From whence does today's subject come? I refer today to the series of commercials produced by one Anheuser-Busch. The original spots were "Real American Heroes," but after a while switched to "Real men of Genius." They chronicle the great works of human achievement that have been accomplished by the unsung heroes of America. Perhaps you've seen or heard them; perhaps you haven't. But one thing's for sure: once you do, you'll never be the same again. Below is one I particularly enjoy. For a hundred of the radio spots, go to http://thefuntimesguide.com/2004/10/bud_light_real.php. For more videos, look on Youtube.
As I watch/listen and laugh, I am reminded of the kafafle a few months ago about Kirby Heyborne (of The Singles Ward and The Best Two Years fame). In order to support his family, he appeared in a Miller Lite commercial, and being a prominent member of the church, was subsequently lambasted throughout Utah for his decision.
I personally believe in the 11th commandment "Thou shalt mind thine own business."
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
Whistling in the Dark...
Well, it's been 5 days since Gustav hit us. It turned out to be a very destructive storm. The levies in New Orleans held, and that city is looking pretty good. However, other parts of the state were hit harder. Baton Rouge still has hundreds of thousands of homes without power (including ours), along with traffic lights, etc. We're feeling pretty blessed because our home was relatively undamaged and the city still has water and sewage running. A lot of our shingles were ripped off, though, so we had some water leak into our home (which means more damage in the walls and above the ceiling). But other than that (and no power), we're fairly well off. We have lots of food stockpiled so we're ok in that department.
The one thing we really needed was ice, so yesterday morning at around 6, we headed off to the nearest FEMA distribution center to pick up some. The line was already forming when we got there, though we were near the front. By the time they started distributing items a little after 8, though, the lines were probably a half mile or more in two directions, with two lanes in each direction. We were glad we couldn't sleep and so went early. The Army Corps was there distributing MREs, bottled water, tarps, and ice. They just loaded stuff into the back of cars, except for the tarps, which they asked if you needed. We didn't, so just took the food, water, and ice. I was never so excited to receive two bags of sleeping water (Malagasy for ice).
Right now we're holed up at school in my office, since there are lights, internet, microwave, and most importantly, AC. Geaux Tigers!
The one thing we really needed was ice, so yesterday morning at around 6, we headed off to the nearest FEMA distribution center to pick up some. The line was already forming when we got there, though we were near the front. By the time they started distributing items a little after 8, though, the lines were probably a half mile or more in two directions, with two lanes in each direction. We were glad we couldn't sleep and so went early. The Army Corps was there distributing MREs, bottled water, tarps, and ice. They just loaded stuff into the back of cars, except for the tarps, which they asked if you needed. We didn't, so just took the food, water, and ice. I was never so excited to receive two bags of sleeping water (Malagasy for ice).
Right now we're holed up at school in my office, since there are lights, internet, microwave, and most importantly, AC. Geaux Tigers!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Power out
Our power went out for about an hour, but it's back on now. I'm going to post this, then work on getting some video up before it goes out again. We're fine, so far. The wind is gusting pretty well, and rain is coming down, though not torrentially. I'll try to keep updated as power permits.
Slowing down
Well, Gustav has just about hit land, though according to the dudes on Channel 2 ABC, it isn't considered to officially make landfall until the center of the eye is over land. As Gustav has approached, it has slowed down a bit and started hugging the coast. So it continues to move more west than northwest. The more it does this, the further south and west it will pass us by, and the less we'll get here.
In church yesterday, one of the speakers jokingly (though seriously as well) said it would be better to pray for the storm to weaken than to pray that it goes off and hits someplace else. It makes sense to me. Right now, though, it looks like Gustav is just hugging the coast, which in some ways is worse than if it would just get here already. The coastal areas will still be getting essentially the full brunt of the hurricane, but if it keeps along the coast like it is, rather than one area getting hit, several will. We'll see how long Gustav keeps playing this game, though.
Another observation: a week or so ago, I was watching the news and the anchors were talking about wind shear and how it can weaken or destroy a tropical storm. And they sounded sad that it might be happening to Hanna. They were saying things like "it doesn't look good for Hanna," etc. Like it's a bad thing if the storm dies out. Come on! Isn't there enough to report on without a hurricane? And the reporters are all putting in long extra hours right now; I'm sure they are salaried employees, so it's not like they even get overtime. Why would they be sad if a hurricane died?
They must be sadists.
Anyway, the winds are starting to pick up here. I'll be back in a bit with some video.
In church yesterday, one of the speakers jokingly (though seriously as well) said it would be better to pray for the storm to weaken than to pray that it goes off and hits someplace else. It makes sense to me. Right now, though, it looks like Gustav is just hugging the coast, which in some ways is worse than if it would just get here already. The coastal areas will still be getting essentially the full brunt of the hurricane, but if it keeps along the coast like it is, rather than one area getting hit, several will. We'll see how long Gustav keeps playing this game, though.
Another observation: a week or so ago, I was watching the news and the anchors were talking about wind shear and how it can weaken or destroy a tropical storm. And they sounded sad that it might be happening to Hanna. They were saying things like "it doesn't look good for Hanna," etc. Like it's a bad thing if the storm dies out. Come on! Isn't there enough to report on without a hurricane? And the reporters are all putting in long extra hours right now; I'm sure they are salaried employees, so it's not like they even get overtime. Why would they be sad if a hurricane died?
They must be sadists.
Anyway, the winds are starting to pick up here. I'll be back in a bit with some video.
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