Huckabee Knows What He Likes and Likes What He Knows

Below is an article on Huckabee's website about this weekends Iowa Poll. It is probably something that news stations/sites will neglect to mention, but that is what we're here for! Congrats Huckabee!
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Little Rock, AR - Former AR Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee today "welcomed news" that a new Des Moines Register poll ranks him No. 1 among registered Republican voters in Iowa who have "made up their mind" in the 2008 presidential election - and No. 3 among GOP candidates overall.

"This victory is really good news," said Huckabee about the October 7 poll of likely caucus participants. "This poll confirms that the field is wide open - and that my campaign continues to surge among likely voters."

Huckabee scored first among the voters (about one-fourth of those polled) who have made up their mind, with 19 percent, and third place among all potential Republican voters, with 12 percent. The former Arkansas governor also scored very well among religious conservatives, coming in third with 18 percent.

Huckabee has surged since his strong showing in the Aug. 11 Iowa Republican Party Straw Poll. Support for the other GOP presidential contenders who were included in a Des Moines Register poll taken last May has essentially flat-lined or eroded.

"Voters in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina - and all across America - are looking for a strong conservative leader with a consistent message, results-driven record and positive vision for America's future," said Huckabee. "This new poll reflects what we're feeling on the ground: that my campaign is on an upward trajectory in Iowa and other key battleground states."

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In other Robert Land News, we returned today from our three day trip to beautiful Jackson, NH. The trees had begun to turn brilliant colors and we had a great time there as we always do. We stayed again at he Snowflake Inn which is by far the nicest place I have ever been. The owners take care of everything you could possibly need. Saturday, we walked across the street to a restaurant and the hostess was uber rude so we left. When we returned, the front desk lady asked how our meal was so I told her what happened and then turned my attention to their swell DVD selection. As I was looking, the front desk lady went and told the owners (who live on site). Momma Owner quickly stormed out and placed a call to the mean restaurant and chewed them a new one. I only felt slightly bad that someone may have gotten in trouble (though the hostess at the mean restaurant was an older lady who should know better) these feelings quickly passed as I watched Robin Williams in "Man of the Year".

Another great thing about Jackson/Conway, NH is the gluten free restaurants. Rafferty's has an entire gluten-free menu identical to the "normal" menu. We went there 3 times and I was able to order pizza, chicken tenders, onion rings, dessert....ahh to feel normal again. There was also an Italian restaurant, but we didn't make it there due to being so full from Rafferty's.

We also went canoing (sp) and on a short hike to Glen Ellis Falls, both of which were a lot of fun. I will post pics later this week!

And congrats to the Boston Red Sox who wicked embarrassed the Angels this week. It is really funny. I was never a major baseball fan. I liked the Astros (still do) but was never obsessed wit them. I had interests if they made the playoffs, but just watched for a score on the news. Loved going to the actual games though. Since moving here though, I have turned into a huge Sox fan. I know the player's names, I keep up with their rotations, I checked the scores everyday, watched the games online (not live, but that little updater thing sites have) and this Wednesday I did the unthinkable...I listened to the first playoff game on the radio as I drove home from school. Even honked when they hit a homer. What has become of me? Red Sox fever, like I said back when we went to the game. Maybe it is from being exposed to it on a daily basis or because people are so into it here or because Bryan bought me a hat before a moved. Either way, I hope they win it all.

Week 5 Picks

Week 5 Picks

Houston wins in Miami
Jaguars stop pathetic Chiefs
Patriots bring Browns back to reality
Manning 2 and the Giants win over Jets
Steelers manhandle Seahawks
Cardinals keep Rams winless in whacky NFC West
Skins over Lions
Titans spank Falcons
Colts beat Bucs despite injuries
Broncos continues Chargers woes
Ravens defense beats Niners defense
Packers keep the dream season going against Bears
and Cowboys toy around with Bill on Monday Night Football

Last Week: 10-4 Overall: 42-19

Huckabee & Robert's Land Join Forces!

