Special Prayer Request

Try to imagine yourself in this man's shoes, being verbally assaulted with hatred and venom on a daily basis at his job. Try to imagine if you did the very best you knew how to do, and STILL, you were despised and hated without reason. How would you feel? How would you be able to function on a daily basis at your job? How would you feel everytime you went out in public, knowing that people despised you and there was nothing you could do to change their minds? If you are one of those that truly believes that millions of prayers from total strangers to one man can make that man's day easier... then PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK and give this gentleman a quick prayer.

War Is All Hell

Once in a while, I find someone else so brilliant that I must share them with you. Bennings Writing Pad published this fantastic piece. It was submitted to Real Clear Politics... Click the link to give him a vote, he deserves it! I just love it when someone says everything I would say and writes it ten times better than I could have. Good Job Bennings... good luck! Thursday, February 22, 2007 War Is All Hell "The majority of people are timid by nature, and that is why they constantly exaggerate danger. All influences on the military leader, therefore, combine to give him a false impression of his opponent's strength, and from this arises a new source of indecision."~ Karl von Clausewitz "Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum." (Latin)(Therefore, whoever wishes for peace, let him prepare for war.) ~ Vegetius in "De Re Militari" There is nothing pretty about War. War is an unalterably ugly thing. It is to be avoided whenever possible. But it cannot be avoided at all cost. Some costs are far too dear to bear. Because nobody comes in second in a War. There is a winner and a loser. And the losers in War are not envied their position. Ask the French who lost to Nazi Germany how life was under the Germans. Ask the Germans who lost to the Soviets. Ask the Greeks who were defeated by the Turks. Ask the Native Americans who lost to the United States. Ask the Carthaginians who lost to the Romans. No, wait! You can't ask the Carthaginians. They were annihilated by the Romans and sold into slavery, their cities razed, the ground sown with salt. "It is clear that war is not a mere act of policy but a true political instrument, a continuation of political activity by other means"~ Karl von Clausewitz Any nation which embarks on the path to War must be prepared to win it - no matter the cost - if that nation is to survive. Britain dithered, and sought Peace by any means, to avoid going to War with Nazi Germany. Their blindness to reality in Continental Europe, their reluctance to arm in preparation for what was coming, cost them dearly, in money, lives, and Empire. They sent out their diplomats to talk Peace with a tyrant. They talked and talked until they had an agreement - a piece of paper - to show the people. And then the Nazis struck. And Havoc enveloped the entire world. During the Cold War, Americans were told that the Communists were just like us. They loved their children, dreamed of better lives, wanted only to live in Peace. And all the while the Soviets gobbled up defenseless nations, enslaved their people, and plotted the destruction of the Western world. And still the Pacifists in the West prattled on about how peaceful were the intentions of the Communists. Wars were fought between the Communists and the Western Powers by proxy. Many people died. Much blood was spilled. And still the Pacifists blithered on that the West needed to understand the Soviet's view of things. And while they told us that, the Communists undermined free nations, murdered dissenters, enslaved the imprisoned populace of Eastern Europe and of Asia. And the Pacifists told us we must fear War, avoid it at all costs, and give in to the very enemies of the Freedoms they took for granted. And the Pacifists insisted that we could not win the Cold War. So why bother fighting it? Let's try detente! Let's try Treaties! Anything but fight the Communists. "No man is worth his salt who is not ready at all times to risk his body, to risk his well being, to risk his life, in a great cause."~ Theodore Roosevelt Then, as the 20Th Century aged, bloody and wretched, Leaders came to power in the West, Leaders who did not accept the dicta of the Pacifists, the Socialists, the fearful. Britain elected a Conservative woman to lead them, to the horror of the Leftists. And she began the unenviable task of dismantling the Socialist stranglehold on the British economy. She refused to allow the naked aggression of a Military Thug to stand in the Falklands. She took the tiny island to War. And the Left howled its rage at her for daring to show courage in the face of unrelenting attacks on her. But she was steadfast. And Britain won the War. The United States elected as President a man who had evolved from a Liberal to a Conservative, a man who made a living as an actor. The Left howled with rage. For this man had already stood up to the Leftist thugs in California as its elected Governor. He knew that you did not, dared not, compromise with those who would bow to those who fear a Free people. He was told we could not win the Cold War. He asked, "Why not?" His advisers asked him, "What's your plan?" He replied, "We win. They lose." And it was almost as simple as that. He refused to bow to the supposed greatness and inevitability of the Soviet Union, refused to appease them, despite the immense pressure of the Press to do so. He re-armed the United States against the screaming complaints of the Left. And he told the Soviets he would. The Soviets came to him, seeking a compromise. Against all advice he refused. The Soviet Union fell. Shortly thereafter the Iron Curtain was pulled down. Not from without, not from invasion, but from within. The people of Eastern Europe, their bonds loosened with the internal upheaval of the Communist regime in Moscow, freed themselves. The Cold War was won. Not by the forces of Tyranny but by the forces of Freedom acting with resolve. A resolve not shown by the West since the end of the Second World War. "The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living and the get rich quick theory of life."