Why?

From KETV.com:

Police said the mother told them she had learned that Riley admitted putting the baby’s body in a plastic bag and then placing it in a nearby storm drain. An autopsy performed on the child ruled that the death was a homicide, caused by asphyxia, blunt force, head injury and environmental exposure.

This 22-year-old, Danielle Eboni Riley, made the adult decision to have unprotected sex.  She made the decision, once she was pregnant, to carry the baby to term, even though she more than likely never planned to put the baby up for adoption.  And then she made the most disgusting, selfish, hateful decision of all...to murder her baby.  A baby who never had a chance to live because "MOM" decided to smother the baby, hit the baby in the head and toss the baby away like garbage.

Now, some of you may want me to understand that this "poor 22-year-old girl" was a victim in some way.  You will NEVER convince me of that, so it isn't worth trying.  I don't care.  There is NOTHING that can make me feel sorry for anyone who could be so cold and hateful that they make a decision to MURDER a newborn...one that was breathing, and crying and helpless.  People that make decisions such as this should understand what it is like to have life taken away.

...and you wonder why I so strongly believe in the death penalty?

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Why Should I Feel Sorry for a Child Rapist & Murderer?

Carlie Brucia was an 11-year-old girl full of life and a lot ahead of her.  She was charming, bubbly and an A-student.  Was...until her life was ripped from her, slain by a man who first sexually abused her and, in order to protect himself, killed her.  This vile excuse for a human being is Joseph Smith and he changed not only Carlie's life, but everyone who knew her.

"I lost the love of my life," Susan Schorpen, the 11-year-old girl's mother, said Monday while fighting back tears and taking deep breaths from the witness stand. "I cry for her at all hours of the day. I cry for her at night. I'm broken. I will never heal."

Carlie's mom wants to see Smith die.  She said outside the courthouse "I'd like him dead today."  Can you blame her? 

Smith had his first day of trial to determine his sentencing and his family and friends are hoping for life in prison versus the death penalty. 

His aunt, a cousin and a former girlfriend described him as a talented handyman and mechanic who was ready to help anybody with their cars or home improvement projects.

Defense attorneys showed jurors pictures of Smith as a child, with his daughters and other relatives. They also played a DVD of Smith, 39, making a toast at his cousin's wedding.

"He would do anything I asked him to do," said Jean Dwyer, his aunt. "He was like a second son."

Now, don't get me wrong.  It is entirely predictable that family and friends of a person being sentenced for murder would want to rush to their defense - especially if they knew him as a completely different person.  But honestly, that doesn't mean that I have to feel sorry for the bastard.  He murdered an innocent 11-year-old girl.  He has DAUGHTERS OF HIS OWN.  I don't care that he had a drug addiction, I don't care about any of the problems he had.  His defense attorney apparently thinks that these issues should count for something (emphasis mine):

But defense attorney Carolyn DaSilva asked jurors to recommend sparing Smith's life. She noted that he had battled back pain, depression and drug addiction for the past dozen years, and said relatives, friends and a drug-addiction expert would testify how "a man with good qualities could have fallen so far."

"You will hear from witnesses who can tell you about Joe's good qualities ... even though he was unable to control his drug addiction," DaSilva said. "You will hear from people who care about Joseph Smith, and that his life has value."

So back pain is an excuse to avoid the death penalty when someone murders an 11-year-old girl after sexually molesting her?  Did he choose to hunt her down and molest her because he was depressed?  Did the drugs make him do it?  C'mon - that's offensive to most back pain victims, individuals with depression and even most drug addicts.  It shouldn't matter that these things exist.  People live with these issues every day and never hurt anyone like this.  He is the ADULT and he made choices that caused him to be addicted to drugs.  There are treatments for depression and for back pain.  Why the hell would anyone accept these excuses when it comes down to determining his sentencing?  What matters is that he made a very swift, heartless decision to kill a little girl after he violated her physically.  That was his crime.  I don't feel sorry for the guy in the least - I am unable to.  I *DO* feel sorry for Carlie's family.  Parents should never have to bury their children - and in particular children who die brutally because of another.  I am angry as hell that an 11-year-old girl had to suffer the way she did - and had to know she was going to die - I cannot even fathom how afraid she was. 

Why should he live, when he made the choice to not allow her to do so?

 

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Happy Ball & Chain Day, My Love!

My dear hubby,

Your post about our 10th anniversary today was, well, amazing.  We *have* come a long way, haven't we?  We've been through so much, you and I, and through it all you have been the strength I've needed.  There are many women in the world that look to their husband as an "equal partner."  Call me old fashioned, but one major reason I fell in love with you is that I knew you would be my strength, my rock.  I don't always want to be "equal partners (okay, maybe with the exception of the household chores...hehehe)."  I love that you pamper me, that you tell me what's important, that you take care of me when I need it most.  When Bradley was coming almost 2 months early, I needed to look in your face to make sure things were going to be okay.  When I've had health issues, you took care of me on the days I don't think I even knew my own name.  When my mom got sick and was dying, yours was the only strength I had on many legs of that journey.

Ours was definitely a union of fate - we lived two doors away from each other, yet it took AOL to bring us together.  I remember that first Christmas after we met.  I didn't want to really celebrate as the prior year had been so bad.  But you got me through it, and I actually enjoyed that Christmas:  Mannheim Steamroller and Champagne and Christmas lights.  And with tremendous debt and not much incoming money, we entered into this marriage.  Ten years has brought us two beautiful and amazing children, a home and much more financial stability than I imagined 10 years ago.

I know you walk around in my brain and my heart regularly.  You have endured "the rat" Chi Chi even though he seems to hate you.  You rushed out to buy Winston when I was heartbroken when Stanley died.  When Cosmo escaped, you made Bradley happy again by buying Wanda.    Standing in front of the fountains at the Bellagio, you know I got emotional.  Honey, it was at that moment that I was overwhelmed at how happy I was and how much in love with you I still am.  There have been a number of points in our marriage, particularly early on, that I felt that I needed you.  But I have recognized over time that I don't need you.  I want you.  And at that moment in front of the fountains, I wanted you more than I have ever felt before.

