The End of the Year...And Some Tips For Using The Internet.

Will You Still Need Me

When I'm 64?

Motorcycle, Truck Hauling Travel Trailers and a Circus Jeep

Rhode Island NW and 6th NW 1928 and Now

Our New Neighbor....

The Private RN and I drove down to Rockaway Beach this morning to check on the cabins and take care of some business.

The yellow cabin next door, which last month had a blue roof, has occupants now: a short, skinny man with bad teeth and a not so skinny woman. It also has trash strewn all over the yard.

No, Longrooffan, it's not those two. It's a different short man and not so skinny woman. They appeared to be related though because they had about the same attitude.

So, as I am walking around the cabins checking them out- basically looking to see that all doors and windows are shut, no leaking faucets, no broken pipes, no external damage - as I walk around the NE corner of the cabin, I hear a barking and see a BFD come charging at me!

(BFD= Big F---ing Dog) I beat a hasty retreat around back of the cabin. I didn't know how long the chain was.

The dog is barking, loudly. I tell the Private RN this don't look good.

The door to the yellow cabin opens. Out comes the short skinny man.

I recognize him. He used to live in the red cabin on the other side of the yellow cabin.

Last Fall I had given him all the beer that was in the cabin icebox since the fourth of July - about a case and a half -- and asked him to keep an eye on the cabins over the winter.

Now he seems to be living in the yellow cabin. He comes out and says hi to me.

I tell him that his dog charged me and this summer when all the grandkids are down, it wouldn't do to have the dog that close to our cabins.

The not so skinny lady sticks her head out the door and tells me it is a friendly dog.

I told her it is chained up with a log chain, how effin friendly do you have to be to be tied up with a log chain.

I also told her it charged me and I would address the matter this summer.

She told me it was her right to have a dog.

Meanwhile, the dog keeps barking.

to be continued.....

Peace On Earth by Pope John XXIII

Encyclical (Latin title Pacem in terris) written by Pope John XXIII on April 11, 1963.

Main points: The only way to ensure peace is to ensure a foundation that consists of specific social rights and responsibilities. The bulk of the encyclical goes on to list these, detailing rights and responsibilities that ought to exist (1) between people, (2) between people and their public authorities, (3) between states, and (4) among people and nations at the level of the world community. Some specifics: cultural changes demand that women have more rights; justice, right reason, and human dignity demand that the arms race must cease; the United Nations needs to be strengthened.

Context: Follows two early Cold War events—the erection of the Berlin Wall (August 1961) and the Cuban Missile Crisis (October 1962). This is the first encyclical addressed to Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

Innovation: Its optimistic tone and development of a philosophy of rights made a significant impression on Catholics and non-Catholics alike

Road Trips And Cherry Broncos.

Barngoddess' Cherry Bronco! Nice Ride!

The Horsefarmer and the Barngoddess make a Bronco Run.

Longrooffan road trips from Naples FL to the Birthplace of Speed on blue highways.

Jeepjunkie and his crew take three hours to travel 55 miles from Atlanta to Macon.

The Private RN tried out a new spaghetti recipe on Xmas eve. Reactions were Mixed. She tore up the recipe and threw it away. Sara came in early and made a batch of "traditional" sauce.

Me, I spent my entire Christmas vacation in elastic waist pants eating Russell Stover Chocolates, drinking Budweiser beer, getting beat at checkers by my grandsons and bidding on stuff on Ebay! I was outbid on this and this and I almost got into a bidding war on
this - but reason kicked in. Whew, close one there! Ain't life grand!

I did find this website full of Cherry Broncos!

Celebrate Life!

Anger Management Course

Following is a description of an anger management course offered to Philadelphia residents online:

Online Anger Busting Anger Management Course
When the judge or your spouse or your boss says you need to get into an anger management program and change NOW, the last thing you want to do is spend the next 2 months going to a meeting once a week and listen to some guy lecture you on how to straighten out your head. With your marriage or your job on the line – not to mention a possible trip to jail – you want to get started immediately, so you can fix what needs to be fixed and get on with your life. GET STARTED TODAY!
For only $65.00, the comprehensive and powerful Online Anger Busting
Anger Management Course can help you begin to CHANGE NOW.