~ Theodore Roosevelt But the Left never dies, never admits defeat, never stops trying to enslave humanity. So the United States began to disarm. Seeking the money from the "Peace Dividend" so hard-won by others, the West began to nap, ignoring the growing and seething tyrannies, and religious Death Cults, around the world. When they attacked the outskirts of the Western world the West recoiled, and slumbered on. They spoke of righteous anger, and retribution to come, but did nothing. And the Death Cults grew bolder. All the while the Leftists demanded more disarmament, more taxes to fund their schemes, more hatred to heap on those who worried about the growing Evil without our own borders. For to the Leftists, their time in Power meant the "Never-Ending Party". Any who dared to disagree were to be shouted down, castigated, ruined, if possible. "The fool who has not sense to discriminate between what is good and what is bad is well nigh as dangerous as the man who does discriminate and yet chooses the bad."~ Theodore Roosevelt The people of the United States grew weary of the teenagers running the nation and elected the son of a President to the White House. The Left and the Press hated him. They made sure, as they always do, that the world knew what a buffoon he was, how stupid he was, how poorly he spoke. And when the Death Cults struck at the very heart of this nation, that man stood tall, and refused to bow to the appeasers. He was advised to not be hasty, to understand the grievances of those who murder the defenseless and the innocent. And he bided his time. He let the diplomats ply their trade while the Death Cultists plotted more destruction, more bloodshed, more murder. He talked to supposed allies and sought help and agreement from them. They refused him almost to a man. And while he waited the Death Cultists allied themselves with bloody Tyrants in Iraq and Iran. And finally there was simply no more time to wait. Acting on information gathered under his predecessor, the President took the nation to War. First with Afghanistan's terrorist regime, then with Iraq's bloody Tyrant. And the Leftists howled with rage. They warned that no Western Power had ever won in Afghanistan, they called the War there a quagmire within hours of its beginning. They went to the allies of the Iraqi Tyrant and told them that the US would invade Iraq. And they heaped such vitriol on the President that it beggars the imagination. "Find the enemy and shoot him down. Anything else is nonsense"~ Captain Manfred von Richthofen ("The Red Baron"), 1917 In their zeal to shackle the President, the Left enshrined an ideal for fighting War that was impossible and suicidal to attempt. Rules of Engagement were so onerous that the Soldiers fighting for their country were at risk of arrest and prosecution for criminal acts. The Left did anything it could to defeat the President, and by extension, the United States. From the incessant vilification of the President, and any who support him, to exposure of National Secrets to handcuff the nation, to prosecution of officials for crimes that never happened, the Left plied its trade. And the American people were caught in the middle, not knowing what was the truth and what was the lie. But many simply wanted the United States to win, and so continued to support the President, the Servicemen and women fighting the Death Cultists, and refused to be shouted down by the Left and its minions. "War is fear cloaked in courage."~ William Westmoreland Now, while the nation is truly at War in Iraq, and may be in Iran in the near future, the nibbling of the Leftist Hamsters of Hatred continues. Nothing matters to them but gaining and holding Power, while destroying the hated President. They will destroy the nation's economy to continue pushing a Socialism that has never worked anywhere in the world. They will buy votes with taxes, tax those they hate into oblivion, if they can, and try, as they have seemingly forever, to legislate against the Morality of the Ages in favor of the Licentiousness of Today. And they will snipe at those who are proud of this nation, proud of our history, proud of all that we have accomplished as a people. To the Leftists, those who wave the Stars and Stripes with pride are uneducated, illiterate, religious extremists, hate-mongers, war-mongers, beneath contempt. "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belong to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again. Who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause. Who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know either victory nor defeat."~ Theodore Roosevelt ("The Man in the Arena") The Left will only go to War to further what they think is a Progressive agenda, but is actually a bargain with the Devil. War in defense of the Homeland is incomprehensible to them. War in defense of ourselves is, likewise, incomprehensible to them. For our lives, our way of life, our Faith, is nothing to them but uncivilized superstition, and must be wiped out. The only thing in which the Left has Faith is in themselves and their self-acclaimed greatness. Question their Patriotism? We rarely do, but are accused of it with every question we do ask. Question their morals? They have none save those which will benefit themselves to the detriment of the rest of us. We fight a War, today, not simply to free and keep free those enslaved by tyrannies, but we fight the War to preserve our own Freedoms and Liberties which are daily threatened. From within as well as without. Yes, War is an ugly, horrible thing. And we fight when we must! "War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature, and has no chance of being free unless made or kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."~ John Stuart Mill

