is hard to be up about the Christmas. Maybe we need to looking at all the people who are helping others. That is a real up. In fact is that not the real meaning of Christmas and this time of the year.

• Barbara Morgan, astronaut/teacher is up in McCall Idaho.
  
• Electric crews from Texas are heading up to Oklahoma to help out.
• Like always the Red Cross is up to helping people who need help.
• Where would we be without the Salvation Army helping people up.
• I do not know of a school, church or group that is not up and helping with food, toy, or clothing drive for those in need.
  

Oprah Not Obama For President

I have read from an African American blogger who thinks that if Barack Obama got elected president, the 'Good Ole Boy' political system would eat him alive. This may be true. He is young and relativity in experienced when it comes to capitol hill workings.

Oprah Winfrey, on the other hand, is an individual that has built an organization from nothing. She has proven that she can get things done in a mega business structure. Of course entering the politics she would have to give up her show and some of her other interests.

But what about our founding fathers and the sacrifices they made for our country. They thought our country was worth putting their lives and reputations on the line. They gave us a great start as a country.

I have always been one of those who have said, "Make the politicians get real jobs and put successful business men and women in charge of running our government." I know it is a radical idea, but the vast majority of Americans disagree with me.

I feel that business people are more honest, more experienced, and more inclined to understand what is really going on.

What do you think?

Christmas, Church, and Mall Shootings

Sunday, a mega church in Colorado Springs and a Christian missionary center near Denver were places of a deranged gunman. If these related incidents, police are still investigating.

Earlier this month, a mall in Omaha was the site of a youth taking out frustration and anger with a gun. Last February we saw another mall fall victim of a crazed shooter. There are many more that are not in the media's spot light.

Is this becoming more of a problem than we would like to think?

What is the cause? GUNS! I think not. It is the people who holding those guns and pointing them a innocent people.

Look a the background of these gunmen. They all seem to have a common thread. The inability to cope in current life conditions. Instead of seeking help. Instead of turning the gun on themselves, they lash out at those around them.

Maybe we should take a look around us. Find those who are getting close to the profile of these gunman. Then give them a Christmas gift of caring.

It could be as little as a Christmas Card or as much as becoming a friend. And only as a last resort report them to the police. For the mere protection of those around us.

NFL, NASCAR, Nestle USA

What does the NFL, NASCAR, and Nestle USA have in common? Hint: It is not the letter "N".

Each team in the NFL strives to be the very best. They hire, fire, and trade staff and players to get the best possible team. Performance, teamwork and good administration all are important components.

NASCAR is made of different divisions. Each has it own specifications for cars, and length of race. A single owner may own several cars in one division. However each car is made up of group of men and women who strive to be the best in their division.

Nestle USA is the largest food company in the United States. Even though Nestle USA is the top food manufacturing company it is alway striving to even better. Each team whether it be sales, manufacturing or research and development seeks to be the best it can.

You guest it. Each of these top organization have and stay at the top by four important factors.

1. Team Work - No one person can do it all. Each and every member is dependent on the whole and the whole is dependent on each member.
2. Eye On The Goal - The team as a whole has a goal. Each member may have a small individual focus, but the ultimate is in the back of the mind of each team member.
3. No Individuals Position Is Secure - We see teams change player in a game. NASCAR drivers change team when their driving style does not work with a particular car and team.
4. Rewards - The rewards are great when a team meets and exceeds it goals. If a team fail, it is likely some team member will be asked to leave. New people will be invited to join the team.

Each organization may give the appearance of being cold in the way they treat their members. But you got to keep in mind the ultimate goal is first and foremost.

What attributes make you at the top of your selected field?

CompUSA - Is It True?

The rumors are flying that CompUSA will close their doors in 2008. I first say a posting on Digg.com. Then this morning I saw it on Cnet.com and then Engadget.com.

The Big Box store that has be associated with computers and tech is closing. This signal the closing of an era in the realm of technology. When CompUSA first open in 1984 computers were very expensive. This lead to a large numbers of individuals to build their own computers.

Since the turn of the century computers have gotten cheaper. One can not build a computer for less that what you can buy a computer at Best Buy or Wal Mart.

I must admit that the only time I would go into CompUSA was to browse and check prices. Unless they had a great deal I would not buy anything there. I would go to the local computer or online for my regular computer shopping.

I thought it was interesting to read some of the comments on Digg about CompUSA. The comments from the PC World article confirm that shopping at CompUSA left a sour taste in many shoppers mouth.

When was the last time you shopped at CompUSA?

CIA - Human Rights - US Hipocrites

The world is talking about the interrogation tapes that were destroyed by the CIA. The United States are on its way to being labeled hypocrites. We are suppose to be the leader, the champion in human rights, but since 911 we are not.

Guantanamo Bay has become a home of suspects without trial or due process. The Supreme Court seems to be unwilling to help. Since the latest news of the destroyed tapes by the CIA, this just makes the United States look more like the bad guy.

We are going into an election year. Everything that can happen to make President Bush look bad is going to be all over the news media. But why can't this be a time of putting things right.

We did or allowed to be done, things after 9/11, that were reactive. After all who would could not react after seeing our airplanes taken out of our control and slammed into the Twin Towers.

