Social Suppers, the bucket list and a giants fan goes extreme.

It's nice every once in awhile to try out some new adventures and this weekend was no exception. For the first time, I decide to go to social suppers here in Leavenworth and get ingredients to make some meals. If you've never done this I would highly recommend it. Whether it be for parties or just a couples night out....this a place where you can have some fun.

I would like to say thanks to my sister in law Crystal and my brother for getting me a coupon book for Christmas in which I used a coupon for this place. I would like to say thanks also to Terri, Sandy and the rest of the crew at the Leavenworth social suppers who treated me with the utmost respect. I like this place because whether your a season veteran at cooking or just a beginner this place can make cooking fun. The menu is never the same cause it changes every month. I mean one month your having firehouse chilli and the next month you could be having grilled rasberry chicken.

So, today I put on apron (and yes I am wearing and apron) and started making ingredients for Honey garlic pork chops, citrus tarragon chicken and for a dessert since it was free with the coupon Cranberry Apple crisp.

I did buy one meal that was already made that was in the freezer. It was a maple mustard glazed pork roast in which I brought home and started cooking. All I can say is the taste was just impeccable. I especially loved that the fact the carrots were included in the dish which made it even better. The cranberry apple crisp was just as good. To think that you with a little bit help you can make something from ordinary to extraordinary.

Here's picture of the maple mustard glazed pork roast before I dig into it.

If your ever interested in getting your hands in the kitchen, go to http://www.socialsuppers.com/. Where you can find this month's menu and for the nearest store location. Wow, what an awesome place.

The bucket list......I have to say I really like this movie. It's grumpy old men meets the great outdoors. I laughed, I cried and there are some sad moments. Anyway, Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson are two cancer patients who only have few months to live after both were admitted to the same room for cancer. Freeman's character writes a bucket list of things he wants to do before he kicks the bucket. Edward Cole (Nicholson) is a multi-millionaire who gives Freeman's character as well as himself and chance to live life to the fullest. There is one scene where Freeman and Nicholson are laughing so hard they both cry. It's when Freeman tells Edward Cole where the orgins of where his favorite drink comes from.......I must admit I was laughing at scene just as the two actors. Three out of four stars for me.

Okay, as we know next weekend is the SuperBowl between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. The parties, the food, the commercials and of course the game are all well in good. This story however I wasn't laughing about. The man who played Vito on the Sopranos show how much of a Giants fan he is.....There is extreme and there is really extreme. I don't know maybe it's just me but would you do this to your dog to show how loyal to your team.....I let the picture speak for itself.

Signed

Tim "still eating my cranberry apple crisp" Crippen

This made me laugh

I was raeding article on CNN's website on wether or not late night comedy shows are funny again since returning on the air. Well, a couple of people sent their so called top ten list and it made me laugh.
Pat Ames of Mishawaka, Indiana
Top 10 things I've done while the writers are on strike:
10. I've watched about 10 percent of the DVDs I've bought during the last 18 months and hadn't gotten around to.9. I scored over 600,000 on Chuzzle.8. I can recite all of the dialogue in every CSI episode (reruns on Spike).7. I laundered two months' worth of underwear and socks.6. I went to a restaurant, twice, at 8 p.m. instead of 5 p.m.5. I wrote a screenplay.4. I play with the cats.3. I read two novels.2. I got halfway through a year's worth of Newsweek magazines.1. I don't have to stay up until 10 p.m. on Tuesdays to watch House.

Chris Ritsch of Baltimore, MarylandReasons why the U.S. population doesn't care about the writers' Strike:
8. America is too busy losing mortgage payments playing online poker.7. Isn't there some kind of election going on somewhere?6. Because after three years, no one cares why the hell they are on that island in the first place.5. One word: Britney.4. The Internet porn writers are NOT on strike.3. Most Americans can't afford health care, let alone cable TV.2. Local libraries are running a "borrow one, get one free" special this month.1. The Weather Channel rarely shows repeats.

Signed
Tim "still laughing" crippen

Pix from ice skating

After suffering from some bumps and bruises and falling on my keister once......okay twice, I

leave you these lovely pixs.

another new year's predictions post

Well, it's time for another installment of new year's predictions and if you look at my last post....I did get a couple of them right. The Royals didn't lose 100 games this year, airlines did lose more luggage than ever before and will only give myself partial credit on the nanotechnolgy because wasn't talk about as much as I thought would.

