Welcome to Colorado…now go home ;-)

I know why I love it here. After spending the past (3) years in Boston (which has its own charm) it’s so good to be home again. Every day I get to wake up to some of the most incredible panoramic views on the planet. From the sunrise to the east to the most colorful western sunsets I’ve ever had the pleasure to witness. God has an amazing paintbrush and truly gets creative in our skies. All this talk about the views is one thing, but another is we get to actually enjoy His playground. From Garden of The Gods (bring your camera), and hiking for every skill level, to some of the most welcoming powder on world-class ski areas. It’s a truly wonderful place to live and I feel blessed to be here.


That said; it seems our little secret has been exposed to the masses as Denver was voted as the Top City in which Americans would like to live.

Suffice it to say, the parties over.

Granted, it’s not all bad. I’m certainly proud of our state. And with all things good, it’s no wonder other people would like it here. I hope with the popularity, it brings an influx of jobs. Think about it large CA companies, with your economy tanking, tax breaks shrinking (I even heard rumors of IOUs instead of tax refunds), and real-estate costs grossly inflated; it might make more sense to relocate.

However, please be aware of the baggage you bring with you. Leave your economic and political policies in earthquake country please. Leave you little plastic water bottles at home, our water is great to drink right out of the tap and we’d like to keep it that way; be kind to our environment and it will be kind to you.

If you can’t abide by these simple rules, then stay home, we are content with or without you.

Thanks for visiting…have a nice day!

Bacon anyone?..

How timely that the NY Times spotlights the latest pork laden dinner food when Washington itself is trying to push this pork laden stimulus plan on all of us. My good friend, the Black Sphere highlighted much of this in his blog entitled “Obama’s Bailout Plan: Pork-a-Palooza”
Below is an excerpt from his blog hitting all of the highlights (including his comments):

Bailout pork…

$650 million for digital TV coupons. Since when is it the government's responsibility to provide TV? Only in America would we allocate this much money for something so ridiculous. This is larger than the GDP of half the countries in Africa.

$600 million for new cars for the federal government. Obama got a new ride, why not the rest of government. And why isn't this part of the money loaned in the auto bailout? I say let these bureaucrats do what the rest of America does when their cars get old. Live with 'em.

$6 billion for colleges/universities – What more investment in "lower ed" do we need, when all they do is create more liberals? This is an increase in the limits on Pell grants. Here's an idea: Colleges and universities start lowering tuition instead of raising it every year.

$50 million in funding for the National Endowment of the Arts. Pork Pocketchange. I can only hope they send some of this my way, as The Black Sphere qualifies as art in my humble opinion.

$200 million for the National Mall, including $21 million for sod. Why do we need a "National Mall"? Let them shop at Wal-Mart like the rest of America.

$360 million to potentially be used to put on transsexual beauty pageants and erotic art shows. Do I even need to comment?

ACORN will receive potentially $4.19 billion. They are financing their next election with our money.

Now, I read through this and think…what the heck is going on in DC? I hope, and pray the public gets an earful of all of this, as it has been so eloquently referred to: Crap.

I also hear that the Senate Republican’s are proposing a competing bill, for about ½ the cost to the taxpayer, that will create nearly twice as many jobs, and faster. If BHO could live up to his campaign promises and work with both parties to “do what’s best for our country” which would you think he should be promoting?

Fireproof, the movie…

Fireproof your marriage yet? I know I’m going to sound like I’m totally endorsing this movie; well, I am. With U.S. box-office receipts of $33 million and counting it is certainly worth taking a look at, eh? Be honest, your Netflix/Blockbuster Online queue could use an update.

You see, Marriage is a funny thing. No matter who you are, you need to be reminded of how wonderful it can be. Those unfamiliar with The Bible may not notice that my blog URL is in reference to Eph 5:25; or “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her”. It’s just a small way I try to honor my wife. Granted, she could care less about my political views at times, but it doesn’t take away from my having a daily reminder to honor my wife. Something beyond the ring I wear on my left hand.

