Yeah, Right, Whatever

Got this from Blogthis. Funny stuff...

• You never bother looking at the Capital Metro schedule because you know the drivers have never seen it. (CapMetro scares me)
  

• You've been to more than one baby shower that has two mothers and a sperm donor. (uh... no)
  

• You have a very strong opinion where your coffee beans are grown and can taste the difference between Sumatran and Ethiopian. (Doesn't everyone?)
  

• You know that anyone wearing pants in November is just visiting from Ohio. (well, duh)
  

• You are thinking of taking an adult class but you can't decide between yoga, aromatherapy, conversational Mandarin or one on building your own web site. (wow... tough call)
  

• You haven't been to Hippie Hollow since the first month you moved to Austin. (never been there)
  

• A man walks on The Drag in full leather regalia and crotchless chaps ...You don't notice. (uh... I might notice that)
  

• A woman walks on The Drag with live poultry ...You don't notice. (and that)
  

• You think any guy with a George Clooney haircut must be visiting from the midwest. (well... yeah)
  

• You know that any woman with a George Clooney haircut is not a tourist. (pretty much, yeah)
  

• You keep a list of companies to boycott. (Yeah, but it's a different list from most of the Austinites)
  

• Your hairdresser is straight, your plumber is gay, the woman who delivers your mail is straight and your Mary Kay Lady is a guy in drag. (would not surprise me in the least)
  

• You occasionally see a guy on a unicycle whiz by you in your car and you say to yourself, "Oh yeah, it's that guy again..." (I've heard of him... never seen him, though)
  

• You start to worry when you don't see the cross-dressing, bearded guy in-a-tutu-and- bikini-top-who-has-made-a-statement-with-his-grocery-cart-and-cardboard-box-art/shelter on your way to work in the morning. Scarier yet, you know his name is name is actually Leslie. (I'd be more worried if he didn't run for mayor)
  

• You'll make dinner or bar plans around who's got the best margaritas. (well, yeah... of course!)
  

• You have a tough time deciding on one of Austin's eight 24-hour resaraunts (Katz', Kerbey Lane, Star Seeds, Magnolia Cafe, IHOP, Denny's, the Kettle, or Jim's). (This is an old list, because I'm pretty sure Jim's and The Kettle are gone... My choice? Katz')
  

• You complain about their prices but still shop at Central Market for the scene. (The scene? No... the cool goodies you can't find anywhere else. And their bulk spice section is cheaper than any supermarket's spice section.)
  

• You don't even think about getting good seats to the Longhorns football games. (Well, duh... and why would I even WANT seats for a Longhorn game... except the one in Dallas???)
  

• You know the exact locations of three towing yards. (I'll admit it... I don't get this one)
  

• Your summer shoes are your Birks and your winter shoes are your Birks w/ socks. (ew... uh... NO)
  

• Your entire wardrobe consists of: a black tank top, a GAP white T-shirt, second-hand Levi's, second-hand cut-off Levi's, overalls, Longhorns sweats, anything polyester from the 70's, a bikini, Tevas, Birkenstocks, and running shoes. (obviously, they're talking about people who live in Austin proper... my entire wardrobe consists of jeans... jean shorts... t-shirts... OU sweatshirts... running shoes... boots... slip on sandals... yeah, I think that's about it)
  

• You often find yourself wondering why magazine editors insist that swimsuit season starts on Memorial Day when it's really the end of February or at the latest, the beginning of March. (not sure about swimsuit season, but that is when I get the shorts out)
  

• You consider chips, salsa, Kerby Queso, and Shiner Bock beer a well balanced meal. (uh... it's not?)
  

• You find yourself making beaded necklaces to give away as Christmas gifts. (while I haven't done it, I can imagine it... scary, eh?)
  

• 100 degrees for three straight months isn't unreasonable, 110 degrees is. And 90 degrees anywhere between May and September seems a little chilly. (well, yeah... )
  

• You figure skin cancer is inevitable b/c it's so DAMN HOT even your sunscreen won't stay on. (Unfortunately, yes)
  

• When you go out, you make sure you've grabbed your water bottle before checking to see if you've got your wallet and keys. (I really should do that more often)
  

• You don't mind parking a mile away as long as it's in the shade. (Heck, yeah!)
  

• Nobody's aware that Southwestern went out of style. (uh... when did that happen?)
  

• You ask yourself constantly if that's a cute guy or a butch girl. And you really don't care either way cuz it's fun to wonder. (maybe not constantly, but I do wonder more often here than in other places)
  

• You'd rather ride your bike than get in a car without air conditioning. At least on your bike, you're guaranteed a breeze regardless of traffic. (get into a car... in Austin... in August... without air conditioning? no way)
  

• You see more Texas flags flying than American flags. (in Austin? eh... more rainbow flags than American flags... just sayin' is all... )
  

• You spend so much time at MoJo's Coffee House, you finally start bringing in your own CD's for the staff to play. (I really need to go there sometime)
  

• Your professor decides in the middle of the Government lecture that now's as good of a time as ever to tell his class of 500 he's gay. Like you didn't know. Like you even care. (I'm sure that's happened more than once at UT)
  

• Cubicles are no longer referred to as "work spaces" but "way out funky left brain meditation depositories." (wouldn't know... )
  

• The food at the company holiday party is all vegan, organic, soy free, wheat free, dairy free... (I wish... it might have tasted better...)
  

• That noontime odor in the breakroom reminds you of your trip to Caracas, but its only somebody's lunch. (ew...)
  

• You're in a band - several of them, in fact (I'm not... but I know a lot of people who are)
  

So, I guess I'm sort of from Austin...

OK... let's see where I'm "more" from:

• You love toasted ravioli with Budweiser beer. (yum.... just... yum...)
  

• "Vacation" is a choice between Silver Dollar City and Lake of the Ozarks. (you mean we can't do both? why not?)
  

• You can find Pestalozzi Street by aroma alone. (can't everyone?)
  

• You can get anywhere in 20 minutes, except on highway 40. (and you avoid 40 like the plague unless you have to go there)
  

• You can debate for 30 minutes whether Missouri Baking or Marge Amighetti makes the best Italian bread. (this one I'm not familiar with)
  

• You know what "Party Cove" is, and where the "lake" is. (been a while, but...)
  

• You still can't believe the Arena is gone. (sad... so sad... )
  

• Your first question to a new person is, "Where did you go to High School?" (it explains so much in so few words)
  

• Your non-St. Louisan friends always ask if you're aware there is no "r" in "wash." (whatever... )
  

• You know at least one person who's gotten hurt at Johnson Shut-ins. (oh, yeah)
  

• You know in your heart that Mizzou can beat Nebraska in football. (nah... I'm not delusional)
  

• You think the four major food groups are Beef, Pork, Budweiser and Imo's. (they're not? except, I'd have to trade Ted Drew's for Imo's)
  

• You know there are really only three salad dressings: Imo's, Zia's and Rich and Charlie's. (No, there is only R&C's... the other's aren't worth it)
  

• You'll pay for your kid to go to college unless they want to go to KU. (well, yeah)
  

• You would rather have a root canal without anesthetic than drive on Manchester on a Saturday afternoon. (umm... yeah... )
  

• It just doesn't seem like a wedding without mostaciolli. AND YOU PRONOUNCE IT 'MUSKACHOLLI'. The balance of the menu is ham, boiled roast beef, string beans with ham and of course pitchers of Busch Bavarian (class weddings have Bud) (yeah... that's is the wedding menu...)
  

• You know, within a three-mile radius, where another St. Louisan grew up as soon as they open their mouth. (it can get obvious pretty quick)
  

• You know what a Pork Steak is...and what kind of sauce to put on it! (oh, man... I'm getting hungry!)
  

• Everyone in your family has floated the Meramec River at least once. (Mom's not much into float trips, but... I did swim in it... dang! it's cold!)
  

• A hoosier is someone that lives just south of Chouteau, not a person from Indiana. (yeah... that was confusing when I was little...)
  

• You have made fun of Mike Shanahan and tried to imitate him ordering another cold, frosty Busch Bavarian Beer. (who hasn't made fun of him?)
  

• You have listened to Mike's broadcast on KMOX, while watching the game on TV and wonder what game he is watching. A tear forms in your eye as someone mentions their favorite Jack Buck story. (yes, and yes)
  

• You've said, "It's not the heat, it's the humidity." (I'll admit it. I've said it. And meant it.)
  

• Your favorite summer treat is handed to you upside-down (woohoo!)
  

• You bleed Blue between September and May (dang straight!)
  

OK... now I'm hungry... and missing St. Louis... drat...

Well, nothing has really grabbed my attention- nothing worth ranting about. (OK... I take that back... I've got a couple of things in "draft" mode, but... ) So... here's a couple of those pesky little quizes for your amusement...

First, I got this one from Christina...

Your Birthdate: November 3

Being born on the 3rd day of the month is likely to add a good bit of vitality to your life. The energy of 3 allows you bounce back rapidly from setbacks, physical or mental. There is a restlessness in your nature, but you seem to be able to portray an easygoing, "couldn't care less" attitude. You have a natural ability to express yourself in public, and you always make a very good impression. Good with words, you excel in writing, speaking, and possibly singing. You are energetic and always a good conversationalist. You have a keen imagination, but you tend to scatter your energies and become involved with too may superficial matters. You are affectionate and loving, but sometimes too sensitive. You are subject to rapid ups and downs.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Hmmm... maybe? Kinda? Sorta?

So... I followed the links on the side and found this one...

You Are 55% Normal(Somewhat Normal)

While some of your behavior is quite normal... Other things you do are downright strange You've got a little of your freak going on But you mostly keep your weirdness to yourself

How Normal Are You?

Sure... riiiight... I'm kinda sorta normal... well... maybe?

You Are 28 Years Old

28 Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

Umm... OK... if you say so... hey! Hand back my birth certificate! You don't need to see that!

Your Element Is Air

You dislike conflict, and you've been able to rise above the angst of the world. And when things don't go your way, you know they'll blow over quickly. Easygoing, you tend to find joy from the simple things in life. You roll with the punches, and as a result, your life is light and cheerful. You find it easy to adapt to most situations, and you're an open person. With you, what you see is what you get... and people love that!

What's Your Element?

Uh... would that make me an airhead? How do I feel about that?

This one is just goofy:

BETH
B	is for	Bright
E	is for	Energetic
T	is for	Talented
H	is for	Hot

To quote... well, me... Yeah, Right... Whatever.

OK... what's up with that last table? Any one? HELP!!!!!!!!

So, now we get Jai-isha Scott's side of the story.

Jai-isha told "A Current Affair" she was alone with Miss D. because she was being punished for not playing "the jellybean game" with her classmates. "I didn't like Miss D., and I wanted to get out of that school," Jai-isha says.

Let's see... she doesn't have a mental problem. She's just a spoiled brat. She knew exactly what she was doing. She was banking on them calling her mom to come get her (whether or not she had thought about them calling the police was unclear).

What she needs is a paddle to her backside and all of her privileges taken away for a while. What she'll get, though, is warm fuzzies and pats on the back. Oh, yeah... that'll help.

As I type this, President Bush is giving a prime time press conference- only his 4th since he took office in 2001.

And some people are not very happy about it.

this day just cant get any better! *sarcasm* 1st constantine is off of American Idol... now ..the one thing that would really cheer me up about no more constantine..the oc..isnt on!!! THIS IS BULL SH*T!

