What if Ivan had hit?

Here is an interesting article, by Shirley Laska, about what might have been if Hurricane Ivan had hit New Orleans. We now have the unfortunate opportunity to test some of her predictions…

Technorati Tags: Hurricane Ivan

Another Birthday

The youngest/baby/n-month-old shall now be known as the one-year-old.

Free Opera

If you want the full version of the Opera browser for free, *now is your chance…


*Tuesday, August 30 to 12 a.m. Wednesday, August 31 2005 (PDT)

Technorati Tags: Opera

Pictures from a thief

A thief stole my truck from my work parking lot last October. I recovered the vehicle about a month later and was surprised to find an undeveloped roll of film. I thought it was fun to develop the strange roll of film, but that was nothing compared to this.

Technorati Tags: theft

Oklahoma’s Centennial Celebration

In the lesson concerning the primary roles of government, I am sure that my high school government class did not cover multimillion-dollar celebrations.

State Senate President Pro Tem Mike Morgan said today the Senate will consider approving ten million dollars for state centennial projects when they meet in special session.

Ten Million dollars for a statewide party is not how I want Oklahoma to spend my tax dollars.

Here are the top five areas where ten million dollars is better spent:
5. Public safety
4. Heath care
3. Roads and bridges
2. Failing public schools
1. Tax re-funds

Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Centennial Celebration

World Watch: Medlock

“P.J.” Lassek can always be counted on for an entertaining read. If you would like a biased report about Medlock’s MBA, read this Sunday’s front-page report. Alternatively, I can filter it so you do not have to.

• The Tulsa World does not like Chris Medlock.
• Councilor Christiansen is taking cheap shots at Medlock and even though he has not announced it, he is running for mayor.
• Medlock did not complete his MBA (for the truth about how this happened read this).
• Because of the University Of Tulsa’s rules, Medlock will be unable to simply complete the outstanding requirements to acquire the degree.
• If Medlock decides to go back to school, he will probably go for a doctorate instead of the MBA.

Technorati Tags: Tulsa World
P.J. Lassek
Chris Medlock
Bill Christiansen
Tulsa Mayoral Race

Java

Good news, coffee is good for you!
Ahh, there is nothing like a study that validates behavior that you are unwilling to change.

Technorati Tags: coffee

Katrina cannot kill hope

However the outcome of Hurricane Katrina, there will be many people left homeless and seemingly hopeless. Convoy of Hope will be some of the first relief organizations on the ground helping people that are living out the aftermath of Katrina. Convoy of Hope already has trucks on the way to provide needed ice, water, food, and hope.

Wherever a disaster strikes, Convoy of Hope is ready to respond with food, water purification systems, blankets, generators, medical supplies, shelters and more.

Consider the blessings you have, and consider passing some of that to the folks who have to live through Katrina. Your contribution will provide needed supplies, and perhaps even a little hope during a hopeless time.

Technorati Tags: Hurricane Katrina
Convoy of Hope
disaster relief

2005 Okie Blog Awards

I've just cast my votes for this year's Okie Blog Awards:

Best Overall Blog: Batesline
Best Political Blog: Batesline
Best Blog Layout: dustbury
Best Writing Blog: dustbury
Best Inspirational Blog: Counseling Notes

Good Luck Guys...

Technorati Tags: 2005 Okie Blog Awards

STCC Press Release

A 75 Year Agreement for a 50 Year Bridge?

The South Tulsa Citizens Coalition (“STCC”) has uncovered evidence which indicates that the Tulsa County Commissioners signed a 75 year agreement for a bridge that will only last 50 years. STCC has obtained a copy of the July 1, 2003 marketing brochure used by the private entity, Infrastructure Ventures, Inc. (“IVI”), to lure investors into financing the proposed South Tulsa toll bridge. The marketing brochure specifically states “Bridge life expectancy is 50 years.”

In response to the newly uncovered evidence, STCC spokesperson, Michael Covey, said “Making payments for 75 years for a 50 year bridge, this sounds like the County Commissioners made a deal with a paycheck loan shark. Regardless of any arguments about the desire for a new bridge, it is clear that the current giveaway to IVI is a bad deal for all of the residents of Tulsa County. This so-called “free bridge” is the most expensive option imaginable. I am grateful for the judgment and leadership of Mayor LaFortune and the Tulsa City Council in their opposition to this financial giveaway. I am, however, deeply troubled as to why Commissioner Dick would spearhead such an obvious bad deal.”

STCC spokesperson, Michael Covey, will be available for questions and comments outside the Vintage / Hillcrest Building (SW corner of 7th and Boulder) at 2:00 p.m. today. Mr. Covey may also be contacted at (918) 878-5547.

