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string(4436) "<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/Rp_xOvoGRhI/AAAAAAAAAH4/KqiZ8-wYTpc/s1600-h/P7190146.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/Rp_xOvoGRhI/AAAAAAAAAH4/KqiZ8-wYTpc/s200/P7190146.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089051339557062162" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal">I want to move.<span style=""> </span>Move away from <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Pembroke</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Virginia</st1:State></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>Pembroke is nice and so is Virginia, but I still want to move.<span style=""> </span>Not just to the next town, say <st1:city st="on">Blacksburg</st1:City> to the east, or Pearisburg or The Narrows of the New River or even into the “Open For Business” state of <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">West Virginia</st1:State></st1:place>, to the west.<span style=""> </span>No, I am willing and ready to make a big, big move.<span style=""> </span>I have a general are picked out.<span style=""> </span>Its a place that is part of the <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">United States</st1:country-region></st1:place>, the state pays you to live there, the electricity is 110/120 volts, guns are in favor, Wyatt Earp live there, and the mosquitoes are huge and so are the fish.<span style=""> </span>Yep, I am ready to move to <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Alaska</st1:place></st1:State>.<span style=""> </span>I would settle for <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Anchorage</st1:place></st1:City>.<span style=""> </span>Although the locals call is Los Anchorage because living in the big city (population of<span style=""> </span>250,000) ain’t really like living in <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Alaska</st1:State></st1:place>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>I have visited once for a week.<span style=""> </span>That was enough to convince me that I would enjoy it there.<span style=""> </span>I figure, that since I am close to getting my AARP card I may have only 30 +/- 5 years left to enjoy the state.<span style=""> </span>And there is a lot I want to see and do there.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">My love of <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Alaska</st1:place></st1:State> began when I watched the pilot episode for “Northern Exposure”.<span style=""> </span>It was about a northeast city doctor who was transplanted to rural <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Alaska</st1:place></st1:State> in order to pay off medical school debt.<span style=""> </span>His experiences caused me to study up on <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Alaska</st1:place></st1:State> and visit the state.<span style=""> </span>Since then, I have read books, drooled over 1000s of Alaska Magazine, and watch lots of <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Alaska</st1:State></st1:place> programs on the Travel channel.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I have supporters in the house.<span style=""> </span>Son #2 and his girlfriend are ready.<span style=""> </span>And the conversation with Little One goes like this when I ask her:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Me:<span style=""> </span>Little One are you ready to move to <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Alaska</st1:State></st1:place> with me?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Little One:<span style=""> </span>Do they have candy?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Me:<span style=""> </span>Yes</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Little One:<span style=""> </span>OK</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I ask the Wife at least weekly if she is ready to move to <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Alaska</st1:place></st1:State>.<span style=""> </span>“Just give me the word and I’m off to find a job”, I tell her.<span style=""> </span>She smiles at me like she does when she pets the dogs and says “We cannot take Little One that far away from her grandma and grandpa in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">West Virginia</st1:place></st1:State>.”<span style=""> </span>Drats, she’s right.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">So, my next request will be a two week stint in Alaska sometime in the next couple of years.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-8416625125442649977?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(4297) "<span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >The Wife says that I am impressionable.<span style=""> </span>Whenever I watch one of those tattoo shows on TV, I tell her I want to get a tattoo.<span style=""> </span>I have an interest in tattoos but I do not have one.<span style=""> </span>I’ve told the Wife many times that I want to get one.<span style=""> </span>She just shakes her head.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >My first selection for a tattoo is to have the names of<span style=""> </span>the 3 important women in my life tattooed onto my arm.<span style=""> </span>Those three women are my Mom, my Wife, and Little One.<span style=""> </span>Each has had a tremendous influence on my life, and I want to celebrate that fact.<span style=""> </span>I figure that a tattoo is as good a way as any to do that. <span style=""> </span>I went from living at home with my Mom to living in my home with the Wife.<span style=""> </span>Little One came recently, but still has an influence.<span style=""> </span>This would go on my left arm or on my chest…close to my heart.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >I hear people say that you should not have names as tattoos because things change and feelings about people change and you may regret having a name on your arm.<span style=""> </span>Input acknowledged.<span style=""> </span>Mind not changed.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >My second selection for a tattoo is something colorful, strong, and patriotic on my right arm.<span style=""> </span>I envision an eagle and the US flag.<span style=""> </span>Something like the eagle swooping down with talons exposed and the US flag in the background.<span style=""> </span>No writing would be necessary.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >I even put a little bug in the Wife’s ear about her getting a tattoo…a tramp stamp.<span style=""> </span>I have tested my idea with temporary tattoos and liked it.<span style=""> </span>Something small and tasteful for her.<span style=""> </span>Maybe a butterfly, flower, or bird.<span style=""> </span>I could go for Denali Sunset, but I thing that would be a hard sell.<span style=""> </span>The second hard sell is the Wife’s dislike of needles.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >I did get some money for Christmas.<span style=""> </span>It may be time to take a little visit to the tattoo parlor.</span></p></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-7314362848114021752?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(2587) "<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">After reading <a href="http://buzzardbilly.blogspot.com/2007/11/hillbilly-like-me-part-8-do-you-have.html">this post by Buzzardbilly</a> about outhouses, I knew I had to share my experiences on this subject.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Both sets of my grandparents had outhouses when I was youngster in the late 60s and early 70s. This is easy to understand for my Dad’s mom and dad. After all, they lived in the perceived backward land of Wyoming county, West Virginia. They lived on the main road between Mullens and Pineville in a little community of New Richmond. But my Mom’s mom and dad lived in Crab Orchard, West Virginia. In Raleigh county, close to the big city (at least I considered it big) of Beckley. How could they live so close to Beckley and still have an outhouse?</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I hated going to the outhouse. I did not know it then, but now I know that spiders, really like hanging out in these cool and dark places. And the smell of an outhouse on a hot summer evening was just awful. No ventilation, no air flow, and sitting on top of pounds and pounds of stewing human waste…almost more than a boy could stand!</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The other thing I remember most about the outhouse was the “plop plop” sounds made when taking a dump.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">After kicking the sides of the seat a couple of times to see if any spiders crawled out, I would carefully sit on the hole and hurry to get business done. I always held on tightly for fear of falling in! That fate was always on my mind as way the fear of dropping something down the hole. The other past time while taking care of business was to scan the entire insides of the outhouse looking for the creepy crawlies that were omnipresent in the tiny building.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Some observations about my grandparent’s outhouses. Neither had a half-moon cut out in the door. No lights. No heat. No Sears catalogue for reading or as a wiping medium. No padded seat, you sit right down on wood. Nothing fancy, but very functional.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">It is strange, but now-a-days, people will use of Port-a-Potty at and not blink an eye. To me this is nothing but a fancy, portable, and colorful Outhouse. The kind of thing that was once made fun of by city folk. </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-2935340899566385467?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-6445198788547800407"
["published"]=>
string(29) "2007-10-15T21:30:00.001-04:00"
["updated"]=>
string(29) "2007-10-15T21:40:25.585-04:00"
["title"]=>
string(28) "Some Colors in the hills...."
["atom_content"]=>
string(2293) "<div style="text-align: center;">Fall seems to be coming very slow. There is just a touch of color in the mountains across from my house.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RxQVWqR2gSI/AAAAAAAAAJo/DLGEyp_qDmM/s1600-h/PA150165.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RxQVWqR2gSI/AAAAAAAAAJo/DLGEyp_qDmM/s200/PA150165.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121742155277566242" border="0" /></a>A little more color on the New River...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RxQU_aR2gRI/AAAAAAAAAJg/30ELAwBr1SY/s1600-h/PA120157.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RxQU_aR2gRI/AAAAAAAAAJg/30ELAwBr1SY/s200/PA120157.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121741755845607698" border="0" /></a><br />Again on the New River...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RxQUl6R2gQI/AAAAAAAAAJY/ue7AmmCeuv4/s1600-h/PA120144.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RxQUl6R2gQI/AAAAAAAAAJY/ue7AmmCeuv4/s200/PA120144.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121741317758943490" border="0" /></a><br />This bright red is near Lindside, Monroe county West Virginia.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RxQUYaR2gPI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/rJtKOueo5o0/s1600-h/PA080142.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RxQUYaR2gPI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/rJtKOueo5o0/s200/PA080142.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121741085830709490" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-6445198788547800407?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-6235835048254350268"
["published"]=>
string(29) "2007-09-18T21:34:00.000-04:00"
["updated"]=>
string(29) "2007-09-18T21:49:32.688-04:00"
["title"]=>
string(40) "5 Reasons I will STOP Being a NASCAR Fan"
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string(3045) "In the overall scheme of things, I have been a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NASCAR</span> fan for a short time...about 12 years. The way things look now, this will be my last year of actively following the sport. This is why...<br /><br />1. The Car Of Tomorrow - Now all cars must fit the same inspection template, therefore all cars must look the same. This sameness is boring. NO experimentation, NO design changes, NO taking chances, and NO new ideas. Implemented for competition and safety, it reminds me of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">IROC</span> races where each driver was given an identical Chevy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Camero</span> and then allowed to race.<br />2. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Restricter</span> Plates - Designed to slow the car, they are credited with producing spectacular crashes. If a driver has the skill, ability, nerve, and equipment to go 200+ mph, he should be allowed. Which is less safe, a 1 car crash at 210 mph or a 15 car crash at 195 mph?<br />3. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Nextel</span> drivers in the Busch race - More and more, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Nextel</span> driver compete and dominate in the Busch races. These <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Nextel</span> drivers then complain that rookies do not know how to compete at 200 mph because of the lack of seat time. When the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Nextel</span> drivers participate in Busch races, they take a spot away from someone who could benefit from the experience. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Nextel</span> drivers to it for fun, money, or as an extended practice. Regardless, new drivers are cheated of being able to learn how to race at high speeds. I suggest that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Nextel</span> drivers only drive <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Nextel</span> races and leave the Busch races open for other drivers.<br />4. The Chase - The system for choosing a champ does not interest me. I would rather have 2 races at the end of the year for the top 20 in points. Each driver gets 20% of his points and the grid for the first race is set by the points. The grid for the second race is set by the finish of the first. Add the points and determine a winner.<br />5. Probation - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Nextel</span> does not police itself well. Drivers are put on probation - so what? Probation means nothing. <br /><br />This is why I will stop watching <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">NASCAR</span> and spending Sundays with my family.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-6235835048254350268?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(2) "Al"
