From Here To Texas

Proud Parent

2011-08-22T19:40:00.001-05:00

Well the day has come and gone. Yesterday our oldest left for college to Texas A&M at College Station. Angie had to take pictures of course, and then tears flowed a bit and then off he went. What a happy yet sad feeling. We bring these little lives into the world, raise them as best we can and then one day they're gone. We have to trust what we taught them stuck somewhere in those moldable brains and they'll make good decisions. He'll make his own mistakes and I believe he will learn from them; he better.

So the house is a little quiter, and somehow just a bit empty without him being around. The good thing is, he's still here in Texas and only a few hour drive away. We already look forward to his retuen visits and hearing how his new adventure is progressing.

We love you son. Be careful and be safe. And like I always tell you, keep your shit together. See you soon bud.

Religion of Peace?

2011-08-07T13:17:00.000-05:00

I ran across this today and was immediately compelled to post this on my blog. I couldn't agree more, nor could I have said it any better! Read on...

Other than submission, what legitimate forms of protest are allowed non-Muslims? In the name of tolerance and cultural sensitivity, We are told by Islamic "bridge builders" that we must allow a victory mosque on 9/11 hallowed ground or, there will be violence; we are told that if a kook minister burns a Koran, there will be violence; we're told that South Park can't portray big Mo as a teddy bear or there will be violence. When a Danish cartoonist depicts big Mo there is not only violence but actual riots; we are repeatedly told that all of these things become recruiting tools for Al Qaeda, etc... The truth is much more simplistic. The only recruiting tool radical Islam needs is the Koran.

Our very existence is a recruiting tool for radical Islam. Radical Islamist, burn churches, bibles, flags and living human beings (Christian, Muslim, Jew, Hindu, etc...), blow-up innocents in mosques, churches, busses, embassy's, ships, planes and commercial buildings. The Muslim street dances with joy at the destruction of the WTC’s and the murder of innocents within. Their “bridge builders” and moderates refuse to condemn Hamas or Hezbollah.

At what point do non-Muslims become provoked? And at such time when we non-Muslims do become provoked, are we allowed any reasonable way to express our morals, values, culture and religious beliefs without submitting to Islam, paying jizya (Muslim poll tax on non-Muslims), or motivating Muslims to perpetrate more violence upon us? When will these daily Muslim atrocities become a recruiting tool for the rest of us?

Poo Poo Head

2011-07-18T17:38:00.001-05:00

As if things are bad enough, they may just be getting worse in a few months thanks to none other than our most inept ruler the Bamster and his regime. What is it you ask that he and his minions are scheming to “improve” our lives? Well my friends he and his environmentalist chums have decided the 'Dunes Sagebrush Lizard' is an endangered species. But Dave, how does this affect us? It happens to live in the Permian Basin, an area located in west Texas and happens to be the largest oil and gas producing region in the United States.

If he and his very bright and caring staff who would Never do anything to harm our teetering economy are successful in this new joint venture, only 100,000 people will instantly lose their jobs. This includes the ranchers in the region who provide a significant amount of beef to all the US. So, I suppose this is where the Bamster’s comment, “energy prices will necessarily sky rocket” comes into play. So now we’ll be paying $5 dollars a gallon for fuel to get to, insert your favorite burger joint’s name, to have a $10 dollar hamburger.

http://radio.woai.com/cc-common/mainheadlines3.html?feed=119078&article=8842044

As if this weren’t enough to steam your already sweaty ass, for those of us in Texas, a mom in east Texas has petitioned and managed to successfully have any books containing the phrase poo poo head removed from the libraries in their son’s school district. To be fair, she began this crusade because her son was suspended for using the phrase, stupid move number one. I guess calling someone fart head might get you a week suspension, but that theory has yet to be confirmed.

