The Comfort Zone - Aggravating - Can't Live Without It

Video Hosting - Upload Video - Photo Sharing You might say, “What a strange photo I chose for “The Comfort Zone”. Actually, it fits perfectly. Read on and you will see. The Soap Box is open tonight to discuss both the aggravation and the wonderment of the Comfort Zone. The Comfort Zone is where we all feel safe. It is our “happy place”. Strangely enough, whether you realize it or not, your comfort zone might change from day to day depending on your mood. If presented with flash cards from the customary image of the “doctor”, one would probably instantly imagine flashes of comfort as a child. If asked to characterize “Comfort Zone” in a split second, I would immediately think of dirt under my feet from my cotton farm back home, or warm white gravy on anything I was eating, or the amazing feel and smell of my infant boys when they were babies. That is a “big picture view” of comfort zone. It encompasses many years of common feelings and immediate responses to the thought of comfort. Sadly, many people, about one third of the people I meet did not have a happy loving childhood or fond memories of that kind of comfort. To those people, the flash card image of “Comfort Zone” is lavish things or places. One might say in an instant if asked…”a Caribbean beach, a sunny drive in a brand new Mercedes Benz, etc.”. We all enjoy some basic comforts like lazy days with rain hitting the window, the smell of warm clothes from the dryer,…you know and you get the gist. I think though that many of us in our stressful hurried lives don’t realize that part of our daily stress is the “Aggravation” of the “Comfort Zone”. Yes, the comfort zone can be quite disturbing sometimes. The Comfort Zone is most stressful and moronically disturbing at these points: I’m bored. We work hard, and you are too tired to ever do anything. Every day, you come home and immediately lie down and don’t want to talk. Could you please not leave little tiny hair dust in the sink when you shave in the morning? I have to get up and brush my teeth there and see the tiny hairs. Rinse them down the drain! I’m too chatty? PLEASE, after dealing with business and legal matters and employees and vendors all day…It’s nice to just watch some TV and speak about the show. Can’t we laugh and talk about what the plot is? Why do I have to be quiet and just watch? Why do we always have time to speak to others, and entertain them, and we never just sit and hold hands and talk to each other. Why is what I have to say boring, and all the men you talk to daily so entertaining? Why do I not chat with the girls and have fun with them, well because I am not a girly girl and I would rather talk about the game with you guys… This list could go on and on…but I will stop it short, and thank goodness hubby isn’t up to put his two cents in about me not being “Suzy Homemaker” and how I should lose a little weight, and, well…every man has his list too. My point here is the comfort zone… I don’t spend enough time with my kids, but every time he plays ball I’m there. One of the greatest joys of my life is watching my children play. A good time always! Every morning when I get ready for work (hubby leaves early) there is a fresh towel laying on my dresser for the shower. As mad as we can ever get with each other, if we have a stare down…we will both end up cracking up and laugh. My oldest son works for me, and every day when he walks into my office, my day is brightened. I am a lucky woman. My children both spoil their mother in little ways. Oldest always takes my car to fill it up so I don’t have to get out in the weather to do so. My youngest will do the dishes and take out the trash and I don’t have to. I make more money now at 43 with 2nd husband. We do it together, and now together I can give my boys more than I ever could. I drive a really nice vehicle, and if I want to have a massage, I can afford it. Sometimes, I get it right. I will put my steak on the BBQ and my steamed artichokes, cheesy mashed potatoes, and steamed asparagus and green bean casserole above anyone else’s. It is our favorite meal, and on family special nights, that is the menu. Without my family, without the effort they all put forth to make us the money and create our reputation in the community, I could do none of it alone. I have my two sons and my husband to thank for that success. Even at a restaurant (and I didn’t have that pleasure some years in my life) I love a good filet mignon, and asparagus and mashed potatoes. Thus the picture fits perfectly. I would like to take a moment to THANK my crazy family. I would like to praise them for accepting our crazy lifestyle and loving their mother unconditionally when sometimes I should have my butt kicked. I guess I am conceding that sometimes I bitch about all our nuances, but the fact is...my three guys…CR, ZQ, and KWC are the light of my life, and my true COMFORT ZONE. I couldn’t live without the good times, or the hard times. After all, without rain, no rainbow comes…and grass is NOT greener on the other side of the fence. It’s greenest where it’s watered. I should stay home more and water my grass. I could pour warm white gravy on my beautiful green grass and live forever :)

USA - Love It Or Leave It

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Cry Rape - Do NOT Cry Wolf !

