Super Celebration!

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Stay Tuned! Super Bowl XL Victory Parade Plans Announced; Details Inside

ThePittsburghChannel.com - News - Super Bowl XL Victory Parade Plans Announced; Details Inside Stay tuned for updates from tomorrow's big parade. I am taking the afternoon off and meeting friends for the big show!

One for the Thumb

Official site of the Pittsburgh Steelers - Home Page Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are We Seeing the Start of a Muslim and Judeo-Christian War?

FOXNews.com - U.S. & World News - Leaders Appeal for Calm in Muslim Cartoon Protests

One of my disappointments with President Bush has been his consistent public defense of Islam. Recently later in the State of the Union address, President Bush referred to Islam as a "noble" religion. The last year has given us an even more clear picture as to how great a divide exists between Islam and Christians, and for that matter Jews. Let's recap some of the violence that has marked the Muslim world for the last year:

• Iraqi insurgents (IED's, kidnappings, murders)
• Weeks of rioting in France
• Rioting in Australia
• Iranian nuclear defiance, and even perhaps provocation
• Current Mideast violence over satirical cartoons
• The persecution of Christians in Muslim countries
• The election of Hamas in Palestine

The question begs to be asked, "Is a Muslim and Judeo-Christian war avoidable?" Can peace really be achieved through democracy? Look who was elected in free elections in Palestine, Muslim extremists who are notorious for terrorism and who clearly have a mission of annihilating Israel. So, if through free elections, Muslims choose violence and the alienation of Israel, the United States , and our allies, is war avoidable? We would all like to hope so, but I am not convinced it is avoidable. What is currently occurring with religions reminds me what happened with feminism in America. Feminists tried to eradicate the differences between genders to achieve equality. Recently, it has come to light that instead of freeing women, this line of thinking has only imposed greater bondage. The differences between men and women are undeniable. Pretending they weren't there was as foolish as denying the differences between Islam with Christianity. The differences are there. It is not that Christians are better than Muslims; each are born equally depraved. The difference lies in which religion is true. My hope is not for the annihilation of Muslims, but the reconciliation of Muslims through faith in Jesus Christ. We do not serve our Muslim neighbors by leading them to feel as though their religion is the same as our religion or by calling it noble. Imagine the joy our Muslim neighbors could know if they only knew the truth and good news that their salvation does not need to be earned by them by that it was available through Jesus.

No school, no books, no teacher's dirty looks - Feb 2, 2006

CNN.com - No school, no books, no teacher's dirty looks - Feb 2, 2006 A new fad in home education has been found called "unschooling". It seems a bit like Montessori schooling at home. Zero structure. The kids learn what they want, when they want. I am wondering how parents submit affidavits and learning objectives for this type of schooling? I am also wondering how the kids fare on standardized tests or in environments that require structure? The funny part of the whole story was not the elephant in the room, the lack of learning plans with measurable objectives, but that public educator's chief complaint with the movement is the lack of socialization!

Advice from an Old Friend

Look Up!

Do you belong to that class of persons who really profess Christian faith and Christian obedience, and are you trying, however weakly, to follow Christ in the midst of an evil world? I think I know something of what goes on in your heart. You sometimes feel that you will never persevere to the end, and will some day give up your profession of faith. You are sometimes tempted to write bitter things against yourself, and to believe that you have no grace at all. I am afraid there are myriads of true Christians in this condition, who go trembling and doubting toward heaven. However, in spite of all their groans and doubts and fears, they do not turn back, but press on, though faint.

Now, my advice to all such persons is very simple. Pray every morning and evening of your life, “Lord, increase my faith.” Cultivate the habit of fixing your eyes more simply on Jesus Christ, and try to know more of the fullness there is laid up in Him for every one of His believing people. Do not be always pouring over the imperfections of your own heart, and dissecting your own sins. Look up! Look more to your risen Head in heaven, and try to realize more and more that the Lord Jesus not only died for you, but that He also rose again, and that He is ever living at God’s right hand as your Priest, your advocate, and your Almighty Friend.

- J.C. Ryle

Swann Wins Republican Committee's Straw Vote

WPXI.com - News - Swann Wins Republican Committee's Straw Vote My guess is that not only is Swann a qualified and appealing candidate for the Republican nomination for governor of PA, but a little Steeler mania due to Super Bowl XL can't hurt him, either! Swann is a noted philanthropist and successful business man who seems committed to both fiscal and social conservative values.