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["id"]=>
string(58) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-667258400690018265"
["published"]=>
string(29) "2007-08-22T22:35:00.000-04:00"
["updated"]=>
string(29) "2007-08-22T22:43:39.415-04:00"
["title"]=>
string(43) "April 16 tragedy internal review committees"
["atom_content"]=>
string(1222) "The <a href="http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/story.php?relyear=2007&itemno=459">overview of the findings</a> concerning the Virginia Tech murders has been released.<br /><br />On the Security Infrastructure it was found:<br /><blockquote>good cooperation and sound agreements between Virginia Tech and local police, fire, and EMS jurisdictions including ongoing training exercises; sound emergency communications; robust communications infrastructure; a sound emergency preparedness plan; engagement of the leadership in campus emergencies; and a nationally accredited campus police department.</blockquote>Having a nationally accredited campus police department did little to affect the murders that took place.<br /><br />Recommendations:<br /><blockquote>The security group recommends enhancements in physical infrastructure, emergency communications, emergency preparedness, and selected protocols.</blockquote>Nothing about students and staff protecting themselves as far as I can see. Too bad. I will read the entire report just to be sure.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-667258400690018265?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(2) "Al"
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["id"]=>
string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-4428684825617817954"
["published"]=>
string(29) "2007-08-11T22:40:00.000-04:00"
["updated"]=>
string(29) "2007-08-11T22:48:26.557-04:00"
["title"]=>
string(8) "Hok-ohol"
["atom_content"]=>
string(1090) "<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/Rr50aomIWrI/AAAAAAAAAIg/_SlsWg3IHmY/s1600-h/P8110250.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/Rr50aomIWrI/AAAAAAAAAIg/_SlsWg3IHmY/s200/P8110250.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5097639829152750258" border="0" /></a><br />This must be called Hok-ohol (combination of Hokie and alcohol). I found this at the Kroger in Blacksburg, Virginia.<br /><br />It seems a little strange for a land grant, state university to have an official wine, alcohol, adult beverage. What signal does it send to kids about VT's stand on alcohol. We spend lots of $$$ telling kids not to drink and then put the Hokie bird on this wine....mixed signals.<br /><br />By the way, isn't there a cheapo wine called Thunder Bird?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-4428684825617817954?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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["id"]=>
string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-1735011414417029199"
["published"]=>
string(29) "2007-08-08T18:12:00.000-04:00"
["updated"]=>
string(29) "2007-08-08T18:28:46.296-04:00"
["title"]=>
string(38) "Virginia Education Association Meeting"
["atom_content"]=>
string(2254) "According to the VEA web site, "Convention Delegates Approve New Business Items in Virginia Beach". <a href="http://www.veaweteach.org/home_articles_detail.asp?ContentID=2535">Take a look at all the items</a>.<br /><br />One issue that is constantly brought up is the lack of teachers...cannot find enough teachers...we need teachers...etc. But looks like they do not want to look too hard because they rejected a couple of items that may have made it easier to recruit teachers.<br /><br />Item #20 - Don't want to recruit instructional employees from state colleges.......<br /><blockquote><strong>20. COLLEGE FACULTY RECRUITMENT</strong> - FAILED<br />The VEA shall begin the process of actively recruiting instructional employees in state-supported institutions of higher education.<br /><em>(Moved by Joseph Emerson, York, and seconded by Carol Bauer, York)</em></blockquote>Item #21 - Don't want to recruit outsiders...<br /><blockquote><strong>21. RECRUITMENT OF MARGINALIZED PROFESSIONALS</strong> - FAILED<br />The VEA and local Associations will initiate programs to recruit and support new professionals of all ideological stances and make them members of our professional community. These programs will utilize current research on why new teachers leave the profession and will include comprehensive internal organization with public relations support.<br /><em>(Moved by Shawn Tickle, Bedford Co., and seconded by Imogene Morris, Bedford Co.)</em></blockquote>Item #37 - Don't want to give potential teachers a financial break...<br /><blockquote><strong>37. FORGIVABLE COLLEGE LOANS FOR EDUCATORS</strong> - FAILED<br />The VEA shall seek legislation to provide forgivable college loans to students who, upon completion of teacher preparation in a Virginia college or university, teach in Virginia public schools for 5 years.<br /><em>(Moved by Joyce Tyree, Culpeper, and seconded by Michael Weisbrod, SVEA)</em></blockquote>I would like to see some of the reasons and discussion behind these decisions.<br /><br />No wonder there is a teacher shortage.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-1735011414417029199?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-2625697994483394469"
["published"]=>
string(29) "2007-08-07T20:12:00.000-04:00"
["updated"]=>
string(29) "2007-08-07T20:16:25.265-04:00"
["title"]=>
string(8) "Marriage"
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string(3346) "<o:p></o:p>After reading <a href="http://movingnorth.blogspot.com/2007/08/ive-learned-to-hate-you-in-last-ten.html">my friend John’s post</a> about his wedding anniversary, I began to ponder my marital status which began in the Year of our Lord, 1981.<span style=""> </span>I can say with confidence that I am lucky that The Wife has hung around for all these years.<span style=""> </span>We have not made it easy for her. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Wife has had to live in a house with 3 often smelly, hairy, sometimes ill-mannered, usually forgetful, occasionally gaseous, and now and then rowdy males.<span style=""> </span>Impromptu wrestlin’ matches were common and collateral damage was inevitable.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">All these years translate into lots of dirty male underwear to sort and wash, thousands of meals to prepare, countless hours cleaning the kitchen, and untold time consumed with picking up, straightening up, and cleaning.<span style=""> </span>And trying to communicate with males is an issue.<span style=""> </span>My idea and her idea of cleaning the kitchen do not jive.<span style=""> </span>My idea of cleaning is to put my dirty plate and glass in the sink.<span style=""> </span>Her view is a lot more complete and time consuming.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">However, in recent times, I have taken pleasure in operating the ole Oreck.<span style=""> </span>Once The Wife told me “nothing turns me on like a man running the vacuum cleaner”, I could not be stopped.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For all her years of suffering, The Wife will finally gain the majority, just like the Democrats in the Senate.<span style=""> </span>She and Little One will gain the majority after Son #2 gets out of college and flees the house for sane accommodations.<span style=""> </span>The score will be females 2, males 1.<span style=""> </span>I’m okay with that.<span style=""> </span>She deserves it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So soon there will be dresses, frilly clothes, hair spray, make up, pantyhose, and various feminine products about the house.<span style=""> </span>It may look like a sorority house, but who cares?<span style=""> </span>And lastly, there will be boys hanging around calling on Little One.<span style=""> </span>I’ll be ready.<span style=""> </span>They will be no match, they will not be a worthy opponent.<span style=""> </span>I will have my “A” game ready…sittin’ at the kitchen table, cleaning my 12 gauge, and telling horror stories about fighting in the hot and sweaty jungles of Vietnam, or just giving them a stone-cold stare.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">With this power shift, I hope The Wife will re-up for at least another 14 years.<span style=""> </span>Now is not the time to cut out because “You have the power!”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now excuse me while I go run the vacuum cleaner. </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-2625697994483394469?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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["id"]=>
string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-8475850573388400098"
["published"]=>
string(29) "2007-08-06T22:06:00.000-04:00"
["updated"]=>
string(29) "2007-08-06T22:19:44.604-04:00"
["title"]=>
string(42) "Its not what you know, its who you know..."
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string(1642) "Remember when Jim Webb's assistant was <a href="http://www.cnn.com/POLITICS/blogs/politicalticker/2007/03/webb-aide-arrested-with-gun-at-senate.html">caught going</a> into the Russell Senate building with a loaded gun and two load magazines. It look like a no-brainer for the prosecution because:<br /><blockquote>"It was determined that he did not have a license to carry a pistol in the District of Columbia," Schneider said. "He was in possession of an unregistered firearm and unregistered ammunition. He was subsequently placed under arrest and charged with carrying a pistol without a license, unregistered firearm and unregistered ammunition."</blockquote>But <a href="http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=116&sid=1098412">look at the outcome</a>.<br /><blockquote><span class="nonprint">"After reviewing and analyzing all of the evidence in the case, we do not believe the essential elements of the crime of carrying a pistol without a license can be proved beyond a reasonable doubt," U.S. Attorney Jeff Taylor, top prosecutor in the District of Columbia, said in a short statement.</span></blockquote>The US Attorney could not find the essential elements? The man was arrested with no license, a loaded gun, and two magazines. And there was not enough evidence?<br /><br />How hard is it to be a US Attorney? If he could not prosecute this case, how in the world will he be able to prosecute difficult cases.<br /><br />I just shake my head.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-8475850573388400098?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(29) "2007-08-06T21:58:00.000-04:00"
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string(29) "2007-08-06T22:05:32.542-04:00"
["title"]=>
string(21) "Status of VT Memorial"
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string(2067) "I was in Blacksburg, VA on business tonight so I decided to check the status on the Virginia Tech Memorial. All photos were across the street from Burress Hall.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RrfSp4mIWqI/AAAAAAAAAIY/HJ4ChTJhCjI/s1600-h/P8060235.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RrfSp4mIWqI/AAAAAAAAAIY/HJ4ChTJhCjI/s200/P8060235.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095773120401791650" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RrfSg4mIWpI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/JrCMApajWLw/s1600-h/P8060238.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RrfSg4mIWpI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/JrCMApajWLw/s200/P8060238.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095772965782968978" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RrfSPYmIWoI/AAAAAAAAAII/FZ_uDWF5Rgs/s1600-h/P8060243.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RrfSPYmIWoI/AAAAAAAAAII/FZ_uDWF5Rgs/s200/P8060243.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095772665135258242" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RrfSFomIWnI/AAAAAAAAAIA/irxi6OEXl4M/s1600-h/P8060248.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RrfSFomIWnI/AAAAAAAAAIA/irxi6OEXl4M/s200/P8060248.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095772497631533682" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-5501141586674495829?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-3627940101684455972"
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string(29) "2007-07-20T21:59:00.000-04:00"
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string(29) "2007-07-20T22:09:00.460-04:00"
["title"]=>
string(32) "Another Reason for School Choice"
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string(1385) "Our neighbors to the east are <a href="http://www.dailymail.com/story/News/2007072014/School-employees-suspended-for-child-porn-drug-use-and-drinking-on-the-job/">having school employee issues</a>. This adds to my list for private schools. School employees suspended and fired.<br /><blockquote>Of the 36 employees suspended, 14 were service personnel, 21 were teachers and one was a principal. Those terminations included three service personnel workers and four teachers.</blockquote>Why these actions?<br /><blockquote><p> Of those suspensions, eight were due to the employees having inappropriate physical contact with students. One employee was suspended for possession of child pornography, according to county records. At least one employee was suspended for distributing or using a controlled substance with a student. </p></blockquote>But don't be alarmed.<br /><blockquote>School officials said they consider the number of suspensions and terminations to be somewhat low given the school system's size, and it illustrates their continued efforts to keep students protected.</blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>I'm afraid I would not be too relieved with this explanation.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-3627940101684455972?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-8416625125442649977"
