Virginia Tech - Dear God WHY?

Dear God: Why didn't you save the school children at ?... Moses Lake , Washington 2/2/96 Bethel , Alaska 2/19/97 Pearl , Mississippi 10/1/97 West Paducah , Kentucky 12/1/97 Stamp, Arkansas 12/15/97 Jonesboro , Arkansas 3/24/98 Edinboro , Pennsylvania 4/24/98 Fayetteville , Tennessee 5/19/98 Springfield , Oregon 5/21/98 Richmond , Virginia 6/15/98 Littleton , Colorado 4/20/99 Taber , Alberta , Canada 5/28/99 Conyers, Georgia 5/20/99 Deming , New Mexico 11/19/99 Fort Gibson , Oklahoma 12/6/99 Santee , California 3/ 5/01 and El Cajon, California 3/22/01 Virginia Tech 4/16/07? Sincerely, Concerned Student ----------------------------------------------------- Reply: Dear Concerned Student: I am not allowed in schools. Sincerely, God ---------------------------------------------------------- How did this get started?... ----------------- Let's see, I think it started when Madeline Murray O'Hare complained she didn't want any prayer in our schools. And we said, OK. ------------------ Then, someone said you better not read the Bible in school, the Bible that says "thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbors as yourself," And we said, OK... ----------------- Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehaved because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem. And we said, an expert should know what he's talking about so we won't spank them anymore.. ------------------ Then someone said teachers and principals better not discipline our children when they misbehave. And the school administrators said no faculty member in this school better touch a student when they misbehave because we don't want any bad publicity, and we surely don't want to be sued. And we accepted their reasoning... ------------------ Then someone said, let's let our daughters have abortions if they want, and they won't even have to tell their parents. And we said, that's a grand idea... ------------------ Then some wise school board member said, since boys will be boys and they're going to do it anyway, let's give our sons all the condoms they want, so they can have all the fun they desire, and we won't have to tell their parents they got them at school. And we said, that's another great idea.. ------------------ Then some of our top elected officials said it doesn't matter what we do in private as long as we do our jobs. And we said, it doesn't matter what anybody does in private as long as we have jobs and the economy is good.... ------------------ And someone else took that appreciation a step further and published pictures of nude children and then stepped further still by making them available on the Internet. And we said, everyone's entitled to free speech.... ------------------ And the entertainment industry said, let's make TV shows and movies that promote profanity, violence and illicit sex... And let's record music that encourages rape, drugs, murder, suicide, and satanic themes.. And we said, it's just entertainment and it has no adverse effect and nobody takes it seriously anyway, so go right ahead. ------------------ Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, classmates or even themselves. ------------------ Undoubtedly, if we thought about it long and hard enough, we could figure it out. I'm sure it has a great deal to do with... "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW,"

Wednesday Hero - Chief Master Sgt. John Gebhardt

This Weeks Soldier Was Submitted By Anna Chief Master Sgt. John Gebhardt Superintendent of the 22nd Wing Medical Group at McConnell Air Force Base Have you heard of Chief Master Sgt. John Gebhardt? Maybe you have and maybe you haven't. CMSgt. Hebhardt gain some notoriety recently. Not for an action that he took on the battlefield, but rather for a picture(not shown because it is graphic) that was taken of him. In 2006, CMSgt. John Gebhardt was photographed holding a little Iraqi girl that had been injured. Her family had been attacked by insurgents. Both of her parents were killed, along with many of her siblings, and she had been shot in the head and left for dead. But she was tougher than that. She was brought to Balad Air Base Hospital where she was operated on and ultimately saved. As you can imagine, it was an extremely hard time for this little girl. Her recovery was hellish. But when CMSgt. Gebhardt would hold her, she seemed to be comforted. He spent many nights sleeping in a chair with her in his arms. The picture wast taken by a fellow airman while CMSgt. Gebhardt and the little girl were napping. Said CMSgt. Gebhardt, "I'm sure that probably just gave her some inner peace that she could reach." On a side note. This is why I started doing these Wednesday Hero posts. Because of people like Chief Master Sgt. John Gebhardt. It's soldiers like him that make me proud of our military. 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. This weeks' new members: Paul Kyer Jane Avcr8teur Jack Elena (1) Elena (2) Beth

