Thursday, October 30, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Making hooch.
I don't know that I've mentioned, but after a summer of picking, eating and selling blackberries, we are using the over ripes and culls to make wine.
We have bottled 55-60 bottles so far and we have a couple of others to be bottled in November (about 5-6 bottles per batch). We also just started a big batch of blackberry champagne.
We have the weirdest experiments at our house.
We have bottled 55-60 bottles so far and we have a couple of others to be bottled in November (about 5-6 bottles per batch). We also just started a big batch of blackberry champagne.
We have the weirdest experiments at our house.
I never said Obama wasn't a Christian.
This is in reference to a comment on the Reagan post.
I didn't say he wasn't a Christian, just that he isn't like Reagan.
His politics do not line up with many tenants of the Christian faith and principles America was founded on.
The beliefs that Reagan and Obama hold/held and how they applied them to government are different. You can't deny that. Being a Christian in no way makes them the same or even similar.
Allow me to give one basic assessment. People believe abortion is about women's right. This isn't correct. It is about Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness which can not be had if you are not given a chance at the first...LIFE. This is a guaranteed right of Americans, but we deny it to many. This is just one issue that Reagan and Obama are polar opposites. I see the unborn as the least of these and for them having no voice, I see abortion as a trump (as babystepper put it).
I've read Reagan autobiography and I've read parts of Obama's...using the word Christian as a comparison point would be like saying Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin are alike, because they are women.
I've known too many people who call themselves Christian's, but it means nothing. I'm not saying his faith means nothing, but his application is vastly different from Reagan's.
I didn't say he wasn't a Christian, just that he isn't like Reagan.
His politics do not line up with many tenants of the Christian faith and principles America was founded on.
The beliefs that Reagan and Obama hold/held and how they applied them to government are different. You can't deny that. Being a Christian in no way makes them the same or even similar.
Allow me to give one basic assessment. People believe abortion is about women's right. This isn't correct. It is about Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness which can not be had if you are not given a chance at the first...LIFE. This is a guaranteed right of Americans, but we deny it to many. This is just one issue that Reagan and Obama are polar opposites. I see the unborn as the least of these and for them having no voice, I see abortion as a trump (as babystepper put it).
I've read Reagan autobiography and I've read parts of Obama's...using the word Christian as a comparison point would be like saying Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin are alike, because they are women.
I've known too many people who call themselves Christian's, but it means nothing. I'm not saying his faith means nothing, but his application is vastly different from Reagan's.
WWRD? WHAT WOULD REAGAN DO?
This is a repost from February 2006.
Whether you love him or not, I love Ronald Reagan (heck that’s why Jackson’s middle name is Reagan). Thanks Pam for sending me these great quotes in an e-mail. I thought I’d share them with the rest of you. The man had a way with words that I really enjoy, and that is hard to say in regard to politicians. His autobiography is a great read that I highly recommend it.
"Here's my strategy on the Cold War: We win, they lose."
"The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help."
"The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant: It's just that they know so much that isn't so."
"Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was too strong."
"I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress."
"The taxpayer: That's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination."
"Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other."
"If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under."
"The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program."
"I've laid down the law, though, to everyone from now on about anything that happens: no matter what time it is, wake me, even if it's in the middle of a Cabinet meeting."
"It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first."
"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it."
"Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you disgrace yourself you can always write a book."
"No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. - Ronald Reagan
Whether you love him or not, I love Ronald Reagan (heck that’s why Jackson’s middle name is Reagan). Thanks Pam for sending me these great quotes in an e-mail. I thought I’d share them with the rest of you. The man had a way with words that I really enjoy, and that is hard to say in regard to politicians. His autobiography is a great read that I highly recommend it.
"Here's my strategy on the Cold War: We win, they lose."
"The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help."
"The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant: It's just that they know so much that isn't so."
"Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was too strong."
"I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress."
"The taxpayer: That's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination."
"Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other."
"If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under."
"The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program."
"I've laid down the law, though, to everyone from now on about anything that happens: no matter what time it is, wake me, even if it's in the middle of a Cabinet meeting."
"It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first."
"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it."
"Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you disgrace yourself you can always write a book."
