The "Assembly Room"

Old Coot was curious about my husband's remote control airplane "assembly room". Mr. FtK started his hobby in a room upstairs that we call 'the office', but he outgrew that area rather quickly. Now, 3/4 of the garage is also dedicated to his hobby. He's always been one of those people who works better in total chaos than in an organized work space, as you'll be able to tell from the pictures. But, I'm glad he has a hobby he really enjoys. The two boys love working on them as well, and they discuss all the engineering details and how they can tweak them to work better or differently. So, I think they're learning a lot from their little hobby.

My oldest has been working on a top secret project that I'm not even allowed to mention. They think they've come up with a remote control vehicle that will be new to the industry, and their dream is to patent it. Let 'em dream...they're having a ball with it, and the hobby allows them lots of time sharing, learning and shooting the shit with their Dad.

Here are those pictures I promised Old Coot...the picture quality is poor, but you get the idea...

The Assembly Room



Work in Progress



Planes hanging from the ceiling



Beginning a new one



Some of the planes

>

The guys beside some of their favorites



The "airfield"



My fervent hope is that we're able to clear out a small area of the garage so I can squeeze my van in this winter.

Obama supporters pay heed!!!

IF CLIP DOESN'T RUN, CHECK IT OUR HERE.

So, are you sure the Republicans are the ones responsible for the problems with our economy??

VOTE McCAIN/PALIN '08 !!!

My new lipstick

Palin is still bringing in the crowds

...60,000 in Florida.

I *REALLY* hate doing this...

...I really do. But, I'm going to have to turn on comment moderation for a few days. I'm sick of having to keep an eye on the comments to be sure people aren't abusing open moderation.

I've enjoyed not having to moderate comments, so I hope that those few people who are causing problems will back off soon. Please. When they do, I'll turn off moderation again.

Sorry...

Look Who's Irrational Now

Interesting article...

"What Americans Really Believe," a comprehensive new study released by Baylor University yesterday, shows that traditional Christian religion greatly decreases belief in everything from the efficacy of palm readers to the usefulness of astrology. It also shows that the irreligious and the members of more liberal Protestant denominations, far from being resistant to superstition, tend to be much more likely to believe in the paranormal and in pseudoscience than evangelical Christians.

HT: JJS P.Eng and Thinking Christian.

One more reason to like Sarah Palin...

...and it's a big one. Sandra Bernhard despises her.

WARNING...WARNING...WARNING...!!!
VIDEO CONTAINS OBSCENITIES..lots of them.



Gads, that woman is a mess.

An Addiction?

Is it possible to have an addiction to building remote control planes???!!! I swear my husband spends every waking moment assembling his flippin' planes. One room upstairs is filled with plans and parts for building, and now he's turned half of our garage into a plane assembly room. I'll have to take some pictures of the garage and his planes and post them. It's nuts...planes everywhere! I can't even park in my garage at present.

I think he's losing him mind...srsly.

I guess I should consider myself lucky that he's not sitting in a coma glaze watching sports on the tube. And, I'll never have to worry about him out chasing other women...he's not able to pull himself away from his planes long enough to even notice another woman.

Too bad he can't make some money off his hobby. With the way the economy looks lately, and with all the banks closings, we may *never* sell that house he built. It's *still* sitting on the market, and it's killing us financially. Oh, and Mr. FtK invested in life insurance/retirement plan with *AIG* years ago. I hope it's still available when we hit retirement age! I swear the economy is scaring the life out of us.

Anyone have any creative ideas as to how to make some money off his little hobby?? Any ideas are welcome!

Science Debate '08

You can read the Presidential candidates answers to the top 14 science questions facing America at this link. Enjoy...

Too funny...

Some people are holding up lipstick at Palin's speeches...kinda like holding up a lighter at a concert.




Well, if nothing else, Sarah has made the race a lot of fun to watch. Maybe she'll stir up some positive interest in political issues. The political scene is usually such a downer.