You know, I used to get very upset when Presidential addresses and press conferences were on in the evening. Then again, I think I was about 9 years old at the time.

Grow up, people! Your precious OC will be on next week, with 2, count them TWO, new episodes. I'm pretty sure that you'll survive until then.

So... there's this guy... he hops into a truck (left running outside of a 7-11) and takes off with it... and a puppy. The owner of the truck calls his cell phone (which was also in the truck) and the thief answers the phone, yelling that he'll kill the puppy if he's not given $500.

The owner called the police, they set up a sting, and the wanna-be robber hands over the keys for $43 (rocket scientist, I'm tellin' ya!) Cops chase him down and arrest him. His bail was set at... $500.

Dakota (the puppy) was found, safe and sound. He did need a potty break and a nice drink of water, though.

Both guys were pretty stupid. Cute puppy, though.

(language alert)(h/t to Darth Monkeybone) Most of you have probably heard by now that conservative radio host Laura Ingraham was diagnosed with breast cancer last week, and she had surgery yesterday. She has asked for prayers, and I'm pretty sure most stable people will at least pause to toss up a quick one to the Great Physician.

I say stable because our lovely, slightly off "friends" over at DU (you know, the "compassionate" ones from the "real party of faith") don't feel like praying for her. (It's pretty bad- take your blood pressure meds, have a nice glass of Lambrusco, and try to stay calm as your head over there.) She's not worthy of prayer, evidently. Here's just a glimpse of what they had to say:

• Cancer isn't a good thing, but it's her problem. I fell no obligation to pray for people who make the world worse.
• She Probably Gave it to Herself...All that Hate, Lies, Anger...
• She is part of everything evil in the GOP since the revolution in the late 80s. F*ck Laura Ingrahm. F*ck her.
• Judging by the amount of hatred she spews on a daily basis, I'm surprised her body has lasted THIS long.
• I didn't shed a tear for Barbara Olson, and I won't work up too much sympathy for Ingraham. Karma's a b*tch, ain't it?
• Couldn't have happened to a kinder, sweeter, more gentle HARPY!!!!! It would be absolutely terrible if she choked on her own vomit while under anesthesia!!! I'm praying, I'm praying, I'm praying...

To be fair, several commenters chastised some of the people who made those comments, saying they had "no class" and that "she's still a human being." And Elizabeth Edwards, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, commented and was quite appalled by what she read. But, that's still what a lot of the Far Left think of those of us on the other side of the political spectrum. (And, no, I didn't c/p all of them- it was a long thread.)

Someone commented that the folks at Lucianne "were gleeful" when Peter Jennings announced that he has lung cancer. While I don't doubt that there were a few (but not many) conservatives who voiced the horrid words "he deserves it," most of us are just not like that. When President Clinton had heart surgery, I don't remember one overtly cruel statement about him or his prognosis (Big Mac jokes, yeah... wishing him ill? no). And when Mel Carnahan and Paul Wellstone died? We weren't mocking them, but the sham their funerals were turned into.

Maybe it's just me. I hope it's not, but... it's not in my nature to hate. It's not in my nature to wish evil on anyone, whether or not I agree with them. (There are probably exceptions to that, but none come to mind.) The idea that these people not only chose not to pray (or send positive vibes, or think non-violent thoughts or whatever) for Ms. Ingraham, but to attack her like that scares me. Is there that much hate in the world? In this country?

Cancer is a monster. Sometimes, the patient had something to do with the cancer showing up (smoking and sunbathing come to mind). But, most times, it is an equal opportunity monster. It doesn't care who you are, how much money you make, where you live. It doesn't look at your age, your education, or what kind of car you drive. It just eats away at you.

So many forms of cancer are beatable these days, but not all of them. I wish this evil on no one. If you or a loved one are afflicted with cancer, my prayers are with you. Fight it, beat it, and live the rest of your life with joy and peace.

My prayers are also with those on the opposite side of the political aisle from me. As someone pointed out in the DU thread, Jesus told us to "love our enemies and pray for our persecutors."

A friend of mine e-mailed me this link with the comment "finally someone interesting gets one." (Yeah, he's in trouble... and he knows it, I'm sure.)

Yes, that link is proof positive that some people have entirely too much time on their hands. Including me, since I'm going to put it on my daily "To Read" list. I mean... I have to with lines like this:

• You know what I hate? Idiots.
• Man, that guy loves the sound of his own voice! Luckily no one can see me roll my eyes behind this masque.
• I will say this for being a tyrannical dark overlord: you get great service at restaurants.
• Sometimes it just feels good to get a little warm sun on my helmet.
• Tomorrow I may strangle General Veers.
• Whose trachea do you have to crush with your mind to get a little service around here?

(Yeah, Emma, I'm a sci-fi geek. So?)

That's just the beginning. Welcome to the Blogosphere, your Dark Lordship!

Today the Airbus A380 had its maiden voyage. In case you don't know about the A380, it's the biggest passenger airliner out there (to date). Here's a pic of the graceful jet:

Amazing? Oh, yeah. A technological marvel. I'm impressed, that's for sure. And, yeah... I'd fly on it... even if it is... fwench...

But the boys and I noticed something when we were watching coverage of the flight this morning. If you slap some black and white paint on that bad boy, it would look like a flying orca. No, really. Google it and check out some the pics. It looks like a killer whale with wings.

Today is R's b-day. No, I'm telling you how old she is.

Happy day, R!!!!!

Yesterday, I touched on the subject of the innocent little cherub who was brutally manhandled by the vicious police thugs in Florida. (/sarcasm) (Wow. That actually hurt.) This morning, the superintendent of the school district was on Fox & Friends. All I can say is "lovely. Just lovely."

Evidently, Mommy had told the school not to touch her precious child. And the police had been called to the school because of her before. The vice-principal had no choice but call the police. And the rest is history.

Yeah... this child, who is probably really sweet, is being taught that she is above the law, that rules don't matter, and that authority is irrelevant. Lovely. Just lovely.

A woman convicted of theft in Wisconsin has been given a choice. She can either go to jail for 90 days or give up her Packers tickets.

While Rosenthal told police financial hardship was an issue, she and her husband managed to maintain the cost of four tickets to the Packers’ three-game Gold season-ticket package. Rosenthal argued that the tickets were her husband’s rather than hers. Judge Scott Woldt nonetheless offered her the choice to either serve the jail time or donate the 12 tickets for the upcoming season to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Well, if she's a real Cheesehead, she'll take the jail time.

(E-mailed to me by a friend) For those of you looking for Mother's Day gift ideas, I offer you this:

What is it? you ask? THAT, my friends, is The Sushi Machine, the MSR-3000. Capable of whipping out 50 rice balls (with or without Wasabi) per minute. Is that a thing of beauty or what?

Well.... go ahead. You know you want to order one.

... when playing spades with your wife and another couple, referring to your wife as a "bag", even if unintentional, is just bad form. And will probably get you in trouble.

Just sayin'...

I got these from Who Tends The Fires... the first one almost makes sense... but... the second one? That's just wrong...

Which File Extension are You?

Which OS are You?

I'm sure everyone's heard about the five year old girl who was handcuffed by St. Petersburg police after throwing a temper tantrum at school.

People are up in arms because of "police brutality". Uh... no. This was a case where everything got out of hand. Let's check the facts.

• The police have had contact with the child before.
  
• The school administrators could not control her (by their own inability or fear of litigation, I'm not sure).
  

I don't know if this little girl has behavioral problems or if she was just having a fit. If she has behavioral/mental problems, then she needs to be in a more structured environment (sorry, gang... not all kids can be mainstreamed). If she was just throwing a tantrum, then she needs some major disciplining. She was climbing on the furniture, ripping things off of the walls. She was out of control.

If it was a tantrum, that tells me something important about her family. She has learned (from where? I wonder... ) that tantrums work. If she pitches a fit, she gets what she wants. She doesn't have to do anything she doesn't want to do... a tantrum will get her out of it. We all know kids like that... you almost feel sorry for them... they'll grow up and have no idea what compromise or patience or delayed gratification means. Truly sad.

I can't help but wonder if the school was just afraid to discipline her. If their child so much as trips on the way to the principal's office, some parents will sue the district. Many school districts (one near here, as a matter of fact) do not discipline students at all- if there is any problem, they call the police.

Here is what I hope happens. I hope that little girl learned that her actions have consequences. I hope she realizes that some adults follow through when they make warnings (one of the police officers warned her that she would cuff her if she was called back). And I really hope that the mother takes responsibility for her child's discipline and doesn't sue the police for doing it for her.

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the USDA's updated "food pyramid"... and the fact that it wouldn't be a pyramid. Well... um... this looks like a pyramid to me:

That is a pyramid, right?

Well, I went to MyPyramid.gov, and... ok, I'll admit it. It's not nearly as lame as it could have been. They did some common sense things (like explain how much a serving is). They also altered the pyramid based on your age and current weight (a skinny 10 year old has different nutrition requirements than an overweight 50 year old). And the site is somewhat interactive- you put in your stats (age, sex, and level of physical activity) and they give you a customized pyramid with the number of servings of each category that you should be eating.

My only concern? That it might be all (or mostly) online. There are a lot of people who either don't have access to the internet or who won't look online for this information. They need this information... right?

Saturday morning, I kind of felt sorry for Father York. He had never met my grandmother- she was unable to go to mass on her own by the time he moved to St. John's, and my aunt would take her to mass at my aunt's church instead. So, Father York had to give a eulogy about a person he didn't know. I'm sure they have classes at seminary on stuff like this- probably doesn't make it any easier.

But he did a good job. He started by talking about Pope John Paul II and all of the recent talk about his legacy. Then he talked about the writers of the three Scripture passages he read from and their legacies. And then he talked about Grandma.

No, she wasn't a pontiff who helped change the world scene. She wasn't a writer of scripture. But she did have two things in common with those four men- she was a person of faith, and she left a legacy.

Her legacy was sitting in that church Saturday morning. Her legacy is her family, and all the other people she touched and blessed with her life. Her legacy is reflected in the eyes of all those who love her.

If you read Grandma's obituary, you get a pale glimpse of who she was (no offense to my aunt- she did a pretty good job writing it- obits just aren't the place for the real stories of someone's life). There were eight children in her family. She worked at several restaurants during her life. She volunteered at the local grade school. She was active in the women's organization at her church for a while. She had three daughters, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She was loved.

Does that tell you anything about her legacy? Not really. It doesn't tell you that she was a good cook (my potato soup and chicken soup recipes are based on her recipes, even if I have tweaked them a bit). It doesn't tell you that she and my grandpa had a huge garden, and she loved to can the extras. It doesn't tell you that she had a great sense of humor. It doesn't tell you that she did a great job raising her kids. And it doesn't tell you that when one of her daughters needed a kidney transplant, she gave her one of her kidneys (and it's still going strong almost 30 years later).

When all is said and done, all that will be left of any of us (on this Earth, that is) is a couple of paragraphs on the obit page... and our legacy. Grandma did good. I can only hope the same can be said for all of us.

I have some new plans for this summer... I'm going to try to figure out how to make my own dill pickles. And ketchup. Hmm... wonder if I should try growing the tomatoes and cucumbers myself, too...

found over at the other Beth's place:

Your Inner European is Irish!

Sprited and boisterous! You drink everyone under the table.

I arrived back in Austin this afternoon.

Not much to say right now. I'll start posting again tomorrow (I know you've been waiting patiently... or something like that...)