Robert's new Land has officially become a "Mike Huckabee Blog"! Don't believe me? Go to his site and select "Blogs". Scroll down and you will eventually see Robert's New Land on the right side bar. And while you're there, why not look around and see what Mike Huckabee is all about.
http://www.mikehuckabee.com/

Since Governor Huckabee's people were so kind to add me, I thought I'd post another video. This video states his views on the Sanctity of Life. Also, check out the post from September 27. I put in a link to numerous Huckabee stance videos, but posted my NFL picks kind of quickly so a lot of you may not have seen it. Enjoy!

NFL Week 4 Picks

Here are my Week 4 picks -

Harrington will want to prove they made the right choice -Falcons surprise Texans
Jets top Bills
Anderson and Browns keep it going against disappointing Ravens
Cowboys light up the Rams
Griese to save Bears? Hardly. Lions out score Bears.
Raiders take Dolphins
Packers beat Vikings and Farve gets another record
49ers improve against Seahawks
Bucs beat up on injured Delhome (or Carr) and the Panthers
Colts beat Broncos in what could be an exciting game
Steelers over Cardinals
Chargers return to form against Chiefs
Giants over Eagles
Patriots beat Bengals

Last week: 11-5 Overall: 32-14

Huckabee Video Bonanza!

I had planned on posting these, but thought it would be easier to just provide the link. The videos found there have Presidential canidate Mike Huckabee answering some frequently asked questions (Iraq, Hilary, Healthcare, Fair Tax, and Working with Congress). Click here to view them.

I heard a blurb from Huckabee regarding Hilary on the Sean Hannity show on my way home from the doctor that I loved. As reported by the Washington Post Huckabee said on Hilary, "If you can't get your lips off the backside of George Soros long enough to use those lips to say it's wrong to declare a sitting general ... guilty of treason, how would you ever expect to have the support of the very military you might have to send into deadly battle?" The man has a backbone too! I love it! Click here to read the article.

Just heard on the above mentioned show that Monday, Newt is going to look in and see if he has $30 million in pledges. If so he indicates that that is enough of a indication that he should run for President.

And on an even more important note, this is my 9th post for the month of September. Why is this important? Because it ties my previous high for posts in a month which was May 2006 (and some of those were quick filler posts). And I know I will have one more before Sunday. Very exciting times. And you should all feel special since I had to go to the doctor today and get 2 persriptions for my tension headaches that I developed from being overly busy! It just shows how much I enjoy keepin you all informed and slightly entertained. Speaking of drugs, I feel happy and think it may do me well to lay down!

Super Huckabee!

Two topics in one blog. I just read this article on CBS and found it pretty interesting. Huckabee showing up to all these events that the other candidates seem too lazy to do themselves says a lot about the former Governor. Read the article here.

I also wanted to share part of his email that I received:
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"Mitt Romney seems to think being "top tier" is about money. He recently made a comment suggesting that our campaign was going to need to raise $20,000,000 this quarter to be considered top tier. Well let me break the news to everyone, we aren't going to raise anywhere near that and frankly that suits us just fine.

Let me ask you though, do you think being a top tier candidate should be based on raising money a lot of money?

I know I don't. In fact if I weren't running, I would want the candidate I am supporting to say "Top Tier" should be about what you stand for and how the rest of the Republican Party feels about your positions.

Here are some of my top tier ideas:
1. I support and have always supported passage of a constitutional amendment to protect the right to life. My convictions regarding the sanctity of life have always been clear and consistent, without equivocation or wavering. I believe that Roe v. Wade should be over-turned.

2. I support the FairTax.

3. We have to know who is coming into our country, where they are going, and why they are here. We need a fence along our border with Mexico, electronic in some places, and more highly-trained border agents.

4. I believe that we are currently engaged in a world war. Radical Islamic fascists have declared war on our country and our way of life. They have sworn to annihilate each of us who believe in a free society, all in the name of a perversion of religion and an impersonal god. We go to great extremes to save lives, they go to great extremes to take them. This war is not a conventional war, and these terrorists are not a conventional enemy. I will fight the war on terror with the intensity and single-mindedness that it deserves.