I could write forever and ever in a feeble attempt to put into writing how much I love you, but it wouldn't do my feelings any justice.  Just know that I love you with my entire being and will do everything I can to make our 2nd ten years even better than our first.

I love you, Honey!

Merri

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We're Back!!!

Eric and I are back from Las Vegas (we celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary!).  We had a great time...we actually didn't really lose money on the black jack tables (now for me, the slots were another thing, but let's just say I stayed away from them after the first couple of hours...hehehehe).

We stayed here:

We saw this:

...and this...

...oh, and this....

...and this, and this and this:

I would add that we gambled, saw Celine Dion, had a few AMAZING meals, but the rest is none of your damn business.  Remember, what happens in Vegas STAYS in Vegas, right?  Hehehehe 

But Eric is right, the time we had pales in comparison to seeing our two little ones throw themselves into our arms at the airport.  As much as I loved to spend "couple time" with my hubby, we just don't feel as complete as we do with our kids.  The kids had a great time, too, other than the great "puking incident" we heard about.  Enough about that!

Anyway, many many thanks again to Raven for getting my back while we were in Vegas (and Vancouver!!).  I truly appreciate her taking care of my site while I've been gone!  Now, off to fix football food for the big Nebraska-Colorado game today.  Woot!  GO HUSKERS!

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Polls Apart

The recent rhetoric from Democrats about bringing the troops HOME (NOW say SOME); the press going on and on about President Bush's LOW approval rating- one would think the country is falling apart like it did during the Vietnam war. So I got confused when I read this:

Negative press coverage of the war in Iraq in recent weeks has emphasized rising pessimism among the American public about the conflict. But a new survey found that 56 percent of the public thinks that efforts to establish a stable democracy in the country will succeed.

What the hell is going on here??

The survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press -- which also plumbed opinions of journalists, university presidents and others in academe, diplomats, government officials, religious leaders, members of the military, scientists and international security specialists -- revealed a marked disconnect between the perceptions of the general public and many of the so-called opinion leaders.

Oh I see...the opinions of journalists, university professors, diplomats and other various leftist/socialist/communists- no need to say more.

When asked whether they thought democracy would succeed in Iraq, only 33 percent of the journalists agreed that it had a chance. The number was even worse in academe -- 27 percent of respondents thought the effort would succeed. Among the military, however, the number stood at 64 percent. "The media and academia have always been more to the left, so how they report these things is not necessarily the way the country sees things," said Charles Gravely, 56, a real estate executive from the District.

Really? Is this news? Do they know this about themselves?

Meanwhile, close to half of the American public -- 48 percent -- think the decision to take military action in Iraq was the right one. "I put my trust in the people in charge of our defense," said Haley Praytor, 21, an intern from Lindale, Texas. The survey found a spectrum of opinions between the opinion leaders. Among journalists, 28 percent thought the decision was justified. The number was 21 percent among the academic elites and 49 percent in the military. The public is evenly divided on whether the war in Iraq has helped or hindered efforts to combat terrorism, 44 percent thought the conflict has helped the effort and the same number thought it has hurt. In the press, 68 percent said the war had hurt the effort, and 22 percent said it had helped. In the academic world, the numbers were 75 percent and 16 percent, respectively. Among the military, it was 47 percent and 45 percent. The war in Iraq "has definitely helped indirectly," said Andrew Reese, 33, a software sales representative from Arlington. "It has probably kept other countries from committing terrorist acts in the U.S."

So the opinion leaders aren't doing a good job LEADING us now are they? (We're not dumb.)

The survey also found that the public's view of the United Nations has soured since March. Overall, 48 percent of Americans felt favorably toward the United Nations, down from 77 percent in 2001. The approval ratings of the United Nations dropped by 11 points since March alone.

Get us OUT of the UN.

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Get A Clue, ACLU

Law enforcement works hard to keep our cities and towns as crime free as possible. When they get tips about criminal activity, they often do long investigations to get all the proof they need in order to prosecute the crime. This costs a lot of money, takes a lot of manpower, and should be respected. Along comes the ACLU. Defending the criminals.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) came to the defence of the two US-based Indian shop owners, charged with selling a highly addictive drug, calling the police operation in the case as ''ill conceived''. ''There are too many unanswered questions about the validity of evidence against these store clerks for the prosecutions to go forward in good conscience. We have launched a full investigation to determine the extent of police misconduct in this ill-conceived operation,'' Christina Alvarez, a staff attorney with the ACLU Drug Law Reform Project said in a statement yesterday.

Once again, the ACLU is busy defending non-Americans. Wasting more money to start a "full investigation" that has already been done.

Two convenience store owners, Falgun Patel and Sudhirkumar Patel and workers of Indian origin were recently arrested for selling items that could be used to make methamphetamine, a highly addictive drug that is sweeping the rural United States. The civil liberties group promised a thorough investigation into claims that law enforcement selectively targeted the Indian community based on national origin and race in ''Operation Meth Merchant''. It said besides the Patels, more than three dozen other Indian merchants were targeted in the sting operation, which was carried out in coordination with the US Drug enforcement Administration. Of the 49 retail clerks and convenience store owners charged, 44 were Indian. Many shared the same last name -- Patel.

Law enforcement will not look into possible crimes/criminal activity if they don't have good reason to do so. In spite of what some want us all to think, LE knows a strong case vs. a weak one. Unfortunately, groups like the ACLU jump in and make such a big fuss about these things- it undermines the time and effort put into the case. For this particular case, it sounds like the ACLU came along to defend a NAME and NATIONAL origin...I say they are using this case to further their agenda.

Federal law prohibits merchants from selling products knowing -- or with reason to believe -- the products, which could be used to manufacture methamphetamine. But in the aftermath of the 18-month investigation, several of the 44 Indian suspects claimed a language barrier confused the process. At least three suspects claim that they were misidentified by the police informants who secretly taped the alleged transactions using hidden microphones or hidden cameras. Besides taking up the case against two of the accused, Falgun Patel and Sudhirkumar Patel, the ACLU has launched an investigation into claims of selective arrest and prosecution based on national origin and race. If successful, such claims could result in the dismissal of all defendants' cases based on the fact that the US Constitution prohibits prosecution based solely on national origin and race.

