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Sunday, November 28, 2010

HostGator.com Offering 50% Off Cyber Monday !!

HostGator.com had such a successful Black Friday that they are extending their 50% off promotion by offering it Cyber Monday, too. In an e-mail sent out to their affiliates (this blog being one of them) on Saturday, HostGator stated the following :

We are extending the 50% OFF Promotion. So here is your second chance to earn a LOT of money and allow your visitors a second chance at an absolutely incredible DEAL.

This promotion gives new customers our award winning hosting for as little as:

- Shared Hosting – ONLY $2.48/month
- Reseller Hosting – ONLY $12.48/month
- VPS Hosting – ONLY $9.98/month (first month)
- Dedicated Servers – ONLY $87/month (first month)

The customer simply has to sign up for any of our hosting services online at our site, and the 50% off coupon will be AUTOMATICALLY applied. The Coupon for your reference (you can promote this as well, just remember to utilize your affiliate link!) is CYBERMONDAY2010 (valid for new customers only).

This will apply to the client's first invoice (first term length they sign up
for whether that be 1 month or for 3 years for shared and reseller hosting plans, and for the first month only on VPS and dedicated servers).

That includes Shared Hosting, Reseller Hosting, VPS Hosting AND even Dedicated
Servers! Never before have we allowed the promotion on EVERYTHING including
reseller, vps and dedicated servers AND allowed our affiliates their full, regular commission on every sale you send us on Black Friday!

This promotion will run Monday November 29th from 12:00AM – 11:59PM CST (-6 GMT).

My website, www.TheSecondChanceSheepdog.com/, is hosted by HostGator, and I am very happy with them having never had a problem. If you need a hosting provider for your website, I would encourage you to give HostGator a try with one of these amazing deals. Plus, by linking to these great deals by clicking on the HostGator.com banners in the right side bar and footer of this blog, you'll be supporting The Sheepdog. I will receive a commission / fee on your purchase which will help me to keep my website up and running.

Thanks,
The Sheepdog
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Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thanksgiving Thoughts


It's hard to believe Thanksgiving is already here, but it is. 2010 has flown by. As I reflect on it, there's a number of things I'm thankful for including :
  1. My wife, my family, and my friends.
  2. Being an American living in the land of the free and the home of the brave.
  3. Our military men and women and the sacrifices they and their families make to preserve our freedoms and protect us.
  4. The miracle of medical science and technology including organ transplantation. If God had not blessed us with great medications and various medical procedures, I would not have lived long enough to receive my "second chance." The miracle of organ transplantation is simply incredible and being alive because of it is not something I will ever take for granted.
  5. My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who gives me hope in the life to come as well as in the current one. I know that no matter what may come, He will provide the strength and the hope to carry on. He's got my back.
I hope that you will take the time today to reflect on all the blessings you have received. Don't ever take them for granted. May God Bless you all. Happy Thanksgiving !!
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Black Friday Deals Available Here !!

Another Black Friday and the start of the Christmas shopping season will be upon us in less than 24 hours. Retailers look forward to this day as it gives them a chance to get "in the black" for the year. This year, The Sheepdog is gonna get in on the act, too, since this blog is an affiliate for Amazon.com, Kindle, Endless.com, and Hostgator.com. If you prefer to stay out of the crowd and do your shopping online from the comfort of your home or office, then this blog is the place to be. My Amazon.com, Kindle, and Endless.com Affiliate links are in the right side bar of the blog. I have additional Amazon.com links on the "Shop" page on my website, www.TheSsecondChanceSheepdog.com/, if you'd like to check it out, too. Amazon is already gearing up for the big day. So, please come back and link to them through this blog or my website on Friday. I'll earn a commission or fee on each purchase made through my blog or website.

As I mentioned earlier, this blog is also a HostGator.com Affiliate. I received an e-mail from them yesterday telling of some great webhosting deals they are gonna be offering tomorrow, too. In fact they're offering as much as 80% off EVERYTHING. The details of their sale include :

We're very excited to unveil our Black Friday 2010 Promotion to our loyal HostGator Affiliates! This will be our best DEAL in 8+ years of hosting! We are releasing this to our Affiliates before ANYONE ELSE!

Please be advised that this Black Friday promotion starts at 12:00 AM Friday November 26th CST (-6 GMT) and will run until 11:59PM CST (-6 GMT) 11/26/2010. Remember you get FULL, regular commission on ALL Black Friday sales!