Wednesday Hero - Sgt. Maj. Brent "The Rock" Jurgersen

This Weeks Soldier Was Requested By Echo9er Sgt. Maj. Brent "The Rock" Jurgersen Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th U.S. Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division Active Duty Not even two near-death encounters deterred Sgt. Maj. Brent Jurgerson's passion and eagerness to serve his country and lead his troops back home. Jurgersen celebrated his second "alive day" anniversary January 26, 2007. It was a day of mixed emotions for him because on that same day two years ago he was given a second chance to live. It was a day that changed his life forever. While on patrol in Ad Dyuliah, Iraq, two rocket-propelled grenades struck his Humvee. The explosion killed his gunner and left Jurgersen fighting for his life, flat-lining twice on the operating table in Balad. Afterwards, during a promotion ceremony in August of 2006, Jurgersen was selected for a command sergeant major appointment. Becoming the first full limb amputee student to attend the academy. You can read the rest of Sgt. Maj. Jurgersen's story here. These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero. We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. If you would like to participate in honoring the brave men and women who serve this great country, you can find out how by going here.

The Ultimate Gift - Is You

Get comfortable and put your seat belts on. Be prepared to be moved A LOT. March 9th, 2007 is the opening of the movie “The Ultimate Gift”. Starring Oscar nominated Abigail Breslin, James Garner, Ali Hillis, Drew Fuller and Brian Dennehy, this movie will move your heart, mind, and soul possibly to the point of changing your life. A very different story, but in the fashion of Pay It Forward, “The Ultimate Gift” will inspire the message it was based upon, “The only way you can truly get more out of life for yourself is to give part of yourself away.” Over 300 pre-screenings have resulted in a true movement of change, and have inspired over $5 Million dollars in charity giving. Based on a book that has been around for several years, the movement toward humility and giving has begun a movement so strong, the movie was created in order to share this heart-warming story to millions. Schools are beginning to incorporate its meaning into school curriculum, and the successful teen philanthropy initiative called “Show Of Hands” was also inspired by “The Ultimate Gift” This is the official site of the movie "The Ultimate Gift" and the grass-roots movement its starting to help charities and give to others. You may support the charity of your choice through the unique “Weekend of Giving” promotion. Find all the details at TheUltimateGift.com. Thanks for your passion and your help. May the movie’s story inspire you to give of yourself, a gift that no dollar value can be placed on.

Who...Who Are You? - The Who - That's Who

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos Yes...Yes I DO have 10th row floor seats for this concert this evening. I will be rocking tonight! Hopefully, I won't be too hung over tomorrow to come back and update with a story of how fabulous the show was! I must go now...dinner reservations at 6pm...at Sterling's Seafood & Steakhouse at the Silver Legacy...then off to The Who. Wish you could be here :) UPDATE: Yes, the show was amazing. There aren't quite words to describe an awesome show. Well worth the price of the tickets! We were on the 10th row with center isle seats. The band rocked non-stop for more than two solid hours and brought the house down. The Who easily ranks right up there with the known show bands Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, and Aerosmith. Great show, great time!

The Middle Wife

Once again, thanks to my readers that e-mail me jewels to share with you… "Subject: The Middle Wife I've been teaching now for about fifteen years. I have two kids myself, but the best birth story I know is the one I saw in my own second-grade classroom a few years back. When I was a kid, I loved show-and-tell. So I always have a few sessions with my students. It helps them get over shyness and usually, show-and-tell is pretty tame. Kids bring in pet turtles, model airplanes, pictures of fish they catch, stuff like that. And I never, ever place any boundaries or limitations on them. If they want to lug it in to school and talk about it, they're welcome. Well, one day this little girl, Erica, a very bright, very outgoing kid, takes her turn and waddles up to the front of the class with a pillow stuffed under her sweater. She holds up a snapshot of an infant. "This is Luke, my baby brother, and I'm going to tell you about his birthday." "First, Mom and Dad made him as a symbol of their love, and then Dad put a seed in my Mom's stomach, and Luke grew in there. He ate for nine months through an umbrella cord." She's standing there with her hands on the pillow and I'm trying not to laugh and wishing I had my camcorder with me. The kids are watching her in amazement. "Then, about two Saturdays ago, my Mom starts saying and going, 'Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh!'. Erica puts a hand behind her back and groans. "She walked around the house for, like an hour, 'Oh, oh, oh!'. Now this kid is doing a hysterical duck walk and groaning. "My Dad called the middle wife. She delivers babies, but she doesn't have a sign on the car like the Domino's man. They got my Mom to lie down in bed like this." Then Erica lies down with her back against the wall. "And then, pop! My Mom had this bag of water she kept in there in case he got thirsty, and it just blew up and spilled all over the bed, like psshhheew!" This kid has her legs spread with her little hands miming water flowing away. It was too much! "Then the middle wife starts saying 'push, push,' and 'breathe, breathe’. They started counting, but never even got past ten. Then, all of a sudden, out comes my brother. He was covered in yucky stuff that they all said it was from Mom's play-center, so there must be a lot of toys inside there." Then Erica stood up, took a big theatrical bow and returned to her seat. I'm sure I applauded the loudest. Ever since then, when it's show-and-tell day, I bring my camcorder, just in case another "Middle Wife"comes along."

Insurgent Bomb Factory Found in Baghdad

The U.S. military warned Thursday that insurgents are adopting new tactics in a campaign to spread panic after troops uncovered a car bomb factory with propane tanks and chlorine cylinders possible ingredients for more chemical attacks following three explosions involving chlorine. read more | digg story

Today's News & Reviews

RATS TAKE OVER KFC / TACO BELL: EEWWW!!! Huge rats take over a KFC / Taco Bell franchise in NYC. This isn’t the first time this owner has had issues with ICKY. The owner must learn to “Think Outside the Rodent”… WILLIAM & MARY HOST SEX WORKER SHOW: Here’s our educational system at a “high point” huh? The College of William & Mary hosts a sex show on campus. 200 pound woman called Dirty Martini does a striptease in a G-string and pasties, and the “lovely and talented” Cono Snatch performed an anti-war skit with a gun shaped dildo. “This is the same college that recently forced the removal of a traditional cross from a podium pulpit in the school’s chapel, so as to not offend anyone…and supposedly make the chapel more appealing for students of all faiths…” Can’t have a cross…but a slut toting a gun-shaped dildo on stage is fine… hmnnn… 70 YEAR OLD USA TOURIST KILLS MUGGER WITH BARE HANDS: WAY TO GO POPS!!! The best news…no charges will be filed, it was determined sure self defense. ISRAEL’S DEFENSE MINISTER IS A DUFUS ON CAMERA: And we thought only poor George Bush got all goofy on TV sometimes. Israel’s minister of defense Amir Peretz is photographed watching war maneuvers with binoculars that still have the lens caps on them. Hehehehe… PRINCIPAL BUYS CRACK AT SCHOOL: “Principal Anthony Giancola…please report to the principal’s office at once for detention”… WOW, the principal of Van Buren Middle School in Tampa, FL makes a $20 crack buy from an undercover officer while at school. This after he cancelled his 7:30pm $200 order for a 3:45pm $20 order. Boy, our kids are sure in “good hands” aren’t they?

