Chocolate Factory Makes Room Good Enough To Eat

NBC5.com - Irresistible Headlines - Chocolate Factory Makes Room Good Enough To Eat

I have been suffering a major chocolate binge this week but I think this room would solve my problem.

213 Things Skippy Can't Do - The List

213 Things Skippy Can't Do - The List

Operation Enduring Freedom - Humor

Operation Enduring Freedom - Humor

Internet Sacred Text Archive Home

Internet Sacred Text Archive Home

Iran Group Signs Up Suicide Volunteers

iWon News
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - The 300 men filling out forms in the offices of an Iranian aid group were offered three choices: Train for suicide attacks against U.S. troops in Iraq, for suicide attacks against Israelis or to assassinate British author Salman Rushdie.

Just another way our Occupation of Iraq is making us safer

From The "Duh!" File

iWon - Health: "Grandmothers responsible for caring for or raising grandchildren suffer more stress and depression than grandmothers without those responsibilities, according to an ongoing study at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland."

The worst thing about this study is guessing how much it cost to determine the obvious

Quote of the Moment - Blast from a presidential past

"' I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country. ... corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed.'------- U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, Nov. 21, 1864"

Interesting Study About our Global Priorities

"In 1998 A Study Was Done With Respect To Global Spending Priorities -

Global Priorities in U.S. Billions
Basic education for everyone in the world- $6 Billion.
Cosmetics in the United States $8 billion.
Water and sanitation for everyone in the world - $9 billion.
Ice cream in Europe -$11 billion
Reproductive health for all women in the world $12 billion.
Perfumes in Europe and the United States- $12 billion.
Basic health and nutrition for everyone in the world- $13 billion
Pet foods in Europe and the United States - $17 billion.
Business entertainment in Japan - $35 billion.
Cigarettes in Europe - $50 billion.
Alcoholic drinks in Europe - $105 billion.
Narcotics drugs in the world - $400 billion.
Military spending in the world $780 billion. "

Another case of cool kids turning into obnoxious adults

BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Music | Pink Floyd pupils claim royalties: "Former schoolchildren who sang on Pink Floyd's 1979 single Another Brick in The Wall have begun action for unpaid royalties."

You have to think that when these children went on their special mission to record those three lines that became an cult outcry against the abuses of public education, it was an adventure, probably a pretty glorious one at that. To come back so many years later and dishonor that is wrong. Since they were not actual members of the band, royalties should not be paid and given the minimum wage here is the states was under $2.00 an hour at the I can't see where the band could owe them much (have no clue what the minimum wage was in England at the time)

The school was paid 1000 pounds which should more than cover the brief use of its students. But Heck be generous send them signed copies and tell them to get on with life.

BBC NEWS | England | Southern Counties | City demands 'anti-gay' music ban

BBC NEWS | England | Southern Counties | City demands 'anti-gay' music ban: "Brighton will be the first UK city to demand that music retailers ban reggae and rap albums with 'anti-gay' lyrics."


As hard as it is to say sometimes, because the people you seem to be supporting are generally dispicable. What they are doing in Brighton is wrong. It is censorship. I do not listen to any of these groups and would certainly never buy their products. Not only because I disagree with their sentiments but because I think their music sucks.

What bothers me with the idea of the ban is that it is another case of a basic non issue being taken to extremes and attempting to use bad law to solve the worlds problems. Retailers in Brighton if they have any brains at all are not marketing these groups to their customers, which means there are no prominant displays etc... to offend the town. So what is the point of the ban? And while I totally agree that the ideas promoted in the music are evil. There is a vast difference between listening to music and actually harming someone.

I do not believe that music incites anyone to violence that was not already predisposed to it and whether it is violence against homosexuals or straights it is wrong and they should lock them up and throw away the key. There is no seperation between hate crimes and other crimes in my mind. You rights stop at the tip of my nose and once you touch me its over. you have crossed a line and should be taken to jail for it.

For all you swiffer fanatics there has been a recall due to fire

Swiffer Sweep Vac: "P&G has identified an isolated Sweep Vac product quality issue. In a few cases, the Sweep Vac rotor can lock up. If the unit is left in the 'ON' position, heat can build up producing smoke, with the potential for fire. P&G has received 14 complaints of Sweep Vacs overheating, including one report of a small fire with minor property damage. There have been no reports of consumer injury."

Gun Raffle for Schools - Only in Texas

iWon News

To raise money for a local school project, residents in Lampasas, Texas, are turning to a time-honored tradition, the raffle. But their fundraiser has a unique twist -- the winner walks off with two rifles.

The official start to Christmas shopping starts today

Glad I am working. Hate malls, ordering most of my gifts online. In the spirit of the season (rampant commercialism)and because Jesus is the reason for the season, I would like to offer a few religious gifts to help keep you in the true spirit of the holiday. (Yes I know Jesus was not born in December but if millions of other believers world wide don't care, why should I.)

For those friends you have that just don't quite make it up to your version of moral standards we offer the following gifts to help them find their way to Jesus.




For any teenage boy you know that might be tempted, this present should help them get through those troubled years until they are married and just don't want sex anymore.



This next gift idea is good for anyone who needs a little extra help all day long.



We also offer a fine line of Womens Underwear to help keep you pure and covered.



So shop today and get your friends, children and spouses, presents they really need, presents that are good for a laugh, and for the soul.

*****Above products are real just click and buy, buy, buy.*******

Best Thanksgiving Pic I found this year

Happy Thanksgiving

Gobble Gobble, Peck Peck, Oh No, not the knife

Happy Thanksgiving to all,

So far so good, It is 4:20 and except for the turkey it is all cooked. Went lite this year and yet I am still running behind. There is Turkey and stuffing and mashed taters, canberry sauce, deviled eggs,and rolls. Marbled chocolate cheese cake, and Pecan bars. NO pumpkin pie because I was lazy. Since it is really just the two of us We bought the butterball turkey breast, besides thats the only part we ever eat and the rest just gets tossed. Even the sugar gliders are looking forward to tonight's meal as this is their one meal of table food for the year. They like Thanksgiving. Made a special batch of Potatoes for Emily & the gliders with none of the evil fattening stuff in it.

I would like to be able to say I was up at dawn and slaving all day but it would be a lie. Didn't make it out of bed until 9 and that was only after I had holiday sex. I have everything swept, mopped and washed but it needed it anyway. Even cleaned the animal cages. Back is beginning to feel the pain of standing all day but that is to be expected. Hubby is napping. April and family will arrive soon and a good time will be had by all.

The cheese cake recipe I used was this one which was fast and simple and even I couldn't screw it up. I am a great cook but I have never been successful with cooked cheesecake. Something I need to work on. Had fun making my own crust with graham crackers. Was too lazy to drag out the food proccessor so I used the zip lock and rubber mallet method. Lots of fun.

Best No-bake Cheesecake Recipe

This is the cheesecake recipe I wanted to try but I did not have all the ingredients and visiting Walmart on a holiday is just evil. besides I would have had to start last night
Martin Sheen's Favorite Cheesecake Recipe

This is another I will have to try soon
Caramel Praline Cheesecake Recipe

And just because I was using the oven all day I decided to roast some garlic for future use. Can you say nummy
Roasted Garlic

Will right later on the meaning of Thanksgiving to me but right now its Turkey time

"Visions Of The Veil".

Suzanne McNeil's Senior Exhibition

As I am still on my modest religious fashion critique, I could not leave out the traditional, Chadors, Abayahs, And Burkas on Islam. This site has some beautiful photos and makes me want to run out and buy one.

