Res Ipsa Loquitur

Party Time

Party Time

We're leaving for the big party shortly, just have to take the dogs out one last time. From the looks of Vicky's menu, we'll ring in the New Year with full tummies.

Happy New Year to you and yours!

UPDATE: The party was great, the food was wonderful, Matt & Vicky couldn't have been nicer hosts. It's way past my bedtime...more tomorrow.

Florida

Florida

Here's a few reasons why we'll never live there. And here's another good one. Those people are crazy, except for my brother in law in Eustis, who's a pretty cool guy. (Links via Fark)

Happy New Year's Eve

Happy New Year's Eve

Pretty normal day here in Fayette-nam so far. Mike had volunteered to work today, as we usually don't do anything special for New Year's Eve. I had some work to take care of this morning as well. But I think I'll take the afternoon off & take a nap, as we've been invited to the social event of the season around here....yes, I'm referring to the New Year's Eve party at Matt and Vicky's. Ever the consummate hosts, they've even promised us kool-aid and sippy cups with which to toast the new year.

Promises to be a rockin' good time. I'm looking forward to having my first real Italian food since our law office split up...well, besides what Mike & I cook occasionally. But a nap is required if I'm going to stay up past my usual 8 pm bedtime. You know how us old folks are.

It's Baaa-ack!

It's Baaa-ack!

The sinus infection I mean, and I think it brought a few friends.

I felt a Funeral, in my Brain,
And Mourners to and fro
Kept treading

Why are they wearing football cleats?? And why are they stabbing me with ice picks? There's a wild New Year's Eve party going on in there, so jam-packed that my eye feels like it's bulging outward with every booming heartbeat. I feel like taking the shotgun and blowing a hole in my face just to get some relief from the pressure. But that's so messy. I think I'll try a long hot shower and some decongestants instead.

Oh, the poem?? Emily Dickinson, of course...the Queen of depression, misery, and general madness.

Dinner Time

Dinner Time

Just finished a big dinner of southern fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, and biscuits with butter & strawberry jelly. It were yummy for my tummy. Now if the kids will just go to the movies, Mike & I can slip peacefully into a food-induced coma and enjoy a quiet night at home...alone.

Quiz Time

Quiz Time

What's YOUR Writing Style?
brought to you by Quizilla

"You are a dark writer. A fierce and loyal follower of Poe and the other gothic authors, you LOVE to instill a sense of revulsion and somewhat fear in your readers. You love to poke their brains with logic dealing with the darker side of the human mind and character. Truly surprising and a true individual, you'll do ANYTHING to create a scene."

I WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO CREATE A SCENE! HOW CAN YOU EVEN SAY THAT! *ahem* Poking brains, now that's my idea of fun!

(Link via The Group Captain, an interesting site I wandered across today.)

Drunken Elk Attack

Drunken Elk Attack

They're out to get us, I tell you.

WWII Stories

WWII Stories

In light of Rachel's project, I found this interesting story in this morning's paper about the only surviving Arkansas member of an Army rifle company that fought at the Battle of the Bulge. Mr. Dewell Ballard was contacted by a fourth grade class, who were interested in his experiences during the war.

As for [a student's] first question about whether World War II was "scary," Ballard said, "Sometimes it was pretty rough; sometimes it wasn’t."

That response seems typical of a man who once wrote his mother from Germany, "I told you brave men never cried; I’m sorry, Mom, I guess I lied."

Indeed.

But what really caught my attention was this statement:

Ballard said he plans to answer each of the children’s letters, noting that he is now about the age of many of the Civil War veterans he questioned when he was 9 or 10 years old.

I think he would be an interesting gentleman to interview.

Squirrel Fishing

Squirrel Fishing

A new twist on an old sport, here's the detailed instructions. No mention of the best sized hook, though....hmmm, what do you think, Rodger? About a 3/0 treble? (Link via Fark)

Movie Review

Movie Review

Our favorite Aussie did a most excellent review of Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine.

Writing about Columbine without addressing its flaws is like writing about Michael Jackson without mentioning that these days he looks like an albino bat.

Go enjoy.

In My Head

In My Head

I know, it's only rock 'n roll, but I like it...the song currently stuck in my head.

Why yes, I'm already simultaneously bored and depressed this morning.......and it's not even 8 a.m. Can't wait to see what the rest of the day brings.

Dull Day

Dull Day

We're still recovering from the Christmas rush, I think. Piddled around the house a bit after a late breakfast, then took a long nap. Pretty uninteresting day.

Those are nice occasionally. Nightie night everyone.

Breakfast Time

Breakfast Time

We're making biscuits & gravy, eggs cooked to order. Mike's friend is bringing sourdough pancakes and venison sausage. Good eats.

That's right. We took Bambi, ground his defenseless little corpse up with a little pork & some seasonings, and now we're going to fry him in a hot skillet.

Yum, yum!

Context

Context

Misleading headlines like this really annoy me: Israelis Kill Seven In West Bank Raids. Let's look at the body of the article, shall we?

Israeli forces reoccupied Bethlehem after a two-day Christmas respite, while elsewhere troops killed seven Palestinians — the worst single-day death toll in weeks.

Jackbooted storm troopers murdering defenseless women and chilluns??? Let's read further.

In other parts of the West Bank, seven Palestinians — five armed fugitives and two bystanders — were killed Thursday in clashes with Israeli forces.

The body of an eighth Palestinian, a Hamas militant shot by soldiers overnight while planting explosives, was found near a Jewish settlement in the Gaza Strip on Thursday.

Hmmmm...kinda puts a whole different meaning on things, doesn't it? Wouldn't a more accurate headline be something like "Israeli Army Stops Murderers Before They Can Kill Again"?

Context is everything.

Interesting Idea

Interesting Idea

Bag and Baggage discusses licensing for your blog, step by step process available at Creative Commons.

This is something I've been thinking about doing to our sites, though I'm no copyright attorney...I don't mind others using my written stuff, but have concerns about the family photos we're posting. There are a lot of freaks out there, ya know. I'll have to look into this more when I'm less tired and distracted.

Go check it out.

Catch Up

Catch Up

Overslept this morning because my husband, remembering correctly that HE didn't have to go to work, turned off the alarm clock before it woke me up. I didn't wake up until an hour after I should have, so I've been trying to get caught up all day. Though he was so nice trying to make up for it, fixing me breakfast to eat on the road & such, that I wouldn't really mind if it happened more often.

The son was bored & antsy by the time we got back, so we took him shopping for a new video card for his computer. He & Mike are installing it now. I've still a million things to do, so see y'all later. Besides, Rodger made me have a hillbilly flashback (see Comments, # 6 & 7), so I have to recover before posting any more.

TTT

TTT

Made it to the state line for Powerball tickets. The one little store that was open was packed from wall to wall. But hey, who knows, we might become multi-kajillionaires tomorrow. Right, it could happen.

Got back to Fayette-nam just in time for the 4:15 showing of The Two Towers. I won't spoil it for y'all that haven't seen it yet, but it kicks ass. Not nearly as boring as the first one, lots of fighting 'n killing 'n guts 'n cool stuff...much less of the mushy love crap.

I've a trial in the morning (yes, the freaking day after Christmas)...I anticipate it settling but we'll see when we get there. Mike's going with me, so at least the drive to Jay won't be so boring. I just hope the roads are as clear up there as they are here.

Mike had a turkey baking while we were at the movies, and I'm now full and sleepy. G'night, and turn the lights off when you leave.

Sledding In the Cemetery

Sledding In the Cemetary

We had fun. The S.O. decided to pass & went home. (Weenie.) The hill we used is fairly steep, but short. The kids & I get to the top and they start arguing over who's going first...neither of them wanted to, so I said "Give me the damn sled & I'll show you how it's done." Our little plastic sled was nothing like the Flexible Flyer I had as a kid, but it did ok. Mike got some great shots of us, and we all managed to avoid sliding into the duck pond. No accidents, except for my son hitting a concrete culvert cover trying one of those "Look Ma, no hands" tricks. Pretty normal for him, didn't hurt him, just gave me some more grey hair. We all had a great time.

The daughter left afterwards to spend the rest of the holiday with her S.O.'s family. Mike, my son and I are fixin' to drive up to the state line to see about buying some Powerball lottery tickets, just to kill time before we see if we can get tickets to "The Two Towers" later this afternoon.

Typical Southerners, ain't we? Always fixin' to do something.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Breakfast has been eaten, stockings investigated, presents opened. Our primary Christmas is at my parents, which we did last weekend, but I always save a few gifts to be opened at home. The daughter's S.O. made it over, and the three of them are watching SNL reruns. It was a frosty 9 degrees here this morning, and Mike wouldn't let my daughter stand with the door open until the S.O. got inside, so she's sulking. At least she's doing it quietly, so I'm thinking, oh yeah, punish us some more....please.

