TODAY'S MUST READ

For the sake of your mind and/or your soul, you must head on over to Common Sense America and read, more than once, Christi's remarkable commentary on the Episcopal/Angelican divide in America. She's always good, but this is beyond good - moving right over the line into GREAT! Thanks, Christi!

21 WAYS TO BE A GOOD DEMOCRAT!

This has been around several times, but it definitely needs to be repeated.

1. You have to be against capital punishment, but support abortion on demand.

2. You have to believe that businesses create oppression and governments create prosperity.

3. You have to believe that guns in the hands of law-abiding Americans are more of a threat than U.S. nuclear weapons technology in the hands of Chinese and North Korean communists.

4. You have to believe that there was no art before Federal funding.

5. You have to believe that global temperatures are less affected by cyclical documented changes in the earth's climate and more affected by soccer moms driving SUV's.

6. You have to believe that the AIDS virus is spread by a lack of federal funding.

7. You have to believe that the same teacher who can't teach 4th-graders how to read is somehow qualified to teach those same kids about sex.

8. You have to believe that hunters don't care about nature, but loony activists who have never been outside of San Francisco do.

9. You have to believe that self-esteem is more important than actually doing something to earn it.

10. You have to believe that Mel Gibson spent $25 million of his own money to make The Passion of the Christ for financial gain only.

11. You have to believe the NRA is bad because it supports certain parts of the Constitution, while the ACLU is good because it supports certain parts of the Constitution.

12. You have to believe that taxes are too low, but ATM fees are too high.

13. You have to believe that Margaret Sanger and Gloria Steinem are more important to American history than Thomas Jefferson, Gen. Robert E. Lee,Thomas Edison and A.G. Bell.

14. You have to believe that standardized tests are racist, but racial quotas and set-asides are not.

15. You have to believe that Hillary Clinton is normal and is a very nice person.

16. You have to believe that the only reason socialism hasn't worked anywhere it's been tried is because the right people haven't been in charge.

17. You have to believe conservatives telling the truth belong in jail, but a liar and a sex offender belonged in the White House.

18. You have to believe that homosexual parades displaying drag queens,transvestites, and bestiality should be constitutionally protected, and manger scenes at Christmas should be illegal.

19. You have to believe that illegal Democratic Party funding by the Chinese Government is somehow in the best interest of the United States.

20. You have to believe that it's OK to give Federal workers the day off on Christmas Day but it's not OK to say 'Merry Christmas.'

Last, but not least:

21. You have to believe that this message is a part of a vast, right-wing conspiracy.

BOLLINGER "GROWS A PAIR" - SORT OF

HILLARY PROVES SHE STILL HAS HERS

The President of Columbia actually spoke to that dangerous sociopathic psychopath Ahmadinejad in a less than deferential tone last night. That doesn't really excuse the stupidity of the invitation to speak at a formerly prestigious American university that was extended to this mass murdering son-of-a-bitch, but at least it was a start.

Meanwhile, proving that consistency is her forte, the Spawn of Satan leveraged the possibility of an interview with serial rapist and adulterer Bill Clinton slated for GQ in order to quash an unflattering story about Herself that was due to appear in the same publication. If she is this heavy-handed as a candidate, can you even begin to imagine how she'd be in the event (heaven forfend) she is elected?! The mind boggles and reels at the same time!

AHMADINEJAD AND GROUND ZERO

This demented nutbar is the best argument in favor of the U.S. getting the hell out of the U.N. and then kicking the U.N. out of this country. And as far as I'm concerned, when they leave, the U.N. can take Columbia University with it!

Yes, I'm feeling VERY cranky today!

O.J. OUT ON BAIL

Frankly, my dear, I don't give a horse's patoot! Nor do I give a rip about Britney Spears and her debauched behavior. Ditto Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton.

There is a large group of people roaming around the world whose only desire in life is to see the American people suffer and die, and they don't care about dying themselves which is what makes them pretty doggone dangerous. We have a U.S. Congress that consists primarily of moronic twits who think if we just "talk nice" to these people, they'll love us! Trust me, they won't!

While accusing Republicans of being "corrupt", the Democrats in Congress largely overlook the endemic corruption existing in their own party. Hillary's fund-raising debacles are somewhat more than questionable? Move along folks, nothing to see here! Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi's real estate kerfluffles? Move along folks, nothing to see here! Don't have any clear agenda other than unreasoning hatred of the other guy? Go with what you have, particularly if your gross dishonesty and viciousness is aided and abetted by a complicit leftwing media. Oh, and while you're at it, call Fox News any vile and despicable name you can think of.

The purpose of the Federal government is to protect and defend this nation. WHENINHELL are these wastes of human skin who DARE call themselves Senators and Congressmen going to get on with the business they were elected to do?

Unite for Victory

I received this today from Merrilee Carlson at "Families United" .

Dear friends,

MoveOn.org and their cohorts in Congress claimed 2007 the "Iraq Summer" and boasted it was only a matter of time before they forced troops out of Iraq.

The Politico reported that one of the leading anti-war activists said this of the GOP, "We're going to smash their heads against their base and flush them down the toilet."

Friends, the radical anti-war groups have never been more serious and today they are getting help in Congress from Senator Jim Webb.

Senator Webb is introducing a deceitful amendment labeled, "Support the troops," but it is anything but supportive.

The Pentagon, General Petraeus, Secretary of Defense Gates and leading military officials all agree that this legislation is nothing more that a slow bleed on our troops which would actually tie the hands of the Generals on the ground, making it even more difficult to fight the war on terror.

We must stand United for a Strong America - please call and let your legislators know that we stand United and Strong and they should not be bullied into making a bad choice for America. Also, they should know that we believe this Webb Amendment will weaken our military's ability to keep troops where they are needed - when they are needed.

We need your help! Please call 1-888-362-2813 today. An operator will connect you to your Member of Congress. Please share your voice and let them know we proud Americans stand strong beside our troops and disagree with the Webb, that the amendment is just WRONG! Tell them that victory is America's only option in Iraq.

Who do you trust to fight the war in Iraq: General Petraeus or Congress? The Senators below are on the fence - make sure they hear from you today!

Senator George Voinovich (OH) - (202) 224-3353
Senator Lisa Murkowski (AK) - (202) 224-6665
Senator Arlen Specter (PA) - (202) 224-4254
Senator John Sununu (NH) - (202) 224-2841
Senator Susan Collins (ME) - (202) 224-2523
Senator Lamar Alexander (TN) - (202) 224-4944

I'm sorry to say that Webb is my current Senator and VOINOVICH (who I am convinced is either an idiot or senile) is my FORMER Senator.

I leave it up to you whether or not you do something about this.

Oh yes - and to those who sat on their hands last election, once again, thank you.

WHAT A MAN SHOULD BE!

UPDATE 9/20/07: Hillary Rodham Clinton is NO judge of character (Look who she married - a serial rapist and adulterer!) and this bitch is, in addition, a freaking IDIOT for calling Vice President Cheney "Darth Vader". I'm sure she's thinking that she's "all that and a bag of chips" and terribly clever, when the reality is that she is a dishonest, corrupt, shrill and unlikeable buffoon with all the grace and charm of a rabid and syphylitic hippo on the rampage! And no, I do NOT like the woman (just in case you hadn't guessed).

WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT IT?


I’m not exactly defending Senator Barack Obama, but I found this comment by Rev. Jesse Jackson, notorious race-baiting hustler, to be more than a little offensive:

Jackson sharply criticized presidential hopeful and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama for “acting like he’s white” in what Jackson said has been a tepid response to six black juveniles’ arrest on attempted-murder charges in Jena, La. Jackson, who also lives in Illinois, endorsed Obama in March, according to The Associated Press.

“If I were a candidate, I’d be all over Jena,” Jackson said after an hour-long speech at Columbia’s historically black Benedict College.

Maybe that’s why, you corrupt cretin, Senator Obama is in the Senate and you, Rev. Jackson, are NOT. Criminals are criminals and the color of their skin doesn’t change one whit the degree of their guilt. If the positions had been reversed and the person beaten was black and the 6 people doing the beating were white – I’d be JUST AS OUTRAGED.

And while we’re on the subject, Rev. Jackson, not ONE WORD of apology has emanated from your despicable and dishonest mouth since the Attorney General of the State of North Carolina unequivocally stated that the three indicted Duke lacrosse players were INNOCENT and that NO CRIME HAD OCCURRED. You were really anxious to grab as much “face time” for yourself as you could when disbarred District Attorney Nifong was using race-baiting to win election to office. Now that he has been completely discredited, you are missing in action from that situation!