The year in review.....if I have to say anything that 2007 was probably the Year of the recall.....from tainted pet food to lead paint in toys. We had stories like Lisa Norwalk; the crazy astronaunt, caught in a love triangle. The virginia tech massacre which shocked us all, a tornado that practically wiped out the entire town of Greensburg, KS, Barry Bonds rise as (the supposed homerun king) to his fall of being indicted on perjury charges. Michael Vick a fast QB but couldn't outrun the feds when it comes to dog fighting charges. We saw people pass away this year from Lucianno Pavarotti, Bill Walsh and Eddie robinson great football coaches to a jazz legend Oscar peterson who knew how to tickle the ivories. I'm sure I forgot some but those are the one's I remember the most.

New year's predictions for 2008
1. We will have a new president that will be eithier be a woman, african american, latino, mormon or just another plain white guy. (i'm covering all my bases)

2. foreclosures will be even higher next year than even this year.

3. Social Security will make it's way back into the news (and it won't be very good)

4. I will have my credit card debt paid off

5.The New england Patriots will go 19-0 to win the superbowl.

6. Youtube might create a reality tv series with just ordinary people

7. royals will go above 500 this year

8. A major earthquake will happen in California

9.I will eithier be promoted in my company this year or I will be doing my passion this year.

10. I pray that there is major anti global warming movement so that the media as well as these environmental wackos will shut up and realize there is no such thing as global warming

The day after christmas

Well, it has been awhile since I have written a post so here it goes.....the past few weeks at work seem like there was nothing but overtime galore wether it be the 10 or the 12 hour shifts, but I trudge through and my wallet felt a little fuller. It will feel nice to get back to some normalcy. I haven't been to church for over three weeks for eithier one of many reasons whether be being sick or an ice storm or something else. The holidays are almost over and I miss being with some of my friends. Did everbody get what they want for christmas? I almost got everything I want, but my needs are more of taking care of my debt or trading in my truck. I did receive a nice fleece jacket for the winter time which will keep me warm. Mom and Dad receive their gifts from me one of which was an electric knife and the others were two gift cards from resteraunts. My greatest gift was more of miracle as I finally was able to remove my freaking wart that has been bothering me for weeks. This thing has been on my left hand and has hurt me so much during work that I had to wear a glove just to protect it. I know it sounds disgusting, but it's a big relief for me. I just need time to give my hand to heal up. My company's christmas lunch and party was the best I have ever been to bar none. It definitely lived up to my expectations....anytime you serve eithier ham or turkey, mashed potatoes & gravy, salad, rolls and your choice of three different kind of pies.......that's some good eating. Finally, before everbody left for their 4 day weekend, Everyone who works for the company recieved their year end bonus. It wasn't much but every little bit helps. This was one of the most memorabable christmas I have had in a long time not only from the recieving end but also from the giving side as well.

Merry Christmas to all and I hope to see everyone before or after New year's Day
Signed Tim Crippen

PS: Jay Leno makes his return on January 2nd YYYYYYYYEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!

Not really missing Jay Leno......okay maybe a little

Being cold and ice in this weekend gave me a chance to catch on some reading, watch some holiday films and laugh at the people who have to drive in this crappy weather. For the past five weeks the writers guild of america have been on strike. What does that mean? Well, I haven't seen a new late night show in quite awhile. No more new shows from primetime schedule except for the ones that are eithier game or reality shows. The movie industry is hurt the least beacause all the films that are coming out next year are already written. So, is it bothering me? Not really except I do miss watching a new Jay leno episode with new comedy. I just caught friday night's episode in which they went back to the archives like back to 2004. Ouch! next thing you know if strike continues any longer their going to show an old Tonight show with Johhny Carson in black and white. You know the way I look at it .....If Letterman and Leno are really all that funny......Why can't they write the jokes themselves and do the shows without the writers. Heck, I betcha I could find Joe Blow out on the street who could probably write funny material. The point is that I'm not really missing my late night comedy too much.....with the holidays in full swing, working overtime and trying to find time with friends and family.....I haven't had the time to think about it what if the writers strike goes on longer. Here's a thought and I'll put it in big bold letters.



How about trying to get a life instead of watching TV.

Signed
Tim "merry christmas" Crippen

You never stop learning

The last couple of sundays at church have been very interesting for me. About a couple a months ago, the lord kind of laid on my heart to do something in the church. Instead of just a person who goes to church and sunday school and then gives his tithe to the lord. There was this emptyness that felt like I wasn't helping out. Then one Sunday, a man name Billy; who was in my financial peace university class, introduce me to Lon and the tech crew at the church. These past two Sundays I've have been trying to learn the powerpoint sytem as well as the audio board there at the church. It has been over three and half years since I have done any technical work with a computer or an audio board. Even at my age, the audio board is so multiple layered that it's like I got to learn a whole new system over again. I have two reasons for wanting to learn both systems. One, is to improve on my technical skills and start learning a new system in the digital age instead of being intimidated by it. Two, I always wanted to help out in the church in some way, but just eithier didn't seem to care or just didn't know where I could fit in. Even in God's perfect plan you never stop learning.