Happy Groundhog Day

I can't believe that I spent 4 years within a half an hour drive of Punxsutawney Phil and never made it up for the grand event! Anyway, Happy Groundhog Day!

Happy 1/2 Birthday, William Byron Grover!

February 2, 2006 marks Williams 6 month birthday. He is celebrating his third tooth. We celebrated this week by enjoying a new toy (Mozart's Magic Cube - he loves music), watching the State of the Union (his dad says he has to study presidents so that he will know how to act), and petting Buddy.

End of the Spear

End of the Spear: End of the Spear, New Independent Film I saw this movie last week, and found it to be a fantastic film. I learned that the indigenous people in the movie were not actors, but actually people that are indigenous to the area. Additionally, half of the profits from the film will go directly to the indigenous people represented in the film. This is not a family film, and I would not recommend it for kids under 13 because of the violence of the Waodani.

One for the Thumb! - Go Steelers!

Official site of the Pittsburgh Steelers - Home Page What could be better than a Steeler trip to the Super Bowl? It has been 10 years since we last went and this time we have the team to bring home the Lombardi!

Field of Dreams: Not in My Backyard!

FOXNews.com - FOX Fan - Rick's Rambles - Field of Dreams Bill Maier of East Amwell, NJ has been stopped by local government from building a baseball field on his ten acre spot of land. The neighbor's don't like the idea of a baseball field in their neighborhood. This poor guy just wants to have a ball field for his son. Why is that different from my parents installing a pool in our yard so that our friends would want to come to our house to spend time, allowing my parents the opportunity to monitor us? Good grief, the public always rages about parents not being involved in their children's lives and when this guy builds a ball field on his 10 acres of land, it is a problem? I read some blog comments about the availability for municipal parks, but most of us know that those fields are often crowded from morning until late at night with league games. Would this guy's ball field lower his neighbor's property values? No! So, they need to suck it up and be grateful he is planting trees and grooming a diamond and not growing pot next door.

Republicans Can Once Again Thank Gore for His Help - Gore: Eavesdropping Program Threatens Structure of Government

FOXNews.com - Politics - Gore: Eavesdropping Program Threatens Structure of Government Al Gore has once again made the Republicans look strong on homeland security and the Dems look weak by criticizing what over half of Americans believe is the the right thing for President Bush to do, wiretap terror suspects. And, let me say something which will not be popular, but I do not believe that the same civil liberties that I enjoy, necessarily are extended to guests of the United States. I believe that civil liberties should be guarded judiciously, but I also believe that the same principle which deems falsely yelling "Fire" in a crowded movie theater applies to privacy. There is no clear Constitutional provision for privacy and where Many are at risk, it is the role of the Executive branch to protect Americans to the extent that they can be protected. Any civil right which puts others at risk of harm, is not worthy to be protected.

NFL Admits Polamalu Call Was Wrong

Super Bowl News - SuperBowl.com - Official website of Super Bowl XL Monday, NFL officials acknowledged that the overturned Troy Polamalu interception call via instant replay was a wrong call. Imagine how foolish they would have looked to argue with what all of America saw as a fantastic snag by the Steelers phenomenal but unassuming defensive strongman.

Steelers Win!

Nothing really needs to be said about the Steeler victory today. It was awesome.

Nephew featured on Gardner Webb University Sports Website

GWU Wrestling Drops Match to Mountaineers, Tops SMC - - gwusports.com My nephew, Courtney Roberts, was featured on GWU's sports website this week. Courtney is a freshman at GWU studying Social Studies education. Courtney has received a wrestling scholarship from GWU and is the only freshman who was not "red-shirted".

Tagged

I've been tagged by my friend, Suzanne to post five random things about me. So here it goes:

1. I like to dip potato chips (preferably Wise) in applesauce. Many have mocked it, but the ones who have tried, like it.
2. I don't enjoy reading, I would much rather be doing.
3. I really wanted to play the flute ,but my mother had a cousin that she didn't like who played the flute, so I got stuck with the trumpet.
4. My mother's mother had identical twins (died within days after birth), so if I ever have kids, I ave an increased likelihood for twins.
5. I share the same ocular disorder with a famous author (Jerry Bridges) and famous songwriter (Eric Grover). We all have monocular vision. You should watch me try to thread a needle or catch a fly ball.