Stupid move number two. The parents feel if the phrase is bad enough for his suspension then it should not be allowed in any books. Believe it or not, there’s a book titled, “The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby” and it has that phrase in it. So the school district officials have acquiesced and the book is now banned. Guess what has happened, the book is more popular and kids are do their best to sign it out more often.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2015797/Mother-wins-appeal-book-phrase-poo-poo-head-removed-school-library.html

Well my friends, that’s the world we live in today. I reckon it just goes to show you, no matter where we are, there are poo poo heads all around us.

2011-07-16T16:58:00.000-05:00

Damn, I can't believe it's been so long since I posted. I could say I've been too busy but the truth of the matter is I got lay and forgot about it. Shane on me.

Lets see, since I've been gone, Obama has managed to increase our national debt to an all time high, put us in a war he claims isn't another war (Lybia), gas is still too damn high. too many people are still our of work and his regime still blames Bush for everything. How's that hope and change workin' for ya for thos e who voted the most inept Presodent in our histroy, now surpasing Carter.

Oh, and Casey Anthony has gotten away with murder. I believe she's either the first or second most hated person in the US depending on who you ask.

Other than that, life goes on and here we are. The good news is we're still alive and kicking and here to do whatever it is we do.

See you again soon...no really....I mean it dam nit...ok, we'll see what happens

Wow...

2010-09-21T18:09:00.000-05:00

It sure is dusty in here! I guess I've neglected this thing long enough. I've been pondering posting something but I'm at a loss of what I want to say right now. I know, really?

Well lets just start with my son has earned his Eagle Scout rank and we're going to have his ceremony next month. I couldn't be more proud of his accomplishment. Now for the next one to get his knocked out.

Don't give up on me folks, I haven't forgotten about my blog. Back again soon.

The last merit badge....for now

2010-04-10T11:50:00.001-05:00

Well after a lot of coaxing and finally a cattle prod we have Josh up and back on top of hi last Eagle required merit badge; physical fitness. I tell ya, the X-box willbe the demise of our childrens' fitness if we don't MAKE them get out and do someting. In order to keep him motivated I get to take him and David, my next Eagle project, and another scout to the track and "motivate" them to finish.

Now I've had my happy butt in the gym for a couple months now on the treadmill humping away but it doesn't compare to actually being outside and "making" your tired arse move! Since my knees are not in the best of condition, thanks to 31 years of kneeling under airplanes, I get to walk ad fast as I can around the track. Right now I'm knocking out a 14 minute mile, which is pretty quickactually so I'm happy with My performance.

Regardless, the boys are out and we're moving forward on this last badge. AT least I'm getting both Josh and david knocked out together, Thomas will be a while before he's at this point. If all goes well we'llhave our first Cranek Eagle Scout this summer!

Eagle Scout Project

2010-03-26T17:41:00.000-05:00

Well we finally managed to make it happen, the project is finished and I might add, looks great. We are very proud of our son! Now it's down to the paperwork and one more merit badge and he will be awarded the rank and all that goes with it. The first of three good Lord willin'.

Flash Certified

2010-03-10T22:06:00.003-06:00

Well I finally got my initial Adob Flash training finished and I reckon I'm Flash certified now. This is the sotware Iuse to build my projects for our instruction to both the basic trasinees and the MTIs (Drill Instructors). Now that I'm getting more comfy with the software I've created a little animation of a stick figure of a dude rockin' out, I call it appropriately, "Rockin'". So as I move on to the next one, I also need to get more proficient at photography and eventually videograpghy. What a serious culture change I have made with this career change. No? If you click on the title of this post you'll see my certificate.

Freezerie

2010-01-29T21:30:00.000-06:00

As I sit here listening to some J. Geils Band and some Joe Walsh reminising I figured I'd write a little about our scouting camp out last weekend at Bear Creek. But before I do ya have to look up "Musta got lost" by J. Geils, the live version, what a great tune!

Anyway, we drove out Friday evening, got there after dark, checked in, and after some skillful trailer manuevering on my part (because we got wrong directions, from an adult scout leader, irony there) we finally got to our camp site. The district always has a Bear Creek camp out in January for its anual "freezerie". Yes, it was cold at night, and Freaking Windy as hell!!! The second night I slept in my truck because I was tired of having my tent blown up around me, HA.