Just one thing to say now... It is the end of April, right? There really shouldn't be freeze warnings in St. Louis toward the end of April. It's just not right.

In less than 15 hours from when my dad called me Monday morning, my plane was landing in St. Louis. It's amazing how quickly you can get stuff done if you have to.

Before I say anything else, I need to sing the praises of American Airlines. First of all, they are one of the few airlines that still offer bereavement rates. Second, both women I talked to on the phone were incredibly nice and helpful. Third, the woman at the gate in Austin was awesome. She tried to get me on the non-stop, and, when that didn't work, she got me onto a flight that landed an hour earlier than my original reservation. I'll recommend them whenever possible.

So... I'm here. My family is doing pretty well, all things considered. The viewing is Friday evening, and the funeral is on Saturday morning. The church is having a luncheon for us after the funeral. I'll be flying back to Austin Sunday morning.

Since there's not much else to do besides keeping my family company, Dad and I have been working in the backyard. All of the flowerbeds have been weeded, and one bed has been completely emptied. Dad will compost it, and it will be ready for me to replant when we come back at the end of May.

Well, that's all for now. We're off to run some errands.

Thanks for your comments, thoughts, and prayers. They mean a lot to me. (Oh, those prayers? Please keep 'em coming. This weekend is going to be rough... for a lot of reasons.)

My grandmother passed during the night, so I will be heading up to IL for the funeral. Arrangements are still pending.

She had a long, hard battle with Alzheimers, so I could say all the nice things about her being at peace and no longer suffering and all that. It's all true, but... doesn't seem to help much right now.

I'm making travel plans right now. Not sure when I'll be back. I'll keep everyone posted.

Keep my mom and her sisters (and the rest of the family) in your prayers.

Turn off the computer. Turn off the tv. Listen to some cool tunes on the stereo, hang out with family and friends. Eat some sushi. (Sorry... that's just me... ) Enjoy a day of rest. The world will be there tomorrow.

The boys just came home from their school's picnic- with tummy aches. Why? you ask. Good question. One which I asked.

T2: "Because I ate 5 pickles. (T1) ate 3."
Me: "Did you eat anything else?"
T2: "Well, yeah. Hot dogs. Sour sticks. Soda."

Does this surprise me? Not really. Are they going to learn from this? Probably not. But they're boys- they're supposed to do stuff like this.

When I look at pictures like this, I can help but marvel at the wonder of God's creation. I don't mean to sound rude or closed-minded, but how can people look at that and not believe that (insert diety of your choice here) exists?

NGC 6751

What? Me, sarcastic? Nah... I would never make fun of publications by the US government... ok... maybe I would...

Anyway... the Chicago Tribune is reporting that the USDA's food pyramid is going to undergo another overhaul. So much so, in fact, that it may not even be a pyramid from here on out.

When USDA officials unveil their new food guidance program in the next few days, it will include an updated symbol to replace the pyramid although USDA officials are mum on its design. But whether it's a pyramid, rectangle or rhombus, the new symbol won't include a comprehensive diet plan as does the current pyramid.

Rather, the graphic will be part of a larger food guidance system and will include just a few motivational slogans--urging consumers, for instance, to count calories and exercise regularly. The details of the nutritional advice will be explained in printed material and on a revamped, interactive Web site.

A "food guidance system"? Like a GPS for snacks? That might be cool. "Motivational slogans"? Here's one- "get off your rump and move!"

I hate to break it to the USDA, but... their target demographic (the less educated, lower income Americans who are packing on a few extra pounds) probably won't respond very well to "slogans." We all know how well "just say 'no'!" worked out. Educating kids, on the other hand, seems to work better (case in point- DARE.) Keep working on them, and you'll have yourself a nice, healthy, brainwashed citizenry in a few years.

"The reason we talk about it as a food guidance system is, no one graphic can carry 23 recommendations," said Eric Hentges, director of the department's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, who is overseeing the project. "You can't hang all the necessary information on one graphic. It just won't work."

Ah, yes... those 23 recommendations. That's my real reason for this sarcastic rant against the USDA. I wandered through the USDA's web site looking for the January, 2005 report that is the basis for these new guidelines. Insightful reading, let me tell you. Some of the highlights?

• Poor diet and physical inactivity, resulting in an energy imbalance (more calories consumed than expended), are the most important factors contributing to the increase in overweight and obesity in this country. (Ch. 1, p. 2)
• ...meeting nutrient recommendations must go hand in hand with keeping calories under control. (Ch. 2, p. 3)
  
• Eating fewer calories while increasing physical activity are the keys to controlling body weight. (Ch. 3, p. 3)
• Regular physical activity and physical fitness make important contributions to one's health, sense of well-being, and maintenance of a healthy body weight. (Ch. 4, p. 3)
• Increased intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products are likely to have important health benefits for most Americans (Ch. 5, pg. 3)
• ...most Americans need to decrease their intakes of saturated fat and trans fats, and many need to decrease their dietary intake of cholesterol. (Ch. 6, p. 3)
• ...the greater the consumption of foods containing large amounts of added sugars, the more difficult it is to consume enough nutrients without gaining weight. (Ch. 7, p. 3)
• Lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of high blood pressure and can lower elevated blood pressure. (Ch. 8, p. 2)
• Alcoholic beverages supply calories but few essential nutrients. (Ch. 9, p.2)
• Consumers can take simple measures to reduce their risk of foodborne illness, especially in the home. (Ch. 10, p. 2)

Wow. My life is forever changed. I had no idea... truly.

Seriously, didn't we know this already? In spite of what some people would have you believe (what? eating McDonald's every day makes you fat? who knew?) most Americans know that a salad is better for you than the super-sized order of fries, and baked is better (for you) than fried, and apples are healthier than Ding Dongs. Hasn't helped much, has it? Here's a great quote from that Trib story:

The pyramid is being revamped because it is considered confusing and contains outdated--some say unhealthy--advice. More important, the pyramid's advice has been largely ignored by the public.

Well, yeah, it's being ignored!!! That's because Twinkies and potato chips (not together, but, you know what I mean) taste better than spinach and brocolli. Welcome to the real world.

But, let's look at that first sentence. Some of the pyramid's advice is unhealthy? Hmmm... let's have a look at that pyramid again...

And those new guidelines? They look almost the same. Well, except for the whole "you might want to go for a walk once in a while" part. There's no place for that on the pyramid. So, which part is unhealthy?

I guess I shouldn't get on the USDA's case too much. I mean, they're just trying to educate the sheeple of this great nation on how to have a more healthy lifestyle. The fact that we, as a nation, choose to ignore them is not their fault.

What I am getting on their case for is this: they spent how much of our tax money rewording the same stuff we've known for YEARS??? They haven't learned anything new. Not a thing.

Sorry, guys, but the American public is well aware of our collective expanding waistline. That whole diet thing? Yeah... we got that memo. We know all about exercise- we just don't do it.

Let's be honest. Until you can make a garden salad that tastes as wonderful as a bacon double cheeseburger, we're gonna eat the burger. With fries.

Well, today is Tax Day. But, alas, it is not Tax Freedom Day. For those of us who live in "no state income tax" states, that day is Sunday. That is the day, on average, when you finish paying your "fair share" to Aunt IRiS. Monday morning, you start earning money just for you! Aren't you excited?!?!?

... a "wholphin" of a story, that is...

The only whale-dolphin mix in captivity has given birth to a playful female calf, officials at Sea Life Park Hawaii said Thursday.

The calf was born on Dec. 23 to Kekaimalu, a mix of a false killer whale and an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. Park officials said they waited to announce the birth until now because of recent changes in ownership and operations at the park.

The young as-yet unnamed wholphin is one-fourth false killer whale and three-fourths Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. Her slick skin is an even blend of a dolphin's light gray and the black coloring of a false killer whale.

The calf still depends fully on her mother's milk, but sometimes snatches frozen capelin from the hands of trainers, then toys with the sardine-like fish.

I haven't been able to find any photos of the baby yet (there was a video clip on FoxNews, but nothing on the internet) , but here's a pic of Mama:

She is jumbo-sized compared to purebred dolphins, and is already the size of a one-year-old bottlenose.

Hmm... she looks like... well, like a dolphin. That might be because her father, a false killer whale, isn't really a whale- it's a type of dolphin. So... since Kekaimalu is 100% dolphin (although 2 different species, and she really shouldn't have been able to reproduce- think "mule") and the calf's father is thought to be an Atlantic Bottlenose... then the new calf should look, at the most, like a slightly off-color snub-nose dolphin. Right?

Awwww... I just saw the video of the calf. She's a cutey!!! Unlike many baby animals, baby sea mammals come into the world looking like mini-versions of their parents. None of this eyes-still-shut-hairless-ugly-little-thing for these guys! Nope- marine mammals arrive ready for their close-ups.

Hmmm... wonder what the odds are of me getting to see this "little" one up close and personal? It is a little far for a road trip. Oh, well...

found via the other Beth:

Trekkie Appreciator Survey Says...

You like Star Trek and have obviously watched more than a couple of episodes or movies, but you don't live or breathe the world (read: you probably don't go to your local McDonalds in your Klingon gear - not that there's anything wrong with that...). Excellent! You've managed to tread the fine line between sci-fi buff and Star Trek nerd (otherwise known as the difference between enjoying Star Trek for its entertainment value and running around with a batleth quoting Klingon battle poetry). PS Don't forget to rate this test!

My test tracked 1 variable How you compared to other people your age and gender: You scored higher than 19% on Trekkies

Link: The Trekkie Test written by MadameBoffin on Ok Cupid

The NFL has released the 2005 schedule. Preseason begins Aug 6th with the American Bowl in Tokyo (Atlanta v. Indianapolis). Regular season kicks off on Thursday, Sept 8th (Oakland v. New England).

One item I found interesting. The Super Bowl will be in Detroit. My first thought was "Sweet! Snow Bowl!" Then I actually went to the Ford Field web site. A dome? Ew. Just ew.

Friendly wagering between family members is always encouraged. Who do you think will make it to Detroit? And who will come out on top?

Today, new TSA restrictions go into effect, prohibiting one more item from being carried on to aircraft in the United States. That item? Lighters.

Their reasoning almost makes sense. Remember Richard Reid? He tried to light a shoe bomb with matches. Logic then dictates that if he'd have a lighter, then he would have been able to light the bomb. Well, yeah... but... maybe he couldn't light the bomb because he was an idiot and was messing with the matches for too long. And since you can still carry on safety matches, if a would-be shoe bomber practices his lighting technique a little bit more, then you've still got a problem.

I guess I'm not really upset over the lighter ban (I'm not a smoker- what do I care, right?) My concern is over the knee jerk reaction our government has toward airline safety. It's panicky, and it rarely makes sense. Airlines had to re-do their menues because they can no longer have metal utensils, but you can carry on metal knitting needles with no problem. You can't carry on a Leatherman tool (or any other kind of tool unless it's in an eyeglass repair kit) but you can take on ball point pens (ask any martial arts expert how deadly those can be in the right hands).
When we were at London's Gatwick airport, I had an interesting (very brief) exchange with one of the security personnel. We were in line to go through security, so I got out my laptop (set on standby, of course) and got ready to show it to the guy at the metal detector. When I got up there and started to open it, the guy just looked at me and said, "American, right?" I nodded. "Put the laptop away. We don't worry about things like that. We've been doing this a while longer than you have."

