France Raises Terror Alert

This came to me in an email...made me laugh out loud. I love being anti-PC. I beg forgiveness from any persons French whose feelings matter to me....(huh?)

Subject: France Increases Terror Alert (AP)

The French government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror alert level from RUN to HIDE. The only two higher levels in France are SURRENDER and COLLABORATE. According to one French official, the change was not so much due to the recent terrorist activity in London but instead precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France's white flag factory, effectively disabling its military.

Discovery

Wow.

I hope everybody watched it.

Wow.

GGOOOAAAALLLLL!!!

Pee Goal

The Pee Goal includes a nice pitch, a goal, and a ball on a string. You use your penis to push the ball into the goal, apparently.

Oh wait. Just re-read it. You use your URINE STREAM to push the ball into the goal. It’s about $20 in England, and I suspect you can take this around with you, drop it into a urinal, play a game or two, and then pack it up again. Quite a bit of fun, right?

Thanks to gizmodo.com and Dave Barry for this!

Richard, a.k.a. Clark Kent, a.k.a. A Nice Guy

I saw the following on the net, and it reminded me of my husband...the man it took me almost 40 years to find. A man that I hope is a model for my children; I hope that my daughter finds a husband as wonderful, and I hope that my son treats his wife as Richard treats me.

Richard has told me of the girls who were always his friend, but never more. The girls went for the "bad boys" (I know this for a fact. I married the bad boy. It almost killed me.)

Richard is my hero, my superman. He knows what I need, what I want, even before I do. He refuses to fight with me, even when I'm bitchy and looking for a fight with ANYBODY...he just lets it roll off of his shoulders. He's totally selfless. He dated me, a single mom with one teenager and one adolescent kid, and all three of us had piles and piles of emotional issues...enough baggage to require a large U-Haul to lug it around. And then he proposed, not just to me, but to all of us. We had a big, beautiful wedding. It was magic. And we're soon to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary.

Below is a tribute to the "nice guys". But they don't always finish last. I'm sure sometimes it feels like that to them. But I can tell you I'm extremely grateful to the women who thought they needed something more exciting than Richard. And thanks to Richard for waiting so long for me to find him.

I'm extremely grateful and constantly awed that Richard took a chance on somebody like me. I know I'm a constant challenge to him...mentally, physically, emotionally. He loves me for me, and I love him for him. He's no Tom Cruise, and I'm no Katie Holmes. Thank God for that.

But he is my Clark Kent, and I his Lois Lane. Until we're old and grey, sitting on a front porch in our rockers, watching the grandchildren.

And we're still holding hands.

This is a tribute to the nice guys. The nice guys that finish last, that never become more than friends, that endure hours of whining and bitching about what assholes guys are, while disproving the very point. This is dedicated to those guys who always provide a shoulder to lean on but restrain themselves to tentative hugs, those guys who hold open doors and give reassuring pats on the back and sit patiently outside the changing room at department stores. This is in honor of the guys that obligingly reiterate how cute/beautiful/smart/funny/sexy their female friends are at the appropriate moment, because they know most girls need that litany of support. This is in honor of the guys with open minds, with laid-back attitudes, with honest concern. This is in honor of the guys who respect a girl’s every facet, from her privacy to her theology to her clothing style.

This is for the guys who escort their drunk, bewildered female friends back from parties and never take advantage once they’re at her door, for the guys who accompany girls to bars as buffers against the rest of the creepy male population, for the guys who know a girl is fishing for compliments but give them out anyway, for the guys who always play by the rules in a game where the rules favor cheaters, for the guys who are accredited as boyfriend material but somehow don’t end up being boyfriends, for all the nice guys who are overlooked, underestimated, and unappreciated, for all the nice guys who are manipulated, misled, and unjustly abandoned, this is for you.

This is for that time she left 40 urgent messages on your cell phone, and when you called her back, she spent three hours painstakingly dissecting two sentences her boyfriend said to her over dinner. And even though you thought her boyfriend was a chump and a jerk, you assured her that it was all ok and she shouldn’t worry about it. This is for that time she interrupted the best killing spree you’d ever orchestrated in GTA3 to rant about a rumor that romantically linked her and the guy she thinks is the most repulsive person in the world. And even though you thought it was immature and you had nothing against the guy, you paused the game for two hours and helped her concoct a counter-rumor to spread around the floor. This is also for that time she didn’t have a date, so after numerous vows that there was nothing “serious” between the two of you, she dragged you to a party where you knew nobody, the beer was awful, and she flirted shamelessly with you, justifying each fit of reckless teasing by announcing to everyone: “oh, but we’re just friends!” And even though you were invited purely as a symbolic warm body for her ego, you went anyways. Because you’re nice like that.

The nice guys don’t often get credit where credit is due. And perhaps more disturbing, the nice guys don’t seem to get laid as often as they should. And I wish I could logically explain this trend, but I can’t. From what I have observed on campus and what I have learned from talking to friends at other schools and in the workplace, the only conclusion I can form is that many girls are just illogical, manipulative bitches. Many of them claim they just want to date a nice guy, but when presented with such a specimen, they say irrational, confusing things such as “oh, he’s too nice to date” or “he would be a good boyfriend but he’s not for me” or “he already puts up with so much from me, I couldn’t possibly ask him out!” or the most frustrating of all: “no, it would ruin our friendship.” Yet, they continue to lament the lack of datable men in the world, and they expect their too-nice-to-date male friends to sympathize and apologize for the men that are jerks. Sorry, guys, girls like that are beyond my ability to fathom. I can’t figure out why the connection breaks down between what they say (I want a nice guy!) and what they do (I’m going to sleep with this complete ass now!). But one thing I can do, is say that the nice-guy-finishes-last phenomenon doesn’t last forever. There are definitely many girls who grow out of that train of thought and realize they should be dating the nice guys, not taking them for granted. The tricky part is finding those girls, and even trickier, finding the ones that are single.

So, until those girls are found, I propose a toast to all the nice guys. You know who you are, and I know you’re sick of hearing yourself described as ubiquitously nice. But the truth of the matter is, the world needs your patience in the department store, your holding open of doors, your party escorting services, your propensity to be a sucker for a pretty smile. For all the crazy, inane, absurd things you tolerate, for all the situations where you are the faceless, nameless hero, my accolades, my acknowledgement, and my gratitude go out to you. You do have credibility in this society, and your well deserved vindication is coming

A Hot Sunday in July

Welcome to high summer. I've decided to make an executive decision and not weed anymore today, at least until after dusk, because the sun is hot and the thermometer is reading up above 90 degrees. I'm not complaining, even though this summer has been especially hard with the addition of my oh-so-special hot flashes. My first summer without a uterus or ovaries. Woot woot.

It's been a tough couple of weeks for us, with cars breaking down, Richard traveling every week, working between sixty and eighty hours, and then coming home to me telling him "the Sable is in the parking lot of the KFC, I couldn't get it started", "I picked up the radiator for the truck so you can put it in now...oh, it's the wrong size? I'll go back and exchange it, so you can spend part of next weekend working on the truck". Max spending all his time in Nanticoke with Kala. Maggie either working or with friends. She also got a tatoo last week. The corn in the garden's growth seems to be stunted; however, the weeds are doing wonderfully. The cat peed in the family room somewhere. The pool is getting algae in it and needs vacuuming. The pool light doesn't work.