Howard Dean - DNC - Leaves Jesus OUT OF EASTER

I know it’s after Easter, but the following was just brought to my attention today, and it annoyed me. Again, political correctness is just going a bit far these days, and even more so than political correctness in which the “powers that be” try SO HARD to NOT say the “wrong” thing and offend ANYONE but the majority…the religious correctness has gone completely over the edge, and I just cannot stand by and allow my nation’s leaders go forth without a mention. Howard Brush Dean, chairman of the Democratic National Committee has “brushed” me the wrong way. On March 30th, he issued a press release titled “DNC Offers Passover Greetings", in which he wished the Jews a happy Passover. Now Passover is a holiday highly celebrated by persons of Jewish faith. The Jewish people are an integral part of our nation’s history, and their celebration of Passover should be respected by all. This post is NOT against the Jews, or Passover…I will celebrate it with them anytime. This post is about the perfectly beautiful greeting the DNC gave the Jews for Passover, but yet when Easter came a week later…the press release issued by Howard Dean made NO MENTION OF JESUS, A CROSS, A RESURRECTION, OR ANYTHING at all related to Easter. Christians were reminded to "remember who they are as a people of faith". Heck…the Easter Bunny didn’t even get a plug! Now, while there was nothing RUDE, or particularly BAD about the Democratic press release titled “DNC Celebrates Easter Holiday”…there was just NOTHING IN IT that had ANYTHING to do with Easter. Now, do I wish for Howard Dean to be fired because his statement (or lack thereof) offended me? No…I just hope that people that were offended by it, or find it absurd will make sure that as an elected official of our government that our tax dollars go to pay his salary…that he’s NOT RE-ELECTED and we get folks in office that truly represent ALL the people, especially a huge majority of the people, and that speak and govern BY the PEOPLE, and FOR the PEOPLE...ALL OF US. You compare the two press releases and comment on your thoughts. Am I too sensitive, or can you see the obvious difference in the two statements, and an overt wish to be overly benign on a statement to wish Christians a Happy Easter? DNC Offers Passover Greetings: "On Monday night, Jews around the world will begin celebrating Passover, a week-long holiday that commemorates the Israelites' freedom from persecution and slavery." DNC Celebrates Easter Holiday “Easter Sunday is a joyful celebration. The holiday represents peace, redemption and renewal, a theme which brings hope to people of all faiths. During this time Christians are called to remember who they are as people of faith, and that even the greatest of evils will not have the last word. It is also a time to reflect upon and be in solidarity with those who are persecuted and suffering among us. We should also use this time to honor those who continue to make incredible sacrifices for us, including our brave men and women in the armed forces serving overseas during this holiday. I would like to wish all those celebrating around the world this Sunday, a joyous Easter.” This is a guy that once quoted "Job" as his favorite book in the New Testament...'nuff said...

Natural Balance NEW PET FOOD RECALL

I have been following the various pet food recalls, and today Natural Balance has initiated yet another pet food recall. THIS TIME, it involves DRY FOOD for both DOGS and CATS. Below is the notice issued today from Natural Balance. For complete lists of other recalls, check HERE and HERE. NOTICE from Natural Balance 4/16/2007: We are receiving consumer complaints regarding the Venison & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food, and Venison & Green Pea Dry Cat Foods. We do not know what is wrong with the food at this time, but we have heard that animals are vomiting and experiencing kidney problems. Please discontinue feeding all Venison and Brown Rice Dry Dog Food, and Venison and Green Pea Dry Cat Food. We are working closely with the FDA.

Monday Mailgasms

Monday Mailgasms are the useless e-mails that show up in the “Junk Mail Box” each week that are the useless things you never open and have nothing to do with the normal Viagra, Cialis, and Dating Site trash we are normally bombarded with. Some of the subject lines are so odd, they deserve comment…and…since they are never opened, you never know what they REALLY were about. Below is this week’s Monday Mailgasm winners, and commentary thereof. SUBJECT: / COMMENT: funnel tennis: I think this would be a hopeless sport, as tennis balls will not fit through funnels… bimolecular greater gargle: Could this be the generic, or scientific name for Listerine? Or, maybe they want us to know that a gargle with two molecules is always better than one :) We will solve your problems for you: BOY! Maybe I should have opened this one. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a web site that you could go to, and within a click or two have all your problems solved. Nice thought… columbo experts: Isn’t Peter Falk retired? Columbo was cancelled in 1978, 29 years ago. They still have Columbo experts? asteroid alter: This sounds like one of those nutty marriage chapels in Vegas where you can get married by “Elvis”. Perhaps at asteroid alter you can have groomsmen and bridesmaids that look like aliens with weird shaped heads and strange clothing. The bar will be stocked with fizzing blue and green drinks, and Jean Luc Picard will perform the ceremony.

Toilet Papered House

I had a “brief conversation” with someone lately that mentioned in jest that “it would be funny to TP” someone’s house. I laughed as it brought up this memory. I was a good girl WAY back when I was in high school. However, I was not beyond normal high school pranks and foolery. I got talked into going on a toilet paper spree one night, very much against my will… and the target was the “mean ole’ man” that lived on the main drag of our town. Now, this man was despicable. He was MEAN, he liked NO ONE… he would yell at you when you drove or walked by his house, he was the PERFECT candidate for a good old fashioned TPing of his trees, house, car, etc. Well, we did. Well, DUH…don’t TP a house on the main drag of a small rural West Texas town, as you will GET CAUGHT. The police USED to care about kids, and try to make a difference. Well, our police did, and I learned lessons on two sides of a fence that night. The cops drove by, we got caught running, and we were BUSTED. As usual, the cops had to have all three cop cars they owned in our small town all parked in front of this TP’d house, lights going, and radios in full gear. We were instructed to walk up the long sidewalk to this VERY NICE HOME and ring the doorbell at a very late hour. The scary old man answered the door, and I was sure we were done for. We had to speak by instruction of the LAW, and yep…you guessed it…the one that DIDN’T WANT TO do this in the first place got chosen to tell Mr. Scary that we were responsible for… This scary old man looked out his door at one hell of a mess, and quietly stated, “Well, ya know officers…I was out of toilet paper anyway. These kids saved me a trip to the store.” He shut the door, and I never saw him again. I cannot tell you what kind of a lesson I learned that night. We stayed on, and cleaned up all the toilet paper, and thought of that old scary man from that day forward as one of us. We never met him, or spoke to him outside that day…but he made a difference. Old scary man on Hickory Street earned some true friends that evening, and his house or property was sacred ground from that day forward.