That made me think. Yes, we'd been living in a dream world up until 9/11. No one could touch us, right? So... when the unthinkable happened, did we look to those with experience? Did we call El Al and ask about their security? Did we talk to our allies, the British, and ask about their safety measures?

My plan? (You knew I had a plan, right?) Inact logical restrictions (99% of what the TSA is doing is good, I guess...) Draw on the knowledge of our friends. Don't worry about being politically correct- the little old lady in the wheel chair is probably not smuggling in explosives in her girdle. It's not racial profiling if the vast majority of the people who are out to attack us are part of one particular demographic (sorry, Sam!) And relax a little. I don't mean our standards... I mean that having high strung people in charge (both at security check points and within the heirarchy) doesn't help anyone.

Oh, yeah... one more thing. Order boxes of TSA stamped safety matches. Seriously. You're gonna have plane-loads full of antsy smokers otherwise. Put them in the smoking areas inside the terminal. It's the least you can do.

When the boys were little, they named their new puppy after a friend of the family- he was honored. And that is usually the case. Having something named after you is an honor, right? I just hope President Bush feels that way.

Namesakes of the U.S. President and two of his key people might be crawling around your back yard as you read this.

Three new beetles of the genus Agathidium have been named after members of the current administration: A. bushi, A. cheneyi and A. rumsfeldi.

Two former Cornell University entomologists, Quentin Wheeler and Kelly Miller, were in charge of naming 65 new species of slime-mold beetles, which they discovered while studying the insects’ evolution and classification.

Wheeler, who is now head of entomology at the Natural History Museum in London, said that the choice to name beetles after President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld was out of admiration for their principles, not because they look like the beetles.

None of these beetles make their home inside the Beltway.

How... sweet. No, really. I'm sure they meant it as a compliment, but... slime beetles?

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that tomorrow is Tax Day- April 15th. That's right, boys and girls, it's that one day of the year that we render unto Uncle Sam far more than what is due him, enabling him to blow all that cash on ridiculous programs with iffy results.

More importantly (for 2nd Amendment lovers), tomorrow is also BaG Day. Just in case anyone was curious... PSAs are our specialty... or something like that...

But April 15th tax deadline isn't the tax I'm annoyed with today. The Estate Tax is being debated... again. This is a tax that needs to go away and never come back. Die, as it were.

First, this is not a "death tax"- it's kind of hard to tax a dead person. "Estate tax" is probably the kindest term for it. I prefer "fleecing of the bereaved," but that's just me.

This is how it works. You work your rump off for years to leave something for your family, paying taxes on your income like a good citizen. You live a long, full life, and then you go on to your Final Reward. Your lawyer takes care of your estate, handing out the savings you worked so hard (and paid taxes on- did I mention that?) to leave for your family.

In comes Mr. Taxman. You see, the IRS thinks that your savings (which you earned and paid taxes on) is income for the family you left behind. Not a gift, not an inheritance- it's income. And, guess what? Uncle Sam (or more specifically, your evil Aunt IRiS) wants a piece of the action. Doesn't matter that taxes have already been paid on it- the grieving widow didn't pay it.

A few years ago, legislation was passed that slowly got rid of the Estate Tax. One problem. It disappears, only to re-appear in 2010 (which was a political calculation- the Democrats in Congress wouldn't approve an out and out removal of the tax from the rolls). So, now, it's time to debate it again, with Republicans trying to get rid of the tax once and for all.

Democrats are quick to point out that almost no one in the country has to worry about this tax.

Many Democrats challenged the bill's $290 billion, 10-year cost as too dear for a country burdened by deficits and fighting terrorism at home and abroad. They said the bill benefits a few wealthy families to the detriment of almost everyone else.

"This is the reverse Robin Hood," said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. "We are taking money from the middle class and giving it to the super rich, and not only the super rich but the super, super, super rich."

Most estates already are exempt from federal taxes. The Internal Revenue Service said just over 2 percent of people who died in 2001 left estates subject to taxation.

Reverse Robin Hood? Give me a break. This isn't about how few people are subject to it, and it isn't about rich versus poor, Ms. Pelosi. This is about what is fair and right. A person earned that money, and they should have a right to decide what happens to that money.

Proponents of a "fair economy" would say that not having an estate tax is unfair- they're wrong. "Fair economists" are socialists at best, but probably communists. Here's a sample of their ideology:

First, there was the belief that the hereditary transfer of concentrated wealth is incompatible with American values and democratic aspirations... A second belief was that society played a significant role in the creation of individual wealth and therefore had some claim upon the wealth of the very rich.

Incompatible with American values? Which values are they refering to? Personal responsibility? The American Dream? Society played a role in the creation of individual wealth? In the past, I would have said that the only role society plays in the creation of individual wealth is that it got out of the way. Now, I'd have to say that "society" (IOW, government) does nothing but hinder the creation of personal wealth.

Most Democrats (and other liberals) might not admit it, but they would love nothing more than for American citizens to hand over 100% of their income, and then the people who want nothing better than what (they think) is best for us, will give us only what we need- nothing more, nothing less. The rest could then be spent on the important stuff... you know, stuff like studying the mating habits of various endangered animals. There's only one little bitty problem with that- that's not a republic- that's communism. We defeated that, for the most part- it fails every time it's tried.

Since the Dems can't have their dream tax, they're content with taking as much as they can from the people who fuel the economy- the rich- as often as possible. They impose a higher income tax rate (because, of course, the rich can afford it, right?), they tax the gifts the rich give (because they can afford it, right?), and they tax what they leave behind for their family (because they can afford it, right?)

You know what I would love nothing more? Either a national sales tax (that way everyone would pay taxes, not just those over a certain income- you use services, you should pay for them- that's only fair) or a flat tax. What rate? Well, to quote a wise American philosopher, "if 10% is good enough for Jesus, then it's good enough for Uncle Sam." Add in another 5% to cover city and state, and we're good to go.

What's that? Government can't function with that level of revenue? Hmmm... Joe Citizen has to make a budget and stick to it- he can't just go to the person "giving" him his money (his boss) and say, "gimme more." Nope. He has to adjust his level of spending so that income =/> spending. Uncle Sam might want to think about trying that.

Well, that... and leaving the bereaved alone. They have enough on their minds without worrying about their tax bill.

In an earlier post, I mentioned a Wisconsin proposal that would legalize the hunting of feral cats. (For the record, I understand the need of it. I'm just not sure how I'd feel about it in suburbia. Know what I mean?) Well, I've been listening to talk radio today. Rush is dead set against it, and local talk show host Jeff Ward just wants to make sure that the hunters don't miss and hit his family.

What I thought was funny (in a truly morbid way, I'll admit) was some of the suggestions made by some of Jeff Ward's listeners. Some of them include:

• Setting up canned hunts, thus lessening the load on the local animal shelters.
• Putting "cat stands" in the tree in the front yard.
• Don't forget the kibble feeder set under the stand to attract all the little critters.
• Cat nip set out strategically to make target practice a bit simpler.
• The cat hunting guides will make a fortune- they'd know which neighborhoods to hit first.
• Enabling online hunting of the fuzzballs.

Like I said, morbid. But funny. Any other suggestions?

Andy Rooney took the stand in a fraud trial on Monday, and he started off his testimony by... well, by being Andy.

Rooney, 86, entered the courtroom muttering, and he balked when asked to swear to tell "nothing but the truth, so help you God."

"I don't know about God," he said, taking the witness chair.

Sir, you're 86 years old. Your lack of clarity on the issue will be resolved in short order, one way or the other. Wouldn't it be in your best interest to hedge your bets? Take out a bit of "fire insurance" perhaps? Or... at least not get yourself into... uh... hot water. You're just asking for it, ya know?

Mike Tyson promises that his next bout will be a train wreck.

Silent and expressionless for the first 15 minutes of Tuesday's news conference to announce his return to the ring, a scheduled June 11 bout at the MCI Center against journeyman Kevin McBride of Ireland, Tyson lit up and laughed when his foe's manager promised an upset.

I'm not a boxing fan. At all. But, when I saw clips of this press conference this morning, I had to do a double take. I mean... Tyson's not a small guy. But... look at this photo:

Oh, my. Kev is... a big boy. A very big boy. If I had to guess, I'd say The Clones Colossus is going to hand Iron Mike his bottom on a silver platter.

OK, guys. Explain it to me. Why... WHY... would a guy intentionally fight a man with a 7 inches of height and 11 inches of reach advantage? That borders on the suicidal.

English is now the official language of West Virginia. What makes this story funny is that most of the legislators didn't know they were voting on it.

Two days after the end of the legislative session, state lawmakers are discovering something few were aware of: They voted to make English the official language of West Virginia.

Maybe lawmakers should read the bill before they vote. Just a thought...

Andrew Schneider, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia, said English-only laws are based on the false premise that immigrants will not learn English without government coercion.

Don't even start with me on that one. I live in Texas. We know how it works. We know that many immigrants don't learn English with coercion. That why everything, even the labels on many items at the grocery store, are in English and Spanish.

No on in West Virginia will probably fight this new legislation. I would love to see them try it here.

Read this and then we'll talk:

A man has been arrested in Brazil for robbing two bibles from a priest at knifepoint.

The 18-year-old threatened Francisco Eloi de Souza with a butter knife, reports Terra Noticias Populares.

He stole the two bibles, which the priest had just bought, before fleeing on foot through the streets of Boa Viagem.

But the priest alerted a nearby policeman who quickly caught up with the robber and arrested him.

A police spokesman said: "This is the weirdest robbery I have ever heard of."

I'm not really sure which part confuses me more. The guy stole Bibles. He committed armed robbery- with a butter knife. Weirdest robbery? Ya think?

Today is Kick Butts Day in schools across the country, and young skulls full of mush will be bombarded with anti-tobacco information. (hey... smoking is bad for you... don't get me wrong. And it looks like DARE has been doing a wonderful job of educating kids on the evils of drug use.) Although some of the activities worry me (do they really need to put the Marlboro Man on trial?) I think this is a pretty good idea.

What I don't get (yeah, yeah... smokers will get on my case- get over it!) is how you could have made it through school in the 70s and 80s (and I'm sure the 90s and beyond) without having enough anti-smoking propogando shoved down your throat that you'd never want to even look at a pack of cigarettes, moreless smoke them. I still remember that nasty looking picture of a diseased lung we saw in health class. That was nasty. Why would you intentionally do that to your lungs?

There is one thing I don't get though. Why in April? Why not have it in November, just before the Great American Smokeout? Think about it. You have Kick Butts Day on the 3rd Monday in November, and then the kids could be real encouragement for people who are participating in the Smokeout! Well... either that, or they'll be total nags. Hey, whatever works, right?

Labs are sent samples of various viruses in order to test their proficiency. No problem there, right? Well, no... unless they're sent samples of a pandemic-worthy flu virus.

Thousands of scientists were scrambling Tuesday at the urging of global health authorities to destroy vials of a pandemic flu strain sent to labs in 18 countries as part of routine testing.

The rush, urged by the World Health Organization, was sparked by a slim, but real, risk that the samples, could spark a global flu epidemic. The vials of virus sent by a U.S. company went to nearly 5,000 labs, mostly in the United States, officials said.

Viruses are rated on the level of safety precautions necessary to deal with them. For example, standard issue flu is a 1 or a 2... Ebola is a 4. This particular flu strain (which killed millioins of people in 1957) is rated 2 in the US, but will probably be raised to a 3 because so few people have resistance to it. How did this company get its mitts on a virus that has killed millions? Some viruses need to be locked away under armed guard somewhere, not stuck in a deep freeze where it can be mistaken for generic Influenza B. That sounds almost as bad as a vial of small pox being mistaken for a vial of chicken pox. Or confusing Ebola Reston with Ebola Zaire or Marburg.