As I said, we aren't going to raise a bunch of money. What we want to raise is a bunch of support for our ideas. Ames, Iowa proved that we could be outspent and out raised and still turn folks out to the polls.
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To learn more on and support Mike Huckabee for President, visit his site (link found on my sidebar).

Secondly, tonight is one of my favorites nights of the year! It is when Smallville returns from summer hiatus!! This is one of those shows that seems to grow stronger ever year. The creators are hoping for one more season after this, but that depends on how well ratings are this year. Hopefully they will be just as good as previous years!

Now is it's seventh (!!!) season, Clark finds himself ever closer to stepping into those red boots. Likewise, Lex has officially been seduced by the darkness. The season looks to be a great one with the return of Green Arrow as well as another Justice League episode, the introduction of Supergirl (though it would seem they are hoping for a spin off from this), Brainiac's return, and Clark being on his own.

When the season ended, Lex's experiment went extremely wrong resulting in the creating of Bizzaro (one of my favorite villains). For those who don't know, this is an imperfect clone of Superman (though Smallville has it's own unique twist). Bizzaro basically beat the tar out of Clark before flying off. Lana was in a truck that blew up, Chloe and Lionel were knocked out in a building that was caving in, and Lex was arrested. The season premiere promises to be a good one as they generally have been. Catch Smallville on the CW Thursday nights at 8/7 c! And for more news, visit the Krypton Site!

NFL picks to come later!

"I Believe in Evolution"

No need to fear, I am not changing my beliefs. A video that will be posted further down made me think of a song by the old school Christian band Geoff Moore and the Distance: "I believe in evolution: the changing of the heart, renewing of the mind." Ahh the early 90's...so campy.

The last few weeks have been tough for me. Oh sure, I appear all happy and thrilled on here, but I have been struggling. Nothing horrible. There is just a lot going on all at once and I lost my focus a bit and started struggling with some things. Easiest way to sum it up: we are all called to step out of the boat and walk on water but, like Peter, we generally all take our eyes off Him and begin to sink. We are all involved in several conflicts while we're on this Earth. The spiritual conflict we face often becomes a struggle against ourselves. Long story short: I am trying to get my focus back where it belongs. Just need to liten to the Voice of Truth who "tells me a different story. The Voice of Truth says 'Do not be afriad.'"

"Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict."
- William Ellery Channing.

I have a new video on Mike Huckabee from a recent debate in New Hampshire. Being a Christian, he was naturally asked an unrelated political question. As always, Huckabee was poised and gave a fantastic answer that even made some of the other candidates raise their hand (in a praise like manner).

School is going okay. Had a test today I wasn't prepared for. The first day of class we were told that our tests would all be take home. Apparently the professor forgot these words. Luckily I B.S. well on tests. I am still digging my two computer courses. I can actually understand some HTML now. HTML is the language that all Internet is written in for those who may not know. When all is said and down I should have a web page to show for it. I was even able to read the HTML for this blog and make it not bold since my button wouldn't work. Fancy I know.

Jen was away this week so I rented "Remember Marshall". A movie about the Marshall 70's NCAA football team. Good movie that did well at presenting the history of this tradegy, but the lead actor could have been chosen better. Still worth the watch.

I had a good week NFL-wise in Week 2. The Niners are 2-0 for the first time since 1997 I believe despite a struggling offense. The Texans seem to be on the right track finally and Peyton and Company won a tough one against the team formerly known as the Oilers. There are some tough games this week so here are my picks:

Chargers finally win against Packers
Vikings top Chiefs (if their first string QB plays)
Patriots dominate Bills
Jets beat Dolphins
Lions shock struggling Eagles
Steelers beat Niners...unless the 49ers offense come alive
Rams put one in the win column against Buccaneers
Ravens smack Cardinals
Will the Texans go 3-0 versus Colts? I'd pick an upset here, but WR Andre Johnson is out so Colts have the advantage. Though, the Texans are the last team to beat Peyton.
Broncos run out of luck against Jaguars
Raiders beat confusing Browns
Seahawks take out Bengals
Panthers beat Falcons
Surprising Redskins keep Tom Coughlin's Giants winless
Dominating Cowboys defeat Bears
And in what should be an interesting Monday Night Game, the Titans beat the Saints at home.

