All Dunn All The Time

My talk for the financial management association tonight at USA - Go Jags

2011-11-03T14:12:00.001-05:00

A Great Career

BE PRESENT

To Win

BE NICE
or at least hard to fire

BE GOOD

Know your stuff or how to google…

BE NOT DUMB

Stop doing stupid things

BE EASY

Is your boss glad to see you?

BE PRICELESS

You will never be paid what you are worth

BE A SELLOUT

Love the one you’re with

Hmmm.... which candidate is the most harmless?

2011-09-19T19:46:00.000-05:00

I posed a simple question on Facebook the other night and the comments were EXTENSIVE. The question: Who is your favorite Republican candidate for President? Most of the answers boiled down to: Whoever is the most UNLIKE Barack Obama. Wow. Comparisons to Jimmy Carter abound as a president in whom many had so much hope, but instead left nearly all bitterly disappointed.

As far as who my favorite is, I am judging the Non-a-bomas by 3 criteria:

1) Who can win in November. This has to come first. And its the easiest to figure out. Ron Paul, Michelle Bachman, and Rick Santorum are out. They simply cannot gereate any momentum outside the range of their own campfire. Paul is the most interesting. That guy is is so appealing because he is COMPLETELY BLIND to sacred cows. Its a breath of fresh air to for someone to simply have the guts to say the unvarshihed truth as he sees it on absolutely any topic that skitters through his mind. About 85% of the time he is dead on with what most of us feel: government has not been a common persons friend in 60 years and should be lanced and drained like a festered boil. We get it. The other 15% of the time his perspective is so bug eyed crazy that even his most rabid supporters get drowned out by the crickets when he speaks. Bachman has no clue what to do on day 2 of her presidency after she's revoked Obamacare on day one. Finaly - Santori-who?

2)What to do about the current recession. - The answer here is simple. Do cheap things that make money move. Repatriate corporate earnings. Release the enegery industry from its bonds and in return cut their subsidies. THe housing industry is the only thing holding us back. Right now that whole segment needs to SNeeze-clear the passages, get sick have a fever, get better. People are going to get foreclosed on. Banks are going to take losses. Move on. We aren't letting that happen. and its not going to get better until we do. Industrious pople will recover and the banks need to take their medicine. We are past the crisis that was 2008. They can afford it now.
So who gets it? Perry. And Newt. Romney wants to, but he's been sucking in the fumes of liberalism up there for so long.... i don't know. He tends to like gov solutions a little to much. Maybe his head will clear when he gets away from the big government meth lab that is Massachusettes....

3)The Size and Scope of Government in the Long term: Its big, its dominant and its the first thing we have to think of in every decision we make of any size: if I sell my house and move, what will my new taxes be? Can I hire this person if I cant fire them later because they are old, black white, pretty, young, or handicapped. Can I build a pond? How much is a plane ticket? How much is my cell phone bill going to be? Can I shoot some fireworks? Can I ride my bike without a helmet? When can I retire? Can I buy beer today? All these questions cannont be answered without consulting the GOV. BOUNK. Why should I be expected to PAY MORE in taxes until there is a clear plan on how to better spend what I already pay? Why aren't there term limits? Why isn't the budget balanced?

WHo gets it? Newt. And only Newt. But he probably cant win, so Perry is the next best one. Romney? See #2

So: I am picking Perry. I just wish he didn't feel like a sane oil salesman... He needs to muss his his hair a little.

Run like a Greased Pig

2011-07-18T14:42:00.000-05:00

Lets do it together! If we start today we can be ready for the First Light Marathon on Jan 8, 2012 in Mobile AL. Along the way we can do some other races for fun and train together on Sundays - WHO IS IN?!?

The Frontier Is Everywhere‬‏

2011-07-12T11:29:00.001-05:00

I LOVE this video....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oY59wZdCDo0&feature=player_embedded

I wanna be like Katie Baughman

2011-05-25T06:55:00.001-05:00

I love her "keeping up with Katie" Blog.

Post test

2011-05-25T06:07:00.000-05:00

-- Jody Dunn
While mobile...

Don't tread on me....

2011-01-27T18:00:00.128-06:00

This could be me.

I think that I am a reasonably educated, reasonably well informed reader of all kinds of websites. However, it was disappointing to find an insulting link to a rant about the South on a website I follow and enjoy. I had been uninterested in its writers lifestyle, political leanings, or opinions on Southerners. Until now I did not have to care. But since they started it, I'll rebut.

I have little respect for those who would call me small minded or selfish because of what I believe while not attempting to understand my position and assuming that the most wild eyed and unreasoned among us somehow represent who I am.

I live in Wilmer, Alabama. I am married to a woman, have 3 daughters in Christian school and I work as a CFO for a locally owned family business. I have lead music in my church worship service for years. I think Jesus Christ died for me and I truly believe that every single person has a place and a purpose in God's plan whether they know it yet or not. I think that literal creationists and literal evolutionists are both missing the point to some degree. I simply think that whatever manner we all got here, God made it happen and that's good enough for me, although trying to figure it all out is fun and important.

I don't trust Oberman, Hannity, Stuart or Limbaugh to provide me with the facts.

I work very hard and neither expect, nor attempt to receive, government assistance in any form other that that of the general public good such as road use, defense, public safety and public education. I feel very lucky indeed to have been born here rather than elsewhere and I love my country. I am so very grateful to those who have, are currently, or will serve in our military. I have not had to do that, so I owe them. Big Time. I have a flag outside my home and I own a rifle that I shoot at animals that get in my trash cans. I usually miss.