"No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. - Ronald Reagan
ADDITION-ON ANOTHER NOTE, NO ONE CAN HONSTLY TELL ME THAT OBAMA AND REAGAN ARE ANYTHING ALIKE. THE COMPARISSON IS IGNORANT.
THIS MAN WAS AN EXAMPLE OF THE 3 C'S: CHRISTIAN, CAPITOLIST, CONSERVATIVE.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Pardon me... (UPDATED)
...but WHAT THE HELL! Oh, yes I'm mad. (UPDATE) I didn't explain, the link is about the government eyeing taking our 401K's.
Also, Allen Greenspan expressing shock and disbelief, because capitalist system failed us? WRONG! Too, damn much government intervention into the capitalist system is the problem. You trace it back and that is the problem. If you say it isn't you're in denial or stupid. Don't even try to argue it with me, you will lose.
AAAARRRGGGHHH!
The stupidity of it all is enough to make me nuts. Why have so many people become so easily led and stupid...this is one reason I home educate my child...so she can read between the lines of the ignorant drivel, that so many people are buying.
Also, Allen Greenspan expressing shock and disbelief, because capitalist system failed us? WRONG! Too, damn much government intervention into the capitalist system is the problem. You trace it back and that is the problem. If you say it isn't you're in denial or stupid. Don't even try to argue it with me, you will lose.
AAAARRRGGGHHH!
The stupidity of it all is enough to make me nuts. Why have so many people become so easily led and stupid...this is one reason I home educate my child...so she can read between the lines of the ignorant drivel, that so many people are buying.
Christian Bale
I rarely mention where I live, but since I haven't gotten a stalker yet I will disclose an interesting fact.
Christian Bale (star of the Dark Knight), stayed 7 blocks from my house at the Price Tower this week. You can see it from our front porch and we walk by it frequently.
No, I didn't stake out the Tower, I don't care that much, but it's still neat.
Christian Bale (star of the Dark Knight), stayed 7 blocks from my house at the Price Tower this week. You can see it from our front porch and we walk by it frequently.
No, I didn't stake out the Tower, I don't care that much, but it's still neat.
If you could be President
Thanks Jeremy for posting this and allowing me to share! This is too funny and a glimmer of the difference between Republicans and Democrats.- - - - -
If You Could be President What Would You Do?
It's so easy even a child can understand!
I was talking to a friend's little girl, and she said she wanted to be President some day.
Both of her parents, liberal Democrats, were standing there, so I asked her,
'If you were to be the President, what's the first thing you would do?'
She replied, 'I'd give food and houses to all the homeless people.
''Wow - what a worthy goal.' I told her, 'You don't have to wait until you're President to do that.
You can come over to my house and mow the grass, pull weeds, and sweep my yard, and I'll pay you $50. Then I'll take you over to the grocery store where the homeless guy hangs out, and you can give him the $50 to use toward food or a new house.'
She thought that over for a few seconds, 'cause she's only 6.
And while her Mom glared at me, the little girl looked me straight in the eye and asked, 'Why doesn't the homeless guy come over and do the work, and you can just pay him the $50?'
And I said, 'Welcome to the Republican Party.'
Her folks still aren't talking to me.
Some food for thought.- - - - -
If You Could be President What Would You Do?
It's so easy even a child can understand!
I was talking to a friend's little girl, and she said she wanted to be President some day.
Both of her parents, liberal Democrats, were standing there, so I asked her,
'If you were to be the President, what's the first thing you would do?'
She replied, 'I'd give food and houses to all the homeless people.
''Wow - what a worthy goal.' I told her, 'You don't have to wait until you're President to do that.
You can come over to my house and mow the grass, pull weeds, and sweep my yard, and I'll pay you $50. Then I'll take you over to the grocery store where the homeless guy hangs out, and you can give him the $50 to use toward food or a new house.'
She thought that over for a few seconds, 'cause she's only 6.
And while her Mom glared at me, the little girl looked me straight in the eye and asked, 'Why doesn't the homeless guy come over and do the work, and you can just pay him the $50?'
And I said, 'Welcome to the Republican Party.'
Her folks still aren't talking to me.
Some food for thought.- - - - -
Monday, October 20, 2008
What if this is true?
I've checked it on snopes, and it is classified as false, but I am uncertain if their information is accurate from a legal perspective. I'm not a lawyer and an I don't intend to research this far enough, I'll leave it to the court system. Interesting though.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
It's amazing...
