War Eagle!

That's Amore!

2009-11-19T11:38:00.000-08:00

THAT'S AMORE!

Ready for some groaners? (author unknown)

When the moon hits your eye,
Like a big pizza pie,
That's amore. (song made popular by Dean Martin in 1953)

When an eel bites your hand,
And that's not what you planned,
That's a moray.

When your horse munches straw,
And the bales total four,
That's some more hay.

When Othello's poor wife,
Becomes stabbed with a knife,
That's a Moor, eh?

When you ace your last tests,
Like you did all the rest,
That's some more "A"s!

A comedian ham,
With the name Amsterdam,
That's a Morey.

When your chocolate graham,
Is with marshmallows crammed,
That s'more, eh.

When you've had quite enough,
Of this dumb rhyming stuff,
That's "No more!", eh?

Quote of the day

2009-06-28T11:40:00.000-07:00

"You did not bear the shame....You resisted.

Sacrificing your life....For Freedom, Justice, and Honor."

-from the German Resistance Memorial, Berlin

Notes on the stimulus

2009-03-30T12:26:00.000-07:00

Top 30 Innovations of the Last 30 years

2009-03-17T07:58:00.000-07:00

Top 30 Innovations of the Last 30 Years

The Public Broadcasting System (PBS) began its regular broadcasts of the Nightly Business Report in 1979. In celebration of their 30th year on television, Nightly Business Report partnered with Knowledge@Wharton to identify "The Top 30 Innovations of the Last 30 Years." NBR viewers suggested the advances they admired during the 1979 to 2009 time frame. Professors at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania selected and ranked the top thirty.

#30 - Anti-Retroviral Treatment for AIDS
#29 - SRAM/Flash Memory
#28 - Stents (coronary stents)
#27 - ATMs
#26 - Bar Codes and Scanners
#25 - Biofuels
#24 - Genetically Modified Plants
#23 - RFID and applications (Radio Frequency Identification)
#22 - Digital Photography/Videography
#21 - Graphic User Interface (GUI)
#20 - Social Networking via Internet
#19 - Large Scale Wind Turbines
#18 - Photovoltaic Solar Energy
#17 - Microfinance
#16 - Media File Compression
#15 - Online Shopping/E-Commerce/Auctions
#14 - GPS
#13 - Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs)
#12 - Light Emitting Diode products (LEDs)
#11 - Open Source Software and Services
#10 - Non-Invasive Laser/Robotic Surgery
#9 - Office Software
#8 - Fiber Optics
#7 - Microprocessors
#6 - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
#5 - DNA Testing and Sequencing/Human Genome Mapping
#4 - E-Mail
#3 - Mobile Phones
#2 - PC/Laptop Computers
#1 - Internet/Broadband/World Wide Web

And this is just the past 30 years! We have grown so accustomed to these items. It's hard to remember when we didn't have them. This begs the question: What will they think of next?!!

Creative Puns for Literary Minds

2009-03-03T07:21:00.000-08:00

Creative Puns for Literary Minds

1. The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.

2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian.

3. She was only a whisky maker, but he loved her still.

4. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class because it was a weapon of math disruption.

5. The butcher backed into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.

6. No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.

7. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.

8. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.

9. Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.

10. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

11. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it.

12. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.

13. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other, 'You stay here, I'll go on a head.'

14. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then, it hit me.

15. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said, 'Keep off the Grass.'

16. A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospital.When his grandmother telephoned to ask how he was, a nurse said, 'No change yet.'

17. A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.

18. It's not that the man did not know how to juggle, he just didn't have the balls to do it.

19. The short fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.

20. The army man who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran.

21. A backward poet writes inverse.

22. In democracy, it's your vote that counts. In feudalism, it's your count that votes.

23. When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.

24. Don't join dangerous cults: Practice safe sects!

Animal Odd Couple

2009-02-24T10:02:00.000-08:00

In this latest installment of CBS News Assignment America, Steve Hartman visits an animal sanctuary where a dog and an elephant have formed a very lasting, and unusual, friendship.

Animal Odd Couple video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBtFTF2ii7U

I hope you enjoy this video clip as much as I did!

2009-02-23T16:40:00.000-08:00

#1 SONG THE DAY YOU WERE BORN

Do you know the #1 song the day you were born?

Go here & find out:
http://www.joshhosler.biz/NumberOneInHistory/SelectMonth.htm

Why, why, why

2009-02-20T16:45:00.000-08:00

Why, Why, Why

Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting dead?

Why do banks charge a fee on 'insufficient funds' when they know there is not enough money?

Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?

Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?

Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?

Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?

Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

Whose idea was it to put an 'S' in the word 'lisp'?

If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?

Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?

Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?

Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?

Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?

Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?

How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?

When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, 'It's all right?' Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, 'That really hurt, why don't you watch where you're going?'

Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?

In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?

How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?

And my FAVORITE...... The statistics on sanity is that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you.

Some things never change

2009-01-23T11:27:00.000-08:00

Calvin's (of Calvin & Hobbs) explanation of his Lemonade Stand's business perspective has a resonance to the American auto industry's position in the economy.

Remember that this cartoon was drawn over 15 years ago!

Click on the comic to enlarge for easier reading.

My quotes of the day

2009-01-22T11:53:00.000-08:00

“Real courage is when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway.”
- Harper Lee, author of To Kill A Mocking Bird (and my favorite author)

“I know God promises not to give me more than I can handle. I just wish he didn't trust me so much.” - Mother Teresa

If my nose was running money....

2008-12-18T07:11:00.000-08:00

Since colder weather ushers in the start of the cold and flu season, here's a little ballad:

If my nose was running money…..

You ask me if I love you and if my love is true
Well if I were a rich man, here is what I'd do
I'd buy you a diamond ring and a new fur coat or two
If my nose was running money… I'd blow it all on you

If my nose was running money…I'd blow it all on you
I'd buy you a Cadillac a new Mercedes too
I'd build you a mansion upon that mountaintop
If my nose was running money….but honey, it's snot!