We're waiting for it to warm up enough to go sledding. It's up to 19 degrees now, so maybe after lunch we can all bundle up. The S.O. said the streets weren't too bad, and it looks like the sun is melting the ice on them pretty quickly. Should be good sledding over behind the cemetary, as long as we don't slide into the duck pond. Might be a little chilly for a swim.

What Drink Are You?

What Drink Are You?

What Drink Are You?

Well, ok, if you say so. I really wanted to be a tequila shooter. Smooth and persuasive enough to make you think dancing naked on the tabletop is a good idea. (Link via Acidman)

And To All, A Good

And To All, A Good Night

The chillun's are all nestled all snug in their beds...ok, not really, they fell asleep on the couch & the oversized chair respectively while watching a movie...Mike & I covered 'em up good, and left them to their dreams. The coffee pot & teapot are ready to go, stockings are stuffed, and once I bundle up & take the dogs out, I'll don my kerchief & join Mike, who's already gone to bed. It's already down to 22 degrees, with a wind chill of 13...predicted low tonight of 12. A good night to snuggle.

Only one thing left to do, and that's to wish a Merry Christmas to you all, and to all, a good night. Now y'all better go on to sleep your ownselves...ol' Santy won't stop by if you're awake you know.

Sensible Scots

Sensible Scots

Tim Blair inquires:

What is it about Scots named Smith? They're always sensible.

Well, Tim, being married to one, I can only say yes they are. And the next time there's a PETA protest against wearing fur in your area, I suggest we follow the eminently sensible lead of our distant cousins across the sea and pelt the protesters with live mink, one of the most nasty, viscious, smelly little critters on God's green earth. Protesting the wearing of leather? Run a herd of these through the middle of 'em.

The possibilities are endless. Bwaahahahaha!

Woman Nursing Puppies Update I

Woman Nursing Puppies Update

I orginally read about this over at Rachel's site a while back. A Norweigan mother breastfed 8 puppies whose mother had died giving birth until surrogate dogs could be found. The puppies and her baby are doing well. The mother reports receiving mixed reactions from others.

"No one has complained to me directly, but I've heard from others that some people thought it was disgusting that I would nurse Emil (her son) and the puppies at the same time," she said. "I just have to tolerate that, and can only say that I washed myself thoroughly after I'd nursed the puppies."

I'm sorry lady, but that's just nasty. Hell, they weren't even coon dogs.

Slick Roads

Slick Roads

We delivered the grandson to his other Pawpaw's without any trouble. Roads were slushy, but not slick. We did see a snowplow in the ditch, he'd gotten a little too close to the ditch & the blade caught, pulling him into the ditch & into a culvert. Idiot.

My daughter just started to go out for dinner, until she noticed the line of cars trying to get up the hill by our house. The streets are now a solid sheet of ice, and we've been watching & laughing at the bad drivers as they get sideways & slide towards the ditch. She & my son walked down to the street, and said it was so slick they could barely stand up.

She's decided she's not going anywhere. She, Mike & my son are playing "You Don't Know Jack." Sollie & I are snuggled under our heated throw, surfing the web. They are making fun of me because I got retainers yesterday, and am having a hard time talking without lisping. Little bastards. Just wait until they look in their Christmas stockings tomorrow morning.

Christmas Stress??

Christmas Stress??

It may have been just a little too much Christmas stress, but I like this lady's style. She was withdrawing a little cash from the ATM when a man, a gun tucked into his pants, approached and demanded her money. Her reaction?

The victim told [the officer] she then hit the suspect with her car door and told him she "didn't have time for this right now" before driving away.

Oh, yeah.

Two Peas In a Pod

Two Peas In a Pod

My son & grandson looked so cute last night, sleeping in almost identical positions. Mike's posted their photo over at Da Church.

It's kinda scary how much those two are alike, especially since they don't get to spend much time together. Genetics are a huge influence on personality traits, judging from watching the two of them.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve

Still snowing here in Fayette-nam. Mike & I got the driveway cleared for now, which was so slick my daughter couldn't get her car up it this morning. The grandson is napping, thank goodness. Earlier, I finished vacuuming, and heard a splashing noise in the bathroom. I knew my daughter had finished with his bath before I started vacuuming, so thought I should investigate. He was up to his elbows in the toilet, happily emptying a roll of toilet paper into the bowl. I swatted his bottom, which hurt his feelings mightly, stripped off his wet shirt, scrubbed his hands & arms and dried him off. Then we marched back into the living room, where I rather strongly requested that one of the other 3 family members who weren't doing anything to please watch him a little more closely so I could finish cleaning the freaking house.

The daughter got the grandson down for a nap. The son cleaned up the kitchen. Mike, being a very wise husband, went out to shovel the driveway. I cleaned up the mess in the bathroom & then joined him.

At least now I can walk through the house without tripping over a dog or a toy. I should've yelled at them all much earlier.

Rollin' Out Nolan

Rollin' Out Nolan

No wonder we're having a snowstorm, I found something on the MSNBC website with which I agree. IMO, University of Arkansas basketball coach Nolan Richardson wasn't fired because he was an African-American. He was fired because of what he did.

In fact, Arkansas had treated Richardson the same way any university treats a campus icon who has won a Final Four and has coached for more than a decade -- as a demigod to be appeased with fat contracts and terrific fringe benefits. He lost his job because his team stunk and because he accused the university of a despicable act -- racism.

After winning the Final Four with one of the best college teams I've ever seen, the Razorbacks went into a steady decline. Losing seasons are verboten at the U of A. Coach Richardson was getting a lot of pressure because of this, and responded with allegations that he was being treated differently because of his race. Perhaps he should have consulted with, oh, say, Eddie Sutton, Lou Holtz, and a whole list of others who were treated just like he was. Unlike the others, Coach Richardson agreed to a contract buyout, and is now suing the university for racial discrimination and violation of his right to free speech.

Unsatisfied with the $3-million buyout the university has offered, and choosing to ignore that the man hired by the "racist" university to replace him, Stan Heath, is also an African-American, Nolan chose to pursue the last resort of crybabies -- a lawsuit whose basis, to use technical legal terms, is, "They were picking on me, waaahhhh!"

Yeah, Nolan, they were picking on you, all right, but it wasn't because of your complexion. It was because you were a whining twit, who wasn't winning anymore.

Absolutely.

Let It Snow

Let It Snow

It started snowing hard about 1 1/2 hrs. ago. The ground's covered, and it's starting to stick on the street. We were never able to get in touch with the grandson's mother, so he may be here for the duration.

Snowed in with my ADHD husband, my ADHD son, my ADHD grandson who's also sick, and ADHD large dog. Woo-hoo. Just kill me now...please.

Toddler Gone Wild

Toddler Gone Wild

The grandson has hit the ground running this morning. He's coughing & has a runny nose, so we had to give him a dose of baby Duratuss. Helps with the cough, makes his ADHD worse. So far, he's refused to eat breakfast, insisted that all the couch cushions must be in the floor, tried to stick two wooden parrots in the VCR (again), written on his hands & the tablecloth with an inkpen, tried to eat the dogs' food and generally has run amok.

But I found the "Teletubbies" on TV, and he's now sitting quietly enjoying those. Ok, he WAS sitting quietly...now he's grabbed the floor lamp & is shaking it in time to the music on TV. Gotta go.

Quiet Sunday

Quiet Sunday

Just us & the dogs so far. The kids & the grandson won't be here for another couple of hours. We may take him up to see all the Christmas lights & decorations on the downtown square later tonight...it's a real epileptic's nightmare.

They're currently predicting 5-7 inches of snow for here starting tomorrow evening, so we may have to take the grandson home a day early. We've stocked up on groceries & such, so if we can get him home safely, I say Let It Snow!

Be nice to have a white Christmas.

Christmas at Ginnky's

Christmas at Ginnky's

Mike's posted a photo over at our other site of the grandson taken yesterday at my parents. He was one happy little boy to see everyone, running from person to person dispensing a multitude of hugs & kisses. Opening gifts was the best of all, a blizzard of wrapping paper flying through the air, loudly squealing his delight with each gift.

His favorite? My sis got him a toddler size Big Wheel, black with acid green trim. She waited until he'd opened all his other gifts, and then wheeled it in, covered with an oversized Christmas bag. He was puzzled and a little hesitant to approach it. But with a little coaxing, he carefully & cautiously pulled the bag up....until he saw the front wheel. I have never seen such a look of sheer joy on a child's face when he realized what was there. Loud squeals of delight rang as he danced with impatient excitement & tried frantically to rip the rest of the bag off. Hopped on it and away he went, grinning from ear to ear.

