tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42122771666632669372012-01-20T01:29:21.639-05:00"He that will not reason is a bigot; he that cannot reason is a fool; he that does not reason is a slave." -- William Drummond "ET VERTAS LIBERABIT VOS"Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.comBlogger3391100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-48810331365142184772011-12-29T19:06:00.003-05:002011-12-29T19:14:53.234-05:00

The woman who most resembles the witch that had the house fall on her in the Wizard of Oz, Nancy Pelosi, has indicated that she wishes to retire from the House of Representatives. I'd like to be the sole proprietor of the lottery that would sell tickets to the millions of Americans who would like to win the privilege of holding open the door for her as she slithers off into the sunset. I'd mare

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-13813829012156596362011-12-28T19:09:00.012-05:002011-12-28T20:35:08.568-05:00

Bill Maher, he of some minor notoriety and exposure as the host of HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher, purposefully invoked self-promoting publicity for a derogatory caustic remark he made in reference to Denver Bronco quarterback Tim Tebow this past Christmas weekend. As the Denver NFL team was being decisively trounced by the Buffalo Bills, Maher tweeted, "Wow, Jesus just f***ed #Tim Tebow bad!

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-417296026697714502011-12-23T14:43:00.004-05:002011-12-23T14:47:04.957-05:00

CONGRESS HAS RECESSED AND GONE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS.THANK GOD!!

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-52197414986629289182011-12-16T20:00:00.002-05:002011-12-16T20:11:19.717-05:00

Remember that Christmas when Santa didn't bring you anything on your "Wish List," but your little brother got everything he had asked for? Remember how disappointed you were? But like a good little trooper you pretended to be happy for him until your parents left the room and you tossed him playfully to the floor and stuffed Playdough down his throat? Remember how much better you felt? Remember

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-62301638750187205172011-12-13T16:23:00.004-05:002011-12-13T22:41:35.198-05:00

Want to know what to do with all that left over Christmas wrapping paper? Here's an idea... Wrap the entire family in it, set the timer on the trusty Kodak, smile like you've been up to something, and "Ta Da!" You've got next year's family Christmas card already checked off of your list of things to do.No need to thank me. I'm glad to do it. Until next time, here's hoping you don't scotch tape

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-74917479165709040162011-12-12T17:48:00.013-05:002011-12-12T22:34:32.456-05:00

DOG SHOOTS MANWesley Chapel, Florida:A 78 year old man is recovering in a Tampa hospital from a life-threatening gunshot wound inflicted by his heretofore faithful hunting bulldog, Eli. Occupying his usual seat of honor between his master, Billy E. Brown, and another unidentified male hunter, the pick-up truck in which all three were riding was laboring to navigate the heavily rutted trail,

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-23963479631251435872011-12-09T18:56:00.003-05:002011-12-09T19:00:00.216-05:00

This man bores the snot out of me and I'd like to smack the living crap out of him with that beer bottle. Stay elusive my friend...

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-44043979302810215452011-11-24T03:10:00.002-05:002011-11-24T03:14:51.491-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE...

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-20053826449073869362011-11-21T20:59:00.013-05:002011-11-22T09:12:32.596-05:00

There can be no argument that the police departments of numerous American cities have had their hands full the last couple of weeks trying to maintain some semblance of civil order in the wake of the dozens of Occupy Wall Street protests. Meted out responses have run the full spectrum; from initially permitting the demonstrators unencumbered access and usage of public and private properties on

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-5771103476013200642011-11-21T12:46:00.007-05:002011-11-21T14:22:52.803-05:00

Pictured above is a brand new A340 Airbus, the largest passenger jet airliner ever manufactured for commercial production. Below is the same aircraft that met a catastrophic end when improperly operated by an Arab flight crew.This particular Airbus was hangered in Toulouse, France, having yet to log a single hour of flight time, and was awaiting the scheduled acceptance and delivery to Eithad

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-36655822326475298992011-11-19T08:19:00.024-05:002011-11-19T12:49:14.888-05:00

CONGRESS DEBATES THE MERITS (OR LACK THEREOF ) OF PIZZAThis past Wednesday afternoon our nation's indebtedness surpassed fifteen trillion dollars. Our elected officials in Washington D.C. are spending money as though it is merely gains of sand on a tropical beach. The appointed twelve members of the Super Committee, charged with the responsibility of trimming 1.2 trillion dollars in Federal

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-80208784028212935052011-10-31T13:34:00.010-04:002011-10-31T15:27:45.397-04:00

A fellow blogger and friend, John Coffey, graciously presented to me a couple of years ago the Civil War Trilogy authored by the late Michael Shaara and his son, Jeff, who today continues to be recognized and acclaimed as being among the best councilors of Civil War history. John and I share an impassioned fondness for this unique period in America's history, being enthralled with the individual

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-65409534388046770772011-08-23T16:54:00.006-04:002011-08-23T17:28:52.389-04:00

Our second doofus-in-charge managed to once again insert his rather sizable foot into his forever open mouth when during a speech in China this past week Vice President in charge of inane, stupid comments lauded the Chinese government's one-child per family policy. Apparently Biden's off-the-cuff comment, seen in some circles as merely being purposefully acquiescent to our nation's largest debt

