Val's Bien

Veterans Day!

2009-11-11T07:16:00.003-06:00

Thank you to all who served and sacrificed so that we may enjoy the Freedoms we have today. We have a precious gift bestowed upon us for which we are supremely grateful. May God give the American people that believe in the Freedoms these soldiers fought for the strength and courage to fight for those same Freedoms. God bless you for your sacrifice and may He continue to keep those safe who are in harm's way.

God richly and abundantly Bless America!

Springdale, 9/12 Tea Party

2009-09-12T20:17:00.007-05:00

Hundred of thousands of people marched to the U.S. Capital today. A few hundred showed up at the Pontiac Coffee House to watch and participate (in spirit). The rally started with a few speakers one of which was Bernie Skoch.

People were able to watch the progress of the National 9/12 march from a couple of wide screen TVs. People shouted, yelled or clapped when a speaker make a good point. During some of the commercials there was even a chance to win some books.

It would have been really great to go to Washington 9/12 Rally but it was nice to join other people and watch it together.

Fayetteville Millage Tax, Global Warming

2009-09-10T21:02:00.003-05:00

In the NWA Times today the editor (subscription required) wrote that FHS could lead Arkansas' green revolution. The whole point of the article was that one had to vote for the new HS because it would help stop man-made global warming. Yup, Fayetteville needs to build the most expensive HS, live with the state's 2nd highest property tax and build a slush fund for the Fayetteville leadership because it would stop global warming. One should be proud to waste their money on this boondoggle. Just think of all the polar bears that would be saved, the oceans would stop rising and imagine all the floods, hurricanes and forest fires ceasing to exist. As the editor said,

The measure on the ballot Tuesday, if approved, will set a wonderful example locally and around the globe. It is time for us to use our town’s growing commitment to protecting the natural environment as the exclamation point on this worthy project.

Yeah, pony up all your money for the biggest hoax played on mankind. If you vote for the millage you are a really big sucker and I'm coming by your house to sell you a bridge.

Rep Joe Wilson, I'm Sorry!

2009-09-10T20:16:00.005-05:00

I'd like to offer my apologies to Rep Wilson. I know that he called out "you lie" to Pres Obama because of me. Through out Pres Obama's speech, I was constantly yelling "Liar" at the TV and at times I would burst out in song "Liar, Liar Pants on Fire". I guess Rep Wilson picked up on my vibes and inadvertently blurted it out. As way of apology I made a small donation to his campaign. It's nice that Rep Wilson apologized to Pres Obama. I, however, am definitely not going to apologized because President Obama DID Lie, Really Big Time Lied! President Obama needs to apologize to the American people.

Susie Q's Malt Shop, Re-Opening

2009-08-26T21:00:00.003-05:00

I passed by Susie Q's last Saturday looking for lunch. I had specifically planned my day so that I would end up at Susie Q's. I was sooo disappointed when I saw the "Closed" sign. My favorite hamburger joint gone! I don't go to the east side of Rogers that often but when I do I always try to stop at Susie Q's. Thank you Goldie for keeping it open! I'll see if I can stop by this weekend.

Fried Bologna Sandwich?

2009-08-24T21:07:00.005-05:00

There are a few foods that I no longer eat because they were my staples when I was a starving student. They were the cheapest food I could afford and once I started to earn a real salary I swore I'd never eat them again. The list is boxed mac n cheese, Ramen noodles, hot dogs and bologna. Bologna is now being placed on the breakfast menu of a fast food restaurant.

In the southeastern United States, a unique method of preparing bologna has long been a staple on diner menus from West Virginia to Arkansas. “Fried bologna,” actually made by browning bologna on a flat-grill, is often served in a sandwich, scrambled with eggs and cheese for breakfast, or, of course, paired with a biscuit.

Oh Lord, my stomach goes queasy just looking at Hardee's new Fried Bologna Biscuit. I've never considered bologna a "comfort food". It was always the cheapest piece of meat I could afford next to hot dogs. Think it will be a hit? I bet all those health nut do-gooders are having conniption fit.

