THE TIMEKEEPER CHRONICLES

Saw this today.....I just couldn't help but laugh.

Yep. I think I'm gonna change things up around here. Probably time to upgrade the blog. You know, give it a new look. New year coming, new stuff to post. New blog. Why not. I don't yet know how or what I'll do, but I'm sure it will be cool, of course. Because I'm cool. We're cool. Coolness emanates from this blog. I know.

Anyway, we're heading to Grandma Miller's this afternoon for Christmas with that side of the family. Otherwise, we will be just (hopefully) taking it easy.

Don't ask where I find this stuff, but this is freakin' AWESOME!! Healthy and nutritious, too. Just click on the picture to get the recipe.

Here we go.....excellent timing WOOT! Because I have no idea what to get folks for Christmas, here's a great way to come up with stuff (not just for other people, either)

It's now time for a lack of productive activity, as seen on the chart below:

LOLOLOL

It's been a while since a post, but here I am wishing 'all of you fans out there' a Happy Thanksgiving. We have a lot to be thankful for, so take a moment and be thankful, ok?

More pics and updates coming real soon...I promise.

Sorry for the 'brief' lull in posting. A ton of stuff has been happening over the last few weeks, causing me to make excuses for not updating the blog. We've been very busy, but it's great because we aren't getting into trouble.

On one of our recent events, we went to Caraba's on N. Dale Mabry in Tampa to celebrate Mik's artwork selection by the Children's Cancer Center. She has once again won some money and now has her artwork on a Christmas card. Click here to get information on ordering some awesome cards, all with artwork created by the hands of children affected by cancer. All the proceeds from the sale of the Christmas cards and calendars go to children's cancer research.

Here's some pics from the event..


Here's Mik with her artwork..
..And here's Mik hanging out with "Crack-of-the-whip-Smilin' Jack Harris". He's a local radio DJ and a super nice guy.
...And of course, the Mayor of Tampa, Pam Iorio, who handed out the rewards.

Just thought I'd snap a few pics from the recent Harvest Moon with my new Nikon D60. Didn't know which one I liked the best, so I posted most of them. Hope you enjoy...

Look, I'm not a political type person (frankly I think most of them are whacks), but I do know that all this mud and crap that's getting slung around by the Obama group and the media, is a big turn off to me. This vid is really touching, and my hat is off to our troops for the sacrifice they are making for YOU and me. If your a person that is so against our nation and leaders, and talk trash about our troops, you can go far, far away, preferrably on a sinking ship.

God bless our troops....

Again, I am posting THIS LINK that is from the MJ Morning Show with audio clips from the show on the morning of 9/11. These clips are tough to listen to, but I believe necessary.

'Nuff said

I saw this article on my homepage, and thought is was a real eye opener, and all too true. It's scary and the thought of enduring the "big" storm is really bad when you think about the economic impact it could have. Read the article below:

By MICHAEL GRUNWALD
Sun Sep 7, 2:25 PM ET

As Hurricane Ike barrels toward South Florida, Americans can be sure they won't have to endure another catastrophic failure of a hurricane protection system. That's because South Florida doesn't have a hurricane protection system. As South Floridians like to say: Ay dios mio! Ike is now scheduled to pass just south of Miami as a Category 4 storm; National Hurricane Center researchers recently concluded that a Cat 4 hitting Miami could cause $70 billion in damage. To use another South Florida-ism: Oy vey!

Dangling into the Gulf like a continental afterthought, Florida has always been Mother Nature's favorite American target, absorbing eight named storms in 2004 and 2005 alone. The state has gotten better at preparing for hurricanes, with stricter building codes and well-rehearsed evacuation plans. But it's still dangerously exposed - not only to the elements, but to financial ruin. It's got the nation's most dysfunctional property insurance market, a byproduct of life in harm's way. Fitch's ratings agency concluded in March that if a big storm hits Florida, "the fragile market could effectively collapse."

Ike could well be a Gustav-like bust rather than a Katrina-like disaster (See photos of Hurricane Gustav here). But eventually, disaster will visit the peninsula, and it's still not clear who's going to pay the tab. "It's going to be a financial nightmare," says Cecil Pearce of the American Insurance Association. "Florida is the nation's basket case."