That is the beauty of my Anger Busting Online Anger Management Course – you can get started today! You will have three (3) months access to the Online Course so that can move at your own pace without being held back by a class full of people you don’t have a thing in common with except the need to get your anger under control. With my online course, you can cut through the red tape and get right down to business. The sooner you start and the harder you work, the quicker you will begin to make progress and get your life back.

Dang, even the description sounds angry! Do you think the guy in the post below will be signing up for the course?

Those people from Philadelphia, they get more angry about more stuff than anybody except maybe Norwegians.

Any Movie Worth Shooting Someone Over Is Worth Seeing, Especially If It Stars Brad Pitt!

James Joseph Cialella Jr., 29, of the 1900 block of Hollywood Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, and weapons violations for allegedly shooting a guy who talked through a movie.

Now sit down and shut up.

Not Funny.

Chip Saltsman, candidate for Republican National Committee Chairman
From CNN:

A candidate for the Republican National Committee chairmanship said Friday the CD he sent committee members for Christmas -- which included a song titled "Barack the Magic Negro" -- was clearly intended as a joke.

The title of the song about President-elect Barack Obama was drawn from a Los Angeles Times column.

"I think most people recognize political satire when they see it," Tennessee Republican Chip Saltsman told CNN. "I think RNC members understand that."

The song, set to the tune of "Puff the Magic Dragon," was first played on conservative political commentator Rush Limbaugh's radio show in 2007.

Its title was drawn from a Los Angeles Times column that suggested President-elect Barack Obama appealed to those who feel guilty about the nation's history of mistreatment of African-Americans. Saltsman said the song, penned by his longtime friend Paul Shanklin, should be easily recognized as satire directed at the Times.

The CD sent to RNC members, first reported by The Hill on Friday, is titled "We Hate the USA" and also includes songs referencing former presidential candidate John Edwards and the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, among other targets.

According to The Hill, other song titles, some of which were in bold font, were: "John Edwards' Poverty Tour," "Wright place, wrong pastor," "Love Client #9," "Ivory and Ebony" and "The Star Spanglish Banner."

Saltsman was national campaign manager for former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's presidential bid in 2007 and 2008. Before that, he held a variety of posts, including a number of positions under former Sen. Bill Frist of Tennessee

From thehill.com:

RNC candidate Chip Saltsman’s Christmas greeting to committee members includes a music CD with lyrics from a song called “Barack the Magic Negro,” first played on Rush Limbaugh’s popular radio show.

Republicans searching for ways to attack Obama have been hesitant to embrace any reference to his race. Limbaugh presciently predicted his allusion to the column nearly two years ago would win attention from left-leaning organizations that would suggest he was using Obama’s race against him.

The link to David Ehrenstein's column published in the LA Times, March 19, 2007, is here.

The link to a transcript of Limbaugh's comments in reference to Ehrenstein's column is here.

The link to a copy of the song that is at the center of this foot in the mouth, egg in the face, everyone knows you don't make fun of a person's race or sexual orientation bruhaha is here.

27' Winnebago and 18' Legends Cat Bass Boat With Mercury OB For Sale,

Will Not Separate.

My brother John is wanting to sell his 27' Winnebago Brave Motor Home and 18' Legends Cat Bass Boat with trailer and 150 hp Mercury Outboat.

Motorhome needs brake work and has minor cosmetic damage.

Boat is partially stored inside.

Located in Southern Iowa.

Contact John through his blog.

John has it listed on Craigslist also, the link is here.

Coal Ash Spill In Tennessee, So Much For Clean Coal

From NPR: Workers Struggle to Clean Up Tennessee Coal Ash Spill.

From the NYT: Coal Ash Spill Is Much Larger Than Initially Estimated.

City Utilities plans to store coal ash in silos for the new power plant.

Here are some FAQs for the new power plant.

Here is an interesting discussion on coal ash.

Everyone Knows It's Windy

This was forwarded to me by a weather watcher:

Hi to all...Latest forecast models and guidance is pointing to a ignificant severe weather event on Friday late afternoon into the overnight ...Tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flooding and all modes of severe weather will be possible....The synoptic weather pattern looks very much like the Jan 2008 tornado outbreak that brought 33 tornadoes to SW MO....The best time frame is from late Friday into Saturday...

