The earth may be getting a second sun temporarily. The star Betelgeuse, pronounced BeetleJuice, could go supernova at any time. The second brightest star in Orion’s belt is running out of life. It has been expanding in size, much like our own sun will do in the future. Once it runs out of fuel it could just collapse or go supernova, in which case, it would light up almost as bright as our current sun. We would actually have two suns for a few weeks. And when the star is in the night sky, it would light the sky up like daylight. Some parts of the Earth would have 24 hours of daylight for a few weeks.
Betelgeuse has grown exponentially brighter over that last few decades, and experts say a supernova could happen at anytime. The explosion could simply cause a Neutron star or could even form a black hole. The star is only 630 light years away. Which is next door in cosmic terms. That distance has been debated for centuries however. The star is constantly pulsating in brightness which makes it very hard to determine its distance.
The star could have already exploded. The light we see from the star is 630 years old. If it happens to go supernova in our life time, it would truly be a sight to behold.

The Little Car That Can

            “Gonna take your little foreign car?” are the words uttered by my teenage nephew anytime my Hyundai Elantra is brought up. This little car has caused me grief since I got it but much thought went into its purchase. When searching for the car I had to take many factors into consideration but the main aspects had to be price, gas mileage, warranty, and appearance.

After looking at several cars I determined that the average new car price was around $30,000.00. The fact that my job title is Police Officer, I knew that would be a price that I would have to beat. I set my personal goal to stay below $20,000. With the Elantra, I found a list price of $14,145.00 and that was a great savings from my budgeted amount. To make the list price even more attractive, I learned the Hyundai also offered a $1500.00 rebate that would give even more savings. In the end, there was no other vehicle that could provide the items I was looking for in that price range.

With soaring gas prices and my excessive amount of travel, I was certain that I must find a car that could offer gas mileage that exceeded the average. The 23 mpg average of cars was not something that my wallet was prepared to dish out. The Elantra had a sticker on the window displaying that is averaged 34 mpg on the highway. The fact that I had drove a pick up most of my adult life made me find this amazing. It immediately caught my attention as a major pro for the purchase of the vehicle. Since purchasing the car I have checked the mileage for myself and found it to actually be around 40 mpg. I have often challenged my nephew that is so critical of my foreign car to put $20.00 of gas in his truck and the same in mine to see who can go further.  He has declined that challenge to date.

Obviously the fact that I put countless miles on my vehicles would make the warranty a very important factor. Hyundai Motors has a warranty that is second to none in the industry. There are many warranties on the market but 30,000 miles seems to be the normal standard. The warranty that was listed on my car included a 5 year / 50,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty and a 100,000 mile power train warranty. Since purchasing the car in August of 2010, I have not had to make use of that warranty and my car has reached 47,000 miles. However, I have had a mental sense of security that has lasted and will continue to last with the vehicle.

The Elantra was easily exceeding my expectations in all of the major particulars that I had determined to be important. There was only one area that was giving me issues. This car was small, very “nerdy” looking, and almost looked cheap in some areas. The look of this car did not match my personality at all. Being an outdoors man, I knew that this car was not practical for many of the things I have always done with my vehicle. I had to figure out where I was going to put a fishing pole in that thing. There was also the fact that all my friends drive trucks and this car would be very out of place when parked amongst their vehicles. Although my car didn’t have to look “cool”, I wasn’t sure that I would feel very manly in this car.

While the appearance was an issue for me, I could not forget the other features that beat my standards by a long shot. The decision had to be based on something more meaningful that my fears of looking like a nerd. I sucked up my pride and made the decision to purchase the Elantra. The decision I feel was the correct one for me at the time. All of the promises made by the Hyundai Corporation were fulfilled in this vehicle. I still get the occasional jabs from my “cool” nephew Andrew, but that’s to be expected. Someday he will grow up and have to get a family vehicle. I will be there to rub it in his face.

Survey on Taxation

            The following is a report on a survey that was conducted on 11-15-2011 among twenty adults of different backgrounds in Southeast Missouri. The ages of the persons surveyed ranged between nineteen to forty five years of age. The survey asked participants a variety of questions regarding taxation in relation to what each individual felt about various areas of spending and policies. Taxation issues are a particular hot topic in today’s economy and seem to be a focal point in the upcoming election. This survey will allow the reader to compare the results of participants to their own personal views.

The first section in the survey asked participants to write why they felt that Americans often complain about taxes. Many of the responses included a notation that the participant felt taxes were too high. 8 of the responses stated that the current tax policies were unfair and favored one group over another. It should be noted that most believed it was the middle class Americans that were cheated in the process. References were also made to the fact that the middle class seems to be supporting the lower class due to many abusing the government welfare systems. One participant in particular made the point that middle class Americans take on additional jobs to make sure they provide adequately for their family which puts them into higher tax brackets while the lower class get the earned income type tax credits.

