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November 27, 2007

Holiday Quiz

What The Holidays Mean to You

For you, the holidays are about emotional connections and bonds. You are happiest being around those you love.

You celebrate the holidays in a minimalist style. You are likely to only give one great present and decorate your house with a few special items.

During the holidays, you feel happily busy. There's so much do to and not a lot of time to do it. But you enjoy every minute of your holiday chores.

You think the holidays should be nostalgic and sweet. The holidays bring out your inner child.

Your best holiday memories are warm and intimate. You remember special moments more than gifts or parties.

This Ain't No Bull

A US citizen stopped at a local restaurant following a day roaming around in Mexico . While sipping his tequila, he noticed a sizzling, scrumptious looking platter being served at the next table. Not only did it look good, the smell was wonderful. He asked the waiter,

"What is that you just served?"

The waiter replied, "Ah senor, you have excellent taste! Those are called Cojones de Toro, bull's testicles from the bull fight this morning. A delicacy!"

The American said, "Oh yeah, sounds good... bring me an order."

The waiter replied, "I am so sorry senor. There is only one serving per day because there is only one bull fight each morning. If you come early and place your order, we will be sure to save you this delicacy."

The next morning, the man returned, placed his order, and that evening was served the one and only special delicacy of the day. After a few bites, inspecting his platter, he called to the waiter and said,

"These are delicious, but they are much, much smaller than the ones I saw you serve yesterday."

The waiter shrugged his shoulders and replied,

"Si, Senor. Sometimes the bull, he wins."

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November 22, 2007

deipnosophist

From Dictionary.com

deipnosophist \dyp-NOS-uh-fist\, noun:
Someone who is skilled in table talk.


At the age of six his future as a deipnosophist seemed certain. Guzzling filched apples he loved to prattle. Hogging the pie he invariably piped up and rattled on.
-- Ellis Sharp, "The Bloating of Nellcock"

Deipnosophist comes from the title of a work written by the Greek Athenaeus in about 228 AD, Deipnosophistai, in which a number of wise men sit at a dinner table and discuss a wide range of topics. It is derived from deipnon, "dinner" + sophistas, "a clever or wise man."

From Quinduno's Quotes:

"There are no deipnosophists at a Thanksgiving table."

November 21, 2007

Couldn't Have Been Anything Else!

You Are Valentine's Day

You are a true romantic who places the ultimate importance on love.

You are warm hearted, and you find it easy to care for people.

Love is what drives you - and you have a love to give.

You enjoy making someone's day. You're full of surprises.

What makes you celebrate: Being with the person you love on a special day

At holiday get togethers, you do best as: The sentimental one

On a holiday, you're the one most likely to: See it as romantic and special

November 17, 2007

You Gotta Be a Football Hero

To get along with the beautiful girls. Needless to say, I didn't get the beautiful girls, but I had my moments. This is a two play in a row snippet of the 1971 8-Man Regional Championship. I'm the middle linebacker.






I'll have more when I get this program sussed out a bit better.

Me 'n My Ex

November 16, 2007

Incomplete Pass (6mb)

This is a video I took which I've decided to use as a test of the new Blogger video upload. It's an incomplete pass during the Canadian/Tulia bi-district football game I attended last night in Buffalo Stadium in Canyon, Texas.

I've a Nikon Coolpix 7600 that can take videos in .mov format. I don't like Quicktime, but the camera had most of the other features I wanted in the price range I had in mind. I really hadn't planned on taking videos with it, but one night while attempting to take some photos of an oncoming thunderstorm, I took a few seconds of an 18-wheeler driving by in the rain. Even though it was dark, it was cool, especially with the doppler effect of the truck whizzing by.

It gave me an idea that it might be cool to take a short video of a train coming by; set my tripod up fairly close to the track, wait until I hear one and start the camera rolling. I think it might best to point it away from the coming train and then have it WHOOSH into the frame.

I think I'll do that tomorrow!

(since I started on this, I found I had a program that could convert the file to .wmv)

November 15, 2007

November 14, 2007

Kinky Politics

Friedman's ideas on overhauling the Texas (and US) method of electing our "public servants". -snicker-

I voted for the Kinkster, by-the-way. I wish he'd run for President.

November 12, 2007

Cheeseburger Challenge

From My High Plains:

AMARILLO -- The German film crew for the show "Galileo" found themselves in Arnold Burgers today asking "where's the beef?" They ordered the #241 which is the 24" cheeseburger. After eating a small portion of the burger, it proved too big for the hungry host who couldn't finish it all. Even though they handed out leftovers, the crew said it was worth the trip to see this Panhandle pattie.



I've been to Arnolds a few times while I was going to TSTI in Amarillo. The first time I went, I was warned to get the "Junior Cheeseburger", so for once in my life I took some advice and was glad I did because I couldn't finish it and the heaping mound of fries that came with the burger.