Sweet and Gentle Trixie, 1993 - 2009

2009-08-21T17:14:00.006-05:00

This afternoon I had the vet put Trixie to sleep. She was in pain even in spite of painkillers. She was having trouble getting up and standing up. I've been thinking about it for weeks but finally made the decision Wednesday. I started doubling up her painkillers, no need to worry if it would kill her. By Thursday evening she was nearly her old self and enjoyed a beautiful evening which I think was made especially for her. I took off early from work today, came home and gave her more painkillers. We relaxed in the backyard until it was close to her appointment with the vet. I took her, along with Casey, to the park and just let her roam until it was time.

Trixie passed away quickly and without pain. Dr Herring was absolutely wonderful. I had taken Casey with me because I wanted him to know what happened to her. His reaction was puzzling. He acted as if she no longer existed. He's as happy as he has always been. As for me I've been crying the whole week and I'll be crying through the weekend. I've already removed her bed and placed a bookcase in it's place so I won't have to see an empty space. I'm having her cremated and placed in a box which will look well on the bookcase.

Trixie was my first dog. I had rescued her when she was about 9 years old. She had the sweetest, gentlest soul. She absolutely adored people and was always willing to be petted. She wasn't much of athletic dog but she was good company on hikes until she got too old. I don't know how I got so lucky to have a wonderful dog like Trixie, but I am so grateful that God gave her to me. Good-bye Trixie, until we meet again in heaven.

Rep John Boozman, Health Bill Town Hall

2009-08-14T21:42:00.006-05:00

I saw bits and pieces of Rep Mike Ross' Town Hall on CNN. It's absolutely amazing the differences between the meetings. Rep Ross' meeting was definitely the more rowdy bunch. I think it's because Rep Boozman and his panel acknowledged what people knew was in Health Bill.

Rep Ross seem to spend a lot of time telling people that what they said they read in the bill wasn't really in it. While Rep Ross argued with people, Rep Boozman was agreeing or sympathizing with the people asking questions or making comments. Most of the time people clapped or laughed at comments and were respectful when some one told their health story. The only time that I saw some one booed is when they said that "at least Obama was trying to get something done".

Rep Boozman and his panel did an excellent job and Rep Boozman selected a great panel to address the audience. The panel consisted of Dr Chris Johnson, Herb Sanderson (AARP), Sylvester Smith (NFIB), Elaine Longer (Longer Investments) and Jacqueline Lobb. Here's Rep Boozman's opening remarks.

Passailaigue, Going For World Record to Launch Lottery

2009-08-10T20:09:00.004-05:00

I didn't see it on the ballet. Did the ballet say that the Arkansas legislature was to set up the Lottery in such a way that it would win the world record for launching a lottery? Did anyone see it? Must have been really fine print. At the Political Animals Club of Northwest Ark Passailaigue said they were set to win a world record. He said it's all about the scholarships. The early start would get more money for scholarships. Well, I'd rather the Legislature set the Lottery up correctly instead going for a medal.

For those who play to score a fast buck, Passailaigue said "Hopefully you win but chances are you won't". Wow, why play at all if you aren't going to win?

Responding to criticisms about the lowest income levels being the one mostly playing the lottery Passailaigue said "that may happen in other states but will not happen in Arkansas"? Yeah? How are you going to prevent that? Force people to show their pay check stub and only those above a certain income can play? This is what I saw in California. People would buy groceries with food stamps and buy lottery tickets with cash.

Did you know about Arkansas' Border Strategy? Yeah, Passailaigue said they were going to "seal off Arkansas' border". He said it was time for other states to start paying us back for the money they took and they had a lot to pay back. Gee, just make it illegal for Arkansans to possess an out-of-state lottery ticket. Have troopers stop people at the border to search for cigarettes, booze and lottery tickets.