Texas Weather - Changes Often

Texas weather…want it to change?...then stay a minute. Just below this post, is a post in which my sister sent me the beautiful photos that she took of the current Texas spring bluebonnets in bloom. A fellow blogger that I enjoy reading at Amazing Facts sent me this photo of the beautiful bluebonnets covered in snow. This doesn’t happen all that often in Texas, so it’s worth a mention :) Thanks for sharing…

Texas Bluebonnets - I'm Homesick

OK…it’s official…I’m HOMESICK. My wonderful (one of them) sister called me yesterday to be, in her words, “a bit sappy.” She told me that she has to drive through a bit of Texas countryside on her way home each evening…and this particular evening traffic must have been a bit slower than normal. As she drove along and was admiring the beauty of the great Texas state flowers (Bluebonnets) that grow wild along the roadways…she told me she thought to herself, “Wow…Malinda would sure love to see this!” She picked up her cell phone and called. Now…THAT’S EXACTLY what AT&T had in mind when their famous commercial catch phrase was, “Reach Out and Touch Someone”. I really appreciated that call. She’s absolutely right. I miss the beautiful Texas countryside in spring. I will be going home in November for her wedding, I cannot wait…it’s been several years. I told her when she called that if she was going to call and tell me about it, she should send me a photo so I could share the moment with her. Who knew that my little sister was such an avid photographer? I couldn’t help but share the beauty with all of you…Sisters are wonderful :)

Thursday Thirteen #7

Thirteen Things about Malinda's Week This has been one of those whirlwind weeks. I’ve had my hands in so many pies this week, I’m not sure if I’m the cook or the gooey black stuff that remains on the bottom of the oven when the pie is baked. It’s been a crazy news week, a crazy work week, and a crazy personal week. In that light, my list this week is about Things Learned / Or Things I’m Reminded of That Haven’t Come Up In Years… 1. My oldest son works for me, but at a different location than I. He was by my place the other day and gave his Mom a big ‘ole hug on the way out. It reminded me of how special those hugs are, and how many people live so far away from their kids they cannot hug them often. I was also reminded to cherish every one. 2. People usually work for us for some time at a stretch, so interviewing is something I haven’t done in a long while. We’re hiring a couple right now, and I was shocked at how some people actually come to an interview. When asked, “So, where are you employed now, or what kind of work have you been doing recently?”, and the person GLEEFULLY answers with great enthusiasm and confidence, “A-B-S-O-L-U-T-L-Y NOTHING!”…and says it with such joy… like coming back to work will be a nuisance. Not a good thing to say on an interview. Or, for someone applying for a mechanic’s position to saunter through the door dragging up their baggy gangster pants hanging far too low even when pulled up, states, “Uh…hmmnn…so like do ya need to have tools to work here?”…Well…like DUH…it is a repair garage… Or like the fellow that e-mailed for an application from the Ivory Coast of South Africa? Weird… 3. While keeping my eye on a certain very young man in his first real job…he’s been doing a good job for his employer, and the employer had to leave town on an emergency. The young man got a key to the place for access in the employer’s absence. His eyes beamed, he was proud. It reminded me of how good it really felt so many years ago when you tried hard and your boss acknowledged it, and how good it felt to gain new trust and responsibilities. I decided I will let my employees know a little more often when they do something special…not enough of that going around in today’s corporate America. 4. As with family and/or good friends, if you love someone long enough, and are around them enough…sooner or later…you will offend one of them, or they will offend you. Sometimes heart felt apologies cannot fix it, it leaves an imprint of sadness on the heart that takes a long time to work its way out. Life goes on. 5. Spring can be eternally aggravating. Just when you come out of the winter doldrums and begin to enjoy the sunshine, Old Man Winter decides to mess with your head a bit and it snows. It gets all nice and warm again, then here comes a rain and wind storm. I’M READY FOR SUMMER! 6. I must be getting lame in my old age. After really busy and trying days, I find great comfort and joy in chilling on the couch with my laptop and punching away at various games at Pogo.com. Is anyone else about half addicted to Pogo? Love those weekly challenges and badges. It reminds me of free day at school many years ago when the entire day was devoted to fun and games on the playground. 7. Attempting to be healthier is VERY HARD. The effort to eat better and things of more nutritional value, trying to drink less and get at least some form of regular exercise is not very fun. Again, I’m ready for summer. At least when we go boating and camping, I get some physical workout and some needed sunshine and outdoor labor. 8. Through some trying times lately, I’ve been reminded of the old saying…”Don’t sit in your glass house and throw stones”. Many people see one little thing about a person, or hear one thing, or read only one piece that someone’s written…and suddenly…that person’s entire character, life history, and personality is judged by a minute portion of a couple of hours. That’s really sad that the world has become that shallow, and I think we all find ourselves guilty of that at times…so the lesson is a blanket to be laid across both sides of the fence. 9. I think I miss Walter Cronkite. I miss the news coming on once or twice a day, or reading it in the paper a couple of days a week. Even though I’m a cable news junkie now…it really seems that in order to fill 24 hours in a day on several news networks…we rant on and on about stuff and people that just really don’t matter. There are so many other things that our news could be teaching us about and informing us of…my brain is growing tired and apathetic about all the useless stuff it gets filled with. 10. I didn’t realize how very many “laypeople” have no clue what a blog is. It’s a personal place where individuals vent their feelings, write about things they find interesting, newsworthy, or humorous. I’ve even referred to it as the place where sometimes my evil twin comes out to play, or the place where my supposed intellect occasionally gets to spread its wings and try to fly. A blog is a place where people who may have great writing talents, but don’t do it for a living, express their writing styles. Some advertise, some give tips and tricks of their particular trade, many are personal diaries and family pages. All blogs though are personal on some level. Funny thing is…nobody really reads the stuff anyway. Usually, only other bloggers read your blog. Usually, even regular blog readers live in a far away city, state, or even another country all together. Reading others’ blogs is a great insight to the wonderful human race and all our differences and likenesses. I enjoy blogging; I intend to continue to do so. I LOVE TO have readers and lots of them, but I don’t. I’m just a chick in Reno doing her thing like everybody else. Blogging is sometimes like great therapy, but you don’t have to pay anyone $125 per hour to speak twice to you in that hour to only say…,”So, how does that make you feel, and why do you think you feel that way?”, or “Well, our time is up, I think we’ve covered some good ground here today.” People will leave you comments on “how you feel”, and let you know if your covered ground was good, or not so good…it’s wonderful. We all become each others therapists…and it works wonders. Some think it’s a lame hobby, but there are several million of us, so I think it’s a great thing, and a wave of the future. For those people that do not understand the value and worth of blogging, don’t be so quick to judge the millions of us that truly enjoy the process. I had a couple of e-mails this week from readers that do enjoy my little space in blog world. It’s so nice to hear that I make a few laugh, or that you read a post that helped you through a troubled time in your life. Thanks to those that take the time to comment, or write a special note. We all like those warm and fuzzy e-mails…it keeps us writing. BUT MOST OF ALL…WE LIKE COMMENTS :) 11. I’ve learned this week that if I don’t learn better how to compose my Thursday Thirteen’s…I may get kicked out of the club house :) I’m such a babbler. My “lists” always turn into essays! 12. Boy the news lately huh? Everybody wants a ride on that Freedom of Speech bus as long as they are fighting for the freedom of only speech they approve of. People have really got to get thicker skin. You just cannot go through life running to the teacher every time little bobby calls you a poopy head (as another blogger said in a story I read). And for those that get caught in the hell fire…be a little more careful of what you say, and where. People aren’t afraid to fight back these days. 13. IT’S THURSDAY…Girl’s night out on the river for me. I don’t get to do that but every few months…YIPPEE! My best friend is old enough to be my Mom, and we have a few in the group in between. But evenings spent at her house listening to the river water rush down its banks in the back yard will sooth any tired ‘ole Thursday Thirteen soul… Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Coca-Cola REDEEMS Ban on Jesus