Video Hosting - Upload Video - Photo Sharing IF YOU’RE GOING TO CRY RAPE – DO NOT CRY WOLF Video Hosting - Upload Video - Photo Sharing I’ll mount the soap box tonight to put in my mere two cents worth of opinion on the “Duke” rape scandal. First and foremost, let me say that I BELIEVE NO MEANS NO! As a woman, I certainly believe that NO woman, NO MATTER her place in the community deserves to be TOUCHED IN ANY WAY if she states NO! That being said, I believe this story is bullshit, and although young jocks at any school may have the tendency to be “assholes of means”…doesn’t give anyone the right to trash their reputations and bring such harsh charges against them based on the probably less than credible statements of a drunken, possibly drugged out stripper. I really hate the way the media and the “politically correct” crowd spins basic truths. Any one of us that have ever “been around a block or two” knows better. I spent twenty years as a casino dealer. Many of those nights were on high limit tables with high rollers present, and along with their presence comes the presence of whores, strippers, and “ladies of the evening”. Don’t ever believe for one second that a woman “has to strip or perform exotic dancing” just to survive and feed her kids. That’s total good ‘ole fashioned horseshit! I believe that many young women are lured into trying that for the first time because some arrogant asshole owner of an establishment of ill-repute might convince them that they are so beautiful and so talented, that they should try it. I know for a fact that many times when a young lady is making her dancing debut, the establishment owners will arrange for their “over-tipping” so that they are made to believe the money will always be that good. Free alcohol and sometimes drugs are also available to “loosen them up”. The sad truth is that after a time or two of making upwards of $500 per night take-home money that is not easily traced by tax officials makes the whole process hard for some girls to walk away from. It’s money and greed, life in the fast lane, the attention of wealthy men, and simple lack of self esteem that keeps these girls in this lifestyle. Sadly, after a while, many become alcoholics or addicted to the drugs that make the job easier, and THEN, they must KEEP doing it to support their kids AND their HABITS. And then, these same girls want us to feel sorry for them and their social demise. I have had many conversations over the years with many strippers and whores. Nevada is a place where it’s legal. I know that like it or not, these women do serve a purpose in our society, and as long as there is a demand, there will be a supply. My favorite of these women were the ones that knew exactly what they were doing and had no problem with it. These women are the ones truly good at their chosen profession. They are not over-drinkers, and they are not drug users. They take their $500 to $5000 per night and buy nice homes and nice cars and live a nice lifestyle with the money they make. These are also the rare “professionals of erotica” that you would never pick out of a crowd at a grocery store, or at the park with their kids on a weekend afternoon. They keep their jobs private, and live as normally as possible when off duty. I also know these facts to be true. I have been at a party where strippers were hired. Hell, I even hired a stripper once for my husband’s birthday party. No one out there should try to be so innocent. When hiring a stripper, it goes beyond a simple phone call and a flat fee and a performance. My experience hiring a stripper was very basic. I did pay a fee; she showed up for about 20 minutes and embarrassed the hell out of my husband. We all laughed, she took her money, we bought her a drink and she left. I have also been present at parties where the rules and options were different. Don’t kid yourselves…for a price; these girls will do just about anything. A hundred dollar bill will get you very far. However, the girls must be beautiful, talented, and have their act together. Nothing pisses off a man worse than to have shelled out an exorbitant amount of money for a crappy stripper. In these cases, the girls are usually ushered out upon arrival, and most likely not paid at all. In worse cases, a few nasty words are exchanged, the girls are belittled a bit, and still the same result…gone and not paid, or certainly not tipped. I have a very good idea that these kids at Duke spent a lot of money to hire a couple of strippers for their party, and upon arrival, when the girls showed up intoxicated and acting cheap and tawdry with no exotic class, they were pissed. I imagine they kicked the girls out and didn’t pay them what they thought they were going to make. In her intoxicated state, I imagine the little lush tried to “wile her charms” upon the boys to try and make up for her lack of talent and ability to perform a good show. When that didn’t work and the girls were verbally embarrassed or harassed, the story changed a great deal. I would even be willing to bet that the girl thought by accusing some rich kids from Duke, and playing the “oh feel sorry for drunk little ‘ole me” card, she might score some high dollar “under the table – keep your mouth shut” money. Strippers are notorious for extorting men upon threat of publicizing their evil deeds and taste for the wild side. It’s also usually successful for an extra few hundred dollars. I don’t think this young woman had any clue this story would break into a national scandal and such publicized “dirty laundry”. Now that the cat is out of the bag, she’s stuck in trying to prove it. I certainly hope this young woman was NOT unduly harmed. That would be a travesty. However, you cannot expect to drink excessively, wear hardly any clothing, and rub your almost naked body over a bunch of also drunk partying young men and expect to be treated like a lady. Strippers, when on duty, are NOT ladies. They are exhibiting their womanly taunts for money. They know full well that the nastier they act, the more money they will make. In my casino years, even the cocktail waitresses used to crack me up in their stupidity concerning manners. Many of them would bitch to no end about the way men looked at them, and things men would say to them while wearing such scant attire. But, then again, if they would be in the casino on a day off, or if you would see them around town…there they were in shorty shorts, and halter tops and matching high heel shoes. Then they would get all offended if someone commented in a sexy manner to them as if they were not appreciated as women and never treated like a lady should be. HELLO…wear some clothes and act like a lady and you will be treated as such. My father always taught me that it is truly sexier to a man if SOMETHING is left to the imagination when looking at a woman and her outfit. My mother would have never let me out of the house dressed like a stripper. It really angers me that the rest of us have to suffer at the hands of dumb women who don’t get it. Get a clue ladies…if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, 99% of the time IT’S A DUCK! If you were not RAPED in the true sense of the definition, then DO NOT make accusations. If it proves out that this woman was truly raped, I will be the first to make a public apology, but my advice to her remains the same. Put some clothes on and get a real job. Clean up your life and become the lady you want people to think you are.

La Cosa Nostra - Power Brings Silence

Video Hosting - Upload Video - Photo Sharing Is is just me, or does it seem odd that only the original "blurb" appeared in the news after the real McCoy Soprano was arrested? The number one mob boss of all of Italy and Sicily, Bernardo Provenzano was arrested, and just like that...we never hear another word about it. Who says the mob doesn't have the ability to keep people quiet? We should hire the mob to silence our crazy out of control spin media on other topics that they cannot manage to get the real truth on :)