["published"]=>
string(29) "2007-07-19T19:15:00.000-04:00"
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string(29) "2007-07-19T19:20:14.348-04:00"
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string(4436) "<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/Rp_xOvoGRhI/AAAAAAAAAH4/KqiZ8-wYTpc/s1600-h/P7190146.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/Rp_xOvoGRhI/AAAAAAAAAH4/KqiZ8-wYTpc/s200/P7190146.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089051339557062162" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal">I want to move.<span style=""> </span>Move away from <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Pembroke</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Virginia</st1:State></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>Pembroke is nice and so is Virginia, but I still want to move.<span style=""> </span>Not just to the next town, say <st1:city st="on">Blacksburg</st1:City> to the east, or Pearisburg or The Narrows of the New River or even into the “Open For Business” state of <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">West Virginia</st1:State></st1:place>, to the west.<span style=""> </span>No, I am willing and ready to make a big, big move.<span style=""> </span>I have a general are picked out.<span style=""> </span>Its a place that is part of the <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">United States</st1:country-region></st1:place>, the state pays you to live there, the electricity is 110/120 volts, guns are in favor, Wyatt Earp live there, and the mosquitoes are huge and so are the fish.<span style=""> </span>Yep, I am ready to move to <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Alaska</st1:place></st1:State>.<span style=""> </span>I would settle for <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Anchorage</st1:place></st1:City>.<span style=""> </span>Although the locals call is Los Anchorage because living in the big city (population of<span style=""> </span>250,000) ain’t really like living in <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Alaska</st1:State></st1:place>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>I have visited once for a week.<span style=""> </span>That was enough to convince me that I would enjoy it there.<span style=""> </span>I figure, that since I am close to getting my AARP card I may have only 30 +/- 5 years left to enjoy the state.<span style=""> </span>And there is a lot I want to see and do there.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">My love of <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Alaska</st1:place></st1:State> began when I watched the pilot episode for “Northern Exposure”.<span style=""> </span>It was about a northeast city doctor who was transplanted to rural <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Alaska</st1:place></st1:State> in order to pay off medical school debt.<span style=""> </span>His experiences caused me to study up on <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Alaska</st1:place></st1:State> and visit the state.<span style=""> </span>Since then, I have read books, drooled over 1000s of Alaska Magazine, and watch lots of <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Alaska</st1:State></st1:place> programs on the Travel channel.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I have supporters in the house.<span style=""> </span>Son #2 and his girlfriend are ready.<span style=""> </span>And the conversation with Little One goes like this when I ask her:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Me:<span style=""> </span>Little One are you ready to move to <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Alaska</st1:State></st1:place> with me?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Little One:<span style=""> </span>Do they have candy?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Me:<span style=""> </span>Yes</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Little One:<span style=""> </span>OK</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I ask the Wife at least weekly if she is ready to move to <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Alaska</st1:place></st1:State>.<span style=""> </span>“Just give me the word and I’m off to find a job”, I tell her.<span style=""> </span>She smiles at me like she does when she pets the dogs and says “We cannot take Little One that far away from her grandma and grandpa in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">West Virginia</st1:place></st1:State>.”<span style=""> </span>Drats, she’s right.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">So, my next request will be a two week stint in Alaska sometime in the next couple of years.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-8416625125442649977?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-8697475444370016262"
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string(29) "2007-07-14T21:51:00.001-04:00"
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string(29) "2007-07-14T21:58:01.000-04:00"
["title"]=>
string(22) "NASCAR in Pembroke, VA"
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string(1086) "<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/Rpl9_PoGRgI/AAAAAAAAAHw/sYqZssjFKow/s1600-h/P7140140.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/Rpl9_PoGRgI/AAAAAAAAAHw/sYqZssjFKow/s200/P7140140.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087235779571631618" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">It was not a race or anything super big, but today, the Number 8, Budweiser, Chevy, Monte Carlo, was at Mike's Muffler in Pembroke. I saw no ads, but saw the car on one of my trips into Pearisburg. I came back home, got Little One and made a visit. Dale and Bud will part ways after this year.<br /><br />Maybe, next time it will be the car of my <a href="http://www.jeffgordon.com/home/default.sps?itype=12215">favorite driver</a>.<br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-8697475444370016262?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-4741984999186021080"
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string(29) "2007-07-13T23:26:00.002-04:00"
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string(29) "2007-07-13T23:39:01.453-04:00"
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string(23) "Around Giles county...."
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string(3832) "<div style="text-align: center;">This is a close up view of Narrows of Giles county.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphCiPoGRZI/AAAAAAAAAG4/13WOpwbjl_w/s1600-h/P7030027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphCiPoGRZI/AAAAAAAAAG4/13WOpwbjl_w/s200/P7030027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086888935192675730" border="0" /></a>An upstream look toward the town of Narrows.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphDXfoGRfI/AAAAAAAAAHo/bjljj5SefIs/s1600-h/P7030042.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphDXfoGRfI/AAAAAAAAAHo/bjljj5SefIs/s200/P7030042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086889850020709874" border="0" /></a>Looking across the face of the Narrows, from the 460 side.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphDP_oGReI/AAAAAAAAAHg/OTHmXCuU2Ss/s1600-h/P7030074.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphDP_oGReI/AAAAAAAAAHg/OTHmXCuU2Ss/s200/P7030074.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086889721171690978" border="0" /></a>The Narrows can even be seen from 460 East.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphDIPoGRdI/AAAAAAAAAHY/DF804ik1j78/s1600-h/P7030096.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphDIPoGRdI/AAAAAAAAAHY/DF804ik1j78/s200/P7030096.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086889588027704786" border="0" /></a>Pembroke has at least one train tunnel<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphDAvoGRcI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/k3eMoEB3UeE/s1600-h/P7060097.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphDAvoGRcI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/k3eMoEB3UeE/s200/P7060097.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086889459178685890" border="0" /></a>A nice view from the new bridge across the New River at Pembroke<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphC4_oGRbI/AAAAAAAAAHI/NGESbU5RE3w/s1600-h/P7060114.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphC4_oGRbI/AAAAAAAAAHI/NGESbU5RE3w/s200/P7060114.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086889326034699698" border="0" /></a><br />River flows from left to right. New bridge (left), Old Bridge (right).<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphCvvoGRaI/AAAAAAAAAHA/sjncYmvuCl0/s1600-h/P7060126.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphCvvoGRaI/AAAAAAAAAHA/sjncYmvuCl0/s200/P7060126.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086889167120909730" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-4741984999186021080?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-5589746566534316319"
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string(29) "2007-06-15T18:28:00.000-04:00"
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string(29) "2007-06-15T18:35:51.858-04:00"
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string(20) "This is bad stuff..."
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string(800) "Two middle school boys were convicted on conspiracy to kill 4 people at their school...MIDDLE SCHOOL! (<a href="http://www.roanoke.com/news/nrv/wb/120736">link</a>).<br /><blockquote>According to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, a student reported that Collins and McCroskey talked about killing four people: Principal Guylene Wood-Setzer, school resource officer Deputy Kirk Hendricks and at least one student. It is unclear who the fourth person was.</blockquote>This is scary stuff. With Little One getting close to the age to start school, I am leaning toward private school. This stuff happens too often.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-5589746566534316319?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(12) "Strange Brew"
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string(2634) "Took a trip to the Kroger in Blacksburg today. Boy, do they have a lot of beer and wine. Plus, there is a Virginia ABC across the parking lot. Its like alcohol central.<br /><br />I picked out some of the more interesting beers in the Kroger.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">First, beer for the K9 lover. I understand Labs are very popular dogs.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/Rmte3kYtU5I/AAAAAAAAAGY/frXkHNwsXug/s1600-h/P6090019.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/Rmte3kYtU5I/AAAAAAAAAGY/frXkHNwsXug/s200/P6090019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074253713916122002" border="0" /></a><br />Next, "How much beer could a woodchuck chug if a woodchuck could chug beer?" brand.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RmtevUYtU4I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/3cI-97i0vbs/s1600-h/P6090018.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RmtevUYtU4I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/3cI-97i0vbs/s200/P6090018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074253572182201218" border="0" /></a><br />This beer frightens me. I don't know what it means but it looks satanic.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RmtemkYtU3I/AAAAAAAAAGI/lj4SGwZ4wKI/s1600-h/P6090017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RmtemkYtU3I/AAAAAAAAAGI/lj4SGwZ4wKI/s200/P6090017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074253421858345842" border="0" /></a><br />By far, my favorite is Old Leghumper. A man's triple play...legs, dogs, and beer.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RmtfB0YtU6I/AAAAAAAAAGg/bmeFATlPSH8/s1600-h/P6090016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RmtfB0YtU6I/AAAAAAAAAGg/bmeFATlPSH8/s200/P6090016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074253890009781154" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-8229819912921174369?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-2752650988982493095"
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string(29) "2007-05-22T21:31:00.001-04:00"
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string(29) "2007-05-22T21:37:50.616-04:00"
["title"]=>
string(14) "Throwin' Rocks"
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string(1847) "Sunday, I took Little One to the river bank to do the thing that kids throughout the world love to do...throw rocks in the river. This just happens to be the New River just a little downstream from Narrows, Virginia. She already has asked to go back. It was a good day.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlOaRRG7phI/AAAAAAAAAGA/zy53csEjqM8/s1600-h/P5200175.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlOaRRG7phI/AAAAAAAAAGA/zy53csEjqM8/s200/P5200175.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067563627162871314" border="0" /></a>.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlOaEBG7pgI/AAAAAAAAAF4/Xlut3tg8P-0/s1600-h/P5200148.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlOaEBG7pgI/AAAAAAAAAF4/Xlut3tg8P-0/s200/P5200148.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067563399529604610" border="0" /></a><br />The upstream view.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlOZzRG7pfI/AAAAAAAAAFw/ZSfNBii9pS8/s1600-h/P5200145.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlOZzRG7pfI/AAAAAAAAAFw/ZSfNBii9pS8/s200/P5200145.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067563111766795762" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-2752650988982493095?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(29) "2007-05-20T13:13:00.001-04:00"
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string(29) "2007-05-20T13:27:33.091-04:00"
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string(27) "A Visit to Virginia Tech..."