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-28934307607472558412011-08-18T21:47:00.005-04:002011-08-18T22:01:18.412-04:00

The nation's economy is on the brink of going to hell in a very deep handbasket and our clueless President determines he is in need of an eleven day vacation in Martha's Vineyard. Good for him! I want him to practice being on vacation so that, God willing, there will be sufficient numbers of the unemployed and disenchanted voters, come next November, to present him with the realization that he

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-78011205980211005872011-08-06T14:59:00.003-04:002011-08-06T15:11:05.788-04:00

"STANDARD AND POORS DOWN GRADES AMERICA'S CREDIT RATING"WAY TO GO, DUMB ASS!!

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-37015052727940734792011-03-29T11:01:00.015-04:002011-03-29T12:48:22.129-04:00

I'm thinking about changing the name of my blog. Perhaps by doing so it will rekindle my flagging interest in keeping it more current. Maybe... My wife, of almost 28 years, knows me like a well read, dog-eared book. She recognizes, as do I, that I have a very addictive nature. When I decide to do something, I throw myself into it head over heels. Thus that explains partially the underlying

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-45166212181283793252011-02-02T21:37:00.002-05:002011-02-02T21:40:47.340-05:00

Let me see... Hum-m-m... Nope! Can't think of a thing!

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-17351347822815975602011-01-28T09:47:00.004-05:002011-01-28T14:15:58.305-05:00

Not too many decades ago my home town of current residence for the past 28 years was unflatteringly referred to as "God's waiting room," euphemistically so labeled because it had been embraced as the final roosting spot for hundreds of our nation's seasoned citizens who had flocked from the colder northern climes to enjoy their remaining days basking in our warming sunshine. The streets of

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-2764491395386059072011-01-22T09:53:00.013-05:002011-01-23T08:30:01.150-05:00

The "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" finally and thankfully reached zero last evening when MSNBC permanently pulled the plug on the contentious liberal talk show host. In an ironic twist of his unfettered bias and inflamed diatribes against anything and everything conservative, Olbermann was afforded an unscripted ten minutes to say his goodbyes to his seventh place rated TV viewership; trailing

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-90626367161282235362011-01-12T09:28:00.002-05:002011-01-12T09:32:37.100-05:00

ENOUGH SAID...

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-25230467930925484892011-01-07T10:26:00.001-05:002011-01-07T10:28:55.991-05:00

The Jury Is Still Out..."

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-13514024876029805922011-01-06T10:11:00.002-05:002011-01-06T10:15:11.989-05:00

I Couldn't Have Said It Better Myself.

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-26894470134577850542010-11-26T12:58:00.012-05:002010-11-29T21:02:07.761-05:00

Dateline: Topeka, Kansas. Traveling Salesman Killed Crossing The StreetThomas L. Ledbetter was just steps away from entering the front door of his Kingsbury Heights apartment when he was killed while crossing the street Wednesday afternoon by a hit and run driver. Mr. Ledbetter, employed by Turner Tool & Die, had appeared earlier that day on a local Landover, Maryland television station, wherein

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-74819521076637276292010-11-23T20:22:00.007-05:002010-11-23T21:56:23.979-05:00

For the past ten days a St. Petersburg family and selected friends have been camping out in a tent, 24 hours a day, in front of the local Best Buy in anticipation of being the first in line come this Friday morning when the store doors open to snatch up whatever "special" bargains may be in the offing. To date Best Buy has yet to publicize just what exactly shall be included in their special

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-90605790103922839142010-11-19T17:25:00.012-05:002010-11-19T18:00:13.555-05:00

Are Conservative Women More Physically Attractive Than Liberal Women? It is the question that begs an answer, which members of the fairer sex are more physically attractive in the eyes of the beholder: conservation womenfolk of liberal womenfolk? Take a moment to review examples of both ideological persuasions and judge for yourself... First, the liberal side of the aisle... Senator Harry Reid(

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-46187789926668503552010-11-15T19:05:00.009-05:002010-11-15T20:21:18.543-05:00

Apparently the self-selected manner by which Congressman Rangle intends to demonstrate what a truly ethical gentleman he has been during his 20-term tenure in Congress was to remove himself from the very venue in which such a declaration would most logically be aired; the House Ethics Committee. Imploring the committee to grant him an additional postponement of the hearings, citing as

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-15255270149330685362010-11-08T12:37:00.007-05:002010-11-08T14:20:06.624-05:00

Microsoft is introducing it's new "windows" phone with a television advertisement that depicts individuals so engrossed with their cell phones while each still remains engaged absentmindedly in other physical activities that otherwise would require some minimum amount of mental awareness. The results are deliberately predictable.One scene has a woman adorned in alluring lingerie, whose mind is on

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-56231691637755718312010-11-04T11:53:00.005-04:002010-11-04T12:04:13.308-04:00

On behalf of all Americans who find your voice to be as grating as nine-inch finger nails on a chalkboard and who, unlike you, choose to appear in costume only on Halloween, please let me impart some heartfelt departing words as you slither into the dustbin of obscurity... "Shut the Hell up!!" & "Bub-bye..." We're going to miss you like a bad case of intestinal distress.