Did you read the part that said-- 18 months? Why would any LE agency spend THAT much time on a case based soley on RACE and ORIGIN? Get a clue, ACLU.

Cross Posted @ ARS

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The Process of Releasing CSO into society

I came across this article about the process of releasing convicted sex offenders into society. There is a personal story to this at the beginning, but what caught my eye was the actual process. I decided to write a post about this. It is specific to the state of Wisconsin, but many states do the same thing.

The release and the public notification After serving a debt to society, along with a successful completion of counseling, convicted sex offenders are released from prison or a mental health institution. But before release, the public is notified, thanks to the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry Program. According to the Department of Corrections, the Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification law was passed in 1997, allowing the public to collect and distribute information about a certain sex offender coming to the area. But public notification has been a national law for several years. In 1994, the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act was enacted, requiring all states to establish stringent registration programs for sex offenders by Sept. 1997, including the identification and lifetime registration of sex offenders. Megan’s law, the first amendment to the Act, was passed in 1996, requiring all states to develop notification allowing public access to information about sex offenders in the community.

The federal government requires each state to have in place procedures for notification. Some states are better at this than others though.

David Hatch, a parole supervisor for the Department of Corrections (DOC), said the DOC will be required to post the addresses of convicted sex offenders on its web site beginning in December. “That information will be used to better track an individual and indicate where they’re located,� Hatch said. Wisconsin law does not require notifications for all offenders released from prison or a mental health facility. It only highlights certain offenders who may pose a significant risk to the community. A year prior to the offender’s scheduled release date, the criminal history is screened by staff in the law enforcement area to see if it meets the statutory requirement of a Special Bulletin Notification. Some of the cases undergo a special purpose evaluation to determine if they qualify for civil commitment under chapter 980, which classifies people as being too mentally unstable to be in society. Approximately two months prior to the release date and following the special purpose evaluation, the same staff will receive a final notification from the program, including the DOC’s intentions to distribute a special bulletin notification. The DOC sends a recommendation of what level of notification the offender should be. There are three levels of community notification. Levels of community notification process •Level I, is strictly limited to law enforcement. •Level II is targeted notification. This may include schools, neighbors, community groups, day care centers, parks, recreation areas and libraries. •Level III is expanded notification to the general public. A variety of methods are used to inform the public, including face-to-face notification, media releases and community meetings. Hatch said the Department of Corrections determines the levels based on the original offense, institutional treatment and institutional conduct. But law enforcement has the final say about level notification.

It's facinating to learn how it all works, and I didn't know the Dept. Of Corrections starts this process. This is common in all states.

Pre-parole plan After the DOC discusses a pre-parole plan about the offender’s residency, employment and support following prison, a residency is selected for the offender. The DOC investigates the proximity of schools, churches and other public places he or she may be deemed as a threat. “But there are some problems finding a place,� Hatch said. For example, the DOC finds an apartment for the offender. But in the complex there’s a mother and three children — which is not an appropriate place. “There’s no perfect place wherever you put a high risk sex offender,� he said. But once housing is found, the DOC is responsible for preparing and distributing the special bulletin notification for the community.

This is where many communities are having a hard time of it...no one wants a CSO to live in their neighborhood. Cities and towns have rules about how far CSO must live within schools, day care centers, shopping malls...and of course CSO are upset because they are limited. So they should be. The next section of this article describes what is done to track CSO...this is very different in each state. Don't forget to check out this site, which will show you on a map, where RCSO (registered convicted sex offenders) live in your area. Be prepared; educate your children, be viligant.

Cross Posted @ ARS

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It is time for the vice president to stop continually misleading America

He likes to make news every so often, the Senator from MA who likes us to think he's a war hero. John Kerry is such a loser.

Sen. John Kerry locked jaws yesterday with White House pitbull Vice President Dick Cheney over a congressman’s call to pull U.S. troops out of Iraq within six months. From the lobby of his Boston office, Kerry blasted the vice president, accusing Cheney of dodging honest debate in favor of “inappropriate and misleading� partisan attacks. “It is time for the vice president to stop continually misleading America,� Kerry said, adding that the administration “ought to be trying to fix the problems they have created with their incompetence over the last three years.�

All the problems that Kerry would have magically fixed within a year, had he won the election. Ha. If that were the case, the Middle East would be in worst turmoil than it is right now. Kerry would insist everything pass that GLOBAL TEST...and since half the world is full of appeasement pacifists, we know where things would stand.

Earlier, Cheney toned down his criticism of decorated war veteran and U.S. Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.), even calling him “my friend and former colleague.� But Cheney then blasted lawmakers for “dishonest and reprehensible� claims that the United States fudged intelligence to make the case for war.

Cheney is a smart man. He knows a real hero from a fake one, and Kerry doesn't like that.

“Some of the most irresponsible comments have come from politicians who actually voted in favor of authorizing the use of force against Saddam Hussein,� Cheney said. “These are elected officials who had access to the intelligence materials. They are known to have a high opinion of their own analytical capabilities.� Cheney did not mention any senator by name, but Kerry still shot back. “That is just plain, flat, not true,� Kerry said. “We did not see the same intelligence and I challenge the vice president, I challenge him to answer the fundamental questions from the facts.�

It's CYA time for people like Kerry, and others. A new political season is up and coming and they have to distance themselves from their own actions.

Kerry said Murtha’s call reflects the feelings of Americans and Iraqis of the urgent need to disengage U.S. forces the country. “There is no time to spare – that really was the message of John Murtha, whether you agree or disagree with how he said it,� Kerry said. But Kerry declined to sign on to Murtha’s call to withdraw troops in six months. “It can be done in about a year under my plan,� Kerry said. “Others have different plans.�

Oh no. He still has plans?