A few days ago, I posted THIS STORY about the fact that Coca-Cola blocked the Good Friday opening of the Italian film “Seven Kilometers From Jerusalem” because a the man in the film depicted as Jesus was drinking a can of Coke, and Coca-Cola felt this was bad publicity for them. I wrote to Coca-Cola, and barked at them for feeling like Jesus was “bad product placement”, and informed Coca-Cola that after 44 years of virtual daily use of their products, I would no longer be purchasing Coca-Cola products. LO AND BEHOLD…Coca-Cola RESPONDED TO ME! My faith believes in redemption, and Jesus was the master forgiver. It seems that Coca-Cola has had a change of heart…even though I still hear tones of “trying to be so ultimately politically correct” in their message…I think Coca-Cola has made a wise decision. There must have been A LOT OF US outraged by this. Huge corporations rarely send out a personal e-mail to those that complain. Congratulations Coca-Cola…you are officially off the “shit list”… Here’s the response I received from Coca-Cola… "Thank you for contacting The Coca-Cola Company. We appreciate your interest in the appearance of a Coca-Cola product in the Italian movie "7 km from Jerusalem". The Coca-Cola Company (Coca-Cola Italia) wants to clarify that during initial contacts, a specialized agency hired by the film crew offered us the advertising opportunity of product placement in the movie. Out of respect for the religious subject matter, we chose to decline this commercial proposal. As soon as the producer and the director of the film contacted us in person on April 5, 2007, we met them the same day. It was then explained to us for the first time, that their aim was not to get product placement. On the contrary, they clarified that the director had a strong artistic desire to make a reference to the Coca-Cola brand in the movie as one of the universally appealing symbols of this age. Having understood the purely artistic desire and considering that the playful reference to the brand is not intended to be offensive to anyone, we immediately agreed in that meeting to the use of the Coca-Cola trademark. We wish the director and producer every success with their film. If you have additional questions or comments, please feel free to contact us again. Sherry Industry and Consumer Affairs The Coca-Cola Company"

Wednesday Hero - SSgt. Keith "Matt" Maupin

This week's NEW Wednesday Hero Members: Marty Courtney This Weeks Solider Was Summited By Lt. Schneider SSgt. Keith "Matt" Maupin 24 years old from Batavia, Ohio Army Reserves 724th Transportation Company MIA Since April 9, 2004 Strength, perseverance and determination is how you would describe the family of SSgt. Keith Maupin. Because even though their son has been missing now for almost three years, his parents still haven't given up hope that he's still alive. Said his father, Keith Maupin, "I'm saying it ain't over till the fat lady sings and when she sings, I'm going to choke her. That's what I say. They're going to find Matt." His mother, Carolyn, was quoted as saying, "We're to keep our hope up. And praying until they can prove to us 100 percent either way. And that's what I'm going to do. And I realize we only have a 50/50 chance here, but I'm not going the low road. I'm going the high road" SSGt. Maupin, who was PFC. Maupin when he was capture and has since received two promotions, was reported MIA when his fuel convoy came under attack near the Baghdad International Airport. Along with Maupin was Sgt. Elmer Krause and seven employees of U.S. contractor Kellogg, Brown & Root. All of whom were either rescued or escaped. Seven days later, on April 16, Al-Jazeera aired a video tape of Maupin in which he was forced to admit that he was went to Iraq unwillingly. Then on June 28, 2004, Al-Jazerra reported that PFC. Maupin had been executed by a group calling themselves Persistent Power Against the Enemies of God and the Prophet. But no concrete proof has surfaced either way. His parents have created a website called Yellow Ribbon Support Center if you would like to check it out. And while most in the media have forgotten Keith Maupin, Wednesday Hero hasn't. 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.