It's the little things that matter, especially when you're dealing with little deadly things.

Last night, two friends gave me links to posts they had just finished. (Language alerts in effect... but... well... sometimes nice words just don't get the message across.) I read their posts, and... I wanted to write... to respond... but I couldn't. I felt truly sick inside.

Kids videotaping a developmentally delayed teen as she is being forced to perform sex acts... while other kids watch (and then the school trying to cover it up)... a woman who would force one daughter into prostitution and sell another daughter for a car... then you add the other links I saw last night... a 13 year old girl missing in Florida... 3 people who won't be prosecuted for not helping police look for another little girl when there might have been a chance to save her... people starved to death because they are brain damaged or just old...

I tend to be an optomist. My glass is always half full. But... these things... I believe in a loving a just God, and I believe that most people, though fallen and imperfect, will try to do the right thing (yeah... I know... the sky is blue in my little dream world, and I like it here). But... when things like this happen, I have to wonder how these people... these monsters... can be the same species as people of peace and love and faith like John Paul II and Mother Theresa and Billy Graham and Ghandi and Martin Luther King, Jr.

I know that evil exists. I'm not that naive. What I don't understand is why people have to keep proving it.

Went to see Sahara today with R's family, then out to eat.

As you read this, please keep in mind that I haven't read the book.) I was a little worried about the movie- I had heard some pretty bad reviews of it. Eh. They were wrong. I was told that they left out huge chunks of the book's plot, but it was still over two hours long. How long would it have been if they had put everything in it? There was some debate over whether or not Bongo Boy would be good as Dirk Pitt, but I thought he did a great job. I had heard that Penelope Cruz did horribly, but I thought she was convincing in her part. And Steve Zahn stole the movie as Al. He and McConaughey work really well together.

One of the "complaints" about the movie was that it was a modern Indiana Jones. Not exactly, but I can see their argument- IF you didn't know that it was based on a series of books and a character created back in the 70s. Oh, well... maybe those critics should hire a blogger or two to do their research for them. Just a thought...

Yeah, you have to check reality at the door. Sure, parts were a little corny. Who cares? It was a fun movie. Go see it. You'll like it.

Dinner was yummy. (No, I don't like their web page, but their food was great, as usual.) Dessert wasn't bad, either. (hmm... I probably need to do a few thousand extra sit-ups to get rid of that Java Jolt. Drat.)

Well, Blogspot ate this post earlier today, so let's try it again...

There isn't much worth writing about in the "normal" news, so I thought I'd cover a few animal stories. Some of these are pretty interesting...

• Let's start off with Walmart. They're going to be shelling out major cash to buy up land to replace the wildlife habitats that its "corporate footprint" has destroyed. Way to go, guys! How bad did the Sierra Club rough you up, anyway?!?
• The UN is pressuring India to protect their tiger population.

  The large cat's rapidly plummeting numbers prompted a United Nations conservation body to write Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday, urging him to accept help in saving the largest of cats from extinction.

  Finally, something that the UN is doing that I almost agree with. The Indian government can't let their tiger population die out.
• The birth of some pups near my old stomping grounds might signal a boost in the population of a species not usually found in the wild.

  The potential for 26 new pups is a welcome development for those working to preserve the rare wolves at the Wild Canid Survival and Research Center in suburban St. Louis. It's not such good news for opponents in a long-running fight against the wolves' reintroduction into the wild.

• A neighborhood in Hawaii is waging war... against frogs.

  The invasive quarter-sized frogs subsist on the same diet of insects as native birds and are seen by many in the state - including the Department of Land and Natural Resources - as a threat to local species.
  
  Although the sound of the frogs'"ko-KEE, ko-KEE" song is cherished in their native Puerto Rico, the coquis' loud chirping is unwelcome in the otherwise quiet neighborhoods of the Big Island and Maui, the island most impacted by the frogs.

  Wait... Hawaii... if I remember correctly, they've got a bunch of animal rights fanactics there. They cannot be happy about this. Especially when one guy comments, "Let's nuke 'em!" teeheehee...
• Researchers in Utah are studying toxic newts and garter snakes. No... really...

  Utah State University researchers who've been following the evolutionary battle between toxic newts and the garter snakes that prey upon them have discovered the molecular basis of the snake's defense against the poison.
  
  As the garter snakes have raised their chemical defenses, the newts have become more deadly. The USU researchers found one newt carries enough neurotoxins of the same type found in Japanese puffer fish to kill 50,000 mice or 10 people.

  A couple of questions. First, who do you have to anger to get the job of finding these newts? I don't WANT to find a newt that can kill ten people on its own. Second... who's paying for this research? Third... why? (FYI- the garter snake is winning... for now...)
  
• From Hawaii again, we have this little gem. Some folks on Oahu are concerned about deep sea fish farms attracting sharks.

  Sharks have been spotted around the Ewa Beach farm's four pens, which are each about the size of a small house and anchored in 150 feet of water.
  
  But the sharks have never caused trouble for workers at the facility, are seen only occasionally, and are exclusively of a species not known to be aggressive to humans - the sandbar shark, said Randy Cates, owner of the company that runs the cages, Cates International Inc.
  
  There are about 40 varieties of sharks swimming about the islands, ranging from the inches-long pygmy shark to the resident bad guy - the tiger shark - held responsible for most attacks on humans.
  
  Cates said the presence of sharks around his fish cages shouldn't be surprising. The cages function as an artificial reef and create a reef ecosystem, which naturally includes the predators.

  Hmm... let's see... you're putting lots of food out... and you're surprised that predators show up? They're smarter than this... aren't they?
  
• Evidently the flowers and chocolates bamboo and eucalyptus leaves must have worked, because Bai Yun and Gao Gao, the two pandas at the San Diego Zoo have become amorous twice in recent days. How does one tell if... well... they actually... well... you know? And, seriously, gang... give the lovebirds some privacy already!!!!!
• Speaking of babies...isn't this picture just precious?
  
  
  This is a rare albino kangaroo. Mom is albino, as well. So is big brother. I think they're cute! What's amazing is that they were all born in Austria, not Australia. (So much for my "No Kangaroos in Austria" t-shirt!)
  
• Scientists have figured out how to make remote-controlled fruit flies.

  Using the lasers to stimulate specific brain cells, researchers say they were able to make the flies jump, walk, flap their wings and fly.
  
  Even headless flies took flight when researchers stimulated the correct neurons, according to the study, published in the April 7 issue of the journal Cell.

  What I don't get is how this study will help study human overeating and violence. Maybe they should study fat, angry people instead. Just a thought...
  
• From the Northeast, we have the case of car v. moose. (Here's a hint... no one wins that one.)

  For decades road officials have relied on warning signs and publicity campaigns such as New Hampshire's "Brake for Moose" bumper stickers.
  
  But now some traffic engineers around the country are experimenting with redesigning roads to accommodate wandering wildlife and using high tech laser and infrared devices, developed for space exploration and anti-missile systems, to warn motorists when a moose wanders into the road.
  
  "We're investigating ways to manipulate the drivers and also ways to manipulate the animals," said John Perry, a biologist with the Maine Department of Transportation. "And when moose are involved, it might be easier to manipulate the driver."

  Ya think? They're big. They're stubborn. They put big holes in your windshield and roof. And, if they survive the impact, they're coming after YOU.
  
• In Wisconsin, they're trying to legalize hunting... of cats. Feral cats, to be specific.

  At meetings across the state Monday night, residents in 72 counties were asked whether free-roaming cats should be listed as an unprotected species.

  Hmmm... I need to see if it's legal to hunt them in Texas. 'Cause, you see... we have a bunch of cats in our neighborhood... and I know they don't all have homes...
  
• This last one is just... funny... There's this Bosnian pop star... who was making a video... at a stables... and had some carrots in her back pocket...

  A horse saw a carrot she had been carrying to feed the horses sticking out of her back pocket and went to eat it.
  
  But the horse grabbed a chunk of Jana's bum as well as the carrot.

  Jana obviously hasn't spent much time around horses. But, dang, that had to hurt!

That last story brought to mind a memory from when the boys were little. (Sit back and relax. While this is a kind of story, no toddlers or animals were injured in the making of this memory.) Let me set the stage. The boys are just under 2 years old. We're visiting Mugga and Pompa in IL. It's summer... and summer in STL means 110 degrees in the shade at times.

During one of those blistering summer days, we decide to go to Grant's Farm. (If you're ever in STL and have some free time, check it out. Maybe you can find a zonkey or a zony.) So, we take the tram to the Garten, and then we start wandering around, looking at all the animals. (Yeah, I know. Camels and eagles and goats and pigs and deer are kind of lost on toddlers. I was having fun, though.) T2 was off getting "freshened up", and I had T1 in the double stroller. We walked over to one of the corrals where a mamma Clydesdale and her new baby were being displayed for the first time.

Have you ever seen a Clydesdale? I mean up close and personal, not in a Budweiser commercial. They're beautiful, amazing animals, standing 18 hands (6ft) high at the shoulder and weighing over 2000 pounds. Here's a photo, but it just doesn't do them justice:

Even the babies are HUGE.

So... back to the story... I maneuver the stroller in so T1 can get a closer look. Mamma has positioned herself between Jr and the fence (and the people) like any good mom would do. This is awesome! I think to myself. T1 has been on a horse, but he's never been near one of these beauties. He's so close he can almost touch her. This is amazing! Right about this time, I see Mamma start sniffing, not really flaring her nostrils, but just sniffing the air... right around T1. (I did mention that it was - seriously- about 110 degrees, right? And that the humidity in STL when it's that hot is... oh... about 487% That is important to the story right now...) Hmmm... that's interesting... she must smell the soap... or maybe the shampoo... or ... OH NO! Sweat!!!

Before I could move, Mamma has clamped on to T1's little noggin and started sucking on it like it was a saltlick. He didn't scream or react like he was in pain, so I just froze in place. What am I going to do? Everyone around me started freaking out, and I'm screaming inside, look people... she's being gentle... she knows he's just a baby... and she won't hurt him... as long as you DON'T SPOOK HER!!!!

About that time, she releases T1's head, gives me a look that said, yeah... uh... well... sorry 'bout that. Cute kid. Then she gave Jr a little nudge and wandered off to another part of the corral. I checked T1 over... his head wasn't even red, and he was perfectly fine. His mom was a little freaked, and Pompa was less than thrilled when I told him what happened, but T1 wasn't even phased by it. Didn't sour him to horses, or make him fear animals in general.

Then there was the time T2, also a toddler at the time, stuck his finger up a horse's nose... up to his elbow. Hmmm... wonder if they'll both end up being veterinarians...

... the speed of light might not actually be the law.

We all remember high school physics, right? One of the first constants we learned was the speed of light.
No matter how you remember it, the one thing you probably remember is that it never changes. It's always the same. It's the law. Right?

Eh. Maybe not. By studying the light coming from distant quasars, some scientists believe that the way that certain wavelengths are absorbed. In simple terms? The speed of light might have changed over time.

Scientists believe that the fine structure constant has changed by 0.001%. Big whoop, right? Wrong.

If true, it means that something called the fine structure constant - a measure of the strength of electromagnetic force that holds atoms together - has changed by about 0.001% since the big bang. The speed of light depends on the fine structure constant. If one varies with time then the other probably does too, meaning Einstein got it wrong.