You do NOT want to miss out on promoting this offer. This is going to be a record breaking day for HostGator sales and HostGator's wonderful Affiliates!

Without further ado, here is our Black Friday 2010 Special Offer:

We're offering 50% OFF EVERYTHING From 12:00AM CST – 5AM CST

We're offering 80% OFF EVERYTHING From 5AM – 9AM CST WHILE SUPPLIES LAST (first come, first receive; so definitely don't miss out!)

From 9AM – 11:59PM CST OR after 80% OFF accounts have sold out, we will continue to offer 50% OFF EVERYTHING

This applies to ALL Accounts and ALL Term Lengths. So you're visitors and friends will have the opportunity to receive up to 80% off of up to 3 years worth of Hosting! That would come out to $35.64 for 3 FULL YEARS!

That includes Shared Hosting, Reseller Hosting, VPS Hosting AND even Dedicated Servers! Never before have we allowed the promotion on EVERYTHING including reseller, vps and dedicated servers AND ALL Term Lengths AND allowed our affiliates their full, regular commission on every sale you send us on Black Friday!

This will apply to the client's first invoice (first term length they sign up for whether that be 1 month or for 3 years).

This promotion gives our customers our award winning hosting for as little as:

Shared Hosting – $4.95/month AS LOW AS $0.99/month

Reseller Hosting – $24.95/month AS LOW AS $4.99/month

VPS Hosting – $19.95/month AS LOW AS $3.99 First Month

Dedicated Servers – $174/month AS LOW AS $34.80 First Month

So, if you are in the market for webhosting, please visit this blog on Friday to take advantage of some great deals from HostGator.com. My affiliate links are down the right side bar of this blog and in the footer.

Please feel free to pass this along to family and friends and encourage them to visit The Second Chance Sheepdog on Black Friday. Thanks for your support !!
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Monday, November 22, 2010

NASCAR Should Scrap Chase


Another boring NASCAR Sprint Cup season wrapped up yesterday in Homestead, FL. Carl Edwards won the race and Jimmie Johnson won his fifth straight championship. We once again saw a bit of controversy involving Kyle "Crybaby" Busch. His car burst into flames when hitting the wall after getting turned around by Kevin Harvick. Busch had cut Harvick off, and Harvick decided enough was enough. I'm glad Busch wasn't injured, but he had it coming. I'm glad the other drivers are finally saying "enough is enough" to Busch. Kudos to Harvick. That was the best part of the race.

After the 2003 season, NASCAR completely changed it's championship points format in it's Sprint Cup Series (formerly known as Nextel Cup and Winston Cup). Championship points were based upon a running total for all 36 races. Starting with 2004, NASCAR modified the point system into the "Chase for the Championship." Under the Chase format, at the conclusion of the first 26 of the 36 races, the point totals for the top twelve drivers are reset and seeds determined. Each driver's point total is reset to 5000 points and then they are awarded ten bonus points for each race won during the first 26 races. If a driver didn't win a race, their point total remains at 5000. If a driver won five of the first 26 races, they would be awarded ten bonus points per win for a total of 5050 to start the last ten races of the season, known as The Chase. At the conclusion of those ten races, the driver with the most points wins the championship. The Chase format has been both applauded and criticized. I'm one of the critics and believe The Chase should be scrapped and NASCAR should return to the old point system with a modification.

The Chase format makes it impossible to compare the performance of drivers today to ones from the past. Plus, it punishes drivers who consistently perform better than the others. The Chase is basically NASCAR welfare. By resetting the points after 26 races, it's like giving multiple "mulligans" or "do-overs" allowing drivers who had poor performances a chance to catch up. Prior to 2004, drivers didn't get those. If there were 5 or 6 races a driver didn't finish at all or finished poorly, their championship hopes were done. Not now. Have a bad day ?? That's o.k. "The guv'ment" a.k.a. NASCAR will "bail you out" by resetting the points after 26 races.