If my nose was running money you'd have anything you please
Anytime you wanted cash, all I'd have to do is sneeze
Honey you'd win the lottery when I have a cold or flu
If my nose was running money…I'd blow it all on you

It's a booger of a problem I've got
I wish my nose was running money…. but it's snot!
I'd buy you a diamond ring, a new fur coat or two
If my nose was running money, I'd blow it all on you!!.

(lyrics by Aaron Wilburn)

Christmas list for the mentally disturbed

2008-12-15T15:31:00.000-08:00

Christmas list for the mentally disturbed....

Schizophrenia --- Do You Hear What I Hear?

Multiple Personality Disorder --- We Three Kings Disoriented Are

Dementia --- I Think I'll be Home for Christmas

Narcissistic --- Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me

Manic --- Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn andStreets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and.....

Paranoid --- Santa Claus is Coming to Town to Get Me

Borderline Personality Disorder---Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire

Personality Disorder --- You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll Tell You Why

Attention Deficit Disorder --- Silent night, Holy oooh look at the froggy - can I have a chocolate, why is France so far away?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder -- Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells

Great Orators of the Democratic Party

2008-12-12T06:32:00.000-08:00

Great Orators of the Democratic Party

The Past .....

'One man with courage makes a majority.' - Andrew Jackson

'The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.' - Franklin D. Roosevelt

'The buck stops here.' - Harry S. Truman

'Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.' - J.F.K.

(By the way, this is an exact quote from a speech given by Army Gen'l. Omar Bradley in 1953, just a few years prior to JFK using it in his inaugural speech. JFK or his speech writers recognized a great quote, but none credited Bradley for one of the greatest patriotic quotes of all time - plagiarism, anyone?)

And today's Democrats.....

'It depends what your definition of 'IS' is?'' - Bill Clinton

'That Obama - I would like to cut his NUTS off.' - Jesse Jackson

'Those rumors are false .... I believe in the sanctity of marriage.' - John Edwards

'I invented the internet' - Al Gore

'The next Person that tells me I'm not religious, I'm going to shove my rosary beads up their ASS.' - Joe Biden

' America is--is no longer, uh, what it--it, uh, could be, uh what it was once was...uh, and I say to myself, 'uh, I don't want that future, uh, uh for my children.' ''- Barack Obama

'I have campaigned in all 57 states. - Barack Obama

'You don't need God anymore, you have us democrats.' - Nancy Pelosi (said back in 2006)

'Paying taxes is voluntary.' - Sen. Harry Reid

'Bill is the greatest husband and father I know. No one is more faithful, true, and honest than he.' - Hillary Clinton (said back in 1998)

Bammer Fight Song

2008-11-24T13:01:00.000-08:00

Bammer Nation Fight Song <----- click to listen

In honor of the University of Alabama's overrated football ranking.....attached is a great rendition of the Capstone Fight Song. Just click the link above.

When the song begins, all Bammers should stand, remove their houndstooth hats and sing along.

We Believe....Beat Bama!

2008-11-24T12:24:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween

2008-10-28T16:40:00.000-07:00

Republicans Rule!

2008-09-24T16:59:00.001-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

It's Time For Some Campaignin'

2008-09-24T15:56:00.001-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Intelligence from the "Wizard of Id"

2008-09-21T15:07:00.000-07:00

I think the "Wizard of Id" says it all!

I see "7" in your future

2008-09-17T16:48:00.000-07:00

War Eagle!

Look out Bammers!

AAADD - the diagnosis

2008-09-12T16:23:00.000-07:00

AAADD- KNOW THE SYMPTOMS

Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. - Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.

This is how it manifests:

I decide to water my garden.
As I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over at my car and decide it needs washing.
As I start toward the garage, I notice mail on the porch table that I brought up from the mail box earlier.
I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.
I lay my car keys on the table, Put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table, And notice that the can is full.
So, I decide to put the bills back On the table and take out the garbage first.
But then I think, Since I'm going to be near the mailbox When I take out the garbage anyway, I may as well pay the bills first.
I take my check book off the table, And see that there is only one check left. My extra checks are in my desk in the study, So I go inside the house to my desk where I find the can of Coke I'd been drinking.
I'm going to look for my checks, But first I need to push the Coke aside So that I don't accidentally knock it over. The Coke is getting warm, And I decide to put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold.
As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke, A vase of flowers on the counter Catches my eye--they need water.
I put the Coke on the counter and Discover my reading glasses that I've been searching for all morning. I decide I better put them back on my desk, But first I'm going to water the flowers.
I set the glasses back down on the counter, Fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote. Someone left it on the kitchen table. I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV, I'll be looking for the remote, But I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, So I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, But first I'll water the flowers.
I pour some water in the flowers, But quite a bit of it spills on the floor. So, I set the remote back on the table, Get some towels and wipe up the spill.
Then, I head down the hall trying to Remember what I was planning to do.
At the end of the day: The car isn't washed The bills aren't paid There is a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter The flowers don't have enough water, There is still only 1 check in my check book, I can't find the remote, I can't find my glasses, And I don't remember what I did with the car keys.
Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all day, And I'm really tired.
I realize this is a serious problem,
And I'll try to get some help for it, But first I'll check my email and blog....

The GOP Convention

2008-09-03T20:15:00.000-07:00

What a time, what a party, what a meeting, what a show.....I am talking about the GOP Convention.

They have lined up the "big guns" as headliners each night, which makes little sleep for me this week. I fit the mold of a true political "junkie." In case you missed it, Fred Thompson's speech on Tuesday night at the convention hit the proverbial "home run." In fact, the slogan, "Fred Ain't Dead" has been resurrected. Mike Huckabee, Rudy Giuliani, Joseph Lieberman, a host of Senators, even more Governors, a few candidates, and countless others of the GOP faithful are rallying the crowd.

These displays of pomp (and circumstance), pundits, playwrights, politicos, and partisanship show the stuff our political system is made of....and I love every minute of it. Our party system generates debate, discussion, and ultimately, decisions. Maybe it has its flaws, its detractions, and weaknesses, but representative democracy is working.

With a little more than 60 days to go....we're off to the races! Let the games begin!

Let's win this one for "the Gipper!"

McCain - Palin 2008!

Rudy, Rudy, Rudy.....