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string(4839) "<div style="text-align: center;">32 flags as a memorial at a church on Main Street, Blacksburg.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCDXBG7peI/AAAAAAAAAFo/HDRb1FcD5XU/s1600-h/P5180015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCDXBG7peI/AAAAAAAAAFo/HDRb1FcD5XU/s200/P5180015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066694012249548258" border="0" /></a>The memorial at the Drill field is a lot quieter than before. But the worn paths indicate a lot of activity.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCDKRG7pdI/AAAAAAAAAFg/UjZC84M4azA/s1600-h/P5180021.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCDKRG7pdI/AAAAAAAAAFg/UjZC84M4azA/s200/P5180021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066693793206216146" border="0" /></a><br />The Virginia state flag (right) still at half mast.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCC_RG7pcI/AAAAAAAAAFY/8yGKfyB2wGc/s1600-h/P5180025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCC_RG7pcI/AAAAAAAAAFY/8yGKfyB2wGc/s200/P5180025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066693604227655106" border="0" /></a><br />The front of Norris Hall. The building is now fenced off.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCCzxG7pbI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/tILvbAsiC4w/s1600-h/P5180063.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCCzxG7pbI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/tILvbAsiC4w/s200/P5180063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066693406659159474" border="0" /></a><br />All quiet on the Drill field.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCCpxG7paI/AAAAAAAAAFI/H6pRNOHUZ-o/s1600-h/P5180068.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCCpxG7paI/AAAAAAAAAFI/H6pRNOHUZ-o/s200/P5180068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066693234860467618" border="0" /></a><br />The memorial close up. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCCdRG7pZI/AAAAAAAAAFA/KTlsqwwu6ZU/s1600-h/P5180072.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCCdRG7pZI/AAAAAAAAAFA/KTlsqwwu6ZU/s200/P5180072.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066693020112102802" border="0" /></a><br />...Sacrifice...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCCTBG7pYI/AAAAAAAAAE4/SWClZNsPVFk/s1600-h/P5180098.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCCTBG7pYI/AAAAAAAAAE4/SWClZNsPVFk/s200/P5180098.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066692844018443650" border="0" /></a><br />Some remember 33, which includes the shooter.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCCHxG7pXI/AAAAAAAAAEw/JlavQw0t8fY/s1600-h/P5180123.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCCHxG7pXI/AAAAAAAAAEw/JlavQw0t8fY/s200/P5180123.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066692650744915314" border="0" /></a><br />Little hands that love VT.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCB9BG7pWI/AAAAAAAAAEo/q6H9dHR62S4/s1600-h/P5180127.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCB9BG7pWI/AAAAAAAAAEo/q6H9dHR62S4/s200/P5180127.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066692466061321570" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-6497857652273208638?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(29) "2007-05-05T22:36:00.000-04:00"
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string(29) "2007-05-05T22:50:00.923-04:00"
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string(13) "Busy Saturday"
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string(1571) "Today was a fairly busy day at our house. Little One has taken a visit to relatives in good ole West Virginia, so The Wife and I were able to do some things today by ourselves. First was a trip to the furniture tent sale beside Books-A-Millions. Our 25 year old living room suit had seen better days, so we took the jump for another. I hope this one last 25 years.<br /><br />Next was lunch. We tried the Red Robin. The food was good. The hamburgers were big and juicy. Plus, we had unlimited fries. However, it was a bit pricey. Two hamburger, fries, and water to drink and it cost $ 20 (not including tip). We determined that for $ 20 we could eat at one of the steakhouses. We probably will not go back just because of the price. Those were expensive hamburgers.<br /><br />Lastly, we took in a movie at the new movie theater beside the New River Valley mall. We did our part to make Spiderman 3 the number one movie of the week. I thought it was good. A little slow in places, but good fight scenes. Overall, I'd give it a 8/10. The stadium seating was excellent and the seats had the ability to rock. After we sit down, I realized I had not seen Spiderman 2. I'll rent it.<br /><br />Bad news on the NASCAR race at Richmond...a rain out. And I will miss it tomorrow because of a previous engagement...professional rasslin' at the Roanoke Civic Center. GO Cena!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-6597942413703945132?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(29) "2007-04-26T21:50:00.000-04:00"
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string(29) "2007-04-26T22:21:57.956-04:00"
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string(28) "I Do Not Understand This...."
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string(361) "When I found <a href="http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=28018">this information</a>, about a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech I was floor.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-4415248844000431355?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(60) "I went to Virginia Tech on 4/21/07 and this is what I saw..."
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string(5194) "<div style="text-align: center;">The Drill Field<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAIzQGLbGI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/0RDH7wNaA84/s1600-h/P4210005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAIzQGLbGI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/0RDH7wNaA84/s200/P4210005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057552058124299362" border="0" /></a>Norris Hall<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAInwGLbFI/AAAAAAAAAEI/88ObVgvm_oQ/s1600-h/P4210011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAInwGLbFI/AAAAAAAAAEI/88ObVgvm_oQ/s200/P4210011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057551860555803730" border="0" /></a><br />Memorial across the street from Burruss Hall<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAIfgGLbEI/AAAAAAAAAEA/RmHwzj60exo/s1600-h/P4210018.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAIfgGLbEI/AAAAAAAAAEA/RmHwzj60exo/s200/P4210018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057551718821882946" border="0" /></a><br />Burruss Hall and the memorial<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAIUwGLbDI/AAAAAAAAAD4/GG3DcZJJg8g/s1600-h/P4210040.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAIUwGLbDI/AAAAAAAAAD4/GG3DcZJJg8g/s200/P4210040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057551534138289202" border="0" /></a><br />The "other" side of Norris Hall<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAIJwGLbCI/AAAAAAAAADw/cD4nOiE6U-A/s1600-h/P4210047.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAIJwGLbCI/AAAAAAAAADw/cD4nOiE6U-A/s200/P4210047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057551345159728162" border="0" /></a><br />Norris Hall...wing where the shooting took place<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAH2AGLbBI/AAAAAAAAADo/mk2nf8lFDUk/s1600-h/P4210067.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAH2AGLbBI/AAAAAAAAADo/mk2nf8lFDUk/s200/P4210067.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057551005857311762" border="0" /></a><br />Memorial and tent where anyone could write a message/sign the cards<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAHrwGLbAI/AAAAAAAAADg/LhVxl7tk_gk/s1600-h/P4210082.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAHrwGLbAI/AAAAAAAAADg/LhVxl7tk_gk/s200/P4210082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057550829763652610" border="0" /></a><br />Memorial</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAHiAGLa_I/AAAAAAAAADY/djweODhilp4/s1600-h/P4210091.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAHiAGLa_I/AAAAAAAAADY/djweODhilp4/s200/P4210091.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057550662259928050" border="0" /></a><br />Hands for Hope<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAHYAGLa-I/AAAAAAAAADQ/xWpcXrEV79k/s1600-h/P4210105.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAHYAGLa-I/AAAAAAAAADQ/xWpcXrEV79k/s200/P4210105.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057550490461236194" border="0" /></a><br />Drill Field/Memorial/Burruss Hall<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAHNQGLa9I/AAAAAAAAADI/4ZA7dNHS-io/s1600-h/P4210115.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; 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string(29) "2007-02-21T20:32:00.000-05:00"
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string(29) "2007-02-21T20:57:19.300-05:00"
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string(20) "The Next Big Race..."
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string(1595) "The next big race will not be the NASCAR event in <a href="http://www.nascar.com/races/tracks/cal/index.html">California</a>. The next big race will be in a place in a place will never visit, but a few, like me, often dream about. In a place where man and beast work together to re-enact an event that saved thousands of lives. The place is Alaska and the event is <a href="http://www.cabelasiditarod.com/">The Iditarod</a>. Think about this:<br /><blockquote>20 volunteer dog-sled drivers relayed the serum non-stop the remaining 674 miles. When the first musher left Nenana, the temperature hovered at 50 below zero. According to legend, the serum was nearly lost when a huge gust of wind toppled the sled of the final musher. The musher frantically dug the serum out of the snow with his bare hands, righted his sled and continued on.</blockquote>The most famous personalities to emerge from the were <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balto">Balto</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Togo_%28dog%29">Togo</a>. The lead dogs of the final two mushers, Gunnar Kaasen and Leonhard Seppala.<br /><br />Togo did the most duty. He lead the way for more that twice as many miles as the second place musher. However, Balto was leading when the serum made it into Nome, Alaska.<br /><br />Pick a favorite <a href="http://www.cabelasiditarod.com/mushers_current.html">musher</a> and follow this race.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-624215732411796164?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(29) "2007-01-25T22:22:40.537-05:00"
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string(29) "Global Warming in Virginia..."
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string(1633) "10 people studied <a href="http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1149192778948&path=%21news&s=1045855934842">global warming and Virginia</a>. Guess what? They decided it was a problem.<br /><br /><blockquote>While the group agreed on the main text of the report, there was no consensus on suggestions for dealing with climate change. That's because time ran out before the options could be fully discussed, deFur said.</blockquote>Ran out of time? A subject this important and they ran out of time? Better get back together soon because.....<br /><br /><blockquote>"At the rate we're going, Jamestown would be under water in a matter of years" and coastal cities would be flooded, Ebbin said.</blockquote>Jamestown gone...in a matter of years!<br /><br />Where does the public get its info? From studying the available scientific literature? Nooooo.<br /><br /><blockquote>"Twelve months ago there was not the public sentiment that there is today," said John M. Roberts of Richmond, a conservationist. He attributed that interest in part to last year's global-warming movie "An Inconvenient Truth," featuring former Vice President Al Gore.</blockquote>Uber-scientist Al and his science fiction offering. Oh, boy.<br /><br />How about the <a href="http://www.oism.org/pproject/s33p357.htm">Oregon Petition</a> and its backers. Over 17000 scientist can't all be wrong.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-5982860485460130344?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(24) "Teacher's Pay in Ole W V"
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string(1611) "Teachers in West Virginia are <a href="http://www.dailymail.com/story/Business/+/200701223/W.Va-pays-less-but-dollars-go-further/">wanting a bigger raise than the 2.5% being offered</a> by Govenor Joe "Open for business" Manchin. Teacher state they are paid less than surrounding states, but it is also true that the cost of living is less.<br /><br /><blockquote>However, one teacher union leader said cost of living is not considered by the group when it comes to putting together a salary request.</blockquote>Why not? Shouldn't all things be considered?<br /><br /><blockquote> Currently, West Virginia ranks 47th in average teacher pay at $38,360 annually, according to the National Education Association.</blockquote>47th is pretty low...but wait...<br /><br /><blockquote>A nationwide study conducted by Education Week magazine in 2001 showed that, when adjusted for cost of living, West Virginia educators were the 23rd highest paid in the country.</blockquote>23rd, now that's better.<br /><br />I sent a letter to the president of VPI&SU because the professors were wanting a raise to the average of their <a href="http://www.bov.vt.edu/minutes/04-11-08minutes/04-11-08AttachmentX.pdf">peer group</a>. The problem was members of the peer group included Cal. Berkely, Cornell, USC, etc. All high cost of living areas.<br /><br />The morale to the story is that you have to consider all aspects of living in an area.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-773634338616379753?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(34) "At the Cascades in Giles county..."