The 24" burger is often served to parties and is probably enough for 6-8 people. They turn the beef patty with a spatula that looks like it's been made from a large snow shovel.

Makes me hungry just thinking about it.

Never, ever



Of all the words in the dictionary, this is one that's never been said about me.

Probably why I'm not a crime investigator, huh?

November 10, 2007

I will never vote for a Baptist.

That's the title of a post in a political forum I pop in on from time-to-time. There has been some controversy over the Republican frontrunner, Mitt Romney. Romney is a Mormon, and I "guess" that this guy is angry that some in the forum aren't backing his guy but instead are backing Huckabee, an ordained minister.

(I will have to make sure that's correct. I "think" it's Huckabee; that sort of thing is one of the "lesser" things I think about when choosing a political candidate. It's important, but not as important as where he/she stands on the issues)

Here's the rest of his post:

I grew up as a Baptist. When I gained enough sense to see through their narrow minded concept of religion I left. I did not agree with their racist attitudes regarding those other than Baptists. I did not agree with their ideas of starting a new church whenever their thoughts disagreed with the prevailing ideas. I thought their list of things you can not do disagreed with the Bible.

It is very dangerous for a Baptist to even be running for president much less a Baptist preacher.

You guys know me; I couldn't help it.

Semper Fidelis - Marine Corps Band

Happy 232nd Birthday!

November 6, 2007

November 5, 2007

Gift for Mother

Three sons left home, went out on their own and prospered. Getting back together, they discussed the gifts they were able to give their elderly Mother.

The first said, "I built a big house for our Mother."

The second said, "I sent her a Mercedes with a driver."

The third smiled and said, "I've got you both beat. You remember how Mom enjoyed reading the Bible? And you know she can't see very well any more. I sent her a remarkable parrot that recites the entire Bible. It took Elders in the church 12 years to teach him. He's one of a kind. Mama just has to name the chapter and verse, and the parrot recites it."

Soon thereafter, Mom sent out her letters of thanks:

"Milton," she wrote one son, "the house you built is so huge. I live in only one room, but I have to clean the whole house."

"Gerald," she wrote to another, "I am too old to travel any more. My eyesight isn't what it used to be. I stay most of the time at home, so I rarely use the Mercedes. And the driver is so rude!"

"Dearest Donald," she wrote to her third son, "you have the good sense to know what your Mother likes. The chicken was delicious!"

Top 25 Country Songs

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TOP 25 COUNTRY SONGS

25. Get Your Tongue Outta My Mouth 'Cause I'm Kissing You Goodbye.
24. Her Teeth Was Stained, But Her Heart Were Pure.
23. How Can I Miss You If You Won't Go Away?
22. I Don't Know Whether To Kill Myself Or Go Bowling.
21. I Just Bought A Car From A Guy That Stole My Girl, But The Car Don't Run So I Figure We're Even.
20. I Keep Forgettin' I Forgot About You.
19. I Liked You Better Before I Knew You So Well.
18. I Still Miss You, Baby, But My Aim's Gettin' Better.
17. I Wouldn't Take Her To A Dog Fight, Cause I'm Afraid She'd Win.
16. I'll Marry You Tomorrow But Let's Honeymoon Tonight.
15. I'm So Miserable Without You, It's Like Having You Here
14. I've Got Tears In My Ears From Lyin' On My Back and Cryin' Over You.
13. If I Can't Be Number One In Your Life, Then Number Two On You.
12. If I Had Shot You When I Wanted To, I'd Be Out By Now.
11. Mama Get A Hammer (There's A Fly On Papa's Head).
10. My Head Hurts, My Feet Stink, And I Don't Love You.
9. My Wife Ran Off With My Best Friend And I Sure Do Miss Him.
8. Please Bypass This Heart.
7. She Got The Ring And I Got The Finger.
6. You Done Tore Out My Heart And Stomped That Sucker Flat.
5. You're The Reason Our Kids Are So Ugly.
4. If the Phone Don't Ring, You'll Know It's Me.
3. She's Actin' Single and I'm Drinkin' Doubles.
2. She's Looking Better After Every Beer.

And the Number 1 Country and Western song of all Time is...

1. I Haven't Gone To Bed With Any Ugly Women But I've Sure Woke Up

November 4, 2007

Cowboy poet goes home

From Texas Day-by-Day (feed in right-hand column)

On this day in 1940, the cowboy “poet laureate,” Lysius Gough, was found dead at his home in Amarillo. His latest poem, still scrolled in the typewriter, was appropriately titled “Gone.” Gough, born in Lamar County in 1862, was a man of diverse talents and interests. After running away from home as a teenager, he punched cattle on several drives and earned the nickname “Parson” at the T Anchor Ranch because he never swore.