Ah, but wait. Just wait a minute.

Let's look at this another way. Richard is traveling a lot, but he has a job (unlike other people). He comes home after a few days away (Carol's husband just passed away). Cars can get fixed...at least we have a car that works most of the time, and soon we'll have new ones). Max is spending a lot of time out of the house, but it's nice to see him smile when he talks about Kala. Maggie is working, which means she will be able to pay off her debt to us. Maggie also has been smiling more lately, due to her friends and a crush she has on somebody. The tatoo...well, she's 18, and it's her body. She may regret it someday (I regret the one I got so many years ago), and I'll try really hard not to say "I told you so". So the corn is growing slowly. I can go down the road five minutes and get fresh picked corn. Weeding the garden gives opportunity to be outside in the fresh air and the sun. The cat...well, there's nothing good about cat pee. Chemicals will fix the pool. Max owes me for driving him all over creation and can vacuum the pool. The light in the pool will draw bugs at night...better we don't turn it on.

What changed my mood today, from looking at the glass half-empty to totally full...it was a bald eagle I saw today, flying about 30 feet above my car. It was so beautiful, so majestic. I watched it fly, just mesmerized by it. I've only every seen three others in the wild, and I always feel the same way...grateful, awestruck and thankful for my surroundings. It's such a powerful symbol to me.

It really put everything in perspective.

Thank you, Mr. Eagle.

Now, back to those weeds.....

My New Hat

I ordered a Club Gitmo hat from rushlimbaugh.com



I can't wait for it to come. I'm going to wear it to our brand-new Starbucks. I hate Starbucks. It's full of uppity people who are too insecure to call a cup of coffee what it is...a cup of coffee.

I'll take a picture while I'm there. Woot woot. A good time will be had by all!

Prayers for Carol and Her Family

Carol, the wonderful muse who writes the blog An American Housewife, lost her husband very suddenly. It was only days ago she was talking about his doctor visit, how he was going to have to take it easy, how she was going to take care of him.

I can only imagine how lost she feels. But I've heard that she is surrounded by family and friends, which can only be good for her.

Please pray for her and her children. And take this as a learning opportunity. We never know what will happen. Love your husband or wife, your children, your family, as much and as often as you can.

Carol, be strong. We love you.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

As we come up to this 4th of July, as we celebrate our independence and our freedom, everyone should take at least one moment to thank a serviceperson, either in person or through prayer, for the sacrifices that they have made for our country, and for us.

An American Housewife has a piece today about The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier...and it makes me want to see it. Thank you Carol...you've taught me today.

I'm totally cutting and pasting...not only because it's late, but because I couldn't improve on this post.

Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier

Received this via email from a friend and thought I'd pass it on. I have had the opportunity, many times, to watch this respectful and dignified ceremony. It is a sight to see.

As we are between Memorial Day and the 4th of July, two of the most patriotic and inspiring holidays our nation observes, I thought it would be a good time to send this on. I have seen this ceremony every time I have been to Washington D.C. and the impressiveness of it never pales. It is an awesome site that everyone should see at least once. You will never forget it if you do.

This is really an awesome sight to watch if you've never had the chance .. Very fascinating.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the
tomb of the Unknowns and why?

21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the
highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.

2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his
return walk and why?

21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1

3. Why are his gloves wet?

His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the
rifle.

4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time
and if not, why not?

He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb.
After his march across the path, he executes an about face
and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.

5. How often are the guards changed? Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.

6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?

For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be
between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30." Other requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.

The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat
and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror.

The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor
watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame.

Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for
guard duty.

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, our
US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!" Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a serviceperson. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.

God Bless and keep them.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

As we come up to this 4th of July, as we celebrate our independence and our freedom, everyone should take at least one moment to thank a serviceperson, either in person or through prayer, for the sacrifices that they have made for our country, and for us.

An American Housewife has a piece today about The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier...and it makes me want to see it. Thank you Carol...you've taught me today.

I'm totally cutting and pasting...not only because it's late, but because I couldn't improve on this post.

Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier

Received this via email from a friend and thought I'd pass it on. I have had the opportunity, many times, to watch this respectful and dignified ceremony. It is a sight to see.

As we are between Memorial Day and the 4th of July, two of the most patriotic and inspiring holidays our nation observes, I thought it would be a good time to send this on. I have seen this ceremony every time I have been to Washington D.C. and the impressiveness of it never pales. It is an awesome site that everyone should see at least once. You will never forget it if you do.

This is really an awesome sight to watch if you've never had the chance .. Very fascinating.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the
tomb of the Unknowns and why?

21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the
highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.

2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his
return walk and why?

21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1

3. Why are his gloves wet?

His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the
rifle.

4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time
and if not, why not?

He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb.
After his march across the path, he executes an about face
and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.

5. How often are the guards changed? Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.

6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?

For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be
between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30." Other requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.

The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat
and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror.

The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor
watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame.

Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for
guard duty.

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, our
US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!" Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a serviceperson. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.

God Bless and keep them.

Get Your Dirt to the Supreme Court

Why is it that when I watch the news, I get sick to my stomach. It's been going on for several weeks now. I feel sadness. I feel helpless.

I feel like the Constituion of these United States has been ripped out from under our feet by the Supreme Court. That the needs of the special interest groups far outweigh the needs of the people. That the real estate investment market is dead.

For those of us upset over the demise of the constitution, i.e. the recent Eminent Domain decision by the SCOTUS, Stephen Gordon over at The Free Liberal has a truly wonderful idea.

He sends a nod to a guy who has decided to file for David Souter's property: "One man is attempting to use this decision to force Justice David Souter from his home -- so that he may establish the 'The Lost Liberty Hotel' and 'Just Desserts Cafe�' in its place.

Love the names.

But then, Mr. Gordon has a brilliant idea, in the manner of the Boston Tea Party:

All of us may not have the opportunity to dispossess the Supremes of their fine homes. While humorous, some of us may even have moral qualms about the stealing part – even if it is from the enemy.

However, we have the opportunity to act in a totally moral and lawful manner in order to express our discontent. Let’s throw some serious sand into the gears of the government machine. They have asked for real property, so let us send it to them.

Real property (land) is composed primarily of dirt. The entire incident in Kelo is over who possesses a bunch of dirt.

The people in the area in which I live are proud of their soil – as is the case in most other places. Perhaps this eminent domain issue may be remedied by providing the landgrabbers a lot of dirt – enough dirt so they won’t have to steal it from the poor and the elderly again.

Radio talk show host Neal Boortz recently stated, “All property isn't dirt”. However, in this case, it is. Let’s give ’em some!

Some addresses to which you may mail your dirt are:

Dave Goebel
Chief Operating Officer
New London Development Corporation
165 State Street, Suite 313
New London, CT 06320

Richard M. Brown
City Manager
City of New London
181 State Street
New London, CT 06320

Justice John Paul Stevens
One First Street N.E.
Washington, DC 20543

Justice David H. Souter
One First Street N.E.
Washington, DC 20543

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
One First Street N.E.
Washington, DC 20543

Justice Stephen G. Breyer
One First Street N.E.
Washington, DC 20543

Justice Anthony M. Kennedy
One First Street N.E.
Washington, DC 20543"

Terrorists in Sheep's Clothing

This is Fred Phelps. He's the so-called "Pastor of the Westboro Baptist Church in Westboro, KS.