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-46943025512593547712010-11-03T16:07:00.005-04:002010-11-03T16:13:28.575-04:00

YOU'RE NEXT, DIPWEED!! (That's all I'm saying...for the moment.)

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-62310339304372281152010-05-25T17:11:00.013-04:002010-05-26T13:52:02.857-04:00

Here's a shocker... According to the latest Rasmussen poll released today, only 24% of the individuals surveyed "strongly approve" of the job Barack Obama is doing as president. Let me guess... Those would be the same people who have both of their hands thrust forward, palms up, looking for the continuation of their free ride at the expense of every other hard working, over taxed American

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-8418283957994645112010-04-24T15:59:00.010-04:002010-04-24T17:04:47.319-04:00

Obama... What do you not understand about the word "illegal?" Arizona Governor Jan Brewer took a gigantic and courageous step to confronting the tsunami of illegal immigrants that have been and continue to flood into her state by signing on this past Friday a statue that gives authority to state law enforcement agencies to question persons of suspicion as to their immigration status. The hue and

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-43084931508621886402010-04-12T23:25:00.008-04:002010-04-13T01:14:39.877-04:00

Much to my chagrin, it's been over a month since I last posted to my blog. I've thought about doing so numerous times during my self imposed interlude, but every time the notion occurred that I was being delinquent in exercising what limited writing ability I may possess, I came to the conclusion that my subject matter would no doubt be centered around my continuing extreme displeasure with what

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-27899465105543366562010-02-26T09:35:00.009-05:002010-02-26T12:40:31.725-05:00

"Charade" That's the word I finally settled on after contemplating the sum total of what transpired at yesterday's health care summit. "Charade: an absurdly false or pointless act or situation." Not unlike a fixed horse race, anyone with a shred of common sense knew before hand to bet the mortgage on the obvious result of this colossal waste of time. The script of the proceedings was a

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-92198526788446371052010-02-05T17:12:00.010-05:002010-02-06T10:34:29.629-05:00

"CUPID FOUND MURDERED!" Dateline: Miami. An unexpected pall has today suddenly and most unexpectedly befallen the multitudes of heretofore rapturous fans who were in full party mode in preparation for this Sunday's Super Bowl. Cupid, the nymph-like mythological god of erotic love and beauty, was found dead this morning, shot through the back with one of his own arrows. Miami's renowned

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-20146623959715136722010-02-05T15:30:00.012-05:002010-02-05T17:09:10.416-05:00

"Well, excrement deleted!" (I am trying to stay away from the word "CRAP!!") Just when I was about to put a down payment on this little dingy pictured at left, along comes our imperial President, Mr. Obama, to put the squashola on that idea. Seems he is suddenly concerned that we ignorant folks out here in the hinterland, who lack the mental marbles to manage our personal finances, are prone to

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-62377052958274625232010-01-27T11:42:00.036-05:002010-01-27T23:55:19.935-05:00

There are current studies by the boatload that suggest numerous ways for older persons to remain mentally sharp and, therefore, delay if not forgo the onset of senility. Regularly scheduled physical exercise coupled with the frequent performance of gray matter taxing endeavors such as working on a New York TIMES crossword puzzle, reading War & Peace, composing a sonata, penning the next great

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-72180361169609480102010-01-26T09:10:00.050-05:002010-01-26T14:27:42.948-05:00

Let me open the following salvo by stating that I am pissed! As a professing and practicing Christian, I'm not suppose to reach such a state of personal dissatisfaction. I am suppose to be only mildly annoyed when confronted with an issue of conscience. That variety of countenance appears to be the only permitted means of expression that a Christian is to display, so intent is the secular left on

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-19036040390244678242010-01-23T13:19:00.012-05:002010-01-25T16:49:45.308-05:00

I discovered anew, among my many "Books I Intend To Read," a copy of Henry David Thoreau's "Walden," which I am trudging through with determined difficulty; laboring to become more at ease and adept at understanding his New England, 19th century style of prose. I thought I was the champion of run-on sentences, but Mr. Thoreau has repeatedly left me scratching my head in confusion when I finally

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-86671043923179025122010-01-19T17:36:00.030-05:002010-01-21T17:36:22.308-05:00

After a series of defeats from Dunkirk to Singapore, Winston Churchill could finally announce to the House of Commons on November 10, 1942 that "We have a new experience. We have a victory." Generals Alexander and Montgomery had turned back the forces of Nazi Germany's foremost field general, Rommel, at El Alamein in "The Battle of Egypt", thus winning what Churchill recognized as the first major

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-25588601406162927252010-01-18T12:00:00.008-05:002010-01-18T12:00:04.063-05:00

Dateline: Vaxjo, Sweden - "Floor Collapses At Swedish Weight Watchers Clinic.In what might otherwise would make for an entertaining skit for Monty Python's Flying Circus, can only be described as comedic irony when the second floor of the Vaxjo Weight Watcher's Clinic collapsed beneath a group of 20 program participants on Wednesday. The participants had gathered for their scheduled weekly

