Tuesday, October 31, 2006
We heard from Sandy Weill, former Chairman and CEO of Citigroup at today's World Affairs Council of Greater Dallas luncheon. He's an amazing guy, able to do a lot of things though he only has 24 hours in a day like the rest of us. He's been married to his wife for 51 years. Now that's great commitment in this day and age when the divorce rate is above 50%. He deserves more respect than say Jack Welch or Rudy Giuliani.
Sitting at the same table was Maurine Dickey, owner of Dickey's BBQ, a 65-year old family business with more than 70 franchise.
Another attendee sitting at the same table is Karen, who is a naturalized US citizen of Turkish descent. I told her I am very interested in Turkey as it is one of the three only stable Islamic democracies in the world beside Indonesia and another country, which I don't remember for sure but I think it is Cyprus. I asked for and she recommended a book, Crescent and Star: Turkey Between Two Worlds by Stephen Kinzer. Already put in an order on Amazon so hopefully I'll get it sometimes next week and will enjoy reading it after the election next Tuesday.
Sitting at the same table was Maurine Dickey, owner of Dickey's BBQ, a 65-year old family business with more than 70 franchise.
Another attendee sitting at the same table is Karen, who is a naturalized US citizen of Turkish descent. I told her I am very interested in Turkey as it is one of the three only stable Islamic democracies in the world beside Indonesia and another country, which I don't remember for sure but I think it is Cyprus. I asked for and she recommended a book, Crescent and Star: Turkey Between Two Worlds by Stephen Kinzer. Already put in an order on Amazon so hopefully I'll get it sometimes next week and will enjoy reading it after the election next Tuesday.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Senator Elizabeth Dole was no match for Chuck Schumer last night on FoxNews. We need to find someone better to run the National Republican Senatorial Committee. It was rather pathetic because she couldn't coherently state why Republicans opposed government funding of embryonic stem cell research, whether at the federal or state level. She then asked for an extra 30 seconds, and I thought she was going to say something consequential, for which I was disappointed again.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
The Dallas Cowboys did well, really well, in the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers. It's 4-3 now and should be 5-3 next week after the game against the Washington Redkins. The game after that against the Arizona Cardinals should be a good game for the Dallas Cowboys as well. A 6-3 record would be nice.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
For a couple of hours this morning I made calls for Jerry Hoagland, a friend who is running for re-election to the Collin County Commissioners' Court. Had lunch and went out walking for Livia Liu another couple of hours. Then got my haircut, showered and headed over to Tony's place for our all hands fellowship tonight.
Friday, October 27, 2006
What should you do if you were AG Alberto Gonzales or if you were one of the attorney generals of one of the states that use electronic voting machines about the services offer here.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Check this out, grandma Carole Keeton Rylander Strayhorn's secrets.
Also, I wish the Vietnamese Community of Houston and Vicinity didn't do it but ...
Also, I wish the Vietnamese Community of Houston and Vicinity didn't do it but ...
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
This a great collection of TV ads commissioner, lieutenant governor and governor Rick Perry had over the years.
Ron Branson, a good friend and a good city of Carrollton council member resigned due to his health. A special election will be held this December 5th to fill his seat. Six packages have been taken out from the city secretary office. Two have been turned in, Jack Stotz, campaign treasurer for Becky Miller when she ran for mayor in 2005, and Cathy Henesey, who narrowly lost the election in May of this year.
Ron Branson, a good friend and a good city of Carrollton council member resigned due to his health. A special election will be held this December 5th to fill his seat. Six packages have been taken out from the city secretary office. Two have been turned in, Jack Stotz, campaign treasurer for Becky Miller when she ran for mayor in 2005, and Cathy Henesey, who narrowly lost the election in May of this year.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Check out this really cute radio spot for Dawn Estes.
Here is yours truly with congressman Eric Cantor, representing Virginia 7th congressional district. He's the only Republican Jewish member of the House and currently is the Chief Deputy Majority Whip, highest appointed position in the House. He is traveling extensively right now campaigning for many of his colleagues.
Karl Ninh with deputy majority whip congressman Eric Cantor
Here is yours truly with congressman Eric Cantor, representing Virginia 7th congressional district. He's the only Republican Jewish member of the House and currently is the Chief Deputy Majority Whip, highest appointed position in the House. He is traveling extensively right now campaigning for many of his colleagues.
Karl Ninh with deputy majority whip congressman Eric Cantor
Monday, October 23, 2006
Today is first day of early voting in Texas, October 23rd through November 3rd. Standing in front of the Richardson Civic Center were Mr. Lennox Bower, a Democrat running against Republican incumbent judge Neil Pask, who handed me his business card size campaign literature. Another lady also handed me campaign literature for the Democratic challenger running against my good friend Republican incumbent judge Bruce Woody. Bruce Woody and his wife Jan are such grassroots leaders that the Democrats are going out of their way to try to defeat him. Last night was the first time I saw Bruce's ad on Fox News, with my picture included among the many supporters. I loved both of these folks, great caring individuals. The same lady also handed me a Perry bashing campaign literature from the Democratic opponent of Republican incumbent judge David Kelton. This guy is hoping to get elected by riding on the anti-Perry sentiments, rather pathetic candidate wouldn't you say?
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Our church's family camp at Three Mountain Retreat this weekend went very well.
Group picture this morning, right after the worship service and before lunch:
Yours truly was out riding horses yesterday, Karl Ninh on horseback:
Karl Ninh on horseback, closeup
Group picture this morning, right after the worship service and before lunch:
Yours truly was out riding horses yesterday, Karl Ninh on horseback:
Karl Ninh on horseback, closeup
Saturday, October 21, 2006
I certainly would like to have enough to live on by the time I am 40 years old so not having to work for an income but instead doing whatever I love, serving Christ, helping with charities, political campaigns, or just travel the world. This couple, Bill & Akaisha Kaderli, proved that it's possible if you live within your means and save consistently.
Friday, October 20, 2006
We heard from Ross Ramsey, editor of the Texas Weekly at today's Dallas Friday Group luncheon. Learned a few interesting tidbits of information such as Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson is endorsed by the AFL-CIO, that the National Republican Congressional Committee has pulled one million of its funding out of the Van Taylor race against incumbent Democratic Chet Edwards, that attorney general Greg Abbott is sitting on more than seven million dollars, saving it for the next race and not spending it in his bid for re-election against David Van Os, .... Sitting next to me was Joel T. Allison, president and CEO of Baylor Health Care System. I have seen a lot of titles following people's names but I had to look this one up, FACHE. At the table was also a private banker with North Trust, a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch, a sales executive with Hyatt Classic.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
I have "Early voting Oct. 23rd to Nov. 3rd, election day Nov. 7th," on the white board in front of my cube, along with "Free voter guides ==>" and a stack of Free Market Foundation voter guides available. People have been picking them up. I am doing my part to help people make informed decision when they get into the voting booth.
A co-worker, whom I have not met before and is a member of the Muslim American Society MAS - Dallas chapter, stopped by to pick up one, and chatted about the alcohol sale issue that is on the ballot in Richardson, Irving and a few other cities around the metroplex. It's great to have folks from different beliefs working together toward a common goal, keeping it dry.
A co-worker, whom I have not met before and is a member of the Muslim American Society MAS - Dallas chapter, stopped by to pick up one, and chatted about the alcohol sale issue that is on the ballot in Richardson, Irving and a few other cities around the metroplex. It's great to have folks from different beliefs working together toward a common goal, keeping it dry.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Curious what kind of salaries congressional staffers get, check this.
Interesting initiatives around these united states, actually 24 of them where initiative and referendum is possible by the state constitutions, check here for details.
Check out this ad. Arlene Wohlgemuth failed to unseat Chet Edwards in 2004 after the DNC poured tons of money in. Let's hope Van Taylor succeed this time. Van is an incredible genteman, very attentive and very likeable. Congressman Pete Sessions will lead a big group of volunteers going down there to help Van this weekend as well as the TYRF after their board meeting.
Interesting initiatives around these united states, actually 24 of them where initiative and referendum is possible by the state constitutions, check here for details.
Check out this ad. Arlene Wohlgemuth failed to unseat Chet Edwards in 2004 after the DNC poured tons of money in. Let's hope Van Taylor succeed this time. Van is an incredible genteman, very attentive and very likeable. Congressman Pete Sessions will lead a big group of volunteers going down there to help Van this weekend as well as the TYRF after their board meeting.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Gianna Jessen gave the most touching testimony at today's luncheon put together by the Free Market Foundation. She survived an abortion attempt by her biological mother but suffered from cerebral palsy after burning 18 hours in her mother's womb.
Phone banking at Victory Center tonight for judge Jay Patterson.
I am a strong Republican because I believe in the same principles of strong national defense, limited government, individual responsibility, traditional Judeo-Christian values, .... I am not advocating a single party rule system because that would be communist like Vietnam, which I ran away. We need competition of ideas, and let the party with the best strategy to present the idea and make it a reality wins.
Phone banking at Victory Center tonight for judge Jay Patterson.
I am a strong Republican because I believe in the same principles of strong national defense, limited government, individual responsibility, traditional Judeo-Christian values, .... I am not advocating a single party rule system because that would be communist like Vietnam, which I ran away. We need competition of ideas, and let the party with the best strategy to present the idea and make it a reality wins.
Monday, October 16, 2006
The Victory Center was buzzing with activities last night. Many volunteers for judge Dianne Kathryn Jones as well as judge Catharina Haynes busy making phone calls to potential Republican voters, getting them out to vote for our Republican judges.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
I woke up at 6:00 am this morning, ran some errands, and then headed to the victory center. I, Laura, Maci and Seoljeong, dressed in State Representative Bill Keffer's T-shirts and carrying his literature, we walked pushing for straight ticket Republican votes. After lunch, I manned the front desk for a little bit and then got on the phone to push for more straight ticket votes.
Done at the Victory Center 5:00 pm, I headed over to Randy and Karen's house to celebrate Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacle. They are Messianic Jews, members of Baruch HaShem. This is my second year celebrating the feast with them and a whole bunch of their friends.
Done at the Victory Center 5:00 pm, I headed over to Randy and Karen's house to celebrate Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacle. They are Messianic Jews, members of Baruch HaShem. This is my second year celebrating the feast with them and a whole bunch of their friends.
Friday, October 13, 2006
My net worth crossed an important mark today. Not that my security is how much money I have, for we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it (I Timothy 6:7). But it's a measure of my financial discipline, living within my means. I have never known the burden of any credit card debt. Ever since I started using it in the freshman year in college, thank God, I have always been able to pay off the balance every month, doesn't matter how many cards.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
We begin running ads in the Asian newspapers this week for Livia:
pick up Vietnam Weekly News for the Vietnamese version.
pick up the C-Weekly, World Journal, Sino-US News, or Dallas Chinese News for the Chinese version.
pick up the Korean Journal for the Korean version.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Juan A. Gonzalez-Moreno, President and CEO of GRUMA Asian/Oceania, Mission Foods and Azteca Milling LLP, was the keynote speaker at the Greater Dallas Chamber International Business Achievement Awards luncheon today at the Fairmont. There were about 800 folks there. This was the first time that their parking is full, no valet service at all. Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a $16 billion company with sales in over 150 countries, won the corporate award. Masergy Communications Inc. is the winner of small/mid-size business category, which has four other finalists: GrandPrairie Accessory Services, LLC, New Market Technology, Inc., Omega Environmental Technologies Company, and TransTrade, Inc..
Monday, October 09, 2006
Members of the North Dallas Republican Club, including yours truly, putting in time doing phone bank at the victory center tonight. Pizza for dinner courtesy of judge Dianne Kathryn Jones.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
I was the best man at my friends Thuan and Hanh's wedding yesterday. I first met Thuan over seven years ago at the orientation when we both started out with our first full time job at JCPenney. Hanh was also at JCPenney and she was also a very active member of VPS Dallas at the time. Here are a couple of pics from my camera. I forgot my camera bag at Thuan's parents' house when we left in the morning, didn't have the charger with me so I took as many pictures as I could until my battery completely went dead.