It was a good Christmas.

Wild Child

Wild Child

It was after 1 am before we could get the grandson to be still long enough to go to sleep. He was a little wound up & excited to be here, to put it mildly. He'll be two in a few weeks, so most everything I tried produced a brief screaming fit. I couldn't keep from laughing, he is SO much like his dad. Couldn't get mad at him, he was so happy to be here that he kept hugging me, and patting me...when he wasn't having a fit anyway. I finally convinced him to play with his bowlful of toy Snoopy figures in the bed with me, and he at last gave it up. I'm not sure when, I went to sleep with the bowl on my head.

Anyway, we're taking him to my parents for Christmas today, and my daughter & son (his dad) are bringing him back tomorrow afternoon. We're keeping him until Tuesday so that his mom can finish moving. I can't wait for my son to sit up with the grandson half the night like I used to have to do with my son.

Revenge can indeed be a dish best eaten cold. Bwaaahahahaha!

Guess who just woke up? Later.

UPDATE: He's been sitting in my lap while I'm reading the morning papers online. I swear, everytime he sees a photo of Trent Lott, he says "Bye-bye" and waves. Smart kid.

Almost Done

Almost Done

The pies & gifts are wrapped, carrot cake is cooling. I've still to make icing for it, and then the coleslaw, wash all the dishes (again) and I'll be done. Whew! By the time that's all finished, Mike should be home from work just in time to grab a bite to eat on our way to pick up the grandson, who I hope & pray doesn't want to stay up most of the night playing. Ma is tired, and we have a 3 hr. drive first thing tomorrow morning.

I'm hoping he falls asleep in the car after we pick him up tonight & we can get him in the house & in bed without waking him. Yeah, right, like that's gonna happen.

Well, Crap!

Well, Crap!

Discovered while wrapping gifts to take to my parents that I forgot to get something for my crazy granny. Now I have to run out & find something quick. Granny gets mean when you don't bring her a present.

Another Arkie!

Another Arkie!

Yay! I've found another Arkie blogger, a sweet little gal in North Little Rock. Go give her a read. Anyone who has the nom de plume of "The Wench" has got to be cool, right?

Christmas Baking

Christmas Baking

Today is going to be cooking day for dinner at my parents tomorrow. I've got pumpkin pie in the oven, making carrot cake & coleslaw next. And for the first time, I'm making raisin pie. Raisin pie is a running joke between me & my dad. He & I are always picking on each other, especially doing the food gross-out thing. (The man once ate mayonnaise on fried potatoes just to make me sick. Ugh!) He loves raisin pie. I hate raisin pie, it just looks so gross. We've had this thing about arguing about raisin pie for years. He keeps complaining that I never make it for him, and won't let him eat it around me. I keep telling him that I'm not cooking anything that looks like snot. It's getting out of hand.

So this year I'm making him one. Just as long as I don't have to watch him eat it.

From the Past

From the Past

I found this interesting little tidbit in our local newspaper:

100 years ago Dec. 20, 1902 CONWAY — W. T. Piercy, a business man, was slashed with a knife and seriously wounded by Frank Dukes, a 16-year-old lad. Young Dukes was in Piercy’s store, and it is said he was swearing. Piercy expostulated with him and Dukes resented it, with the result as stated.

According to my dad, swearing around ladies and children was a killing offense back in those days. My, how things have changed. When was the last time you saw "expostulated" in a newspaper?

Home Improvement

Home Improvement

Mike upgraded our laptops to the enhanced 802.11b wireless cards last night. Wow! Much faster than our old ones, which were sometimes as slow as dial-up molasses. He also installed a programmable thermostat on the furnace.

I love being married to a technology geek.

Long Day

Long Day

I just got home a few minutes ago and I am wiped out. Court was hell. I didn't get a lunch break until about 2:15. Judge did take a break from the juvvie docket around 1:30 to do my adoption. 3 very excited little girls got their Christmas wish--a new mommy and daddy of their very own. They, along with their previously adopted little sister, were all dressed alike in little Mrs. Santa dresses, complete with bright red sparkly shoes. They were sooooooo cute! We all couldn't have been happier for them. Mark one up for the good guys.

If only the rest of the day had been so nice.

Yippee

Yippee

The son made it home last night, flight from Memphis was a bit late. We all stopped for a bite of dinner on the way home at the Cracker Barrel. Home cooking without the mess. Had a great time, especially when my daughter's S.O. decided to tell her that he'd went ahead & bought the dirt bike she didn't want him to buy, and it cost $200 more than he had originally told her. The rest of us moved to the other end of the table for our own safety. She was pretty quiet about it, but I wouldn't have wanted to be in that boy's shoes when they got home. My son, being no fool, spent the night with us.

He & the daughter are leaving this morning for our old hometown to attend their grandfather's funeral. I have court today, normal juvvie docket, and an adoption (YAY!) at 1, so will be gone most of the day. Then more baking, wrapping Christmas gifts, pick up the grandson tomorrow night at 8 pm, go to my parents on Saturday...it's a busy week.

Whew!

Perfect Sign

Perfect Sign

Here's a perfect sign for our house. Take a look, some of you might want to use it at yours. (Link via Susanna)

Cinnamon Sugared Pecans

Cinnamon Sugared Pecans

Here's one of the things I'm doing this afternoon. You'll need: a heavy big pot, long-handled metal spoon, measuring cup & spoons.

1/4 c. Evaporated Milk
1 c. Sugar
1/4 tsp. Cinnamon
2 Tbl. Water
1/4 tsp. Vanilla

Combine & cook over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Add:

3 c. pecans

and continue to cook, stirring frequently. Cook until pecans are completely sugared, with no syrup left in pot. Spread on wax paper, and let cool. Eat all the broken pieces because after all, you wouldn't want to serve those to your guests, right?

Easy and yummy, my kind of recipe.

O, Frabjoyous Day!

O, Frabjoyous Day!

I just spent 2 hrs. in the orthodontist's office. After 6 1/2 yrs., today was the big day. I got my braces off. YAY! I'm so excited! Right now, I'm stuffing my face with my favorite candy that I haven't been able to eat for 6 1/2 yrs...Tootsie Roll Dots. They're still as good as I remember.

I haven't told anyone that I was getting them off today, so shh! It'll be our little secret. Mike & my kids are in for a big surprise tonight. Or maybe I am, if no one notices. I don't care. I'm free! Free to eat popcorn and almonds and nachos and sticky candy. I'm gonna gain 20 lbs. aren't I?

UPDATE: My daughter came over and didn't notice at all. She did notice the half-eaten box of Dots on the table, and started scolding me. I just looked at her & smiled really big. She did a double take & squealed "OHMYGOD! You got them off!" and high-fived me.

One down, two to go. This is fun.

Silly Dogs

Silly Dogs

I usually get up before the hubby, so part of my morning routine is to take him a cup of expresso when I wake him. It's raining this morning, so both dogs are inside. Just now, as they heard the expresso machine, they both got up & lined up in the hallway, waiting for me. When they saw me coming with the steaming cup of expresso, they preceded me down the hallway to the bedside so they can "help" wake Mike up. It's a 6 a.m. doggie parade!

Why, yes I didn't get much sleep last night, mostly due to the bloody cat who decided at 2 a.m. she most desperately & emphatically needed to go outside. And now she wants back in. I don't think so. Bwaahahahaha!

I Want It

I Want It

This would fit perfectly in my front yard. Now if I can just find some lighted Christmas flamingos to accompany it. Thanks Michele for the Christmas Crawdad Sleigh.

Swamped

Swamped

I regret to inform you that posting will likely be light this week. With work, Christmas at my parents' this weekend, my son coming home and a few ga-zillion other things, I'm swamped.

But I'll still be checking in from time to time, so don't think I'm not keeping an eye on you. You best behave yourselves...or not, which is much more fun.

Interesting

Interesting

Hi, I'm Rita, and I'm a nasal cripple. Interesting new research is showing that chronic sinusitis may be caused by an underlying inflammation or immune system problem. Let's see, I have lupus and live in the chicken house capital of the world. Makes sense to me.

The disillusionment with [fiber optic] surgery occurs as recognition is increasing that other common remedies for chronic sinus disease like antibiotics, steroids, antihistamines and decongestants also are falling short of expectations.

After a year of multiple antibiotics, steriod sprays, decongestants and one fiber optic surgery, I still have a severe sinus infection that is slowly growing worse. I think you could say the conventional treatment fell short of my expectations. I am miserable, and considerably worried. I keep expecting to have a Michael Jackson incident, in which a chunk of my cheekbone falls off. Then Sollie would grab it & run and hide under the bed with his new toy. Pugs are like that, you know.