Now, if you are married and haven’t seen this movie yet, I highly encourage you to do so. Even if you are not the ‘religious’ type. There are lessons within the movie we all need exposure to. Too often, when faced with a difficult situation in their marriage people give in to their emotions and throw in the towel. Unfortunately for them, much of these situations would prove to be temporary if even one party were truly committed and honoring their own vows. More disheartening is the ‘D’ word is all too accepted by society anymore and easier to do than ever. I think I saw a “Do it yourself’ divorce kit advertised by an attorney online the other day.

God willing, I hope I never need another reminder of how much I love my wife. I also pray that she feels cherished, honored, and loved everyday.

Mexico City Policy...

Absurd to think, regardless of how you personally feel about the abortion issue, that our President, and Senate Leaders, would chose to vote NEA (a vote of ‘Nea’ removed the policy, that prevented Tax Dollars to go overseas specifically to fund abortions) killing the bill that prevents OUR TAX DOLLARS to go overseas for the purpose of funding abortions. With this administration already proposing record spending in forms of stimulus, programs, etc… whether you support abortions or not, we simply cannot afford to send tax dollars overseas for any reason except perhaps humanitarian. However, even then I still argue that you shouldn’t send money overseas for humanitarian needs when you have humanitarian issues on your own soil (Homeless, hunger, disease…etc).

If by "change we can believe in", you simply meant reversing all Republican policies, whether they make sense or not, then I suppose you were ‘just doing your job’. I just can’t see where this president thinks the money is going to come from. Typical Dem philosophy (See CA, MA…and other Blue States) spend without considering the deficit, then raise taxes to try to compensate. This philosophy is a failure simply because the people you are trying to help with all of this spending do not contribute to the tax pool. Then they (Dem's) wonder why they have run out of money.

Conservative Oasis had a well done blog post re: ‘Obama the Ice Cream Man’; In his post he illustrates a story involving two elementary students running for class President as part of their Teacher’s lesson.

The first student makes his campaign speach including detailed promises on how to make the class a better place and ends with a promise to do his best. Everyone applauded and the young man sat down.

The second student was much more concise; she simply said “If you will vote for me, I will give you ice cream.” She then sat down.

Needless to say the class went wild, chanting “Yes! Yes! We want ice cream.” She surely would say more. She did not have to.

Afterwards a discussion followed. How did she plan to pay for the ice cream? She wasn’t sure. Would her parents buy it or would the class pay for it. She didn’t know. The class really didn’t care. All they were thinking about was ice cream.

Remind you of anyone? If this administration continues to make promises and simply just withdraw from US Taxpayer as if we were the fabled “Money Tree”. I have to quote my father in saying; “surely, you realize, Money doesn’t grow on trees you know!”

Unfortunately, it will probably be received by the President about as well as it was by me at 7 years old. Mr. Obama, you can treat the US Taxpayer as you personally ATM; however, eventually, you will receive nothing but a slip of paper eloquently stating “Insufficient funds, have a nice Day.”

Gay dinosaurs?

BHO is beginning to sound as confused as the LGBT community when it comes to tolerance.

Tolerance still gets to me, because it makes the case that everything is OK. Unfortunately, if everything is then ok, then nothing isn’t. (you can’t tolerance, with exceptions or you are then being intolerant, right?) Therefore, if I want to dress like a horse and be referred to as a horse. I should be allowed to be a horse, right? But wait, what if I felt that I should have been born a horse and ‘God’ made a mistake. Or, as some scientists are trying to get you to believe, my DNA got confused when my nervous system was forming in the womb. (I actually believe this is accurate, your brain didn’t develop properly affecting you perception of reality). It doesn’t mean you were born in the wrong skin; you simply have a mental condition. This condition should be treated with therapy. Do we allow schizophrenics to go ahead and be referred to as the Hamburgler? No, we treat them for their condition.

Remember, Obama stood against all three marriage-protection amendments in November 2008 during the elections. (California, Arizona and Florida), saying:

"I support extending fully equal rights and benefits to same-sex couples under both state and federal law. That is why I oppose the divisive and discriminatory efforts to amend the California Constitution, and similar efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution or those of other states.”