The camp out was a major success for our boys though! I couldn't have been more proud of their combined efforts and performance while out there. They competed very earnestly against about a dozen other troops in various scouting skill events in the morning. Then in the afternoon we had the Iron Chef and Dutch Oven cooking events. The boys came together like a perfect team and their efforts won first prize in the Duch Oven with their Black Forest Cake, and they placed in the Iron Chef for the Cleanliness Award.

The best, and I feel most important, award we discovered they won was the best camp site! The boys lashed some cedar poles together and hung a troop sign on a pole that spanned the two tripods they assembled. Then we placed the U.S. and our troop flag on either side of that for our site entrance. They also lashed another tripod together which held a 5 gallon water jug. The Armadillo District staff was very impressed with their efforsts which as I mentioned, won them first place.

We drove back Sunday in high spirits and celebrated with a stop at McDonald in Kerville. Yeah I know, but they like the place so what the heck. This was an award our troop has never won before but now they know they can and I suspect it won't be the last.

Scouting

2010-01-21T19:25:00.000-06:00

It'ss that time again, camping with the scout troop. This time we're off to the Bear Creek Scout Ranch for the annual "freezerie" in the Texas hill country. Doesn't look like it's going to be as cold as when we went backpacking in 16 degree weather, but it'll be fun anyway. The boys will be competing in various events against otther troops so this should be a great weekend! I'll let you know how everything went when we return.

God bless and be safe everyone!

2010

2010-01-12T18:00:00.001-06:00

Well the Christmas season has come and gone. All the ornaments and lights are down and put away and we all settle in for another year. A saying comes to my mind, we plan ahead for things to come but it all happens on Gods time, or something close to that anyway.

This is my centenial year, yep, I hit the big five O this summer. I've begun the P90X workout program at work and plan on losing weight. I figure if I can quit smoking I can damn sure lose some weight. Besides, I don't want to tempt fate and keel over because of something I could have prevented.

So my friends, I look forward to another year of surprises and adventure on this crazy spaceship called Earth. I hope 2010 brings you all happiness, and most of all good health, because without good health nothing else matters!

Now, where is that bottle of Crown. I would love a drink!

The New Job...

2009-12-18T20:53:00.000-06:00

Well believe it or not it has been 5 months already since I left Mama Boeing for this new gig in Civil Service. It is truly hard to believe time has flown that quickly. Although I do miss being around aircraft still, I have managed to adjust to the regular hours and weekends, no freezing outside when its cold and the opposite when its hot. Yes, I miss aircraft but I don't miss the BS that is inhernt and inexplicably married to the career field.

Anyway, that being said, today I was recognized in front of the entire squdron I work with for my part in developing the new and first official web site for basic military training for the US Air Force. I got a neat little certificate and a commander's coin that is pretty cool. Although it might not sound like much, I wasn't really expecting any recognition anyway and I feel it's pretty cool since I'm still pretty much a new face around the halls of the 737 Training Sipport Squadron.

Oh, I have also become a semi-published author being that my new job enables me to write news letter articles aimed toward the drill instructors to help them improve their game and become more professional. So that's kinda neat too.

Scouting

2009-12-06T21:10:00.001-06:00

So there we were, cruzing down the road heading toward Enchanted Rock in the hill country of grand ol' Texas. I look up at the thermometer on my mirror to see that the temp is a meager 35 degrees and falling. My sons and the other two boy scouts riding with me chuckle and laugh that kind of laugh that reveals gidiness and the OMG I can't believe we're camping in this stuff!

After we arrived, checked in with the park rangers, and found our camp site we got the boys to break out their gear and set camp. We made a fire and hung out a while then hit the sack. We knew it was going to be very cold because the forecast was snow but we never thought it would get down to 16! Holy crap was it cold! No snow though, just iced tents in the morning.