Find Counseling In Your Area

FindCounseling.com (Formerly TherapistFinder.net) has launched a new site keeping with their tradition of service since 1996. It’s EASY AND PRIVATE to find a competent therapist in your area. Browse many articles and reviews on various mental health issues. Find Denver Therapists, and see the concentration on the local areas of Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Miami, and Philadelphia. Skip the unknowns of the yellow pages, or an HMO directory and research qualified caring therapists at FindCounseling.com.

Former Celtics player Dennis Johnson died today at age 52

Former Celtics player Dennis Johnson died today at age 52, Celtics executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge confirmed to The Boston Globe. The Austin American-Statesman is reporting on its website that Johnson fell ill at the Austin Convention Center in Texas this afternoon. read more | digg story

G.R.I.T. - I Am One and Damn Proud Of It :)

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos Thank you so much to the person who e-mailed me this and gave me a nice chuckle for the day. Kiss me - I'm a GRIT! "GRIT (Girls Raised In Texas ): Texas Women, Kittens and Biscuits Someone once noted that a Texan can get away with the most awful kind of insult just as long as it's prefaced with the words, "Bless her/his heart", “God love her”, “Poor little thang”, “Guess she don’t know better…but” For example, " Bless her heart, if they put her brain on the head of a pin, it'd roll around like a BB on a 6-lane highway." Or, “Poor little thang, if brains were gasoline, he wouldn’t have enough to drive a piss ant around the hole of a life saver.” I was thinking about this the other day when a friend was telling about her new transplanted northern friend who was upset because her toddler is just beginning to talk and he has a Texas accent. My friend, who is very kind and, God love her, cannot do a thing about those thighs of hers, was un-justifiably miffed about this. After all, this woman had CHOSEN to move to Texas a couple of years ago. "Can you believe it?" said her friend, "A child of mine is going to be "taaaallllkkin liiiike thiiiissss." Now, don't get me wrong. Some of my dearest friends are from the North, bless their hearts. I welcome their perspective, their friendships, and their recipes for authentic Northern Italian food. I've even gotten past their endless complaints that you can't find good bread down here. And the heathens, (they can’t help it, guess they don’t know any better), don't like cornbread! I have a friend from Bawston, bless her heart, who thinks it's hilarious when I say I've got to "carry" my daughter to the doctor or "cut off" the light. She also gets a giggle every time I am "fixin" to do something. And, God love them, they don't even know where "over yonder" is or what "I reckon" means! My personal favorite was my aunt, saying, " Bless her little pea-pickin’ heart, she cain't help being ugly, but she could'uh stayed home." Texas girls know bad manners when they see them: 1. Drinking straight out of a can. 2. Not sending thank you notes. 3. Velvet after February. 4. White shoes before Memorial Day or after Labor Day. Texas girls always say: 1. "Yes Maam." 2. "Yessir." Texas girls have a distinct way with fond expressions: 1. "Yawl come back." 2. "Well, bless yer harrt." 3. "Drop by when ya can." 4. "How's yer mama?" 5. "Love yer hair." Texas girls know their three R's: 1. Rich 2. Richer 3. Richest Texas girls know everybody's first name: 1. Hunny 2. Darlin' 3. Shuger Texas girls know the movies that speak to their hearts: 1. "Gone With the Wind" 2. "Fried Green Tomatoes" 3. "Driving Miss Daisy" 4. "Steel Magnolias" Texas girls know the three deadly sins: 1. Bad hair 2. Bad manners 3. Bad blind dates G.R.I.T. = Girls Raised in Texas! Now you run along, Shuger, and tell this to ANY females aspiring to be GRITS--Even the northern ones, "Bless Their Hearts, God Love 'Em" "Just because you move to Texas does not make you a Texan. After all, if a cat had kittens and moved them to the oven, that wouldn't make them biscuits." "

Steiner Binoculars - Bring It Up Close and Personal

Whether you need to see the split second finish at the line, or find the fowl in the sky, steiner binoculars will keep you sighted in to your favorite far away forum. These high quality binoculars are waterproof and fog proof. Nitrogen purging keeps the vision clear from one environment to the next in any temperature or weather change. Fiber reinforced polycarbonate body makes Steiner binoculars light but strong and durable. They have a full rubber casing to make them wilderness tough. See from a few feet to 1000 yards, and spend $200 to $1000. See it up close and personal. Sight it, shoot it, and bring it home with high quality Steiner binoculars from Eagle Optics. Eagle Optics is the best place to purchase binoculars because of low cost, outstanding customer service, excellent selection, and FREE financing for orders over $200. Steiner offers a 30 year limited warranty and a staff willing to serve your every need.

Wednesday Hero - Staff Sgt. Kara Opperman

I have just joined up with this fine group of folks on the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. You will find the blogroll on the left sidebar of this site. Wednesday Hero is designed to honor those that have given all so that you and I can remain free. It is my honor and privilege to support our troops and tip my hat and heart to those that sacrifice everything for all of us. I will try my best to be diligent and pledge my support each Wednesday. Staff Sgt. Kara Opperman 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Staff Sgt. Kara Opperman performs a quality control check Feb. 13 on fuel coming out of a fill stand at Balad Air Base, Iraq. Sergeant Opperman ensures the fuel is safe and meets Air Force specifications before it is used for aircraft and equipment. These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero. We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. If you would like to participate in honoring the brave men and women who serve this great country, you can find out how by going here.

