Friday, September 30, 2005

Watch Dog

Three posts in one day ... normally I would hold off for another day, but this one is too important

Family Watchdog website: If you want to see how close a sex offender lives to your house, go to this site and put your information in. It will show you a little house on the map and that is your address. When you click on one of the colored boxes it will bring up the persons photo and provide useful information about them. Scroll over to the right for a legend to explain the different color boxes. This website will give you the locations, names, employers, photos of sex offenders in your area.

This is interesting information ( I thought it might be a joke, but it isn't).....
share on: facebook

Soldiers still waiting for armor reimbursements

WASHINGTON - Nearly a year after Congress demanded action, the Pentagon has still failed to figure out a way to reimburse soldiers for body armor and equipment they purchased to better protect themselves while serving in Iraq.

Soldiers and their parents are still spending hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars for armor they say the military wont provide. One U.S. senator said Wednesday he will try again to force the Pentagon to obey the reimbursement law it opposed from the outset and has so far not implemented.

Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., said he will offer amendments to the defense appropriations bill working its way through Congress, to take the funding issue out of the hands of Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and give control to military unit commanders in the field.(more)

What's up with this? As much as they spend on everything else, they haven't figured out how to cut a check to cover the cost of what the Government should already be providing?
share on: facebook

Today in history

Brent, a blogger I read on a daily basis, has a "Today in Twisted History" entry in his sidebar, which I really like. However, I really don't care for the size of it, if it were to be on my blog. Last night I found a "Today in History" addon that allows for customization. I have added it to the sidebar, and will see how I like it over time.

I thought I would go ahead and add it to this entry as well, just for the idea that this entry will change on a daily basis.
  

share on: facebook

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

New sidebar category: Search my Blog

In case you are looking for a past entry, and don't feel like going to each and every previous month, use the new FreeFind search I put in the sidebar.

Need a search for your blog or other small site? Check them out. Its very easy to set up and easy to add to your pages and its free (up to 32MB). Perfect for bloggers!

Note for Blogspot users: To override some code that Blogger throws into your template, besides adding the code provided by FreeFind.com, you will need to add the following to your template, just after the <head> tag:
      <meta name=FreeFind content="noRobotsTag">
share on: facebook

Aggies prepare for Rita (Texas A&M)

AggiesritaFortunately for the Houston/Galveston area Hurricane Rita weakened and veered north of it’s original projected path, but the Aggies in College Station were prepared if it came their way.

Loupot’s, the school bookstore, boarded up their windows in a fine example of Aggie Engineering. Aggie jokes don’t get much easier than this. (Click on image for larger version of the picture)

Update:
Just had a response from the bookstore:
      Our windows will not support the weight of plywood screwed into their frames - neither is there sufficient masonry wall surrounding them for an attachment. Therefore our contractor, suggested saving the store from a major cleanup and letting the glass go. It wasn’t a difficult decision to make!

Thank you for your interest,
Suzanne Pledger

I have no idea about it’s authenticity but it sure sounds like something an Aggie would say. They have a reason for everything.

 original story 


share on: facebook

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

Showing off an audio-blog (subject added afterward)

this is an audio post - click to play

share on: facebook

I asked you not to tell me that!

There were so many ‘catch phrases’ from the old Get Smart television show, I really didn’t know which one to use for the subject line of this post.  Others could have been “Sorry about that Chief”, “And loving it!” or “Missed it by that much!”, just to name a few (a more complete list)

Maxwell SmartLOS ANGELES – Don Adams, the wry-voiced comedian who starred as the fumbling secret agent Maxwell Smart in the 1960s TV spoof of James Bond movies, “Get Smart”, died Sunday.  Though the comedian will forever be linked to the bumbling "Secret Agent 86", he is also known for suppling the voice for the children`s cartoon Inspector Gadget. He was 82.


There is no way I could let this post go without mentioning some of the wonderful gadgets thought up by the show personnel:

Shoe Phone (as well as dozens of other interesting phone items)
Cone of Silence (how many cubicles need this?)
Crutch gun (I could have used this in the past)
Periscope rain spout (which comment should I list?)

Obviously, I found a pretty good site for reliving some of the memories of the great old show.  If you enjoyed it long ago (or maybe from recent reruns), why don’t you check out http://www.wouldyoubelieve.com/?


share on: facebook

Monday, September 26, 2005

Ever feel like this?

