Tennessee Technological University PRIDE!!

Image above: On the front row are Commander Charlie Hobaugh (left) and Pilot Barry Wilmore. On the back row (from left) are astronauts Leland Melvin, Mike Foreman, Robert Satcher and Randy Bresnik, all mission specialists. Image credit: NASA

My brother John and I are both graduates of TTU. TTU is located in Cookeville, TN and has one of the best Engineering programs in the nation. Needless to say I was quite happy when I recieved an invitation as a TTU Alumni to attend the shuttle launch because Barry "Butch" Wilmore is also a TTU Alumni! The only thing that could have made this day better is if he was wearing a purple and gold space suit!!!
Here's a little information about Mr. Wilmore:
EDUCATION: M.S. Electrical Engineering, Tennessee Technological University (TTU). M.S. Aviation Systems, University of Tennessee. B.S. Electrical Engineering, TTU. Mt. Juliet High School, Mt. Juliet, TN
SPECIAL HONORS: Air Medal (5), 3 with the Combat 'V' designation. Navy Commendation Medal (6), 3 of which also hold the Combat 'V' designation. Navy Achievement Medal (2) and numerous Unit decorations. Aviation Officer Candidate School (AOCS) “Distinguished Naval Graduate”. Initial Naval Flight Training “Commodores List With Distinction”. U.S. Atlantic Fleet “Light Attack Wing One - Pilot Of The Year” (1991). U.S. Atlantic Fleet "Strike Fighter Aviator of the Year" (1999). Recipient of the Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic “Scott Speicher Award” for Weapons Employment Excellence (1998). Tennessee Technological University “Sports Hall of Fame” - 2003 Inductee (Football).

NASA EXPERIENCE: Selected as a pilot by NASA in July 2000, Wilmore reported for training in August 2000. Following the completion of two years of training and evaluation, he was assigned technical duties representing the astronaut office on all propulsion systems issues including the space shuttle main engines, solid rocket motor, external tank, and also served on the astronaut support team that traveled to the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, in support of launch and landing operations. Wilmore has been assigned as pilot on the STS-129 crew. The mission is targeted for launch in November 2009, and will deliver two Express Logistics Carriers (ELC racks) to the International Space Station. The mission will also feature three spacewalks and will bring back to earth NASA Astronaut, Nicole Stott.

Michigan Militias???Seriously?

My first reaction to this video is "What a bunch of crazies!". Then I had to watch it again and really listen to what these people were saying. The more I listened more angry I got with them. They talk about being worried when a democrat is president that they might lose their rights. That the Constitution will be destroyed. Are you kidding me? Where were these people during the 8 yrs of Bush & Co? I suppose they have NEVER heard of the Patriot Act let alone read it! What do they think of Bush's over 700 signing statements? Gee, I wonder what they would think if Obama had someone inflitrate their organization the way Bush had people in the anti-war groups. Oh what would they think of that? "As long as Republican does it, it is OK!" yeah that is probably what they would think. But if Obama were to do it they would probably shoot the person in the group.

You can read the full report from CNN here : Militias: Patriots or extremists? – amFIX - CNN.com Blogs

This is shameful!

I just read an article from The Curvature regarding Rape Kits going untested. After a woman has been raped, goes to the hospital to be tested, is probed and prodded for a roughly 4 hr exam, and until 2009 has had to pay for these kits, they aren't sent off for months and even years??? What the hell?
Excuse me, if I am not kind in my words at this point but how can anyone look at these women and say testing this material wasn't that important? How do you look at the next woman raped by this man because they had no rush on find who he was? Why even bother if you aren't going to test the kit for 6 months to 8 yrs??? I am so sorry for those that actually do their job and do it well regarding this matter, because this has brought shame to the entire field. You can read the full story here: Rape Kits: Yes, Still Going Untested : The Curvature

Paula Deen

Paula Deen will be signing her new book It Ain't All About the Cookin' at Costco in Nashville. My daughters and I had the great privilege of having dinner at her restaurant, The Lady and Sons, in Savannah, Georgia this July. Rosa, my 16 yr old , adores Paula Deen! I do believe she is going to be very surprised this Tuesday. I hope you can make it!

Where : Nashville West Costco

6670 Charlotte Pike

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday Nov. 17, 2009

More Info: Call 615-354-5100.

Herron Wins Again!

Sullivan County Democratic Straw Poll was hosted on Nov. 14, 2009.
Herron campaign News Release is below:


Sen. Roy Herron (D-Dresden) decisively won the second Democratic straw poll in the race for Governor on Saturday. The poll was held at an event hosted by the Sullivan County Democratic Party in Blountville.

With his strong win in the first straw poll in Rutherford County, Sen. Herron has now won the first two Democratic straw polls by large margins.

"I am humbled and grateful to the voters of Sullivan County," Sen. Herron said. "The people here in northeast Tennessee are just like those I represent in middle and west Tennessee: hard-working, family-loving, God-fearing people. I'm grateful for their kindness to me today."