Seppuku

Seppuku

Al Gore has decided that he can best help his party by not running. Too bad Trent Lott has decided just the opposite.

Kinda separates the men from the boys, don't it?

Yes

Yes It Was

Rather hectic day, with work and things. So hectic that I just discovered that I had failed to actually post the post I'd written earlier. So, why am I up at 1 am, way past my usual bedtime? My son just called from Okinawa, it's about 3 pm there I think. Though I'm not sure cuz my brain's really fuzzy right now, since I was very soundly asleep when he called. Anyway, he will be here Wed. night around 6:30. Yay!

And today's his 24th birthday. That seems like such a long time ago. Let's see, 24 yrs. ago, what was I doing? Oh yeah, sleeping...good night.

Busy Day

Busy Day

And it's still not over. Maybe posting later.

Red Cross

Red Cross

I got a call late yesterday afternoon that my ex-father-in-law had passed away unexpectedly, and my ex's family needed me to get in touch with my kids to let them know. My daughter was working at our local hospital, so was fairly easy to track down. My son, as you know, has been recently stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and doesn't have a phone yet. Enter the power of the Internet. I knew that the Red Cross has a toll-free number for just such emergencies for the families of servicemen, and tracked it down in a few minutes. I call, give the contact info that I do know for my son, answered some questions about what had happened for a very nice lady. Got a call about 30 minutes or so later from another very nice local Red Cross lady looking for some additional information. She tells me that it can take up to 24-48 hrs. to reach military personnel, but that they were going to try & track my son down much faster than that, given the circumstances. I tell her I expected it to take a while, since I'm calling late Sunday evening, and thank her for helping me.

I get a call from my son about 2 hrs. from my initial call to the Red Cross. Wow! I don't know what strings that lady pulled, but I'm impressed...and very grateful. I don't know what I would've done without their help.

My ex-father-in-law was a really nice, decent man, one of the few members of my ex's family that I have always liked and respected. I have many fond memories of playing cut-throat "high-nine", partnered with my sister-in-law, against him and one of his more zany friends. I will miss him.

UPDATE: It's an ill wind that blows no good...just talked to my son, and he's been allowed to take about 20 days leave. He said everyone over there was moving heaven & earth to get him a flight home ASAP, and to help him with the astronomical cost. He'll be calling back as soon as his itinerary is final. I regret the circumstances, but I am _so_ excited that he'll be here for Christmas after all. Does that make me a bad person? If so, I don't care. At least maybe now I'll stop bursting into tears everytime I hear "I'll Be Home For Christmas."

Logical Suggestion

Logical Suggestion

As some of you know, I've been looking for a steady job for a while now. I love what I do, but what little pay there is isn't dependable. Recently got a letter from the Arkansas agency that oversees attorneys like me that said they are out of money, and no one would get paid for the remainder of their fiscal year (which ends June 30th, 2003) unless they were able to find alternative funding. The county in which I work in Oklahoma had similar problems last year, which meant there were several months in which I didn't get paid anything. And, they've already had salary cuts for all their court personnel beginning in January. Next year's not looking too good.

For a variety of reasons, the main one being that since one of the state's two law schools is located here & so the job market's over-saturated, I haven't been able to find a full-time job. (Another huge problem is that there's a perception that those who practice children's law don't practice "real law," which is absurd, but still very much a factor.) At any rate, Mike has made a eminently practical suggestion. I've been thinking it over for the last couple of days, and haven't been able to find any major flaws.

He thinks I should attend the local community college and get an associate's degree in computer networking, including some business management and maybe a few programming classes. He says with my past work experience in managing businesses, my law degree, and the computer degree, several of the local corporations would be very interested in hiring me as either a legal/computer systems liason, or as a systems manager. We could then both be making fat bank until he gets ready to semi-retire, at which time he & I could start our own business, troubleshooting and/or designing networking systems for businesses.

Totally logical. My problem? After 7 yrs. of school to get my undergrad & law degree, I'm not anxious to go back, to put it mildly. And there's the cost involved. But I can't find a major flaw with his suggestion. I've checked, and I shouldn't have much problem fitting my classes in around my current work.

It's sometimes annoying how frequently he's right. *sigh* The price I pay for being married to an extremely smart guy. So why do I sorta feel like I'm being Borged? Must. Resist. Assimilation.

Don't Forget

Don't Forget

Gore's hosting SNL tonight. Here's a peek at what's to come.

The only "Saturday Night Live" material Al Gore vetoed during read-throughs as too embarrassing was a sketch about flatulence.

"I'm sure this is funny," Mr. Gore said, according to Al Franken, a "Saturday Night Live" alumnus who has written speeches for the former vice president and helped shape tonight's show. "But at the end of this I want to have some bread crumbs leading back to my dignity."

Don't be silly, Al, Das Gorebot doesn't fart. I mean, can you imagine him walking up to Tipper and saying "Pull my finger"? Never. Happens.

Funny Gore and Serious Gore smoothly took turns all week until they crashed into each other outside the studio of the NBC "Today" program in New York on Thursday.

Still wearing the fluffy red Santa hat he had donned to show his holiday spirit, Mr. Gore answered a question from Matt Lauer about Senator Lott and segregation. The former vice president gave a stern, thoughtful indictment of the Senate majority leader's praise for Strom Thurmond's 1948 Dixiecrat presidential campaign — while looking like a loony Dr. Seuss creature crashing an office Christmas party.

Ah, the faces we put on to meet the faces we meet. Al Gore, the consummate post-modernist. I know people who could pull that off, wearing the Santa hat while holding forth on important issues...Al's not one of 'em.

Behind the scenes, the former vice president was game and affable, said Steve Higgins, a staff writer who worked on some of the skits. Mr. Gore offered some ideas, including a satire of Strom Thurmond's 100th birthday, Mr. Higgins recalled, but he rejected material that could be interpreted as disrespectful to former president Bill Clinton. He also dismissed a joke about Mr. Bush and cocaine as "unfair." Mr. Higgins described Mr. Gore as intelligent and personable or, as he put it, "a fun version of Charlie Rose."

"a fun version of Charlie Rose"? Now there's what I'd like to be know as...*snicker*...what's that saying about "damning by faint praise"? Oooo, Al, a satire of Strom's birthday debacle? You're so edgy and daring, a real wild guy.

Aides have long complained that Mr. Gore's private charm seems to dissipate as soon as camera lights go on — another reason his determination to take on "Saturday Night Live" baffled even veterans of the show.

Yep, Al's definitely got that "deer caught in headlights" camera presence, don't he? Makes you wonder what it is that causes him to repeat these acts of self-flagellation over and over. He's so obviously uncomfortable and terrified that it's painful to watch sometimes. C'mon Al, loosen up. Slam back a coupla tequila shooters and let go. And if you fart on-camera, well, it would at least give us some hope that you're human.

SNL tonight. Don't miss it.

Interesting Scientists

Interesting

Scientists have discovered where those annoying little songs get replayed over and over in your head.

Now if they could just figure out why really strong antibiotics make mine go into hyperdrive, I would be eternally grateful...please...make it stop.

Christmas Memories

Christmas Memories

One of my favorite Christmas memories happened years & years ago. I was a manager of a small retail chain store, single mom with two small kids. I was stressed out to the max, working long hours, struggling to keep my job and spend time with my kids, had barely managed to find enough money to get them several small gifts. It was the last Friday before Christmas, I think. I' d finally managed to get away from the store long enough to make a bank run, you know, get change, make the daily deposit, and so on. I was in a rush, as we had been swamped all morning. My heart sank as I entered the bank and realized it was packed. But, being a small town bank, they had hot cups of spiced cider for everyone in line, festive Christmas decorations everywhere, nice friendly tellers, so the wait wasn't so bad.

As I anxiously progressed up the line, I noticed an old, white-haired fellow wandering around, playing Christmas carols on his violin. Aha, I think. This must be the Maestro I've been hearing about. Right good hand with a fiddle, or so I'd heard. Now the Maestro was an old gent that had moved into town from "away." He'd been a famous conductor or violinist or something, from out East the best I can remember. He had some (for us) unpronounceable foreign sounding name, so everyone just called him "the Maestro." He was well-liked by everyone, even in the short time he'd been living here. I listen to him as I wait, and think, yes, he is pretty good.

I finally make it to the head of the line, and the teller retrieved the night deposit bag I'd dropped off the night before. I was supposed to watch her count everything, and make sure her total & mine matched. About this time, I hear the Maestro announce that he would be glad to play any requests, and someone requested "What Child Is This?" "Ah," the Maestro says softly, "also known as "Greensleeves"...one of my favorites. I would be delighted." I turn to better hear, as this is one of my favorites also.