Cat-gun
I am all about this on some days!
share on: facebook

Where's the dollar?

Three men check into a hotel. The room cost $30 so they each split the cost and pay $10 each. They go to the room.... In the meantime, the clerk realized he made a mistake and should have charged the 3 men $25 for the room. So he went to the room to give the me the $5 he owned them.

Before he knocked on the door, he thought to himself, "This is not going to work, three men and 5$ won't divide up right." So the man pocketed $2 and gave each man $1. So now, the men have paid $9 each or $27 for the room and the clerk has pocket $2.

$27 + $2 = $29...... Where's the other $1

The other dollar can be found in the first comment :-)
share on: facebook

Sunday, September 25, 2005

I am truly blessed!

This evening, while looking through various magazines in the mail, I saw a article title of "Dangers of Huffing". My interest was suddenly drawn to the article, thinking it would provide me me some 'ammo' to share with my 15 year old, the next time she huffed and rolled her eyes at some instruction from her mother or I. DOH! The article was referring to the criminal act of inhaling dangerous toxins, such as glue or paints.

I am blessed to have a daughter that I would instantly associate huffing with an attitude, instead of drug activity ... and this coming from an old cop who used to focus on alcohol and drug enforcement!
share on: facebook

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

Dilbert - My alter-ego

Dilbert-bonus-80

You know … this would be funny if it didn’t hit so close to home (er, work)
share on: facebook

Seen over at Law & Disorder

Brent, a good-ole-boy blogger in Iowa, posted the following “new reality poster” on his blog yesterday:
Potential

That made me pull out an old folder of posters called “Unmodivational Images” for a few laughs.  In honour of Brent, I have put those together in an online collage, which can be found at http://tisgarplen.r8.org/documents/53.html.  This page will present the posters as thumbnail images, clicking on each one will open a new pop-up window with a larger resolution. 

Feel free to leave comments as to your favorites.
share on: facebook

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

The University of Oklahoma's new helmet design:

Oklahoma_sNewHelmets

Note: I got this from my mom ... and she is a HUGE fan of OU!
share on: facebook

Monday, September 19, 2005

Green Light for training ... finally

On 14 July, I posted that training was about to commence. Over two months later, I finally got a green light for the training. All it took was a threat for the $509K project to turn into a $1.4M project as of the first of next month. Yes, you read that right, a difference of appox $900K, if we didn't get our act together and get our SNAFU paperwork off of high-center.

I should get my training dates on my calendar by the end of this week. It appears my cycle of "hurry up and wait" is about to roll back around to the "hurry up" side. It has been a long time in coming!
share on: facebook

Home page URL change

While http://tisgrplen.cjb.net will still get there, my new address should be bookmarked as http://tisgarplen.r8.org. While working on URL issue for Epic Adventure, I ran across a redirect service hosted by NE1.net. After taking some time to look up reviews comparing cjb.net and ne1.net (the actual host of r8.org), I believe ne1.net to be a better solution for my needs.
share on: facebook

Friday, September 16, 2005

Reviewing my old blog entries

During lunch today, I spent a few minutes (translation: all of lunch) reviewing previous posts, starting from the beginning of my blogging days in Sept 2003. I was able to relive, through the posts, several emotions and memories.

While I am not asking you to review all my posts, I do challange all the bloggers out there to take some time and relive their past.

Side note: Isn't it amazing how the word blog has evolved into the English language?
share on: facebook

Thursday, September 15, 2005

New possible look


Here is a possible new look of my current http://tisgarplen.cjb.net website ....
share on: facebook

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

Background Randomizer

Made a few changes to the blog template today, primarily in the area of a background randomizer. The image that is in the lower right corner of your web browser (that used to always be a goldfish escaping from it's bowl) will now randomly selected from a variety of different images.

Images will be added to the rotation as I find interesting ones
share on: facebook

How true, how true

30minutes
share on: facebook

Monday, September 12, 2005

Bravo God

Sarah&jamiBravo God is the is name of Jami Smith’s newest CD and last night was her CD release concert in Oklahoma City. 