Belisi - How It Started

I just love a good entrepreneurial story. I remember meager beginnings, and although as a business owner today, I’m still just “little mom & pop”, but we certainly do more and have more than we did before owning our own businesses. Peter Belisi was a bartender in Palm Beach. Looking for so much more, and wanting more for his family. Living in the elite Palm Beach, he felt he had to look more like an elitist if he was ever to be one. He began to spend his extra pennies on neck ties…yes, neck ties. Matching the perfect tie with his average clothes…he began to get responses from those who never used to notice. Voila…his idea was launched. Belisi Fashions. Peter believes that accessories are the start of a good look, not the finish. He has built a company based on that idea, and is doing well. I perused the choices at Belisi.com and was impressed that for that trendy gentleman…he has plenty for them to choose from. His accessories are unique too, which makes a “style” become truly your own. Belisi Fashions also allows a small amount of EVERY purchase to go to your favorite charity. His belief coming from meager beginnings was to make sure that if successful, he gave back when he could. Great heart, great idea, great company…we need more like him. Check out the story of Belisi - How it Started. Then, go shopping at Belisi.com for a trendsetting neck-tie, join the neck-tie club, and look into the new handbag line.

Norene - Without Electricity For FIFTEEN YEARS

Ten years later… try 15 YEARS…YES THAT’S FIFTEEN YEARS…WITHOUT ANY ELECTRICITY OR HOT WATER… almost enough time to travel through a generation. Ms. Norene lived in Florida during Hurricane Andrew. Her home was badly damaged, and being an elderly woman, she was taken by an unscrupulous contractor during repair mode. Sadly, this happens with every natural disaster. Evil Americans that should be hung for bad character will make promises to those desperate and then screw their eyes completely out. Then…as with a calming breeze on a spring day, they will just blow out of town and leave the desperate hanging by their last thread that snaps as they exit, and the evil doers never look back. It is also sadly true that far too many Americans live good lives, do the best they can, and are just in a situation with no family or friends to help. Now, I find that hard to understand…but then again…I have such a big mouth and could not live a menial existence without human contact…I would be a stink raiser. But it IS TRUE THAT SOME CANNOT. I grew up in the South, and I understand pride. I grew up dirt poor, but very happy. We were always proud though. We never asked for anything, and never needed anything that we could not provide for ourselves, no matter how small. Our victories came small, but highly celebrated when they came. However…WE NEVER SUFFERED SOMETHING LIKE A MAJOR HURRICANE. Ms. Norene was too proud to ask. She was embarrassed at her situation. She one day had a nice home, and probably enjoyed her garden and her happy existence. She doodled around in her happy home and talked on her phone and enjoyed her retirement. The next day, Andrew blew it all away. After the felonious contractor took all her insurance money, and did NOT repair her home to accepted building codes and then vanished; she was left with truly nothing. She had just enough money to get by, but not enough money to hire a new above board contractor to repair her damage to a level that would grant her a building inspector’s approval. So…embarrassed and broken…but Southern TOUGH, she endured. She had a plug or two that worked, and had a hot plate and a dim light or two. She took cold showers each day and didn’t complain. She commented that you just get used to it. You turn the water on…psyche yourself out for a moment, and then jump in and do it really quick. Some life for a woman huh? Due to a tip somehow (the story is vague), the local people in Florida came together and recently got her electricity turned back on. There is still other bad damage that needs repair, and the locals are helping out with that too, one bit at a time. Her statement was that she was going to take a VERY LONG HOT…HOT…BUBBLE BATH. Ms. Norene, I hope you have warm bubble baths from now on. We as a country have gotten too far away from our neighbors, and I am as guilty as anyone. I know who my next door neighbors are on each side of me…but I do not know their last names and I have lived here for 8 years. We speak, we exchange pleasantries, and we are friendly. But, unlike the days of my youth, I have never baked my neighbor a pie. We don’t have dinner together, and I don’t have a key to their home for “in case” instances when they are away. Heck, in my youth, nobody even locked their doors. A friend of mine recently told me that with the war going on, and so many stories like these coming out, that in her neighborhood…they have started Progressive Dinners. A small group of neighbors will agree to the idea, and then…once a month…they have a progressive dinner. That means that all will come to my house for cocktails. Then, we’ll all go to your house for an appetizer. Then, all will go to the next house for the salad, then to the next for the entrée and so forth. She says that even though all the five or six neighbors don’t necessarily share common interests, it’s a lot of fun once a month. Now, everyone at least knows who everyone else is, and the neighborhood just seems more stable and united. I think that’s a great idea. She said that once, one neighbor decided to have fun…and the entrée was spaghetti…and lo and behold…there were no plates, no silverware, just a LOT OF NAPKINS. The tables were covered with plastic, and the hostess just spooned out spaghetti on the plastic and they all ate with their fingers and hands. She said they hadn’t giggled so much as middle aged people in years. Let’s all get back to being better neighbors and countrymen, and NOT…NOT NOTICE that our neighbor hasn’t had freaking electricity for FIFTEEN YEARS! And…let’s teach our neighbors NOT TO LIVE THAT WAY FOR FIFTEEN YEARS without seeking some relief.