Jay Tea, over at Wizbang, posted today about this group of...I hesitate to call them people...monsters. It surprised me, only because I couldn't even imagine people this twisted and sick. (For Jay's post, where he describes how the Marblehead, Massachusetts' Police Department handled this group's "protest" at a soldier's funeral, go here.)

"The Westboro Baptist Church is a truly unique cult of whackoes who manage to simultaneously embarrass the town of Westboro, Kansas, the Baptist faith, and churches in general by their simple existence. Their frothing-at-the mouth hatred of all things homosexual has evolved (or devolved) from "God hates fags" to "God hates America for not wiping out the fags," and now their latest attention-whoring tactics are to show up and celebrate the funerals of soldiers killed in Iraq.

They came to the town of Marblehead, Massachusetts recently to spew their filth at the funeral of Christopher Piper. Piper had served for ten years in the Marine Corps, left the service, then re-joined the Army and won the coveted Green Beret. And recently, he died of wounds from a roadside bomb in Afghanistan."

How sick is it to celebrate the death of someone fighting for the freedoms that we enjoy. How sick is it to condemn others, just because they aren't like you. Funny, this group doesn't sound too different than the 19 who flew into the towers; the Taliban and Osama, who masterminded the plan. Saddam, who killed and had killed millions, just because.

The Westboro Baptist Church group, led by Fred Phelps (I just can't bring myself to call him Pastor), is fueled on hate. Below is text right from their website:

WBC engages in daily peaceful sidewalk demonstrations opposing the homosexual lifestyle of soul-damning, nation-destroying filth. We display large, colorful signs containing Bible words and sentiments, including: GOD HATES FAGS, FAGS HATE GOD, AIDS CURES FAGS, THANK GOD FOR AIDS, FAGS BURN IN HELL, GOD IS NOT MOCKED, FAGS ARE NATURE FREAKS, GOD GAVE FAGS UP, NO SPECIAL LAWS FOR FAGS, FAGS DOOM NATIONS, etc.

Perceiving the modern militant homosexual movement to pose a clear and present danger to the survival of America, exposing our nation to the wrath of God as in 1898 B.C. at Sodom and Gomorrah, WBC has conducted over 32,000 such demonstrations since June, 1991, at homosexual parades and other events (including funerals of impenitent sodomites, like Matthew Shepard). WBC teams have picketed all over the United States, and internationally (including Canada, Jordan and Iraq). The unique picketing ministry of Westboro Baptist Church has received international attention, and WBC believes this gospel message to be this world's last hope.

Upon checking at their site, I see they are going to be protesting in Dover, Delaware at the Dover Air Force Base. July 11th. 8:00 a.m. I'm only two hours from Dover.

I wonder if somehow there can be a group there to meet these crazy people. A bigger group, with bigger signs. Signs that will show support of our soldiers, and of our country. Anbody want to go with me? I'm so mad, I'll go with just my kids, my dogs and my cats!

People need to know about these crazy, scary people. First amendment rights, my ass! There needs to be a limit somewhere, somehow. But no. The SCOTUS is busy keeping us safe from framed Ten Commandments in courthouses.

Check out these losers:
The Westboro Baptist Church Home Page

Terrorists in Sheep's Clothing

This is Fred Phelps. He's the so-called "Pastor of the Westboro Baptist Church in Westboro, KS.

Jay Tea, over at Wizbang, posted today about this group of...I hesitate to call them people...monsters. It surprised me, only because I couldn't even imagine people this twisted and sick. (For Jay's post, where he describes how the Marblehead, Massachusetts' Police Department handled this group's "protest" at a soldier's funeral, go here.)

"The Westboro Baptist Church is a truly unique cult of whackoes who manage to simultaneously embarrass the town of Westboro, Kansas, the Baptist faith, and churches in general by their simple existence. Their frothing-at-the mouth hatred of all things homosexual has evolved (or devolved) from "God hates fags" to "God hates America for not wiping out the fags," and now their latest attention-whoring tactics are to show up and celebrate the funerals of soldiers killed in Iraq.

They came to the town of Marblehead, Massachusetts recently to spew their filth at the funeral of Christopher Piper. Piper had served for ten years in the Marine Corps, left the service, then re-joined the Army and won the coveted Green Beret. And recently, he died of wounds from a roadside bomb in Afghanistan."

How sick is it to celebrate the death of someone fighting for the freedoms that we enjoy. How sick is it to condemn others, just because they aren't like you. Funny, this group doesn't sound too different than the 19 who flew into the towers; the Taliban and Osama, who masterminded the plan. Saddam, who killed and had killed millions, just because.

The Westboro Baptist Church group, led by Fred Phelps (I just can't bring myself to call him Pastor), is fueled on hate. Below is text right from their website:

WBC engages in daily peaceful sidewalk demonstrations opposing the homosexual lifestyle of soul-damning, nation-destroying filth. We display large, colorful signs containing Bible words and sentiments, including: GOD HATES FAGS, FAGS HATE GOD, AIDS CURES FAGS, THANK GOD FOR AIDS, FAGS BURN IN HELL, GOD IS NOT MOCKED, FAGS ARE NATURE FREAKS, GOD GAVE FAGS UP, NO SPECIAL LAWS FOR FAGS, FAGS DOOM NATIONS, etc.

Perceiving the modern militant homosexual movement to pose a clear and present danger to the survival of America, exposing our nation to the wrath of God as in 1898 B.C. at Sodom and Gomorrah, WBC has conducted over 32,000 such demonstrations since June, 1991, at homosexual parades and other events (including funerals of impenitent sodomites, like Matthew Shepard). WBC teams have picketed all over the United States, and internationally (including Canada, Jordan and Iraq). The unique picketing ministry of Westboro Baptist Church has received international attention, and WBC believes this gospel message to be this world's last hope.

Upon checking at their site, I see they are going to be protesting in Dover, Delaware at the Dover Air Force Base. July 11th. 8:00 a.m. I'm only two hours from Dover.

I wonder if somehow there can be a group there to meet these crazy people. A bigger group, with bigger signs. Signs that will show support of our soldiers, and of our country. Anbody want to go with me? I'm so mad, I'll go with just my kids, my dogs and my cats!

People need to know about these crazy, scary people. First amendment rights, my ass! There needs to be a limit somewhere, somehow. But no. The SCOTUS is busy keeping us safe from framed Ten Commandments in courthouses.

Check out these losers:
The Westboro Baptist Church Home Page

Special Force Being Sent to Iraq

Git er done.

Thank you to Beth at MVRWC for the following:

The Pentagon announced today the formation of a new 500-man elite fighting unit called the US Redneck Special Forces (USRSF).

These men from Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia, and North and South Carolina will be dropped into Iraq and have been given the following information about terrorists:

1. The season opened today.
2. There is no limit.
3. They taste just like chicken.
4. They don’t like beer, pickups, country music, or Jesus.
5. They are directly responsible for the death of Dale Earnhardt.

The war in Iraq should be over in a week.

Special Force Being Sent to Iraq

Git er done.

Thank you to Beth at MVRWC for the following:

The Pentagon announced today the formation of a new 500-man elite fighting unit called the US Redneck Special Forces (USRSF).

These men from Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia, and North and South Carolina will be dropped into Iraq and have been given the following information about terrorists:

1. The season opened today.
2. There is no limit.
3. They taste just like chicken.
4. They don’t like beer, pickups, country music, or Jesus.
5. They are directly responsible for the death of Dale Earnhardt.