College football turned upside down

This year has been the weirdest, most upsets and the best college football season I have ever seen period. Forget your powerhouses like USC, Notre Dame, Ohio State or Florida.......this has been the year you kind of wonder whether hell has frozen over it if this year has just been a streak of good luck. Let's start with Kansas University no not the basketball team the football team. 11-0 before their first loss this has to be the biggest turnaround for them since even before I wasa born. Mark maggino has got this team going in the right direction. Then you got the team that beat Kansas in their only loss and that is Missouri. The Tigers for the first time since 1960 are #1 and have a good shot at the national championship. Then you have West Virginia, a team that really doesn't get too many big name recruits to come to their school is only one win away from playing in the national championship. With all the excitement going on this college football season... ....I tend to almost forget about the NFL except only when the Bears are playing.

A christmas economic story

Twas the day before christmas and it's time to go shopping before all the good gifts leave the store. We hop in our SUV that's costing us 349 a month and gas is so high that will be a 100 bucks more. The kids want hot chocalate, but mom says no. She even denies herself a trip starbucks that would have cost $4 even more. Dad is serving in Iraq and doing the best that he can while mom complains that going to mall is a traffic jam. The kids run through the store to find the toys they want on their list and mom is not to far behind while drinking a $1 Sierra Mist. After their fun in the toy department, she takes them to find clothes to see what would look good with ribbons and bows. Junior wants these pair of Nike's that is $60 top of the line and mom says no are you out of your mind. Susie wants the latest perfume so that she can smell nice, but mom looks at the price tag and says not at the expensive price. They finally leave the store and get what they need and their hearts were not full of all that greed. Their tire blows out and they have spare. It takes them few minutes and they finally arrive back home in Deleware. Junior asks question "Mommy why can't we afford it?" (Referring to the shoes that he wanted) Because I've listen to Dave Ramsey and were on a tight budget.

A christmas gift and Oh yes, Garth Brooks

Let me start with the Christmas gift first.....I have to save you folks from spending a complete waste of money. Last Tuesday, as I'm sitting at applebee's, I come across this commercial for the latest execise equipment called "The perfect push-up". The best way to describe this thing it looks like two paddles with handles that twist and turn as your doing a push-up. I nearly fell out of my seat laughing and wondering who would buy this crap? Here's the even more funnier part....the cost......two payments of 19.95...$40.00 are you out of your mind...for that much money I can take a date to nice resteraunt and maybe go see a movie. Now, if the paddles contain electric shock to revive your heart after you work out on the perfect pushup then maybe it would be worth it, but don't spend your money on this.....if you want to do a push up just use your hands.

Okay, now onto the Garth Brooks concert......first the sprint center itself.....this is definitely not the place to hold concerts. The acoustics were terrible....the only instrument that actually sounded good was the fiddle. Then the hanging scaffolding that was holding the camermen was blocking the view of the videotron and finally the seating kind of felt tight. This new arena was more built for sporting events. However, there were some positives the seating was fairly comfortable, the videotron was pretty cool, there wasn't a bad seat in the house and looking inside from the outside through the glass panels makes this a very unique building.

The concert all I can say is wow what a show.......It has to be in my top 5 of best concerts I've ever been too. Trisha Yearwood open up the show and was really good then the main event showed up and it was like.....well I don't know how to describe it. It wasn't like a show it was more like a controlled party atmosphere where everybody seemed to have a good time. Garth opened up show with his song "Fever" as he poped up from underneath stage like he was Jack in the Box and just let it rip.

Strobe lights moving all around, Garth's logo sign coming down from above the opening was one of the best I ever seen. He played all the hits and there was even a moment during the show where he seemed a bit teary eyed as if he missed touring.

The concert was great, but I think I can help Garth Brooks improve his image even more because at the end it seemed like he was tired, but he kept on going for 2 1/2 hours. Here are just some suggestions

1: Use some just for men hair gel to get rid of the grey

2: Use rograine to grow some of that hair back

3: Use the perfect push up to keep your energy up (Just kidding about all three)

If you get a chance to go see his show it is worth the price of admission and you might even have one of your own mastercard moments.