Frog Guarding Geocache

2009-07-26T22:57:00.003-05:00

Before a meeting on Saturday I took the opportunity to pick up a few geocaches on Russellville's Bona Dea Trails. What a beautiful spot and the trails are absolutely wonderful. I definitely need to come back. On one of the caches I found a frog guarding it. The frog was extremely accommodating while I retrieve the log. It happily sat on my shoulder until I put it back on the cache. It sure was nice to find a frog instead of the usual spiders and bugs guarding a cache.

Rep John Boozman, NW Arkansas This Weekend

2009-07-26T21:18:00.003-05:00

Rep Boozman spent this weekend speaking in NW Arkansas. He was the guest speaker at the GOP 3rd district committee meeting on Saturday. He also spoke at the Benton/Washington County Ice Cream Social on Sunday. While he made a few comments on current legislation most of his time was spent answering questions from the audience. Regarding the current bills going through Congress he said that the strategy was to 1) delay the bills. The Democrats are rushing through the bills because they don't want people to know what's in them. Which is why 2) people need to be educated about the bills. The Democrats are already censoring efforts to educate the public. Hopefully, Rep Boozman said we will 3) ultimately defeat the bills.

Regarding a question about Rep. Mike Ross, Rep. Boozman said that we needed to contact him and thank him for holding up the Health Bill. I'm sure Rep Ross is going to appreciate a bunch of Republicans thanking him for opposing Pres. Obama. I like Rep Boozman's explanation of the difference between the TARP bill and the Stimulus Bill. TARP he said was focused on failing banks and the ability to get credit. Banks are required to pay back TARP money. The Stimulus bill goes to program spending not to infrastructure. The Stimulus bill doesn't create anything.
One of the audience members spoke on her and her family's experience with Great Britain's medicine. The way she describe their doctor visits reminded me of the medical clinics in Mexico. Imagine, the Democrats are trying to force the nation with the best medical care in the world to one that mirrors a third world nation. Oh yes! Rep Boozman said that he hasn't read the whole Health bill, but is having staff review it and is working with the Republican Study Committee.

Fayetteville, When is Weed Not a Weed?

2009-07-20T21:13:00.004-05:00

Mayor Jordan got the authority to grant exceptions to Fayetteville citizens who opt to have the their lawns deemed as "naturalistic landscapes." It's all part of the sustainability fad that many residents of Fayetteville are following. While there may be a few who seriously cultivate their yard to be "natural" I fear most residents see this as way to skip the upkeep of a yard. Tired of cleaning out the weeds, mowing and trimming the lawn? Get the city to designate your yard as natural. Voilà, no more work! I really hope the City designates those yards that are real true "naturalistic landscapes". These yards do take some work to upkeep and while they don't have the same look as regular lawns they do maintain some order.

The Arkansas Lottery, Disappointment?

2009-07-20T20:32:00.002-05:00

I must admit that I am not happy about the salary Ernie Passailaigue is receiving but I am not surprised that the Lottery Commission would pay it. I also not surprised the Gov. Beebe and House Speaker Robbie Wills are a bit late in speaking out about it. Gov Beebe and Rep Willis were the ones to appoint the members of the Lottery Commission. Let's just say that there are going to be millions of dollars floating around and some legislators and business' are going to get their cut. Passalaigue is quite sure that Arkansans are dumb hicks and expect legislators to deal with them.

"You cannot go back and talk to the average person about this because they will not understand it," Passailaigue told lawmakers. "Hopefully, they've got enough faith and trust and confidence in your abilities because you're elected and you'll come up here and listen to all of this."

Ha! Yeah, like I really trust Gov Beebe and his friends wheeling and dealing in the Capital. This is just the start of the unethical behavior coming from the Lottery Commission. These lotteries are always bedrocks of corruption. I fully expect years of scandals from the lottery. You invite the serpent into the garden, expect to get bitten.

Cap and Tax Funny

2009-07-06T19:30:00.004-05:00

I saw this while I was getting dinner at Sonic. This guy must either be utterly and completely ignorant or he is a total moron. Dude, didn't you get Pres Obama's memo? Coal is bad. Coal is evil. Coal must not be used. The coal industry must be taxed into poverty. Cast out the demon Coal.