2008-09-03T19:51:00.000-07:00

In case you missed formed NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani's speech at the GOP Convention tonight, here are a few exerpts.

On the importance of this election:

"This is a time for choosing - and to those Americans who still feel torn in this election, I'd like to suggest one way to think about the choice you have to make in 2008: You're hiring someone to do a job - an important job that involves the safety and security of your family."

On the Republican Party's vision for a stronger America - and a freer world:

"And as we look to the future never let us forget that - when we are at our best - we are the Party that expands Freedom. We began as a party dedicated to freeing people from slavery... And we are still the party that is willing to fight for freedom at home and around the world. We are the party that wants to expand individual freedom and economic freedom... because we believe that the secret of America's success is not central government, it is self-government....And we are the party that believes unapologetically in America's essential greatness - that we are a shining city on the hill, a beacon of freedom that inspires people everywhere to reach for a better world."

Mitt Romney at the GOP Convention

2008-09-03T19:10:00.000-07:00

If it can't be Fred.....I'm a Mitt-Man!

Mitt Romney's speech at the RNC

Wednesday, September 3rd 2008, 7:45 PM

Text of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's remarks at the Republican convention, as prepared for delivery:

For decades, the Washington sun has been rising in the east - Washington has been looking to the eastern elites, to the editorial pages of the Times and the Post, and to the broadcasters from the coast. If America really wants change, it's time to look for the sun in the west, cause it's about to rise and shine from Arizona and Alaska!
Last week, the Democrats talked about change. But let me ask you -- what do you think Washington is right now, liberal or conservative? Is a Supreme Court liberal or conservative that awards Guantanamo terrorists with constitution rights? It's liberal! Is a government liberal or conservative that puts the interests of the teachers union ahead of the needs of our children? -- It's liberal!
Is a Congress liberal or conservative that stops nuclear power plants and off-shore drilling, making us more and more dependent on Middle East tyrants? -- It's liberal!
Is government spending - excluding inflation - liberal or conservative if it doubles since 1980? -- It's liberal!
We need change all right - change from a liberal Washington to a conservative Washington! We have a prescription for every American who wants change in Washington -- throw out the big government liberals and elect John McCain!
It's the same prescription for a stronger economy. I spent 25 years in the private sector. I've done business in many foreign countries. I know why jobs come and why they go away. And I know that liberals don't have a clue.
They think we have the biggest and strongest economy in the world because of our government. They're wrong. America is strong because of the ingenuity and entrepreneurship and hard work of the American people.
The American people have always been the source of our nation's strength and they always will be!
We strengthen our people and our economy when we preserve and promote opportunity. Opportunity is what lets hope become reality.
Opportunity expands when there is excellence and choice in education, when taxes are lowered, when every citizen has affordable, portable health insurance, and when constitutional freedoms are preserved.
Opportunity rises when children are raised in homes and schools that are free from pornography, promiscuity and drugs; in homes that are blessed with family values and the presence of a father and a mother.
America cannot long lead the family of nations if we fail the family here at home!
Liberals would replace opportunity with dependency on government largesse. They grow government and raise taxes to put more people on Medicaid, to take work requirements out of welfare, and to grow the ranks of those who pay no taxes at all. Dependency is death to initiative, risk-taking and opportunity.
It is time to stop the spread of government dependency to fight it like the poison it is!
It's time for the party of big ideas, not the party of Big Brother!
Our economy is under attack. China is acting like Adam Smith on steroids, buying oil from the world's worst, and selling nuclear technology. Russia and the oil states are siphoning more than 500 billion dollars a year from us in what could become the greatest transfer of economic wealth in history. This is no time for timid, liberal empty gestures.
Our economy has slowed down this year and a lot of people are hurting. What happened? Mortgage money was handed out like candy, speculators bought homes for free - when this mortgage mania finally broke, it slammed the economy. And stratospheric gas prices made things even worse.
Democrats want to use the slowdown as an excuse to do what their special interests are always begging for: higher taxes, bigger government and less trade with other nations.
It's the same path Europe took a few decades ago. It leads to moribund growth and double-digit unemployment.
The right course is the one championed by Ronald Reagan 30 years ago, and by John McCain today. It is to rein in government spending and to lower taxes, for taking a weed-whacker to excessive regulation and mandates, for putting a stop to tort windfalls, and to stand up to the Tyrannosaurus appetite of government unions!
It is to pursue every source of energy security, from new efficiencies to renewables, from clean coal to non-CO2 producing nuclear, and the immediate drilling for more oil off of our shores! And I have one more recommendation for energy conservation -- let's keep Al Gore's private jet on the ground!
Did you hear any Democrats talk last week about the threat from radical, violent Jihad? Republicans believe that there is good and evil in the world. Ronald Reagan called-out the Evil Empire. George Bush labeled the terror-sponsor states the Axis of Evil.
And at Saddleback, after Barak Obama dodged and ducked every direct question, John McCain hit the nail on the head: radical violent Islam is evil, and he will defeat it!
Republicans prefer straight talk to politically correct talk!
Republicans, led by John McCain and Sarah Palin, will fight to preserve the values that have preserved the nation. We will strengthen our economy and keep us from being held hostage by Putin, Chavez and Ahmadinejad.
And we will never allow America to retreat in the face of evil extremism!
Just like you, there has never been a day when I was not proud to be an American. We inherited the greatest nation in the history of the earth.
It is our burden and privilege to preserve it, to renew its spirit so that its noble past is prologue to its glorious future.
To this we are all dedicated and I firmly believe, by the providence of the Almighty, that we will succeed.
President McCain and Vice President Palin will keep America as it has always been -- the hope of the world.

Fred Ain't Dead...

2008-09-02T19:56:00.000-07:00

For us self-proclaimed "Fred-Heads"....Fred, thanks for the inspiration!

Remarks As Prepared for Delivery: Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson at the Republican National Convention

Tuesday, September 02, 2008Xcel Energy Center

Contact: Joanna BurgosContact Phone: (651) 467-2728

Tonight our thoughts are still with our friends and fellow citizens in the Gulf Coast area, and our thanks go to those who have worked so hard to keep them safe. There can be no more important work than this.

