LJWorld.com

The Federal Government, in its infinite wisdom, has determined an automobile must have a minimum of seventy-five percent American made parts (which include Canadian but no mention of Mexican) to qualify as a "domestic" vehicle. With this information in hand I proceeded to determine a proper replacement for each of my three current modes of transport.

My F-250 (assembled in KC) came in at a comfortable 90% made in USA. Next up, the Explorer rated 85%, still not so bad. Would you believe the Taurus (Assembled in Chicago) is only 70% American made? Not even a domestic automobile by US government standards. Hmmm . . . so, what do I buy for the spouse when trade-in time rolls around?

Well, the Toyota Corolla and Avalon, and the Honda Ridgeline and Pilot all come in at 75%. The Toyota Camry hits 80%, and the Toyota Seinna goes 85%. The Mazda Tribute is tempting with an 90% number but I think I have the answer, and can still stay with my favorite brand. Ford Econoline vans come in at a whopping 95% American Made! She may not like being mistaken for the plumber though . . .

Ford Van from web source by RoeDapple

BEER by RoeDapple

I once heard a friend say he doesn't care what beer tastes like, that's not why he drinks it. Although there was a time in my youth I might have subscribed to that mindset, recent years have seen my consumption of the fruit of the grain reduced to the point of wanting to enjoy the occasional canned, bottled or on tap beverage. Here's the kicker. Most beers I have any experience with have been delivered in semi-trucks with the brand name emblazoned across the trailer in bold blue and white lettering and are "light" of nature. No dark beers for me, I've never developed a taste for them. Most micro-breweries make a lighter wheat beer I enjoy but the darker beers tend to taste bitter, thick or both. Just not my cup of tea, so to speak.

With at least half a dozen popular micro-breweries in the Lawrence/Topeka/Kansas City area I'm sure there is no shortage of beer connoisseurs quite willing to voice their opinions. So what will it be for you? A lighter beer, or a darker ale? Care to add your reasons why?

(image from web source)

Notes by RoeDapple

Today's song blog is for those who have left us. Not necessarily 'passed on', but left us in the sense of no longer being here on the online presence of the Lawrence Journal World. Some have just moved on, some disapearededed, and some might surprise you when they go.

I would like to do something a little different this time. Let's post a song with a link or lyrics that has a "Goodbye" theme to it, then dedicate it to someone who has been a poster or otherwise connected to LJWorld online. If you would rather post a song that reminds you of that person that would be okay too, as long as the Terms of Service are not violated.

superman by RoeDapple

(images from web sources)

Notes by RoeDapple

So I'm asking myself, What subject for the next song blog? What would the other posters respond to? Is there a subject we haven't blogged on yet? Of course there is . . . right?

Questions, questions, . . . questions?

THAT'S IT !! Name a song, song lyrics or artist that ask that burning question, ANY question! Please limit your posts to one song. Include the title and artist, and a link or lyrics if possible. Post as many as you can think of or find then listen and enjoy

(image and video from web sources)

Notes by RoeDapple

There, I said it. Those six little words that everyone rolls their eyes to this time of year. I for one enjoy the hot weather, at least in short bursts. I've always thought it is easier to cool down from being too warm than warm up from getting too cold. But that's just me, so yeah. It is hot enough for me.

Today's song blog will therefore be about the heat! Any song that has lyrics, title or performer name that refers to "hot, heat or high temperature" will do! Please limit your posts to one song each and include the title, artist and link or lyrics.

Plenty of them out there so have fun with it!!

Too Hot by RoeDapple

(images from web sources)

Notes by RoeDapple

Sistine Chapel by RoeDapple

Ronda Miller brought to my attention that a "Random" act of nature, a lightning strike near the Caylee Anthony memorial, is now being seen as sign of disapproval by God for the verdict in Casey Anthony's trial. Well, I'm not one to get into arguments of a religious nature, but I will not be looking for pictures of Jesus in my toast if you know what I mean. Ronda did pass on an idea for a song blog however and it goes something like this.

Name a song that deals with wrath, revenge and or punishment. Please limit your posts to one song with the title, artist and a link or the lyrics. Have fun with it, and get creative!

(images from web sources)

Notes by RoeDapple

Atlantis by RoeDapple

"To the stars through difficulties". What an appropriate theme for a music blog honoring the last launch of the space shuttle Atlantis, tentatively set for this Friday, and the last launch of any of the shuttles in the current space program. Kansas has had many astronauts in the space program, including Captain Edward J. Dwight, Jr. of Kansas City, Kansas. He was the first African-American to join the space program, in 1963. He and his sister were also the first African-Americans to enroll in Kansas City's Ward High School. In the mid-1960s, Ron Evans and Joe Engle joined the NASA astronaut program. Evans was from St. Francis, later moving to Topeka, and graduated from Highland Park High School. Engle was from Abilene. Steve Hawley, a native of Ottawa and graduate of Salina High School and the University of Kansas, has flown five shuttle missions.

On with the blog! Recently I did a blog, "The Moon, The Stars, The Heavens Above" about heavenly bodies. Today's blog will address the means to get there or the means for those who may be out there to get here. Name any song that's title, artist or lyrics mention spacecraft, astronauts, aliens, flying saucers . . . any way to travel through space and the pilots and or passengers of such craft. Please limit your posts to one song each and include the title, artist and a link or lyrics to the song.

ancient alien by RoeDapple

(images from web sources)

The gang will miss you!

wwe wrestlers by RoeDapple

All of them!

peewee by RoeDapple

Your good tastes . . .

cookies by RoeDapple

corndogs by RoeDapple

most of the time.

mustard by RoeDapple

Your fearlessness!

roman candle fight by RoeDapple

And your humility

The Goddess by RoeDapple

. Don't forget us when you're famous!

(images from web sources)

weed notes by RoeDapple

While reading an article on the effects of tobacco advertising on teens and pre-teens it occurred to me that music may be more the culprit when it comes to influencing our youth in their decision making process regarding tobacco, as well as many other substances they may ingest as they grow. I remember my own father telling us to get rid of that Eric Clapton album with "Cocaine" blaring loudly from the speakers, yet his own taste in music sang of booze, cigarettes and 'cheating hearts'. I didn't see too much difference except I never partook of the "snow". May have tried the weed, but of course I didn't inhale . . .

marijuana by RoeDapple

Today's song blog will then be about the "drugs" of our society. Any song title, song lyrics or band name that include references to marijuana, drug use (prescription or illegal), alcohol and/or tobacco and should be limited to one song per post and include the title and artist. Also include a link or lyrics if you can. The drinks are poured, the keg is on its way. Smoke 'em if you got 'em.

martinis by RoeDapple

(images from web sources)