TEA Party, Fayetteville, Arkansas

2009-07-04T15:20:00.004-05:00

Hundreds (possible 1,000) showed up at the Washington County Fairgrounds. It was cloudy so it wasn't hot and if you brought a chair you could sit and enjoy yourself. Unfortunately, just before noon, the clouds turned into a thunderstorm and many left, while those who stayed squeezed into a covered shed.

The focus of this rally was more towards getting involved. People were encouraged to sign-up for different organizations. Copies of the Constitution were handed out and there were volunteers on hand to register people to vote. Organizations represented were the Americans for Prosperity, Arkansas Independence Caucus,Secure Arkansas, American Majority and Arkansas Unite.

The key note speaker, Tom Ziglar, admitted that he's never done a political event before. I guess that's why the closest he got to being political was a story about "The wisdom of the Ages" which being summed up in one sentence is "There ain't no free lunch." Ultimately, who is going to be paying for all the stuff the government is going to hand out.

Lepaine Sharp McHenry gave the crowd the red meat. Passionately she spoke about the concerns we have about the programs and taxes Congress and the President are forcing us into. She warned the legislators that if they didn't start listening to the people and stop treating us like we were stupid they would soon be out of a job.

Rep. John Boozman was praised for his vote on Cap and Trade while Rep. Vic Snyder is going to face opposition. Sen. Blanche Lincoln was warned to pay attention the desires of hard working Arkansans.

Rebecca Wales, Smart Girl Politics, was great speaking about the government health care plan Congress and the Pres. has for us. She noted that the government already supplies the health care for our service men/women and veterans. Do we really want that type of health care?

Another TEA Party is being planned for Sept. 12th, to remember 9/11. Considering how fast Congress and the Pres. are sinking the nation I'm sure there will be plenty to protest.

Geocaching.com Web Site Back Up!

2009-07-04T08:17:00.005-05:00

Hooray! Caching tomorrow! Thanks to the guys at Geocaching.com for working hard overnight to bring the site back up. The site is running on generators and it may be awhile before the Fisher building gets back power. Later today I'll write down the names of the caches I going for so that I'll use my Palm instead of my iPhone just in case the site goes down again.

UPDATE:
Jeremy explains.

TEA Party, Fayetteville, Washington County

2009-07-03T20:40:00.004-05:00

I'll be at the TEA Party tomorrow and will be posting stuff from the event(if Blogger doesn't block me again). Tom Ziglar, I've never heard him speak so this should be interesting. There are plenty of activities planned so you do have to stand around for hours listening to speakers.

Event Information

Geocaching.com Web Site Down

2009-07-03T20:08:00.004-05:00

I had planned to spend most of today geocaching but I was unable to get on to the server. After several hours of trying to get on I searched and found that the site had gone down because of a fire. The small fire at Fisher Plaza in Seattle disrupted services to thousands of business worldwide.

A fire at a Seattle building disrupted a server farm that provides service to multiple Web sites - including one that facilitates electronic transactions for tens of thousands of businesses and Microsoft's new search site.

Jeremy Irish has kept cachers posted and they are working hard to restore the web site.

Fortunately, no one was hurt and a whole bunch of tech guys are working to get all the web sites up and going.

So, change of plans, I spent the day looking at sofas. Mine is faded, losing it shape and the cats has shredded the ends. I wasn't very successful. They are making sofas skinner and the ones that were larger were expensive. ($$$$) Also, the colors stink! They mostly dark brown, black or red. Ewww, depressing! I think I may have my old one reupholstered. I'm seriously thinking about doing it myself. Definitely a winter project.

Arkansas, Seatbelt or Else

2009-06-30T21:15:00.003-05:00

Today marks the first time Arkansas law enforcement can pull you over if your not wearing your seatbelt. I think Fayetteville should put on the next ballet an initiative that would make adult seatbelt offenses the lowest law enforcement priority. Then have Alderman Matthew Petty propose to create an Adult Seatbelt Policy Review Panel. The panel would oversee enforcement of the initiative (if passed) making prosecution of adult seatbelt offenses a low priority in the Fayetteville.

