Too ofteen want is seen is not inclusiveness, but exclusionary practices. TMarsh's comment about reading the Constitution should be taken seriously. Read the 14th Amendment, what's known as the Equal Protection Clause (no, not that Santa Clause), and its history. The Equal Protection Clause (EPC) is at the heart of what AnnaMedic terms inclusiveness. THe courts have ruled time and again that ut's alright to have a banner that says "Merry Christmas" on it as long as it also says "Happy Hanukkah", "Happy Kwanzaa" and what you'd call other "Season's Greetings". The same applies to holiday displays. The display of a nativity scene is OK as long as it includes displays from other religions. That's why you see many citie have both a tree lighting ceremony and Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremony. The problem comes when the local government rejects a request from someone to have their group included on the banner or in the display. Doing so violates their rights under the EPC. So instead of trying to deal with this many local governments have simply stopped doing public displays or Christmas banners. The acknowledgement of one faith in preference to another faith such as having a church or cross or bible depicted on the city seal has consistently been ruled a violation of the separation of church and state as it shows a bias towards one religion or particular set of beliefs.
The EPC also applies to gay rights cases that TMarsh seems to have problem with also. If you actually research and read the cases concerning gay rights and same-sex marriage in those states that ruled in favor of it, the principal argument made by proponents of it is a violation of the EPC. By the state denying a gay person certain rights that it allows other persons, the argument is that the state has violated the EPC. The gay person is not being afforded equal protection under the law by being excluded from having certain laws, such as the right to make gifts to their 'spouse' tax free, apply to them. Enough said on that subject and not to get onto antoher hot topic.
I always have problem when I hear someone say that this country was founded as a Christian nation. There is nothing further from the truth and such comments need to be rebutted, swiftly and strongly. So, if we are a Christian nation (heavy dose of sarcasm), which form of Christianity is the right one - Catholicism, Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopalan, Baptist, Southern Baptist, Greek Orthodox or one of the thousands of evangelical sects that exist. Chose one, but only one, because according to you there is only one true religious way to believe, apparently yours which we all should follow. IIRC, there seems that have been a great deal of violence and bloodshed in Northern Ireland over the years because Catholics and Protestants couldn't agree on which religion should be the one in charge.
If you want to live in a Christian nation move back to one like England where the Church of England is still the official State church. If you want to see what happens where you have a State established religion look at any of the Middle East countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, or Pakistan. Countries where religious laws are passed and enforced by secret police; where you can be arrested if someone doesn't think you practice their religion properly. ENOUGH SAID!
Morning ya'll, Chocolate chip pancakes for me.
Got some work done on the U25C last night. I cut down some of the frame so that I can get Kadees in at the right hieght with underset couplers. That way I won't have to cut up more of the shell and buy a coupler buff plate casting (the thing around the coupler). I need to get some more coupler boxes, Kadees, and screws before that is done. I also took the mechanism apart so that I can add wipers to have all-wheel pick-up and clean out the mechanism.
PC, can I give that one to by brother and sister as a christmas card?
Chris, I had a college professor who was one of those "people of tolerance." I wrote a paper that disagreed with what most everything out there says. He didn't like it too much...
Vincent
Wants: 1. high-quality, sound equipped, SD40-2s, C636s, C30-7s, and F-units in BN. As for ones that don't cost an arm and a leg, that's out of the question....
2. An end to the limited-production and other crap that makes models harder to get and more expensive.
Good Morning All,
A regular and a coffee roll please. SP - I agree - enough said, we could fill pages and pages with debate but this is what passes in the ether for a neighborhood coffee shop where we're allowed by the powers that be to go off topic but mostly in reference to personal events. We do try to stay off the big national debates of the day (or decade or century) and generally keep it on the light side. On occasion one of us goes off but usually to little or no effect overall. As others have said, if you'd like to stop in for a virtual coffee or meal and hang at the rivet counter with us, please do. We try to leave the debating society out in the main halls of the site. Peace be with you and may you have a Merry Christmas or Happy Holiday as you see fit. I'm in the shop today finishing up a couple of things and having a tidy up so I'll check in from time to time. Regards, J.R.