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-91295467669467270232010-01-15T22:54:00.008-05:002010-01-16T01:30:42.284-05:00

On Tuesday of this week all hell broke loose when an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Ricter scale unleashed its catastrophic fury on the Haitian nation's capital city of Port-au-Prince. The resulting devastation wrought by this monumental seismic event is incalculable by even the best estimates. The International Red Cross conjectures that three million people were immediately affected by the

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-16915438960721715942010-01-09T11:49:00.029-05:002010-01-14T15:40:02.264-05:00

Dateline - Key Biscayne, Florida. "Cold Snap Causes Frozen Iguana Shower"As a result of this past week's bitter cold temperatures, hundreds of tree-dwelling iguanas began falling from their lofty perches to litter the ground like discarded kumquats. A warm-blooded reptile, use to the more temperate and balmy climate of South Florida, the iguanas are not dying from the cold, but have merely

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-87431852971577828522010-01-05T17:42:00.019-05:002010-01-09T11:48:52.004-05:00

A sampling of headlines on the Drudge Report - January 5th, 2010... * "Winter Could Be Worse In 25 Years for USA..."* "Britain Braces For Heaviest Snowfall In 50-Years..."* "Elderly Burn Books For Warmth..."* "Vermont Sets All-Time Record For Snowstorm..."* "Iowa Temps A Solid 30 Degrees Below Normal..."* "Seoul Buried In Heaviest Snowfall In 70 Years..."* "Historic Ice Build-Up Shuts Down New

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-7270543135962369512010-01-04T11:26:00.023-05:002010-01-05T12:14:22.436-05:00

We're back home in St. Pete after having spent a week in the frigid mid-west, although I think we brought with us on our coattails some of that cold weather we thought we had left permanently in our wake as we boarded our plane out of O'Hare. Folks...it's cold here in the Sunshine State. Of course (and I purposefully digress), the head Chicken Little of Global Warming, Albert Gore, would profess

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-34348726771046101172009-12-21T17:09:00.019-05:002009-12-21T21:36:33.028-05:00

The difference between the unfortunate souls who perished after the tragic sinking of the Titanic and we disenfranchised souls who are languishing under the Democratic controlled Congress is that the folks on the Titanic knew that they had a large gash in their ship, but couldn't do anything about it, whereas the elitist idiots in Washington not only know they have incised a gigantic economic

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-4941545962969927642009-12-19T13:51:00.018-05:002009-12-21T16:40:17.310-05:00

If the nation's economy has gone to the dogs, you couldn't prove it by me. I've ventured out on several errands these past few days, and if the full parking spaces at the local shopping venues are any indication that people are truly "cutting back" on their Christmas shopping, then there's a whole heck of a lot of folks who have either abandoned their cars or there is a bunch of window shopping

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-16634077913713954762009-12-14T12:34:00.007-05:002009-12-14T13:56:19.248-05:00

This morning, bright and early, through a fog enshrouded Tampa landscape, departed our daughter, Megan, north for the snow bond, wind sweep, and bright lights of Chicago, 1oo5 miles away from the familiar and the comforting hearth and home she has known for the past 24 years. It has been a whirlwind of time constrained activity these past several weeks since it was officially determined that the

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-47835230203476985512009-12-10T20:28:00.013-05:002009-12-10T21:40:00.148-05:00

I don't wish to waste a lot of time on Mr. Tiger Woods and his precipitous fall from prominence, as I believe there are far more important and critical issues ensnaring this country and our world that deserve far greater dissection and discussion than the continuing despicable escapades of an individual who has a better than average knack of striking a golf ball with some notable consistency. The

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-20955960417763738202009-12-01T12:39:00.009-05:002009-12-01T13:40:42.582-05:00

The old saying, "You never miss something until it's gone," has plagued me for the past couple of weeks. Now that my eyesight has been surgically corrected, I have no need to constantly ask my wife, "Have you seen my glasses?" And I have managed to adopt a pretty fail proof method of keeping up with the keys to my vehicle; I place them next to the coffeemaker each night before I retire for the

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-8768350648721826712009-11-20T13:00:00.004-05:002009-11-20T13:00:00.679-05:00

For the past several months Judi and I have been serving as facilitators for a weekly on-going, 13 week Divorce Care recovery support group. The purpose of the program is to provide for the men and women in attendance the guidance along the path toward healing after experiencing the emotional pain of separation and divorce. Even though Judi and I have been married going on 27 years, we consider

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-84243197359935968942009-11-19T13:00:00.005-05:002009-11-19T15:44:51.818-05:00

Newsweek magazine has stirred up a hornet's next this week by commandeering a previously published photograph of Sarah Palin that originally appeared in Runner's World, which, unless you are attempting to read this post in braille, shows her in a pair of black runner's shorts from which her very shapely and tanned legs are prominently displayed. Ms. Palin, upon viewing the re-published photo,

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-10336761969468822372009-11-18T10:08:00.010-05:002009-11-18T11:56:43.740-05:00