As the first crystal clear, simple notes shimmer their way across the bank lobby, all conversations cease. It was so achingly, perfectly played as to be almost unbearable. The tellers stopped counting, adding machines stop adding, we are all frozen in place. It was as if time and our surroundings had ceased to exist, there was only the music as it soared and danced its way skyward, taking us along for the ride. I felt as if I could reach out and touch each poignant note as they all hang quivering in the air around us. I didn't dare, for they were as ephemeral as bubbles, and I knew even a gentle touch would destroy them.

The Maestro held us enthralled until the final note had at last died away. There was dead silence for several more moments, until my teller murmured "Beautiful" as she brushed away a tear. Her voice broke the spell, and we all at last dared to breath. Someone rushed forward to shake the Maestro's hand, thanking him for playing. A loud round of applause broke out, as we dried the tears from our wet faces. Conversations re-started, tellers begin re-counting, and soon it was business as usual. The Maestro continued to play merrily as he strolled around the bank.

But for a few brief moments that day, I became a part of a thing of true beauty. It is a memory I still treasure.

Recovery

Recovery

Sollie's much better this morning, seems to be back to his silly old bear self. Thanks for the well-wishes from everyone. Our vet does good work, and I at least, enjoy our visits there. He's a fellow Pug lover, and has several of his own. We were chatting yesterday during Sollie's exam, and the vet started telling me about how his wife had been nagging him to get his favorite Pug, Bandit, neutered. Now, he'd deliberately kept Bandit in his natural state, to use as a stud dog. This hasn't been too successful, except for one ugly incident when Bandit ran amok with a neighbor's Chihahua. The resulting offspring, which my vet dubbed "Chia-pugs," were, as you can imagine, very bizarre looking.

But, he said, his wife had been complaining about Bandit's increasing "attitude" and wanted him neutered. I innocently remarked that it hadn't helped much with Sollie, as he was increasingly getting an attitude as he gets older. Next thing I know, the vet is excitedly running out of the exam room towards the back of his office, yelling "Honey, Rita said...." I'm not sure what her reply was, but I could tell by the tone she wasn't impressed. If he had let me finish, I was going to say "but it made him stop marking the furniture and humping everything in sight."

I'm on her side.

Sollie Update

Sollie Update

We're back from the vet, with a whole bagful of medicine. Diagnosis: probably ate something that dogs shouldn't eat and it basically made him empty out from both ends. Prognosis: Should be fine in a few days unless whatever it was gets stuck. (This is TMI, isn't it?)

Anyway, he'll probably be Sir Barfs-Alot the rest of the day. I just gave him the first dose of the pink stuff to settle his stomach, Pepto-Bismol for dogs (without aspirin). I got most of the dose in him, though the bright pink looks quite striking against the denim blue of my jeans.

It's going to be a long day.

Left Brain, Right Brain

Left Brain, Right Brain

You've probably already seen this, but if you haven't, it's much harder than you would initially think. (Link via Fark)

Thank God for Appellate Courts

Thank God for Appellate Courts

I'm sitting here reading the local newspaper online while I'm waiting for the vet's office to open, and see this. (This newspaper doesn't archive its online articles very well so the link won't be good for very long.) I'm so outraged that I'm speechless, so I'll just let the thing speak for itself.

In a hearing before Jefferson County Circuit Judge Thomas Brown, the state Department of Human Services argued that Mark Eric Jorden’s documented abuse of his 7-year-old son was cause to find his 8-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son "dependent-neglected."

Under Arkansas Code Annotated 9-27-325, children are considered to be dependentneglected if as a result of abuse or parental unfitness they are "at substantial risk of serious harm."

All three of Jorden’s children testified at the hearing. The 7-year-old testified that his father spanked him about five times with a wooden spoon, causing sores and then added salt to the wounds.

The 8-year-old girl and the 9-year-old boy testified that they witnessed the beating and pouring of salt on the wounds.

The nurse at the 7-year-old’s elementary school testified that an examination showed that the boy’s underwear was stuck to his buttocks because of bloody drainage and it took about 15 to 20 minutes to remove the underwear because the boy was in so much pain.

A doctor who examined the boy found that he also had what appeared to be a burn over his right eyebrow and swelling of his right arm and hand.

Of the open wounds on the boy’s buttocks, the doctor said that the wounds had the appearance of burns and that salt applied to open wounds would cause such burns.

Pretty open and shut case, wouldn't you think? Well, here's what the trial judge ruled:

Brown found that Jorden’s abuse of his 7-year-old son constituted "incomprehensible cruelty."

But, Brown added, this abuse "does not mean that he is an unfit parent.

This does not mean that the other children are substantially at risk of serious harm. Further proof is required other than one act of abuse."

W.T.F? For those of you not familar with the child welfare system, this ruling meant that, after these kids testified against their father about what he'd done to their sibling, he would be allowed to have unsupervised visitation or that they would be returned to his custody. Now there's a good idea, isn't it? (Heavy sarcasm intended) Enter the appellate court.

"While [the 8-year old] and [the 9-year-old] have not been directly injured by Mr. Jorden, Mr. Jorden’s abuse of [the 7-year old] demonstrated parental unfitness that puts [his siblings] at substantial risk of serious harm," [Judge] Robbins wrote.

Robbins also noted that in connection with the wounds inflicted on his 7-year-old son, Jorden pleaded guilty to second degree felony battery and was sentenced to five years’ probation.

One of the conditions of Jorden’s probation is that he can have no unsupervised contact with minors, according to the appeals court opinion. "The trial court correctly characterized the pouring of salt into the wounds as ‘an act of incomprehensible cruelty,’ and Mr. Jorden’s actions were tantamount to torture," Robbins concluded. "The battery committed against [the 7-year-old] was so severe that it is a violation of Mr. Jorden’s probation to have unsupervised contact with any minors, which includes his own children."

Judges Wendell Griffen and Terry Crabtree agreed with Robbins.

Well, freaking DUH! At least the appellate court got it right. You know, in Oklahoma where I work, this monster's parental rights would have been terminated immediately on the grounds of heinous & shocking abuse of a child. Stupidity like this is one of the reasons I don't take child welfare cases in Arkansas. The entire system is in desperate need of reform. It will be a Herculean task, but the stables are in need of a good cleaning.

Pardon Me

Pardon Me

I'm not sure how much posting there'll be here today. I'm waiting for someone to get into the vet's office so I can make arrangements to bring Sollie in ASAP. I'd rather not go into details, as it is unbelievably gross, let's just say it's a good thing I grew up on a farm, and always wanted to be a vet. (Funny how things like that don't bother me that much, but I can't clean out the trap in the bathtub without barfing. Thank God Mike can.)

Anyway, he's a pretty sick little guy, so I'll be out getting him taken care of. I'll let y'all know what I find out.

UPDATE: They can't see him until 10:45 this morning. He's sleeping right now, so I think he can wait ok.

Office Party Part II

Office Party Part II

I was late. I couldn't find my bloody car keys, which I had cleverly hidden from myself by dropping them into the black hole that is my purse. Mike is waiting patiently for me outside the building where he works. I get my little visitor's badge from security and follow Mike back through the maze of cubicles to the room where the party is being held. I discover when we get there that it's not a traditional party, it's a Christmas program put on by some of the employees. We're late, the place is packed but we eventually find seats in the bleachers.

The program was surprisingly good, an electic mix of Christmas carols, an lady from India doing a traditional dance that was pretty cool, funny videos produced by some of the different departments, even a banjo picker. It ran a little over, almost 3 hours instead of 2, but all in all, I had fun.

I even behaved myself, mostly. Though I couldn't resist when the carolers were singing A Winter Wonderland and got to the line of "We'll sing and we'll play, the Eskimo way, Walking in a winter wonderland." I leaned over and whispered to Mike,"The Eskimo way? We're not doing _that_. Didn't they traditionally let their visitors have sex with their wives? Why, we'd never get rid of the carolers then."

He not-so-quietly lost it then. Poor guy.

Office Party

Office Party

Well, I'm all gussied up and heading out the door to Mike's office Christmas party for a few hours. I don't normally go to these kinds of things, but Mike's recently transferred to a new department, and I want to meet his new co-workers. They sound like a fun group of guys.

So make yourself to home, and I'll be back after lunch.

UPDATE: I'm back, had fun, but it lasted much longer than I anticipated. Gots to go get caught up now. I'll be a busybackson for a bit.

A Real Down-Home Christmas

A Real Down-Home Christmas

Rodger and Vicky, this one's especially for you two.