Enough time has past. It is time to admit our mistakes from over reacting. We need to get back to basics. This Christmas season is a good time to do it. We need to start to treating others, around the world, as we would like to be treated.

Mall Shooter or Hero - Our Young People

A 19 year old gun goes on a shooting rampage in a mall in Omaha, Nebraska. Cnn honors 3 teenagers for doing outstanding work in their community. Five college students are arrested for assault in Pullman Washington. A 7 year old girl steps in front of a gunman to take bullets meant for her mom.

What makes the difference in our young people?

I believe every parent asks themselves this same question. Books have been written to help parents to raise better children. Yet we still have children that bring shame to our lives. Then it seems like the neighbors child is the shining star.

I have three children with quite a spread in age range. I know there are a few factors that make a big difference in their attitudes.

1. My attitudes and maturity as they were growing up.
2. My level of involvement in their school work when they were growing up.
3. My involvement with the things they like to do.
4. The way I communicated my expectations to them.

Reading my list you may think I take sole responsibility for the way they are living their lives. I do not. They make their own decisions. I am a mere guide to help them make their decisions, good or bad.

What is your parenting philosophy?

Northwest Rain - Gobal Warming?

We all have been seeing the reports of the flooding along the Portland/Seattle coast. Just over a range of mountains, in Idaho they are have unseasonably warm weather of 58 degrees.

I remember in less than 1o years ago, day time temperatures verily would get over freezing level.

This is the warmest winter I have ever seen in the Northwest since I moved here over 10 years ago. In fact this winter in Idaho feels like the a winter down the coast south of San Francisco.

I don't think that this is just an unseasonably warm winter. I really believe we are in the middle of a trend. Al Gore is right. We better start doing something!

I see so many cars driving down the road that only have one individual in them. We could cut the green house emissions by have two people in a car. Or we could make an even bigger impact by just walking to work.

What are you going to give, planet Earth, this Christmas to reduce global warming?

Employer Loyality Or Just Business

Christmas seems to be an unusual time of the year for employers and their employees. The employer must make decisions concerning employer/employee relations. A business owner gets caught between keeping the business in good standing financially or foster employer loyalty. Short term or long term results?

Charles Dickens in his story Christmas Carol deals with generosity of the employers heart. Unfair labor practices for the employee may be unfair for the employer. It is the Christmas Season, hard and fast rules of business should give way to helping the less fortunate.

What makes the differences? Does decisions change when an employee is employed by a small business or large corporation. After all a business that is on hard times should not go under for the sake of its' employees.

Christmas 2007, regardless the media wants to admit, is a difficult time. I walked through a small shopping center. Over half of the store fronts were empty. This one of the busiest sections of town.

Who do you think should shoulder the burden of this year's Christmas cheer? Employers or the working class? Or should we just treat the Christmas Season as any other time of the year?

Larry Craig - More Gay Sex

Just when you thought that the horse was dead and buried, the smell of decaying flesh attacks.

Yesterday, my eyes caught headlines of the Idaho Statesman, Larry Craig's name was back in the news. The Statesman was detail accounts of other Larry Craig gay activities. The evidence is that we may be dealing with more under neath the surface.

I wonder if there is not a lot more older married men, having gay sex on the side. This can not be just on isolated event. If so what is causing this behavior.

When I tried to search the internet for statics about the subject, I found nothing directly. Could it be such a taboo subject that no one wants to talk about it?

The only thing I could find, on the internet was related stats for the increase of sexually transmitted disease in married and gay men (18%). The number of sex offenders per 100,000 population (208), nationally.

So is this a growing problem? or a small minority in our society?

Cell Phones - Not Just A Phone Anymore

I remember back when a cell phone looked like a walkie talkie. Today, cell phones are small and do almost as much as a laptop computer.
Look at the iphone. It came on the market last June. It is not just a regular cell phone. It is the standard to compare others like the Blackberry and Palm. All of which are high end personal digital assistants/cell phones.

What about us who can not afford a $400 phone. Well, there is the pay-as-you-go phone or more commonly called the Go Phone.

Even these phone are more than just a telephone. They have features like a camera, games, and text messaging just for starters.

No wonder many people are giving up their traditional telephone for these little phones.

It is estimated that there are over 1.2 billion cell phone subscribers in the world. I personally that figure is low.

What amazes me the most is how can all these phone conversations go through the air with out messing up or bleeding over to other cell phone conversations.

Legend, Suicidal, Thrill Seeker, Extreme Knievel

Yesterday, Evel Knievel died at the age of 69. To the older generations he was called a thrill seeker, suicidal, or the ultimate thrill seeker.

I remember watching him on television jumping over cars, trucks, and canyons in his red, white and blue costume. Sometimes he would fail and crash. He is the only man I know that has broken every bone in his body and live to tell about it.

His most famous stunt was probably an attempt to jump over Idaho's quarter mile wide Snake River Canyon in 1974. They even made a movie about him, "Viva Knievel!" in 1977.

I have often wondered what makes a man do the things that Evel Knievel did. Was it for fame, money, and the adreline rush? Could he of have been a showman in his own art form?

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.