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string(3165) "Made it to the falls. Here are some pictures of the falls from a variety of perspectives. This is the first time you are able to see them from the lower trail.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RbOuMP2UM7I/AAAAAAAAAAM/YDUi-PoKtCE/s1600-h/P1140068.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RbOuMP2UM7I/AAAAAAAAAAM/YDUi-PoKtCE/s200/P1140068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022549534884246450" border="0" /></a>A photo from downstream.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RbOu7_2UM8I/AAAAAAAAAAU/eVXJPzPmsOo/s1600-h/P1140073.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RbOu7_2UM8I/AAAAAAAAAAU/eVXJPzPmsOo/s200/P1140073.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022550355223000002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RbOvev2UM9I/AAAAAAAAAAc/-0BOiBSplxs/s1600-h/P1140081.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RbOvev2UM9I/AAAAAAAAAAc/-0BOiBSplxs/s200/P1140081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022550952223454162" border="0" /></a>Leaving by the upper trail.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RbOv1f2UM-I/AAAAAAAAAAk/AD10bVA0hp4/s1600-h/P1140122.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RbOv1f2UM-I/AAAAAAAAAAk/AD10bVA0hp4/s200/P1140122.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022551343065478114" border="0" /></a>The upper trail is the less stressful way to get to and from the Cascades.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RbOwiv2UM_I/AAAAAAAAAAs/Zoqa6iqT-WQ/s1600-h/P1140134.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RbOwiv2UM_I/AAAAAAAAAAs/Zoqa6iqT-WQ/s200/P1140134.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022552120454558706" border="0" /></a>Rocks, rocks everywhere. They are coming from the top of the mountain. One day, I should take a trip to see the rock generator.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RbOxyv2UNBI/AAAAAAAAAA8/KfuQzCFPGzU/s1600-h/P1140152.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RbOxyv2UNBI/AAAAAAAAAA8/KfuQzCFPGzU/s200/P1140152.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022553494844093458" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-3063079543226762089?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(10) "Tattoos..."
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string(4297) "<span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >The Wife says that I am impressionable.<span style=""> </span>Whenever I watch one of those tattoo shows on TV, I tell her I want to get a tattoo.<span style=""> </span>I have an interest in tattoos but I do not have one.<span style=""> </span>I’ve told the Wife many times that I want to get one.<span style=""> </span>She just shakes her head.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >My first selection for a tattoo is to have the names of<span style=""> </span>the 3 important women in my life tattooed onto my arm.<span style=""> </span>Those three women are my Mom, my Wife, and Little One.<span style=""> </span>Each has had a tremendous influence on my life, and I want to celebrate that fact.<span style=""> </span>I figure that a tattoo is as good a way as any to do that. <span style=""> </span>I went from living at home with my Mom to living in my home with the Wife.<span style=""> </span>Little One came recently, but still has an influence.<span style=""> </span>This would go on my left arm or on my chest…close to my heart.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >I hear people say that you should not have names as tattoos because things change and feelings about people change and you may regret having a name on your arm.<span style=""> </span>Input acknowledged.<span style=""> </span>Mind not changed.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >My second selection for a tattoo is something colorful, strong, and patriotic on my right arm.<span style=""> </span>I envision an eagle and the US flag.<span style=""> </span>Something like the eagle swooping down with talons exposed and the US flag in the background.<span style=""> </span>No writing would be necessary.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >I even put a little bug in the Wife’s ear about her getting a tattoo…a tramp stamp.<span style=""> </span>I have tested my idea with temporary tattoos and liked it.<span style=""> </span>Something small and tasteful for her.<span style=""> </span>Maybe a butterfly, flower, or bird.<span style=""> </span>I could go for Denali Sunset, but I thing that would be a hard sell.<span style=""> </span>The second hard sell is the Wife’s dislike of needles.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >I did get some money for Christmas.<span style=""> </span>It may be time to take a little visit to the tattoo parlor.</span></p></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-7314362848114021752?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-2935340899566385467"
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string(29) "2007-11-16T23:27:00.000-05:00"
["updated"]=>
string(29) "2007-11-16T23:30:32.246-05:00"
["title"]=>
string(24) "Outhouses of my youth..."
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string(2587) "<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">After reading <a href="http://buzzardbilly.blogspot.com/2007/11/hillbilly-like-me-part-8-do-you-have.html">this post by Buzzardbilly</a> about outhouses, I knew I had to share my experiences on this subject.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Both sets of my grandparents had outhouses when I was youngster in the late 60s and early 70s. This is easy to understand for my Dad’s mom and dad. After all, they lived in the perceived backward land of Wyoming county, West Virginia. They lived on the main road between Mullens and Pineville in a little community of New Richmond. But my Mom’s mom and dad lived in Crab Orchard, West Virginia. In Raleigh county, close to the big city (at least I considered it big) of Beckley. How could they live so close to Beckley and still have an outhouse?</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I hated going to the outhouse. I did not know it then, but now I know that spiders, really like hanging out in these cool and dark places. And the smell of an outhouse on a hot summer evening was just awful. No ventilation, no air flow, and sitting on top of pounds and pounds of stewing human waste…almost more than a boy could stand!</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The other thing I remember most about the outhouse was the “plop plop” sounds made when taking a dump.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">After kicking the sides of the seat a couple of times to see if any spiders crawled out, I would carefully sit on the hole and hurry to get business done. I always held on tightly for fear of falling in! That fate was always on my mind as way the fear of dropping something down the hole. The other past time while taking care of business was to scan the entire insides of the outhouse looking for the creepy crawlies that were omnipresent in the tiny building.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Some observations about my grandparent’s outhouses. Neither had a half-moon cut out in the door. No lights. No heat. No Sears catalogue for reading or as a wiping medium. No padded seat, you sit right down on wood. Nothing fancy, but very functional.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">It is strange, but now-a-days, people will use of Port-a-Potty at and not blink an eye. To me this is nothing but a fancy, portable, and colorful Outhouse. The kind of thing that was once made fun of by city folk. </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-2935340899566385467?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-6445198788547800407"
["published"]=>
string(29) "2007-10-15T21:30:00.001-04:00"
["updated"]=>
string(29) "2007-10-15T21:40:25.585-04:00"
["title"]=>
string(28) "Some Colors in the hills...."
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string(2293) "<div style="text-align: center;">Fall seems to be coming very slow. There is just a touch of color in the mountains across from my house.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RxQVWqR2gSI/AAAAAAAAAJo/DLGEyp_qDmM/s1600-h/PA150165.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RxQVWqR2gSI/AAAAAAAAAJo/DLGEyp_qDmM/s200/PA150165.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121742155277566242" border="0" /></a>A little more color on the New River...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RxQU_aR2gRI/AAAAAAAAAJg/30ELAwBr1SY/s1600-h/PA120157.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RxQU_aR2gRI/AAAAAAAAAJg/30ELAwBr1SY/s200/PA120157.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121741755845607698" border="0" /></a><br />Again on the New River...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RxQUl6R2gQI/AAAAAAAAAJY/ue7AmmCeuv4/s1600-h/PA120144.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RxQUl6R2gQI/AAAAAAAAAJY/ue7AmmCeuv4/s200/PA120144.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121741317758943490" border="0" /></a><br />This bright red is near Lindside, Monroe county West Virginia.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RxQUYaR2gPI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/rJtKOueo5o0/s1600-h/PA080142.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RxQUYaR2gPI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/rJtKOueo5o0/s200/PA080142.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121741085830709490" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-6445198788547800407?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-6235835048254350268"
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string(29) "2007-09-18T21:34:00.000-04:00"
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string(29) "2007-09-18T21:49:32.688-04:00"
["title"]=>
string(40) "5 Reasons I will STOP Being a NASCAR Fan"
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string(3045) "In the overall scheme of things, I have been a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NASCAR</span> fan for a short time...about 12 years. The way things look now, this will be my last year of actively following the sport. This is why...<br /><br />1. The Car Of Tomorrow - Now all cars must fit the same inspection template, therefore all cars must look the same. This sameness is boring. NO experimentation, NO design changes, NO taking chances, and NO new ideas. Implemented for competition and safety, it reminds me of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">IROC</span> races where each driver was given an identical Chevy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Camero</span> and then allowed to race.<br />2. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Restricter</span> Plates - Designed to slow the car, they are credited with producing spectacular crashes. If a driver has the skill, ability, nerve, and equipment to go 200+ mph, he should be allowed. Which is less safe, a 1 car crash at 210 mph or a 15 car crash at 195 mph?<br />3. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Nextel</span> drivers in the Busch race - More and more, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Nextel</span> driver compete and dominate in the Busch races. These <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Nextel</span> drivers then complain that rookies do not know how to compete at 200 mph because of the lack of seat time. When the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Nextel</span> drivers participate in Busch races, they take a spot away from someone who could benefit from the experience. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Nextel</span> drivers to it for fun, money, or as an extended practice. Regardless, new drivers are cheated of being able to learn how to race at high speeds. I suggest that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Nextel</span> drivers only drive <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Nextel</span> races and leave the Busch races open for other drivers.<br />4. The Chase - The system for choosing a champ does not interest me. I would rather have 2 races at the end of the year for the top 20 in points. Each driver gets 20% of his points and the grid for the first race is set by the points. The grid for the second race is set by the finish of the first. Add the points and determine a winner.<br />5. Probation - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Nextel</span> does not police itself well. Drivers are put on probation - so what? Probation means nothing. <br /><br />This is why I will stop watching <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">NASCAR</span> and spending Sundays with my family.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-6235835048254350268?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(58) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-667258400690018265"
["published"]=>
string(29) "2007-08-22T22:35:00.000-04:00"
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string(29) "2007-08-22T22:43:39.415-04:00"
["title"]=>
string(43) "April 16 tragedy internal review committees"
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string(1222) "The <a href="http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/story.php?relyear=2007&itemno=459">overview of the findings</a> concerning the Virginia Tech murders has been released.<br /><br />On the Security Infrastructure it was found:<br /><blockquote>good cooperation and sound agreements between Virginia Tech and local police, fire, and EMS jurisdictions including ongoing training exercises; sound emergency communications; robust communications infrastructure; a sound emergency preparedness plan; engagement of the leadership in campus emergencies; and a nationally accredited campus police department.</blockquote>Having a nationally accredited campus police department did little to affect the murders that took place.<br /><br />Recommendations:<br /><blockquote>The security group recommends enhancements in physical infrastructure, emergency communications, emergency preparedness, and selected protocols.</blockquote>Nothing about students and staff protecting themselves as far as I can see. Too bad. I will read the entire report just to be sure.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-667258400690018265?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(2) "Al"
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string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-4428684825617817954"
["published"]=>
string(29) "2007-08-11T22:40:00.000-04:00"
["updated"]=>
string(29) "2007-08-11T22:48:26.557-04:00"
["title"]=>
string(8) "Hok-ohol"
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string(1090) "<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/Rr50aomIWrI/AAAAAAAAAIg/_SlsWg3IHmY/s1600-h/P8110250.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/Rr50aomIWrI/AAAAAAAAAIg/_SlsWg3IHmY/s200/P8110250.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5097639829152750258" border="0" /></a><br />This must be called Hok-ohol (combination of Hokie and alcohol). I found this at the Kroger in Blacksburg, Virginia.<br /><br />It seems a little strange for a land grant, state university to have an official wine, alcohol, adult beverage. What signal does it send to kids about VT's stand on alcohol. We spend lots of $$$ telling kids not to drink and then put the Hokie bird on this wine....mixed signals.<br /><br />By the way, isn't there a cheapo wine called Thunder Bird?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-4428684825617817954?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-1735011414417029199"
["published"]=>
string(29) "2007-08-08T18:12:00.000-04:00"
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string(29) "2007-08-08T18:28:46.296-04:00"
["title"]=>
string(38) "Virginia Education Association Meeting"