Admittedly I've allowed too much time to pass between posts over the last several weeks. So, I'll take this opportunity to catch all of my many faithful readers ("Okay guys...all of you come out the phone booth now.") on events that have transpired or will be on my plate in the coming weeks. First... My candidate for the next mayor of St. Petersburg, Bill Foster, won the city-wide election on

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-75632309867361580882009-11-13T19:02:00.008-05:002009-11-13T19:30:22.648-05:00

For those who have been bothered by or even noticed that I have been absent from posting anything new to this blog, my apologies. There's been a ton of things that have crossed my awareness that otherwise would solicit a comment on my part, but, alas, they, for the most part, have had to do primarily with the continuing derogation of our nation at the hands of our elected Washington officials. As

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-73115468582322468292009-10-18T20:39:00.008-04:002009-10-18T22:06:53.166-04:00

The editorial page of today's Sunday edition of St. Petersburg TIMES featured a three-quarter page endorsement for Mr. Bill Foster, mayoral candidate for this fair city. While extolling Mr. Foster's civic qualifications, past city council leadership accomplishments, and detailed plans and proposals to move our city steadily forward in these uncertain economic times, the editorial board

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-44680053661731213782009-10-17T11:35:00.008-04:002009-10-17T13:06:26.304-04:00

I've been "out of pocket" for the past couple of weeks, unable to find the time nor the motivation to sit down and compose another post to my blog. Not that there hasn't been an inexhaustible range of topics on which I could espouse my views...unfortunately mostly political in nature. But after a while even I get tired of ranting on continuously about what an empty suit Obama is and how

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-17383728216592229202009-10-05T13:49:00.017-04:002009-10-06T09:57:31.186-04:00

The St. Petersburg TIMES published an article this Saturday entitled "This Ford Projects A Softer Image." The subtext posed the rhetorical question of speculating whether or not Kathleen Ford, the oppositional candidate to Bill Foster's bid to become elected mayor of the City of St. Petersburg, will overcome her past "reputation of blunt divisiveness." Having read the article and agreeing, for

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-42186940394912275682009-10-02T00:43:00.013-04:002009-10-02T02:28:00.241-04:00

I'm not a fan of kicking a person when they're down, but when a particular type of person, who happens to make a sizable living ridiculing other defenceless people for fun and sport, then it's time once again to drag out my trusty avenging skillet and whack the jerk with a resounding hollow "bonk" across the back of their empty cranium! Last evening, David Letterman, the sophomoric comedic shill

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-292590084645674572009-09-23T10:29:00.016-04:002009-09-23T12:16:28.456-04:00

The "Happy-Go-Lucky" looking fellow in the photograph at left is Dr. Stephen Updegraff. He's the dude who performed cataract removal and lens implant surgery on my right eye yesterday. To merely say he does pretty good work is like suggesting that Rembrandt is pretty handy with a paint brush. I like and greatly appreciate people who exude a profound excitement about life, and their uninhibited

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-55130208823018768592009-09-21T14:02:00.010-04:002009-09-21T16:32:33.961-04:00

Tell me that lurking in your family tree you don't have a relative that embarrasses the crap out of you every time he or she shows up at a family function and I'll say, "Lucky You," you haven't met everyone in your family yet. He's an uncle or she's an aunt, a cousin, a brother-in-law or sister-in-law, or worse yet, a brother or sister that some how in their misspent youth managed to evolve into

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-47005376843927978872009-09-15T17:59:00.018-04:002009-09-16T10:30:29.334-04:00

As children we all no doubt heard the Hans Christan Anderson fairy tale entitled "The Emperor's New Clothes." To refresh your memories, this is the story of a very gullible ruler of a very prosperous kingdom that was obsessed with the notion of not only being the king, but always looking and acting the part. The king's fixation on appearances lead him to be duped by a pair of crafty swindlers who

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-11509640080097859502009-09-14T20:30:00.020-04:002009-09-14T22:16:44.194-04:00

Do you know what an anomaly is? It is an irregularity, something that deviates from the norm or from expectations. Something strange and difficult to classify. Apparently that is how the national media outlets and the Obama White House is classifying the 9/12 march on Washington that occurred this past Saturday. White House Press Secretary, Robert Gibbs, parroting the befuddlement that is the

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-30866623333651769462009-09-11T17:09:00.013-04:002009-09-11T21:25:01.719-04:00

We live in an age of rampant and unapologetic political correctness. The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, unabashedly entered that well varnished arena when she stated that the term "Islamist terrorism" would be excluded from the current administration's lexicon to describe such wanton acts of savagery and the term "man-caused disasters" would be employed in its

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-1410129155317599802009-09-10T14:00:00.008-04:002009-09-11T17:07:19.779-04:00

Here's the deal... If I'm going to continue to spend my time and money pursuing a little white spheroid over some well manicure cow pasture for alleged fun and recreation, I at least want to have the satisfaction of knowing that when I tee up that little white ball of frustration and strike it with immeasurable force that I can actually watch it go kaplunk into yon lake. Heretofore that has not

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-19826104549193669322009-09-09T14:39:00.007-04:002009-09-09T16:04:58.435-04:00

I took the time to read the speech given yesterday at noon by President Obama broadcast to the school children of America. I gave it an "A." It was well prepared and well presented. Based on the innocuous theme of the speech, I could have written and delivered that same speech with the same equally anticipated results. In other words, had the White House and the Department of Education

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-53459220982541028212009-09-07T11:26:00.002-04:002009-09-07T11:30:13.707-04:00

I just thought you'd like to know...