The war in Iraq should be over in a week.

Updating: Family, Bad Prom Dates and Idiot Taxi Drivers

So many things have gone on that I haven't written about....been out of the loop for a while. My Maggie graduated from high school at the beginning of the month, and there was much happiness, drama, comedy and food. (What else?) The family came together, somewhat, for the occasion. I cried at the ceremony, as I watched her cross the stage with her diploma. Yes, I was very proud. Actually, still am. She's a great kid....and growing up (and growing away) way too fast for me.

Max had his first formal dance the night of Maggie's graduation party (great timing, Salisbury Middle School!) So I got to see him in a tie two nights in a row. He and Kala went to the dance, and they had a good time. They actually got a picture together, and are both smiling. Cute stuff. We like her. She seems like a great girl.

This past weekend we went up to NY for my father-in-law's 70th birthday party. About 50 people were there, family and friends....it was nice. We stayed with Mom and Dad Demers...Richard got to play golf with his Dad, which was nice. Sunday, most of the males (young and old) played football out in the street. Joe and Richard both tested the hardness of the pavement with different parts of their bodies...Joe with his face, and Richard with his hand and arm. Blood everywhere. But bandaids were applied....and the game continued.

Maggie stayed in NY for the week, seeing old friends, and tonight, going to prom with Nick Spiegel from Hampton Bays. Unfortunately, Nick turned out to be a DICK, leaving her alone at the prom and hanging out with his friends. She ended up calling a cab back to her car, and is currently on the way back to Massapequa, to the safety of her grandparents house.

I would really like to get in my car right now, and head for long island, where I would first deal with Mr. Nick Spiegel; I would like to tell him exactly how I feel about how he treated my daughter. If I could, I would put a pox on him.

Then I'd like to talk to the taxi driver who charged my daughter $40.00 to take her back to her car; first of all, cameljockey, learn to speak english. Secondly, when you have a job as a taxi driver, it's up to YOU to know where the fuck you are going. That's why you have a DISPATCHER. Here in America we have a thing called a MAP. The driver does not yell at the passenger because she does not know how to get to a certain location. That is why he is the DRIVER and she is the PASSENGER.

If anybody reads this who knows Nick Spiegel of Hampton Bays, NY, do me a favor. Somebody please give him a frigging clue about how to treat other people.

Oh The Humanity

Now, I'm a Christian Conservative Woman....and I trust with all my heart in my country and my military....but this is just too horrible.....

TIME Exclusive: Inside the Wire at Gitmo

TIME OBTAINS SECRET INTERROGATION LOG FROM GUANTANAMO; INCLUDES MOMENT-BY-MOMENT ACCOUNT OF INTERROGATION OF DETAINEE WHO U.S. BELIEVES WAS THE ‘20TH HIJACKER’

Dripping Water or Playing Christina Aguilera Music: After the new measures are approved, the mood in al-Qahtani’s interrogation booth changes dramatically. The interrogation sessions lengthen. The quizzing now starts at midnight, and when Detainee 063 dozes off, interrogators rouse him by dripping water on his head or playing Christina Aguilera music. According to the log, his handlers at one point perform a puppet show “satirizing the detainee’s involvement with al-Qaeda.” He is taken to a new interrogation booth, which is decorated with pictures of 9/11 victims, American flags and red lights. He has to stand for the playing of the U.S. national anthem. His head and beard are shaved. He is returned to his original interrogation booth. A picture of a 9/11 victim is taped to his trousers. Al-Qahtani repeats that he will “not talk until he is interrogated the proper way.” At 7 a.m. on Dec. 4, after a 12-hour, all-night session, he is put to bed for a four-hour nap, TIME reports.

Christina Agulera music? Pictures of victims? Forced shaving? Where is Amnesty International when you need them????

Thank God for the mainstream media; otherwise we wouldn't hear of these atrocities.

(This is sarcasm, by the way. Just in case you thought otherwise...)

(HT: Drudge Report)

A Crying Shame

This is an abomination. Beth, over at My Vast Right Wing Conspiracy (What the fuck?!?!), and Jay Tea, over at Wizbang (Pissing on Three Thousand Graves), both have the following story:

The World Trade Center Memorial will break ground this year. When those Marines return in 2010, the year it is scheduled to open, no doubt they will expect to see the artifacts that bring those memories to life. They’ll want a vantage point that allows them to take in the sheer scope of the destruction, to see the footage and the photographs and hear the personal stories of unbearable heartbreak and unimaginable courage. They will want the memorial to take them back to who they were on that brutal September morning.
…
The organizers of its principal tenant, the International Freedom Center (IFC), have stated that they intend to take us on “a journey through the history of freedom” — but do not be fooled into thinking that their idea of freedom is the same as that of those Marines. To the IFC’s organizers, it is not only history’s triumphs that illuminate, but also its failures. The public will have come to see 9/11 but will be given a high-tech, multimedia tutorial about man’s inhumanity to man, from Native American genocide to the lynchings and cross-burnings of the Jim Crow South, from the Third Reich’s Final Solution to the Soviet gulags and beyond. This is a history all should know and learn, but dispensing it over the ashes of Ground Zero is like creating a Museum of Tolerance over the sunken graves of the USS Arizona.
…
Ground Zero has been stolen, right from under our noses. How do we get it back?

Ms. Burlingame is a member of the board of directors of the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation and the sister of Charles F. “Chic” Burlingame III, pilot of American Airlines fight 77, which was crashed at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.

Yeah, you’re getting the cut-and-paste bit here. I am
fucking speechless. Outraged and utterly fucking speechless. You HAVE to read it.

I have also resorted to the cut-and-paste thing...Ground Zero is not an alter to tolerance. It is a site where thousands of people were murdered by radical islamic terrorists.

There's plenty of other places to build a church dedicated to kissing everybody's ass that ever felt slighted by anybody else.

Ground Zero is hollowed ground. No apologies allowed. No anti-American slogans. No bullshit.

Please please please help to prevent this from happening.

Start by contacting NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Then Gov. George Pataki.

A Crying Shame

This is an abomination. Beth, over at My Vast Right Wing Conspiracy (What the fuck?!?!), and Jay Tea, over at Wizbang (Pissing on Three Thousand Graves), both have the following story:

The World Trade Center Memorial will break ground this year. When those Marines return in 2010, the year it is scheduled to open, no doubt they will expect to see the artifacts that bring those memories to life. They’ll want a vantage point that allows them to take in the sheer scope of the destruction, to see the footage and the photographs and hear the personal stories of unbearable heartbreak and unimaginable courage. They will want the memorial to take them back to who they were on that brutal September morning.
…
The organizers of its principal tenant, the International Freedom Center (IFC), have stated that they intend to take us on “a journey through the history of freedom” — but do not be fooled into thinking that their idea of freedom is the same as that of those Marines. To the IFC’s organizers, it is not only history’s triumphs that illuminate, but also its failures. The public will have come to see 9/11 but will be given a high-tech, multimedia tutorial about man’s inhumanity to man, from Native American genocide to the lynchings and cross-burnings of the Jim Crow South, from the Third Reich’s Final Solution to the Soviet gulags and beyond. This is a history all should know and learn, but dispensing it over the ashes of Ground Zero is like creating a Museum of Tolerance over the sunken graves of the USS Arizona.
…
Ground Zero has been stolen, right from under our noses. How do we get it back?

