Tuesday, December 18, 2007
testing, testing, 1..2...3
the blog is preparing to commence operations again. When? You'll see it here first.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Kitty Questions
Winter is most here. My outdoor cats are almost cold. They need a nice, warm shelter for the winter. I've checked a few websites, but would like to hear from anyone with real world experience in keeping yard kitties from,becoming cat-sicles. Winning entyr gets a big "Thanks" and a blog mention. Maybe a column mention, too.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Crazy
Too bad country music queen Patsy Cline's biggest hit "Crazy" isn't on the charts any more. It would be the perfect theme song for the 2008 presidential election. Case in point, Dem. candidate Dennis Kucinich, who recently accused George Bush of being mentally ill and a few days later confirmed he had once seen a UFO. Here's the best part...neither comment raised an eyebrow from the public or the media. Perfect.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Election Blues
You gotta feel sorry for America's state and local politicians. (That is, if you care about them to begin with). Thousands of offices are up for grabs in elections to be held next week, but the locals can't get a word in edgewise because the 2008 presidential race started a year (or more) early and all the news outlets are so busy running to Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina the "little people" are lost in the shuffle. Local elections may not be as sexy as big national fistfights, but it's the officials at the local and state level who have the greatest affect on our day-to-day lives. If you haven't already, check out the local races where you live. Your vote next Tuesday will have a lot more impact on your personal quality of life than the next dozen presidential elections combined. Unless the next president goes to war...or...well, don't get me started.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Hitting the Road
The Blog is heading to Cajun Country in south Louisiana for a few days so I can get back to my roots and polish my diminished crawfish-eating skills. If any news breaks down there, you'll hear it here last. Meanwhile, send a prayer (or several) out to the California homeowners and firefighters trying to cope with that terrible tragedy. Property loss has been tremendous, but loss of life low. Pray it stays that way. If you want to help, the Red Cross is taking donations for fire victims, by the way.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Debate Fatigue
I generally keep up with the national news, so I was pretty surprised last night when when my usual channel surfing revealed a Republican presidential debate in progress. LIke most of the rest of America, I wasn't aware it was even scheduled. Like most of the rest of America (according to TV ratings) I didn't bother to watch. That's because, like most of the rest of America, there have been so many so-called debates already this year, I'm am absolutely sick of them. And there's still over a year to go before the final ballots are cast. Whether you're a Republican or Democrat, surely you'll agree this is waaaay too much about nothing. At this point I'm willing to vote for the man or woman who promises to STOP ALL DEBATES here and now and not open their mouth again until the three scheduled (so far) debates are aired between the parties' actual nominees. That will be next fall. I don't know who's advising these people but apparently they don't realize that overexposure is a sure way to go stale in a hurry.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Blog Burglary
It has come to my attention that all blog postings entered on October 17 and 18 did NOT appear. This included a great one involving a threesome Al Gore, a sea otter and Rosi O'Donnell. It's impossible to locate the unposted posts so now they're just lost and gone forever. No one can explain why. Commie spies or Greenpeace members could be involved. The local police, state patrol, FBI, CIA and ASPCA have been alerted and are investigating. The person responsible for this tragic failure will be fired. Meanwhile, keep reading. Or having a life, whichever suits you best.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
Hola, Amigo
Met a new friend this weekend. Well, maybe I didn't exactly meet him, but I saw him in my rearview mirror just before he smacked me in the back bumper at about 30 miles per hour. I would have chatted while we swapped insurance info, but he was in too big a hurry to get away since he was both "undocumented" and drunk as a skunk. Cops caught him a quarter mile down the road when he hit a stone fence and knocked the wheels from under his car. Since it was just after lunch on Sunday, there were kids playing nearby. Thank God none were hit. My new Hispanic friend was cuffed and hauled to jail before we had a chance to talk. Cops say he didn't have a license, but app.eared to be insured. Let's hope that miracle turns out to be true. Meanwhile, here's today's tip for safer motoring...if you hear some really loud salsa music coming in your direction, don't wait until the car is in your rearview mirror to duck...just pull off the road and call it in. Believe me, it will save a lot of time and trouble. I'll let you know how this case progresses. And call me cynical, but from what the cops said, if the guy bonds out, chances are he won't be here any more when the case goes to court. LIfe in America, I guess.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Congrats to Algore
As of this writing (10-11-07 4:40 p.m. EDT), it looks like former Vice-President Al Gore is soon to be named winner of this year's Nobel Peace Prize. Although I don't know what Gores' specialty—hot weather—has to do with world peace, I'd like to be among the first to offer congratulations for joining dead terrorist Yasir Arafat and looney former president Jimmy Carter as winners of this prestigious award. Most of all, I hope Al doesn't have any trouble pedaling his carbon-neutral bicycle across the Atlantic to Stockholm to collect his prize.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
A Very Special Bunch
I've spent most of the last two weeks interviewing World War II veterans for a special project at the Times-Herald. We're trying to interview as many vets as we can find as soon as possible and—beginning on Veteran's Day—present all their stories in the months to follow.
I could write a book about what I've seen and heard in the last 10 days. Not the war stories, but the heartfelt, and often tearful, reminiscences of comrades who fell in battle and liberated prisoners of war and victims of Hitler's death camps.
I've spent hours with these members of the so-called "Greatest Generation." So far, not a one has been able to tell their war time story without breaking down in tears. That may be the most lasting legacy they leave. Not that they saved the free world from God-knows-what, but that after all these years, their hearts are free of anger and filled only with heartbreaking memories of the terrible waste and suffering that war always brings.
If you know a WWII vet and haven't talked to them, take a moment and do it. If they're not up to it, be understanding. Most of all, whether they talk to you or not, tell them "Thanks." Not for being patriots. But for being such fine people. And I guarantee, most are.
God Bless them all.
I could write a book about what I've seen and heard in the last 10 days. Not the war stories, but the heartfelt, and often tearful, reminiscences of comrades who fell in battle and liberated prisoners of war and victims of Hitler's death camps.
I've spent hours with these members of the so-called "Greatest Generation." So far, not a one has been able to tell their war time story without breaking down in tears. That may be the most lasting legacy they leave. Not that they saved the free world from God-knows-what, but that after all these years, their hearts are free of anger and filled only with heartbreaking memories of the terrible waste and suffering that war always brings.
If you know a WWII vet and haven't talked to them, take a moment and do it. If they're not up to it, be understanding. Most of all, whether they talk to you or not, tell them "Thanks." Not for being patriots. But for being such fine people. And I guarantee, most are.
God Bless them all.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Friday, October 5, 2007
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Finally. A reason to fence the border.
Those who say the best way to stop illegal immigration from Mexico and South America are thrilled to death. Mostly because the Bush administration has finally found a really, really good reason to finally build a 2,000-mile long fence along the southern border.
Here's the surprise. In a recent defense of the fence, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said the fence's main benefit won't be keeping out folks who refuse to follow the legal path to immigration. Chertoff—in a move that must make Al Gore green with envy—said we need the fence because it will ...
drum roll, please...
HELP THE ENVIRONMENT!!!
No fooling.
"Illegal migrants really degrade the environment. I've seen pictures of human waste, garbage, discarded bottles and other human artifact in pristine areas," Chertoff told The Associated Press. "And believe me, that is the worst thing you can do to the environment."
What a day. Greens and Gringos finally find a way to join hands and achieve the same result for vastly different reasons. I almost feel like singing a verse or two of "Cum Bah Ya" myself.
Here's the surprise. In a recent defense of the fence, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said the fence's main benefit won't be keeping out folks who refuse to follow the legal path to immigration. Chertoff—in a move that must make Al Gore green with envy—said we need the fence because it will ...
drum roll, please...
HELP THE ENVIRONMENT!!!
No fooling.
"Illegal migrants really degrade the environment. I've seen pictures of human waste, garbage, discarded bottles and other human artifact in pristine areas," Chertoff told The Associated Press. "And believe me, that is the worst thing you can do to the environment."
What a day. Greens and Gringos finally find a way to join hands and achieve the same result for vastly different reasons. I almost feel like singing a verse or two of "Cum Bah Ya" myself.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Monday, October 1, 2007
Cost of Higher Education About To Go Higher Still?
Good news for parents and parents-to-be arrived last week from presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Hillary has just proposed a plan whereby the "government' would supply each baby born in America with a $5,000 bond. By "government" she means taxpayers. The child could use the money when it grew up for a college education or , in Hillary's words, ...buying a home."
This proposal will no doubt appeal to everyone who thinks government should be responsible for the care, feeding, housing and higher education of all its citizens regardless of their contribution to said efforts.
It's certainly a boon for parents who don't want to pay for their own kid's education. And why should they when they can use the government to take money from others to do it? The only ones who will suffer are people with jobs who will now have to educate both their children and complete strangers without having a say in the matter.
Most folks will call this another handout. And not a cheap one. Early estimates tag the program at $20 billion year year to start with.
But Hillary insist it's not a government handout.
She calls it "saving," saying, "...more savings, starting with the so-called baby bonds idea where every person born in this country would be given that kind of account because we want to make an investment in America's young people."
I just have one question. How can it be considered "saving" when some of the people who benefit from the program don't save a dime.They just get someone else's money for free and calling it savings.
Maybe it's just me, but this one sounds like pure income redistribution.
Karl Marx must be smiling.
This proposal will no doubt appeal to everyone who thinks government should be responsible for the care, feeding, housing and higher education of all its citizens regardless of their contribution to said efforts.
It's certainly a boon for parents who don't want to pay for their own kid's education. And why should they when they can use the government to take money from others to do it? The only ones who will suffer are people with jobs who will now have to educate both their children and complete strangers without having a say in the matter.
Most folks will call this another handout. And not a cheap one. Early estimates tag the program at $20 billion year year to start with.
But Hillary insist it's not a government handout.
She calls it "saving," saying, "...more savings, starting with the so-called baby bonds idea where every person born in this country would be given that kind of account because we want to make an investment in America's young people."
I just have one question. How can it be considered "saving" when some of the people who benefit from the program don't save a dime.They just get someone else's money for free and calling it savings.
Maybe it's just me, but this one sounds like pure income redistribution.
Karl Marx must be smiling.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Technical problems
The blog is closed for business on Wednesday, September 26. The dog ate my computer. Back tomorrow with bells (and whistles) on.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Iranians may be happy, but they're not gay.
Iranian President Mahmoud "Nutcase" Ahmadenijad just finished an action-packed visit to the U.S. On day two, he was hooted at the United Nations. His first day in the U.S. was his best, though. That's when he spoke to alleged "students" at Columbia University.
After a scolding from the school president, Ahmadenijad rambled a bit about his wacky ideas and tried to defend his earlier statements that the holocaust didn't really happen. But the best part was when—in the kind of stunning cultural statement usually reserved for the Sean Penns and Susan Sarandons of the world,—Ahmadenijad announced there were no gay people in Iran.
If Iran's queasy core of supporters ever needed a reason to bash this boy, there it is. An entire country with no gay people? Heresy. In a world where diversity is celebrated above competence and common sense, this dude couldn't have made a bigger blunder.
The fact that Iran is building nukes doesn't bother some people. This will. Ahmadenijad may soon be booted off the world stage for insensitivity, if nothing else.
If not, expect gay leaders to push for the sexual desegregate the former Persia. From a distance, of course. Elton may cook up a Gay Rights concert for Iran, but you can bet he'll perform it somewhere else. Somewhere people still have the right to think, say and be...what they want without fear of the Muslim "re-education" squads.
After a scolding from the school president, Ahmadenijad rambled a bit about his wacky ideas and tried to defend his earlier statements that the holocaust didn't really happen. But the best part was when—in the kind of stunning cultural statement usually reserved for the Sean Penns and Susan Sarandons of the world,—Ahmadenijad announced there were no gay people in Iran.
If Iran's queasy core of supporters ever needed a reason to bash this boy, there it is. An entire country with no gay people? Heresy. In a world where diversity is celebrated above competence and common sense, this dude couldn't have made a bigger blunder.
The fact that Iran is building nukes doesn't bother some people. This will. Ahmadenijad may soon be booted off the world stage for insensitivity, if nothing else.
If not, expect gay leaders to push for the sexual desegregate the former Persia. From a distance, of course. Elton may cook up a Gay Rights concert for Iran, but you can bet he'll perform it somewhere else. Somewhere people still have the right to think, say and be...what they want without fear of the Muslim "re-education" squads.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Whine of the Week
Is there anything we can't complain about today?
Our outrage du jour comes from the Koehler Senior Center in Mahopac, N.Y. For years the county had been donating free donuts and other baked goods to the seniors.