Cross Posted @ ARS

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People start to feel like strangers in their own country

When I think about illegal immigration, it's not just the mere fact these people are here ILLEGALLY. Breaking the laws just by being here- that's bad enough but what makes it worse is they are here to take our jobs. There are two sides to this tale. American business has a lot to do with this. They want to hire people who don't expect to be paid a lot of money. While I understand that, I have a hard time coming to terms with the very real fact that by hiring illegals, these businesses are breaking laws too. Two wrongs. And I hate to get into this, but President Bush is going along with this. There is a resource people can use to find the names of local business who keep this issue alive by hiring illegals. WE HIRE ALIENS- a relatively new site with a lot of names.

The biggest incentive for illegal aliens to come to the United States is to find work. If there are no employers willing to hire the illegal aliens, then the flood of illegal aliens will subside. So the purpose of this website is to expose "alleged" employers of illegal aliens. In this effort we need your help. First, if you know of a suspected employer of illegal aliens report them here. Second, search or browse the "alleged" employers of illegal aliens and email them telling them you will no longer patronize their business. In the same email, make sure they know that you will also tell everyone you know NOT to patronize their business. We've got pre-written emails to help you do this. Third, DO NOT patronize the businesses you see listed here. Finally, use our website to report these "alleged" employers to the proper authorities. Again, we've got emails already written that you can send off at the touch of a button.

I did a search for the state of California and was amazed at how many companies are doing this. I often boycott places that promote things I don't agree with. It's high time everyone stayed away from companies who hire illegals. Don't give me the line of BS about how these jobs are not "wanted" by Americans either. American's aren't given a chance to even know about these jobs. Many businesses are starting to worry about the politics of illegal immigration. Good. They should start to worry as they are a big part of the problem, I have to say. Here's another article that outraged me...illegals have an easier time getting home loans than do American citizens! I guess it shouldn't surprise me, with all these business giving away all those jobs.

November 19, 2005 - For many, it's the American dream: owning a home. With the recent spike in housing costs, it's become more difficult for many Valley families to qualify for a home loan. But some local banks are giving out loans, and they don't even require a social security number. David seems like your typical first-time homeowner. The house is small, money's tight. But his family is happy. "It was our dream." he said. "So it was like our dream became true, finally." But getting a loan from the bank almost didn't happen. An employee from the bank called and said it seemed they had a problem. The problem was David's social security number ... it's a fake. He is undocumented, an illegal immigrant. David thought it was a dead end, but not in California. It's among a few states where banks are offering mortgages to people who they know are illegal.

And as always there are liberals who want to defend the "rights" of those who enter the country illegally, who use fake documents to steal our jobs and take over our healthcare facilities. This pisses me off.

California Sen. Dianne Feinstein stood outside her office one recent afternoon explaining her plan for granting legal status to some farmworkers who had entered the country illegally. She turned to leave, then beckoned back a departing reporter. "Please don't use the word `amnesty,"' Feinstein said. "It's not an `amnesty.' It's an `earned transition."' Across the Capitol that day, during a testy immigration hearing, Massachusetts Democrat Sen. Edward Kennedy asked Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff how "mass deportations" of illegal immigrants would impact the country. --SNIP-- Experts say the language in this particular debate is becoming increasingly angst-filled because it veils a deep national divide in beliefs over who deserves to be here, and, ultimately, who we are as Americans. "It's this sense that people are losing control over their own lives," said Ira Mehlman, Los Angeles-based spokesman for the Federation for Immigration Reform. "People wake up and discover half the kids in their children's class don't speak English and most of the resources are going to address that problem. People start to feel like strangers in their own country." Those enraged by the problem say illegal immigrants are "invading our country," and "taking jobs away from Americans." Those on the other side say illegal immigrants are "living in the shadows" and "doing jobs Americans won't do."

It seems that everyone is forgetting one key fact: By being here, these people are breaking laws. Without a second thought. Without a concern for the American people. If they're willing to be here under these cirscumstances, then they would be willing to break any law.

Cross Posted @ ARS

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Stop The Madness

Beth is asking that we check out this petition and if you're so inclined, SIGN IT.

Are you fed up with the political games being played in Washington, D.C.? Do you want critics of the Iraq war to stop the relentless attacks on the President and our troops? Then sign this petition. We are at war…still most Democrats in Congress attack the President and our troops without conscience. Sign here to ask them to STOP THE MADNESS! This petition will be hand-delivered to every member of Congress and party leaders. Our message is clear: We the undersigned believe it is time to unite this country. These baseless political attacks must stop. We are at war! 160,000 US Armed Forces are in Iraq fighting and winning. They deserve better. We call on Democratic leaders to stop the attacks on the President and our troops. And we call on Republicans in Congress to do a better job of stopping these attacks and stand with the President and our troops as well! We will deliver this petition the day of the Presidents next State of the Union address in 2006. Please sign your name and include your city as well. If you'd like a response from Congressional members in your state, include your mailing address as well. These attacks must stop. If they do not, we will lose the war in Iraq and the terrorists will win! Please take action and let your voice be heard today!

Pass this on! Cross Posted @ ARS

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Project Hero

Beth ALSO shared a link to Project HERO. What a great idea...

For those of you that don't know, I mentioned a few days back that I was surprised to learn 208 Silver Stars had been awarded in Iraq. Apparently heroism isn't newsworthy enough for most of the MSM. So in an effort to change that, I've embarked on a bit of a personal crusade called "Project Hero", where I will highlight the heroism of some of our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Today we honor a young Marine officer who won the nation's second highest honor for valor in action: the Navy Cross.

Cross Posted @ ARS

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The Cotillion's Basil Interview

So you wonder what goes around in the minds of women, but don't want to read about it in "People Magazine?"  I have just the place for you!

Basil's Blog interviewed a number of us ladies from The Cotillion, myself included.  Please stop over and learn all about what women want (real women, not those liberal-minded peacenik women who don't shave!).

Many thanks to Basil and to Beth for coordinating the whole thing for us.  What fun!