It's not that Florida's vulnerability is a secret. Florida homeowners pay some of the nation's highest insurance premiums; in a recent poll, despite a housing crisis, an economic crisis, a water crisis and an environmental crisis, Floridians named those premiums their number-two concern about the state's future, behind property taxes but ahead of jobs, education, health care and the dying Everglades.

Since Hurricane Andrew put most Florida insurers out of business and scared several national insurers out of the state, the state government has helped to hedge the risk of hurricanes. It provides subsidized insurance to 1.3 million high-risk homeowners who can't get private policies, an increase of more than 50% in just three years. It also has a Hurricane Catastrophe Fund that provides subsidized reinsurance to the state's private firms.

But a series of studies have made it clear that if the Big One or even a Pretty Big One strikes, Florida is going to have very serious problems. The state-run insurance firm and the Catastrophe Fund have just a few billion dollars on hand, so a major storm would force both entities to float massive bond issues in an unfavorable market, and to make up their shortfalls through gigantic assessments on policyholders. A House committee recently warned that the state would have "extreme difficulty paying its obligations" after a 100-year storm, and that premiums on nearly every property, car and business could skyrocket. A report for the state Office of Insurance Regulation found that even a 50-year storm would cause extreme financial stress, especially given the current credit crunch.

Industry actuaries say the problem is simple: Florida's insurance rates, high as they may be, are not high enough for a state with an estimated 25% of America's high-risk property. Reinsurance rates are soaring, and private insurers like State Farm and Allstate have scaled back in Florida, forcing an additional 500,000 customers into the state pool. "For some areas in Florida, insurance companies could not obtain reinsurance at any price," Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty recently told Congress. And last year, Republican Governor Charlie Crist pushed through reforms to decrease premiums, a politically popular move that will create even more pressure if disaster strikes. "I get the concerns," Crist recently told me. "But we're not going to stand for gouging."

The gouging fears are understandable; McCarty told Congress that some insurers have insisted on 25% profit margins, while using computer models that overstate risk. But no one denies that the risk is real: it's been 80 years since a major storm hit a major Florida city, but hurricane researchers have calculated that the next one could cause as much as $150 billion worth of damage. And Crist's reforms, while reducing premiums, included other changes that increased the risk that taxpayers and policyholders will have to bail out the Cat Fund. "The risk was removed from the insurers' portfolio and is now being supported by the people of Florida," McCarty explained.

That's why Crist and just about every other Florida politician is pushing for a national catastrophe insurance fund, which would shift some of that risk to federal taxpayers. But the idea is not so popular with other states, for the obvious reason that other states don't have as much risk. Florida has spent the last 80 years ignoring its vulnerability, developing its floodplains and shorelines, selling the dream of the Sunshine State to northerners and foreigners. But the day of reckoning will come.

Hopefully it won't come Tuesday. View this article on Time.com

Football is finally here,
One of my favorite times of the year.
So let's take a toast,
It's the commercials I love the most.

Go Bucs.

Ok. Enough about the hurricanes. Happy Labor Day. And I did my part by laboring at work last night. So, enjoy and be glad you have a job to go to :-)

Here's an article from the US Department of Labor website about Labor Day. For some more intersting facts about Labor Day, click here.

Cya

The History of Labor Day


Labor Day: How it Came About; What it Means

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Founder of Labor Day

More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.

Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."

But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

The First Labor Day

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.

In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.

Labor Day Legislation

Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From them developed the movement to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

A Nationwide Holiday

The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take were outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.

The character of the Labor Day celebration has undergone a change in recent years, especially in large industrial centers where mass displays and huge parades have proved a problem. This change, however, is more a shift in emphasis and medium of expression. Labor Day addresses by leading union officials, industrialists, educators, clerics and government officials are given wide coverage in newspapers, radio, and television.

The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.

Whoever is placing these orders for tropical storms needs to stop. Just thought I'd post this picture from the NHC website. It almost looks silly (though I know it's not). Guess we better hang on, huh.

Just say a quick prayer for all them folks that have been battered already. Wow - - LA must have a bullseye on it. Based on some of the news I've read so far, sounds like they've faired pretty well -- so far -- consididering what they were faced with. Much better than a couple of years ago. But it's not over yet.

We here in Florida still need to keep an eye out for more storms. We are nearing the peak of the season, so by the looks of the Atlantic, we're right on que.

CYA

Just a reminder....your analog "rabbit ears" ain't gonna work after February 17, 2008. Here's an article from AfterDawn.com.