Made me plumb homesick.

(Link via Mike's sick friend, who shall remain nameless by request.)

NYC & WTC

NYC & WTC

Mike has a great post up about what NYC & the WTC means to us. Be sure to click on the link, which goes to photos of the tip of Manhattan. Obviously, we didn't take the satellite one, but Mike took the one from the Staten Island Ferry & the top of the Empire State Building when we were there at the end of February, 2002. A very somber, sad, and heartbreaking trip for us both, for several reasons. Mike explains better than I, so go give it a read.

Dress Up Fun

Dress Up Fun

This was kinda fun... juvenile, yes, but old people like it too.

United Customer Service

United Customer Service Unchanged

United is rushing to assure customers nothing will change due to its bankruptcy.

United Airlines, on its first day of operating under bankruptcy protection, moved swiftly yesterday to assure passengers that they would see no changes in service.

Wow, I am so relieved! The stewardess who yelled at me for getting chapstick out of my purse while we were waiting to pull into the gate, the gate employee who refused to help us re-book our flight because her shift ended 5 minutes ago, the customer service representative who ran down the long line of people stranded at the Denver airport last August screaming "I am God. I control the weather. I am Mother Teresa," waving her hands & hotel "discount" coupons wildly in the air and the other customer service representatives who closed up at 10 p.m. even though there were still about 150 people in line waiting to re-book their cancelled flights...well, I would've really missed them. And that cute trick of re-routing all incoming flights to Denver that night so as to add over an hour & a half to the flight time, but somehow managing to get all outgoing flights out on time, so that hundreds of us got to spend the night in the airport is something I'll never forget. EVER.

For the moment, the airline said it would operate a normal schedule of 1,800 flights a day, worldwide, with no changes in snacks or other onboard service.

Look, honey, we can still get the same stale pretzels and inedible peanuts as always for our 3+ hour flights. I'm incredibly touched. *Sob*

In an interview yesterday, United's chief executive, Glenn F. Tilton, declined to predict which services might be eliminated. "The most important thing at United right now," Mr. Tilton said, "is our customers, our customers, our customers."

If that were true, Glenn, would you have needed to file for bankruptcy? I think not.

Industry analysts said United's passengers might face unpleasantness from demoralized United's employees, who saw the value of their stock in the airline virtually wiped out by the bankruptcy filing.

Unpleasant United employees? Surely you jest. Could they get any more surly?

Mr. Tilton said he was pleased by the reaction he received from passengers as he stood in the middle of the airport terminal at dawn.

"Our customers said, `We are with you, we are with you, we are with you,' " he recalled.

Translation: We couldn't get another flight with another airline, we couldn't get another flight with another airline, we couldn't get another flight with another airline.

"in the middle of the airport terminal at dawn"? Got stranded too, eh Glenn?

Christmas Tunes

Christmas Tunes

Is there anything finer than listening to Nat King Cole sing Christmas songs? I keep catching myself gazing dreamily out the window, watching the birds at the bird feeder, while I float along on his velvety voice.

Not getting any work done, but I'm having a fine time anyway.

Kuwaiti War Games

Kuwaiti War Games

We're doing a little practice run in Kuwait, about 30 miles from the Iraq border.

"Our presence here is not a mystery," said Col. David Perkins, commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team from Fort Stewart, Ga., which is taking part in the war games that began last week and run into next week. "Part of the calculus is that the enemy is well aware of our presence and our capabilities."

Yo, Saddam. We can be at your doorstep and take you out in a heartbeat. And what does the average soldier there think about the possibility of war?

"I don't want to see war," said Pfc. Shiloh Latourette, 21, of Cobleskill, N.Y., part of the four-man crew on Gun One, an armored truck mounted on tank treads that fires a 120 mm mortar from its open back. "I don't want innocent people to die."

"But this is what we know how to do, so if we do it, we'll do it well."

And, he says, he does do it well. The crew of Gun One can stop their truck, spin it around, slam the mortar into position and fire a round in under four minutes. "This may look primitive, but when you drop a round on a tank from five miles away, that takes some skill," he said.

Yes it does. And a refreshing maturity to understand that sometimes one must do unpleasant, but necessary things. These guys sound a lot like the guys I've met with whom my son serves in the Navy.

As for the men of Gun One, they may not want to go charging into Iraq, but they're ready if the order comes. They've stockpiled packets of instant coffee and extra food and they keep a tape player in a safe place to provide whatever musical accompaniment they can. Their choice is a classic heavy metal.

"If we go north, we know what we're going to play," Pfc. Latourette yelled above the roar of the truck's engine, "'Highway to Hell' by AC/DC, and we're going to play it loud as...."

Well, just say they plan to play it loudly.

Aren't they great? Rock on, my brother.

Evil Kitty

Evil Kitty

This is the cat from hell, isn't it? That cat would have learned the joys of being an outdoor kitty in a hurry at our house at the very least. Most likely a trip to the vet for a nice long permanent sleep.

Hey!

Hey!

For all you from .mil and .gov sites, Jeez! Would it kill you to leave a comment or two? I know you've been lurking around here.

"Love me, hate me, kill me, anything. Just let me know."

Cool Hand Luke is just so...well...cool.

Posting Update

Posting Update

Forecast for this morning is for light and variable posting. Have several things to take care of, like work. Don't you hate it when your work interfers with your blogging life?

It's looking like we're in for a big change in the weather. Dogs & cat are sacked out when they're normally bouncing off the walls this time of the morning. And the birds are swarming the feeders. Just as long as it's not another ice storm.

Our Dogs

Our Dogs

Here's some pics of our doggies. Couple of sweeties, they are.

You can click on the thumbnails to see a full-size photo. But you already knew that, didn't you?

Oh, Please

Oh, Please

New data "suggests" the Arctic is having a warm spell. And your point is?

Natural variability may be behind the changes, but human activity might also be to blame, scientists said.

A new five-year research plan presented this week by scientists and government officials meeting in Washington, D.C., asserts that people clearly are agents of environmental change, though it is still unclear how much human activity contributes.

Translation: We don't know why this is happening, but since we can make it fit our agenda, we're going to use & abuse it for all its worth.

Greenland is experiencing a warm spell unseen since the 1930s. Satellite data show the greatest area of melt across its mammoth ice sheet in 24 years of measurements occurred this year.

Since 1979, the melt area has grown by 16 percent and is affecting higher and higher elevations.

Across the Arctic Ocean, the floating mantle of ice that covers it throughout much of the year shrank to record levels this summer, said Mark Serreze, also of the University of Colorado. In September, sea ice extent was 4 percent lower that that seen in any previous September since monitoring began in 1978.

Data set is a little limited, isn't it? I mean, once there were dinosaurs in the Antarctic, which was sub-tropical at the time. Damn the dinosaurs and their SUV's!!

Changes in Arctic atmospheric and marine circulation patterns are partly responsible, but depletion of the ozone layer due to pollution may also play a role, Serreze said.

Monkeys may fly out of my butt too, but I haven't seen any lately.

Now repeat after me, "Correlation does not equal causation," and "We. Don't. Know. Why. The Ice Is Melting." There, doesn't that feel better?

Here You Go

Here You Go

We've gotten the new site up & running, go looky here. We'll be adding trinkets, gee-gaws, and doo-daddies as we go along, but the basics are there.

Mike's already happily posting away, and I need a break. Go annoy him for a while.

Woo-hoo!!

Woo-hoo!!

Technical issues with our new blog over on MT have been resolved. Yeee-Haaawww! It's not quite ready for prime time, still gotta do some tweaking & get it all "riced out" before we go public. Which would be much easier if I could get into our home server where I stored the finished template that I worked on for days instead of having to re-build the freaking thing....but noooo, it's not working this morning......#*&%$#*! stupid Linux P.O.S.....ahem. I think I need another cup of tea.

Anyway, if you notice you're getting linked by some weird unfamiliar site, it's probably us. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain, he's not going to give you a brain. And he certainly doesn't have a heart.

Iraq

Iraq

Have doubts about whether or not we should go to war against Iraq? Go read this. Don't think for one minute Saddam would hesitate to provide any of these to terrorists to use against us or our allies. That's what will happen, if it hasn't already.

And yes, I do think that the timing of the release of this type of information is deliberate to foster support for the war...I am a hyper-realist after all. But So. What.

Doesn't make it any less true, or Saddam any less dangerous.