Technorati Tags: Tulsa
Bixby
Toll Bridge
Arkansas River
Tulsa County
Infrastructure Ventures, Inc.
South Tulsa Citizens Coalition

Iraq is Vietnam?

I keep hearing that Iraq is this generation’s Vietnam. When I was young, we visited DC and saw the Vietnam War Memorial. The wall’s enormity and its endless list of names made a huge impression on me. Whenever I think of Vietnam, I think about that wall.

These comparisons made me think, "I wonder how big the Iraq wall would be?" If this war is really so much like Vietnam, I am sure it is going to be big, right? Let’s see. I made up my own graphical version of the Vietnam memorial and based on the percentage difference between the deaths in Vietnam and the deaths in Iraq, I created a graphical version of an Iraq memorial.


There are 58,169 names on the Vietnam War Memorial. According to AntiWar.com there have been 1872 deaths in Iraq. So my Iraq wall is 0.03 the size of the Vietnam Wall. That is a big difference.

I do not want to make light of the sacrifice of those brave service men and women in Iraq or Vietnam. Their blood makes my freedom possible. But please, lets me realistic about the differences between Vietnam and Iraq.

Technorati Tags: Iraq
Vietnam
death toll

Where is Randy?

Last night’s city council meeting as another good one. The Council continued their discussion on the proposed charter changes; specifically, whether or not to send them on to the voters for approval. I am happy to report that the charter amendment that requires a city councilor to live in the district they represent will be passed on for our approval next election. This proposed charter amendment was struck down last week, but was brought back by Jim Mautino. A big thank you needs to be sent out to Councilor Mautino for his perseverance.

The City obviously needs this no-brainer added to the charter. This leads me to my question of the night, “Where is Councilor Randy Sullivan?” He has missed the last three council meetings: last week’s regular meeting, yesterday’s committee meeting, and last night’s regular meeting. When I asked two people, quite separately, if they knew where he was, they both joked, “Perhaps he decided to not just live outside his district, but outside Tulsa altogether…”
While he is certainly missing, I am not so sure that he is missed.

Technorati Tags: Tulsa City Council
Tulsa City Charter
Randy Sullivan
Jim Mautino

Slow day

Yesterday at this time, it was 5:00 already…

Technorati Tags: Relativity

Yahoo Vs Google

This week Google came out with it’s version of an instant messenger, Google Talk. I am a big Google supporter; they have successfully dislodged me from the following Yahoo services: mail, search, toolbar, home page, and news. In addition to those services to which I have switched, I also use blogger, groups, froogle, maps, and desktop search. However, With Google Talk, it may be too little too late.

Google Talk (GT) may be the first service that Google has come out with that will not win me over. I currently use Yahoo Messenger (YM), and I do not see that changing in the near future. My first impression is that GT is a better product than YM. GT is currently taking up 3,024K of memory while YM is using 64,484K!!! What a fat hog YM is! Even so, I do not see how I can stop using YM. Firstly, I have 24 contacts in YM. Most of these contacts are professional in nature; I cannot afford to lose the ability to instant message these people. Secondly, I have become addicted to the LauchCast music player built into YM.

If I were able to chat with Yahoo folks inside Google Talk, I would switch to some other music service and leave Yahoo altogether. GT is still in Beta, so is still some hope for Google. If they make the necessary changes, they just might win me over to yet another one of their services.

Technorati Tags: Google
Yahoo
Google Talk
Yahoo Messenger

Views from Gusev

The Spirit rover is climbing out of Gusev crater and has transmitted these amazing images of dust devils.








Technorati Tags: Mars
NASA
Spirit rover
Gusev crater

World Watch: Gasoline Tax

From today’s editorial page:

…it is the height of hypocrisy to drive gasoline-guzzling vehicles but balk at raising enough money to build roads on which to drive them.

If one drives a gasoline-guzzling vehicle, does it not follow that that person would pay more in gasoline tax than those who have efficient vehicles? Is not the real hypocrisy mismanaging the taxpayer’s money for years and then blaming them for not stepping up to the plate?

The road problems in Oklahoma are simple. The state has never taxed its citizens enough to build them.

I agree with the first half, but the second half is clearly dishonest. Only the World would try to convince readers that Oklahomans do not pay enough tax.

• Oklahoma is second in the nation when it comes to miles of toll roads. These roads generated $185.9 million of revenue in 2004.
• Oklahoma receives more per-capita dollars of fuel tax than any other state
• Oklahoma receives 150% more revenue from motor tags and license fees, per capita, than any other state.
• 7% of Oklahoma revenue comes from the motor fuels tax while only 3.8% of the state budget goes to ODOT.
  