Then someone said (probably quite rightly) that the goodies weren't healthy. So the free goodies soon stopped. Some seniors are complaining. Why? Not because they miss their unhealthy (but mostly delicious) treats. Nope, folks are fussing because they didn't have a say in whether or not their free food delivery would continue. One resident said, "It was a matter of respect" and that the seniors—not the people delivering the free donuts— should have made the decision on whether or not to keep accepting the freebies. So now canceling free donuts is showing disrespec? What's next...a lawsuit? I wouldn't be surprised. In modern America, if something doesn't go your way, you don't solve the problem, you take it to court.
By the way, there's a donut shop right down the street. Wonder if these seniors have considered their "right' to go buy all the jelly donuts they want.
Our outrage du jour comes from the Koehler Senior Center in Mahopac, N.Y. For years the county had been donating free donuts and other baked goods to the seniors.
Then someone said (probably quite rightly) that the goodies weren't healthy. So the free goodies soon stopped. Some seniors are complaining. Why? Not because they miss their unhealthy (but mostly delicious) treats. Nope, folks are fussing because they didn't have a say in whether or not their free food delivery would continue. One resident said, "It was a matter of respect" and that the seniors—not the people delivering the free donuts— should have made the decision on whether or not to keep accepting the freebies. So now canceling free donuts is showing disrespec? What's next...a lawsuit? I wouldn't be surprised. In modern America, if something doesn't go your way, you don't solve the problem, you take it to court.
By the way, there's a donut shop right down the street. Wonder if these seniors have considered their "right' to go buy all the jelly donuts they want.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Friday, September 21, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
More On The Surge
After a recent post, several of you took me to task for saying we're not succeeding in Iraq because we didn't make the enemy uncomfortable enough when we first attacked. I stand by my position.
I don't—and won't—ever consider a war time enemy "people we are trying to help." We didn't go to war to help the Iraqis, but to help ouselves and protect America from terrorists. If the Iraqis benefit from a regime change, fine. If not, we'll try and help after the shooting ceases.
If we plan wars based on trying to make an enemy love us rather than fear us, we're going to lose. History proves it.
That's not just my opinion. Gulf War I aside, we haven't won a major war since WW II ended. And we didn't end that one with kindness.
One old-timer who knew how to fight and win wars was General William Tecumseh Sherman. He's still reviled in the parts of Georgia he burned on the march from Atlanta to Savannah, but four months after Sherman hit Savannah, the War Between the States ended.
Sherman hated war, as do all who fight and die in battle. But he knew how to win. Here are three of Sherman's nuggets about military success:
1. “If the people raise a great howl against my barbarity and cruelty, I will answer that war is war, and not popularity seeking.”
2. “War is cruelty. There's no use trying to reform it. The crueler it is, the sooner it will be over.”
3. “Every attempt to make war easy and safe will result in humiliation and disaster.”
The war in Iraq is still winnable. But if we seek military victory, we need to fight harder, not negotiate more. If we seek only political "victory," get the troops home soon and send more diplomats.
Meanwhile, the way things look now, a third—and worst—option, is looking more and more likely.
Next stop...Korea.
I don't—and won't—ever consider a war time enemy "people we are trying to help." We didn't go to war to help the Iraqis, but to help ouselves and protect America from terrorists. If the Iraqis benefit from a regime change, fine. If not, we'll try and help after the shooting ceases.
If we plan wars based on trying to make an enemy love us rather than fear us, we're going to lose. History proves it.
That's not just my opinion. Gulf War I aside, we haven't won a major war since WW II ended. And we didn't end that one with kindness.
One old-timer who knew how to fight and win wars was General William Tecumseh Sherman. He's still reviled in the parts of Georgia he burned on the march from Atlanta to Savannah, but four months after Sherman hit Savannah, the War Between the States ended.
Sherman hated war, as do all who fight and die in battle. But he knew how to win. Here are three of Sherman's nuggets about military success:
1. “If the people raise a great howl against my barbarity and cruelty, I will answer that war is war, and not popularity seeking.”
2. “War is cruelty. There's no use trying to reform it. The crueler it is, the sooner it will be over.”
3. “Every attempt to make war easy and safe will result in humiliation and disaster.”
The war in Iraq is still winnable. But if we seek military victory, we need to fight harder, not negotiate more. If we seek only political "victory," get the troops home soon and send more diplomats.
Meanwhile, the way things look now, a third—and worst—option, is looking more and more likely.
Next stop...Korea.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
A Modest Prescription For Universal Health Care
Universal health care is going to be a hot item in the 2008 presidential race. Right now candidates are proposing everything from government-owned and operated clinics to free voodoo treatments. Everyone says their plan is swell. Let's put them to the test. Every new drug is tested for years before it hits the market. Let's do the same with national health care. Whatever plan is approved, apply it to elected officials only for a ten-year trial period. From the president down to the lowest-ranking member of congress, no more VIP care for this crowd. Make them go to government-run public health clinics and stand in line like everyine else for the type of care they deserve. You can bet that after ten minutes, congress will rethink the whole government-run health care plan. Then they'll do what they do best...exempt themselves and force the rest of us to deal with government-run health care while elected officials continue their lavish, tax-paid free health care at the world's finest facilities.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
The End Is Near?
Long weekends are good for the soul but coming home can be hard on the nervous system. I take a few days off and return to blogland to learn that (1) Madonna has offered to become a spokesperson for Judaism, (2) the Minneapolis airport bathroom stall where Senator larry Craig gave tap-dancing lessons has become a tourist attraction and (3) O.J. Simpson has been arrested for a crime that may actually land him in prison. (Unless, of course, he gets a Los Angeles County jury).
If the end isn't in sight, it's just over the horizon. But thank goodness for these diversions. They keep us from thinking about even more hideous things, like Hillary Clinton becoming president
If the end isn't in sight, it's just over the horizon. But thank goodness for these diversions. They keep us from thinking about even more hideous things, like Hillary Clinton becoming president
Friday, September 14, 2007
Thursday, September 13, 2007
The Surge. Too Little, Too late.
Even if the current troop "surge" in Iraq is successful, it looks like "keeping the peace" in that part of the world could require a U.S. presence for decades.
By any definition, that's not a victory. Don't blame the soldiers. Blame the strategists. This was the world's first politically correct war, the first one where avoiding civilian casualties and protecting civilian infrastructure was as important as getting the enemy to say "I surrender." So we fought a kinder, gentler war. After Baghdad fell, the bombers quit flying and our ground troops swapped bullets and grenades for copies of "How To Win Friends And Influence People." What did we get? A few million very angry people walking around with guns, explosives and absolutely no fear of the U.S. military.
History shows that's a recipe for failure. If we had been serious about winning this war we would have put every available member of the armed forces into Iraq on day one and covered every inch of that godsforsaken piece of dirt with a blanket of steel. We would have picked one city and turned it to ashes, a very effective morale-breaker (see Hiroshima, Dresden). Then we would have shot anything that raised a hand against us and made the U.S. occupation so oppressive that the Iraqis— Shia, Sunni and Kurds alike—would have done anything to get us to leave. Anything. Even behave.
Afterwards, we would have made friends and helped rebuild the country with the clear understanding that if the locals acted up we'd come back and make things even worse than before.
Instead we tried to make friends while the official hostilities were still underway. The people we liberated are now using our soldiers as live targets and bomb-testing dummies. Our troops are the best in the world. They've given it all they had and done everything aked of them. They deserve better. So do the Iraqi people. This war could have ended a year after it began if we'd fought it more aggressively to begin with.
The time for a troop surge was 4 years ago, and it should have been an extra half a million troops, not thirty thousand.
Every day Iraq is looking more and more like a lost cause. That's a tragedy for the men and women who fought, bled and died there and the loved ones they left behind or came home to.
If we lose this war, it won't be because we weren't good enough friends to the Iraqis, but because we weren't good enough enemies.
By any definition, that's not a victory. Don't blame the soldiers. Blame the strategists. This was the world's first politically correct war, the first one where avoiding civilian casualties and protecting civilian infrastructure was as important as getting the enemy to say "I surrender." So we fought a kinder, gentler war. After Baghdad fell, the bombers quit flying and our ground troops swapped bullets and grenades for copies of "How To Win Friends And Influence People." What did we get? A few million very angry people walking around with guns, explosives and absolutely no fear of the U.S. military.
History shows that's a recipe for failure. If we had been serious about winning this war we would have put every available member of the armed forces into Iraq on day one and covered every inch of that godsforsaken piece of dirt with a blanket of steel. We would have picked one city and turned it to ashes, a very effective morale-breaker (see Hiroshima, Dresden). Then we would have shot anything that raised a hand against us and made the U.S. occupation so oppressive that the Iraqis— Shia, Sunni and Kurds alike—would have done anything to get us to leave. Anything. Even behave.
Afterwards, we would have made friends and helped rebuild the country with the clear understanding that if the locals acted up we'd come back and make things even worse than before.
Instead we tried to make friends while the official hostilities were still underway. The people we liberated are now using our soldiers as live targets and bomb-testing dummies. Our troops are the best in the world. They've given it all they had and done everything aked of them. They deserve better. So do the Iraqi people. This war could have ended a year after it began if we'd fought it more aggressively to begin with.
The time for a troop surge was 4 years ago, and it should have been an extra half a million troops, not thirty thousand.
Every day Iraq is looking more and more like a lost cause. That's a tragedy for the men and women who fought, bled and died there and the loved ones they left behind or came home to.
If we lose this war, it won't be because we weren't good enough friends to the Iraqis, but because we weren't good enough enemies.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Hot Air In D.C.
The blog has been closed while the blogger spent three days in the mountains followed by three hours in the dentist's chair getting a root canal. I escaped in time to see Congressional chatmongers begin grilling General Petraeus and Iraqi ambassador Crocker about the situation in Iraq.
After 45 minutes of mind-numbing remarks I'm convinced we have a bigger problem in Washington than Baghdad. Petraeus deserves a Congressional Medal of Honor for sitting through the congresspersons' remarks. Talk about hot air. If there is indeed global warming, its home office is on the banks of the Potomac River. There should be a law against congress inviting people to answer questions and then spending all their time (and our money) making campaign speeches instead of asking questions that might actually need answering.
If anyone finds a congressperson who vows to run on a platform of keeping his or her mouth shut, let me know. I'll move to their district. Soon.
After 45 minutes of mind-numbing remarks I'm convinced we have a bigger problem in Washington than Baghdad. Petraeus deserves a Congressional Medal of Honor for sitting through the congresspersons' remarks. Talk about hot air. If there is indeed global warming, its home office is on the banks of the Potomac River. There should be a law against congress inviting people to answer questions and then spending all their time (and our money) making campaign speeches instead of asking questions that might actually need answering.
If anyone finds a congressperson who vows to run on a platform of keeping his or her mouth shut, let me know. I'll move to their district. Soon.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Buy A Big Mac. Save The Planet.
Zillions of cows are now being killed to stop global warming. This time the culprit isn’t Al Gore. The murderer is McDonald’s restaurants. At least the ones in metro Japan.
The killing quickened after a Japanese government website began offering coupons for half-price Big Macs to people who pledged to fight global warming by filling out a survey. Web visitors go through a list of 39 ways they can reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Once they’re at the restaurant, customers wanting bargain BMs can present a printed questionnaire or show their results via cell phone.
So far, carbon emissions have not dropped in Japan, but plenty of cows have. Surely even Chik-Fil-A can’t be happy about this.
The killing quickened after a Japanese government website began offering coupons for half-price Big Macs to people who pledged to fight global warming by filling out a survey. Web visitors go through a list of 39 ways they can reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Once they’re at the restaurant, customers wanting bargain BMs can present a printed questionnaire or show their results via cell phone.
So far, carbon emissions have not dropped in Japan, but plenty of cows have. Surely even Chik-Fil-A can’t be happy about this.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Not-So-Friendly Skies. At Least Not For Goats
If you’re planning a trip on Nepal Airlines, don’t tell PETA. The animal rights organization is bound to be plenty upset after hearing that Nepal Air has developed an unusual way of tackling some pesky maintenance and mechanical problems. Instead of hiring better mechanics, the airline is sacrificing live animals. Yes, folks in a move with Old Testament overtones, Nepal Air has, according to Reuters News Service, sacrificed two goats to appease the Hindu sky god Akash Bhairab.
The goats were slaughtered in front of the aircraft, but not presumably not in front of the passengers.
Did it work? Something did. Shortly after the goats croaked, airline official Raju K.C., (no relation to the Sunshine Band) said, "The snag in the plane has now been fixed and the aircraft has resumed its flights.”
The goats were slaughtered in front of the aircraft, but not presumably not in front of the passengers.