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-44742850231777649592009-09-04T16:26:00.017-04:002009-09-09T16:17:17.965-04:00

I received a comment from one of my respected blog readers who expressed disappointment in my pronouncement that I was personally glad that the former senior senator from Massachusetts had passed away. Upon further reflection, I too sincerely regret that comment. It was unnecessarily vindictive to say the least.This statement of apology does, however, in no way diminish my personal adherence to

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-50905374941514338012009-09-01T13:00:00.009-04:002009-09-01T13:00:02.177-04:00

For months I've been searching for just the right type of employment opportunity and finally I've hit upon it: photography. Not just any kind of photography, but the kind like those really creative and talented photo-journalist from National Geographic. They get to travel to some of the most exotic and glamorous locations all around the world. That's for me. So, I signed up to become a

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-38847727640138455462009-08-31T11:22:00.011-04:002009-08-31T12:49:11.453-04:00

I decided to take my "clunker" of a truck to the local car wash this past Saturday. Upon arriving I noticed that the line of vehicles waiting to enter the establishment was inordinately long. Having waited patiently for close to a half hour, I decided to exit my vehicle and saunter up to the head of the line to see if I could surmise the cause for the delay. The answer...I greatly admire a person

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-55671531705849625672009-08-28T16:31:00.007-04:002009-08-28T17:38:21.398-04:00

Well, "they're back..." Got another derogatory piece of claptrap in the mail today attempting to malign the public service record of mayoral candidate Bill Foster. This time it is underwritten by the world renowned Citizens Speaking Out Committee, Inc. I'm sure you've heard of them... They are the first cousins to that other infamous political action group, Committee For Responsible

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-68402724978636575742009-08-27T18:06:00.010-04:002009-08-27T19:28:54.726-04:00

I received in the mail today, as I suppose many of you did as well, a slanderous piece of political action committee garbage attempting to denigrate mayoral candidate Bill Foster's public record while he previously served on the city council for St. Petersburg. I suppose there will evidently be a small gaggle of "chicken littles" who, upon a furtive glance at this slick, four-color flyer, will

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-43330077192245339232009-08-26T15:18:00.015-04:002009-08-27T16:54:29.968-04:00

I am a political news junkie and I take my politics very seriously. However, nothing would suit me more than to revert back to simpler times when our nation's only pressing concern was whether or not an increase in the minimum wage from a $1.25 to an outlandish $1.50 would ruin the national economy. Those were the days when our country actually had a thriving national economy. Flash forward to

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-40291471440232497752009-08-12T13:02:00.009-04:002009-08-12T15:23:56.410-04:00

I received an email this week from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee requesting a personal monetary contribution in order that this austere group (with my "much appreciated assistance") can continue to "stand up against a tiny, vocal minority of far-right fringe organizations" that have been riotously engaged in disrupting the democratic town hall meetings being conducted sporadically

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-6075525491850508062009-08-06T08:49:00.013-04:002009-08-12T09:30:59.197-04:00

Dateline: Everglades, Florida... Just when you thought it was safe to again venture forth into the land of sun and fun comes a disturbing report that yet another more lethal species, aside from the average confused south Florida voter, is propagating in ever increasing numbers in the 1,400,000 acre wildlife preserve just north of burgeoning metropolitan Miami; the Burmese Python. The latest

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-14485966913175744142009-08-05T12:23:00.011-04:002009-08-05T14:55:15.725-04:00

It has taken me years to establish, my reputation for being a prankster, but I wear that label with no small amount of pride. I like having fun and sometimes, if the opportunity presents itself, at another person's expense. Never anything malicious, mind you, just a firm poke in the ribs at a person's dignity usually does the trick.Some times my partner in concocting these various ruses is my

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-64187418170639735912009-08-04T13:00:00.001-04:002009-08-04T13:00:03.783-04:00

Today marks a special anniversary for me. A year ago this date I underwent successful open heart surgery. (Obviously it was successful, you loon. You're blogging about it aren't you?)Where was I? Ah, yes...the surgery. Anyway, as I was saying, it is hard to believe that a year has passed already since I remember being prepped for the procedure, being dry shaved from collarbone to toenails by a

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-79646021922418782052009-07-31T09:45:00.009-04:002009-07-31T12:27:45.997-04:00

In my growing up days in rural North Carolina, it was a common site to observe, behind or to the side of house after house, freshly laundered articles of clothing fluttering in the breeze. Mother nature's warm sun was given the task of drying load after never ending load of laundry, each having had as much moisture squeezed out from the crumpled folds as the hand-cranked wringers atop the tub

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-60601277941249454412009-07-29T12:13:00.011-04:002009-07-29T14:58:14.871-04:00