Two tickets for Garth Brooks Tickets $50

Parking for the show $0

Times I got turned down to take someone to the show 8 times

Sitting with your dad at a Garth Brooks concert while

spending some quality time with him Priceless

Signed

Tim "I had a great time" Crippen

The last two weeks

I have to admit that the last two weekends have been a whirlwind for me, but here we go. Couple of weekends ago I went to my Dad's retirement party in Wichita, KS. We held the reception at the Timberline resteraunt and a very friendly person was there to greet us.







If you never been to this resteraunt.....It's mostly a steakhouse resteraunt, but the best part of the resteraunt is the loaves of bread served with honey butter. Anyway, I digress as people were gathering around ......my dad receives a plaque

for his 33 years of service for the Veterans Administration. Of course my dad appreciate all the people who came to this event. Although, dad didn't realize this evening was going to get better
as one of his coworkers decide to roast him by writing a poem about his life with the VA by using titles of candy bars and other sugar sweets. I saw him have a great chuckle as family and friends


and yes even Polly showed up to see my dad have one of his best days of his life.

Last weekend, I went to Pittsburg, Kansas for their homecoming football game as well as the Campus Christians annual ribs for the alumni. I will admit the ribs were really good and I definitely went back for seconds. This was probably the last time we were going to have this before they tear down CC house before they make it into a parking lot...what a cryin shame .....I have too many great memories of this house. Before the game and the all you can eat ribs, we had our morning parade and our congresswoman Nancy Boyda was there and she was the Honary cannonneer for the game as she got to shoot off the cannon. I bring this up not to talk politics, but to point out that her fashion sense isn't the best. She's not a PSU alumni and when she was walking around the parade with a white PSU logo shirt (which was allright) but those red pants that she was wearing was awful looking. Then again who am I to criticize fashion ....I'm dude who sometimes wears shorts during the winter months. I didn't spend much time with my friend Dan because he was on call on lot, but the time we spent was very good in quality.


Update on Garth: I have been turned down six times, but I'm not giving up on finding a date for Garth Brooks concert.....and there is possibly that I might be able to trade the tickets for another night....so I'm crossing my fingers.

That's been my last two weeks in a nutshell.

Searching for a date

Well the search continues for a date. Not a just any date, a particular date. Okay, let me explain.....Last week, a co-worker of mind had two extra pair of tickets to go see the one and only Garth Brooks. I'm somewhat of a fan and the tickets only cost me $50 . The fact that he is performing nine shows in a row is just unreal.....and guess what all nine shows are sold out. I guess what makes this hard is that the show I got tickets for is on Wednesday November 7th and their very good seats in the lower level. If I had tickets for Friday, Saturday or even a Sunday night show....I would have easily had a date. I usually try not to do any big events during the middle of the work week, but this could possibly be the last time Garth performs and that the fact this will be the first time I will get a chance to see the new sprint center. So, who will go with me to the man performs the song "the dance"? I will keep you updated.

Signed

Tim "the thunder rolls" Crippen

Thinking about warm weather

With all the rain that we had yesterday it got me to thinking about warm sunshine and the beach. So here's a picture of me on the beaches at Puerta Vallarta a couple of summers ago just to remind me of warmth again.

A Thank you note for God

Dear God

Thank you for being there in times of need

For allowing us to have as Americans to have life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

For helping me get back home in one piece when my front end brakes were not working.

For giving me the knowledge to know how to fix these things,

for being my comforter when times were lonely.

Thankful for our troops who our fighting in Iraq in Afghanistan to allow us the freedom to pray and worship in our churches.

Thank you for giving us a sense a humor even if at times we don't want to laugh.

Thank you for showing patience even if as human beings we have hard time showing it.

For giving us joy, peace and kindness in an uncruel world

For your disciples who spread the good news around the world and that it continues to spread through pastors, volunteers and missionaries.

For free will

But most importantly thank you for sending your son to die on the cross for all our sins.

-Tim

Birthday Weekend

Well, today is my birhtday and if you want to know how old I am just take Brian Urlacher's number divide it by 2 and then add 5 and you'll get my age. Speaking of the Bears they dis appointed me again, but at least some good news at least they bench grossman. This weekend has been kind of a mixed emotional weekend. I went to two funeral services one of which was of our former landlord who died of brain cancer. The other a friend of my parents of the leavenworth church of nazarene. I won't say to much about the funeral services other than the fact they were both unique their own special way. I went to Mimi's Cafe for my birthday it was unique in the since that not only was it my birthday but it was the same weekend my dad retire from the Veteran's Administration as a field examiner. We had very good dinner I order the chicken enchiladas with the honey lime sauce which is really good. Then afterwards I had enough in my spare tire stomach to order dessert and I order the bannana foster mud pie which was huge. Our waitress even put a candle on it and everybody sang Happy Birthday to me which was pretty cool. I will admit that the dessert was good, but it wasn't worth five dollars. Then if I thought as if the day couldn't have been topped off. The lady manager over there gave Ron & Joan Teeters as well as my mom and Dad a free 4-pack of Mimi's Cafe famous muffins. Wow, good food, five of the top ten college football teams got upset and I had a pretty good week at work. This weekend was extremely great.