It sounds to me like the problem is prioritization…

Technorati Tags: Tulsa World
Fuel Tax
State Question 723
Oklahoma
Tulsa

Gaza Giveaway

I’m a bit saddened to see Israel give away parts of Gaza, land that God has promised them, land which so much blood has been spilt to attain.

Judges1:2-3

The LORD answered, "Judah is to go; I have given the land into their hands." Then the men of Judah said to the Simeonites their brothers, "Come up with us into the territory allotted to us, to fight against the Canaanites. We in turn will go with you into yours." So the Simeonites went with them.

Judges 1:17

Then the men of Judah went with the Simeonites their brothers and attacked the Canaanites living in Zephath, and they totally destroyed the city. Therefore it was called Hormah. The men of Judah also took Gaza, Ashkelon and Ekron—each city with its territory.

Technorati Tags: Gaza

Carbon Nanotubes

Scientists have come up with a way to efficiently produce thin, transparent sheets of carbon nanotubes that are several meters long and could have applications as diverse as automobile windows that double as antennas and electronic displays that can bend like paper.

Yeah, that is awesome!

Technorati Tags: Carbon Nanotubes

What will it take to win your vote?

That was Cindy Morrison’s question at the beginning of News Channel 8’s report on the proposal to raise Oklahoma’s gas tax 5 cents. During the report, they bought out Mike Webb with a hard hat next to the I-244 and Mingo Bridge. Last week, concrete fell last week from this bridge. In his interview, Webb offered Diane Harrigan a hard hat as he offered his misgivings about walking under the bridge, “I’m not going under there. You can, but I’m not going to.”

IF YOU’RE NOT GOING UNDER THE BRIDGE THEN WHY DO YOU NEED A HARD HAT?!!! Perhaps because this “news story” is nothing more than a shameless pro-gas tax puff piece. However, if those theatrics weren’t enough, Channel 8 brought out Joshua Medlin whose mother died last year, when concrete fell on her car. The Pro-gas tax folks plan to use Mr. Medlin in their commercials to guilt us into a yes vote. After they showed him crying, they cut to loose pieces of concrete from the accident last week. This report should be taught in broadcasting school as an illustration of dishonest and biased reporting.

No offence Mr. Medlin, but raising the gas tax will not bring your mother back and it will not fix our roads. The fact is that Oklahoma has the resources necessary to solve this problem. If our politicians would prioritize roads and bridges then our roads and bridges would not be an issue. Do not be fooled by these tactics. Giving more money to a government incapable of making wise choices will not solve this problem. Vote no on Sep 13.

Technorati Tags: KTUL
Fuel Tax
State Question 723
Oklahoma
Tulsa

Pick up your signs

Coalition for Responsible Government, please pick up all of your pro-recall signs! I think 41 days is plenty of time to pick up all of your goofy signs. Perhaps you are still licking your wounds from the severe beating you took on July 12th. So, out of the kindness of my own heart, and because I got sick and tied of looking at it, I picked one up for you…just to help out a little.

Technorati Tags: tulsa city council recall
Coalition for Responsible Government

The Magic Apple Seed

The three-year-old and I are trying to grow an apple tree from a seed. A few days ago, I told my oldest a story about a little girl who planted a magical apple seed in her back yard and the next morning had a huge apple tree with an endless supply of tasty apples. The story made an impression because the next time we were eating an apple, she asked to see the seeds. “We can plant them in the back yard,” She said. To amuse her, I pulled out the seeds. Much to my surprise one of the seeds had already started to grow inside the apple. We placed the seed in a zip lock bag with a moist paper towel and hung it on her wall so that she could monitor the seed’s transformation. Once the young seedling gets large enough, I will transplant it to a small pot. If all goes well the story I told her will come true.

Technorati Tags: beedtime stories
apple seed

Blog Rest

I am sorry for the lack of posts lately. I had intended to post about last week’s Tulsa City Council meeting but never got around to it. The more time passed, the less I felt like posting about it, or anything else. I guess I just needed a break from blogging for a while. My “blog rest” is over, time to play catch up.

I figured some one else in the Tulsa Blogosphere would have covered this already but it appears that no one has, so I guess that leaves me the honor of reporting that the Tulsa World’s attempt to hijack the city council by use of at-large councilors has failed. The idea for at-large councilors was conceived by the Tulsa world, and pushed via their editorial pages.

Last Thursday the Tulsa City Council voted on which proposed charter changes to continue to work on, and which ones to let die. The proposal to add 4 at-large councilors to the council was one of the ones they let die.

This is good news because the addition of four at-large councilors would have effectively ended fair representation for North and East Tulsa. The councilors that would have won an election spanning the entire city would have had no regard for these parts of the city. Their interests would lie with those who provided them the most campaign contributions, I.E midtown and South Tulsa. Therefore, as a resident of East Tulsa, I am rather pleased that this failed. Nice try Tulsa World.