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Thanks and Thankfulness

Me and the hubby hop on a plane for sin city tomorrow - we're celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary with the honeymoon we never had.  I've never been to Vegas, so I'm pretty pumped about the trip!

So we'll be gone for most of the week.  I sooo appreciate Raven stepping up to fill in for me (AGAIN!!)...please stop over at her site and trackback, leave comments, send her money.  Okay, at least stop over and say hi or give her some linky love.  She's posted more at my site recently than I have....silly real life getting in the way and all!

While you are at it, please click through and visit my friends who are on my blogrolls.  There isn't a blog on there you'd regret poking around at.  Since I've been remiss at keeping up, the least I can do is send you over their way.  I promise I'll be back to the normal groove soon!

Thanksgiving is coming up, and it has reminded me to think of those things I have to be thankful for and appreciate having as part of my life.

• We're so extraordinarily blessed to have two beautiful, smart and healthy children.  Having them in my life has certainly made life worth living and more!
• I have a great husband.  We've weathered quite a bit in the last 10+ years and I'm so thankful that fate brought us together.  I find it amazing, however, that it took the Internet when we lived in the same apartment complex with the same view from our windows.  It was meant to be!
• We've got a roof over our head, reliable transportation, jobs that keep these things intact and afford us the opportunities to take our vacations, feed our families, maintain a virtual zoo in our home (we've covered the reptile, mammal and feathered kind as of right now), have some level of financial stability as well as any electronic object we can get our hands on, along with watercraft.
• I'm thankful that our living family members are still with us this year and that my mom no longer suffers the pain I remember her having last Thanksgiving.
• I'm thankful that, even without Mom, Dad will be celebrating Christmas this year.  I was truly wondering what was going to happen.  Christmas was a holiday that Mom was fanatical about.  Now if I could just figure out what Dad will be doing with this new lady friend of his....hehehehe
• I'm thankful that I live in a country that I can have all of the aforementioned things and people in my life.  Oh, and that I can talk and write freely about them without wondering who will come and cut off my hands if I'm caught.
• I'm thankful for the brave men and women who are away from their families protecting this country from terrorism and those who want to strip our freedoms from us.  I pray that those who are voicing dissent will gain clarity and support our troops and the reasons they are actively protecting our country. 

Think about those things that you are thankful for.  I can tie virtually everything in my life back to one thing - the freedom we have here to enjoy life fully if we want it.  There are some countries where it is acceptable to abandon a child merely because of their gender.  There are countries in which I would have never held a job because I am a woman.  There are countries in which I would have never seen a computer, let alone share with the world my feelings, my opinions and sometimes crazy pictures and posts.  And there are some that would punish me severely if they knew I was speaking out against something.  I'm so thankful that my children will enjoy the freedoms and joy living here have provided to me.  I can only hope that those who seem to tear down every decision made to protect this country appreciate what they have.  For it is those very things they have that have allowed them to protest and call for a change of strategy as it relates to the war on terror. 

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you and Viva Las Vegas!  See you on Friday! 

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"Every Day with Rachael Ray" Sets Sales Records!

Not any big surprises here:

NEW YORK, Nov. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Readers have a hearty appetite for Every
Day with Rachael Ray, the new food/lifestyle magazine published by The
Reader's Digest Association, Inc.  The first issue of Every Day with Rachael
Ray debuted nationwide on October 25, 2005, and the overwhelming demand at
retail has prompted the publisher to go back to press for an additional
135,000 copies, bringing the total print run to more than one million copies.

...and it doesn't stop there!

Barnes & Noble, Inc. announced on Monday that Every Day with Rachael Ray
set a new sales record at the chain, selling more than 20,000 copies in the
first two weeks -- the strongest launch of any food magazine. Every Day with
Rachael Ray is expected to be among Barnes & Noble's top ten bestselling food
magazines.

If you can't get your hands on an issue, you can visit their companion site here.  Small snippets are published there, and you can also subscribe to the magazine there.  I really enjoyed the premiere issue, reading it cover to cover, and I'm certain any Rachael Ray fan will enjoy it as well!

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Teens Had Weblogs

I'm sure you've all heard the news about the 18-year-old, David Ludwig, who allegedly killed his girlfriend's parents because of an argument about curfew.  Both he and his 14-year-old girlfriend, Kara Beth Borden, were captured after a police chase and authorities are attemting to determine the role she may have played, if any, in the slaying of her parents.

Kara's 13-year-old sister, Katelyn, told investigators her father and mother were shot after they argued with Ludwig for about an hour, according to a police affidavit filed in court.

"As they got near the front door, Katelyn Borden saw David Ludwig with a handgun pointed toward her father and Katelyn saw David Ludwig pull the trigger, heard a gunshot, and then she ran into the bathroom," the affidavit said.

She heard a second shot — presumably the one that killed her mother — while hiding in the bathroom, it said. Ludwig then ran through the house calling for Kara, she told investigators.

Michael and Cathryn Borden, both 50, were found shot to death shortly after 8 a.m. Sunday, after the couple's 9-year-old son ran to the home of neighbors, who called 911. An older daughter also escaped, police said.

I find it incredibly sad that the siblings were witness to this act and now they will be subject to all that comes with it since their parents are deceased.  Authorities are suspecting that this was premeditated, which carries a life sentence if Ludwig is convicted.  Ludwig is virtually a kid himself.  How could such anger be in someone who is barely an adult?

The interesting spin on this is that CBS reports that both of these teens apparently had blogs.  The blogs themselves aren't interesting per se.  They appear to be the usual "teen" types of blogs - listed hobbies/interests, pictures, emoticons.  Truly nothing that seems out of the ordinary and nothing that would lead you to believe that the next action would be the murdering of the girl's parents.  I just sense that because some criminals reportedly have maintained blogs that could be "a window to their minds," each and every time there is a heinous criminal act I picture reporters frantically searching Google or Yahoo! to find the blog the criminal wrote so they can report on their "state of mind."  It's just compelling to me, and I see it as evidence that could be used in the investigation and/or the trial on both sides (defense and prosecution).