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string(2254) "According to the VEA web site, "Convention Delegates Approve New Business Items in Virginia Beach". <a href="http://www.veaweteach.org/home_articles_detail.asp?ContentID=2535">Take a look at all the items</a>.<br /><br />One issue that is constantly brought up is the lack of teachers...cannot find enough teachers...we need teachers...etc. But looks like they do not want to look too hard because they rejected a couple of items that may have made it easier to recruit teachers.<br /><br />Item #20 - Don't want to recruit instructional employees from state colleges.......<br /><blockquote><strong>20. COLLEGE FACULTY RECRUITMENT</strong> - FAILED<br />The VEA shall begin the process of actively recruiting instructional employees in state-supported institutions of higher education.<br /><em>(Moved by Joseph Emerson, York, and seconded by Carol Bauer, York)</em></blockquote>Item #21 - Don't want to recruit outsiders...<br /><blockquote><strong>21. RECRUITMENT OF MARGINALIZED PROFESSIONALS</strong> - FAILED<br />The VEA and local Associations will initiate programs to recruit and support new professionals of all ideological stances and make them members of our professional community. These programs will utilize current research on why new teachers leave the profession and will include comprehensive internal organization with public relations support.<br /><em>(Moved by Shawn Tickle, Bedford Co., and seconded by Imogene Morris, Bedford Co.)</em></blockquote>Item #37 - Don't want to give potential teachers a financial break...<br /><blockquote><strong>37. FORGIVABLE COLLEGE LOANS FOR EDUCATORS</strong> - FAILED<br />The VEA shall seek legislation to provide forgivable college loans to students who, upon completion of teacher preparation in a Virginia college or university, teach in Virginia public schools for 5 years.<br /><em>(Moved by Joyce Tyree, Culpeper, and seconded by Michael Weisbrod, SVEA)</em></blockquote>I would like to see some of the reasons and discussion behind these decisions.<br /><br />No wonder there is a teacher shortage.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-1735011414417029199?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(29) "2007-08-07T20:12:00.000-04:00"
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string(29) "2007-08-07T20:16:25.265-04:00"
["title"]=>
string(8) "Marriage"
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string(3346) "<o:p></o:p>After reading <a href="http://movingnorth.blogspot.com/2007/08/ive-learned-to-hate-you-in-last-ten.html">my friend John’s post</a> about his wedding anniversary, I began to ponder my marital status which began in the Year of our Lord, 1981.<span style=""> </span>I can say with confidence that I am lucky that The Wife has hung around for all these years.<span style=""> </span>We have not made it easy for her. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Wife has had to live in a house with 3 often smelly, hairy, sometimes ill-mannered, usually forgetful, occasionally gaseous, and now and then rowdy males.<span style=""> </span>Impromptu wrestlin’ matches were common and collateral damage was inevitable.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">All these years translate into lots of dirty male underwear to sort and wash, thousands of meals to prepare, countless hours cleaning the kitchen, and untold time consumed with picking up, straightening up, and cleaning.<span style=""> </span>And trying to communicate with males is an issue.<span style=""> </span>My idea and her idea of cleaning the kitchen do not jive.<span style=""> </span>My idea of cleaning is to put my dirty plate and glass in the sink.<span style=""> </span>Her view is a lot more complete and time consuming.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">However, in recent times, I have taken pleasure in operating the ole Oreck.<span style=""> </span>Once The Wife told me “nothing turns me on like a man running the vacuum cleaner”, I could not be stopped.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For all her years of suffering, The Wife will finally gain the majority, just like the Democrats in the Senate.<span style=""> </span>She and Little One will gain the majority after Son #2 gets out of college and flees the house for sane accommodations.<span style=""> </span>The score will be females 2, males 1.<span style=""> </span>I’m okay with that.<span style=""> </span>She deserves it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So soon there will be dresses, frilly clothes, hair spray, make up, pantyhose, and various feminine products about the house.<span style=""> </span>It may look like a sorority house, but who cares?<span style=""> </span>And lastly, there will be boys hanging around calling on Little One.<span style=""> </span>I’ll be ready.<span style=""> </span>They will be no match, they will not be a worthy opponent.<span style=""> </span>I will have my “A” game ready…sittin’ at the kitchen table, cleaning my 12 gauge, and telling horror stories about fighting in the hot and sweaty jungles of Vietnam, or just giving them a stone-cold stare.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">With this power shift, I hope The Wife will re-up for at least another 14 years.<span style=""> </span>Now is not the time to cut out because “You have the power!”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now excuse me while I go run the vacuum cleaner. </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-2625697994483394469?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-8475850573388400098"
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string(29) "2007-08-06T22:06:00.000-04:00"
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string(29) "2007-08-06T22:19:44.604-04:00"
["title"]=>
string(42) "Its not what you know, its who you know..."
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string(1642) "Remember when Jim Webb's assistant was <a href="http://www.cnn.com/POLITICS/blogs/politicalticker/2007/03/webb-aide-arrested-with-gun-at-senate.html">caught going</a> into the Russell Senate building with a loaded gun and two load magazines. It look like a no-brainer for the prosecution because:<br /><blockquote>"It was determined that he did not have a license to carry a pistol in the District of Columbia," Schneider said. "He was in possession of an unregistered firearm and unregistered ammunition. He was subsequently placed under arrest and charged with carrying a pistol without a license, unregistered firearm and unregistered ammunition."</blockquote>But <a href="http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=116&sid=1098412">look at the outcome</a>.<br /><blockquote><span class="nonprint">"After reviewing and analyzing all of the evidence in the case, we do not believe the essential elements of the crime of carrying a pistol without a license can be proved beyond a reasonable doubt," U.S. Attorney Jeff Taylor, top prosecutor in the District of Columbia, said in a short statement.</span></blockquote>The US Attorney could not find the essential elements? The man was arrested with no license, a loaded gun, and two magazines. And there was not enough evidence?<br /><br />How hard is it to be a US Attorney? If he could not prosecute this case, how in the world will he be able to prosecute difficult cases.<br /><br />I just shake my head.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-8475850573388400098?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-5501141586674495829"
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string(29) "2007-08-06T21:58:00.000-04:00"
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string(29) "2007-08-06T22:05:32.542-04:00"
["title"]=>
string(21) "Status of VT Memorial"
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string(2067) "I was in Blacksburg, VA on business tonight so I decided to check the status on the Virginia Tech Memorial. All photos were across the street from Burress Hall.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RrfSp4mIWqI/AAAAAAAAAIY/HJ4ChTJhCjI/s1600-h/P8060235.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RrfSp4mIWqI/AAAAAAAAAIY/HJ4ChTJhCjI/s200/P8060235.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095773120401791650" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RrfSg4mIWpI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/JrCMApajWLw/s1600-h/P8060238.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RrfSg4mIWpI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/JrCMApajWLw/s200/P8060238.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095772965782968978" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RrfSPYmIWoI/AAAAAAAAAII/FZ_uDWF5Rgs/s1600-h/P8060243.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RrfSPYmIWoI/AAAAAAAAAII/FZ_uDWF5Rgs/s200/P8060243.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095772665135258242" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RrfSFomIWnI/AAAAAAAAAIA/irxi6OEXl4M/s1600-h/P8060248.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RrfSFomIWnI/AAAAAAAAAIA/irxi6OEXl4M/s200/P8060248.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095772497631533682" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-5501141586674495829?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-3627940101684455972"
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string(29) "2007-07-20T21:59:00.000-04:00"
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string(29) "2007-07-20T22:09:00.460-04:00"
["title"]=>
string(32) "Another Reason for School Choice"
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string(1385) "Our neighbors to the east are <a href="http://www.dailymail.com/story/News/2007072014/School-employees-suspended-for-child-porn-drug-use-and-drinking-on-the-job/">having school employee issues</a>. This adds to my list for private schools. School employees suspended and fired.<br /><blockquote>Of the 36 employees suspended, 14 were service personnel, 21 were teachers and one was a principal. Those terminations included three service personnel workers and four teachers.</blockquote>Why these actions?<br /><blockquote><p> Of those suspensions, eight were due to the employees having inappropriate physical contact with students. One employee was suspended for possession of child pornography, according to county records. At least one employee was suspended for distributing or using a controlled substance with a student. </p></blockquote>But don't be alarmed.<br /><blockquote>School officials said they consider the number of suspensions and terminations to be somewhat low given the school system's size, and it illustrates their continued efforts to keep students protected.</blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>I'm afraid I would not be too relieved with this explanation.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-3627940101684455972?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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["id"]=>
string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-8416625125442649977"
["published"]=>
string(29) "2007-07-19T19:15:00.000-04:00"
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string(29) "2007-07-19T19:20:14.348-04:00"
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string(4436) "<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/Rp_xOvoGRhI/AAAAAAAAAH4/KqiZ8-wYTpc/s1600-h/P7190146.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/Rp_xOvoGRhI/AAAAAAAAAH4/KqiZ8-wYTpc/s200/P7190146.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089051339557062162" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal">I want to move.<span style=""> </span>Move away from <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Pembroke</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Virginia</st1:State></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>Pembroke is nice and so is Virginia, but I still want to move.<span style=""> </span>Not just to the next town, say <st1:city st="on">Blacksburg</st1:City> to the east, or Pearisburg or The Narrows of the New River or even into the “Open For Business” state of <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">West Virginia</st1:State></st1:place>, to the west.<span style=""> </span>No, I am willing and ready to make a big, big move.<span style=""> </span>I have a general are picked out.<span style=""> </span>Its a place that is part of the <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">United States</st1:country-region></st1:place>, the state pays you to live there, the electricity is 110/120 volts, guns are in favor, Wyatt Earp live there, and the mosquitoes are huge and so are the fish.<span style=""> </span>Yep, I am ready to move to <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Alaska</st1:place></st1:State>.<span style=""> </span>I would settle for <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Anchorage</st1:place></st1:City>.<span style=""> </span>Although the locals call is Los Anchorage because living in the big city (population of<span style=""> </span>250,000) ain’t really like living in <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Alaska</st1:State></st1:place>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>I have visited once for a week.<span style=""> </span>That was enough to convince me that I would enjoy it there.<span style=""> </span>I figure, that since I am close to getting my AARP card I may have only 30 +/- 5 years left to enjoy the state.<span style=""> </span>And there is a lot I want to see and do there.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">My love of <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Alaska</st1:place></st1:State> began when I watched the pilot episode for “Northern Exposure”.<span style=""> </span>It was about a northeast city doctor who was transplanted to rural <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Alaska</st1:place></st1:State> in order to pay off medical school debt.<span style=""> </span>His experiences caused me to study up on <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Alaska</st1:place></st1:State> and visit the state.<span style=""> </span>Since then, I have read books, drooled over 1000s of Alaska Magazine, and watch lots of <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Alaska</st1:State></st1:place> programs on the Travel channel.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I have supporters in the house.<span style=""> </span>Son #2 and his girlfriend are ready.<span style=""> </span>And the conversation with Little One goes like this when I ask her:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Me:<span style=""> </span>Little One are you ready to move to <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Alaska</st1:State></st1:place> with me?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Little One:<span style=""> </span>Do they have candy?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Me:<span style=""> </span>Yes</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Little One:<span style=""> </span>OK</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I ask the Wife at least weekly if she is ready to move to <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Alaska</st1:place></st1:State>.<span style=""> </span>“Just give me the word and I’m off to find a job”, I tell her.<span style=""> </span>She smiles at me like she does when she pets the dogs and says “We cannot take Little One that far away from her grandma and grandpa in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">West Virginia</st1:place></st1:State>.”<span style=""> </span>Drats, she’s right.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">So, my next request will be a two week stint in Alaska sometime in the next couple of years.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-8416625125442649977?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-8697475444370016262"
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string(29) "2007-07-14T21:51:00.001-04:00"
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string(29) "2007-07-14T21:58:01.000-04:00"
["title"]=>
string(22) "NASCAR in Pembroke, VA"
["atom_content"]=>
string(1086) "<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/Rpl9_PoGRgI/AAAAAAAAAHw/sYqZssjFKow/s1600-h/P7140140.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/Rpl9_PoGRgI/AAAAAAAAAHw/sYqZssjFKow/s200/P7140140.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087235779571631618" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">It was not a race or anything super big, but today, the Number 8, Budweiser, Chevy, Monte Carlo, was at Mike's Muffler in Pembroke. I saw no ads, but saw the car on one of my trips into Pearisburg. I came back home, got Little One and made a visit. Dale and Bud will part ways after this year.<br /><br />Maybe, next time it will be the car of my <a href="http://www.jeffgordon.com/home/default.sps?itype=12215">favorite driver</a>.<br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-8697475444370016262?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(29) "2007-07-13T23:26:00.002-04:00"
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string(23) "Around Giles county...."