You have got to be freaking kidding me...

Check out the headline for the day...

Charles Darwin to receive apology from the Church of England for rejecting evolution

I swear when I read that, I started laughing. Weird reaction? Maybe, but it seriously cracks me up that the Church of England is going to apologize to the dead corpse of Darwin for a theory that is under more scrutiny than ever before.

"The statement will read: Charles Darwin: 200 years from your birth, the Church of England owes you an apology for misunderstanding you and, by getting our first reaction wrong, encouraging others to misunderstand you still. We try to practise the old virtues of 'faith seeking understanding' and hope that makes some amends."

God, that's a hoot. Bet there's a whole lot of political baggage behind that decision.

SNL - Palin and Clinton in Opening Sketch

Tina Fey is a dead ringer for Sarah Palin...



"...and I can see Russia from my house!"

Absolutely freaking hilarious!

Edit: Here's the transcript.

Fishy Soul Mates

Inside joke really. Some of you will get it...

I love the Internet...

It's certainly spiced up the presidential elections...



Too funny. Oh, and Obama is supposed to make an appearance on Saturday Night Live tonight. Michael Phelps is hosting the show. Don't miss it!

Atheist Evangelist Still going Strong

Richard Dawkins is releasing a new 3 part documentary - "The Genius of Charles Darwin". We're provided with *very* little science...but rather a good dose of ideology, Darwin worship, protelyzing for atheism and indoctrination.

"This series is about perhaps the most powerful idea ever to occur to a human mind. The idea is evolution by natural selection and the genius who thought of it was Charles Darwin.

I’m a biologist and Darwin has been an inspiration to me throughout my whole career.

His masterpiece on the origin of species was published 150 years ago and it changed forever our view of the world and our place in it.

What Darwin achieved, was nothing less than a complete explanation of the complexity and diversity of all life. And yet, it’s one of the simplest ideas that anyone ever had.

In this series I want to persuade you that evolution offers a far richer and more spectacular view of life than any religious story. It’s one reason why I don’t believe in God. I want to show you how Darwin opened our eyes to the extraordinary reality of our world.

In this first program I am going to tell you who Charles Darwin was, explain how he discovered his theory of evolution, What it is, and why it matters. By the end I hope to have convinced you of the truth that evolution is a fact, backed by undeniable evidence. And I want to give you a glimpse of the brutal elegance of the force which Darwin realized drives evolution on: natural selection."

...

"Darwin theory explained how the diversity on earth had evolved spontaneously without any interference from God."

...

"Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species is one of the most precious books in the entire library of our species. This book made it possible no longer to feel the necessity to believe in anything supernatural. It completely revolutionised the way we see ourselves, the world, and our origins."

This dude is sooooo transparent. He's not teaching science, he's peddling Atheism pure and simple.

If this type of tripe ever makes it into Kansas public schools, my kids will go the private school route. Dawkins emphasizes that kids should embrace Darwinism and question their faith beliefs. But, if we question Darwinism, he writes us off as either ignorant, stupid or insane (or wicked).

My eighth grader and I watched episode one (above) together. Even he recognized that no empirical evidence was offered supporting molecule to man other than Craig Ventor telling us that because organisms share similarities, there is no question that Darwinian evolution is a fact.

Dawkins speaks elegantly, and his accent suggests an air of arrogant sophistication, yet his presentation is *evidence* free.

I encourage my children to question everything...including their faith. Dawkins, OTOH, discourages the questioning of his Darwinian faith calling those of us who do "stupid, ignorant or insane".

"Test everything. Hold on to the good." - 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Gibson Interviews Palin

I shouldn't post this article, because I'm kinda breaking my rule about staying away from the shit flinging political circus, but the last paragraph from the article is spot on...