Illegal Immigration - Stand Your Ground

Video Hosting - Upload Video - Photo Sharing I must speak out once again against the increasing problem of illegal immigration. In the short time now that our representatives of the Government have been out on recess back in their home towns and states has created an increase in the ever-growing protests. They will soon be back in office, and it’s more important than ever that we as individuals speak out. I am not against immigration. I am remembering back to the first time in my personal life that immigration in its true definition came to mind to me. I actually grew up in the time of segregation. At about sixth grade for me, the black students were de-segregated into our school, and at the same time the Catholic kids came from Cadacism schools. All we knew is that black kids and Mexican kids were coming to our school. We were always neighbors, or at least knew each other in our small town, so it wasn’t a big deal really, except we had new friends. The Mexicans and African American kids were all legal, so it wasn’t like immigration. But I do remember once when a couple of kids showed up at school that were Vietnamese Boat People. How they ended up in West Texas, I’ll never know, but they did. It was so amazing to me that these kids did everything they could to learn English. They were quiet and shy, but they would make astonishing efforts to fit in. They would offer to work hard, they would stay late for anyone that would teach them, and they truly wanted to fit in. Their parents went through all the steps to make it all legal, and from that some of our teachers explained immigration. I was proud to have these people join us as Americans. They were so truly grateful to have a better chance than they had in their home country. Today, those memories seem so vague. As an adult in a big city, all I see of illegal immigrants is discontent and demands. The horrific thing that I have witnessed with my own eyes in the few past years is how the illegals have joined forces with our own discontented gang-banger youth. Reno has a yearly event that USED to be one of the favored events in the city. It’s Hot August Nights. That is a week when antique car enthusiasts come to town and sport their beautiful Hot-Rod’s and party. In some parts of the city it’s still a great time. But, for the downtown area, a few years back, and for a few years in a row, the California gangs took it over with huge riots downtown resulting in many injuries and a huge police presence. (NOTE: It has gotten MUCH better now). I remember one year when I was still a dealer, and got off work and had to travel only just across the street to my parking garage to get in my car and go home. I was getting off work just at the beginning of trouble. Some of us gathered in a group and hurriedly crossed the street together. This wasn’t the first year this was becoming a problem, and all of the trouble was coming from gangs, and many of these people were not legal. This particular year the group called the Guardian Angels tried to help. THE POLICE CHASED THEM OFF TOO!! These guys were giving of their own time to protect average people like me to cross the street and go home. There were flying beer bottles, gangs rocking cars, tear gas exploded all over, and a trip that usually took 15 minutes, took me over an hour and a half that night. I stayed on my cell phone to my husband during the trip and he was appalled at the noise of breaking glass, yelling, and helicopters flying in close vicinity. That reminds me of what our border residents are facing today, only without the police with tear gas, and without helicopters flying around for help. These are pictures from Montebello High School in California. (The title photo was from this set also). Video Hosting - Upload Video - Photo Sharing Video Hosting - Upload Video - Photo Sharing While Montebello High School defends their stance on the issue, SOMEBODY, and other misguided youths perpetrated this egregious offense…I AM SICKENED THAT YOUNG OR NOT, that ANYONE IN THIS COUNTRY FROM WHATEVER BACKGROUND YOU COME FROM can allow our USA flag to be hung UPSIDE DOWN with ANY FLAG from another country above it. Today, it’s the Minutemen that are giving of their time, and the police and our government are trying to chase them away. This time there are 12,000,000 people violating the law, not just a few hundred? At least in Reno, the fire department and police on horses came down the street in full amour and let loose the fire hoses to literally spray these people back off the street and to wherever they came from. Our borders don’t get that protection. Now, the Minutemen say they will build fences, or a wall, to protect the borders. Quite frankly, I’m surprised there are property owners that don’t already have fences built, but I will support that effort. They say they are ready to spend $10,000,000 to build this wall. With only a $10 donation from 1,000,000 Americans they hope to accomplish that feat. Well, I can cover several of those 1,000,000, and I’m sure they will have no trouble raising the money. The minutemen say in just the past few weeks since protests have begun, the traffic has increased 400%. People, that is just not acceptable! You will notice if you are interested that I have a link on my sidebar to the Minutemen. Another organization that is really trying to get out the people’s word on this matter is Grassfire.org. I recently signed a petition from their site, and now I get e-mails regarding their efforts. They really seem to be a centered bunch of folks, and their efforts and methods are NOT radical. If you are so inclined, listen to this audio conference call among members regarding the efforts against illegal immigration. It’s 26 minutes long, so if nothing else, bookmark the recording until you can listen further. You may also, for a minimal donation to the group have them send a direct fax to your particular representative stating your views against amnesty and border security. Also people, think about things like this… I have heard some large business people from these areas say that it’s just impossible to know given several hundred employees if they are all legal. They say that when their employees give social security cards and say they are legal, that’s enough. Well, I say to you…BULLSHIT. I recently got correspondence from Social Security, and after going through a verification process, I can now go online and VERIFY the legitimacy of my employees’ numbers. I run a truck shop, and I’m sorry that not many people of other ethnic origins are qualified in the skill of diesel mechanics, but I am happy and proud to have two very good technicians now at my shop that are Hispanic, and American Indian. They are legal, and they are valued members of our staff. One of my son’s high school teachers (one of few really good ones) made a comment to his class that I find profound. "The invasion of so many illegal immigrants is like a virus that comes into our bodies. A virus will attack just enough cells in the body to cause serious disturbance and debilitate us from our normal selves. However, a virus is smart enough not to destroy, because then, it would have no home." So remember that. Twelve MILLION people are like 12,000,000 virus bacteria attacking us just enough to debilitate our country to the point that we can no longer be ourselves and take care of ourselves. When they trash our country, and we are a crippled mess like where they came from…where will they go next, and where will we be left? Keep in mind that in a couple of weeks Cinco De Mayo will take place. I fear that outrageous conflict may take place on that holiday. Be strong and peacefully stand your ground and help those immigrants that want to do it the legal way. Oust and deport those that DON’T. I will now step down off the soap box now and enjoy the start of my weekend :)

Men Make HORRIBLE Sick People

Video Hosting - Upload Video - Photo Sharing Men make HORRIBLE sick people with a blurry sense of reality. Poor hubby was out sick today with the stomach flu, and yes, I give him no slack. I give him an array of normal remedies, and of course he doesn't take any of them, yet whines so drastically like he might not live through it all. Why is it that when our men our sick, the world will end, but when we women are sick, it's, "What did you have in mind for dinner Honey?", or the dreaded come-on at bed time. Well, I do love hubby, and whether in his defense or mine... I will post this photo too :) Video Hosting - Upload Video - Photo Sharing

Gas Prices - WILL WORK FOR GAS

Video Hosting - Upload Video - Photo Sharing I was going to bitch about our gas prices, but then I stopped by my little brother's blog, and I can't say it any better than this. Give THIS POST a look. Today it was $2.89 here, and going up every day.

Where Do You Stand Politically?

I have always considered myself to be a staunch Republican. I recently found THIS LITTLE TEST, and I was surprised at the results. Click and take the test. It's only 10 short questions, and maybe you too will be surprised :)

