Good Night and Good Luck, Pt. 4 .....

It's another day ... and another departure for a friend of mine in West Texas television news. It's time to say good night and good luck, goodbye and God bless to Anisha Williams.

Anisha produced her final segment of NewsWest 9 Sunrise earlier this year, and since then has been working as a media specialist at Midland College. But now Anisha is making an even bigger move, beginning the month of September in a new job and a new town, producing for KSLA-TV, the CBS network affiliate in Shreveport, Louisiana.

It will be a homecoming of sorts ... Anisha came to West Texas from Louisiana, a graduate of the venerable Grambling State University. Like so many who come to this market, Anisha's a youngster ... well ... compared to someone as old as ME, she is. But she's also a hard worker and a quick learner ... and tackled some of the worst hours in local television news as morning show producer. This involved a lot more than just borrowing tapes from the previous night's ten o-clock broadcast, and re-writing the scripts to bring them up-to-date ... as Channel 9 expanded its coverage of overnight news developments, that meant more completely-new material to be produced for broadcast in the morning.

Anisha will need every one of those qualities in the months ahead, as she helps launch a new program - a 9:00 a.m. television news broadcast, with an online component, geared towards those who are turning their television on, or booting their computer up at this time in the morning. I have a good appreciation for the challenge she faces, having myself been a part of creating West Texas' first successful local morning news program, identifying an audience that did not yet exist, and crafting a product for them ... it wasn't always easy, but it sure was a blast.

So many, many times, when someone finds out I have worked in television, they will comment, 'there always seems to be a lot of turnover ... and they're absolutely right. West Texas/Southeast New Mexico is a small television market, and what we call a 'teaching market.' Young people come here from all over the country, fresh from journalism school or an internship (or an even smaller market). They gain some experience, hone their skills, develop their resumé and their contacts, and then move on to bigger and - it is hoped - better markets. It's the same for those off-camera, such as Anisha, whose work is appreciated every day ... but is seldom seen ... or given adequate credit.

Sure, you're glad for them when they get 'the call' ..... but there is some sadness too. You're sorry to see them go ..... but you wish them nothing but the best.

A good woman and a good friend ..... good night and good luck, Anisha.

What's With the Sports Blog? .....

I find myself surprised at the tone a local sports blog has taken towards the 2008 Summer Olympics.

While the MRT Sports Section covers sports (the stats and the facts), the MRT Sports Blog often covers sports phenomena (the observations and speculations) ... which can be every bit as interesting, and has made me a daily visitor.

But lately, we've had a divergence of opinion. Nothing wrong with that - it's one of the attractions of the blogosphere ... their blog and their opinion, my blog and my opinion. And differences-of-opinion notwithstanding, I plan to continue visiting their blog regularly.

"I have made it my personal goal not to watch a minute of the coverage," Oscar wrote in his latest post ... and I found that kind of sad. The alternatives he offers are things that can be done nearly every day, every year ... while the Summer Olympics come to us for just two weeks, once every four years, bringing together an incredible collection of the world's greatest young athletes. And thanks to the unprecedented depth and breadth of television (and online) coverage, and recording abilities, we can play with the kids, read a book, walk the dog, go to a ballgame ... and still have time to sit down and watch our favorite sport.

And even though the Olympics are no longer a Cold War battlefield (as Len noted in this post), there is still much to entertain and excite ...

... and to discover ... and to inspire. Younger Son has been tuning-in. An acquaintance of his from COM Aquatics is a coach on the U.S. gymnastics team, and he's hoping to catch a glimpse of him. And speaking of aquatics, Younger Son has been thrilled by what he has seen on television, and has asked about moving from rec swimming to team swimming ... Midland has a great program for that.

And not just swimming, either. Even though we've only seen previews of Olympic track-and-field, Younger Son already wants to give some of the throwing events a try now that he's entering junior high. Meanwhile, Elder Son - who's a soccer player, himself - has been enjoying that competition, a fresh round of 'international friendlies' that only occurs once every four years.

