When you're fired it means, "go away," right?

So, Ward Churchill got fired from the University of Colorado, eh? Yep. So, you would think that he would escorted off of the campus if he showed up to hold classes. Nope. That's right. He's holding court and his vassals are licking his boots. It seems that students are inviting him onto campus to spout his expert knowledge on "topics including colonialism, genocide and racism." (H/T: Fox News) Just because he's invited doesn't mean he should be able to go to speak.

Kids today.

Make like a tank and leaf?

I have different levels of happiness: There is puppy-dog happy, big-deep breath with a huge smile happy, and geeky happy. They don't have any particular order, but puppy-dog happy is my tilt...I lose control of my right mind and smile like a dork. Big breath happy is just pleased satisfaction. However, geeky happy is usually reserved for technology.

Today, I got geeky happy. I was reading about a tank that the British are developing that will be "invisible." Think smoke and mirrors. It will be done with cameras and scenery. It is straight out of James Bond. It is pretty cool. You can find a picture and an article HERE.

Speaking of 007, Daniel Craig has signed on to do four more Bond movies. If they are anything like his first venture into secret spy world, those movies should be amazing. I can't wait to see how they top the construction site chase scene. WOW!

Sad Day

While I will probably post my usual inane stuff, I could not let what has happened in the past four days, especially the last 24 hours, go by without commenting on it.

In four days, three police officers were shot in Philadelphia. Last night an officer was shot in the shoulder. The thug who shot at him aimed for his head. He ended up jumping into the Schuylkill River and drowning. Swift justice.

Unfortunately, today, less than 24 hours after last night's shooting, Officer Charles Cassidy was doing his job and was shot in the head for his efforts. All I can say is pray for him, his family, his friends, and for the police officers. They need it.

There are just no words for how angry I am about what has become of Philadelphia.

Officer Cassidy

Captain America has a good post about the events of the day and the outcome for a murderer of a cop who was killed a year ago.

Wyatt, however, has personal connections to today's shooting and has posted about it.

Poe = Halloween!

Well, it is that time of year. I think my favorite horror/suspense actor is Vincent Price. However, everything I found was too chopped or too long. I did find an animated version of Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart." AND...if you can't hang with "Tell-Tale Heart," watch the Simpsons with "The Raven."

"The Tell-Tale Heart"


"The Raven":

Headlines! You know you look for them.

1. Kucinich Questions Bush's Mental Health...
Ok. Do I really need to say it? Kucinich does realize he's nuts, right?
Is it me or does Kucinich look like Mr. Peepers? (Dry-hump alert.)

2. No Charges for Tasered Student...
Heh. Yeah, I think he did receive some charges (just not legal ones).

3. Ireland's tallest tower in Dublin To Be Named After Band 'U2'...
Great. Bono has a huge ego and messiah complex; now people will be worshipping a phallic symbol in his (and his band's) honor. Locusts will be arriving shortly after.

4. ROMNEY COMPARES HILLARY TO AN 'INTERN'...
What? She likes meeting Bill beneath the oval office desk and has a fetish for cigars? Who would have thunk it?

5. Student finds Italian treasure in old sofa
I found an Italian on a sofa, once.

6. Dogs shoot man on hunting trip
Ever since Michael Vick was exposed, dogs have been a little jumpy.

7. Traffic stop yields embalmed heads
The driver claims that he was just taking them home to make head cheese.

8. Good news for New Jersey squirrel eaters
Ummm...tastes like chicken? (ewwww!)

9. Donkey power fuels ecological rubbish revolution
We have our own donkeys. They keep contributing to the rubbish rather than disposing of it.

10. Old prostitute left streets, needed walker
I hear the guys liked her best. Well, she could remove her teeth.

Actually this is a sad story and something we probably never think of. (However, elect a democrat and our sex workers will have every public program available to them. Even matched savings.)

Doggy bloggin'

I just had to share. I saw two really beautiful dogs, today. I love dogs. They are so much fun to play around with in a yard. Just about seven years ago, I got my cats, because where I live is not a place to raise a dog--an apartment. I also didn't want to walk a dog (in an apartment complex known for crime) at 4am; not to mention, having a weird schedule that would not be fair to a dog. If I ever get a house, my cats will have to learn to live with a dog. Anyway... these are the dogs I saw. (I'd probably get a golden retriever, though.)

Weimaraner

Spotted Great Dane

Let me just give you my whole paycheck, ok?

Not that John Edwards has a chance, but he's got the "let-the-government-run-your-life" list growing and so I thought I'd take a look. Here are his promises to:

• ask Americans to make the sacrifice of paying higher taxes
• have the federal government underwrite universal pre-kindergarten
• create matching savings accounts for low-income people
• mandate a minimum wage of $9.50 per hour
• provide a million new Section 8 housing vouchers for the poor
• provide college for everyone
• end the Iraq war
• provide universal healthcare
• To overhaul the American energy system

He states that he wants to do this "to do something about economic inequality." To do this (as I stated above) he will raise taxes, increase capital gains taxes, well, according the article I've linked, "taxes on wealth income will be in line with those on work income."

Two other things stood out to me ( in addition to the insanity listed above). Edwards said that the rich have to "give back" and that "there are no free meals.