But what we are doing at this convention is also important to our country.

We are going to nominate the next President and Vice President of the United States of America.

We do so while taking a different view of our country than that of the other party.

Listening to them you'd think that we were in the middle of a great depression; that we are down, disrespected and incapable of prevailing against challenges facing us.

We know that we have challenges ... always have, always will.

But we also know that we live in the freest, strongest, most generous and prosperous nation in the history of the world and we are thankful.

Speaking of the vice presidential nominee, what a breath of fresh air Governor Sarah Palin is.

She is from a small town, with small town values, but that's not good enough for those folks who are attacking her and her family. Some Washington pundits and media big shots are in a frenzy over the selection of a woman who has actually governed rather than just talked a good game on the Sunday talk shows and hit the Washington cocktail circuit. Well, give me a tough Alaskan Governor who has taken on the political establishment in the largest state in the Union -- and won -- over the beltway business-as-usual crowd any day of the week.

Let's be clear ... the selection of Governor Palin has the other side and their friends in the media in a state of panic. She is a courageous, successful, reformer, who is not afraid to take on the establishment.

Sound like anyone else we know?

She has run a municipality and she has run a state.

And I can say without fear of contradiction that she is the only nominee in the history of either party who knows how to properly field dress a moose ... with the possible exception of Teddy Roosevelt.

She and John McCain are not going to care how much the alligators get irritated when they get to Washington, they're going to drain that swamp.

But tonight, I'd like to talk to you about the remarkable story of John McCain. It's a story about character.

John McCain's character has been tested like no other presidential candidate in the history of this nation.

He comes from a military family whose service to our country goes back to the Revolutionary War.

The tradition continues.

As I speak, John and Cindy McCain have one son who's just finished his first tour in Iraq.

Another son is putting "Country First" and is attending the Naval Academy. We have a number of McCains in the audience tonight.

Also here tonight is John's 96-year-old mother, Roberta. All I've got to say is that if Roberta McCain had been the McCain captured by the North Vietnamese, they would have surrendered.

Now, John's father was a bit of a rebel, too.

In his first two semesters at the Naval Academy, he managed to earn 333 demerits.

Unfortunately, John later saw that as a record to be beaten.

A rebellious mother and a rebellious father - I guess you can see where this is going.

In high school and the Naval Academy, he earned a reputation as a troublemaker.

But as John points out, he wasn't just a troublemaker. He was the leader of the troublemakers.

Although loaded with demerits like his father, John was principled even in rebellion.

He never violated the honor code.

However, in flight school in Pensacola, he did drive a Corvette and date a girl who worked in a bar as an exotic dancer under the name of Marie, the Flame of Florida.

And the reason I'm telling you these things, is that, apparently, this mixture of rebellion and honor helped John McCain survive the next chapter of his life:

John McCain was preparing to take off from the USS Forrestal for his sixth mission over Vietnam, when a missile from another plane accidentally fired and hit his plane.

The flight deck burst into a fireball of jet fuel.

John's flight suit caught fire.

He was hit by shrapnel.

It was a scene of horrible human devastation.

Men sacrificed their lives to save others that day. One kid, who John couldn't identify because he was burned beyond recognition, called out to John to ask if a certain pilot was OK.

John replied that, yes, he was.

The young sailor said, "Thank God"... and then he died.

These are the kind of men John McCain served with.

These are the men and women John McCain knows and understands and loves.

If you want to know who John McCain is, if you want to know what John McCain values, look to the men and women who wear America's uniform today.

The fire on the Forrestal burned for two days. 20 planes were destroyed. 134 sailors died. John himself barely dodged death in the inferno and could've returned to the States with his ship.

Instead, he volunteered for combat on another carrier that was undermanned from losing so many pilots.

Stepping up. Putting his "Country First."

Three months later John McCain was a Prisoner of War. On October 26, 1967, on his 23rd mission over North Vietnam, a surface-to-air missile slammed into John's A-4 Skyhawk jet, blowing it out of the sky. When John ejected, part of the plane hit him -- breaking his right knee, his left arm, his right arm in three places. An angry mob got to him. A rifle butt broke his shoulder. A bayonet pierced his ankle and his groin.

They took him to the Hanoi Hilton, where he lapsed in and out of consciousness for days. He was offered medical care for his injuries if he would give up military information in return. John McCain said "No".

After days of neglect, covered in grime, lying in his own waste in a filthy room, a doctor attempted to set John's right arm without success ... and without anesthesia. His other broken bones and injuries were not treated. John developed a high fever, dysentery. He weighed barely a hundred pounds. Expecting him to die, his captors placed him in a cell with two other POWs who also expected him to die.

But with their help, John McCain fought on. He persevered. So then they put him in solitary confinement...for over two years. Isolation ... incredible heat beating on a tin roof. A light bulb in his cell burning 24 hours a day. Boarded-up cell windows blocking any breath of fresh air. The oppressive heat causing boils the size of baseballs under his arms. The outside world limited to what he could see through a crack in a door.

We hear a lot of talk about hope. John McCain knows about hope. That's all he had to survive on.

For propaganda purposes, his captors offered to let him go home. John McCain refused. He refused to leave ahead of men who'd been there longer. He refused to abandon his conscience and his honor, even for his freedom. He refused, even though his captors warned him, "It will be very bad for you."

They were right. It was. The guards cracked ribs, broke teeth off at the gums. They cinched a rope around his arms and painfully drew his shoulders back. Over four days, every two to three hours, the beatings resumed. During one especially fierce beating, he fell, again breaking his arm. John was beaten for communicating with other prisoners. He was beaten for NOT communicating with so-called "peace delegations." He was beaten for not giving information during interrogations.

When his captors wanted the names of other pilots in his squadron, John gave them the names of the offensive line of the Green Bay Packers.

Whenever John was returned to his cell -- walking if he could, dragged if he couldn't -- as he passed his fellow POWs, he would call out to them. He'd smile ... and give them a thumbs-up.

For five-and-a-half years this went on. John McCain's bones may have been broken but his spirit never was.