Sen. Herron received more than 57% of the votes cast and more than the other four candidates combined. Full results are below:

1. Sen. Roy Herron - 85

2. Mike McWherter - 20

3. Sen. Jim Kyle - 12

4. Ward Cammack - 11

5. Kim McMillan - 9

6. Undecided - 12


Video from the 1st Annual Rutherford County Grow Tennessee Straw Poll where Herron won. You can read about that straw poll here http://politicalfunny.blogspot.com/2009/09/1st-annual-rutherford-county-grow_20.html .

Feel Good Friday 11/13/09

It is Feel Good Friday!! I could not think of a more deserving song this Friday. On Wednesday this song won "Song of the Year" at the CMA Award show. This was not easy, the competition had great songs as well. People are Crazy was definately a personal favorite. I am so happy it was nominated. A special "Thank You" to all of the song writers out there.

Ree Drummond ~The Pioneer Woman Cooks

Ree Drummond is The Pioneer Woman. My sister found her web site around 2 years ago. Brenda isn't much for the cooking thing but, she loved this web site. So of course I had to check this out. I cook. I love cooking. Ree breaks everything down to the basics, the photos are great, and she talks to readers not at them or down to them. Everyone is on a level playing field in Ree's kitchen. It isn't easy teaching someone how to cook, it is a mix of science and art. To be able to do it online is amazing. I can't wait for her start posting videos! If you have not been to her site please click on this link The Pioneer Woman Cooks - Ree Drummond .
Ree has written a new book titled The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl. From the publisher :
My name is Ree.

Some folks know me as The Pioneer Woman.

After years of living in Los Angeles, I made a pit stop in my hometown in Oklahoma on the way to a new, exciting life in Chicago. It was during my stay at home that I met Marlboro Man, a mysterious cowboy with steely blue eyes and a muscular, work-honed body. A strict vegetarian, I fell hard and fast, and before I knew it we were married and living on his ranch in the middle of nowhere, taking care of animals, and managing a brood of four young children. I had no idea how I'd wound up there, but I knew it was exactly where I belonged.

"The Pioneer Woman Cooks" is a homespun collection of photography, rural stories, and scrumptious recipes that have defined my experience in the country. I share many of the delicious cowboy-tested recipes I've learned to make during my years as an accidental ranch wife--including Rib-Eye Steak with Whiskey Cream Sauce, Lasagna, Fried Chicken, Patsy's Blackberry Cobbler, and Cinnamon Rolls--not to mention several "cowgirl-friendly" dishes, such as Sherried Tomato Soup, Olive Cheese Bread, and CrEme BrUlEe. I show my recipes in full color, step-by-step detail, so it's as easy as pie to follow along.

You'll also find colorful images of rural life: cows, horses, country kids, and plenty of chaps-wearing cowboys.

I hope you get a kick out of this book of mine. I hope it makes you smile. I hope the recipes bring you recognition, accolades, and marriage proposals. And I hope it encourages even the most harried urban cook to slow down, relish the joys of family, nature, and great food, and enjoy life."

Are you ready for the BONUS????
Ree Drummond will be signing her book at Davis-Kidd Bookstore on Dec. 8, 2009 @ 7PM!!
Davis-Kidd Booksellers - Nashville
2121 Green Hills Village Dr
Nashville, TN 37215
(615) 385-2645

Rep Cooper Vs. Rep Gordon

Yes, it is still all about the Health Care Reform Bill. I wanted to know how two Democrats from neighboring districts could vote opposite of each other on this bill. My Congressman, Bart Gordon, voted against this bill. But before he did that he voted yes to the Stupak Amendment. Why? If you are going to vote against the bill anyway, why vote to make sure that anti-choice amendment is put in it? Of course, because in 2010 you want to be able to tell the little republicans in your district that you didn't vote to fund abortions, as if they support you. How many Republican fundraisers were for you Congressman Gordon? Do you truly believe the majority of your backers, the ones that actually campaign for you, are republicans? If you believe that you aren't as bright as I thought you were. Some thing you might want to recognize is that if the republicans run someone against you, all that person needs to win are the republicans in this district and for a few us to NOT vote for you. You understand, since you didn't vote for us.
From Mr. Gordon's web site we get this pathetic reason for the no vote: “I firmly believe that any responsible health care bill must do two things: improve access to health care for small businesses and the uninsured, and reduce health care spending. This bill does one but not the other, it falls short of sufficiently cutting health care spending.” Now isn't that special! This is from the same man that voted FOR the Iraq Resolution (war vote). Gee, how much is that costing us? Where are those WMD?? We are going to be paying for that war and rebuilding that nation for years? But that was OK?? Mr. Gordon, do you even realize the health care cost associated with YOUR war vote?? Shame on you and your pathetic excuse for not voting for this bill!
If only I were in district 5 with Congressman Jim Cooper. Congressman Cooper voted for this health care reform bill while still recognizing its flaws.
From Congressman Cooper's web site: "My reason for voting yes is to advance the cause of health care reform by forcing the Senate to act. Without passage of this House bill, the Senate could delay reform indefinitely. That would be the worst possible outcome because our current health-care system is not sustainable. Congress needs to pass good health legislation in the next few months for the good of the country. "
Thank you Congressman Cooper for caring about the good of this country with this vote. I think if there was a serious financial problem with this bill, Congressman Cooper would have been yelling about it from the rooftops. In ending let me say this "Thank You Congressman Cooper from a fellow Tennessean".