Silver Pilot, I'm afraid we're going to have to agree to disagree, on many points. I've already said WAY more then I intended on the subject. But its OK, because being able to agree to disagree is what makes this a great country, right?
You've heard this country described as "The Great Melting Pot Of The World", right? Well, a few years ago I heard what I thought was a much better description. A man described our country as "The Great Tossed Salad Of The World". He said, a melting pot mixes everything all up, so you can't tell one thing from another so much. Everything turns kind of all one color eventually. But a tossed salad is bright, colorful, and full of unique flavors. Personally, I think he's right. This country is more of a tossed salad, and I'm glad you're in it with me.
Merry Christmas!
PC- Yep, I've read that quote also. In fact have used it in an argument. At home on a break ,as some regulars are not going to school. Tomorrow, for me is a busmans holiday. Driving down to Miami to be with family and friends. Be back sunday afternoon to p/u manifest and vehicle for monday work.
Prayers for all.
Flip [also another Philip with one l]
Good morning. It's 66 and raining. 66 will remain as the high today as showers and thunderstorms make their presence felt.The thunder was so intense this morning that books, DVD's and videotapes were being shaken off the shelves. A look at the layout showed that a couple of cars had wheels off the tracks. That's happened only a couple of times in the last 20 years. The only place near here that this happens more frequently is the Museum of West Louisiana where the vibration of trains passing by derails cars on the static HO display of the old KCS roundhouse. In fact, over the years the vibration has caused damage to the model roundhouse. The storms have passed for now though I expect more. We're under a tornado watch until 1 pm and the probability of rain is 80%. In other words, it's gonna be a very wet day. There's plenty of stuff to be cleared from the layout should I find the energy and time to do it. I also have some shelves that need attention.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
Merry Christmas and happy new year to all! May visions of trains dance in your heads, and I hope everyone has a safe holiday season!
Chuck
Modeling the Motor City
Good morning. Its cold and still got some snow on the ground.
Going to eat with the in-laws today. Not much planned other than that. I do have a three day weekend. Maybe I can catch up on some sleep.
Hope everybody has a good Christmas Eve, and I will try to pop back in later.
"Rust, whats not to love?"
A Merry Christmas Eve to all! Just stopping in for a few minutes for some biscuits and gravy with a tall glass of milk. Not a whole lot planned for the day, gotta take our old dryer out to pasture and get the new one shoved into place. By the way, we're actually IN our house! Renovations still aren't 100% complete, but its enough that we can rather comfortably live in here. Today's weather for Bama, rain, wind, and more rain, high of around 67, chance of thunderstorms, some may be severe after 12 (yeah, wonderful sounding ain't it?). I've also got to pull my volunteer shift at the fireworks stand that our church is running from 12 till 4, then we're having a pancake supper up here at the house for Christmas with my FIL and some other family. Tomorrow will be the big day, we're going to go up to my mom and dad's and spend the day with them and my grandparents. I'm fairly certain that Heather and Mikayla are going to get seriously spoiled.
Well, that's about it from my neck of the woods. My BIL just popped in to help me get the dryer tossed into the back of the truck then its off to get the new one.
Mornin' everyone!
Zoe just a hot bowl of oatmeal with brown sugar and a cup of dark roast coffee for me this morning. I'll go sit and listen to what's going on in front booth. I see some business going on outside in the yard. Looks like a long train is getting ready for a midnight run. Hmmmmm, right at head of the train there is a flatcar with a big red sleigh.... and right behind that a horse palace with reindeer???? Hmm. Wonder who the fat guy in the red suit is who is talking to the engineer???
We're having a heat wave here in Finger Lakes. Right now 25°F with the high....... Hang on to your hats! A high of 30°F later this afternoon under partly cloudy skies.
Got a busy day ahead. Have to prepare a big bowl of baked winter squash for Christmas Dinner tomorrow, and feed the cats in Canandaigua, and maybe even have time to continue w**k on the layout before I go to Church for the Christmas Eve Service.
Hope all of you who celebrate have a wonderful Christmas Eve today!
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
With the I&S sut down for Christmas and most of the Motive power and caboose in the Mattoon yard I'd like to wish all my friends here in the Diner a very Merry Christmas....