Brighten Up Your Interior Lighting

Get out of the dark! Let there be light! Trick out your house with some new interior lighting. Add some new flare with home lighting fixtures that say style. Jazz up your outdoors with patio lights. Make your dull bookshelves and cabinets brighten up with some spiffy track lighting. Add more fun to your parties with some flare with new party room lighting. Spice up the mood for meals with new Kitchen Lighting Be bright, be cool.

XM Radio - Sirius Radio Merger Closer

Yesterday, I mentioned the XM - Sirius merger in News & Reviews. Check out this quite longwinded e-mail we received from Sirius today mentioning the merger. I've been saying I'm not crazy about the deal because I LOVE MY XM Radio and it's programming much better than husband's Sirius. Well, since I haven't received an e-mail from XM...and got this crazy rambling notice of I'm not sure what of from Sirius... I'm afraid it's the Sirius people that are in trouble and want their customers to know how awesome it will be to merge with XM. I almost felt like I'd been served with some kind of legal document when I read this e-mail. Is all this mumble jumble really necessary just to let me, the customer know that some changes are coming??? "February 19, 2007 To: SIRIUS Subscribers Today is a very exciting day for SIRIUS customers. As you may have heard, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio are merging to form the nation's premier audio entertainment provider. This combination of our two offerings will benefit you - our loyal listeners. As a single company, we'll provide superior programming to you every day with the best of both SIRIUS and XM. Currently, XM and SIRIUS broadcast a wide range of commercial-free music channels, exclusive sports coverage, news, talk, and entertainment programming. Howard Stern. Oprah and Friends. The NFL. MLB. NBA. ESPN. CNBC. Fox News. Additionally, the combined company will be able to improve existing services such as real-time traffic information and rear-seat video as well as introduce new ones. After shareholder and regulatory approvals, we anticipate that the combination will be finalized by the end of 2007. Until then, both companies will continue to operate independently. We will continue to provide you with the uninterrupted service - as well as the outstanding customer support - that you have come to expect and enjoy from SIRIUS. We do not anticipate any changes in your service during the merger process, however, please call our customer care team on 1- 888-539-7474 should you have any questions. We look forward to the many benefits this combination will offer and continuing to make your listening experience an enjoyable one - offering more of the Very Best Radio on Radio. Stay tuned, Mel Karmazin, CEO Forward Looking Statements This letter contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the business combination transaction involving Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc., including potential synergies and cost savings and the timing thereof, future financial and operating results, the combined company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to future operations, products and services; and other statements identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "will," "should," "may," or words of similar meaning. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of SIRIUS' and XM's management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of SIRIUS and XM. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statement: general business and economic conditions; the performance of financial markets and interest rates; the ability to obtain governmental approvals of the transaction on a timely basis; the failure of SIRIUS and XM shareholders to approve the transaction; the failure to realize synergies and cost-savings from the transaction or delay in realization thereof; the businesses of SIRIUS and XM may not be combined successfully, or such combination may take longer, be more difficult, time-consuming or costly to accomplish than expected; and operating costs and business disruption following the merger, including adverse effects on employee retention and on our business relationships with third parties, including manufacturers of radios, retailers, automakers and programming providers. Additional factors that could cause SIRIUS' and XM's results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in SIRIUS' and XM's Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2006, June 30, 2006 and September 30, 2006 which are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and available at the SEC's Internet site http://www.sec.gov The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof, and Sirius and XM disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release. Important Additional Information Will be Filed with the SEC This communication is being made in respect of the proposed business combination involving SIRIUS and XM. In connection with the proposed transaction, SIRIUS plans to file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 containing a Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and each of SIRIUS and XM plan to file with the SEC other documents regarding the proposed transaction. The definitive Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus will be mailed to stockholders of SIRIUS and XM. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF SIRIUS AND XM ARE URGED TO READ THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the Registration Statement and the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by SIRIUS and XM through the web site maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Free copies of the Registration Statement and the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC can also be obtained by directing a request to Sirius Satellite Radio Inc., 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, Attention: Investor Relations or by directing a request to XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc., 1500 Eckington Place, NE Washington, DC 20002, Attention: Investor Relations. SIRIUS, XM and their respective directors and executive officers and other persons may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction. Information regarding SIRIUS' directors and executive officers is available in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, which was filed with the SEC on March 13, 2006, and its proxy statement for its 2006 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 21, 2006, and information regarding XM's directors and executive officers is available in XM's Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2005, which was filed with the SEC on March 3, 2006 and its proxy statement for its 2006 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 25, 2006. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available. Please note: this is not a promotional e-mail. As a SIRIUS subscriber, you will periodically receive service notices via e-mail. These service notices are intended to provide you with helpful information that will facilitate and enhance your SIRIUS listening experience."

Stone Hawk Drug Rehab Centers

Today’s current events are bombarded with negative publicity about numerous celebrities. Those are just the rich and famous that we hear about. Drug addiction is a very serious matter, and thousands of people are suffering in silence each day. It’s a proven fact that the best people to provide complete and final drug rehab are those people that used to be addicted and truly know the struggles and troubles one must face to get clean. Stone Hawk drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers located in Albion and Battle Creek, Michigan provide beautiful surroundings and a competent staff to help gain freedom from dependency from dope or booze. Please check out the website at http://www.narcononstonehawk.com/. Their website provides a ton of information about drug rehab and addictions. There are articles to help those in need, an abundance of information about the facilities, and even pages to help with financing for the drug rehab stay. They offer short term and long term programs, and continued support after the program is finished. Stone Hawk drug rehab centers have an amazing 76% cure rate. If you or someone you love is struggling with dependency, save a life…visit Stone Hawk today.