Monday Mailgasms

Regular readers know that Monday Mailgasms are the tidbits of useless tripe that falls into your "junk box" each week through e-mail. This is the stuff beyond all the Viagra and Cialis crap, and just stuff that you just cannot make up. Since we never actually read them, they could be about anything...we all just imagine what something so worthless could make so many take the time to even type it. Monday Mailgasms go like this...I provide the subject of the crap e-mail, and comment on it...complete with misspellings and all :) Here's this week's JUNK winners... Subject: Comment As bevier this ridiculous: Yes…while “bevier” is NOT a word, I do agree that the MASSIVE amount of spam e-mail I get on a daily basis constitutes a “bevy” of ridiculous junk. calorie copy machine: NO,…I want my calories as far away from ANYTHING that can COPY them as possible :) Endometriosis – take an active role: No thank you…I would like to stay as far away from endometriosis as I do copied calories :) Commodity dilatation: Yes…ALL OF MY COMMODITIES have been expanded and stretched beyond normal capacity. My gas is too high, too many illegal immigrants crowd my streets that my tax dollars pay for, bleeding heart liberals are stretching my patience beyond belief with their whining and uncooperative selfish vengeances, and on and on…(maybe I should have read this one…to see how the sender has been "dilatated"…) by rain smythe Make: Unsure on this one…”smythe” is a last name Smythe. If this is the case, I assume someone copulated in the rain to Make “Baby Smythe” and the making deserved a capital M. Next in line would be scythe, which is a tool used to cut or mow grass, which cannot be accomplished in the rain, as wet grass does not cut. Therefore,…this sender was wrong on either level…off to the trash you go. bog less lacquer: Someone thought they could cover a bog with lacquer? Oxymoron, please do not send me any more junk mail… birthright kaleidoscope: I am fairly certain this is the “politically correct” description of “Who’s The Baby-Daddy” of Dannilynn Smith… stove brontosaurus: Barney has a new cooking show?...all dishes purple of course :) spangle unintelligible: The definition of people my age (44) having NO CLUE why persons of “modern expression” (usually age 18-25) have so much unintelligible spangle stuck through their lips, tongues, noses, and eyebrows. Clue: NO SPANGLE – VERY intelligible – AND MORE SUCCESSFUL… her he cubage: “Dude”, she thinks you are a SQUARE…LOSE HER NUMBER!...she obviously LOST YOURS…

Coca-Cola BANS JESUS

What is our world coming to? After 44 years of almost daily use of at least one Coca-Cola product, I’m afraid my consumption is OVER. I CANNOT BELIEVE Coca-Cola forced an Italian film maker to change the movie Seven Kilometers From Jerusalem because in one scene a man depicted as a modern day Jesus was drinking a can of Coke. A line in the movie stated something like, “God, what an endorsement!” Coca-Cola is threatening a law suit, and blocked the Good Friday opening of this movie during Easter season until this film can be edited to remove the scene. Coca-Cola states that their company DOES NOT WANT this KIND OF IMAGE in their product placement. Coca-Cola feels that this image would give their product a bad and negative image. Gee, the Man ONLY GAVE HIS LIFE to save theirs…and this is their thanks. If the decision of Coca-Cola wasn’t enough, I was also shocked to find that at this link, you may vote on whether or not YOU think Coca-Cola should or should not allow Jesus to be seen drinking their product. At the time I voted, a very disgusting 58% of people said NO. I’m very ashamed of Coca-Cola, I will cease to purchase their products, and I am disappointed in the attitudes of anyone so crass as to vote NO…a real shame…a real sadness. Especially at Easter. Karma’s a real bitch Coca-Cola. Be very aware of the…

Sunshine Mills Pet Food RECALL - DOG BISCUITS

The FDA has been scrutinizing the pet food industry closer ever since the horrible rat poison incident that led Menu Foods to recall so many brands of pet food. The FDA has announced that Sunshine Mills must recall many brands of Dog Biscuits due to the fact that the products contain wheat gluten which is not presently approved for pet food. Sunshine Mills discovered that products manufactured in China have less that 1% wheat gluten in some of them. Sunshine Mills has offered a full refund to any person that returns one of these products, and states that no animals to their knowledge have been made ill, died, or suffered in any way due to this finding. Click links below to find out which products and brands are affected. FDA Press Release Complete Sunshine Mills Recall List

Illegal Aliens With Criminal Records NABBED WITH BANK OF AMERICA CARDS!