I don't know who to tag. The only other blogger I know who reads my blog (that Suz didn't tag) is my brother, and he will never take part in this - it has girl written all over it.

Digital Photo Printing Review 2006

Digital Photo Printing Review 2006

If you are in the market to print your digital camera pictures, here is a great review of the services available with a side-by-side comparison. Not on the list and new to the market is Creative Memories. If you talk to your local creative memories consultant, she can give you her consultant ID and you can get 20 prints free. I have been told of their superior quality. I order the 20 free prints and I am also going to order from Snapfish ( I am a long time Snapfish customer) and compare. By the way...if you think you want to order from Snapfish and are a new customer, let me know - I can send you an email which will get us both 20 free prints!

Pittsburgh's Own Lucy

What do you think? I think our little Rachel looks a lot like Lucy...this picture doesn't tell the whole story, but countless people here have reached the same conclusion.

William Byron Grover and Buddy Go on an Outing

Today, Bethany, William , Buddy, and I took advantage of the 50+ degree weather and visited the local off-leash dog area. It is a large fenced in area in South Park (Chuck and Bethany actually live in South Park, PA)

Woman Suffocates Under Piles Of Clutter In Home

local6.com - News - Woman Suffocates Under Piles Of Clutter In Home My friend Suzanne recently posted a blog entry about wanting to grow in eliminating clutter. Maybe this article will motivate Suzanne and the rest of us to keep our clutter under control.

Pittsburgh Rolls to Victory in Cincy

Official site of the Pittsburgh Steelers - Article What a game! After the flea flicker to Wilson, it was all over. Nice to see Big Ben start to play like himself again.

Child Gate

This is probably one of my more dull posts - so I am sorry. One of my great ventures as of recent has been tracking down a gate (child) for my house. I have little ones over often enough that I really needed to get one. They things is that I wanted a good sturdy pressure mounted versus one that required hardware. I have been a long time fan of the Fisher Price Step-Lock gate, but FP no longer makes it. Enter eBay! I found one today and paid a little more for it than I had wanted to, but it really was the gate I wanted. I think I know way too much about child safety products for a single woman.

Leaky Roof

2006 is off with a drip! I discovered that my office (finished attic) has a leaky roof right at the ridge. I have a terra cotta tile style roof, which means that the likely culprit will prove to be missing or loos tiles, or bad felt that lies beneath the tiles. I have a roofer coming tomorrow to look at the problem. I will also have to replace the plywood that is inside of the house. Some of it seems bad as well. Feel free to pray for a fair roofer and small problem!

Courtship Sermons for the Whole Church: Courtship Smourtship and Courtship is a Community Project

I highly recommend two recent sermons preached by Josh Harris at Covenant Life Church that deal with courtship. Josh delivers outstanding messages that are helpful to singles and married people alike. I especially appreciate the way he brings couples and families back into the lives singles in the Courtship is a Community Project message. Perhaps the most helpful element of both sermons, however, was his public acknowledge that the Al Mohler sermon at New Attitude two years ago was not necessarily helpful for all people at the conference, particularly women and men who were not single as a result of laziness or selfishness. I think Josh's sermon does much for furthering the pursuit of grace in our perspectives of courtship and single men and single women. I think that you will find, regardless of your season of life, these sermons immensely helpful in raising your vision for a fuller God-glorifying life of relationships within the local church. Carolyn McCulley also had a couple of good blog posts related to Josh's sermon. Be sure to check those out as well.

Shocking Experience

I was electrocuted for the first time tonight. It was a small shock...well I didn't get knocked out anyway. But, I must say , it was a shocking experience. I decided it was time to replace the dimmer switch in my dining room. I became impatient when I couldn't get the wires back in, so I unscrewed the box again (after turning the circuit back on) and zap. I took a second to make sure I was OK and then had a good chuckle. I always said my health insurance company's stock should have decreaed in value when I bought a house!

The Polls Agree With Me - Americans Don't Mind Governemnt Eavesdropping to Protect Them

National Security Agency: "Should the National Security Agency be allowed to intercept telephone conversations between terrorism suspects in other countries and people living in the United States?" Yes 64% No 23% RasmussenReports.com

Check out Chuck and His Millenium Falcon

eric, bethany, and william grover

Nestle Peppermint Brownies

I discovered this recipe in November in a Nestle cookbook while babysitting for some friends. We loved the recipe and I have made it a couple times since. Nestle recommends an icing to go with the brownies, but to be quite honest, these brownies are so rich, I can't imagine adding a thing! It makes a small batch, but you only really need a small portion.