The Gods Are Smiling

The Gods Are Smiling

Yes, the gods of blogging have smiled upon me once again (two days in a row!), and I have been linked by Mr. Acidman. He's a delightful elderly gentleman, and it's such a treat to read his wonderful ramblings about his various acts of kindness each and every day. *Sniffle* He's such a little ol' cutie, I could just pinch his cheeks. It is indeed an honor to be allowed to associate with him. I could just cry with happiness. *hugs*

Ahem. Not exactly. He's really a cranky old coot that lives in Jawja. We bitch and snipe at each other off and on when neither of us can find anything better to do. Only thing I've ever wanted to put on his cheek is my cast iron skillet. But you never have to wonder what he thinks. I like that in a man.

Only reason he linked to me was to try and make me puke. Nice try, Rob, but not even close. I did laugh so hard I hacked up a hairball. Does that count?

Christmas Decorations

Christmas Decorations

We've been looking around for entries for michele's Christmas Decoration Hell, but haven't seen any good ones yet. There was the yard that had the 18 inch high letters spelling out "Go Hogs" in red lights that looked like glowing blood, along with their Christmas decorations, but we just didn't feel like it was up to the standard of her other entries. We're still looking though.

On top of the store where we grocery shop, there's a display of the inflatable snowman, Christmas tree, and Santa. The tree's not too interesting, frankly. A week or so ago, there was a pretty good breeze which was causing Santa to lean back, raising one hand to his mouth. Appeared to be kicking back a couple of 40s, as when I returned a few days later, Santa was passed out flat on his ass. I'm happy to report Santa has mostly recovered, being back on his feet today, though looking a little hung-over & wobbly.

The star today was Frosty. Stiff breeze today, which was making Frosty lean forward over the edge of the roof. He was waving a candy cane with one hand, and seemed to be gesturing with the other hand to the kids walking by below. I start singing as we're walking across the parking lot,

Frosty the Snowman
Was a pedophile they say

The breeze picks up as a little boy walks by, and Frosty eagerly leans even farther forward, gaping smile leering, black stare fixated on the small boy below. The candy cane is being wildly whipped around in his hand. Mike, in his best pervert voice, says "Hey kid, want a candy cane? Come on up, heh, heh. I got a candy cane for you."

I say, "Wow, Frosty's getting excited. Look, he's gripped the candy cane so tightly, it's broken." The top half of the candy cane waved limply in the wind. "Run, little boy, run."

The little boy passes safely, the breeze dies down, Frosty, disappointed, stands upright again, still tightly gripping his candy cane and awaits his next potential victim. People are starting to stare at us because we are laughing so hard. Show's over, so we go inside, still snickering.

Sick, ain't we?

Blix Secret Journal Revealed! Lileks

Blix Secret Journal Revealed!

Lileks has the scoop.

MONDAY. We went to the Iraqi Baby Milk Distribution Centre, which Iraqi officials insist is a depot for storing infant formula. The Bush administration believes it houses deadly toxins, but that's hardly news; they think everything is suspicious. By the end of this week I expect they'll ask us to sift the desert, looking for dissidents' fillings. Sigh. Anyway, we gave the Iraqis notice that the surprise inspection was scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday. By "give notice" I mean, of course, that we spoke into the lamp in the hotel. We have found this is a much more direct way of communicating with the authorities.

Just to show that we were serious about our mission, we showed up half an hour early. The guards all clapped their hands to their cheeks, much like Macaulay Culkin in those "Home Alone" movies, which pleased us greatly; obviously we had the advantage of surprise.

One guard waved us through with a paintbrush (an odd choice for directing traffic, but they do things differently here) and we drove beneath a nice new sign -- still wet! -- that said "Mother of All Mother's Milk Formula Factory No. 236." There was a long line of women in burqas queued for formula. Occasionally the wind would disturb their veils, and one could get a startling glimpse of the black, squarish mustaches that seem to characterize the Iraqi women we meet.

Go enjoy. It's all good.

Hey!

Hey!

Matt, aren't you supposed to be working while you're at work this morning??

Time of Visit Dec 07 2002 7:24:27 am

Naughty, naughty.

Smallpox

Smallpox

Bigwig has some interesting thoughts on the effects of a smallpox outbreak.

Frankly, it's the looting I look forward to. Must be the Democrat in me.

I think he's right. Ultimately, the disease wouldn't be that widespread because people would lock themselves inside. But it would also make it difficult to effectively administer any after-the-fact vaccination program. I would feel a whole lot better if we could get the vaccination now.

Note: Toren has done some research of his own on the subject. Interesting, and scary.

Quiz

Quiz

Here's a quiz that even Acidman could love. (Link via TheAgitator)

Al-Quada Website Update

Al-Quada Website Update

It's now being reported that the alleged Al-Quada website has been shut down, message says "Suspended Account." (I got a 404 when I tried it just now.) Ain't that a durn sight? And after all that hard work putting them chicken scratchin's on there.

One quote from the Web site states, "Defeat, death and destruction will strike you even if you are in lofty skyscrapers," an apparent reference to the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, and a suggestion that if that "lesson" is not learned, al Qaeda will attempt to repeat it.

Attempt is the key word there, ain't it boys? Kinda hard to get your act together when you're on the run, I'm thinking.

My Husband Is Crazy

My Husband Is Crazy

We just got a telemarketer call. Mike answers it, starts shouting in what vaguely sounds like Swahili, then hangs up.

I'm LMAO. He says it was his favorite native's lines from Tarzan and the City of Gold.

That's one of the many reasons I love him. He's certifiably nuts.

Say What?

Say What?

This is a feeble Euro-weenie attempt at a joke, right?

U.N. weapons inspectors will keep secret all sensitive material on nuclear, chemical and biological weapons contained in a massive declaration that Iraq will turn over this weekend, Chief Inspector Hans Blix said on Friday.

The United States and other Security Council members will not be allowed to view the entire declaration, Blix said.

Oh now you're trying to grow some balls. Too little, too late.

"All the governments are aware that they should not have access to anything that everyone else does not have access to," Blix said after discussing the handling of the declaration with the 15 council members at a closed-door meeting.

Who died and made you king? You just hand that report over, mister. Don't make us come over there and get it.

MT Update

MT Update

Mike is still ironing out some technical issues with HostingMatters and Movable Type, which we're hoping will be resolved by this weekend. I'm trying to decide whether to move this one over when we get the new one up, or post on both. At any rate, I'll let y'all know when the new one is up & running. We're both getting impatient, I'm wanting to post photos and Mike's wanting to rant & rave on his own site.

But Mike wants to make sure it's done right and had some security concerns, so it's taking some time.

Good Eats

Good Eats

Just finished a meal of rosemary chicken with a side of yellow rice & peas. Took a couple of chicken breasts, drizzled 'em with olive oil, salt, pepper, seasoned salt, topped off with a big sprig of fresh rosemary from the handy-dandy rosemary bush shaped like a Christmas tree that Mike bought me. Popped the whole mess in the convection oven at 350 for about an hour, added a little chopped garlic and baked for a few more minutes. Judging from the fact the only thing left on Mike's plate was a couple of gnawed bones, I think it turned out alright.

*Belch* A full tummy, my sweetie home from work, and all's right with the world for a little while.

It's An Honor

It's An Honor

I've been placed on the blogroll of the God of Sarcasm. (One of the lesser gods, true, but still...) *Wipes away tear* It is an honor just being nominated. I only hope I can live up to it.

He's one of the first bloggers we discovered. Mike & I decided long ago he was one of us...sick, twisted and funny as hell. (Though I'm thinking hell is only funny if you're outside looking in, pointing at folks and taunting them.) Anyway, we've been faithful readers for a while, and have enjoyed his wit, sarcasm, and tales of Lardo, his cat. I mean Edloe, or whatever the hell its name is.

Anyway, thanks, Laurence. That made my day. After all, you're one of my blogging role models. Scary thought, isn't it?

Now I think I'll take a nap.

Christmas Gift

Christmas Gift

Al-Quada says our gift is on its way. Woo-hoo! I want Osamy's head on a platter, mouth stuffed plumb full of chittlin's. And a Red Rider BB gun.

"You did not understand the reasons for the raids of Washington and New York," said the al Qaeda statement, according to a translation of the message, which was posted on several Web sites that have carried al Qaeda messages in the past.

Sure we did. You are a group of insanely deluded religious fanatics who want us all to die. We understood it, we're just not gonna do it. Nya, nya, nya. And you can't make us.

"Oh American people, you are the victim of your leaders, but you are also a partner in the war on us."

Well, duh! We tend to stick together like that when someone attacks us. (See, e.g. Japan, circa post-December 7, 1941.) Dip into those sacks of fat bank Osamy's got piled up over there and buy another Clue. And pay no attention to that small group of whacko liberals behind the curtain spouting anti-war nonsense. They're just blowing happy sunshine smoke up your butt. There's not any significant opposition to blowing you off the face of the earth over here.