Did it work? Something did. Shortly after the goats croaked, airline official Raju K.C., (no relation to the Sunshine Band) said, "The snag in the plane has now been fixed and the aircraft has resumed its flights.”
Fear Of Flying Returns
Senator Larry Craig (R-Idaho), who resigned September 1 after being busted for tap dancing in an airport men’s room, says he may rethink his resignation and stick to his Senate seat.
To that end, he’s hired a team of lawyers and “image-building consultants.” One of them is reportedly Billy Martin, who lawyered Vick all the way to prison in his dogfighting trial.
Fortunately for his new team, Craig doesn’t have near as big a problem as Vick. Some attorneys have even said Craig’s arrest was illegal since Senators can’t be arrested on the way to and from work, even in Minneapolis.
Rats. Just when you thought it was safe to use the airport restroom again, Craig makes a comeback.
To that end, he’s hired a team of lawyers and “image-building consultants.” One of them is reportedly Billy Martin, who lawyered Vick all the way to prison in his dogfighting trial.
Fortunately for his new team, Craig doesn’t have near as big a problem as Vick. Some attorneys have even said Craig’s arrest was illegal since Senators can’t be arrested on the way to and from work, even in Minneapolis.
Rats. Just when you thought it was safe to use the airport restroom again, Craig makes a comeback.
Whoopi Needs A Whuppin'
All these years I’ve been living a lie.
Thanks go to “entertainer” Whoopi Goldberg for alerting me to the fact that I’m not what I thought. Since birth I’ve been under the impression I was a Southerner, right down to the birth certificate and dead relatives who perished in gray uniforms during the Scuffle Between the States.
But Whoopi says if I were a true Southerner I’d be just like Mike Vick, a born-again dogfighting fan.
Whoopi made this blanket indictment of Southerners during her premiere appearance as a co-host on non-hit TV show “The View.” Speaking of Vick’s fondness for dogfighting, Goldberg said, “From his background, this is not an unusual thing where he comes from. It’s like cockfighting in Puerto Rico.”
When asked by another host-ette where Vick “comes from,” Goldberg leaned over and almost whispered, “He’s from the South.”
Nice job, Whoopi. Your predecessor, Rosie O’Donnell only managed to alienate “The View’s” conservative audience. You’ve managed to alienate a whole region of the country.
By now, Whoopi’s probably learned that dogfighting is about as regional as heat rash ands sour mash. Maybe one of these days—preferably after she apologizes to all Southerners—Whoopi will get her facts straight. She played a nun in a few bad movies. Maybe it’s time for Whoopi to take a vow of silence.
Thanks go to “entertainer” Whoopi Goldberg for alerting me to the fact that I’m not what I thought. Since birth I’ve been under the impression I was a Southerner, right down to the birth certificate and dead relatives who perished in gray uniforms during the Scuffle Between the States.
But Whoopi says if I were a true Southerner I’d be just like Mike Vick, a born-again dogfighting fan.
Whoopi made this blanket indictment of Southerners during her premiere appearance as a co-host on non-hit TV show “The View.” Speaking of Vick’s fondness for dogfighting, Goldberg said, “From his background, this is not an unusual thing where he comes from. It’s like cockfighting in Puerto Rico.”
When asked by another host-ette where Vick “comes from,” Goldberg leaned over and almost whispered, “He’s from the South.”
Nice job, Whoopi. Your predecessor, Rosie O’Donnell only managed to alienate “The View’s” conservative audience. You’ve managed to alienate a whole region of the country.
By now, Whoopi’s probably learned that dogfighting is about as regional as heat rash ands sour mash. Maybe one of these days—preferably after she apologizes to all Southerners—Whoopi will get her facts straight. She played a nun in a few bad movies. Maybe it’s time for Whoopi to take a vow of silence.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Happy Labor Day
Hope normal Americans had a safe and happy Labot Day holiday. And hope even more that the fine folks in Iowa and New Hampshire didn't have their holiday weelkends ruined by the host of presidential candidates flocking to those states to talk about how labor unions saved America saved America from becoming the next sweat-shop-plagued Malaysia. But if unions are so great, why hasn't congress created one for itself? Probably because union workers have to actually WORK for a living. That would limit the congressional lifestyle, which consists mostly of selling votes for free food, free whiskey and lots of corruption-creating cash.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Labor Day Vacation
In honor of hard-working Americans (and undocumented aliens) across the fruited plain, this blog will be on vacation until Labor Day has passed. Speaking of which, if any of you are traveling by air this weekend and need to use the airport restroom, remember to check first and make sure there are no elected officials lurking in or near the stall you've selected. If you don't have a choice on seating (and who really does these days), remember this...don't tap your feet, snap your fingers or wave your hands. You could wind up out of office.
Attention Babysitters...
When you smoke dope with the kid you're keeping... DON'T put the action on your MySpace page!
Catfight On The Lunatic Left
Now PETA takes a poke at Al Gore. Head warmer's diet choices turn animal rights group green with, well, not envy.
Haeding to the 2008 Beijing Olympics?
You might want to brush up on your Chinese first. Especially if you plan on eating out.
Friday, August 31, 2007
How do you explain this one to your high school civics class?
In June, Idaho Republican Senator Larry Craig was busted in the men's room of the Minneapolis airport and charged with soliticing sex. On August 1 Craig pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and kept his mouth shut hoping the press would do the same. The story broke at the end of the month at which time, Craig says he is totally innocent and shouldn't have pleaded guilty to anything.
After three days of intense public scrutiny, Craig's pals say he may resign. For what?
If he's innocent he ought to keep his seat and fight. If he quits it can only be because he's guilty of something worse than disorderly conduct. U.S. Congresspersons don't resign for that. Ask any member of the Kennedy family. Craig can't have it both ways. Innocent people don't plead guilty to begin with. And they certainly don't resign.
After three days of intense public scrutiny, Craig's pals say he may resign. For what?
If he's innocent he ought to keep his seat and fight. If he quits it can only be because he's guilty of something worse than disorderly conduct. U.S. Congresspersons don't resign for that. Ask any member of the Kennedy family. Craig can't have it both ways. Innocent people don't plead guilty to begin with. And they certainly don't resign.
Confess Your GREEN Sins?
What about the red, white, blue, orange and yellow ones? Hard to know whether to laugh or cry at this one
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Canadians Declare Bigfoot
An Endangered Species.U.S. Senate considers offering same protection to Mickey Mouse, Snow White and ET.
Society's Hopes Sag
Atlanta is discussing how to waste more law enforcement time and dollars by making it against the law to wear saggy, baggy pants that ride so low your underwear show(s).
This effort should be stopped at once. Baggy pants and flashy drawers may be offensive to some, but saggy pants serve a purpose.
When the Puritans ran colonial America, they did all sorts of practical things to warn citizens of public danger. My favorite was making female aldulterers wear a scarlet letter "A" embroidered on their dress. This practice was highlighted in a colonial bestseller, "The Scarlet Letter." It also made it easier for low-rent men to identify shameless hussies.
Baggy pants serve almost the same purpose. You see someone wearing them, you automatically know the guy (or girl) is an unemployed, undereducated moron. And probably someone you want to avoid, unless you're looking to score some dope or stolen jewelry.
There's just one problem. Sooner or later, anybody caught laughing at baggy-panted losers may is bound to be accused of fashion profiling and sent to sensitivity school. Who needs that?
This effort should be stopped at once. Baggy pants and flashy drawers may be offensive to some, but saggy pants serve a purpose.
When the Puritans ran colonial America, they did all sorts of practical things to warn citizens of public danger. My favorite was making female aldulterers wear a scarlet letter "A" embroidered on their dress. This practice was highlighted in a colonial bestseller, "The Scarlet Letter." It also made it easier for low-rent men to identify shameless hussies.
Baggy pants serve almost the same purpose. You see someone wearing them, you automatically know the guy (or girl) is an unemployed, undereducated moron. And probably someone you want to avoid, unless you're looking to score some dope or stolen jewelry.
There's just one problem. Sooner or later, anybody caught laughing at baggy-panted losers may is bound to be accused of fashion profiling and sent to sensitivity school. Who needs that?
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Vick Pleads Guilty. Now What?
Today, former Altanta Falcon quarterback Michael Vick pleaded guilty to federal charges regarding his involvement in organized dog fighting.
After the hearing, Vick spoke publicly about the incident for the first time. "We all make mistakes. I made a mistake for using bad judgement and making bad decisions," Vick said. "Dogfighting is a terrible thing and I didn't reject it. ... I will redeem myself."
But can he?
He will be sentenced December 10. He will do jail time and lose his right to vote, hold public office, be on a jury and own firearms.
The question is, will Vick ever be accepted again by a community and group of fans that once adored him?
I hope so. What he did was depolorable, but Vick, like everyone else, deserves a secind chance at public acceptance, if not football. He's admitted his guilt and he'll pay the price. What happens after that will be partly dependent on public opinion. Should he never play again, Vick will need all the help he can get to live a productive, positive life. I, for one, will wish him well and hope he can recover from this incident.
I've gotten plenty of second (third and fourth) chances in my life. I don't know where I'd be without them. I hope the public will show Mike Vick the same grace. Unless and until he convinces me I'm a fool, I'll gladly grant him a second chance to turn his life around.
After the hearing, Vick spoke publicly about the incident for the first time. "We all make mistakes. I made a mistake for using bad judgement and making bad decisions," Vick said. "Dogfighting is a terrible thing and I didn't reject it. ... I will redeem myself."
But can he?
He will be sentenced December 10. He will do jail time and lose his right to vote, hold public office, be on a jury and own firearms.
The question is, will Vick ever be accepted again by a community and group of fans that once adored him?
I hope so. What he did was depolorable, but Vick, like everyone else, deserves a secind chance at public acceptance, if not football. He's admitted his guilt and he'll pay the price. What happens after that will be partly dependent on public opinion. Should he never play again, Vick will need all the help he can get to live a productive, positive life. I, for one, will wish him well and hope he can recover from this incident.
I've gotten plenty of second (third and fourth) chances in my life. I don't know where I'd be without them. I hope the public will show Mike Vick the same grace. Unless and until he convinces me I'm a fool, I'll gladly grant him a second chance to turn his life around.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Vick Pleads To What?
Yesterday former football star Michael Vick pulled the smoothest judicial move since O.J. Simpson failed to squeeze his bloody hand into a glove for an L.A. jury. Vick pleaded guilty to some bogus charges about being involved with taking dogs across state lines to fight and be killed. Here's the good part. He says while he bankrolled betting on dog fights, he didn't gamble himself and thus did not violate any NFL taboos. Better yet, he says he was present when dogs were killed but never actually participated in the gruesome executions. This is like Bart Simpson saysing "I didn't do it, nobody saw me do it, you can't prove I did it." Worst of all, federal prosecutors agreed to this nonsense. Vick may serve less than a year in jail. Thankfully, he's been suspended without pay indefinitely by the NFL. Next stop, prison. After that..the poorhouse. Or maybe Vick can start a rap group. With Vick's street cred, he should be an overnight sensation in the Hip Hop cult.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Bad Government Not Limited To Iraq
Good timing. Halfway through their annual "August Recess," member of the U.S. Congress receive new polling data showing congressional approval ratings have reached an all-time low of 18%. That's lower then President Bush, lower than V.P. Cheney, lower than trial lawyers, used car salespersons and Michael Vick. Hitler had better numbers at the height of Worl War II.
But here's the ironic part. As they bask in their well-deserved condemnation, many members of congress are taking time to bash leaders of the Iraqi government for not doing a better job of putting that country together and moving forward. Granted, Iraq is no poster child for good government, but building a representative government from scratch is no easy task. If you don't believe it, reread your American history and see how close this country came to falling apart after winning its independence from Britian.
Iraq may never get its national act together, but the last people who need to comment on bad government are the members of the U.S. Congress. This is the ultimate case of the pot calling the kettle black.
But here's the ironic part. As they bask in their well-deserved condemnation, many members of congress are taking time to bash leaders of the Iraqi government for not doing a better job of putting that country together and moving forward. Granted, Iraq is no poster child for good government, but building a representative government from scratch is no easy task. If you don't believe it, reread your American history and see how close this country came to falling apart after winning its independence from Britian.
Iraq may never get its national act together, but the last people who need to comment on bad government are the members of the U.S. Congress. This is the ultimate case of the pot calling the kettle black.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Monday, August 20, 2007
Mining Disaster
As of this writing, it is reported that officials of Murray Energy, co-owner of Utah’s Crandall Canyon Mine, may soon declare the six miners trapped in an August 6 cave-in dead. Mine owners are also considering closing the area of the mine where the six miners likely died and making it a permanent memorial. But...owners also insist they will continue to dig in other areas of the mine.