That Jan 2008 tornado outbreak that brought 33 tornadoes to SW MO----The Horsefarmer made it through that one. Here is a photo of a tornado in Lawrence County taken on 10.17.07, coming in from the west. This was the second tornado to go through his place. He's got a storm cellar now.

He and the Barngoddess are over in Indiana/Kentucky area scoping out Bronco parts and such.

Eartha Kitt---1927 - 2008

Earth Kitt, a sultry singer, dancer and actress who rose from South Carolina cotton fields to become an international symbol of elegance and sensuality, died Thursday in Connecticut. Eartha Kitt was 81.

Last year

Another Christmas story

Just Hangin' Around The Trailer

Merry Christmas Baby....

Hanson

Christina Aguilera

Charles Brown

Taylor Hicks

Billy Idol

This one's for Longrooffan: Bruce Springsteen, I mean Rick Springfield

Otis Redding

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band

Sheryl Crow and Eric Clapton

Elvis Presley

Hanson

Brittney

Bruce Springsteen

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you who rode the Bus in 2008. Thank you and good night!

Christianity and Social Progress by Pope John XXIII

Encyclical (Latin title Mater et Magistra ) written by Pope John XXIII on May 15, 1961.

Main points: Enumerates the economic, scientific, social, and political developments that have taken place since Rerum novarum and Quadragesimo anno. Says there's not just a disparity between rich and poor classes anymore—there's a disparity between rich and poor nations. Decries arms race and the plight of the world's farmers. Arms spending contributes to poverty; peace would be possible if economic imbalances among nations were righted.

It's the duty of wealthy, industrialized nations to help poor, nonindustrialized nations; but in giving aid, it is every country's duty to respect the latter's culture and to refrain from domination. Since technological advances have made nations interdependent as never before, cooperation and mutual assistance are necessary. Says all Catholics should be reared on Catholic social teaching

Context: Advancements such as nuclear energy, automation, space exploration, and improved communication technologies pose complex, new problems for industrialized nations. Meanwhile, millions live in poverty in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Innovation: "Internationalizes" social teaching by addressing, for the first time, the plight of nonindustrialized nations.

Believe Me When I Am Wrong

click or here

New Developments From Mike Shannon's Son-In-Law, The Developer...

The Springfield Business Journal is reporting today that "St. Louis developer Kevin McGowan is attempting an end run around the frozen credit markets to secure federally insured financing to renovate the Heer's building as apartments."

McGowan said the market-rate loan available through Capmark (formerly GMAC Commercial Mortgage Corp) is attractive for a couple of reasons, not the least of which is a 40-year amortization schedule. The loan terms also prohibit the lender from holding the developer personally liable if the $27 million project falls through, he noted.

Mary Lilly Smith, the city's economic development director, said her department is eagerly awaiting McGowan's suggested amendments to the redevelopment agreement, which currently requires him to start construction on Heer's by Feb. 1.

The revised Heer's redevelopment plan isn't all that different from what McGowan proposed almost exactly a year ago.

McGowan said Shannon's - owned by his father-in-law and former St. Louis Cardinal Mike Shannon - is still committed to the project as the ground-floor tenant, but the city no longer plans to lease space in the building for its traffic management center and TV23 operations, making more room for apartments. Interior finishes for the apartments will be the same as those planned for the condos, McGowan said.

A swanky bowling alley similar to the Lucky Strike Lanes in Kansas City's Power & Light District also is planned for the first floor of the Heer's annex on the building's north side, McGowan said. Gone, though, is a penthouse suite that would have partially occupied the building's signature tower.

A rooftop swimming pool, a large fitness room and two lounges also remain intact.

"We think we're going to draw a heavy college/young professional crowd," he said.

Read SBJ Reporter Matt WAgner's complete story here.

Where Did The Money Go?

Where did the money go?

The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind. The answer is blowin' in the wind.

The Association - Windy

Saturday I went out to Sara and Daniel's 5 acre dream . They are wanting to cross fence so my younger brother Tom and I arranged to meet them and to help set corner posts.

We were going to meet on Sunday and bring out the four wheel drives to churn up her pond while it is almost out of water. Churning up the pond bottom is supposed to stop seepage. Besides, we were thinking it would be a lot of fun to drive old jeeps though the mud. Tom was bringing out his tractor in case we got stuck. The weather forecast quelched those plans.