Liberal Democrats predictably will cite the interview as evidence that Palin is not prepared for the vice presidency. Republicans will equally predictably cite it as evidence that she is. How centrist voters will react to it remains to be seen. One thing is clear: This isn't a transformational election on either side. Whoever wins, the ugly old cultural and political divisions in America remain -- and they are deeper than ever.

Sigh...sad, but true enough.

NCSE's Josh Rosenau needs a geography lesson

Josh writes:

John Cole points out this bit from Sarah Palin's interview:

Pressed about what insights into recent Russian actions she gained by living in Alaska, Palin answered: “They’re our next door neighbors and you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska, from an island in Alaska.”

Oy.

According to Google Earth, the westernmost tip of Alaska is over 5,000 miles from the fighting in Georgia. Moscow is closer, a mere 4,500 miles away. Even if Palin didn't need glasses, she couldn't see anything that far away.

Oy indeed...

Josh, luv, think Bering Strait.

Good Lord...while he's working toward that doctorate in evolutionary biology, I hope he takes a few geography courses along the way.

I won't touch on the rest of the fallacies in his post because I've sworn off defending, bashing, and poking fun of the political candidates, but I figure evolutionary biologists are fair game....lol.

SPORE...

The Intelligent Design Simulator

The Difference between Democrats and Republicans

Tee Hee...

I was talking to a friend of mine's little girl the other day. I asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up and she replied, "I want to be president!" Both of her parents are liberal Democrats and were standing there. So then I asked her, "If you were President what would be the first thing you would do?" She replied, "I'd give 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, pull weeds, and sweep my yard, and I'll pay you $50. Then I'll take you over to the grocery store where this homeless guy hangs out, and you can give him the $50 to use toward a new house."

Since she is only 6, she thought that over for a few seconds. While her Mom glared at me, she 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.

Thanks JJS P.Eng.!!

Palinmania completely out of control...

Slate asked readers to e-mail them with their Sarah Palin dreams.

*Eyes rolling*

Good grief, the media has seriously gone off the deep end. They posted 20 of the "most compelling" dreams.

Get a load...

"Sarah Palin's standing over me (I'm naked, she's not) and shouting, podium style, through a pair of great, floating glasses, 'And you know what? I'm going to cut it off. I'm gonna CUT IT OFF.' I hear cheers. Are we onstage? I don't see it, but I feel the presence of TV camera everywhere. She continues, 'And you know why? Because, well why shouldn't I? If you're good, I know God will put it back.' I look down and realize I have the biggest pot plant ever growing up between my legs. I mean, the thing is beautiful. I think something happens next, but I can't remember what. All I know is we are in a field, and Sarah Palin is kneeling over me decked out in hunter gear. She cradles her rifle pragmatically and smiles pathetically as if to say, 'You silly bear,' and ruffles my stomach. The plant is gone, but I am now covered in fur. And blood. And bits of grass. And as much as I want to bite her face off, I can't be angry at her. Or rather, I can't argue it. I've got nothing. And she knows it too. Her triumphalism is effortless."

—Joshua Mensch

Liberal much, Josh?

Why our elites fear faith

NOTHING in recent memory has driven home the divide between our self-appointed aristocracy and "commoners" as sharply as the intelligentsia's rush to mock Gov. Sarah Palin's religious faith.

While the attacks and insults are backfiring on the mortified elites, the double standard applied to "Sarah America" is a disgrace that can't be excused as "just politics."

Read more.

Suzan Mazur Interviews David Deamer

Then the Creationists take aim at Deamer...

An excerpt...

"Come on, David, we can handle it. Give us your best shot. Many readers of Creation-Evolution Headlines are highly educated and can take the advanced-wizard version of evolutionary theory instead of the watered-down Astrobiology Primer and other NASA propaganda. While you’re at it, show us some experiments of self-organization better than soap bubbles. We stopped playing with those as kids. We can’t remember any of them generating information out of nowhere by chance, either."

The "advanced-wizard version"....Tee Hee.

Read the article for the entire smackdown.