Now decoding ‘Obama-speak’ you see that he is saying to oppose same-sex marriage makes you “divisive and discriminatory”.

Seriously, less than 2% of the population is considered homosexual, the majority being middle-aged white males; yet we are talking about allowing legislation to protect this ‘condition’. Not only protect it, but create laws that force the roughly 81% of America who identify themselves as religious (76.5%, or 159 million, of whom state they are Christian) to recognize their ‘condition’ in the interest of tolerance. This goes against the principals of many of the world’s great religions, but more importantly the majority of the population in the United States itself.

Obama himself claims to be Christian. I’m wondering what his pastor has to say about the subject.

So, you don’t believe in God, eh? Ok, that’s fine. But consider this; Why are there not any gay animals? Isn’t nature our guide? Hmmm…maybe it is because it is unnatural?

I’ll throw you a bone (no pun intended) Maybe the dinosaurs were gay, and because they couldn’t reproduce they died out. Forget comets, climate changes or any other theory. Maybe they were all gay…Darwin would be so proud ;-)

Change, I believe it….

Well, not really...The most change I have seen so far involves Michelle’s outfits. Well, at least that seems to be the focus of the MSM right now. Seriously, is there nothing better to report than outfit changes, celebrity’s in appearance, or the number of balls that were held?

I was hoping we’d have a POTUS that would cancel the balls in lieu of our economic conditions (or at least tone them down some); roll up his sleeves, and get to work. Now that would have been a statement! However, when large Greek columns and packed NFL stadiums are involved in your acceptance, and Obamapalooza is organized to celebrate the win on election night; why would I expect anything different during the inauguration celebration? Silly me I guess…perhaps Little Optimist can stop by and tell me everything’s going to be alright.


Little Optimist: Hey there Rob, how ya been? You sure look incredible today ;-)

me: Why thank you Little Optimist, these are only my work clothes. Nothing extravagant, but I digress. Please, tell me everything’s going to be just fine.

Little Optimist: Of course it will, think about it. The POTUS has had such extravaganzas showing he is very ego-centric. What that tells me is he will be more concerned with himself and his image than what's happening in the county. Therefore, he’ll be too busy looking in the mirror to be able to screw anything up. Great news, right!?!

me: You know, I never thought of it that way.

Little Optimist: Yeah, and since 99% of his staff came from the Clinton administration, you can assume, by looking back at what occurred during Clinton’s terms, that the country will pretty much look like that in (4) years. We made it through, ok, didn’t we?

me: Well, I was in High School then…and other than a few issues, the country turned out ok, I guess. Thanks for making me feel a little better about the next (4) years.

Little Optimist: Hey, no problem, dude! Did I mention how much I love your writing? You are so awesome!

me: Ha! I know…thanks Little Optimist, see you soon.


Well, there you have it folks. If Clinton didn’t break it too badly, then we should assume Obama won’t either. I truly hope Obama quits smoking because the last thing he needs for his image is another ‘cigar incident’.

MLK reflections…from a white guy

I hear it said all too often that with the election of BHO; MLK’s dream is now finally being realized. I have only (4) words to accompany that absurd statement: “Are you kidding me…”

Our 1st African American President, an historical accomplishment, is only the beginning of the dream MLK had. This excerpt from his speech below truly sums it all up for me.

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

Yes, MLK said it first in 1963, not Barrack Obama, who often quotes Dr. King.

The sad reality is, until we stop referring to our president as “African American”, or “Black”; King’s dream will never be realized. I know there are still many ‘1st’s’ to come for the African American community. Let me be bold and also state that as soon as we stop referring to every accomplishment as a ‘1st for the African American community” and focus more on the individual and HIS accomplishment we will not be aligned with Dr. King’s dream. If race is always part of the statement, then we are not moving forward.