1. If Edwards has his way, I will need the Section 8 housing vouchers.

2. If Edwards gets everything else, I will not have money left in my paycheck to pay my bills...including school loans, which I doubt will be grandfathered into his "college for everyone" bull-pucky.

3. I will need free meals.

4. If it wasn't for the rich, there'd be fewer jobs created. Take away their money, and they won't buy the things that provide jobs...they won't even be able to keep lawyers like you, Johnny, on retainer. (You know this already, bonehead: To keep wealth, you have to create wealth. You see where I'm going here, right?)

I'm glad he's too dumb to win and too busy posing for the cameras to realize that he won't get elected. If he got elected, I'd make good on a promise to move elsewhere...even Canada and Europe aren't as Socialistic as he wants to be. New "New Deal," my ass...try rotten deal. (We are still paying for that new deal, btw.)
(H/T: Concord Monitor)

If I'm going to part with my money for some insane venture, I'll go the Invincible Donovan University and get my PhD in smoking something really good...well, Arnold says it is just a leaf.

Porter Wagoner

Porter Wagoner has died. For those of you who do not know who he is, he is the man responsible for many successful careers in country music, but most noted for bringing us Dolly Parton. He was respected by many and was always known for his flashy clothes. I think that is why I always remembered who he was when I'd see him on various shows throughout my life.

This song, "Satisified Mind," is hopefully something Wagoner experienced when he passed.

And on the 7th day. . .

We should rest. I'm enjoying a very lazy afternoon with my cats. They are pushing me out of my bed, though.

Sunday Song

Song: "While You Were Sleeping"
Artist: Casting Crowns

PIMPIN'

I haven't pimped any blogs in a while. Today, I have decided to pimp some new blogs and some blogs that deserve our attention. I'd blog all of my links, but that list is getting really long. That's a good thing.

Captain America at First In has a clip that exposes the campaign finance fraud of one New York senator from Arkansas. I wish I could just pickpocket people for $2 million.

It is a great video and well worth the click of your mouse to view it.

DBA Dude is a new friend to some of us in the bloggyland.
He likes to talk about music, booze, and family (not necessarily in that order). I tried one of his ale suggestions last night and it knocked me on my arse.

John D is busy "hurry-up-and-waiting" to serve our country. He's been activated, but is still around to read our blogs. While he awaits word on his next destination, go visit his blog. He's great for movie quotes and for you guys, babes-of-the-week.

He also has some pictures of Tombstone.

Mrs. Grim shares a look at her life with discussions of family, her choices in wine, and her choices of fun, old movies. While you're at it, go read about a most embarrassing moment she had this past week. You will find yourself laughing and cringing in empathy.

Hopefully, you all find your way over to Wyatt's blog this weekend. I'm contributing to the site while Wyatt is away getting really drunk and obnoxious with his friends. Ok. I know we are used to obnoxious.

Deathlok finally made a decision about which job to accept. Be sure to read his post about it and congratulate him on his new job. (He is with Wyatt this weekend and will probably return from MWE with good stories.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM

Today is my mom's 64th birthday. She is a 20-year lung cancer survivor. Both should be celebrated! Many more years to go, Mom.

I SUCK! BLOOD, THAT IS.

You Are A Vampire

You have a real thirst for bliss, and you consider yourself a true hedonist. And you're not afraid to walk alone in life, if it means getting what you truly crave. You truly enjoy entrancing people. Not to mention the ensuing pleasures of the flesh. Your tastes have been called decadent and bizarre. You usually give in to your temptations, no matter how primal Your greatest power: Your flawless ability to seduce and charm Your greatest weakness: Human flesh You play well with: Werewolves

What Kind of Monster Are You?

CAPTION CONTEST!!!

A person could rot waiting for a good caption. (Oh, that was bad. Sorry.) Leave a great and creative caption. I'll post winners Monday evening, by 10:00.

THE WINNERS!!!!!!!!!!

4. Jeffro said:

He said he'd be here by seven. Ten years ago.

3. Wyatt Earp:

Lindsay Lohan celebrates her 21st birthday in style!

2. Cowboy Blob:

Ann Coulter enjoys a private moment sans makeup.

The WINNER (BECAUSE I AM A LITERATURE GEEK)!!!

1. Rodney Dill:

Godot never did arrive.

OTHER CONTESTS:

• Bullwinkle Blog
• Cowboy Blob Cowboy Blob is hosting a celebrity costume party instead of a caption contest this week. Dust off your photoshopping skills and go dress K. D. Lang in a dress. HA!
• Gone Rick Motel
• Right Pundits (I got 2nd place last week!)
• Rodney Dill
• Wizbang

Zen-like

There is some family drama in my life; however, doesn't everyone have some? I have an aunt making life for my pops difficult. I took him out to dinner tonight so that he could just get a distraction from her literal insanity.

I took these two pictures when I picked him up for our night out. I'm digging this cell phone camera.



Yes, that is a Penn State jacket. That reminds me, I'm filling in for Wyatt while he is away for the weekend, so feel free to visit over there, too. :)

Psssssst.....guess what?

I'm sneaking into Wyatt's blog this weekend while he is away at MWE! Hmmm....all Rod Brind'Amour all the time! Yeah, baby! Oh, I could also post some recipes and pretty pictures of rainbows and lollipops.

