June 30, 2007
Chrissie turns the big 4-0 today! Drop by and wish her all the best, as I do.
Happy Birthday my friend, and may the next year bring immeasurable blessings... in straightforward and entirely pleasant ways!
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June 28, 2007
You'll love the ending.
H/T the ever amusing and interesting Baldilocks
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Recently, the new UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said that the root cause of the current genocide in Darfur is [wait for it...] global warming. Now if you've been following the tragedy of the Darfur region in the African nation of Sudan, you know how absurd that statement is.This is the NUMBER ONE reason why I will vote for Fred, given the opportunity. He'll stand up to the international community, and especially the UN.There's not room here for even a good summary, but let me make a few points. Sudan straddles the line between Christian African and Muslim Arabic cultures, bordering Egypt and Libya on the north. Bloody regional warfare stretches back centuries but, in modern times, the country has been in pretty much of a constant state of war since the 1950s. It's safe to say that millions have died in wars that are often aimed at control of the rich oil fields in the South. Today, however, the vastly reduced African Christian population isn't even involved. Two Muslim factions, divided along racial lines, are fighting for control of Darfur.
Now it's true that the return of cyclical droughts has made agriculture and life more and more difficult for the people in the region. The impact of the weather, however, doesn't approach the destruction that generations of warfare have worked on the land and the people. With peace and freedom, the economy of Darfur could have easily adapted to any climate change no matter the cause.
Why, then, would the new UN Secretary General blame climate change? I think it's pretty obvious.
Blaming the Islamic government and groups that have manipulated events in Sudan will get him nothing but enemies. Blaming global warming, however, is basically the same thing as blaming America. America is by no means the only major source of greenhouse gases, but we've taken the most political heat. The reason is that congress rightfully balked at ratifying the Kyoto international climate treaties during the Clinton presidency.
There is simply no downside to blaming America, because Americans don't punish their ideological foes. From the UN, we don't even require sanity sometimes. And there might even be an upside to blaming us, since there are Americans who suffer from such ingrained feelings of guilt, they'll support increased aid to both the UN and Sudan.
There is a lesson to be learned here, though. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is arguably the most powerful man in the international community today. We know he's unwilling to blame those who actually gave the orders to commit genocide in Darfur. And apparently he's happy to shift the blame for ongoing deaths to those living peaceful, productive lives in the West.
Now hopefully we can work toward international cooperation with regard to environmental policies that make sense. It's not very encouraging though when the head of the world's leading international body uses climate change as an all purpose excuse in order to avoid hard realities.
And I'd be happy to put the title of this post on my car as a bumper sticker, together with the phrase "Fred Thompson '08".
There's nothing I can add here. Fred calls out the absurdity better than I ever could.
Run Fred Run!
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June 27, 2007
The Army announced today that the first successful F-Bomb test has taken place in the New Mexico desert. The F-Bomb - which is not nuclear but still produces a mushroom cloud - was begun after the above ground testing ban treaty in the 1960's. "There was a lot of research left undone." according to Dr. Renaldo Hererra, chief of Munitions Linguistics at Los Alamos. "We went straight from the A-Bomb to the H-Bomb, omitting everything in between. The B project showed promise, but C through E were complete failures. It's good to finally have some success."Read the whole report here!
The test took place yesterday at 5:42 AM, reportedly flooding the Jouququ Valley with brilliant light, and creating a blast that resounded off the surrounding mountains for several minutes. "It was ****ing awesome!" exclaimed General Milton C. Ironcrotch, Commanding Officer of the program, curiously potty mouthed after the test.
h/t Joyner
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June 26, 2007
I sure hope she takes after her mom. Dad is on the left, below:
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Anyway, we are mostly settled. Oh yeah, the house still looks like a box tornado hit it. Boxes in every room. But everyday the number of boxes decreases, and every day we get a little closer to "settled".
This weekend we focused on the backyard. We planted tomatoes and peppers and flowers. We ripped out a bunch of trash (dying annuals) that the previous owners planted to make the house pretty. Oh, and we mowed the lawn. Yep, we bought a lawnmower. We also attacked the honeysuckle bush that grows over the top of our patio's arbor. It was far to heavy for it's own good, and the growth underneath is dying from lack of sun, so we cut it way back.
We're also trying out different types of squirrel repellent. I hate the little bastards. They ate ALL of our apricots, and are currently trying to duplicate that feat with the plums. DH says he's like Ralphie, and he wants a BB gun for Christmas.
I don't think he'll shoot his eye out, do you?
The list of things we want to do to the house keeps getting longer, as we get settled. However, it's also getting pushed back by the list of things we NEED to do in the house.... like when the hot water in the shower mysteriously stops working all of a sudden...Needless to say, DH is now known far and wide as MASTER PLUMBER. It was a $25 repair, the plumber would have charged me AT LEAST 10X as much.