New guide: Preparing for the US DTV Transition

15 August 2008 10:14 by Rich "vurbal" Fiscus | 12 comments
New guide: Preparing for the US DTV Transition If you're in the US it's hopefully no surprise to you that most analog TV signals will be turned off on February 17, 2009. Unfortunately the government has done a particularly poor job of educating the public about what (if anything) needs to be done to prepare.

Fortunately the information you need is easier to understand than you might expect. Our new guide, Preparing for the US DTV Transition, should answer most of them. It will walk you through everything you need to know to determine whether you're ready or not. If there are steps you need to take it will also explain them to you.

Whatever you do, don't wait until the last minute to prepare. If you wait too long you may suddenly find that you need a converter box or antenna that isn't in stock at your local retailer. In order to make sure you can watch TV with no interruption you should act as soon as possible. There are fewer than 200 days left.

Click here for your Converter Box Coupon

Five years ago yesterday, August 17, Mikayla walked out of the St. Josephs Childrens Cancer Center after recovery from her last doses of chemo treatment(s). We can now sit back and reflect on this journey that Mikayla traveled, and all the uncertain moments, and the awesome small victory's, and say how blessed she is, and how fragile life is. God is good all the time, and without the prayers and faith of all who were there with us during this trying time, we can say five years is a pretty good start to a normal life.

We have unfortunately lost so many young lives to childhood cancer, innocent little lives that their only hope was to make it to their next day. Our hearts continue to be with their families and we hope those of you reading this will just take a small moment and pray for all the little kids who are suffering as a result of childhood cancer. God can heal, and God can comfort those who ask.


In celebration of Mikayla's milestone of 5 years remission, we threw a big party here at the homestead, and the feature was the biggest water slide I've ever seen. Our wonderful friends from Space Walk of Lakeland set this thing up and needless to say...it was an absolute blast. Everyone had a super time, and we want to thank everyone for coming out and sharing this special moment with Mikayla. God bless. P.S. - Please make sure to click the link above for Space Walk if your looking to have any fun inflatable for your kids. Vickie and Keith are awesome folks!
Walk in Faith, Not Fear.

Here's a slide show of pictures from the event. Enjoy!

Looks like theres no escaping this one. The track keeps shifting a little to the east, in which is closer to us. So, this may be another 2004. Below is the latest storm track as of 8am Monday...

From the National Hurricane Center..

000
WTNT41 KNHC 180915
TCDAT1
TROPICAL STORM FAY DISCUSSION NUMBER 11
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL062008
500 AM EDT MON AUG 18 2008

THE AIR FORCE RECONNAISSANCE AIRCRAFT FIXED THE CENTER OF FAY OVER
CENTRAL CUBA TO THE SOUTHWEST OF THE ROTATION ALOFT APPARENT IN
RADAR IMAGERY. WITH THIS FIX...THE INITIAL MOTION IS NOW 335/10.
ASCAT DATA SOUTH OF CUBA PRIOR TO LANDFALL SHOWED THE SURFACE
CENTER BECOMING ELONGATED...LIKELY IN RESPONSE TO THE CONVECTIVE
ASYMMETRY...AND SOME ADDITIONAL DISTORTION OF THE SURFACE
CIRCULATION IS LIKELY DURING THE PASSAGE OF THE CENTER OVER CUBA.
ALL TRACK GUIDANCE SUGGESTS THAT FAY WILL MAINTAIN A
NORTH-NORTHWESTWARD HEADING FOR ANOTHER 24 HOURS UNTIL IT REACHES
THE SUBTROPICAL RIDGE AXIS. THE OFFICIAL FORECAST IS NEAR THE
RIGHT-HAND SIDE OF THE GUIDANCE ENVELOPE EARLY ON...BUT SOME
ADDITIONAL RIGHTWARD ADJUSTMENTS MAY BE NECESSARY IF THE CURRENT
CONVECTIVE STRUCTURE PERSISTS AND THE CYCLONE REMAINS VERTICALLY
CONNECTED. THERE ARE LARGE DIFFERENCES IN THE TRACK GUIDANCE LATE
IN THE FORECAST PERIOD AND THE RUN TO RUN CONSISTENCY OF THE
GUIDANCE HAS BEEN VERY POOR. GIVEN THAT...ONLY A SLIGHT EASTWARD
SHIFT HAS BEEN MADE LATER IN THE FORECAST PERIOD.

