Third time's the charm

On Independence Day, this blog will be exactly two years old. A lot has happened since, both in the world around us and on this blog. I've changed it's layout, changed the format, and ran different series of posts. However, one thing that has not changed during that time is my belief in the importance of organ donation.

1st Edition

On May 31, 2010, I announced the unveiling of my website, www.TheSecondChanceSheepdog.com (see screen shot upper right). Seven months later, in December, I began having problems with the website creation software I had used to construct the site. The software was called WebEasy 8 Professional, and it was made by a company called Avanquest. The software is fairly easy to use, especially for a novice like me who had never built a website before. I was happy with the overall look of the website for a while and with the hosting provider I had chosen, HostGator. However, I decided to make some modifications to the site to simplify it. My goal was to cut it down in size and shift it's focus off of politics and back to where it should have been which was solely on organ donation. That's when the problems began.

One day in December of last year, I opened WebEasy and begin the modification. I changed a few things, but when I tried to save the changes, the program crashed. I tried to re-open WebEasy 8 and was denied access. So, I contacted their customer support department. During a long two-week process around Christmas, I contacted their customer support multiple times. They told me to re-install the software. They sent me new downloads. I even cleaned out all the old files, but it went on and on. I even un-installed anti-virus, spyware, and malware programs that they said were the problem. Nothing worked. WebEasy 8 had went from working perfectly one day to not even opening the next. Lastly, when all else failed and they didn't have a clue what the problem was, they told me it was my computer and told me I needed to re-install my operating system which would wipe everything off my computer. Then, I could re-install WebEasy 8 and the rest of my software. You can only imagine what I told them, and it wasn't "Merry Christmas." No way was I gonna wipe everything off my hard drive and start over when everything else they tried had not worked. These guys didn't have a clue. They reminded me a lot of a car dealership who sells you a car, thanks you, but then when you bring it back for service because something's wrong, they can't help you or don't want to. So, I have a "word for the wise" - if you start to buy computer software and you see that the company that manufactured it was Avanquest .......RUN FOR YOUR LIFE !! It will probably work well at first, but if you have a problem with it later and need "customer service," you are on your own.

2nd Edition

Since I knew I was gonna be unable to modify my original website due to the WebEasy 8 debacle, I had to come up with a game plan. I thought about buying different software, but the really good, recommended programs were out of my budget. So, since my hosting provider was HostGator, I began looking at their free templates. I found one I liked, so I begin putting the "2nd edition" of my website together. I rolled it out on May 22, 2011, and it was substantially different from the original (see screen shot middle right). It was slimmed down and contained a lot less political material than its predecessor. I was really happy with it. Then, HostGator made the mistake of condemning hunting.

As a HostGator affiliate, I receive their e-mails. In one dated May 6, 2011, they proclaimed, "HostGator Loves Elephants." It was in regards to an elephant hunting trip by GoDaddy CEO Bob Parsons, one of their competitors. Parsons went on a elephant hunting trip in Zimbabwe. The purpose of the trip was to remove a single bull elephant that was destroying the villagers' crops. Parsons successfully harvested the problem elephant, and the villagers ate it's meat. I guess you could say, "he got two birds with one stone" - problem elephant gone and villagers fed meat as you will see in this video on CNN where Parsons was interviewed along with a PETA official.

The CNN interviewer was less than neutral with Parsons. It was basically two against one. I salute Mr. Parsons for remaining professional during the interview even though he was ganged up on. I sent an e-mail to HostGator asking what their view was on hunting, since they had criticized Parsons hunting trip. I received an e-mail back from someone named Brent stating that, "... every employee is free to make the choice on their own and do what is morally right to themselves." In other words, the company doesn't have a stated position either way. However, when I see a company team up on a hunter along with PETA, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out where they actually stand.

I was pretty hacked over HostGator's unwarranted attack upon Parsons, a fellow hunter, and the gloating they did related to it. HostGator stated in the aforementioned affiliate newsletter that, "We have welcomed a very large number of former GoDaddy clients over the last month over his (hunting) actions." After much thought, I decided I had to stand up for what I believed in and ceased doing business with HostGator. They may have gained some customers from this, but they lost one, too - me. In fact, guess who now has my hosting business ? Yep. You got it - GoDaddy. They sponsor race cars and like hunting. What other reasons does a Southern boy need ? Plus, when HostGator chose to stand with the radical nuts at PETA and their anti-hunting platform, they chose not to stand with me. See ya later ..... Gator. If you're a hunter who does business with them, I encourage you to tell them the same.

3rd Edition

Since I left HostGator and switched to GoDaddy, it meant I had to rebuild my website using one of GoDaddy's website templates. With this blog post, I am officially rolling out what could be called "The Third Edition of www.TheSecondChanceSheepdog.com." Hopefully, the third time will be the charm. I am very happy with GoDaddy at this point. I had a couple of issues trying to publish the new site the first time, but they were very helpful and fixed the problems, which were my fault, each time in just a few minutes. I hope you will take a few minutes and check it out by clicking on the "3rd Edition" screen shot to the lower right. My hope, prayer, and goal is that the website will help to save lives by helping to ensure that everyone that needs a life-saving organ transplant gets one.