And not just sports, either. The opening ceremony - for all its lip-syncing and computer embellishments - was pretty spectacular ... and don't just take my word for it. China's pulling-out all the stops to market itself to the world ... and even taking all the propaganda into account, it's been effective. Both my boys have asked me about my own trip to southeast Asia, earlier this year, and what it was like. They have also expressed an interest in going there themselves someday, following the paths trod by their father and their grandfather ...

... someday, maybe they will.

For all this and more, I must respectfully disagree with the proprietors of the MRT Sports Blog ... whether you're a fan of sports in particular, or an observer of the human race in general ... casual or fanatical ... there is something to enjoy at the Summer Olympics. Tune-in or log-in ... even if just for a little while.

A Prayer for Zoie .....

The pages of Sounding Forth are often filled with hilarious accounts of Janie's four-legged friends and their escapades ... but not today.

In this latest post, Janie tells us, "We lost our precious, curious, crazy, makeuslaughtilwecried with her antics, Zoie the Wonder Pup around 7:20 a.m. Tuesday morning."

Dog-owners, of course, will understand what Janie's going through right now ... but so would anyone who can appreciate that specially-shaped void in our heart that is filled so very well by a special companion, whatever form that companion might take.

Although, statistics report, the cat has supplanted the dog as the #1 pet of choice, it's hard to imagine the dog ever relinquishing the title of 'Man's Best Friend.' The dog is our oldest friend, as well ... the first to cross over that intangible line and join us in the realm of domestication ... and the stories of devotion between human and canine are legion, ranging from "Ol' Yeller" and "Greyfriar's Bobby" to Ulysses' "Argus" and the residents of Clifford Simak's "City."

"The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog," said George Vest, in 1855, speaking to a jury that was hearing a lawsuit brought by a man whose dog had been killed. "When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings, and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Vest's closing argument to the jury ... Then, take a moment to say a prayer for Zoie the Wonder Pup, her family and her friends ...

The Summer of Daniel .....

As summer winds down and preparations for fall crank up, many of us at Midland College are getting ready for thousands of arrivals, and one departure.

That one departure, though, is a significant one ... Dr. David Daniel is stepping down as President of Midland College, effective in mid-August. This will bring an end to seventeen years as one of West Texas' top educators, and the longest tenure of any of our three MC presidents ...

... by whatever standard you apply, it has been a remarkable tenure. Following in the footsteps of Al Langford and Jess Parrish, David Daniel has taken an active and imaginative role in developing this school and the community it serves.

It was during his tenure that the Davidson Distinguished Lecture and Cowan Performing Arts series were inaugurated; that a bachelor's degree program was added to the curriculum; that the Cogdell Center was established in south Midland and the Advanced Technical Center in midtown; that the Williams Regional Technical Training Center was established in Fort Stockton; and a multi-million-dollar bond issue was passed to fund a campus-wide program of renovation and new construction ...

... and those are just a few of the high points.

Not surprisingly, people are sharing a lot of 'Dr. Daniel stories.' Here's mine ...

One of the more remarkable job interviews I ever took part in, was with Dr. Daniel, which took place earlier this year. I had returned to the United States just 24 hours earlier, and most of me was still operating on Thailand-time when I went in to interview with a committee for a job at MC. This was followed by a second interview with Dr. Daniel, in his office, accompanied by Dr. Eileen Piwetz, one of the college's VP's. We found Dr. Daniel at his desk, writing 'thank you' notes to a list of people who had participated in some college function - he set that aside, and the interview began.

He noted that I was born and raised in the east, and we talked about that some, and about his own experience 'back east.' He also noted that my resume included a stint as editor of the newspaper in Fort Stockton - a community with which he was very familiar - and we talked about that, and about mutual acquaintances we shared. But then we turned to my college transcripts, and he noted a bad grade I earned in "Human Evolution" almost 30 years ago at the University of New Mexico, and we talked about that. (So remember, kids, when someone warns you about a "permanent mark on your academic record," they mean it!)

Then it was Dr. Daniel's turn to talk, and he shared with me his vision of Midland College, and what he expected of the people who worked there ... paused for moment, then said, "and welcome aboard." I'm afraid I did a double-take, like something you see in the cartoons, before I finally got around to realizing I was hired.