Nestle Peppermint Brownies

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cup of flour
• ½ teaspoon of baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• ¾ cup of sugar
• ½ cup (1 stick) of butter
• 2 tablespoons of water
• 1 ½ cups (9 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips(divided)
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs

Prep Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9 inch square pan (I don’t have a 9 in square pan, so I have found that a pie dish works great, but use glass if it all possible) Directions

1. Prepare flour, salt, and baking soda in a small bowl and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and water and bring just to a boil, stirring constantly.
3. Once sugar, butter, and water reach a boil, remove from heat immediately.
4. Add 1 cup of morsels, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract and stir until smooth.
5. Add eggs, one at a time, into saucepan mixture, stirring well.
6. Stir in flour mixture until mixed well.
7. Add remaining morsels.
8. Spread into pan and bake for 20-30 minutes on 350.

Who is really upset about this so called "spying"?

Could someone please tell me, besides the liberal media and Democrats, who is upset about the President's authorization to the NSA to wiretap suspected terrorists? And, who is really fuming, that the government is monitoring properties of know Muslims outside of Washington D. C. for radioactive materials? To be honest, I have not heard anyone outside of the media or the Democratic party (I know, they seem one in the same) voice a single complaint. Perhaps, that is because most Americans feel more comfortable knowing that the government is doing things we don't know about to protect us. I for one, would rather to continue to not know. However, the NY Times, that great voice of the fourth estate, has felt its civic duty to air our intelligence to the world. So, now we all now, including the terrorists. Setting aside the fact that existing search warrant conditions do not meet the needs of modern technology, do we need to extend our rights (rights of American citizens) to those who are guests in our country, wishing to do us harm? I think the founding fathers would be sick if they could see the abuse of the First amendment that exists today ( and I do not believe that amendments IX and X apply here either), but that is a whole separate blog topic. I agree with Senator Santorum, the Constitution, does not necessarily protect our right to privacy. And I am sure there are liberals who would say,"What if happened to you?" Well, my brother and I have had that discussion and we decided that anyone wiretapping our conversations would soon be bored. So, who besides those wanting to see the President's rising approval rating take a nosedive are really unhappy with this so called "spying"?

Network of College Conservatives "Liberal Academia's Final Exam"

http://www.conservativesoncampus.com/Default.asp Check out this website that is designed to give conservative college students a head's up as to who is liberal on their college. Dean Christopher Flickinger founded the Network of College Conservatives to expose the conservative bias on college campuses in the U.S.

Steelers Enjoy Reborn Playoff Hopes

http://media3.steelers.com/article/60654/ What could have been a better Christmas gift to any Steelers fan than the 41-0 pounding that the Pittsburgh Steelers shelled out to our neighbors to the west, the Cleveland Browns? The Detroit Lions, one of the NFL's worst teams, is the only obstacle in the way of America's most followed football team snatching up the AFC's final wildcard birth for this season's playoffs.

Eating your words goes too far: | Cell phone lodged in woman's throat

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/13474487.htm Check out where this woman swallowed her cell phone so her boyfriend couldn't take it from her. It became stuck in her throat. Gee, I wonder why?

Welcome to Blogger World, Little brother

My little brother, Chuck, (go ahead and enjoy the irony in that) has entered the world of blogging. Look him up at Eric Grover.

Keeping Excited Kids Busy Waiting for Christmas

Kids Martha has some "Good things" to keep your kids busy while they wait for Christmas.

White Christmas? Only if it doesn't all melt!

AccuWeather.com - Weather News Our best chances for a white Christmas seem to be if the temps on Friday and Saturday don't reach the highs that are predicted. Friday's high is fore-casted to be 42 degrees. We have around five to six inches of snow on the ground thanks to last night fresh coating, so we might skim by with what we have leftover.

Born Christmas Night

Words in verses by Isaac Watts New words and music by Eric Grover Soveriegn Grace Music BORN CHRISTMAS NIGHT Verse 1 Shepherds, rejoice lift up your eyes And send your fears away News from the regions of the skies Salvation’s born today Jesus the God whom angels fear comes down to dwell with you Today he makes his entrance here, but not as monarchs do Chorus Praise to the King who was laid in a manger Praise to the child who has brought us great light Praise to the God who lived here among us Praise to God’s Son who was born Christmas night Verse 2 No gold nor purple swaddling bands Nor royal shining things A manger for His cradle stands And holds the King of kings Go, shepherds, where the infant lies and see His humble throne With tears of joy in all your eyes, go shepherds, kiss the Son Verse 3 Lord, and shall angels have their songs And men no tunes to raise? O may we loose our useless tongues When they forget to praise Glory to God that reigns above that pitied us forlorn We join to sing our Maker’s love, for there is a Savior born

J. C. Ryle on Christmas

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1533457/posts Click on the link above to read J.C. Ryle's tract on Christmas. Although it was written for unbelievers, there is an excellent exhortation for us to live "experimentally". I was taken aback by that word at first, but then realized that Ryle was merely urging us to live our doctrine.

Christmas Posts and Snow!

AccuWeather - World Weather - International Local Weather Forecasts Accuweather is officially throwing its hat in the ring and making an early call about snow for Christmas. Stay tuned this week, as I will be eagerly checking for updates and keeping blog updated with weather and other Christmas related posts.

What Happens When Transactional Leadership Fails to Transact?

As a Verizon employee, I have been pondering the impact of yanking management's retirement benefits. And, white it is true, that we still have a 401k, what is also true, is that the company has broken their agreement with us. The rationale: we were never going to be able to keep it in the long run anyway, so lets cut our losses now. But today, I began to ponder the question, what happens to an organization that is dependent on transactional leadership, when it fails to transact? Transactional leadership is based on the notional that people are fundamentally motivated by compensation, namely money. Inherent in transactional leadership is the common inattention to other motivational factors. Hertberg would identify that in providing retirements Verizon was merely meeting a hygiene need, or the needs associated our most basic needs for safety and welfare, and that our motivational needs have not been addressed. So what can we expect to see will happen? Will employees really buy the line that "everyone else is doing it"? Will they be happy that our senior management had the foresight to cut our losses early enough to sustain and grow the business and prevent irreparable harm? Or, will employees feel embittered by Verizon's failure to transact and look for either employment with companies that will transact or will address motivation in other ways? I am not naive enough to believe that Verizon's management workforce is about to up and leave. I do however, suspect that fewer of the employees in my age bracket will pursue much of a tenure with Verizon. To the outsider, that doesn't seem like a big deal. However, to anyone who knows telecom, specifically RBOCs, you understand the significance of incumbent employee job knowledge and how difficult it can be to outsource work or hire off the street versus bringing people up through the ranks. Unless senior management aggressively pursues a leadership style that addresses other fundamental motivational needs (in contrast to transactional leadership), Verizon could find itself in a less than enviable situation as it again absorbs another company at the forthcoming close of the MCI deal. Disenchanted, disengaged are never good to work with, but try blending them with another company's culture.

Name That Tune

My my brother is a gifted songwriter. My gift seems to be in discovering where a song sounds like another song. My sister-in-law, Bethany, suggested I blog about my most recent discoveries on the latest Sovereign Grace Ministries album, "Worship God Live". My brother has long been a victim of my connection (or seeming connection) of the dots, so I thought I would let others share in the fun. Let me know where you have made similar discoveries. From the song "O God, Our Help In Ages past", the following lines are the same as the lines "a three hour tour" from the theme song to Gilligan's Island:

• "And our eternal home",
• "And our defense is sure"

From the Song, "Jesus, Thank You" you can hear the King (Elvis) singing, "I can't help, falling in love with you" in the line:

• "Lover of my soul, I want to live for you"

Christmas Blizzard?

http://headlines.accuweather.com/news-story.asp?partner=accuweather&myadc=0&article=6 Alright, well, I have refrained for a couple for days now. A couple of days ago, a meteorologist on Accuweather dared to mention the "B" word...Blizzard! Rudolph, shine up that nose. Although the jury is still, out, we have the best chance that I can remember since 1978 for a good old fashioned blizzard for Christmas. My brother says I am hopeless, maybe I am. Just think of how pathetic I will be by the time I am 80!

Store Wars: This video has been approved for all audiences

Join the Organic Revolution (Not) It is totally liberal propaganda, but once you get past that, it is hysterical. Watch this short Star Wars spoof. The kids will love it!