The children impacted by this act are in my thoughts in prayers.  My heart goes out to them.   

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I'm Back...for Now!

I arrived safe and sound back home on Saturday, only to be welcomed by a slight ear injury from the flight (pressure trauma, according to the urgent care doc), darn it, as well as a number of crazy things in REAL LIFE.  I just wanted to let you know that I'm alive, and indeed will probably post some things this week before hubby and I go on our trip to Vegas (my first time!).  I'm looking forward to it!

Many thanks to my partner in crime, Raven, for doing a TREMENDOUS job filling in for me in my absence.  I can only hope she got some good traffic from it!

Read More "I'm Back...for Now!"

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Veterans Day

History of Veterans Day 1921 - an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried in each nation's highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These memorial services all took place on November 11, the anniversary of the end of World War I at 11:00 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month), which became known as Armistice Day. 1926 - Armistice Day officially became a holiday in the United States, and a national holiday 12 years later. On June 1, 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. veterans. 1968 - new legislation changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date. Official, national ceremonies for Veterans Day center around the Tomb of the Unknowns. To honor these men, symbolic of all Americans who gave their lives in all wars, an Army honor guard, the 3d U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), keeps day and night vigil. At 11 a.m. on November 11, a combined color guard representing all military services executes "Present Arms" at the tomb. The nation's tribute to its war dead is symbolized by the laying of a presidential wreath and the playing of "Taps."

Department of Defense Veterans Day Coverage Military History

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11/10/05 Edition Stop The ACLU

The ACLU has breaking news for everyone: ACLU and Diverse Coalition of National Non-Profits Win Major Victory in Challenge to Misguided CFC Government Watch List and Contribution Policies I got this information directly from the ACLU's website. This is a press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: media@aclu.org NEW YORK – The American Civil Liberties Union and 12 other national non-profit organizations today said they have successfully challenged Office of Personnel Management’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) requirements that all participating charities check their employees and expenditures against several government watch lists for "terrorist activities" and that organizations certify that they do not contribute funds to organizations on those lists.

Now we have proof positive that the ACLU is anti-American. Right down to the core. To make such declarations as the one above, with gleeful tone, should concern people who care about this country. It's well known that Muslim freaks use their Mosques and the charities that are set up as a front to cover terrorist activity. Money is gathered and used to train future terrorists; the money is given to peace loving groups such as Hamas. Yes, the ACLU is looking out for the people of America.

"This is a major victory for non-profit organizations that refused to be subjected to vague government requirements forcing us to become law enforcement officers for the federal government," said ACLU Executive Director Anthony D. Romero. “We feel vindicated. List checking is not and has not been required by law.� Romero was referring to the Office of Personnel Management’s final regulation posted in the Federal Register earlier this week, saying that it is dropping list-checking requirements. The regulation states: “Under the final rule, effective for 2006 and subsequent campaigns, OPM does not mandate that applicants check the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List or the Terrorist Exclusion List (TEL).�

This is major victory for those who want to harm Americans. And the ACLU has assisted these people with open hands and all the legal pull they could muster. This pisses me off, it's exactly what we DON'T need now.

In 2003, the CFC generated more than $248 million from approximately 1,345,000 federal employees, according to the ACLU. The funds went to more than 10,000 participating non-profits that support our country’s health and education systems, the arts and the environment, childrens’ services and religious life. CFC contributions earmarked for the ACLU typically totaled about $500,000 per year; as a result of the policy, the organization lost more than $1 million in contributions.

Yes and I wonder how many of these health and education systems were (and still are) serving as front doors for terrorist groups, using these funds for their dirty work. (Did you read that little bit up there about the funds going for religious life???-the ACLU hates religion!)

“Watch list requirements and other misguided policies of today remind us of the now- discredited anti-Communist list checking of the early 1950’s,� said Romero. “It is no more justified now than it was then.�

I don't believe the anti-Communist list checking has ever been discredited. It's a matter of how one perceives their education about the issue. Oh and let's have a look at those other groups who went along with the ACLU with this:

In addition to the ACLU, the following organizations are plaintiffs in the litigation: Advocacy Institute; Amnesty International USA; Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund; Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law; Electronic Frontier Foundation; NAACP Special Contribution Fund; NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc.; Natural Resources Defense Council; Focus Project d/b/a/ OMB Watch; Our Bodies Ourselves; People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals; and Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.

I need not say more. All these groups are a bunch of socialist, sappy ass, snotty nosed sub citizens who are using issues of American security as a means to gain attention (kind of like little kids do).

The text of the letter from the CFC:

"I certify that as of (date), the organization in this application does not knowingly employ individuals or contribute funds to organizations found on the following terrorist related lists promulgated by the U.S. Government, the United Nations, or the European Union. Presently these lists include the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control Specially Designated Nationals List, the Department of Justice’s Terrorist Exclusion List, and the list annexed to Executive Order 13224. Should any change of circumstances occur during the year OPM will be notified within 15 days of such change."

What's so BAD about that???? This post is part of the STOP THE ACLU Blog Burst...
Cross Posted @ ARS If you would like to join us, please register at Our Portal, or email Jay at Jay@stoptheaclu.com. You will be added to our mailing list and blogroll. Over 115 blogs already onboard.

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PETA sees a moral dimension to the anticipated pandemic

Of all the pathetic things I hear about...this has to be right up there on the top of my list. I should make a new category called "Give Me A Break!" for this baloney.

(CNSNews.com) - Members of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals say they will lie naked in flower-decorated coffins outside the Department of Agriculture in Washington on Wednesday to "remind consumers that an addiction to poultry could lead to a bird-flu pandemic." Protesters will raise a banner reading, "Bird Flu Kills: Go Vegetarian," and they plan to hand out "emergency vegetarian starter kits."

Using such a potentially serious and devasting virus as a backdrop for a publicity stunt is LOW. I'm surprised PETA isn't loosing feathers over the mass cullings that have occurred in the past several months.