Ms. Burlingame is a member of the board of directors of the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation and the sister of Charles F. “Chic” Burlingame III, pilot of American Airlines fight 77, which was crashed at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.

Yeah, you’re getting the cut-and-paste bit here. I am
fucking speechless. Outraged and utterly fucking speechless. You HAVE to read it.

I have also resorted to the cut-and-paste thing...Ground Zero is not an alter to tolerance. It is a site where thousands of people were murdered by radical islamic terrorists.

There's plenty of other places to build a church dedicated to kissing everybody's ass that ever felt slighted by anybody else.

Ground Zero is hollowed ground. No apologies allowed. No anti-American slogans. No bullshit.

Please please please help to prevent this from happening.

Start by contacting NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Then Gov. George Pataki.

It's a Rainy Wednesday

Blah...it's cold here in Maryland. My Crohn's is kicking my butt (literally) today, so it was a day sitting in front of the computer, listening to Boortz, Limbaugh, and now, the Bob and Tom Show from yesterday morning that I missed. Got the graduation announcements out, so that's a good thing.

Today I learned what a "Rainbow Party" is, and I also learned that Planned Parenthood suggests to 8th graders that they use Saran Wrap for protection so that they can enjoy oral and anal sex.

8th graders???? My son is in 8th grade.

Nothing but good news from the left. 13 year old girls don't need parental consent to have an abortion. My kid can't taken an aspirin to school for menstrual cramps without a note from the Pope himself, yet it's ok for a 13 year old girl to have an abortion without parental consent.

It's been deemed "unconstitutional" that prisoners wear shackles and chains in court. They are prisoners. Prisoners get chained up. You break the law, you lose your right to freedom. With all the recent violence against judges lately, I would have thought they would have put more chains on them.

Damn, there's something wrong with this world today.

I wrote the check for Maggie's entry into Dowling College. Wow. Talk about blood, sweat and tears. I really was hoping that she'd stay local for the first two years; but she said that if she doesn't go away, she'll never know what it was like, and she didn't want to have any regrets. We just don't want her to get in over her head.

BUT ANYWAY....

She did pick a major. My daughter is going to be a Psychologist. Funny, that's what she started with so many years ago. The circle is complete.

The mom is tired. I think I'm getting another fistula...it feels just like that first one. Damn it. Can't do anything about it until after graduation and company leaves!

STAR WARS CRISIS: Two hurt in mock light sabre duel

Two Star Wars fans are in a critical condition in hospital after apparently trying to make light sabres by filling fluorescent light tubes with petrol. Here's the link:

BBC NEWS | England | Beds/Bucks/Herts | Two hurt in mock light sabre duel

These people are STRANGE.

STAR WARS CRISIS: Two hurt in mock light sabre duel

Two Star Wars fans are in a critical condition in hospital after apparently trying to make light sabres by filling fluorescent light tubes with petrol. Here's the link:

BBC NEWS | England | Beds/Bucks/Herts | Two hurt in mock light sabre duel

These people are STRANGE.

Bill Maher is a Pig

This from Neal Boortz at boortz.com:

"So, Bill Maher thinks that the men and women serving in our military are "low lying fruit." In fact, the words he used are "Low-lying Lyndee England fruit." So, here it starts. Is this our signal that the Hollywood culture and the media thinks that it's time to start denigrating the men and women who liberated Afghanistan and Iraq, and who are putting their lives on the line overseas to fight the war on Islamic terrorism? It would seem so."

Bill Maher has some nerve. He's a pig. What an ass. How dare he. I'm controlling my fingers here, because I would like to be typing some really foul language here.

No matter how you feel about the war on terror, or Iraq, or Afganistan, you must support the people of the military, who sacrifice their normal lives for us; they sacrifice, their families sacrifice. And some pay the ultimate sacrifice.

Bill Maher isn't even worthy of licking the sand from their boots.

Thanks to www. strangemilitary.com for the pic!

WANTED: John Dallas Lockhart

CAUGHT CAUGHT CAUGHT CAUGHT

The U.S. Marshal's 15 Most Wanted List has John Dallas Lockhart on it's list. Why? Do you really want to know? I hope you aren't eating your breakfast. If you are, stop. Sit down and read.

This man is on the Marshal's Most Wanted List because he raped a 4 MONTH OLD BABY and TOOK PICTURES of this horrific act. He is on the loose and authorities say he could be in New York.

Oh, that's not all folks, there's more. He is a lawyer, in Akron, Ohio and apparently some software guys came in to do a regular routine computer maintenance for the law firm he worked for and found the pictures. About 100 pornograhic pictures were retrieved from his computer. I don't think the BABY is his only victim either.

SICK SICK SICK - A 4 MONTH OLD BABY!

Posted by An American Housewife at May 24, 2005 12:49 AM

Thank you An American Housewife for this information. I've simply cut and pasted her entry...because I couldn't say it better.

All my relatives in New York...pass this on.

Keep your eyes open.

WANTED: John Dallas Lockhart

CAUGHT CAUGHT CAUGHT CAUGHT

The U.S. Marshal's 15 Most Wanted List has John Dallas Lockhart on it's list. Why? Do you really want to know? I hope you aren't eating your breakfast. If you are, stop. Sit down and read.

This man is on the Marshal's Most Wanted List because he raped a 4 MONTH OLD BABY and TOOK PICTURES of this horrific act. He is on the loose and authorities say he could be in New York.

Oh, that's not all folks, there's more. He is a lawyer, in Akron, Ohio and apparently some software guys came in to do a regular routine computer maintenance for the law firm he worked for and found the pictures. About 100 pornograhic pictures were retrieved from his computer. I don't think the BABY is his only victim either.

SICK SICK SICK - A 4 MONTH OLD BABY!

Posted by An American Housewife at May 24, 2005 12:49 AM

Thank you An American Housewife for this information. I've simply cut and pasted her entry...because I couldn't say it better.

All my relatives in New York...pass this on.

Keep your eyes open.

Thank You Michael Yon...We Owe You a Big One

Michael Yon/Mosul 2005

This is Michael Yon's pictures...and here is a link to his post. He's a photograher currently in Iraq...with a different side of the story to tell regarding recent goings on....

He's quite a writer....and just what more people need to see and hear. Unfortunately, the MSM won't pick up on a story like this. They're too busy making sure that President Bush doesn't overstep his bounds holding Newsweek accountable for recent stories.

Thanks to Beth over at My Vast Right Wing Conspiracy for this one.

Thank You Michael Yon...We Owe You a Big One

Michael Yon/Mosul 2005

This is Michael Yon's pictures...and here is a link to his post. He's a photograher currently in Iraq...with a different side of the story to tell regarding recent goings on....

He's quite a writer....and just what more people need to see and hear. Unfortunately, the MSM won't pick up on a story like this. They're too busy making sure that President Bush doesn't overstep his bounds holding Newsweek accountable for recent stories.

Thanks to Beth over at My Vast Right Wing Conspiracy for this one.

First Amendment My Ass

Michael Crook is one of the most ridiculous people I've seen in a while. He seems to like saying whatever to get a rise out of people. Have you seen his website? He speaks of seat belts and old drivers...divorces and cats and children. So far removed from what I can only imagine is "the dark side" of Michael Crook. The side of him that hates the country that he lives in; the side of him that hates the men and women who are sworn to protect us.