I met Sara and Dan at Lowe's in Republic, they had gone south of Marionville and purchased some big corner posts and had them in the back of the blue pickup.

The Horsefarmer brought out his big John Deere with a post hole digger attachment on the back and dug six holes in about the amount of time it took me to tell you this.

Sara and Dan finished up the job while Tom and I headed south and east. The setting of the corner posts got finished before the cold front moved it.

Tom and I laughed because we had no photographic evidence of the event.

Yesterday, I went down to Marionville and helped Tom and Ed in Tom's garage.

The Horsefarmer and the Barngoddess are heading east Christmas day to pick up parts in Memphis, Louisville for the white Bronco you see in the pictures on his blog. Then they are heading north to Nap'town to pickup another '66 Bronco.

The wind wasn't so bad at Sara's but at Tom's it was a mighty wind!

The Reconstruction of Social Order by Pope Pius XI

Encyclical (Latin title Quadragesimo anno) written by Pope Pius XI May 15, 1931.

Main points: After detailing the positive impact Rerum Novarum has had on the social order—through the church, civil authorities, and now-flourishing unions—stresses that a new situation warrants a new response. Charges that capitalism's free competition has destroyed itself, with the state having become a "slave" serving its greed. Labor and capital need each other. A just wage is necessary so workers can acquire private property, too.

The state has the responsibility to reform the social order, since economic affairs can't be left to free enterprise alone. Public intervention in labor-management disputes approved; international economic cooperation urged.

Context: A response to the Great Depression, which began in 1929 and rocked the world. In Europe, democracy has declined and dictators have emerged to take power.

Innovation: Introduces the concept of "subsidiarity," saying social problems should be resolved on more local levels first.

Released forty years after Rerum Novarum, thus the name (Latin for In the fortieth year", it expands Rerum novarum's focus on poor workers to include the structures that oppress them.

The Condition Of Labor by Pope Leo XIII,

Encyclical (Latin Title Rerum Novarum), written by Pope Leo XIII, May 15, 1891.

Main points: Promotion of human dignity through just distribution of wealth. Present inequality creates a decline of morality as shown in alcohol consumption, prostitution, and divorce. Workers have basic human rights that adhere to Natural Law, which says all humans are equal. Rights include the right to work, to own private property, to receive a just wage, and to organize into workers' associations. Employers and employees each have rights and responsibilities: while the worker should not riot to create a situation of conflict with the employer, the employer should maintain an environment respecting worker's dignity.

The church has the right to speak out on social issues. Its role is to teach social principles and bring social classes together. The state's role is to create a just society through laws that preserve rights.

Context: Much poverty. Because of the Industrial Revolution, workers are being exploited by profit-hungry employers. Public authorities are not protecting the rights of the poor.

Innovation: First comprehensive document of social justice; brings the subject of workers' rights to light.

ps, RIP Paul Weyrich. Note Roy Blunt's comments.

FREE PARKING

I just received this email from Lwhall of "The City".

Thursday, December 18, 2008 2:58 PM

To: The Bus

The new downtown College Station and Heer's parking decks will offer free parking seven days a week for all downtown patrons effective immediately.

This creates more free weekend parking for visitors to all downtown businesses in addition to the validated parking that had already been offered by Hollywood Theaters. Under this full-time free parking, no validation will be needed at the theaters.

The City is able to offer the free parking at least until the additional build out of the College Station project is completed. The capacity in the parking decks and the two surface lots on the northeast and northwest corners of Campbell Avenue and Olive Street was designed to handle both the theater traffic and the eventual build out of College Station. A total of 975 spaces are available, with about 800 of them covered parking adjacent to the project.

The current capacity of the parking decks and surface lots is proving to be sufficient to guarantee enough parking for theater patrons, so the City is able to add free parking on weekends as well as during the week.

Sara Lampe Wants To Legalize WHAT?

Several days ago, the bus posted a video of Eleanor Roosevelt endorsing Good Luck Margarine.

Unbeknownst to me and apparently a whole lot of bus riders, we were breaking Missouri law by even possessing the cheaper spread.

Missouri, it seems, has a law that restricts the sale, possession or shipment of imitation butter and bans yellow-tinted varieties. Those dealing in this contraband can be fined up to $100 and jailed for up to a month.