Saturday we get up, break camp after the tents thawed, and back packed all our gear a few miles to Buzzard's Roost. Now I haven't back packed in like FOREVER, but I did ok. The most impressive part was our youngest scout Kirin, at only 12 that young'un packed all his gear, that included food and water mind you, all the way up there with Not One Word of complaint. His new nick name is Iron Scout Kirin, that boy earned a lot of respect this weekend.

The next night was cold but not as severe. We had a few noctirnal visitors that managed to get into a couple boys trash since they failed to tie it up in the trees; live and learn boys. We hiked a summit trail that is covered with milky quartz all over, kind of like natures hard snow, very pretty.

So we made it through the night, broke camp eventually and back packed back to base camp and made it home. What a great weekend! One of my sons, David, an avid video gamer even made the comment, "man this weekend was way better than sitting around playing video games!" Yes indeed son, it certainly was.

I'm proud of the troop I'm priveliged enough to be one of the scoutmasters of, and I'm doubly proud of my sons. Watching them grow into young men, leading others,and teaching the younger boys their skills. Whether or not they earn the coveted Eagle Scout award, I'll always be proud of their accomplishments. But rest assured, they'll all three make it. Of this I am certain.

Holidays

2009-11-29T18:56:00.000-06:00

Well we went to Austin for Thanksgiving and visited the in-laws. We had a great time hanging out and feasting all the excellent food! The ccompany was good as always, there were many great conversations, and the Cowboys won so all was well in the world! We really don't get up to Austin often enough, but I'm hoping with the new job that will change.

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, much too quickly I might add, the Christmas tree is up and it's time to get those outside lights up and burning. Although they're a pain to set-up, they are a labor of love. What is Christmas without the twinling lights and ceerful tunes that cause us to whistle along and reminisce of days gone by and loved ones we wish were still among us.

Today Angela and I went out and started out Christmas shopping for the kids. I always like watching their faces as they open their gifts. I even found some 5.56 ammo for one of my rifles, made me happy although Ang had to give me the expected eye roll.

Time to go for now, home made chicken soup is calling and I cannot refuse.

My Favorite Time of Year!

2009-11-22T20:53:00.000-06:00

Well here we are, in another beautiful holiday season! The weather here in south central Texas is wonderful, cool days and nights, big blue Texas skies and the smell of holiday coking abounds. I belive that Thanksgiving through New Year day are magical days. Already we have had our thanksgiving day luncheon at work; scrumptiousI might add. This week is the big day. Family converging. story telling, sharing food and good spirits and Christmas is right aound the corner.

During this time of year, please remeber the reason behind the season. Lets remember those who are no longer with us and keep them in our prayers. No need to be sad, just remember how much they loved this time o year also. Be careful out there and love one another.

And finally, lets remember the brave men and women serving our breat cuntry both here and over seas, especially those in harm's way. Freedom is granted to us by those who would put themselves in front of danger to protect our liberties. Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and I hope our Christmas is just as wonderful!

Ever Here Of The Radical Cloward-Piven Strategy?

2009-11-18T20:15:00.000-06:00

Yeah, I heard of it, even read about it some. Yesterday I really read about it because I have been hearing about how this plan seems to be in affect when our economy and state of affairs are considered. There is a lot of information ou there about the strategy and everywhere I seardched the info was the same. I have provided a couple links if you're interested in some enlightenment. I for one am very disgusted with the direction our country is headed!

http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/02/the_clowardpiven_strategy_of_e.html

http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/groupProfile.asp?grpid=6967

Fort Hood

2009-11-10T18:24:00.000-06:00

Well they held the memorial today for our poor soldiers gunned down in cold blood. The messiah was there and some other from the "Hill" for their photo ops. The dirty bastard that did it ishas lawyered up and they're already sqwuaking mental BS! Yeah, he is mental but he knew what he was doing and he needs to be sent to his Allah ASAP!