While I love and appreciate people (those I know and those I don't) who consider themselves homosexual, I feel as a practice, it's wrong and sad. I also feel it's none of my business what anyone else does in the privacy of their own home. No one asks me about sex, and I don't tell them. I have yet to offend anyone using this approach.

I love and appreciate those who feel they must have an abortion, but as I practice, I find it both wrong and sad. I also think that an unborn infant has rights. Aren't you thankful that no one aborted you?

I have a huge bias against any able bodied, sound minded person of any race or immigration status who does not, has not or will not contribute to the general public good through a net payment of taxes over their lifetime- even if averages out to only a dollar a year. Nobody rides for free, forever. Hard working immigrant families that will be "net payers of taxes" should be legalized - right now. Those that won't should not be legal and should go home-right now. Those that employ illegals should stop, right now, or else. Courtesy also demands that these new residents learn US English as best they can. If I moved to another country, I think I would learn the language. I am very proud of my wife, who has taught ESL classes, and of her students.

I give a precise and calculated minimum percentage of my gross income to charity or church every month for the purpose of curing cancer, providing comfort, or to in some way help those who need a hand to get out of a bind or who cannot help themselves. It's a tithe and it's only right. Anyone who wants to raise my taxes to "help the poor" while not supporting charity from their own pocket is pretty low (I am looking at you Mr. Biden). If everyone that "has" worked and gave as they should, and everyone that "has not" worked and gave as they should, we would not have a heath care problem, or an entitlement problem. Equal shame on the greedy, the hypocritical, and the lazy.

I think that in my small corner of the world almost everyone I know would agree with almost everything I have written here, although I would not presume to speak for them. I also believe that smart, reasonable people can, and probably may, disagree with everything I've said and I don't have to hate on them for it. No one has an exclusive right to being right. It's too bad that so many people would rather shout at the rooftops about how stupid everyone else is, when what we need to to do is solve problems and try to understand each other.

Best apps ever - for iOS

2011-01-27T15:16:00.001-06:00

Neat list - do you have them all?

http://bestappever.com/2010winners.pdf

2011-01-26T15:50:00.001-06:00

Best thing about my strict diet: Cocoa dusted almonds are allowed. They rock.

On a sign....

2011-01-26T07:01:00.001-06:00

2011. Another chance.

--Jody Dunn
Sent from my iPhone

Devine design!

2011-01-24T16:52:00.000-06:00

2011-01-24T16:41:00.002-06:00

I love Groupme.com It allows you to create a group of text message recipients, and assigns a phone number to that group. Then each recipient can reply and suddenly you have a chat room. Two words of caution: Have an unlimited text plan, and warn your friends first.

2011-01-24T16:40:00.002-06:00

Not long ago, I found a little feed called 1001 rules for my unborn son. Its pretty cool. I might start something like that for my girls....

2010-03-22T08:12:00.003-05:00

Here is my stump speech: If everyone that "has" gave as they should (a tithe), and everyone that "has not" worked as they should, we would not have a heath care problem. There is no evil in this debate, only broken solutions to societal problems. I am saddened that this particular broken solution may be the straw that breaks this nation.

Best quote lately...

2009-06-16T07:34:00.000-05:00

The only reason we need numbers at all is so that we can tell race cars apart- Red State Update

2009-05-11T15:47:00.002-05:00

This may be the single most amazing click you make today. Don't cheat yourself either. Listen to a sample from EVERY SONG. You will not be sorry.

Ole Pat was 62 when he released this... masterpiece. You have to hear it to believe it. Just incase you missed the link the first time here it is again.

http://new.music.yahoo.com/pat-boone/albums/in-a-metal-mood-no-more-mr-nice-guy--155792

2009-03-31T15:36:00.002-05:00

I know, I know, everyone has their own version of a cure all for the economy. But mine is for REAL....

The reason we cannot seem to climb out of this mess is that we, the the population of this planet, are afraid that we are not climbing out of this mess.

Read that last sentence again. The reason we cannot seem to climb out of this mess is that we, the the population of this planet, are afraid that we are not climbing out of this mess.

Ok now: repeat after me: Everything is fine. All is well! The economy is getting better everyday. The market is on its way up. I need a car. My job is secure. I need a new house too.

Ok: now read THIS previous sentence 100 times. BELIEVE. Tell your friends. MAKE THEM BELIEVE. Go buy a car. Start shopping for your new house..

Economy cured. You're welcome...

Hope: It's not just a little town in Arkansas...

Posting again...

2009-03-31T14:45:00.001-05:00

No posts lately... haven't had much to say! surprising as that may be...

Today its about Dave Ramsey - the financial "guru." I think this guy is addictive. I subscribe to his free podcast and every time I listen, I get all fired up about getting out of debt...

Id you don;t know what a debt snowball is - go check him out...

2009-01-12T09:48:00.003-06:00

Two Hours of 24 in 1 minute or less...

Jack is in Senate hearings. Dresses down Senator in "You can't handle the truth" style, is pulled from hearing by fbi - ctu is disgraced and no longer exists. Wimpy FBI agents are filling the gap - poorly. They want Jack to solve current problems for new lady president. Jack is surly and uninterested until... It's Tony Almeda that is the new terrorist. He's not dead. Angst ensues. New Lady FBI agent is Jacks handler. She is awed but tries to hide it. They follow leads. Jack almost pokes a dude eye out with a bic pen. More angst. Tony proves he has the ability to fly commercial airplanes into each other and create starvation in the US in mere days. Worry and angst. Jack and FBILady get Tony, but he's not talking about who he works for... yet. Tick tock tick tock.

Why John McCain isn't winning...