If "acting white" means that the person isn't acting like YOU, Rev. Jackson, then my applause definitely goes to Senator Barack Obama! He's showing something you lack in its entirety: class.

Parker adopts baby from Africa

9/18/07 4:32 p.m. - 1 hour, 46 minutes ago
NEW YORK - Mary-Louise Parker has adopted a baby girl from Africa, her spokeswoman confirmed to People.com. When asked for comment Tuesday, Parker's spokeswoman, Tamar Salup, referred The Associated Press to the Web site.

Parker, 43, has a 3-year-old son, Will, with ex-boyfriend Billy Crudup.

It’s wonderful that these showbiz types want to give a home to a child that is orphaned and nobody, least of all this writer, would criticize that impulse. EXCEPT, how many orphaned children of color live in THIS COUNTRY and need homes? Granted, adopting an orphaned child from Detroit isn’t as EXOTIC – but is it any less praiseworthy?

WHAT LAST NIGHT’S EMMY BROADCAST SAYS ABOUT HOLLYWOOD
(but not necessarily about America)

Sally Field, a woman heretofore not known as a rocket scientist, proved that prior assessment to be quite valid when she confused her PRETEND life as the mother of a serving soldier with her REAL life where she has no child in the military - in a mightily bleeped acceptance speech. Please, for the love of God, don't give this dingbat any more AWARDS!

Robert Duvall may have all his marbles, but they weren’t on display during his incomprehensible and endlessly rambling acceptance speech for Best Miniseries. Who even watched it?

Neil Patrick Harris, who is openly gay, embarrassed himself with a leering set of one-liners aimed at Hayden Panatierre, one of the few 18-year olds who isn’t in rehab or running around flashing her crotch. She certainly deserved better despite the décolletage on the gown she was almost wearing sending a message of its own.

The evening abounded with one-liners, double-entendres and generally inappropriately political prattling, bad language and utterly indefensible smut talk and near-miss nudity. Note to Joely Fisher – the fact that you have a new set of implants does not mean that all of America is even slightly interested in nipple positioning!

Does this indict the American television viewer? Perhaps a tiny bit. But more than anything, it indicts the people of the television entertainment industry who display themselves as brainless, witless and wholly lacking in morality or ethics, in conjunction with sufficient arrogance to believe that they actually have some modicum of brains!

What – did you think Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan were isolated incidents?

Final note: These were the TELEVISION awards. Dare one ask why on earth the production was, as usual, lackluster at best?

AWESOME DISCOVERY - RIGHT IN MY OWN BACKYARD!

Today I discovered an awesome writer named Donnie Johnston who writes in the Fredericksburg Free Lance Star newspaper. The premise of today's column is "Why should anyone give a contribution to a politician?" Go read him - he's delightful!

DEMOCRATS - OFF THEIR MEDS?

I am more convinced than ever that most of the Democrats in the Senate (and a few Republicans) and far too many of the Democrats in the House are in serious need of psychological counseling and serious medication. They appear to be quite eager to sell their souls for the votes of the nutroots and sell out our country for political gain. In all of this, I do not refer to such as Joe Lieberman who is a man of principle and character. Even when I don't agree with his position, I respect his intelligence, courage and honesty. I cannot say the same for the likes of Harry Reid and his acolyte little Chuckie Schumer or Nancy Pelosi and a host of insane Dems in the House such as John "Slander the Trooops for Fun and Profit" Murtha. And while we're on the subject, why was Chuckie Schumer flapping his pie hole on Rosh Hashanah?

What is wrong with these people? How do we take back our country from this completely maniacal and destructive MINORITY (and I do believe that right now the tail is wagging the dog in a very real fashion)? The danger to our nation more and more seems to emanate from within its rather porous borders.

REALLY WORTHWHILE AND UPLIFTING READ: Go on over to In My Taxi to read about a beauty queen and her dedication to the idea of serving our nation in Iraq. It's a really uplifting piece of writing by Paul.

THERE THEY GO AGAIN!

Every single solitary time I think the Democrats in the House or Senate cannot possibly show any less class, there they go again!

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid vowed on Wednesday to block former Solicitor General Theodore Olson from becoming attorney general if President George W. Bush nominates him to replace Alberto Gonzales, because he’s “partisan”. Senator Reid is quoted as saying: “The last thing we need at the Department of Justice is a partisan!”. No Senator Reid, you ignorant and pusillanimous pipsqueak, the LAST THING this Nation needs at the Department of Justice is someone YOU would consider worthy of approval! This current crop of Democrats in the Senate and the House are UN-freaking believable, folks!

Let’s glance at Ted Olson’s qualifications. He has served under Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush. He is respected and admired by the Department of Justice employees, who are largely demoralized by the troubles their department has experienced during the past couple of years. A legal superstar such as Ted Olson could be expected to attract experienced and talented colleagues to join him throughout the balance of the current Administration. Olson left the Justice Department in 2004 with his formidable reputation further enhanced. He skillfully served as solicitor general with unquestionable integrity and without a whiff of partisanship. Granted he would fulfill his oath of office without fear or favor – but maybe THAT is what the Democrats in all their corrupt glory fear the most.

This should be interesting: Harry Reid, ineffective yet contentious Senator from the State of Nevada, attempting to assume moral superiority of which he is completely devoid over the widower of the late, lamented and brilliant Barbara Olson, whose books exposing the vileness that is Hillary Rodham Clinton were immensely informative and popular.

This could get interesting - and not in a good way – for the Dems.

And I still say Ann Coulter would be a brilliant backup nominee. Hey, Senator Reid, you want to talk about PARTISAN?

UPDATE 9/14/07:

In his rousing endorsement of Theodore Olson for U.S Attorney General, none other than former White House Special Counsel to President Clinton, Lanny Davis, writes:

"I believe he is 100 percent intellectually honest: meaning, he applies the same standards of analysis and applies the same set of principles to each issue, regardless of whether the outcome will be a liberal one or a conservative one. I wish there were more people in Washington and in politics I could say that about, on both sides of the ideological and partisan spectrum."

TALK ABOUT POLITICALLY TONE DEAF!

The purported "smartest woman in the world" is proving once again that she is anything but.

In the first place, her campaign announced that they were returning $850,000 in donations that came courtesy of criminal Norman Hsu. This is problematic since apparently the funds were the fruits of another of Mr. Hsu's "ponzi schemes" and therefore owed to his defrauded investors.

Today, the Clinton campaign announced that IF the individual so-called contributors were willing to SWEAR that it really was their money, the Clinton campaign would accept a new check from these people (from the funds that presumably were being returned).

Any way you look at it, the managers of Mrs. Clinton's presidential campaign are displaying gross dishonesty, stupidity and a complete lack of awareness of how their actions illuminate the corrupt practices of Mrs. Clinton's fund raising efforts. And ultimately, even if she knew nothing about any of this (which I very much doubt), the responsibility is hers.

Smartest woman in the world? I don't think so!

WHAT PART OF "THEY WANT TO KILL US" DO THESE LEFTIST DEMS NOT UNDERSTAND?

COULD IT POSSIBLY BE THAT, AT LONG LAST,

MOVEON.ORG HAS “JUMPED THE SHARK”?

The full page ad run in the New York Times features a large headline under a picture of the general that reads: "General Petraeus or General Betray Us?" It goes on to say, "Cooking the books for the White House: General Petraeus is a military man constantly at war with the facts."

For a change the Republicans are actually speaking out sharply against this kind of hate speech from the Left, although the response is being characterized thus: “MoveOn.org's Attack Ad on Petraeus Strikes Republicans' Nerves”. No, you dopey dimwits, Republicans are PISSED OFF and sick of listening to this crap.

Some reactions:

"I resent the comments of those who have sat comfortably in their air-conditioned offices, thousands of miles away from the firefights and the roadside bombs, and tried their Washington best in recent days to impugn the general’s good name," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement delivered from the Senate floor on Monday.

The ad points to statements from Petraeus such as, "We have achieved progress," regarding the troop surge this year, but says the war is failing, and criticizes the Defense Department for adopting reporting rules that MoveOn says show a rosier picture of Iraqi casualties than reality.

White House spokesman Tony Snow dismissed the ad Monday morning as a an attempt to smear the general before his testimony, and called it "boorish" and "childish."