In the mid-1880s Gough obtained his teaching certificate and became principal of Pilot Point Institute. During this time he also published his first book of cowboy verse, Western Travels and Other Rhymes. Eventually he studied law, married Ida Russell, and was one of the first settlers of Castro County, where he taught school at Dimmitt. He later engaged in real estate, irrigation well drilling, and farming. In the 1920s Gough served as president of the Texas Wheat Growers Association and also helped organize the Panhandle-Plains Historical Society. He published Spur Jingles and Saddle Songs in 1935.

Read more at Cowboy Poetry

November 3, 2007

What'd I Say - Ray Charles

Boomhauer on The Net

This is dedicated to our late friend Brad in Kentucky. He said he loved the Mike Judge animated series "King of the Hill" (a sweet little satire about life in Texas) mainly because of Boomhauer.

Brad said he knew a LOT of people in Kentucky who spoke that way.

November 1, 2007

Yeah, but my bark's worse than my bite.

In keeping with the procrastination-as-usual theme of this blog (and most any other thing I do), here's a Blogstuff thing I had saved for Halloween.



You Are a Werewolf

You're unpredictable, moody, and downright freaky.

You seem sweet and harmless, until you snap.

Then you're a total monster.

Very few people can predict if you're going to be Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde.

But for you, all your transformations seem perfectly natural.

Your greatest power: Your ability to tap into nature

Your greatest weakness: Lack of self control

You play well with: Vampires

I'd cry, but...

I can't spare the water.


Vote on Pickens project a sure bet

By BETSY BLANEY Associated Press

LUBBOCK -- It won't take long to count the votes next week on a plan that would help billionaire T. Boone Pickens deliver Panhandle water to growing North Texas communities. There's even less doubt about the outcome.

Just two people -- Pickens' ranch manager and his wife -- will cast ballots Tuesday on whether to confirm the creation of the Fresh Water Supply District in Roberts County.

Alton Boone, who manages Pickens' vast Canadian River Valley ranch, and his wife, Lu, live within the 8-acre water district and are its only eligible voters.

The couple also will vote to seat a five-member board of supervisors -- which would include themselves and three Pickens employees -- and to approve $101 million in revenue bonds to acquire rights of way through as many as 12 counties for delivering water- and wind-generated electricity.

The bonds would be repaid from money collected from water and electricity customers who benefit from Pickens' energy projects.

The election is the next step in a five-year effort by Pickens' Mesa Water to market and ship water from the Ogallala Aquifer to thirsty cities.

Pickens also wants to install 2,700 large wind turbines in four Panhandle counties. Together, they would be capable of producing 4,000 megawatts of electricity, making it the world's largest wind farm.

Roberts County commissioners formed the water district in September at the request of landowners in the district -- all of whom had recently bought their acreage from Pickens. Under Texas law, voters living on the affected land must ratify the change before it becomes official.

Texas' 55 freshwater districts have been established since 1919, when the Legislature authorized them for the exclusive purpose of providing and distributing water for domestic and commercial use.

Local officials say the election has drawn more interest from afar than from within the county.

"Most of them say, 'I can't believe he can do that"' County Judge Vernon Cook said. "I say, 'Yes, that's the way our fearless leaders [in Austin] changed the statute.'

"There's no doubt in my mind it'll be formed."

Texas lawmakers say they made the changes this year in an effort to standardize the state's water laws and to give property owners a greater say on issues affecting their land.

"In the end, it's not any special Pickens law," said Rep. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe. "Nothing to do with Pickens was even remotely part of my efforts at all."

Others, however, suggest that money played a part in the changes. Andrew Wheat of Texans for Public Justice, a nonprofit watchdog group that tracks money in politics, said Pickens spent about $2.2 million on lobbyists this year and campaign contributions in 2006.

"It could be coincidence. But if it is, it's a hell of a coincidence," Wheat said. "No sooner did this law take effect, and his lawyers were already working on this particular proposal that seems to be framed by the very legal changes made."

But Monty Humble, Pickens' attorney, denied that the oil tycoon was behind the legislation.

"We had absolutely nothing to do with" those changes, Humble said.

Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, voiced other worries.

"What concerns me more is the potential to undermine the conservation of [Panhandle] groundwater that's facing some real challenges," he said. "Those changes [in the statutes] were not in anticipation of exportation of water" by Pickens or anyone else.

I've Got the Write Stuff

What Your Handwriting Says About You

You are a fairly energetic person. You know how do pace yourself, and you deal well with stress.

You are very extroverted and outgoing. You are loving, friendly, and supportive. However, you are also manipulative and controlling at times.

You are balanced and grounded. You know how to get along well with others.

You need a bit of space in your life, but you're not a recluse. You expect people to give you a small amount of privacy, and you respect their privacy as well.

You are conservative, old fashioned, and a little stubborn. You are resistant to change.

You are a decent communicator. You eventually get your point across, but sometimes you leave things a bit ambiguous.