2008-10-14T10:32:00.003-05:00

McCain is i trouble. Here's why:

My 401(k) and savings in the market are down by 40% in the last year. For this reason, I care NOT AT ALL about Bill Ayers. I don't care about Sarah's "track record" (her current favorite phrase). I don't care about voting for a maverick. NONE OF THIS matters when my ability to provide for my family's future is in doubt- and given the headlines on every news outlet for the last 2 weeks, we all have a lot to worry about.

So will someone explain to me why, why, why, we are hearing the same old stuff from the GOP. My friends, will someone volunteer to wake up the candidate before we hand over our country to a boatful of people who are determined save fatcats on Wall Street by raising my taxes. Between Mr. Obama, Ms. Pelosi and friends, no one is even denying the fact that they intend to raise taxes - and despite the rhetoric, a tax on anyone is a tax on everyone.

My friends, if you are a natural born American Citizen, a practicing Christian, or a productive tax payer you ideals are under attack. It has nothing to do with the fact the you are a man/woman, you are black/white/other, wealthy or working poor. I say this based on the continued HATE for Sarah Palin that spews forth from any lib with an open mouth. It's not about her level of experience or her positions on issues - these are reasonable concerns for anybody. They HATE her personally because of her faith, because of her Red home state, and because she lives out a pro-life stance.

Who does this describe: "I love God, go to church, I try to actually live out my beliefs. I agree with the sermons I hear from my Pastor. I think abortion is wrong in all but the rarest of circumstances. I think anybody and everybody who lives and loves the United States should pay taxes even if it's only a little tiny bit. I don't think that the Government is capable of, or responsible for solving my personal problems. We have a mini van full of kids. We hope and try to lead them to a life of self sufficiency, to save sex for a heterosexual, monogamous, loving marriage. We try to be financially generous to those in need through our church. This is my way. I try really hard not to judge others for their way."

This is me. This is also Sarah Palin. Is this you too? I bet it is, in more ways than not. If the current level of hatred and vitriol is evident for her, then the left hates me too! This saddens me and scares me, especially since I don't hate anybody.

In a country that is so clearly divided- almost down the middle- the side that is taking things more seriously is going to win. In 2004, the gay marriage issue brought out the Right in droves. The Right was SERIOUS and had a clear mission. This year, I think it's safe to say that the Dems have brought their A-Game and are playing to win.

All these things combined with a compelling, cool calm, collected Barrack Obama, means that the Republicans are in deep trouble.

I hope that I'm not...

All the depth of a parking lot puddle...

2008-10-06T14:04:00.004-05:00

Have you heard that John McCain was involved with the Keating mess during the S and L crisis?

Have you heard that Joe Biden once plagiarized a speech?

Have you heard that Sarah Palin has zero expereince in foreign affairs?

Have you read about Barrack Obama is a close friend of that scumbag William Ayers?

If you haven't, you simply don't watch TV of any kind. We have reached that joyful time when the candidates for our highest offices go after each other will all the class, depth and vigor of McDonald's selling cheeseburgers to my 5 year old on Saturday morning. Yuck.

Clearly, Mr. McCain and Mr. Obama have things in their past they would rather not talk about. Some of it is really bad. In a perfect world where the truly best and brightest of our populace were interested in high office, maybe this would not be the case. The truth is, however, that this is the best we can do. Now there's a sobering thought.

My own view is that all the candidates have skeletons, but are bright and genuine in their desire to lead the country to better times. There are so many legitimate and fundamental differences between them in terms of the approach that each would take, that any thinking person has already decided for whom they will vote based on these differences. For example, you are either pro-life or pro-choice. You are prefer smaller government, or larger government. You like taxes, or you don't. You either trust John McCain to make better decisions or you trust Barrack Obama more. The choice is very clear on almost any issue that matters to anyone! Clearly, these guys are OPPOSITES. Regardless of what political topic might be a hot button for you, one of these guys disagrees with you. Surely, you have chosen the other one by now.

All the shallow jabs coming from BOTH sides at this point are aimed at the 10% of voters who will make their voting decision with the same level of careful deliberation they use to choose their favorite song on the radio. It's a little frightening to me that the decision will be made by this group but not unprecedented.

There is a very good chance that our next president will be the one who simply scores the best soundbite the week ahead of the election.

Don't let it worry you too much though, this is the way it has been a number of times before. Remember when Reagan told Carter, "Now,there you go again." or when Bentsen told Quayle, "You are no Jack Kennedy." Well, I didn't either until I chuckled through this post, and was reminded that we probably aren't any more shallow now, as a nation, than we have been in the past.

Nevertheless, the polical discourse is all out of high-minded rhetoric, and now seems more like a poorly scripted WWF Smackdown pre-match shouting match.

I can't wait for this to be over. To paraphrase Jerry Clower, "You can shoot him or you can shoot me, but for heavens sake shoot somebody. One of us has got to have some relief."

The Solution

2008-09-26T09:09:00.005-05:00

My dad and I came up with this solution to the current financial crisis and I have forwarded it to our US Congressman, Jo Bonner:

Instead of using the US treasury to fund the bail out, why not make it an investment fund for "the folks?"

Sort of like War bonds...

Here's how it would work, as investors, the buyers of the bonds would be guaranteed (by the treasury) a 10% return on their bond paid annually. This guaranty would phase out over 5 years so that at the end the Treasury is not on the hook. Participation is voluntary but would be marketed as "the American thing to do." Once you buy in, you are in for the term of the project - no trading. This is not an institutional market. No derivatives of funds to be created here. Just individual or corporate investments made directly into the fund. By the way - no tax breaks here. Interest is income to all.