Homeland Security Training Workshop - Suicide Bombers

In my business dealings, I work with the Nevada Department of Economic Development sometimes to help lead government business my way. This portion of our State government does a fantastic job trying to help the small business owners stay abreast of possibilities and opportunities. Occasionally they send out bulletins that may be of interest to certain businesses. I received this bulletin recently, and thought if I fell into the law enforcement category, or even just had the time and money to attend this conference, this would be an amazingly interesting workshop. I am publishing this information to my readers in the event some of you might find this workshop helpful to your line of work. I copied this text from a PDF file, so it prints a bit funny. If you should be interested further, please e-mail me and I will forward you the bulletin e-mail directly. Homeland Defense Training Workshop (tm)Managing the Threat of Suicide Bombers and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) April 10-11, 2006Sheraton Fisherman's WharfSan Francisco, California DON'T MISS OUR PHYSICAL SECURITY FOR GOVERNMENT FACILITIES WORKSHOP ALSO AT THIS LOCATIONREGISTER FOR BOTH EVENTS AND SAVE $100 Registration & Continental Breakfast: 7:30-8:30am (Day One only) Program Starts: 8:30amWrap-Up: 4:30pm (Day one); 1:00pm (Day Two) About This WorkshopThe FBI and DHS are warning state and local partners to be on the alert for suicide bombers using large vehicle borne improvised explosive devices (LVBIED) and man-portable/hand-carried IEDs. Homeland Defense Journal's Managing the Threat of Suicide Bombers and Improvised Explosive Devices - based on U.S. and other international case studies - is designed for advanced levels of government and security personnel to provide you with relevant information about the motivation, training, equipment, techniques and operational methods used by terrorist bombers, with particular attention on the suicide bomber. In addition, you'll learn about other terrorism counter-measures, including how to prepare an effective bomb threat and bombing response plan. Homeland Defense Journal's Managing the Threat of Suicide Bombers and Improvised Explosive Devices will provide you with background on the different bombing methods employed by different terror groups, assist you with detection techniques for Suicide Terrorists, help you to understand what an effective protective policy might look like, and give considerable detail about attempted and actual incidents that have occurred in the United States and overseas. It will also teach you how to conduct building and vehicle searches and evacuations, mitigate bombing attacks and understand the sources, costs and evaluation of, physical security enhancements. This workshop is not only designed for local, state and federal agencies dealing with today's security concerns, but will also be of extreme value if you are a security manager for a government building, school or corporate headquarters. By gaining an understanding of who the terrorists are, how different terrorist groups gather intelligence and operate, the nature of terrorist explosive devices, and how the devices may be detected and stopped, you will be able to work more closely with your security staff and local agencies in creating security plans that may mitigate or avoid disasters. What You Will Cover · Overview of terrorist activity in the U.S. · Current terrorism statistics, trends and threats to the U.S. · Introduction to Explosives and Explosive Effects · Introduction to Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) · Concealment techniques and methods of operation · Rationale, recruitment, training and methods of operation of suicide bombers · How to respond to suicide bombers, combined attacks and secondary devices · How to prepare an effective bomb threat and bombing response plan · How to conduct building and vehicle searches and evacuations · Internet and information sources on terrorist and bombing matters You'll see specific incident photographs and videos of actual post-attack scenes and footage shot by terrorists detailing bomb-making instructions. Mock suicide terrorist explosive devices ranging from a "shoe bomb" to suicide vests will be used during the workshop to illustrate various teaching points. (These are training aids only and all simulated explosive materials are completely inert.) Who Should Attend · Federal, state and local security planners involved with Homeland Security · Law enforcement, emergency responders and private security companies · Military personnel involved in security, protection or counter-terrorism · Ship and air safety officers · Corporate security officers · Homeland security experts and officials Agenda/InstructorDay One, April 10, 2006 · 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Registration and Continental Breakfast, hosted by Homeland Defense Journal · 8:30 AM- 9:30 AM Administrative, Introductions of Instructor & Students, Overview, Statistics and Trends of Terrorist Activities Targeting U.S. · 9:30 AM- 9:45 AM Networking Break · 9:45 AM - 12:15 PM Introduction to Explosives, Explosive Effects, IEDs & Concealments · 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM Lunch on your own · 1:15 PM - 2:45 PM Nature of the Suicide Bomber Phenomenon Including Rationale, Recruitment, Training and Methods of Operation · 2:45 PM - 3:00 PM Networking Break · 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Case Studies - Vehicle Borne and Man-Portable Suicide Devices including Detailed Review of Bombings in Tanzania and Morocco · 4:30 PM Day One Adjourn Day Two, April 11, 2006 · 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Continental Breakfast - hosted by Homeland Defense Journal · 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM Managing Bomb Threats, Searing and Evacuations · 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM Networking Break · 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM Responding to the Suicide Bomber · 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM Sources of Information and Review of Bomb Detection/Mitigation/Response equipment · 1:15 PM Closing Comments and Adjourn About Your InstructorLeo West, an EOD and Counterterrorism Consultant with Telemus Solutions, is retired from the FBI after serving as a Supervisory Special Agent with over 26 years of extensive experience directing and conducting counterterrorism and criminal investigations as a manager and investigator. He also served as an expert Forensics Examiner in the field of explosives and bombing matters for the FBI Laboratory. From 1987 through 2004, he specialized in counterterrorism investigations, and in particular, terrorist bombing cases. Mr. West was the initial Program Manager in the development of the multi-agency Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center (TEDAC), and was the Senior Supervisor in charge of all FBI Laboratory activities in the 9/11 investigation. He has led forensic and crime scene investigative teams at domestic and foreign bombing incidents including those at the World Trade Center, Oklahoma City, Khobar Towers, TWA 800, the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania, the USS Cole, the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, the French oil tanker LIMBURG, as well as suicide bombings in Casablanca and Istanbul.Mr. West has organized and instructed at numerous training courses in bombing and counterterrorism matters to many foreign and domestic police agencies, military and critical infrastructure security forces, and he is an advisor to the National Institute of Justice Technical Working Group on Bombing Investigations. Mr. West holds graduate degrees in both Forensic Science and Public Administration, and attended the Hazardous Devices School, the Naval EOD School, and received numerous explosives, CBRN, arson, tactical and terrorism-related training courses in the U.S. and abroad. He is a current certified Bomb Technician and recognized Court Expert in explosives and hazardous devices. Sponsors · Homeland Defense Journal · IT*Security Magazine · LSS ( Lab Safety Supply ) · ACP · Telemus Solutions · Wireless Communications Association, International Registration Charges · Industry - $695** per person · Small Business (100 employees or less) - $645** per person · Government - $595** per person ** Each attendee must provide a Valid Driver's License or Government ID the day of the conference**Market*Access reserves the right to deny attendance to any person. Registration Options[1] Online with your credit card using our online booking form at www.marketaccess.org/booking_form.asp[2] Fax our downloadable registration form to (703) 807-2728[3] Phone Pamela Greenstein at (703) 807-2758[4] E-mail Pamela Greenstein at pgreenstein@marketaccess.org[5] Mail our downloadable registration form to:Homeland Defense Journal4301 Wilson Blvd. #1003 Arlington, VA 22203 Registrations are payable by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, company check or government purchase order.CANCELLATION POLICY: You may designate a substitute in writing any time before the conference. If you need to cancel your registration, you must send your notice in writing and will be subject to a $50 processing charges. No refunds are given for cancellations received one week prior to the event start date or later. PLEASE NOTE: No shows will be liable for the entire registration charges. Location/Hotel Information The Workshop will be held at the Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf, 2500 Mason Street, San Francisco, California, 94133. (415) 362-5500. Map and directions to the conference locationPlease note that the Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf is holding a small block of guest rooms available at the rate of $130 + tax. To secure a room, you must contact the Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf at (415) 362-5500 by March 21, 2006 and mention Market*Access 'Terrorism and the Suicide Bomb Attack' to get this rate. Parking is available for $26 a day, attendees must mention Market*Access 'Terrorism and the Suicide Bomb Attack' to the parking attendant to get this rate. Contact Us• For registration information, contact Pamela Greenstein at pgreenstein@marketaccess.org or (703) 807-2758• For government speaking and best practices presentation opportunities, contact Kim Hovda at khovda@marketaccess.org or (703) 894-1096 • For product and solutions companies interested in sponsorship information and related speaking opportunities, contact Andrea Feinberg at afeinberg@marketaccess.org or (201) 592-6477 To download a PDF of planned training conferences and workshops for 2006, please go to our home page at www.homelanddefensejournal.comMarketing, Conference Management and Production by:Homeland Defense Journal, Inc.4301 Wilson BoulevardSuite 1003Arlington, VA 22203 (703) 807-2758

WE THE PEOPLE - What About Us?