I'll admit that getting older hasn't change me to much other than I just add another candle to the cake and that I'm seeing some grey hairs in me. I have to tell you a story at the resteraunt. Sitting at the south table from us, I see this young family with two kids probably ages 7 and 4. Anyway, they were having a good time drawing in their coloring books, laughing and talking to one another as a family. As I saw this I was thinking about some of the good times my brother and I went to family resteraunts going as a family. How we use to play with our coloring books and bring our stuff animals to the table. I was also thinking why I haven't found that certain someone in my life where I can talk to my own kids and ask them what is going on with their lives and just to learn to laugh at life. Perhaps, I've revealed too much but I felt like I need to tell how I feel. Anyway, I hope everbody is having a good week.

Signed
Tim "Birthday man" Crippen

Bridge Retreat '07

Wow what a weekend

This past weekend I don't know where to begin.....I had my best week at work making my quota every single day this week. Thanks to a great team and for God for helping me along with this process. My Bears like I said would beat the chiefs and they did 20-10. This past weekend I went to the Kansas State Fair for first time in nearly three years.

Is it just me or does is it seem like the crowds get bigger and bigger every year to this thing. I met up with some old co workers of mine from channel 12. I have found out who is gone and who is still left at the old station. Kim Setty greeted me with open arms and it was nice to talk to her since I worked along with her so much for the noon newscast for three and half years. I didn't get to make it to my favorite resteraunt in town which is Roy's BBQ but I did go to my favorite place for ice cream which is

Bogey's. Set in a 1930's style type of resteraunt Bogey's would be a the ultimate place for ice cream lovers galore.....and yes John Lovitt I'm talking to you. Over 101 different flavors of shakes and malts that it would take you nearly four months to have every flavor on the board. I saw the usual things there like the sand sculpture and of course

the infamous butter sculpture

Sure there were some new things out there like seeing some adopted dogs doing some cool new tricks and guy cutting up wood sculpture with a chainsaw, but the highlight of the whole weekend and part of the reason why I went to Hutchinson, KS was to see

Josh Turner

It was a great concert and yeah Sara Evans was there too, but I thought Josh being the opening act was much better than her but then again that my personal opinion and this is my blog. Well, I hope you all had great weekend and I'll talk to you later.

Signed

Tim "backwoods boy" Crippen

The 50 worst cars of all time and the Bears lose their first game

Okay, so the Bears lost to the Chargers 14-3. At least they lost to a good team and will certainly bounce back from this loss and will destroy the chiefs next week in Chicago. As I was getting up this morning I was reading the internet news when I came across an article of the 50 worst cars of all time. Some I was not too surprise like the Ford Pinto or the Amc Gremelin. Others I have never heard of and one particular car the 1966 Peel Trident looks like it was driven by Steve Urkel or was one of those futuristic cars like if you were watching the Jetsons. The complete list is located at http//www.time.com/time/specials/2007/completelist/0,,1658545,00.html I will admit that there should have been one more car on the list. That car should be my late 80's blue dodge lancer which had a cracked cylinder and only lasted me a month.
I will never buy another piece of junk car like that ever again.

Signed Tim "I drive a Dodge Ram 1500 Truck" Crippen

Enjoying my sick day

I'm really sick today as I toss and turned just about all night. I think I have the stomach flu and I called in sick from work today. My mind wanted me to work but my body was saying to drink plenty of fluids today and stay in bed. I hate being sick ....... physically I don't like it but then on the other hand it's better than going to work. It is nice day today with clouds and cool temperatures in the mid 70's. I hope to be feeling better and it will be a long time before I eat at CiCi's pizza again.

signed
Tim "enjoying my sick day" Crippen

The side of Jay Leno you don't see

I was recently forwarded an email from a relative whoe sent me something that Jay Leno wrote and it's a side that people don't see of him and I thought I would share this with you.

"The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right? The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What we are so unhappy about?'' Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year? Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of tra ined firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes , an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disda in for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have , and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here. I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day. Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig. So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it <>bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells , and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane! Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be than kful and appreciative." "With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?" Jay Leno