P.S. If you shop on Amazon.com or need domains or web hosting, both the website and this blog are Amazon.com and GoDaddy.com Affiliates. If you click on their links on my sites and make a purchase, I get paid. Sheepdogs like capitalism, too, and we gotta eat !!! After all - we're meat-atarians. Ruff !!!

Gone Fishin'

After 20 years of marriage, a husband and wife came for counseling. When asked what the problem was, the wife went into a passionate, painful tirade, listing every problem they had ever had in the years they had been
married. On and on and on she went telling of neglect, lack of intimacy, emptiness, loneliness, feeling unloved and unlovable. She gave the entire laundry list of unmet needs she had endured.

Finally, after allowing this for a sufficient length of time, the therapist got up, walked around the desk and after asking the wife to stand, embraced and kissed her passionately as her husband watched with a raised eyebrow. The woman shut up and quietly sat down as though in a daze.

The therapist turned to the husband and said, "This is what your wife needs at least 3 times a week. Can you do this?"

The husband said, "Well, I can get her over here on Mondays and Wednesdays, but on Fridays, you're on your own - I fish."

Father Gives Son Special Father's Day Gift

Steven and Brian Zollman's gift giving for Father's Day was a little backwards. Father, Steven, gave son, Brian, a gift instead of the other way around. The neat thing is this gift will last a lifetime, never be forgotten, and results in them being together longer. Dad gave son a kidney.

The two men live in Longwood, FL, and Brian is a recent college graduate who has had kidney problems his whole life. His doctors told him last year that he needed a kidney transplant, so he began the testing process. Perhaps he should buy a lottery ticket once he gets out of the hospital, because he's on a lucky streak. The first person tested for a match was perfect and happened to be his dad. The first person that's tested turning out to be a perfect match doesn't usually happen, but since it did, these two will be able to celebrate many more Father's Days together.

Source : OrlandoSentinel.com article titled A Special Father's Day : Longwood Gives Son A Kidney

Music Monday with Natalie Grant

It's time to mix it up a little. For the last six weeks, my Music Mondays have featured rock bands. However, today's will feature a talented Christian artist who won the GMA Female Vocalist of the Year four times in a row from 2006-2009 - Natalie Grant. Natalie is not only popular but very successful.

Natalie has recorded and released a number of great songs through the years. However, my favorite of hers is "I Will Not Be Moved" from her 2008 record Relentless. The song says that no matter what life throws at you, your faith in Christ can withstand it, keep you strong, and get you through it. As a heart transplant recipient, the encouraging lyrics resonate strongly with me. My faith was the one thing that got me through the transplant. Plus, the rocker in me loves this song. I like the transition from a rockin' intro into a ballad and then back into a rock song. I think you'll be tapping your foot by the end of the video.

If you're going through a hard time today, I hope today's Music Monday song and video encourage you (click here to enjoy).

Related articles

• Natalie Grant Post: What song changed your life? (prov31dream.wordpress.com)
• Christian singer Natalie Grant fights human trafficking (chron.com)

How to Install a Southern Security System

1. Go to a secondhand store and buy a pair of men's used size 14-16 work boots. 

2. Place them on your front porch, along with a copy of Guns & Ammo Magazine. 

3. Put four giant dog dishes next to the boots and magazines. 

4. Leave a note on your door that reads: 

 Bubba, 

Bertha, Duke, Slim, & I went for more ammo and beer. Be back in an hour.

Don't mess with the pit bulls; they attacked the mailman this morning and messed him up bad. I don't think Killer took part, but it was hard to tell from all the blood. Anyway, I locked all four of 'em in the house. 

Better wait outside. Be right back. 
“Cooter"

Cancer and organ donation fundraiser to be held this Saturday

The 3rd Annual Lap 4 Life will be held this coming Saturday, June 25th, at Chadwick Park in Newburgh, New York. The Lap 4 Life raises money for research into Desmoid tumors, which are extremely rare, and organ transplantation. If you live in the area, please be sure to check it out and support this great cause. For more information, please visit the Lap 4 Life Foundation website at www.lap4life.org or by clicking here.

Source : NewYork.cbslocal.com report titled Lap 4 Life Race Raises Money for Desmoid Tumors and Organ Transplants

A Music Monday rewind

Last week's Music Monday was about the return of Beavis and Butt-Head to MTV this summer. I shared a video clip from one of their original shows back in the '90s in which they were watching the music video to Ozzy Osbourne's song "Shot in the Dark." However, it only covered about two minutes of the song. So, today I decided to go back and run the entire video minus Beavis' interruptions.