Here is the bride and groom, Thuan Ngo and Hanh Tran
Karl Ninh and Cindy Nguyen, the maid of honor
.
Here is the bride and groom, Thuan Ngo and Hanh Tran
Karl Ninh and Cindy Nguyen, the maid of honor
.Thursday, October 05, 2006
Check out this meter, which suppose to measure the reported amount of money Bank of America account holders have pulled out because of the bank's refusal to help Matthew Shinnick, an innocent man who was falsely accused of fraud.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
We heard from author and lecturer Christopher Avery on the topic of "A Set of Methods and Skills or a Leadership Mindset and Culture." The seven levels of how one progresses through to take responsibility for any problem: lay blame (on something or someone else), justify (ourselves), shame (I should have known better), obligation (I have to), responsibility (it's my mess and here is how I am going to clean it up).
The presentation by Nick Geise dealed with how one goes about moving to Scrum. Then we heard from Mike Ratliff about FitNesse, which really helped Mary Kay as a couple of their folks gladly testified. The best presentation of the day was Introduction to Aspect Oriented Programming by Brett Schuchert and his demo of AspectJ in JVM 1.5. The presentation of JBoss ESB and SOA by Burr Sutter was packed with information. He drove home the point of interoperability and provided demo of interoperability between Sun Java web service and Microsoft Visual Basic. He quickly went over a lot of the JBoss technologies, from jBPM to WSBPEL.
Jonathan is out of town so I ran the Dallas County Young Republicans monthly meeting tonight before heading to the Heritage Alliance Foundation reception honoring the ten most conservative members of the Texas Legislature. All ten of the honorees were House members.
The presentation by Nick Geise dealed with how one goes about moving to Scrum. Then we heard from Mike Ratliff about FitNesse, which really helped Mary Kay as a couple of their folks gladly testified. The best presentation of the day was Introduction to Aspect Oriented Programming by Brett Schuchert and his demo of AspectJ in JVM 1.5. The presentation of JBoss ESB and SOA by Burr Sutter was packed with information. He drove home the point of interoperability and provided demo of interoperability between Sun Java web service and Microsoft Visual Basic. He quickly went over a lot of the JBoss technologies, from jBPM to WSBPEL.
Jonathan is out of town so I ran the Dallas County Young Republicans monthly meeting tonight before heading to the Heritage Alliance Foundation reception honoring the ten most conservative members of the Texas Legislature. All ten of the honorees were House members.
Monday, October 02, 2006
We heard from Crag Larman, chief technologist for Valtech this morning. He was a great presenter and really drove home the point of the necessity of a balance between total command and control (Stalin five years plan) system and total laze faire system. I learned a few good things about the Manifesto for Agile Software Development. We should anticipate change, welcome change and seek to lower the cost of change. This was how Toyota was able to penetrade US market begin with the oil crisis in 1973. We learned one Japanese word, Gemba. He advocated that leader should be where the actions are (no private office), maximum face to face interactions between developers.
John Blundell, Director General of the Institute of Economic Affairs spoke at today Texas Public Policy Foundation luncheon about Margaret Thatcher and the war of ideas. I love the British accent. Got an autographed copy of his book, Waging the War of Ideas.
I picked up a really cute bright red Hermes tie. The design looks just like this one.
The presentation of Ruby on Rails by Matt Ratliff was the most interesting of three presentations in the afternoon.
John Blundell, Director General of the Institute of Economic Affairs spoke at today Texas Public Policy Foundation luncheon about Margaret Thatcher and the war of ideas. I love the British accent. Got an autographed copy of his book, Waging the War of Ideas.
I picked up a really cute bright red Hermes tie. The design looks just like this one.
The presentation of Ruby on Rails by Matt Ratliff was the most interesting of three presentations in the afternoon.