Question? How will the other Crandall Canyon miners feel about resuming work on a mountain that has so far claimed three rescue workers and where six of their former buddies probably lie dead?
Maybe a better question is whether they should even be asked to go back to a mine that in the very near future will be part mine, part tomb and part memorial?
Glad it's a question I don't have to answer.
What do you think?
Question? How will the other Crandall Canyon miners feel about resuming work on a mountain that has so far claimed three rescue workers and where six of their former buddies probably lie dead?
Maybe a better question is whether they should even be asked to go back to a mine that in the very near future will be part mine, part tomb and part memorial?
Glad it's a question I don't have to answer.
What do you think?
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Duck. But Not Too Soon.
Last year, despite dire predictions, not a single hurricane made landfall on the U.S. gulf coast. This year, as Hurricane Dean threatens (currently) northern mexico and south Texas, things are back to normal. Or are they?
Hurricane Katrina taught us that failing to evacuate in time can cause big, deadly problems. After 2 years without a big blow, federal, state and local authorities along the Gulf of Mexico are outdoing themselves in the "Early Evacuation Derby." Already, some Texas town have urged voluntary evacuations with Dean still four days away. Other places have begun mandatory evacuations. The effort might save lives, but there's a downside, too. If hundreds of thousands evacuate early and Dean goes elsewhere, as hurricanes are prone to do, they'll be less likely to evacuate next time. Early evacuations also present targets of opportunity for looters, shoplifters and other low rents who know how to cash in on human fear. Some early evacuees could suffer as badly at the hands of looters as they might have in the eye of the storm. It's worth thinking about.
Hurricane season is finally back. Officials should treat these storms with caution. Not panic.
Hurricane Katrina taught us that failing to evacuate in time can cause big, deadly problems. After 2 years without a big blow, federal, state and local authorities along the Gulf of Mexico are outdoing themselves in the "Early Evacuation Derby." Already, some Texas town have urged voluntary evacuations with Dean still four days away. Other places have begun mandatory evacuations. The effort might save lives, but there's a downside, too. If hundreds of thousands evacuate early and Dean goes elsewhere, as hurricanes are prone to do, they'll be less likely to evacuate next time. Early evacuations also present targets of opportunity for looters, shoplifters and other low rents who know how to cash in on human fear. Some early evacuees could suffer as badly at the hands of looters as they might have in the eye of the storm. It's worth thinking about.
Hurricane season is finally back. Officials should treat these storms with caution. Not panic.
Coming Soon To A Hip Church near You?
Church "bribes" potential new parishioners with Gospel On The Go
Most "World-Changing" Invention Since The Segway Scooter
Yeah, but will it make you rich and good-looking?
Friday, August 17, 2007
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Justice Gone To The Dogs
As of this writing, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick is reportedly close to reaching a plea deal under which he could serve as much as a year in jail for his participation in a Virginia dogfighting ring. Meanwhile, Mary Winkler, who admitted shooting her preacher husband to death last year was just released from jail after serving just 67 days for blowing her man away while the kids were in the house. Sixty seven days for murder. One year for dogfighting. Equal justice? You tell me.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Climate Change Before Gore? Not To mention SUVs?
Maye so, according to the Washington Post. A researcher thumbing through old issues of the WaPo came across this headline that would have made Al Gore soil himself...
"Arctic Ocean Getting Warm; Seals Vanish and Icebergs Melt."
There's just one problem. The hadline and artiucle were published in November...of 1922!!!!
The 1922 article includes this familiar-sounding passage...
"great masses of ice have now been replaced by moraines of earth and stones," and "at many points well-known glaciers have entirely disappeared."
How 'bout that? melting ice, dying seals, disappearing glaciers.
It's weather, folks. It's happened before and it's happening again. The only question you need to ask is why are we hysterical now but not then? Guess back then, people thought it was just weather at work, not evil humans and thei evil cars destroying the planet.
"Arctic Ocean Getting Warm; Seals Vanish and Icebergs Melt."
There's just one problem. The hadline and artiucle were published in November...of 1922!!!!
The 1922 article includes this familiar-sounding passage...
"great masses of ice have now been replaced by moraines of earth and stones," and "at many points well-known glaciers have entirely disappeared."
How 'bout that? melting ice, dying seals, disappearing glaciers.
It's weather, folks. It's happened before and it's happening again. The only question you need to ask is why are we hysterical now but not then? Guess back then, people thought it was just weather at work, not evil humans and thei evil cars destroying the planet.
Monday, August 13, 2007
NASA revised Temperature Stats
here are the revised temps published by NASA. Negative number indicate temps below the mean. Positive numbers indicate amount (in degrees above the mean).
NASA revised temperatures
NASA revised temperatures
More Bad News For Global Warmers
You've probably heard this song before, but in case you haven't, here's how "USA Today" sang the tune in 2004:
"Nine of the 10 hottest years on record occurred in 1995 or later, according to the U.N.'s World Meteorological Organization. The last four years were among the five hottest; 1998 was the hottest on record."
Wowie. Zowie. We're all gonna die. Unless of course, the data were wrong. And it turns out, they were. Don't take my word for it. Ask the folks at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, which collects and publishes most of the weather data used by Al Gore and his disciples in the Church of Global Warming.
NASA's head weather dude for years, James Hansen, is on record as saying things have never been hotter. he is especially proud of being the first person to absolutely, positively state that 1998 was the hottest year on record.
Or maybe not. Last week, in a move not reported by the New York Times, National Geographic or the U.N. Panel on Climate Change, NASA's weather watchers posted some revised figures on surface temperatures in the U.S.
Guess what? Seems like after NASA adjusted its "methodologies" to get some more accurate data, there's new winner in the Hottest Year Ever Derby. That winner? 1934.
Things got worse for NASA from there. Previously, NASA agreed that nine of the world's ten hottest years had occurred since 1995. Not quite. In fact, according to NASA;s revised figures, four of the top ten hottest years occurred in the 1930s: 1934, 1931, 1938 and 1939. Worse, only 3 of the top 10 are from the last 10 years (1998, 2006, 1999). Other recent "super-hot" years, including 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2004 fell way down the charts.
Don't take my word for it. Ask NASA. To their credit they were willing to make changes after their suspect methodology was pointed out. The bad news, none of the major media pointed out this
"Inconvenient Fact."
Guess they're still looking for the 1930-era SUVs that caused the hot spell.
"Nine of the 10 hottest years on record occurred in 1995 or later, according to the U.N.'s World Meteorological Organization. The last four years were among the five hottest; 1998 was the hottest on record."
Wowie. Zowie. We're all gonna die. Unless of course, the data were wrong. And it turns out, they were. Don't take my word for it. Ask the folks at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, which collects and publishes most of the weather data used by Al Gore and his disciples in the Church of Global Warming.
NASA's head weather dude for years, James Hansen, is on record as saying things have never been hotter. he is especially proud of being the first person to absolutely, positively state that 1998 was the hottest year on record.
Or maybe not. Last week, in a move not reported by the New York Times, National Geographic or the U.N. Panel on Climate Change, NASA's weather watchers posted some revised figures on surface temperatures in the U.S.
Guess what? Seems like after NASA adjusted its "methodologies" to get some more accurate data, there's new winner in the Hottest Year Ever Derby. That winner? 1934.
Things got worse for NASA from there. Previously, NASA agreed that nine of the world's ten hottest years had occurred since 1995. Not quite. In fact, according to NASA;s revised figures, four of the top ten hottest years occurred in the 1930s: 1934, 1931, 1938 and 1939. Worse, only 3 of the top 10 are from the last 10 years (1998, 2006, 1999). Other recent "super-hot" years, including 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2004 fell way down the charts.
Don't take my word for it. Ask NASA. To their credit they were willing to make changes after their suspect methodology was pointed out. The bad news, none of the major media pointed out this
"Inconvenient Fact."
Guess they're still looking for the 1930-era SUVs that caused the hot spell.
Friday, August 10, 2007
"Natural Forces" 1, Global Warming, 0
Oops. Darn that old el nino and his bratty sister, la nina, too. wonder what else computer models have missed in forecasting future planetary doom?
Thursday, August 9, 2007
When Animals Attack, Part Whatever
First we had bad beavers in Sweden. Now it's perpetratin' pike in Austria
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
4Real Still Not A Reality
After being denied the right to name their kid "4 Real" New Zealand couple picks a super name for their child
Sportsman of the Modern Era
This award has to go to Henry "Hammerin' Hank" Aaron, former holder of Major League Baseball's home run record. Last night, steroid junkie Barry Bonds hit homer number 756 to break Aaron's record. After the homer, a video tape of Aaron congratulating Bonds was played to the sellout crowd in San Francisco. I'd have choked before congratulating Bonds on the drug-fueled feat. This isn't stop-the-presses news, but Aaron's a bigger man than I. After the game Bonds said his "record" wasn't tainted at all. Right. And pro wrestling's real, isn't it Barry?
Important Headache Advisory
The blog has been silent for a few days while the blogger attempted to address some software issues, including a bad tooth. The tooth is now much better thanks to my favorite dentist, Dr. Phillip Swords, of Newnan, GA. If your mouth is a mess, he's the man to fix it. If you're in good shape, dentally-speaking, Phillip can still improve your smile and your attitude. Doesn't get much better than that. My headache's better. Best of all, I didn't have to deal wth THIS!
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Friday, August 3, 2007
Global Warming Isn't Always Hot?
Scientist Says Global Warming Causes Cold Winters. On what planet does this make sense? After years of insisting hotter weather is killing coral reefs, this "scientist" says coral is being murdered by Cold Weather, Too!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Minneapolis Tragedy Highlights Future Problems
As of this writing, 4 people are dead, over 60 injured and 20 missing following the collapse of the I-35W bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. Personal injury lawyers have already swamped the Twin Cities as they troll for clients. Engineers, contractors and inspectors are running for cover. According to news reports, recent inspections showed some metal fatigue and other potential problems with the collapsed bridge.That's awful, and the victims, their famiies and loved ones deserve our prayers, warm thoughts and best wishes. But..expect more of this kind of disaster in the near future. Last month a 100-year old steam burst and caused great damage—and not a little anxziety—in Manhattan. Every year, more bridges and stretches of road are closed for overdue repairs. Our national infrastructure is showing its age. Things have to be fixed, and soon. The cost of repairs will be astronomical. But where will the money come from? A recent congressional report said in a few decades federal entitlement programs, mainly Medicare and Social Security, would consume 70% of the national budget. That number's not going down. Sooner or layer Congress will have to quit playing the blame game on Iraq and address future budget disasters. We can't abandon all our social programs and we can't wait until every bridge in the country has collapsed to discuss that issue. Truth is, congress has only two choices to deal with future shortfalls: cut entitlements or raise taxes. Count on the tax increase first, but after that, well, you might start getting ready now to kiss your favorite federal program good-bye.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Congressional Recess
Your national lawmaker will soon be headed home to spend a well-earned month off after spending at least one grueling month in D.C. drinking free lobbysit whiskey and wondering whether or not their personal phone number would show up in the D.C. Madam's little black book. This may be your only chance to tell them how you feel about things that matter back home. After getting an earful on immigration reform over the Memorial Day recess, several soft-spined electeds changed their positions when it became clear their back-home funding was threatened. They're ready to cave in again if the proper pressure is once again applied to their wallets. If they're in your neighborhood, give them an earful...but not a dime. They'll eventually get the message. And maybe they'll start to figure out why congressional approval ratings are lower than those of the president.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Tour de Shame?
The world's most famous bicycle race limped to a close as a Spaniard won the Tour de France by 23 seconds over his nearest rival. All in all, the French were probably glad to have this abomination over and done with. That's because for several years now, the news from the tour has been more about which competitors are illegally doped than bicycle racing. The highlight of this year's tour wasn't the grueling climb throgh the Alps, but the expulsion of several frontrunners for either testing positive for dope or missing prerace tests which could have shown they were taking banned substances. Last year's winner, Floyd Landis, wasn't on hand, since he's still back home sulking and suing after having his 2006 title pulled when postrace drug tests came back positive. Meanwhile, people around the world are seeking a sport where the "athletes" rely more on talent than drugs to win. Maybe NASCAR.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Pit Bulls Are More Loyal
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick pleaded innocent Thursday to federal charges alleging his involvement in breeding, fighting and murdering pit bull terriers. All along Vick has said he financed the Virgina venture for a couple of old pals and didn't know what they were doing on his property. Looks like one of those old chums knows exactly what he's doing. That's why he just went to prosecutors and offered to testify against Vick and others. This is normally done in exchange for dropped charges or a lighter sentence. Vick is now one step closer to being vaporized. Read more here
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Oops, She Did It Again
Fresh claims have surfaced that pop tart Britney Spears may be pregnant again. Several guys are vying to be named as official impregnators
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
They Used To Swear Off Whiskey
Looks like the "axis of evil" has shifted where political candidates and their spouses are concerned. Now, avoiding imported fruit ranks right up there with fighting terrorism as a national proority. Which explains why, as she campaigns for her husband's presidency, Elizabeth Edwards has vowed to make the ultimate sacrifice
Idiot Of The Week So Far
The award goes to me for trying to return an empty DVD box to the local video rental store. After a trip home to get the actual disc, the clerk was nice. Guess he figured I'd suffered enough humiliation for one day. But...things would be a lot easier if the rental DVDs came in see-through sleeves. That way, morons like me would know they're leaving home unloaded.