My tenure under Dr. Daniel has been a brief one ... but I am genuinely glad we were able to connect. In just this short time, I have come to appreciate the role he has played in nurturing the community college community of which I have become a part.

Thank you, Dr. Daniel ... good luck and God bless.

哇 .....

Looking for a good action-packed, summertime popcorn-churner, we gave "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" a try this weekend ... we'll try again next weekend.

The operative word here is "good" ... some things about this film - the third in "The Mummy" franchise - were good, a couple were very good, and others weren't good at all.

The CAST was all of the above ... Brendan Fraser and John Hannah reprise their roles from the first two films, and they were good. Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh - both giants of Chinese cinema's new-generation wuxia films - appear in this third go-round, and they are very good. Also appearing this time are Maria Bello and Luke Ford, and they weren't good at all.

SETTING? Very good, with plenty of location shooting in China. SCRIPT? Not so good - cluttered at times and scattered-about at others. SPECIAL EFFECTS? Very, VERY good.

The trailers have given you some idea of what to expect from the film ... but be prepared for some even better moments - at least while the CG characters are filling the screen.

So, yeah ... go see it ... but maybe do it during matinee hours and save a few bucks.

A Prayer for the Wonder Dog .....

Janie at Sounding Forth is asking us to Please Pray for Zack, the Wonder Dog. While you're at it, will you also lift up Zack's vet in your prayers, not to mention Janie and the rest of Zack's family?

Somehow, "Thanks!" Doesn't Seem Adequate .....

... but there it is, nonetheless ... "THANKS!" to everyone who did their part is making Blogging for Fair Havens such a success. As of this morning, the 24-hour event had raised $10,554 (and counting) for the local transitional housing facility, exceeding the goal that had been set while the blogathon was in its planning stages.

... so, for lack of a better word, "THANKS!" ...

Thanks to Jimmy of Sticky Doorknobs, who organized this year's event.

Thanks to the members of West Texas' blogging community who provided virtual and actual support for this year's event - Jimmy, J.P. of Bleu Chocolate, Wallace of Streams, George of Sleepless In Midland, Janie of Sounding Forth and Ospurt of Opus Musings and Jessica's Well.

Thanks to Eric at Fire Ant Gazette. It is Eric who provided the original inspiration and direction for this annual event, and is deserving of some of the credit for this year's success.

Thanks to all the media for their participation - television, radio, newspaper ... they were all represented at some point or another during the blogathon, and doing their part to raise awareness and funds.

Thanks to the Fair Havens staff and volunteers who supported our efforts and contributed so much of the sweat equity needed to build a successful fundraising effort.

And A VERY BIG THANKS to the people of West Texas - and beyond! - who dug down and contributed $10,554 (and counting) to this year's blogathon. "Thanks!" hardly seems adequate for acknowledging how the donors came through ... but there it is, nonetheless.

BfFH: Ospurt's Turn .....

Warming-up in the batter's circle to take his turn as a BfFH Guest Blogger is Ospurt of Opus Musings and Jessica's Well.

The 2008 edition of Blogging for Fair Havens is now under way, and we hope you'll be a part of the fun and the fundraising. The actual/virtual event takes place over 24 hours, from 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26th, thru 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 27th in the parking lot of Midland H.E.B. near the intersection of Wadley and N. Midkiff.
And remember, blogging throughout the event will be Jimmy of Sticky Doorknobs and J.P. at Bleu Chocolate. Be sure to check-in with them as well.

BfFH: Janie's Turn .....

Warming-up in the batter's circle to take her turn as a BfFH Guest Blogger is Janie of Sounding Forth.

The 2008 edition of Blogging for Fair Havens is now under way, and we hope you'll be a part of the fun and the fundraising. The actual/virtual event takes place over 24 hours, from 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26th, thru 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 27th in the parking lot of Midland H.E.B. near the intersection of Wadley and N. Midkiff.
And remember, blogging throughout the event will be Jimmy of Sticky Doorknobs and J.P. at Bleu Chocolate. Be sure to check-in with them as well.

BfFH: George's Turn .....

Warming-up in the batter's circle to take his turn as a BfFH Guest Blogger is George of Sleepless in Midland.

