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September 30, 2004
Oklahoma Ho!
Well, after excited weeks of planning and the last few frenzied days of packing, we're off to Oklahoma to see the bulk of our family and relatives. We do this at least once a year, and it is going to be even more special this year.
We are going to be celebrating Uncle Billy Joe's birthday party with him at the Oklahoma State Southern Gospel Singing Convention. There will tons of food, quartets, singing, excitement, and fun, and we are so excited we can hardly sit still! I'm even hoping to meet one of my America's Army clan members, David, at the Convention, since he lives in Oklahoma as well. So, as you can see, lots of excitement for the year, and very special all the way around. We have so many visits to make and things to do.
It's early morning here. The moon was still shining when I awoke, and now the early Texas morning birds are starting to sing. We're packing our little car and heading to Oklahoma! We will probably be back around October 4th or 5th, which is Monday or Tuesday. See everyone then!
We covet your prayers for good health, save driving and good car dependability. We also thank you for your prayers and encouragement! God bless, and I will see you when we all come back!
Adios muchachos!
Posted by Grant at 06:20 AM | Comments (5)
September 23, 2004
Titanic Texan Truck
This was featured on Josiah's blog, and I just had to put it here too, so even more people could see the total coolness of this monster pickup truck! Yes, that's right, it's actually a commercial pickup truck, and the world's largest production pickup truck. Leave it to Texans to get the job done and make a truck worthy of Texas truckhood! This truck just bleeds Texas in every line and specification, from flatscreen TVs in-cab or an XM satellite radio system, to it's spacious interior and beyond. May I present the all new International CXT Commercial Pickup Truck!
Although I'd probably never have the fortitude to drive a truck like this, I love to “drool” over it.
Here’s the link to the official news story:
International Unveils Massive Production Pickup Truck
I must tip my hat to International. This is truly a magnificent piece of massive engineering and great design.
Posted by Grant at 01:42 PM | Comments (7)
September 22, 2004
Dependents of Liberalism
I ran across an interesting quote from Dr. Joseph Chambers about liberalism and the dependents it creates.
"The only way liberalism has survived this long in America is because of the 'wards of state' they have created. The vast crowds of voters that depend on more and more from these liberal politicians keep electing them. The slaves of the plantation owners were no more slaves than the millions of Americans that serve the liberal politicians of our day."
~Dr. Joseph Chambers
Very intriguing and sadly true.
Posted by Grant at 03:32 PM | Comments (11)
September 20, 2004
Masterpiece in Minnesota
Although many people wrote the Minnesota Twins off at the beginning of this year, the Twins had other ideas. They occupy the sole lead atop first place in the American League Central Division, with a 12 and a half game lead. They continue to play scorching baseball, and it's a joy to keep up with their progress!
Last night, Johan Santana pitched a masterpiece for the Twins, harvesting a career high 14 strikeouts, and pitching 8 shutout innings. That makes 38 scoreless innings pitched consecutively by Santana, and Minnesota is looking at more excitement in the future!
Huzzah for the Twins!!!
Posted by Grant at 10:36 AM | Comments (4)
September 18, 2004
Defense and the Deliberation Thereof
How do you tell the difference between Democrats, Republicans, and Southerners?
"You're walking down a deserted street with your wife and two small children. Suddenly, a dangerous looking man with a huge knife comes around the corner, locks eyes with you, screams obscenities, raises the knife, and charges. You are carrying a Glock 40, and you are an expert shot. You have mere seconds before he reaches you and your family. What do you do?"
Democrat's Answer: Well, that's not enough information to answer the question! Does the man look poor or oppressed? Have I ever done anything to him that would inspire him to attack? Could we run away? What does my wife think? What about the kids? Could I possibly swing the gun like a club and knock the knife out of his hand? What does the law say about this situation? Does the Glock have appropriate safety built into it? Why am I carrying a loaded gun anyway, and what kind of message does this send to society and to my children? Is it possible he'd be happy with just killing me? Does he definitely want to kill me, or would he be content just to wound me? If I were to grab his knees and hold on, could my family get away while he was stabbing me? Should I call 9-1-1? Why is this street so deserted? We need to raise taxes, have a Paint and Weed Day and make this a happier, healthier street that would discourage such behavior. This is all so confusing! I need to debate this with some friends for a few days and try to come to a consensus.
Republican's Answer: BANG!
Southerner's Answer: BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! *click....sounds of reloading* BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! *click*
Southerner's Daughter: "Nice grouping, Daddy! Were those the Winchester Silver Tips or Black Talon Hollow Points??
Posted by Grant at 06:44 PM | Comments (3)
September 13, 2004
Astros in Action
Finally, after having languished most of the 2004 season, the Houston Astros are back in contention for the National League Wildcard. Playing with sheer frustration and determination, they belted out a fantastic and shocking 12-game winning streak, which propelled them back into the heat of battle for the NL Wildcard.
Although the streak was stopped at the 13th game, which they lost, the Astros gave themselves a legitimate chance to win the NL Wildcard. They have lost a few games recently, but continue to play blistering hot baseball, and have won 17 of their last 20 games, which is a record of 17-3 is just about three weeks!
I am jumping up and down and sideways and backwards in frenzied excitement, and I only hope they play well against the Cardinals, who are W-A-Y ahead of everyone else in the National League Central Division. The Astros must win this upcoming series!