Now, being a POW certainly doesn't qualify anyone to be President. But it does reveal character. This is the kind of character that civilizations from the beginning of history have sought in their leaders. Strength. Courage. Humility. Wisdom. Duty. Honor.

It's pretty clear there are two questions we will never have to ask ourselves, "Who is this man?" and "Can we trust this man with the Presidency?"

He has been to Iraq eight times since 2003. He went seeking truth, not publicity. When he travels abroad, he prefers quietly speaking to the troops amidst the heat and hardship of their daily lives.

And the same character that marked John McCain's military career has also marked his political career. This man, John McCain is not intimidated by what the polls say or by what is politically safe or popular.

At a point when the war in Iraq was going badly and the public lost confidence, John stood up and called for more troops. And now we are winning.

Ronald Reagan was John McCain's hero. And President Reagan admired John tremendously. But when the President proposed putting U.S. troops in Beirut, John McCain, a freshman Congressman, stood up and cast a vote against his hero because he thought the deployment was a mistake.

My friends ... that is character you can believe in. For years, members of Congress, Republican and Democrat alike, have gouged the taxpayer with secret earmark spending. Well, he has never sought an earmark.

I've experienced John's character first hand. In 1993, when I was thinking of running for the Senate, I went to John for advice. He convinced me I could help make a difference for our country. I won that election, and with Republican control of Congress, we reformed welfare. We balanced the budget. And we began rebuilding our military.

What I remember most about those years is sitting next to John on the Senate floor as he led battle after battle to change the acrimonious, pork barreling, self serving ways of Washington.

The Senate has always had more than its share of smooth talkers. And big talkers. It still has.

But while others were talking reform, John McCain led the effort to make reform happen -- always pressing, always moving for what he believed was right and necessary to restore the people's faith in their government.

Confronting when necessary, reaching across the aisle when possible, John personified why we came to Washington in the first place. It didn't always set too well with some of his colleagues. Some of those fights were losing efforts. Some were not.

But a man who never quits is never defeated. Because John McCain stood up our country is better off. The respect he is given around the world is not because of a teleprompter speech designed to appeal to American critics abroad, but because of decades of clearly demonstrated character and statesmanship.

There has been no time in our nation's history, since we first pledged allegiance to the American flag, when the character, judgment and leadership of our President was more important.

Terrorists, rogue nations developing nuclear weapons, an increasingly belligerent Russia. Intensifying competition from China. Spending at home that threatens to bankrupt future generations.

For decades an expanding government ... increasingly wasteful and too often incompetent. To deal with these challenges the Democrats present a history making nominee for president.

History making in that he is the most liberal, most inexperienced nominee to ever run for President. Apparently they believe that he would match up well with the history making, Democrat controlled Congress. History making because it's the least accomplished and most unpopular Congress in our nation's history. Together, they would take on these urgent challenges with protectionism, higher taxes and an even bigger bureaucracy. And a Supreme Court that could be lost to liberalism for a generation. This is not reform. And it's certainly not change. It is basically the same old stuff they've been peddling for years.

America needs a President who understands the nature of the world we live in. A President who feels no need to apologize for the United States of America. We need a President who understands that you don't make citizens prosperous by making Washington richer, and you don't lift an economic downturn by imposing one of the largest tax increases in American history.

Now our opponents tell you not to worry about their tax increases. They tell you they are not going to tax your family. No, they're just going to tax "businesses"! So unless you buy something from a "business", like groceries or clothes or gasoline ... or unless you get a paycheck from a big or a small "business", don't worry ... it's not going to affect you. They say they are not going to take any water out of your side of the bucket, just the "other" side of the bucket! That's their idea of tax reform.

My friends, we need a leader who stands on principle. We need a President, and Vice President, who will take the federal bureaucracy by the scruff of the neck and give it a good shaking.

And we need a President who doesn't think that the protection of the unborn or a newly born baby is above his pay grade. The man who will be that President is John McCain.

In the days ahead at this convention, you will hear much more about what John will do as president -- what he will do on the economy, on energy, on health care, the environment... It is not my role tonight to explain that vision. My role is to help remind you of the man behind the vision.

Because tonight our country is calling to all of us to step up, stand up, and put "Country First" with John McCain.

Tonight we are being called upon to do what is right for our country. Tonight we are being called upon to stand up for a strong military ... a mature foreign policy ... a free and growing economy and for the values that bind us together and keep our nation free. Tonight, we are being called upon to step up and stand up with John just as he has stood up for our country. Our country is calling. John McCain cannot raise his arms above his shoulders. He cannot salute the flag of the country for which he sacrificed so much. Tonight, as we begin this convention week, yes, we stand with him. And we salute him. We salute his character and his courage. His spirit of independence, and his drive for reform. His vision to bring security and peace in our time, and continued prosperity for America and all her citizens.

For our own good and our children's, let us celebrate that vision, that belief, that faith so we can keep America the greatest country the world has ever seen.

God bless John McCain and God bless America.

If Auburn were an Olympic country.....

2008-08-27T15:46:00.000-07:00

Auburn would have ranked 14 among countries in Olympics
3:10 PM, August 27, 2008

AUBURN - If Auburn University would have been its own country in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, its 18 medals would have tied for 14th place in the world with Spain and Canada.

The university sent 31 current and former Auburn athletes to China, which ranked sixth among U.S. universities according to an article by Forbes magazine. Tiger representatives hailed from 13 countries and competed in a total of 24 events.

Auburn athletes won three gold medals, 10 silver and five bronze in 13 events. The school finished with more medals, 13, in swimming than any other school in the country.

The 18 medals tripled the former Auburn school record of six medals at a single Olympics. Auburn now has 46 Olympic medals all-time from 27 different athletes. The total number of Auburn Olympians all-time now stands at 81 individuals.

To see a complete list of athletes and results, see http://ocm.auburn.edu/olympic_facts.html

Business and golf

2008-08-27T07:24:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a great day for our community.

We hosted LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens as our inaugural speaker for a Business Breakfast series we just started.

Her remarks were nothing short of inspiring. She tailored her topic to focus on women in professional sports, but also highlighted a broader topic of women in business, and business overall (for men and women.)