Jerry
Just a quick stop here at the diner as I have had very little time for much lately. But didn't want to miss the opportunity
to wish all who frequent this establishment a Very Merry Christmas, may the peace and promise of the season find a place
in your heart. And may the gift of healing be upon all our friends here who require it. Special thoughts & prayers to Ulrich & Petra ,
Sundown Jeff, Jerry & Sallie, and Rob and his family. And a special thanks to all caregivers of family members and friends.
May you all find your tummys full of Turkey and your glasses full and looking forward to a bright and sunny 2010 full of health and prosperty .
Johnboy out.......................... From the Great White North.
from Saskatchewan, in the Great White North..
We have met the enemy, and he is us............ (Pogo)
Good morning and a Happy Christmas Eve to all. I'll have a bowl of oatmeal with brown sugar and milk, please. Need something that sticks to the ribs this morning.
It's a nice warm 26 F here, that -1 C for you guys that are smart enough to understand that system. When I got up at 5:00 to go to work it was blowing and about 5 inches of the white stuff on the ground with more falling. Thinking that sleeping in was a good plan I went back to bed. About 7:30 I got up and called the office to tell them I was taking the day off. The snow had stopped for now but we are expecting another larger dump tonight.
With luck we can get a hole in the weather and get to our daughter's tomorrow. The 4th and final act of this storm is expected Friday night.
Hope you all have a safe and Merry Christmas.
Jim
Good morning. Coffee and I'll take those sausage rolls that were sent in for me please. A little over caramelized but niot too bad. The flavor is still there. Tastes great! (water please )
DerJohn- I know. I should have got her something sooner. All worked out OK, got her a fleecy pullover kinda thing and some of her perfume she likes. I'm sorry to hear of your new found allergy. I guess as far as reactions go yours is pretty mild. Makes you wonder how long it would have gone before being caught, or what about the person who needs the specialist.
PATom- Ouch! Lucky that was all that happened. (keep the splint. It will come in handy in the future)
Chris- I was told by an electric company worker dude, there are three backups ( I took it to mean like fused circuits) in the system. So if your power goes out momentarily once, twice, the third time it comes on, start looking for candles and get the generator going. You're out of backups. It's been a number of years so my exactness of terms and exactly what he said is a bit fuzzy but you get the idea.
PC- Yoooooou betcha!!! I'll let you get a start through this weekend and see Monday what you were able to accomplish. By the way, sitting and staring while thinking has become an accepted form of layout work in Toddland (of course there, I'm king)
Well, I've gotta wrap Brenda's presents before noon. The elevator is closing then and then I have too work tonight. But before I go, could I get a couple of the, um, shall we say slightly less cooked sausage rolls?
Have a Great Day!!!
Todd
Central Illinoyz
In order to keep my position as Master and Supreme Ruler of the House, I don't argue with my wife.
I'm a small town boy. A product of two people from even smaller towns. I don’t talk on topic….. I just talk.
Good afternoon...and a Merry Christmas Eve to all!
VINCENT: Yep, had plenty of charecters like THAT... going as far back as high school. I got a very low grade in "Development of a Christian Personality" because my politics, values, and beliefs; and THAT of the teacher (a very radical nun) were at exact opposites. Some people in this world, you're just never going to agree with, or sway to your way of thinking. Good for you for sticking to your guns and defending your position in life.
SILVER PILOT: I applaud you too for sticking to your guns. I agree with Phillip, that you and I will likely not agree on very much...but I'll defend your right to state your opinions just as I would hope you would defend mine. Again, welcome to The Diner. Now, how about telling us about your RR interests? I tend to leave my "poly ticks" out in the parking lot. I hope you can too.
PHILLIP: Very nicely put Sir... Also, as regards your request for poking/prodding for updates on your RR...it's a deal. Keep in mind, my RR still consists of three pieces of 1X4 and a shelf bracket sticking out of the wall...and a bunch of stuff sitting on shelves which has been accumulating since the mid 1980s (off and on). Maybe we can poke/prod/motivate each other to actually accomplish something in the coming new year?