The 2008 edition of Blogging for Fair Havens is now under way, and we hope you'll be a part of the fun and the fundraising. The actual/virtual event takes place over 24 hours, from 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26th, thru 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 27th in the parking lot of Midland H.E.B. near the intersection of Wadley and N. Midkiff.
And remember, blogging throughout the event will be Jimmy of Sticky Doorknobs and J.P. at Bleu Chocolate. Be sure to check-in with them as well.

BfFH: Wallace's Turn .....

Warming-up in the batter's circle to take his turn as a BfFH Guest Blogger is Wallace of Streams.

The 2008 edition of Blogging for Fair Havens is now under way, and we hope you'll be a part of the fun and the fundraising. The actual/virtual event takes place over 24 hours, from 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26th, thru 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 27th in the parking lot of Midland H.E.B. near the intersection of Wadley and N. Midkiff.
And remember, blogging throughout the event will be Jimmy of Sticky Doorknobs and J.P. at Bleu Chocolate. Be sure to check-in with them as well.

BfFH: Handoff .....

The 2008 edition of Blogging for Fair Havens is now under way in the parking lot of the Midland H.E.B. We hope you'll be a part of the fun and the fundraising ... but now it's time for a handoff.

Blogging for Fair Havens takes place over 24 hours, from 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26th, thru 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 27th in the parking lot of Midland H.E.B. near the intersection of Wadley and N. Midkiff.

Me? I'm wrapping up my shift on on ArchaeoTexture and heading over to West Texas Missioner.

See you there.

BfFH: The Photo Man .....

The 2008 edition of Blogging for Fair Havens is now under way in the parking lot of the Midland H.E.B. We hope you'll be a part of the fun and the fundraising, take a moment to "meet and greet the neighbors" around West Texas' corner of the blogosphere, and be a part of what's turning into a multi-media event.

One reason for that is the participation of J.P. Hearn of Bleu Chocolate. For the next 24 hours, he will be shooting photos of Blogging for Fair Havens, which takes place over 24 hours, from 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26th, thru 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 27th in the parking lot of Midland H.E.B. near the intersection of Wadley and N. Midkiff.
J.P. will be here, shooting and blogging throughout the event. Me? I'm going to put in a short shift on Saturday. I'll be blogging on ArchaeoTexture from 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. Then I'll continue blogging on West Texas Missioner.

"Fair Havens opened its doors as a transitional housing program in Midland a little over 10 years ago. In October of 1997, executive director DiAnn Koehl set up her office in a ranch style house on Andrews Highway. She began developing the program, furnishing that 4-bedroom house while continuing to raise funds needed to support the ministry."

"This faith-based organization gives women in a broken relationship a place to call home for a couple of years while they find their way again. It gives them and it gives their children a security they may have never had. And it gives the women who are taken in an opportunity to achieve a higher education so that when they do complete the program, they can go out on their own and be the success many of them know they can be."

A good cause, providing for a genuine need in our community ... and it shouldn't be any surprise that a wide variety of West Texas' blogging community wants to do their part to help. They will include Jimmy, J.P. Hearn of Bleu Chocolate, Wallace Craig of Streams, George Johns of Sleepless In Midland, Janie Snelson of Sounding Forth and Ospurt of Jessica's Well ...

You can go to the Blogging for Fair Havens link for a bloggers schedule, as well as a preview of everything else going on during this very-special 24 hours.

BfFH: The Sleepless Man .....

The 2008 edition of Blogging for Fair Havens is now under way in the parking lot of the Midland H.E.B. We hope you'll be a part of the fun and the fundraising ... and take a moment to "meet and greet the neighbors" around West Texas' corner of the blogosphere.

One of our virtual/actual participants in this, the latest "actual gathering of virtual acquaintances," is George of Sleepless in Midland. The occasion is Blogging for Fair Havens, which takes place over 24 hours, from 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26th, thru 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 27th in the parking lot of Midland H.E.B. near the intersection of Wadley and N. Midkiff.
Me? I'm going to put in a short shift on Saturday. I'll be blogging on ArchaeoTexture from 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. Then I'll continue blogging on West Texas Missioner. George takes his turn in a couple of shifts later this weekend.