Obama, Supporting Dictator Hopeful Manuel Zelaya

2009-06-30T20:04:00.003-05:00

Pres. Obama joined his buddies, Hugo Chavez, Fidel Castro and Daniel Ortega, in condemning the Supreme Court and Congress of Honduras for ousting Pres. Manuel Zelay out of the country. Ex-Pres. Zelay was trying to set himself up as a dictator like his buddies but was stopped.

The generals move came at the unanimous--yes unanimous--behest of a congress outraged by Zelaya's not-particularly-subtle attempts to extend his hold on power indefinitely. It followed a series of clearly unconstitutional moves on Zelaya's part, including his attempt to unilaterally remove the chief of the army, which, according to Honduras's Constitution, can only be done by a congressional super-majority. And congress's request had been seconded by the nation's Supreme Court, which is sworn to uphold a constitution that explicitly makes the act of "inciting, promoting or backing the continuation in power or re-election of the President of the Republic" punishable with the loss of Honduran citizenship.

I tell you it hasn't been easy to find the real story behind Zelaya's departure. Obama's State Run Media hasn't been telling the truth about the situation in Honduras. They are either covering up Pres Obama's complete ignorance about Honduras or more likely covering up Obama's Marxism. While Pres Obama joins with his buddies in claiming that Zelaya was the victim of a military coup, the Hondurans beg to differ. Pres. Obama wants to hide the fact that the military was acting by a court order and that the Congress had asserted itself to protect the constitution.

Finally, I want to remind everyone that this was not a military coup, this was the arrest and destitution of a criminal president, with the help of the military. Proof that it is not a coup, is that as of this moment we already have the Constitutional State of Right re-established, with a new president, and new cabinet. Let us Hondurans be, we have already defenestrated what was causing us such stress, division and unrest, and we will reunite ourselves, to again perform our right of suffrage in 5 months. This is what we want. We ask the international community to take a closer look of our situation, and not allow other states such as Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua and Ecuador, to interfere with what we have chosen. We, the people of Honduras, have chosen: that is Democracy.

Pres. Obama, Bugger Off! Leave the people of Honduras alone!

UPDATE:
Other Good Stories on Honduras
NRO
IBD

Asa Hutchinson, National and State Issues

2009-06-24T20:19:00.005-05:00

Asa Hutchinson received a very warm welcome from the Washington County Republican Women. Asa declared that 2010 would be a banner year for Republicans. He cited the number of Republican candidates running for Legislative offices. He also noted the formation of independent groups such as the TEA Party and the Americans for Prosperity. Asa said the Republicans need to fulfill the role of the loyal opposition. Republicans need to be a voice for our ideas and our principles. We need to contrast ourselves from the opposition and offer our solutions for the problems that face our country and state.
Asa listed 5 issues at the national level that impact our families. Health Care Reform, the Deficit and Debt, the Judiciary, National Security and Illegal Drugs.
Health care reform is necessary and important, he said. The reform needs to be continually adjusted to make sure it was responsive to the individual and meets the needs of the elderly and those struggling in life. It should not be the "one size fits all". Quoting Obama, “If private insurers say that the marketplace provides the best-quality health care, if they tell us that they're offering a good deal, then why is it that the government, which they say can’t run anything, suddenly is going to drive them out of business?” Asa asked does this sound like a president that understands the dynamics of the private sector in America? Asa said "I think not."
In regards to the deficit, Asa said the Republicans need to address it because at 1.8 Trillion dollars it was going to saddle the next generation with a massive amount of debt.
Asa expressed confidence in the Republican members on the Judiciary Committee. He said that Sen. Sessions will ask the tough questions in regards to Judge Sotomayor.
National Security is the most important function of the government. The most important thing we must remember is that it still is a dangerous world. Asa also said that we need to show some support and encouragement to the people of Iran who are risking their lives for reform.
Asa ended with expressing concern about the impact of illegal drugs. He's worried that many states will put drug legalization on the ballet because of the actions of President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder.