Vick Suspended By League. Will Club Follow?
Two days before the start of preseason training, the NFL suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback Mike Vick—aka "Ookie"— from practice until the league can investigate dog fighting charges lodged against Vick in Virginia. Maybe the Falcons should follow suit and give Vick the year off to do community service work for PETA.
Monday, July 23, 2007
New Heights For Hygeine
Climbers on France's Mt. Blanc will find comfort in this high-altitude outhouse
Forget FEMA, Call Noah
Heavy rains in Britain are creating Katrina-like conditions for thousands of locals. Now the main problem is figuring out how to blame George Bush for this wet weather disaster
And We Want This Bunch To Run Health Care?
Not long after September 11, 2001, as the U.S. Senate grappled with improving airport security, many senators believed the answer to better security was a new federal program. The Transportation Security Authority (TSA) was born. At the time, now-defeated senator Tom Daschle (D-S. Dakota) famously said..."If you want to professionalize, you've got to federalize." Here's what we got
A Horror Greater Than Hillary?
The answer is "YES!" if you're a fan of my favorite TV show, "24." Word has reached the blog that the show's next season may feature a Female President! The news couldn't be worse. It was obvious last season that the show had been invaded by female writers, which expkained why half the episodes were devoted to discussing "issues" and "feelings" rather than torturing people and blowing things up. The dismal ratings proved "24's" audience prefers guts (mostly spilled) to glamor. If we get a female president, Jack Bauer will probably be assigned to attend sensitivity seminars instead of saving the world. Read more about this horror here
Saturday, July 21, 2007
A Moment of Silence
This blog will be taking the rest of the day off in honor of President Bush's colonoscopy. As a "survivor" of said procedure, I can attest that the pres won't be doing much news-making himself today. And it looks like no one else is picking up the slack. Besides, the usual offering of silly stories was woefully weak this morning. Guess everybody's staying home to read the new Harry Potter book. Hope they all enjoy it.
Vick Getting Imus'd?
Atlanta Falcon's quarterback Micheal Vick was indicted this week for his alleged involvement in pit bull breeding and fighting. No surprise. Vick's a thug and pit bull fighting is the current entertainment of choice for the royalty of the hip hop culture's thugocracy. But...why stop at picking on Vick? Radio shock jock Don Imus was fired earlier this year for derogatory comments about basketball-playing women that were no worse than comments made by hundreds of other on-air personalities. For a while, there was a feeble attempt to go after the other smear merchants. That effort is now quiet as a churchmouse. Vick is only the biggest name to be publicly associated with pit bull fighting. Tens of thousands of lesser thugs do it every day with umpunity and very little effort to put a stop to this monstrous practice. If Vick is guilty, let him be nailed and jailed. But don't stop there. People with any sense or sensibility (sorry, Jane Austen) about this so-called "sport" should be pursued as vigorously as Vick. The only good ending for this story is a permanent end to dog fighting in our own back yards.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Sleepless In The Senate
The U.S. Senate used to (really) advertise themselves as the "Greatest Deliberative Body On Earth." These days, they're nothing but a bunch of spoiled children who can't pass a single piece of legislation becasuse they're too busy pointing fingers and calling names. Their latest high (or low) light came this week when the Senate held a slumber party complete with takeout pizza as they were arguing about funding the Iraq war. When it was over, the votes hadn't changed and a Democratic proposal was defeated as everyone expected. Now, theDemocrats are whining about the Republican minority being obstructionist. Sound famiiar? It should. The Republicans spent the last two years of their Senate majority accusing Democrats of the same thing. They're both right. And they're all a waste of time. We need fewer do-nothing whiners on both sides of the aisle and more people who know how to craft legislation and get it passed. This current Senate is a waste of oxygen. The sooner all 100 are replaced the better.
More Stuff Coming Soon
Thanks to two readers, Travis and Cameron for calling me to task for not doing a better job of sharing my personal thoughts and opinions in this space. I'll try and get around to it more often in addition to posting strange, stupid and otherwise useless (but fun) news items you might have missed in your local paper.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Where's PETA When You Need Them?
Looks like some German zoo employees thought they working at a hunting preserve
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Not Me, Officer. It Was The Other Monkey. Cross My Heart.
Indian cops will have to catch this thief red-handed to solve this crime
WhyWe Need A Bald President
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney reveals his membership in the expensive haircut club
Gore guests gag at environmentally awful feast
At his daughter's Beverly Hills wedding reception, Al Gore treated guests to a tasty helping of endangered fish
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Hell Hath No Fury Like A Former CBS Producer
Might be a good cat fight on the way. Dan Rather's former producer Mary Mapes has some unkind remarks about Rather's replacement Katie Couric
Monday, July 16, 2007
At Least The Fishermen Were Happy
Folks in Jennings, Louisiana, couldn't believe their eyes when worms fell from the sky
Good Idea For A Horror Movie?
First it was spying squirrels in Iran. Now we get this animal atrocity from the Brits in Iraq.
One Hug Away From Victory In Iraq?
Some of our nation's leaders say peaceful negotiations can't lead to peace in Iraq. this group would disagree
I'll Have My Rat Over Easy, Please
Floods forced the rodents to big cities. So Chinese entrepreneurs are selling rats to restaurants
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Temps Dropping Down Under
Maybe some parts of the world are warming, but shivering Australians are buying more sweaters
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Pass The Advil, Please
A home mechanic learned that working on his truck could cause a real headache
Friday, July 13, 2007
"If You Think I'm Sexy..." Watch Your language!
Rocker Rod Stewart says he's so tired of onstage cussing, he's going to pay fans in cash if he does it himself
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Lose Those Leadfoot Blues
For those who like life in the fast lane, a Danish insurer is offering help for chonic speeders
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Yeah, But Does He Get Frequent Flyer Miles?
Thanks to a bunch of folks, including Bill Cole from St. Louis and Steve Hill from Newnan, for sending along this tale of a real high flyer
Wash Those Blues Right Out Of Your Hair?
French company says their product is cheaper than seeing a shrink
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Are You Glad To See Me, Or Is That A Skyscraper In Your Pocket?
New San Diego building accused of being an advertisement for Viagra
Live Earth's Final Act
Maybe last weekend's Live Earth's concerts for "a climate in crisis" will have an impact on the world's weather but certain South Americans sure aren't worried about global warming
Monday, July 9, 2007
Maybe They Should Start The Search in Washington, D.C.
A group of scientists say we should expand the search for ET. They call it "weird life." Sound like your elected representative?
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Jo-Burg Gives Big Chill To Live Earth
Promoters of Saturday's Live Earth concert in Johannesburg, SA, blamed the small crowd on "poor publicity." Fans didn't. They skipped the anti-Global Warming concert because it was too cold
Bulls 7, Humans 0. Serves 'Em Right (the humans)
The bad news: The annual Running of the Bulls began a couple of day ago in Pamplona, Spain. The good news: the bulls are winning
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Live Earth Concert A Planet Killer?
According to the U.K.'s Daily Mail, humanity in general may have to hold a global bake sale to cover the cost of carbon offsets for all the environmental damage done by folks at this weekend's Live Earth concerts.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Greenland Really Was!
Don't look now, but according to this group of scientists, global warming is nothing new to Greenland.
Chinese Outhouse Can House A Horde
In case you worried about toilet facilities at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, this should put your mind at rest.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Love The Earth? Lose The Meat.
In case you didn't believe there was a link between the Global Warming and militant vegetarian movements, here's more proof: Sprout munchers are urging organizers of London's Live Earth concert to ban burgers to save the world
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
The Price Of Freedom
As the United States of America celebrates its 231st birthday, it's always good to remember the high price of freedom. No one chronicled the cost better than Pulitzer Prize-winning war correspondent Ernie Pyle. Read what he saw on the Beaches of Normandy two days after the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Angelina Jolie's D Cup Bosoms Earn All As
Looks like the term Teacher's Pet has taken on a whole new meaning these days. Wonder if prospective employers are advised what these kids learned during their time at Sofia university?
Monday, July 2, 2007
Putting The CyberCart Before The Horse
Maybe the internet can save the world, but it helps to have some electricity to run your computer. One day these Nigerian school kids might have both...
Nigerian computers
Nigerian computers
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Booty (re)Call
Bad news for vegetarians. After decades of preaching about the dangers of meat, sprout snackers learn that even vegetables can be hazardous to your health. Read about the recall of Veggie Booty at...
www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/06/29/veggie.booty.recall.ap/index.html
www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/06/29/veggie.booty.recall.ap/index.html
And They Wonder Why We Don't Like Them
Recent polls show President George Bush's unfavorable ratings in the low 20 percent range. That's bad. But the numbers for Congress are even worse. As expected, congressional creeps are blaming the other party for dismal poll numbers. Guess it hasn't occurred to them that, We, The People, are fed up with a bunch of whinig, do-nothing liars who care about nothing except getting re-elected.
But maybe our elected officials can't help their lying ways. According to Brit paper "The Telegraph," kids learn to start lying when they're six months old.
Details here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=/earth/2007/07/01/scibaby101.xml
But maybe our elected officials can't help their lying ways. According to Brit paper "The Telegraph," kids learn to start lying when they're six months old.
Details here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=/earth/2007/07/01/scibaby101.xml
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Not Tonight, Dear, I've Got A Headache
We used to settle these things in divorce court. Now a Florida women is busted for shooting her hubby while he slept. The best part? The guy thought his hedache was a migraine. Read it all from Ananova News Service at:
www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2393710.html
www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2393710.html
Hey Kids, Don't Try This At Home
A Reston Virginia, woman found an alligator in her back yard. Then she took matters (and the gator) into her own hands. Read all about it at:
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/ODD_ALLIGATOR_WRANGLER?SITE=ALMON&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/ODD_ALLIGATOR_WRANGLER?SITE=ALMON&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Friday, June 29, 2007
Working On Senate Time
On June 27, the United States Senate collectively threw up its hands and quit trying to pass the latest bill addressing illegal immigration. Then, things got worse. After failing to do their jobs, the senators casually announced that because the immuigration issue was "so hard" and "really tough to deal with," the senate wouldn't be able to tackle immigration reform again until after the next national election, which is more than 16 months away. Maybe it's just me, but if this crowd can't find the time in the next 16 months to address what many senators have called "our most pressing issue," maybe it's time to throw the whole bunch out and start over.
No time? That's all they have is time...to work on this bill and others. What they're lacking isn't time, but guts. After bothering to visit the home folks during Memorial Day recess, the senators realized this issue is radioactive. By the strange logic of American politics, incumbent politicians have learned they can do better at election time by avoiding an issue rather than taking an unpopular stand. Maybe it's time voters reminded them that taking unpopular stands is what politicians are elected to do. If the current senate had been seated in 1964, minoriities would still be begging for the right to vote. These days, though, the "job" isn't about making hard choices, it's about raising hard cash for reelection campaigns. Makes you proud, doesn't it?
No time? That's all they have is time...to work on this bill and others. What they're lacking isn't time, but guts. After bothering to visit the home folks during Memorial Day recess, the senators realized this issue is radioactive. By the strange logic of American politics, incumbent politicians have learned they can do better at election time by avoiding an issue rather than taking an unpopular stand. Maybe it's time voters reminded them that taking unpopular stands is what politicians are elected to do. If the current senate had been seated in 1964, minoriities would still be begging for the right to vote. These days, though, the "job" isn't about making hard choices, it's about raising hard cash for reelection campaigns. Makes you proud, doesn't it?
Out Of Africa
Special thanks to bloggers around the world for visting the blog over 350 times since June 11. The good news is, the blog has had lookers (if not posters) from North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The bad news, not a single looker from Africa. If you know someone who calls Africa home, give them a buzz and the blog can proudly say it has (served, aggravated, disgusted) people on every continent except Antarctica. And that's next. So thanks for dropping by, but please, leave a few more notes. I'd love to chat with more of you.