I was lucky enough to be raised in a very diverse environment. My father is a 23yr veteran of the US Army. During that time we had the opportunity to live in many different places where cultures ran the gamut of social and economic diversity. What I’ve learned from this experience is that stereotypes, though holding some interesting generalizations and cultural truths, are not a way to measure an individual. We have all been created to be unique, and it is the uniqueness that we should hold a measure to.

Some other excerpts from Dr. King’s speech I like to reflect on are below:


"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'"

"The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people. For many of our white brothers as evidenced by their presence here today have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny and they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We can not walk alone."

Full speech here:

Obama ‘Flip-Flops’ outselling ‘Waffles’…

What images do ‘Flip-Flops’ immediately bring to mind? Open toed shoes? A fish out of water struggling to get back in? No…but close. How about the President-Elect Barrack Obama?

“A gay-activist newspaper in Chicago has discovered that President-elect Barack Obama supported same-sex "marriage" during his run for the Illinois Senate in 1996. Conservatives and liberals alike seem irritated by the flip-flop.

In 1996, Outlines newspaper, which merged with Windy City Times in 2000, surveyed candidates for all levels of elected office. Obama's answer was very clear: “I favor legalizing same-sex marriages, and would fight efforts to prohibit such marriages.”

Wait, therrrrre’s more!

* His recent acceptance of Roland Burris, his Senate successor, whose appointment he initially opposed.

Annnnnd, just when you thought it couldn't get any better, we bring back these classic oldies:

* “Readjust the time-table in Iraq”

* “President-elect Barack Obama is not planning to implement a windfall profit tax on oil companies because prices have dropped below $80 a barrel…”

I know what you are thinking, where’s the number? Who can I contact about the incredible ‘Flip-Flops’?!?! We bring you one more...

The grand-daddy of all ‘Flip-Flops’:

* “I want to be realistic here -- not everything that we talked about during the campaign are we going to be able to do…” said, Barrack Obama, during an interview on ABC’s “This Week” program.

Let’s hope he keeps at least one, for his daughters sake. Last reports have Obama narrowing the all important cabinet position search for a “White House Dog”.

(Biden is already occupied as VP…and now is not the time for a Michelle joke)

Where do we go from here?

It’s sad that without a governing moral foundation people are free to be “whatever you want to be”. Think about it, we are absolute liars raising kids to simply become confused, hurt, and lost when it comes to their identity. I refuse to tell my children they can be “whatever they want”, because it is simply not true and no one can will it to be. American Idol is a perfect example for illustrations sake. Every year you have folks that crack glass and are genuinely surprised to hear that they were awful. It’s a direct result of “support” in an avenue that you, simply put, have no talent for. Then, as they stomp away and use language not fit for printing, let alone repeating to an age appropriate audience, only further supports my theory as its clear these shrieking lunatics have zero coping skills; Another result of never having to deal with your feelings and a result of being coddled.



Morals? Guidance? The Bible is my families guide and moral authority when it comes to “right” and “wrong”. This is our foundation and it is why our children will actually have a hope and purpose rather than wander this life aimlessly wearing their underpants on the outside screaming “I am batman!”

Now, don’t get me wrong, when my child falls down and skins their knee while trying to slam dunk a basketball, I’m not going to make them feel bad because they aren’t ‘gifted’ with a gazelle’s leaping ability. I will absolutely comfort them, and work with them on their ‘jumping’ skills, but I certainly won’t tell them after discovering they can’t even touch the rim that they will be the next Michael Jordan if they just keep trying. They will likely have other talents that are more realistic, and should be supported. Truthfully, we are all great at some things and not so great at others. That’s just how it works; your talents are unique to you. You cannot ‘will’ it any other way. Can you learn other talents, absolutely, and there is nothing wrong with being good at a lot of things. Just don’t get fooled into thinking you are great at all things. Life is about successes and failures, both becoming your unique experience to have and use as you move forward and discover, for yourself, your calling.

Popular opinion is, opinion.

I took a moment to enjoy an old comedy series called “Yes, Prime Minister”. I swear this episode was taken right out of my mind.