WAY TO GO PROFESSOR DUMB ASS!!I'd be a thoroughly rich man if I could collect a penny for every word that has been spoken and written to date about the incident that occurred on July 16th that involved the now infamous Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates (pictured above) and Sergeant James Crowley, he of the Cambridge, Massachusetts Police Department, which resulted in Professor Gates being

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-70672312631382350162009-07-21T00:40:00.007-04:002009-07-21T01:19:43.454-04:00

When the Lunar Module "Eagle" landed on the moon July 20, 1969, I was on combat training maneuvers at Fort Sam Houston, Texas; a 21 year old, slick-sleeved airman participating in combat-readiness field exercises to become a member of the Air Force air police. When at 3:18 p.m. central time it was announced that "The Eagle Has Landed," a tremendous, pride-filled cheer echoed forth from the

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-72862328929458367252009-07-11T15:18:00.012-04:002009-07-12T23:30:38.193-04:00

"I choose to run for the presidency at this time in history because I believe deeply that we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together - unless we prefect our union by understanding that we have different stories, but we hold common hope; that we may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but we all want to move in the same direction - towards

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-1034498796083289162009-07-08T14:49:00.024-04:002009-07-09T01:49:11.378-04:00

This? Or This?Let me make it perfectly clear... I recognize the passing of Michael Jackson leaves a perceptible void in the entertainment industry. On a scale of one to ten, however, I rank Jackson's death or the entertainment industry having any significant impact on my life as a minus 10! In a phrase, I don't give a flying Oscar!Here's what I do care about

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-22365667913805623242009-07-03T16:56:00.011-04:002009-07-04T00:05:57.839-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!I just completed reading the book The Lone Survivor that was written by and is about retired Petty Officer First Class, Marcus Luttrell, the recipient of the U.S. Navy's highest and most prestigious decoration, the Navy Cross, awarded for valor in the face of the enemy. As a proud warrior member of the Navy SEALs, one the most fierce fighting units in

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-63656973838803461192009-07-03T09:10:00.023-04:002009-07-03T16:56:09.322-04:00

In the early stages of his Presidency Abraham Lincoln commissioned a blue ribbon panel of the nation's most prominent scholars to determine the answer to the following question. "What in life can be defined as always remaining constant?" After many months of arduous discussion and debate, these men of letters reported back to the President their mutually agreed upon finding. Their conclusion..."

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-8329659125514786362009-07-02T15:32:00.019-04:002009-07-02T17:55:12.643-04:00

She and her husband were on vacation from Scotland. A delightful middle-aged couple with travelogue Scottish accents that were as thick as creamed potatoes. They were staying in the same Holiday Inn as were we, visiting with their son who had driven up from Naples, Florida. I met them secondarily after Judi had initially taken it upon herself to be a good Samaritan, walked down to where the

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-35053197594599888792009-06-29T18:11:00.013-04:002009-06-29T23:17:51.547-04:00

The last couple of weeks have brought the news that several personalities of note have passed from life into the niches of our collective memories. Ed McManhon of "Here's Johnny!" fame, Farah Fawcett, iconic poster babe and one of the trio of Charlie's Angel's, Michael Jackson, the undisputed "King of Pop" and equally undisputed King of Weird, and finally, Billy Mays, "King of the Yell and Sell"

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-38710597693904809072009-06-26T17:34:00.006-04:002009-06-26T19:11:17.402-04:00

I looked it up. The word "Icon." It means "somebody or something widely and uncritically admired, especially somebody or something symbolizing a movement or field of activity." Okay, as far as the far-reaching impact on changing the face of the music industry that he had for the better part of three decades, I'll put a check mark in that category besides Michael Jackson's name. I also looked up

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-29558458114542312892009-06-22T22:13:00.019-04:002009-06-24T23:58:36.682-04:00

We're back... Home again from a quick and very relaxing few days literally soaking in the sun at Ft. Myers Beach...about a two and a half hour drive south of our St. Petersburg home. To say it is unusually hot here in central Florida is like suggesting that McDonalds merely serves hamburgers. The day time high temperatures have been averaging 96 degrees with a heat index of 105! Judi and I can

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-9222402323182284152009-06-19T17:21:00.008-04:002009-06-19T17:39:25.487-04:00

It's been decided... After many arduous weeks and months of trying to keep our heads above water, Judi and I have decided to give it a rest and check our for a few days. We leave tomorrow for a quick three day weekend in some tropical location further south. We both just need to forget about all the financial matters that have been weighing heavily on us all these many weeks, take a long overdue

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-11969278827310122482009-06-12T14:51:00.032-04:002009-06-15T01:13:01.456-04:00

Any long time devotee to late night television will quickly tell you that when Johnny Carson retired after 30 years of hosting the Tonight Show, this unique genre took a perceptible nosedive in entertainment value. Widely acclaimed as "The King of Nighttime Television," Carson left an immediate and largely unfilled void in non-offensive, yet highly creative amusement quotient to be filled across

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-62270350121846742492009-06-10T08:49:00.011-04:002009-06-10T11:23:09.526-04:00

"Let me tell you about my dreams last night." Thus was I yet once again regaled with a full accounting of Judi's most recent nocturnal exploits. After twenty-six years being married to this wonderful woman, I can pretty much predict that at least a couple of times each week I will be greeted with the above statement. There is no escaping her ardent desire to go into vivid and exhausting detail,

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-65016763060766020082009-06-09T09:05:00.008-04:002009-06-09T11:11:55.642-04:00

Let me start off from the "get-go" and announce without reservation that I am thoroughly ticked!! Other than the rampant stupidity and incompetence that marks the alleged leadership ensconced within the Washington, D.C. Beltway, it takes quite a bit of deliberate aggravation to get me riled up. Today, however, is a red letter day that has nothing to do with national politics.I'm not sure if in a

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-89186719201704611992009-06-08T12:17:00.019-04:002009-06-08T15:53:05.895-04:00

A few Sundays ago, one of our pastors, Alberto Bent, presented an impassioned message about personal wealth. It wasn't directed at the congregation's pocketbooks, but more at the wealth that each human being possesses that springs from the depths of our hearts; the types of wealth that is in-born, God breathed through His gifts of the spirit. He used as the basis of his text the word "Chayil,"

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-46765141080211162642009-06-06T13:00:00.009-04:002009-06-06T18:44:42.937-04:00

As much as I pride myself on being an attentive husband, I too often find myself on the short end of the stick...usually by omission rather than commission. Last evening was a case in point. Most evenings, while eating a bite of supper, Judi and I mutually enjoy watching together the national news followed by Squeal Of Fortune. Admittedly, we're rather puritanical in that regard. This week's

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-31717455504472231952009-06-03T17:02:00.014-04:002009-06-05T12:43:15.818-04:00

"I'm hooked!!" Someone invited me, a couple of weeks back, to be their "friend" on the on-line social networking service, Facebook. Very soon thereafter the receipt of that seemingly innocent invitation, I lost all self-control. I'm telling you that the Swine Flu can't possibly spread as quickly as has this Facebook pandemic. A fellow Facebook devotee unflatteringly referred to this WEB

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-80252328872938961392009-06-03T12:40:00.016-04:002009-06-03T15:00:20.239-04:00

This week is a down week for me employment-wise. Last week I put in a whopping sixteen and a half hours at my "as needed" employer. But this week they've got nothing for me to do, so I'm home taking care of a few domestic chores. Presently I am waiting on the "cable guy," who informed me that he would be at my residence "Promptly between noon and 2 p.m." I just love punctuality! We just recently

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-20082713790075321632009-06-02T10:44:00.029-04:002009-06-03T11:26:06.220-04:00

A potential firestorm is brewing in the Senate. President Obama has tendered for Senate confirmation his first candidate to serve as a life time appointee to the United States Supreme Court, Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Controversial in many of her past publicized public statements and possessing a record of having a number of her rulings reversed, Justice Sotomayor provides ample fodder for

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-21644524451396590202009-06-01T09:08:00.029-04:002009-06-02T09:55:19.162-04:00

"Time offers no guarantees...just choices...no certainty... just consequences; no predictable outcomes...just the privilege to pursue." - Tim Conner"Count three to your left and three to your right... One out of each three of you will not be here next year." These were the less than encouraging words spoken during the orientation weekend prior to my entering my freshman year in college in the

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-25777232715737268612009-05-25T13:42:00.008-04:002009-06-05T13:21:43.256-04:00

My now departed Dad served during World War II in the Army Air Corps as a mechanic on P-38 Lightening fighter aircraft, one of the most powerful and beautifully crafted airplanes to ever come off the Lockheed design board. Although he was never assigned to a combat theater, serving the majority of his enlistment at Tinker Air Force in Oklahoma City, he nevertheless performed with distinction his

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-7705746013098299982009-05-18T12:44:00.011-04:002009-06-05T13:32:25.162-04:00

One of my most favorite recent bumper stickers reads, "You Can't Fix Stupid...But You Sure As Hell Can Vote It Out Of Office!" The list of Washington, D.C. incompetents is inexhaustible, but topping that list are the number two and three individuals directly in line to assume the duties of Commander In Chief, Vice President Joe Biden and Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. As the most recent

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-5072900357219843172009-05-13T08:47:00.022-04:002009-06-05T13:46:23.507-04:00

In the past 20 some odd years there have been dozens of space shuttle flights blasting off into the heavens since Judi and I have lived on the west coast of Florida, and each has invoked a response on the order of, "One day we need to go see one up close and personal." When it was announced last week that the next flight would be departing the Kennedy Space Center on Monday, we decided that if

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212277166663266937.post-35894235314010627592009-05-11T09:11:00.014-04:002009-06-05T13:52:50.157-04:00

Mother's Day in our home has always been a generational celebration. My wife Judi, daughter Megan and Judi's mom have for years always gathered in our home for an afternoon of good food, warm fellowship and posing for keepsake photographs. The tradition continued yesterday, but perhaps for the last time.Judi's mom's health has continued to deteriorate precipitously since we reluctantly embraced

Jim Latchfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05800242190808839089noreply@blogger.com0