What does this mean for Joe Normal? Not one darn thing. What does this mean for the scientific community? It means that they have a lot of thinking to do, reworking theories that they thought they had finished with long ago. Oh, yeah... it also probably means guaranteed employment for the foreseeable future.

... when you get to meet Mr. Firefighter. Know what I mean?

About 20 minutes after I got to church, we started smelling a most unpleasant aroma. Imagine burning rubber mixed with a small electrical fire, and you've just about got it. After a few minutes of not being able to locate the source of said scent, the decision was made to call the fire department. (Better safe than sorry- we've had our share of fire problems.)

So, a shiny red fire truck shows up at church, four firefighters climb out, and within about 3 minutes they've located the problem. A ballast in one of the flourescent lights in the hallway was going on the blink, sending the malodorous essense into the space above the ceiling tiles. Within 10 minutes of finding the problem, they had completely dismantled the light and checked to make sure that there was nothing else smouldering. Then... they were gone.

After all of that, we were still ready to roll 20 minutes before the first service started. Nice, relaxed morning. Plenty of coffee. Just a touch of excitement to keep us awake. It was a good day.

The Blog Sabbath. A day to step away and be "non-bloggy." Spend some time with family and friends. Play outside. Read a book. Get unplugged for a while.

Me? Going to church. Hanging out with the family. Nothing out of the ordinary. And that's alright with me.

They're married. She's still dead. Cami isn't taking Di's place... as if that could happen. Not nearly as many people care as the media would have you believe. All we need now is for Chuckles to abdicate. Then all will be right with the world. Right?

Can we get back to real news now?

Random kid post time.

The boys are 11, but I think you knew that already. What's up with all of these teeth they're losing? I don't remember losing teeth like this when I was in 5th or 6th grade. Well, I do remember going to the dentist and he yanked a bunch of baby teeth. Are those the ones that they're losing now on their own? I mean, all I know is that I've found more than a few teeth just lying around (they know that I have an "in" with the Tooth Fairy... the funds are just direct deposited into their accounts at this point- yes, they're very high tech kids. Why do you ask?) Got to admit- they're more courageous than me- they yank their own teeth.

Now, if I could teach them to rinse out the sink when they're finished playing dentist. Ew....

Pope John Paul II has been laid to rest. Millions attended his funeral mass, including 4 kings, 5 queens, and 70 presidents. Virtually all faiths came together to honor him. Prayers were spoken in Swahihi, Togolese, Portuguese, German and French (at least).

It is said that, last Saturday a mass was said in his residence, along with the Blessing of the Sick and Dying (Last Rites or Extreme Unction). When it was finished, he looked out the window, said, "Amen," and then passed away. Knowing what we know of his life and his faith, that just makes sense.

Another conservative speaker got hit with a pie.

A conservative activist who criticizes what he calls the leftist domination of college campuses was struck with a pie Wednesday night at Butler University.

David Horowitz, president of the Center for the Study of Popular Culture, had just started a lecture at Butler when he was hit.

Whatever happened to honest debate in the arena of ideals?

When someone goes out of their way to offer you kindness, to insure your safety and security and happiness, they're not asking for the world in return. Simple, sincere gratitude would have been enough. Too bad some people will never understand that.

Clarification: no one took advantage of me. I'm just venting out of frustration over what a friend is going through. Since I can't realistically go and knock some sense into the heartless dirty word censored person in question, I must hurl random seemingly senseless statements at you, my three faithful readers. Sorry 'bout that.

Ever hear a song and think, 'yeah, I wish I could have that attitude'? SheDaisy's "Don't Worry 'Bout a Thing" is that kind of song. But, it does make you think.


Yeah, it's sappy. Sure, it's cute. But, trust me. It's an addictive little tune. Go listen. You'll still be humming it hours from now...

So, one day last week, I was reading Christina's blog, and find this tasty blast from the past. Granted, my recipe is a little different (3 eggs instead of 2 in the top layer) and I grew up calling it "Gooey Butter Cake," but it was a reminder of sweet things gone by.

Then I got to thinking. Small group is on Tuesday, I thought on Monday as I wandered through the grocery store. I can make Gooey Butter Cake. Everyone will love that. Minor detour to grab some cream cheese, and I was set.

So, I baked the cake on Tuesday, and it was a big hit. There were four pieces left. The boys had theirs as an after-school snack yesterday, and I had mine with lunch today. Hubby better pray that I'm in a generous mood, or his piece might mysteriously disappear before he gets home. You never know.

What is this Gooey Butter Cake? you ask. It's cake... and sugar... and cream cheese... and sugar... and butter... and sugar... and well, if I had to describe this dessert in two words, those words would be


Oh, yes. This is not a dessert for the glucose-challenged among us. If you're not a big fan of sugar, walk right past this particular form of yumminess. If counting carbs has become a religious experience for you, avert your eyes. But, if you are not insulin-dependent and have a bit of a sweet tooth, run to the store, buy yourself a box of yellow cake mix, a box of cream cheese, some butter, a box of powdered sugar, and some eggs, and whip up a batch for yourself.

But invite some friends over. You'll hurt yourself otherwise.

When our nation was founded, the men who were elected to the federal Legislature had real jobs. They were farmers, doctors, publishers, shopkeepers. They went to Washington, DC, they did the Nation's business, and then they went home to carry on their own business.

Somewhere along the way, the rules changed. Maybe it was because of corruption, maybe it was something else. Now, Senators are no longer allowed to earn outside income. So much for being a "regular citizen".

There's a Senator who wants to buck the system... sort of. Before Tom Coburn ran for the House, and then the Senate from Oklahoma, he was a doctor. Not just any doctor, he was an OB/GYN, an increasingly rare breed of doctor. While he was a Representative, he kept his practice open without making a profit. Now that he's a Senator, they're trying to tell him to shut down his practice.

Senate rules generally bar lawmakers from earning outside income. Coburn, an obstetrician, wants to practice medicine on weekends and during breaks and said he will take his cause to the Senate floor.

Coburn agreed not to take any new patients after a Dec. 2 letter from the Ethics Committee outlined the long-standing rules barring outside professional activities. But he has continued to give exams and deliver babies.

In his six years in the House, where he was known as an outspoken maverick, Coburn was allowed to continue practicing medicine without making a profit.

He said the Senate may regret forcing him to give up his medical practice.

"There's going to be a whole lot of heck to pay up here because if I am working up here five solid days a week, I'm going to create all sorts of mischief, much more so than I would otherwise," he said.

In a letter to Coburn dated March 18, Sens. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, and Tim Johnson, D-S.D., the chairman and vice chairman of the ethics committee, said they would not support a change in the Senate rules, the Tulsa World reported.

Coburn says continuing to practice medicine is a good way to stay connected with voters back home.

"The very idea that my practice would influence negatively my ability to represent or would coerce through a conflict of interest my votes on things is totally ludicrous. Somebody is not going to me for a sore throat so they can influence my vote or for a female GYN exam. That's not going to be their purpose," he said.

I don't think it's his making money that's the real problem. I think that the Senators are worried that if Dr./Sen. Coburn can balance his chosen profession with his election position, then maybe someone in the general public will general public will notice. And if we notice, we might also notice that many of the people currently in office have made a career not out of public service, but of politics. We might look back fondly on the time in our nation's infancy when our elected leaders actually had to have a real job, too. When their pension and benefit plans weren't the envy of... well, everyone. When they truly understood what it was like to be a normal citizen, because they were normal citizens.

And then they'd be in trouble. Wouldn't they?

UPDATE: The Family Research Council put in its $.02, with a quote from James Madison. You remember him? The Father of the Constitution? Yeah... him.

It's an ordinary occurrence. A citizen sends a letter to the editor of the local newspaper, criticizing the sheriff. Happens all the time. The First Amendment at its finest.

The problem? The sheriff got himself in a tizzy over the letter, and decided to send the writer a letter. And used drivers' licence records to get her address. Problem with that? It's against the law.

The issue arose when Gawronski's letter appeared in the Sentinel on March 10. The Winter Park mother of four said her concerns about Tasers peaked when an Orlando police officer zapped a suspect handcuffed to a hospital bed to obtain a urine specimen.

In her letter, she referred to a televised news conference last June when Beary allowed himself to be zapped with a Taser to demonstrate their safety. Seeing Beary incapacitated by 50,000 volts and "in an obvious state of duress" convinced her the stun guns should not be used, she wrote.

Gawronski also wrote that Beary appeared so overweight and out of shape that she doubted he could arrest anyone without a stun gun. She suggested that if deputies were more fit, they might not need to resort to zapping suspects.

Beary said he was a victim of slander.

"During my Taser incident, I was never under any duress," he wrote Gawronski, adding that his heart activity was monitored by a doctor during the demonstration. Before the test, the 5-foot, 10-inch Beary estimated his weight at 290 pounds.

Sheriff, be honest. You haven't been the victim of slander. You're the victim of Dunkin Donuts. You got all worked up because someone called you fat. While I don't agree with Ms. Gawronski about the use of Tasers (although I hope that the officer who Tasered the handcuffed guy, IF that's the whole story, gets his behind handed to him on a silver platter), she was stating a valid opinion- you might have a problem chasing down a perp in your present physical condition.

People can say things about you when you're an elected official. It's part of the deal. Get over it.

Last year, we homeschooled the boys. It was a lot of fun, and we all learned a lot. Not just about the academic subjects, but about ourselves and our family. (For example, I learned that I'm not too bad at teaching science and history, but grammar and writing? Nope. Hubby's pretty good at explaining math. T2 is a bit of a procrastinator, while T1 will almost rush to get things finished. We all became big fans of the History Channel and the Discovery Channel's MythBusters, and I became a big big fan of the concept of accidental learning.) When I was getting everything ready for the school year, I made sure we had plenty of paper and pencils, and that we had all the right books, etc. And I made sure I had a red pen or two. Over the year, that pen became known as "The Red Pen of Doom." (yeah, right. The only Bs the boys made last year were in Spelling. Doom, indeed.)

Well, I guess my love of red ink would disqualify me from teaching at Daniel Farm Elementary School.

At Daniels Farm Elementary School in Trumbull, Conn., Karwoski's teachers grade papers by giving examples of better answers for those students who make mistakes. But that approach meant the kids often found their work covered in red, the color that teachers long have used to grade work.
Parents objected. Red writing, they said, was "stressful." The principal said teachers were just giving constructive advice and the color of ink used to convey that message should not matter. But some parents could not let it go.
So the school put red on the blacklist. Blue and other colors are in.

Red ink is stressful? Maybe if parents and school districts concentrated on teaching kids what they need to know instead of worrying about their self esteem issues, then there would be less red (or purple or whatever) on the page and a little less stress.

"My generation was brought up on right or wrong with no in between, and red was always in your face," Kazmark said. "It's abrasive to me." (no, really? Oh, no! Right or wrong with no in between? I'm sorry, but 2+2=4... end of discussion- B) Purple is just a little bit more gentle. Part of my job is to be attuned to what kids respond to, and red is not one of those colors."
Three top pen and marker manufacturers — Bic, Pilot Pen and Sanford, which produces Papermate and Sharpie — are making more purple pens in response to rising sales. School leaders and teachers are largely driving that demand, company representatives say.
"They're trying to be positive and reinforcing rather than being harsh," said Robert Silberman, Pilot Pen's vice president of marketing. "Teachers are taking that to heart."
The disillusionment with red is part of a broader shift in grading, said Vanessa Powell, a fifth-grade teacher at Snowshoe Elementary School in Wasilla, Alaska.
"It's taken a turn from 'Here's what you need to improve on' to 'Here's what you've done right,' " Powell said. "It's not that we're not pointing out mistakes, it's just that the method in which it's delivered is more positive."