Climbers Rescued From Mt. Hood - Why?

“’CAUSE I CAN”…NO EXCUSE… Yes, yes…I am truly thankful that rescuers were able to bring three hikers, two women and one man to safety. However…come on folks…how many more dumb minded, disrespectful, and selfish nature nuts are going to risk the lives of so many innocent people that know better? My Daddy always told me, “Just because you can, is NO EXCUSE to do!” Mt. Hood in Oregon is a beautiful mountain. It’s rugged, and an enticing adventure for any rock climbing enthusiast. It is a huge feather in the cap if you can claim that you conqured the summit of the elusive Mt. Hood. However, “claim and conquer”, one would think, would be better served in summer months when the freaking wind isn’t blowing 70mph, and there are not white out blizzard conditions in play. Not to mention how much more beautiful the view would be from the summit if you could actually see your hands in front of your face! Thirty Five people have died on Mt. Hood while trying to maneuver around snow drifts and looming danger. In my opinion, all 35 complicated their situations by having their heads buried up their asses under all the required gear. I swear, I think the rescuers should post big signs that say, “If You’re STUPID Enough To Go Up There NOW – We’re Leaving Your Dumb Ass THERE If Things Go Bad For You”… signed, EXPERTS that HAVE conquered, AND STILL have their COMMON SENSE and LIFE to show for the expertise.

Today's News & Reviews

XM Radio & Sirius Radio To Merge: I doubt it…aren’t there rules about monopoly? Or, did the liberal left manage to get that “rule excused” too along with anything else that should be enforced that never is. I surely hope if they do, that XM doesn’t sell their soul to Sirius. I have XM Radio in my car, and my husband happens to have Sirius in his. I definitely like XM the best. Prince Harry Off to Basrah, Iraq: Being dubbed the “bullet magnet” by his peers… Well DUH!!! WHY ON EARTH would the news media announce such details about such a distinguished individual to everyone on the globe. They might as well invite insurgents to play “Where’s Waldo” with the poor gent. Our media managers are idiots and morons. The anchor people, and reporters are not at fault so much, they are bound by what their producers and owners make them do… all for ratings of course. Well, if their errors in judgment go badly, I guess another Royal funeral will get big ratings huh? Osbourne Has AIDS: While all disease and tragedy is sad… I must say I’m not shocked that one of the Osbourne’s has contracted AIDS. If these celebrities that think their “reality shows” resemble anything remotely close to anything REAL, they’re sadly mistaken. The result of their lifestyles though, will surely will bring reality to their feet. Gotta say…hope it’s not Ozzie… I did grow up listening to Black Sabbath, and "Mama I’m Coming Home" still reigns as one of my all time favorites.

Hang Down Your Head Nasrollah - Hang Down Your Head & Die! - GRAPHIC

Finally... we see a hanging in the Middle East that is justified. Nasrollah Shanbe Zehi was hung “in the town square” for his role in a deadly bombing. The photos are graphic, but it certainly gets the point across. If we would do a little more of this in our country to our criminal idiots that get three or four chances to commit the same tired old crime over and over before we give them a menial sentence, then let them out early because our jails are overcrowded, and then stand with our mouths dropped when we hear they have committed another hideous crime again later…our justice system might have some true oomph. And, our jails would NEVER be overcrowded!

Happy Chinese New Year! - Year of the PIG

Year of the Pig The years of the Pig are: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, (and every 12 years on). Ones who are born in the Year of the Pig are chivalrous and gallant. They use strength towards whatever they do. They have a lot of fortitude and great honesty. They don’t make many friends, but if you have a friend that was born in the Year of the Pig, you’re fortunate because you’re loyal. They study a lot and are really well informed. They are quick tempered, and hate arguments. They’re kind to their loved ones. Even if their problems are extremely bad, they still try to work it out even if it seems impulsive. They’re most compatible with ones who are born in the Year of the Rabbit and Sheep.

AGLOCO - Online Community - Money For YOU

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos AGLOCO is a new social network online community in pre-launch stage. It is designed to pay YOU while you surf the net the way you normally do. As with the concept of YouTube, that was just sold for over a BILLION dollars because SO MANY PEOPLE use it every day…(YouTube’s Members got NOTHING), Agloco intends to grow a network and share the revenue with it’s members. The “viewbar” that is required to make it all work will launch in March. It’s FREE to join, so Learn More or Join Now! before the competition gets tight.

Liberal Idiots Dead Horse Theory

The Dead Horse Theory: Ancient wisdom, passed on from generation to generation, says that, "When you discover that you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount. " However, with this new liberal government and not-so-highly intelligent Democratic Congress, more advanced strategies are being employed in such situations, such as 1. Buying a stronger whip. 2. Changing riders. 3. Appointing a committee to study the horse. 4. Visiting other countries to see how other cultures ride dead horses. 5. Lowering the standards so that dead horses can be included. 6. Reclassifying the dead horse as living-impaired. 7. Hiring outside contractors to ride the dead horse. 8. Harnessing several dead horses together to increase speed. 9. Providing additional funding and/or training to increase dead horse's performance. 10. Doing a productivity study to see if lighter riders would improve the dead horse's performance. 11. Declaring that as the dead horse does not have to be fed, it is less costly, carries lower overhead, and therefore contributes substantially more to the bottom line of the economy than do some other horses. 12. Rewriting the expected performance requirements for all horses. And of course . . . 13. Promoting the dead horse to a Management position, like Speaker of the House.