Now the folks in DC along with their lap dog state run media are trying to call it what it isn't. Of course it's a crime, but it damn sure is too a terrorist act! I say keep the needle for the vacine Obama and his cronies want to give to the "vicitims" in Gitmo and use an old rope on the bastard! Hang'im high!

My Potential Eagle Scout

2009-11-04T20:35:00.000-06:00

Well it looks like my oldest son is inching closer toward completing his Eagle Scout project. I couldn't be more proud of him for even attempting the often times daunting task. Before we arrived to this stage of his Boy Scout career I knew the process would be difficult, but once undertaken I have a new found respect for those who have actually completed this process and have been awarded the coveted Eagle SCout rank/badge!

The good thing about him kocking it out is the next two will be easier once we make it through the myriad of bureaucratic mazes and phases (yep, even in the scouts). I tell you it's like putting together a business plan/proposal. At least he was lucky enough to receive full funding for his project.

What is he actually going to do you ask? He is going to renovate the church's bar-b-que pavillion (replace torn tin roof panels, cut a wall and hinge it so it can fold down into a serving table; paint the pavillion), build a new picnic table, and finally, build a patio using paving stones. If all goes well it should be accomplished in two weekends.

The kicker is though, we first have to get through the Scout Board with their approval for the project and their blessing on his (required) very detailed plan/proposal with before and after pictures, hours spent per volunteer that helps, and a bunch of other information they want to know.

Wish him luck my friends!

7 Lies under 2 minutes

2009-10-26T19:29:00.000-05:00

This is very telling and damning..but people still prostate themselves to the messiah. All I can say is, you can plan for everything except stupidity, and unfortunately our country is rampant with those who would hang on this unqualified liars words.

http://www.theospark.net/2009/09/video-7-lies-in-under-2-minutes.html

An American Patriot

2009-10-24T11:00:00.000-05:00

John Adams was oneof our first and greatest American patriots. I believe all of our alleged "leadership" in DC should be required to watch/listen to this mans words everyday so they can remember why they were voted into those jobs anyway. Remember folks, They work for US! VOTE!

Here is a link I feel you will be moved by.

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

You Want My Guns? Again?

2009-10-24T10:21:00.000-05:00

Anyone who knows me knows I am an avid gun owner, gun rights supporter, and 2nd Amendment believer. This is not to say I am a whacko or something, I simply believe we have the right to own a gun, or many guns, and have the ability to defend ourselves and our families. Before someone says, well that's what law enforcement is for, tell that to the people that were atacked and then waited for some help to arrive. It is Not a far stretch to say, if guns are outlawed only outlaws will have guns. It is a very naive person that believes he or she will talk a criminal out of doing him or her harm through reasoning and logic. "Wait Mr. Bad Guy, can't we talk about why you're actually doing this? Maybe we can reach a solution to youir problem that will keep you from harming me. Lets sit over here and talk about this". Really?! It's more like, "gimme your wallet bitch or I'll cap your ass. What, talk about it? Yeah ok, here talk to this", click click BOOM. Me? I'm of th emind to simply use my rights as a concealed handgun licensee to defend myself and remove another asshole from our gene pool.

Whith that said, I have attached a link to the National Association for Gun Rights with a video from the president of the association explaining how the radical left wants to further its agenda by removing MORE of our rights. Please, if you agree to any of this, do what you can to help fight against our rights being removed. You don't have to be a gun owner to want your rights protected. If you let one right go, what's to stop any others from going as well? Thanks!

http://www.nationalgunrights.org/citizenaction_hr45a.html

Obama's baby, or Bend Over America Here It Comes

2009-10-23T23:34:00.002-05:00

The health care debate rages on, even though America is growing tired of hearing about it continuously. I must admit, I find myself tiring of the constant debate and squabble. But in spite of the creeping malaise, we must remain diligent and persevere because we cannot leave this issue to those who would force us into a thing that harms our country and includes reprimanding our citizenry for not following the (communist) party line. Ok, that might have sounded a bit severe but the fact remains the “public” policy is socialistic in nature and reality. Why don’t our “law makers” focus on insurance reform instead of trying to tie 16 percent of our country’s GDP to a boondoggle that will only harm the US?