Last Week 12-4 Overall 21-9

Added a few more songs up above. Put in some Neil Diamond (though I couldn't find my favorite "Cherry, Cherry") and Simon and Garfunkle cause I rock like that (don't you miss our lunch car rides with my choice of music Bryan?). I will take requests if anyone has a song they want on here. The one that should play first is one of my favorites. It's "Beautiful Savior" by Casting Corwns. In fact, my aforementioned struggles are put into perspective by a verse in that song: "I will trust in the cross of my Redeemer. I will sing of The Lamb that never fails...of sins forgiven, of conscience cleared, of death defeated and life without end!" Amazing how easily we can lose faith when everything is already taken care of...beautiful Savior indeed.

I Can't Think of a Title!

I saw this in the September 2 Sunday Edition of the Boston Globe. I have noticed that most comic strips are now overtly politcal - making fun of republicans and even Christians. So you can imagine my surprise when I read "Get Fuzzy" by Darby Conley.

School is off to a fast start. I still haven't managed to get into the swing of things though. It will be a long semester, but at the same time should go by quickly. I am really looking forward to my video editing course. Besides being a cake walk, it also sounds like a lot of fun. We'll have to make a music video, newscast, put together a scene from Desperate Housewives and I can't remember the other thing. The worst part of this semester will be the late nights. Being at school till 10 and getting up at 5am is no fun. Yes, I know hwen Jacob is born I won't sleep anyway, but that and this are different. Will I be tired in both? Yes. But there is that certian mental exhuastion that comes from getting stuff done for school and work and prepering for baby and church and maintaining a marriage. All will be well though.

I have added a playlist to my blog. Not quite sure how well it will work, but hopefully it will be a nice addition. If you see one you want to hear, just select it. You can also turn it off using the controls. Songs I enjoy are on it (obviously) and I will add to it as we ride along in this journey called life. Ooooh! I should add some Journey on there too!

So the big story this week was all about those pesky New England Patriots. They were caught cheating at their season opener. I wish you guys could hear the fans out here talk about it. Apparently, since everyone cheats, its not a big deal. I stopped a guy cold in his tracks when I responded with, "so if your girlfriend cheats on you it's not a biggie because almost everyone does it?" There are a few people here who are not happy about it. My favorite agruments have been "the Patriots are a talented team, they don't need to cheat" and "Our coach is a genius, we don't need to cheat". Then why did they/he? The biggest reach are the ones (yes, plural) saying that the caoch did it on purpose in order to motivate the team because he is a genius. Riiiight. At least the NFL punished the team. I was pulling for a suspension on the coach. I never understand fining rich people. It's like going to McDonals and buying a few items for them. It will cost them draft picks too though.

It is at this point that I need to clarify something. A few posts back I stated that I "hate" the Patriots. I try and never use that word, but apparently I did and I apologize. I do not like the Pats though. I greatly respect their player talent and no doubt they are a good team that will make a run for the Super Bowl, but I am not a fan. I will even talk about them and watch a game here and there (like their big game versus the Chargers tonight). I just find some of their players and def. their coach arrogant. They are therefore far from my favorite team. Sorry that there was confusion.

Speaking of the NFL, here are my picks as well as a video from Peyton's stint on SNL. I emailed it to a few of you back when it came out, but it's funny enough for a second view.



NFL Picks (Week 2)

Bengals over Browns
Colts over Titans
49ers over Rams (I hope)
Packers over Giants
Steelers over Bills
Saints over Bucs
Texans over Panthers (my trendy pic of the week)
Jaguars over Falcons
Lions over Vikings
Cowboys over Miami
Seahawks over Cardinals
Bears over Chiefs
Broncos over Raiders
Ravens over Jets
Patriots over Chargers (this should be a great game)
Redskins over Eagles.