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string(3832) "<div style="text-align: center;">This is a close up view of Narrows of Giles county.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphCiPoGRZI/AAAAAAAAAG4/13WOpwbjl_w/s1600-h/P7030027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphCiPoGRZI/AAAAAAAAAG4/13WOpwbjl_w/s200/P7030027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086888935192675730" border="0" /></a>An upstream look toward the town of Narrows.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphDXfoGRfI/AAAAAAAAAHo/bjljj5SefIs/s1600-h/P7030042.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphDXfoGRfI/AAAAAAAAAHo/bjljj5SefIs/s200/P7030042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086889850020709874" border="0" /></a>Looking across the face of the Narrows, from the 460 side.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphDP_oGReI/AAAAAAAAAHg/OTHmXCuU2Ss/s1600-h/P7030074.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphDP_oGReI/AAAAAAAAAHg/OTHmXCuU2Ss/s200/P7030074.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086889721171690978" border="0" /></a>The Narrows can even be seen from 460 East.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphDIPoGRdI/AAAAAAAAAHY/DF804ik1j78/s1600-h/P7030096.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphDIPoGRdI/AAAAAAAAAHY/DF804ik1j78/s200/P7030096.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086889588027704786" border="0" /></a>Pembroke has at least one train tunnel<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphDAvoGRcI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/k3eMoEB3UeE/s1600-h/P7060097.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphDAvoGRcI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/k3eMoEB3UeE/s200/P7060097.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086889459178685890" border="0" /></a>A nice view from the new bridge across the New River at Pembroke<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphC4_oGRbI/AAAAAAAAAHI/NGESbU5RE3w/s1600-h/P7060114.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphC4_oGRbI/AAAAAAAAAHI/NGESbU5RE3w/s200/P7060114.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086889326034699698" border="0" /></a><br />River flows from left to right. New bridge (left), Old Bridge (right).<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphCvvoGRaI/AAAAAAAAAHA/sjncYmvuCl0/s1600-h/P7060126.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RphCvvoGRaI/AAAAAAAAAHA/sjncYmvuCl0/s200/P7060126.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086889167120909730" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-4741984999186021080?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(29) "2007-06-15T18:28:00.000-04:00"
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string(29) "2007-06-15T18:35:51.858-04:00"
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string(20) "This is bad stuff..."
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string(800) "Two middle school boys were convicted on conspiracy to kill 4 people at their school...MIDDLE SCHOOL! (<a href="http://www.roanoke.com/news/nrv/wb/120736">link</a>).<br /><blockquote>According to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, a student reported that Collins and McCroskey talked about killing four people: Principal Guylene Wood-Setzer, school resource officer Deputy Kirk Hendricks and at least one student. It is unclear who the fourth person was.</blockquote>This is scary stuff. With Little One getting close to the age to start school, I am leaning toward private school. This stuff happens too often.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-5589746566534316319?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-8229819912921174369"
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string(29) "2007-06-09T22:10:00.000-04:00"
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string(29) "2007-06-09T22:26:36.576-04:00"
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string(12) "Strange Brew"
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string(2634) "Took a trip to the Kroger in Blacksburg today. Boy, do they have a lot of beer and wine. Plus, there is a Virginia ABC across the parking lot. Its like alcohol central.<br /><br />I picked out some of the more interesting beers in the Kroger.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">First, beer for the K9 lover. I understand Labs are very popular dogs.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/Rmte3kYtU5I/AAAAAAAAAGY/frXkHNwsXug/s1600-h/P6090019.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/Rmte3kYtU5I/AAAAAAAAAGY/frXkHNwsXug/s200/P6090019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074253713916122002" border="0" /></a><br />Next, "How much beer could a woodchuck chug if a woodchuck could chug beer?" brand.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RmtevUYtU4I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/3cI-97i0vbs/s1600-h/P6090018.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RmtevUYtU4I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/3cI-97i0vbs/s200/P6090018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074253572182201218" border="0" /></a><br />This beer frightens me. I don't know what it means but it looks satanic.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RmtemkYtU3I/AAAAAAAAAGI/lj4SGwZ4wKI/s1600-h/P6090017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RmtemkYtU3I/AAAAAAAAAGI/lj4SGwZ4wKI/s200/P6090017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074253421858345842" border="0" /></a><br />By far, my favorite is Old Leghumper. A man's triple play...legs, dogs, and beer.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RmtfB0YtU6I/AAAAAAAAAGg/bmeFATlPSH8/s1600-h/P6090016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RmtfB0YtU6I/AAAAAAAAAGg/bmeFATlPSH8/s200/P6090016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074253890009781154" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-8229819912921174369?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(29) "2007-05-22T21:31:00.001-04:00"
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string(29) "2007-05-22T21:37:50.616-04:00"
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string(14) "Throwin' Rocks"
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string(1847) "Sunday, I took Little One to the river bank to do the thing that kids throughout the world love to do...throw rocks in the river. This just happens to be the New River just a little downstream from Narrows, Virginia. She already has asked to go back. It was a good day.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlOaRRG7phI/AAAAAAAAAGA/zy53csEjqM8/s1600-h/P5200175.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlOaRRG7phI/AAAAAAAAAGA/zy53csEjqM8/s200/P5200175.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067563627162871314" border="0" /></a>.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlOaEBG7pgI/AAAAAAAAAF4/Xlut3tg8P-0/s1600-h/P5200148.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlOaEBG7pgI/AAAAAAAAAF4/Xlut3tg8P-0/s200/P5200148.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067563399529604610" border="0" /></a><br />The upstream view.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlOZzRG7pfI/AAAAAAAAAFw/ZSfNBii9pS8/s1600-h/P5200145.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlOZzRG7pfI/AAAAAAAAAFw/ZSfNBii9pS8/s200/P5200145.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067563111766795762" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-2752650988982493095?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(29) "2007-05-20T13:13:00.001-04:00"
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string(27) "A Visit to Virginia Tech..."
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string(4839) "<div style="text-align: center;">32 flags as a memorial at a church on Main Street, Blacksburg.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCDXBG7peI/AAAAAAAAAFo/HDRb1FcD5XU/s1600-h/P5180015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCDXBG7peI/AAAAAAAAAFo/HDRb1FcD5XU/s200/P5180015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066694012249548258" border="0" /></a>The memorial at the Drill field is a lot quieter than before. But the worn paths indicate a lot of activity.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCDKRG7pdI/AAAAAAAAAFg/UjZC84M4azA/s1600-h/P5180021.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCDKRG7pdI/AAAAAAAAAFg/UjZC84M4azA/s200/P5180021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066693793206216146" border="0" /></a><br />The Virginia state flag (right) still at half mast.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCC_RG7pcI/AAAAAAAAAFY/8yGKfyB2wGc/s1600-h/P5180025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCC_RG7pcI/AAAAAAAAAFY/8yGKfyB2wGc/s200/P5180025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066693604227655106" border="0" /></a><br />The front of Norris Hall. The building is now fenced off.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCCzxG7pbI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/tILvbAsiC4w/s1600-h/P5180063.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCCzxG7pbI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/tILvbAsiC4w/s200/P5180063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066693406659159474" border="0" /></a><br />All quiet on the Drill field.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCCpxG7paI/AAAAAAAAAFI/H6pRNOHUZ-o/s1600-h/P5180068.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCCpxG7paI/AAAAAAAAAFI/H6pRNOHUZ-o/s200/P5180068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066693234860467618" border="0" /></a><br />The memorial close up. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCCdRG7pZI/AAAAAAAAAFA/KTlsqwwu6ZU/s1600-h/P5180072.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCCdRG7pZI/AAAAAAAAAFA/KTlsqwwu6ZU/s200/P5180072.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066693020112102802" border="0" /></a><br />...Sacrifice...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCCTBG7pYI/AAAAAAAAAE4/SWClZNsPVFk/s1600-h/P5180098.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCCTBG7pYI/AAAAAAAAAE4/SWClZNsPVFk/s200/P5180098.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066692844018443650" border="0" /></a><br />Some remember 33, which includes the shooter.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCCHxG7pXI/AAAAAAAAAEw/JlavQw0t8fY/s1600-h/P5180123.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCCHxG7pXI/AAAAAAAAAEw/JlavQw0t8fY/s200/P5180123.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066692650744915314" border="0" /></a><br />Little hands that love VT.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCB9BG7pWI/AAAAAAAAAEo/q6H9dHR62S4/s1600-h/P5180127.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RlCB9BG7pWI/AAAAAAAAAEo/q6H9dHR62S4/s200/P5180127.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066692466061321570" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-6497857652273208638?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(13) "Busy Saturday"
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string(1571) "Today was a fairly busy day at our house. Little One has taken a visit to relatives in good ole West Virginia, so The Wife and I were able to do some things today by ourselves. First was a trip to the furniture tent sale beside Books-A-Millions. Our 25 year old living room suit had seen better days, so we took the jump for another. I hope this one last 25 years.<br /><br />Next was lunch. We tried the Red Robin. The food was good. The hamburgers were big and juicy. Plus, we had unlimited fries. However, it was a bit pricey. Two hamburger, fries, and water to drink and it cost $ 20 (not including tip). We determined that for $ 20 we could eat at one of the steakhouses. We probably will not go back just because of the price. Those were expensive hamburgers.<br /><br />Lastly, we took in a movie at the new movie theater beside the New River Valley mall. We did our part to make Spiderman 3 the number one movie of the week. I thought it was good. A little slow in places, but good fight scenes. Overall, I'd give it a 8/10. The stadium seating was excellent and the seats had the ability to rock. After we sit down, I realized I had not seen Spiderman 2. I'll rent it.<br /><br />Bad news on the NASCAR race at Richmond...a rain out. And I will miss it tomorrow because of a previous engagement...professional rasslin' at the Roanoke Civic Center. GO Cena!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-6597942413703945132?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(29) "2007-04-26T21:50:00.000-04:00"
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string(29) "2007-04-26T22:21:57.956-04:00"
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string(28) "I Do Not Understand This...."