...how much someone can talk, without saying a thing.
OBAMA THAT MEANS YOU!
Can you tell I'm tired of the election season?
I wore this shirt today.
OBAMA THAT MEANS YOU!
Can you tell I'm tired of the election season?
I wore this shirt today.
I wish I lived in a swing state so I felt I could make a bigger impact. 20 Days until this is over. Thankfully.
Friday, October 03, 2008
To homechool or not to homeschool...
...that is the question. It's up to each parent to answer that question. Most choose not to.
I don't know that I've ever given a lot of information about homeschooling. I've loaned, books and I've carried on conversations, but I've never really written anything down. My dad e-mailed me asking what we use and for some information for someone interested in homeschooling. It wasn't as in depth as if I was having a conversation, but it was full of information. I thought I'd share excerpts here.
WARNING-this has been modified from a perosnal e-mail. There are tons of grammer mistakes as I made changes and didn't proof read and I'm not going to fix them.
Here is a brief over view if you have ever concidered how we started out and where we are now.
Find you states homeschool organization. For Oklahoma it's OCHEC. Each May OCHEC has a convention and curriculum sale. We didn't attend before we started, but now we attend every year. Through OCHEC you can find a starting off points and support groups.
You may want to consider joining HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association). They are an organization dedicated to protecting the right to homeschool across the country.
These are the books I used to make determinations before we started (in order of personal preference):
Homeschooling Your Child Step-By-Step
This discusses state by state pros and cons, grades the legal ease, and gives you information on doing it.
Cathy Duffy's 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum
This offers learning and teaching style information, curriculum reviews and information on curriculum's that you can use for multiple ages ranges. Most are Christian based curriculum's.
Homeschooling for Dummies
A basic dummies book with decent starting info.
For Oklahoma I use a scope and sequence for Oklahoma, so I know I've covered (more then) all of the bases the school system covers. We currently use:
My Father's Word for Bible, history, geography, science, music and art (it's all included with great lesson plans already ready) and in the past we have used there Language Art with Spelling Power and other books. I skip some of the Bible stuff, b/c she is attending AWANA at church and I don't think she needs as much, b/c of that.
Singapore Math (in the US called Primary Mathematics) this is used in several school systems. Taking their placement test is recommended, b/c those using other curriculum's usually test a grade below Singapore.
Sing, Spell, Read, Write for Language Arts. We had previously used the items used by My Father's World, but our daughter is battling dyslexia, so we are taking a different approach.
We usually try to keep our curriculum spending below $400 (since we'll use it for all 4 kids at some point we think its reasonable), this year by adding S,S,R,W we ended up closer to $600 or $650. You can do it for much cheaper (lots of library and Internet resources and your own lesson plans) or you can spend thousands (DVD's usually).
For High school (6 years down the line for us) we might do the University of Oklahoma Online High School and concurrent enrollment.
If you choose not to use an accredited program for high school you have the option to have your child take the GED and you supply a transcript to the colleges. They scramble to take homeshooled kids, b/c the one on one teaching process produces exceptional results most of the time.
There is a lot of information to digest, but it's not as difficult as it first seems if you choose systems with lessen plans already ready. We eased some of the burden of organization and planning by buying a copy machine at an OSU surplus auction for $65 (it's a $450) copy machine that the staple light won't go off on. It works fine and eases up my preparation and works much faster the a bubble jet desktop copier.
Basically your possibilities are endless, do whatever works best for your family. No two function the same, even using the same curricula. The number of curriculum's available is astounding. Let me know what other information I might be able to offer.
I don't know that I've ever given a lot of information about homeschooling. I've loaned, books and I've carried on conversations, but I've never really written anything down. My dad e-mailed me asking what we use and for some information for someone interested in homeschooling. It wasn't as in depth as if I was having a conversation, but it was full of information. I thought I'd share excerpts here.
WARNING-this has been modified from a perosnal e-mail. There are tons of grammer mistakes as I made changes and didn't proof read and I'm not going to fix them.
Here is a brief over view if you have ever concidered how we started out and where we are now.