Polls: do you consider them valuable? Well, you should, and you should not. For example, I used to implement quality assurance metrics for large organizations. I would create a measured format and ask questions pertinent to our business at the time. Through that process (well, and my knowing what I know about human psychology) I could essentially pinpoint and measure whatever it is the executive team would want to know about at any given time. I know polling works in a similar fashion; the problem is, not everyone conducting the polling is objective, and therefore results can be whatever it is they want them to be.



It’s an unfortunate sad reality that popular opinion polls are just that, opinion. Next time you hear that 60% of medical doctors approve stem cell research, be sure to know what group sponsored the poll, who exactly was the sample taken from, and in what context those questions were asked. At least the nyou might be informed, whether or not the participants were or not is another matter.

Wow, I’m all for peaceful demonstration, as long as it is just that, peaceful. Granted, in the below video we don’t get a view of what was going on with the Israeli supporters side of the street. For all we know they could have been shouting horrible things as well. But I just didn’t see it and can only speak to what I saw on the video. Horrible, horrible things and provoking that is not, and should not be, tolerated in any peace loving religion.



I feel that many Muslims have an identity crisis going on and that identity is in contrast to what I have always known as a fundamentally peaceful religion. The above video is clearly not a representation of a peaceful religion. I am not naïve to not believe that there is a lot more behind this demonstration than the events in Gaza over the last few weeks. I understand that for many of these young Palestinians they have never known or experienced peace. I also understand that because of which there are many emotions that are difficult to control.

I remember how angry we all were during 9/11, and what kind of emotional outrage it sparked in all of us. What we need to realize is that our 9/11, shocking as it was, is small in comparison to the everyday struggles in the Middle East. I know I will receive flack for that statement, and perhaps I deserve it, but if we are being honest with ourselves, the only reason we were so upset is because it happened to us. Don't get me wrong, I was shocked, and my heart went out to the many families that were affected. However, consider for one moment, what if an aircraft had hit the Eiffel Tower, what emotions would that have stirrred in us instead? London Bridge? The Kremlin?

I for one will pray for peace for all in Gaza, Palestinians and Israelis alike. I pray for peace in the Middle East. More importantly I pray for peace here in the US and am thankful for every day I am allowed to experience it.

Peace, be with you all.

looking ahead...

Just read Politico’s article entitled: O-bummer (http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/17268.html).

Seriously, what do you expect from someone with such a lack of experience. Not to mention it’s going to be some time before all of the Clinton appointees get back into the swing of things for their 3rd term. After all, we are all a tad bit rusty when we’ve been out the game for a few years. Fear not Dem’s you’ll get your groove on and in no time you’ll be back to stepping all over my way of life with one hand in my pocket and the other furiously trying to take my Bible away. Go ahead, take it…I have many of the verses memorized and since I have an ever growing personal relationship with God, the book is really just a book. Since there is only so much money you can take from me before there is none left, you’ll soon be out of options since my soul is already promised ;-) “Have fun storming the castle!” (or destroying America, interchangeable unfortunately)

In other news, I now have (4) stories of miracles I am actively pursuing, ensuring we have first consent to use their story and are portraying the events as accurately as possible. I also have a lead on a 5th happening that occurred over Christmas. I can wait to get started on this.

Stop, listen…do you hear that?

Stay tuned for a new interactive website/blog that I want to build. I had an epiphany today; As if God whispered directly into one ear as the other ear was listening to a man tell an amazing story about his dying mother-in-law and the incredible thing that happened to her right before she died.

After hearing this story, I smiled, and then I shed at least (2) tears.

I know it’s unfair not to tell the story now, and I truly want to. However, it wouldn’t be proper until I sat down and recorded every detail from the eyewitnesses, including asking for a copy of the pictures that were taken that day.

I was also drawn to a miracle that I personally witnessed regarding a little boy named Ezra. I want to tell this story and many others like it.

So, in an effort to spread real hope and to fulfill God’s calling; this project would be founded to seek out, document, and tell the story of the many miracles that happen everyday in this world.