"Shot in the Dark" was on Ozzy's 1986 album The Original Sin and has been one of his most popular singles. People have wondered what the song is about. However, most believe it is about a paid hitman and the lyrics appear to support that. Others believe it may actually be about a hitman who is hired to eliminate someone he or she cares about. Even though the song's lyrics are a little dark in nature, the song's tune is kinda catchy and the music upbeat. Personally, I think it's one of Ozzy's best works. See what you think.

(My e-mail subscribers and others can also watch the video by clicking here.)

Guest column by Dale Flowers

RUMINATIONS ABOUT GOOD MANNERS
  
Recently, at a Town Hall meeting, I was shocked at the harshness of some of the people present. I was shocked at use of the word “liar” shouted at the speaker. I was shocked at the rudeness from some of the people trying to shout down the speaker, or after asking a question they talked over the speaker as the question was being answered. I couldn’t help but wonder if these adults (?) trained their children in such a way. Perhaps it is to be expected. These adults (?) were still young enough, for the most part, to have heard the shouts of angry parents at the officials at their little league games.
 
We hear angry customers, with their children in tow, giving a cashier a “piece of their mind.” Children see and hear the vulgarity of fans in the stands. Perhaps they too often witness the stressed out adult get in a horn blowing contest, along with gestures, in heavy traffic.

How can children learn respect for authority when they don’t see it in adults. How can they learn respect for government officials when they hear their parents screaming “liar” at them ? How can children learn respect for the flag and the Star Spangled Banner if their dads’ can’t take off the “sacred” cap or stand up when the flag passes by in a parade, or when the National Anthem is being played ?

What has happened to civility in our society ? Have those claiming to be Christians forgotten the basic rule for a civil society ? Do we still try to treat other people the way we want to be treated ? What has happed to Mr. Roger’s magic words, “Please and Thank You ?” What has happened to being able to have a civil discussion with those with whom we disagree ? Don’t we realize that when we start raising our voice it means we have lost the argument and will now sink to bullying ?

Isn’t shouting at a speaker who is trying to make a report a form of bullying ? Isn’t shouting “Liar” a speaker who is no position to defend himself or herself a form of bullying ? When we adults bully public officials, sports officials, clerks in stores and servers in restaurants by being verbally rude to them, can we expect less of our children ? Perhaps the bullying problem in schools is directly related to the rudeness of adults toward other adults who can not defend themselves.

In a society that is already stressed out over the economy, the war, and problems in leadership, wouldn’t it be a grand idea not to use language that just fuels the fires of unrest ? No gentleman would ever call a lady a liar, or raise his voice to her. Neither would a lady do that to a gentleman. Why not listen to what a person is saying before interrupting, talking over, or shouting at them ? Why not practice the basic rule of good manners, treating other people the way we want to be treated ? Perhaps then, this uncivil society would once more become civil.

Dale C. Flowers (pictured above)
P.O. Box 904
Hendersonville, TN  37075
toestomper@att.net

ObamaCare causing more problems for transplant patients

My longtime readers will remember the number of blog posts I wrote about the negatives of ObamaCare back when the bill was being debated. They remember how strongly I voiced my opinion that we should, "Just Say NO to ObamaCare." The biggest reason I felt that way is because in other countries which have socialized, government-run healthcare there have always been problems. Generally, the biggest problem is when times get tough and the money dries up, healthcare gets rationed leading to needless suffering and often death. I also said back then that I believed that some of the first to be affected by rationing in this country would be transplant patients because our care is very expensive. I couldn't have been more correct. We saw this with the controversy in Arizona earlier in the year when transplant patients on the state's Medicaid rolls were booted off them. The worst thing was that at least two people needing transplants died as a result. However, ObamaCare's negative effects upon transplant patients have not stopped there. They are slowly spreading all over the country.

The most recent transplant victims of ObamaCare reside in Delaware. Back in October, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (BCBSD) ceased transplant coverage for all new, individual policy holders. It did not effect health insurance purchased through Delaware employers, it was only for individuals trying to buy a policy for themselves. BCBSD blamed ObamaCare for the discontinuance of transplant coverage. One broker said, "They're looking to cut costs any way they can." Hmmmm.  I guess that includes letting people die.

However, there is good news, too. Apparently, there has been a large enough outcry over BCBSD's decision that the company has decided to reinstate transplant coverage this coming October (2011). The sad thing for the people affected is that if they need a transplant, they are going to have to wait until then.

Proponents of ObamaCare will say that this type of discrimination will end in 2014 when the law takes effect, and insurance companies are prohibited from denying coverage due to pre-existing conditions. Unfortunately, that is not necessarily true because there is nothing in the new Federal law, nor in existing state laws, that says insurance companies MUST provide transplant coverage. If they do, it's likely that the premiums could be so high that they are unaffordable, and ObamaCare did nothing to cap premiums.