The Abayas at this DesertStore are so beautiful I am considering becoming an affiliate and selling them.
Abaya / Jilbab Collection by DesertStore Islamic Clothing

I find nothing wrong with women wearing these clothes In fact I want one really bad with of course full burka and veil. I feel in some ways they could be considered freeing in the fact that you are completely covered and men are less likely to stare. I usually do my bag lady impression here in America if I want to walk down a steet and not be ogled but even that is no guarantee. I am amazed at some of the times I get whistled at. Its not like I am drop dead gorgeous, I would rate myself as fairly average, though I do clean up well if I try, as my mother says I just don't do it often. Here in America you can get whistled at in baggy sweats with the bride of frankenstein hair. As we have noted before men aren't real smart.


Of course then you come to the part where these women are forced to wear these clothes and while I may think the burka would be fun for dress up. the day a man tells me how to dress is the day that little dagger in the pictures meets his throat.
From an american point of view the chador are security risks. Imagine putting the typical 13 year old girl in one and sending her to a mall. She would come home with half the store hidden under it. They are a perfect diguise for murder because no one can see anything and would probably even conceal a fair amount of evidence within the fabric so CSI would not be happy either. Lucky for us Americans that the terrorist think putting one on would be shameful or we would be in real trouble because they could hide an entire arsenal in those folds.

I just want one for the anonymity. to go shopping and have no one know its me. Unfortunately because we have so many stupid hot heads in this country that are just as stupid as the terrorists,(I think they are both listening to the same demon, I know its not God they are listening to. He thinks they are stupid also, he told me so just recently) wearing one to the grocery store would probably earn me name calling and abuse in this day and age. Can't win for losing

Student Potter: Shokoofeh Barzegar, Teheran, Iran

Student Potter: Shokoofeh Barzegar, Teheran, Iran

This is my friend Shokoofeh (pronounced Shock-oo-fay), I have two of her pots here...and she has some of mine

Okay, this Brandy Brandy Brandy Dona Brandy Brandy Brandy Brandy thing has got to stop. Um...maybe not stop but at least have a bit of variety. I'm here...just plodding along, trying to focus on making the cash flow. I am now an employee of "ABIL" Arizona Bridge to Independent Living, who pays me $9 per hour for 14 hours a week, helping Steffin. Nothing has changed, in what I have been doing, except now I have to fill out a time card weekly and fax it in, and deal with home visits by various people-in-charge, every now and then. Studio and classes at Kim's have been busier than ever this month, we are hoping to keep the momentum going! I am mulling over in my mind how to orchestrate my eventual Chapter 7 filing, and it is looking more and more like we just might settle this divorce before our court date on January 21. Keep your fingers crossed and candles lit for me on that one.

On a whole other subject....kid-report-my daughter Leesie, who is 14, skated in a competition last weekend...her first in 18 months. She had two axels in the program and was nervous about falling, but she made it through and didn't fall, and did a great job skating. However...she placed 7th out of 8th so that was disappointing, but we were happy she made it through and skated well. Aliya, 11.5, has officially reached *that age*...sigh...my baby...I told her to watch out for puberty.... Haven't seen much of my boys, but they are coming over for some food this weekend, we are doing a dinner on Friday I think, instead of Thursday. They were invited to their other cousins on Thursday, so I figured I'd be graceful and move mine. Jett is having fun with his roommates at ASU West and is going to one of their parents' on Thursday. Poor kid has to deal with capital gains tax...awful fate that happens when you make money...Uncle Sam wants their share.
Hm, gonna post this before it gets lost....I'll try to check in more often :)

More modest clothing

Veil & Cap Headcoverings
I have to admit I have always wanted a wimple and the nurse one is pretty cool too. Some days I like weird head coverings and all who know me know that I love my cape with the big fuzzy furry hood. But the idea of being forced to wear one by God just doesn't wash, this is a man made thing, it is the same with all the modest clothing crap these are rules of man not of God and don't tell they were written by been inspired by God because I firmly believe large portions of the bible particularly the portions where women are abused and held back are written by men inspired by, greed, and power not God. Kind of like the republican party of today.

To me the Garden of Eden shows how the very first sin was that of shame and yet that is one sin that man has seen fit to propigate throughout history. I want to wear what I want when I want and not be ogled or molested by boys who pretend to be men but have no control over themselves or their desires. I think there are drugs now for this and creative cutting would work also.

But beyond my disagreements with the idea behind these modesty policies this ste still offers some great head covering incl. adorable bonnets. They also have a nice selection of crocheted items, handsewn aprons and other clothing. all at incredibly reasonable prices for custom tailored stuff.

Wholesome Wear Introduction

WholesomeWear Introduction I suppose there is a Christian market for this somewhere but I sure feel sorry for the kids forced to wear them. Wouldn't it be easier just to gouge out the eyes of men and go naked. I am certain it would be more comfortable.

Poetry from US Marines along with some quotes and other thoughts - Yes I did say poetry

Adopted U.S. Marines: "Mama, Mama, Can't You See (Cont'd)
Running
Submitted by
HM3 Rembert, E.R.

Mama, Mama, Can't You See,
What the Corps has done to me,
I used to drive a Cadillac,
Now I where a cammy pack,

Mama, Mama, Can't You See,
What the Corps has done to me,
I used to go outdoors to play,
Now, I'm humpin' every day,

Mama, Mama, Can't You See,
What the Corps has done to me,
I used to ride my cousin's hog,
And now, I'm just a DEVIL DOG,

Mama, Mama, Can't You See,
What the Corps has done to me,
Cammies pressed and boots are clean,
'Cause I'm a U.S. MARINE!!!!!!!!!

Put me in a barber chair,
And they shaved off all my hair.

Put me on a silver jet,
The ground was cold, the air was wet.

Took away my faded jeans
Now I'm wearing cammie green.

Momma, momma, don't you cry
two hundred thousand if I die"

Spider experiments with Drugs

Spider experiments with Drugs
Just in case you ever wondered what the webs of spiders on drugs looked like

If you ever wanted to shoot a president now you can have the chance.

News
For years, experts have argued over who killed President John Kennedy and whether it was the work of a lone gunman.

Now, after four decades of endless speculation, a Scottish-designed computer game has been accused of plumbing new depths by turning one of the most controversial political killings in history into "interactive entertainment".

Where oh where has our Lydia gone

Thought you were only supposed to be gone a week. YOu can't be having so much fun that you don't want to talk to us anymore. Mishy I know you are out there too and while I know Melisa is alive she hasn't made a peep either. Then there is is Anna, and Doris and Heidi and shirley and all you others who never write. Consider this a call to all my bloggers write something even if its just to tell me to shut up. I miss you
Dona and I carrying this alone is kinda like having just one person talk we need help

Angry Father Cuffs Himself to Government Minister

iWon News: "LONDON (Reuters) - A disgruntled British father handcuffed himself to a government minister on Friday in a bid to draw attention to a campaign for divorced fathers' rights."

I am not sure stunts like this would make me want to give fathers more custody rights. Would most likely make me want to keep the children far far away. But then again I am not a big one for custody rights in general. Having been raised through 2 divorces and various step fathers, I realize now as an adult it is not possible for a man to actually meet the needs of two families successfully. I resented many things about the whole arrangment, suffered various jealousies and was used in some ways as a pawn for both sides. And my parents were actually pretty good people. I hate to imagine life for divorced children with people who are less than basically thoughtful.

Because of my early life when I became pregnant with my son and his father decided that he was too young to be a responsible parent I gave him two options, either be in my life or get the hell out. He chose out, On my sons birth certificate it says father "none". I never asked for child support and there was no visitation. My son grew up great as I married a wonderful man when he was a year old whom I am still with. This is who he considers his father and he did not even know he wasn't until he was 10 or so. He has since met his real father and they have developed an excellent relationship as adults. This is how it should be. Not forcing children to be torn between loyalties and using them as pawns against exes. And never speak badly about the other parent to the children. Even though I was left pregnant at 15 with a boy/man who didn't want to be part of it, I never spoke badly of him and to this day love him in that I was a child sort of way. I was always honest about the relationship including my part in telling him to go away and I do not regret a moment of it. If his father regrets it I am am sorry for him but he made his choice.