Best of all, the main outline of her speech was based on three fundamental principles of golf: play the ball where it lies, always use proper etiquette, and avoid slow play.

In a brief summation:

The first point was bascially to give everyone a fair shot (by playing the ball where it lies.)

The second point illustrated the need to demonstrate, encourage and reward success (that is proper etiquette and being courteous.)

The final point was to seize opportunities by doing the right thing and the smart thing (thereby speeding up play.)

Great words to live by!

Omen for the football field

2008-08-27T06:32:00.000-07:00

It's almost Auburn football time....

If you believe in omens, Auburn University Coach Tommy Tuberville picked one up just the other day. Literally.

He was walking, continuing his rehab after hernia surgery, when he spotted a worn playing card on the ground. It was the seven of diamonds. A red seven.

What's that Iron Bowl streak again? Six.

Tuberville swore this was true, and pulled the card out of his wallet to prove it. Other people, hearing the story, might simply swear.

The Birmingham News - Kevin Scarbinsky

Here's a new plan....

2008-08-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

A. Back off and let those men who want to marry men, marry men.

B. Allow those women who want to marry women, marry women.

C. Allow those folks who want to abort their babies, abort their babies.

D. In three generations, there will be no Democrats.

I love it when a plan comes together. Don't you?

Thoughts to ponder....

2008-08-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

Some thoughts to ponder....

1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just prettymuch leave me the heck alone.
2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt andleaky tire.
3. It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal yourneighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.
4. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't bepromoted.
5. Always remember that you're unique--just like everyone else.
6. Never test the depth of the water with both feet. (I think my friend Kathleen in Florida can attest to this, having just experience Faye.)
7. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.
8. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in theirshoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.
9. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.
10. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish,and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.
11. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
12. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.
13. Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield.
14. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
15. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and putit back in your pocket. 16. A closed mouth gathers no foot ( but what's the fun in that?)
18. There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.
19. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.
20. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
21. Never miss a good chance to shut up.
22. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxativeon the same night

Things I have learned living in Alabama.....

2008-08-20T07:41:00.000-07:00

Things I have learned living in Alabama...

1. A possum is a flat animal that sleeps in the middle of the road .
2. There are 5,000 types of snakes - and 4,998 of them live in Alabama.
3. There are 10,000 types of spiders. All 10,000 of them live in Alabama, plus a couple more no one has ever seen before!
4. If it grows, it'll stick ya. If it crawls, it'll bite cha.
5. "Onced" and "Twiced" are words. So is "Tumpt," as in it "tumpt over."
6. It is not a shopping cart, it is a buggy.
7. "Jaw-P?" means "Did y'all go to the bathroom?"
8. People actually grow and eat okra.
9. "Fixinto" is one word.
10. There is no such thing as "lunch". There is only dinner and then there is supper.
11. Iced tea is appropriate for all meals and you start drinking it when you're two. We do like a little tea with our sugar!
12. Backwards and forwards means "I know everything about you."
13. The word "Jeet" is actually a phrase meaning "Did you eat?"
14. You don't have to wear a watch because it doesn't matter what time it is. You work until you're done or it's too dark to see.
15. You don't PUSH buttons, you MASH them.

MORE THINGS TO LET YOU KNOW YOU'RE FROM ALABAMA:
1. You measure distance in minutes and give directions by landmarks.
2. You've ever had to switch from heat to A/C in the same day.
3. All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable, grain, insect or animal.
4. You know what a "DAWG" is.
5. You carry jumper cables in your car…for your OWN car.
6. 90% of Alabama kitchens will have these five spices/condiments: Morton Salt, McCormick Black Pepper, Texas Pete, JFG/Duke's Mayonnaise and Heinz Ketchup.
7. The local papers cover national and international news on one page, but require 6 pages for local gossip and motorsports.
8. You think that the first day of deer season is a national holiday.
9. You find 100 degrees Fahrenheit "a bit warm".
10. You know all four seasons: Almost Summer, Summer, Still Summer and Christmas. 11. Going to Wal-Mart is a favorite past time known as "goin' Wal-Martin".
12. You describe the first cool snap (below 70 degrees) as good chicken stew weather 13. Fried catfish is the "other white meat".
14. We don't need no dang driver's Ed. If our mama says we can drive, we can drive, dag-nabbit.
15. You understand these jokes and forward them to your Alabama friends.

Food, glorious food....

2008-08-16T18:41:00.000-07:00

And the great saying from Oliver Twist is well said..."Food, Glorious Food!" One of the best things about some time on the coast....fresh seafood.

So for those traveling to the Alabama Gulf Coast, here are some recommendations from my personal experience on my latest trip......(I think I missed my calling as a food critic.)

1. LuLu's at HomePort - wonderfully casual food created by Lucy Buffett, sister of singer, songwriter Jimmy Buffett. Lucy has been featured internationally for her "Southern Caviar," "Cheeseburger in Paradise," and my personal favorite, the "Fish Tacos." With live music, outdoor dining and a little something for everyone.

2. The Tin Top Restaurant - fine dining with a casual flair. A little off the beaten path, my first visit will certainly lead to a repeat trip. Of course it came from the chamber folks as a great local recommendation. Located in Bon Secour, just about 15 min from the beach in Gulf Shores, this restaurant is now a favorite. The seafood stuffed grouper with lobster cream sauce, cheese grits and fried green tomatoes was first rate.

3. Sea 'n Suds - I just couldn't resist a trip to this hole in the wall overlooking the beach. When I was in high school, only the cool kids had Sea 'n Suds t-shirts. So, not to be outdone as a teenager, of course I had several. Yet, I guess my childhood immaturity has somehow endeared me to this place. The food is good (fried of course), and its on the beach.

Bon appetit!

Some time at the beach....

2008-08-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

It is time to say farewell to the beach, after a wonderful past couple of days. Our annual Chamber Association conference has just concluded. The conclusion is always bitter sweet...seeing all my fellow chamber professionals and friends, versus hitting some much needed R & R on the beach.