Fish Story
The blog has been a bit skimpy this week. The blogger apologizes for that, but it was necessary to take a few days off and study global warming and related fish attacks on humans in the Florida panhandle. I'm proud to report that after suffering sweltering heat for three days I was not attacked by a single sturgeon. I did, however, manage to catch several large salt water fish, the largest a drum weighing over 15 pounds. Several snapper and at least two stingrays were included in the week's haul. I am proud to say all creatures were released unharmed and I satisfied my seafood cravings with fish caught by other people and sold to restaurants. Hope the first part of you week was just as good.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Paris (Hilton) Liberated!
After 23 days in the pokey, party princess Paris Hilton was sprung and thousands of celebrity photographers came off the unemployment roll and started snapping.
All I can say is Good for Ms. Hilton. She certainly has some well-documented problems, but after a shaky start in the slammer, Paris settled down (as far as we know)and did her time. In fact, she served more time than the average LA resident for the same offense. Bad things can have positive results. Let's hope Paris' jail stay did her some good. And if it works for Paris, let's start a movement to put Bitney Spears behind bars soon. That child needs some help, too.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070627/D8Q0QJMO2.html
All I can say is Good for Ms. Hilton. She certainly has some well-documented problems, but after a shaky start in the slammer, Paris settled down (as far as we know)and did her time. In fact, she served more time than the average LA resident for the same offense. Bad things can have positive results. Let's hope Paris' jail stay did her some good. And if it works for Paris, let's start a movement to put Bitney Spears behind bars soon. That child needs some help, too.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070627/D8Q0QJMO2.html
Monday, June 25, 2007
4REAL alive and well...And doing a Hollywood gig!
We recently reported on a New Zealand couple which attempted unsuccessfully to name their child 4real. Maybe the child can grow up to work for the organization which sponsored a South American jaunt by actress Cameron Diaz. By the way, Ms. Diaz learned that while Hollywood typed still love Communist "heroes," not everyone feels the same way. Here's what I mean...
"Cameron Diaz Apologizes for Maoist Bag
LIMA, Peru — Cameron Diaz apologized Sunday for carrying a bag with a political slogan that evoked painful memories in Peru.
The voice of Princess Fiona in the animated "Shrek" films visited the Incan city of Machu Picchu in Peru's Andes on Friday carrying an olive green bag emblazoned with a red star and the words "Serve the People" printed in Chinese, perhaps Chinese Communist leader Mao Zedong's most famous political slogan.
(enlarge photo)
US actress Cameron Diaz, left, and MTV Canada host Sol Guy, center left, laugh as they walk with their tour guide Freddy Quispe, center right, as they tour the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu near Cuzco, Peru, Friday, June 22, 2007. The person at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Karel Navarro)
The bags are marketed as fashion accessories in some world capitals, but in Peru the slogan evokes memories of the Maoist Shining Path insurgency that fought the government in the 1980s and early 1990s in a bloody conflict that left nearly 70,000 people dead.
"I sincerely apologize to anyone I may have inadvertently offended. The bag was a purchase I made as a tourist in China and I did not realize the potentially hurtful nature of the slogan printed on it," Diaz said in a statement e-mailed to The Associated Press.
On Friday, one prominent Peruvian human rights activist said Diaz should have been a little more aware of local sensitivities when picking her accessories.
In Sunday's statement, the star of "There's Something About Mary" said the purpose of her visit was to participate in a television show that celebrates Peru's culture. The actress has been in Peru as part of "4 REAL," a Canadian TV production that focuses on young community leaders around the world.
"I'm sorry for any people's pain and suffering and it was certainly never my intention to reopen what I now know is a painful wound in this country's history," she said.
Diaz also spoke of Peruvians' beauty and warmth and said she wished "for their continued healing."
"Cameron Diaz Apologizes for Maoist Bag
LIMA, Peru — Cameron Diaz apologized Sunday for carrying a bag with a political slogan that evoked painful memories in Peru.
The voice of Princess Fiona in the animated "Shrek" films visited the Incan city of Machu Picchu in Peru's Andes on Friday carrying an olive green bag emblazoned with a red star and the words "Serve the People" printed in Chinese, perhaps Chinese Communist leader Mao Zedong's most famous political slogan.
(enlarge photo)
US actress Cameron Diaz, left, and MTV Canada host Sol Guy, center left, laugh as they walk with their tour guide Freddy Quispe, center right, as they tour the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu near Cuzco, Peru, Friday, June 22, 2007. The person at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Karel Navarro)
The bags are marketed as fashion accessories in some world capitals, but in Peru the slogan evokes memories of the Maoist Shining Path insurgency that fought the government in the 1980s and early 1990s in a bloody conflict that left nearly 70,000 people dead.
"I sincerely apologize to anyone I may have inadvertently offended. The bag was a purchase I made as a tourist in China and I did not realize the potentially hurtful nature of the slogan printed on it," Diaz said in a statement e-mailed to The Associated Press.
On Friday, one prominent Peruvian human rights activist said Diaz should have been a little more aware of local sensitivities when picking her accessories.
In Sunday's statement, the star of "There's Something About Mary" said the purpose of her visit was to participate in a television show that celebrates Peru's culture. The actress has been in Peru as part of "4 REAL," a Canadian TV production that focuses on young community leaders around the world.
"I'm sorry for any people's pain and suffering and it was certainly never my intention to reopen what I now know is a painful wound in this country's history," she said.
Diaz also spoke of Peruvians' beauty and warmth and said she wished "for their continued healing."
4real? 4Shame.
If you thought Hollywood couples came up with crazy baby names, read this. Then send in your favorite wacky names. We'll publish the best...and worst.
From New Zealand news services:
"Couple try to name son '4real'
A New Zealand couple have been blocked by authorities in their bid to name their baby son '4real'.
Pat and Sheena Wheaton decided on the name after glimpsing him for the first time during a scan, reports Metro News.
But they have been told that '4real' can't go down on the birth certificate because numerals are not allowed.
Mrs Wheaton told TV One: "For most of us, when we try to figure out what our names mean, we have to look it up in a babies book and there's no direct link between the meaning and the name.
"With this name, everyone knows what it means."
But when the parents tried to file the name with New Zealand's Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, they were told names beginning with a number were against the rules.
The government office has opened negotiations with the parents about the name under a policy that says all unusual names must be given case-by-case consideration.
Registrar-General Brian Clarke said in a statement: "The name has not at this stage been rejected. We are currently in discussions with the parents to clarify the situation."
New Zealand law requires all children to be registered within two months of birth and the baby will be registered as 'Real' if no compromise is reached."
From New Zealand news services:
"Couple try to name son '4real'
A New Zealand couple have been blocked by authorities in their bid to name their baby son '4real'.
Pat and Sheena Wheaton decided on the name after glimpsing him for the first time during a scan, reports Metro News.
But they have been told that '4real' can't go down on the birth certificate because numerals are not allowed.
Mrs Wheaton told TV One: "For most of us, when we try to figure out what our names mean, we have to look it up in a babies book and there's no direct link between the meaning and the name.
"With this name, everyone knows what it means."
But when the parents tried to file the name with New Zealand's Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, they were told names beginning with a number were against the rules.
The government office has opened negotiations with the parents about the name under a policy that says all unusual names must be given case-by-case consideration.
Registrar-General Brian Clarke said in a statement: "The name has not at this stage been rejected. We are currently in discussions with the parents to clarify the situation."
New Zealand law requires all children to be registered within two months of birth and the baby will be registered as 'Real' if no compromise is reached."
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Forget COYOTE Ugly. Check out this pooch
A New Jersey mutt was just named World's Ugliest Dog at a contest in Petaluma, Ca. The good news is, this sweetie won a thousand bucks. Wonder if there are plastic surgeons for pooches? Or Maybe the chicks dig this look. Check story and pix at:
www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8PUBUIO1&show_article=1
www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8PUBUIO1&show_article=1
Friday, June 22, 2007
Paris Hilton might like this jail
When poor Paris hit the slammer for the first time she had issues with prison food at the LA. County Jail. That's certainly not a problem here...
from Ananova News Service:
"...Inmates of an Indian prison are reportedly refusing to apply for bail because the food is so good.
Parappana Agrahara prison in Bangalore is crowded with 4,700 inmates, more than twice its capacity.
Criminals are refusing to apply for bail to get out while juvenile offenders are lying about their age to get in, reports the Bangalore Mirror.
The paper says the reason is healthy food being served by ISKCON, or the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, a Hindu evangelist organisation.
ISKCON, commonly known as the Hare Krishna movement, started serving its pure-vegetarian fare in the jail in May under contract from the prisons department.
Lunch and dinner typically include piping hot rice, two vegetables and a spicy lentil dish called sambar and buttermilk.
A dessert is added on festival days and national holidays like Independence Day, and also once a week.
Prisoner Raja Reddy, who has been arrested 20 times in 30 years for theft, robbery and burglary, said: "When we are getting tasty, nutritious food three times a day here, why should we go out and commit crimes."
from Ananova News Service:
"...Inmates of an Indian prison are reportedly refusing to apply for bail because the food is so good.
Parappana Agrahara prison in Bangalore is crowded with 4,700 inmates, more than twice its capacity.
Criminals are refusing to apply for bail to get out while juvenile offenders are lying about their age to get in, reports the Bangalore Mirror.
The paper says the reason is healthy food being served by ISKCON, or the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, a Hindu evangelist organisation.
ISKCON, commonly known as the Hare Krishna movement, started serving its pure-vegetarian fare in the jail in May under contract from the prisons department.
Lunch and dinner typically include piping hot rice, two vegetables and a spicy lentil dish called sambar and buttermilk.
A dessert is added on festival days and national holidays like Independence Day, and also once a week.
Prisoner Raja Reddy, who has been arrested 20 times in 30 years for theft, robbery and burglary, said: "When we are getting tasty, nutritious food three times a day here, why should we go out and commit crimes."
Thursday, June 21, 2007
New Blogs for tea lovers and book readers
Been remiss in not pumping up a couple of great new blogs out there. One is a book discussion called "The Book Nook" hosted by Liz Barnett. Lots of great thoughts about a new book and fun comments from readers. Check it out at:
www.ncmagbooknook.blogspot.com
If you've ever enjoyed a cup of tea—and everything that goes with the whole tea culture—you don't want to miss the "Tea With Friends" blog. Too much good stuff to even tease in this space but for advice on everything from steeping times to sightings of tea celebrities, check this one out. I should reveal that this blog is edited and operated by my wife, Angela, who, for my money, knows more about tea than anyone. Angela's also the reason the blog layout is so pretty. (She's offered to beautify my blog and one day I'll take her up on it), but for now, enjoy your cup of tea as you read along at:
www.ncmagteawithfriends.blogspot.com
www.ncmagbooknook.blogspot.com
If you've ever enjoyed a cup of tea—and everything that goes with the whole tea culture—you don't want to miss the "Tea With Friends" blog. Too much good stuff to even tease in this space but for advice on everything from steeping times to sightings of tea celebrities, check this one out. I should reveal that this blog is edited and operated by my wife, Angela, who, for my money, knows more about tea than anyone. Angela's also the reason the blog layout is so pretty. (She's offered to beautify my blog and one day I'll take her up on it), but for now, enjoy your cup of tea as you read along at:
www.ncmagteawithfriends.blogspot.com
Global COOLING on the way???
Here's a story that was totally ignored by the mainstream American press. A group of Canadian scientists say we're on the verge of a big cool down. Why? It's that darned old sun. Read the whole story here:
www.canada.com/nationalpost/financialpost/comment/story.html?id=597d0677-2a05-47b4-b34f-b84068db11f4&p=4
www.canada.com/nationalpost/financialpost/comment/story.html?id=597d0677-2a05-47b4-b34f-b84068db11f4&p=4
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Fly the stinky skies of Continental Air Lines
What's worse than snakes on a plane? How 'bout raw sewage with your snack service. Check out this horror story at: [www.king5.com/topstories/stories/NW_061907WAB_continental_sewage_flight_TP.1cc511cf.html]
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
gardening tips
Several years ago I tried to do a garden. It did me instead. I wrote about it way back when and decided to dredge up this old column to warn any would-be gardeners about the perils of one particular veggie.
Column follows:
BURIED TREASURE
The article seemed harmless, a trifle about the joys of gardening. It described the wonders of becoming one with the earth and watching a miracle of nature unfold before your very eyes. It also said you could save some dough on groceries.
I decided to give it a shot. The first decision was what to plant. I finally settled on beans , peas, tomatoes, squash and cucumbers. I should have stopped there, but decided to take a shot at one exotic planting. If you learn nothing else in life, learn this:
DO NOT PLANT POTATOES.
They are sneaky, devious plants and will lead you down the road to gardening heartache and frustration. I didn’t learn this until too late.