Taser Stun Gun Can Save You - GPS Locator Can Find You

Most people think of home security or self defense to mean alarm systems, surveillance camera systems, mace or pepper spray, etc. Home security really means true protection to the best of one’s ability to save their families whether at home or away. Did you know that a Taser Stun Gun can be used for so much more than to fend off a robber? In the greater Southwest where hiking, rock climbing or rock finding, arrow head searching, or hunting in general is highly popular, poisonous snakes are always a threat. The old ways of cutting a snake bite in the shape of an “X”, and having someone suck the poison out is outdated. A taser stun gun can save your life. A shock to the bitten area immediately after a bite will electrically dissipate the poison and give you time to seek treatment. GPS LOCATORS HERE Another form of home security that is necessary in today’s times is the ability to find your children in an instant. GPS locators are becoming ever more popular to help parents find their little ones instantly, or keep up with those daring teenagers that never seem to be where they say they are going to be. BrickhouseSecurity.com offers any kind of traditional security product you might think of, as well as providing many obscure forms of security devices you might have never thought of. They have computer surveillance gadgets to help you keep up with employee’s computer activity. Also available, many audio or video surveillance options. Keep safe; buy the products that will give you peace of mind. Check out the site and let me know which safety product you’d never thought about that could give you added peace of mind.

TSA Teams Up with Amber Alert

If you will notice at the very top of this blog, I have the Amber Alert “ticker” visible. The Amber Alert is an amazing program that has saved 318 children to date from the grips of their abductors. I was so happy to hear that the TSA (Transportation Safety Administration) has now joined forces with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to provide the Amber Alert system in over 450 airports. Nothing can seem more horrible than to know an innocent child has been taken against its will and is in danger. Child predators are numbering into the horrid thousands and thousands. I am proud to do my very tiny part to help save a child by displaying the Amber Alert banner on this blog. If you would like to display the Amber Alert on your website, CLICK HERE. To find out more about the new Amber Stick, and Amber Dots, CLICK HERE. Thanks for doing your tiny part to help the kids.

Unsigned.com - Discover New Talent

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos HOW EXCITING to know you have all the talent in the world necessary to be a SUPERSTAR… but there you remain UNDISCOVERED. Well, put the ball into your own court and GET DISCOVERED! Unsigned.com is the resource to “get found”, AND… it’s a great resource for average Joe’s like you and I to discover unknown talent. And, with this avenue of entertainment discovery, we can skip the whole ordeal of trying out for, or watching a million episodes of American Idol :) I surfed the site for a moment, and found two bands I really liked, and discovered a genre called Trance Artists that I didn’t even know existed. Check out Unsigned.com, and give the bands Blueworld, and Joetry a quick listen. If you prefer rock, hip hop, country, jazz, grunge, or metal music...they have it all. Choose whatever type of music you like, and find a new band ;)

Congress Passes Non-Binding Resolution - New BINDING Resolution Launched Here

Well, the Democrats did it…along with 12 Republicans. The “non-binding resolution”, (whatever kind of horse shit that phrase alone means) to NOT try and win the war in Iraq was passed, and the Congress pretty much told President George Bush to kiss their butts. Henry Waxman (D-Ca), stated that the situation in Iraq is now a defeat, and that we cannot create a stable unified liberal democracy in Iraq that is pro-American. He says that we have a disabled Middle East that threatens to be engulfed by the nightmare that we have unleashed. Nancy Pelosi (D-Ca) added to this hogwash that while the “bipartisan” resolution may be nonbinding, Congress is committed and supporting our troops. (Huh? Troop Support?) She says she is signaling change to end the fighting and bring the troops home soon. Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos I have a better theory for these moonbats. Let’s pass a DAMN BINDING RESOLUTION and send in the USRSF. That would be the United States Redneck Special Forces USRSF. Our resolution will be simple, and guaranteed to end the problems in Iraq in short order. The new troops from Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, West Virginia, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas will be told the following things. 1. The season opened today. 2. There is no limit. 3. They taste just like chicken 4. They don’t like beer, whiskey, pickups, country music, or Jesus. 5. They are directly responsible for the death of Dale Earnhardt. See ya Osama…. Sucks to be you!

Date A Millionaire

Did your Valentine fall short of cupid’s arrow? Perhaps, your Valentine has no car or no job. Dump him… go after something that will take care of you in the type of lifestyle you deserve, and should be allowed to become accustomed to. DATE A MILLIONAIRE! There are hundreds of them out there and waiting for you. Pretend it’s Easter…go on an egg hunt for rich guys and gals. Check out this premiere Millionaire Dating Service and find a rich prince this time around. Browse photos, leave messages, climb up on that first rung of the millionaire ladder. Beats kissing a frog doesn’t it?

Britney Spears Rehab Whirlwind

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos Some people just DON’T LEARN. Britney Spears is spiraling downward at lightening speed, headed directly for rock bottom with no get out of jail free card. People close to the slushed out diva have begged her for some time to get help before she crashes and burns, but Miss Spears can’t seem to agree. After being caught on TV recently with her privates exposed, collapsing on New Year’s Eve, being seen looped out of her gourd all over the place, Britney checked into rehab earlier this week, but stayed less than 24 hours. Spears checked into Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Centre in Antiqua, but could only handle one day of sobriety before heading off to Florida. You’d think after watching Anna Nicole’s dead ass splashed all over the television screen lately, she’d think twice. Oh well, another huge potential soon to be reduced to slutty rubbish. What a shame. Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos