joplin

I have been wanting to post about Joplin since May 27, to be exact... but words nor photos can really describe the city.  And I have been wanting to write the right words.

Ironically, I was in Joplin exactly five days post-tornado disaster.  And all I have to say is "unbelievable".  Obviously, according to the 24 hour news coverage, you know it is bad.  But it is really horrific.  And terrifying to see the damage caused by mother nature.

The entire city was smoking. 

The highway signs were twisted and bent in half.

There was twisted metal wrapped in trees.

Missing rooftops.

Trees with only their remaining trunks.

And then, not so ironically -- because now I knew my return route -- I was in Joplin again, one month after the tornado devastation.

And other than the new highway signs being replaced, not much had changed.  The skies were brighter.  The air was heavier with summer temperatures.  But the city of Joplin still devastated. 

The city is so much worse than what I have captured on film.

My prayers continue to go out to the city of Joplin.

Please note the next photo:  Burger King.  I believe it has been proven that the safest place within Burger King ... is the play area.  Notice the untouched play structure.  Unbelievable.

world news

First there is the national coverage on the tornadoes that have devoured regions of the south.
And this is a very sad reality.
Plus, how can one really be safe in the south when basements do NOT exist?? 

Then there is the Royal Wedding.  William and Catherine.
With round-the-clock coverage. 
It was a beautiful wedding.
And for all you with your own wedding opinions, that is just what they are, opinions. 

Now, Osama bin Laden has died?!
And this is a very happy reality.
If it is true?
Is it?
I have heard so many differing accounts as to his death that I stopped listening to the news after the first three hours and that was three days ago.  So my post may be totally incorrect.  And I am aware of that possibility.
So, do they have his body? 
Was it, in fact, lost at sea?
And if not; who, what, where, when, how need to be addressed.   I believe the "why" has been covered.  What type of proper burial will take place?  What is proper for an evil, crazed maniac?

Just give us the facts.  No probabilities.  No maybes.  No supposes.  No ifs. 

Back in 2008 during the Presidential Campaign, bumper stickers were produced and adhered to many vehicles.  The democratic campaign:  Obama / Biden

And the only thing I could see in that bumper sticker:

An anagram.  Yes, an anagram.

Osama bin Laden = Obama / Biden