Technorati Tags: at-large elections
Tulsa World
Tulsa City Council

Medlock is a puppet?

When I expressed my happiness over the news that Medlock was running for mayor, an acquaintance had a few words about Medlock. Here is the basic premise, as I understood it: Medlock is in the pocket of those who are against the new 2025 arena. That these same people ensured that he won the recall election. His questions and statements regarding the arena are not his own. “He is a puppet!”

I did not know how to respond. These ideas were so foreign to me that it took me a few seconds to grasp the comments. I was apart of the anti-recall effort, and where I stood we fought hard for our victory. No one pulled strings to make an overwhelming victory for our side. We made a compelling argument and won. We won despite the dirty tactics, name-calling, and disproportionate campaign spending. The only interests in Tulsa powerful enough to make the recall go away were the folks behind the recall. These same folks are for the arena. Perhaps some shadowy group on the other side of recall and the arena is controlling Medlock and I am just one of the witless pawns that support him. I sure hope not.

Technorati Tags: Chris Medlock
Tulsa Arena
Tulsa City Council Recall
Political Puppet

A New Hope

I received an email today concerning a joint press conference for Rick Westcott and City Councilor Chris Medlock. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend due to prior engagements. I wondered if they would announce a run for City Council District 2 and Mayor respectively. I was overjoyed to have my suspensions confirmed. Medlock will make a great mayor. What Tulsa so desperately needs is strong leadership, and Medlock will provide that. In his announcement, Medlock discussed the upcoming campaign:

We’re going to run a positive campaign that focuses on ideas and emphasizes a return to the basics with which city government should be most concerned ; streets, parks, water and sewers, but most of all, public safety.

I do not know Mr. Westcott as well as Councilor Medlock, but I know enough to know he will make a great city councilor. Here is a portion of his announcement:

I believe that government should first do the basics well. We need to make sure that we provide excellent police and fire protection, provide the best streets, and provide the best water and sewer service possible, to all city homes and businesses.
We should also encourage private development along river, especially the West Bank. I believe the river must be developed, but it should be developed without raising anyone’s taxes.
I believe we should also continue the efforts to make sure that city government operates in an open and fair manner. I will do everything I can to make sure that every person and every business has equal access to city hall and equal access to city contracts. There will be no more behind-the-scenes deals for anyone.

Both these men will be strong leaders who will put the interests of Tulsa and its citizens ahead of the small group of people who have ad a stranglehold on Tulsa for so long. Unfortunately, men like these two, are exactly who the Tulsa World and others in the good ol' boy network do not want. For their part, I am expecting some very nasty tactics and mudslinging. I, on the other hand, am very excited at the prospect of these two men serving Tulsa. I will be supporting them with my time, my prayers, and my money.

Technorati Tags: Chris Medlock
Rick Westcott
Tulsa

Dual Monitors

Several of my co-workers and I just received new laptops with an ATI video card that supports a dual monitor display. Once set up, the urge to move a window from one monitor to the other whilst saying “WEEE!” was strangely irresistible. Aside from being extremely amusing, it does seem to have a positive impact in productivity.

Technorati Tags: ATI
dual monitor display

The two-year old

The two-year old will now be known as the three-year old. As she approaches five, I start to think more and more about when she will start school. It was with dismay that I learned that Disney Elementary was one of the 38 schools in Tulsa that failed to meet minimum state standards, as that is where she will attend her first days of school. Can Disney be turned around in two years? In the upcoming election, will Tulsans elect a strong mayor who prioritizes education? Will Tulsans replace the school board with folks that are serious about education instead of indoctrination?

I admit that I do not know the names of the school board members. Perhaps if one does not have school-aged children one does not care about such things. Although I get the impression that most parents who do have school aged children do not care about such things either.

I have told you how I believe that Tulsans are waking up, that they are taking their city back. Will they do it in time for my three-year old? I do not know what the future holds for Tulsa and for my family. I hope we have a future together, I hope that we can elect strong leadership and that my daughters can attend top-notch Tulsa public education. I vow to fight to that end, but if we cannot reach that goal together, I must consider parting ways with Tulsa.

Technorati Tags: No Child Left Behind
Tulsa Public Schools
Disney Elementary

Goodbye Checkers

Checkers, the Roemerman family dog since 1988, died yesterday. The Poodle/Lhasa Apso mix provided us with a wealth of memories over the past seventeen years. On balance, Checkers was a good dog, but every once and awhile he was a terror. It is interesting how our memories of his more troubling behavior, when viewed through the lens of time, end up as fond memories. We can look back and laugh at the time he ruined two of my father’s Armani suits because a chocolate mint was left in the pocket, or the time he ate my squirrel tail, a trophy from my first hunting experience. We can laugh at the time Checkers got into and ate all our Christmas candy, or how he would bite my father’s feet every morning when my father kissed my mother on his way to work.