ObamaCare is NOT and never will be the answer to the country's problems regarding health insurance. The biggest problem is lack of access to health care insurance by people with chronic and / or pre-existing conditions. ObamaCare needs to be repealed and replaced with a simple law that does two things : 1) ends the discrimination by insurance companies against people with pre-existing conditions who are considered "un-insurable," and 2) cap insurance premiums for such people so that they can actually afford their insurance.

Furthermore, it doesn't take a 2000+ page bill to get it done. All that is needed is some people with a compassionate heart to get together and get to work to get it done without regard to whether they win or lose. The ones that should "win" are the sickest Americans among us who have no way to pay for their own care. Are the politicians ever gonna figure that out ? Or, are they just gonna let people keep suffering and dying ?

Source : DelawareOnline.com article titled Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware to Restore Transplant Coverage

Two Republicans that get it in regards to Organ Donation

Recently, I have been on a bit of a flogging binge when it comes to the Republican Party (GOP). I've flogged them over the hypocrisy of some of it's members in regards to free speech, "pro-life" issues, and Democrat-like big government policies. However, today I want to brag on two Republicans in the Minnesota legislature who understand the importance of organ and tissue donation.

Recently, the Minnesota legislature passed, and Governor Mark Dayton signed, a bill enabling the state's residents to donate $2 to a fund used to increase organ and tissue donation awareness in the state when renewing their driver's license or ID card. The funds collected will be used to enable LifeSource and the  Minnesota Department of Safety Driver and Vehicle Services Division (DVS) to educate people about the importance of organ and tissue donation and the need for donors. Lifesource, a non-profit organization, coordinates all organ donation within the states of Minnesota, western Wisconsin, and North and South Dakota.

The bill was created and sponsored by two Republican members of the state's legislature - Rep. Sarah Anderson and Sen. David Senjem. The CEO of Lifesource, Susan Gunderson, stated, "We are grateful to Representative Anderson and Senator Senjem for their tireless efforts to support organ and tissue donation in the State of Minnesota. The result of their efforts will be an increase in the number of lives saved through transplantation."

In my opinion, Rep. Anderson and Sen. Senjem get it because they understand what it means to be a "public servant." Furthermore, this bill is the perfect example of the type of legislation that both Republicans and Democrats should be sponsoring and voting in favor of. This bill will save lives and leave a lasting legacy of life. Republican lawmakers, such as Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, and others could learn a lesson from Rep. Anderson and Sen. Senjem. The lesson is that organ and tissue donation works and should be supported and encouraged. The evidence is all around us.

I wonder if we could clone these two public servants ? We need more like them.

Source : BusinessWire.com article titled State of Minnesota Passes Bill Allowing $2 Contributions to Support Education About Organ and Tissue Donation

Beavis and Butthead making comeback

Those of you who grew up in the MTV age, as I did, remember MTV's animated series Beavis and Butthead which ran from 1993 to 1997 before being canceled. The two knuckleheads were known for their off the wall reviews of music videos and crude sense of humor. I remember watching them most evenings after getting home from work. They were always good for a few laughs after a long day at the office.

I learned recently that MTV is bringing the series back sometime this summer, but as of yet, no start date has been announced. Reports are that the series creator, Mike Judge, will be the brains behind the operation again, but this time around the duo will critique more than just music videos. Things such as reality series and Youtube videos will receive equal opportunity offending. For ol' times sake, in this post, I've included the video of the two knuckleheads watching the music video of Ozzy Osbourne's "Shot in the Dark." Watch it by clicking here. Enjoy.

 For more information on the B & B's return, visit their page on MTV.com by clicking here. In the words of Beavis, "uh-hmm, uh-hmm, uh-hmm, that's pretty cool."

Source : mtv.com article titled Beavis and Butt-head Return to Watch 'Jersey Shore,' Viral Videos

Related articles

• 'Beavis and Butt-head' Back on MTV, To Bring Music Videos with Them (buddytv.com)

I told you so

CRYSTAL METH

Exactly two weeks ago today on Friday, May 27th, my Freedom Friday blog post was titled The 107th Tennessee General Assembly - The Good, the Bad, and The Ugly. In that post, I did a review and critique of the recently ended Tennessee legislative session. I gave one bill, SB 1265 / HB 1051, what amounted to "The Ugly Bill" of the Year Award. The stated purpose of the bill was to combat the ever-growing methamphetamine problem.

The bill was named the "I Hate Meth Bill," and it basically did two things : 1) it made it a crime for adults to manufacture meth in the presence of children, and 2) made it mandatory for Tennessee pharmacists to enter into a national electronic database ALL purchases of products containing any of the ingredients necessary to make meth. It takes effect July 1, 2011. So, what does it mean for the average Tennessean ? The next time they purchase a nasal decongestant containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine at their pharmacy the pharmacist is required by this new law to enter their identifying information (i.e. - name, address, etc.) and the amount of the medication purchased into that national electronic database. The law established a limit as to how much you can purchase each 30 day period. Once you reach that point, the pharmacist will have to deny your purchase and you could be fined by law enforcement. "Too bad, so sad for you." Isn't it gonna be great as a Tennessean who suffers from severe allergies to be treated like a common low-life, drug dealer ? I'm looking SO forward to it. Aren't you ?