Liberal

Yesterday I was called a liberal, as if that was a bad thing! HA! Call me a liberal and I will gladly say "Thank You!". But this reminded me of a email I received several years ago and thought I would share with everyone today.

Joe Republican
Joe gets up at 6 a.m. and fills his coffeepot with water to prepare his morning coffee. The water is clean and good because some tree-hugging liberal fought for minimum water-quality standards.
With his first swallow of water, he takes his daily medication. His medications are safe to take because some stupid commie liberal fought to ensure their safety and that they work as advertised.
All but $10 of his medications are paid for by his employer's medical plan because some liberal union workers fought their employers for paid medical insurance - now Joe gets it too.
He prepares his morning breakfast, bacon and eggs. Joe's bacon is safe to eat because some girly-man liberal fought for laws to regulate the meat packing industry.
In the morning shower, Joe reaches for his shampoo. His bottle is properly labeled with each ingredient and its amount in the total contents because some crybaby liberal fought for his right to know what he was putting on his body and how much it contained.
Joe dresses, walks outside and takes a deep breath. The air he breathes is clean because some environmentalist wacko liberal fought for the laws to stop industries from polluting our air.
He walks on the government-provided sidewalk to subway station for his government-subsidized ride to work. It saves him considerable money in parking and transportation fees because some fancy-pants liberal fought for affordable public transportation, which gives everyone the opportunity to be a contributor.
Joe begins his work day. He has a good job with excellent pay, medical benefits, retirement, paid holidays and vacation because some lazy liberal union members fought and died for these working standards. Joe's employer pays these standards because Joe's employer doesn't want his employees to call the union.
If Joe is hurt on the job or becomes unemployed, he'll get a worker compensation or unemployment check because some stupid liberal didn't think he should lose his home because of his temporary misfortune.
It is noontime and Joe needs to make a bank deposit so he can pay some bills. Joe's deposit is federally insured by the FSLIC because some godless liberal wanted to protect Joe's money from unscrupulous bankers who ruined the banking system before the Great Depression.
Joe has to pay his Fannie Mae-underwritten mortgage and his below-market federal student loan because some elitist liberal decided that Joe and the government would be better off if he was educated and earned more money over his lifetime.
Joe also forgets that his in addition to his federally subsidized student loans, he attended a state funded university.
Joe is home from work. He plans to visit his father this evening at his farm home in the country. He gets in his car for the drive. His car is among the safest in the world because some America-hating liberal fought for car safety standards to go along with the tax-payer funded roads.
He arrives at his boyhood home. His was the third generation to live in the house financed by Farmers' Home Administration because bankers didn't want to make rural loans. The house didn't have electricity until some big-government liberal stuck his nose where it didn't belong and demanded rural electrification.
He is happy to see his father, who is now retired. His father lives on Social Security and a union pension because some wine-drinking, cheese-eating liberal made sure he could take care of himself so Joe wouldn't have to.
Joe gets back in his car for the ride home, and turns on a radio talk show. The radio host keeps saying that liberals are bad and conservatives are good. He doesn't mention that the beloved Republicans have fought against every protection and benefit Joe enjoys throughout his day. Joe agrees: "We don't need those big-government liberals ruining our lives! After all, I'm a self-made man who believes everyone should take care of themselves, just like I have."

It is just the begining

Politics isn't for the faint of heart. It can become dirty, nasty, ugly, and down right disgusting. Politics can bring out the selfish, the greedy, the cheaters, the thieves, the liars, the users and the deceivers in full force.This Saturday evening we watched the House of Representatives pass the Health Care Reform Bill. http://docs.house.gov/rules/health/111_ahcaa.pdf Click there to read the bill. If you want to see how your representative voted you can click here Final Vote Results for Roll Call 887 .I am very happy this passed. It has been a long time coming with good people putting in long hours and their careers on the line. After a summer of town halls decrying "Socialism" here we are. If only that were the worst of it. The conversations I have had over the last week would be enough to make some one's skin crawl with the vitriol. It is enough to make one's stomach turn when listening to someone that has been on state funded health insurance for themselves and their kids complain about this health care bill being "socialized medicine." Yes, this person is definitely a hypocrite, and that is the nicest thing I can say at the moment.Most people know that this became a huge issue for me last year as I watched my Aunt Bobbie fight to get health care insurance and die because of a lack of it. I have recently been told "When it's your time to die that is God's decision and whether they have insurance or not won't make a difference." If this person actually believed this their family wouldn't be going to the doctor and hospital constantly, on the state funded health care insurance.I suppose some of these people will not understand until they lose someone they love, as I did. This where Politics can find Heroes. The ones that will fight to stop injustice, bring truth, and be honorable. Those that are virtuous, ethical, righteous, trustworthy, and sincere can also be found fighting for those less fortunate than themselves and often taking huge risk. We watched 220 Representatives vote for Health Care Reform , now we wait to see how many honorable Senators we have.