It is funny how we let animals into our house and into our hearts, and how they become a part of the family. We love them despite their faults and miss them when they are gone. We will miss the way he enjoyed cuddling on the couch and how he seemed to comfort us when we were sick. We will miss him because he was a good dog.

Technorati Tags: pets

Home Improvement

My wife is on a mission to redecorate the downstairs bathroom/bedroom suite. If you will remember I laid down bathroom tile few weeks ago. This weekend we hung two new doors. I thought the hardest part would be drilling the holes for the doorknob. Apparently, this was the easy part. The most difficult step was placement and installation of the hinges. The hinges needed to be flush with the door; we did not have a router so we used a chisel to carve out the recess for the hinges. Here are the pictures.



Technorati Tags: Home Improvement

Public Involvement

Before tonight’s City Council meeting, I overheard Tulsa World Reporter Brian Barber talking to Kathy Watson. Kathy manages public speakers and the agenda at the City Council meetings. She was indicating that she thought the meeting would go quickly because most of the agenda items would probably result in unanimous votes. With the assumption that the meeting would go even quicker were it not for public comments, Brian asked, “Can you tell the Alexanders they can’t speak tonight?” He was of course joking but I believe that his contempt for public involvement was serious.

Bernice and James Alexander Jr. attend every city council meeting. I do not think I have been to a City Council meeting where James and/or Bernice were not there to exercise their right to speak. Shame on you Brian; let me remind you that our system of government is for, by, and of the people. Ironically, the gentleman who gave the invocation called on God to give citizens who had the opportunity to speak, to have the freedom and blessing to express themselves.

Brian, instead of criticizing the Alexanders you should be praising them for their involvement. If more Tulsans had their passion for community involvement and if each Tulsan would attend at least one City Council meeting a year, Tulsa would be a much better place.

Technorati Tags: Brian Barber
Tulsa World
James Alexander Jr.
Bernice Alexander

E-Sword

If you have ever looked at purchasing Bible software only to be appalled at the price, or tried your hand at free Bible software only to be disappointed by the lack of features or content, then I have some good news for you. Check out E-Sword, a free*, feature rich Bible software.

I spent last night downloading free e-sword content. I downloaded:
21 Bibles at 119MB
16 commentaries at 323MB
14 dictionaries at 99.9MB
7 maps at 26.8MB.

I did not even download everything. I have not had too much time to tool around and fully explore all it's power, but what I have seen is impressive. E-Sword is some of the best bible software I've seen, free or otherwise. Check it out.


*There are a few Bibles that are not free due to copyright...
Technorati Tags: E-Sword
Bible software

Google can do no wrong

Well...ok I guess they can.

Technorati Tags: Google

Negative Information

Drs Horodecki, Oppenheim and Winter, of the Universities of Gdansk, Cambridge and Bristol have discovered the concept of negative information. With negative information, you actually know less than you did before.

Horodecki, Oppenheim, and Winter are actually not the first ones to discover this phenomenon. Those of us who have read the Tulsa World had already made this discovery.


Technorati Tags: Negative Information
Tulsa World

SEER

I have some friends who are having problems with their air conditioning units. Since I’ve gone through this ordeal recently, I thought I would give a few words of advice to the rest of you. Specifically, I thought I take time to post about SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating.

SEER is used to rate the efficiency of air conditioner units. SEER = seasonal Btu of cooling/seasonal watt-hours used. By federal law, every central split cooling system manufactured or sold in the U.S. today must have a seasonal energy efficiency ratio of at least 10.0.

The higher the SEER, the higher the efficiency of the unit. There also seems to be an upward correlation in price, the higher the SEER the higher the price. When you are looking at a new unit be sure to consider the SEER rating. While a lower SEER may be cheaper, it will also be less efficient. A 13 SEER unit will be 8% more efficient than a 12 SEER unit. The same unit will be 30% more efficient than a 10 SEER unit.

It also may be worth considering that the US government will raise the minimum SEER from 10 to 13 in January 2006. The resulting supply and demand of the 10 and 12 units will cause their prices to rise. If you are thinking about replacing your unit with a 10 or 12, now may be a good time.

Technorati Tags: SEER

Collinsville Vote Tomorrow

If you live in Collinsville, please do not forget to vote tomorrow. Terry has another informative post on this issue.

Technorati Tags: Collinsville
Oklahoma Natural Gas

You are quoting the Bible...

...when you use any of the following sayings:

Eat, drink, and be merry (Luke 12:19)
Crystal clear (Revelation 21:11)
Eye to eye (Isaiah 52:8)
Far be it from me (2 Samuel 20:20)
Fell flat on his face (Numbers 22:31)
A fly in the ointment (Ecclesiastes 10:1)
From time to time (Ezekiel 4:10)
Heap coals of fire upon his head (Proverbs 25:22)
Hold your peace (Exodus 14:14)
Holier than thou (Isaiah 65:5)
In the twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:52)
Labor of love (Hebrews 6:10)
Land of the living (Job 28:13)
Man after his own heart (1 Samuel 13:14)
My brother's keeper (Genesis 4:9)
Put words in his mouth (Exodus 4:15)
Rise and shine (Isaiah 60:1)
Run for your life (1 Kings 19:3)
Sick to death (2 Kings 20:1)
Sign of the times (Matthew 16:3)
Stand in awe (Psalms 4:4)
The fat of the land (Genesis 45:18)
The inner man (Romans 7:22)
The powers that be (Romans 13:1)
The root of the matter (Job 19:28)

This list was compiled by Dr. David Norton, a Victoria University of Wellington professor.

Technorati Tags: old sayings
Bible
King James Version
Dr. David Norton

Tulsa Bloggers Roundtable (update)

Bloggers in Tulsa who devote their time as watchdogs are currently in the process of organizing. We are in the early stages of formalizing our communication scheme and I hope that we will have our first official “meeting of the minds” in the near future. I do not know what will come of all this, but I am optimistic. Proverbs says “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” I am optimistic that this will be true of our newly formed group and I am hopeful that with this sharpening we will change Tulsa for the better.

Technorati Tags: Blogger Roundtable
Tulsa Bloggers

Niger in Need

As you may or may not know there is currently a devastating famine going on in Niger.

We are all extremely blessed, which leaves us with a certain obligation to help when we can. Please make a donation to help feed the peoples of Niger. I suggest donating to Convoy Of Hope. Convoy of Hope has operations already based out of Niger and are currently rushing food to the needy peoples of this country.

Niger-based Convoy of Hope partners have requested emergency assistance to enable them to care for those communities most affected by this disaster. In response, Convoy of Hope is rushing 80,000 pounds of rice, beans, maize, and pasta to the region. An assessment team will soon travel there in order to assist with distribution points and training.

Convoy of Hope plans to donate approximately 250-300,000 pounds of grain products over the next two to three months to help alleviate the famine in the southern and eastern areas of Niger. In some areas of the country, food costs have tripled in price, making it difficult to obtain adequate and equitable food in country.

I have some experience with this group and can, with a great deal of certainly, attest to their worthiness as an organization. You can donate to Convoy of Hope and be assured that your money will not be wasted. Donate online and choose “Niger” from the drop down list for designation. Thank you in advance for giving a small portion of that to which you have been blessed.

Technorati Tags: Niger
Convoy Of Hope
famine

Distributed Computing (update)

The Oklahoma Bloggers team at Seventeen or Bust could still use your help. So far, the team consists of just me. I am doing fairly well on my own; I have single handily brought our team to 132 out of 408 teams. With your help, we could have much higher standing. In addition, we might even discover an uber-large prime number. Wouldn’t that be cool?


Technorati Tags: Distributed Computing
Seventeen or Bust
Oklahoma Bloggers

Working hard

Working a salaried position sometimes has some drawbacks. For the past few weeks, I have been working late and on the weekends. I hope that this is the last week I will have to work more than 60 hours. One of my colleagues has been working at least 70 hours a week for 7 weeks in a row.

I typically do not get too upset when I have to work extra hard. I figure it balances for the occasional long lunch or the few days when I checked out at 4:30 instead of 5:00. So I will not be asking for comp time. However, if I were the poor chap that has worked 7 weeks with out a day off, it would probably be a different story.

Technorati Tags: comp time

The Truth about our Oklahoma roads

Do not believe this hogwash about a gasoline tax increase, needed to fix our roads, bridges, and highways. The truth is we already have enough money. If it were not for government waste, mismanagement, and dare I say corruption we could have good roads in Oklahoma. The truth is that our governments here in Oklahoma do not see the roads as priority. They must not think that infrastructure is a primary role of government.

What about Tulsa, why are the roads so bad here?

• In the 70s, Tulsa stopped performing routine maintenance on the roads.
• In the 80s, Tulsa got rid of the road crews that laid down overlays to fix bumpy and abused roads.
• Tulsa now has two asphalt machines that sit around and do nothing while contract crews do all the work.
• The contract bidding process creates waste and delays. It takes, in some cases, over a year to get a job done. We could do the job with our own road crews at one-third the cost and much quicker.