Last Week: 9-5

More on Huckabee

Wanting to do all I can to support Mike Huckabee for President, I try to post what I can about him to help inform others. Being at work and school all day can make staying up-to-date difficult however. I found this blog that keeps close tabs on the former pastor turned govenor.
Please visit Massachusetts for Huckabee for additional Huckabee news. I will post this under "Other Blogs" on my sidebar which also include's his homepage link.

I am also including two new videos in which Huckabee discusses health care after the debate.





Do not simply blow off this candiate because he is not a "big name". He will soon be as well known as the others and is a much better choice.

2 Post Topics

I had two things I wanted to post today, but they are such total opposites that instead of writing one giant blog, I will just do two separate, so be sure to see the one underneath this post too!

Since earlier this year, I have talked about former Governor Mike Huckabee. He started off as one of the lesser known candidates, but has quickly gained steam and support. Though I didn't see it last night (I don't have FOX News), I saw this clip on the local morning news and thought he stood his ground and answered a question regarding Iraq well against Congressman Paul...who seems to be at the wrong debate. The first clip is of that exchange, and the second is a quick post debate interview.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Ahhh, one of my favorite times of the year! The NFL season will officially be underway tonight as the Colts take on the Saints. The following ad was in the most recent issue of Sports Illustrated and I wanted to share it.

I thought I would share my picks for the week. Not sure why, just felt like it. Will I be wrong? Possibly, but that is why I don't do it for a living. Actually a number of years back, Jennifer and I started picking for fun. It was actually a great way for her to become interested in the game and learn about it so husbands take note. It then spilled over to the law firm I worked at. It morphed from a simple "pick the winner" game to a battle of supremacy. Bonus choices were made for preseason which led to predictions for divisional winners the following year. For anyone who must know (because I am secure enough to say it), Jenn has a slight edge over me, winning the last few (all) years. Last year I lost by one game though so I feel pretty confident.

Colts over Saints
Broncos over Bills
Steelers over Browns
Eagles over Packers
Rams over Panthers
Falcons over Vikings
Jets over Patriots (I am wrong on this one, I just don't like the Pats)
Redskins over Dolphins
Titans over Jaguars
Chargers over Bears
Seahawks over Bucs
Cowboys over Giants
Ravens over Bengals
49ers over Cardinals

Enjoy the games!

Figures...

Came across this story. I bolded (if that is a word) the more interesting parts.
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AP: NOTTINGHAM, Md. — Elwood "Bunky" Bartlett says a New Age book store made it possible for him to become an overnight multimillionaire.

He and his wife, Denise, were on their way to the shop where he occasionally teaches Wicca and Reiki (RAY'kee) healing when they stopped at a liquor store and bought two $5 Mega Millions tickets for Friday night's estimated $330 million jackpot. On Sunday, he said one ticket was a winner.

"If it wasn't for this place I wouldn't have won the lottery," Bartlett said Sunday at Mystickal Voyage, the New Age shop.

"There's no reason to believe it's not legitimate, but it has to go through security," said Maryland State Lottery Director Buddy Roogow, who said he has spoken with Bartlett.

Bartlett, an accountant from Dundalk, said he made a bargain with the multiple gods associated with his Wiccan beliefs: "You let me win the lottery and I'll teach." Both tickets he purchased had numbers chosen randomly from the computer.

Bartlett had not decided if he will accept his winnings as an annuity or choose the lump sum cash option. The jackpot could get larger once ticket sales are tallied, Roogow said, but the lump sum payment would be at least $48.7 million, or about $32 million after taxes.

According to preliminary calculations, each ticket would be worth about $82 million if the prize were taken in 26 annual payments.

Bartlett said the money won't change him, although he plans to invest in Mystickal Voyage. "I'm going to live my life like I have been," he said.