As adults our children can understand the vaguaries of human relationships as children they only understand loss and betrayal. Custody battles are evil no matter which side is doing the fighting and all parents should willingly do what is actually best for the child and that is love them always, support them if you can but never force them to divide their loyalties in court. In other words be the parents in the situation not the children. And if you have to walk away from the relationship or you don't have as much time as you would prefer, make the most of what you have or rediscover the relationship when they are adults.

The wife of son's father asked him if he didn't hate his dad for not being there and his response was no why would I, I had a dad.

Journey Of A Tomato Seed To (Not My) Dinner Table

Journey Of A Tomato Seed To (Not My) Dinner Table

The tomato seed is a hybrid owned and patented by Calgene, Inc., who purchased it from the University of California at Davis where it was developed with research grants of tax money from the Department of Agriculture. The seeds were treated with mercury processed by Monsanto to ensure a higher percentage of germination...
The land was purchased by the Jolly Green Giant Company along with the Mexican Development Corporation. It was previously owned by independent Mexican farmers who have now been turned into day laborers dependent on the corporation for wages of as little as $2.50 a day, not even enough to feed their families.
The fields, hundreds of acres in size, were first fumigated with methylobromide made by CF Industries, a chemical 100 times more destructive to the ozone layer than CFC. A chemical fertilizer made by Cargill, which destroys millions of beneficial microorganisms per square inch was added to the soil with the seeds. This type of monoculture, which eliminates natural diversity, requires massive doses of pesticides and herbicides; these came from Union Carbide. The farm workers receive no protective masks or gloves, no access to health care and no instructions for the safe use of these toxic chemicals.
The tomato was picked green and placed in a plastic tray covered with plastic wrapping, then packed into a cardboard box. The plastic was made with petrochemicals and chlorien by the Formosa Company. Their workers and the residents in the area of Point Comfort, Texas, suffer from significantly higher than average rates of cancer and birth defects due to dioxin exposure, which is a byproduct of the manufacturing process.
The cardboard was made from wood of 300-year-old trees growing in British Columbia, and was processed in a mill on Lake Ontario where residents are warned not to eat the contaminated fish. The boxed tomato was gassed with ethylene chlorohydrin made by American Cyanamid in order to turn it red, and was sent by refrigerated truck to a warehouse. The truck and the warehouse are temperature controlled with CFC coolants made by Dupont.
After the harvest the plants were ploughed back into the soil with the pesticide residues. After several years of drenching the soil with chemicals it becomes so depleted of natural nutrients and living organisms it is virtually dead, and when the harvest declines appreciably the corporation simply moves on to other fields leaving behind a ruined land, a ruined local economy, and ruined lives.
Thought the journey, hundreds of gallons of fossil fuel were used to make and operate the machinery and the vehicles.
After the tomato was purchased the wrapper was thrown into the trash and trucked to a burn facility owned by Energy Answers whose other incinerators were shut down because of severe air pollution from the polyvinyl chloride and other toxic substances.
At the same time the public is continually being reassured of the safety of that tomato by the Food and Drug Administration who are paid by the taxpayers, but support the corporations and the thousands of poisons they pour into the environment and into the food supply. When we buy that tomato we also support that economic system.
Lucille Salitan
Director, Center for Farm and Food Research, Inc.
Radical Glare, Vol 9, No 2, April-May 1996

And Lucille doesn’t even mention how crappy that store-bought tomato tastes!!

Can you say Stupid

My Way News

it is sad to think that a policeman could be so poorly trained that he has to use a stun gun on a six year old. He is bigger he is stronger and ought to be capable of subduing someone 4 ft tall and 50 pounds with this excessive use of force.

This poor boy needs advice ladies. So you ought to give him some

Girl advice

Funny Funny Site

Jesus' General: "Principal fired for Christian beliefs

Jesus has become an outlaw in our secular society. First they outlawed state-sponsored prayer in schools. Then, they enacted hate laws so that we could no longer witness to homosexuals using our steel-toed boots of brotherhood. Now, a principal has been fired for demonstrating a little old-fashioned Christian discipline. When will it end?"

Good boy political blog - Lefty politics - Great job

Comments From Left Field

These people are the reason I don't go to church. God would strike me dead if I associated with them or at least he should

American Family Association - AgapePress news
Something's Swishy About Shark Tale
Cartoon Primes Kids with a Pro-Homosexual Message

Help every child in America get health insurance - It is the very least we owe them

Protect Every Child

Ok folks, put your mouse where your mouth is. Senator Kerry is seeking the support of everyone who voted for him in November by offering you a unique opportunity. Typically when a Senator introduces a piece of legislation he asks for other Senator's to co-sponsor the bill. In this case, Senator Kerry is asking that we, the American people, co-sponsor this bill. In his words,

"Imagine the power of a bill co-sponsored by hundreds of thousands of Americans being presented on the floor of the United States Senate. You can make it happen."

Here is your opportunity to have your voice heard and show President Bush that we WILL NOT roll over and have our voices quelled by his so called "mandate.

Grammy's Killer Pancakes

And we do mean Killer - This recipe is not acceptable for low carb or low fat diets but they are tasty.

Ingredients
1 1/2 Cup Bisquick Original
1/2 Cup Instant potatoes (plain)
2 Eggs
1/2 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
1/2 Cup Milk (I use 2% - Helps offset the Cream)

Mix bisquick, potatoes, eggs and cream
Add milk until Pancakes have reached your preferred consistancy
I like them super thick so that they never completely cook in the middle but some like normal thin pancakes. You get to choose.

Beacuase these are incredibly rich I make very small ones
Cook until Brown over medium heat in real real butter or Margerine.

Cover with syrup or other favorite topping and be ready for a nap when done

Could it be the missing Link - Kinda reminds me of Uncle Bob

The New York Times > Science > Fossils Found in Spain Seen as Last Link to Great Apes

Fossils Found in Spain Seen as Last Link to Great Apes
By JOHN NOBLE WILFORD



Published: November 19, 2004

Scientists in Spain have discovered fossils of an ape species from about 13 million years ago that they think may have been the last common ancestor of all living great apes, including humans.

The new ape species and its possible place in prehuman evolution are described in today's issue of the journal Science by a research team led by Dr. Salvador Moyà-Solà of the Miquel Crusafont Institute of Paleontology in Barcelona. The fossil remains were found near Barcelona and named Pierolapithecus catalaunicus.

In the report, the researchers concluded that the well-preserved skull, teeth and skeletal bones promised "to contribute substantially to our understanding of the origin of extant great apes and humans."

Dr. David R. Begun, a paleontologist at the University of Toronto who is familiar with the research but not a member of the team, called the fossils "a great discovery," adding, "I am convinced it is a great ape."

About 25 million years ago, Old World monkeys diverged from the primate line that led eventually to apes and humans. About 11 million to 16 million years ago, another branching occurred, when primates known as the great apes - which now include orangutans, chimpanzees, gorillas and humans - split from the lesser apes, represented by today's gibbons and siamangs.

Although the great ape group includes humans, Dr. Brooks Hanson, deputy editor for physical sciences at Science, said, "it's important to remember that we've had millions of years of evolution since then."

The lineage leading to humans branched off from the chimpanzee line an estimated seven million years ago.

The scarcity of fossils from those periods has handicapped scientists searching for evidence of the common ancestors of great apes that emerged after the split between them and the lesser apes. Some candidates for that role have included Kenyapithecus and Afropithecus, but Dr. Moyà-Solà said their fossils appeared to be too primitive to be the common ancestor.