The second section of the survey listed various areas of governmental spending and asked the participants to rate the item on a scale that included much needed, necessary, and least needed. The results of the responses varied on many issues with the exception of corporate welfare and public assistance, and in both of those categories least needed held a prominent majority. The following is a table with percentages in relation to the responses of the survey.

The third portion of the survey asked participants to provide their opinion on what most Americans believe on 4 topics including knowledge of taxation, health insurance regulation, tax code revisions, and the Federal Reserve Board. The majority (90%) believe that Americans need to know more about the expenditures of our taxes. On health insurance regulation, 55% of participants stated that they believed most Americans supported regulation of insurance companies’ premiums and practices. 60% believed that Americans needed more information to decide whether to agree or disagree with President Obama’s proposed tax code revisions. 18 of 20 also stated that they do not believe most Americans are well informed about the Federal Reserve Board.

The final question represented possibly one of the biggest controversies in politics today. Participants were asked to rate the how they felt social classes were treated in the amount of taxes paid. The following chart displays the results of that question.

ACTUAL CHART WILL NOT LOAD IN THIS PROGRAM SO HERE IS A TABLE WITH THE RESULTS:

This survey indicated that Americans vary in their opinions on taxation. It is very important for Americans to get educated on the topic so that when it comes time to vote they will be prepared to make the best decision. Often times tax decisions are all about partisan politics rather than education. Differences of opinions are not necessarily a bad thing and are a privilege we are all afforded as Americans.

The Reformations Effect on Culture

            The Reformation was responsible for many changes in the world that still affect people of today. Without the Reformation it is impossible to know what the world would be today. The Reformation affected the idea’s of  worship, science, education, and work ethics.

            Congregational singing was another item that emerged from the Reformation and has had a lasting impression on culture and religion of today. I personally have never been to a church service that there were not hymns of praise sang aloud. So therefore I would say that this is an important remnant of the Reformation.

            The discipline of Science is also a fruit of the Reformation. Astronomy was seen as a glimpse of God’s glory. Dr. Peter Hammond stated in his column on “Frontline Fellowship” that “ When we get into a car, start the engine, turn on the lights, drive to the hospital, receive an anaesthetic before an operation, and have an effective operation done in a germ free environment, we need to remember that we owe it to the Reformation”.

            The roots of education for the common person traces all the way back to the Reformation. Christianity is known as a teaching religion. All but 3 of the first universities in the world were Christian and the list included Harvard, Yale, Princeton, etc. The Reformation also produced some of the most well known literature of all time. William Shakespeare is considered one of the writers that created that work.

            Great industrial advances were also a product of the Reformation. Protestants were known for a great work ethic. This work ethic translated into great prosperity in Western Europe.

            The Reformation in Europe during the 16^th century changed culture in many ways that I cant begin to list in this paper. It gave us a bible (now freely available in our own language), the principles of religious freedom, liberty of conscience, the rule of law, separation of power, and many others.

Ok I am absolutely irate about this issue of the Keystone pipeline project that is estimated to create 1000′s of jobs. All the tree hugging environmentalist that have helped in running off jobs are getting there way again. HEY RETARDS we are not going to be able to enjoy nature if our ass’s have starved to death because no jobs to make money to feed our families.

Obama’s motive however is PURELY politics. He freaking knows that if he acts now and allows the pipeline he will loose the leaf licking radical votes and if he does not allow the pipeline he will loose the votes of people who want jobs in America. ITS ALL ABOUT THE DAM ELECTION.

Ok yea I am pissed and I think its time to do whats right to get our economy back in gear. Start by dis-banning the EPA and acting with a little reason.

BETTER OPTION: VOTE HERMAN CAIN PRESIDENT!!!!!!

Presidential Hopeful Herman Cain is tired of answering questions about the sexual allegation charges that were brought up on him over ten years ago. It is presumed he is in favor of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Cain was recently quoted as saying, “That shit was last century, come off it, Dog”.

He has been advised not to talk about the old allegations, but everyone keeps asking about them anyways. Cain was also quoted as saying, “Once your on the Cain train, you don’t get off”. So the liberal media needs to get off his case. His choo choo is full and it’s left the station. If these allegations were an unpaid loan, they’ve past the statute of limitations. An adviser to Cain said, “It’s too late now, Nana Nana Boo Boo.” when questioned about the charges.
Cain’s accusers need to be silenced. A cabinet seat might be a good call. It worked out well for Condy Rice, under President Bush.

Carl Edwards - Driver of #99 Rousch Fenway Ford

The dictionary defines a sport as an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others. So I guess if you look at the definition it is easy to determine what a “sport” is.

Anyone who knows me can tell you I am an avid NASCAR fan. Man I catch a lot of hell for it too. I get the whole “they make me dizzy going in circles” and “there making a left turn” crap all the time. There is no doubt that NASCAR is a sport. Many of the drivers are as physically fit as players in stick and ball sports.

Golf – Hell I dont know what you call this. Walking to the bathroom is physical exertion to me so I guess walking around a golf course hitting balls would be a sport too.