I saw a report somewhere today that states that Jimmie Johnson has won his first five championships quicker than Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt (the only drivers in NASCAR history to win seven championships) won theirs. Really ?? It depends on which point systems you're using - the old one or The Chase format. Consider the following :
  • In the first year of The Chase (2004), Kurt Busch won the championship. However, after 26 races and before the points were reset, Jeff Gordon had a big lead. If NASCAR had still been using the old point system, Jeff Gordon would have won it and Busch would have finished fourth some 247 points behind Gordon. Instead, Gordon finished third under The Chase format. It would have been his fifth title. 
  • After winning his first championship in 2006, Johnson won it again in 2007. However, if NASCAR had still been under the old system that Petty and Earnhardt won their's under, Jeff Gordon wins the title over Johnson by 353 points. Why ?? No point reset. It would have been Gordon's 6th title. Minus one for Johnson.
  • Kevin Harvick had a 200+ point lead after 26 races this year. However, due to The Chase "mulligan" format, he ultimately finished third behind Johnson by 41 points. Under the old point format, Harvick wins by at least 100. Johnson is minus another championship.
If you take those things into consideration, Johnson has two less championships. He would only have three - 2006, 2008, and 2009. Cale Yarborough would still maintain the NASCAR record of four consecutive championships, and there's no Jimmie Johnson to Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt comparison floating around. I mean, .... c'mon. Johnson's not in their league anyway. He couldn't tie their shoe laces. With The Chase format, NASCAR has basically changed history.

The only thing I've liked about NASCAR's new Chase points system is that it rewards drivers for winning. If I was NASCAR, I would revert back to the old point system that rewards, instead of punishing, drivers for consistent, quality performances. No resetting of the points. However, I would continue rewarding the drivers for winning. I would return to the old point structure - i.e. 175 points for winning, 170 for 2nd place, 165 for 3rd place, etc. Plus, I would continue giving the five bonus points for leading a lap and five more for leading the most laps in a race for a possible maximum total of 185 points per race. The one change I would make in order to reward them for winning is that a win would be worth 200 points instead of 175. So, the maximum point total that a driver could earn in a race would be 210 (200 for win + 5 point bonus for leading a lap + another 5 point bonus for leading the most laps).

In my opinion, NASCAR should revert back to the old point system adding the "tweak" I've suggested. It would provide the best of both worlds - rewarding consistency and wins. I've been a NASCAR fan for over 30 years but they need to do something. The races are getting boring and ticket sells are down. Consider this - how long would the NFL's ratings remain high if the same team won five consecutive Super Bowls ?? We know they would not as people would stop watching the games. Furthermore, ticket sales would fall as people stopped attending games. I know NASCAR fans that are bored and have stopped following the sport. They're bored. I believe if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Unfortunately, NASCAR made the mistake of fixing something that wasn't broke. They should have just tweaked it a little, as I've suggested. Instead, they fixed it until it was broke !!
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Friday, November 19, 2010

Sarah Palin's "Alaska" TV show Airs Sunday

I'll admit it - I'm a Sarah Palin fan. However, when John McCain first announced her as his 2008 running mate, I did not think he made a good move and questioned "Sarah who ?" However, as the campaign wore on, and I heard her speak and learned more about her, my opinion changed. In fact, I got to the point where I felt like she would have been a better candidate than McCain.

Palin's new TV show, "Alaska," aired for the first time last weekend. It will last eight weeks and is on The Learning Channel (TLC) on Sunday nights at 9 PM Eastern / 8 PM Central. It is a reality-type show highlighting Palin and her family. My impression of the first episode was mixed. It didn't seem to have a nice, natural, smooth flow. However, the pictures of Alaska's scenery and wildlife were awesome. Overall, I'd probably grade it a B-, but I believe that it has the potential to get better. Whether you're a fan of Palin or not, it's worth checking out at least once for the marvelous scenery.

If you haven't read her book "Going Rogue," I encourage you to do so. Her new one, "America by Heart," is coming out later this month.
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Thursday, November 18, 2010

Double-Lung Transplant Recipient Completes NYC Marathon

A little over one year ago, Tim Sweeney beat a horrible disease, cystic fibrosis, through the blessing of a double-lung transplant. At the young age of 33, the disease had robbed him of 80% of his lung capacity and he was slowly dying a miserable death. Due to the "second chance" he received, Tim completed his first ever New York City Marathon about two weeks ago. According to the story, Double-Lung Transplant Patient Tim Sweeney Finishes Full New York City Marathon in 7 Hours, on NYDailyNews.com, Tim's transplant surgeon completed the marathon, too, running alongside him every step of the way.

Cystic fibrosis manifestationsImage via Wikipedia

Thanks to the generosity of an organ donor, Tim accomplished something that few of us ever will, completing a marathon. There are thousands of other Americans currently needing a "second chance," too. You can help them by choosing to be an organ and tissue donor. Please visit the Donate Life America website. Then, click on "Commit to Donation" and then on your state to find out how to sign up to be a donor there. Give the Gift of Life.

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Tuesday, November 16, 2010

More Than Just A Deer Hunt

I love this time of the year for two reasons - deer hunting and football. Honestly, deer hunting is probably the main reason. I've enjoyed it since I was 14 years old. I think I enjoy it more now than I did before my transplant due to being unable to hunt from 2004 through 2006. Back then, my heart was too sick and weak. The old adage "you don't know what you've got until it's gone" is soooo true !! I know from experience.

I'm able to hunt again not only because of my new lease on life, but also because of some great hunting buddies. These include my dad and my buddies Dennis, Phil, Gary, and others. Although I am able to go hunting, I am not strong enough to hike very far back in the woods or field dress and drag a deer out by myself. I am blessed by having these guys to help. I couldn't do what I love to do without them.

My 2010 deer season got off to an ugly, ugly start. In fact, the one thing that I've always hoped would never happen to me did so the second weekend of bow season - I lost a deer I shot with my crossbow. It was a medium size doe that I shot at less than 20 yards away. I saw the arrow hit her and hit her hard. She ran about 50 yards, turned around, and looked at me for 3 or 4 minutes before blowing and running off into the woods. I found no blood at the spot where she was standing when I shot her, but my buddy, Phil, and I found a good size pool where she stood for so long. However, we searched for two hours where she went into, as well as in the woods, without finding her or another drop of blood. I was devastated. The last thing I ever want to do is not kill an animal cleanly and quickly. Plus, I don't want to let good meat go to waste. To me, it's wrong. I took it hard. No more archery for me. I decided to sell the crossbow. I should have two years ago when I got my only two archery deer. They left virtually no blood trail either. Fortunately, they fell in the field and were easy to find. That experience should have been a warning. From now on, it's firearms only for me. Archery equipment doesn't get the job done. The deer deserve better than what that doe got that day. A rifle significantly lessens the odds of that happening. I don't want that happening again.

Muzzleloader seasoned opened here in Tennessee on November 6th. I'd been looking forward to it ever since that dismal day in October. I knew if I had the opportunity to shoot a deer with my muzzleloader, it was going down. No ifs, ands, or buts. However, about three weeks before the opener, I learned of a men's retreat my church was having that weekend. One of the guys at church asked me if I would be there, and I said, "No. I'll be deer hunting." Little did I know ....

2010 has been a tough year for me. Several things have proven unsuccessful, and as I type this, I'm recovering from my fourth outpatient skin cancer surgery in the last five months. As the days ticked down toward the muzzleloader opener, I was constantly reminded of the men's retreat. I did not want to go. I wanted to hunt. However, it was as if something was nagging me into going. I realized it was the Lord impressing upon me that I needed to be at that retreat. Due to the struggles of 2010, I decided to go. There was a reason I was supposed to be there. I didn't know why, but I knew I had to go - period. I could always hunt on Saturday afternoon when the retreat was over.

The retreat was led by a gentleman named Phil Mason of Safe Place Ministries, Inc. Phil is a great speaker with a simple, easy to understand message. I listened, learned, matured, and grew in the retreat. When it wrapped up Saturday afternoon, I headed home, called my hunting buddy Dennis, ate some lunch, put on my camo, and went to meet him. He told me our hunting buddy Phil had got his first buck, a 7-pointer, earlier that morning where we were about to hunt. In fact, they had seen five bucks !! However, I began wondering what our chances were for success since Phil had shot there that morning. Plus, one of the neighbors had just started target shooting. Dennis said, "That ain't good." I replied with a simple, "Nope," thinking the noise was further dimishing our chances for success. However, since we were there, I figured we might as well give it a try. Then it dawned on me - that guy target shoots frequently. The deer may be used to it and it not bother them. Maybe our chances were better than we thought.

I got set up about 3:30 PM after hanging out some buck lure which included both Tink's 69 and Code Blue. I thought I'd give the deer a variety. Nothing happened for the first hour. Then, the wind shifted to the east blowing directly to where I guessed the deer would be. I let out a couple of doe bleats. Approximately 15 minutes later, I see movement and a buck jumps the fence, starts into the field, and begins looking for the "hot doe" he smells. As soon as I see him, I know I'm shooting him. With my muzzleloader up on my Primos bi-pod Trigger Stick, I look the buck over thoroughly through the scope trying not to move too much. I count at least 8 points with five on the right side. It hits me - this is the biggest deer I've ever had a chance to shoot !!  Not seeing "the doe," the buck begans slowly browsing his way toward me. At about 75 yards he turns hard right and begins heading towards the woods. He doesn't have a clue I'm there, and I know I have to take him now, or he's gone.

I cock the hammer and squeeze the trigger - "BOOOOMMMMM !!" The smoke clears quickly and I see the buck take off into the woods with his head down and back hunched up. I know he's hit good and ain't going far. Dennis comes to find me, and Phil just happens to be in the neighborhood hearing our conversation on the two-way radio even though we're having "Technical Difficulties." Phil brings the truck back to help us get the buck. Dennis and Phil pick up my gear and take it to the truck and leave me alone with the deer who barely made it 50 yards.

My first trophy buck - November 6, 2010 - 9 points, 118 lbs. field dressed.

Now it's just me, the buck, and the Lord - alone momentarily. I start counting antler points - 1, 2, 3 ,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 !!!!!!! As I hold those antlers in my hands, a verse of scripture comes to mind. Its Matthew 6:33 and are the words of Jesus which say :
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
I began to think about the fact that this, after 26 years of deer hunting, was my first trophy buck. It happened under less than ideal hunting conditions. Why today ?? Was it just my day - finally ?? Had I finally done every thing right ?? Or, was there another reason ?? I wonder if "Divine Intervention" could have played a part ??

Some will say the "Divine Intervention" idea is silly. They'll say something like, "God doesn't care about deer hunting." And you know what - they might be right. However, through all my years in church, I've always heard, "God works in mysterious ways." I believe that. Plus, since He made us all different individuals, I also believe He teaches and speaks to each of us in unique and different ways if we'll just take the time to listen and / or pay attention. Ever since that hunt one week and a half ago, I can't help but wonder if God bestowed a blessing upon me in the form of that 9-point buck because I was obedient to Him in attending that men's retreat. Could it have been His way of teaching me that He blesses obedience ?? I don't believe in luck or coincidences but believe that everything happens for a reason. I also believe that this 9-pointer was about more than just a deer hunt. Call me silly if you want to. I don't care, and I've been called a lot worse.

I have to thank my dad for getting me started deer hunting some 26 years ago. Plus, my wife for putting up with all the early mornings and my hunting buddies (Dennis, Phil, Gary, and others through the years) for providing property to hunt on and the help in getting the deer out of the woods. On November 6th, I felt like I had won the Super Bowl and got a taste of what Dale Earnhardt must have felt like when finally winning the Daytona 500 after 20 years of trying. It took me 26, and I couldn't have done it without everyone's help.

Lastly, I have to thank Kent (below left), my donor. If it wasn't for he and his family's priceless gift, it's highly likely that I would not have been alive to enjoy this hunt. If you have not signed up to be an organ and tissue donor, I want to encourage you to do it today. You could be the reason someone else has the additional time to enjoy their biggest deer or another special accomplishment. All you have to do is visit the Donate Life America website and click on your state to find out how to become an organ and tissue donor. Please do it today. Be a hero like Kent.

THE DEER SLAYER
THE HERO


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Gene Simmons Rocks Our Troops !!

Unless you've been living in a cave since the 1970s, you've heard of Gene Simmons and KISS, the legendary rock band. They have been one of the most successful, as well as controversial, rock / heavy metal bands in history. Whether you like them or not, you need to watch this awesome video of them entertaining, supporting, and rocking our heroic troops whose sacrifices protect our freedoms each day. I guarantee that you've never heard these U.S. military anthems or "God Bless America" played like this before.

 

I'm not sure where the video was made as one internet site reports it was made in Iraq while another says it was made at Camp Pendleton. In my opinion, it doesn't really matter. The important thing is that the band took the time to say "thank you" in their own unique way. Based upon the band's reputation, it's somewhat miraculous that Simmons only has to be "bleeped out" once in this performance.