PETA quoted the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as saying that bird flu can be caught by eating undercooked meat or eggs. But the CDC also notes that poultry products can be safely eaten, "provided these items are properly cooked and properly handled during food preparation." According to the CDC, the bird flu virus is sensitive to heat, which means that "normal temperatures used for cooking" will kill the virus. "Avian influenza is not transmitted through cooked food," the CDC website specifically says. And it says there is no evidence so far that anyone has become infected after eating "properly cooked poultry or poultry products, even when these foods were contaminated with the H5N1 virus."

Trust me...birds with H5N1 would not be something ANYONE would ever consider for human consumption. Birds infected with this virus don't make it to the grinder shop, so to speak. What is more disturbing, though, is this thought process coming out of PETA:

PETA sees a moral dimension to the anticipated pandemic. "It's payback time, with avian flu now showing up as a direct consequence of a very sick and cruel industry," said PETA Vegan Campaign Director Bruce Friedrich. "With diseases running rampant in crowded, filthy factory farms, not to mention the known link between meat-eating and heart disease, the safest thing to do with chicken flesh is to avoid it like the plague." PETA is among the activist groups that oppose "factory farming," where birds and other livestock live in conditions that activists describe as cruel and inhumane.

You know...these morons are spoiled idiOts who have no medical or science background, for sure. If they did they would not (ever) joke around about such issues. Pandemic flus are horrible. They kill MILLIONS. The next flu has potential to kill BILLIONS. This didn't start with birds who were caged up; it started with field chickens in Vietnam...PETA needs to do it's homework and get the facts right.
Cross Posted @ ARS

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I'll be homeless because I don't make that much money

Some people have a lot of nerve. Those who have harmed children should have no rights period. Convicted sex offenders especially should not have access to those who they very likely would harm again.

DELAWARE, Ohio -- The U.S. District Court Monday dismissed a lawsuit filed by registered sex offenders who say the Ohio law banning sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of a school is unconstitutional. David Slack, one of the six registered sex offenders who filed the suit, said he cannot afford to move away from his home near Woodward Elementary School in Delaware, Ohio. "I'll be homeless because I don't make that much money," Slack said.

I don't want to hear his sorry ass stories. He's full of BS and he knows it. He wants to live near the school so he can check out the prey. It's what all sex offenders want: To have their eye candy right in front of them. If this is an issue of being homeless, then get another job asshole. Do whatever it takes to move away from the kids. The state should make him get another job! I don't condone states getting involved like that, but in these cases it wouldn't be a bad thing. Kind of like forced labor.

On Monday, the U.S. District Court dismissed his case. The court did not uphold the constitutionality of the law, but just said Slack and the other registered sex offenders did not have the legal standing to file suit. "There'd been no action taken to remove them from the place they'd been living in, or they brought it even though they weren't living within 1,000 feet of a school," Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro said. Nevertheless, Petro said he sees the case's dismissal as a victory for the state and all of its residents, NBC 4's Duarte Geraldino reported. Petro said he believes many sex offenders are likely to offend again.

1000 feet isn't that far, 1/5th of a mile. I live near two schools and the neighborhood is always busy with kids walking to and from school...I wouldn't feel content knowing a pervert lived ANYWHERE near the area. A good 6 miles is what I MIGHT feel alright with. 1000 feet? The perverts can still see the kids...and lurk and watch them as they walk by.

"I am truly sorry about what happened, but it was just one of those things. I can't explain why it happened," Slack said.

Yep...and no one wants to hear your half ass apology. It's too late for that. And it's very lame, when used in context to this lawsuit.

Supporters praised the judge's decision and said it allows the state to enforce a law that is needed to keep children safe. "This law is in place to protect children from potentially dangerous predators," Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro said in a statement. "This is a reasonable and necessary statute." The law allows city and county prosecutors across the state to seek eviction orders against hundreds - and possibly thousands - of convicted sex offenders living too close to schools. The law expands a statute that had allowed neighbors, landlords or school officials to seek evictions.

Now this is what I want to read...laws making it legal to boot these perverts right out of the area. Who wants a salivating twisted sex freak who seeks children, living in their neighborhoods, near the schools or places where kids hang out? I know this leaves little option as to where the freaks can go...and that's the point. They should be sent out to a field in the niddle of no where...

But opponents say the re-offense rate is no different for sex offenders than for other criminals and that imposing the 1,000-foot rule would be impractical and unconstitutional. In some cases, they say, the rule would be so restrictive it could result in homelessness.

That is a lie. Sex offenders often repeat their crimes, and to a higher degree of harm each time. There is a BIG difference between a person who robs a bank or sells drugs, compared to this type of criminal. I cannot believe these advocates are even trying to compare. Those who care about kids need to keep pushing these issues and demanding local governments to force the perverts into seclusion. I hate to promote that, but when it comes to welfare and safety of children, it may have to come to this.
Cross Posted @ ARS

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11/08/05 Edition-Cotillion

It's THAT time of the week again! Go see what we're all writing about this week. Want to know more about what we are, why we are, what we look for in conservative womens' blogs? Go here. You can't just join us, you have to be invited. This week's edition of the Cotillion Our Members:

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Americans Get A Better Deal

Here they go again...picking on American healthcare as if it were the worst thing in the world. I love how these writers suggest things are better in other countries. Things are worse, far worse in those national health care nations. But we won't hear about that.

Americans pay more when they get sick than people in other Western nations and get more confused, error-prone treatment, according to the largest survey to compare U.S. health care with other nations. The survey of nearly 7,000 sick adults in the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Britain and Germany found Americans were the most likely to pay at least $1,000 in out-of-pocket expenses. More than half went without needed care because of cost and more than one-third endured mistakes and disorganized care when they did get treated.

And people of other nations didn't run into all these issues?

Although patients in every nation sometimes run into obstacles to getting care and deficiencies when they do get treated, the United States stood out for having the highest error rates, most disorganized care and highest costs, the survey found.

Ah ha...yes people do run into problems elsewhere. Just not as often, maybe, as suggested by the careful planting of that word, "sometimes". I want to see the details of this survey.