Sen. John Ensign, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said a failure of Democrats to denounce the ad would mean they have decided re-election is more important than "moving our country forward" or being fair to Petraeus.

"Today, ostensibly on behalf of National Democrats, Democrat front group MoveOn.org is calling a unanimously confirmed United States General a liar and betrayer of the public trust. Apparently the prospect of campaign funds is enough of an incentive for Senate Democrats to stand idly by while a respected General is maligned before he has even presented his report to Congress, said Ensign of Nevada. [emphasis mine]

Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., said: “It’s repugnant, but unfortunately not surprising, to see MoveOn.org launch this despicable ad campaign against General Petraeus."

Arizona Republican, Sen. John McCain, issued a statement calling the ad a "McCarthyite attack" and "despicable."

"This is a man who has devoted his life in service to our nation and has defended America in many battles over many years," said McCain, also a White House contender, calling on Democrats to join him in condemning the ad.

The only condemnation of this ad that I found somewhat disingenuous was that of Senator John McCain, since it is his wonderful legislation, McCain-Feingold, which MADE MoveOn.org possible and powerful. Thanks Senator McCain and why aren’t you apologizing for your handiwork WHILE condemning the fruits of it!

What I do know is that the people at MoveOn.org are despicable and seditious cowards, financed by a lunatic whose hatred of his adopted homeland seemingly knows no bounds. George Soros makes me ashamed to be of Hungarian ancestry!

UPDATE: Three Democrats, one of them expected and the other two garnering a modicum of unexpected respect from me, have unequivocally condemned the MoveOn.org ad: Senator Joseph Lieberman condemned it almost immediately. But his disgust with the ad was echoed by both Senators John F. Kerry and "Rosary Joe" Biden! A shred of decency? You decide.

MEANWHILE, ON THE IDIOT BOX . .

That bag of bloviating bull chips, Senator Edward Moore Kennedy (D-Chivas) was babbling to Bob Schieffer Sunday morning about the surge and how it "isn't working", a fiction even Senator Horse Puckey's Democratic colleagues aren't trying to sell to the credulous minority that may occasionally buy their line of nonsense. Hey, Ted, you ignorant jackass, if you're going to lie about progress in Iraq, at least stick with the current lie, instead of the one that even the dimmest of dimwits in your Party aren't trying to sell any longer!

OHIO STATE 20, AKRON 2

Then there’s the hapless TTUN who were drubbed by the “other OSU” (Oregon) by a lopsided score of 39-7 in front of a home crowd. The offense was unable to make up for the flawed Michigan defense. Quarterback Chad Henne, running back Mike Hart and offensive tackle Jake Long are all returning veterans from last year’s strong team but they don’t seem to be providing the leadership this young team needs. And the loss to Appalachian State, while delicious to those of us who are supporters of Ohio State, appears to have thoroughly demoralized TTUN. Worse yet, Carr’s job looks to be in jeopardy and that isn’t necessarily a good thing for The Ohio State University Buckeyes.

Meanwhile, once again Jim Tressell proves that he is consistently a gentleman. Once again the score was not run into the stratosphere against an overmatched opponent. Tressell, you make me proud to be a Buckeye Alum!

NO MORE “CHINESE FOOD” FOR THE SPAWN OF SATAN?

Those of you who read me regularly have long suspected that I’m not a big fan of Hillary Rodham Clinton. She has accomplished nothing substantive during her Senate tenure, other than her vote in favor of the Iraq war, a vote away from which she has been scurrying ever since.

So imagine my fascination and delight as the saga of Norman Hsu unfolds, Norman Hsu is the man who seemingly materializes substantial campaign funds out of thin air through the pockets of otherwise low income or moderate income Chinese-American citizens, thus circumventing the interdiction against foreign contributions to presidential campaigns.

Despite the fact that Mr. Hsu is a convicted felon facing 15 years in prison, he has somehow managed, quite magically, to live freely and openly in New York for a number of years after his years of living in the environs of Shanghai and Hong Kong. And as a part of his U.S. ventures, he apparently went into the business of supporting candidates for public office, all of them Democrats either directly or through third-parties. It’s interesting that all of the politicians who were tsk-tsk-ing and boo-hooing over Jack Abramoff, are greeting the spreading information about Norman Hsu with “Nothing to see here. Move along now!”

Mr. Hsu’s adventures read more like a bad spy novel and that is what worries me. How is it that he has done what he has done, in the way that he has done it? Where DOES all the money come from, since Mr. Hsu has no visible means of support? How LONG has Mr. Hsu been making contributions to the Clintons, Mr. and Mrs.? And finally, what benefits does he hope to derive from the various contributions made to all the Democratic candidates through his various “fronts”?

It seemed like the entire l’affaire Hsu was going to be a 10-day wonder when Mr. Hsu turned himself in to the California authorities recently. Then came the news several days ago that he had skipped bail.

Sad to say, it is inevitable to speculate about the involvement of a former U.S. president and his consort. What really happened on that Amtrak train from which Mr. Hsu was removed to the hospital yesterday and was it related – as have so many other incidents of like nature – to the Clinton machine? What is the true nature of his “illness”? And think about the fact that we can even ask such a question about a former U.S. President, something that was unheard of before 1992.

If, as many suspect is the case, Mr. Hsu is an agent of the Chinese (and somehow the Chinese theme recurs frequently in the saga of the Clintons), then he is a particularly maladroit one at times. But nefarious and undercover connections might explain why he was able to disappear so successfully in the early 90s and why it was so imperative for him to do so now.

Was a deliberate attempt to silence Norman Hsu made on that train or did he fear that one was imminent? Does the man have dirty secrets that someone thinks should remain hidden? Just how high up in our government is that person who wishes to remain unknown?

Finally, just how long does Norman Hsu have to live? For anyone associated with the Clintons in any way, that is a valid question.

R.I.P. DEAR LUCIANO

Luciano Pavarotti, the Italian tenor who did a great deal to bring GOOD music to resistant ears and whose voice and performances from concert houses to outdoor stadiums made him a pop icon, has died at the age of 71. From some who eulogize him comes excessive hyperbole. That he was a brilliant singer and performer, there is no doubt. That he was the ABSOLUTE best, of that there is some doubt. I tend to prefer the technical brilliance and attention to detail of the unsurpassed Placido Domingo, but Pavarotti’s passion and emotional freedom were riveting.

Pavarotti was larger than life in every sense of the word. His talents were huge, as was his appetite for life. He leaves behind a legacy of magnificent music, an example of a gargantuan zest for life and, for those who have ever heard him sing – either in person or in recordings – a memory of surpassing beauty.

I can only think that God needed another tenor in the heavenly choir. And he needed THIS voice for this beautiful piece of music. While others may rhapsodize about other gorgeous pieces of music sung by the extraordinary Luciano, the Ave Maria is definitive for me.

WHOOPI GOLDBERG IS A MORON!

Way to start the new gig, Goldberg!

On her first outing as a regular on The View, Whoopi Goldberg opined that Michael Vick, former multimillion dollar contract football player, shouldn’t be disdained for financing and running a dog fighting ring where losing dogs were tortured and brutally executed because “down there” that’s commonplace.

Whoopi, you blithering idiot – lynching black people used to be commonplace too! Are you sorry the South stopped doing THAT?

Dog fighting is AGAINST THE LAW. No amount of moral equivalency bullshit will make that less true. Nor will any amount of apologia for a black athlete caught doing something despicable make his offenses any less egregious.

Goldberg, you are Rosie-redux!

IT’S NOT LIKE ME TO GLOAT!

Well, okay, actually it IS like me to gloat – especially in this instance.

The Ohio State University, beloved alma mater of yours truly, was magnanimously victorious in their first football game of the season this past Saturday, defeating Youngstown State University in a game that probably could have been a total blowout, had it not been for the fact that Jim Tressell (a true gentleman) doesn’t believe in humiliating opponents.

The University of Michigan (hereafter to be known as That Team Up North or TTUN) was not so lucky. They were defeated by Appalachian State University (it's in North Caorlina kids) 34-32. TTUN was bigger. Appalachian State displayed two qualities that made the difference: superior speed and PASSION. Let’s hope, for the sake of The Ohio State University, that this humiliation doesn’t lead to the firing of TTUN’s coach Carr.

DOGGONE IT – those two games conspired to make me have a WONDERFUL holiday weekend. Hope all of you had something equally sweet to enjoy!