Video Hosting - Upload Video - Photo Sharing If I have any readers left, thank you for your patience in my lapse of late. Hell week is over, taxes are done, quarterlies are figured, filed, paid for…and now I have the privilege to take a moment to write and get back to my blog for my pleasure and release, and hopefully to enlighten or entertain some of you. The Soap Box is open and sudsy tonight. There are so many issues to talk about. There are so many points to argue. For alert Americans like most of my readers are, and like so many of you who publish articles that I read seem to be, the issues facing all of us are quite frankly overwhelming sometimes. The blatant truth is…shit is F’d up across the board. From top to bottom, from side to side, things are skewed maybe beyond repair. Knowing that without a doubt, NOW what do we do? I read all of the ideas presented. I listen at end to news channels, and I DO, believe it or not, as a business owner, and concerned parent, etc. ponder our choices as normal citizens in today’s times. I am concerned. I agree on one basic point…our media is cheating us out of the plain and simple truth on a daily basis. Texas Fred has a good point, in that we should DEMAND that the media start telling us the TRUTH. This would certainly be a good start. If you agree with that first point, click HERE to sign a petition that may or may not do any good, but signing it can’t be bad :). After much thought, I believe this. If it were possible, I believe that we should eliminate our Party system. Eliminate Democrat or Republican. Let’s just be American. Listen to candidates and let their values or policies stand for themselves, and vote for the best person. Well, we all know that won’t happen. I am SO SICK AND TIRED OF ALL OF OUR POLITICIANS right now, both Republicans and Democrats alike. Our whole policy has become about shit stirring. Plain and simple. WE THE PEOPLE are just average folks out here making a living, owning companies, supporting employees, working for bosses while just trying to get ahead ourselves…and ALL those “supposedly” deserving people WE elected for office are just QUITE SIMPLY IGNORING US, and all that we stand for. WE THE PEOPLE are the ONLY ONES that can EVER CHANGE the current state of affairs. The Democrats spend endless hours on the time clock that you and I pay for creating ingenious ways to trash the Republicans. Because we the Republicans are currently the “majority” holders in the Congress and Senate, we fight back just enough to make some kind of stand, but even WE are spending too much of the tax payers time and money defending the assaults of the Democrats. Our great nation of America, the USA has become a bad episode of “American Idol”, or “Desperate Housewives”. It’s appalling and scary for real people. We have become “American Idiots”, and “Desperate Constituents”. The scariest of all TRUTHS is that we’ve become OK with it all, because DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT is “somehow unfathomable” in our minds at this point. Every American sits at home in fear of the present situation and is STUPID enough to feel that “my one vote”, “oh, I disagree, but WHO would listen to ‘little ole me’…”. GUESS WHAT MEN AND WOMEN OF THE USA…we are the people. WE ARE THE PEOPLE…SAY IT AGAIN…WE ARE THE PEOPLE. Our government, our constitution written sometime around 1776 by insightful Forefathers said that our government would be BY the people, FOR the people, and WE THE PEOPLE. WE have to TAKE IT BACK. Do not laugh at me, nor take my following ideas LIGHTLY IN ANY WAY. I know that immigration is OUT OF CONTROL. I realize that 13,000,000 (that’s thirteen MILLION humans are here illegally). I know that paper work wise, logistically wise, IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO PUNISH OR FIND, OR DEPORT THIRTEEN MILLION PEOPLE. But hey… how did we know it was 13,000,000? We must ALREADY HAVE AN IDEA of WHO THEY ARE, and WHERE THEY ARE, or how would we know there is 13,000,000? That’s because SOMEBODY screwed up and let that many people in the country when it WAS ALREADY ILLEGAL and turned a blind eye. We bitch about our national deficit. It’s now in the TRILLIONS. Gee, Oh My God…how did it get there? SOMEBODY approved spending WAY OVER THE BUDGET to get it there. You and I cannot overdraw our bank accounts by ONE TRILLION DOLLARS, much less the amount our elected government has. And, our elected government consists of both Democrats and Republicans. OK, the war. Let’s talk about the war. WE HAD EVERY RIGHT to attack Afghanistan for the Taliban’s part in 9-11. I personally believe that there WERE AND ARE weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Here’s our mistake. WE DID NOT MAKE A GLASS PARKING LOT out of both countries when we had a chance. Here’s the deal. Take an average man that finds himself with no other alternative than to kick another man’s ass for an egregious offense. The good guy knows he must beat the other guy to a point that he may not get up and start the whole confrontation over again. It should be the same in war. Annilation or close to it is the only way to stop the aggression. Maybe you don’t agree, that is OK too. Because with MY PLAN that COULD WORK, at least I would know that more true Americans voted against me than with me, not just taking the word of the paid media, or the dumb ass politicians that are only about them. Here is my idea that I only could HOPE that all of you could help me get out to the public and support. LET’S BRING THE CONTROL OF THE COUNTRY BACK TO WE THE PEOPLE. It’s pretty simple really. Keep the politicians in their current role. Let them draw up the bills and legislations, just GIVE IT BACK TO US TO DECIDE. I think it’s SO possible. It takes our government MONTHS AND MONTHS, or sometimes on a hard issue YEARS AND YEARS to get a true vote. Let’s give we the people a chance to vote on every bill and law. That would give the Senators and Congressmen and women a thing or two to think about wouldn’t it? And don’t even sit back and say THAT WOULD NOT WORK. It WILL. I know this. My electric company manages to get a bill out to me every month. So does my cable company, my telephone company, and so does my bank provide for me every month a statement. My credit card companies bill me too. Guess what…I also PAY THEM every month. If I don’t, MY SERVICE IS DISCONTINUED… Period! I don’t pay “the man”, “the man” STOPS giving me what I need. It could be the same with government. All of the good tax paying citizens, and registered voters of this nation are easy to find. Send me a ballot in the mail each time an issue is voted on, and I will mail it back, or go online, and respond. You have my numbers…my account number, my social security number, my name, my birthdate, my DNA sample, whatever… they have it. If I don’t vote in a timely manner just like not paying my bill in a timely manner, then my vote doesn’t count. It would be the same as not paying my bill. I GUARANTEE you would get a more accurate idea of what America wants or needs to run this country than we currently do with our blow-hards that are only concerned about what hits our TV’s and our minds. WE HAVE LET THESE IDIOTS ACROSS THE BOARD IN WASHINGTON think that we are simple minded and STUPID about what is really going on. Yet we sit back and do NOTHING. Come on people, let’s do something and write letters, make phone calls, protest about something that can really make a difference. I will if you will. Help me figure out how. WE THE PEOPLE need to take back our country. We need to DEMAND as a conglomerate people that our GOVERNMENT does and says what WE THE PEOPLE wish them to say. We need to DEMAND that from now on, they do NOT mistake our kindness, and being laid back for STUPIDITY. We are not stupid as a people, we are just lazy and AFRAID. Help me help you all.