Now, I have to admit, I have well over 10 years of business management experience interlaced with multi-disciplined end-to-end project management. I’ve served as a department head with more than 100 direct reports and have controlled multi-million dollar budgets. All that, and I am not completely sure how to begin this endeavor. Beyond the two stories I have to tell, I know I will have to actively seek and pursue more. Yet, I’m not worried. I know like many of us I have walked through this life with blinders on. I couldn’t see the very things happening around me. I have full faith that if I stop, and listen, and look around me...I will have all that I need and more.

Will you help me? All offers of assistance are welcomed and appreciated. Have you been witness to a miracle, are you willing to talk about it? Would you like to be part of an interview team? Please contact me…you might be very glad you did.

More to follow....

A raise, sure...

How many of you would vote yourself a raise if you could? PUT YOUR HANDS DOWN! ;-) In fact, I’m willing to bet it is one of the few times no one in congress votes “present”. I will spend the next few days looking at the voting records to prove my point…as if I needed to.

“Unemployment is at its highest level in 15 years. Housing prices won't stop falling. The stock market has suffered its most punishing collapse since 1931, and shareholders have lost $7 trillion in wealth. Millions of workers have lost their jobs; millions more are worried about losing theirs. IRAs and 401k accounts have been decimated, and companies are halting their contributions to retirement plans. Retail sales are dragging, the credit markets have seized up, and worse is expected in 2009. The government has gone to unprecedented lengths to improve the economy, yet the economy keeps getting worse. The federal budget deficit is headed for a trillion dollars, and the national debt is well over $10 trillion — and climbing. The number of Americans saying the country is on the wrong track is at or near its all-time high; consumer confidence is at its all-time low.

So what do you do now?

Well, if you're a member of Congress, you give yourself a raise.

Beginning this week, US representatives and senators will be paid $174,000 a year. That represents an increase of $4,700 and the 10th time since 1998 that congressional pay has been given a boost.”(http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2159709/posts)

I personally think Congressional/Senate raises should be voted on by the public. Seriously, for the same reasons you don’t put a commissioned sales workforce in charge of reporting their own sales. Accountability at it’s best.

It’s amazing that Congress even feels they deserve a raise.

I don’t know about you, but I have to submit a review and meet with my manager to discuss my performance over the last year, then that manager gauges my performance with his allowable budget and determines what percentage of that budget is applied to my performance. I think it’s about time Washington started working in the real world.

Not surprised…

We’d rather talk about BHO’s abs than whats going on in the political arena. Fellow blogger nonsensibleshoes called it when he says the media is ‘running blocks’ for him. Seriously, latest report from Minneapolis Star Tribune states Al Franken up 225 votes after the latest recount. Then theres Bill Richardson backing out of Obama's nominee for Commerce Secretary due to some questions regarding major donors receiving state contracts.

Other than late night cracks from Leno, Conan, and Dave (mostly on Minnesota and not on Al Franken) no one would seem to have a clue that an election is one, so close, and two, potentially fraudulent. Which, as history has proven, won’t matter as Capitol Hill is now Dem. controlled and they will quickly move to seat Franken. Makes me wonder why there is even a recount.

Then on to Bill Richardson, if someone didn’t point it out to me I would be none the wiser. My local rags certainly aren’t talking about it. Remember when this guy was once a presidential hopeful? And a “smart choice” (Karen Kerrigan) Now he is under a Federal investigation, and all I can find is the same old “I have done nothing wrong” articles and BHO’s “with deep regret” … where’s the beef? If he is a scoundrel, lets talk about it. How hard can it be to find the $1.5 million contract awarded to a major donor (in this case: New Mexico Finance Authority to CDR Financial Products Inc., a Beverly Hills, Calif.-based firm whose president contributed thousands of dollars to political action committees established by Richardson). I have an idea; look for the only car in Beverly Hills with a “Richardson for President” bumper-sticker. It will belong to the guy with the fist full of money saying “what, me worry?”

So, again, why am I not surprised anymore?

(10 points if you can properly identify the real source of the “what me worry” quote; 10 points towards what I can’t say, how about an atta-boy?)