The Nice Award

The very nice Christi from Common Sense America has nominated And You Thought YOU Were Cranky for a Nice Matters Blog Award. Thank you, Christi.

Considering both the title of my blog and the rants I've been on lately, I am very touched. Apparently Christi knows what I know - that when I get absolutely livid, it's because I truly do care! Coming from someone I consider a wonderful blogger, your nomination is so very much appreciated!

The Nice Matters Blog Award is for people who have not only great blogs, but also who have more to them, there is caring, friendship and inspiration too:

This award will be awarded to those that are just nice people, good blog friends and those that inspire good feelings and inspiration! Those that care about others that are there to lend support or those that are just a positive influence in our blogging world!

And nice people are very good at finding other nice people. So the recipients of the award are invited to nominate up to seven other Blogosphere friends deserving of this recognition. My nominations:

Aaron at Lifelike Pundits
The Anchoress at The Anchoress Online
Sissy at Sisu
Laura Lee at Wide Awake Cafe
Kitty at Kitty Litter
Walt at Pajama Pack

Pat at Brainster


These bloggers are not only some of the nicest people you will ever meet, they are also true American patriots. I realize that this award was designed to be presented to women but there is no way on earth that I could overlook the three men who have been included in my list!

KATRINA ANNIVERSARY

I don't mean to be harsh, and I'm certainly not insensitive to the destruction and grief that resulted from Hurricane Katrina two years ago. My only problem is that New Orleans is still whining and wondering why the Federal Government hasn't already made them whole. My question to them is, why haven't you made YOURSELVES whole?

The Federal government should not ever be considered a universal Nanny for every single slacker who gets into trouble. The political leaders of the State of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans have mismanaged the incredible sums of money already provided to them for purposes of rebuilding. The individual people affected have received all manner of direct help, all at the expense of the taxpayers or generous Americans who frequently gave more than they could afford out of a generosity of heart.

It hasn't escaped my notice that Mississippi areas that were as badly damaged as New Orleans have been rebuilt to a substantial degree by people who aren't sitting on their fat asses waiting for someone else to bail them out some more.

Here's the deal. The authorities in New Orleans knew for years that the levees were inadequate. Substantial amounts of money have been provided for many years to upgrade. Taxpayer money - just like the recovery money already squandered.

My heart was touched - and my wallet reflected contributions that were in excess of what I could afford at the time. Massive amounts of taxpayer money were provided. And now they want MORE? Screw it. Time to hold your politicians accountable for the misuse of the massive funds already allocated and delivered. If they haven't spent the copious funds provided in an effective and fiscally responsible manner, perhaps you ought to consider THROWING THE BUMS OUT OF OFFICE? Take responsibility for your own lives and get on with it.

IT'S THE GRIM REAPER, FOLKS!

Amble on over to Blue Crab Boulevard to read about "The Reaper" the three-times-more-lethal successor to The Predator!

I suspect it is going to SUCK to be a Taliban fighter soon!

HILLARY AND THE CHINESE CONNECTION

I don’t want to seem like a nay-sayer BUT it is increasingly clear that the campaign of Hillary Rodham Clinton is being funded by some very questionable means. It is equally clear that the mainstream media will do nothing whatsoever about it.

In an article in today’s Wall Street Journal Online, author Brody Mullins tracks the donations of the Paw family of San Francisco, Hillary’s top contributors to date, and examines the other top individual contributors as well.

According to Mullins:

Six members of the Paw family, each listing the house at 41 Shelbourne Ave. as their residence, have donated a combined $45,000 to the Democratic senator from New York since 2005, for her presidential campaign, her Senate re-election last year and her political action committee. In all, the six Paws have donated a total of $200,000 to Democratic candidates since 2005, election records show.

That total ranks the house with residences in Greenwich, Conn., and Manhattan's Upper East Side among the top addresses to donate to the Democratic presidential front-runner over the past two years, according to an analysis by The Wall Street Journal of donations listed with the Federal Election Commission.

If it’s sleazy, it must be the Clintons. There’s a GOOD REASON they are often called the Grifters In Chief!

I can't help wondering when, if ever, these two slippery critters are going to be busted for all their evil deeds.

A GREAT WAY TO SPEND A WEEKEND

Dear friend (and temporary roommate) Linda was in a great deal of pain this past weekend as her injuries from the Greyhound bus incident in February flared substantially during the past two weeks. On Friday she had a protracted doctor's visit-and tests- and it was determined that she needs thrice weekly physical therapy, new medications (which alternately make her light headed or nauseated) and heaven only knows what else. Added to that, it was scheduled to rain heavily both Saturday and Sunday nights (which in fact it did do).

As a result, I did what absolutely needed over the weekend (got the car serviced and filled it with gas) on Saturday and did some shopping on Sunday. Beyond that, we watched NASCAR and various DVDs, whilst enjoying the company of the dogs and cats in our household. There was, of course, the obligatory lap sitting attempts by the cats Tim and Gigi, but also by Zeus (75+ pounds and half pit bull) and Harley (1/2 Corgi and 1/2 Heinz 57 Varieties) during the really heavy rain. And Sam, not to be outdone, insisted on sleeping with his head firmly ensconced between my body and my right arm!

Are Linda and I the only people who dislike Tony Stewart? Does he EVER shave? Is there a bigger, whiney crybaby on the circuit? Why don't more people root for Jeff Gordon? Is it because, as Jeff Foxworthy opines, he articulates the language too well? Is not Juan Carlos Montoya hot?! I'm just saying.

As to DVDs, I can highly recommend Saving Grace which stars Craig Ferguson and the delightful Brendan Blethyn. Then in a moment of exuberant nostalgia, we watched High Anxiety which is not one of Mel Brooks' best, but still the worst Mel Brooks film is typically head and shoulders above the best done by anyone else. We also watched Are We There Yet? and Are We Done Yet?, both of which star Ice Cube. We also watched RV and The Night Listener on the Free Starz Weekend, both of which starred two very different sides of Robin Williams.

Clearly, between the heat, the heavy rains and Linda's pain (my own pain was not insignificant -since arthritic spines and really, really, really wet weather just don't mix well), being indolent was the way to go this past weekend! And we did so, with enormous enjoyment!

TWO TALES OF THE WEIRD!

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, that well known foreign policy maven, Marxist economist and presidential candidate, out of the deepest recesses of her vast diplomatic knowledge, has opined that Iraq’s ELECTED Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, should be “ousted”. That ought to give our allies around the world a LOT of confidence in our country in the (perish the thought) event that a bunch of the people in this country suffer a collective mind fart and elect HRC President of the United States.

Do any of these candidates (left or right) ever engage their brains before they operate their mouths?

Michael Vick has now announced that he has found Jesus! Call me a cynic but isn't this just a trifle convenient? And, as one of my friends said, why is it always "Jesus" - why don't any of these people find GOD!

ANOTHER SCALP HANGING FROM THE DEMS’ SCALPS?

This morning came the news that U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has resigned with his last day at the Justice Department scheduled to be September 16, 2007.

In the first place, I greatly respect President George W. Bush for nominating Alberto Gonzales to the post of attorney general. I also suspect that, despite the Left’s fervent babbling in favor of ethnic diversity, they are adamantly opposed to it when it emanates from the astonishingly diverse confines of the Bush 43 Administration. When it comes to suspecting any Republican but especially George W. Bush of laudable motives, the Left clearly doesn’t buy into the program.

Predictably, the presidential wannabes of the Democratic Party were quick to open their big fat yaps. Perhaps the most outrageous statement emanated from the frequently most inappropriate candidate, Barack Obama, who has a genius for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time:

"I have long believed that Alberto Gonzales subverted justice to promote a political agenda, and so I am pleased that he has finally resigned today. The President needs to nominate an Attorney General who will be the people's lawyer, not the President's lawyer, and in an Obama Administration that person will first and foremost defend and promote the rights and liberties enshrined in our Constitution," said Obama.

Clearly Senator Obama hasn't read the U.S. Constitution lately since "promoting" anything is never mentioned. And I have seen NO EVIDENCE that the departing Attorney General has ever failed to "preserve, protect and defend" the Constitution of the United States of America - as he was sworn to do. Every time he opens his mouth, Senator Obama clearly displays the lack of presidential gravitas that should be present in someone seeking our nation's highest office. He is - to put it bluntly - unqualified AND a buffoon! There are days when Dennis Kucinich appears more qualified - well, okay, I guess I shouldn't go THAT far!