WOW! - I wish I were shocked, but I knew this would begin to happen immediately after Bank of America decided to aid the ill-willed efforts of illegal alien criminals in this country and promote crime and terrorism within our borders. Nine down, and no telling how many thousands to go. If it's NOT BAD ENOUGH that this is going on...ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement) officials had the balls to make snide comments to the District Attorney who approved the arrest of the nine. Apparently, the ICE officials have better things to do with their time (paid for by the way by YOUR LEGAL taxpayer dollars) than to do their JOBS! Absolutely amazing that so many are just willing to give this country away to thugs. By Sarah Cassi The Express-Times April 4, 2007 "EASTON | Two of the nine suspected illegal immigrants detained Monday when they arrived for work at Hotel Bethlehem had criminal records, District Attorney John Morganelli said Tuesday. Morganelli said Flor Rocha, of Falls Church, Va., was wanted in California for a dangerous drugs charge, but officials wouldn't extradite him back to California. Juan Carlos Hinjosa, of Springfield, Va., was wanted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials after he was arrested in February 2005. The illegal immigrants -- seven from Bolivia, one from El Salvador and one from Guatemala -- were working for a subcontractor putting up drywall at the hotel. Morganelli received a complaint that led to the investigation and apprehension of the nine men. Morganelli said the subcontractor was a Virginia-based company which claims the men were individual contractors. "We know that's just a way to avoid worker's compensation," Morganelli said. He added the title of individual contractor gives the company plausible deniability in immigration cases. Eight of the men lived in Virginia and one lived in Maryland. Morganelli said none would face local charges. The men were turned over to immigration officials and taken into federal custody. Morganelli said two of the men were able to get Bank of America credit cards under a new program where the bank does not require social security numbers or a credit history to open an account. The cards listed the men's names with additional last names. "Obviously they're not doing a good job identifying their customers," Morganelli said. Morganelli said he was also disappointed with response from ICE officials. When county detectives asked for ICE's help, immigration officials asked detectives why they weren't apprehending gang members or drug dealers, Morganelli said. "I'm very annoyed by this," Morganelli said. "Our office does not need to be questioned we expect (ICE) to do their job." A recent government report found ICE has lost track of 623,000 fugitive aliens, Morganelli said. Morganelli said this wasn't the first time his office faced disrespect from customs enforcement. Morganelli said he has lodged a complaint with Congressman Charlie Dent and planned to speak with U.S. Attorney Patrick Meehan. Ernestine Fobbs, an ICE spokeswoman, said the agency responded when Morganelli asked for assistance and all nine men are going through the removal process. "This is something we do on a daily basis across the nation," Fobbs said. Fobbs said Morganelli could contact the Law Enforcement Support Center if he had any issues with ICE."

Thursday Thirteen #6

Thirteen Things about Malinda This week's list is simple...some I my favorite little "Pearls of Wisdom"... Have a WONDERFUL THURSDAY ALL... 1. Love is Grand...Divorce is A HUNDRED GRAND! 2. Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician. 3. Conscience is what hurts when everything else feels good. 4. Talk is cheap because supply exceeds demand. 5. Even if you are on the right track, You'll get run over if you just sit there. 6. Politicians and diapers have one thing in common. They should both be changed regularly, and for the same reason. 7. An optimist thinks this is the best possible world. A pessimist fears this is true. 8. In just two days, tomorrow will be yesterday. 9. There will always be death and taxes; however, death doesn't get worse every year. 10. The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. 11. Age doesn't always bring wisdom. Sometimes it comes alone. 12. Life not only begins at forty, it also begins to show. 13. Grass is NOT greener on the other side of the fence. Grass is greenest where it's watered. Go home and water your grass. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!) Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Mexican Banks WILL NOT ACCEPT BOFA APPROVED IDENTIFICATION!

Well, well, well… Bank of America should be very proud that only they and a few other no good illegal alien and terrorist supporting American banks support the Mexican Matricula card issued to illegal aliens by the Mexican consulate. This is the form of identification that Bank of America is allowing illegal aliens to use to open checking accounts and gain credit cards. Watch the 4:50 video below. THE MEXICAN BANKS DO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THIS CARD AS LEGAL IDENTIFICATION. The Mexican Banks will not allow THEIR OWN CITIZENS to use this card to open a checking account or gain access to a credit card. See the press release from ALIPAC (Americans For Legal Immigration) But, let’s be real. Bank of America is NOT the only bank allowing such practices. To find out which banks are the “good guys”, and which banks are the “bad guys”, see the growing list at Boycott Bank of America. The list is easily searchable by state.

Nevada Bill SB379 - Right To Repair Act - IF YOU OWN A VEHICLE WRITE YOUR CONGRESSMAN