"Fair Havens opened its doors as a transitional housing program in Midland a little over 10 years ago. In October of 1997, executive director DiAnn Koehl set up her office in a ranch style house on Andrews Highway. She began developing the program, furnishing that 4-bedroom house while continuing to raise funds needed to support the ministry."

"This faith-based organization gives women in a broken relationship a place to call home for a couple of years while they find their way again. It gives them and it gives their children a security they may have never had. And it gives the women who are taken in an opportunity to achieve a higher education so that when they do complete the program, they can go out on their own and be the success many of them know they can be."

A good cause, providing for a genuine need in our community ... and it shouldn't be any surprise that a wide variety of West Texas' blogging community wants to do their part to help. They will include Jimmy, J.P. Hearn of Bleu Chocolate, Wallace Craig of Streams, George Johns of Sleepless In Midland, Janie Snelson of Sounding Forth and Ospurt of Jessica's Well ...

... I'm definitely trading-up this weekend.

You can go to the Blogging for Fair Havens link for a bloggers schedule, as well as a preview of everything else going on during this very-special 24 hours.

BfFH: The Main Man .....

The 2008 edition of Blogging for Fair Havens is now under way in the parking lot of the Midland H.E.B. We hope you'll be a part of the fun and the fundraising ... and take a moment to the thank "the main man" in this effort.

Our host for this, the latest "actual gathering of virtual acquaintances," is Jimmy of Sticky Doorknobs and the occasion is Blogging for Fair Havens, which takes place over 24 hours, from 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26th, thru 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 27th in the parking lot of Midland H.E.B. near the intersection of Wadley and N. Midkiff.

Jimmy will be here, blogging, the entire time. Me? I'm going to put in a short shift on Saturday. I'll be blogging on ArchaeoTexture from 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. Then I'll continue blogging on West Texas Missioner.

"Fair Havens opened its doors as a transitional housing program in Midland a little over 10 years ago. In October of 1997, executive director DiAnn Koehl set up her office in a ranch style house on Andrews Highway. She began developing the program, furnishing that 4-bedroom house while continuing to raise funds needed to support the ministry."

"This faith-based organization gives women in a broken relationship a place to call home for a couple of years while they find their way again. It gives them and it gives their children a security they may have never had. And it gives the women who are taken in an opportunity to achieve a higher education so that when they do complete the program, they can go out on their own and be the success many of them know they can be."

A good cause, providing for a genuine need in our community ... and it shouldn't be any surprise that a wide variety of West Texas' blogging community wants to do their part to help. They will include Jimmy, J.P. Hearn of Bleu Chocolate, Wallace Craig of Streams, George Johns of Sleepless In Midland, Janie Snelson of Sounding Forth and Ospurt of Jessica's Well ...

... I'm definitely trading-up this weekend.

You can go to the Blogging for Fair Havens link for a bloggers schedule, as well as a preview of everything else going on during this very-special 24 hours.

BfFH: Kickoff .....

Annnnnd werrrrrre off! The 2008 edition of Blogging for Fair Havens is now under way in the parking lot of the Midland H.E.B. We hope you'll be a part of the fun and the fundraising.

At the beginning of the latest - and what promises to be the longest - "actual gathering of virtual acquaintances," I am joining Jimmy of Sticky Doorknobs at Blogging for Fair Havens, which takes place over 24 hours, from 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26th, thru 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 27th in the parking lot of Midland H.E.B. near the intersection of Wadley and N. Midkiff.

Jimmy will be here, blogging, the entire time. Me? I'm going to put in a short shift on Saturday. I'll be blogging on ArchaeoTexture from 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. Then I'll continue blogging on West Texas Missioner from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

Blogging for Fair Havens This Weekend .....

Just a reminder that Blogging for Fair Havens kicks-off in less than 24 hours in the parking lot of the Midland H.E.B. We hope you'll be a part of the fun and the fundraising.

If one is truly judged by the company one keeps, then I should come out of this coming weekend looking pretty good ... probably better than I deserve.