The deal between the borrowers from the fund and fund itself would look a lot like Warren Buffett's deal with Goldman Sachs. Borrowers pay 12 % (10 for the investors and 2% for the US treasury for administration and a guaranty fee) they also issue stock options to the fund for an amount equivalent to their loan-exercisable in 5 years. Gains on these options would cover losses in the fund and any extra would be dolled out to investor participants as dividends.

Each borrower would be vetted by process (to be determined) and subject to strict credit review to insure - not fairness, -but that there is a resonable chance we will get paid back. This whole deal would have a specified sunset no "New Deal - Forever Deal" here.

Under this plan everybody wins: It's voluntary on each side, it's unbiased toward any one industry, and it takes the deal out of the Treasury -at least after 5 years. The regulation hawks can vet borrowers any way they want to, and you don't have to deal with the sticky issue of executive compensation. It also gives regular Americans a nice safe place to begin to make investments - through the post office - just like in the past. Institutional investors who have been smart and have capital to invest - can invest here just like anyone else, subject to the same rules, and be rewarded for their sound management. It takes the fat cat investment brokers out of it - no funds or sales from which to make commissions.

If this deal was good enough for Warren Buffet, it's good enough for me.

There would need to be some stop gaps - maybe no 401k investments for example - to keep money from running from the market and tanking it. The reality is that the current plan will be funded with t-bills anyway, so were not really effecting the overall money market more with one plan vs another.

Only one request, let my dad, Grady Dunn Sr. age 82, have a little credit for the idea that saves the country.

Glad we could help,

Jody Dunn

Ok, Playtime is officially over...

2008-09-05T15:25:00.002-05:00

John McCain has class. I loved this part of his speech last night:

"...a word to Senator Obama and his supporters. We'll go at it over the next two months. That's the nature of these contests, and there are big differences between us. But you have my respect and admiration. Despite our differences, much more unites us than divides us. We are fellow Americans, an association that means more to me than any other."

From what we have seen of McCain, I think this means that while it's been fun and we all need to be friends here, it's time to take the hill. Let the real fireworks begin.

I enjoyed his speech last night and although I am a fan and supporter (and thus biased) I thought he did a reasonable job of explaining why you, as an undecided voter, should give him the nod. The last couple of minutes, "Stand Up! Stand UP! Fight! Americans are not afraid of history, we make history!" gave me chill bumps even though I'm not sure what that means. This guy is an American hero above all else and has proven again and again that he is a steely-eyed missile-man. (Apollo 13 reference there). If you don;t like the guy after last night, you are not going to like him ever. I think that's as likable and approachable as he is going to get.

That said there will be some really interesting things to watch for over the next few days. Sarah Palin will have to get her feet wet with some live interviews and she will need to not blow it. She has managed to actually shut the press up about her family for a couple of days with a stellar performance Wednesday. Her speech was more interesting than the soap opera. She needs to keep that going. You have set the bar pretty high for yourself Sarah. We EXPECT you to be brilliant. Go get 'em.

The Reps have managed to seal the momentum foe the moment, but Obama didn't beat Hillary by accident. He is for real. In fact, after watching the DNC, he's a much better candidate than I had even given him credit for before.

It's too bad, really, that the mortar shells are about to really fly from both sides. The choice is clear enough based on the issues alone without everyone slinging mud all around. You are either a conservative, or a liberal. Each side has a great candidate out front. There is little middle ground in the choice to be made. Let's just vote! Unfortunately, we will be subjected to 60 more days of blah blah... no experience, blah blah , pregnant, blah blah, old guys, blah blah make history, blah blah rock star blah blah, lipstick...

In any event this is going down to the wire. Watch Missouri. The winner in Missouri wins the sweepstakes-at least that's been the case in every single presidential election for the last 100 years except one (1956). So America, let's STAND UP! FIGHT! WIN! MAKE HISTORY!

PS. There are some livelty debates going on among the comments. WOW - You guys are terrific and a lot more fun to read than this poor effort on my part. Keep it up, keep it civil.

Sarah gets a slam dunk or John McWho? -

2008-09-04T08:38:00.003-05:00

An op-ed piece,"Feminists Roll Out the Big Guns Against Palin" in the Sydney Morning Herald (of all places) sums up the Sarah Palin phenomenon better than I ever could. I'll be watching for more from it's author, Miranda Devine.

I hope John McCain rises to the occasion tonight. His will need to be an epic speech to get better that what we heard last night.

The most fertile Vice Presidential Candidate in history...

2008-09-02T08:15:00.005-05:00

[
[EDIT 9-3-08] The tagline above was an attempt at humor on my part before the evisceration of Ms. Palin in the media about her family's situation. As I look at it 24 hours later, it isn't funny now and seems in poor taste. Sorry, Sarah! Now the post in original form:

WOW! John McCain has guts - you have to give him that. Who else would spit in the face of conventional wisdom by bringing along a complete unknown to his political "party"?

In the process, he has accomplished a number of things:

I think he has effectively revealed that for most feminists, feminism is not about women, its about liberalism. All you have to do is check out MSNBC to prove my point.

He's also "dancing with the one that brung him" this far - that is, the idea that he's a maverick who is his own man. With this choice, we get it.

Most significantly, he also managed to get a "real" person in a national campaign for the first time in my living memory. What I mean is, Sarah (may I call you Sarah? I bet I can.) is REAL. She has a house full of kids, one of whom is in the midst of a crisis that millions of families deal with (teenage pregnancy) all too often. She is the mother of an INFANT with special needs. Her plate at home is messy and full. Most Americans have been there and are wearing the t-shirt. Yet she's doing what everybody else has to do - pressing on in her chosen career, doing the best she can, facing problems head on and getting on with life. I can imagine the whole Palin family schleping around in a minivan, kids fighting, eating McDonald's just like me and mine.

I can relate to Sarah Palin as a person like no other candidate I have had a chance to vote for in a national election.

She's not a scrubbed, machined part of the political machine that has been carefully prepared for our soundbite consumption. Based on what we know so far, she's a small town girl who has risen to the top like a rocket because she's bright, charismatic, skilled, principled and FEARLESS. I am willing to bet that she gives Joe Biden fits in an open debate.

As far as the experience thing goes, I'll say this. No one has the experience necessary to be President of the United States except a former President of the United States... Carter,Clinton - well, let's not even go there. Anyway, how can you be prepared in advance to spend 24/7/365 with your finger on the button that can end the world? It's the hardest job imaginable for which there cannot be anything but a truckload of on the job training. The whole argument over experience is an ineffective knock on Obama and on Palin alike. An effective administration consists of a good leader surrounded a cabinet filled with smart, honorable people who know everything. A good question to ask yourself: "Between the candidates, who will pick the best cabinet?" Now there's something worth pondering.

As far as my tagline above, its no sillier that what the talking heads are saying. Nevertheless, I think its very safe to say that no other Vice-presidential candidate in history has birthed five children. Also, I especially like the video of Mrs. Palin sighting in a big ole rifle with a scope. Very cool. On top of that, do you know what they call her husband in Alaska? The First Dude. It just gets better and better. How can you not love Sarah Palin? I think I do.

And then there's Hillary...

2008-08-27T16:06:00.004-05:00

Where to begin with Hillary Clinton? Clearly bright, passionate and ambitious... but whoa... what's the deal with her? Her speech last night was better than that of Michelle Obama based on content. Her oratory was excellent. But there is something about her mannerisms that just leaves me nonplussed and always has. This is aside from the fact that given her way, my marginal income tax rate would be at about 85% and all estates would pass to the government at time of death, but I digress. Suffice to say that she didn't win my vote. Ooops, she's not ASKING for votes anymore -it's all about OBAMA now. Right.

I think I'd like this blog to be such that I wouldn't be embarrassed if Hillary herself were to read it so this is not intended to be virtiolic or partisan, but wow, she has a a little anti-charisma thing going on I can't get my head around. Given the quality of her presentation, and the level of professionalism she's displayed for years, we should like her more than we do. Any explanations? Leave a comment.

Mark Warner didn't fair much better, but I will give the guy his chops for totally rolling over on his own party from the podium. As I fought through his coma inducing delivery I noticed that he not only put good ideas ahead of his party rhetoric, but he did it IN FRONT OF THE CONVENTION. Giving that speech in that venue was almost like showing off a gun collection at an ACLU meeting. Love this guy. He'll win his senate seat at a walk. That is if anyone in Viginia is still awake to go vote by then.

Uncle Bill is steps up to the plate tonight. It just gets better and better.

As much as I hate to admit it...

2008-08-26T12:45:00.000-05:00

Destiny and I are full blown political junkies. I would have never believed it, but my wife and I are having a BLAST following all the coverage of the Presidential Race.

If you know us, then you know that we are pro-life, conservative Republicans, so our sympathies and support generally run with John McCain.

I have never been a big fan of Barrack Obama's platform, largely because it follows the liberal party line of the Democrats. (Pro-Choice, Gun Control, tax and spend etc). However, I think the man deserves credit for getting as far in the process as he has, especially given a general lack of experience in anything resembling the job for which he's running. He's got to be a brilliant guy. Having said all that, I disagree with just about everything he says, just about every time he speaks and his wife Michelle has bothered me with some of the statements she has made over the course of the campaign. At least until last night.

Michelle Obama delivered the Keynote Speech and the DNC last night and if you missed it, you missed one of the finest oratories in recent memory, by anyone, from either party. She crushed a long drive down the center, whatever metaphor you like. I am still no Dem and she didn't change my mind on anything, except on my opinion of her and her place on the national stage. My American pride swelled to see a lovely, and spectacularly talented black woman, apparently a part of a regular American Family(i.e. not rich or privileged), rise to such an occasion to the degree that she did. God Bless America.

I don't think I will vote for Barrack for President, and I can't imagine anyone changing my mind at this stage of the game, but I will say this: Michelle Obama came as close as anyone probably would've last night. Great kids too.

It's fun to be an American.

When your government isn't yours anymore...

2008-08-25T11:32:00.000-05:00

This is a reprint from Nate's Blog so if you read it there - ignore it here...

(Author's note: Pardon the typos)

Soapbox Saturday

Get ready for a doozy!

When your government isn't yours anymore...
by: Jody Dunn

"A government of the people, by the people, for the people..." from the Gettysburg Address, by Abraham Lincoln.

This high minded ideal, stated plainly by Abe Lincoln, to me, sets the standard of what the United States of America is really all about.

We choose everyday, through our routine and mostly mundane observance of its laws, to create an institution that binds us together: a government OF the people.

Further, we choose its guiding leadership from among our own number. Any one of us has the right, the opportunity and those us with the talent, have the duty to step up and serve in the leadership of our mutually agreed upon institution: a government BY the people.

Lastly, this institution has the self evident obligation to exist solely for the short, intermediate and long term benefit of its citizenry: a government FOR the people. Our government does not exist for its own self interest.

This rhetoric is not new or innovative, but is apparently easily forgotten by the leadership of our governmental agencies.

I am a long time active citizen. I have worked to raise money for our local Chamber of Commerce. I vote. I make an effort to meet personally those who represent me in government. I try to remain informed so that I have reasonable opinions about the things that effect me and my family. From personal experience I have seen how easy it is to get caught up in the idea that the "City" or the "County" or the "U.S." or the "PTA" for that matter are so righteous and wonderful that they deserve to exist and grow and be successful, well , just because it's so great! Who doesn't want to see their city grow? Or the economy expand? or raise more money for good causes? It's difficult to argue the point. OF COURSE THESE THINGS ARE GOOD. But it is the motive that matters.

An example…

I live, work, and play within the metropolitan area known as Mobile, Alabama. I love this place; I love everything about it. I am loyal to our area and a wild cheerleader of its greatness as a place to, well, live work and play. The City of Mobile as an entity resides within Mobile County, and like most urban areas in the last 25 years has experienced economic declines as white flight, and more recently black flight, have cratered the tax base within boundaries the city.

Note that the metro area as whole is BOOMING. Domestic and international businesses have "discovered us" and this area is becoming a hotbed of amazing economic activity. Visionary leadership on the part of our City, County, State and Business Community (Chamber of Commerce) has made this possible. Holy Cow, have they done a great job!

I think that's why it's even more heartbreaking given our successes and the obvious talent of those responsible, when those same people seem to forget whom they serve.

The suburbs surrounding the city are a growing field of commerce, sprouting to support the exploding middle class who are leaving the city to find cheaper, more comfortable housing, better schools, less crime, and fewer zoning restrictions. Clearly there are things that the City of Mobile must address within its current borders in order to remain viable as an urban population center. People move for a reason. These are difficult problems to face and cannot be solved overnight. There are hard and unpopular decisions that must be made, like laying off employees, attacking blight, overhauling whole areas of government. The long term beneficiaries of such a strategy are the people, who would come flocking from all corners to live in a City so well managed and committed to a dynamic future.

Unfortunately, it’s a lot easier to keep things just they way they are, but that's not possible when the tax base is RUNNING AWAY! The easy solution? Chase the revenue.

The logic of local leaders seems to go like this: The people have moved outside our boundaries and taking their money with them. They are happy in new houses and living good lives in self managed homeowner's associations instead of zoning commissions. They have safer children in racially integrated new schools. They are closer to where they work. Sure this is all great for the people, but bad for the "city" as an institution. So... let's
expand our borders to include the stores where the people shop so that the City can benefit from the sales tax generated there.

But wait! The majority of the people that shop in those stores do not want to be a part of this city because of our aforementioned problems. Well, let's draw the new city borders so that only the people that will vote in our favor will be eligible to vote at the polls. Then we can get the revenue "for the city" regardless of what the majority of the people really want... In addition we can collect taxes from the entire county, not just city residents, since nearly all the big grocery stores will be inside the city limits. As a special bonus, we as city leaders won't have to face with any of the REAL issues that plague our fair City, the ones that are really hard and might not get us re-elected...

And so annexation moves forward.

When did the health of the institution (in the case City Government) and its coffers become more important than the happiness and overall success of the people at large? When did City Revenue become more important than fair and open elections? I would say it happened when our leaders became convinced that if it's good for the city, it must be good for all of us... instead of the other way around.

This whole upside-down notion of the role of government is not unique to Mobile. In fact, it’s pervasive throughout our country. In the short to intermediate term, it may not even be harmful. In the long term however, I think it reinforces the idea that our government is not looking out for us. We simply are here to feed the machine. It’s very difficult to be excited about the direction of our community when our government so clearly intends to betray our trust and abuse it position by manipulating the system to raise revenues for its own sake.

Our country is built on optimism; on the idea that with hard work anything is possible, that tomorrow will be better than today, and that collectively we the people are in charge of our own destiny. Every time our leaders put the governmental institution ahead of the common good, we lose a little of what makes us great.

We are blessed that so far our greatness as a people has been sufficient to overcome the weaknesses of our government. I pray that this is always the case.

P.S. Vote No to Annexation.

Family pic...

2008-08-25T11:12:00.000-05:00

Thankfully, my contribution to the looks in my family is restricted to me.

My baby has a brand new bed

2008-08-22T19:50:00.000-05:00

Doesn't she look snug? Just in time for Fay!

Cool Blog by my friend Nate...

2008-08-22T10:33:00.000-05:00

The Chronicles of Nate-ia

"I like to write."

My buddy Nate has really gone crazy with activity on his daily blog. He writes about a different subject depending on the day which may range from theological debate to a review of Step Brothers. I may even be invited as a guest poster on occasion - even more reason to read! haha

I have pretty children

2008-08-22T10:30:00.001-05:00

Fun at the river

2008-08-16T13:43:00.000-05:00

Beauty!

2008-08-01T21:07:00.000-05:00

Sophies new hair

2008-08-01T12:51:00.000-05:00

> Let the modelling contracts flow...

>
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone

Girls oughta know how to ride a tractor

2008-07-31T19:15:00.000-05:00

WE WILL LOVE HER AND SQEEZE HER...

2008-07-31T19:13:00.000-05:00

Loving sweet Alice

2008-07-31T19:11:00.000-05:00

Fun in Montgomery

2008-06-03T17:44:00.000-05:00

The big toothy grin(not) on the left in the back belongs to none other
than blog warrior Nate Baughman. The baughmans are a beautiful people.

What I love about the country in this country...

2008-05-23T12:40:00.001-05:00

You know I have always heard that “The South” is a place while north, east and west are simply directions. True or not there are some things that seem unique to us, among them, the rites of passage among men in the woods.

On a recent jaunt to the “camp” in the woods of Stone County MS, which by limited observation, had a total population of “us.” We watched as young Richard here fired a Mossberg shotgun for the first time. Note that this gun is so powerful that space seems to warp around him as he fires. He is surrounded by other men who are there to catch him if he falls (see the hands) and to mock him if he fails. This gun was so much fun, we got the pistols out next.

A great time was had by all. Fortunately I had the camera so my own ascendance up the ladder of Southern manhood was not caught on film (or memory card), but Richard has the picture of the day…

Go get ‘em boy.

This is just for Nate Naughman

2008-05-23T12:11:00.000-05:00

ENJOY!

Okay here ARE the details,...

2008-01-16T16:10:00.001-06:00

Okay here are the details, if you go to www.jott.com and register and you can dial their 1-800 number and dictate whatever you want to say and then email that to anybody in your address book, or you can post it on your blog, or send it to a task reminder like http://www.iwantsandy.com/. It's a pretty cool service and it's free. It even puts this little listen thing on here on the end so you can hear this post in my own voice. WOW. listen Watch for recordings of my children singing! haha

Powered by Jott

Hey I'm testing this...

2008-01-16T15:29:00.001-06:00

Hey I'm testing this Jott service. It's pretty neat. You call a number and you recite what you wanted to say and it just automatically transcribes anything you say and puts it on your blog. Cool. listen

Powered by Jott

This stuff is just fun...

2007-12-21T14:15:00.000-06:00

Ok, I am
a sucker for these paste on movies - check this one out...
http://www.jibjab.com/sendables/view/OorjN39SdcBgqpjEAzvpbeje

I laugh every time.

Merry Chistmas!

2007-12-19T16:52:00.000-06:00

Greetings! If you have found this as a result of the dancing elves (http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1583559990 ) then I hope you enjoyed it! I have had a great time "elfing " some people that do not fit the profile... Give it a shot - some tips, do more than one person at a time, it's funnier. Pick dignified people. It's funnier still. Go to http://www.elfyourself.com/.

More to come! Bookmark me and check back!

Beware a grumpy Wes...

2007-11-25T15:27:00.001-06:00

You all know my brother Wes. Older than me by a mere 20 years, he's second from the top in our litter of 6. Wes can build anything. He's nearly finished with his latest project - a hotrod '32 coup that he has literally built from scratch. He's a regular "prayer warrior" on Sunday morning, and I've even heard him attributed with the spiritual gift of intersessory prayer. He's rasied two children that never went to prison and married above his station when he landed Karen. He's mixed concrete by hand in Ecuador on a mission trip and over the years has welded, cut, built, fabricated or fixed most of everything Dad owns. In short, he seems to be widely regarded as a "really good guy." His wife and I suspect he has our pastor completely fooled.

It's easy to forget the fact that he grew up cutting the fingers off his sisters' baby dolls as "punsihment" when he was left in charge. When I went around barefotted as a kid, he'd make sure he spit where he knew I'd have to walk. I've heard him tell the story about when he provoked our beloved and infinitely patient mother to the point that she hurdled the yard fence at a dead sprint in hot pursuit after him. His words:"If you visulaize Jackie Joyner, you've got the picture of Mom in motion above that fence. I stopped running. I knew I was dead."

In any event, he's been an absolute pillar of stability though the hardest parts of my life. He's just as solid as a rock and seems surrounded with an aura of good humor almost all the time. All this makes the fact that he LOST IT in Hardee's the other day that much more hilarious.

It all began with a coupon (that's pronounced kew-pun) that allowed for a "buy on get one free" sausage biscuit. On a recent family reunion jaunt to Greenville, Sophia, Karen, Wes and I were travelling together and found ourselves in need of nourishment. The breakfast beacon that is Hardee's called out to us (We have a KEWPUN!) so Wes and I ventured inside to obtain 2 sausage biscuits, a coffee and an OJ... coupon held tight in Wes's hopeful grip.

I slipped him two bucks to cover my part as he assumed the position in the line about 5 people from the order placement center while I headed for the restroom.

I returned just in time to see him finish his order and to hear the total announced: $4.39. As I prepared to "step aside,sir please, step aside" I noticed a look of trepidation on Wes's face as he began to mumble "That's not right, too much, I got a kewpun, that can't be right, Jody is that right?..." His trepidation led to irritation as the order was reviewed, and the manager (a dead ringer for Eddie Murphy by the way) got involved, and the line behind us began to grow with alrming speed. After a sincere, but ineffectual explanation from the manager regarding the content of the order and the impact of the of the kewpun, Wes reluctantly capitulated by offering up a ten dollar bill, although he clearly was not convinced as to the accuracy of the ticket in question or the skill of the manager before us.

My amusment grew as the line got longer and tempers grew shorter. The manager proved unable to open the register to get change for Wes. Several attampts, resulting in obnoxious beeps from the machine and shouted cries for help from the man, continued to add to the chaos and the pressure was building. It was about this time that the manager (with Wes's $10 still in his hot hand) realized no orders were being filled-none. Apparently the "I Love Lucy" assmebly line busily chugging away behind him was producing all kinds of product in vast quantities but they were the wrong products and no one's order could be completed.

Screens are blinking, teenagers are scurrying and Wes is turning purple. I took the opportunity to grab my empty coffee cup from the counter and head for the coffee pot. Finding no cream, no sugar and no coffee in the "coffee dispensing area" (a striking example of inaccurate place naming by the way) I sauntered back over to wait for resolution with Wesley. By now he's nearly shaking with frustration, as is the manager, who is peeking in bags yelling at the "help" and carrying Wes's ten bucks around... The line is all the way out the front door and absolutley everyone in sight is either panicked or furious. Except me-I'm still dumfounded and fully entertained by the fact that that St. Wes is about to kill a man in cold blood and I get to watch. Life is so good sometimes.

It gets better.

Eddie the manager looks up, realizes he's got a riot on his hands and suddenly turns to the mob and grins a mile wide and says, I'm quoting here, "RELAX, everybody, I don't want all your money, just a little money. It's all going to be okay! hehehe" No kidding, he really said that. As the register beeps again and again and again...

No one's expression changed at all as a result of the manager's plea; all 30 patrons looked as though they could pull the wings off baby ducks and eat them raw with a preshaped egg on their much anticipated, but still only imaginary breakfast biscuits. Hope for a positive outcome was fading. Wes leans over to me as if to whisper something crucial in my ear, so I lean in to meet him.

"THIS WAS A MISTAKE," he snarls at near full volume.

Nodding vigourosly as one body, the mob agrees. Fortunately for the manager, I happened to notice that during the manager's last words, our order had miraculously been filled. I had creamed coffee, and we were bagged and tagged. All that remained was the change for that ten. I pointed this out, discreetly mind you, to a frightened young lady behind the counter and she took the ten from the manager, pressed a single button, opened the drawer, and accurately counted out Wes's change and we were gone. As we made our way outside through the angry and jealous crowd, Wes started taking some deep cleansing breaths and I relished the fact that I had seen a whole new side my my big brother. This was going to be a great day.

I should point out that while I was screaming with uncontrolled and maniacal laughter on the inside, it seemed best -and safest- for everyone if my enjoyment remained private until things blew over and Wes's color cycled down a few shades. By the time we got to the reunion in Greenville, he was no longer the Hulk and a good time was had by all (at his expense) recounting the tale for, literally, any relative who could hear. "This was a mistake" became the phrase of the day.

Sometimes I wonder what happened next in that bubble of rage and pain known as Hardee's on Moffat. I didn't see anything about it in the paper the next day so I suppose everyone eventually got their caffeine and transfat fix without any real carnage. I can tell you this though, I pass that little restaurant every day going to work and when I do, I smile... But I don't go in.

Greased Pigs Running Amok!

2007-11-02T13:40:00.000-05:00

WOO HOO it's race time! People you know will be wearing these------>>

As we run in this race ...

Updates over the weekend on who made it!...

A New Era...

2007-10-30T15:30:00.000-05:00

Ahhhh, blogging, were everyone has a voice no one hears!

Welcome to the first test post of the AllDunn Blog. I will point out that my old friend Greg thought the title of this blog should be

"the life and times of a domesticated and formerly studly geek." Unfortunately, it does not roll off the tongue. Additionally, the fact that my daughters will likely be reading this precludes any references to habits and tendencies in my life that existed "pre-domestication."

Hope this is the start of something wonderful...

StrawBerry Shortcake

2007-10-30T15:27:00.000-05:00

I know you remember Strawberry Shortcake. No, not the tasty and guilt ridden classic desert, but the cultural icon of the 80's. She was the star of her own cartoon back in the day with her various and sundry friends like Orange Blossom, Blueberry Muffin, Custard the Cat... You're getting it now aren't you? This was the syrupy sweet gunk that passed for childhood entertainment at the time. She had a series of action figures for goodness sake and each character's doll had a distinct odor built in that (roughly) corresponded to her name. (No boys here, this was a girly show.(Edit: Huckleberry Pie was a boy. - poor guy.) Every little girl I knew as a child had a bowlful of these little pastel colored trinkets complete with a montage of fruit smells created in a basement laboratory somewhere.

Anyway, fast forward to 2007 and horror or horrors, she's made comeback. A comeback at least to the degree that "Berry" is a regular staple in the family minivan DVD player. You guessed it, whenever the tribe embarks, the adults are treated endless repetitions of "Strawberry Shortcake at the Beach" or some other exotic location where we are introduced to yet another hapless, food inspired character. Apple Dumpling? Oh, Peach Cobbler where are you? Custard, you are SO grumpy. In the words of my friend Nate, hilarity ensues.

New smelly dolls cannot be far behind - fear for me.

You can see more than you ever wanted here: http://www.agkidzone.com/meet_strawberry.action

Clearly, the most fun the be had for any thinking person here is to find opportunities to mock and belittle such a franchise. So my wife and I had a very entertaining ride home the other night, thinking of new and as yet unmet Strawberry Shortcake characters. The rules: no food repeats: sure, Peach Cobbler, Peach Fuzz, and Peachy are all good, but only one counts. Ditto with the medium: BLueberry Cobbler, Blackberry Cobbler - again, either is acceptable, but only one counts. Profanity is prohibited, but a little good old fashioned double entendre is welcome. Here are a few we came up with...

Banana Nutbread - The Carb addicted mentally unbalanced aunt in the basement.

Pitted Prune - The crotchety old woman next door whose favorite pass time is discussing her daily constitutionals.

Mixed Fruit - The Metro sexual friend who is a boy.

Sucralose - the Beautiful but Evil Enchanter

Saccharin - Sucraloses' ugly step mother (incidentally check out http://www.sweetnlow.com/ - I went there to find out how to spell saccharin. How can they make something so gross seem so cute?)
Yogurt Crasin - the silly teenage boy next door of indeterminate ethic origin.

Raspberry Tart - Does she even need a description in a family blog? (Edit: There is already a Raspberry Torte, but after all a torte is a tart, as they say.)

P.S. What if, instead of food, Strawberry Shortcake was based on adult beverages... I think thats a post for another day...