You know, I don't have a problem with teachers pointing out what a student does right. As long as they continue to point out errors and teach them how to do better. Touchy feely on its own isn't going to work, though.

"I don't think changing to purple or green will make a huge difference if the teaching doesn't go along with it," Jones said. "If you're just looking at avoiding the color red, the students might not be as frightened, but they won't be better writers."

Oh, my! A voice of reason! It's about time.

I want my children to grow up educated and self-confident, with a good level of reasoning and common sense. I want them to know that, most of the time, there is a right answer and a wrong answer, and gray areas only appear in the Arts (and not even then, sometimes). If I had the funds and knew for sure that I wasn't going to totally screw up my boys' chances for college and the careers of their choice, I'd pull them back out of public school and put them in a structured private (religious) school or homeschool them again. (Yeah, I know that there are good public schools out there, and amazing public school teachers. But, as a whole, I'm unimpressed.) Yes, I would still have my red pen of doom- it didn't seem to bother them much last year. I know T1 would love it- he already told me so.

By now, everyone has heard about the Schiavo memo. Yes, it's real. No, it wasn't circulated by Senate GOP leaders. Yes, the media overreacted without having all the facts. Yes, it was probably an internal office memo meant for one senator's eyes only. Yes, the aide who wrote it was an idiot and did the right thing in resigning. Yes, Senator Martinez (R- FL) should actually look at papers before he hands them off to someone else.

And, yes, when the conservative side of the blogosphere heard about the memo, it was very easy to think it was another Rathergate and jump on the MSM for jumping on it. They were wrong for not getting the whole story. So were we.

Vin Diesel is making a new movie- Hannibal. (Evidently, we as a culture choose to get our history lessons from Hollywood. Oh, well... Epics have been big sellers since the dawn of cinematography.) In the fine tradition of Gladiator, Braveheart, Troy and (ew) Alexander, we'll be treated to another 2+hours of (hopefully) well researched battles and questionable moral commentary.

So, where is the problem? Well... are you sitting down for this one? Vin is evidently taking directing cues from Mel Gibson.

Vin Diesel is following Mel Gibson's example and employing ancient and little-known languages for his upcoming Hannibal The Conqueror epic. Gibson caused a sensation with his The Passion of the Christ movie last year when he used ancient Aramaic in his biblical drama, and now Diesel will use Jesus' tongue as well as Iberian and Carthaginian to tell the story of the Carthaginian general. He explains, "I'm going to make it a non-English multi-lingual film that represents the many languages that Hannibal employed in his army. "So it will be Aramaic for Rome, Iberian for Spain, there will be some Carthaginian or some Maltese and it will represent all these different languages. "Hannibal's whole point is uniting people of no common culture, language or religion and proving that united they can defy tyranny." Diesel admits he has had meetings with Gibson, seeking advice about how to make a movie featuring ancient languages, and persuade financiers to support his vision. He adds, "Passion of the Christ helps the cause because it says you can do a foreign film and it will do business."

Hmmm... how do I put this without sounding condescending? Vin... Dude... no! Don't go there. In The Passion of the Christ, it worked because of the subject matter, not because of the foreign language. They could have used a made-up language, and it still would have worked. It was the subject (and yes, to a certain extent, the pre-release hype). Hannibal the Conquerer will make a ton of money as an epic- it doesn't need the added cerebral kick. For some reason, I think it might even lose money if they go this way.

And, anyway, let's be honest here. I'm a Vin Diesel fan, but his movies will probably not go down in history as some of the Greats. They're good thug movies (no, I haven't seen The Pacifier yet, but I've heard it isn't quite the action film, but very sweet) - plenty of action, and plenty of eye candy to go around for everyone. People, as a rule, probably don't go to his movies for the intellectual stimulation. They go for the blood, guts, and scenery.

Am I being overly harsh? Probably. Can't help it. I'm sorry, Vin. Love your work, but the idea of you speaking Aramaic (or Iberian or Carthagian or Maltese, for that matter) just scares me.

Professor Bainbridge expands on a Hugh Hewitt comment concerning potential patron saints for bloggers. I mean... everyone else has them- why not us?

I think, if I had to pick, I'd pick Elpidius (or Expeditus, or whatever they call him). He probably never really existed, so technically he's probably not a real saint so we don't have to worry about people who aren't Catholic. He's already the patron saint of computer programmers and prompt solutions. Hmmm... bloggers use computers, and ask Dan Rather how prompt we can be with finding solutions to interesting puzzles.

So, I put my vote in for Saint Expeditus for Patron Saint of Bloggers.

Now... if I were still a practicing Catholic, I'd also be praying to him because of the whole procrastination thing... oh, well...

43 days before Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith opens, we get the following news:

• Star Wars fanatics are already lining up for the movie... even if they are at the wrong theater. (But, hey, it's for charity, so it's not all in the name of obstinance. Must be nice to have that kind of free time.)
• The 2003 Lucas Skywalker Ranch "Viandante del Cielo" Chardonnay is now on sale... limit 3 per person. (Hmmm... wonder if it's worth the price tag... a nice Chardonnay is a thing of beauty, but... )
• Here is a site with all the new Star Wars toys. Cool stuff... (Looks like some interesting new characters, but no way of getting any of the plot from the toys... but, wait!!! Wookies!!!!)
  
• There are three new tv spots. (Only two things to say... "You were the Chosen One!" and "Lord Vader, ... " "Yes, Master?" "Rise." Wow...)

OK... OK... I know... enough with the Star Wars stuff... you only say that because you don't live here. I'm the least geekish person in this house.

(found at StrangeCosmos) Hmm... something to make you think... A lesson on perception and running your mouth...

The church gossip and self-appointed arbiter of the church's morals kept sticking her nose into other people's business. Several church members were unappreciative of her activities, but feared her enough to maintain their silence.

She made a mistake, however, when she accused George, a new member, of being a drunk after she saw his pickup truck parked in front of the town's only bar one afternoon. She commented to George and others that everyone seeing it there would know what he was doing.

George, a man of few words, stared at her for a moment and just walked away. He didn't explain, defend, or deny; he said nothing. Later that evening, George quietly parked his pickup in front of her house . . . and left it there all night.

Sorry about no posting today. Couldn't log into Blogspot. I'll get right on those posts though. I'm sure there were moments of brilliance tucked in there somewhere.

For those of you who don’t know, I was raised Catholic, and I very proud of my religious heritage. And, when I say I was raised Catholic, I mean it. Dad was an usher and active in the Men’s Club. Mom worked at the rectory for a while (first as the cook, then as the secretary), and she was a Eucharistic Minister. I went to Blessed Sacrament Grade School and Bishop Althoff Catholic High School (even if no one used the word “Bishop” in the school’s title, there was a reason the old guy was in the yearbook every year). (And, gang, no “Catholic School Girl jokes… my dad reads my site now, ok?)

I was eight years old when Karol Cardinal Wojtyla was elected Pontiff and became John Paul II. When I was born, Pope Paul VI was Pontiff, and then there was Pope John Paul I’s brief term in 1978. It was amazing to me (but not as amazing as it seems to some people) that he only lived a little over a month after his election. Since we had just been through the process, it seemed a little boring to an eight year old girl. But, hey, I was a news junkie even then, so I watched whatever news there was about it.

When the white smoke came from the Sistine Chapel chimney, I thought it was so cool that a Pole had become Pope (no offense to the Italians, but share the love, ok?) You see, my Godfather was Polish (as in spoke-Polish-to-his-mother Polish).

Hey, who's that with my Uncle Frank?

He was a member of the Polish National Alliance. He took me to a Polish Mass every year before the PNA Christmas Party. He went back to Warsaw whenever he could. And, one of his people had become Pope.

My godfather and Pope John Paul II

At the time, I had only one gripe with the new Pope. His choice of name. I mean, Albino Luciani had shown a certain amount of creativity (or lack of decision-making skills, depending on how you looked at it) by choosing the name John Paul. It almost seemed like Cardinal Wojtyla took the easy way out. (Yeah, now I understand that he was honoring his predecessor, but, hey! I was eight. Give me a break!)

Growing up, I don’t think I realized John Paul II’s influence on world events- President Reagan and Margaret Thatcher were always in the headlines at the end of the Cold War, not John Paul II. What I did notice is that he wasn’t a “normal” pope- or at least what I considered normal. I mean, popes don’t ski, do they? Or have photography books lying around. And they are definitely not supposed to be actors or playwrights. And he seemed almost too young to be Pope. I mean, those guys are supposed to be ancient, right? So, to many young Catholics, this guy was cool!

Looking back on JPII’s time as Pontiff, many people are trying to figure out what his legacy will be. They talk about the Cold War, and how he was an inspiration to folks living behind the Iron Curtain. They talk about his affirmation of Life in all its stages, from his staunch Pro-Life stance (and traditional Catholic stand on contraceptives) to the dignified way he approached the end of his own life. And they talk about his love of children, how they were drawn to him, and he to them.

It might sound weird, but he almost made it cool to be “religious” for American Catholic youth. He made spirituality a little less stuffy, all while remaining true to his beliefs. His impact on American youth is clearly seen in the number of young people (when I say “young,” I mean those who grew up during his time as pope) who have gone into the ministry (as nuns and priests) or laity who have chosen to take their Catholic faith seriously. That is the legacy that will carry on.

As I said, I was raised Catholic. I’m not Catholic anymore. I didn’t leave the church because of any of the reasons that many ex-Catholics do- I just wanted to worship in a different way. But I’ll always be grateful for that upbringing, the knowledge I gained, and the foundation that was laid for my faith. And, now that I’m older and have found a way of worship that I can grow with, I can only hope that I can go through all the stages of my life with as much grace and dignity and faith as His Holiness did.

Since I'm almost over my cold, I decided to enlist the help of my slave labor wonderful children (and then Hubby when it came time to use the really big power tools) to plant some flowers.

The original plan was to plant two Joseph's Coat roses in front of the window on the side of the house (to provide a little privacy). So, I ordered the roses online because they are almost impossible to come by in the Austin area. When they came in, I went to the store to pick up a trellis and some mulch and compost and all that fun stuff.

I started thinking while wandering through Home Depot... if I put the roses on the side of the house, no one will see them. And they are really pretty roses. So... what to do... what to do... hey, look! Star Jasmine is on sale... I could put those on the trellis by the window... then where to plant the roses??? By the front porch, of course. Everyone will see them there. OK, lemme grab a couple of star jasmine, some snapdragons (for color by the window) and a trellis.

That was Friday. The boys helped me clear out a patch of the lawn for the star jasmine and helped me plant them as the sun was setting Friday night. Then I started planning the flower bed where the roses would be. But, wait... there's that really ugly holly bush by the front door... that will completely block the view of the roses. And it's really ugly... so... we'll just move it. Oh, the roots are how deep? *grabs the phone* Hey, R, can we borrow your chainsaw? Thanks.

OK... so I have this plan. Saturday I get a chunk of the bed cleared and the Joseph's Coats planted (along with 2 mini-rose bushes). Nothing else to be done until the ugly bush goes bye-bye.