ATTENTION ALL VEHICLE OWNERS...WRITE YOUR CONGRESSMAN...GET THIS BILL PASSED! Rarely does congressional or state legislation affect me so directly. NEVADA BILL SB 379 “The Right to Repair Act” affects my livelihood, and every automobile owning citizen in my state. PLEASE DEMAND OF YOUR LEADERS THAT THEY PASS THIS BILL INTO HARD LAW. Nevada State Senator Warren Hardy (R), Las Vegas has introduced a bill into Nevada Legislature that will make it MANDATORY that manufacturers of motor vehicles provide to consumers, independent repair garages and facilities, and the Commissioner of Consumer Affairs the necessary information vital to diagnose, service, or repair a particular vehicle. I own two garages, (one that services big rigs, and one that services pickups). We have been in business for 5 years. We constantly battle with OEM dealerships over appropriate information vital to repair YOUR vehicles. For those that own big rigs…this is your life. It IS YOUR TRUCK THAT PAYS YOUR MORTGAGE. For many of my other fleet customers, the fleets you own are the lifeblood of YOUR company. For my “average Joe” clients that just happen to own a pickup (or a car)…YOU TOO…NEED THE HELP OF A QUALIFIED HONEST MECHANIC to keep your own vehicle on the road. Being a “Mom & Pop” shop for years now…we realize the aggravation and frustration of BEING FORCED to take your vehicle to the dealership for repairs. Don’t ask me why, but dealerships tend to have the poorest customer service and the highest prices in any given town. Almost every customer I’ve ever had has voiced VERY STRONG, EXPLETIVE OPINIONS of their bad experiences at dealerships, and has expressed the desire to NEVER have to go there again for repairs. Most savvy vehicle owners know that in today’s world…your vehicles have computers in them. These are devices which control almost every aspect of a vehicle’s operation. When your vehicle is not working properly, and you take it to the garage for repair, the mechanics must scan your vehicle’s computer to find out where the problem lies. Dealerships and independent garage owners alike have expensive scan tools to find out what the problem is. These scan tools cost anywhere from $2500 to $8000. Different makes, models, and brands of vehicles require different software, attachments, “keys”, etc. to find out what your problems are. I own three different scan tools, and pay huge premiums to keep them updated and available for all my customers’ needs. HOWEVER…there are a few drawbacks. IF you are an independent garage…you are ONLY ALLOWED TO HAVE SO MUCH INFORMATION. We can fix a LOT OF YOUR PROBLEMS…BUT…as an independent, SOME INFORMATION is withheld. There are some things within a particular vehicle’s composure that ONLY THE DEALERSHIP can have access to. Dealerships hold this valued information in their possession like it was the Holy Grail. They do this BECAUSE THEY KNOW…that as shitty as their performance is as a service vendor to the general public, no matter HOW BADLY a consumer may NOT want to use their facility…THEY HAVE TO, because in some instances…they are the only choice. The Nevada Right To Repair Act (Bill SB 379) will make it MANDATORY that all OEM dealers give ANYONE WHO OWNS A SCAN TOOL the right to have access to EVERY COMPUTER CODE AND ALL DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION NECESSARY to repair your vehicle. Now, what this means is a bit of absolute freedom for any person that owns a car. Aftermarket scan tools are increasingly coming available on the open market that even a private vehicle owner can operate…thus eliminating some need to go to a garage in the first place. The other thing to keep in mind here is that NOW (if the law passes), your favorite mechanic in your neighborhood Mom & Pop shop, can give you ABSOLUTE FIVE STAR SERVICE, and you never have to go back to your overpriced dealership and wait three weeks to even make an appointment again! THE OEM DEALERS ARE WRITHING WITHIN THEIR OWN SNAKE SKIN over this bill proposed before the Nevada legislature. I’m NOT! I think it’s WONDERFUL! I know this…Yes, there are more and more “self help tools” coming on the market all the time that will allow people to repair their own vehicles, therefore they will NOT NEED ME. However, many men / women don’t have any knowledge of vehicles, DON’T want to get dirty, and DON’T have the TIME or MONEY to invest in the do-it-yourself thing. I can be of service to those people. I RUN HONEST BUSINESSES. MY SERVICE TO MY COMMUNITY TO KEEP ANY CUSTOMER’S VEHICLE RUNNING SMOOTHLY AND PROFICIENTLY IS WHY I DO WHAT I DO…PERIOD. I look at it this way…If American Truck & Trailer Repair, Inc. (big rig shop), or Dynamic Diesel, Inc. (pickup shop) EVER LOSES A CUSTOMER TO ANOTHER SHOP…it’s nobody’s fault but MINE. We provide a quality service with labor rates in most instances $10-$14 per hour UNDER many others in town, and WE ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR RIDE. I’m not worried about “the knowledge everybody ELSE will have” if this bill passes. I look at it as a fair and necessary passage of law to make it a fair playing field for everyone involved. IF ANY BUSINESS OWNER IS EVER WORRIED about “what the other guy next door” may know that you don’t know…your problems are immediately and certainly internal, not driven by the availability of software. I actually feel a bit sorry for folks when their vehicles are “really sick” and their bills run into the several hundred or thousand dollar range. Let’s face it…we have to have our vehicles to survive, but it’s NEVER pleasant when major problems come about and you as the consumer have to make the choice to spend you entire savings account to “fix it”, or buy a new vehicle…which again, takes you back to the dealer if you have to buy new. There ARE STILL businesses out there that consider YOU as the same person as ME when it comes to spending YOUR money. We try each and every day that we’ve been in business to do an excellent job at the fairest price we can to keep the doors open, and we intend to keep doing so. Write your congressman if you own a car, pickup, or truck. This is truly a bill that is BY THE PEOPLE AND FOR THE PEOPLE… Don’t JUST take my word for it. PLEASE…scroll down my LEFT side bar on this blog until you reach the “Download COOL files” black box. SB379 is in the window. Click on SB379, and download the actual bill SB379 (a downloadable .PDF file) to read all of its content to study on your own. This is a law worth passing, for all of our sakes.

Wednesday Hero - Maj. William D. Chesarek, Jr.

Maj. William D. Chesarek, Jr. Royal Air Force's 847th Naval Air Squadron, Commando Helicopter Force Maj. William D. Chesarek, Jr. has done something no other U.S. service member has done since WWII. On March 21 of this year, Maj. Chesarek was awarded the British Distinguished Flying Cross, by Queen Elizabeth, for saving lives and in recognition for his bravery during combat operations in Iraq. Maj. Chesark was assigned as an exchange officer with the Royal Air Force's 847th Naval Air Squadron, Commando Helicopter Force in 2005 and was the pilot of the RAF’s Lynx Mk7 helicopter. On the evening of June 10, 2006, Chesarek was providing radio communication relay for British ground troops conducting a company-sized search operation near Amarah, Iraq. Listening to radio transmissions, he overheard that a vehicle involved in the operation had became disabled and a crowd of insurgents was firing small arms and rocket-propelled grenades at the company. According to his award citation, "Chesarek elected to fly low over the area in an attempt to distract the crowd and if possible, to engage the insurgents." Because the crowd was so close to the ground troops, instead of engaging his machine gun, he "opted instead to provide bold, harassing, very low level flight over the area in an attempt to disperse the crowd." You can read Maj. Chesarek's story in it's entirety 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.

Keith Richards SNORTS FATHER

It’s always been a “joke” amongst all persons growing up loving the Rolling Stones that when this world comes to an end…the only things left will be cockroaches (they are indestructible, and re-mutate parts of their bodies after accidents)…and Keith Richards. My teenage sons refer to Keith Richards as a person that is “Perma-Fried”, due to the massive amounts of all drugs he’s consumed. The theory that he will live beyond the demise of civilization is also due to the fact that he has had SO MANY drugs ingested into his system, he has become pre-embalmed. Well, I’ve always laughed, but agreed with the theory…and he has recently proven that fact by admitting at age 63 that he “just couldn’t resist” and ground up cocaine with his father’s DEAD ASHES and SNORTED HIM UP… As open minded as I can be, and as non-judgmental as I try to be…this is just SO WRONG on SO MANY LEVELS… Mr. Richards however states that his father “just wouldn’t mind”. I find this both MORBID yet intriguing from a CSI level. I must now put Keith Richards in the hall of fame of truly FUCKED UP INDIVIDUALS. To be 63, and speak of snorting your own father up your nose is just beyond any comprehensible fathom of any reality. But…there ya’ go…the demise of our nation is the extreme extent of what some will do and say in public to prove the fact that “Only In America” can you “Hang Ten”… DAMN KEITH!...YOU SNORTED YOUR DAD?...A $.50 cent bullet is too good for you my friend…

Tom Coburn Defends Pork Spending

I have been so angry for a long time about all the “pork spending” that gets approved within bills put before our USA congress. (Pork Spending is the MILLIONS of dollars elected officials SLIP INTO legislation to further causes that are STUPID and will gain “somebody’s” respect that DOESN’T HAVE A DAMN CLUE OR CARE to the individual needs of “-‘WEE’ THE PEOPLE AND BY THE PEOPLE AND FOR THE PEOPLE” Until not too awful many years ago…ME AS A NORMAL USA CITIZEN…had NO IDEA that a bill put before our congress EVEN HAD THIS BULLSHIT IN IT. I’m of the old-school redneck type that first learned about a “bill” from Scholastic Rock! How cute and informative was that in the 70’s and 80’s? (Another worthwhile effort no longer around)… CLICK HERE to hear how I learned about a BILL… When I became a business owner, many organizations hit me up to “learn” about what is and what isn’t good for small business owners, and normal Conservatives. NFIB has been one of the best organizations I’ve found that taught me a lot. ONE THING I’ve NEVER UNDERSTOOD is WHY NO PERSON IN CONGRESS will stand up and protect all of us citizens (that vote them in), and why NONE OF THEM EVER HAS THE BALLS to stand up for the constituents and PROTECT US from useless spending of our “leaders”. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME to watch this SIX MINUTE VIDEO of Tom Coburn’s (Senator – Oklahoma) interview on 20/20 with John Stossel regarding wasteful pork spending within the latest bill before Congress that the President will VETO. Among MANY wasteful spending suggestions was an “emergency” $100 Million for security at political campaign national conventions. Tom Coburn stated that our “leaders” would need to choose between booze and balloons over bullets and body amour. What a sad state our country is in that OUR LEADERS choose to spend our money for parties over troops that VOLUNTEERED to save us from radical terrorists! I’m personally ashamed. It’s a mere SIX minutes out of your life to see where ONE MAN who was elected from the private sector as a doctor REALLY WANTS TO PROTECT ALL OF US from Congressional Bullshit! As badly as President Bush is NOT a great public speaker, there is even a “blip” of HIM looking dazed and confused at how our Democrats want to spend YOUR MONEY for superfluous causes…disguised as “EMERGENCIES”… There are EVEN threats by another woman in Congress vowing to (in so many words) “Watch out. if you pick on my spending efforts, I will be watching you very closely to pick on yours!” HOW STUPID…this is KINDERGARTEN CONGRESS…STOP IT NOW! It wouldn’t matter to me if Tom Coburn was a Democrat, a Republican, or a GREEN MARTIAN!...this is the kind of response I WANT from ANYONE who’s in charge of my PAYCHECK!!!

Monday Mailgasms

Monday Mailgasms: This week’s worthless subject matter from those not invited to the In-Box :) Subject: / Comment Catnap effectively: - Now here’s a guy that works by the hour not by the job. Don’t send me your resume! Spongy or invasion: - Sounds like one of the Looney Toons might have to obtain a restraining order on Sponge Bob Square Pants… Anecdote afterlife: - Isn’t this an oxymoron? I thought the anecdote would keep you alive and away from the afterlife for a bit! Ranking olive oil: - I never knew the oils were competing publicly… I think I have Bertolli’s & Star olive oil in my pantry – Do they rank? Bacchus gingerbread: - Bacchus was the Greek God of Wine – EEWWW…wine and gingerbread cookies don’t sound like a good combination… And before lebam: - Maybe Lebam is an illegitimate from years ago. I suppose it’s possible…before Lebam…Abraham begat Isaac, Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob begat Judas………….

Earn 6% Interest On Your Money!

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