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I am sure the "multiple gods" (or demons) are thrilled. What is truly sad is that because of this, he will continue in his beliefs because he will think they are validated. Praying to demons can have results. Just keep this difference in mind. What God does for a person is the best possible thing (good or bad). He has a set plan for each of us that is to help us. Demons and Satan have one goal in mind, get your focus off the true God. They may promise you things, but he is the Father of Lies and could care less about your best interest. Not trying to be preachy, just felt like I needed to say it.

The Mom We All Wished For

ONTARIO, Calif. — An 8-month-old boy has died after his mother told police she accidentally cleaned his nose with a cotton swab used earlier to clean a methamphetamine pipe.

Samuel Reta of Ontario was declared dead Friday at Loma Linda University Medical Center, according to the San Bernardino County Coroner's office.

Reta had been in a coma since police responding to a child-not-breathing emergency call early Thursday found him in full cardiac arrest. The baby also has a fractured skull, broken arm and pneumonia, police said.

Elizabeth Reta, 27, was arrested Thursday and booked for investigation of felony child abuse.

Her boyfriend Juan Antonio Sanchez Jr., who surrendered to police later that night, was also arrested on suspicion of abusing the child, officials said.

It was not immediately known if Reta and Sanchez faced additional charges now that they boy had died, police Sgt. Joseph Giallo said Monday.

Reta had told police she gave the baby a bath, and then used the cotton swab to clean his nose because it was itching, police said. She said she didn't know the swab had been used to clean a methamphetamine pipe.

It wasn't clear when the baby suffered the broken bones. Police said some of the injuries may be the result of Sanchez's attempt to rouse the baby from his seizure.

Colorado Student Files Lawsuit Over Commencement Speech That Mentioned Jesus

AP DENVER — A student who said she was told she wouldn't get her diploma unless she apologized for a commencement speech in which she mentioned Jesus has filed a lawsuit alleging her free speech rights were violated.

The school district contends its actions were "constitutionally appropriate."

Erica Corder was one of 15 valedictorians at Lewis-Palmer High School in 2006. All were invited to speak for 30 seconds at the graduation ceremony. When it was Corder's turn, she encouraged the audience to get to know Jesus Christ.

Corder had not included those remarks during rehearsals.

Corder's lawsuit, filed Monday in U.S. District Court, said Principal Mark Brewer told her to prepare a public apology or she would not receive her diploma. She was still allowed to graduate.

The lawsuit said Brewer would not give Corder her diploma until she included a sentence saying, "I realize that, had I asked ahead of time, I would not have been allowed to say what I did." Corder received her diploma after complying.

The school district released a statement Wednesday saying officials reviewed Corder's case when it happened in 2006 and also met several times with Corder and her parents.

"While we are disappointed that this matter has resulted in litigation, we are confident that all actions taken by school officials were constitutionally appropriate," the statement said. "As a result, we intend to vigorously defend the claims. Beyond that, it is the district's policy not to comment on pending litigation."

Brewer, who now works for Douglas County schools, declined to comment Wednesday.

Corder is represented by attorneys affiliated with Liberty Counsel, an Orlando, Fla.-based group that says it is dedicated to advancing religious freedom.

Heroes: Season 2

Just a quick preview for the second season of Heroes.



If you missed season one, be sure to grab the DVD set!

Love that Triple-Pane Action!

We finally have our new windows installed! That should be it on major 'repairs' to our new home for a while. I felt bad for the guy doing them. We had nine windows replaced and he was all by himself doing the job. His help had called in sick. He got here around nine on Friday and left after six. He was able to take out all the windows and put the new ones in.

He came back Saturday at eight and worked till about 5:30 installing the trim inside and out as well as caulking and all that stuff. Not bad work really for one person. I was quite impressed with Newpro. They cleaned up everything nicely, cut some wood for me to use on a different project, scrubbed the windows down before leaving...all that good stuff. It is nice to be able to lock the windows now as well as not have every bug of the night sky come in to mate with our lights. It's also nice in the bathroom - we don't have ventilation in there so it can be rather hot after a shower and of course the other more obvious problem. The window in there before wouldn't stay open. I can tell a huge difference in the whole house as far as temperature goes. All that to say it was money well spent...or borrowed, whatever.