Eh, you know those people you invite to a party and they are fun, but just about finely tuned enough to put a "what-are-they-gonna-do" scare into you? Yep. That's me. I'm the one that suggests we take all the furniture from the house and put it on the curb, leaving only the cushions. I don't actually do it, I supervise the mayhem. (That was a fun night? Morning?)

See you at Wyatt's site! I'll be here, too. I'm going to have a busy weekend. This might require some beer.

An email question. . .

Am I the only one who thinks it ironic that I receive emails from Betty Crocker?

An oldie but goodie!

Back in the day (ok, about a year ago and subsequent times since) I had the pleasure of being entertained by your collective wit. Truth be told, I need to be entertained again. I've got a double dose of family drama going on and I just need some laughter. (The short of it: My ill aunt found out her cancer has spread to her abdomen and diaphram--not good--pray, please. My crazy aunt is causing problems for my pops. Grrrr!)

So, what am I asking you to do? I simply want you to compose a funny limerick. I'll even let y'all use any language you want. I just need to laugh and not feel so "amped" up and stressed (for like two minutes). I'd like a theme of Halloween or variations of ghoulish stuff. Here are the basic requirements of a limerick:

Limericks have five lines. Lines 1, 2 & 5 all end with the same rhyme (ex. flue, do, blue). Lines 3 & 4 rhyme, but separately from lines 1,2 & 5. Limericks should always be funny, so please have fun.

Don't be intimidated, have fun!

I HAVE PROOF!!!

You know that dark cloud I'm convinced follows me wherever I go? Well. . .

I'll take the money and the house, not the headaches.

I'm not going to say I really like the band all that much, but I kind of like the song. Kind of enjoy the video, too.

I love the smell of romance in the morning!

Hillary Clinton: Dental Surgery Evokes Romance in Bill

(H/T: Fox News)

Awwwww...Bill Clinton is an old softy (well, probably since his heart surgeries). Apparently the airport gift shops get lots of business from Bill:

Hillary Rodham Clinton says husband Bill often brings her romantic gifts: a giant wooden giraffe from an African trip, for example, and a Chanel watch that reminded him of teeth.
(Ok. I'm not a picky or greedy person, and I appreciate anything that comes from the heart; however, if my husband gave me a wooden giraffe and something that reminded him of teeth, even if it was Chanel, I would wonder, "WTF?" Uh, Bill! They have precious gems and gold in Africa, dude.)

"Oh he's so romantic," the former first lady said in an interview for the November issue of Essence magazine. "He's always bringing me back things from his trips."
(Ummm....ghonorrea? Syphilis? Herpes? Phone numbers of other women?)

The watch had a bracelet made of white cubes. "I had dental surgery, and he said it reminded him of teeth," she said.
(OMGoodness! "Here, honey, I bought you a miniature mag light, because it reminded me...never mind. Btw., the organization of this article just sucks.)

The New York senator, now a presidential candidate, said she is satisfied with the decisions she has made in her marriage. "Now obviously we've had challenges as everybody in the world knows," she said. "But I never doubted that it was a marriage worth investing in even in the midst of those challenges, and I'm really happy that I made that decision."
(Hey, any woman with low self-esteem could stay with a guy that habitually cheats on her. Loser. Grow some and try life on your own achievements...oops...you don't have any.)

In 1998, news unfolded about her husband's affair with Monica Lewinsky. While sticking it out might not be for everyone, Mrs. Clinton said women should support each other in the choices they make in their marriages. "I think it's so important for women to stand up for the right of women to make a decision that is best for them," she said.
(Oh, I get it. Have you baked any cookies, lately?)

Where would you be?

Where Would You Be If...

...You Had All The Money Your Heart Desires?

...You Had No Worries?

...You Came Home And The Finest Meal Was Awaiting You?

...Your Bathwater Had Been Run For You?

...You Had The Perfect Kids?

...Your Partner Was Awaiting You With Open Arms And Kisses, Promising To Fulfill Your Every Wish?

So Really, Where Would You Be?!

Well... I'm Not Sure About You,

But...

I Sure As Heck Know

Where I Would Be!

I'd Be In The Wrong Damned House!

(H/T: Jumbo Joke)

Headlines!!!!

1. PENN PREDICTS: 1 OUT OF 4 REPUBLICAN WOMEN WILL GO HILLARY...
Sorry, I don't swing that way. Although, I've heard once you go Hillary...well, actually, you puke and then suffer from seizures that cause foaming at the mouth.

2. Couple Nab Burglar, Make Him Clean at Gunpoint
Did he miss a spot? 1. Imagine being a loser enough that you are a criminal. 2. Imagine that you are such a loser that you suck at being a criminal. Yeah, not-so-good things will be happening to him in jail.

3. Fred Thompson Gives 5 Minute Speech To FL GOP; Dozens Ask 'Is That It?'...
What? Am I the only girl who has asked that question? Just wonderin'.

4. Suspect says he killed, not ate, his girlfriend
Because, you know, that would just be crossing some moral line.

5. Chefs aim for 3-ton Caesar salad
Chefs tossing their salad....that always makes me laugh. That's a huge salad to be tossing.

6. Slaughter of Pet Piglets May Be Work of Serial Animal...
Ummmm....wouldn't that be a predator that has realized a consistent food source?