Dr. Moyà-Solà's team said the overall pattern of their fossil skeleton suggested that the species was either the last common ancestor of great apes and humans, or close to it.

Dr. Begun said some aspects of the specimen's face, palate and teeth made him think that the species was perhaps a little farther down the evolutionary line of great apes than the common ancestor, but was a significant find, nonetheless.

The newly discovered individual, probably a male, weighed about 75 pounds and had a stiff lower spine and flexible wrists that would have made it a tree-climbing specialist. The researchers said its arboreal abilities were more similar to those of later great apes than to the more primitive monkeys.

The Pierolapithecus rib cage, or thorax, is wider and flatter than a monkey rib cage and similar to that of modern great apes, Dr. Moyà-Solà said.

"The thorax is the most important anatomical part of this fossil, because it's the first time that the modern great-apelike thorax has been found in the fossil record," Dr. Moyà-Solà said in a statement by the journal.

In a conference call from Barcelona on Wednesday, another member of the research team, Dr. Meike Köhler of the Barcelona institute, said the Pierolapithecus probably ate fruit, judging by its teeth, and had a flat face and wide nose somewhat like a chimpanzee's.

The age of the fossil species, between 12.5 million and 13 million years, "coincides quite well with ages for the common ancestor proposed by geneticists," Dr. Köhler said.

In their report, the researchers noted that the skeleton showed that those early great apes "retained primitive monkeylike characters" and thus did not seem to support "the theoretical model that predicts that all characters shared by extant great apes were present in their last common ancestor."

Finding the ancestral ape in Spain, and not Africa, posed no problem for scientists. The Mediterranean Sea expanded and contracted frequently in the past, permitting the dispersal of life between Africa and Europe. The Pierolapithecus, paleontologists said, probably lived on both continents.

Getting a Grip On the Naked Truth

I have trouble believing all the furor over this silly commercial but then I have trouble understanding the furor over naked bodies to begin with . This article is so far the most intelligent thing I have read concerning the whole fiasco. I saw the commercial in passing and did not even realize she was naked. Only vaguely noted that they were black and white(cause who cares) the biggest sticking part in my mind of this commercial when it started was it had to do with football so I could safely tune it out.

Getting a Grip On the Naked Truth (washingtonpost.com): "Sadly, the Terrell Owens-Nicollette Sheridan 'Monday Night Football' episode, now in its sixth day, has turned into a launching pad for every hysterical and self-righteous personal agenda in America."

Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney has called it "about the worst thing I've ever seen," which means Danny really ought to get out more, maybe read a news story datelined "Iraq" for starters.

Chicago Bears Coach Lovie Smith called the sight of a woman's bare back "pretty close to pornographic," which suggests his exposure is limited to the point of being frightening.

Indianapolis Colts Coach Tony Dungy invoked Kobe Bryant's sexual assault case, which is downright irresponsible.

And the NFL claims the whole thing is too much for its moral sensibilities, while at the same time partnering with an erectile stimulant company whose in-game commercials are, well, persistent.

The "Monday Night Football" opening, which concluded with Sheridan, who plays the hot blonde, Edie, on ABC's "Desperate Housewives," jumping into Owens's arms, was either silly or clever, but that's about the extent of it. Put me down for clever. I loved it, for being smart and, yes, a little naughty. And for ABC, looking to make a buck off its two biggest shows, pairing "Edie" with T.O., the biggest star in the NFL these days by a million miles, was a natural.

All this has done is given FCC Chairman Michael Powell reason to put forth is own hysterical agenda.

But let's start this examination with the NFL, which combines sports and entertainment in a smarter package than any entity in the country, but whose hypocrisy knows no bounds. By Tuesday afternoon the NFL had issued a statement assailing the inappropriateness of the "Monday Night Football" opening.

But this is the same league whose Super Bowl broadcast 10 months ago was one extended erection promo, excuse the pun. If it wasn't Levitra it was Cialis and the discussion about four-hour erections. Last I checked, the Super Bowl is telecast during the family hour, on a Sunday evening before 8 p.m., to the largest TV audience in America.

Last I checked, Philadelphia also is one of the NFL's 32 "member clubs." It's not like the Eagles didn't know what was going on when Sheridan showed up for a shoot that must have taken four cameras and at least an hour.

And if Smith and Rooney want to see something a whole lot closer to pornography, all they have to do is click on the Philadelphia Eagles' Web site, as I just did, and go straight to the Eagles Cheerleaders Lingerie Calendar, where the only thing that keeps one young lovely from being completely topless is her own strategically placed three fingers.

Half this country may think it resides in a 1950s-style Pleasantville, as evidenced by our recent elections, but it really doesn't. The NFL certainly doesn't.

I even reject the criticism that the "Edie-T.O." scene is inappropriate for a "Monday Night Football" game that begins at 8 o'clock in the Midwest and 6 o'clock on the West Coast. All these coaches who talk about the horror of having to explain this to their 12-year-olds act as if their kids aren't the ones watching, in the 5 and 6 o'clock hours locally, stuff like "Extreme Dating" and "Elimidate" and "Blind Date" and my favorite, "5th Wheel," where people get together in the "Fifteen Minute Room" and have at it, with tongues and body parts everywhere. This is all pre-prime time, not all of it on cable, aimed at the delicate little people who can't take the sight of "Edie" jumping into T.O.'s arms while fully covered in his uniform, pads included.

See, the issue here is thinly veiled not to see it if you want to.

Mostly, it's about the discomfort level of a lot of folks, some black and some white, of seeing a blond hottie paired with, to use Jimmy the Greek's phrase, "a big, black buck." That's all it's about: people's personal discomfort level, their own issues about who should or should not be hooking up, specifically a white woman and black man. And personally, though Dungy is about the most decent and admirable man I've come to know in 24 years of covering football, I'm not particularly interested in his dating agenda.

Thirty years ago, as Tony Kornhesier is smart to point out, if "Monday Night Football" had aired that opening, there would have been no ABC in the morning. (And let me also point out that Tony and I both get paychecks from ESPN, which is owned by ABC.) Of course, Tony's right. This was "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" for a lot of people. Sixty years ago, the look T.O. gave "Edie" would have landed him in a noose; now, it helps him cash in on a level of celebrity that's rare in the NFL. I'll take that as progress.

If it makes Dungy and Rooney uncomfortable on some level, that's probably good. And if they want to find something more worthy of a rant concerning the treatment of black athletes, they should follow the case of the "friendly" soccer match between Spain and England in Madrid, where the black British players were subjected to monkey chants and worse.

I've been critical of T.O. in this space for being a bad teammate to Jeff Garcia when the two were in San Francisco. I've been critical of T.O. for drawing attention to himself then wondering why he gets so much media attention. Given his past volatility, I'll probably be critical of T.O. again. But mostly as of late, Terrell Owens has been the best player in the league at his position. He's been the heartbeat of an Eagles team trying to overcome three consecutive losses in the NFC championship game. He's elevated his own performance, that of his quarterback Donovan McNabb, and that of his team, which is 8-1 entering Sunday's game against the Redskins in Philly.

Any criticism of T.O. this particular week, particularly as it pertains to the "Monday Night Football" opening, is primarily about the agendas and phobias of the critics, nothing more.

New mother feeding pup on breast milk

STUFF : ODDSTUFF - STORY : New Zealand's leading news and information website

17 November 2004

A Hawke's Bay woman says she is breastfeeding her staffordshire bull terrier pup because she wants the dog to protect her baby girl as the pair grow up.

House Backs $800 Billion Debt Limit Increase

iWon News: "The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday voted to increase the federal credit limit by $800 billion to $8.184 trillion,"

Yesterday they relaxed their ethics code, today they drove us deeper into debt. Makes me wonder what tomorrow will hold

Your FDA Tax Dollars at work

iWon News

Dona's Darling

As mentioned before, our cows and calves are just really big pets. Here's the proof! "Miss Daryn" as she is called (and answers to!) has become my beloved companion. She'll do anything for a slice of apple, including giving kisses. (Okay - we're a bit insane, but they are great fun!)