Sgt. James Glenn Standefer - Gone But Not Forgotten - All Gave Some, Some Gave All

Those of you who read my blog on any kind of regular basis know I’m a sucker for the kids. I believe the youth of our nation are already at a disadvantage with all that’s going on in the world of late, and so when I come across one that deserves an extra pat on the back, I will be the first to give that pat. I am also a karmic soul in my beliefs that in this world we are all somehow from time to time joined in kindred spirit and I believe that NOTHING happens without reason and purpose. I believe that God, whatever you perceive Him to be has a divine plan for us all that is sometimes revealed to us in the simplest ways. I recently had an encounter like that and I would like to share it with my readers and give a very deserving young lady a pat on the back. A few weeks back, I received an e-mail out of the clear blue from Ashley. Ashley is one of millions of high school students across our USA, but she was working on a special school project in which she was to depict the life of a fallen US soldier from the Vietnam War. The randomly selected soldier she got assigned to happened to be my uncle James Glenn Standefer. She got my e-mail address from a memorial web site on which I had posted a line or two. Her e-mail (which of course came to my junk folder, and thankfully I didn’t delete before reading) simply asked for any details or stories I could give her regarding Glenn that could bring factual life to her report. I e-mailed her back, and told her that I was too young at the time to have known him personally, but I would forward her e-mail to others in my family. Glenn’s sister had a lot to do with his memorial site, and Ashley contacted her too. I am so happy that she was actually able to find members of this man’s family to share with her his story, and one fallen soldier was again brought to life. So many times people tend to ignore e-mails from strangers, or not believe that whoever types the text is legitimate, but Ashley gave someone from my family a chance to once again be honored so very many years later. These happenings made me (at 43 who spent most of my life from any age to remember without war) realize just how the various wars and conflicts of our country’s history are still important today in keeping the freedoms we enjoy and take for granted. My Grandfather served in Germany in WWII. My Great Uncle endured many battles in Austria. My other Great Uncle served in WWII. My father was enlisted, and served at Guantanamo Bay, and I was born at a naval hospital in Norfolk, Va. Too young to realize the significance, my uncle Glenn gave his life outside Saigon for this country. Today, many soldiers are laying their lives on the line defending our way of life in the Middle East. I would like to share the time line of Ashley’s report with you, and allow you to once again remember all the great soldiers that keep our country free. NOTE: I WILL DELETE OR SKIP OVER ANY IDENTIFYING INFORMATION ABOUT THIS YOUNG LADY, AND WILL NOT BOTHER TO EDIT THE COPY… First E-Mail: Greetings! My name is Ashley XXXX and I am a sophomore at XXXX High School in XXXX, XX. I am in an Honors English class where we are doing a unit on the Vietnam War. In the process, we are asked to research a Casualty of the war in which I was asked to represent your family member, Sgt. James Glenn Standefer. I would like some information on him, maybe some stories or something of the sorts; only if you are willing to do so. If you could please contact me, that would be splendid! My email is XXXX My Address XXXX My phone number is XXXX The most gracious thanks available, Ashley I responded to her: Hi Ashley: You obviously got my e-mail address from his website. How cool it is that you are doing this kind of report. You should definitely seek out XXXX Standefer's address from the same site as that is his sister. If it's not there, let me know and I will find it for you. I was very young when he died. I remember the funeral, and how amazingly impressive that was, and scary too for a kid. Our family is very honored that he lost his life serving our country. His wife has passed away already too, and I'm not sure how to get in touch with his kids, but I'll try to get more information for you by forwarding this e-mail along. Good luck in your efforts, and thanks for your e-mail. I'll save your address and see if I can help. Malinda I never heard from this young lady again until recently, when I received this e-mail: Hello once (and probably lastly) again, As we are wrapping down our unit on Vietnam, giving our presentations on Wednesday, April 5, I would like to thank you for all the information that you have given me on Sgt. James G. Standefer. It is greatly appreciated in ways unimaginable. You have made this project stress-free for me by all the details and information you provided. I think the only stress I have is due to my procrastination of getting all my work done in a timely manner, ha ha. I was the only one of my peers who was able to get a primary source to respond and I feel not only lucky to have this happen to me, but blessed to have such kind people in the process. One of my Classmates actually did contact someone and got one email out of them that just told her that he was one of the men who served with him, but he wasn't willing to give forth any stories anytime within the next week because he was on vacation. Over our spring break, he died of natural causes. She only found this out by googling him. I felt so sorry for her because it looked like a promising lead. Now, as I finish up my required papers for this assignment, I would like to thank you one last time. I have grown so much from this. I went from knowing hardly anything about the Vietnam War to knowing more than I could have Imagined. In some places, it was difficult to read what I have read. I can't begin to perceive what it was really like. Those who experienced it are in my prayers daily along with anyone who has experienced anything like this, more especially with our Young Men over in the Middle East, More especially with three of my best guy friends with in Iraq or Afghanistan or shortly to be there. I Really don't think anyone can get a solid appreciation out of anything unless they take the time to really focus on it or go through it. You can only be taught what you are willing to open your eyes to. Of the Highest Gratitude, Ashley XXXX I was touched by this e-mail, and responded that I would like to hear from her one last time, and would like to see a copy of her report. I thanked her and commended her for her efforts. She again e-mailed me one last time, and I’d like to share with you her final e-mail and report. I even learned a couple of details from her final report that I never knew about my uncle. Finally, I’d like to once again thank the dedicated men and women that serve our country. And, thank you Ashley for bringing a piece of your life together with ours. May you always remember the fallen and praise the standing for their efforts. Here is the requested copy of my report and some pictures of my visual. I am proud to report that I wound up making an 87 on this project and it was the second highest grade in my class. My teacher is a very strict grader and he said that I had done very well with fulfilling the requirements. I don't know if this is Awkward to say or not, but I truly became emotionally attached to this project. When I came to the point in my report to where I had to tell of his death, I had to keep from crying. It felt weird, this has never happened to me before. This is most definitely one project that I will not forget. Thank you for all the support and help you provided. Ashley XXXX I AM James Glenn Standefer “Hey Standefer.” “What Calhoun?” “When do you get to go home?” “Soon.” I am James Glenn Standefer, born to Virginia L Henderson Standefer and Morris G. Standefer in Stanton, Texas on July 7, 1948. I was the first-born child of the proud couple. My family called me Glenn. I grew up in Stanton with my 3 younger siblings, Kathy, Dianne, and Terry, until my parents divorced. I then moved to Colorado City, Texas with my grandparents. I attended the Colorado City schools and was a very active member in the high school athletics program. My junior year in high school, at the age of 15, my wife, Jo Anne, and I brought forth a child to the world named James Brittain. At the age of 17, my father died in a car accident. This was a difficult time in my life trying to raise a child, go to school, work, and grieve the loss of my father. I divorced Jo Anne and I decided to go into the service in 1966. After I completed basics in Fort Bliss, Texas, I started my tour in Viet Nam on April 4, 1967. I was thence assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. We were called the Golden Dragons. I loved my job. I was considered to be part of the elite group in my platoon along with two of my best friends, David Able and William stump. I always carried an M-14 along with me everywhere I went. I was an excellent shot. I once went through the backside of a ravine to save my whole platoon that was trapped by a sniper. When I snuck up behind him and yelled “HEY!” he turned around and didn’t even bother to raise his gun because he knew he had met his fate. In fact, I killed many snipers of the Viet Cong using this method and many had the same reaction. About the time I was supposed to leave Viet Nam, the government got some paper mixed up and I had to stay a little longer. So, I was on my way to another area for the short time I was to be there. I loaded up on the helicopter with seven other men: Jeffrey R. Byrne, Noel D. Williams, David W. Heck, Brian W. Bates, Rhondal G. Claypool, Tommie Brandon, and Darrell L. Cabell. On February 18, 1968, the enemy shot down the helicopter we loaded into. The helicopter was made of Magnesium, so there was no hope of it being extinguished. I was MIA for three weeks after the accident. Until finally, my medic, Doc Calhoun could identify my remains by the M-14 I always carried. All that was left was the barrel. I was buried in Colorado City, Texas with military honors of a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, two Army Commendations, a National Defense, a Vietnam Service, and a Vietnam Campaign. My football coach conducted my funeral service, in which there was a large attendance by my family, friends, and many members of the community. Today I have 3 grandchildren XXXX Standefer, XXXX Standefer, and XXXX Standefer. The love of my life, Jo Anne, died on March 4, 1998 and my beloved mother died in 1977. Through those still living today my legacy still remains.

Because He Can

Video Hosting - Upload Video - Photo Sharing The title says it all. Sorry guys, I couldn't resist :)

Laws Of The Natural Universe

LAWS OF THE NATURAL UNIVERSE Law of Mechanical Repair: After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch. Law of the Workshop: Any tool, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner. Law of the Telephone: When you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal. Law of the Alibi: If you tell the boss you were late for work because you had a flat tire, the very next morning you will have a flat tire. Variation Law: If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will start to move faster than the one you are in now. (works every time) Bath Theorem: When the body is fully immersed in water, the telephone rings. Law of Close Encounters: The probability of meeting someone you know increases when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with. Law of the Result: When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work, it will. Law of Biomechanics: The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach. Theatre Rule: At any event, the people whose seats are furthest from the aisle arrive last. Law of Coffee: As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold. Murphy's Law of Lockers: If there are only two people in a locker room, they will have adjacent lockers. Law of Dirty Rugs/Carpets: The chances of an open-faced jelly sandwich of landing face down on a floor covering are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet/rug. Law of Location: No matter where you go, there you are. Law of Logical Argument: Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about. Brown's Law: If the shoe fits, it's ugly. Oliver's Law: A closed mouth gathers no feet.

I'm Brian J. Doyle - I Would Like To See Your Naked Cancer Recovering Body Please

Video Hosting - Upload Video - Photo Sharing I am so disappointed in the fourth ranking official of the Department Of Homeland Security. Brian J. Doyle. In this day in age, HOW COULD SOMEONE IN HIS POSITION AND PLACE OF STATURE dare do something so egregious. This MORON was arrested today after having been caught having extremely sexual conversations with a 14 year old girl over the internet. According to the TV clip I watched, he was arrested at his computer engaged in these conversations that had been taking place since March 12, 2006. Lucky for our country, the 14 year old girl was an undercover agent posing as a child. He encouraged her to get a web-cam and send him naked photos of her, and he had sent her sexually explicit porn clips via e-mail. He is so astronomically STUPID, he even told her that he was the Deputy Press Secretary of Homeland Security, and advised her to erase every correspondence he had with her immediately. So, not only is he a SICK BASTARD, he was smart enough to realize that what he was doing was illegal. If this asshole is this “brilliant” no telling what other parts of our national security he has compromised. If all this isn’t bad enough, the TV coverage revealed that the officer / agent was posing as a recovering Lymphoma cancer patient, and that didn’t faze Mr. Doyle. He still wanted naked photos of her and invited her to perform “unmentionable” sexual acts upon herself while thinking of him. It’s a good thing I’m not the President, as I would find a way to go back to the old days of true American justice, and this sick prick would be minus a prick after I signed a Presidential order to have his balls chopped off on national television. The PC crowd won’t allow it, but if President Bush had a hair on his ass he would go on national television and chastise this creep to the fullest extent of an old fashioned tongue bashing. At the very least, he should be fired and placed into a nut house for the sexually demonstrative and left to rot. Again, some people’s children. I feel so sorry for his family, and for our President that had no idea this crazy idiot charmed the political world long enough to rise to this kind of position. SAVE THE CHILDREN – TURN THIS GUY LOOSE IN A STANDARD PRISON where baby rapists are cared for properly.

Time Warp

Tonight, after midnight (Wednesday Morning) we will have a time sequence that will never happen again. At exactly 2 minutes and three seconds after 1 AM, it will be 1:02:03 on the date 04:05:06. Enjoy the one minute time warp if you are awake :)

Old School Management Course

Video Hosting - Upload Video - Photo Sharing 3 Minute Management Course Lesson One An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing. A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, "Can I also sit like you and do nothing?" The eagle answered: "Sure, why not." So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it. Management Lesson To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up. Video Hosting - Upload Video - Photo Sharing Lesson Two A turkey was chatting with a bull. "I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree," sighed the turkey, "but I haven't got the energy." "Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?" replied the bull. "They're packed with nutrients." The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree. He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree. Management Lesson Bullshit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there. Video Hosting - Upload Video - Photo Sharing Lesson Three A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold; the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field. While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him. As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was. The dung was actually thawing him out! He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy. A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate. Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him. Management Lesson (1) Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy. (2) Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend. (3) And when you're in deep shit, it's best to keep your mouth shut! This ends your three-minute management course. Congratulations you graduated Cum Laude! You are prepared to run for Congress or the Senate!

Money & Propaganda Talk - Bullshit Walks

Video Hosting - Upload Video - Photo Sharing The political correctness bug that has attacked liberal and "not up with the real story" crowds in America have gotten out of control...but to better bring it into perspective...A simple NO that is non-negotiable and irretraceable can solve all issues when necessary, and today, IT IS NECESSARY. Whether it comes to votes at stake, popularity that may be never had, the absolute need to NEVER be wrong yet understand that being wrong and correcting it makes twice as much right...and so on and so on... This following joke perfectly epitomizes the State Of The Union...and the State Of Common Morality & Decency. A crusty old man walks into a bank and says to the woman at the window, "I want to open a damn checking account. The astonished woman replies, "I beg your pardon, sir. I must have misunderstood you. What did you say?" "Listen up, damn it. I said I want to open a damn checking account now!" "I'm very sorry sir, but that kind of language is not tolerated in this bank." The teller leaves the window and goes over to the bank manager to inform him of her situation. The manager agrees that the teller does not have to listen to that foul language. They both return to the window and the manager asks the old geezer, "Sir, what seems to be the problem here?" "There is no damn problem," the man says. I just won $200 million bucks in the damn lottery and I want to put my damn money in this damn bank." "I see," says the manager, "and is this bitch giving you a hard time?"

