American Technology Will Always Win Out!

I've always been of the mind that if you don't understand the culture in which people are raised, or live, you can't truly understand the people. Sometimes catering to that knowledge is all that's needed to open the flood gates of communication.

Take the Pope. It's long been known that he has a penchant for sartorial elegance. After all he wears Prada. That's all fine and (ahem) "dandy". High fashion has been dominated by the European houses for years. Therefore it's quite appropriate.

But technology is a different story! The good old US of A comes to the fore. It would seem the Vatican has approved utilizing technology to bring the book of daily prayers right onto iPhones! True, an Italian priest who is technically savvy along with an Italian web designer came up with the concept, but the iTunes technology it was adapted from is as American as, well Apple pie!

Even more intriguing is the prospect of letting professionals rather than politicians undertake professional endeavors! For instance, what does it take to get Afghan chieftains to cooperate with us rather than the Taliban or Al-quada? Politicians seem to think bribing them with money and arms is the best way. Wrong! Especially if said chieftain is elderly and has several nubile young wives. What works best for? The little blue pill! Joby Warrick of the Washington Post reports utilizing Viagra, a Pfizer product, can bring a chieftain around to our side quite quickly.

Pretty smart of our experienced operatives, don't you think? Even the brand makes a difference. If they used Cialis, there would be a huge additional expense. Especially for a chieftain with multiple wives! Where would they get all those bath tubs? Not to mention the water needed to fill them!

Trying Out Flip Video - Bacchus Stars!

Oh, boy. I heard about these little cell phone size videos and immediately wanted one. There are just times a little video is a bit more fun than a still photo. Beware. When I played with the 30 second capacity on my digital camera I got hooked. This may be even more dangerous. Anyway, for a very snowy Saturday, enjoy!

The Morning After!

If Santa was late to your place on Christmas this may be why. He got stuck in our front yard. He's still there. He's likely to be there in the spring!

Winter in northern Idaho isn't advertised like this in the life style magazines for sure! Last year we had just as much snow but it took all winter to accumulate. This year it has piled up since just after Thanksgiving and isn't over yet. Another winter storm warning looms for tomorrow through Sunday promising another eight or so inches. Then you won't know Santa is stuck in our front yard because you won't be able to see him!

The good thing is Hub finally got out and got extra belts for the snow blower. And gas. The drive is now clear. Almost. The flurries have added a new half inch just this evening.

The bad news is the temperatures are to moderate which will make the snow heavy, wet and extremely hard to move. I predict more broken belts! Plus the temperatures will drop below freezing at night creating a sheet of ice over the hard pack.

It's a shy week to New Years. We've left overs a plenty. We bought New Year's Eve bubbly while we were out today. I've got a new camcorder to play with. Posting to the ole blog will resume. Politics are heating up between the Caroline Kennedy Senate quest and the Blogojevich mess in Illinois. What more could an addicted blogger want?

Looking ahead now; maybe a chance to spend Christmas in the Southwest. I understand the saguaro look spectacular decked out in lights. On second thought, make that winter in the Southwest!

Seasons Greetings

One Man's Pleasure; Another Man's Penalty!

I haven't watched much football this year. The game has become so regulated that the fun and spontaneity has gone out of it. Heaven forbid you rough up the quarterback. Heck, let them wear the necessary padding like the guys who really get beat up! Put some sizzle back into the game!

The Seahawks against the Jets was the exception to this season's viewing habits. I really wanted the Seahawks to give Mike Holmgren a win for his final home game as coach. So did the team and their enthusiasm showed after what has been a dismal season.

Penalties were few but the ones called brought to mind just how ridiculous the league has gotten with the penalties for "excessive" celebration! Jason Wilson's snow angel! What was so egregious about making a snow angel? Because there was snow! Go figure. If there had been no snow and he had made a "grass" angel no problem. But snow is considered a prop. A prop? Props aren't allowed since Terrell Owens hid a Sharpie in his sock, whipped it out after scoring, signed the ball and gave it to a fan.

Oh, I get irritated with the show boaters at times. Especially when their team is down by a gazillion points, someone finally scores and they act as though they've just won the super bowl before they get blindsided. That, however, is just a minor irritation.

But a snow angel? From a member of a team who had few highlights this season? Come on guys.

Sometimes it's not so bad living in a dog's world. Bacchus makes snow angels in the winter and grass angels in the summer with no penalty what so ever!