7. Spankings Work
Heh.

8. Man Sews Shut Lips, Dons Mask in Protest
Hey, it is cheaper than gastric bypass. (I wish Sheehag, Hilldabeast, and Peloser would all practice this form of protest.)

9. Wizard wannabe gets stuck in traffic cone
Poor Wyatt. (Oh, you know you tried it Ssssteve, but that's not what got stuck.)

10. Chuck Norris Picks His Candidate for White House in '08
(THIS ONE Is FOR YOU ALL TO DO...HAVE FUN!!!)

Pimpin'

Von has a post/link to a story about a young man who was impaled by a RPG and lived thanks to his toughness and the heroic willingness of others who decided his life had to be saved. It is amazing. Simply amazing.

Please visit it. You will be speechless.

Monday mish-mash

Guess what!?!?!?! I've got more RT Tube for you! Oh, it is ok. It is for a couple of really good things. One to make you laugh and one just to enjoy someone's talent.

Today is Christopher Lloyd's birthday! Yes, Rev. Jim and the star of Back to the Future is one year older. I loved watching Taxi just to see him. Enjoy this clip of his work.

*****
Tonight on the way home from work, I was listening to a local public radio station (WXPN). I go through spurts of time when I listen to it. I've been feeling pretty mellow and just wanting to listen to some decent, almost poetic, song writing. This guy (Scott Matthews) caught my ear, tonight. This song is titled, "Elusive."

Enjoy!

Guess what today is?????

It is National Nut Day! Yep, it is a day to celebrate nuts!

Of late, my favorite type of nut to eat is a nice salty cashew. I eat a handful everyday. So, get some good fats and eat some nuts. I'd stay away from peanuts; though, you might turn into Jimmy Carter or something.

Ok. It was this or write about the Cuban Missle (Missile--thanks DBA) Crisis. Missles? (Missiles?) Nuts? Maybe I should have chosen the missles (missiles). [I had been awake a whole 1/2 hour when I wrote this....geesh.] ;P

Yummy songs...

I love beautiful songs. I'm not always about the loudest music in the world. Quite often, I go on YouTube and look for a song I might have just heard on one of the music channels. Then, if I can't find it, I'll just do random searches of artists or songs I like and see where it takes me. I've come across this song before, but it is just so beautiful, likely the most beautiful song I've ever heard, that I thought I'd share it. It is Donny Hathaway's "Song for You." While I like Ray Charles's and Michael Buble's versions, nothing beats this version. Enjoy. :) This song makes me miss the art of slow dancing.

Sunday Song

I can't remember if I have posted this song or not. I like the groove of it. It is by a Christian band enjoying some commercial success.

Song: Stars
Band: Switchfoot

I want a ton of days like this one!

Today, I got to have a two-hour lunch with my cousin's son. He has asked for some help and advice on his college applications, essays, and search for schools. It was really nice to sit across from a family member who wasn't judging me, wasn't trying to make me feel inferior, and who wasn't making hate myself. I am the black sheep of the family. I've never thought like them or lived my life like them.

My cousin's son has always had wonderful level of intelligence and delight in learning things. He has true intellectual curiosity. He plays soccer, piano, and trumpet. Not because he was forced into it, but because he had genuine interest and passion in those areas. He reads on his own time. He loves to read about wars, foreign affairs, and loves to try to understand how the world operates via politics and relations. This is his passion. Sitting and listening to him articulate his dreams and what he wants to pursue just made me so proud of him. We have both had similar struggles with the same family members. In fact, his mom and he are going through things that I have been through: a broken home and the BS that comes with it, a seriously ill parent, having family members mock my aspirations, and wanting and education in a family that doesn't quite understand the value of anything beyond blue-collar work. I'm proud of my blue collar background, but if there is an opportunity to exceed, it, by all means it should be exceeded.

I left our lunch feeling like my cousin is just going to be an awesome man. I was very impressed by him. I'm also very proud. I used to toss baseballs to him. The higher I could throw them, the happier he was because it required him to work harder to catch the ball. That's sums him up, completely. "Give me a challenge and I'll figure out a way to deal with it and surpass it."

Then, when I left, I decided to go to a movie. I saw We Own the Night with Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Wahlberg, Robert Duvall, and Eva Mendes. I highly recommend this movie! Phoenix must get an Oscar nod for this! I mean it! The movie had my attention the entire time. I found myself afraid for the characters, sad, sitting on the edge of my seat, and totally loving it! If I talk about the movie in any detail, it will give stuff away, so just go see it. It is rated R and the opening scene is third-base type action and very adult--so don't take anyone with you, that if you saw it together, it would make you squirm. Check out the movie's site for more info. (I placed the link in the movie title.)

So, how can I top such an awesome day? The Flyers are playing the Hurricanes. That means, Roddy is in town! Woooo hooooooooo!!!! I think I'll find a way to sneak into his room ala Laverne and Shirley style (anyone remember that episode? Laverne and Shirley sneak into Fabian's room? Think it was Fabian.). Here's something you probably didn't know: Rod Brind'Amour completed his college education at Temple University in Philadelphia. What did he study? Education--to be a teacher. Think he'd want to teach at my school when he retires? Huh? It would make me reallllllly happy. Heh.