Prohibition has failed to control the use and domestic production of margarine -- it s time everyone faced this and the rest of the compelling arguments for legalizing it.

The regulatory agency responsible for enforcing the butter laws says they are rarely enforced, pointing to more pressing problems and oddities that garner more attention.

Fortunately, my State Representative, Sara Lampe (D), realized that the decriminalization of margarine was an idea whose time had come. The Columbia Tribune is reporting that today Lampe filed a bill legalizing margarine.

Tread carefully Sara, there are some out there who don't want to change the law.

Just remember, without butter, there would have been no last tango in Paris. Go get some butter.

Crime Lab Opens: Coonrod and Blunt Examine Something

"You put your gun in there and then you pull the trigger," said Dave. "It looks a little small, though, especially if you got a big gun like me."

"Matt said it worked pretty good," said Roy. "But I don't think I am tall enough."

"You gotta stand on a stool," Dave told Roy.

"Heh, heh", snickered Roy.

I Got A Letter From My Old Insurance Company Today Telling Me, Again, I Ain't Got No Life Insurance

But the question I asked them, "How did this happen?", wasn't answered.

Nor did they give me a break down of the cost of insurance and the administrative costs.

I got a phone call from the insurance company on October 23, 2008, you can read about it here.

On October 27, 2008, I received this letter. I just decided that once again I had bet on the wrong horse and to stomach my losses.

I was telling this to some friends and they suggested I write the company and ask for a breakdown of costs and where the money went. I did.

I sent Blewis@cslic.com, the president of the company, the following:

In reviewing correspondence I have received from CSLIC since 2003, my life insurance cash value has decreased each year, from $5800 in 10/2003 to $4700 in 10/2004, to $3800 in 2005 to $2000 in 2006 to $300 in 2007 to zero. How did this happen? How did this happen? I trusted you just as I trusted Andrew Jackson. Please send me a copy of all the information you have on policy in your files.

When I bought this policy, the agent told me I pay premiums for 7 years and then the policy pays for itself. Premiums were $1500 a year, $10,000 at the end of seven years.

Now, what I think I am being told is that $10,000.00 of my money that I paid in as premiums, and that the insurance company invested since 1991 is all gone. Look at the following two graphs:


Here is the letter I received from Central States Life Insurance Company this afternoon: (click on it to make it bigger).

Money quote:

Central Security Life assumption reinsured the Andrew Jackson Life policies effective January 1, 1993 after the company was placed in liquidation by the State of Mississippi. The guaranteed interest rate on the contract was lowered by court order to 5.01% to comply with the statutory requirements of the life and health guaranty association for your state. There was also a mandated rollback of cash value (class 3 claim) at the date of the assumption which was listed on your assumption certificate.

In plain English that says, "Sorry sucker!"

Central Security Life Insurance Company, www.cslic.com, Richardson, Texas.

37% Of American Citizens Incapable of Identifying Their Home Country On A Map of the United States

Washington, D.C. -- According to a Gallup/Harris poll released Monday, a full 37 percent of American citizens are incapable of identifying their home country on a map of the United States.

Stuart Weiss, senior sociology professor at Boston College, said although these findings may be surprising to some, they're by no means atypical.

"The sentiment of many Americans is that there's little intrinsic value in studying a map of a place you're already at," noted Weiss. "It'd be like driving to Graceland and then asking for directions once you've arrived. Not much point."

Despite Americans' seemingly underdeveloped sense of their own geography, history and domestic policy, they did score high points on the issue of patriotism, calling America "the greatest country in the world" (47 percent), "the best state of all the Unites States" (31 percent), and "a place to definitely explore when I finally get my passport" (22 percent).

I didn't believe the results of this poll when I first read the report. But, since then it has been posted on the internet and as I have heard spoken so many times by area residents: "I voted for you" and "No, really, I read it on the internets."

I Had A Nun Throw A Shoe At Me Once,

It was in 1967, at St. Agnes high school, second floor, northeast classroom, Sister Frances Ellen, a Sister of Loretta, was the English teacher and she was old.

She was explaining something and I was whispering to the guy in the desk next to me. Sister Frances Ellen told me to be quiet, but I didn't hear her. Apparently she told me several times to stop talking and pay attention.