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string(361) "When I found <a href="http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=28018">this information</a>, about a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech I was floor.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-4415248844000431355?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(29) "2007-04-25T21:48:00.000-04:00"
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string(29) "2007-04-25T22:10:47.731-04:00"
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string(60) "I went to Virginia Tech on 4/21/07 and this is what I saw..."
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string(5194) "<div style="text-align: center;">The Drill Field<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAIzQGLbGI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/0RDH7wNaA84/s1600-h/P4210005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAIzQGLbGI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/0RDH7wNaA84/s200/P4210005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057552058124299362" border="0" /></a>Norris Hall<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAInwGLbFI/AAAAAAAAAEI/88ObVgvm_oQ/s1600-h/P4210011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAInwGLbFI/AAAAAAAAAEI/88ObVgvm_oQ/s200/P4210011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057551860555803730" border="0" /></a><br />Memorial across the street from Burruss Hall<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAIfgGLbEI/AAAAAAAAAEA/RmHwzj60exo/s1600-h/P4210018.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAIfgGLbEI/AAAAAAAAAEA/RmHwzj60exo/s200/P4210018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057551718821882946" border="0" /></a><br />Burruss Hall and the memorial<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAIUwGLbDI/AAAAAAAAAD4/GG3DcZJJg8g/s1600-h/P4210040.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAIUwGLbDI/AAAAAAAAAD4/GG3DcZJJg8g/s200/P4210040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057551534138289202" border="0" /></a><br />The "other" side of Norris Hall<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAIJwGLbCI/AAAAAAAAADw/cD4nOiE6U-A/s1600-h/P4210047.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAIJwGLbCI/AAAAAAAAADw/cD4nOiE6U-A/s200/P4210047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057551345159728162" border="0" /></a><br />Norris Hall...wing where the shooting took place<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAH2AGLbBI/AAAAAAAAADo/mk2nf8lFDUk/s1600-h/P4210067.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAH2AGLbBI/AAAAAAAAADo/mk2nf8lFDUk/s200/P4210067.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057551005857311762" border="0" /></a><br />Memorial and tent where anyone could write a message/sign the cards<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAHrwGLbAI/AAAAAAAAADg/LhVxl7tk_gk/s1600-h/P4210082.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAHrwGLbAI/AAAAAAAAADg/LhVxl7tk_gk/s200/P4210082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057550829763652610" border="0" /></a><br />Memorial</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAHiAGLa_I/AAAAAAAAADY/djweODhilp4/s1600-h/P4210091.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAHiAGLa_I/AAAAAAAAADY/djweODhilp4/s200/P4210091.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057550662259928050" border="0" /></a><br />Hands for Hope<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAHYAGLa-I/AAAAAAAAADQ/xWpcXrEV79k/s1600-h/P4210105.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAHYAGLa-I/AAAAAAAAADQ/xWpcXrEV79k/s200/P4210105.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057550490461236194" border="0" /></a><br />Drill Field/Memorial/Burruss Hall<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RjAHNQGLa9I/AAAAAAAAADI/4ZA7dNHS-io/s1600-h/P4210115.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; 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string(29) "2007-02-21T20:32:00.000-05:00"
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string(29) "2007-02-21T20:57:19.300-05:00"
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string(20) "The Next Big Race..."
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string(1595) "The next big race will not be the NASCAR event in <a href="http://www.nascar.com/races/tracks/cal/index.html">California</a>. The next big race will be in a place in a place will never visit, but a few, like me, often dream about. In a place where man and beast work together to re-enact an event that saved thousands of lives. The place is Alaska and the event is <a href="http://www.cabelasiditarod.com/">The Iditarod</a>. Think about this:<br /><blockquote>20 volunteer dog-sled drivers relayed the serum non-stop the remaining 674 miles. When the first musher left Nenana, the temperature hovered at 50 below zero. According to legend, the serum was nearly lost when a huge gust of wind toppled the sled of the final musher. The musher frantically dug the serum out of the snow with his bare hands, righted his sled and continued on.</blockquote>The most famous personalities to emerge from the were <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balto">Balto</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Togo_%28dog%29">Togo</a>. The lead dogs of the final two mushers, Gunnar Kaasen and Leonhard Seppala.<br /><br />Togo did the most duty. He lead the way for more that twice as many miles as the second place musher. However, Balto was leading when the serum made it into Nome, Alaska.<br /><br />Pick a favorite <a href="http://www.cabelasiditarod.com/mushers_current.html">musher</a> and follow this race.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-624215732411796164?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(59) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-5982860485460130344"
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string(29) "2007-01-25T22:11:00.000-05:00"
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string(29) "2007-01-25T22:22:40.537-05:00"
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string(29) "Global Warming in Virginia..."
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string(1633) "10 people studied <a href="http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1149192778948&path=%21news&s=1045855934842">global warming and Virginia</a>. Guess what? They decided it was a problem.<br /><br /><blockquote>While the group agreed on the main text of the report, there was no consensus on suggestions for dealing with climate change. That's because time ran out before the options could be fully discussed, deFur said.</blockquote>Ran out of time? A subject this important and they ran out of time? Better get back together soon because.....<br /><br /><blockquote>"At the rate we're going, Jamestown would be under water in a matter of years" and coastal cities would be flooded, Ebbin said.</blockquote>Jamestown gone...in a matter of years!<br /><br />Where does the public get its info? From studying the available scientific literature? Nooooo.<br /><br /><blockquote>"Twelve months ago there was not the public sentiment that there is today," said John M. Roberts of Richmond, a conservationist. He attributed that interest in part to last year's global-warming movie "An Inconvenient Truth," featuring former Vice President Al Gore.</blockquote>Uber-scientist Al and his science fiction offering. Oh, boy.<br /><br />How about the <a href="http://www.oism.org/pproject/s33p357.htm">Oregon Petition</a> and its backers. Over 17000 scientist can't all be wrong.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-5982860485460130344?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(58) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13625411.post-773634338616379753"
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string(29) "2007-01-25T21:42:00.000-05:00"
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string(29) "2007-01-25T22:09:44.149-05:00"
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string(24) "Teacher's Pay in Ole W V"
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string(1611) "Teachers in West Virginia are <a href="http://www.dailymail.com/story/Business/+/200701223/W.Va-pays-less-but-dollars-go-further/">wanting a bigger raise than the 2.5% being offered</a> by Govenor Joe "Open for business" Manchin. Teacher state they are paid less than surrounding states, but it is also true that the cost of living is less.<br /><br /><blockquote>However, one teacher union leader said cost of living is not considered by the group when it comes to putting together a salary request.</blockquote>Why not? Shouldn't all things be considered?<br /><br /><blockquote> Currently, West Virginia ranks 47th in average teacher pay at $38,360 annually, according to the National Education Association.</blockquote>47th is pretty low...but wait...<br /><br /><blockquote>A nationwide study conducted by Education Week magazine in 2001 showed that, when adjusted for cost of living, West Virginia educators were the 23rd highest paid in the country.</blockquote>23rd, now that's better.<br /><br />I sent a letter to the president of VPI&SU because the professors were wanting a raise to the average of their <a href="http://www.bov.vt.edu/minutes/04-11-08minutes/04-11-08AttachmentX.pdf">peer group</a>. The problem was members of the peer group included Cal. Berkely, Cornell, USC, etc. All high cost of living areas.<br /><br />The morale to the story is that you have to consider all aspects of living in an area.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-773634338616379753?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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string(29) "2007-01-21T13:13:00.000-05:00"
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string(29) "2007-01-21T13:34:32.045-05:00"
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string(34) "At the Cascades in Giles county..."
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string(3165) "Made it to the falls. Here are some pictures of the falls from a variety of perspectives. This is the first time you are able to see them from the lower trail.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RbOuMP2UM7I/AAAAAAAAAAM/YDUi-PoKtCE/s1600-h/P1140068.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RbOuMP2UM7I/AAAAAAAAAAM/YDUi-PoKtCE/s200/P1140068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022549534884246450" border="0" /></a>A photo from downstream.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RbOu7_2UM8I/AAAAAAAAAAU/eVXJPzPmsOo/s1600-h/P1140073.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RbOu7_2UM8I/AAAAAAAAAAU/eVXJPzPmsOo/s200/P1140073.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022550355223000002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RbOvev2UM9I/AAAAAAAAAAc/-0BOiBSplxs/s1600-h/P1140081.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RbOvev2UM9I/AAAAAAAAAAc/-0BOiBSplxs/s200/P1140081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022550952223454162" border="0" /></a>Leaving by the upper trail.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RbOv1f2UM-I/AAAAAAAAAAk/AD10bVA0hp4/s1600-h/P1140122.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RbOv1f2UM-I/AAAAAAAAAAk/AD10bVA0hp4/s200/P1140122.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022551343065478114" border="0" /></a>The upper trail is the less stressful way to get to and from the Cascades.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RbOwiv2UM_I/AAAAAAAAAAs/Zoqa6iqT-WQ/s1600-h/P1140134.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RbOwiv2UM_I/AAAAAAAAAAs/Zoqa6iqT-WQ/s200/P1140134.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022552120454558706" border="0" /></a>Rocks, rocks everywhere. They are coming from the top of the mountain. One day, I should take a trip to see the rock generator.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RbOxyv2UNBI/AAAAAAAAAA8/KfuQzCFPGzU/s1600-h/P1140152.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-yogBWj8n6o/RbOxyv2UNBI/AAAAAAAAAA8/KfuQzCFPGzU/s200/P1140152.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022553494844093458" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13625411-3063079543226762089?l=alsrantings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>"
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