I can only assume that, like all leftwing dumbkoffs, Senator Obama is riding the asinine hobby horse relating to the firing of 8 assistant U.S. attorneys – an action that the President had every right under law and under the Constitution to perform since THEY SERVE AT HIS PLEASURE. There was nary a peep out of the same people when then-new President Clinton fired EVERY SINGLE ONE of the U.S. attorneys when he took office.

Attorney General Gonzales’ biggest sins are that he is (a) a Republican (apparently he doesn’t know that he belongs to a voting class that is SUPPOSED to vote Democratic and consider itself victimized) and (b) was too naive to realize that his initial response to all the phony breast beating in the U.S. Senate should have been “It was our right to fire them for no reason or any reason so shut the hell up!”

On one of the blogs it has been suggested that President Bush determine to let the Solicitor General just quietly occupy the office for the duration, but that also, simply for grins and giggles President Bush should nominate Ann Coulter to the post – for the pleasure of watching Ann illuminate what a bunch of asinine dopes actually sit on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Can you truly imagine a confrontation between that pontificating gasbag Edward Moore Kennedy (D-Chivas) and Ann Coulter? T’would be delicious!

CONGRESS HAS LOST THE ABILITY TO TAKE A HIGH MORAL STANCE!

A Gallup Poll released today shows that the U.S. Congress is viewed in a favorable light by only 18% of the American population. In contrast, 32% of Americans view the President favorably.

Perhaps the likes of Reid, Murtha, Pelosi, Levin, et al. should shut their sanctimonious, ignorant and seditious pie holes and concentrate on doing what they were elected to do – the business of their constituents. They are not charged with making the foreign policy for this nation. They are called law makers for a reason and it’s high time they got their noses back on the proper grindstone!

OF HOWARD DEAN - NOT HURRICANE DEAN!

Go to Tom DeLay's site for an absolutely hilarious dissection of Crazy Uncle Howard's disappearance from American life, except in the form of a devastating Category 4 (or 5) hurricane!

Here's the deal folks: The American public is rapidly getting a clear and accurate picture of just what the current crop of Dems is and is not about! By November of 2008 we can only hope that sufficient Americans are sufficiently aware to do what should be done and remove these lunatic self-promoters from a position of power, Uncle Howard included.

LIBERAL BIAS IN ACADEMIA AND THE MEDIA

It has been reported that some media outlets have been crass enough to boo the President of the United States during the State of the Union speech (MSNBC) and another newsroom erupted in cheers over some slight to our President. And I must admit the thought of the institutionalized liberal bias in broadcast and print newsrooms makes my already volatile temper flare to volcanic proportions. I was, after all, born with red hair! It’s in my DNA!

This pervasive bias exists as well in academic realms where the uncomfortable influence of politics on academia is widespread. And good manners are apparently nonexistent.

It is within this context that I now read that St. Mary's College in Maryland has named Kathleen Kennedy Townsend as its Paul H. Nitze Senior Fellow for 2007-2008. Townsend's recent book, Failing America's Faithful - How Churches Have Mixed God and Politics and Lost Their Way is the topic of her first visit's lecture on October 2. The lecture is open to the public and begins at 8 pm in the Auerbach Auditorium of St. Mary's Hall.

Now something about me that may surprise some readers is that I harbor no real dislike for the Kennedys (excepting Teddy Kennedy – because I am the adult child of an alcoholic father and I don’t DO drunks no way, no how) and consider their family emphasis on public service to be completely admirable.

What does concern me is that had this honor been given to a conservative, it is very likely that institutionalized rudeness and just plain nastiness would have been directed at the Nitze Senior Fellow throughout their tenure. THAT is what worries and annoys me.

Good manners to far too many liberals consists almost entirely of . . . well actually, absolutely nothing! Of course there are exceptions (paul, you’d be a shining example), but generally speaking it is considered a badge of achievement when a liberal is unconscionably rude to a conservative.

But another surprise to y’all – I blame conservatives for this pervasive atmosphere just as much as I blame liberals. This is one conservative who calls people on it immediately when they are hateful to me. Being a wuss accomplishes nothing.

ABSOLUTE ACCURACY IS ALWAYS THE BEST DEFENSE!

The Associated Press has reported that former Georgia representative Cynthia McKinney has, without comment by her or her legal representation, dropped the libel suit she filed in late July against the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, its parent company Cox Enterprises, as well as its publisher, managing editor and editorial page editor Cynthia Tucker. The lawsuit alleged that Ms. Tucker defamed Ms. McKinney in two columns she wrote last year, one of which dealt with Rep. McKinney's altercation with a Capitol Police Officer. That column, which Ms. McKinney found so offensive, won a Pulitzer Prize for Cynthia Tucker.

Hint to Cynthia McKinney: Just because you don't LIKE reading the truth about yourself doesn't mean you have a cause of action, honey! The fact is, you were a considered by most to be a disgrace as a member of Congress and you give every appearance of being a despicable human being.

Were I in the advice giving business, Ms. McKinney, I'd tell you to get your very unhappy ass into some serious psychological counseling, and follow that up with a trip to charm school to learn some freaking manners. But since I'm not in the advice giving business, I'll simply state, loudly and clearly that YOU ought to shut the hell up!

TO ANYONE WHO BELIEVES THAT THERE ARE NO GOOD WOMAN WRITERS ON THE INTERNET, I OFFER YOU - - - - THE BRILLIANT

LA SHAWN BARBER!

Apparently La Shawn will not be voting for Hillary Rodham Clinton, which is no surprise to me. In her post today La Shawn has one of the most extraordinarily lucid hissy fits on the subject of HRC's blatant pandering to the black voter as Hillary Clinton perceives them to be. Hillary's view of the majority of black citizens bears no resemblance whatever to the black people I have encountered in my life! Does it ever occur to Mrs. Clinton's audiences that they are being cynically patronized by a woman who clearly sees herself as superior to them? Dear merciful heavens!

WHAT THE HELL!?

As the "Church Lady" from Saturday Night Live was wont to say: "Isn't that just special!"

It seems that former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton is getting some protection from the National Archives vis-a-vis records of her activities during her 8 years as First Lady. Once again it is clear - these two grifters, both Bill and Hillary Clinton, are coated in industrial strength teflon! The devil protecting his own?

Clinton's first lady records locked up
Archivists say the former first lady's documents at her husband's presidential library won't be released until after the '08 vote.
By Peter Nicholas, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer August 14, 2007

LITTLE ROCK, ARK --- Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton cites her experience as a compelling reason voters should make her president, but nearly 2 million pages of documents covering her White House years are locked up in a building here, obscuring a large swath of her record as first lady.Clinton's calendars, appointment logs and memos are stored at her husband's presidential library, in the custody of federal archivists who do not expect them to be released until after the 2008 presidential election. A trove of records has been made public detailing the Clinton White House's attempts to remake the nation's healthcare system, following a request from Bill Clinton that those materials be released first. Hillary Clinton led the healthcare effort in 1993 and 1994.But even in the healthcare documents, at least 1,000 pages involving her work has been censored by archives staff because they include confidential advice and must be kept secret under a federal law called the Presidential Records Act. Political consultants said that if Hillary Clinton's records were made public, rivals would mine them for scraps of information that might rattle her campaign.

*****

The healthcare papers that have been released contain gaps when it comes to the part played by Hillary Clinton. A number of records involving her have been kept secret because they include confidential advice between presidential aides. Among the withheld documents are memos about meetings between Hillary Clinton and Democratic Sens. Christopher J. Dodd and Joseph R. Biden Jr. -- now her rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination.

SOMETIMES YOUR LACK OF CLASS JUST SHRIEKS OUT AT US!

"Chapel Hill, North Carolina – John Edwards today released the following statement in reaction to President Bush’s announcement that his senior advisor, Karl Rove, will resign at the end of the month:
"Goodbye, good riddance.""

Sometimes, Mr. Edwards, it's better to keep one's mouth entirely shut, rather than inserting your oafish foot in it as you have done here! If this is what passes for wit in your circles, I'm glad I don't travel in them!

What a piece of horse's excrement! And coming from the Silky Pony, quite appropriate, don't you think?

ALL THINGS COME TO HER WHO WAITS - - AND WAITS - - AND WAITS!