I was so engrossed in not paying attention, I didn't see her walk back to my desk and proceed to lift me out of the same desk by grabbing the lobe of my ear with her thumb and forefingers.

Believe me, when you have a nun pressing her fingernails into your earlobe as tight as she can, it is amazing what you are capable of accomplishing.

The good sister told me to go to the office and tell them my transgressions. I humbly did her bidding.

When I got to the door of the classroom, I dramatically turned and, raising my right hand in a salute, told Sister Francis Ellen to "Be of Good Cheer, Sister Francis Ellen, Be of Good Cheer."

She threw her show at me. It was as exciting as this though:

Barbara Millicent Roberts---It Was So Simpler Then

"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt."

No Room At The Inn....

Sorry, we're booked.

Dang it, can't get the catalogue either.

But News Happens Every Day!

The publisher of the Detroit Free Press, the country's 20th largest paper by weekday circulation, is expected to announce next week that it will cease home delivery of the print edition of the newspaper on most days of the week, according to a person familiar with the company's thinking.

The publisher hasn't made a final decision, said this person, but the leading scenario set to be unveiled Tuesday would call for the Free Press and its partner paper, the Detroit News, to end home delivery on all but the most lucrative days--Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

On the other days, the publisher would sell single copies of an abbreviated print edition at newsstands and direct readers to the papers' expanded digital editions.

From talking points memo. The Freep is owned by Gannett.

Bettie Page 1923 - 2008

The Queen Of Pinups.

Preacher Man

The Hinsons

Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner

DeLois LaDelle and The Musicmen

Bananarama

Southern Culture On The Skids

Joan Osborne

Springfield News-Leader Page 3A

This morning, as I was reading my Springfield News Leader, I felt a strong sense of deja vu!

Page 3A in my Monday paper was the same page 3A in my Sunday paper!

Don't you just hate it when that happens?

Sara and Daniel Rescue A Donkey

Sara and her husband Daniel became responsible for a donkey this weekend. It's a nice read and can be read on Sara's blog, 5 Acre Dream.

While you're over there, acknowledge Daniel's artistic flair in decorating the potted shrubbery on their front porch. See the red ornaments on the shrubbery and the 1/3 of the navity scene?

Sara spins a good tale and her livestock count is growing.

Toby Jones Says, "What? We Don't Need No Container Ordinance! Do You Know How Big A Bus Is?"

Jones' Big Ass Truck Rental and Storage
Home of the $10.99 a month special!
"In my yard, I don't care"

Tobias R. Jones, "Toby", grew up with an entreprenurial spirit. He gained employment as a Street Pharmaceutical Sale Rep in 2003.

Toby held on to that job for a year before he saw his Distribution Manager get shot.

Toby realized that the street life was not for him and wanted to become an MC.

He entered a contest to try to get his lyrics heard on 88.5 WHPK. Toby won the contest but never got his lyrics published.

He became a roadie for rap group "The Famous Boys", all the while trying to make a name for himself with the other artists.

While on the road, Toby learned about real estate auctions and decided to return home to try out yet another line of work.

He found a large warehouse on the south side of Chicago that was going up for auction the next week.

Toby was able to buy that warehouse for $1.00.

And thus, Jones Big Ass Truck Rental and Storage was born!

Jones says for your truck rental or storage needs, be it long term or short term, give him a call today at (708) 752-3393 or see him on the internets at www.jonesbigasstruckrentaland storage.com.

Smarter Than The Average Bear....

Are you more knowledgeable than the average citizen? The average score for all 2,508 Americans taking the following test was 49%; college educators scored 55%. Can you do better? Questions were drawn from past ISI surveys, as well as other nationally recognized exams.

Take the quiz.

You Don't Mess Around With The Duke!

First, there were a series of two anti-gay letters in the SN-L written by Duke McDonald, an assistant city attorney for "The City" of Springfield.

Here is one of Duke's letter:

Homosexuality is sin. God looked upon Sodom and Gomorrah as "so grievous" that he punished them horribly. Genesis chapter 19. It's not just an Old Testament anachronism. Sodom and Gomorrah "are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire." Jude 7.