With that said, I have attached an opinion piece from FOX News that addresses the issue and brings forth some valid and relevant points. It’s a short read, really. Thanks for listening.

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2009/10/21/liz-peek-obama-voters-bored-health-care/

Camping at Garner State Park

2009-10-19T18:39:00.001-05:00

This past weekend we took our Boy Scouts out to Garner State Park. For those of you who don’t know where it is, the park is located on highway 83 between Uvalde and Leaky Texas. The Frio River runs through the park (crystal clear water) and there are mountains to hike; ranging from very steep to moderate.

With that said, Saturday after we all ate lunch and talked about scout stuff we decided to hike the mountain next to our camp. Holy crap what a hike! You had to be part mountain goat to get up the flipping thing! Unbeknownst to all of us, we were right next to the steepest mountain to climb. My legs are still sore from the climb up and descent back to base camp.

This particular mountain top has a pile of rocks approximately 12 feet high and around 25 foot diameter. I guess the rule is if you make it up you toss a rock on the pile; needless to say there have been some folks up there over time. The view down over the hill country was almost beyond description but I’ll try.

The northern edge had the view looking over the park and the meandering Frio a good 1700 feet high, according to the map we have. There were hawks soaring on the thermals, eye level to us but at our height, searching for the hapless mouse or any other target of opportunity. The eastern edge overlooked a beautiful valley down below with various greens and shades of brown intermingled making up our wonderful Texas hill country. We could here chickens on a farm down there and we all thought how lucky those folks were to have a place like that to wake up to everyday.

While we were up there we exchanged some pleasantries with a fellow up there, Frank, with his son Chaitlin (sp) (we learned his name is an American Indian name for hawk) who had made it to the top before us. As we conversed I had a suspicion he was from Germany and it turns out he immigrated from K-Town Germany to Dallas 13 years ago and has since moved down to Bulverde. In his words, he is one o the apparent few immigrants that actually love the United States!

He told us his story o how he came here, learned the language, invented a machine that deep cleans air conditioning coils and patented it, brought his family over only to have an unscrupulous wife embezzle his company for five years and ruining his business. Most impressive of this man is the fact he did not cave in to self-pity but rather lifted himself up and rebuild his life for himself and his children. Ran, the other assistant scout master Jake, and myself had an excellent conversation up on that mountain top that day and I feel as if I have made another friend (an often over looked commodity but one I still cherish with all those I call friend).

We all hiked back down the mountain, including frank and Chaitlin, and continued a great conversation about many things. I found it interesting to actually hear from someone that came from a region rife with socialism to say he let that type of control only to see it happening here. We all agreed that our hope is the public will open its eyes before our country succumbs to that fate.

Eventually the two left and we, the scouts and adults, prepared and ate dinner and settled in around a beautiful camp fire. Thanks to all the recent rain the fire ban was lifted allowing campers to have fires, YAY! We did some scout training then told some funny stories and shared ‘smores; bringing a nice campout to a close.

A very Good read!

2009-10-15T19:19:00.000-05:00

Ok, I know my last post was pretty long, I didn't think it would be as long as it was but it is what it is. Here is someting I believe you might enjoy, I know I did!

Michael Yon posted a new article today at his site. I found it, as usual, very interesting and profound. In my humble opinion, he is one of the best corespondents out there today. I provided a link for you to follow.

http://www.michaelyon-online.com/afghan-lunacy.htm

Obama’s greatest moment? Really?

2009-10-14T20:59:00.000-05:00

Obama’s greatest moment? Really? This deserves inspection and comment to be sure. I know, more qualified people then I have already spoken to this topic but I am compelled to put my two cents in and maybe even shed some light to those of us who are unaware of some obvious facts. This is my bullshit flag raising moment for this topic.