The article said to prepare the soil by doing fancy things like digging and mulching. Since I knew weeds grew in the cracks of the sidewalk where nobody ever mulched, much less dug, I passed. Instead, I mowed my garden area down close to the dirt and then made trenches for some plants and built hills for others.
For a while all was well. Every day when I went out to admire my handiwork, I was rewarded with genuine home-grown groceries. As soon as a new plant ripened, I rushed it inside and gobbled it up.
Trouble is, I wasn’t the only one who enjoyed my garden goodies. Every day I noticed some critter trying to take advantage of my green thumbery. Birds strafed my pole beans. Squirrels stalked my tomatoes. And I couldn’t see them, but I knew the moles were down there munching on tender young roots.
I wasn’t about to surrender my cheap eats to a bunch of vermin, so I fought back. It wasn’t cheap. My total investment in seed was about five bucks. But when I added the cost of iron pipe for fenceposts, a five-pound sledge hammer for driving said posts into the ground, hog wire to keep out chickens and hogs, mosquito netting to foil the birds and a used 50 caliber machine gun to blast the squirrels, I was out about 900 bucks. Not counting ammo.
It worked out to about two dollars per mouthful. Not exactly budget cuisine, but the project was still fun, and all-in-all, things went fine.
Except for those potatoes. The hills I built for them just sat there like leafy yard pimples, not a potato in sight.
After the last harvest I went to fill my trenches and flatten my mounds. I was stunned to find lumps under my potato hills. I dug deeper and to my amazement, discovered dozens of big, brown, beautiful potatoes.
What treachery. They’d been there all the time, but didn’t have the guts to come up and face me. They just cowered beneath the clay, probably watching the whole time and laughing at me.
Sure, it was embarrassing, but how was I supposed to know? The magazine article never mentioned that spuds were subterranean. Did they think people were just born knowing this stuff?
There’s nothing like being outwitted by a carbohydrate to take you down a peg or two. That incident with the potatoes put an end to my gardening career. These days, when I want potatoes, i go to a fast food joint and order fries. I especially like it when they dip those potatoes in that sizzling hot grease. I hope they suffer.
Column follows:
BURIED TREASURE
The article seemed harmless, a trifle about the joys of gardening. It described the wonders of becoming one with the earth and watching a miracle of nature unfold before your very eyes. It also said you could save some dough on groceries.
I decided to give it a shot. The first decision was what to plant. I finally settled on beans , peas, tomatoes, squash and cucumbers. I should have stopped there, but decided to take a shot at one exotic planting. If you learn nothing else in life, learn this:
DO NOT PLANT POTATOES.
They are sneaky, devious plants and will lead you down the road to gardening heartache and frustration. I didn’t learn this until too late.
The article said to prepare the soil by doing fancy things like digging and mulching. Since I knew weeds grew in the cracks of the sidewalk where nobody ever mulched, much less dug, I passed. Instead, I mowed my garden area down close to the dirt and then made trenches for some plants and built hills for others.
For a while all was well. Every day when I went out to admire my handiwork, I was rewarded with genuine home-grown groceries. As soon as a new plant ripened, I rushed it inside and gobbled it up.
Trouble is, I wasn’t the only one who enjoyed my garden goodies. Every day I noticed some critter trying to take advantage of my green thumbery. Birds strafed my pole beans. Squirrels stalked my tomatoes. And I couldn’t see them, but I knew the moles were down there munching on tender young roots.
I wasn’t about to surrender my cheap eats to a bunch of vermin, so I fought back. It wasn’t cheap. My total investment in seed was about five bucks. But when I added the cost of iron pipe for fenceposts, a five-pound sledge hammer for driving said posts into the ground, hog wire to keep out chickens and hogs, mosquito netting to foil the birds and a used 50 caliber machine gun to blast the squirrels, I was out about 900 bucks. Not counting ammo.
It worked out to about two dollars per mouthful. Not exactly budget cuisine, but the project was still fun, and all-in-all, things went fine.
Except for those potatoes. The hills I built for them just sat there like leafy yard pimples, not a potato in sight.
After the last harvest I went to fill my trenches and flatten my mounds. I was stunned to find lumps under my potato hills. I dug deeper and to my amazement, discovered dozens of big, brown, beautiful potatoes.
What treachery. They’d been there all the time, but didn’t have the guts to come up and face me. They just cowered beneath the clay, probably watching the whole time and laughing at me.
Sure, it was embarrassing, but how was I supposed to know? The magazine article never mentioned that spuds were subterranean. Did they think people were just born knowing this stuff?
There’s nothing like being outwitted by a carbohydrate to take you down a peg or two. That incident with the potatoes put an end to my gardening career. These days, when I want potatoes, i go to a fast food joint and order fries. I especially like it when they dip those potatoes in that sizzling hot grease. I hope they suffer.
wild hogs, other tidbits
Been a while since last post. I'm blaming Father's Day. Mine was great. If you qualified for the honor, hope yours was, too. By the way, if any of you come across strange, exotic or fun news items, pass them along and I'll post them here if it doesn't violate any copyright protections.
In that vein, thanks to Bill Cole from St. Louis for passing along more news about Fred the giant pig who was killed in Alabama a couple of minths ago. At the time of the slaughter the shooter, an 11-year-old boy, was assured the hog was wild. later, the hog's prtevious owners said he was a former family pet named Fred. According to snopes.com, that may not have been the case. Check it out here, and thanks, Bill, for keeping Fred's record current.
[www.monsterpig.com]
In that vein, thanks to Bill Cole from St. Louis for passing along more news about Fred the giant pig who was killed in Alabama a couple of minths ago. At the time of the slaughter the shooter, an 11-year-old boy, was assured the hog was wild. later, the hog's prtevious owners said he was a former family pet named Fred. According to snopes.com, that may not have been the case. Check it out here, and thanks, Bill, for keeping Fred's record current.
[www.monsterpig.com]
Friday, June 15, 2007
vacation dangers: death from the deep
It's vacation time. Some of you are going to the Florida. Some of you also don't get my thrice-a-week column. Read this offering from June 15 before booking your room in a wet spot. Then, enjoy. Florida's great any time.
Column follows:
DON'T GO NEAR THE WATER
Along the sugar sand beaches of Florida’s panhandle, there is always something to fear. In pre-Elvis America, folks wrung their hands over hurricanes.
When spring break turned trendy in the mid-60s, drunken partygoers became a bigger nuisance than crooked land developers.
And when the movie “Jaws” hit the big screen in 1975, people changed their beach habits for good. Including me.
I didn’t stay on dry land, but in addition to sunscreen, I started stocking my beach bag with a speargun, automatic rife and hand grenades. I also avoided water more than waist deep.
But in recent years, as more and more shark attacks have occurred in knee-deep (or less) water, I decided things might be safer along the peaceful rivers and lakes that adjoin the sandy shoreline.
I might as well have stayed in the ocean.
Like zillions of others, I figured if you stayed in fresh water, sharks weren’t a problem. Then I learned about the bull shark, the Elton John of the species, a creature that goes both ways, comfortable in both fresh and salt water. Unfortunately, I learned about bull sharks just after renting a canoe to cruise through a lake reputed to be a favorite bull shark buffet.
I couldn’t get a refund, so I stroked off into the unknown. It wasn't a peaceful paddle.
Even after that, I thought if you went far enough upstream, you’d be safe. Apparently, that's not the case either. You might avoid a shark attack, but other fearsome beasts are waiting to rain all over your Florida panhandle parade.
Just ask Ms. Tara Spears, who was just savaged by a sturgeon while boating on Florida's fabled Suwannee River.
According to The Associated Press, Spears was floating along and minding her own business when the surly sturgeon leaped from the water and, as we say down here, knocked her upside the head.
Since sturgeon grow to be 8 feet long and weigh 200 pounds, they can hit with the power of an NFL linebacker. The blow was enough to render poor Ms. Sparks not only uncomfortable, but unconscious.
She was rushed to a local hospital and will recover nicely from her injuries, although doctors fear she will develop a lingering fear of seafood. Bless her heart.
And this isn't the first such incident this year. Just a couple of months ago, a 50-year- old woman was damaged while riding a personal watercraft down the very same Suwannee River. In that incident, the flying sturgeon burst the woman’s spleen, knocked out a tooth and actually snapped off a handful (literally) of fingers.
Surgeons repaired most of the sturgeon damage and managed to reattach three fingers, although the pinkie was lost.
Talk about unadvertised hazards. I've been in boats when a mullet dropped in. And I was once grazed by a flying fish who mistook the deep sea charter boat for a landing strip. But I’ve never worried about soaring sturgeons. Until now.
I’m currently planning a vacation. If I wind up in Florida, chances are I won’t go near the water. I’ll just stick to the air-conditioned room. That is, unless the room has an aquarium. These days, you can’t be too careful.
Send your e-mail comments to [alex@newnan.com]
Column follows:
DON'T GO NEAR THE WATER
Along the sugar sand beaches of Florida’s panhandle, there is always something to fear. In pre-Elvis America, folks wrung their hands over hurricanes.
When spring break turned trendy in the mid-60s, drunken partygoers became a bigger nuisance than crooked land developers.
And when the movie “Jaws” hit the big screen in 1975, people changed their beach habits for good. Including me.
I didn’t stay on dry land, but in addition to sunscreen, I started stocking my beach bag with a speargun, automatic rife and hand grenades. I also avoided water more than waist deep.
But in recent years, as more and more shark attacks have occurred in knee-deep (or less) water, I decided things might be safer along the peaceful rivers and lakes that adjoin the sandy shoreline.
I might as well have stayed in the ocean.
Like zillions of others, I figured if you stayed in fresh water, sharks weren’t a problem. Then I learned about the bull shark, the Elton John of the species, a creature that goes both ways, comfortable in both fresh and salt water. Unfortunately, I learned about bull sharks just after renting a canoe to cruise through a lake reputed to be a favorite bull shark buffet.
I couldn’t get a refund, so I stroked off into the unknown. It wasn't a peaceful paddle.
Even after that, I thought if you went far enough upstream, you’d be safe. Apparently, that's not the case either. You might avoid a shark attack, but other fearsome beasts are waiting to rain all over your Florida panhandle parade.
Just ask Ms. Tara Spears, who was just savaged by a sturgeon while boating on Florida's fabled Suwannee River.
According to The Associated Press, Spears was floating along and minding her own business when the surly sturgeon leaped from the water and, as we say down here, knocked her upside the head.
Since sturgeon grow to be 8 feet long and weigh 200 pounds, they can hit with the power of an NFL linebacker. The blow was enough to render poor Ms. Sparks not only uncomfortable, but unconscious.
She was rushed to a local hospital and will recover nicely from her injuries, although doctors fear she will develop a lingering fear of seafood. Bless her heart.
And this isn't the first such incident this year. Just a couple of months ago, a 50-year- old woman was damaged while riding a personal watercraft down the very same Suwannee River. In that incident, the flying sturgeon burst the woman’s spleen, knocked out a tooth and actually snapped off a handful (literally) of fingers.
Surgeons repaired most of the sturgeon damage and managed to reattach three fingers, although the pinkie was lost.
Talk about unadvertised hazards. I've been in boats when a mullet dropped in. And I was once grazed by a flying fish who mistook the deep sea charter boat for a landing strip. But I’ve never worried about soaring sturgeons. Until now.
I’m currently planning a vacation. If I wind up in Florida, chances are I won’t go near the water. I’ll just stick to the air-conditioned room. That is, unless the room has an aquarium. These days, you can’t be too careful.
Send your e-mail comments to [alex@newnan.com]
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Animals attack. Again.
Yeterday it was savage sturgeons attacking tourists in Florida. Today, killer squirrels terrorize unsuspecting Germans. From Reuters News Service:
BERLIN (Reuters) - An aggressive squirrel attacked and injured three people in a German town before a 72-year-old pensioner dispatched the rampaging animal with his crutch.
The squirrel first ran into a house in the southern town of Passau, leapt from behind on a 70-year-old woman, and sank its teeth into her hand, a local police spokesman said Thursday.
With the squirrel still hanging from her hand, the woman ran onto the street in panic, where she managed to shake it off.
The animal then entered a building site and jumped on a construction worker, injuring him on the hand and arm, before he managed to fight it off with a measuring pole.
"After that, the squirrel went into the 72-year-old man's garden and massively attacked him on the arms, hand and thigh," the spokesman said. "Then he killed it with his crutch."
The spokesman said experts thought the attack may have been linked to the mating season or because the squirrel was ill.
BERLIN (Reuters) - An aggressive squirrel attacked and injured three people in a German town before a 72-year-old pensioner dispatched the rampaging animal with his crutch.