Furthermore, in my May 27th post, I predicted that the bill's supporters, many of them so-called conservatives, would at some point take a page out of the Lefties and Democrats playbook by defending the lousy law by saying "it's to protect the children." Well, I hit the nail on head. In a June 6, 2011 article on wcby.com which reported about Gov. Bill Haslam signing the bill, New Anti-Meth Law Aims to Protect Children, Prosecute Parents, the 3rd Judicial District Attorney General, Berkeley Bell, said, "The most important part of this bill is the part that protects the children." In my opinion, that's hogwash.

The purpose of this bill is not to protect the children or to fight the meth problem. As I've said before, this bill's purpose is to make big government bigger and give them more control over Tennessee's citizens. There are other more effective ways to combat the meth problem, as I discussed in that May 27th post. To me, though, the most disappointing thing about the bill is that it was sponsored by so-called conservative Republicans. Plus, not one single member, neither Republican nor Democrat, of the Tennessee legislature had the courage to vote "NO" on the bill in support of smaller government and less nanny state. No, not a single one.

Furthermore, the bill's supporters are NOT even convinced that the bill will have a detrimental effect on the meth trade. Benje Cox, a Greene Co. Drug pharmacist, said, "Whether it's going to deter them or not, probably not because they (the meth makers) don't care." Here's a news flash for Cox and the others - the bill won't work. It has been proven time and time again that registries of products deemed "dangerous" by "the gubmint" don't work. Ultimately, such registries only punish law-abiding citizens. Just ask people who have lived in areas where gun registration has been mandatory. Bad guys still have guns and ultimately the registries lead to guns being confiscated from law abiding citizens.

In 2008, Tennesseans voted to increase the Republican majority in the Tennessee legislature because we wanted LESS government and LESS regulation. Instead, the Republicans have chosen to act like Democrats. If we had wanted Democrats, we would have voted for Democrats. It has become obvious to me that the Republicans are headed down the same road to bigger government that the Democrats have been on for years. They are just getting there a little slower. I've been hoping that the Republicans would see the error of their ways, but it's becoming more clear that they will not. Don't get me wrong. There are still some good, conservative Republicans out there. However, they are getting fewer and fewer and getting overrun by the liberal establishment within the party. The sad part is that some of the ones I thought were true conservatives are just as liberal and progressive as the Democrats. I'll be a good sheepdog and not name names.. Ruff, ruff !!

Some in the Tea Party have been clamoring for a new third party. The Republicans keep giving more and more reasons why we need one. I'm beginning to believe one of two things is gonna have to happen - 1) the Republican Party (GOP) is going to have to have an infusion of new blood. New conservative, constitution and freedom loving people, such as myself, are going to have to emerge and the establishment be run off, or 2) a brand new party of conservative, constitution and freedom loving people is going to have to form. We are getting close to the point to where it would be easier to just stick a fork in the GOP because it's done and start over with that new, third party. That is a darn shame. However, I don't like to give up that easy. So, perhaps myself and others should just, "Continue the floggings (of the GOP) until (their) morale improves."

"Wall of Heroes" honors those who gave the Gift of Life

Shawnee Mission Medical Center (SMMC) and the Midwest Transplant Network recently unveiled a wonderful tribute to organ and tissue donors. The "Wall of Heroes" was dedicated on May 20th to remember the organ and / or tissue donors who have saved or improved the lives of more than 1200 of SMMC's patients since 2008. The clinical educator at SMMC, Armida Torres, described the gift of life as "... the greatest gift a person can give."

Source : kccommunitynews.com article titled Wall of Heroes Honors Donors

Northeast Indiana Kidney Walk is June 18th

Scores of Americans participate in local Kidney Walks put on by The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) every year. On Saturday, June 18 (the Saturday of Father's Day weekend), the Northeast Indiana Kidney Walk will take place. It will take place at Headwaters Park (West) in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The walk's main purpose is to raise funds for kidney disease prevention as well as education. Folks who participate in the walk can have a complimentary Kidney Disease Risk Assessment done while there because as with most diseases, early detection is the key to successful treatment of kidney disease.

For more information or to register please visit the NKF web page which contains all the details about the event. Just click here.

Source : wane.com article titled Walk Highlights Kidney Disease

Related articles

• What causes chronic kidney disease? (zocdoc.com)
• New treatment target for diabetic kidney disease (medicalxpress.com)

Traffic stop

An Arizona Department of Safety Officer pulled over a pick-up truck owner for a faulty taillight. When the officer approached the driver, the man behind the wheel handed the officer his driver’s license, insurance card and concealed carry permit.

The officer took all the documents, looked them over and said. "Mr. Smith, I see you have a CCP. Do you have any weapons with you ?"