Music and stuff

On the way home from a 60+ hour week tonight, I heard a Led Zeppelin song that I had not heard in ages. I used to own the Led Zeppelin III album, and this is one of my favorite songs from it. It also reminded me of a guy who used to be my friend. He looked like a young Robert Plant, including the long curly, wavy hair. We had a funny friendship. He and I happened to go out to California around the same time. I was really bored one day and I called his mom (a former teacher of mine, so I knew about him going to LA before I did, and had seen him in passing when he visited her at school) and she gave me his phone number. We never hung out in California, but when he came back a few months after I did, we hung out all the time. He had this thing about kissing me on the lips. I never quite got it. It was the type of kiss that was a little too long for a peck. One time, because he had a girlfriend, I turned my head so he'd kiss me on the cheek. Eh, he wasn't happy with that move. He was "willing," but I wasn't. He could be verbally abusive, and well, I had enough of that for one lifetime, so I just remained friends with him. Anyway, this song reminded me of him and those kisses.


Song: "Friends"
Led Zeppelin

Caption Contest

Have fun..I'll post winners Monday evening by 10:00. Have a sweeeeeet weekend!

Sweet-tooth
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito reacts as Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani passes him a plate of cookies at a National Italian American Foundation gala dinner in Washington.

OTHER CONTESTS:

• Bullwinkle Blog
• Cowboy Blob
• Gone Rick Motel
• Right Pundits
• Rodney Dill
• Wyatt

THE WINNERS!!!!!!!!!

5. John D.: "Have a cookie, Justice Alito. One of my ex-wives baked 'em."

4. Wyatt Earp: Rudy: "Try one. Hillary made them especially for you."

3. Cowboy Blob: They're all shaped like severed horse heads!

2. Rodney Dill: I thought Marty Feldman was dead.

THE WINNER IS...

1. Vincent Antonelli: (Alito, thinking to himself): I SAW the bastard leave the men's room without washing his hands, and now he passes me the cookies?! No Freakin Way! If he thinks he's puttin' that hand on my bible at the inauguration he's got another thing comin'.. ew, is that a hair on that one?

Not so PC

*Warning: A bit salty...


Achmed The Terrorist - Watch more free videos

OK! Who did it?

The fatigue monster and general ick I've been feeling for days turned into a hellacious night of leg/ankle/foot cramps. I literally had eight of them within two hours last night and was up most of the night. THEN...around 4:00-5:00, like sun pushing out the cloudy skies after a storm, the fatigue vanished, as did a lot of the leg pain. I even felt the general ick disappear.

So, whoever prayed for me, THANK YOU! I feel tons better and it allowed me to be really productive. :)

HEADLINES!!!!!!!!!

Hey, my inability to sleep (leg/ankle/foot cramps) is your gain. Can't promise these are all that witty, but at least I got my eyes open enough to see what I was typing. ;P

1. Sen. Kennedy 'Eating Ice Cream' After Surgery on Blocked Artery... Is the ice cream laced with booze and bacon® fat?

2. Dentist claims breast rubs appropriate
I guess drilling someone's mouth gets him in the mood. Wouldn't a rub imply a little time put into it? I've worked through drug-induced hazes, before. That ass would be wearing his balls for earrings.

3. U.S. military looking at alternatives to Turkey
Prime rib seems like a good choice. Or we could finally invade Iran and use their bases.

4. MAN WALKS AROUND NYC -- NUDE!
Hope it wasn't cold. I just hope he wasn't wearing black socks with sandals.

5. Sex Party alleges postal discrimination
The party was extremely upset that their requests for stamps for their post-office-athon were denied.

6. Oh, he's walking the plank in his undies again..
Is that the same as walking his dog? Heh. Well, there is more than one way to read the sentence.

7. Drunken priest punches cop, jailed
This after he attended an Eagles game and picked a fight with nuns of the Our Lady of Rocky Balboa parish.

8. Woman finds niche mothering squirrels
I hear the breast feeding is a beyotch!

9. Couple scare robber with decorative ax
Martha Stewart would be proud of their choice of frilly and blood reistant touches.

10. Philippine police told to use whistles instead of guns
The special whistles emit a high-pitched sound that only criminals can hear.

Don't you love construction?

I just love when the same road has been under construction since June! I mean, I can't breath in enough exhaust fumes! That Jersey Black Lung should be kicking in any day, now. That trek of jammage took me 15 minutes--not even a mile. I was so happy that I was able to leave work just before 6:00 p.m., and then this! Grrrrrr!

Cool cell phone camera, eh?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FLEA!!!!

One of my all-time favorite bassists.

MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE!?!?!?!?!

Captain America over at First In has added a new facet to his blogging: audio of his voice! Soon, we'll be calling him Captain Gabby.

Gaw...what a Philly accent! I'm waiting to hear that I can get my tickets for the "Show of Shows" soon. HA!

Somehow, I always imagined the good Captain like this. Not this.

(All in love, Captain!)

It's not just art, it's BACON!!!!!!!!!

Apparently the market for art is taking a hit because of global financial concerns. But come on? Is that a reason to underbid a naked man turning on a light? Personally, I wouldn't pay a naked man turn on a light, but I would like to watch.

I wonder if he's cold?

A bad thing?