The lack of infrastructure and timely completion of projects is preventing Tulsa from expanding its economic base. This problem is not a money problem it is a priority problem. Jim Mautino is trying to cut thought all this tape and correct this problem. It is a good thing we did not recall him.

On the State level, it is not any better.

• Oklahoma is second in the nation when it comes to miles of toll roads. These roads generated $185.9 million of revenue in 2004.
• Oklahoma receives $5 of fuel tax more, per person, than any other state.
• 7% of Oklahoma revenue comes from the motor fuels tax. How much do you think ODOT receives? Only 3.8% of the state budget goes to ODOT.
• Oklahoma receives 150% more revenue from motor tags and license fees, per capita, than any other state.
  

The money is there but it is not being prioritized. The solution is not to give our government more money. The solution is to demand that they spend our money wisely. Oklahoma must stop diverting fuel tax into the general fund. Our officials must recognize that infrastructure is a primary roll of government that must be prioritized. Vote no on 723; tell our officials that enough is enough. Tell them to be wise with what they have and prioritize roads and bridges.

Technorati Tags: Fuel Tax
State Question 723
Oklahoma
Tulsa

Blogger Roundtable

Yesterday's roundtable discussion on KFAQ has gotten a couple of us thinking. Perhaps we should have a private roundtable discussion with all of the interested, political, Tulsa bloggers. As watchdogs, it probably would not be a bad idea for us to get together, organize, and share thoughts and ideas. Let us get to know each other on more than just a first name basis. Let us combine our efforts and become more powerful than any one of us could be individually. Any thoughts? What do yall think about a monthly dinner meeting?

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Tulsa Bloggers

Roemerman on KFAQ

This morning I had a rare opportunity to participate in a bloggers roundtable discussion on the Michael DelGiorno show.
On the table were the minds behind Batesline.com, tulsaworld.cc, and Living on Tulsa Time. We discussed the impact of Blogs and independent watchdogs on Tulsa politics, and some of the current pressing issues in Tulsa.
In a town where every vote counts, I believe that we are making a positive impact. With more eyes looking at the issues, we are becoming more and more effective. The people of Tulsa are waking up to see that special interests run this town, but not for much longer. We are going to take Tulsa back!

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Michael DelGiorno
Tulsa
blogger impact

World Watch

Thanks to the security guard at work, it looks like I’ll be able to check up on the Tulsa World Editorial staff with out having to give money to the Tulsa World Publishing Company. This is good because I feel the need to watch what they are writing. Today’s World editorial about the called off recall of the Mayor and four City Councilors is a perfect example of their duplicitous and deceptive nature.

The Citizens for Fair and Clean Government decided to withdraw their effort to recall the anti-reform block in city hall. According to the World,

This is good news for the City. Now, maybe all interested citizens can go about the business of making this a better place.

If you will remember, The World tried to tell us that the recall of Mautino and Medlock was good for this City. This recall however, was apparently bad for Tulsa. It was interfering in forward progress. Now that all that nasty business is behind us we can all hold hands and work together. Changing the charter to keep these kinds of recall attempts from happening again might be a good idea. Better yet, let us change to at-large elections.

Theoretically councilors have the city’s best interest at heart, but they also have a district to answer to at all times. At-large members could serve as a unifying and at times a countervailing force

Come on World! Having constituents to answer to is bad? Looking out for your district is bad? You did not seem to mind when Inhofe brought home the billions of dollars of highway money to Oklahoma. Constituencies and district first thinking does not seem to bother you on the national level. But on the local level where your influence might be in jeopardy, it seems convenient to look down on your system of government. After all, there are parts of the city that are slipping through your fingers. If you could get at-large elections in place, you might be able to raise the cost of running enough, and make it difficult enough that you would not have to worry about councilors like Mautino any more. Hey, if we could do that, then we would not really need recall as a tool anymore would we?

Folks, here is a tip. Do not trust the World. If they think something is a good idea, pay close attention because it just might be a bad idea.

Technorati Tags: Tulsa World
at-large elections
recall election

Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District Round up

Some important legislation was passed recently. Here is how Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District was represented.
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Energy Policy Act of 2005 - Vote Agreed to (74-26)

The Senate gave final approval to the conference report for this $12.3 billion energy bill intended to encourage energy conservation and production, clearing the measure for the President.

Sen. James Inhofe voted YES
Sen. Tom Coburn voted YES
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Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act - Vote Passed (65-31, 4 Not Voting)

This legislation would protect gun manufacturers and distributors from lawsuits stemming from the criminal use of their products.