The driver replied, "Yes sir, I have a 357 handgun in a hip holster, a .45 in the glove box and a .22 derringer in my boot."

The officer looked at the driver and asked, "Anything else ?"

"Yes sir, I have a Mossberg 500 12 gauge and an AR-15 in the trunk."

The officer asked if the man was driving to or from a shooting range, and the man said he wasn't. So, the officer bent over and looked into the driver's face and said, "Mr. Smith, you're are carrying quite a few guns. May I ask what you are afraid of ?"

Mr. Smith locked eyes with the officer and calmly answered, "Not a dang thing."

Friend saves friend

Jeremy Rose and Rob Parkinson were connected many years ago by a family friendship. They had no idea that one day that connection would become even more close and personal. When Jeremy was fatally injured in a construction accident in Hawaii, he ended Rob's 16-year long battle with liver disease. Jeremy gave Rob a "second chance" and his life back.

Jeremy's wife, Kristene, was shopping at WalMart when she got the call informing her of Jeremy's accident. She rushed to Hawaii to be with him, but the doctor's informed her that there was no chance of Jeremy ever waking up. Even though she was grieving, she thought of Rob knowing that Jeremy was a perfect match for him and possibly his only hope. Five of Rob's family members had been tested to see if they were matches as living donors for Rob, but none of them were.

Rob was taken into surgery on January 24, 2010 for his liver transplant in which he received his friend Jeremy's liver. Giving Rob the gift of life amounted to Jeremy's last act changing both the Parkinsons' and the Roses' lives forever. Both families say the experience has brought them closer to God and is nothing short of a miracle. In regards to why people should register to be organ and tissue donors, Rob says, "Sign up to donate, just because it changes lives. My life is different. My wife's life is different because she has a husband, and my children's lives are different because they have a dad."

I can't say it any better or any simpler than that. Rob hit the nail on the head.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13 (KJV) 

Source : deseretnews.com article titled Organ Donation Brings Families Closer Together, Closer to God

The Crue is back for a 30th Anniversary Tour

Image of Nikki Sixx (L) and Mick Mars (R) of Motley Crue via Alec MacKellaig on Flickr and Wikipedia

I usually post music videos on Music Mondays, but today I decided to do something different and talk concerts. The Bad Boys of Rock N' Roll, Motley Crue, begin a summer tour tomorrow June 7th. The tour will visit more than 40 cities this summer in celebration of the band's 30th Anniversary. They will be accompanied by Poison, who is celebrating their 25th Anniversary, and the New York Dolls.

I've been a fan of Motley Crue's music since high school even though their hard-living lifestyle was something that never appealed to me. I've seen them twice in concert, including the 1989 Dr. Feelgood Tour and in the mid-'90s when John Carobi was the lead singer. This summer's tour is sure to be a hot ticket with Poison being along for the ride. These two bands have combined to sell more than 100 million records worldwide. They are arguably two of the most popular bands of all time.

If you're a fan of either or both of these bands, you might want to grab a ticket to this tour. Since Motley Crue's career now spans 30 years and Poison's 25, it's safe to say that both bands are getting close to hanging up the guitars and the drumsticks. The summer of 2011 could be one of your last chances to see them live.

Current announced tour dates and locations are below. These could change and more dates could be added. For more information and tickets visit www.motley.com or Motley Crue's fan club website by clicking here.

June 7 - Dallas, TX @ Gexa Energy Pavilion
June 9 - San Antonio, TX @ AT & T Center
June 10 - Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
June 12 - Albuquerque, NM @ Hard Rock Pavilion
June 14 - Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl
June 15 - San Francisco, CA @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
June 17 - Phoenix, AZ @ Desert Sky Pavilion
June 18 - Las Vegas, NV @ Red Rock Amphitheater
June 19 - Salt Lake City, UT @ USANA Amphitheater
June 21 - Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
June 22 - Maryland Heights, MO @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
June 24 - Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center
June 25 - Milwaukee, WI @ Bradley Center
June 26 - Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center
June 28 - Toronto, ON @ Molson Amphitheater
June 29 - Clarkston, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre
July 1 - Tinley Park, IL @ FMB Amphitheater
July 2 - Noblesville, IN @ Verizon Wireless Music Center
July 3 - Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
July 5 - Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live Arena
July 6 - Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Times Forum
July 8 - Biloxi, MS @ Mississippi Coast Coliseum
July 9 - Pelham, AL @ Verizon Wireless Music Center (without Poison)
July 10 - Atlanta, GA @ Aaron's Amphitheater at Lakewood
July 12 - Charlotte, NC @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
July 13 - Hershey, PA @ Star Pavilion at Hershey Park
July 15 - Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
July 16 - Camden, NJ @ Susquehanna Bank Center
July 19 - Mansfield, MA @ Comcast Center
July 20 - Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
July 22 - Darien Lakes, NY @ Darien Lakes Performing Arts Center
July 23 - Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center
July 24 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
July 27 - Cheyenne, WY @ Frontier Days (Motley Crue only)
July 29 - Youngstown, OH @ Covelli Centre
July 30 - Frederick, MD @ Outlaw Jam 2011
July 31 - Scranton, PA @ Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain
August 5 - Tomah, WI @ Fort McCoy
August 9 - Billings, MT @ Metrapark Rimrock Auto Arena
August 11 - Ridgefield, WA @ Amphitheater at Clarke County
August 12 - Tacoma, WA @ Tacoma Dome
August 13 - Nampa, ID @ Idaho Center
August 16 - Fresno, CA @ Save Mart Center
August 17 - Chula Vista, CA @ Cricket Wireless Amphitheater