The squirrel first ran into a house in the southern town of Passau, leapt from behind on a 70-year-old woman, and sank its teeth into her hand, a local police spokesman said Thursday.
With the squirrel still hanging from her hand, the woman ran onto the street in panic, where she managed to shake it off.
The animal then entered a building site and jumped on a construction worker, injuring him on the hand and arm, before he managed to fight it off with a measuring pole.
"After that, the squirrel went into the 72-year-old man's garden and massively attacked him on the arms, hand and thigh," the spokesman said. "Then he killed it with his crutch."
The spokesman said experts thought the attack may have been linked to the mating season or because the squirrel was ill.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
killer fish in florida
Years ago, Florida tourists worried about shark bites. Looks like Mother Nature has just upped the ante. Here's proof:
ROCK BLUFF, Fla. — A woman was injured over the weekend by a leaping sturgeon, the latest incident involving the flying fish on the Suwannee River, officials said.
Tara Spears, 32, of Bell, was knocked unconscious by the animal on Sunday while boating on the river north of Rock Bluff, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported.
She was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and was expected to recover, the agency reported.
ROCK BLUFF, Fla. — A woman was injured over the weekend by a leaping sturgeon, the latest incident involving the flying fish on the Suwannee River, officials said.
Tara Spears, 32, of Bell, was knocked unconscious by the animal on Sunday while boating on the river north of Rock Bluff, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported.
She was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and was expected to recover, the agency reported.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
can't return some comments
By the way...
Have just noticed that if you sign into blog anonymous or as a "no-reply" blogger, I can't respond because the service won't allow me to send a "return" note to address types just described. Not planning on replying to majority of them anyway, since I hope this will develop into a back and forth between readers, but in case you hoped for a note and didn't get one, that may be one reason why. Hope everyone's having a good day.
Have just noticed that if you sign into blog anonymous or as a "no-reply" blogger, I can't respond because the service won't allow me to send a "return" note to address types just described. Not planning on replying to majority of them anyway, since I hope this will develop into a back and forth between readers, but in case you hoped for a note and didn't get one, that may be one reason why. Hope everyone's having a good day.
wurst news of the day
Longing for heat-beating summer teats? Try this...
BERLIN (Reuters) - Hoping to spice up their summer business, German butchers have introduced a new line of exotic-tasting sausages with flavors ranging from kiwi, maraschino cherry, lemon and even aloe vera.
If you're not nauseous yet, read the entire story at :
[www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSL1273288120070612]
BERLIN (Reuters) - Hoping to spice up their summer business, German butchers have introduced a new line of exotic-tasting sausages with flavors ranging from kiwi, maraschino cherry, lemon and even aloe vera.
If you're not nauseous yet, read the entire story at :
[www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSL1273288120070612]
Monday, June 11, 2007
the punishment may not fit the crime, but the name...?
MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa: Police blame a woman named Butts for stealing toilet paper from an Iowa courthouse, and while they are chuckling, the theft charge could land her in jail.
"She's facing potentially three years of incarceration for three rolls of toilet paper," Chief Lon Walker said, stifling a laugh as he talked to KCCI-TV about Suzanne Marie Butts. Workers at the Marshall County Courthouse had noticed toilet paper rolls were disappearing much faster than usual, Walker said.
Butts, 38, was caught last week after an employee saw her taking three rolls of two-ply tissue from a storage closet, Walker said.
Butts insisted it was the first time she had pilfered toilet paper, but she declined to answer further questions on her attorney's advice.
"She's facing potentially three years of incarceration for three rolls of toilet paper," Chief Lon Walker said, stifling a laugh as he talked to KCCI-TV about Suzanne Marie Butts. Workers at the Marshall County Courthouse had noticed toilet paper rolls were disappearing much faster than usual, Walker said.
Butts, 38, was caught last week after an employee saw her taking three rolls of two-ply tissue from a storage closet, Walker said.
Butts insisted it was the first time she had pilfered toilet paper, but she declined to answer further questions on her attorney's advice.
the coming apocalypse
Two news items crossing the desk on 6-11-07 prove the end may be nearer than we think.
First, Denver residents were shivering on June 11, 2007 as the city suffered its coldest June day in fifty years. The 31 degree reading was also the latest freeze on record for the city of Denver, according to the local paper, which said Denver temps have only gone sub-freezing two other times during the month of June; in 1919 and 1951.
The coldest June temperature ever recorded was 30 degrees on June 2, 1951. By the way, the record cold came on the heels of an announcement by Denver mayor Mayor John Hickenlooper that his new "climate action plan" would save Denver from global warming. Sounds like they can't act fast enough.
In other news, WIS TV in Columbia, Soith Carolina reported the following:
"SUMTER, SC - Four Sumter men are facing jail time after threatening another man with a poisonous snake.
Sumter police say the men pulled out a cottonmouth water moccasin outside of bar on Rast Street in Sumter.
Police were not able to locate the snake when they arrived, but say one of the suspects was bitten and had to be treated."
Assault with a deadly reptile? Surely the end is near.
First, Denver residents were shivering on June 11, 2007 as the city suffered its coldest June day in fifty years. The 31 degree reading was also the latest freeze on record for the city of Denver, according to the local paper, which said Denver temps have only gone sub-freezing two other times during the month of June; in 1919 and 1951.
The coldest June temperature ever recorded was 30 degrees on June 2, 1951. By the way, the record cold came on the heels of an announcement by Denver mayor Mayor John Hickenlooper that his new "climate action plan" would save Denver from global warming. Sounds like they can't act fast enough.
In other news, WIS TV in Columbia, Soith Carolina reported the following:
"SUMTER, SC - Four Sumter men are facing jail time after threatening another man with a poisonous snake.
Sumter police say the men pulled out a cottonmouth water moccasin outside of bar on Rast Street in Sumter.
Police were not able to locate the snake when they arrived, but say one of the suspects was bitten and had to be treated."
Assault with a deadly reptile? Surely the end is near.
Friday, June 8, 2007
ashamed
Today is Friday, June 8, 2007. Two days ago was June 6, D-Day, the day Allied Forces stormed the beaches of Normandy in 1944 in an invasion that signaled the beginning of the end of World War II. I didn't write a word about it. First time in years I've skipped it, I believe. Shame on me. My apologies to the few remaining vets of D-Day and World War II in general. You guys and gals saved the free world's bacon and deserve a little more gratitude. I'll try and do better next year.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Paris Hilton escapes justice. How can we escape her?
I've never been more unhappy about being right. A few days after celebrity airhead Paris Hilton was sentenced to 45 days in jail I speculated she wouldn't remain behind bars a week. Unfortunately, I was right. She was only there three days before she was released due to "health concerns." Seems like she couldn't eat prison food. Poor thing.
Cops said she will spend the remainder of her "sentence" at her mansion under "house arrest," tethered to an ankle bracelet. Wonder if reporters are allowed to visit?
The best comment—and arguably the most accurate came from Rev. Al Sharpton, who said:
"Though I have nothing but empathy for Ms. Hilton whom I have met and appeared with on Saturday Night Live the night I hosted in 2003, this early release gives all of the appearances of economic and racial favoritism that is constantly cited by poor people and people of color. There are any number of cases of people who handle being incarcerated badly and even have health conditions that are not released.
"I have served several sentences for civil rights and civil disobedience actions and I even fasted which caused health concerns to prison authorities who paid for a doctor to come see me daily rather than release me. This act smacks of the double standards that many of us raise."
Right on, brother.
Cops said she will spend the remainder of her "sentence" at her mansion under "house arrest," tethered to an ankle bracelet. Wonder if reporters are allowed to visit?
The best comment—and arguably the most accurate came from Rev. Al Sharpton, who said:
"Though I have nothing but empathy for Ms. Hilton whom I have met and appeared with on Saturday Night Live the night I hosted in 2003, this early release gives all of the appearances of economic and racial favoritism that is constantly cited by poor people and people of color. There are any number of cases of people who handle being incarcerated badly and even have health conditions that are not released.
"I have served several sentences for civil rights and civil disobedience actions and I even fasted which caused health concerns to prison authorities who paid for a doctor to come see me daily rather than release me. This act smacks of the double standards that many of us raise."
Right on, brother.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
scary stuff
I thought the 1,000 pound hog killed in Alabama recently was pretty frightening stuff. Then I read another Alabama-connected fright tale: Missing student Natalie Holloway's mother is dating Jon Benet Ramsay's father. Can you imagine their after-dinner conversations? But wish them well and hope they find some, uh, closure in their relationship
Monday, June 4, 2007
wacky baseball manager
If you've tuned out major league beseball for being so boring, you might want to buy a ticket to a minor league game. Especially one featuring the Mississippi Braves and their manager Phillip Wellman. I don't know if the Miss. Braves can play ball, but Wellman can throw a fit. He went ballistic the other day after disagreeing with an umpire's call. You've got to see this to believe it (Google it) After the usual shouting match, Wellman buried home plate, pulled up second and third bases (and carried them off the field with him) and even low-crawled from 2nd base to the mound, where he did a passable grenade throw with the rosin bag. Maybe this guy wants Bobby Cox's job with the Big League Braves. Looks like he's a contender for Cox's almost-record number of ejections.
Like I said, fun stuff.
Like I said, fun stuff.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
new mommydays blog
Times-Herald CloseUp editor Nichole Golden has just started a blog of her own. It's definitely worth a look, especially if you've got little ones around the house this summer. You can find Nicholes' blog at:
[ncmagmommydays.blogspot.com]
enjoy
[ncmagmommydays.blogspot.com]
enjoy
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
good blog manners
By the way...I want to thank everyone who's visited the blog so far. And congratulations for staying so civil. Good job everybody. Keep it up.
memorial day
Great Memorial Day celebrations in Coweta County. Hope things were just as good wherever you live. Newnan service honoring Eddie Couch of Senoia—who died in Vietnam in December, 1968— was inspiring. The Senoia celebration was just plain fun. Great parade, great crowds, good street vendors, dogs in sunglasses and lots of smiles, even from folks you don't know. This was small town America at its finest. If you haven't seen "Little America" at work and play, take a day off and visit some of the small towns in Coweta County. You'll be pleasantly surprised. Next big holiday...July 4th. Until then, pray for a tropical storm to extinguish the south Georgia wildfires. The smoke was bad as far away as Anniston, Alabama this weekend. Imagine how it must be down near Waycross, Folkston and Fargo. Those folks need a break.
Friday, May 25, 2007
global winter?
This just in from the Global Warming Weather desk. Weather observers at Pike's Peak, Co. just announced the summit has had its snowiest spring in 10 years. From the local paper:
"This is the snowiest spring on Pikes Peak in more than a decade. Barr Camp recorded 231 inches of snow this winter. (It only saw 50 inches in 2006.)
"This is the snowiest spring on Pikes Peak in more than a decade. Barr Camp recorded 231 inches of snow this winter. (It only saw 50 inches in 2006.)
memorial day weekend
Memorial Day weekend is here. It's a time to celebrate veterans who died in the line of duty. Might not be a bad time to give a hug, a call or a kind word to a living vet, too. They deserve it.
If you're traveling, please drive safely. And let me know the highest gas price you come across on the road.
If you're traveling, please drive safely. And let me know the highest gas price you come across on the road.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
nancy pelosi goes global
Madame Speaker Nancy Peolsi just announced she and several of her cronies are flying to Greenland to watch a glacier melt. This will help her understand global warming. Sure. Like watching ice cubes melt in hot tea helps you understand it. Then, Pelosi and pals will dash off to Europe on Pelosi's tax-funded jet to talk about how to stop CO2 emissions. Guess she didn't get the memo about air planes spewing death from the skies. While she's in Greenland maybe she can find out how the place got its name. Hint: Not because of its ice cap.
Friday, May 18, 2007
blog newspaper column of 5-20-07
First time trying this out. Hope it works. If you send something and don't get a response let me know via emial : alex@newnan.com. Also let me know if you can't access blog. If you get here, have some fun. But keep it clean, please.
Alex
Alex
Friday, March 16, 2007
hello
Hi
This is Alex. Welcome to the blog. Please feel free to add your comments to anything I've written in the Times-Herald or to start a new conversation about anything that's on your mind. Keep it clean and keep it nice. We don't have to agree here, but we have to be civil. Otherwise, you get the blog boot.
This is a brand new project and it will take a while to get the kinks out and draw a crowd. But let's have fun.
Alex
This is Alex. Welcome to the blog. Please feel free to add your comments to anything I've written in the Times-Herald or to start a new conversation about anything that's on your mind. Keep it clean and keep it nice. We don't have to agree here, but we have to be civil. Otherwise, you get the blog boot.
This is a brand new project and it will take a while to get the kinks out and draw a crowd. But let's have fun.
Alex