Egads...I just noticed this one

A bit dated, but I've been taking a break from the ID/Evo insanity.

Lying for the cause.

You have to wonder how many Darwinians feel the same way. That would certainly explain a lot. I thought they were merely delusional...perhaps they just tell great stories in order to increase the flock of chance worshipers.

I knew Piper would be a big hit...

HT: Shock & Blog

55 Days until the Election, and the jabs are gettin' crazy...

Whatever...lol. Think they'll eat each other alive before this is all over??

More Sarah...

I like her....she seems authentic...



She has a cute accent. It reminds me of all my Michigan and Minnesota relatives.

Levi Johnston's tatoo

Awwwhhhhh, ain't that cute! Look at Bristol's fiance's tattoo...





One certainly hopes that this couple is able to overcome the media blitz and enjoy a wonderful relationship together that lasts.

Does Intelligent Design Have Merit?

There is an online debate between intelligent design proponents and critics at OpposingViews.com. I've been working my way through the articles as time allows...great stuff.

Read more about it at EN&V.

Excuse me while I puke...

I've seen so much BS being slung by both presidential campaigns that I've decided to decline from blogging about any of it. "He said, she said"....barf! All I'll say is not to believe a word you hear from either camp unless you've investigated the claims for yourself and listened to both sides of the story.

Gag...I hate politics.

I've always enjoyed trying to understand people from a more personal level in a quest to discover what makes them tick and how they've arrived at their views about various topics. So, I'm going to try to take the Meghan McCain route and share some of her pictures and other positive things about McCain/Palin that I run across rather than slam Obama or defend John and Sarah. Or at least that's the plan...God knows I'm quick to get fired up at times when I hear something that is outright BS. But, I personally feel that both candidates are good people with somewhat different views about life and what is best for our nation.

So here are a few photos....

John & Sarah..



Sarah at the Republican convention...



Todd and Trig...



Meghan, Piper, and Willow...



Sarah and Piper...



I swear that Piper is a go getter...



Listen to Sarah on C-span - taped 2/08...



And, last but not least, here's the cute clip of Piper smoothing back trig's hair during her Mother's speech...adorable.

Allow me to gush over Sarah Palin for a moment

I realize that the large majority of my readers are Darwin lovin', bible hatin' liberals, so you might want to stop reading this post RIGHT NOW, because you're going to be literally ill by the time you've finished it.

You've been warned....

I'm still euphoric after last night's speech. I honestly didn't know what to expect from this chick after the media did everything humanly possible to make mince meat of the gal. But, after last night, I feel absolutely certain that she can handle everything thrown at her. A victim she will never be! She's tougher than hell, and I absolutely LOVE her for it.

I spent most of the day listening and reading the pundit reports, blogs, and news reports in effort to discern between the truth, lies, and BS about Palin's background and her big night last night before I decided to take the plunge and officially declare my support for the McCain/Palin ticket. There is no doubt in my mind now that they will have my vote.

I was absolutely giddy throughout her entire speech last night. She is intelligent, fun loving, witty, likable, and extremely articulate and confident. She's winking and blowing kisses one minute and then tougher than hell the next. She's actually one of us!!! Not those pasty, plastic clones on capital hill. She has a beautiful family each of whom appear to be very capable and mature. Her youngest daughter Piper is adorable, and the camera caught her holding her little brother, licking her hand and slicking back his hair. It was the cutest thing ever.

She included her accomplishments in her speech, and I'll be darn if she doesn't appear more qualified than Obama! Inexperienced my ass.

Added bonus folks...the ultra liberals loathe her, and the women libbers are frothing at the mouth. Here is a gal who is the epitome of what they are supposedly striving for, yet she's degraded because she's not a baby killer. Gosh, to hear the libbers slam her is a hoot.