Before I share about the concert, let me explain the importance of Jami Smith to my family.  Renee and Sarah went to a mother/daughter conference a few years back, and Jami Smith was the worship leader.  Sarah came back bubbling about Jami, and started into her guitar practicing with a renewed passion.  Sarah quickly collected all the CDs produced by Jami Smith she could find.  Several months later, Jami Smith filled in as worship leader where we were attending, and I arraigned for Sarah to get to talk to Jami for just a few minutes prior to one of the worship services.  Once Sarah got over her nervousness of talking to Jami Smith, all went well.  As Sarah walked away, it was as if she was floating on air.  Needless to say, Jami Smith is someone Sarah looks up to (and, as a father, I couldn’t think of a better role model). I don't travel much for my job, but when I am am on the road, my "travel CD" is about 40% Jami Smith ... without a doubt, Jami rocks!

For Sarah’s birthday a few months ago, I had arraigned for her to have lunch with Jami Smith in Oklahoma City.  At the last minute, Jami got sick and had to postpone the meeting.  Renee and I were heartbroken, but a few weeks later the plans were completed for a new date/time.  We tricked Sarah into a trip to OKC, saying that I was going to an Amputee Support Group meeting, and that we might go to Target afterward.  We got to Hideaway Pizza a few minutes before Jami was to arrive.  When I saw Jami about to enter, I walked over to the door and greeted her.  Sarah saw Jami Smith come in and wondered why I would go over to her.  I called Sarah over and said “Happy Birthday, you are having lunch with Jami Smith”.  I have never seen an expression like that in my entire life … one of combined suprise and excitement!  Without going into a lot of detail, let’s just say we (Renee and I) have heard a lot about Jami Smith since then.

Back to last night: We got to Crossings Community Church a few minutes after the doors were scheduled to open, and the place was already quite full.  Sarah and I found some good seats in the middle section and waited for the concert to start.  When Jami Smith came into the sanctuary, and sat in the front row of the left section, the crowd hushed for a few seconds, then started buzzing with private conversations.  Finally, the pastor of CCC walked up on the stage and introduced Jami.  In her ever-humble manner, Jami took the stage, thanked everyone, and started her concert rocking as only she can.  She shared how she wasn’t there to sell CDs, or even perform for us, she was there to glorify God and share with us what He wanted.  Without a doubt, the Holy Spirit was in that room.  (I didn’t take notes as to the set of songs she played, but there was a mixture of her ‘old-school stuff’, as well as her new songs).

She stopped for a moment about a third through the concert to talk about her new CD, not in an effort to promote it, but to explain small pieces of it.  Take for example, the title “Bravo God”.  She shared how her lead guitar player was playing around one day and she opened her bible (version: The Message, by Eugene H Peterson) to Psalm 29, which starts out:  A David psalm. Bravo, GOD, bravo! Gods and all angels shout, "Encore!" (read entire chapter).  Then she shared the song with us (here is a 30 second mp3 clip from her website: listen).

The concert, only about 90 minutes long, could have been twice or three times as long for both Sarah and I.  Afterwards, Sarah went and bought Jami’s two newest CDs, Bravo God and Hope of All the Earth and got in line for the autographs.  I was hoping that Jami would have a sharpie marker (I’ll explain later), but she didn’t.  As soon as Sarah got to the front of the line, Jami recognized her and asked how she was doing.  Sarah handed her a card that Renee had sent (thanking her for taking the time to have lunch with Sarah), and Jami asked about the family.  After signing Sarah’s CD insert, she posed for the picture above with Sarah.  As we left, Sarah was cloud nine again, not only because she had the newest Jami Smith CD, but because, as she put it, “Jami Smith remembered me!”.  I told Sarah that if Jami Smith had a sharpie pen, I would have had her autograph the socket of my prosthetic leg, right below my Tis Gar Plen logo.  She told me we had one in the car and off she ran to go get it. 

AutographAfter standing in line again, when we got to Jami, she was suprised we were still there and I said I had a weird autograph request.  I explained about my Tis Gar Plen logo, and how I have used it in ministry ways, and asked for her autograph below the logo.  At first she didn’t want to, saying “these things are expensive”, but I assured her it was alright.  After she signed it, she admitted that this was a first (she had never autographed a fake leg).  We said our good-byes again and headed back to Stillwater.

Side note: Sarah told me that one of the security guards near Jami Smith went bug-eyed when I removed my prosthetic leg.  What a hoot!


share on: facebook

Friday, September 09, 2005

Latest (and saddest) news about Epic Adventure

I thought I would share my latest event with Epic Adventure. The following message was just sent to my team captain:
Events this week, which I will elaborate on below, have made it to where I have to drop out as a primary rower on team Epic Adventure. I would still appreciate the opportunity of remaining closely associated with the team, by way of webmaster, research, sponsor chasing & media relations if needed.