THE INITIAL INTENSITY REMAINS 45 KT...WITH THESE WINDS OCCURRING
JUST OFF THE NORTH COAST OF CUBA. AN UPPER-LEVEL
LOW OVER THE EXTREME NORTHWESTERN CARIBBEAN SEA IS IMPEDING THE
OUTFLOW OVER THE WESTERN PORTION OF THE TROPICAL CYCLONE...AND SOME
WESTERLY SHEAR IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT DAY OR TWO.
GIVEN THIS PATTERN...RAPID STRENGTHENING IS NOT EXPECTED...BUT THE
SHEAR IS NOT EXPECTED TO BE STRONG ENOUGH TO PREVENT FAY FROM
REACHING HURRICANE STRENGTH BEFORE IT REACHES THE FLORIDA
PENINSULA. THE OFFICIAL FORECAST IS CLOSE TO THE GFDL AND SHIPS
GUIDANCE.


FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS

INITIAL 18/0900Z 22.5N 80.9W 45 KT...INLAND
12HR VT 18/1800Z 23.5N 81.5W 45 KT
24HR VT 19/0600Z 25.1N 82.0W 55 KT
36HR VT 19/1800Z 26.6N 82.3W 65 KT
48HR VT 20/0600Z 28.2N 82.2W 60 KT...INLAND
72HR VT 21/0600Z 31.1N 82.0W 45 KT...INLAND
96HR VT 22/0600Z 33.0N 82.0W 25 KT...INLAND
120HR VT 23/0600Z 35.5N 82.5W 20 KT...REMNANT LOW

$$
FORECASTER FRANKLIN

..and then from Fox13..

Of course, here in Florida, it's that time of year again. And here we are looking at another storm. YEEEEHA. Tropical Storm FAY is eyeballing our state, and we should be feeling the effects sometime on Tuesday/Wednesday. Looks like fun. Though, we kinda have a bit of experience with these storms, so I don't look for it to be that bad (I hope).

Here's the current storm track as of 5pm Saturday...

Just sitting here on a Sunday morning catching up on some news, email and stuff, and decided to post something here at the "TIMEKEEPER CHRONICLES". At least I'm posting something, right?

Here's some old scanned pics again, just random. I still have a ton more pictures to scan, but that will be a project for a rainy day, since it seems there is too much other crap going on now :-)

Someone is ready to go mudslingin'
This is funny because either the kids are mesmorized by Susan's costume, or she just told them that Santa was a fake.
Parents are big from a short person's perspective.
No, you can't have the keys to the car. As a matter of fact, your grounded until, oh, let's say...your 30!

Dangit. No money, but finding stuff like this on the Woot! forums is hilarious....LOL

Good reading material.

Of course, the coveted Bag Of Crap! Though I have tried and tried to get this stupid bag, I haven't been able to get one yet. But...maybe this time I will. M U S T H A V E C R A P!

Here's my truck. Just went and picked it up this morning. It's a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie SLT, 2WD, 5.2L (318ci)automatic. Perfect. And, it only has 77,000 miles on it! And, I know the fella I bought it from, and he's an old car buff himself, he bought this new, and he's very meticulous in the maintenance of his vehicles. So I know it's in great shape. $2200...I couldn't pass it up.

Of course, no excuses for not posting, but we have been busy here at the home front. And, really, there just ain't been much to post about. lol. Actually, there is always something to BS about, but I just haven't been that inspired lately. So, I guess today's post is just BS.

Recent events include my finding a new truck! Ok, it's not new, but new to me. I will post a pic soon. As a result, anyone interested in a 1998 Camaro? I will be selling it here very soon, so let me know. I hate to have to sell it, since I'm still a car buff, and though it's not necessarily a 'classic', it does tote the classic 'Camaro' nameplate. I have got to have a truck, it only makes sense. And since my lovely son decided to see how well the 'ol Ranger would hold up in a crash test, I haven't had any access to a truck, and really miss it. So I found a good deal on one, in which is unusual, since the Miller's often think they found a deal, and end up getting screwed. Dad say's "If you can't lose money on a deal, where's the challenge"? LOL.

I'm trying to break that Miller tradition as much as possible.

Not that this is BS, but here's some recent pics from the Ft.Desoto beach with the kids and friends.