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2012 Presidential Prognostication

The 2012 Presidential race is beginning to take shape. Some candidates are in, some are out, and some are still thinking about it. Some of us have already decided about whether Obama should be re-elected. Others have already decided which of the Republican challengers they will support. Personally, I've only decided on who I will NOT support and that includes Obama, Mitt Romney, and Newt Gingrich. The reasons why follow. I do think, however, that there is one name that we have not heard much of in a while that could be "the wild-card" in the race. I think this person could sneak in and win the race easily if they play their cards right.

It is no secret that I am not a fan of Barack Obama. Maybe he's a nice guy and fun to be around, but I don't know because I've never met him. The problem I have with him is his liberal progressive agenda. His stance on issues important to me are the opposite of mine. For instance, he's o.k. with abortion. I'm not because I believe all human life is precious. I like guns and support the right to keep and bear them, and he doesn't. He believes in redistribution of wealth, and I don't. I think that if you work hard and earn your wealth that you should get to keep it and not be forced to share. If you want to share it, that should be your decision not the "gubmint's." Obama likes higher taxes, and I don't. I think socialized medicine sucks, and he wants to force everyone onto it. He has insulted and turned his back on our allies while befriending and apologizing to our enemies for "America's sins." He has spent billions of dollars to bailout failing car companies that should have been allowed to go under due to their failed business plan. Obama sent our military into Libya when that country had not attacked or threatened us in a long time. I could go on and on, but the fact is that me and Mr. Obama agree on pretty much nothing. Oh, and before I forget - his wife said she has only been proud of her country once. Mine is always proud of hers. Her husband, me, is still alive because of American ingenuity. I didn't vote for Obama in 2008 and won't in 2012 either.

The GOP has a number of candidates that will try to defeat Obummer next year. I think it's a lackluster crop at best. Not one of their current declared candidates makes me want to walk into the voting booth today and vote for them. For instance :

• Mitt Romney - While governor of Massachusetts, he raised numerous taxes and fees. His socialized medicine scheme, "RomneyCare," has left the state broke and scores of people have had to be kicked off it's rolls. It's rationing at it's finest. When criticized about the failed system, he stands by it. A leader would admit the mistake and learn from it. Romney's not presidential material.
• Newt Gingrich - The Newt is the former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. He is on record as supporting the ObamaCare individual mandate requiring Americans to purchase health insurance. Gingrich is also a womanizer having not one, but two marriages fail due to his extramarital affairs. Newt is unfit to be president because the affairs show he has a lack of integrity, no loyalty, and can't be trusted.
• Herman Cain - Cain is a newcomer to presidential politics. Many conservatives like him. I have concerns about his ideas to replace the income tax with a national sales tax. In my opinion, a national sales tax, or consumption tax, would be devastating to the frail national economy. It's a bad idea that I doubt he could get passed into law.
• Tim Pawlenty - Pawlenty was for Obama's Cap and Trade, a.k.a. Cap and Tax, proposal before he was against it. Obama said that it would cause energy prices to "necessarily skyrocket." Cap and Trade would hurt the economy further. Pawlenty ain't the guy either.
• Ron Paul - I'll admit that Paul does bring a lot of energy to the table. I like his idea about auditing the Fed. However, he has a tendency to come off as a little nutty. He has recently made some rather "off the wall" comments about the operation in Libya and about Bin Laden's death. I'm not expecting his candidacy to get much traction or last very long.

There are also still a number of Republicans who have not made up their minds about whether they will run or not. Donald Trump was in then out. Now, there's a rumor that he might get back in as an Independent. If he does, perhaps Brett Favre would be a good running mate. Rumors are also floating around that Rudy Guiliani and Texas Governor Rick Perry may enter the race. And of course, we're still waiting on Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann to make an announcement one way or the other. Personally, of all the ones mentioned, only Perry, Palin, or Bachmann interest me.

So, by now you're probably thinking, "Alright Sheepdog, who is this 'wild-card' candidate you mentioned earlier ?" It's simple - Hillary Clinton (pictured right). And yes, I know she's already said she wasn't going to run and has no interest in being president (see Politico.com article below). However, I think she might change her mind. Usually, such a political flip-flop would hurt a campaign. However, if there's anyone who could sell it and get the American people to overlook it and buy it, it's the Clintons. They got the American people to overlook Slick Willy's womanizing and Whitewater, didn't they ? So, just hear me out.