Me, William, and Buddy

I was taking pictures of Chuck's family for their Christmas postcard and then we took some of me and William and Buddy joined in the fun.

Cutest Dog

I have the cutest dog. Doesn't he look like Smokey?

Find the Famous Restaurant Icon In the Photo

Can you find the famous restaurant icon in this picture? Click on the photo to enlarge in a separate browser.

More snow In Pittsburgh!

I am enjoying the view out of window this afternoon as I watch the Steeler game. If you happened to catch the game you probably noticed how hard it was snowing in the second half. The pictures above were taken at my house. Accuweather is calling for a snowy December for us, and it looks good for a white Christmas in Pittsburgh.

The Grovers Take NY

I think the Grovers pretty much look like a remake of "Green Acres" when they visit NY. Nonetheless, My brother Scott's family visited the Big Apple on "Black Friday" and had a ball. They hit The American Girl Place, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Central Park, Time Square, and some other places. Since they now live just north of the city in the Hudson Valley they were able to travel by train. I am not sure anyone enjoyed the trip quite as much as Scott did. I think he is mostly happy to have his family together after having to work out of town for over 2 months. Some friends from their old church were visiting for Thanksgiving.

Most of you will be able to guess which ones are the Grovers, but in case you can't:

1. Scott (10 years older than me) - brother salt and pepper hair (American Girl Place/Armed Forces Recruiting),
2. Zach - nephew (13) (Green coat, glasses, blond, ),
3. Samantha - niece (Sam 15) (Blue-Green coat, long hair, no hat),
4. Hannah - niece (9) (Blue hat, blue coat, long hair),
5. Nina - sister-in-law (age not provided) (Redish-brownish hair, yellow coat)

Come, Thou Long Expected, Jesus

One of my favorite Christmas hymns is Come, Thou Long Expected, Jesus. It is a song that capitalizes on Jesus' fulfilment of prophecy in the incarnation, identifies him appropriately as the desire of every nation, and the true joy of every heart. Come Thou Long Expected Jesus Charles Wesley Come, Thou long expected Jesus Born to set Thy people free; From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in Thee. Israel’s Strength and Consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart. Born Thy people to deliver, Born a child and yet a King, Born to reign in us forever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring. By Thine own eternal Spirit Rule in all our hearts alone; By Thine all sufficient merit ,Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

Woe is Tree We had a wonderful time trimming the tree as it snowed! We were blanketed with 6 inches. Above is a poor camera phone picture of my house around 2:00 AM.

You may wonder why I was awake at that hour. I wasn't merely excited at the snowfall. Read the tale below to learn why (remember to be gracious given the hour it was written):

As I stood tiredly at my kitchen sink From yon in the living room arose such a clatter I rushed from my dishes as I started to think What was that sound? What is the matter? But alas! What did I encounter? What did I find? That the hours we spent were spilled on the floor I froze in my tracks as thoughts raced through my mind What could have toppled that tree? What else is in store? I looked for a cause, I could not find one My dog had been sleeping in the same room with me But then I looked down and what did I see? My Roomba at work, humming happily It seems as though my automated friend Has climbed onto the tree skirt And pulled it clear to the end Though I know not for sure how my tree came to fall It’s once again standing tall in the corner upright If it comes down again, you might get a call But for now, I bid you a final good night.

Bush Holiday Video is a Winner

http://www.wpxi.com/family/5487725/detail.html

The annual Barneycam Whitehouse video is a real winner this year. First Lady Laura Bush took the video on the First Lady's annual visit to a children's hospital.

Click here to watch.

Trimming the Tree and a Winter Storm

AccuWeather.com - Weather News Well, it looks as though I am finally in for my first REAL winter storm of the season. We are already under a winter storm warning and are expecting to have six inches of snow before dawn on Friday according to local forecasters. The timing couldn't be better. Thursday night I will be putting up my tree and decorating it with the Calvettti clan. Talk about ambiance! If only Zerita were here to make hot chocolate and sing carols.

More Bah Hum Blog ABC News: After Verizon, Are Pension Freezes on the Way? Just in time for Christmas Verizon yanks management employees' pension and retirement benefits. Scrooge lives in corporate America.

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

AccuWeather.com - Weather News We can only hope for a doosey next week. I have lived in Pittsburgh for 9 years and we have yet to get walloped since I have been here. We had more single storm accumulations when I lived in Knoxville then we have since I have moved to the 'Burgh!