It is a bad thing when it is 5:30 a.m. and you are on your computer, avoiding the fact that you have to go to work (knowing you won't get home until 7:00-8:00 p.m.), and you want a stiff drink and greasy food, right? Maybe I just need some BACON!®

A faith thing

The fatigue monster has struck again. At least it is not 24/7 like it used to be. However, that means a dim mind and that I didn't get any work done this weekend. As a result, I'm just flat out stressed--which makes me feel more fatigued. I'll learn to take in stride, someday. When I get like this I look at and listen to a lot of music. I thought I'd share these two songs.

The first song just kind of met me where I am right now. I'm not a big fan of the band, as they are an example of what is wrong with the music industry, but that's an argument for another time. I'm about the message right now.

The second song just kind of seems to go with first song in sentiment. I'd rate myself a "Grade A" screw-up a lot of the time. That's why I need God and that's why these songs helped me today.

I hope they help you all in some way. I don't like to be preached at; therefore, I don't like to do it, myself. So, this hugely flawed person is just going to wish you a nice Monday and hope that you at least find some peace in the message of the songs. :)

"Ain't the Leaving Kind"
Rascal Flatts



"Arms of Jesus"
Clay Crosse

Yep, I'm a dreamer.

Mrs. Grim has this up at her blog, so that we may visit another blog. I've been doing that a lot, today. It has been a literal trip around the world. Bloggy goodness is everywhere. :) You Are a Dreaming Soul

Your vivid emotions and imagination takes you away from this world So much so that you tend to live in your head most of the time You have great dreams and ambitions that could be the envy of all... But for you, following through with your dreams is a bit difficult You are charming, endearing, and people tend to love you. Forgiving and tolerant, you see the world through rose colored glasses. Underneath it all, you have a ton of passion that you hide from others. Always hopeful, you tend to expect positive outcomes in your life. Souls you are most compatible with: Newborn Soul, Prophet Soul, and Traveler Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

YAY!!!

The Flyers won their first home game by beating the Islanders! Yippeee!

Yeah, there were some fists and hits, but what I liked the most was the end of the game. Flyers' defenseman and team captain, Jason Smith, got an empty net goal because he went down to the ice and stopped the puck with his body, twice. After the second time, he got his stick on the puck and it went in to the Islander's empty net, ending a scoreless streak that has haunted him since January.

Welcome to Philadelphia, Smitty! (Biron...29 saves. Nice.)

Sunday Song

This week's Sunday song is a two-fer. I really like the group, Selah. They have a new female singer, so the awesome, smoky voice you hear has been replaced by a non-smoky, but equally talented singer (in case you go looking for their music). The song "Wonderful Merciful Savior" moves me.

I've made it no secret that I pray a lot. Often, I feel like I am asking God to move every mountain in the world. Watching the little girl in this video dance among people fully laid out in prayer reminds me of a couple of things. The first thing I'm reminded of is the complete innocence I once possessed. Because of that innocence, I had such faith. I used to sit at a window next to my bed from the time I moved into my grandmom's house until I left it to go sow some oats in Los Angeles. I'd sit and stare at the sky and the stars and pray. My whole life I prayed for the same things and continue to do so. Ironically, my bed is next to a window even now and I often find myself moving the curtain a bit to stare at the sky at night. Often, I wonder where God is in my prayers. I believe He hears me, sees my hurts, my struggles, my hopes and desires. I find myself thinking back to that innocent kid, before all the real hurts of life.

Watching this little girl also reminded me of when I used to look for an excuse to dance. I took lessons when I was small, but it became too costly for me to continue. Whenever I was home alone (which was a lot) or banished to my room (which was voluntary, given the alternative) I'd put on music and dance. I'd get dance books from the library and memorize the photos and copy them. I understand and "get" the complete freedom and innocence of the little girl in the video: The complete innocence and freedom to dance around like no one is watching (to borrow a cliche) and to believe God hears me and sees everything that happens in my life.

Artist: Selah
Song: "Moving Mountains"

auf Wiedersehen

Werner von Trapp (Known as Kurt in the movie, Sound of Music) has passed at the age of 91.

In honor of his family's fame and escape from the Nazis in Austria, I give you this:



(H/T: Yahoo)

If you'd rather see the "Monsterpiece Theater" version of the movie, then pay a visit to Alistair Cookie.

Because I care. . .

Really, I do.

A lot of the people who read my blog are menfolk, or women with menfolk, so I when I saw a web article about what men should eat every day, I thought I'd pass along the information.

Then I got to thinking about how you all love to enjoy adult beverages. So, I thought I'd share how much the menfolk should be drinking (not of my own devising; got the list somewhere):

Recommended Intake of Alcohol per Day

Men and healthy moderate drinking: It is possible to drink alcohol and be healthy. In fact there is a lot of evidence that drinking small amounts of alcohol is good for you. Research suggests men (and women) who consume one or two alcoholic drinks per day have a lower death rate from coronary heart disease than abstainers. The recommended safe intake for men is around 3 units of alcohol a day. That is 21 units per week.

One unit of alcohol is the equivalent to:

• a regular strength glass or small bottle of beer/lager or
• a glass of wine or
• a small measure of spirit
• Reminder: A single can of strong beer is around 4 units of alcohol.

Well, of course I had to cover all the bases. What else do men need?

Be sure you get your check-ups (yeah...all of them). Well, the womenfolk want you all around for a really, really long time.