Posted by Grant at 02:43 PM | Comments (3)
September 09, 2004
Kerry and Lightbulbs
I got this from my friend Nathan. I laughed so hard I had difficulty breathing!
Q: How many John Kerrys does it take to change a lightbulb?
A: At least four. One to unscrew the old lightbulb. One to simultaneously announce his courageous commitment to replacing the old bulb. One to vote against funding the new light bulb. And one to denounce George W. Bush and America's Benedict Arnold CEOs for leaving everyone in the dark.
Posted by Grant at 10:56 AM | Comments (4)
September 08, 2004
Triumph Over The Texas DPS!
Yes! You read it right! I have finally triumphed over the Texas Department of Safety, and I now have my driver's license. My driver's license! Yeehaw!
The whole affair was excellently managed, and I had a complete angel for an instructor. She reminded me of one of my "adopted aunts". She was very firm, reassuring, and just exuded Southern charm from every pore. She was the most efficient State employee I have ever seen, and she was so model in her duties that she made the other instructor look like a prison warden!
I passed parallel parking, which was a relief. I did very well on everything else, and even compensated for some careless pedestrians when I returned to the parking lot of the driver's license office. This made a very good impression on the instructor, and she told me as I was trying to maneuver around them that "normal, responsible people don't stand in the middle of the entrance". She said this while glaring at her coworker, who was one of the dubious personages in the middle of the driveway. However, I executed a perfect, tight, and exact left hand turn, and passed them without so much as making their shirts flutter. *bows to the applause*
So I passed! I should get my license in two or three weeks. I have a temporary license right now, which does a good job of a substitute until I get the real one.
I salute the Texas Department of Public Safety, for their excellent and high standards of highway safety and driving requirements. With such a noble system, the highways can only become safer. I also applaud my instructor for her efficiency, sweetness, tact, and great sense of humor that she brings to her job. Texas needs more State employees like her.
*dips ship's colors to the Texas Department of Public Safety*
Posted by Grant at 12:25 PM | Comments (10)
September 04, 2004
Republican Renewal
I thoroughly enjoyed the Republican National Convention. Although I did not get to watch it on TV, I watched the individual speeches on video archive footage at the RNC website, and I watched Governor Pataki's and President Bush's speeches live on the internet at C-SPAN's website. What a thrilling occasion!
I was greatly encouraged by all the speaker's honesty, devotion, and pure patriotism at the convention. I truly did not hear one mediocre or bad speech the whole time! The things addressed at the Convention, along with the speakers sincerity and powerful delivery, left me in no doubt that President George W. Bush is the man I want in the Oval Office for the next four years.
Hats off to Rudy Giuliani's speech, and the power he put into the start of the Convention.
Hats off to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, his speech, and the fact that he truly appreciates America, and loves it very much. His point about the government being accountable to the people, instead of the people to the government, sounded like the old Constitutional days of America, in the 1780s.
Hats off to Vice President Dick Cheney's speech, as well as his reassuring and compelling leadership and stability, and his great sense of humor. Yes, Mr. Cheney, President Bush will never seek a permission slip to defend America, and thank you for standing with him!
Hats off to Governor Pataki, and his heartwarming speech. America will grow great in wisdom with such men as Pataki in office, and his leadership will continue to keep New York a beacon to the rest of the world!
Hats off to Senator McCain for exposing Michael Moore in his speech, and for defending the leaders of our country and the choices they make. Bravo, Mr. McCain!
Hats off and hands in the air for President Bush's wonderful acceptance speech. President Bush, you have my utmost respect for standing by Israel, for doing what's right when it isn't popular, and for being an honest, witty, and humble President. You have my vote this November, and I hope America will do your indomitable spirit justice by re-electing you to lead us for another four years.
Finally, three rebel yells for Senator Zell Miller.
His speech was electrifying.
Sir, tears came to my eyes as you took the stage with a lofty and courageous mien to do something that isn't done these days. You stood for your principles, your family, and your faith, despite the condemnation of your fellow party members. You stood with our President in a noble and strong speech, and I applaud you for your patriotism and ardor for America's destiny.
People are correct and well founded when they compare you to Andrew Jackson. Truly, never since Andrew Jackson has someone stood by the Constitution and rejected divisions of parties. In the true fashion of America's greatest statesmen, you have reached across the aisle of a divided America and demonstrated sterling leadership and loyalty to the American dream. You have shown that the cause of America paramount in your mind, and that no party is as important as the party of America and her protection.
You asked where statesmen are today when we need them. I assert that you are a statesman. You are a statesman in the highest degree. A statesman is one who represents the people, and a politician is one who depends on the people to keep him powerful. You have left politicians and their selfish aims squabbling in the dust, and have shrouded yourself in the lofty principles and beliefs of a true American statesman. I applaud you, Senator Miller, and I extend my promise that when you need a supporter or a friend, count on Grant Hackney.
My eyes were full and my skin tingled as you said those glorious words before a watching America. "In this hour of danger our President has had the courage to stand up. And this Democrat is proud to stand up with him."
Mr. Miller, this Republican is proud to stand up with you.
God bless you, your family, and your tireless efforts in America's cause!
Posted by Grant at 03:21 PM | Comments (4)