Be sure to crank those speakers up because this rocks !! As for Simmons and KISS, I say thanks for supporting our troops, guys.
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Thursday, November 11, 2010

Please be sure to thank a Veteran today

Some time ago, I received the following in an e-mail from a friend. I think it bears repeating today on Veterans Day.

It's the Soldier, not the reporter
Who has given us the freedom of the press.
It's the Soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us the freedom of speech.
It's the Soldier, not the politicians
That ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
It's the Soldier who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag.
On behalf of myself and Americans everywhere, The Second Chance Sheepdog would like to thank all U.S. military Veterans for the sacrifices they make protecting us and our Freedoms every day. May God Bless and protect you all. Come home safe.
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Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Whiny Busch Throws Another Fit

Last Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup race was held at Texas and won by Denny Hamlin. Hamlin's teammate, Kyle Busch a.k.a. Whiny, was up to his old tricks throwing another of his childish temper tantrums. However, this time he went to far.

Busch spun out and then pitted to change tires. In his haste to beat the pace car to the line to avoid going a lap down, he exceeded the pit road speed limit. NASCAR penalized him by making him come back to pit road where they held him for one lap. In the video of the incident, Busch is seen giving an "an obscene gesture" to the pit road official while being held for the penalty. After he left pit road for serving that penalty, NASCAR made him come to pit road again and held him for two more laps due to "the bird" to penalize him for "unsportsmanlike conduct." One of his crew members can be heard asking Whiny to knock it off because he's hurting the team.



It is time that either NASCAR or Joe Gibbs, Busch's car owner, did something about Busch's behavior. When he's winning races and things are going good, he's happy. However, if something doesn't go his way, he's an immature crybaby. It happens time and time again. Earlier in the year, Busch even had an altercation with Hamlin waiting outside Hamlin's hauler in order to "speak with him" after an on track incident between the two.

Kids across the country watch the races each week and Busch's actions Sunday set a bad example for them. He showed a complete lack of respect for authority. Basically, Busch got a speeding ticket and took it out on "the cop" instead of taking responsibility for his actions. We see similar stories every day. Professional athletes, politicians, and other prominent figures behave however they want without facing repercussions. It has to stop. They have to be held accountable.

If I had been Busch's car owner on Sunday, NASCAR would not have had to punish him for "unsportsmanlike conduct." I would have told him to park the car, turn in his uniform, go home, and to not bother coming back to the race shop because he was fired. In other words, "Don't let the door hit ya on the way out."
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Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Bass Pro Shop + Ameristep = NO CUSTOMER SERVICE

I'm a lifelong outdoorsman. I hunt and fish but enjoy hunting the most. I have been a loyal customer of Bass Pro Shops for more than ten years buying more than 90% of my hunting and fishing equipment from them. I shopped with them via their mail order catalog prior to them opening their Nashville, TN store (I think it was around 2000). Since then, I've made the 40 mile round trip to the store many, many times passing stores closer to my home, such as Dick's Sporting Goods and WalMart, due to Bass Pro's larger selection of merchandise. That ended last Thursday, November 4th. I won't go to that much trouble anymore.

I hunt out of pop-up blinds. I've previously had the Outhouse and Doghouse by Ameristep. In August of 2009, I purchased one of their Brickhouse models at the Nashville, TN Bass Pro, because I was told it was of better quality than my previous two. It was one of Ameristep's higher end blinds at the time normally retailing for well over $150. I got it on sale for $99.99. I used it all of the 2009 fall hunting season, and the first couple of weeks of this year's bow season. About three weeks ago, we had some significant storms roll through Tennessee. So, I thought I should probably go check on the Brickhouse to make sure it was still standing. When I got to it, I couldn't believe what I found. The blind had flipped upside down, two of the support rods had poked holes through the bottom of the blind, two others were shattered, and one of the cloth flaps at the bottom corner of the blind used for staking it down had been completely ripped off by the wind. The blind was uselesss !! Ameristep's website says their blinds are warranteed for a year and should be replaced after three. Mine had lasted a year and two months. What great timing !! I figured it should last for at least three years, especially considering it's regular price is over $150. Surprise !! They don't.