Bryce Davis Dog Park

2009-06-09T21:16:00.005-05:00

I am so excited and happy! Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan announced at today's agenda meeting that he is adding a resolution for the City Council to accept a $30,000 donation from Procter and Gamble for a dog park at Bryce Davis Park. Representatives from Procter and Gamble were present to accept the thanks and applause from City Council and audience members.
I know that Connie Edmonston must be absolutely thrilled to finally have a place for the dog park and also have been give the money to build it. Now she's going to be hearing people ask how soon can we get it built.

Fayetteville, Biking Rules

2009-06-09T20:49:00.004-05:00

The good thing that came from Barbara Rhoads biking accident is that many people are now aware of the rules of biking, even the police.

Meanwhile, Fayetteville police now say they wrongly wrote a "failure to yield" ticket to car driver Matsugi Cox, 77, of Fayetteville. Cox's car struck Rhoads as she rode her bicycle across Sycramore.

It's no wonder that most of the public are unaware of biking rules when the police are confused themselves. Well, at least they corrected their mistake. With the popularity of the Scull Creek Trail the City of Fayetteville really needs to get a solid Bike seminar together and present it at any venue they can. I'm sure they can team up with the Bicycle Coalition of the Ozarks.
I'm not much of bicycler myself (too hard on the tushie) but I am particularly courteous around bikers. I give them plenty of room on the road. While at road crossings I may have the right of way but I am willing to give up that right to make sure a biker crosses a road safely. Unfortunately, I hear far too often people complain about all the bikes on the road. It's one of the reasons I don't bike around Fayetteville. Too many people are angry at bikers.

Arkansas' Unholy Trio

2009-05-27T19:16:00.004-05:00

Tuesday, at the Political Animals Club meeting, Lt Gov. Bill Halter remarked that he brought forward the lottery because all his life Arkansas has been at the bottom in regards to income per capita and students graduating from college. He speculated that the lottery would generate scholarships that would lead to more students graduating and voilà, higher salaries.
I don't accept his premise. His neglects several facts into his equation. Arkansas, along with it's low income per capita, is also one of the highest in regards to citizen's tax burden. Arkansas' top rate of 7% puts itself near the top of the country in terms of maximum tax rates. The sales tax itself is above the national average which is difficult to understand in that Arkansas is a low income state.
Why is such a low income state taxed so high? For decades Arkansas has be ruled by one party, the Democrats. The Democrats keep Arkansas taxes high which leads to less money in one's pocket. How can a student afford to go to school when the Democrats keep taking it out of a student's pocket?
Arkansas will be able to achieve a bigger income per capita when people smarten up and replace the "Tax 'em up the Wahzoo" Democrats with Republicans who understand the economic concept of lower taxes leads to job growth and higher incomes.

Democrats, High Taxes and Low Incomes.

New Face, Republican Party of Arkansas

2009-05-26T20:52:00.003-05:00

The Republican Party of Arkansas now has a new website. Boy! It is so much better looking than the old one they had up. The look is very clean without any clutter. Nice colors, easy to see icons and large letters, no need to squint! Nice touch having Doyle Webb on the video introducing the website. They are also using the social media technologies, Twitter, Facebook, flickr, YouTube and even a blog. I have to chuckle when they say they are using the new technologies. In reality they are a few years behind. It nice that they have finally caught up.

Launching a slick new website is nice but time will tell if it's going to be a great website. The biggest problem I had with the old site was that the information was not kept up-to-date. The GOP is going to have to keep on top of keeping the website current. That will mean having some one constantly in touch with the county committees, the legislators and candidates. The state icon with links to the county committees is really great and has a lot of potential. Their success also depends on keeping people connected at all times. It sure would be nice that 5 years from now this website would socially active and flourishing.