This seems so wrong in so many ways

iWon News: "Underwood, an estimator for a San Antonio, Texas auto body shop, has invested $10,000 to build a platform for a rifle and camera that can be remotely aimed on his 330-acre (133-hectare) southwest Texas ranch by anyone on the Internet anywhere in the world."

House GOP Changes Rules to Protect DeLay

iWon News: "House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., denounced the Republicans' move.

'Republicans have reached a new low,' Pelosi said in a statement. 'It is absolutely mind-boggling that as their first order of business following the elections, House Republicans have lowered the ethical standards for their leaders.'

Some GOP lawmakers also opposed the change."

I have mixed feelings about this, I believe in the Innocent until proven guilty part of our laws and as much as I hate Delay I would think this also applies to him. What they did here in Texas with the redistricting was just wrong and he was behind it. But then the republicans have cmitted so many wrongs I can't keep track anymore

Contest of the day - Win $5,000 every december for life

Kraftfoods.com Holiday Warmth

Would certainly make Christmas shopping easier. Doesn't cost anything but you do have to register with Kraft. You can always use a junk email but then it is hard to find out you win. This is the official Kraft Foods site so there are lots of recipes and even some cute games etc for kids.

It's 'Don't Bring Your Guns to Work Day'

iWon News: "It's 'Don't Bring Your Guns to Work Day'"

MOre from the bookmark file - Today In Alternate History

Today In Alternate History

Stupid Evil Bastard

Stupid Evil Bastard

A great Blog by a Les and foundby my Les - Always has interesting things

Goodies from the bookmark file

Ongoing Cooking Contests

I am going through my bookmarks in an attempt to clean up six years worth of links and I have decided to post those that are still interesting. This one lists bunches of cooking contests. Does not cost anything to join and most of the contests have monetary prizes so if you like to cook and create your own recipes, this link is for you.

I like to cook and every recipe here is new but I never write anything down so the contests don't do me much good

Eureka - They Found Anlantis - Again :o)

iWon News: "LIMASSOL, Cyprus (Reuters) - A U.S. researcher on Sunday claimed he had found the lost civilization of Atlantis in the watery deep off Cyprus -- adding his theory to a mystery which has baffled explorers for centuries.

Robert Sarmast says a Mediterranean basin was flooded in a deluge around 9,000 BC which submerged a rectangular land mass he believes was Atlantis, lying 1.5 km beneath sea level between Cyprus and Syria.

'We have definitely found it,' said Sarmast, who led a team of explorers 80 kilometers (50 miles) off the south-east coast of Cyprus earlier this month."

Your Oppressive Fear Mongering Tax Dollars at work

High School Talent Show Turns Political: "
Nov 15, 8:53 AM (ET)

By Judith Crosson

DENVER (Reuters) - A Colorado high school talent show turned into a political hot potato after some parents said a trio of students planned to use a Bob Dylan song to say they wished for the death of President Bush, officials said on Friday.

Calls were made to the school, students were interviewed, local talk radio jumped into the fray and the U.S. Secret Service even sent two agents to interview the principal at Boulder High School.

Even if there was a misunderstanding over whether the students -- some of whom called themselves the 'Talibanned' -- meant to wish harm to the president, they learned how offended people can get."

Another thing I just don't understand

iWon Money & Investing: "RED-STATE AMERICANS aren't the only people celebrating President Bush's re- election. Investors on Wall Street seem thrilled, too. Stock prices have risen since Bush's re-election - and many of our pundits say there's no reason to think the rally will end soon."

Why should the stock market be happy - In 1929 we had a Republican President and the market died along with the entire US economy.

In 1987 We had a crash that was greater than 1929, though fewer people jumped out of windows and we had a Republican president.

Under the Bush administration we have lost millions of jobs. The stock market went down down down

I realize this is simplistic and that there are far more complicated things at work here but doesn't anyone else see the pattern.

And appointing Rice as Secretary of State - Give me a Break - Its not that I don't think she can handle it or even that I think she is not qualified. As much as it pains me to say this the biggest hinderance to her being a workable Secretary of State at this time in history is the fact that she is a woman. In the middle East they are pissed because we let our female soldiers out of the barracks without veils, and that we let them do terribly controversial things such as drive.

This is a world in which they let little girls burn to death in a school because they didn't have head scarves to cover their heads to leave the building. Just how seriously do you think they are going to take Rice. Is it another case of Bush thumbing his nose at diplomacy? I hope. But what I fear is that it is just a pay off for letting her take a beating at the hearings last year.

Nice to know Shrub is continuing on the same dreadful misguided path. It good to have some things in life be predictable

Frist just doesn't get it

The Specter of the Judiciary committee: "'I would expect Chairman Specter ... if it's Chairman Specter ... to have a strong predisposition to supporting that nominee sent over by President Bush,' Frist said.

Specter, who supports abortion rights, sparked a conservative furor by saying after the Nov. 2 election that Bush still lacked enough Senate votes to overcome Democratic attempts to block on any nominees who would overturn the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion.

Bush is expected to have a chance to fill multiple Supreme Court vacancies during his second term, and for many in Bush's conservative base, obtaining a court that would overturn Roe v. Wade is a top priority.

Many conservatives, who accused Specter of having a pro-choice 'litmus test' for judicial nominees, have urged Senate Republicans to disregard his seniority and reject him as Judiciary Committee chairman."

******
RESPONSIBLE TO THE MAJORITY

A chairman must be "responsible to the feelings, the wishes, the beliefs, the values, the procedures that are held by ... the Republican committee members," Frist said.
*********
And here I was under the mistaken opinion that the members of Congress had been elected to represent the wishes and best interests of America and now I know they are here to represent the republican committee members. This explains so much, How could my civics teacher leave out such an important point>

Blog Updates

Spent this afternoon updating the blog. Lots of new links on the left hand side of the page. really beginning to wish someone else was helping with that part. Okay wishing someone besides Melisa had a clue since she has a life. She is still alive BTW, her computer was broke. Hoping she will come back and write something someday. After 4 hours of transfering new links hit the final publish and low and behold it was all fudged up and I don't know why as all I did to fix it was copy the exact same HTML line by line. Very Strange.

Another new feature we have is Charity sites: This links to the Breast Cancer, Rainforest and other click a day sites so try and do it every day so we can help save the world.

Last and Best is our new guest blogger log on. If you look right under the picture you will see the guest blogger instructions. All anyone has to do is log in to blogger using the bloggerguest username and the very easy to remember password: 123456. Okay so it is not very creative but it was simple. I figure this can work for visitors and for people like Cristal who haven't been able to use the invites for whatever reason. The only thing people need to remember is to sign their names otherwise it will just say posted by Guest Blogger. You may remain anonymous if you choose. I like this better than comments because it is easier to see and notice.

Now I am going to eat chocolate and watch tv

e.thePeople : Article : Letter to bush...in reference to his religious guidance

e.thePeople : Article : Letter to bush...in reference to his religious guidance: "Dear President Bush,

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's law. I have learned a great deal from you and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's Laws and how to follow them:

1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not to Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?"

Another Rave Review Of the Firefox Browser. If you haven't switched yet you should

Firefox Leaves No Reason to Endure Internet Explorer (washingtonpost.com): "Firefox Leaves No Reason to Endure Internet Explorer"

Get Firefox now

Really Ashcroft - Just go home - Hurray for the courts and yes that is what they are there for

I seem to remember from Civics class that our government has a system of check and balances. One I am grateful for and one Ashcroft and shrub don't like.