In another actual gathering of virtual acquaintances, I will be joining Jimmy of Sticky Doorknobs at Blogging for Fair Havens, which takes place over 24 hours, from 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26th, thru 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 27th in the parking lot of Midland H.E.B. near the intersection of Wadley and N. Midkiff.

Jimmy will be there, blogging, the entire time. Me? I'm going to put in a short shift on Saturday. I'll be blogging on ArchaeoTexture from 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. Then I'll continue blogging on West Texas Missioner from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

According to Jimmy, "Fair Havens opened its doors as a transitional housing program in Midland a little over 10 years ago. In October of 1997, executive director DiAnn Koehl set up her office in a ranch style house on Andrews Highway. She began developing the program, furnishing that 4-bedroom house while continuing to raise funds needed to support the ministry."

"This faith-based organization gives women in a broken relationship a place to call home for a couple of years while they find their way again. It gives them and it gives their children a security they may have never had. And it gives the women who are taken in an opportunity to achieve a higher education so that when they do complete the program, they can go out on their own and be the success many of them know they can be."

A good cause, providing for a genuine need in our community ... and it shouldn't be any surprise that a wide variety of West Texas' blogging community wants to do their part to help. They will include Jimmy, J.P. Hearn of Bleu Chocolate, Wallace Craig of Streams, George Johns of Sleepless In Midland, Janie Snelson of Sounding Forth and Ospurt of Jessica's Well ...

... I'm definitely trading-up this weekend.

You can go to the Blogging for Fair Havens link for a bloggers schedule, as well as a preview of everything else going on during this very-special 24 hours.

The Company We Keep .....

If one is truly judged by the company one keeps, then I should come out of this coming weekend looking pretty good ... probably better than I deserve.

In another actual gathering of virtual acquaintances, I will be joining Jimmy of Sticky Doorknobs at Blogging for Fair Havens, which takes place over 24 hours, from 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26th, thru 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 27th in the parking lot of Midland H.E.B. near the intersection of Wadley and N. Midkiff.

Jimmy will be there, blogging, the entire time. Me? I'm going to put in a short shift on Saturday. I'll be blogging on ArchaeoTexture from 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. Then I'll continue blogging on West Texas Missioner from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

According to Jimmy, "Fair Havens opened its doors as a transitional housing program in Midland a little over 10 years ago. In October of 1997, executive director DiAnn Koehl set up her office in a ranch style house on Andrews Highway. She began developing the program, furnishing that 4-bedroom house while continuing to raise funds needed to support the ministry."

"This faith-based organization gives women in a broken relationship a place to call home for a couple of years while they find their way again. It gives them and it gives their children a security they may have never had. And it gives the women who are taken in an opportunity to achieve a higher education so that when they do complete the program, they can go out on their own and be the success many of them know they can be."

A good cause, providing for a genuine need in our community ... and it shouldn't be any surprise that a wide variety of West Texas' blogging community wants to do their part to help. They will include Jimmy, J.P. Hearn of Bleu Chocolate, Wallace Craig of Streams, George Johns of Sleepless In Midland, Janie Snelson of Sounding Forth and Ospurt of Jessica's Well ...

... I'm definitely trading-up this weekend.

You can go to the Blogging for Fair Havens link for a bloggers schedule, as well as a preview of everything else going on during this very-special 24 hours.

On the Road Again .....

Midland's mobile, missionioning blog, "Postcards from the Edge," is on the road again, this time enroute to ... well, it's a mystery.

Postcards' Todd Wyrick, Minister of Youth at First Presbyterian Church of Midland, will be keeping us posted on developments as he, 65 junior high students and 10 adult leaders embark on the 2008 edition of Mystery Ramble, the latest chapter in his online journal of FPC's 2008 summer program, especially journeys by our youth as they travel Texas and the United States in service and ministry, in fellowship and fun.

Reaching Out to Midland's Liberal Base .....

Inspired by a similar move taken a few weeks back by Wallace at Streams, I am tossing my virtual hat into the political ring. In the words of Cowtown Pattie at Texas Trifles, another of my esteemed opponents in the upcoming election, "Why the Hell Not?"