Seriously folks, moving from my secure little niche in Ohio to work in the big, bad city of Washington, D.C. was a major risk. I'm delighted to say that the risk has paid off in a most entertaining way. Not only have I accepted a job that I love, they are paying me an outrageous sum of money to do that job which means that Sam the cat will get his wish and soon be in a nice quiet home with me and his baby bro Tim (aka Froot Loop).

So here I sit working on Pennsylvania Avenue between The Capitol and The White House. Lucky me - I get to witness the puerile goings-on at first hand!

And although we have been in the midst of a major heat wave since I moved here, the politicians left town and - - - you guessed it, the heat wave broke!

You don't absolutely have to have a sense of humor to survive this here tough town - but I have a strong suspicion it's going to help A LOT!

CAPTAIN THE WONDER CAT - R.I.P.

Fellow blogger and exceptional online friend Lauralee Donohoe and her family have lost their beloved Cappy. I fully understand how important a beloved animal can be to a family - albeit that family consists of one or some! There's a gaping hole in the family structure right now, and I understand that. After reading about this remarkable and treasured feline companion, I can fully understand the depth of your loss. From me - and Tim and Sam (and the temporary roommates: Zeus, Harley and Gigi) - our loving thoughts to the entire family.

BUT THEY CANNOT ALLOCATE FUNDING FOR OUR SERVICEMEN IN HARM’S WAY!

Just another object lesson of the appalling dearth of serious thinking going on in the U.S. House of Representatives.

After dueling with House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell (D-Mich.) to pass a renewable energy bill, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) faces a wrestling match with another rogue chairman. And this one can bench-press 265 pounds. Pelosi is set to square off against Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii), the power-lifting chairman of the House gym committee.

Abercrombie is touting his efforts to secure funding in the legislative branch spending bill to begin an estimated $8 million renovation of the House gym. The project is personally important to Abercrombie, who sets a yearly goal to bench-press 200 pounds more than his age, now 69.

I don’t give a rat’s ass how dedicated Rep. Abercrombie may be to his yearly goal – he doesn’t need to spend 8 million TAXPAYER dollars to achieve it. In fact, I’ll spot him $23 for a month of gym membership and it’s quite likely that a few other people would be willing to do likewise. The next ten years would cost an aggregate of $2,760!

There are quotes in the article about this asinine gym renovation that some House members find it “inconvenient” to get to the pool or the locker room or the weight room due to its present location. Listen you pampered pissants – our military find it damned inconvenient to be away from their homes and families, wearing full packs in 115 degree heat to protect our nation. So get about the important business of funding our troops and quit behaving like Marie Antoinette on Steroids!

Bunch of idiots!

FRIENDSHIPS – ONLINE AND IN PERSON

I got to thinking this morning about how important friendships can be in our lives. In fact, I daresay we cannot really live without a few close friends. If a person is lucky enough to have more than a few, then they have been kissed by the angels.

What brought this to mind was the reemergence of The Cabana Boy who was one of the first blogs to claim me (along with Kitty Litter, Lifelike Pundits, Kerry Haters and Brainster) as a loyal reader. I have missed Walt since personal concerns reduced his available time and thus his blogging activities. And now he’s back and as lucid and wonderful as ever!

Yes, I adore dear sis Linda, the extraordinary adopted friend of a lifetime. But there are other people whose friendship has become almost equally important to me. The extraordinary Pams: Pancake and Johnson: both unique and intelligent women who make me proud to be their friend. Then there is Miss Kitty of Kitty Litter who is intelligent, lucid and funny – even under stress. Aaron of Lifelike Pundits is handsome, brilliant and fun – and I’ve now had the privilege of meeting his fine young self! What a gentleman. What a truly delightful human being! Beverly (PianoGirl) has become a very close pal and yet we haven’t met (although now that I’ve moved to Virginia, it’s much more likely to happen). Sissy of Sisu, a favorite destination, shares my love of cats. Lauralee of Wide Awake Cafe is another treasured friend. And my soul has been supported and healed by reading the blogs of The Anchoress and La Shawn Barber. Last, but not least, there’s one of the few rational liberals I know, paul of Minneapolis. We started out disliking each other but have learned to appreciate our differences.

Other treasured family include cousin Stu and his friend Fred, cousin Linda and her husband Noah, and my beloved and delightful cousins Scott, Ernie and Deb and their entire families. That they are friends as well as family is simply a magnificent gift!

If you haven’t collected some of these wonderful people, I must recommend it. Having even one close friend is an essential to a successful and happy life. Having this magnificent collection makes me realize that no matter what else may be happening in my life, I am gifted with riches beyond price in the people in my life.

THE WOMAN IS A COMPLETE ASSHOLE!

This is a total indicator of just how completely incompetent Nancy Pelosi (D-Peter Principle) has proven to be as Speaker of the House of Representatives. Indeed, it is walking proof of how incompetent the entire Democratic-controlled Congress has revealed itself to be.

Pelosi Requests Conyers and Reyes Offer Legislation to Amend FISA 'As Soon as Possible'

Washington, D.C. - In a letter to Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Jr. and Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Silvestre Reyes, Speaker Nancy Pelosi requested that the Committees report to the House "as soon as possible after Congress reconvenes," legislation to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).


Pelosi said that S. 1927, the bill passed tonight by the House to temporally amend FISA for six-months contains many provisions that are "unacceptable" and she does not believe that the American people will want to wait that long before corrective action is taken.

WHEN IS A “JOURNALIST” REALLY A STALKER?

The question arises because, after granting a rather generous amount of his time to the news media during his vacation, French president Nicolas Sarkozy lost his temper with two American news photographers covering his vacation Sunday, jumping onto their boat and scolding them loudly in French. Sarkozy and companions were headed for open water in a boat on Lake Winnipesaukee when he spotted Associated Press photographer Jim Cole and freelancer Vince DeWitt aboard Cole's boat, continuing to invade the quiet of his vacation in New Hampshire.

When does the “public’s right to know” become trumped by the public’s right to SAFETY? Or the right to a simple bit of peace and quiet?

Whether or not the stalkerazzi had anything whatsoever to do with the death of Princess Diana, the fact is that during her life, they frequently endangered her safety. The same can easily be said for Lindsay Lohan who is, no question, a deeply troubled young woman but who also has a legitimate beef against the Hollywood bottom feeding stalkerazzi who have more than once endangered her life AND the lives of bystanders with their tactics. I have seen videos of their activities vis-a-vis Ms. Lohan on the PUBLIC STREETS and they behave in a manner that can only be characterized as disgraceful and irresponsible! This young woman is troubled enough without these dangerous pinheads entering the equation!

While I understand the need to protect freedom of the press, is it not prudent of us to curtail the LICENSE being taken by the press? And why is it that legitimate news personnel must be vetted and issued proper identification and credentials, while these paparazzi do not? And if they are not credentialed and therefore identifiable and accountable, then they should be treated like the invasive thugs they truly are – lock ‘em up and throw away the key!

Congressman Calls Bush 'A Clown'; 'Can't Stand Him

North Dakota's U.S. Rep. Earl Pomeroy calls President Bush a “clown” and says he “can’t stand” him in a new video posted on the Internet. According to the GRAND FORKS HERALD, the Democratic congressman was approached by a group called Grassroots America last week as he was walking the streets of Washington, D.C.

Rep. Pomeroy has been a member of the House of Representatives since 1992 and in that time he has proposed a total of 15 bills, most of which deal with adjusting the Internal Revenue Code for various reasons, none of which would have dealt with the labyrinth of confusing and often conflicting regulations now in place. He is an attorney (surprise, surprise) and single.

Rep. Pomeroy, I basically don’t give a rat’s eardrum whether or not you like the President of the United States, nor do I think your regard matters one jot to George W. Bush – a man who is absolutely secure in himself and requires neither your affection nor approval to continue his life.

What I do care about, Rep. Pomeroy, is your apparent belief that ANYONE gives a fig about your opinion. As far as I can see your Congressional career has been, at best, undistinguished and your accomplishments less than scintillating. Therefore, I suspect what we have here is someone trying to make himself look good by denigrating his betters. How puerile. How juvenile. How clownlike of you.

You sir are, kindly iterated, a putz!

TRAGIC BRIDGE COLLAPSE IN MINNEAPOLIS

Our concern and prayers go out to all of those who were, either directly or indirectly, affected by this tragedy.

And to our dear friend Paul, fellow blogger and one of a rare breed (a reasonable and intelligent, sane liberal), we are all so very grateful that you are okay and safe. You were the first thought on my mind when the news came over the TV last night!