Things at work are settling down, too. My book chapter is in. Not quite on time, but certainly not the last one, either. I have been busy doing the part of my job that I refer to as "the other stuff": student business, community outreach, etc. I sure as hell like this stuff better than being in the lab.
I know I haven't blogged about it much, but I have been keeping up with the news. This Jessie Davis case has made me sick. What the hell kind of asshole kills the mother of his child, and his unborn child when his wife already knows about them? He had nothing to gain from killing Jessie and Chloe. Not a damn thing. And now his little boy will grow up without either of his parents.
And I must tell you, I am so glad this whole Paris Hilton crap is over. I STG I now know why people in other countries hate us and think we're weak. We watch a billionaire's daughter get chauffered to and from jail. And this is SUPPOSEWDLY IMPORTANT. Never mind that people are fighting and dying in places most Americans can't find on a map, a rich blonde is going to jail! Stop the presses!
Give me a friggin' break.
I'm still on the Fred bandwagon. The more I hear from Fred, the more I like. And the thing is, Fred and I may disagree on some issues, but he has the cojones to get the job done. I really believe it. Like Reagan, there's something about Fred that tells me he's got an agenda, and nothing is going to stop him from making it happen. The comparison to Reagan, is especially apt, I think. Not even because Fred is also an actor. But maybe that gives him an edge, too. He has ties outside of Washington, he's in touch with the rest of the world. I mean, heck, he has a BLOG! He actually blogs (sometimes, the majority of the posts are excerpts from his daily commentaries). And he's already spoken out on a number of very touchy issues that others won't touch: Cuba, Israel, National Health Care.
I suppose that's about it for now. I'm sure I'll think of something else later....
Oh, and it's been one year since we lost Acidman. I still have him on the blogroll, listed as the "Evil Fairy Godfather" which, in many ways, he was to me. At least in the blogworld. Rob was always good for a laugh, and he always spoke his mind, a rare enough trait in this world. Rob introduced me to many many folks I am proud to call friends, and made me feel welcome when I was just a noob.
Rob wasn't everyone's cup of tea, but he was always a gentleman to me, and I loved him for it.
Why, Rob, did you have to drink so much? And leave the party so early? We loved you just as well sober. And I know you wanted to spend more time with Sam and Quinton and Mommie.
I wish I could have met you. I tried, you know. God damn food poisoning. I thought we'd have more time, and more chances.
In my mind's eye there's a beach and a bar out there somewhere, and a guitar with soft strings, and wimmin with red toenails aplenty.... rest in peace. Or not. I suppose raising hell is more your style.
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I was wondering how things were going for ya'll.
Have you seen the "Fred On?" I almost peed my pants. Nomar Garciaparra is moving across the diamond.Doin' the happy dance! Now if they can just straighten out the bullpen.....After spending the past season and a half as the Los Angeles Dodgers' first baseman, Garciaparra will move to third base, perhaps as early as Friday.
"We're trying to get ourselves in a position where we can be the best we can be, and that option right now is there for us," manager Grady Little said Monday. "Nomar's 100 percent on board. He's been over there before. It's not a strange place for him."
It opens up a chance for streaking James Loney to play first base. Loney is hitting .429 since being recalled from the minor leagues June 10.
"This has a lot to do with the way James Loney is swinging the bat and the way he's playing, too," Little said. "The primary factor is to try to help us win games. And we feel like this is a move we want to give a shot at right now."
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June 24, 2007
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June 21, 2007
Helen and Angus found out what flavor(s) of twins they're getting.
I'll let her tell you, though.
Now that I know, however, it's off to the yarn store for appropriate baby-colored yarn. I already have a pattern in mind.
I wish all you people would just quit having babies, already! I'm already behind with their presents! (j/k)
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June 19, 2007
... Especially here in the great Republic of Texas, a smiling, drooling preference for succulent, protein-rich, nutritious backstrap over aromatic mesquite coals is as American and natural and right as Mom, apple pie and the flag. It's beautiful, really.There's more. Check out the rest here. Be sure to note Nuge's views on the Left in this country, and how much their rhetoric sounds like the commies...But a culture war rages against such universal, self-evident truths. It would be laughable if it were not so deranged. Some weirdos actually are on a crusade to outlaw the consumption of flesh.
I have musical touring associates who have been fired from their jobs with ex-Beatle Paul McCartney for sneaking a hamburger.
You heard that right. Fired for eating meat by an animal-rights maniac, hard-core vegan bass player.
The entire agenda of the gazillion-dollar-financed joke known as PETA literally is dedicated to outlawing meat.
Neither I, nor any hunter or meat eater on the planet, has any desire whatsoever to influence any vegetarian's choice of diet or to force them to eat meat. We are the friendly, tolerant Americans.