They are livid that a conservative woman may slip into the position that Hillary has been groomed for for a hundred years now. Their disgust tells us that we have the right person in the VP position, although the next few months will be nothing less than hell for both Sarah and John. Although, it appears to me that Sarah almost looks forward to dealing with whatever the liberal firing squad dishes out. We shall see how she makes out.

And, did you get a load of the "First Dude" of Alaska??! Smokin' Hawt!


So, it's official. I now WILL be voting in the election, and I will cast my vote for McCain/Palin.

McCain delivered, and I now view him in a whole new light.



Edit: A million typos...sheesh.

Dear Readers

Please do me a favor and completely ignore Blipey. He's only here to start flame wars. From this point on, I will do my best to delete most of his comments unless he takes the time to actually thoroughly read and comprehend what I've written.

Thanks.

PZ is an Ass

Excuse my language, but he is beyond contempt virtually every time his fingers hit the keyboard.

He's been pounding away at Palin ever since she was reported as McCain's VP choice, and here's the latest...

He posts an Q&A involving Palin:

Here's another answer from Palin that suddenly has more significance:

3. Will you support funding for abstinence-until-marriage education instead of for explicit sex-education programs, school-based clinics, and the distribution of contraceptives in schools?

SP: Yes, the explicit sex-ed programs will not find my support.

Then he digs at the fact that her daughter is knocked up...indicating that it's her mother's fault for wanting schools to include abstinence as a form of birth control. News flash! It's the only form of BC that provides 100% assurance that you'll not contract STD's or get knocked up. Hence, it should always be the number one consideration when birth control methods are being taught to our students.

The question is misleading because it says nothing about *abstinence ONLY* education, and I agree with her that school-based clinics and handing out condoms like candy is not the job of our schools for cripes sakes. Schools should work *with* the parents in their efforts at teaching sex education.

PZ makes it sound as if Palin supports abstinence only classes. This reminds me of the nonsense that went on here in Kansas. Not only did activist groups like KCFS get involved in the science standards, they also slammed several of our board members making is sound as if they supported abstinence only sex education. That was apparently a figment of their imagination because I contacted those board members and voiced my concerns about abstinence only, and they replied that they DID NOT support abstinence only sex ed, but what was being put forward was *abstinence PLUS* programs that included the teaching of all forms of contraception.

I am happy to report that my 8th grader has a wonderful class covering these issues, though I don't believe that has anything to do with what was discussed at the state level about sex education. It's a year long class that not only includes sex ed but also helps students learn about how to relate to others socially, they work on building confidence, they learn how to go about choosing their career path, etc., etc.. Before school even started this year, all the parents were invited to a meeting so that we were well versed as to what our students would be learning in this class. I was very impressed, and guess what? Abstinence is on the top of their list as far as teaching birth control, yet it is NOT the ONLY form of birth control that they will learn about.

All this liberal BS is nausiating...

EDIT: Vox Day posts further on the topic of sex education.

Alpha Male has spoken...!

Palin's 17 year-old daughter 5 months pregnant

Told ya it wouldn't be long before we get to the skeletons. Evidently, the blog rumor mill claimed that Palin's latest child was actually her grandson. Well, the truth is that her daughter is 5 months pregnant and will be marrying the father of the child.

Sigh...17 and pregnant is certainly not ideal, but hopefully all will work out in the end.

EDIT: Since I know what the first comment will be to this post, I might as well be proactive here.

"SEE, THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THESE CONSERVATIVE BIBLE BEATERS TEACH ABSTINENCE ONLY".

Uh, no. Even kids who are pros at rolling down a condom end up conceiving out of wedlock time and time again. Also, I would bet my life that Palin's 17-year-old daughter knows everything there is to know about birth control.

Accidents happen even when one plans on maintaining control. The only way to avoid it would be to administer birth control via the needle every three months after a girl starts her period at the age of 13 or whatever. That's sick, and also sets our kids up for promiscuity and STD's. So every one of you liberal pill pushers don't need to comment further.