I guess the guy does have the right to say what he wants, but I still would relish removing his spleen with a grapefruit spoon. (This is the dark side of me...I hate trolls who are hypocrites).

What a douche.

He's got a new website coming also...bashing the police.

It's treason. Plain and simple.

I didn't see the interview on Hannity and Colmes (Alan Colmes resembles a turtle in the worst way). I'll try and catch it on the rerun, if I've got insomnia (or if I'm still waiting for my teenage son to get in tonight!)

Thanks to Six Meat Buffet for this.

First Amendment My Ass

Michael Crook is one of the most ridiculous people I've seen in a while. He seems to like saying whatever to get a rise out of people. Have you seen his website? He speaks of seat belts and old drivers...divorces and cats and children. So far removed from what I can only imagine is "the dark side" of Michael Crook. The side of him that hates the country that he lives in; the side of him that hates the men and women who are sworn to protect us.

I guess the guy does have the right to say what he wants, but I still would relish removing his spleen with a grapefruit spoon. (This is the dark side of me...I hate trolls who are hypocrites).

What a douche.

He's got a new website coming also...bashing the police.

It's treason. Plain and simple.

I didn't see the interview on Hannity and Colmes (Alan Colmes resembles a turtle in the worst way). I'll try and catch it on the rerun, if I've got insomnia (or if I'm still waiting for my teenage son to get in tonight!)

Thanks to Six Meat Buffet for this.

Tell Us Something We Already Knew

Finally, people are getting it!

Some very sound reasons why everybody hates the French.

And I quote:

Why the French are the worst company on the planet, a wry take on France by two of its citizens, dredges up all the usual evidence against them. They are crazy drivers, strangers to customer service, obsessed by sex and food and devoid of a sense of humour. But it doesn't stop there, boasting a breakdown, nation by nation, of what in the French irritates them. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Britons described them as "chauvinists, stubborn, nannied and humourless". However, the French may be more shocked by the views of other nations. For the Germans, the French are "pretentious, offhand and frivolous". The Dutch describe them as "agitated, talkative and shallow." The Spanish see them as "cold, distant, vain and impolite" and the Portuguese as "preaching". In Italy they comes across as "snobs, arrogant, flesh-loving, righteous and self-obsessed" and the Greeks find them "not very with it, egocentric bons vivants". Interestingly, the Swedes consider them "disobedient, immoral, disorganised, neo-colonialist and dirty".

The French, in their own defense, cried:

"We are admired for our trains, the Airbus and Michelin tyres. But the buck stops there," he said.

Ha.

Thanks to Dave Barry's Blog for this one.

Tell Us Something We Already Knew

Finally, people are getting it!

Some very sound reasons why everybody hates the French.

And I quote:

Why the French are the worst company on the planet, a wry take on France by two of its citizens, dredges up all the usual evidence against them. They are crazy drivers, strangers to customer service, obsessed by sex and food and devoid of a sense of humour. But it doesn't stop there, boasting a breakdown, nation by nation, of what in the French irritates them. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Britons described them as "chauvinists, stubborn, nannied and humourless". However, the French may be more shocked by the views of other nations. For the Germans, the French are "pretentious, offhand and frivolous". The Dutch describe them as "agitated, talkative and shallow." The Spanish see them as "cold, distant, vain and impolite" and the Portuguese as "preaching". In Italy they comes across as "snobs, arrogant, flesh-loving, righteous and self-obsessed" and the Greeks find them "not very with it, egocentric bons vivants". Interestingly, the Swedes consider them "disobedient, immoral, disorganised, neo-colonialist and dirty".

The French, in their own defense, cried:

"We are admired for our trains, the Airbus and Michelin tyres. But the buck stops there," he said.

Ha.

Thanks to Dave Barry's Blog for this one.

Newsweek and Responsibility

I feel like I haven't written anything humorous or just interesting about my life in a while. I'm still stuck on this Newsweek story, and the subsequent fallout from it.

I can't get past the fact that a supposedly credible news source can just say "sorry" and a whole lot of people say that the apology is enough. It's not.

But I also see the images of the riots, the so-called jihad; the 15 people dead, the hundreds wounded. There's no "sorry" coming for these victims. It reminds me a bit of the L.A. riots, et. al., when something happens you don't like, you destroy your own world, your own town, your own people.

We live in an age of "it's not really my fault". Nobody accepts responsibility any more.

I have tried to teach my own two children that you must accept the consequences for your actions; whatever you do, good or bad, you own it.

It's hard to give them examples of this in life outside our house when everything is excused for one reason or another.

It makes me sick.

Credibility and the Mainstream Media

Wizbang on the Newsweek situation
What do you do about a situation like this...and why aren't more people upset about it?

There seems to be differing opinions at Wizbang, but the majority seem to feel that Newsweek should be hung out to dry.

I'm going to go and think about this while I vacuum my house. I do my best thinking when I do housework (that's why my house is dirty and my blog is boring.. ha ha).

Rebuild the Twin Towers - Bloggermann - MSNBC.com

Rebuild The Towers...almost...
This is a bit of a long read; however, it's a good read.

Wow, this is from a man I don't always agree with, but on this one he makes so much sense to me. I really like the idea of building one of them 229 feet, 4 inches shorter than the other...read on for explanation.

Rebuild them! (Keith Olbermann)

SECAUCUS - They were just a few feet tall and not even as solidly constructed as the old architectural models my father would sometimes bring home from the office for me when I was a kid - but they affected me in a way I never would have imagined.

The towers of The World Trade Center.

They were in our studios yesterday, plastic recreations of the originals, dragged in by groups who are taking advantage of the security concerns about the planned “Freedom Tower” to push the simple idea that the best way to memorialize the victims and restore the community is to re-build the towers exactly as they stood until three and a half years ago.

They’re absolutely right - with one minor caveat. One of the towers should be exactly 229 feet, four inches shorter than the other. I’ll explain why in a bit.

Before that, I have a confession to make. My first job in television was in the lobby of WTC #1 (as they used to call it; I never heard “North Tower” or “South Tower” until the day of the attacks). That’s where CNN’s New York bureau was located until 1984 - behind a two-story thick glass wall that, when we put the studio lights on, made us look like a very cheap high school science experiment.

I hated the place. I mean, if you work in the city’s tallest building and you’re stuck in the lobby, you develop a mean streak about it. The place was comically understaffed (the first two years, we didn’t have a receptionist - whoever was closest to the front door opened it, for staffers, visitors, and bag ladies alike). The commute - from almost anywhere else in the city - was wearying. The mall beneath the towers was a desert, and the neighborhood a wasteland (the dilapidated old West Side Highway still stood - kinda - out the doors to West Street, and the only amusements were those days when big hunks of it would crash to the roadway below). Worst of all, the air conditioning used to go out on an almost regular basis. You’ve never known heat until you’ve worked in a television studio without ventilation. Suits pressed while you wear them.

As I hinted above, my father’s an architect, so I had inherited the typical aesthetic condescension of his profession. What the heck was this Trade Center design supposed to be? The world’s largest salute to Oblong, perhaps - with the faux-gothic grillwork on the outside tacked on in a fruitless attempt to class up the joint.

I went in there to clean out my desk on the afternoon of Saturday, March 31, 1984. I would not return until September 11, 2001.

