The rain has gone

                I have had bad eyes since I was in middle school, which was not a big deal to me because I was able to wear contact lenses. Approximately a year ago I developed dry eyes. The dry eyes condition made it impossible to wear the contacts that I was so use to wearing. The last year I have been wearing glasses. I have been so sick of wearing glasses that I have recently decided to undergo the laser eye surgery. There is no doubt that I am excited to get the procedure done, but I would be a liar if I said I was not a little bit scared. It is not so much that I am scared of the procedure, yet anxious about the outcome. I just hope everything goes well and I have great results and maybe then I can “see clearly now.”

Senior Citizens Protest in Stillwater

The Stillwater Senior Activity Center is reducing its hours after budget cuts. Seniors are aggravated by the cuts and are determined to protest.

                The Senior Activity Center is cutting ten hours of every week in the new schedule. The seniors argue that they have paid their fair share of taxes over the years, and proclaim they should be able to keep the previous schedule. Shirley Burt is heading up the protest set for Monday morning at the steps of the Stillwater Municipal building. Burt is a widow and lives alone. She explains how important it is for her as well as people like her to be able to go somewhere and have fellowship with one’s peers.

Reno Airshow

                A plane crashed Thursday in Reno, Nevada during the National Championship Air Races. The plane, piloted by 80-year old Jimmy Leeward, crashed into the stands after losing control.

                Leeward was a very well-known participant in the sport over the past several years. The crash killed two others, and injured fifty six. Of the fifty six injured: fifteen were considered to be in critical condition, thirteen in serious condition, and twenty-eight had non-life threatening injuries. Witnesses say Leeward lost control of his P-51 Mustang, they also say it was evident he tried to avoid hitting the crowd. Witnesses also explain the scene as “complete carnage” with debris and body parts scattered about. My heart and prayers go out to the people and their families affected by this tragic event.

Good job on w2 blogs. Maybe you can get yourself some of those headphones that completely drown out any sound. I wish you the best. 15

9/11

                The main story in national news this week is the 10 year anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. I just cannot wrap my head around the fact that it has been ten years. My heart goes out to all the family's effected by the disaster. I remember feel a sense on emptiness the following days of 9/11. I think most Americans were naive that something like that would happen to the United States prior to September 11, I know I was. I saw a video today that was interesting: Astronaut in space during attacks share unique footage, if you have a chance check it out.

First Game Jidders?

                 What has been going on in Stillwater? Oklahoma States back to back victories over Louisiana and Arizona in the last week has everyone excited about football.
                  The Cowboys beat the Ragin Cajuns sSaturday, but not without a fight. The Cowboys struggled a little through out the game especially in the third quarter. Following up to the first game of the season, I had heard nothing but promising things about our Oklahoma State football team, but to be honest after seeing their performance Saturday, I had my doubts about how this season will go. Needless to say Thursday nights game against Arizona relieved my worries. The Cowboys dealt an impressive game. I hope the Cowboys keep up the good work, especially when December rolls around.

Head Phones

                      My neighbor is trying to learn how to play Hotel California on the guitar. My neighbor has a long way to go before he or she hits the big time. It is not his or her lack of talent or rhythm that has me irritated, lord knows I can't play any better. Trying to do my homework, such as this essay for example, is very difficult with the obnoxious racket. So the problem at hand is, "how can I think about what to write about when I can't hear myself think?" Well I guess I will write about my annoying neighbor because that is in fact what is on my mind. It makes for a lousy paper, but unfortunately that is whats on my mind. Note to self: Christmas present idea for the tenet next door, head phones.

Where Theres Smoke

In the past few days wildfires have been an enormous issue, specifically in central Oklahoma including the Stillwater area. Most notably the fires just outside of Oklahoma City that consumed several peoples homes. There have also been numerous grass fires across the state.

                The combination of high winds and extremely dry vegetation has made central Oklahoma susceptible to wildfires this week. The fires on the outskirts of Oklahoma City received the most media attention with the extensive property damage they caused and the large effort it took to extinguish the blazes by surrounding fire departments. The news neglected to cover the many grass fires across the state, including one east of Stillwater on highway 51 and one near Perkins.

World Trade Center Reconstruction

I have noticed in recent news attention has been brought to the reconstruction of the World Trade Center. As we all know the terrorist attacks on September 11^th 2001 left the twin towers in ruble. The people associated with the ownership of the Trade Center vowed to rebuild along with a memorial for the victims.

                The new World Trade Center will consist of four towers that are said to be complete in 2013. Along with the four towers on the sixteen acre piece of real estate in Manhattan will be a memorial for the nearly 3,000 people who died on that horrifying day. Where the towers once stood will be two water falls in the outline of the former buildings. Trees will be planted throughout the memorial. The story of one of these trees is particularly interesting. The only living survivor from ground zero was this mangled pear tree, which was rehabilitated and recently replanted back at ground zero.

Cigars Might be More than a Hazard to your Health

                I saw something about Cuban cigars today that got the wheels turning in my head. I’m not particularly a connoisseur by any means, but I have smoked a few cigars in my life. The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Cuban cigars is; aren’t they illegal?

                What I want to know is what part of Cuban cigars is illegal. Is it buying them? Is it selling them? Maybe just owning one is illegal. Needless to say I had to find out. I got online and stated researching. I found out there has been a federal ban on Cuban imports since 1963 under the “Trading with the Enemy” act. Come to find out, although it is illegal to buy, sell, or even own Cuban cigars in the United States, the cigars can be bought online from dealers in Europe and Canada with a promised “minimal” chance of getting caught. Will I give it a try?