U.S. intelligence officials said they were "mindful" of such threats and "not dismissive" of them. But, as one source said, "A heightened state of alert has been there for some time," including threats of attacks immediately before Ramadan, during it and immediately following the holiday.

Translation: *Yawn* Yeah, yeah, blah, blah, blah.

Al Qaeda's mode of operation has changed since the U.S.-led bombing campaign in Afghanistan put its leaders on the run.

Your mocking-bird mouth kinda overloaded your hummingbird butt, hasn't it?

In another development Wednesday, the Arab news network Al-Jazeera said it received a fax purportedly from Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar, one of the most wanted men in the world.

Titled an "end of Ramadan statement," the letter said America and its allies were spreading destruction and would face more "hostility, chaos and destruction."

*Singing* Hostility, chaos and destruction, oh my! Hostility, chaos and destruction, oh my! (/Singing) Jeez, can't y'all afford a better thesaurus? That's just sad.

In the al Qaeda statement, the group warned Americans to leave Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Africa and Asia: "Otherwise, you will reap death because of your stupidity in ignoring our warnings to you."

Y'all reap what you sow. Sow a wind, you're gonna reap a whirlwind. We didn't start this but we're damn sure gonna finish it.

What's that quote I'm thinking of...oh yeah, "Now I am become Death, destroyer of worlds." (Robert Oppenheimer)

Look At Us!

Look At Us!

Al-Quada is truly a bunch of idiots, aren't they? Now they're have a website where they say they're going after Israel. *Snicker* Whose bright idea was this?

“Islamic al Qaeda in Palestine joins its voice with the voices of the mujaheddin in Palestine in its resistance to the partial and submissive solutions [land for peace], and will accept nothing but the full liberation of the Palestinian land,” said the al Qaeda Web site, which was originally brought to light publicly and translated from the Arabic by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), a translation and research service.

Good idea, when are you boys planning on leaving? We'll bring a few tanks trucks & help y'all move. No thanks necessary, just being neighborly.

The new Palestinian arm of al Qaeda “will defeat the Zionist Jewish invaders [and] return them to the place . . . whence they came,” the site said.

Dudes, I don't know how to break this to you, but they're already there. Don't y'all learn anything in school besides how to blow yourselves up?

Bruce Hoffman, a terrorism expert with the Rand Corp. research group, said that al Qaeda’s new attacks on Israel stem from “terrorists looking for work.
“Al Qaeda . . . wants to appear relevant, to be a player in Middle Eastern politics,” Hoffman said.

Look at us! Look at us! We're impotent...uh, I mean important, too. Bwahahaha! Sure you are.

I visited their cute little website, but couldn't make heads ner tails out of it. Looked like some chickens done walked in pokeberry juice and tracked it all over my screen. Hard to be taken seriously when no one understands what the hell you're saying. Just a suggestion boys, but you might try writing in English or some language others besides your little circle of friends understand. I mean, I even turned my laptop upside-down and still couldn't figure out all those little squiggles 'n curlicues. Made me dizzy.

Nice photo of Osamy and some guns. But doesn't the Koran forbid that kind of thing? Or do y'all just pick out the bits & pieces of it that suit your twisted agenda?

Ha!

Ha!

What cartoon dog are you?
Brought to you by the good folks at sacwriters.com.

Told you I was cranky this morning. (Link via Bigwig)

Job Opening

Job Opening

Now I know I'm really cranky this morning because I'm tired & don't feel well, but this really pisses me off to the highest point of piss-tivity.

I applied for this job about a month ago. I would kick ass with this job. I really wanted this job, even though it would mean either a daily commute or a move. But apparently, my experience as a juvenile prosecutor and children's attorney isn't taken too seriously, or my specialized training in identifying and working with child abuse victims. After all, it's not like I practice "real" law, they're just kids. (Heavy sarcasm intended) %*&##!@ idiots.

Now the question is do I call in some markers & get letters of recommendation from judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys to get a job with people too stupid to recognize my obvious qualifications? *Sigh* I guess I'll have to decide how badly I want this job.

Mucking About

Mucking About

As you can see, I've been mucking about with the template this morning. Updating my blogroll, among other things. I found a new addition to the Arkies section, amcgltd, to whom I'd promised a link weeks ago. (Sorry guys, I'm just, well, lazy) Scott is an ex-patriate Arkie, currently living in Virginia.

Then there's the always entertaining Acidman, who's promised to buy me a round of popskull if we're ever down in Georgia. Sounds utterly delicious.

And there's John, who's been kind enough to send some readers my way in his labors as a member of the VRWC. I especially like his "A.C.P.O.T.I." (Anyone Can Post On The Internet) section. Lord help us, there's a bunch of loonies out there.

More to come when I get around to it...I'm fixin' to work on some more...really...honest.

Up Late

Up Late

Amazingly, I'm not sound asleep right now like normal. I'm taking the antibiotic, clindamycin, every six hours. (Much to Mike's great amusement, I keep forgetting the name of it and call it "chlamydia" instead.) Which means I have to eat every six hours (not as much fun as it sounds), drink at least 8 ozs. of water with it (frequent trips to the bathroom), and can't lie down for 30 minutes after I take it. I don't get the last one, but that's what the instructions say. Sometimes I think whomever writes those just occasionally throws something bizarre in there to see how many people will do it.

I really just want to go to bed now. *Sigh*

Hey, Big Boy

Hey, Big Boy

Is that a monkey in your pants or are you just glad to see me?

Home Again, Home Again

Home Again, Home Again

Court was a real bear today. I just got home. That's not exactly true, I got home about 30 minutes ago. Kicked Mike's UPS package in the door, dropped my briefcase & purse on the table, changed shoes, took the dogs out, got the mail, took the cat out, and inhaled some lunch. *Deep breath* Now I can relax for a bit before leaving again.

The roads weren't too bad this morning around here. I took Mike to work at Bentonville without any problems, just drove slowly. Got to Siloam Springs without incident. But when I turned onto Hwy. 43, I noticed the highway was a solid sheet of ice. I'm thinking, ok, once I head out of town the roads should be better, cause there's quite a bit of traffic between there and the Oklahoma state line. Wrong. 20 miles of frozen hell. There's about 2 inches of ice on the little two-lane highway. It's crooked and steep most of the way. I'm creeping along, thinking I'm probably going to be late, but better late than dead. I didn't have any problems though except for the two times I had to stop at stop signs. The car tried to swap ends when I tapped the brakes, but I get it under control & creep onwards. Once I get into Oklahoma, the roads are fairly clear, and I made it to court only a few minutes late.

So I'm trying to hurry into the courthouse & almost make it until...my foot slips on the icy sidewalk. I did that surfer move, you know, legs spread, knees bent, arms outstreached, and slide to a stop. Not too dignified, but I didn't fall. The mom of one of my clients calls from up by the door, "Be careful, that's really slick there." No shit, I'm thinking, I just found that out. Thanks for warning me. Bitch.

Work Today

Work Today

Posting later. Assuming of course, I can actually make it to court.

Slick Roads

Slick Roads

It's snowing pretty hard here, and starting to stick on the road. Looking pretty nasty out there. But since Matt has so gallantly volunteered to bring my hubby home, I just have to get up the street to the drugstore & back. Thank you, Matt, you've saved me from having to dodge the idiots all the way up there & back. You are a nice guy, just like Mike said. But I'm still gonna pick on you.

White Feather Award

White Feather Award

Today's White Feather Award goes to b!x of Portland, Oregon. As michele posted earlier in the week, "b!x" has said some rather nasty, ungrateful things about our people in the military. Rachel has posted what she thinks about him, and has a rocking debate going in her comments section. Check it out & join in the fun. (And a big thanks to Mike, (not my husband, another Mike) who suggested the "White Feather Award" in the comments there.)

I noticed when I just re-visited "b!x's" site, that others have contacted him more directly to express their displeasure with his remarks. Let's all be gracious enough to not do that anonomously, though. How naughty. If one wants to kick his ass, as I'm sure many of us do, please attempt to make arrangements with him to do that in person. It's the least you can do.

I don't have much to add to what I've already put in Rachel's comment except, "b!x", nice photo...it looks so...Dieter. No thank you, I would prefer not to touch your scrofulus monkey. (I normally refrain from ad hominem remarks, but since you referred to the military, which includes my son, as "stupid-ass killers" I felt I should make an exception for you, you little piss ant.) And I have a reading recommendation for you, though I can't quite decide whether you are more like the duck or the dog. And this is most instructive also.

How long do you think you'd last if those "stupid-ass killers" weren't around to protect you? Shame on you.