Less that one week to go!

Tuesday, November forth is almost here, and all the campaigning will be over.

The future of our country and it's reputation is at stake.

Please . . . pray, and meditate deeply to come to a responsible decision as to the candidate of your choice.

Once you have done that - get out and vote - no matter what. Don't let your chance to make a choice go to waste.

Encourage everyone you know who is eligible, to get out and cast a ballot. It's a fundamental right, and a privilege to vote.

Thank You!

"I approve this message."

Rocky Mountain High!

Now I see why John Denver wrote the song "Rocky Mountain High."

I am on a high with all this picturesque scenery, and it's not from the altitude. There is so much to see and to appreciate of this country's natural beauty. I wish that I could continue the trek through the park to the other side, but the road is closed for the season . . . snow and ice have already been acculmulating forcing the road closure. The temperature is also quite brisk, with the winds creating a very cold 'breeze.'

We will return to Rocky Mountain National Park for the third and final time (this trip) on Tuesday 10/28, and on Wednesday will travel to Colorado Springs (on our return trip home) and see Pike's Peak and The Garden of the Gods.

By the way, If you are 62 or older, you can purchase a 'Senior Pass' for $10 which will grant you access to ANY national park or monument FREE for LIFE! What a bargain. I've waited all my life to become a Senior Citizen . . . . and to get all the discounts.

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Cut the crap and end the bullsh*t!

Enough of the negatives! Let's deal with facts only.

Snopes.com delineates that the information about Barack Obama not wearing a flag pin and not saluting the flag is FALSE!

Check it out at the link below:

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/stance.asp

I personally have had my fill of all the negative campaigning and mud-slinging going on out there; adding false allegations and inflammatory statements from the internet to the mix is inappropriate in the process of electing someone to the highest office in our fine land.

I have examined all the facts, policies, and proposals being set forth by all the candidates and have based my decision as to whom I am casting my ballot - ON THE FACTS!

Please, do the same; and take a moment to delve deep into your heart, and meditate upon which individual is the best one to lead our country for the next four years. Give serious consideration to asking for Divine Guidance as well.

This is no time to to act upon falsehoods and misinformation. Don't toss away your privilege to vote based upon B.S.

I fought for this right - Don't let me down!

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Omaha, Nebraska - Home of Boys Town

On my way west, I stopped in Boys Town in Omaha. I had no idea how extensive their organization is. My Grandfather was a staunch contributor to them and over the years I had forgotten about them. Since visiting Boys Town and observing how they help boys AND girls, I am going to add them to my list of donations.

Check them out at:

www.boystown.org

I spent over an hour touring their campus. I wish I had more time to really see what they can do to help our youth. Consider adding Boys Town to your donation list.

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The BEST Prime Rib - Ever!

Located in Des Moines, Iowa is The Big Steer Restaurant, home of the BEST PRIME RIB - Ever! They have knocked Boone's Long Lake Inn of Traverse City, Michigan to number three on my list of great beef servers. (Ruth Chris' Steak Houses remain at position number two)

Despite a one hour wait (always a sign of a great eatery), it was well worth it. The hospitality of the staff was fantastic and very friendly. We were guaranteed a good meal when they found out we were just passing through - and it was true. The house dressing on the salad - Creamy Garlic Parmesan (homemade) - was extremely tasty; the Au Gratin Potatoes with chunks of ham delighted my palate (since I can no longer enjoy the same dish from now-defunct Bill Knapp's); and needless to say, the main entree, the Prime Rib, was a savorful sensation to my taste buds!

Should you ever have the opportunity to be passing through Des Moines on I-80, be sure to make a point to enjoy the proper serving of beef . . . in corn fed beef country.

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"Fall Color Tour"

"The Cranky Old Guy" is going to be away on a color tour as I head west to Colorado, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Mount Rushmore.

Depending upon my mood and whim, I may or may not post until I return.

See 'ya!

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Automotive Test Tracks

Why is it that the auto makers spend lots of bucks building these elaborate test tracks to check the endurance of their products, when they can just drive around the Grand Rapids area?

We have all the obstacles needed to put a vehicle through it's paces:
- Potholes and crevices to test springs and suspensions.
- Traffic pylons, construction barrels and road barricades to test steering and brakes.
- Insane drivers and their vehicles to check out collision avoidance systems.
- Opportunities to measure maximum damage capabilities of a car or truck.
- Extreme weather to assess an automobile's ability to survive rain, snow, cold, heat and rust.
- Curves and hills to determine the stability of traction and steering systems.
- Plentiful sites to examine the maximum stress on a wallet to pay high parking rates.
- Numerous locations to observe the maximum price of gasoline.
- Enough routes to experiment on the amount of stress caused when trying to get from here to there without encountering any type of road construction projects.

I would suggest to those in local government, propose to the auto manufacturers that they save money and send their cars and trucks here to be tested. Think of all the gravel and concrete that would be saved in the construction of those test tracks, and the opportunities presented for these vehicles to be checked out in 'REAL WORLD' scenarios.

And Grand Rapids is just a few hours away from the Automotive Capitol of the World . . . Asia!

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Notre Dame rolls on!

Charlie Weis is proving that he can develop a great football team. Look at how they played against Stanford last week - a WIN! 28 to 21.

This week the Fighting Irish take on North Carolina.

Go Irish!