I called Ameristep and told them how the Brickhouse had been destroyed in the storm. I asked them to replace it even though it was out of warranty. I thought it was a reasonable request since I had purchased the Brickhouse after being told it was of better quality than the Outhouse and Doghouse. If that was true it should have withstood the wind better than it had. I had staked it and tied it down just as the instructions suggested. They refused to replace it but said they were willing to sell me another blind at a discount due to "my situation." How nice of them. I told them that was unacceptable because a $150+ blind should holdup better. The so-called "customer service representative" laughed at me. I told him Ameristep had gotten it's last dime from me and hung up.

The two other Ameristep blinds I've owned (the Outhouse and Doghouse mentioned previusly) were sorry, too. I figured it was because of their lower price. You know - the old "you get what you pay for." The  Outhouse will not stand up, and the Doghouse is flimsy. At the end of last hunting season, I cleaned up the Doghouse to put it away for the off-season. While folding it up to put it in the case, one of the ceiling support rods broke and then ripped through the side of the blind tearing it and ruining it. I figured that I had done something wrong, but based upon the fact that the Outhouse won't stand up and the Brickhouse won't withstand a storm, it's now apparent that Ameristep just makes sorry, sorry blinds. I also had an incident with the Brickhouse last year. One day, I went to hunt and found the top had collapsed and filled up with rainwater. I popped the top back out dumping the water but didn't hunt in it that day to let it dry out. I guess I should have realized it was junk then. The funny thing is that a less expensive hub-style blind that I purchased at Dick's Sporting Goods this fall to replace the pathetic Doghouse withstood the same storm that destroyed the Brickhouse. The blind is made by Field and Stream and called the "Hunter." It's similar but smaller than the Brickhouse. Perhaps the Brickhouse should be called the "Strawhouse." When the Big Bad Wind huffs and puffs, it gets blown down.

Next, I called Bass Pro about the problem sincerely believing they would make it right and take care of a loyal customer who'd spent hundreds of dollars there over the years (my wife can testify to that). The sales associate said no to my request to replace it. I asked to speak to a manager. The manager referred me to Ameristep because Bass Pro only makes refunds and exchanges for 30 days after purchase per "company policy." I told him Ameristep had refused to help me and that's why I was coming to Bass Pro. He refused to replace the blind only offering, as Ameristep did, to give me a discount on another one. I told him the discount would have to be at least 50% before I would even consider it. He said, "That ain't gonna happen." I said, "Fine. You just lost a loyal customer of over 10 years. I'll start doing my shopping at Cabela's." He didn't seem to care.

The blind situation is the first time I've had a problem with Bass Pro. Apparently, they have taken the same path that many other American companies have. They want your money and your business, but when you need a little customer service on a product you purchased from them their attitude becomes, "Thanks, but no thanks. Sorry. You're on your own on this. Hope you'll come back and see us." It's the same reason after 16 years of driving Chevrolets, I switched to Mazda in 2002. The Chevrolet dealers don't have a clue what customer service is. It's the same reason Japanese companies and others have kicked the butts of American companies for years. If it doesn't change, the butt-kickings will continue.
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Stick a fork in ACORN

A week ago today, a historic election was held in which Republicans regained control of the U.S. House of Representatives from the Democrats and nearly pulled off regaining control of the U.S. Senate, too. I ran across a story (see TheDailyCaller.com below) which contained more bad news for the Lefties that day - ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) has declared Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

ACORN's controversial past has been in the news recently, and I've discussed it in three previous blog posts. Furthermore, Mr. Obama has had a close relationship with them for years. We've all heard him blame George W. Bush for the country's current problems on numerous occasions. Following Obama's example, anyone care to guess who ACORN blamed for their financial woes ?? No - not Bush, but you're in the ballpark. ACORN blamed the other group Obama detests - the so-called "Right Wing media." You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that's FoxNews (i.e. Glenn Beck). After all, it was Glenn Beck who first looked into ACORN. Then again, are you really surprised ?? Isn't looking for someone to blame what the Lefties always do ??

Thursday, November 4, 2010

RCR Dominated at 'Dega


My dad and I have been attending NASCAR races at Talladega Superspeedway since July of 1988. In fact, from 1988 through 2000, we attended at least one race every year and in several years attended both. We returned late Sunday night from our latest weekend at the track. We watched the Camping World Truck Series Mountain Dew 250, won by Kyle "Whiny" Busch, on Saturday and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Amp Energy Juice 500, won by Clint Bowyer, on Sunday. In all the years of attending races there, this weekend was the first time I've seen vehicles flip both days. Ron Hornaday, Jr. flipped his truck on Saturday and A.J. Allmendinger matched the feat on the next to last lap of the 500 on Sunday.