TODD: You didn't get your wife a Snuggee did you?????? Your description from the electric dude...was pretty much spot-on to how it went off yesterday. I know they've got "circuit reclosers" out there, which would be why it came back on...but yeah, I figure the system reset itself as many times as it could...then gave up as the ice-coated wires kept slapping together and shorting things out. It's a much better situation than the big ice storm of a few years back. So far, I don't think they've had much in the way of lines down other than an isolated line here and there. So far...they haven't had miles of poles snapped (crossing fingers, knocking frantically on wood). Oh, and as a firefighter, I don't recommend candles for emergency lighting...fire hazard there Pal.
BAMA CSX: Christmas fireworks? SWEEEEEEEEET! Just make sure you guys don't end up shooting down Santa Claus!
ULRICH: Thanks for sharing the German Christmas traditions!!! I think a visit from your son and his GF will do you your spirt, your mind, and your soul a world of good! For a tree, we've been using a pre-fab job for five or six years now. Someday I'm gonna put up a real tree, but the "unfold it, plug it in" unit is just easier...
Best wishes to all in need, we'll pop back in from time to time...
Chris
The Cedar cRapids Industrial Branch: Proudly Shipping Yesterday's CrunchBerries Tomorrow!
Chris-- Yup, now that you say it the "circuit reclosers" sounds closer than fuses. I guess they are built to reset three times within a certain time frame before remaining open to be reset? It also sounds familiar that after three times in a row they figure there is possibly something more going on than a momentary squirrel frying or the like. Not sure for certain on that either, but that also sounds familiar. Of course I can also hear the guy say I won the lottery too!!! I hope the ice does not build up enough to bring down anything. Been through plenty of those and it's not fun. I also feel for the guys who are out in the stuff fixing them. It's gotta be miserable. Hats off to them though.
TMarshYup, now that you say it the "circuit reclosers" sounds closer than fuses. I guess they are built to reset three times within a certain time frame before remaining open to be reset? It also sounds familiar that after three times in a row they figure there is possibly something more going on than a momentary squirrel frying or the like.
Where I get "fuzzy" on it all, is I know they have Oil Circuit Reclosers, but they also have fused cut-outs. I can understand how the circuit recloser "trips," then closes, "trips," closes, "trips" again and gives up. How the fused cut-outs factor in, I'm not sure. From my days as an insulator collector, I've got a few of these cut-outs, with a large cartridge fuse.
It's been a long, long time since I last read "The Lineman and Cableman's Handbook."
Chris- Thanks! Thanks a lot! Now I'll have The Witchita Lineman running through my head for who knows how long.
No snuggeee.
I don't know how that stuff works either. Obviously less than you. My knowledge is just based on a conversation with a lineman several years ago and I made mention of the power on off and he made the reply that left me with more or less the idea of what we both say. Oh, and as far as the candles, you're right. But this also comes from a guy who also knows he shouldn't deep fry his turkeys in the garage. Kids don't do what I do, do what Chris says. I am living on borrowed time. Actually I employ many many extra safety factors that does not eliminate all danger, but makes the process a whole lot safer than it sounds. I will not list them because it may give someone the idea that if they do it, it will be safe. Suffice to say I do not just hook up the fryer in the garage and fry away. If the weather is decent, I prefer to fry outside away from the house.
MERRY CHRISTMAS (eve) FOLKS!!!
Jerry, awesome yard scene with the motive power there!
Today I'll fire the compressor and old Badger airbrush up to spray three model power streamlined coaches I'm gonna try to sell silver. The silver is model master paint left over from my boxcar project.
Sawyer Berry
Clemson University c/o 2018
Building a protolanced industrial park layout
Good Afternoon---a Merry Christmas Eve !!!
Welp. Everybody be all out with Audrey runnin' 'roun' doin' lotsa stuff so's I be sittin' here restin' the ol' bones----I've been up since 4am because we had unexpected guests show up depositing cards and serenading us'uns. The neighbourhood concertina was out and about doing some late night singing at one of the churches around here---
Interestin' conversation goin' on here---I've got to the point that I think that the behaviour of some really should not be indicative of the idea/thing in itself. Religion is one thing---behaviour--human action is something different. Some but not all members of a set cause issues--not the idea.