What the current administration deosn't seem to understand is that most of us Americans would consider it more patriotic to die by a terrorists hand than to become as evil as the terrorist, which is what Bush and Ashcroft have done.
Ashcroft being an idiot again: "A federal judge's ruling Monday that halted military commission trials of hundreds of terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on grounds that Bush had exceeded his constitutional reach and ignored international treaties on prisoners in creating the commissions.

U.S. District Judge James Robertson of Washington ruled in the case of Osama bin Laden's driver that only a military court, not the president, could deem the captives 'enemy combatants' and deprive them of Geneva Conventions protections.

That decision followed other judicial setbacks, including a divided Supreme Court ruling in June that the president does not have the authority to hold terror suspects indefinitely without access to attorneys or courts to challenge their detention.

In his speech, Ashcroft said unelected judges should show deference to the president, particularly on matters of national defense and security, a power that he said comes from the U.S. Constitution and his accountability as a nationally elected official.
(last I heard the three branches were equal, Bowing annd scraping is for Kings and Dictators not presidents of this country)

'The latitude and discretion reserved for the president under our Constitution must, of course, be greatest in the areas of national security and foreign relations, especially during times of war and national crisis,' Ashcroft said.

Scott Silliman, a law professor and director of Duke University's Center on Law, Ethics and National Security, said much of Ashcroft's claims for authority rest in the president's role as commander in chief.

But the war on terror is undeclared and unlike any other in history. 'When you're dealing with a very nontraditional war,' he said, 'it is proper for the courts to probe the question of how much authority the president should have.'

The American Civil Liberties Union, which has fought many of Bush's policies, said Ashcroft's speech shows 'his clear disdain for the rule of law.'

ACLU president Anthony Romero said, 'True to form, Attorney General Ashcroft expressed disdain for anyone who dared to disagree with him, including judges.'"

Reason 3554 not to send your children to school

iWon News: "Girl Bounced from School for Cartwheels"

It seems I am not the only one they pissed off

CBS' unkind cut riles 'CSI: NY' fans: "CBS apologized Thursday for breaking into its prime-time drama ''CSI: NY'' for a special report on Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's death, blaming an ''overly aggressive'' producer"

Things in life that can't be stopped

iWon News
What bothers me most about our current crop of republicans is the idea that if you don't agree with them you should shut up or that disagreeing with the president is somehow wrong. Bush is not God and the Republican Congress is not the host of angels. You can't take away free speech and you aren't going to stop filibusters either. Get over it and get back to work.

If you weren't such extrememists, people wouldn't say so many nasty things. But again this is America and we can say what we want, the constitution never said you had to like it.

Grrrrrr - I hate it when they do that

Watching CSI New York tonight and during the last minute where they wrap everything up and explain the who done it or how done it I should say, CBS News breaks in to tell us Arafat was dead. He has been brain dead for a week. I suppose it is a shame, but then he was a terrorist, wait until the regular news don't break into my show 3 minutes before the news starts that is just tacky.

And did they really think that many viewers cared that he was finally officially dead or his little life history that they gave out. Maybe its callous of me but I would have rather watched the show.

Cool- A little strange sounding but cool

Successful Ovarian Transplants

Passing on another Political Email - This one Dona Sent me

I have one request for all of the conservative Christians who voted for Bush:

When you go to bed tonight, pick up your Bible and turn to the gospels, read anything that Jesus says.

Do you agree with it?

Let me know if there is anything he says that sound Republican. The really ironic thing is that what Jesus says is in direct contradiction with almost everything this administration preaches.

Did Jesus associate with?
A. Rich
B. Poor

Did Jesus say?
A. To enter the kingdom of God, sell all you have, give it to the poor and follow me.
B. God helps those who help themselves.

Who did Jesus turn his wrath at the temple on?
A. Those who made money claiming to be on God's side?
B. Welfare mothers.

When Jesus said that it is harder for a rich man to get into heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, did he?
A. Mean it
B. Not mean it

When Jesus said that the love of money is the root of all evil, who does that apply to?
A. Very rich people who don't want to pay taxes which might go to mothers on welfare .
B. Welfare mothers

When Jesus said "Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth" who did he mean?
A. The meek
B. The powerful

When Jesus said that the large amount of money given to the church by a rich man did not compare to the two cents given by a poor widow, did Jesus?
A. Mean it
B. Not mean it

When Jesus said "Turn the other cheek", did he?
A. Mean it.
B. Not mean it.

When Jesus said "Blessed are the peacemakers", who was he referring to?
A. An administration that went to war, destroying as many as 100,00 of God's children, for no real reason.
B. Peacemakers

Hey, tell me, do you think that Jesus really would support supply side economics, cutting help to the poor, and promoting the really rich and powerful?

I could go on for hours, all you need to do is read what Jesus says and not what this administration says that Jesus says.

Go ahead; read your Bible, Jesus will surprise you.


I want to put my hands around the collective neck of these so-called Americans and shake it, while shouting " what the hell is wong with you !!??

Weren't you paying attention to the fact that this man (Bush) has lied to you over and over again??

Haven't you noticed that his "Clean Air Act" is gutting our environmental laws in favor of his big business buddies?

Does the name "Enron" mean nothing to you?

Do you even know what a civil right is?

I propose we amend our Constitution to forbid born-again Christians from voting. After all, he reasons, their kingdom is in heaven, isn't it?

Some feel that Bush should clean up his own mess. Nothing ideological, not fear, just the firm wish that we could put Bush in an unarmored Hummer with a machine gun and Cheney as his driver and Rumsfeld just along for the ride and send them out on patrol in Baghdad "with God on their side".

You see, spin doesn't work on us. Once the first bullet goes by or the first rocket explodes nearby and you realize you have automatically shit your pants, your weltenschaung is forever changed. When you have to zip up your first body bag full of raw meat, you are never the same.

Domino Theory My Ass.

Weapons of Mass Destruction Bullshit.

War is death, brutality, horror and raw fucking FEAR...not political neoconservative theories. Its women and children being burned as collateral damage...oops.

One of my fellow computer geeks at work was going on about how Bush was right to go in and put a stop to Saddam's rape rooms, Yada,yada...with my voice shaking from redhot anger, I said to him:

"When your 19 year old son and 21 year old daughter join the military and serve in Iraq and maybe come back brain-damaged or worse, you come back and tell me that it was worth it. Until then, shut the fuck up!"

So for all of you who are in despair over Bush's victory, and for all of you who are elated over Bush's victory...hang on a while. The ride has just begun.

America's sons and daughters are again positioned in the middle of a civil war in a foreign land for whatever fucking "worthwhile" theory.

Watch public opinion change about Bush as the body bags begin to massively arrive home. When the red becomes personal family blood red, that is when a person who has voted out of "fear of terrorism" is going to reevaluate.

The "moral shock value" of a couple of lesbians in wedding dresses kissing is going to absolutely disappear when a family in one of the "red or blue states" watches their soldier daughter or son get their heads sawed off on an internet video.

Life is a harsh master and it always teaches us what we need to learn...Not what we want to learn or think we already know.

So as to the great Bush victory, "America has spoken"..."Mission Accomplished" and all the rest of his right wing REMF talk...stay tuned in, folks. We now have 150,000 troops and counting in the middle of 3 billion Muslims. Voluntary enlistments are down, national guard reenlistments are down, Current enlistees are locked in, the draft word is again being whispered. Damn, I've been here before in the 60's with "god-fearing Nixon".

For you evangelicals who know from the Bible that Armagedeon is coming, I say to you, "yes, my brothers and sisters. Hell is on the horizon. And we Americans are going to learn a hard lesson again about following any arrogant man who thinks the voice he hears is the whisper of God."

For Brandy

"A believer is a bird in a cage. A freethinker is an eagle parting the clouds with tireless wing."
--Robert Ingersoll

Sound like any place you call home? Fascism

Blatantly copied and pasted for your perusal!