When a society embraces homosexuality, that is an index for where it's going -- down. On the descent, you can expect every form of wickedness, evil, and depravity. Romans 1:18 et. seq. Why? Because when we insist on converting sin into a civil right, it becomes original sin. We are the clay saying to the Potter, "Thanks very much, but we will decide what shape we take."

Then a letter suggesting it was inappropriate for an employee of Springfield, MO to have written such letters was published in the SN-L under the heading of "Lawyer working for city should be fired for anti-gay letters". (A clarification appeared on the voices page the next day telling us Duke is an assistant city attorney.)

These three letters have generated a lot of discussion: Roger Ray has a column on them here and there is a discussion going on here.

Duke counters with this short letter in this morning's SN-L:

Let free speech live. Let me exercise a little more: homosexuality is sin, as is adultery, as is fornication. To any that bristle at that, I commend you to 1 Corinthians 13:6. Mr. Gross, to you and to any willing soul, I commend Psalm 34:8.

In case you refuse the carrot, here's the stick: be very careful about tortious interference with my employment. Speak as you wish; name call as you wish, but be very careful about that. Also, see Luke 12:5.

Duke McDonald, Springfield

I have no personal knowledge of Duke's effectiveness as an attorney. "The City" attorney's website states Mr. McDonald has served as the in house legal counsel for the Springfield-Branson Regional Airport since September 26, 2005.

The minutes of the November, 2007 Airport Board reflect this:

Introduction of City Attorney III, Sarah Kerner, as the replacement for Duke McDonald who is moving from the Airport to the City of Springfield Law Department.

Duke wrote an article for the Missouri Bar Association Journal in the July/August 2007 issue. The title: The Ten Worst Faults In Drafting Contracts. The introduction is interesting.

Local bloggers Jason and Gregory Holman give their opinions on the matter.

Prop 8 The Musical

Very Impressive!

jay leno

There's a story about this horse, (and don't all horses have a story)

John tells it best: Is she coming or is she going? YOU BE THE JUDGE!!!



PS--a belated Happy Thanksgiving to all the bus riders. My little brother Ed, who blogs from the Sunshine State over on 8thouta10 believes this song is the perfect Thanksgiving song. Good choice Ed!

Eric Clapton and Friends

Hands

Ever Wonder What Happened To Those Chinese Acrobats That Used To Be In Branson?

Yeah, Those are BRICKS!

Recipe for Political Chaos

1. Term limits

2. Party Loyalty

3. Power

State Faces $341 million shortfall

The SN-L's Chad Livengood reports "Gov.-elect Jay Nixon's transition office says the new administration faces a $340 million budget shortfall for the current fiscal year."

Gulp.

We are officially in a recession.

Gulp.

Meanwhile, "The City" is presenting its tax plan to voters. "We have to be real careful," City Manager Burris said. "We're trying to present this in a way so it's not seen as a threat or that we're blackmailing people into voting for it. We have a very compelling case to make."

Gulp.

Meanwhile, the bailouts continue. Except for mine.

country cowboy needs petite female friend - m4w - 51 (springfield)

Reply to: pers-940248221@craigslist.org [?]
Date: 2008-12-01, 9:00AM CST

safe married man seeks petite woman/girl for sex and friendship. I want a regular girl to be my pal and consent to mutual benifits for both of us. I can please a woman as much as she wants and likewise I hope. I'm clean, and free of drugs. I'd rather ride my horse than have anything to do with drugs. I do like good wines and wine coolers.
If you want a good friend with no strings attached, but someone that you may call on at a regular basis, I'm your guy. Please dont waist my time if you're a call girl. I would not respond to you. (smile) have fun and be happy. things can only get better for you. Any age, women only, no guys wanting to suck cock or get laid. Christians don't do that kind of stuff. John

This post was on Craigslist for Springfield. Women only, guys. Christians don't do that gay stuff. (But adultery is ok?)

This was on Craigslist from a guy who wanted a couple to fatten him up.

My favorite Craigslist post: PASTOR LOOKING FOR NSA SEX - m4w - 30
Reply to: pers-570380234@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-02-11, 10:48AM CST

Good looking, widowed minister, healthy, 30 years old, seeks female for fun times.

Location: SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI

Ps, The country cowboy changed his ad--but he still says he is married and still says he is looking for a girlfriend.