Yesterday (Sunday), Hubby hacked the bush into pieces down to the ground. The root system on that beast was huge, so we just left it as is. I cleared out the rest of the bed area (only 3 fire ant bites) and planted 3 more mini bushes and a "pinata" rose (seems like it will compliment the Joseph's Coats).

Here are some pics:

Yeah, I know. You can't really see the Joseph's Coats in that picture... right now, they're little more than green sticks poking out of the ground. I'll post new pics once they start growing.

Which brings us to today. My back announced to me that it had been nice to me long enough. I think it was that last bag of mulch that did me in. Gotta love Flexeril and heating pads.

UPDATE: When I went out to water the flowers this evening, I noticed the beginning of little stems on the Joseph's Coats. Already! That is so cool!

Sometime on Saturday, T1 asked me if he could watch something on tv besides "Fox News: The Pope Edition." No, I'm not making this up.

Got me thinking. Granted, FoxNews is the only MSM I watch, so, my experience is somewhat limited. But, I have noticed something- the MSM is an obsessive bunch of folks, aren't they?

I mean, for the 36 hours or so before the Pope passed away, FoxNews paraded every person they could find who a: knew the Pontiff; b: was Catholic; or c: had enough medical knowledge to explain what he was going through and why he hadn't died yet. And did we really need to every person's opinion on what his legacy will be?

OK... sure... if anyone deserved this level of attention, it was John Paul II. But, this isn't the first time. Before the Pope passed away, it was Terri Schiavo 24/7 (another important story, but it was almost overload toward the end of her life.) Before Terri, there was a "news lull" of sorts, so we were treated to MJ's trial (gag). And let's not forget Scott Peterson. And every person who goes missing (before you start in on me, I think they do need to publicize any children who go missing, on the off chance that they are alive and can be rescued). Let's not forget Chandra Levy (I'm sorry that she was killed. Truly. But did we need Gary Condit 24/7 for months?) When President Reagan passed away, it was the same thing (ok... I'll admit it... I was fine with that for the first few days...)

I guess this is just the nature of the 24/7 news beast. Back in the day (before cable news channels), the networks broke in when there was a BIG story (like when the Pope actually died, not when he took a turn for the worse). Everything else was prioritized for the evening news. If it didn't make the network news, you didn't find out about it unless you read the papers. They didn't have to fill hours of airtime between breaking stories.

It's not that way anymore. Fox News is live from 5am-10pm (central). One of those hours is for financial news. O'Reilly and Hannity & Colmes are more subject driven, topical programs, and Greta is all crime, all the time. The other 13 hours are news. Is there really 13 hours worth of news in the day? (In my perfect world, they'd figure out how to have some time devoted to science, medical and tech news. There are ways to make it interesting, and I think that a half hour on Sunday morning with Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld is just not enough.)

But, I'm tired. I'm tired of the single-minded focus of the media. Just as you need a variety in your diet to be healthy, I believe you also need to feed your mind a variety of information. I'm beginning to stray away from actively watching the news... it might be on in the background (it's a noise thing), but I can't say that I'm paying attention. I'm listening to more music, reading all different types of books (right now, reading To Reign in Hell by Steven Brust, and I have a book on poetry and a crime novel on deck).

Nah... I'm still blogging... and I'm still going to be focused on politics and current events and news and religion and my family and... whatever else it is I write about it. I just wanted to rant. The pope was an awesome man, and I'm working on a post about him (not your standard issue eulogy post, I promise), but... please... isn't there a war or famine or something the news networks could look into?

Got an e-mail today letting me know that T2 made Pop Warner'z Little Scholar All American 2nd Team. That is just too cool.

What happened with T1? That's what I wondered for about 1.7 seconds. Then I remembered. T1 didn't play football this year- he was the team's manager. Managers are not eligible for All American. Oh, well...

Congrats, guys! You both had the grades to make it. I'm proud of you!

It's that day of the week again. Turn off the tv (do you really need to hear even more about the Pope's legacy?) Shut down the computer for a while. Spend some time with your family. It's a beautiful day (well, here, at least). Enjoy it.

Karol Jozef Wojtyla, the man who is more famously known as Pope John Paul II, has passed away. There will be tears of grief as more than a billion people mourn the loss of their spiritual leader.

But, is it a time for grief? Or a time for joy? A person's death, every person's death, should be a time of celebration, taking stock of his or her life, basking in the love and joy that they gave to those around them, and, depending on your religious belief, rejoicing in where they will spend eternity. Yes, it will be a bittersweet celebration- we cannot help but mourn our own loss. That is human nature. But, in that grief, I would pray that we can look beyond that.

When I heard of the Pope's passing, this was the first thing that came to my mind. Take away from it what you will.

By you my mourning is turned into dancing; you have taken away my clothing of grief, and given me robes of joy. (Ps 30:11)

... please pick up the white courtesy phone... NOW...

Good Heavens! What have I done!!!!

The "headline" at the bottom of the tv screen read "Medical Professionals Say No Hope For Pope."

I guess that depends on where your hope lies, doesn't it?

Today is my dad's __th birthday. Since he doesn't look, feel, or act his age , I'm not going to tell you how old his birth certificate says he is.

Have a happy b-day, Dad!!!

... it sure does sound like one to me.

The BBC asked to interview Bob Marley for a documentary - despite the fact he died in 1981.

They sent the Bob Marley Foundation an email saying it would involve him "spending one or two days with us".

The Beeb wanted the world famous reggae star's contribution for an hour-long show on his hit single No Woman, No Cry.

The email said the story "would only work with some participation from Bob Marley himself".

It added filming was pencilled in for June, July and August, but "our schedule is flexible".

The show, expected to air on BBC2 and BBC Three, follows a December documentary on The Story Of Bohemian Rhapsody, the Queen song.

BBC Three said the blunder, by researcher Paysley Ross, was "not an April Fool". It added: "We're very embarrassed."

Ah, yes... another sterling accomplishment for the research staff at the BBC.

Morning people (and you know who you are!) have a genetic defect!

EARLY birds who cannot stay up late and are wide awake before dawn have a defective gene, scientists revealed yesterday.

The trait, which runs in families and is known as Familial Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome, or FASPS, means people nod-off early and bounce out of bed at about 4am.

I knew there was something wrong with all you weirdos who are up to greet the dawn! Now I have proof!!!!

I am becoming more and more convinced that some people go out of their way to get offended. Case in point:

Colorado Gov. Bill Owens apologized for saying "the natives are getting restless" during a conference on tribal gambling.

Owens made the remark at the Western Governors' Association Summit after a participant's microphone wouldn't work and he urged it be fixed quickly. Some attendees told the Rocky Mountain News the audience fell silent, then groaned and chuckled.

Most of the people there laughed. But, of course, someone had to get all in a huff over it.

Richard Milanovich of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in Palm Springs, Calif., said he "couldn't imagine" any person of stature making that kind of remark.

Owens "went out of his way to call this conference, and then more or less made fun of the people who were there," Milanovich said.

No, Mr. Milanovich. He didn't make fun of the people who were there. He used a popular and time honored idiomatic expression not meant to offend anyone (which didn't even originally refer to Native Americans). Granted, as a public figure, he should have known better than to say something like that in this politically correct world we live in. But he didn't make fun of anyone.

Mr. Milanovich, you have a proud heritage, a heritage of strength and power and honor and dignity. To complain about something so minor, so petty, demeans that proud heritage.

Made you look, right? Well, Tim McGraw's newest single, "Drugs or Jesus", is making people listen, too. Some people are a bit upset, but I think that's just because he put those two words that close together. And they're upset for no reason, because this is a wonderful song of longing and need... and the choices that people make along the way.

In my home town
For anyone who sticks around
You're either lost or you're found
There's not much in between
In my home town
Everything's still black and white
It's a long, long way from wrong to right
From Sunday morning to Saturday night

Everybody just wants to get high
Sit and watch a perfect world go by
We're all looking for love and meaning in our lives
We follow the roads that lead us
To drugs or Jesus

My whole life
I've tried to run, I've tried to hide
From the stained glass windows in my mind
Refusing to let God's light shine
Down on me
Down on me

Everybody wants acceptance
We all just want some proof
Everyone's just looking for the truth

No, I'm not going to preach. No sermon needed. No explanation of the metaphor of drugs as anything that numbs or distracts us. We all run at times, and we're all searching... for love... for a place to feel at home... for peace... for Truth. It all depends on where we look... the Road has to lead somewhere.

I have often expressed annoyance at the obsession the boys' school has over the TAKS test. No, they don't teach to the test- it is ALL about the test.

So, it came as no huge surprise when T2 casually mentioned this morning that he's not happy about yet another day of shortened schedule (the schedule they have when there is a school assembly or something like that). The reason?

Math tutorials. The Math portion of the TAKS is next week, so they're in panic mode, trying to get everyone ready to take the test.

So, my kids (who get As and Bs in math) get an hour and a half study hall. Too bad they don't have that much work to get done. So they're taking books to school so they're not bored out of their skulls.

I'm coming to realize that not every school school or school district is as O/C as this school. Doesn't make me like this any more.

No, this isn't an April Fool's Day joke.

About No Draft, No Way- NDNW was formed in the summer of 2004 by a group of veterans, students, activists, and youth who realized that the global military ambitions of both political parties had stretched the military to the breaking point and recognized the likelihood of treturn of the draft and decided to organize to stop it.

No Draft, No Way organized an Emergency AntiWar Conference in December of 2004. More than 200 participants from all over the Northeast gathered for a strategic conference on fighting the draft, challenging military recruiting, and supporting resistance inside the military. Out of this conference came several proposals, including a Nationwide Day of Action on March 31.

Yeah. That was yesterday. We missed it. We could have gone and rallied against the... what? What's that you say? Oh... right... I forgot. There is no draft. There is no plan for a draft. Sorry... I forgot for a moment.

Go. Read the whole site if you want a little laugh. (h/t to Eric)

I've thought long and hard about Terri Schiavo, her situation, and her passing. I can't say that I'm clear on my feelings. They are conflicted, but some things have become blatantly obvious to me.

I hate hate. Sounds funny, but it's true. The hatred revolving around this whole situation is eating away at me, and I can't stand it. It's not who am I, and it's not who I want to be.

I'm not condemning those who are filled with indignation, righteous or otherwise, toward this whole mess. Like I said before, there is plenty of blame to go around. But, now, she's gone. Will throwing more mud bring her back?

Some are now talking vengence, not only against Michael Schiavo, but against the judges and the politicians who let her down. No matter how much I long for justice, I can't go there. I don't want to preach, either, but I can't help but think of this:

Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord." (Rom 12:19)

Then there is this:

But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ... So then each one of us will give account of himself to God. (Rom 14:10, 12)

This gives me comfort. I do not know Michael Schiavo's heart. I don't know if Judge Greer had ulterior motives. I cannot accurately judge the Schindler's lawyers' competence. Because of human nature, I cannot have faith in the court system, that somehow, if there was fault, that anyone will be held accountable in this life. I do, however, have faith in Divine Judgement, and I truly believe that God's timing is perfect, and, in His time, vengeance will be His and Justice will be served.

But, I can't hate. That does not mean that I won't speak up when I see a wrong being committed. It is the obligation of the righteous to stand between evil and innocence. But I will not be consumed by anger. I will not allow bitterness to gnaw its way into my soul. There is enough sadness in this world. I choose to fill my heart with other things.

It's the only thing I can do.