Chloe, I'll jus' be havin' some coffee fer now please---I'll be at the RC fer abit----
Any argument carried far enough will end up in Semantics--Hartz's law of rhetoric Emerald. Leemer and Southern The route of the Sceptre Express Barry
I just started my blog site...more stuff to come...
http://modeltrainswithmusic.blogspot.ca/
TMarshI don't know how that stuff works either. Obviously less than you. My knowledge is just based on a conversation with a lineman several years ago and I made mention of the power on off and he made the reply that left me with more or less the idea of what we both say.
Man, don't hold me up as an "expert" either... I read THAT book in the early/mid 1980s when I had this crazy idea I'd grow up to be a lineman...mostly so I could get all the old insulators! Welp, the "plans" of a 12, 13, 14 year-old changed when I realized I HATE heights and have a very healthy respect for gravity!!! While I think I can still tell a capacitor bank from a circuit recloser, I wouldn't bet my life on it. Like I said, I have no earthly idea how the reclosers and fused things work... I'll leave all THAT to the guys in the Alliant Energy trucks!!! I think my knowledge of power lines and their various components would best be termed: "enough to get myself killed."
Hey, I'm actually w**king on some RR stuff today!!! Doing a little more on the roundhouse. I was possessed by the crazy idea to do a little interior detail, not quite half the depth of one bay which will have an open door. I'm imagineering THAT since the junkyard bought the building from the RI estate...they may have "scabbed-in" some walls to make it more of a warehouse for the more "valuable" junk...and to make a bay in which to work on their trucks. So......I've got a bashed-together truck, some part bins I built a couple of years ago, an air compressor, am building another shelf unit, trying to finger-out an easy/cheap (using what I can find) workbench... IF it turns out not too embarassing...I may try to get a shot of it later. If it turns out too embarassing...welp, I can always blank-out THAT door too...
Whilst cogitating upon the workbench for the roundhouse...I oughta reconfigure the w**k table I'm building this on! I think a TV tray (or two) may be "reas-signed" to my office as "suplemental holding surfaces." Loving Wife noted last night THAT I need a bigger w**k area up here...
Best wishes to all on this cold, windy, slushy, wet Christmas Eve.
As I prepare to head off to work on this special evening for many, myself included, allow me to host a virtual Christmas party for everyone. All comers are welcome to partake.
In this bowl is a magical punch that tastes just like whatever you like the best. Over here, we have a fruitcake that if you like fruitcake is the best recipe you've ever tasted. If you don't like fruitcake, try it anyway, you will like this one. In the silver serving dish is your favorite recipe for your very favorite dish. Whatever you like will be inside once you open it. This magical setting was presented to me for one night only by a jolly man of short stature not to mention a bit broad around the waist. There is no need for servers this evening so all the girls can participate also. Over there is a never empty tray of festive cookies and candies and crackers, chips and dip. All safe to eat regardless of your diet, but they sure don't taste like it. Don't worry about the dishes I'm told they will be taken care of too.
I may pop in later after I get off. But if I don't, please be safe on your travels this evening or tomorrow morning and I pray your guests are well watched over as they travel also.
The decorations have been placed and the tree has been stocked with a virtual gift for every one. I'm told they will make you very happy. So please dig in and help yourself. Also take a moment and think of the good things in life we have.
Merry Christmas to all.
Good Christmas Eve Afternoon, Zoe - I'll have an open roast beef sandwich, an order of cheesey fries and a RBF, please. And if Rerun is around in the back, toss him a greaseburger from me, too. I'm sure he will catch it before it hits the floor. Thanks!
AmanaMedicI call it fiscally responsible fiscal irresponsibility.
Thanks for THAT phrase, Chris - I've had a time or two I could have used that (or maybe I already did, just used other words?). At first, I thought you were going to delve into politics, but then I saw the 'fiscally responsible' part, so I knew you weren't. (chuckle...snicker...) Ah, my roundhouse will be rather smaller than yours. The CAW is a short-of-funds line, so they couldn't afford that many locos initially to justify one of them city-slicker, half-circle roundhouses. At first, when I looked at your photo, I was thinking "That's odd how the back of that diesel goes stair-step fashion down. Wonder why they did that?" Then I realized - D'uh! That's the roundhouse, NOT the diesel!. S'cuse my foolishness there!