This is but one of many issues that represent the line drawn in the sand between liberals and conservatives.
h/t el Pitbull at Babalu
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The $10 offer is available to customers in the 22-state AT&T service region, which includes former BellSouth areas, who have never had AT&T or BellSouth broadband, spokesman Michael Coe confirmed Monday. Local phone service and a one-year contract are required. The modem is free.If you're interested click here for more information (AT&T and/or former SBC customers) or here and scroll down to "Term contract plans available" (former BellSouth Customers).
The plan was not mentioned in a Friday news release about AT&T's DSL plans, and is slightly hidden on the AT&T Web site. A page describing DSL options doesn't mention it, but clicking a link for "Term contract plans" reveals it. It's also presented to customers who go into the application process, Coe said.
The service provides download speeds of up to 768 kilobits per second and upload speeds of up to 128 kbps, matching the speeds of the cheapest advertised AT&T plan, which costs $19.95 per month in the nine-state former BellSouth area and $14.99 in the 13 states covered by AT&T before the acquisition.
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Does it strike anyone else as WRONG that they are playing that commercial during an episode of Little People, Big World??
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A Pakistani minister says Muslims would be right to carry out suicide attacks over author Salman Rushdie's knighthood.First of all, if these fuckers had actually read the book, they wouldn't bitch. It SUCKS. SUCKS. No one would have read it if they hadn't made such a stink in the first place. Now it's a classic.
Religious Affairs Minister Mohammed Ijaz ul Haq told the country's parliament: "The West is accusing Muslims of extremism and terrorism.
"If someone exploded a bomb on his body he would be right to do so unless the British government apologises and withdraws the 'Sir' title."
In Multan, effigies of the writer and the monarch have been burned by about 100 students carrying banners and chanting "Kill Him! Kill Him!"
Second, if Sir Salman goes into hiding, will they cancel Top Chef or just find a new host? Mrs. Salman Rushdie, a.k.a. Padma Lakshmi, is the host. Her knowledge of all things culinary as well as her sharp personality and beautiful face makes her a great host. It would be sad if she had to give up her career for her own safety.
It's the Religion of Peace and Tolerance, my friends. Always remember that,
h/t Wild Thing
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Fire swept through a furniture warehouse, collapsing its roof and killing nine firefighters inside in a disaster the mayor described Tuesday as "difficult to fathom or quantify."My heart goes out to their families and they are in my thoughts and prayers."Nine brave, heroic, courageous firefighters of the city of Charleston have perished fighting fire in a most courageous and fearless manner, carrying out their duties," Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley said at a morning news conference. "To all of their loved ones, our heart goes out to them."
Two employees in the building were rescued from the blaze, which broke out at about 7 p.m. Monday in the Sofa Super Store and warehouse, Riley said. One was rescued quickly, and firefighters punched a hole through a wall of the warehouse to reach the other, he said.
Firefighters, police officers and other rescue workers saluted as the firefighters' bodies were carried from the warehouse during the night.
"To lose nine is just a tragedy of immense proportions," Riley said. "To lose nine is just unbelievable."
The department has 237 firefighters in 19 companies located throughout the city of about 106,000.
UPDATE: The nine Firefighters have been identified
Capt. William "Billy" Hutchinson, 48
Capt. Mike Benke, 49
Capt. Louis Mulkey, 34
Engineer Mark Kelsey, 40
Engineer Bradford "Brad" Baity, 37
Assistant Engineer Michael French, 27
James "Earl" Drayton, 56
Brandon Thompson, 27
Melven Champaign, 46
Godspeed.
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June 18, 2007
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June 16, 2007
The best part? The predictable response:"You've got to turn off the Spanish television set" and avoid Spanish-language television, books and newspapers, the Republican governor said Wednesday night at the annual convention of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
"You're just forced to speak English, and that just makes you learn the language faster," Schwarzenegger said.
"I know this sounds odd and this is the politically incorrect thing to say, and I'm going to get myself in trouble," he said, noting that he rarely spoke German and was forced to learn English when he emigrated from Austria.
Schwarzenegger was responding to a question about how Hispanic students can improve academically. Many journalists for Spanish-language organizations in the audience were surprised by the remarks.
"I'm sitting shaking my head not believing that someone would be so naive and out of it that he would say something like that," said Alex Nogales, president and chief executive of the National Hispanic Media Coalition.I'd just like to point out that this dude is the one keeping his people down, ok. It's not the Man. It's the Hombre. I should remind Mr. Nogales of a couple of things. First, Mr. Schwarzenegger DIDN'T have the "native" language resources that you and your colleagues provide. And somehow, he managed to learn enough to be informed enough to be THE FRIGGING GOVERNOR of the richest, most diverse state in the US.
Hispanic immigrants need Spanish-language media to stay informed and "function in this society," Nogales said.
How much more functional than the Governor do Hispanic immigrants need to be in this society, Mr. Nogales?