I have been blessed to have completed my second year on the state board of directors and watched our association continue to grow in strength, number and professionalism. I am convinced that "chamber people" truly are the best people in the world. And, we have a least a little fun along the way (wow, what an understatement!) I got to hit the pool and the beach on Friday evening, then the rain set in today. Yet, it wasn't a total wash out, and the wrap-around balcony at the condo has been awesome.

Usually after some time away, I am ready to head home....however...not this time. I think I could stay another week.

Olympic fever

2008-08-11T16:20:00.000-07:00

I am not quite sure what has come over me, but one thing is for certain....I have contracted Olympic fever. From the opening ceremonies (which where absolutely phenomenal), to the latest swimming victory in the relay last night, I have been glued to the television or internet to catch the latest action.

Last night's victory in the Men's Relay was a sight to see. I just couldn't bring myself to go to bed early and miss the event, especially after the nasty comments made by the French swimmers. But, what should one expect, they are afterall the French, so it comes as no surprise. To see American Jason Lezak come from a length behind to defeat Frenchman Alain Bernard was awesome.

Of course, none of this should come as a surprise...the French did what they do best...step aside and let the United States get it done.

Never fear Mr. Bernard, I am sure an Olympic gold medal will turn up on e-bay. Perhaps you can buy one there.

"Change"

2008-08-11T08:17:00.001-07:00

A good friend sent this in an email to me. I couldn't resist passing it on.....

"Change"

Years ago, there was an old tale in the Marine Corps about a Lieutenant who inspected his Marines and told the "Gunny" that they smelled bad. The lieutenant suggested that they change their underwear. The Gunny responded, "Aye, aye, sir. I'll see to it immediately." He went into the tent and said, "Men, the Lieutenant thinks you guys smell bad, and wants you to change your underwear. Smith, you change with Jones, McCarthy, you change with Witkowskie, Brown, you change with Schultz. Now, get to it!"

The moral: A candidate may promise "change" in Washington, but don't count on things smelling any better!

Think you are overworked?

2008-08-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

Think you are overworked?

Here’s why:

The population of this country is 273 million.

140 million are retired. That leaves 133 million to do the work.

There are 85 million in school. Which leaves 48 million to do the work.

Of this there are 29 million employed by the federal government. Leaving 19 million to do the work.

2.8 million are in the armed forces busy with keeping us safe from terrorists. Which leaves 16.2 million to do the work.

Take from the total the 14.8 million people who work for state government. And that leaves 1.4 million to do the work.

At any given time there are 188,000 people in hospitals. Leaving 1,212,000 to do the work.

Now, there are 1,211,998 people in prisons. That leaves just two people to do the work.
You and me.

And there you are sitting at your computer reading jokes.

Nice, real nice…....

The Sound of a Racecar

2008-08-07T07:24:00.000-07:00

Racecar Insanity Test

Instructions:
1. Click the link above: Racecar Insanity Test
2. Turn on the Speakers and allow the page to load fully
3. Stare at the Picture without laughing for 60 seconds
4. If you start laughing consider yourself legally insane

(posted for Patrick, even after all these years, it never ceases to be amusing)

He was injured, injured bad.

2008-08-07T06:38:00.000-07:00

Ok, maybe my sense of humor is warped, but I found this to be absolutely hilarious.

I just had to share. Enjoy!

Political Science for Dummies

2008-08-06T07:05:00.000-07:00

I spent all that money to get a poli sci undergrad degree, when it could have been made this simple.

Political Science for Dummies

DEMOCRATIC
You have two cows.Your neighbor has none.You feel guilty for being successful. Barbara Streisand sings for you.

REPUBLICAN
You have two cows.Your neighbor has none.So?

SOCIALIST
You have two cows.The government takes one and gives it to your neighbor. You form a cooperative to tell him how to manage his cow.

COMMUNIST
You have two cows.The government seizes both and provides you with milk. You wait in line for hours to get it.It is expensive and sour.

CAPITALISM, AMERICAN STYLE
You have two cows.You sell one, buy a bull, and build a herd of cows.

BUREAUCRACY, AMERICAN STYLE
You have two cows.Under the new farm program the government pays you to shoot one, milk the other, and then pours the milk down the drain.

AMERICAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.You sell one, lease it back to yourself and do an IPO on the 2nd one. You force the two cows to produce the milk of four cows. You are surprised when one cow drops dead. You spin an announcement to the analysts stating you have downsized and are reducing expenses.Your stock goes up.

FRENCH CORPORATION
You have two cows.You go on strike because you want three cows. You go to lunch and drink wine.Life is good.

JAPANESE CORPORATION
You have two cows.You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk. They learn to travel on unbelievably crowded trains.Most are at the top of their class at cow school.

GERMAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.You engineer them so they are all blond, drink lots of beer, give excellent quality milk, and run a hundred miles an hour. Unfortunately they also demand 13 weeks of vacation per year.

ITALIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows but you don't know where they are. While ambling around, you see a beautiful woman.You break for lunch.Life is good.

RUSSIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.You have some vodka.You count them and learn you have five cows. You have some more vodka.You count them again and learn you have 42 cows.The Mafia shows up and takes over however many cows you really have.

TALIBAN CORPORATION
You have all the cows in Afghanistan , which are two.You don't milk them because you cannot touch any creature's private parts.You get a $40 million grant from the US government to find alternatives to milk production but use the money to buy weapons.

IRAQI CORPORATION
You have two cows.They go into hiding.They send radio tapes of their mooing.

POLISH CORPORATION
You have two bulls.Employees are regularly maimed and killed attempting to milk them.

BELGIAN CORPORATION
You have one cow.The cow is schizophrenic.Sometimes the cow thinks he's French, other times he's Flemish The Flemish cow won't share with the French cow.The French cow wants control of the Flemish cow's milk.The cow asks permission to be cut in half.The cow dies happy.

FLORIDA CORPORATION
You have a black cow and a brown cow.Everyone votes for the best looking one. Some of the people who actually like the brown one best accidentally vote for the black one.Some people vote for both.Some people vote for neither.Some people can't figure out how to vote at all.Finally, a bunch of guys from out-of-state tell you which one you think is the best-looking cow.

CALIFORNIA CORPORATION
You have millions of cows.They make real California cheese. Only five speak English.Most are illegals.Arnold likes the ones with the big udders.