Events this week (long story short):
---I was approached to possibly start up a new branch office for a very large company. If this happens, I wouldn't be able to leave as needed for the training/racing.
---I have been advised by my supervisor that if I leave for the training/racing, I will forfeit my planned work related training, which is valued at approx $25k. They would put in a junior team member to run my $500k project. I need that trng to leverage a higher salary, of write my own ticket else where.

I understand that I am giving up the possibility for me to promote the Ertl Procedure and Barr Foundation, as well as speak out for prosthetic parity rules/regs. However, this decision is not made lightly, but one made out needing to insure providing for my family.

As stated above, I am not looking to separate myself from the team, but just as a rowing member. I would consider it an honor to be in a supportive role for the team (see intro paragraph). I'm sure we will talk on the phone in the next few days, but I wanted to get this info to you as soon as possible, so that you can recruit for team member 4.

You know I wish you and the team all the best,

Ron
That had to be one of the toughest emails I have ever authored (that I can remember)
share on: facebook

Iowa Amputee Steals Prosthesis

DES MOINES, Iowa - A man test-fitting a $17,000 artificial leg ran off without paying the bill, police said.

The man visited Spectrum Prosthetics and Orthotics on Aug. 19 to be fitted for the prosthetic and "was allowed to take it for a couple hours to ensure that the fit was proper," a police report said. But the man didn't come back, Sgt. David Murillo said.

Todd Schweizer, one of the owners of the company, said employees had been working with the man for about a week. "We were trying to meet his needs," Schweizer said.

No one answered the door at an address left by the man, and calls to a cell phone number also were not answered, Detective Robert Lewis said. Company employees waited several days to report the theft because they may have believed he was coming back, Lewis said.
share on: facebook

Thursday, September 08, 2005

'Nuf Said!

Silent

share on: facebook

Monkeys for sale!

A tourist visiting New York City walked into a pet shop and was looking at the animals on display. While he was there, a police officer walked in and said to the shopkeeper, "I'll take a Patrol monkey, please." The shopkeeper nodded, went over to a cage at the side of the shop, and took out a monkey. He fit it with a collar and leash and handed it to the officer saying, "That'll be $1,000." The officer paid and walked out with his monkey.

Startled, the tourist went over to the shopkeeper and said, "That was a very expensive monkey. Most of them are only a few hundred dollars. Why did it cost so much?"

The shopkeeper answered, "Ah, that monkey is an expert in firing small arms, can write 20 tickets a week, and is certified in small unit tactics -- well worth the money!"

The tourist looked at the monkey in another cage. "That one's even more expensive! $10,000! What does it do?"

"Oh, that one's a POST certified Technician Patrol monkey; it can instruct other monkeys in basic firearms skills, counter-terrorism training, physical training, small unit tactics, and investigative techniques, and it can even type. All the really useful stuff," said the shopkeeper.

The tourist looked around for a little longer and saw a third monkey in a large cage of its own. The price tag around its neck read $70,000. He gasped to the shopkeeper, "That one costs more than all the others put together! What on earth does it do?"

The shopkeeper replied, "Well, I haven't actually seen it do anything, but it says it's a Sergeant."

Notes:
To readers: POST: Police Officer Standards and Training
To Brent: If you are a Sergeant, then exchange Lieutenant for Sergeant above :-)
share on: facebook

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

When it rains, it pours

So, here I am spending a great deal of time (& mental energy) on Team Epic Adventure, including the sending of an official email to my boss about needing a leave of absence.

What happens today? First, I get an email out of the blue from our team captain (the guy who is the driving force behind the organization of everything regarding the team) advising he is having some serious issues (medically) with his leg. Same type of issues that resulted in a revision surgery in the not too distant past. From his description, it's not sounding good. So I start wondering about the likelihood of us actually racing. This is a perfect example of why I haven't 'firmed up' any of my personal sponsors (yep, that is plural).

Just after receiving that email, I get a phone call from Mr. X (identity protected ... he might be revealed in a future post) asking me to lunch. Lunch time rolls around and we meet at Crepe Myrtle, one of my favorite places in Stw, and the conversation starts off like this:
Mr X: Remember when I first got into town and you told me you weren't happy with your job?
Me: Yeah.
Mr X: You still looking around for a job?
Me: I always have my eyes open for opportunities.
Mr X: I told you I was thinking about opening an office in Stw, and I was wondering if you might want to run it (paraphrased)
The rest of lunch was spent talking about all the different items that the two of us could implement here in Stw.

