Friday, May 28, 2010

Memorial Day-First Article

I just love editional cartoons, and the cartoons that capture our thought of everyday life. The kind of thought we think but are afraid to say aloud. Some one shared these with me so I dont know where they came from or who the artist is. So I cant give them credit for their work. But if I ever had the chance to find out I would like to shake their hand and tell them that I think they captured the average Americans thoughts.......so thank you!
I hope you have a moment to look at these and take a moment to think about all of those who gave up their tomarrow so we may have a today.
Some of us may not understand so Ill try it this way...The United States was born and maintained in blood.The blood of men and women who died so we may live in freedom today.




Or as I like to say....You can burn your Bra, your Draft Card, and the American Flag in the streets and scream to the heavens in protest of what ever your cause.....because you live in Freedom bought to you by the Americas Soldiers, Sailors, Airman, and the Marines.
"All the Way"
Tom Hendrickson
Once served proudly US ARMY

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Memorial Day 2010



Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.


President Harry S Truman

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Heres a Great Lodge !


I had the great opportunity to spend some time with the Brothers of Albert Pike Lodge in Hopkins Minnesota this past Saturday to help them celebrate Main Street Days. I love this lodge because its an old fashion Masonic lodge that is constantly using new ideas to gain exposier to the community and gain new members. All the while upholding the traditional Masonic principils and the work.

The white things attached to the fence is a small table or ledge. The crowds of people can belly up to the counter order a Brat or Hot dog and eat in comfort. Or they can walk into the lodge and sit for awhile and rest their sore feet, and get a tour of the lodge.This picture was taken very early but by 2pm there was an expected 500 customers and positive contacts with the members of the city.
Heres a few things about the lodge you may not know. Currently the city of Hopkins is a first ring surburb of the city of Minneapolis. But in 1900 the city was a bustling town of 1600 citzens.There were 34 businesses, one grade schoo with 300 pupils and the cross roads for five rail roads. There were several franternal but not a Masonic lodge. There was 66 men who lived in the town but they traveled to to surronding lodges. I think the thought of traveling the Country roads another Winter mayhave created interest in forming a Masonic Lodge.
The Lodge received their Charter on October 20, 1901. They met like many new lodges at a store in town until they could build a lodge. They completed this building you see on October 15, 1902.Albert Pike lodge has operated non stop in this building ever since. The Brothers have taken great care of it over the years and I can testify that they have done the work themselves.
This Masonic Lodge is very well know in its community. Albert Pike Lodge has won awards from the city, the Histroical Society, and the Council of the Arts.I think that I can say that if there is an event in the City of Hopkins Albert Pike Lodge is involved in some big or small fashion.They are Relevant to their community.





The fat guy on the left is myself( the diet is going well 30 pounds so far) and the Brother on the Right is Lodge Secretery Marty Olazowka. A great man and Brother. Please remember this picture because rarely do you see Marty without a crisp white shirt and a snappy bow tie.



Alittle rain kept the crowds away Im afraid. But it was a nice time with the Brothers








Saturday, May 1, 2010

O'Neal Hampton Biggest Loser Update





On April 26, 2010 O'Neal fell below the yellow line with his Daughter Sunshine, putting them both up for elimination. O'Neal stepped forward and asked his fellow contestants to eliminate him, so that Sunshine could stay and continue her journey on the program. O'Neal is now back home.



15 weeks ago O'Neal began his weight loss journey, weighing in at 389 pounds. He stayed on the Biggest Loser for 15 weeks and lost 139 pounds. He now weighs 250 pounds.



Welcome home my Brother. You are our Biggest Winner.