I began my quest for information by visiting the Nobel Prize web site to gather information about past recipients, prize history, the rules for submission, and finally how the prospective winner is notified. The answers were enlightening to be sure and confirmed some of the information I had heard floating around the radio waves and the internet news agencies.

The prize was awarded to Obama for his intentions; because he represents change and hope, not for what he has actually accomplished. According to Robin Oakley, a CNN Political Contributor:

     …in the Norwegian Nobel Committee's citation that the peace prize is being awarded to Obama "for his
   extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and co-operation between peoples" and that
     they have "attached special importance to Obama's vision of and work for a world without nuclear
     weapons," and the message is clear…Unusually, this is a world statesman being rewarded not for what he
     has done but for representing a new beginning…He is being rewarded not for solid achievement but for
     creating new hope -- in effect, for not being Bush.

     http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/10/09/oakley.obama.nobel/index.html

Now, with that being pointed out, the rules of the organization are driven by the will of the late Alfred Nobel. His will states, “The prize for peace was to be awarded to the person who "shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding of peace congresses." The prize was to be awarded "by a committee of five persons to be elected by the Norwegian Storting" (Geir Lundestad, Secretary of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, 1990 - 15 March 2001). So, is he awarded the prize correctly or no? Just askin’.

I have also heard that he was surprised and unaware that he had been nominated for the coveted prize. Although I have not found any hard evidence that is incorrect, I must admit I find that allegation to be dubious at best. I base my assumption on the fact that Rush Limbaugh was nominated last year and he knew about his nomination soon afterward. Also, how many people can honestly believe Washington DC is capable of keeping a secret such as this from their messiah?

People have asked who makes the decision after nominations are made. That is simple, a five person panel made up entirely of Norwegians. This was stipulated in Mr. Nobel’s will also. “Although there was nothing in the statutes that prevented the Storting from naming international members, the members of the Nobel Committee of the Storting (as the committee was called until 1977) have all been Norwegians from the very beginning” (Para 1; http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/ then to “FAQ”, then link below third paragraph “The Nobel Peace Prize 1901-2000”).

The problem, I feel, with creating an international panel, setting the potential for political interests to block better judgment, is the rules will become convoluted and cumbersome because they will have to determine some sort of values and objectives that the entire panel can agree on and then judge the nominees’ against that long list of rules to by-laws. I don’t know, I suppose they could wade through those waters successfully but to date no one has seen the need to press the issue. I would surmise that the reason is more than likely because the panel tends to lean toward the left of center and western values so the “civilized world” accepts the panels judgment…normally. There have been other “winners” that have met with a lot of controversy but bone that I have been able to find that were awarded the prize for intentions. According to the Nobel Prize web site,

     The values that underpinned the Nobel Peace Prize were concretely defined by Norwegians, but they
     were part of a wider Scandinavian and Western context. They represented the Norwegian version of
     Western liberal internationalism. Thus, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has been a strong believer in
     international organizations, from the Inter-Parliamentary Union to the League of Nations and the United
     Nations. (Para 6; http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/ then to “FAQ”, then link below third paragraph “The
     Nobel Peace Prize 1901-2000”).

     In another quote by the same source,

     In my opinion, the prize would never have enjoyed the kind of position it has today had it not been for
     the decent, even highly respectable, record the Norwegian Nobel Committee has established in its
     selections over these 100 years (Para 2).

I agree, most of their decisions have met the criteria and have been good selections by western standards. There have been those that were very right of center and have caused people to react in wonderment also, but again, they all accomplished something. Until this rcent prize awarding, the most controversial was when a North Vietnamese negotiator turned his prize down because there was no real eace agreement made (Viet Nam war) but our negotiator Henry Kissenger did in fact take his. See 1967-1989: The Cold War and the Globalization of the Prize Para 5.

http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/ then to “FAQ”, then link below third paragraph “The Nobel Peace Prize 1901-2000”.