If this new job opportunity actually pans out, the rowing won't be an option, as I would be organizing a new office and getting up to speed.

For those of you inclined to prayer, I wouldn't mind a few for discernment said on my behalf. Thanks in advance.....
share on: facebook

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

You might be a cop if:

  1. You have the bladder capacity of five people.
  2. You have ever restrained someone and it was not a sexual experience.
  3. You believe that 25% of people are a waste of protoplasm.
  4. Your idea of a good time is a robbery at shift change.
  5. You think it is perfectly normal to discuss dismemberment over a gourmet meal.
  6. You can identify a negative "tattoo to tooth" ratio just by looking at a person.
  7. You find humor in other people's stupidity.
  8. You disbelieve 90% of what you hear and 75% of what you see.
  9. You have your weekends off planned for a year in advance.
  10. You believe that a "shallow gene pool" should be grounds for an arrest.
  11. You believe that the Government should require a permit to reproduce.
  12. You believe that unspeakable evils will befall you if anyone says "Boy, it sure is quiet around here".
  13. You believe that chocolate is a food group.
  14. You have wanted to hold a seminar on "Suicide, getting it right the first time.,
  15. You believe that "too stupid to live" should be a valid jury verdict.
  16. You have had to put a complainant on hold, while you laugh uncontrollably.
  17. You have wanted a terrorist to deliver a Ryder truck to a particular bar.
  18. You believe the dispatcher is possessed.
  19. You think caffeine should be available in I.V. form.
  20. You believe that the holding cell should come with a Valium salt lick.
  21. You have heard: "I have no idea how that got there," on more than a few occasions.
  22. You suddenly realize one night that you are patrolling the Twilight Zone.
  23. You correlate "two beers" with 0.15 BAC.
  24. You have learned a lot about paranoia, simply by following random cars around in your patrol car.
  25. You believe that it is a "good" death only if it involves overtime.

share on: facebook

Monday, September 05, 2005

Just a little humor....

Two hunters are out in the woods when one of them collapses. He doesn't seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed. The other guy whips out his cellphone and calls the emergency services. He gasps: "My friend is dead! What can I do?"

The operator says: "Calm down, I can help. First, let's make sure he's dead."

There is a silence, then a shot is heard. Back on the phone, the guy says: "OK, now what?"
share on: facebook

Happy 10th 'Birthday'


EBay.com, the premiere auction web site, was launched on Labor Day in 1995. Each day it is host to more than 2.5 million auctions, with 350,000 new items offered each day.
share on: facebook

Thursday, September 01, 2005

Tony Blair on America

This should be etched in stone someplace.
In case we find ourselves starting to believe all the anti-American sentiment and negativity about our government and its policies, we should remember England's Prime Minister, Tony Blair's words to his own people.

During a recent interview, Prime Minister Tony Blair of Great Britain was asked by one of his parliament members as to why he believes so much in America. And, does he think America is on the right track?

Blair's reply --
"A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in ... and how many want out."
<accent:english> By jove, I think he's got it!!! </accent>

Sent via my Siemens SX66 device (which may explain why it is brief)
share on: facebook

More positive news regarding Epic Adventure

The meetings with the University officials went very well yesterday, to the point where I was told (by one very high ranking official), that if I received an answer of "no", I was to come and see him about it. He was very much behind the idea of me doing this. His statement was "there is no reason OSU should stand between you and this".

I also was able to line up my first potential private sponsor as well yesterday. I won't elaborate on that anymore until all is official, but it is a very sweet sponsorship! Regarding sponsorship: The team will have numerous sponsors as a whole, but individual team members will be encouraged to recruit some of their own, from their local areas. This is to help reduce the expenses of the individual team member, but to also promote more 'buzz' about the event. While we will look somewhat like a Nascar crew, with sponsor logos on the boat and uniforms, we should be able to post our private sponsors on our individual jackets. While I haven't decided the order of the posting (first onboard or largest sponsor on top), they will get recognized for their assistance, both on my uniform and my team bio page.

I have been asked if I will post my training/race entries on this blog or a team related blog. I haven't decided yet .. it may come down to a double posting. We'll just have to see how that goes as well.

More to follow.......
share on: facebook