Sen. James Inhofe voted YES
Sen. Tom Coburn voted YES
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Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users - Vote Agreed to (91-4, 5 Not Voting)

The Senate gave final approval to this $286.4 billion bill funding transportation programs for the years 2004 through 2009, clearing the measure for the President.

Sen. James Inhofe voted YES
Sen. Tom Coburn voted YES
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Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2005 - Vote Passed (263-165, 5 Not Voting)

This House bill would allow small businesses to band together to purchase health insurance.

Rep. John Sullivan voted YES
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Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act - Vote Passed (410-20, 3 Not Voting)

This postal reform bill is intended to help the United States Post Office combat declining revenue and allow it to be more competitive in certain mail delivery markets.

Rep. John Sullivan voted YES
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United States Trade Rights Enforcement Act - Vote Passed (255-168, 10 Not Voting)

U.S. businesses would be able to petition the government to impose duties on goods from China under this House-passed trade bill.

Rep. John Sullivan voted YES
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Dominican Republic-CAFTA Implementation Act - Vote Passed (217-215, 2 Not Voting)

The House gave approval to an agreement intended to strengthen economic ties between the U.S. and Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
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Rep. John Sullivan voted YES

Energy Policy Act of 2005 - Vote Passed (275-156, 3 Not Voting)

The House passed the conference report for this $12.3 billion energy bill intended to encourage energy conservation and production.

Rep. John Sullivan voted YES
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HEALTH Act of 2005 - Vote Passed (230-194, 2 Present, 7 Not Voting)

This medical malpractice reform bill would limit non-economic damages, or "pain and suffering" damages, in malpractice lawsuits to $250,000.

Rep. John Sullivan voted YES
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Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users - Vote Passed (412-8, 14 Not Voting)

The House passed this $286.4 billion bill funding transportation programs for the years 2004 through 2009.

Rep. John Sullivan voted YES
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(source congress.org)
Technorati Tags: John Sullivan
Tom Coburn
Jim Inhofe
Oklahoma

Java

In 1994, during the first weeks of college, I often enjoyed a good “cup” of coffee. Actually, I did not know how to make less than a full pot. It did not occur to me to drink less than a pot. So I was fairly wired that first month.

One night someone got the bright idea that we would administer nicknames. “Hey, we will call him 'Java'.” Interestingly enough, no one else got a nickname. My newly formed friends would introduce me as Java. I would be quick to say, “No, my name is Steven.” “NO! Your name is Java.” One of the lessons I learned from being called Stevie is that you cannot really fight this sort of thing. Sure enough, it took off and I became Java. Most people from my college days never did know my real name; they thought Java was my real name. They probably figured I had hippy parents or something. Even my wife called me Java. It took her a few months of marriage before she started calling me Steven. Most of my college friends still call me Java; those ones with kids have their children calling me Java as well. Oh well, I know who I am….I’m Stevie, Steven, Java, and Daddy.


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nicknames

Stevie

Every time I run in to someone from my youth, with in 60 seconds I usually am asked, “Uh…Steven, or Stevie?” When I was 12, I desperately tried to get friends and family to quit calling me Stevie. By 13, I realized that it was futile. When I started college, I created the following rule:

People who did not know me before college must call me Steven. People who knew me before College, or people associated with those who knew me before college may call me Stevie.

After last week’s reunion, I have informed most of those who know me as Stevie. Too all the stragglers, it is ok to call me Stevie. To you who met me after 1994, you may call me Steven.

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First steps

My youngest took her first real steps last night, at 11 months! We noticed that while she was standing she decided to start with a couple steps to acquire a toy. Usually she would drop down and crawl. My wife and I sat on the floor with her and let her walk between us. She got several good steps in, I was very proud. Thanks to the wonders of technology, my in-laws were able to see my daughter in action over the web cam. I guess it will not be long now before she is running all over the place.

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World get is right...kinda

To avoid paying for a Tulsa World, I stole a copy from the security guard at work. I flipped to the Editorial page and was happy to see that their editorial about the transportation bill was 80% right. The World started by praising Inhofe for his instrumental work and went on to list the specifics of the bill as it pertains to Oklahoma. Inhofe indicated that he was proud to increase the amount of money our state will receive. In response to his statement the World wrote, “He should be. No other state leader has achieved such a feat in modern Oklahoman history.” Wow World, I am so impressed, you got it right! Then I read on and I found that the World stumbled a bit. They could not pass up the opportunity to suggest that Oklahomans should fork more of their own money over to the state and pass the gas tax…Oh well; if that is all they will give, I’ll take 80% from the World. Even so, I’m glad I was able to keep my 50 cents.

Technorati Tags: Tulsa World
Jim Inhofe
transportation bill
Oklahoma