PC, you want us to hold your feet to the MRR'ing fire? Suuuurrrre! (Now this is a one-direction thing, right? I mean, we don't have to keep up too, do we? Whew! That was close for a minute there...) Like that little 0-6-0 switcher in those lights. So, are you going to be putting some plaster cloth over (if I recall correctly) those plains and mountains of blue foam I sort remember? Neat!
Ulrich, that sounds like a lot of w**k at the last minute for Christmas. It takes me a couple/few days just to get my tree up and the lights and decorations (mostly) on it. Hate to think of having to do that in the space of a couple of hours, with the kids waiting, listening, sniffing the air, outside of the door. But I'm sure it's a delight for the kids (of any age). Soon your 'young' Christian will be there and I expect the air will be filled with the smells of Petra's baked goodies. Enjoy! Oh, if you have some colored paper or colored drawing implements, you could draw a big tree on that and put it up on the living room wall above where you will put the presents... (just an idea for this year, until next year when things will be better for you and Petra).
Eddie (Bama), of course Heather and Mikayla will get spoiled - you're going to their grandparents, right? And congratulations on getting moved into the house! Even with whatever details you have left to take care of, I'm sure it feels better just to be in your home. I'm guessing your fireworks stand has more to do with New Year's Eve, right? At least, around here, I know there are people who shoot fireworks off then.
Jeff, that's some storms there! You stay safe there, y'hear? We have been having rain (in varying deluge levels...) off and on today, and some towns around Cape have been under flash flood watches today as this front w**ks its way through. The weatherguessers are even saying something about a 30 percent chance of that white stuff that comes down from the sky tomorrow and Saturday. Might have a little 'white' in my Christmas here.
So Ray - will you be wearing red walking shorts with fur trim for Christmas, if it's that warm up there? As for that fella with that train
Jerry, I like your photo of the layout with that big company complex in the back.
2 foot Jim, I hope you do get a break for the run to your daughter's place. I'm sure your area has had its share of the white stuff (and then some, if it's like the usual this time of year up there)! (And welcome back, too - I recall you being in here before...now when? That's another matter...) Actually, with the weather like it is in Minnesota, your forum ID could stand for the usual winter snowfall, right?
Todd, I guess on those circuit re-closers, maybe they've done studies and three dumb squirrels is the maximum in one area that they've found... Hope your area (or Iowa or Minnesota or others) doesn't get hit bad with any ice.
Barry, I think I had a flashback to one of my math classes when you threw in that word 'sets'... Ohmygosh! (Hadn't thought of that since either high school or (maybe) discrete math 1 & 2...) Now caroling someone at 4 a.m. might be hazardous to a caroller's health in some areas.
Looks like several other Diners have stopped by before heading off/out for their holiday get-togethers and celebrations. It has been quite quiet (yeah, say that a few times quickly - quickly say quite quiet...) here at w**k - couple of calls and one out-of-towner stopping in (had a less-than-optimum response to a sibling's phone call, and she's just recently moved to the area. Sometimes we could use a bit more 'peace on earth'...
Think later today I will get to a church service locally (mine doesn't have services on Christmas Eve or Day), and I'm used to going to service at this time of year, no matter where I'm living. After that I will fix dinner and see about w**king on that scratchbuilt church and cutting the windows for it. Also, paint some bags, wheelbarrows, shovels, spades, and other detail pieces (trying to do most of them still on the sprues).
May your holidays be blessed and the new year to come, as well.
Blessings,
Jim in Cape Girardeau
Evenin' folks!
Zoe I'll just have.......... Oooooooooooooo! Look at the Buffet tonight. What a great bunch of desserts.... OK I'll go over and have uh.... just maybe a little....... Don't watch! I promise not to take more than I can eat!
JimRCGMOSo Ray - will you be wearing red walking shorts with fur trim for Christmas, if it's that warm up there? As for that fella with that train
Jim, red walking shorts? With my knees? Don't think so....... Probably blue jeans and something in the manner of one of my "offensive" T-shirts. Hmmm. Maybe I will wear a non-offensive T-shirt. (Probably want to get invited back.) I may look a bit like this:
Oh! I got a nice Christmas present in the mail today. A purchase Order from the School System for a bunch of my old mics, stands, cords, and a mixer and a pair of speakers........ And the best news is since it won't be paid for until next month, It won't go on this years taxes........
