Hey, Folks, What's Going On Down There?

Remember, I am over a thousand miles away from the park and don't have a clue as to what you're doing for fun or what's new or who's already arrived.

If this site is to be interesting to those already there, it must have some news of current conditions, happenings, people, etc.

And those friends who are not yet there would find that information useful, too.

Bottom line:
YOU send me some news, please! Just click on "Comment!" below and write an email. I'll make it happen from there one. Pictures are welcome, too, of course!

Who'll be first????

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Political Spectrum: Where Do You Stand?

Julee sent a link to a neat (short, simple, easy) political quiz that you can take in a minute or two.

It will score the test and graphically show where you stand relative to liberal/conservative and libertarian/statist. Pretty neat, actually! (You engineers will love it!)

It gives a word description of your position. In my case, I felt the description fit me almost exactly. You mileage may vary, of course.

Now that the elections are over, you might as well enjoy politics a bit. Here's the test: http://www.theadvocates.org/quiz

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$147M of OUR Money Going to Brazil Cotton Farmers

Would you believe that you and I, as U.S. Taxpayers, are subsidizing Brazilian cotton farmers to the tune of $147,000,000 each year?

Yep, it's true! And ridiculous, in my opinion.

Here's the short version:

The U.S Government (that's supposed to be you and me) subsidizes U.S. cotton growers. The Brazilians complained to the World Trade Organization (WTO) that this was unfair and illegal under the WTO rules. The Brazilians won. And over several years of U.S. appeals, the WTO stuck to their decision.

We (the U.S.) refused to cease paying our own cotton farmers, so that left only one recourse for the folks in Brazil: tax incoming U.S. products. They threatened to do just that. Ultimately, the two sides negotiated a payment of $147M/year to Brazil and they agreed to not tax imports from the U.S.

The result is that we are now paying subsidies to not only the U.S. cotton farmers, but also those in Brazil!!!

If you think this is just fine, please let your Senator and Representative know.

On the other hand, if you think it is not an appropriate way for your tax dollars to be spent, let them know that, too. Then let them know again and again.

The long version is on National Public Radio. You can listen to it or read it here:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2010/11/09/131192182/cotton

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Thankful

I just received this from our granddaughter.

"Greetings everyone!

 

As the Thanksgiving season approaches - this is a reminder to think about what you are truly thankful for! Our economy is in a world of hurt right now, but if you're able to check this e-mail, I guarantee you're not as bad off as some folks in this world.

 

Happy people don't have the best of eveything, they make the best of everything they have.

 

I am thankful for:

 

-The fact that I have two beautiful, healthy children

-A great husband who is a wonderful father

-My family

-A roof over my head

-Food on the table

-The job that is able to provide me with 2 of the above 

 

Don't forget what's important my friends! I don't really like Suze Orman - but she says "People first, then money..." and I think she has a point."

The picture below illustrates her first and third point.

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Hubble Telescope Discoveries

Julee sent a link to some discoveries made by the Hubble telescope. I thought the video very interesting and thought you might, too. That's why it's posted here!

Do you think you're a pretty significant part of the universe? Before you answer, watch the video!

http://www.flixxy.com/hubble-ultra-deep-field-3d.htm

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Sad News from the Park

Updated 6:30 PM Oct 13

Another icon on Rockport 35 RV Park has passed away. Allison provided this information a few minutes ago:

"I am so sad to tell you that Joe Altobelli died today.
He was having a relatively minor surgery on the prostate and near the end of surgery went into cardiac arrest.

Bonnie asked me to tell everyone, Keith.
Please post this.
Allison"

Joe was one of Tony's right-hand-men all the years we've been at the park. He always had a big smile and a "Hi!" when you saw him. Sometimes, it was a quick "Hi!" as he whizzed past on his tall perch atop his small-wheeled bike. Joe was always very helpful.

Joe and Bonnie lived near Virginia, MN, when not in Texas.

Bonnie's address:

Bonnie Devescovi

5591 Carriage Dr.

Mt. Iron, MN  55768

This is from the Duluth News Tribune:

"Joseph Anthony Altobelli Jr., 68, passed away in the Virginia Regional Medical Center on Monday, Oct. 11, 2010.

VISITATION: 2 until the 3 p.m. funeral service Friday, Oct. 15, 2010, in Gethsemane Lutheran Church. A private burial will take place at Willow Valley Cemetery in Cook at a later date."

You can read part of the obituary here: http://www.virginiamn.com/articles/2010/10/13/obituaries/doc4cb53bc02298f652871809.txt

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Al Recovering from Surgery

This note was received from Allison today:

Most of you know that Al, since December, has been undergoing Chemo therapy to arrest breast cancer.

Yesterday he had surgery to remove the lump.

It was discovered that the tumor was continuing to grow and invade the muscle of the chest wall & the lymph nodes.

Thus, Al had a radical mastectomy with removal of all of the lymphnodes in the axilla (under the arm on that side).

He will continue with chemotherapy and radiation.

Your prayers to the Lord Jesus for Al and Audrey are in order. Cards will also be appreciated.

Love to you all,

Allison

This illness and the treatments certainly must have crimped Al's style. Because he's always very active at the park, his church, the school, and community affairs, having to add "get well" to the very top of his to-do list no doubt frustrated him a bit. But, as Al himself might say, "You gotta do what you gotta do!"

Through this ordeal, Al has continued his positive attitude and determination to win this round.

Thanks to Allison for this information.

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