Suddenly, of course, the sense of drudgery that only a disliked workplace can represent had been transformed into the terrible meaning we all now intuit. And that gaudy grillwork - the only remains standing - stuck out against the smoking pyre of the place with the starkness, and the sudden antiquity, of the Roman Colloseum. The feelings, I needn’t tell you. 40 days as a street reporter in and around the scene of the catastrophe managed to reshape even my memories of the buildings I once dismissed as merely a great deal of weight sitting on top of the place I did my sportscasts.

And as the searing pain of those first few weeks gradually gave way to sadness and thoughts of what, if anything, should be placed on this most hallowed ground, the only thing, the only thing that seemed to make sense, was the towers recreated, as originally designed, oblong boxiness and all - with that one minor caveat about the 229 feet and four inches. I wasn’t among the voices insisting that only rebuilding it as it was would show we hadn’t been “beaten” - merely that all other forms of construction there would offend the sensibility, and diminish, not enhance, the remembrance.

I hadn’t thought much of it lately. The process of healing is a regretful one in a way. We’re designed to forget - not forget the whole, but merely the sharp edges. I hadn’t forgotten the Trade Center, nor my three years in it. Nor had I forgotten the fact that some creatures had managed to use two planes that each contained a friend of mine (Ace Bailey, the former hockey player and executive, was on one, and Tom Pecorelli, who had been one of the studio cameramen for my shows at Fox Sports, was on the other), to kill so many innocents in the buildings, including two college classmates of mine (Mike Tanner and Eamon McEneaney, who happened also to have been the quarterback and the receiver for Cornell University in the first sporting event I ever actually got paid to cover).

Those things hadn’t passed, and they won’t. Nor will the simple reality that it all happened - a reality that will still of a morning unexpectedly punch me in the stomach, or make me wonder for a moment if something so horrible could’ve actually occurred, or if I must have imagined it in a consummate moment in a dream from an endless night.

But I’d forgotten about the rightness of putting the Trade Center back where it stood. Forgotten it, until I saw that model yesterday, and it all came back to me.

The “Freedom Tower” design wasn’t somebody trying to be disrespectful; it was just the unavoidable project of an architectural trend in which everything must look like somebody just built it with a kid’s erector set. The Hearst/Conde Nast building is just getting finished not far from my home, and it’s that same style: Attach Beam A to Side Support B, Tap Support B with a pen to make sure it sounds as tinny as it looks.

But it was wrong.

The best way - the only way - to further soothe the pain is, as the proponents including Donald Trump are suggesting, to rebuild it as it was. Which brings me to my caveat.

I’d use the original blueprints and design the “new” Trade Center exactly as it had been. But I’d insist that one of the towers be exactly 229 feet, four inches shorter than the other. It’s an uncomplicated gimmick to guarantee remembrance. Because, as long as these new towers would stand, someone unaware would ask, “why is one of them shorter than the other?” Whereupon an old-timer could explain, solemnly, that the difference between the heights of the towers is intentional - it’s exactly 2,752 inches.

One inch for each of the victims.

It’s all the memorial we really need.

Thank you Keith. I like the way you think.

Jesus Christ...He Just Wants a License

Last week, I was registering with some website that asked me for a "screename". So I went with repeating my first name two times and then my last name, margomargodemers. Well, I got a nasty message from this website, because I had used an illegal series of letters. The last two letters of my first name and the first letter of my last name spell G O D.

We can't have that now. It might offend somebody.

So when I saw this story from MSNBC.com, I was relating to this guy....I wish they had shown a picture of him though.

From MSNBC.com: Jesus Christ has trouble with graven image

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Even Jesus Christ can’t circumvent the rules for getting a driver’s license in West Virginia.

Attempts to prove his name really is Christ have led the man born as Peter Robert Phillips Jr. through a lengthy legal battle and a recent victory in the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.

“This all started with him expressing his faith and his respect and love for Jesus Christ,” attorney A.P. Pishevar told The Associated Press. “Now he needs to document it for legal reasons.”

Described by his attorney as a white-haired businessman in his mid-50s, Christ is moving to West Virginia to enjoy a slower lifestyle. He bought property near Lost River, about 100 miles west of Washington, and has a U.S. passport, Social Security card and Washington driver’s license bearing the name Jesus Christ.

Original name
But he still falls short of West Virginia title and license transfer requirements because his Florida birth certificate has his original name on it and he has been unable to obtain an official name change in Washington.

“We just need official documentation that that’s his name,” said Doug Stump, commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles. “He will be treated no different than anybody else.”

Christ applied for the legal name change in May 2003, but it was denied by District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Tim Murphy because “taking the name of Jesus Christ may provoke a violent reaction or may significantly offend people.”

In his appeal, Christ’s attorney argued that Phillips had changed his name to Jesus Christ 15 years earlier, and “has been using the name since then without incident.”

The appeals court last month sent the name-change proposal back to the lower court, saying some required hearings in the case had not been held.

Any comment from the man in the middle of this legal tussle?

“Christ is not speaking to the press at this time,” Pishevar said.

© 2005 The Associated Press.

Stray Dog in Kenya Saves Abandoned Baby

I always knew there was a reason why most of the time I like dogs better than people....

www.winktv.com/x466.xml?URL=http://localhost/APWIREFEED/d8a016rg2.xml

Hat Tip: Wizbang

CNN.com - Father charged in girls' deaths - May 10, 2005

CNN.com - Father charged in girls' deaths - May 10, 2005

Why is this man even alive? Why is he out of jail? He chased people with a chainsaw.

Those poor babies.

THIS is why I'm for capital punishment.

Happy Birthday Maggie

Wow. My daughter is 18. She went to her senior prom tonight, looking very much older than 18. But then, she got the giggles, and she looked way younger than 18.

I don't know if it's a Maryland thing, a southern thing....or just a today thing. But, my god, you would have thought that the Reverent Sun Myung Moon was having another mass-wedding at the Salisbury Civic Center. There were so many white gowns (suitable to be married in), white tuxes, top hats, tails and canes....I thought I had gone to bridesmaid hell. I hate to be so cynical, but this has become so out of control.

I'm not sure if it's the parents or the kids who need to outdo and outspend each other. There were limos with disco floors in them, $700 prom dresses, manicures, pedicures, professional make-up and hairstyling. Then there was flowers. And the dinner. And the hotel room in Ocean City tonight.

I don't want to say these kids aren't worth it. They are. But whatever happened to a nice dinner and a nice dance and that was prom?

Tonight we went to "Grand March", admission $5.00 each, to have the opportunity to see the kids enter as their names were announced. We got to see a disagreement over seats that went on to become a disturbance that only the sheriff could solve.

These kids were announced, and it was like a trunk show for Acme Formalwear. Tiaras, sparkles and glitter everywhere. Some of the kids looked like they enjoyed it. Most seemed so uncomfortable and were just trying to get through it.

Maggie, however, came out, and there were cheers and whistles from her friends in the audience. She just started laughing, and waving...she looked so damned happy. It was wonderful to see.

She called after Prom was over, and she said that she had had an awesome time...danced and danced and danced. I'm so glad it's going to be a great memory for her.

But I'm glad it's over. Too much stress. I feel like for the past week I've been running around town spending money and doing nothing else.

Jawa Report and a Reader Find a Terrorist

FUCKING-A!! That's the only way to describe it.

An illegal alien TERRORIST is behind bars because somebody decided to be a stand-up guy. Excellent work guys. One down....thousands to go.