Second, I'd like to invite Mr. Nogales to take a look around. What language was that interview conducted in? Oh yeah, English. What language is spoken in classrooms in major Universities? What's that? Yep, also English. What do you really want Mr. Nogales? From my perspective as an educator of Hispanic children, I see you doing them and their parents a disservice by making it easy on them to remain in a shadowy "other" realm, LA's second city, where English is rare and education and resources are low. Let's face it. English is the de facto language of business and academia in this country. There are limits to what you can do if you do not speak it. Period. And the best way to learn English is to be immersed in it, as for any other language.
Props to Ah-Nuld. He's been there and he accomplished something great, therefore he has the right to share the benefit of his experience. But to say (essentially) that his opinion is unwelcome because he didn't have the resources available to Spanish speakers in CA today is ludicrous, and furthermore to call him naive and out of touch because he didn't need crutches to get there is selfish and self-serving.
What is your real goal, Mr. Nogales? To force-feed non-English speakers your bullshit propaganda? To keep your people down so that they will foment a revolution? Or to make this country as Spanish speaking as Mexico. Ironic that, as the Spanish language itself was imposed on Mexico about 500 years ago.....
h/t Mikey
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June 15, 2007
Yes, Dammit. I do. I watch a lot of shows you wouldn't expect me to watch.
Here's my TiVo Season Pass List, in case you were wondering:
Around the Horn
PTI
Dallas SWAT
Detroit SWAT
KC SWAT
The First 48
Dog the Bounty Hunter
Intervention
Mythbusters
The Dresden Files
Psych
24
Top Chef
A-Team
Quincy, M.E.
Supernanny
Nanny 911
Poirot
Sherlock Holmes Mysteries
UNC Basketball
Ugly Betty
Project Runway
CSI: Las Vegas
Survivor
The Amazing Race
Mind of Mencia
House
Little People, Big World
South Park
Miami Ink
Pros vs. Joes
Top Design
Deadliest Catch
Dancing with the Stars
Shalom in the Home
The Riches
Planet Earth
Kyle XY
Painkiller Jane
After the Catch
The Universe
The Closer
Dr. G Medical Examiner
Match Game
Ice Road Truckers
Note: these are not in order of importance except ATH and PTI. I get cranky if I don't get my ESPN.
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“Learn A Lot Of Little Known Facts About Those You Know”
WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
My Daddy (first name) and my Mom's friend (middle name)
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Two nights ago when we watched the Ugly Betty season finale (finally!). Why did no one warn me, you barsteds?
DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
actually, yeah. It sucks. No one else can read it.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Roast Beef. Sliced thin. Followed closely by pastrami. Yum.
DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
I have a pooch. She's my baby.
IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
depends..... could I put up with me? Hmmmmmm.....
DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
oh, hardly ever, not me. I couldn't.
DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes, thank you.
WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Oh Hell Fuck No.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Bran Flakes. Or Quaker Oat Squares. Yum.
DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Birkies don't have laces.
DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Emotionally, yes.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Cookies and Cream, Ben and Jerry's Oatmeal Cookie, Fosselman's Peppermint Stick
WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
whether they are smiling.
RED OR PINK?
Both.
WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
the allergy that is making my face break out
WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My Nana
WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
I'm not wearing either pants or shoes, but my toenail polish is red, and I have a black and white dress on.
WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Chipotle!
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Last night's "The First 48" courtesy of TiVo.
IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Green.
FAVORITE SMELLS?
My husband, puppy breath, Christmas trees
WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Christina and Dash
FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Football and Hockey
HAIR COLOR[S]?
Dark, Dark Auburn
EYE COLOR?
Brown/Green Hazel. They were dark blue when I was born.
DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
24/7/365
FAVORITE FOOD?
hmm, this is actually tough..... I'll go with fried dill pickles today.
SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy Endings. Duh. Life's too short.
LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Auntie Mame
WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Again, no shirt. But my dress is black with a white and blue and yellow pattern.
SUMMER OR WINTER?
WINTER. More winter, please.
HUGS OR KISSES?
Both, please.
FAVORITE DESSERT?
cheesecake or a brownie sundae
MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
no one
LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
everyone
WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
I just finished "Eye Contact" by Cammie McGovern. I'll pick up HP6 as soon as I unpack it to prepare for HP7.
WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Tigger and Pooh
WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT?
The Riches, Deadliest Catch, and After the Catch. All courtesy of TiVo
FAVORITE SOUND[S]?
snow falling
ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Neither. Play Free Bird!
WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
well, farthest from where I was living at the time, Ontario, Canada.
DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Several
WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
St. Agnes Hospital, Fresno, CA
WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
whoever
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And folks, #10 is "Whale Feces Researcher".... makes me appreciate my job (which I love) all the more.
h/t HWNNL
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