Fishing / Hunting – Of course thats a sport. If you dont believe there is physical exertion your NUTS. A lots of work goes into the perfect catch or kill. A there is also a great competition. Everyone wants to have the biggest catch.

Anyone have any comments or other “sports” that you want to debate? I will be glad to give my two cents. haha

Has anyone else noticed how extreme partisan politics has become over the last decade? I personally think the Republicans have went bat shit crazy since the last election. And I’m not the only one.

Pat Robertson, Televisions Bat Shit Crazy Christian Personality,  believes the Republican Party has become too extreme. And I’m talking about the man that had this to say about a man whose wife became ill with Alzheimer’s Disease.

“I know it sounds cruel, but if he’s going to do something, he should divorce her and start all over again, but make sure she has custodial care and somebody looking after her.”

He thinks that the GOP Candidates have taken such a radically right position that it is going to cost them the election. I hope they aren’t listening. They usually aren’t.

Doing so would surpass the epic Democratic failure to push Little Bush out of office in 2004. It’s no secret that the Tea Party is sticking to their guns on the issues that matter most to them. That’s a great thing in some ways, but it’s also like trying to have a one sided conversation with a wall. That’s not a good thing when it comes to politics. Their job is to represent the people but also to have an open dialog with their constituents. Without that dialog, nothing is going to get accomplished in congress.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Netflix has a wonderful collection of video’s about a wide array of subjects. I am currently watching videos on the Revolutionary War. As this is what we are currently studying in my history class. I find these things very interesting and think a good knowledge of history would help people in the modern world realize just how well we have it.  So if you have Netflix I would recommend watching some of the History Channel documentaries. I am positive you will find something that interest you.

Here is my latest paper in the works:

Smoking for What?

            When the final bell rang to end the long school day I expected, as usual, that it was time to go about enjoying life in the free world. The walk home was spent thinking of all the possibilities the evening would hold. However, upon entering the door at the house it was immediately obvious that this would be a day that was far from the usual. There sat many of my closest family members who all had a look of complete sadness on their face. It was obvious to me that I was about to be hit with horrible news. I took me a seat and prepared emotionally for what I was about to hear. My father was informing the family that he had been to the doctor and received horrible news. He was informed that he had Larynx Cancer and possibly wasn’t far from death. Dad explained the procedures that were about to take place and the risks that were associated with each. Dad took then took the opportunity to give a lecture to everyone there about smoking. Dad had smoked nearly all his life and at age 60 that meant a long time.

For the next few years of my life the temptation to smoke was easy to resist. All I had to do was sit and think about the horrible treatment and eventual surgery that resulted in my dad losing his voice box. However peer pressure would eventually take over. The American Cancer Society says that about 20% of high school students smoke cigarettes. I honestly believe it was at a higher level when I was in high school. Most of my friends smoked and it was common for there to be several students sneaking to the rear of the school at lunch to smoke. At age 15 I finally caved in started my career as a smoker.

As an adult smoker I have tried to quit several times. I find it amazing how something as small as a cigarette can have that much control of one’s life. I have spent countless hours trying to find that perfect product that will assist in the process. I have tried “cold turkey” but that is next to impossible for me. I would break out in sweats, shake uncontrollably, and all I could do was think about smoking. Even after several failed attempts with this method it seems that I still try it about once a year.

I have gone on to try nearly every over the counter product on the market. They all had the same effect on me. At first they would work great but as the time went on it would get tougher and tougher to deal with the desire to smoke. It seems that the need to smoke is often triggered by stressors. I know personally that when I am stressed I smoke much more that when I am not. However studies suggest that cigarette smoking has the complete opposite effect. Smoking actually increases stress levels in the long run. The feeling of calmness stems from the fact the cigarette is relieving the withdrawal symptoms (O’Conner D.5).

After several recommendations from friends I then tried the prescription drug Chantex. This was another failure for me because I am horrible at taking medication. In my life I work crazy hours and it was next to impossible to get on a schedule taking medicine. The program allows you to smoke for two weeks while taking the pills. At the end of the two weeks you are supposed to stop smoking. I personally made it two days following my quit date. However I have heard of huge success rates with the program. I will potentially give this method a try later in life when things seem to be a bit more settled.

There are also various non nicotine type therapies out there. I have thought of trying the Hypnotism method. I had a friend try this once and he stated that he went 8 hours without smoking.  The cost of the session was 125.00 and he felt that is was a mere rip off. In a journal written by Anahad O’Conner in the New York time he stated that “hypnosis seems to be about as effective as many other techniques, and that means not very, research suggests”. This does not give me much faith in the program. However if it would work it would be a small price to pay.

I often ask myself many questions about my smoking addiction. It is hard to understand why I would smoke after seeing what my father went through and the negative effects it had on my family.  I also wonder why I would chance the same effects on myself or my children. Also there is the issue of second hand smoke and what my habit is doing to those around me. These thoughts weigh heavy on my mind however I still smoke. I have the willpower and the money to purchase the aids, yet I still can’t seem to conquer this demon that has possessed me for the past 15 years.

ANY IDEAS?