Also, make sure you're getting some, well, a lot. Well, if you have problems in that area...Reader's Digest (yes, Reader's Digest) has a list of things to improve your chances of enjoying yourself more. (This is for men and women.)

So, there you have it, guys: eat, drink, and have lots of sex!

Hey, it is free advice. What else do you want from me?

I know Karate (and a few other words in Chinese)...

What's next? Anthony Michael Hall and Molly Ringwald in a twist on the Odd Couple with sexual tension?

The video: Be surprised.
The artist? Ummm....

The song is not all that good.
The video is long.
HOWEVER, you will laugh your ass off if you are a child of the '80s.
Hint: Wax on. Wax off.

My favorite season

I love the smell of fall. The mixture of cool rains and the scent of the leaves are something I look forward to every year. It is when I begin to smell the burning of wood in fireplaces. I wonder who is reading a book, enjoying a beverage, or just curling up in front of the warmth of the fire. I like the nip in the air. It makes the air feel so clean. I think it is time to get out my favorite blankie and curl up to enjoy the cool air coming in my window. Yes, a window open a bit at night, with cool air streaming in, is the best sleep there is (it would be even better if it was raining).

No spring, nor summer beauty hath such grace
As I have seen in one autumnal face;
—John Donne

There is music in the meadows, in the air–
Autumn is here; Skies are gray, but hearts are mellow,
—William Stanley Braithwaite

Ode to Autumn
by John Keats

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;
To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells
With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees,
Until they think warm days will never cease,
For Summer has o'er-brimm'd their clammy cells.

Who hath not seen thee oft amid thy store?
Sometimes whoever seeks abroad may find
Thee sitting careless on a granary floor,
Thy hair soft-lifted by the winnowing wind;
Or on a half-reap'd furrow sound asleep,
Drows'd with the fume of poppies, while thy hook
Spares the next swath and all its twined flowers:
And sometimes like a gleaner thou dost keep
Steady thy laden head across a brook;
Or by a cyder-press, with patient look,
Thou watchest the last oozings hours by hours.

Where are the songs of Spring? Ay, where are they?
Think not of them, thou hast thy music too,--
While barred clouds bloom the soft-dying day,
And touch the stubble-plains with rosy hue;
Then in a wailful choir the small gnats mourn
Among the river sallows, borne aloft
Or sinking as the light wind lives or dies;
And full-grown lambs loud bleat from hilly bourn;
Hedge-crickets sing; and now with treble soft
The red-breast whistles from a garden-croft;
And gathering swallows twitter in the skies.

Caption Contest

"Hello, is this thing on?" Go put some words into this guy's mouth. Have fun! I will post winners Monday evening, by 10:00. Have a great weekend!

Head of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari, attends a news conference in Tehran, Iran, Sept. 3, 2007. Hillary Rodham Clinton's vote in Sept. 2007 to designate Iran's Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization is reverberating on the campaign trail, especially with Barack Obama, who is again questioning her antiwar credentials and judgement. (AP Photo/ISNA, Mehdi Ghasemi, File)

OTHER CONTESTS:

• Bullwinkle Blog
• Cowboy Blob
• Gone Rick Motel
• Right Pundits
• Rodney Dill
• Wyatt

THIS WEEK'S WINNERS!!!!

4. Cowboy Blob: Yes, I know the fliers said "Punch and cookies"....too freakin' bad. Take your Saltines, sit down, and Shut Up! Death to America!

3. Rodney Dill: "No we do not have any gay people here, but we do have lots of sheep... and camels..."

2. Chip: (Tagging on Vincent)

Prior to his stoning after NY trip with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Mohammad Ali Jafari explains why he slipped away during Mahmoud's speech:

I want all of you reporters to look me in the eye when I say this: "I did not have sexual relations with that man in the bathroom, George Michael..."

AND THIS WEEK'S WINNER IS....

1. Vincent Antonelli: The photo on the general's desk belies any official statements that Iran has no gay couples. Word on the street is that the Ayatollah calls him "my General Jabootie"

Oh, fek!

Wyatt has a pretty funny "nuns gone wild" story over at his site. In honor of those nuns, I give you my favorite Irish priests:

WELL...

It's Wednesday. Yep. Wednesday.

You know what? As one approaches the 80s, one needs to let go of the '80s.

It's a musical week!

I really like Amy Winehouse's music. Her lifestyle of booze and drugs? Not so much. I hope she gets serious help, though. Otherwise, she might be one of those singers talked about having died young. I love this song: "Back to Black."

Yes, they do make your ass look big!

So, I stayed up to watch the Flyers play the Canucks. Ummm...that's not until Wednesday night. I hate the beginning of the hockey season. I can never get it right.

I saw this commercial during the Hurricanes/Maple Leafs game tonight. Thought it was funny.

Couple of Songs

This song is a popular song from back in the day: "Love Hurts." However, it is performed by Elvis Costello and Emmylou Harris. It's different. I kind of like it. I had to sing this song in front of a bunch of people, once. Scary.



Another song that I like that I have been wanting to hear lately is "Crash Into Me" by Dave Matthews. Yep. I like one or two songs, but that's it! Really!