DOGGIE HIJINKS IN FREDERICKSBURG!

Last night I was in the basement taking laundry out of the dryer and heard a godawful racket from upstairs. The next thing I heard was Linda laughing hysterically. Now you have to understand that Linda's two dogs like to troll in Gigi/Tim's litter box for whatever! So Harley was rooting around in the litter box and her HEAD got stuck in the opening. The next thing Linda saw was poor Harley running around the bathroom, flinging the scooper and the brush used to clean the floor against the walls, the vanity and anything else available to be assaulted by Harley's frantic attempts to get her head OUT of the litter box opening, then she ran down the hall, shaking her head from side to side, wearing ONLY the lid of the litter box and attempting to escape its grip! Eventually the lid of the litter box went flying free!

Meanwhile, Zeus had sensibly decided to absent himself altogether from the proceedings so this explains why I heard him hightailing it out through the doggie door for the safety of the back yard! The next thing I see, while still hearing Linda's over-the-top hilarity, is poor Harley (no longer sporting her new litter box chapeau) running downstairs and to me for comfort! I'm starting up the stairs and Linda appears to regale me with the whole story (laughing so hard that tears are running down her face), and now I'm laughing hysterically - and Harley (no doubt disgusted with our merriment) follows Zeus out the doggie door! Neither of them ever returned inside to eat their substantially ignored dinner!

I walked into my room and cowering in the corner of the room I spotted my 28-pound behemoth Sam who runs up to me chattering, as if to tell me "It wasn't my FAULT, Mom, honest!" I snuggled him and cuddled him and assured him that this time it was the D-O-G's fault! He looked quite smug about that! Sam really needs to have his own home - and soon!

Never a dull moment when you live with 3 cats and 2 dogs - all of whom consider the two female humans in the house to be either their concierge (the 3 cats) or their mommy (the 2 dogs).

IMPORTANT POST ON "SWEETNESS & LIGHT"

This story is far too important to be ignored.

NOTE TO OTHER BLOGS: Please link to this and get the word out and let's bombard HBO with protests (as usual).

THE ANTI-MILITARY SPEWING OF SCOTT THOMAS

It appears that Dan Rather (or Jayson Blair or Steven Glass) is writing a series of articles which are appearing in The New Republic under the psyeudonym "Scott Thomas". Sure takes a lot of intestinal fortitude to spew foul canards against our fine military under a PHONY name, doesn't it? Give John Kerry credit for this much - he did use his own name when he was telling utter falsehoods in front of the U.S. Congress in the 70s!

Here's a question for all y'all - Has ANY mainstream media taken note of the writings of Michael Yon who DOES write under his OWN name, from Iraq? Any other questions? Didn't think so.

There sure are a lot of pantywaists and morons on the Left - because they choose to believe this Scott Thomas nonsense. I do not.

THANK YOU THIRD WAVE DAVE!

Thanks for showing me to the site that contains great quotes from General George S. Patton. Here is one that should be fed intravenously to far too many members of the U.S. Congress:

There is a great deal of talk about loyalty from the bottom to the top. Loyalty from the top down is even more necessary and is much less prevalent. One of the most frequently noted characteristics of great men who have remained great is loyalty to their subordinates.

Our president consistently demonstrates this quality among his many other virtues. Would that our U.S. Congress did likewise. Unfortunately, far too many of them are lazy, lacking in basic common sense and/or venal to their cores.

ALL NIIIIIIIIGGGHHHHHT LONG!

Once against the Democrats in the Senate have proven to the American people how completely lacking in serious statemanship they really are! The all-nighter staged last night was just that - STAGED and driven by perception rather than the ACTUAL good of the country.

Memo to the American people: Are you watching these people? Aren't you glad you voted into office a bunch of crazed nitwits?

At least there were some Republicans who demonstrated that they still possessed cojones! My mixed feelings about John McCain are well known to everyone who reads my blog - but he stood up for his nation yesterday and for that I heartily thank him. Whatever waffling or peculiarities the Senator possesses (and I'm still thoroughly peeved at him about McCain-Feingold which gave the 527s inordinate influence), he has consistently and with absolute bravery stood up for the protection of our nation from Islamofascist goons and for that he deserves full and fulsome credit from all of us.

THE GOVERNORS OF CALIFORNIA AND FLORIDA "JUMP THE SHARK" ON NATIONAL TELEVISION

This morning the governors of California and Florida were on The Early Show on CBS (where else) to inform the nation that they aren't waiting for the FEDERAL government to get on board - they're going to be taking steps to reduce greenhouse gases in their own states immediately - if they can just force the EPA to go along with their measures. Their reasoning is (as Ahnold put it) that "thousands of scientists" agree that global warming is going to destroy our planet in a mere few decades and so they need to just hop right to it.

Once again, I must point out that a mere 25-30 years ago, we were busily being rushed into panic mode by the politicians and the media about a coming ice age. I must also point out that dammit - who ARE these "thousands of scientists" and why are they not willing to engage in an open and HONEST debate with the other thousands of scientists who think that the global warming religion is a bunch of bullshit?! I'm sorry - my name isn't Chicken Little and I am not going to go running around bleating in terror without some serious discussion by serious people (that does NOT include Al Gore, Whoopi Goldberg and Sheryl Crow - or any of the other looney leftwingers who have hopped on this bandwagon) that is out there for everyone to see so we can make up our OWN minds. How's that for a concept? Free discussion and free decision-making by us little people! Before the bill is presented in the form of horrendous taxes that accomplish just as much as some of these other "public welfare" programs have done - zilch!

HMMMMMMMMMMMMM!

Kitty points out that despite the fact that Senator McCain, of whom I am only mildly a fan, came back from his trip to Iraq with positive reports on what is happening there, the only thing in which the media seems to be interested is the turmoil in McCain's presidential campaign organization. And this surprises us because?

I continue to proclaim that the 2008 Campaign began 12 seconds after the end of the 2006 election and that early start was about 8-12 months TOO DOGGONE SOON! If politicians truly wanted to engage the interest of the voting population, they wouldn't wear out their damned welcome with us!

Will Hillary Rodham Clinton, she of the ubiquitous pantsuit and the shrill, vicious temperament be the Democrats nominee? I haven't a clue in the world, although I certainly hope not. She does not possess any qualities that I want in MY president and many of the qualities she does possess are the very antithesis of my beliefs and ethics. She is the embodiment of the Marxist philosophy that the bigger the lie, the bigger the victory for your cause. Nuh-uh! And notice that I do not denigrate Mrs. Clinton's looks or gender. It is her CHARACTER that concerns me. Moreover, just what HAS this self-serving, smarmy creature actually accomplished for the State of New York during her tenure as their junior Senator? I've failed to find anything significant, other than the one vote with which I agree - the one authorizing the War in Iraq, a vote from which she has backed away ever since!

Senator Barack Hussein Obama is even LESS qualified than Mrs. Clinton (if that's possible), and the other candidates are either asinine (Kucinich) or unelectable (Biden).

The Republicans aren't offering much, if anything, to reassure their party. When Fred Thompson seems to be the last best hope, we are in serious trouble.

So what we have here folks is a situation that, to my mind, appears pretty doggone dire. I don't really like ANY of the declared candidates all that much. Can we vote "no" for President next year?

SNAPSHOTS FROM MY ROILING BRAIN!

Al Gore Is Really Pissing Me Off!

Instead of peddling junk science 24/7, maybe this incredible doofus ought to be staying home and doing some actual parenting? I'm just saying!

In additon, that incredible concert deluge over the weekend was annoying as hell. Yes, it's hot right now. People, it is JULY! It is ALWAYS this hot in July. I'm not denying that there might be some atmospheric damage, but I do not accept the doomsday predictions of the hysterics in the global warming non-conversation. And I call it a non-conversation because the acolytes of the new religion of global warming are not willing to consider the possibility that other scientists don't agree with their scientists. I also remember (one of the benefits of being old) that 20 years ago, we were worried about a new ice age!

Hypocrisy - Thy Names Are Bill and Hillary Clinton!

In an article published on July 6, 2007 (it has taken me a few days to calm down), Wes Pruden says:

"But the Clintons' record for never having shown shame for their
perversions and peccadillos remains unique, intact and unchallenged."