My Son Wrote To Bill O'Reilly - I'm Impressed

Video Sharing at DropShots.com As of late, the aliens have suddenly come down and overtaken my youngest son’s body with a new child. This new child is really cool. The arguing has ceased by quite a bit, his focus on school and important matters has really increased, and just over all he has made one of those wondrous transitions that all of our children make from time to time. The immigration bill problem has caused quite a raucous here in our city lately, and it’s affected our high school children as well. Usually when my husband and I drag home from a long day at work, I always stop in to my son’s room to give him a hello or a hug. He’s usually on his computer and can’t get to the “minimize” button quick enough to hide his instant messaging with the local kids at school, or getting busted from looking at cool dirt bike websites, or anything but homework. However, the last time I came into his room, he was open and when I approached him on his computer, I asked him what he was doing. He said, “I’m writing an e-mail to Bill O’Reilly. I was shocked! I told him I thought that was cool, and asked him if I could read it. He said sure, and I did, and I was really impressed with his approach and writing at his age of a junior in high school. I ask him if I could have permission to re-print his e-mail on my blog, and he agreed. I’m so proud of my son for making an attempt at his young age to make a difference. I wanted to share his writing with all of you. I doubt he’ll ever get a response back, but it would be so cool if Bill O’Reilly just sent him a copy of his book Factor For Kids. The e-mail is as follows: Dear Bill, Over the past week or two I have sat at home watching what has been going on with the illegal and I emphasize ILLEGAL immigrants. Every bit of news I watch or your interviews on The Factor, I sit with my jaw dropped in awe. What is this country coming to? I am currently a junior in high school and I never used to watch the news, until the past month or so I simply can’t believe the idiocy going on. The recently proposed immigrant bill is anything but against the illegals. It has always been in the past and still is, that the US openly accepts people of every race, nationality, or religion. If you go about it the right way. After all we are the "Nation of Nations." The illegals in this country are doing nothing but taking advantage of the honest, tax paying, LEGAL citizens (even the Latino people that are legal and pay taxes). I heard a statistic that 27% percent of our penal system is illegal immigrants (maybe you can verify that). I was at one of the hospitals here in Reno last year and one of the nurses told me that 55% of their yearly budget goes to pay for illegal immigrants without insurance. That is flat out ridiculous! One of the biggest issues in politics these days is how to lower the price of health care; I think that would be a darn good place to start! What happens when these illegals have kids or are injured and visit the hospital? It’s the honest, tax paying, American citizens that are hurt by it and have to afford the load of the illegal's hospital bills as well as their own. It’s a huge injustice to the American people who are citizens no matter what race or nationality you come from. How long is our government going to put this off? It’s already got this bad and it’s just going to snowball. One of my father's best friends in Texas is a member of the Minute Men. They sit on the US side of the border in Texas at night with night vision and watch an average of 20 to 30 people come across this two mile section EVERY NIGHT. The ranchers that have owned that land, in many cases a few generations are going bankrupt. The illegals cut their fence, dump trash, and they can’t protect their land because our government won’t let them. They lose horses, cattle, have things stolen from their place, and cant afford to rebuild fence every week and are starting to go broke. When are we going to help them and every other honest tax paying citizen with the load that illegals have put on this country? All of the protests and marching sometimes disgracing American flags that has been done against this bill is idiocy. In the Reno Gazette Journal there was an article on kids walking out of class to protest, and on Monday 700 kids walked out of school in the Washoe County School District. Along with today I know some white kids that weren't going to school because there have been threats of local gang members from xxxxxxxx xxxxxx or XXX were packing weapons to school and their school wasn't the only one. One of my parent's employees was driving in his company truck which has an American flag from the logo of our truck shop, American Truck & Trailer Repair and he was flipped off and had obscenities shouted at her by a group of Mexican men. Its time to get this problem under control before it’s to late, the American citizens should not have to bear this burden the illegals who don't pay taxes have put upon us. Eventually the problem will be dealt with hopefully peacefully by passing this immigrant bill and starting now. XXXXX XXXXXXXX Reno, Nevada

Little Brown LEGO Church In The Wildwood

I don’t know about all of you, but even as a girl, I had the pleasure of playing with legos with the neighborhood boys growing up. On my quaint cotton farm, lego toys were not something we could afford, and even if we could, it wasn’t “a girls toy”, so my pleasures with them came few and far between. However, when I was blessed by God to become the mother of two wonderful boys later in life…I made sure they had a massive collection of legos in every shape and size. I had so much fun over the years when my sons were little boys playing with them creating new and amazing lego creations. My oh my the fun crazy stuff we built over the years with those simple little plastic pieces. And yes, I sucked a few into the vacuum cleaner, probably had a few heel spurs stepping on them in the middle of the night, and had to watch little brother when he was very small to prevent the horrible choking hazard of them while older brother was six years older, but to this day… I believe LEGO blocks are one of the coolest toys on the face of the planet. I STILL HAVE A POPCORN CAN FULL OF THEM NOW WAITING ON GRANDCHILDREN. So when I was e-mailed this snippet about a LEGO church, I was drawn to it with wide eyes. My sons and I built many cool forts, and houses over the years. We built race tracks, horse corrals, flower gardens, golf courses, space ships, and many many things, but I must admit…we never built anything like this, even though we accomplished a country church on occasion. I have no basis to know if all these facts are true… but I think this is the coolest LEGO project I have ever seen. Just the photos brought back wonderful memories for me with the kids. The facts presented about this church I have titled “Little Brown LEGO Church In The Wildwood”, are given below the photos. Enjoy…I hope it brings back memories for you too, or if your children are still small, something to shoot for :) Video Sharing at DropShots.com Video Sharing at DropShots.com Video Sharing at DropShots.com Video Sharing at DropShots.com A few quick facts:How long to build it? - It was about a year and a half of planning, building and photographing. How many pieces of LEGO to build it? - more than 75,000 How big is it? - About 7 feet by 5 1/2 feet by 30 inches (2.2 m x 1.7 m x .76 m) How many lego people does it seat? - 1372 How many windows? - 3976 It features a balcony, stairs to the balcony, restrooms, coat rooms, several mosaics, a nave, a baptistry, an altar, a crucifix, a pulpit and an elaborate pipe organ. WOW

Cool Numbers Test

Video Sharing at DropShots.com Thanks for your patience... I've been out of town in Northern California the past few days visiting the in-laws. Although it rained the entire time, it was so nice to see green after a long winter here in Reno. I don't know if you guys like cool little puzzles or not, but this one works, and is fun and short. Pick a number, circle a number, and the little guy in the puzzle will tell you which one you picked. The math gurus in this world that think these up are certainly smarter than me. The 7-UP photo is due to the fact that the little guy in the puzzle has a 7-UP logo, so I assume this must have come from their website, so I will give them credit. Anyway, I love 7 & 7, my cocktail of choice :), a bit of free advertising...like they need any. Click HERE to participate in the fun puzzle if you wish.