The only real snag was having to take our A/C out. I took it out Thursday night which wasn't a problem. We hadn't used it for almost a week because it had been in the 60's. Friday was 80's...warm but bearable. Saturday however was in the upper 90's. It was nasty hot in here (and nothing like a 30 degree temperature jump to make you sick FYI). So by the time the guy left, Jennifer was more than ready for me to put the A/C back in. One look told me we had a problem I didn't want to say out loud. Yep - wouldn't fit in the window anymore. Yes it is the same size window, but I think the sill or some other part raises up high...whatever the problem, the unit was now too tall to fit in the window.

Now Jennifer and I never really have fights. If we do they last maybe 5 minutes before one of us laughs. This basically sent *everyone* off the deep end. Let's just say it was my fault that I didn't predict the future and I do take full responsibility for that. We went to our corners for a while and I went to work on a solution. I ended up putting the A/C at the dining room window. Not the ideal location, but it does work. Actually it was a better fit there, easier to install and is less of an eye sore for the living room as well as curb appeal. Once the cool air was flowing again and the furniture was put back in place, *everyone* was happy again.

All in all a loooong weekend, but things look nice now!

I love the comic strip "Zits". I started reading it at Adams & Coker and then asked Santa for the book collections after we moved here. Anyway, I came across one I wanted to share. This is also the last week of summer camp at work. Things will go back to normal finally next week. My final semester begins September 5! I ordered my books on Amazon and all too late realized I didn't change my default shipping address :(

Hope everyone has a great week!

Sorry Tyler, TX

Just read a very shocking article reporting that the brilliantly created reality FOX show Anchor Woman would be canceled after only one airing. I know, I know - it's very upsetting and most of us won't be able to sleep at night. I mean seriously, what are these people thinking? A woman who has no acting much less anchoring (that a word?) experience gets a job at a struggling news station in Tyler, TX. Maybe the woman had nothing to lose, but I have to figure that it would harm the station more than help it. I would find it hard to take them seriously afterwards.

It all works out though. I think Tyler is better off with out this show. No offense (because they do this in every town) but the people they spoke with off the street weren't exactly the brightest in the box. I know Tyler is not a hick town, but FOX was advertising it like it was. Saves me a lot of heat at work and school too. Didn't want to get into any fights defending family and friends (though I would have if need be).

Speaking of getting into fights - I had an alteration at work this week with a very tall man. This guy, who will go unnamed, works at the same place I do with the older children (I am with kindergarten). We have two buses at work: one has a CD player/radio the other does not. Whoever the site coordinator is that day tells everyone which bus to get on. This particular day we got the "fun" bus. I use quotes because quite honestly I'd rather the none radio bus. I generally have to find a happy place when the radio is involved. Scary some of the songs these young children know and even scarier the dance moves they do, but that is a different post.

Anywho, as we were loading up to leave and head back from our trip, this co-worker began yelling at me for getting on the bus with the radio. Literally yelling and in front of all the students (which is a pet peeve of mine). He kept saying all this stuff about us not being fair and that our kids always get the bus (which we hadn't in over a week). I calmly told him that the boss man told us to get on this bus and he should talk to him. This really set him off. He began saying that this wasn't about the boss and it was about me and him and the fact that I am not fair. Now in print, this seems like a fairly simple conversation, but it was anything but. This guy was not going to listen to reason, he wanted his way or nothing and was basically trying intimidate me. I don't get angry very easily, but I was set off this day. Probably because I was being accused for no reason and he wouldn't listen. I finally walked away and then he began yelling at other teachers about me.

As I said this guy is tall. He is a professional basketball player (though not pro) and has played for the Harlem Globetrotters. I think I reach his mid chest region. No teaching experience, but his agent (seriously) got him the job here. He never follows the rules the rest of the teachers have to and he also finds screaming in the face of children and threatening them with jail time a good teaching method (he makes most of the kids cry which gets them yelled at more). I figured if it came down to throws, I'd make a punch for the crotch which is near my shoulder and then run. Remember kids, you don't have to run the fastest...you just can't be the slowest.