Regardless of what one thinks or feels about the prize being given to Obama, one must consider and even wonder at any ulterior motives. I have heard it mentioned that perhaps the motive was to hobble Obama and his potential moves torward keeping troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. A kind of how can he keep what is considered by the left an “unjust” war operating. With that being said it isn’t a far stretch of the imagination to believe there are those out there who would seek to influence our nation’s foreign policy.

Below I have included the schedule/sequence of events the way the Nobel Prize is nominated and awarded and the time frame it operates within. To me even this brings suspect toward the validity of the award and the honesty of Obama and the sate run media as to whether or not he was actually “surprised to find out” he had been nominated and won the award. I have tried to represent the truthful side in this piece and I hope it has shed some light for all of us. I know I learned a few things but at the end of the day, Obama still has the prize and the 1.4 million dollar prize and his brother still lives in a mud hut in Africa somewhere wondering why his “brother” hasn’t bought Him a new house.

http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/ then to “FAQ”, then link below third paragraph “The Nobel Peace Prize 1901-2000”.

"The Nobel Prize: The First 100 Years", Agneta Wallin Levinovitz and Nils Ringertz, eds., Imperial College Press and World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., 2001.

Below is a brief description of the process involved in selecting the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates.

September – Invitation letters are sent out. The Nobel Committee sends out invitation letters to individuals qualified to nominate – members of national assemblies, governments, and international courts of law; university chancellors, professors of social science, history, philosophy, law and theology; leaders of peace research institutes and institutes of foreign affairs; previous Nobel Peace Prize Laureates; board members of organizations that have received the Nobel Peace Prize; present and past members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee; and former advisers of the Norwegian Nobel Institute.

February – Deadline for submission. The Committee bases its assessment on nominations that must be postmarked no later than 1 February each year. Nominations postmarked and received after this date are included in the following year's discussions. In recent years, the Committee has received close to 200 different nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize. The number of nominating letters is much higher, as many are for the same candidates.

February-March – Short list. The Committee assesses the candidates' work and prepares a short list.

March-August – Adviser review. The short list is reviewed by permanent advisers and advisers specially recruited for their knowledge of specific candidates. The advisers do not directly evaluate nominations nor give explicit recommendations.

October – Nobel Laureates are chosen. At the beginning of October, the Nobel Committee chooses the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates through a majority vote. The decision is final and without appeal. The names of the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates are then announced.

December – Nobel Laureates receive their prize. The Nobel Peace Prize Award Ceremony takes place on 10 December in Oslo, Norway, where the Nobel Laureates receive their Nobel Prize, which consists of a Nobel Medal and Diploma, and a document confirming the prize amount.

The Blog Name

2009-10-11T10:57:00.000-05:00

Ok, well I like it. When I sat down to start this thing I truly had put No thought into it. So when the inevitable part came and the site asked me to name my blog (blog, what a retarded name, it feels funny just saying it let a lone typing it, but someone came up with it and here it stays), anyway, I tried a couple different names that were, naturally, taken. Suddenly the movie "From Here to Eternity" popped in my head and I liked the word play.

So, that's how I came up with the name. Nothing deep, just my internal sense of humor and my love of word play. With that said, I bid thee adieu.

Here I am world

2009-10-10T22:21:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I did it, I created a blog, as if there aren't enough people out there on the net spewing their drivle, now I have to do it too. Yeah yeah, whatever. I'm not sure what I'm going to use this for but it's here and together we'll see what boils up from this thing.

I hope to keep my writing skills sharp and I promise to do my best to make sure what ever I post is accurate to the best of my knowledge. Whenever possible I will provide links to support my opinions and views as well.

Regardless of the topic, I do not want this forum to denegrate to a pissing contest and have people flaming others because they disagree with a statement made. I hope to keep things interesting in here and I am willing to discuss just about any topic. Since this Is My blog, I reserve the right to refuse to speak on a topic if I don't want to.

Well my friends, be safe, be kind, and don't sweat the little shit!