Catch you later after the Lessons and Carols Service at Church!
Turkey dinner, please & thanks.
***Ray, if you bleach out your beard, you would sure have us fooled. Just in case, "I would like a shiny new brass articulated N scale loco, please"
***Jerry, lucky shot you got of Ray....er, I mean Santa flying over your layout.
We have a house full of Inlaws, so I will return here up another day. MERRY CHRISTMAS & Happy Hanukkah, Y'all.
Rob
Good Evening,
If I may...I'm gonna post a Christmas Eve poem written by Barbara D. Duder. No, you've not heard of her...she's someone out of my past. A Ghost of Christmas Past, if you will. But, on this Christmas Eve, with firefighters (career and volunteer), EMS providers (career and volunteer), and law enforcement all very much on-duty tonight; maybe this will spur you to offer a thought or two their way, maybe even raise a glass to them. Thoughts also to the men and women of our armed forces around the globe who stand between us and evil.
T’was the night before Christmas,
And all through the house.
Not a creature was stirring,
Not even a mouse.
And Ma in her kerchief,
And I in my cap.
Had settled in front of the scanner,
To listen to the mishap.
The snow was falling thick,
On the town down below.
People were driving faster,
Than they really should go.
The car blew a stop sign,
And slammed into another.
The fire and EMS responded,
Watching out for each other.
The Jaws of Life roared,
And tore into the steel.
Ripping away the dash,
And pushing back the wheel.
The patient was saved,
With splints and IV.
Faster than anything,
You can see on TV.
And we whispered a prayer,
As they drove out of sight.
Protect our brothers and sisters,
Who are fire and EMS tonight.
We now return you to your regular Christmas Eve activities... have a SAFE night.
Chris: We'll remember those men and women in the field tonight and tomorrow. As well, those soldiers out in various areas around the world----Have a Merry Christmas---in whatever way one can
Evening Ya'll, some caramel popcorn for me
How about a Thunderstorm for Christmas Eve? We got a pretty wild one now. It's been rainy and windy all day, but now the lighting is crazy. According to the weather people (when are they right?) it's supposed to stop during the night, and be nice tommorow.
I went and did some more work on my car. I got it on the ground and started it. It's running a bit rich (read: it wants to be an ALCO) and the EEC says EGR blockage. The ALCOness was much worse when I tried 5.0 V8 fuel injectors on a 2.3 I4 (guess that trick only works with the mass-air 2.3L I4, mine's air density)... I also painted the trim black, the rest of the car will be repainted red in the near future. Sometime later this week I'll pull a power-lock motor clip out of a parts car so I can put the drivers side door panel back on. After that I can drive it around until I can get it ready for paint.
Chris, I'm gonna have to agree with you there. Especially around here where you have the locals, the guys from Alabama, and a bunch of northerners and Canucks around here. Neither group seems to be able to drive really well (no offense to anyone here).
There was one teacher who I had a mild disagreement with regarding a certain middle-east country that is flanked by our forces. He though they were harmless, then after reading my term paper, he changed his mind.
For all those questioning the "conditions" on being allowed to poke and prod my modelling efforts, you'll notice I left that open ended. I just might return the favor! You know, like iron sharpens iron!
PackerThere was one teacher who I had a mild disagreement with regarding a certain middle-east country that is flanked by our forces. He though they were harmless, then after reading my term paper, he changed his mind.
And THAT is why I shall be reasonable with reasonable people...ya just might get through to them.
Good evening, Rerun wanted to stop back in. He's really developed a taste for the burgers here. Plus, with the holiday spread TODD laid-out for us, the 'Ol Runner just wouldn't forgive me if I left him out in the parking lot again.
As threatened earlier, here are some pics of a little interior scene cobbled together. Keep in mind, the front walls are merely sitting there, not finished, not installed. Also, the whole thing is gonna be a background building someday. With THAT...
Hey, Rerun just found a bowl of doggie biscuits over in the buffet!