Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary My love!!!!!

Six wonderful years. I don't know what I would/could do without you. I couldn't be happier to know that I have a true partner to spend the rest of my life with. A true friend when I am in need and a great mother to our wonderful children. No words can truly define how much you mean to me. 

Love, 

Your Husband, James

National Debt

The election is over and Obama will be our new POTUS, however when I saw this chart I was floored. Conservatives wonder why so many people came out to vote and this chart is a BIG reason. I have said this many times before, "Trickle down" economics DOES NOT work!!!! 

November Activities

November is a busy month for my family.  

This month we will spend our first Thanksgiving with my brother and his family in Lee's Summit, MO. I have been fortunate enough to spend time there with my mother and brother several times within the past year. It will be a bitter sweet trip as it will be the first time I will return since my father's passing. I am very grateful that my brother's in-laws are such wonderful people as they have provided my mom with much needed support to help her get past this difficult time. 

During this vacation, my wife and I will celebrate six years of marriage! Six wonderful years and plenty of great memories and adventures during this time. I know that my wife always has my back and she has always been there for me. I couldn't ask for more in a wife and as the mother of my children. My wife can use the vacation to get away from the stress of her job and enjoy some tranquility and peace as we freeze our butts in MO. 

There are some other events that may take place this month and stuff that I need to pray about and listen for God's voice to guide me as we reach the end of 2008. 

Top 5 Modern Guitarists

This is strictly opinion and my choices reflect my personal taste in music.

#5. . Herman Li - say what you want about Dragonforce, but this guy can play. His focus needs work when performing live but I am amazed at his speed and dexterity.

#4. Michael Angelo Baito - Yes, I know... he isn't exactly part of the new guard, but this guy is AWESOME. Watching that guy play is a sight to behold. I cannot currently match his speed or precision but it's fun to try. 

#3. Richard Kruspe -Rammstein lead guitarist... never heard of them. Just search and enjoy. 

#2.Steve Ouimette - This name might not sound familiar to most, but if you are a fan of Guitar Hero, then you have heard some of his work. He is had a great style and a unique sound

#1. Buckethead - unusual appearance but his mastery is unrivaled. His songs are technical and soulful, something that is not usually found in most instrumental pieces. Soothsayer is my fav and I enjoy listening and trying to learn his songs. 

These are my influences but they are still behind the Guitar Gods: Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and Yngwie Malmsteen

Sports Weekend

Canes were off this week, and will play on Thurday night against Va. Tech. This is a huge game for them will be and another test of where the program is.

Today was a special day. It was the first time my family went to watch a Dolphins game. We were able to get tickets through our neighbors and both families headed out this morning to Dolphin Staduim. It was a beautiful day and the kids were excited to be in a big, new place. We were able to see four Blackhawk helicopters pass over us during the National Anthem. It was the highlight for my son, James Jr., who was in awe when they passed right over our heads. My kids and my wife did well for being first timers and I could not have asked for more from them. In the end, the crowd was anxious and the Fins were able to pull out a victory.

We all had a wonderful time and will hopefully do that again soon. 

Barack Obama is the new POTUS

Congratulations President Elect Barak Obama. You are the new leader of our country, the citizens have spoken and you are our choice. Senator McCain gave a great consolation speech and we do need to come together as a country and put aside our partisan ways and work together to bring our country back into prosperity. This is a historic event, the first African American ever elected to our highest office. I hope that those who opposed him will come aboard and offer their support for him and remember that we are all Americans and live and love our country.