Find you states homeschool organization. For Oklahoma it's OCHEC. Each May OCHEC has a convention and curriculum sale. We didn't attend before we started, but now we attend every year. Through OCHEC you can find a starting off points and support groups.
You may want to consider joining HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association). They are an organization dedicated to protecting the right to homeschool across the country.
These are the books I used to make determinations before we started (in order of personal preference):
Homeschooling Your Child Step-By-Step
This discusses state by state pros and cons, grades the legal ease, and gives you information on doing it.
Cathy Duffy's 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum
This offers learning and teaching style information, curriculum reviews and information on curriculum's that you can use for multiple ages ranges. Most are Christian based curriculum's.
Homeschooling for Dummies
A basic dummies book with decent starting info.
For Oklahoma I use a scope and sequence for Oklahoma, so I know I've covered (more then) all of the bases the school system covers. We currently use:
My Father's Word for Bible, history, geography, science, music and art (it's all included with great lesson plans already ready) and in the past we have used there Language Art with Spelling Power and other books. I skip some of the Bible stuff, b/c she is attending AWANA at church and I don't think she needs as much, b/c of that.
Singapore Math (in the US called Primary Mathematics) this is used in several school systems. Taking their placement test is recommended, b/c those using other curriculum's usually test a grade below Singapore.
Sing, Spell, Read, Write for Language Arts. We had previously used the items used by My Father's World, but our daughter is battling dyslexia, so we are taking a different approach.
We usually try to keep our curriculum spending below $400 (since we'll use it for all 4 kids at some point we think its reasonable), this year by adding S,S,R,W we ended up closer to $600 or $650. You can do it for much cheaper (lots of library and Internet resources and your own lesson plans) or you can spend thousands (DVD's usually).
For High school (6 years down the line for us) we might do the University of Oklahoma Online High School and concurrent enrollment.
If you choose not to use an accredited program for high school you have the option to have your child take the GED and you supply a transcript to the colleges. They scramble to take homeshooled kids, b/c the one on one teaching process produces exceptional results most of the time.
There is a lot of information to digest, but it's not as difficult as it first seems if you choose systems with lessen plans already ready. We eased some of the burden of organization and planning by buying a copy machine at an OSU surplus auction for $65 (it's a $450) copy machine that the staple light won't go off on. It works fine and eases up my preparation and works much faster the a bubble jet desktop copier.
Basically your possibilities are endless, do whatever works best for your family. No two function the same, even using the same curricula. The number of curriculum's available is astounding. Let me know what other information I might be able to offer.
TAG-Your it!
If you read this and have a blog, feel free to join in. If you don't feel free to post in the comment section. I was tagged by the one and only Babystepper.
Here are the instructions -
1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 56.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next two to five sentences in your journal/blog along with these instructions.
5. Don't dig for your favorite book, the cool book, or the intellectual one: pick the CLOSEST.
6. Tag five other people to do the same.
Mine is going to be wierd. You've been warned. I'm doing a math reiew with V right now, so page 56 is a practice problem page on writing fractions from a Primary Mathematics (aka Singapore textbook).
4. What fraction of each shape is colored?
(a) *drawing of a triangle divided into 8ths with 4/8 or 1/2 colored
(b) *drawing of a 6 pointed star divided into 6ths with 4/6 or 2/3 colored
(c) *drawing of a square divided into 8ths with 3/8 colored
(d) *drawing of a stair shape divided into 10th with 7/10 colored
Wasn't that nice and weird...
If you want to, you're it!
Here are the instructions -
1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 56.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next two to five sentences in your journal/blog along with these instructions.
5. Don't dig for your favorite book, the cool book, or the intellectual one: pick the CLOSEST.
6. Tag five other people to do the same.
Mine is going to be wierd. You've been warned. I'm doing a math reiew with V right now, so page 56 is a practice problem page on writing fractions from a Primary Mathematics (aka Singapore textbook).
4. What fraction of each shape is colored?
(a) *drawing of a triangle divided into 8ths with 4/8 or 1/2 colored
(b) *drawing of a 6 pointed star divided into 6ths with 4/6 or 2/3 colored
(c) *drawing of a square divided into 8ths with 3/8 colored
(d) *drawing of a stair shape divided into 10th with 7/10 colored
Wasn't that nice and weird...
If you want to, you're it!
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