Let's see - there's the $250,000 Marc Rich pardon. As well as the other 240 pardons issued by Bill Clinton on January 20, 2001. And he and Senator Harridan-in-chief DARE to criticize a sentence commutation of a man convicted for having a bad memory in an investigation that should have ended months before the prosecutor even talked to Scooter Libby since he already knew who had released Valerie Plame's name (and who cares since she was NOT an undercover operative and thus not covered by the law). So yes, the pardon should have been issued, not a commutation, but President Bush did what he felt was right and of course, he's being pilloried for it.

Republicans

What a bunch of witless losers these renegade Republican Senators have become. I have long criticized Voinovich for being a RINO of major proportions. Ole Arlen is no better, maybe even worse.

One would have THOUGHT that those idiotic pissants in the Republican minority who are deserting their president under fire would have gotten a CLUE from recent activities of Al Queda in Great Britain!

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY - A LITTLE LATE!

Independence Day was a little daunting. I don't like mid-week holidays so much anyway but this one was particularly annoying.

For starters - there are a lot of really fireworks happy idiots in this neighborhood and they started scaring the bejabbers out of the dogs on Sunday evening. Literally, Zeus couldn't stop panting and ended up sitting (all 70+ pounds of him) on Linda's lap for comfort. Eventually, he decided to seek comfort on MY lap! To say that this was a good news/bad news situation is a mild analogy. The bad news was that my lap went to sleep. The good news is that Zeus and I are now VERY good friends and this very timid boy has become very attached to me. Since I was already madly in love with him, this is definitely a good thing!

The noisy celebrations continued through last night, with the ensuing episodes of frightened doggies. Harley is made of sterner stuff than her brother, but even she was clearly frightened by the loud noises.

Add to that the thunderstorms that rolled through the area fairly frequently (but not nearly enough rain - at least here) and we had some seriously nervous animals.

Tim has no nerves I am convinced. NOTHING bothered him, dedicated as he is to maximizing lap time with any lap that makes itself available.

Sam, on the other hand, in his prior life was left out in the rain and storms far too often and he has a visceral need for my comfort that is truly touching. As cranky and difficult as my Sam can be, he is a complicated fellow who loves me without reservation. He may not be too terribly open to the friendship of others of his kind or dogs (or even Linda) but that is all out the window when it comes to me. And I truly hate seeing him so distressed because I am acutely aware that his history still informs his behavior, even though that happened in the first 16 months of his life and he has now had 4 years of my devotion and protection.

Of course, actual Independence Day followed my 65th birthday which happened on July 3rd. Every year on my birthday, I remember with love and no small amount of bemusement that immensely stubborn woman (my late beloved mother Irene) who did NOT want a 4th of July baby (too hokey, according to her) and thus, I was born at 11:56 p.m. on July 3rd. Do not discount my mother's enormous stores of determination. I love her and I miss her every day, but especially on my birthday.

Linda took me to dinner for my birthday at a marvelous Chinese restaurant named Chiang's Bistro here in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Fantastic food, superb service. This place is a keeper and to anyone who lives in the area - I highly recommend it. It's on Plantation Drive in Fredericksburg - Area 540, 373-9777. If you live in the area - go there. You won't be disappointed.

MEN OF A "CERTAIN AGE"

We have a male boarder in our household. He's in his early 50s and one of the most dedicated skirt chasers I have ever met. He's pathological about it to the point that Linda and I will not give him the passwords to access our computers because he is on umpty million dating sites.

So I'm really asking for both the men and women reading this - what's up with that? Linda has called him a male whore to his face and he denies it - but she pointed out that if a woman had as many one-night stands as HE does - that's what she would be called and fair is fair.

IN PRAISE OF DOGS - WELL 2 DOGS AT LEAST!

I am spending considerable time these days (in the final stages of recuperation) with 2 remarkable animals named Zeus (an 18 month old Pit Bull mix and a total sweetheart of a boy) and Harley (a Corgi mix girl that I describe as my "co-dependent sweetheart") and am gaining a new appreciation for the canines of this world. And yes, before you ask, I am taking tons of vitamin supplements and drinking gallons of water. Adult diapers cannot be far away!

Zeus is a totally lovable, very shy fellow who is quite mellow and laid back. He is now fascinated by Tim the Siamese cat. Last night, much to Tim's nervous consternation, Zeus spent considerable time washing Tim's head and butt! Harley is completely uninterested since she prefers focusing her enormous amounts of affection on ME!

To say that they have been instrumental in my recovery from my recent illness is an understatement. Their constant attention and affection has been most appreciated.

Incidentally, both Linda and Sam have mostly recovered from their recent altercation primarily because I am keeping them separated. Sam is welcome to roam freely when Linda isn't home as long as he is polite to the other animals. I figure that's a necessary first step.

Tim has not lost his feisty little edge either. Yesterday afternoon he caught a fly AND gave Sam a cuff in the face (and didn't SAM look astonished) when Sam hissed at Tim. It was like - "Get over yourself fool!"

So to Harley and Zeus, I love you both and much as I may be a total cat person, there is room in my heart for you guys in perpetuity!

SAM THE CAT IS NOT A HAPPY LAD!

Part of the recent stress emanating from the move is the really, really bad attitude of Sam, my 28-pound, 6 year old Maine Coon cat who is (a) on a diet because he needs to lose 6 pounds and (b) like all cats, he detests change in his environment and this was a big one.

He has been pretty much universally hostile to all around him, to the point of biting Linda on Sunday when she was giving her 17-year old, nearly toothless (well, she has ONE) female cat Gigi a summertime haircut. Gigi was complaining - at the top of her rather loud voice - and Sam apparently decided that she needed protection! Mind you, he doesn't LIKE Gigi but since when does logic apply to a feline, right? Anyway, he flew at Linda who was sitting on the living room floor and bit her! Last night we spent 2+ hours at the hospital emergency room getting the infection in Linda's left arm taken care of! I was in tears from guilt and no small amount of fear for both Linda AND Sam. Just as a point of information, should you ever need it, the most infectious bite is that of a human! Next in line, the cat and only AFTER that is the dog!

Took Sam to the vet this morning to find out if his bad attitude is treatable (it is, thank goodness). They are doing blood work and we'll know tomorrow what level of kitty prozac is required to ease Sam through this transition. Oh yes, and the vet described him as "morbidly obese" - he looked somewhat offended at that and I suspect I did too! I'm now trying to get my back to stop aching (YOU try lugging a 28 pound cat around folks!) and fix myself a very much delayed breakfast!

Here's an interesting piece of information for all y'all - most of the law firms in D.C. require proficiency in both Excel and POWER POINT for their legal secretaries. I'm working on brushing up on both just for fun and profit!

WELL - I'M FINALY BACK ONLINE!

The Monday before the big move I spent about an hour and a half waiting to do a change of address with Social Security! As a result, by the Wednesday OF the move, I was hacking, coughing and generally feeling GREEN! Beloved Linda arrived that night to help me finish packing and to drive with me to Virginia and thank goodness she did because by then, I was almost incoherent with fever and illness.

On the plus side, thanks to paul (who is rapidly becoming a treasure in my heart with his kindness and good sense), I was able to give the man driving my moving truck sufficent money to cover gas (paul calculated roughly how much I would need to give him and he was absolutely accurate). Once everything was loaded, we picked up 2 very sleepy cats at the vets' office and headed out to Virginia with me driving (don't ask what lack of common sense dictated that decision) and of course - we hit rush hour heading out of Columbus because of the delays occasioned by me being so sick. Once we got out of Columbus it was pretty clear sailing and by the end of the trip, Linda and I realized to our delight that my 2003 Impala was getting 40 mpg! Anyway, by the time we arrived I was getting sicker and sicker and ended up with a sinus infection AND (why be half-hearted about such stuff) walking pneumonia. Not to mention one very pissed off big cat Sam who did NOT appreciate being caged up for the long trip.

Today is the first day I'm even halfway coherent and I'm delighted to be so. I'm glad I made the move, grateful to Beloved Linda for her help and patience with my somewhat goony state of mind of late, to Pam, Saundra, Karen, Melodie and Kelly for helping with packing, Michael for driving the truck and everyone at both ends who kept me relatively sane. And friend paul for the good advice.

Anyone who asks, Penske does a damned good job on truck rentals.

I'm going to stay with my dear friend Linda for at least 3-4 months (she's voting for 9 months or so but my cat Sam would be psychotic by then) until I've got my brains tucked back into my head, my job situation peaceful and serene and my life in general back to normal.

And just to rub it in a little - unleaded gas here in Virginia is $2.81 per gallon today!