The 14 characteristics of facism are:

Powerful and Continuing Nationalism
Fascist regimes tend to make constant use of patriotic mottoes, slogans, symbols, songs, and other paraphernalia. Flags are seen everywhere, as are flag symbols on clothing and in public displays.


Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights
Because of fear of enemies and the need for security, the people in fascist regimes are persuaded that human rights can be ignored in certain cases because of "need." The people tend to look the other way or even approve of torture, summary executions, assassinations, long incarcerations of prisoners, etc.


Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause
The people are rallied into a unifying patriotic frenzy over the need to eliminate a perceived common threat or foe: racial , ethnic or religious minorities; liberals; communists; socialists, terrorists, etc.


Supremacy of the Military
Even when there are widespread domestic problems, the military is given a disproportionate amount of government funding, and the domestic agenda is neglected. Soldiers and military service are glamorized.


Rampant Sexism
The governments of fascist nations tend to be almost exclusively male-dominated. Under fascist regimes, traditional gender roles are made more rigid. Opposition to abortion is high, as is homophobia and anti-gay legislation and national policy.


Controlled Mass Media
Sometimes to media is directly controlled by the government, but in other cases, the media is indirectly controlled by government regulation, or sympathetic media spokespeople and executives. Censorship, especially in war time, is very common.


Obsession with National Security
Fear is used as a motivational tool by the government over the masses.


Religion and Government are Intertwined
Governments in fascist nations tend to use the most common religion in the nation as a tool to manipulate public opinion. Religious rhetoric and terminology is common from government leaders, even when the major tenets of the religion are diametrically opposed to the government's policies or actions.


Corporate Power is Protected
The industrial and business aristocracy of a fascist nation often are the ones who put the government leaders into power, creating a mutually beneficial business/government relationship and power elite.


Labor Power is Suppressed
Because the organizing power of labor is the only real threat to a fascist government, labor unions are either eliminated entirely, or are severely suppressed .


Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts
Fascist nations tend to promote and tolerate open hostility to higher education, and academia. It is not uncommon for professors and other academics to be censored or even arrested. Free expression in the arts is openly attacked, and governments often refuse to fund the arts.


Obsession with Crime and Punishment
Under fascist regimes, the police are given almost limitless power to enforce laws. The people are often willing to overlook police abuses and even forego civil liberties in the name of patriotism. There is often a national police force with virtually unlimited power in fascist nations.


Rampant Cronyism and Corruption
Fascist regimes almost always are governed by groups of friends and associates who appoint each other to government positions and use governmental power and authority to protect their friends from accountability. It is not uncommon in fascist regimes for national resources and even treasures to be appropriated or even outright stolen by government leaders.


Fraudulent Elections
Sometimes elections in fascist nations are a complete sham. Other times elections are manipulated by smear campaigns against or even assassination of opposition candidates, use of legislation to control voting numbers or political district boundaries, and manipulation of the media. Fascist nations also typically use their judiciaries to manipulate or control elections.



Copyright © 2003 Free Inquiry magazine

The Lazy Blogger Strikes Again!

"Somebody's paying the corporations that destroyed Iraq and the corporations that are rebuilding it. They're getting paid by the American taxpayer in both cases. So we pay them to destroy the country, and then we pay them to rebuild it. Those are gifts from U.S. taxpayer to U.S. corporations."
* Source: Telling the Truth about Imperialism (http://www.chomsky.info/interviews/200311--.htm), International Socialist Review, November-December, 2003

Kill a man and say God told you to do it, go to jail.
Kill ten or a hundred and say God told you to do it, go to the insane asylum.
Kill a hundred thousand and say God told you to do it, go to the White House.

Man Shoots, Kills Himself at Ground Zero

iWon News: "A 25-year-old man from Georgia who was apparently distraught over President Bush's re-election shot and killed himself at ground zero. Andrew Veal's body was found Saturday morning inside the off-limits site, said Steve Coleman, a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. A shotgun was found nearby, but no suicide note was found, Coleman said."

OKay so maybe I am not this upset, But you have to admire his passion

Loa's Tire & Auto Service

Loa's Tire & Auto Service
Okay so they ended up costing me 673.00 because as mentioned previously when things I own break it is always the most expensive thing needed. But regardless of the cost they have always provided me with prompt friendly service. Thye even delivered my car today, of course I only lives 2 miles away. If you go ask for Robert and tell him Brandy sent you. Have used them every since we arrived and they have always done right by us. So if you live in COrpus and your car needs fixed take it here.

The Punishments of God go On and On

At approx. 3:45 in the morning on Nov 3, the world came to the conclusion that Bush for whatever reason was relected. Unfortunately I was up during that time and God chose to show his displeasure in a loud and clear way. After checking on a door alarm which was thankfully the wind and not a real problem we went to get back in our truck and the clutch was gone. 600.00 later I am sure this was God telling me that I did not do enough to prevent Bush from being elected. So I hereby repent and promise to do more next time to prevent these petty power mongering dictators who use religion to justify their most heinous crimes against their fellow man from continuing to rule this country. I have trouble seeing the difference between the hard right in the Republican party and the Taliban.

So I will continue to bitch, moan and complain whenever they do evil. Hoping to forestall future breakdowns in my vehichles and my life:)

Other than being broke and carless at the moment life is doing Okay. The first week of the month is always a bear but it is over now. Get to build a garden next week and plant flowers and play in the dirt. Always a good Time.

Emily is still getting bigger and cuter by the day. Her Halloween pictures have been posted and I should have time to post more tomorrow.

As for the art prices Cristal, I thought he was actually pretty reasonable for most of his work and you obviously haven't been to an art exhibition lately. Part of what makes me still consider producing my own bad art is trips to the exhibits to see what they are getting for their items.

And speaking of art exhibits the next one to go to is:
Fall 2004 Bachelor of Fine Arts Senior Exhibitions
Texas A & M Corpus Christi - 6300 Ocean Drive
Nov 18th - December 2, 2004
Opening Reception- Thursday November 18th 6:30-8:30PM

Exhibits are:
"Broken" by Bobby Perez Bell University Library 1st Floor
"Obstruction" by Michael Ryan Howell - Center for the Arts, 2nd Floor East Wing
"A Night out with the Toys" by Carl Halberdier - Center for the Arts, 1st Floor East Wing
"Rural Beauty" by Tristan Scober - Center for the Arts, 2nd Floor west Wing

Hope to see you all there.

ORCAS ISLAND POTTERY - Home

ORCAS ISLAND POTTERY - Home

Check out the throwing link, it's a woman throwing a very large bowl....

John Bennett Pottery, stoneware pots, ceramic sea sculptures

John Bennett Pottery, stoneware pots, ceramic sea sculptures
Check out the sea sculptures, very cool....

Very Cool Velvet Capes

Kirk Spock in '04 Mousepad > Kirk Spock in '04 > STARTREK.COM Online Shop | CafePress

Kirk Spock in '04 Mousepad > Kirk Spock in '04 > STARTREK.COM Online Shop | CafePress

I Voted... > the Angry Left | CafePress

I Voted... > the Angry Left | CafePress

Trust Him Twice? Shame on Us! (sticker) < Irregular Goods: Life in the Bush Gardens < CafePress.com

Trust Him Twice? Shame on Us! (sticker) < Irregular Goods: Life in the Bush Gardens < CafePress.com

Have a plumber in your family that you need a gift for this Christmas (Very Cute)

Plumberpants Clothing Co. | CafePress

Still my favortie whitehouse and political site

Welcome to the White House - WWW.WHITEHOUSE.ORG

Funny Cat site you will need to scroll down to read the rest of this story but it is worth it.

Tails of Cat Woman: "HOW TO GIVE A CAT A PILL
Pick cat up and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby. Position right forefinger and thumb on either side of cat's mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand. As cat opens mouth pop pill into mouth. Allow cat to close mouth and swallow."

RAX Development Interactive - Screensaver division

RAX Development Interactive - Screensaver division: "Welcome to RAX Development Interactive - Screensaver division. "

4 Cute - totally free screensavers. There are: Planes, Flowers, a Giant Clock and Fireworks. I tested the planes and the fireworks. BOth work great no glitches in load and no viruses. I like The fireworks best found myslef watching it for quite a while.

Web Site is simple and clean easily navigated and most of all no pop-up ads anooying flash banners or music. Overall they get 4 stars and we hope they continue to grow. Will post a Sidebar link upon next update.

I've done my part!

I've officially cast my vote to negate my husband's vote for the Source of All Evil.

Presidential Election Poll

1. I think Bush will win.
2. I'm voting for Kerry.
3. I think it will take a long time

...but I hope I am wrong about 1 and 3

Mishmania

I am a bit loopy here these days. Had a mediation conference with my sooooooon-to-be-ex, his lawyer, my lawyer(and the mediator), and we actually came up with a binding financial agreement (!!!) I am in shock, and happy about the results, but a bit scared shitless about handling it all....when I am in the right part of the loop I am extremely confident and calm about it, but I tend to zoom around and get kinda unfocused and unsure of priorities too... Basically, they are giving me the chance to keep the house. I will have increase my income by at least 500-800/month to do that...but I have a few months before that happens... And things are coming up soon to get some of that going already.... In fact, long-term care that Steffin has is going to pay me for taking care of him, we just found out this morning...so that was good news.

Friendship - without the saccharine

Are you tired of all those sissy "friendship" poems that always sound good, but never actually come close to reality? Well, here is a series of promises that really speaks to true friendship:

1. When you are sad - I will help you get drunk and plot revenge against the sorry bastard who made you sad.

2. When you are blue - I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.

3. When you smile - I will know you finally got laid

4. When you are scared - I will rag on you about it every chance I get.

5. When you are worried - I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be and to quit whining.

6. When you are confused - I will use little words.

7. When you are sick - Stay the hell away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.

8. When you fall - I will point and laugh at your clumsy ass.

This is my oath...I pledge it till the end. Why? You may ask. Because you are my friend.

Every Topic in the Universe(s?)

Every Topic in the Universe(s?)

Vaccine Prevents Cervical Cancer: Study

Vaccine Prevents Cervical Cancer: Study

Prognosticators one and all

Who do you think will win the presidential election?
Who are you going to Vote for?
Will we have a clear winner on Tuesday night?

I asked April my daughter who voted in her first presidential election this year and I have to agree with her response.

We both voted for Kerry, And we think that if we know who won on Wednesday morning it will be Kerry but if it takes weeks to decide it will most likely be Bush, who will once again have stolen the election.

That said I hope Kerry wins. I voted for him for two simple reasons. #1 I want healthcare, haven't had insurance for years, my company doesn't offer it and I can't afford with what they pay me. I think there are far worse things we can do for our children that give them the gift of good health for them and their parents. And yes raise my taxes if thats what it takes. And #2 I honestly believe if we are going to put someone in charge of a war they should know what it is like to be shot at. In other words they should have some personal experience with war and Bush only has personal experience in avoiding it. This is not to say there aren't hundreds of other reasons I hate Bush but these two were my deciding factor. Okay I lied, there is a 3rd major reason, I am fond of the constitution and the Bush/Cheney team has done nothing but attempt to destroy our rights since they took office. In other words they suck and should lose.

Whether or not you agree means nothing just get out and vote. It is your duty and your right.

The Email Queen strikes again - Here is the Dr. Phil Test

This email was sent to me by both Dona and Shirley on the same day I am sure that means something. Since I refuse to send mass emails that will most likely just be deleted I am putting it on the blog. I scored 38, Donas Email says she scored 48, and Shirley scored a 54. So lets see how the rest of you do. Feel free to post your scores to the comments and let me know if you think the test is valid. The only question the hubby and I thought had no valid answers is #3. We think there should be a choice f, Wave your your hands around and use them to dicribe what ever you are talking about, which according to my hubby is what I do.

Here ya go .. try this. Below is Dr Phil's test. (Dr. Phil scored 55; he did this test on Oprah-she got a 38.) Some folks pay a lot of money to find this stuff out.

Don't be overly sensitive! The following is pretty accurate and it only takes 2 minutes. Take this test for yourself. Don't peek but begin the test as you scroll down and answer. Answers are for who you are now...... not who you were in the past.


Have pen or pencil and paper ready. This is a real test given by the Human Relations Dept. at many of the major corporations today. It helps them get better insight concerning their employees and prospective employees. It's only 10 simple questions, so..... grab a pencil and paper, keeping track of your letter answers to each question.

Begin...
1. When do you feel your best?
a) in the morning
b) during the afternoon &and early evening
c) late at night

2. You usually walk...
a) fairly fast, with long steps
b) fairly fast, with little steps
c) less fast head up, looking the world in the face
d) less fast, head down
e) very slowly

3. When talking to people you..
a) stand with your arms folded
b) have your hands clasped
c) have one or both your hands on your hips
d) touch or push the person to whom you are talking
e) play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair

4. When relaxing, you sit with..
a) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
b) your legs crossed
c) your legs stretched out or straight
d) one leg curled under you

5. When something really amuses you, you react with...
a) big appreciated laugh
b) a laugh, but not a loud one
c) a quiet chuckle
d) a sheepish smile

6. When you go to a party or social gathering you...
a) make a loud entrance so everyone notices
b) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
c) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed

7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're interrupted......you...
a) welcome the break
b) feel extremely irritated
c) vary between these two extremes

8. Which of the following colors do you like most?
a) Red or orange
b) black
c) yellow or light blue
d) green
e) dark blue or purple
f) white
g) brown or gray

9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going
to sleep you are....
a) stretched out on your back
b) stretched out face down on your stomach
c) on your side, slightly curled
d) with your head on one arm
e) with your head under the covers

10. You often dream that you are...
a) falling
b) fighting or struggling
c) searching for something or somebody
d) flying or floating
e) you usually have dreamless sleep
f) your dreams are always pleasant

POINTS:
1. (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6
2 . (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1
3. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6
4. (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1
5. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2
6. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2
7. (a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4
8. (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1
9. (a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e) 1
10. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1

Now add up the total number of points.

OVER 60 POINTS: Others see you as someone they should "handle with care." You're seen as vain, self-centered, and who is extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.

51 TO 60 POINTS: Others see you as an
exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive
personality; a natural leader, who's quick to
make decisions, though not always the right
ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome,
someone who will try anything once; someone
who takes chances and enjoys an adventure.
They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.

41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh,
lively, charming, amusing, practical, and
always interesting; someone who's constantly
in the center of attention, but sufficiently
well-balanced not to let it go to their head.
They also see you as kind, considerate, and
understanding; someone who'll always cheer
them up and help them out.

31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible,
cautious, careful & practical. They see you as
clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a
person who makes friends too quickly or
easily, but someone who's extremely loyal
to friends you do make and who expect the same
loyalty in return. Those who really get to
know you realize it takes a lot to shake your
trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over if that trust is ever broken.

21 TO 30 POINTS: Your friends see you as
painstaking and fussy. They see you as very
cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady
plodder. It would really surprise them if you
ever did something impulsively or on the spur
of the moment, expecting you to examine
everything carefully from every angle
and then, usually decide against it. They
think this reaction is caused partly by your
careful nature.

UNDER 21 POINTS: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions & who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't.

JIbJab has done it again, Click here to watch - Good to be in DC

JibJab.com