Latest Polls

RealClearPolitics Poll Averages

General Election: McCain vs. Obama

Poll	Date	Sample	MoE	Obama (D)	McCain (R)	Spread
RCP Average	10/29 - 11/02	--	--	51.6	44.3	Obama +7.3
Marist	11/02 - 11/02	635 LV	4.0	53	44	Obama +9
FOX News	11/01 - 11/02	971 LV	3.0	50	43	Obama +7
NBC News/Wall St. Jrnl	11/01 - 11/02	1011 LV	3.1	51	43	Obama +8
Rasmussen Reports	10/31 - 11/02	3000 LV	2.0	52	46	Obama +6
Gallup	10/31 - 11/02	2472 LV	2.0	55	44	Obama +11
Diageo/Hotline	10/31 - 11/02	887 LV	3.3	50	45	Obama +5
Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby	10/31 - 11/02	1201 LV	2.9	51	44	Obama +7
CBS News	10/31 - 11/02	714 LV	--	51	42	Obama +9
ABC News/Wash Post	10/30 - 11/02	2470 LV	2.5	53	44	Obama +9
IBD/TIPP	10/30 - 11/02	1014 LV	3.4	48	43	Obama +5
Ipsos/McClatchy	10/30 - 11/02	760 LV	3.6	53	46	Obama +7
CNN/Opinion Research	10/30 - 11/01	714 LV	3.5	53	46	Obama +7
GWU/Battleground	10/29 - 11/02	800 LV	3.5	50	44	Obama +6
Pew Research	10/29 - 11/01	2587 LV	2.0	52	46	Obama +6

More Polling Data | Chart | News

Generic Congressional Vote

Poll	Date	Democrats	Republicans	Spread
RCP Average	10/23 - 11/02	47.6	38.6	Democrats +9.0
NBC News/Wall St. Jrnl	11/01 - 11/02	48	36	Democrats +12
Gallup	10/31 - 11/02	53	41	Democrats +12
Diageo/Hotline	10/31 - 11/02	44	39	Democrats +5
CBS News/NY Times	10/25 - 10/29	48	36	Democrats +12
GWU/Battleground	10/23 - 10/29	45	41	Democrats +4

More Polling Data | News

President Bush Job Approval

Poll	Date	Approve	Disapprove	Spread
RCP Average	10/30 - 11/02	27.8	68.3	-40.5
FOX News	11/01 - 11/02	27	67	-40
NBC News/Wall St. Jrnl	11/01 - 11/02	26	67	-41
Diageo/Hotline	10/31 - 11/02	30	68	-38
CNN	10/30 - 11/01	28	71	-43

More Polling Data | News

Congressional Job Approval

Poll	Date	Approve	Disapprove	Spread
RCP Average	10/23 - 11/02	17.3	74.0	-56.7
FOX News	11/01 - 11/02	18	75	-57
CBS News/NY Times	10/25 - 10/29	15	75	-60
GWU/Battleground	10/23 - 10/29	19	72	-53

More Polling Data | News

Direction of Country

Poll	Date	Right Direction	Wrong Track	Spread
RCP Average	10/10 - 11/02	9.6	84.2	-74.6
NBC News/Wall St. Jrnl	11/01 - 11/02	11	76	-65
CBS News/NY Times	10/25 - 10/29	11	85	-74
Hotline/FD	10/11 - 10/13	9	85	-76
LA Times/Bloomberg	10/10 - 10/13	10	84	-74
USA Today/Gallup	10/10 - 10/12	7	91	-84

More Polling Data | News

Weekend Recap

It was a beautiful weekend here. Friday night was Halloween, and the kids went Trick or Treatfor the first time. My wife did a wonderful job taking them around our neighborhood and witnessing their joy walking around in their new costumes.

Saturday was a great day for college football. I watched my Canes beat Virginia in overtime. What a great group of freshmen players this team has. They hung in there and were lead by true freshman, Jacory Harris. This was a big win for them, it puts them in the hunt for the ACC Coastal division title and officially makes them bowl eligible.  Afterwards, we enjoyed a night of games with our neighbors, the Goodmans, and shared a nice meal. We played Apples to Apples, very competitive games and a good time was had by all.

Today, we did not go to church as most of us in our house are sick. My kids have a terrible cough and my wife was feeling ill and needed rest. We ended up watching Pastor Troy's service from Flamingo Road Church. This was the church my family were members of prior to moving to Homestead. It was very enlightening and thought provoking sermon. 

The Miami Dolphins.... what can I say? I was shocked to see the improvements and positive strides this team has made in such a short span. The defense played its best game of the year. They forced numerous turnovers and showed that they can carry this team when needed. Pennington did a decent job managing the offense, still I would like to see some deep balls thown as he has the tendency to go through his progressions too fast and checks down too much, in my opinion. However, the team effort was outstanding and I haven't been this proud of my teams in years. 

Finally, in my fantasy league, I am going for four in a row and solidify my first place status. 

It was another fabulous weekend