Great story....

My 24 Obsession

I am so addicted to the Fox show 24. I have noticed that it's a show that seems to be popular with conservatives....is it because it's not policitcally correct? I watch the show, and the next morning hit the blogs to see what other's thought. My favorite has to be Superhawk over at RightWing Nuthouse . He's got great insight.

On 24, when people need to be killed, they are killed. Lives are given for the greater good.

I've heard Rush Limbaugh and Laura Ingraham talk about it....Bob and Tom (of the Bob and Tom Show) are hooked and even have "Jack Bauer" call into their morning radio show (much hilarity ensues).

I wonder if left-wingers like this show??? Probably not...they're made to look like idiots. For example, the "ACLU-type" lawyer. What a bubblehead. Kept telling his client "Don't worry, you'll be ok. Just call my cell phone if you need me." Five minutes later, his client lay unconscious, with fingers broken, and spent from the truths he was forced to tell. Ha ha. I'm Jack Bauer, bitches!

Family

Sometimes it's so hard to reach out to others for help, or support. I know it's hard for me. I talk to Richard about everything, and to my Mom about most things, but beyond that, it's hard for me to talk about things that trouble me.

But today my sister-in-law came to me, because she heard that things might not be a-ok over here with one of my children. She was afraid to talk to me, afraid I'd be offended, or hurt, or whatever.

But the only thing that I was, was touched.

Thank you Diane.

The Joys of Home Ownership

Today I went to the bank and deposited $911.00 in dollar bills, quarters, dimes and nickels. This was money that we saved using the "change jar" technique, and also the "Dollar Bill Savings Program" (which is a great thing...you can never spend dollar bills. You can only spend fives, tens, twenties, etc. Dollar bills must be saved and put away in the proverbial cigar box).

This was supposed to be our cruise fund. Unfortunately, it became our roof fund.

Yes, we're having a new roof put on our house. To the tune of $6,000. Poor Richard is driving a twelve year old Sable with our daughter's old Good Charlotte bumperstickers, I'm switching off between my 1985 Dodge Ram Pickup and our twelve year old Volvo (whichever happens to be running that week).

But the roof is beautiful. It kind of made me feel like a grownup, telling my parents that we were putting a new roof on the house.

This has just been a rough patch of luck for our whole family...Murphy's Law times five. I keep telling myself that it's times like these that make you really appreciate the smooth sailing.

I'm not kvetching though.

I love my husband and my kids and my dogs and my cats and my garden and my house and my funny old truck. And they love me right back.

That's the sunshine peeking through the clouds right there.

Saddam's Knuckle Sandwich

Wow, way to seize the moment...congrats on the punch heard round the world!
http://sixmeatbuffet.com/archives/2005/04/28/give-this-man-a-medal/trackback/

Ever have a day like this???? I am having one.

Here's a tip: Never attempt to go to the bathroom while you are in the middle of putting down floor tile glue, especially if the glue has dried on your hands. It's a mother to get rid of the toilet paper.

Nuff said.

General Patton's Ghost

Very very powerful. Should be required viewing for all. Click on the title to go to the site. Haven't quite figured out all of this trackback and ping stuff. Bear with me!

Monday, Monday

What a busy day, what a productive weekend. You know how sometimes you work and work and don't take any time for yourself, and it feels like you didn't make any headway....well, Richard and I definitely made headway this weekend, with painting, Richard putting a manual choke in my 85 Dodge Ram....woo hoo hopefully it's going to get me where I'm going consistently. As much as I say I would love a new vehicle....I do love that truck. It's got character.

Sitting here watching Nanny 911 waiting for 24 to come on. I am so hooked on 24. Don't talk to me, don't call me, don't ask me a question Monday nights between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Oh, how nice. The guy that was being a positive jerk in the beginning of the show did right by his wife. All it took was one day with his out-of-control kids. Now he's giving his wife diamonds. Damn skippy she deserved them!

Started cutting out Maggie's Junior Senior dress today...did everything that I could to NOT start it (only because it's intimidating me...come on now, it's a dress). But it's all cut out, and ready to be sewn together. Now I only have to finish the dress. finish painting the trim in Max's room, lay the tile floor in Max's room, paint the playroom-guestroom, get a bed for that room.....ah, it makes me tired just thinking about it.

Gotta go, Jack Bauer time.

Happy Birthday! 

My "babies"...as crazy as they make me, I love them so incredibly much. 

Happy Almost Birthday Max!

Wow, my baby is turning 15. I can't be that old! He'll get his learner's permit in 9 months, he'll start driving, he'll get his license, he'll be scared to drive by himself at first, and then we won't ever see him. I'm being a bit dramatic, but that's the way it went with Maggie. Funny, they still seem so small to me, so little, so in need of my help. But they're not (at least not when it's something they want to do....when it's something like cleaning the cat litter, knowledge and maturity go right out the window... ha ha!)

So tonight we're going to the Outback. This is our first year of Max wanting to go "out" for his birthday dinner. Up until now, it's been hamburgers and Kraft Macaroni & Cheese (the kind with the powder cheese only.)

So now we're waiting for Maggie to come home from her job, which she needs because she has a car loan and is getting ready to graduate from high school and go to college.

We went and got her prom dress the day before yesterday. For all my hemming and hawing and griping and bitching, she got what she wanted, without a fight from me. I was ready to plunk down $580 for the first dress....but then we found another one, more suitable for her, for less, plus we found shoes and got out of there for about $500. I think Maggie was surprised that I was going to go ahead and get the expensive dress....especially after all my talk about "how it's not a wedding", "my wedding dress only cost $400", blah, blah, blah. But when it came down to it, I just wanted her to be happy, and to remember this.

Boy, do I feel old.

Random Act of Kindness

I got to do one of these today.

I'm still waiting for the power wash guys to come and get the green stuff off of my house. They are proving to be as unreliable as the cable company.

UPDATE:
They came. They washed. And I saw that it was good.

Eastern Shore Power Wash has redeemed themselves, and will be invited back for a return engagement next year. :)

Terri Schiavo...Another Sad Day

This poor girl. This poor family.

People are using her for their own political devices.

How sad.

Long Time No Blog Hello Spring

It was a beautiful day here in Salisbury, with temps around 60 degrees, sun shining. Tomorrow is the first day of spring. Went outside and dug, chopped, pulled, planted, raked....and inhaled deeply. This is like the best day; the first one that actually feels like the real thing. Like winter may go away soon.

But my mind wasn't still while I was working. Yesterday was a day full of tears, today a day of reflection. Yesterday was the intensely emotional battle over Terri Schiavo. They pulled her feeding tube yesterday, and I cried, although I think that she should be let go. I cried for her, and for her family, and for her husband. What a horrific thing to have to deal with. When my tears dried, I marched upstairs to my computer, downloaded a living will/medical power of attorney program from the internet for $30.00, and made my wishes known. Richard is going to do his also. Maggie also needs to think about it, as she's going to be 18 in May. If anybody learned anything from this case, it should be that they need to take care of their wishes NOW. You can't just tell somebody what you want or don't want. You have to have it in writing.

Then, at dinnertime, they announced that that poor little 9 year old girl missing in Florida had in fact been taken by that human scum pedophile, and he had murdered her. My God. I cried all over again.

Today I kept thinking about how life is so short and not promised. We need to live in the moment.

I'll be praying for all these people.

Yes.