My reasons for thinking Hillary might enter the race are :

1. Obama promised to turn the economy around. He hasn't done it. He said the Stimilus Bill would keep unemployment from going over 8%. It's at 9% now and has been over 8% since the Spring of 2009. No president since FDR has been re-elected with unemployment over 7%. Obama attacked Bush for the high gas prices. Gas prices are now double what they were at the time of Obama's inauguration.
2. Obama promised to get out of Iraq and Afghanistan. Not only has he not gotten out of those two conflicts, he's now began a military operation in Libya. The lefty anti-war crowd is not happy about it. Many of them supported Obama in 2008 because he promised to get out of Iraq / Afghanistan.
3. Obama promised the anti-gunners more gun control. These folks have deep pockets and aren't happy about him not keeping his promise. Sarah Brady recently had a meeting with him "to discuss it."
4. There have been reports that George Soros and other wealthy supporters of liberal causes don't feel like Obama has given them their money's worth. These folks poured millions of dollars into Obama's campaign and expected a little payback. They haven't got it. Hillary Clinton is tight with many in that crowd and likely wouldn't have any trouble getting financing for her campaign from them.
5. Hillary has already announced that she will be leaving the Obama Administration if there is a second term. Could this be her way of transitioning off and planning a presidential run for 2012 ?
6. The Clinton's like power. Hillary will be 64 late this year. She's running out of time if she is ever gonna run. It could be now or never.

Furthermore, you could throw out the six reasons I've listed above as to why Hillary Clinton will run for president, and there's one that's more important that trumps them all. I'll call it the "George Washington Card." Now, before you conservatives jump on me for comparing Hillary Clinton to George Washington, let me explain. First of all, she is not George Washington. No way, no how - period. Second, by using that term, I am referring to George Washington's reaction to being asked to be president. He did not want to. After leading the Colonial Army, he was ready to retire from public life. He felt he had done his duty and enough for his country. It was time for somebody else to step up. However, he gave in and became the first president.

Times are not good in this country. The economy is in shambles and Obama's on the ropes. Here's the way I see Hillary successfully playing "The George Washington Card." She calls a surprise press conference. The press will jump all over it, and she'll get tons of exposure because they love the Clintons. Her speech would go something like, "Bill and I love our country dearly. We've both given 100% to serving it through the years. We are concerned and saddened by the fact that millions of our fellow Americans are out of work and hurting financially. The last two administrations have done nothing to ease the suffering. That is why after much prayer, soul searching, and talking it over between ourselves, our family, and our dear friends, we have decided that I will run for the presidency in 2012. It is not something that I particularly want to do, and I realize that I have previously said that I had no desire to run and would not run. I would prefer to spend time with my family. However, I love my country too much to stand by and watch it suffer and crumble. I have enjoyed many blessings and much success in my lifetime. Things that could only be experienced in America. My goal is to be part of the solution that gets America back on her feet so that the generations to come will have the opportunity to enjoy America's greatness as Bill and I have. We ask for your support as we begin this journey to put America back on the right track. Help us make America strong again." Game, set, and match. Stick a fork in Obummer because he would be done. Hillary could even shed a few tears or get choked up while giving the speech. Democrats and Independents would flock to her and Soros and others would pour money into her campaign coffers.

I did not vote for Bill Clinton either time and would not vote for Hillary. Like Obama, the Clinton's political views and mine are polar opposites. Even though Bill was a slimeball, he was an extremely popular slimeball for one reason - the economy was in pretty good shape when he was in office. The Clinton's are still very influential in Democratic circles. If Hillary were to get in the race with a gameplan similar to what I just laid out, she'd smoke Obama in the Democratic Primary. I could even see him pulling out early. Furthermore, I don't see any of the GOP'ers that have officially declared or still exploring their options beating her if she plays her cards as I have laid out. In fact, if the Republicans make the mistake of nominating a liberal such as Romney or Gingrich, Hillary wins the presidency easily. The only way a Republican even makes it close is if they nominate a constitutional and social conservative.

The question is, will she run ? Who knows, but I think it's possible especially if something bad were to happen in the near future, such as the economy take another nosedive. I think she holds a winning hand. However, if Hillary sticks to her guns and doesn't run and the Republicans nominate a liberal, Obama wins re-election. The Republicans are going to have to nominate a constitutional conservative in order to win back the presidency.

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• Mitt Romney: The 2012 Frontrunner Makes It Official (swampland.time.com)
• Cain makes strong showing in Iowa poll (kajunman.wordpress.com)
• Why Being Overshadowed in the Media Is Not a Bad Thing for Mitt Romney - Fox News (news.google.com)
• Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to Receive Marshall Foundation Award (prweb.com)
• Iowa Voter Tells Newt Gingrich 'Get Out Now' (themoderatevoice.com)