In The Mailbox: 09.24.26 (Evening Edition)
13 hours ago
Thursday, December 31, 2009
The fun just never ends
Track-A-Crat links to Hot Air, who has a lovely little poll on the Obamateurism of the Year. Swallow your drinks and put your feet on the floor so you don't tip over in your chair. I don't know how you could narrow it down to eight finalists, but sacrifices must be made, I suppose - eeny, meeny, minie, MO...!
Since when...
...does the decade START with the number 10 - or 00? What the HELL are these people thinking? I heard the substitute hosts on Mike and Mike in the Morning ask what 'from the last decade' should we get rid of. Huh. Doesn't the decade begin with '1?' As in Ten Plus ONE is the beginning of a new decade? Did I wander through a time-warp or cross into an alternate universe that keeps Time differently?
We're coming into Two Thousand TEN. It's the last year of the decade, Boys! A new decade is a whole year away, whether your own personal justification and reworking of facts says so or not. Sesame Street helped lots of young'uns count to ten, and they count ten as the LAST number, not the first. I know, cuz I just caught that segment yesterday. It was similar to this one...
Geeezzz...I think I'll pay attention to this guy, he seems to have a handle on Reality:
"It's not a new decade! The new decade -- the second of the second millennium -- does not start until 365 days from today." -Dr. Walter E. Williams
We're coming into Two Thousand TEN. It's the last year of the decade, Boys! A new decade is a whole year away, whether your own personal justification and reworking of facts says so or not. Sesame Street helped lots of young'uns count to ten, and they count ten as the LAST number, not the first. I know, cuz I just caught that segment yesterday. It was similar to this one...
Geeezzz...I think I'll pay attention to this guy, he seems to have a handle on Reality:
"It's not a new decade! The new decade -- the second of the second millennium -- does not start until 365 days from today." -Dr. Walter E. Williams
It OUGHT to be true...
This story came to me in my email this morning. I've seen it before, in both the incarnations mentioned by Snopes.com. If Honour means anything to you, if you have any gratitude in your heart for the gifts you've been given, read it in that spirit. And remember...
*********************************************************************************************
I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.
Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation. 'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me.
'Petawawa. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Afghanistan.
After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached the east, and I Quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time...
As I reached for my wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base'
His friend agreed. I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'
Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?'
'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. 'This is your thanks..'
After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars..
Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, and said, 'I want to shake your hand.'
Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.
Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.
When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!
Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'
Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals..
It seemed so little...
A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'
That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.'
With many thanks to LTC John Chadbourne, PFC Heidi Gregory, SPC Ernesto Garcia and CSM Harry Jeffries of 703rd Brigade Support Battalion at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. Picture from Iraq Pictures, a blog here on blogspot - also with thanks. It was taken in January of 2008, as far as I can tell.
No Pixie today, going to run and get supplies to make Hoppin' John. The Cousins will be here around 1030, My Chief is off today but has the flu, and I have 'stuff' to get done. Y'all have a FINE day, and thanks for stopping by!
*********************************************************************************************
I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.
Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation. 'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me.
'Petawawa. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Afghanistan.
After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached the east, and I Quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time...
As I reached for my wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base'
His friend agreed. I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'
Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?'
'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. 'This is your thanks..'
After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars..
Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, and said, 'I want to shake your hand.'
Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.
Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.
When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!
Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'
Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals..
It seemed so little...
A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'
That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.'
With many thanks to LTC John Chadbourne, PFC Heidi Gregory, SPC Ernesto Garcia and CSM Harry Jeffries of 703rd Brigade Support Battalion at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. Picture from Iraq Pictures, a blog here on blogspot - also with thanks. It was taken in January of 2008, as far as I can tell.
No Pixie today, going to run and get supplies to make Hoppin' John. The Cousins will be here around 1030, My Chief is off today but has the flu, and I have 'stuff' to get done. Y'all have a FINE day, and thanks for stopping by!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Tuesday! Thomas Sowell!
Can you bear another column on BarryOCare and the coming demise of private health insurance? Sure you can, because it's written by Thomas Sowell. The POINT of this column?
The only rational explanation for such haste to pass a bill that will be slow to go into effect is to prevent the public from knowing what is in this massive legislation that even members of Congress are unlikely to have read. That is also the only reason that makes sense for postponing the time when Obamacare goes into action after the next presidential election.
Excellent column, as usual.
Chilly here this morning - +37 and still dropping. Almost like...WINTER in NEFL! Have a wonderful day, thanks for stopping by.
PS - Please continue to read and support JewishWorldReview.com - Binyamin is improving, but he needs all the help he can get...and he's finally willing to accept.
The only rational explanation for such haste to pass a bill that will be slow to go into effect is to prevent the public from knowing what is in this massive legislation that even members of Congress are unlikely to have read. That is also the only reason that makes sense for postponing the time when Obamacare goes into action after the next presidential election.
Excellent column, as usual.
Chilly here this morning - +37 and still dropping. Almost like...WINTER in NEFL! Have a wonderful day, thanks for stopping by.
PS - Please continue to read and support JewishWorldReview.com - Binyamin is improving, but he needs all the help he can get...and he's finally willing to accept.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Congressional Reform Act of 2010
Congressional Reform Act of 2010
1. Term Limits: 12 years only, one of the possible options below.
A. Two Six year Senate terms
B. Six Two year House terms
C. One Six year Senate term and three Two Year House terms
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
2. No Tenure / No Pension:
A congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
3. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security:
All funds in the Congressional retirement fund moves to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, Congress participates with the American people.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, server your term(s), then go home and back to work.
4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan just as all Americans.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
6. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
7. Congress must equally abide in all laws they impose on the American people.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
8. All contracts with past and present congressmen are void effective 1/1/11.
The American people did not make this contract with congressmen, congressmen made all these contracts for themselves.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
PASS IT ON
With thanks to Bob's Bites and Swampie at A1A South.
Kick the bastards OUT.
Of course, the Ruling Class will never let this happen...at least not without (probably bloody) Revolution on the part of those they rule. Well, someone said the Tree of Liberty must be refreshed with the blood of Patriots, didn't he? Mr. Jefferson knew only too well that this day might come...
1. Term Limits: 12 years only, one of the possible options below.
A. Two Six year Senate terms
B. Six Two year House terms
C. One Six year Senate term and three Two Year House terms
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
2. No Tenure / No Pension:
A congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
3. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security:
All funds in the Congressional retirement fund moves to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, Congress participates with the American people.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, server your term(s), then go home and back to work.
4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan just as all Americans.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
6. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
7. Congress must equally abide in all laws they impose on the American people.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
8. All contracts with past and present congressmen are void effective 1/1/11.
The American people did not make this contract with congressmen, congressmen made all these contracts for themselves.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
PASS IT ON
With thanks to Bob's Bites and Swampie at A1A South.
Kick the bastards OUT.
Of course, the Ruling Class will never let this happen...at least not without (probably bloody) Revolution on the part of those they rule. Well, someone said the Tree of Liberty must be refreshed with the blood of Patriots, didn't he? Mr. Jefferson knew only too well that this day might come...
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Gator Nation - Urban Meyer steps down - OR MAYBE NOT
Urban Meyer steps down at Florida.
UPDATE! Yeah, so here's a flash, he's changed his mind. Not that I blame him, but someone's 'exclusive' is a bit less powerful now.
UPDATE! Yeah, so here's a flash, he's changed his mind. Not that I blame him, but someone's 'exclusive' is a bit less powerful now.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas!
Turkey's in the oven, shopping is finished, kids and family friend will be here in a couple hours. Hubby's at the gym. Lucky guy. The new job doesn't give him much 'workout' time.
I always liked this song. It's got a good beat and you could dance to it - if you wanted!
Then there's my handsome and talented son-in-law's evil twin, Jon Bon Jovi...they look SO much alike...
Finally, The King.
Merry Christmas, m'Friends. Thanks for stopping by!
I always liked this song. It's got a good beat and you could dance to it - if you wanted!
Then there's my handsome and talented son-in-law's evil twin, Jon Bon Jovi...they look SO much alike...
Finally, The King.
Merry Christmas, m'Friends. Thanks for stopping by!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
So...having a rough go at Christmas?
MAYBE I can learn to keep things in their proper perspective.
Tip of my cap to GrouchyConservativePundits.com
WHENEVER I think I'm having a 'bad' day, I'll remember seeing these vids:
I don't live in Utopia. Hell, I don't even WANT to. But I plan to spend this day being thankful for all the beautiful gifts in my life...like the Pixie, who is moving furniture - this time the play pen with her cousin in it, turning him around for a better view, I guess. I'm going to attempt a dumb-guy version of lefse.
Remember - God gave us mountains, so we'd learn how to climb...so climb on!
Tip of my cap to GrouchyConservativePundits.com
WHENEVER I think I'm having a 'bad' day, I'll remember seeing these vids:
I don't live in Utopia. Hell, I don't even WANT to. But I plan to spend this day being thankful for all the beautiful gifts in my life...like the Pixie, who is moving furniture - this time the play pen with her cousin in it, turning him around for a better view, I guess. I'm going to attempt a dumb-guy version of lefse.
Remember - God gave us mountains, so we'd learn how to climb...so climb on!
It really is "A Wonderful Life"
Paul Greenberg's column at JewishWorldReview.com really speaks to me today.
It really IS a wonderful life. It's full of the consequences of my decisions, choices I've made, and miracles I have no real explanation for.
It is also chock full of aggravation at bureaucrats and "intellectuals" who really truly honestly believe they can analyze my life without ever spending a moment of time in it. The problem with this is, they don't see the beauty and joy I see every day - they see the pathos and the things I lack that they deem 'needs.'
Along with an ordinary little house, a dumpy little truck, and almost continual pain, I have a husband who loves me, a daughter who respects me, a son-in-law who thinks I'm a helluva cook, and a 25month old granddaughter who makes retirement a lot more work and fun than I 'planned.' I have friends who inspire me, work that satisfies me, and more love than any degree or government program could ever bestow.
It's A Wonderful Life, and I'm not letting Mr. Potter and his minions steal it from me, because it is not the THINGS or MONEY that are important. It is Life, it is that love, that satisfaction, that inspiration I have INSIDE that counts. I believe God Is Love...and my life is full of both. No bureaucrat or professor of whatever can take that away from me.
Merry Christmas to all my online friends, from Blair Nation to Lileks to Parrothead Jeff, who also entertain and inspire me. My life is richer for having you here. Thank you.
It really IS a wonderful life. It's full of the consequences of my decisions, choices I've made, and miracles I have no real explanation for.
It is also chock full of aggravation at bureaucrats and "intellectuals" who really truly honestly believe they can analyze my life without ever spending a moment of time in it. The problem with this is, they don't see the beauty and joy I see every day - they see the pathos and the things I lack that they deem 'needs.'
Along with an ordinary little house, a dumpy little truck, and almost continual pain, I have a husband who loves me, a daughter who respects me, a son-in-law who thinks I'm a helluva cook, and a 25month old granddaughter who makes retirement a lot more work and fun than I 'planned.' I have friends who inspire me, work that satisfies me, and more love than any degree or government program could ever bestow.
It's A Wonderful Life, and I'm not letting Mr. Potter and his minions steal it from me, because it is not the THINGS or MONEY that are important. It is Life, it is that love, that satisfaction, that inspiration I have INSIDE that counts. I believe God Is Love...and my life is full of both. No bureaucrat or professor of whatever can take that away from me.
Merry Christmas to all my online friends, from Blair Nation to Lileks to Parrothead Jeff, who also entertain and inspire me. My life is richer for having you here. Thank you.
Why I read Lileks
Don't you want to know what prompted this sentence?
"This is the modern world: you can instantly fact-check your dreams."
Lileks. JAMES Lileks. At The Bleat.
"This is the modern world: you can instantly fact-check your dreams."
Lileks. JAMES Lileks. At The Bleat.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Thomas Sowell - The "Science" Mantra
The batteries in my mouse are dying, so before I get in the shower and start the rest of my day, here's a link to Thomas Sowell's column at JewishWorldReview.com. Binyamin has been getting help with publishing and running the site from volunteers, and I am grateful to all of them.
Mr. Sowell has some great thoughts about the handling and mishandling of ClimateGate. I need no more proof that the arrogance and determination of such people is paving the way to totalitarian government, and an end to We The People...
As for politicians, Senator Barbara Boxer has urged prosecution of the hackers who uncovered and revealed the e-mails! People who have in the past applauded whistleblowers in business, in the military, or in Republican administrations, and who lionized the New York Times for publishing the classified Pentagon papers, are now shocked and outraged that someone dared to expose massive evidence of manipulations, concealment and destruction of data — and deliberate cover-ups of all this — in the global warming establishment.
Zey haf VAYS to make you obey!
Mr. Sowell has some great thoughts about the handling and mishandling of ClimateGate. I need no more proof that the arrogance and determination of such people is paving the way to totalitarian government, and an end to We The People...
As for politicians, Senator Barbara Boxer has urged prosecution of the hackers who uncovered and revealed the e-mails! People who have in the past applauded whistleblowers in business, in the military, or in Republican administrations, and who lionized the New York Times for publishing the classified Pentagon papers, are now shocked and outraged that someone dared to expose massive evidence of manipulations, concealment and destruction of data — and deliberate cover-ups of all this — in the global warming establishment.
Zey haf VAYS to make you obey!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Merry Freakin Christmas
I have NEVER been this down at Christmas. Twenty years ago, we were on our way from one duty station to another, and got to spend Christmas with Lovely Daughter's grandparents on her daddy's side. The phone rang - no cell, my in-laws phone on the wall of their kitchen - and my mum told me the results of the exploratory surgery Dad had undergone. He refused any more treatment for the colon and liver cancer that would end his life in about 2 years.
This is worse, because my dad CHOSE his treatment...or lack thereof. We understood, because we knew him and loved him.
Congress has become the totalitarian regime that Nazi Germany was so proud to put in place. From "Nazi Fascism and the Modern Totalitarian State:"
Totalitarianism is a form of government in which all societal resources are monopolized by the state in an effort to penetrate and control all aspects of public and private life, through the state's use of propaganda, terror, and technology. Totalitarian ideologies reject the existing society as corrupt, immoral, and beyond reform, project an alternative society in which these wrongs are to be redressed, and provide plans and programs for realizing the alternative order. These ideologies, supported by propaganda campaigns, demand total conformity on the part of the people.
This is worse, because my dad CHOSE his treatment...or lack thereof. We understood, because we knew him and loved him.
Congress has become the totalitarian regime that Nazi Germany was so proud to put in place. From "Nazi Fascism and the Modern Totalitarian State:"
Totalitarianism is a form of government in which all societal resources are monopolized by the state in an effort to penetrate and control all aspects of public and private life, through the state's use of propaganda, terror, and technology. Totalitarian ideologies reject the existing society as corrupt, immoral, and beyond reform, project an alternative society in which these wrongs are to be redressed, and provide plans and programs for realizing the alternative order. These ideologies, supported by propaganda campaigns, demand total conformity on the part of the people.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Villanova Ends Montana's perfect season, beats Griz 23-21
Division 1/ FCS Championship game was on ESPN2 last night. I missed most of it because I was baking banana bread (which seems to be my hobby this week). And then I went to sleep. Hey, 10:00 is LATE if you've been up since 5am and spent a large chunk of the day with 2 munchkins and a pixie...at MY age, it was LATE.
"Montana's perfect season ended in Chattanooga at the hands of Villanova, 23-21. The win marks the Wildcats' first NCAA FCS football title."
Read the article at MontanaGrizzlies.com. Obviously the weather was kinder in Chattanooga than it was in Missoula last week. Didn't help Montana much... Congratulations, Villanova Wildcats!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Dateline Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
Orville and Wilbur Wright put Kill Devil Hills on the Map of American History.
From EyeWitnessToHistory.com:
On December 17, 1903, Orville Wright piloted the first powered airplane 20 feet above a wind-swept beach in North Carolina. The flight lasted 12 seconds and covered 120 feet. Three more flights were made that day with Orville's brother Wilbur piloting the record flight lasting 59 seconds over a distance of 852 feet.
The brothers began their experimentation in flight in 1896 at their bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio. They selected the beach at Kitty Hawk as their proving ground because of the constant wind that added lift to their craft. In 1902 they came to the beach with their glider and made more than 700 successful flights.
Having perfected glided flight, the next step was to move to powered flight. No automobile manufacturer could supply an engine both light enough and powerful enough for their needs. So they designed and built their own. All of their hard work, experimentation and innovation came together that December day as they took to the sky and forever changed the course of history. The brothers notified several newspapers prior to their historic flight, but only one - the local journal - made mention of the event.
My grandfather, Wes Cassel, was born that same day.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Government is a meddling presumptuous pain in the neck.
John Stossel has such a way with words! HIS title is "Free Stuff From Sam." Mine is the next to last line from his column, and I like it MUCH better.
There are more column links at JewishWorldReview.com. Binyamin has very able assistants who have come forward to help him out, and I am grateful for them. He could really use a staff, however, so if you can spare a buck or two, please send it on to them. With MY thanks!
My Chief is home this morning, wants to talk...converse...what's up with THAT??? It's early - if I have to talk to the cats at this time of day, I do, but I'm not always very NICE! This new shift is gonna take some getting used to...I take Fosomax (generic) on Wednesdays, so haven't even had coffee yet...but it sure smells good!
Handsome Son-in-law has a nasty cold...mine isn't any better than it was yesterday. Got the Cousins today, first time this week. Ugh. Gonna be a long, long day. Y'all go have a terrific day, MAKE it a good day, and thanks for stopping by!
UPDATE: If the Cousins are coming today, they are much later than usual...
UPDATE2: Not that it matters to you, but the Cousins arrived just before noon and were gone again by 2:30...slow work day for their mama, hope tomorrow is better.
There are more column links at JewishWorldReview.com. Binyamin has very able assistants who have come forward to help him out, and I am grateful for them. He could really use a staff, however, so if you can spare a buck or two, please send it on to them. With MY thanks!
My Chief is home this morning, wants to talk...converse...what's up with THAT??? It's early - if I have to talk to the cats at this time of day, I do, but I'm not always very NICE! This new shift is gonna take some getting used to...I take Fosomax (generic) on Wednesdays, so haven't even had coffee yet...but it sure smells good!
Handsome Son-in-law has a nasty cold...mine isn't any better than it was yesterday. Got the Cousins today, first time this week. Ugh. Gonna be a long, long day. Y'all go have a terrific day, MAKE it a good day, and thanks for stopping by!
UPDATE: If the Cousins are coming today, they are much later than usual...
UPDATE2: Not that it matters to you, but the Cousins arrived just before noon and were gone again by 2:30...slow work day for their mama, hope tomorrow is better.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Thomas Sowell - This holiday season, give the gift of wisdom
Feel awful, hubby home because he goes to work this afternoon...trying to stay out of his way...so go read Mr. Sowell's column!
One way to reduce the wear and tear of shopping at the mall is to give books as presents. Books can be bought on the Internet, and they can be matched to the person who receives them without having to know that person's measurements.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
My Pixie
The cousins weren't here, so it was a fairly quiet afternoon on Friday. Chilly, too, with some rain. Nice day to snuggle on the couch and watch a little Mama Mirabelle's Home Movies with Grandpa...he's not as cute, so he's not in this picture.
This is what we looked like at Thanksgiving dinner.
I love my little family more than I can possibly express here. And I'd almost bet - if I was a betting woman - that most of the folks who read this feel exactly the same way about their own families.
I spent a good chunk of today at meetings, but did manage to bake 3 different banana breads - one pineapple/macadamia nut/banana, one pineapple/banana, and one banana/pearsauce (instead of applesauce). They're gifts. They LOOK good, and I sure hope they turned out well. Might have to get a turkey out of the deep freeze before I bake many more!
My Chief watched some football, read his book, and put up our little tree and decorated it. The pictures I took turned out blurry, will attempt it again tomorrow, and will steady the camera.
Going to have a cup of tea, set up the coffee for tomorrow, and try to hit the rack earlier than usual - got all 3 of the little ones tomorrow, I think. Y'all have a fine evening, and thanks for stopping by!
This is what we looked like at Thanksgiving dinner.
I love my little family more than I can possibly express here. And I'd almost bet - if I was a betting woman - that most of the folks who read this feel exactly the same way about their own families.
I spent a good chunk of today at meetings, but did manage to bake 3 different banana breads - one pineapple/macadamia nut/banana, one pineapple/banana, and one banana/pearsauce (instead of applesauce). They're gifts. They LOOK good, and I sure hope they turned out well. Might have to get a turkey out of the deep freeze before I bake many more!
My Chief watched some football, read his book, and put up our little tree and decorated it. The pictures I took turned out blurry, will attempt it again tomorrow, and will steady the camera.
Going to have a cup of tea, set up the coffee for tomorrow, and try to hit the rack earlier than usual - got all 3 of the little ones tomorrow, I think. Y'all have a fine evening, and thanks for stopping by!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Mark Ingram wins Heisman - Roll Tide! (Picture Update)
My favorite was the Ultimate Underdog, defensive tackle Ndamakong Suh of Nebraska. But this young man is every bit as deserving. From NCAA Football Fanhouse:
"Overcome by emotion, Ingram tearfully thanked his family and teammates, as well as his coaches."
Actually, his first thank you went to God. And he cried.
Good boy.
Couldn't happen to a better young man.
"Overcome by emotion, Ingram tearfully thanked his family and teammates, as well as his coaches."
Actually, his first thank you went to God. And he cried.
Good boy.
Couldn't happen to a better young man.
Go Griz! (Picture updated to show WEATHER!)
Game time temperature: 17 degrees with 20 mph winds. It was overcast at kickoff, but by the time I started watching the game, this is what it looked like. Snow and wind coming through the Hell Gate...awesome!
Montana held off a comeback attempt in the 4th quarter - in LOVELY Montana weather (*sigh*) to advance to the Division 1 championship against Villanova in Chattanooga next week.
From the Great Falls Tribune:
MISSOULA -- The Montana Grizzlies defeated Appalachian State 24-17 Saturday in the semifinals of the FCS national playoffs.
The Grizzlies will advance to the national championship game Dec. 18 in Chattanooga, Tenn., against Villanova.
Montana got a touchdown pass from Andrew Selle with 91 seconds left Saturday to provide the final score. Appalachian State had the ball deep in Grizzly territory in the final seconds, but a pass fell incomplete in the end zone on the final play of the game.
See Sunday's Tribune for comprehensive coverage of Treasure State sports.
Montana held off a comeback attempt in the 4th quarter - in LOVELY Montana weather (*sigh*) to advance to the Division 1 championship against Villanova in Chattanooga next week.
From the Great Falls Tribune:
MISSOULA -- The Montana Grizzlies defeated Appalachian State 24-17 Saturday in the semifinals of the FCS national playoffs.
The Grizzlies will advance to the national championship game Dec. 18 in Chattanooga, Tenn., against Villanova.
Montana got a touchdown pass from Andrew Selle with 91 seconds left Saturday to provide the final score. Appalachian State had the ball deep in Grizzly territory in the final seconds, but a pass fell incomplete in the end zone on the final play of the game.
See Sunday's Tribune for comprehensive coverage of Treasure State sports.
Go Navy!
Go Navy! Beat Army!
Should've put this up sooner, but the I was busy. And the game just got over.
Navy 17, Army 3
Navy Quarterback Ricky Dobbs now holds a record previously held by Tim Tebow ('07) at Florida and the Air Force Acadamy's Chance Herridge ('02) - from ESPN:
Navy took a commanding 17-3 lead over rival Army late in the fourth quarter on quarterback Ricky Dobbs' 24th rushing touchdown of the season.
Dobbs now holds the NCAA single-season record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback, passing Florida's Tim Tebow ('07) and Air Force Academy's Chance Harridge ('02), who each had 23 rushing touchdowns.
Should've put this up sooner, but the I was busy. And the game just got over.
Navy 17, Army 3
Navy Quarterback Ricky Dobbs now holds a record previously held by Tim Tebow ('07) at Florida and the Air Force Acadamy's Chance Herridge ('02) - from ESPN:
Navy took a commanding 17-3 lead over rival Army late in the fourth quarter on quarterback Ricky Dobbs' 24th rushing touchdown of the season.
Dobbs now holds the NCAA single-season record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback, passing Florida's Tim Tebow ('07) and Air Force Academy's Chance Harridge ('02), who each had 23 rushing touchdowns.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Snoopy's Christmas
Today is the start of the Christmas season for me. As a kid, this was the weekend we'd get the tree. Almost always the weekend closest to my mum's birthday, which is today. Happy Birthday, Mom. We love you!
One of my very favorite Christmas songs and some scenes from "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Glad it's chilly today, think I'll go make enchilada casserole like Grandma Elsie taught me. Y'all have a fine weekend, and thanks for stopping by.
One of my very favorite Christmas songs and some scenes from "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Glad it's chilly today, think I'll go make enchilada casserole like Grandma Elsie taught me. Y'all have a fine weekend, and thanks for stopping by.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
This might not be good news for Yours Truly
12/10/2009, MIDNIGHT UPDATE (from Binyamin's trusty assistant): In a few hours, Binyamin will send out a letter to his friends and supporters about his condition and JWR's future. He has no intention of placing semi-private info on the JWR front page. We had orginally considered recording his words but soon realised it would be impossible, as he is too weak. So we are instead sending his note via e-mail to those who are subscribed to the daily JWR update. (To be added, please click here.).
Binyamin is afraid that his writing skills will fall short. I assured him that the message he wished to convey will come through loud and clear.
Here are seven columns for your reading pleasure: Victor Davis Hanson, Bob Tyrrell, Larry Elder, Dick Morris, Ann Coulter, Cal Thomas. and George Will.
Messages can be sent to schmooze@jewishworldreview.com
I do hope Binyamin gets well and strong soon. I miss him - and I don't even know him. His kindness and integrity come through in his work, though, and I wish him and his family and friends all the best during this time.
I get great pleasure from reading JewishWorldReview.com. I've learned SO much over the years since my friend 'Red' (now expatriate in Texas) sent me a link to the site. Seems a long time ago now... I use Binyamin's material almost daily to post links on this blog. Will keep you posted.
Got all three crumb-crunchers again today, then taking a friend to my favorite meeting. Busy day. Cloudy, might rain s'more. Glad I'm here for it. Thanks for stopping by!
Binyamin is afraid that his writing skills will fall short. I assured him that the message he wished to convey will come through loud and clear.
Here are seven columns for your reading pleasure: Victor Davis Hanson, Bob Tyrrell, Larry Elder, Dick Morris, Ann Coulter, Cal Thomas. and George Will.
Messages can be sent to schmooze@jewishworldreview.com
I do hope Binyamin gets well and strong soon. I miss him - and I don't even know him. His kindness and integrity come through in his work, though, and I wish him and his family and friends all the best during this time.
I get great pleasure from reading JewishWorldReview.com. I've learned SO much over the years since my friend 'Red' (now expatriate in Texas) sent me a link to the site. Seems a long time ago now... I use Binyamin's material almost daily to post links on this blog. Will keep you posted.
Got all three crumb-crunchers again today, then taking a friend to my favorite meeting. Busy day. Cloudy, might rain s'more. Glad I'm here for it. Thanks for stopping by!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
It's Tuesday - with Thomas!
I feel like a pile of garbage again this morning...but the cough has become "productive," if that's not too much information...still hurts, still have just enough fever to be in a foul mood, with a headache I could do SO much better without. Ah well. Got NOTHING done here over the weekend, so spent yesterday with 3 curtain-climbers and an extra-large helping of laundry and dishes. Why is it that one less person in the house causes twice as much cleanup to be done when the one less person gets back? Sheesh...
Thomas Sowell's column today comes from JewishWorldReview.com, even though Binyamin is still very ill. He has imposed upon his assistant* to update a very few of his columnists, and to my great delight, Thomas Sowell is one of them!
Read the column to find the answer to the burning question - How can there be more unemployment after so many jobs have been "created"?
I also reprint here the most recent update from Binyamin's assistant, with a request that you add them all to your prayer list.
12/8/2009, MIDNIGHT UPDATE (from Binyamin's trusty assistant): Binyamin remains VERY ill. He is in need of your prayers and has asked that you do an extra act of kindness in his merit. "Something; anything," as he described it. Binyamin, mindful of his beloved readers as ever, also asked that I publish a couple of articles to prevent "JWR Withdrawl". Here are three: Wesley Pruden, Cal Thomas:, and Thomas Sowell.
Messages can be sent to schmooze@jewishworldreview.com
*"Able assistant" would no doubt do anything Binyamin asks that is within his/her power, believing it to be no imposition.
Thomas Sowell's column today comes from JewishWorldReview.com, even though Binyamin is still very ill. He has imposed upon his assistant* to update a very few of his columnists, and to my great delight, Thomas Sowell is one of them!
Read the column to find the answer to the burning question - How can there be more unemployment after so many jobs have been "created"?
I also reprint here the most recent update from Binyamin's assistant, with a request that you add them all to your prayer list.
12/8/2009, MIDNIGHT UPDATE (from Binyamin's trusty assistant): Binyamin remains VERY ill. He is in need of your prayers and has asked that you do an extra act of kindness in his merit. "Something; anything," as he described it. Binyamin, mindful of his beloved readers as ever, also asked that I publish a couple of articles to prevent "JWR Withdrawl". Here are three: Wesley Pruden, Cal Thomas:, and Thomas Sowell.
Messages can be sent to schmooze@jewishworldreview.com
*"Able assistant" would no doubt do anything Binyamin asks that is within his/her power, believing it to be no imposition.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Remember Pearl Harbor
Read Ed Morrissey at Hot Air.
Read Infamous Day: Marines at Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941.
USS West Virginia - repaired and returned to duty
USS Arizona - lost with 1177 of her crew
Ford Island taken in October 1941 - the view the Japanese pilots would have seen
While a Marine, foreground, looks skyward, the torpedoed battleship California (BB-44) lists to port. In the left background flies "Old Glory," raised by PFCs Frank Dudovick and James D. Young, and Pvt Paul O. Zeller, USMCR.
National Archives Photo 80-G-32463
Beneath a leaden sky on 8 December 1941, Marines at NAS Kaneohe Bay fire a volley over the common grave of 15 officers and men killed during the Japanese raid the previous day. Note sandbagged position atop the sandy rise at right.
National Archives Photo 80-G-32854
A 91-year-old Veteran in Alabama talks about the attack on Pearl Harbor and other bases on Oahu.
It was a day that changed his life forever, a 91-year-old Enterprise veteran remembered Friday about Dec. 7, 1941.
Chester Faulkner was a 23-year-old Army Infantry soldier stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii when the Army post and nearby Navy base at Pearl Harbor were attacked that Sunday morning. “I was still in bed,” said Faulker, who was the squad’s leader at the time. “The windows started rattling so hard.”
I have no words that can express the gratitude I feel for being a citizen of the country that produced such Men as were created that day. God Bless America, and REMEMBER Pearl Harbor.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
A perfect Saturday morning...
I'm at Lovely Daughter's house. Been here since early this morning so they can go to eastern North Carolina and pick up a truck for Handsome Son-in-law so I can get my BroncoII back. They've never done a road trip alone together - and I am so envious! Well, except for the fact that I get to hang out with the Pixie all weekend, and the weather is particularly ugly for travel. They HOPE to get where they're going before kickoff of the SEC Championship game, as they are a family of Gator Fans. My kids will come home tomorrow, which should see better travel weather all around.
Anyway, I'm using her little netbook - which I adore, it's so cute - but keyboard is tiny and screen is VERY small compared to my desktop...so I'm making a lot of typos. My dyslexic fingers keep hitting enter 'up' when I want to hit 'shift.' Annoying. My Pixie is having some cereal for breakfast, and I need to get the laundry in the dryer.
As food for a rainy day thought, here's a a column by Rich Tucker about the Constitutional amendment that stands between BarryOCare and the destruction of medical "care" in our country. Are you a Tenther?
Y'all go have a terrific day now - just heard from my kids, they're almost to Florence, SC and it's stopped raining. In honour of the kids - and because I used to be one - here's something it took me nearly an hour to find - enjoy!
Thanks for stopping by!
Anyway, I'm using her little netbook - which I adore, it's so cute - but keyboard is tiny and screen is VERY small compared to my desktop...so I'm making a lot of typos. My dyslexic fingers keep hitting enter 'up' when I want to hit 'shift.' Annoying. My Pixie is having some cereal for breakfast, and I need to get the laundry in the dryer.
As food for a rainy day thought, here's a a column by Rich Tucker about the Constitutional amendment that stands between BarryOCare and the destruction of medical "care" in our country. Are you a Tenther?
Y'all go have a terrific day now - just heard from my kids, they're almost to Florence, SC and it's stopped raining. In honour of the kids - and because I used to be one - here's something it took me nearly an hour to find - enjoy!
Thanks for stopping by!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Please pray for Binyamin L. Jolkovsky - updated Monday (7Dec09)
UPDATE from yesterday and today, on Binyamin L. Jolkovsky:
JWR UPDATE
12/6/2009, 7:10pm update (from Binyamin's trusty assistant): Binyamin has finally made it home! It's been a long and grueling hospital stay for him. While his keep-fighting-the-good-fight spirit is intact, he is physically exhausted. It is still very hard for him to hold conversations of more than a couple of minutes. He's convinced that he will publish by week's end. (I'm not so certain).
PLEASE continue your prayers for: Binyamin Leib ben (Hebrew: son of) Pesha
12/7/2009, 12:30pm update (from Binyamin's trusty assistant):Binyamin has decided that he will write a letter to his friends and supporters explaining his health condition and discussing his plans for JWR's future. He has no intention of placing semi-private info on the JWR front page. To receive the note, please click here., which will add you to the JWR daily update list.
Messages can be sent to schmooze@jewishworldreview.com
*************************************************************************************
Binyamin is the heart, soul and hands-on man behind JewishWorldReview.com. I link to the articles and columns he posts nearly every day. Binyamin is a kind and humble man, though I haven't met him personally - I know him only through emails and his columns and articles. He was taken to hospital on Tuesday, though he may be released as early as today, in time for Sabbath. Please add him to your prayers. Thank you.
The notice at JewishWorldReview.com, with yesterday's update:
JWR for the remainder of the week
Binyamin L. Jolkovsky was taken by ambulance to the hospital on December 1st 2009, and he may be there for a couple of days. He apologizes for not being able to publish during that time.
He asks for your patience and that you pray for him with his Hebrew name: Binyamin Leib ben (Hebrew: son of) Pesha.
Messages can be sent to schmooze@jewishworldreview.com
12/3/2009, 12:15am update (from Binyamin's trusty assistant): OK ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls of all ages, quick update. Just off the phone with your fearless leader from his "suite" at the hospital. He's doing a lot better. If all goes according to plan, he anticipates being home on Friday before the Sabbath, but that's just an estimate. He did ask me to update two important stories for you though: George Will and Cal Thomas.
Binyamin is astounded, humbled, grateful and thankful by the volume of kind words wishing him well, and it's sure to help him on the road to recovery and back to his keyboard.
Please continue to have patience. He is very sorry to keep you waiting.
TODAY'S UPDATE from his Loyal Assistant:
12/4/2009, 8:30am update (from Binyamin's trusty assistant): Good morning all. Binyamin is still recuperating. I spoke with him only very briefly last night. The docs are still running some tests. Many of you have been asking me what's going on. I don't know much as BLJ hasn't been too specific. I don't like to pry as it isn't my place to be nosy. I, like the rest of you, am continuing to pray for his full recovery.
Messages can be sent to schmooze@jewishworldreview.com
LAST UPDATE before Sabbath begins:
12/4/2009, 3:00pm update (from Binyamin's trusty assistant): The Sabbath in Brooklyn rapidly approaches (the earliest of the year, by the way:4:06pm), and Binyamin will remain in the hospital. Have a good weekend, everyone.
Messages can be sent to schmooze@jewishworldreview.com
JWR UPDATE
12/6/2009, 7:10pm update (from Binyamin's trusty assistant): Binyamin has finally made it home! It's been a long and grueling hospital stay for him. While his keep-fighting-the-good-fight spirit is intact, he is physically exhausted. It is still very hard for him to hold conversations of more than a couple of minutes. He's convinced that he will publish by week's end. (I'm not so certain).
PLEASE continue your prayers for: Binyamin Leib ben (Hebrew: son of) Pesha
12/7/2009, 12:30pm update (from Binyamin's trusty assistant):Binyamin has decided that he will write a letter to his friends and supporters explaining his health condition and discussing his plans for JWR's future. He has no intention of placing semi-private info on the JWR front page. To receive the note, please click here., which will add you to the JWR daily update list.
Messages can be sent to schmooze@jewishworldreview.com
*************************************************************************************
Binyamin is the heart, soul and hands-on man behind JewishWorldReview.com. I link to the articles and columns he posts nearly every day. Binyamin is a kind and humble man, though I haven't met him personally - I know him only through emails and his columns and articles. He was taken to hospital on Tuesday, though he may be released as early as today, in time for Sabbath. Please add him to your prayers. Thank you.
The notice at JewishWorldReview.com, with yesterday's update:
JWR for the remainder of the week
Binyamin L. Jolkovsky was taken by ambulance to the hospital on December 1st 2009, and he may be there for a couple of days. He apologizes for not being able to publish during that time.
He asks for your patience and that you pray for him with his Hebrew name: Binyamin Leib ben (Hebrew: son of) Pesha.
Messages can be sent to schmooze@jewishworldreview.com
12/3/2009, 12:15am update (from Binyamin's trusty assistant): OK ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls of all ages, quick update. Just off the phone with your fearless leader from his "suite" at the hospital. He's doing a lot better. If all goes according to plan, he anticipates being home on Friday before the Sabbath, but that's just an estimate. He did ask me to update two important stories for you though: George Will and Cal Thomas.
Binyamin is astounded, humbled, grateful and thankful by the volume of kind words wishing him well, and it's sure to help him on the road to recovery and back to his keyboard.
Please continue to have patience. He is very sorry to keep you waiting.
TODAY'S UPDATE from his Loyal Assistant:
12/4/2009, 8:30am update (from Binyamin's trusty assistant): Good morning all. Binyamin is still recuperating. I spoke with him only very briefly last night. The docs are still running some tests. Many of you have been asking me what's going on. I don't know much as BLJ hasn't been too specific. I don't like to pry as it isn't my place to be nosy. I, like the rest of you, am continuing to pray for his full recovery.
Messages can be sent to schmooze@jewishworldreview.com
LAST UPDATE before Sabbath begins:
12/4/2009, 3:00pm update (from Binyamin's trusty assistant): The Sabbath in Brooklyn rapidly approaches (the earliest of the year, by the way:4:06pm), and Binyamin will remain in the hospital. Have a good weekend, everyone.
Messages can be sent to schmooze@jewishworldreview.com
Thursday, December 3, 2009
My Favorite President...in this century
From my email this afternoon:
In Dothan, Alabama a man had a TV on in his office when the news of the Ft. Hood base shootings came on. The husband of one of his employees was stationed there. He called her into his office and the minute he told her what was going on, she got a text message from her husband saying, "I am okay."
The cell phone started ringing right after that. It was an ER nurse. She said, "I'm the one who just sent you a text, not your husband." She thought the message would be comforting, but she immediately knew she had to let the wife know what was going on. She said, "I am sorry but your husband has been shot 4 times and he is in surgery."
The wife left Dothan and drove all night.
Miraculously, her husband will recover and was awake when his wife arrived. Here is a photo of them along with a couple who came by to visit with the wounded and their families privately. They had told the base commander to keep their visit secret as they wanted no press coverage. Guess that's why you didn't read about it. Class tells, doesn't it?
For "the rest of the story" see Snopes.com.
In Dothan, Alabama a man had a TV on in his office when the news of the Ft. Hood base shootings came on. The husband of one of his employees was stationed there. He called her into his office and the minute he told her what was going on, she got a text message from her husband saying, "I am okay."
The cell phone started ringing right after that. It was an ER nurse. She said, "I'm the one who just sent you a text, not your husband." She thought the message would be comforting, but she immediately knew she had to let the wife know what was going on. She said, "I am sorry but your husband has been shot 4 times and he is in surgery."
The wife left Dothan and drove all night.
Miraculously, her husband will recover and was awake when his wife arrived. Here is a photo of them along with a couple who came by to visit with the wounded and their families privately. They had told the base commander to keep their visit secret as they wanted no press coverage. Guess that's why you didn't read about it. Class tells, doesn't it?
For "the rest of the story" see Snopes.com.
It's not a "consensus" in any sense of the word...much less SCIENTIFIC consensus! (with update)
Thanks to SJDoc, one commenter at Townhall.com, for my headline. Jillian Bandes' column is another in a long line of reminders that Congressional majority Dems are as much obstacles as Congressional minority Dems. Obstruction is their best talent, it seems. Paying heed to the Constitution? Not so much.
Hosting a hearing on global warming with no dissenting opinions made Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), the ranking Republican on the Committee, think the Democrats and the Obama administration were just as complicit in the global warming scandal sparked by Climategate as the Climategate scientists themselves.
“What the hearings showed is that the President’s science advisors are at the bottom of the whole climate change debate,” said Sensenbrenner.
Do you still believe that Your Elected Representatives and the Current Occupant really represent your interests and the interests of this Nation? Do you think BarryO the Ditherer and His Merry Band of CongressWeasels even remember the Oath they swore when they took office?
In case they need a reminder of what they said, here's the President's version:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
And here's the one Your Elected Representatives take:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.
Yeah. I didn't think so.
UPDATE! Sometimes I should read the things in my sidebar before I post. Via my friends and fellow grouches at GrouchyConservativePundits comes this - from the Washington Times.
The numbers matter. Under pressure in 2007, NASA recalculated its data and found that 1934, not 1998, was the hottest year in its records for the contiguous 48 states. NASA later changed its data again, and now 1998 and 2006 are tied for the hottest years, with 1934 listed as slightly cooler.
You knew this was coming, didn't you?
Hosting a hearing on global warming with no dissenting opinions made Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), the ranking Republican on the Committee, think the Democrats and the Obama administration were just as complicit in the global warming scandal sparked by Climategate as the Climategate scientists themselves.
“What the hearings showed is that the President’s science advisors are at the bottom of the whole climate change debate,” said Sensenbrenner.
Do you still believe that Your Elected Representatives and the Current Occupant really represent your interests and the interests of this Nation? Do you think BarryO the Ditherer and His Merry Band of CongressWeasels even remember the Oath they swore when they took office?
In case they need a reminder of what they said, here's the President's version:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
And here's the one Your Elected Representatives take:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.
Yeah. I didn't think so.
UPDATE! Sometimes I should read the things in my sidebar before I post. Via my friends and fellow grouches at GrouchyConservativePundits comes this - from the Washington Times.
The numbers matter. Under pressure in 2007, NASA recalculated its data and found that 1934, not 1998, was the hottest year in its records for the contiguous 48 states. NASA later changed its data again, and now 1998 and 2006 are tied for the hottest years, with 1934 listed as slightly cooler.
You knew this was coming, didn't you?
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The Wisdom of Thomas Sowell - "Some people are so busy being clever that they don't have time enough to be wise."
Yesterday was Tuesday - I bet you already knew that. I've been feeling like dog meat, plus busy, so didn't get my usual Thomas Sowell Tuesday column link posted...not that you can't find it without me, of course!
I feel even worse today, but Thomas Sowell's column is another of his Random Thoughts, and I just LOVE those. So, here's the link at JewishWorldReview.com, and an example - or two - from the column.
Many colleges claim that they develop "leaders." All too often, that means turning out graduates who cannot feel fulfilled unless they are telling other people what to do. There are already too many people like that, and they are a menace to everyone else's freedom.
...
People who are urging us to do things to win the approval of other countries seem to put an excessive value on other country's approval, as distinguished from their respect that we can lose by such bowing to "world opinion." Do the world champion New York Yankees try to curry favor with teams that are also-rans?
Time for more coffee, aspirin, decongestant and shower before my Pixie gets here for the day. Thanks for stopping by!
I feel even worse today, but Thomas Sowell's column is another of his Random Thoughts, and I just LOVE those. So, here's the link at JewishWorldReview.com, and an example - or two - from the column.
Many colleges claim that they develop "leaders." All too often, that means turning out graduates who cannot feel fulfilled unless they are telling other people what to do. There are already too many people like that, and they are a menace to everyone else's freedom.
...
People who are urging us to do things to win the approval of other countries seem to put an excessive value on other country's approval, as distinguished from their respect that we can lose by such bowing to "world opinion." Do the world champion New York Yankees try to curry favor with teams that are also-rans?
Time for more coffee, aspirin, decongestant and shower before my Pixie gets here for the day. Thanks for stopping by!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Pillage the Village!
From the Courier-Mail in Australia:
THE people of Bergen rolled out the cookie dough on Monday as local police tried to sniff out vandals who destroyed the Norwegian city's traditional Christmas decoration -- a town of gingerbread houses.
On Saturday, vandals entered a massive tent in central Bergen and crushed most of the 650-cookie-house town, topping off the ruins with paint and fire extinguisher foam.
Police in Norway's second largest city asked the public to offer information that could lead to the perpetrators.
"The people who did this must be full of gingerbread dust, They will smell a long way," police inspector Erik Sveaas told news agency NTB.
Local media reported that the destruction had shocked the residents of Bergen, a picturesque city on the North Sea coast where children decorate hundreds of gingerbread houses every year before Christmas.
Steinar Kristoffersen, who runs the Bergen Sentrum foundation behind "the worlds largest and greatest gingerbread town", said the opening of the exhibit will be postponed well into next week due to the vandalism.
"We are rebuilding the whole landscape and are receiving a lot of gingerbread houses. Many want to lend a hand," Kristoffersen told Reuters.
In an Internet campaign, some petitioners suggested the perpetrators be pilloried, but local Bishop Halvor Nordhaug cooled the atmosphere and told local paper Bergens Tidende: "We must not lynch anyone over a few gingerbread houses."
Bishop Nordhaug, not to put too fine a point on it, but there is little similarity between pillory and lynch. VERY little. One causes embarrassment, which might be fitting here, dontcha think? Though these days it might be seen as Hate Speech! The term you used, Bishop Nordhaug, is a form Capitol Punishment, which we already know is illegal in Norway.
UPDATE! Now that I think about it, I don't know which I'm most embarrassed about - that 1/4 of the blood in my veins comes from the same punks who thought it was funny to destroy a gingerbread village...or the clueless twit who equates a session in the stocks with lynching.
THE people of Bergen rolled out the cookie dough on Monday as local police tried to sniff out vandals who destroyed the Norwegian city's traditional Christmas decoration -- a town of gingerbread houses.
On Saturday, vandals entered a massive tent in central Bergen and crushed most of the 650-cookie-house town, topping off the ruins with paint and fire extinguisher foam.
Police in Norway's second largest city asked the public to offer information that could lead to the perpetrators.
"The people who did this must be full of gingerbread dust, They will smell a long way," police inspector Erik Sveaas told news agency NTB.
Local media reported that the destruction had shocked the residents of Bergen, a picturesque city on the North Sea coast where children decorate hundreds of gingerbread houses every year before Christmas.
Steinar Kristoffersen, who runs the Bergen Sentrum foundation behind "the worlds largest and greatest gingerbread town", said the opening of the exhibit will be postponed well into next week due to the vandalism.
"We are rebuilding the whole landscape and are receiving a lot of gingerbread houses. Many want to lend a hand," Kristoffersen told Reuters.
In an Internet campaign, some petitioners suggested the perpetrators be pilloried, but local Bishop Halvor Nordhaug cooled the atmosphere and told local paper Bergens Tidende: "We must not lynch anyone over a few gingerbread houses."
Bishop Nordhaug, not to put too fine a point on it, but there is little similarity between pillory and lynch. VERY little. One causes embarrassment, which might be fitting here, dontcha think? Though these days it might be seen as Hate Speech! The term you used, Bishop Nordhaug, is a form Capitol Punishment, which we already know is illegal in Norway.
UPDATE! Now that I think about it, I don't know which I'm most embarrassed about - that 1/4 of the blood in my veins comes from the same punks who thought it was funny to destroy a gingerbread village...or the clueless twit who equates a session in the stocks with lynching.
Monday, November 30, 2009
What, in the name of God, do you think the results will be of this "spectacle of deliberation?"
What, exactly, does that mean? Is it supposed to be impressive? Because to This Ordinary American it sounds like BLATHER. BarryO the Ditherer is a "spectacle of deliberation?" No, it's his pondering, his thinking, his deliberation! WHAT is taking him so damn long to make this damn decision? My guess, which is worth what you pay for it, of course, is as James Taranto mentions in Best of the Web Today - he doesn't want to DISPLEASE anyone? WHICH ANYONE?
I believe this smacks of an inability to make up his damn mind, possibly because he is overwhelmed at the scope of the Office he holds, and the decisions - which are HIS - he must make that put him in a bad light with the very people whose approval he craves most. Socialist/Communist leaders and organizers around the world will NOT approve of the very thing the Men in charge of the WAR have told their C-in-C they need.
BarryO is not a leader - not even with a small 'l.' He can tell the peons in Chicago where to line up for their handouts, he can supply them with the phone numbers to call their elected officials and spout the Party Line. But a leader is something he never was and never will be. He is, at most, a puppet, a figurehead. And in my online dictionary, one synonym for each of those terms is the other term. Other synonyms - nonentity, mouthpiece, dupe, pawn...nothing.
I believe this smacks of an inability to make up his damn mind, possibly because he is overwhelmed at the scope of the Office he holds, and the decisions - which are HIS - he must make that put him in a bad light with the very people whose approval he craves most. Socialist/Communist leaders and organizers around the world will NOT approve of the very thing the Men in charge of the WAR have told their C-in-C they need.
BarryO is not a leader - not even with a small 'l.' He can tell the peons in Chicago where to line up for their handouts, he can supply them with the phone numbers to call their elected officials and spout the Party Line. But a leader is something he never was and never will be. He is, at most, a puppet, a figurehead. And in my online dictionary, one synonym for each of those terms is the other term. Other synonyms - nonentity, mouthpiece, dupe, pawn...nothing.
"It is about the accumulation of power by any means necessary."
I have been attacked by a cold, and I feel like last week's lunch. I made two big pots of turkey noodle soup over the weekend, though, and they were SO good. One is almost finished at this house, and the other is being lunch at work for Lovely Daughter. I have more carcass, think this one will probably make turkey rice soup...cuz I'm out of noodles.
I've read Arnold Ahlert's letters to the editor and comments at The American Spectator. JewishWorldReview.com picked him up as a new contributor a few months back and I am pleased as I can be.
Mr. Ahlert's most recent column is SO good, I wish I could reprint the whole thing. Some exerpts:
On the reaction of Old Media to word that the "scientists" involved in pushing the idea of 'global warming' might not be in consensus AND might fudge data?
The reaction to these revelations? Perhaps as revealing, if not more so, than the revelations themselves. Much like the ACORN scandal, the mainstream media—once again with the exception of Fox News—has either avoided the story completely, or sought to focus on the manner in which the emails were procured. This last bit is pivotal, because it is the basis by which the intrepid folks at the New York Times and other media sources have determined that they will withhold the damning evidence from the public: stolen material is unfit for print or broadcast.
Apparently this is a spanking new standard for the Times, whose appetite for disseminating purloined or secret stuff goes back at least as far as the top secret, "not intended for publication" Pentagon Papers in 1971, all the way through to revealing top-secret info about how the Bush administration conducted various aspects of the war on terror.
Mr. Ahlert points out that many Americans simply don't know what they don't know - and what they don't know is a n 800-pound gorilla:
Which brings us to the 800-pound gorilla: you can't learn what you haven't been taught. Or worse, you can't make informed decisions when those decisions have already be made for you by an educational establishment which has been in the liberal tank for decades. With respect to this particular subject, how many school age children have been forced to watch Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" and given the impression that a blowhard politician with no scientific credentials whatsoever, a man whose own lifestyle contradicts everything he ostensibly believes in, is the last word on the subject? How many kids have been told global warming is "settled science" without offering them a scintilla of contrasting information? How many have been brainwashed into believing that "living green" is tantamount to the religious mandate to "go and sin no more?"
Every effort mankind has ever undertaken to obliterate individual freedom and increase the power of the state has always included the inculcation of children too young to think independently. This one is no different. If America is going to right itself, the war for our children's hearts and minds must be won.
But in order to win it, more people have to realize it exists. More importantly, they have to do something about it. This is a difficult undertaking for parents who are the front-liners in this fight. At the end of a busy day, very few people want to know—exactly—what their children are learning in school. Unfortunately, such apathy is the mother's milk of progressives for whom raising a generation of school children who disdain American exceptionalism is a prime directive. People with no particular pride in their country are a much more malleable bunch than those with a real understanding of self-reliance, Constitutionalism, and historical perspective.
A long, difficult, and often tedious journey has begun for us - I hope the old dogs are up to learning new tricks - so the next generations will be taught properly.
I've read Arnold Ahlert's letters to the editor and comments at The American Spectator. JewishWorldReview.com picked him up as a new contributor a few months back and I am pleased as I can be.
Mr. Ahlert's most recent column is SO good, I wish I could reprint the whole thing. Some exerpts:
On the reaction of Old Media to word that the "scientists" involved in pushing the idea of 'global warming' might not be in consensus AND might fudge data?
The reaction to these revelations? Perhaps as revealing, if not more so, than the revelations themselves. Much like the ACORN scandal, the mainstream media—once again with the exception of Fox News—has either avoided the story completely, or sought to focus on the manner in which the emails were procured. This last bit is pivotal, because it is the basis by which the intrepid folks at the New York Times and other media sources have determined that they will withhold the damning evidence from the public: stolen material is unfit for print or broadcast.
Apparently this is a spanking new standard for the Times, whose appetite for disseminating purloined or secret stuff goes back at least as far as the top secret, "not intended for publication" Pentagon Papers in 1971, all the way through to revealing top-secret info about how the Bush administration conducted various aspects of the war on terror.
Mr. Ahlert points out that many Americans simply don't know what they don't know - and what they don't know is a n 800-pound gorilla:
Which brings us to the 800-pound gorilla: you can't learn what you haven't been taught. Or worse, you can't make informed decisions when those decisions have already be made for you by an educational establishment which has been in the liberal tank for decades. With respect to this particular subject, how many school age children have been forced to watch Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" and given the impression that a blowhard politician with no scientific credentials whatsoever, a man whose own lifestyle contradicts everything he ostensibly believes in, is the last word on the subject? How many kids have been told global warming is "settled science" without offering them a scintilla of contrasting information? How many have been brainwashed into believing that "living green" is tantamount to the religious mandate to "go and sin no more?"
Every effort mankind has ever undertaken to obliterate individual freedom and increase the power of the state has always included the inculcation of children too young to think independently. This one is no different. If America is going to right itself, the war for our children's hearts and minds must be won.
But in order to win it, more people have to realize it exists. More importantly, they have to do something about it. This is a difficult undertaking for parents who are the front-liners in this fight. At the end of a busy day, very few people want to know—exactly—what their children are learning in school. Unfortunately, such apathy is the mother's milk of progressives for whom raising a generation of school children who disdain American exceptionalism is a prime directive. People with no particular pride in their country are a much more malleable bunch than those with a real understanding of self-reliance, Constitutionalism, and historical perspective.
A long, difficult, and often tedious journey has begun for us - I hope the old dogs are up to learning new tricks - so the next generations will be taught properly.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Another short trip in the WayBack machine...
Lazy Saturday morning 'round Pixie Place. So, before I get in the shower so I can go get some groceries (going to make turkey noodle soup) when My Chief gets home from work (he's already been here 3 times) - how 'bout some classic television from my younger days. No, I was NOT a child when this show aired. It wasn't meant for children.
Every season had a different opening sequence, but Season One doesn't sound good, so I got this one instead.
Then, one of my favorite bits from the show - and I know I'm not the only one who liked these guys!
UPDATE: Waiting for Lovely Daughter to come get me so we can take her daddy his keys. This is the 2nd time he's had reason to like me having my own transportation since I gave my BroncoII to Handsome Son-in-law. Y'all have a fine day, I'll let you know how the soup turns out when I finally get to the store!
Every season had a different opening sequence, but Season One doesn't sound good, so I got this one instead.
Then, one of my favorite bits from the show - and I know I'm not the only one who liked these guys!
UPDATE: Waiting for Lovely Daughter to come get me so we can take her daddy his keys. This is the 2nd time he's had reason to like me having my own transportation since I gave my BroncoII to Handsome Son-in-law. Y'all have a fine day, I'll let you know how the soup turns out when I finally get to the store!
Five Day Forecast on wokv.com
Five Day Forecast on wokv.com
It's real dry. WeatherGuessers call it "fire weather."
And I don't care what AccuWeather says - 41 - I just watched frost form on the roof of the house and the car in the driveway under the big magnolia tree across the street.
It's real dry. WeatherGuessers call it "fire weather."
And I don't care what AccuWeather says - 41 - I just watched frost form on the roof of the house and the car in the driveway under the big magnolia tree across the street.
Friday, November 27, 2009
It was free and she was determined!
It seems to me most women these days take a sick day when they have a headache or cramps - they won't cook, much less move out of the house to get the food. So I have a grudging admiration for this woman.
The woman also gave some people the opportunity to do good and help someone in distress. Might be a lesson there...
The woman also gave some people the opportunity to do good and help someone in distress. Might be a lesson there...
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Gratitude is the sign of noble souls. ~Aesop
It is literally true, as the thankless say, that they have nothing to be thankful for. He who sits by the fire, thankless for the fire, is just as if he had no fire. Nothing is possessed save in appreciation, of which thankfulness is the indispensable ingredient. But a thankful heart hath a continual feast. ~W.J. Cameron
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God has two dwellings; one in heaven, and the other in a meek and thankful heart. ~Izaak Walton
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For what I give, not what I take,
For battle, not for victory,
My prayer of thanks I make.
~Odell Shepard
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Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. ~Melody Beattie
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We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder
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A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues. ~Cicero
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God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say "thank you?" ~William A. Ward
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THANK YOU, G-D, for the men and women who put on the uniform of the Armed Forces of the United States, to stand in harm's way around the world, in defense of our Home. I am humbled by their Service.
To all my family and friends who read this blog, from the Old Retired Petty Officer (aka Pixie's Great Uncle) and Lovely Daughter to the commenters from Blair Nation - thank you for allowing me to share a small part of your life, thanks for stopping by, and if you'll excuse me now, I have a turkey to get in the oven! Hope to see you again real soon!
********************************************************************************************
God has two dwellings; one in heaven, and the other in a meek and thankful heart. ~Izaak Walton
********************************************************************************************
For what I give, not what I take,
For battle, not for victory,
My prayer of thanks I make.
~Odell Shepard
*******************************************************************************************
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. ~Melody Beattie
******************************************************************************************
We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder
******************************************************************************************
A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues. ~Cicero
********************************************************************************************
God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say "thank you?" ~William A. Ward
*********************************************************************************************
THANK YOU, G-D, for the men and women who put on the uniform of the Armed Forces of the United States, to stand in harm's way around the world, in defense of our Home. I am humbled by their Service.
To all my family and friends who read this blog, from the Old Retired Petty Officer (aka Pixie's Great Uncle) and Lovely Daughter to the commenters from Blair Nation - thank you for allowing me to share a small part of your life, thanks for stopping by, and if you'll excuse me now, I have a turkey to get in the oven! Hope to see you again real soon!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
AGW - A Great Waste (of Taxpayer Money)
Yes, I've been following the kerfuffle about the lies, damn lies, and little white lies printed and spoken to "prove" something that facts, figures, and REAL science do not prove. SwampWoman at A1A South uses her talents to explain an opinion much better than I could. Swiped her title, too, because in this case, imitation is the best way to flatter and say thank you.
I'm also working my way through the analysis Boy On A Bike is doing Down Under. He's so good at keeping this simple enough for an uneducated ordinary ol broad like me to understand that I just cannot imagine how the wool has been pulled over the eyes of the world for so long...which tells me there's likely collusion. What's that old line - follow the Money. Cliches are often truth, aren't they?
I'm also working my way through the analysis Boy On A Bike is doing Down Under. He's so good at keeping this simple enough for an uneducated ordinary ol broad like me to understand that I just cannot imagine how the wool has been pulled over the eyes of the world for so long...which tells me there's likely collusion. What's that old line - follow the Money. Cliches are often truth, aren't they?
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thomas Sowell on Tuesday!
From Thomas Sowell's column today:
No one will really understand politics until they understand that politicians are not trying to solve our problems. They are trying to solve their own problems-- of which getting elected and re-elected are number one and number two. Whatever is number three is far behind.
...
What is stupid is believing that politicians are trying to solve our problems, instead of theirs.
And from the comments, with MANY thanks to PB in WA:
Put a human in a situation where he votes for his own raises and can custom-design his medical, retirement & other perks, and on top of that gets to decide what everyone else is allowed under law, and you pretty much have a monster on your hands, one who will never relinquish what he has been handed.
House full of little ones again soon, y'all have a great day and thanks for stopping by!
No one will really understand politics until they understand that politicians are not trying to solve our problems. They are trying to solve their own problems-- of which getting elected and re-elected are number one and number two. Whatever is number three is far behind.
...
What is stupid is believing that politicians are trying to solve our problems, instead of theirs.
And from the comments, with MANY thanks to PB in WA:
Put a human in a situation where he votes for his own raises and can custom-design his medical, retirement & other perks, and on top of that gets to decide what everyone else is allowed under law, and you pretty much have a monster on your hands, one who will never relinquish what he has been handed.
House full of little ones again soon, y'all have a great day and thanks for stopping by!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Works for me
With Laughter O God, as the day returns and brings us the silly Rounds of irritating duties, help me perform Them with laughter and a kind face. Let cheerfulness overflow in my work; Give me joy during my business all this day; Bring me to my resting bed tired and content And grant me the gift of sleep.--Adapted from writing by Robert Louis Stevenson
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Some American History
My first love wasn't motorcycles. It was airplanes.
THIS airplane, in particular.
If you read the comments, disregard skipjack's opinions - anyone who considers being on an airliner to be 'flying' isn't worth listening to. In my opinion, that is.
An old home movie...
The sound of the engine and the wind in these just about breaks my heart...
THIS airplane, in particular.
If you read the comments, disregard skipjack's opinions - anyone who considers being on an airliner to be 'flying' isn't worth listening to. In my opinion, that is.
An old home movie...
The sound of the engine and the wind in these just about breaks my heart...
Friday, November 20, 2009
It's Aloha Friday!
BEEootiful day - perfect for a song like this. Listened to Rick Hamada open his radio show with it every Friday morning when we were stationed at Kane'ohe.
Not crazy about the video, but I love this song and in my limited search time, it's the best version of Bruddah Iz singing it.
And now for a different kind of Hawai'ian music. Performance at the Kaiser Permanente 50th Anniversary on Hilo in 2008. We've been fans of Na Leo Pilimahana for several years now, but can't find video of my favorite song...this will have to do.
Not crazy about the video, but I love this song and in my limited search time, it's the best version of Bruddah Iz singing it.
And now for a different kind of Hawai'ian music. Performance at the Kaiser Permanente 50th Anniversary on Hilo in 2008. We've been fans of Na Leo Pilimahana for several years now, but can't find video of my favorite song...this will have to do.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
USS Gerald R Ford (CVN-78)
CVN-78 is named after Gerald Rudolph Ford, Jr. (1913–2006), 38th President of the United States of America (1974–1977).
(Read about LCDR Gerald R. Ford, Jr, USNR, biography and WW2 service at the Naval Historical Center website.)
Gerald R. Ford, Jr. became the fourth consecutive President to have served in the US Navy. He was the first vice president in American history to succeed to the nation's highest office because of the resignation of a president, and he was the first person to occupy the White House without being elected either president or vice president. He viewed himself as "a moderate in domestic affairs, a conservative in fiscal affairs, and a dyed-in-the-wool internationalist in foreign affairs." Ford acted vigorously to maintain US power and prestige after the collapse of Cambodia and South Vietnam. Preventing a new war in the Middle East remained a major objective. Detente with the Soviet Union continued. On Inauguration Day his successor, President Carter, began his speech: "For myself and for our Nation, I want to thank my predecessor for all he has done to heal our land."
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The new ship will be something to see, according to the drawings I've seen. Much more impressive a ship than Ford was a President...in my little-qualified opinion, anyway. He was a nice man, a good man...but not exactly a barnburner, personality-wise.
Beautiful ship, anyway.
Wakko Wednesday
I stayed out later than usual last night, though it was great fun and so rewarding. But I'm a little blah today, moving easy, with lots to do. Hanging out with the Pixie, cooking supper for her grandpa and parents, while she colours and watches Little Einsteins.
I loved this show when Lovely Daughter was a little girl.
The Schoolhouse Rock 30th Anniversary Edition is on my Christmas list.
I've been trying to remember the name of this show for months now. Solved! Just go to YouTube's search engine, enter Ben Vereen Children's Show and VOILA! Here it is!
I loved this show when Lovely Daughter was a little girl.
The Schoolhouse Rock 30th Anniversary Edition is on my Christmas list.
I've been trying to remember the name of this show for months now. Solved! Just go to YouTube's search engine, enter Ben Vereen Children's Show and VOILA! Here it is!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tuesday = Thomas...Sowell, that is
So, after years of "delay," the Current Occupant and His Merry Band of Weasels are going to try the 9/11 killers as if they were American citizens who robbed a bank. Isn't that special.
Thomas Sowell's column - as usual - is an insightful and scathing opinion piece that mirrors my own thinking. Without the snark and cynicism I tend to exhibit.
This is not the rule of law but the application of laws to situations for which they were not designed.
Maybe the punishment will be 1000 lashes with a chalkboard eraser.
Thomas Sowell's column - as usual - is an insightful and scathing opinion piece that mirrors my own thinking. Without the snark and cynicism I tend to exhibit.
This is not the rule of law but the application of laws to situations for which they were not designed.
Maybe the punishment will be 1000 lashes with a chalkboard eraser.
Monday, November 16, 2009
To the CongressWeasels, the Constitution isn't fluid or 'living' - it's chalkmarks they can rewrite or ignore at will!
Something puzzles me.
The Boston Tea Party was a protest in answer to crippling and unfair taxes by the Crown and Governors of the Crown who ran the Colonies. It was one in a long list of grievances against the Crown by the Colonists. (I know, that's a simplified description, but it's nearly bed time and I have a miserable headache). We fought a war - long, bloody, and eventually successful - to have the rights our Founding Fathers reminded us IN THE CONSTITUTION come only from the Creator. The 'rights' of Government are enumerated and limited by said Constitution because the Founders knew what a Government Right was like - oppressive and tyrannical. Deadly.
Now, the CongressWeasels we elected - only the most recent in a line of such weasels - have deemed it necessary to have all Americans covered by 'universal health care.' The bill currently before these tyrants has the only option as buying Government-approved health insurance...or facing fines and JAIL!?!?!?
This Current Occupant and His Weasels are going to FORCE Americans to BUY something or be put in JAIL!?!? Are they HIGH? Have they all gone off the sanity diving board like lemmings?
Oh, that insanity was the answer. These Servants to the Crown want Power - and more Power - and they will let nothing stop them from taking their Rightful Place at the feet of their Emperor. They know exactly what they're doing, and they're pretty sure there's nothing We The People can or will do to stop them.
We's in deep doo-doo if they succeed. Does YOUR Elected Representative still represent YOU? Mine doesn't. Unfortunately she's in a gerrymandered, bulletproof district. But they're not ALL bulletproof, are they.
The Boston Tea Party was a protest in answer to crippling and unfair taxes by the Crown and Governors of the Crown who ran the Colonies. It was one in a long list of grievances against the Crown by the Colonists. (I know, that's a simplified description, but it's nearly bed time and I have a miserable headache). We fought a war - long, bloody, and eventually successful - to have the rights our Founding Fathers reminded us IN THE CONSTITUTION come only from the Creator. The 'rights' of Government are enumerated and limited by said Constitution because the Founders knew what a Government Right was like - oppressive and tyrannical. Deadly.
Now, the CongressWeasels we elected - only the most recent in a line of such weasels - have deemed it necessary to have all Americans covered by 'universal health care.' The bill currently before these tyrants has the only option as buying Government-approved health insurance...or facing fines and JAIL!?!?!?
This Current Occupant and His Weasels are going to FORCE Americans to BUY something or be put in JAIL!?!? Are they HIGH? Have they all gone off the sanity diving board like lemmings?
Oh, that insanity was the answer. These Servants to the Crown want Power - and more Power - and they will let nothing stop them from taking their Rightful Place at the feet of their Emperor. They know exactly what they're doing, and they're pretty sure there's nothing We The People can or will do to stop them.
We's in deep doo-doo if they succeed. Does YOUR Elected Representative still represent YOU? Mine doesn't. Unfortunately she's in a gerrymandered, bulletproof district. But they're not ALL bulletproof, are they.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
"They stand between us and those who would plunge our nation into darkness."
Ben Shapiro tells about another anti-American movie that paints our proud Warriors as monsters and psychos. Funny how many who tell such stories have little or no experience with REAL military members or their families. I take this as a PERSONAL affront, being a Navy Wife of 22 years, and with my brother, cousins, father and uncles having also worn the uniform.
I will not pay to see another Hollywood production, in a theatre or recorded. I rewrote that, because there were conditions such as 'war movie' or a certain time period in my first writing. I apply no such conditions now that I think of it. It isn't as if Hollywood is going to miss my few pennies, I'm not a movie buff in any way shape or form. Like Congress, Hollyweird doesn't give a rat's shiny rear end what I think, either. But I try to stand by my principles, and I don't have enough cash to waste on people who have such little respect for the finest and bravest among us. I can catch the few movies I might be interested in on a cable channel I already pay for. The last movie I watched was "Taking Chance" on HBO. Last year. The last movie I saw in a theatre was "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King."
From the column:
Where is George Clooney when we need him? Where is Ewan McGregor? Where is Tobey Maguire? Apparently, they are too busy pillorying soldiers as would-be Maj. Nidal Hasans to remember who our soldiers really are: Michael Monsoors. Heroes. True brothers. And true protectors.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Patriot Guard Riders - short notice
My Chief will be riding a mission with the Patriot Guard Riders today. Here's the link with details of who and where...
You gave your life for us, Scotty - this is the least we can do in return.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Number Three
Bob Tyrell's column has something to say about BarryO and His Band of Weasels. BarryO has brought some real 'pieces of work' to his administration, and some of them have the job on a very temporary basis. Sometimes shills and sycophants who worked well at a campaign level really aren't good company at the National level. They say things or do things that cause pain and embarrassment to their Emperor - can't have THAT! I need a pick-me-up this morning, and Tyrell provides much in the way of snark. I love snark.
My guess is that Dunn's expressed admiration for Mao is the cause of her departure. For this revelation, I suppose we have to thank Fox's Glenn Beck. He aired a tape of Dunn notifying an audience of students at St. Andrew's Episcopal School near Washington that this cuddly little butterball of a tyrant — who oversaw the murders of some 70 million people — is one of her "favorite philosophers." The other one, she said, is Mother Teresa, who killed no one, as far as we know. Dunn adduced both as moral exemplars for the assembled youths. Her point was something about setting out to do things you really want to do regardless of criticism. If I followed her, she saw both Mao and Mother Teresa as variations on the old Sinatra standard "My Way." In moral and practical terms, Dunn's advice to the students was confused.
What is more, she stretched the truth when asked to defend her speech. On CNN, she attempted to explain that when she spoke of Mao as one of her "favorite political philosophers," she was speaking ironically. The phrase was, she claimed, "intended as irony, but clearly the effort fell flat — at least with a certain Fox commentator whose sense of irony may be missing." Ah, Dunn's war with Fox continues.
I don't know about you, but where I'm from "stretching the truth" is the same as lying. I don't believe for a minute that she intended irony.
Wonder who's next to open mouth and change feet. Stay tuned!
My guess is that Dunn's expressed admiration for Mao is the cause of her departure. For this revelation, I suppose we have to thank Fox's Glenn Beck. He aired a tape of Dunn notifying an audience of students at St. Andrew's Episcopal School near Washington that this cuddly little butterball of a tyrant — who oversaw the murders of some 70 million people — is one of her "favorite philosophers." The other one, she said, is Mother Teresa, who killed no one, as far as we know. Dunn adduced both as moral exemplars for the assembled youths. Her point was something about setting out to do things you really want to do regardless of criticism. If I followed her, she saw both Mao and Mother Teresa as variations on the old Sinatra standard "My Way." In moral and practical terms, Dunn's advice to the students was confused.
What is more, she stretched the truth when asked to defend her speech. On CNN, she attempted to explain that when she spoke of Mao as one of her "favorite political philosophers," she was speaking ironically. The phrase was, she claimed, "intended as irony, but clearly the effort fell flat — at least with a certain Fox commentator whose sense of irony may be missing." Ah, Dunn's war with Fox continues.
I don't know about you, but where I'm from "stretching the truth" is the same as lying. I don't believe for a minute that she intended irony.
Wonder who's next to open mouth and change feet. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Michael Henry Cassel, 19 May 1932-11 November 1991
Michael Henry Cassel
Born 19 May 1932
Died 11 November 1991
I'm going to post a few recollections of my dad here today. Many of them will be factually wrong, probably, as my brain has been a bit damaged over the years and some things are mixed up while others may be absent altogether. But my brother reads this blog, so I'm sure he'll correct any glaring inconsistencies, and I'll amend as needed.
Mike Cassel was born in Glasgow, Montana. I don't know when the family moved to Havre. He ran away to join the service at 17, I think I heard. When he was 20, he went home on leave. He met Mom at one of her college dances, Friday the 13th of March, and asked her to marry him just ten days later, before he returned to duty back east. She said yes. Mom got a tiny diamond in the mail and planned the wedding, and on November 7, while he was again on leave, they got married. The honeymoon consisted of driving back to D.C.
Dad was so smart...and he got bored easily, and luckily married a woman willing to pack up the kids - Glenn was born in '54, me in '55 and Thelma in '63 - and the household and traipse off to the next perfect job after he got out of the Air Force. Usually every summer. All around the state of Montana. I went to twelve different schools in twelve years. The year I was in the third grade, I attended three. In two different towns. Twelve schools, numerous towns, three countries. Perfect training for this Navy Wife of 22 years.
Mike Cassel understood electronics and airplanes and weather and weapons. He hunted the prairies of north central Montana till shortly before he died. He enjoyed fly-fishing. He liked beer and a nice pipe. He could play harmonica and piano by ear. He was a voracious reader and a spirited writer of letters to the editor and he even wrote a book.
My dad was a paratrooper in the Montana National Guard. He jumped out of one too many airplanes, tore the hell out of his knees, and eventually lost one leg to staph infection that nearly killed him more than once. When they came to visit us in Maine because I was having a bit of surgery (and to meet his son-in-law for the first time), he gave me his jump wings. I still have them.
Dad got his college degree when he was 40. He taught shop. He did his student teaching at my mom's school, in my class, and he made physical science interesting. The other kids loved it and I didn't hate it either. Because of him, I love to fly - being in the Ercoupe or the Stinson with him was such fun - we used to land at the lake and drive around on the dirt roads.
We found out about the cancer around Christmas of 1989. Mom called me at my in-law's house in Indiana, where we'd stopped to visit on the way from one duty station to another. They gave him two years, because he chose no treatment. Just under two years later, as I returned home after watching the Jacksonville Veterans Day parade with my husband and daughter, I answered the phone on the wall in this house and my mom's voice said, "He's gone."
My dad was opinionated, educated, loud, and obnoxious on many occasions. He was a much better grandparent than he was a parent. I think he liked to fight as much as I did. Maybe more. He fought his demons in a different way than I do...now.
Mike Cassel - husband, father, grandfather, fighter, friend, teacher, pilot, poet, warrior. He was a helluva man. And I miss him still.
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