Something "buggy"

2008-08-02T16:16:00.000-07:00

Well, it's tax free weekend here in Alabama, which I strongly support. This is the 3rd year we have waived taxes statewide on clothing items, school supplies, etc. So, I ventured out today, despite my better judgment to go to a retailer on a Saturday, with everyone and their brother there as well.

My best friends youngest child is turning 3 years old next weekend. Being the best "uncle" I can be, meant a venture out in search of a birthday present for a soon-to-be 3 year old. I called to inquire as to what would be a good gift for this particular 3 year old. The answer.....bugs. So, off I go in search of something "buggy."

There is a great educational store (locally owned by one of the biggest Auburn fans I have ever met) in downtown Prattville, called The Turtle Shell. The owner is a good friend of mine...naturally I set out to find her in the store, as I was in search of "something buggy." Needless to say, she had so many things related to bugs, that I ended up having a great time looking at bugs in the middle of the store.

The final purchase was a great Bug Alphabet Book, a sleeve of "Bunch of Bugs" little plastic bugs, and the best of all....Preying Mantis Sunglasses. So, my little "nephew" will get to experience what a bug sees because the glasses have prisms inside to give the effect of having bug eyes. You can also flip the prism back and look through regular eyes.

It's back to school soon here in Alabama. The store was packed with parents, teachers, and of course kids. However, I think I had more fun than the kids when I was in search of "something buggy."

Television on the way

2008-07-29T07:05:00.000-07:00

Although this might not be earth-shattering news, it is fun for me. I anticipate the delivery of my new flat-screen high-definition television by weeks end. It is definitely a "non-needed" but "much-wanted" purchase. I have been researching televisions for quite a while and decided to take the plunge and give into my wants. I think I have driven Rusty and Patrick crazy calling them for advice. But, since they have both made similar purchases recently, I wanted their input. It truly is a "guy thing," to get this excited about an electronic gadget.

The newest IOM

2008-07-28T07:31:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago I completed a 4 year program presented by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to be certified in Non-Profit Management and receive the designation, IOM (Institute for Organization Management). I was selected by my classmates (a very high honor and one I am completely unworthy of holding) to deliver the commencement remarks for our class. I have been asked to post my commencement remarks here and share them on my blog. These words were from the heart. My IOM class is one of the greatest groups of people ever assembled.

Southeast Institute 2008 - 4C1 Class remarks:

The question I ask tonight is: What’s in a name?

If you Google IOM, you will find that we can be certified in a lot of areas, or belong to a number of groups, not just chamber and association management.

We could be with:
1. the Institute of Medicine (to further the studies in medicine),
2. the International Organization for Migration (relocating refugees),
3. Institute of Occupational Medicine,
4. Institute for Objective Measurement (whose mission is to bring understanding to measurement)
5. We could be included in the Indian Order of Merit, (a medal of gallantry for Native Americans),
6. live on the Isle of Man,
7. belong to the Institute of Operating Management,
8. We could be undergoing Intra-Operative Monitoring, (testing the integrity of the brain during surgery),
9. buying stock in the Iomega Corporation,
10. or learn about Inverse Ocean Modeling,
11. studying with the scholars at the Institute of Meteoritic, (for planetary evolution)
12. or writing Investigations Operations Manuals, (a division of the FDA).
13. Perhaps we might belong to the International Organization for Mycoplasmology (which studies mollicutes bacteria),
14. or maybe we could be eating IOM soybeans (which are full of fiber, high in protein and are genetically modified).

Or, as in the case tonight, we could belong to the prestigious class of the Institute for Organization Management. For more than 80 years, associations and chambers have used the U.S. Chamber's Institute as a training platform for the professional development of their future leaders.

So I ask again what’s in a name:

To my classmates named: Charley, Kathleen, Randy, Reva, Pennie, Thad, Annie, Valerie, Aura Lee, Diana, Cindy, Laurette, Dana, Janet, Amy, Radford, Tom, Crystal and last but not least, Kenny….thank you.

Thank you for being you, for being my friends, my colleagues, and above all….like family.

This list of names is the best ever. And, in a few short moments, this list of names will each get a little longer, as we now attach the IOM designation to our names, which is a true accomplishment and a success.
And while you’re creating your own definition of success, let me leave you with Ralph Waldo Emerson’s. He said success is:

“To laugh often and much;To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;To appreciate beauty;To find the best in others;To leave the world a little better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.”

So in closing I would leave each of you with the hope that as you make your own choices over time, you will choose in such a way that allows your drive for achievement to be balanced by an equal commitment to love and to play, to family, to friends and community. For nothing, no amount of power or success is worth more than these.

I hope instead that when you are "old and gray and full of sleep," as the poet William Butler Yeats once wrote, that you can say that your goal in life was not the perfection of work alone but the perfection of a life.

I can certainly speak for myself and say that in my pursuit of the perfection of a life, I cannot imagine it without every one of you, our Class of 2008, Section 1, as a part of it.

Always remember our class motto, “We’re Number 1 for a Reason.”

Thank you.

Daniel Pratt: Happy 209th Birthday!

2008-07-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

Daniel Pratt, our founding Father in Prattville, celebrated his 209th birthday today.....well, actually, we celebrated it for him. We placed a wreath at his cemetery marker that rests on a hillside overlooking our historic downtown. And, as with any worthy birthday party, we had cake and ice cream in celebration.

Pratt was truly a remarkable man. I had the great chance last week to tour the original Daniel Pratt Gin Company that was built in the 1850s. This is the facility that earned our city the nickname "The Birthplace of Industry in Alabama" since this was Alabama's first industry. The inovation, construction, architectural design, and layout of the entire complex is truly amazing. The factory is still operational today and celebrated its 176 anniversary last year. History is alive and well, and lives on today!

Message me!

2008-07-19T20:13:00.000-07:00

Well, I have arrived in the blog world, at least personally, and finally. I have professionally been in "blog world" for quite some time, but finally decided to venture out and post a personal blog. I have met so many wonderful people from literally around the globe, that I hope this becomes a way to keep in touch.