 The field rolling to the green flag to start the Amp Energy Juice 500.

Sunday's race was dominated by the cars owned by Richard Childress Racing, including Clint Bowyer, Kevin Harvick, and Jeff Burton. All three led the race at some point with Bowyer and Harvick ultimately finishing first and second in a photo finish. NASCAR officials took several minutes to review video tape before declaring Bowyer the winner. Others ran well, too, including Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Kyle "Whiny" Busch, Matt Kenseth, and David Reutimann. In my opinion, it was Dale Jr.'s best race in a long, long time, but unfortunately, it came to a pre-mature end when he and Jeff Burton wrecked about 55 laps from the end. We Earnhardt fans thought we might see Dale Jr. in victory lane on Sunday which would have been sweet. It was ten years ago in this very race that we watched his dad win for the last time. I was blessed to be there that day, too, when "The Intimidator" came from 17th place with five laps to go and won. I still think about that come from behind victory every time I return to Talladega. It's a great memory that helps soothe the pain from the horrible day at Daytona just four months later.

The field of 43 cars lined up on pit road minutes before the start of the Amp Energy Juice 500.

I learned some things from Dale Sr., such as working hard to reach a goal and never giving up. Those lessons are part of the reason I am still alive today. Dale Jr. led at several different times on Sunday. During one of them, I leaned over to my dad and said, "I bet the Ol' #3 is looking down through those mirrored shades with that big grin of his on his face right now." Dad said, "Yep. I bet he is."

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia and Darryl Moran on Flicker.

Thanks for the life lessons and the great memories, Dale. I have not forgotten them.

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Monday, November 1, 2010

Election 2010 : We have one shot to fix it

Category:Westminster constituencies in the Rep...

The post below is the 256th on this blog. I believe in my heart it is the most important one I've done to date. In less that 14 hours from the time this post hits, Americans will begin entering the polls for the most important election in our nation's history. Due to a recent court decision, I believe this is our one and only shot to fix the damage the Liberals / Progressives, basically Socialists, in both the Democrat and Republican Parties have done in the last several years. If we as the electorate fail to remove these jokers tomorrow, then stick a fork in us - we're done.

I'm sure you're asking, "How do you come to that conclusion ?" It's due to a ruling last week by a federal appeals court that overturned an Arizona law requiring proof of citizenship in order to register to vote. The ironic thing is that Arizona residents voted the 2004 law into effect themselves. They decided what they wanted and the majority ruled. It was not passed by the state legislature. Now, this appeals court has basically told Arizonians, who have been overrun by illegals in recent years, that their votes and opinion don't matter. They don't get to rule themselves. The ruling will not effect the 2010 election because it is too late to register to vote. However, in future elections, the ruling will allow illegal aliens to vote.

Estimates put the number of illegal aliens in the U.S. at over 10 million. Many of them are drawing Social Security and have Medicare benefits without ever paying taxes. Now, they are gonna get to vote. What the heck is wrong with us ??

We, taxpaying U.S. citizens, MUST get out and vote to protect our freedoms tomorrow. We MUST throw the bums out who have passed the laws and appointed and confirmed judges who have allowed this mess to occur. We will not get a second chance. The Liberals / Progressives are already recruiting the illegal alien vote and their numbers are large enough to decide any future election. Now that illegals can vote in Arizona, it's only a matter of time until they will be able to do so in the other 49 states. It will sweep across the country. We have to take a stand now, or we will not get another opportunity.

I encourage everyone to do your homework tonight before going to the polls tomorrow. For to long, we, me included, have went into the voting booth and not taken the responsibility seriously. We have voted for the name by the "R" or the "D" without regard for what the candidate stood for or what their morals were. That mentality is why we are in this mess. In my opinion, we have gotten what we deserve for doing so. Take some time to research the candidates. Find out if they support the values and principles that you do and if they believe the Constitution is still relevant. You'll find that a few incumbents do. If so, vote to keep them. If not, vote for one of their challengers. Furthermore, spend some time in prayer before voting and then make the most informed choice you can.

As I said, this is our one and only chance to get it right. So, just do it.

P.S. If you don't vote tomorrow, you have no right to complain - period.

Citizens registered as an Independent, Democra...
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