A blog-thing for a blah day

You Should Play the Guitar

You're very independent - both in spirit and in the way you learn. You can teach yourself almost anything, even if it makes your fingers bleed. You're not really the type to sit patiently through a music lesson - or do things by the book. It's more your style to master the fundamentals and see where they take you. Highly creative and a bit eclectic, you need a wide range of music to play. You could emerge as a sensitive songwriter... or a manic rock star. Your dominant personality characteristic: being rebellious Your secondary personality characteristic: tenacity

What Musical Instrument Should You Play?

YOU KNOW YOU WANT THEM! HEADLINES, SILLY!

1. CNN meteorologist: Gore's film is 'fictional'...
Next, the enlightened meteorologist will state, "This just in, the Colts have won the Super Bowl!"

2. Confused Moose Thinks He's a Cow...
Transpecies freak! Next thing you know he'll be walking around singing Judy Garland songs.

3. iPod catches fire in man's pants
Why did this song pop into my head?
(poor taste alert)

4. Charges dismissed in sherry enema death
See, if he had used a top-shelf vodka, he'd be fine. I don't even want to know what kind of sick freaks give each other sherry enemas.

5. Burglar" turns out to be drunk neighbor
Captain America assured the neighbors that he'll make sure Wyatt stops wandering naked and drunk into people's houses.

6. McCain Wants Greenspan, Dead Or Alive...
Ooookayyyyyyy. That's a good way to make friends and influence people. Jon Bon Jovi is said to be looking into copyright infringement.

7. Chinese girl , eight, prepares to swim Channel by paddling with legs and arms bound
Isn't that child abuse? Oh wait, it's CHINA!

8. Doughnuts are not the enemy, claims the professor of obesity
It's what's in the doughnuts that kill you. Embrace the lard, people! (That made me a little queasy.)

9. Drug-related crime is main cause of jail sentences in Iran
Homosexuality is still a death sentence, however. Wait. I thought they did not have the same societal ills as we do. Someone very important is a bit dellusional, eh?

10. Pelosi: 'I pray for Bush all of the time'...
Praying to your voodoo gods will not get you anywhere, Nancy.

Apparently Obama is God, now.

I am a born again Christian. I have been since a young age, despite severely backsliding in my youth for a good long time, and even though I have quite an evident edge to me (quite flawed), I am very serious about my faith and about what the Bible says.

I am wary of leaders or purported leaders (of any political party) who go into churches and use the "language" of the faith. Not only do I find it condescending, but also disturbing. There are leaders who quietly walk their faith while in public office, but that faith should never be used like a marketing idea to get elected to public office. A public official should not use the "language" to prey on the emotions of those who have faith and who are sitting in a church where they should be worshipping God and not listening to a campaign speech from a candidate for public office.

It still amazes me that with all the "separation of church and state" that goes on, the Democrats walk their hypocritical feet down the aisles of churches.

I just read the following quote of Obama as he spoke to a church:

"Sometimes this is a difficult road being in politics," Obama said. "Sometimes you can become fearful, sometimes you can become vain, sometimes you can seek power just for power's sake instead of because you want to do service to God. I just want all of you to pray that I can be an instrument of God in the same way that Pastor Ron and all of you are instruments of God."

He finished his brief remarks by saying, "We're going to keep on praising together. I am confident that we can create a Kingdom right here on Earth." [UMM, DUDE, ONLY CHRIST CAN DO THAT WHEN HE RETURNS TO REIGN ON EARTH FOR A WHILE. GUESS YOU MISSED THAT PART IN THE BIBLE!!!]

I cannot tell you how dangerous it is for someone to use that language. Not everyone sitting in a church is "churched." That's how fanatics are born. It is also twisting the Bible to fit ones needs.

Wouldn't the cats be on the side of the Persians?

300 Trailer With Cats - Watch more free videos

Some perspective

Today, I was at my local, overpriced hippy food market and I decided to buy some flowers. I chose what I thought were really pretty and colorfully robust flowers.

Gerber daisies (native of South Africa) are my most favorite flowers in the world (followed by any daisy, tulips, and roses). They are bright and big. When I used to work in a flower shop in Los Angeles, I always used to try to get customers to add them to the bouquet arrangements I would make for them. The flowers always made me smile.

When I was choosing my flowers I saw a bright yellow type of Gerber that I'd never seen before, as I was used to the bright pinks, deep reds, and bold oranges. These daisies have almost a sunflower quality to them. I thought they were beautiful, so I chose them and also picked up a bouquet of assorted flowers with roses. When I got outside into the bright sunshine, I noticed that a few of the daisies (they are very fragile and don't last long) were a bit mangled, discolored, and missing some petals. It would be easy to kind of be a little miffed about paying $10 for a bouquet of imperfect flowers, but then when I remembered that it won't matter in ten years, I gained a little perspective.

You can see what you think is beauty and then find out it is marred in some way. Most likely, you will be disappointed. In fact, you might even now think that the beauty you so admired is completely ruined. However, as within the bouquet I purchased, there might be beauty amongst the imperfection. A few beautiful flowers among the battered ones still give that bouquet beauty. Are the other flowers still worth keeping? Yes. Just like with bruised fruit, you put aside the imperfection for what might still otherwise be good, and in the fruit's case, sweet.

I was upset when I saw that a few of my flowers were battered, discolored, and missing petals. However, I was still able to see what attracted me to the bouquet, and that made the flowers worth keeping and admiring.