We're getting our windows replaced today so I am hanging in the basement. Pray that the guy finishes today. He said it may take till tomorrow (his help is sick) but I would love for Jennifer's sake for it to be finished today. The noise is quite amplified down here. I may take some Ambien to make it through the bulk of the day. Joking. Or am I?

More to come.

Pastors and Pews Conference: Huckabee

Stole this from my best friend Bryan's blog. Glad to be able to share it with everyone. I know it's long, but at least listen to the first 2 or so minutes. You'll quickly understand why I support this man for President.



PS - I have finally changed my background colors again. As excited as I was for the Spurs to win again, it is time to turn my attention to the 49ers upcoming season.

Movie Previews

This seems to be the new norm in Robert's Land: political posts followed by a movie teaser post. 10 hour days = lack of creativity. Anywho, the last one looks really good and I hope to see it before little Jacob arrives.

1-18-08


Opens 01-18-08
----------------------------

National Treasure: Book of Secrets



Opens 12-21-07
------------------------------

I Am Legend



Opens 12-14-07

Huckabee Suprise!!

Romney Wins, as Huckabee Takes Second in Iowa Poll (Update1)
By Hans Nichols

Aug. 11 (Bloomberg) -- Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, won the Iowa straw poll, securing his status as the leading Republican in a state that has dashed the ambitions of many would-be presidents.

``This important victory sends a signal to grassroots Republican activists across the country that we are working hard to earn their support,'' said Romney, who received 4,516 of the 14,302 ballots cast, for 31 percent.

He was followed by former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who secured a surprising 2,587 votes, at 18 percent. Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas came in third place, with 2,197 votes at 15 percent.

With former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Arizona Senator John McCain skipping the event, and Romney the presumed winner, the race was largely about who would come in second.

``For all practical purposes, we won the Iowa straw poll,'' Huckabee said. ``No one gets more mileage for their money,'' he said, referring to his shoestring campaign.

Brownback, Huckabee's main competitor for second place, had a more organized Ames operation, complete an air-conditioned tent for his supporters. By contrast, Huckabee's effort was a ragtag affair in the sweltering heat. His campaign could only afford to purchase 1,800 tickets, far fewer than he needed to come in second.

Early Indication
In fourth place was Representative Tom Tancredo of Colorado at 13 percent, followed by Representative Ron Paul of Texas at 9 percent and former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson at 7 percent. Representative Duncan Hunter of California, Giuliani, McCain and Fred Thompson all received a little over 1 percent.

Part political rally, part summer festival, part fund- raiser, the event on the campus of Iowa State University won't award any of the delegates that will determine the 2008 Republican presidential nominee. Nonetheless, it gives an early indication of Iowa Republican sentiment before the state caucuses traditionally held in January, mainly by determining who leaves the stage.

All week, analysts and campaign advisers have predicted that the event in Ames, Iowa, would winnow the crowded field of nine candidates. Days after the 1999 contest, Republican Senators Elizabeth Dole and Lamar Alexander and former Vice President Dan Quayle all ended their quests.

Romney had a distinct advantage in cash and organization, having raised the most money among all the Republican presidential candidates this year. The money helped Romney blanket Iowa with advertising. It also bought plenty of the $35 tickets needed for each supporter to vote and pay for buses to get them to Ames.

A strong showing in Ames doesn't guarantee success in the delegate-selection caucus, traditionally the first contest in the presidential nomination race. In 1996, then-Senator Phil Gramm of Texas tied fellow Senator Bob Dole of Kansas in the straw poll, only to finish fifth at the caucus in January. Dole went on to win the Republican nomination.

In 1979, George H.W. Bush, the president's father, won the straw poll, only to lose the nomination to Ronald Reagan, who went on to win the presidency.

To contact the reporter on this story: Hans Nichols in Ames, Iowa, at Hnichols2@bloomberg.net . Last Updated: August 11, 2007 23:26 EDT