"What's striking is that we are clearly a world leader in how much we spend on health care," said Cathy Schoen, senior vice president for the Commonwealth Fund, a private, nonpartisan, nonprofit foundation that commissioned the survey. "We should be expecting to be the best. Clearly, we should be doing better." Other experts agreed, saying the results offer the most recent evidence that the quality of care in the United States is seriously eroding even as health care costs skyrocket. "This provides confirming evidence for what more and more health policy thinkers have been saying, which is, 'The American health care system is quietly imploding, and it's about time we did something about it,' " said Lucian L. Leape of the Harvard School of Public Health.

It's really sad to see these reports, which are so misleading and full of bullshit. No where in this world will anyone get better care- no where are there better hospitals, medical research facililies. No where. It has to cost something-after all the people who work at these places need to earn a living. It's not that far out of reach-and all of them have funds for those who cannot pay.

Americans had the easiest access to specialists, but they experienced the most problems getting care after hours, and Americans and Canadians were the most likely to report problems seeing a doctor the same day they sought one. Americans were also much more likely to report forgoing needed treatment because of cost, with about half saying they had decided not to fill a prescription, to see a doctor when they were sick or opted against getting recommended follow-up tests. About 38 percent of patients in New Zealand reported going without care; the numbers were 34 percent in Australia, 28 percent in Germany, 26 percent in Canada and 13 percent in Britain.

But what they're not saying here is-- people in Germany and Canada and Britain often have to wait DAYS for prescriptions to be filled; they may see a doctor the same day they call, but needed medical tests can take months to get done (and when you have cancer, months can mean your death); after hours care???-in these nations?? They do what we do-ER visits. Don't let them fool you.

About one-third of U.S. patients reported problems with the coordination of their care, such as test results not being available when they arrived at a doctor's appointment or doctors ordering duplicate tests. In the other countries, 19 to 26 percent of patients reported similar problems. Americans also reported the greatest number of medical errors. Thirty-four percent reported getting the wrong medication or dose, incorrect test results, a mistake in their treatment or care, or being notified late about abnormal test results. Only 30 percent of Canadian patients, 27 percent of Australian patients, 25 percent of New Zealanders, 23 percent of Germans and 22 percent of Britons reported errors.

It's all in proportion to what these people of Germany/Britain/NZ get...they don't have the same resources we do. They also have state run medical programs,which reeks of assembly line mentaility. Nothing is personal with health care over in Europe. At least here in America, most doctors know their patients by their first names. It is true that Americans experience more medication errors and simliar things. Much of this is due to too much government oversight into the medical field. The paperwork that has to be done to support all this is astronomical. And wasteful. I have to say too...that many Americans are just plain lazy when it comes to their own health. They still think the docs can save them from every ill in the world; Americans tend to follow their own directions when it comes to following MD orders for treatments and medications. And insurances do rule much of what we can do and cannot do. That is only a small percentage of problems though. In other nations, the socialists inspired medical models leave nothing to be desired. Why so many here wish to see our system turn into that is something I have yet to figure out. I think a lot of people just don't know how BAD it really is over in Europe. Waiting months just to get a mammogram, because you're just another number on a long list (while you feel that lump getting bigger and bigger). Waiting months for other life saving treatments (waiting weeks and weeks for chemo treatments), because you have no value as an indivdual. And don't ever think they get it all for free. They pay upwards of 50% in taxes over there-right out of their pay-to cover these costs. Break it all down and I would say Americans get a much better deal.
Cross Posted @ ARS

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A Bit of a Hiatus

I'll be out of town on business starting Tuesday morning, and I won't be returning until Friday afternoon.  I'm hopping on a 7am flight (ugh...I don't do mornings well, let's just say the girl traveling with me convinced me...and at least she's giving me a ride to the airport so I can sleep on the way heh!), so chances are I'll be pretty busy Monday night, spending time with the munchkins and hubby and packing.  So, this will probably be my last post until Friday night or Saturday.

I'm not bringing my laptop because, frankly, I will be either flying, or working (my agenda is jam packed!).  At this point, I'm hoping we get to at least look around a bit!  I just don't think I'll have time to blog.  I'm hoping those of you with a set of keys feel comfortable throwing up a post and linking the hell out of your own sites, just to boost your stats!

This is what I'll be thinking about, and would have posted about had I been here this week:

1. The trip hubby and I are taking to Vegas for our 10-year-wedding anniversary.  I'm PUMPED!  Our first trip without the young'uns!
2. GO PEYTON MANNING!  Earn me some SERIOUS Fantasy Football points, dammit!
3. I don't have to cook for at least 3 days!  And that means there won't be dishes for me to do either...LOL
4. I've never been where I'm going, and I've never had to go through customs.  Perhaps there will be a story there when I get back?
5. What will the political atmosphere be where I'm going?  I'm imagining fairly liberal, but it will definitely be interesting to observe!
6. I'm looking forward to 2 1/2 days of hearing about issues that we need to work through.
7. Even though I'll be working, I'll have a week's worth of work backed up back here at my home office.  And only 4 days to do it before I'm on vacation.  And a full calendar.  ::: shrug :::
8. Will my chihuahua be alive when I return, or will he be taking the long, wet nap for biting my hubby?
9. Will my kids miss me?  Will my hubby miss me?  I'll miss them terribly!  I did the last business trip I had!
10. Will my DVR hold all of my shows?  LOL

Take care, have a great week and stay out of trouble!  Oh, wait.  DUH....I keep forgetting who my audience is!  Heheheheheheheheheeheheheh!!!

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ACLU: Panhandling = Freedom of Speech

In an effort to curtail panhandling, the Pittsburgh City Council passed some ordinances relating to when and where panhandling would be limited.  The mayor was expected to approve these recommendations on Wednesday.

In a last-minute amendment, council added a provision to keep panhandlers at least 25 feet away from church entrances. The ordinance also would prohibit begging between sunset and sunrise, within 10 feet of a bus stop or street food vendor and within 25 feet of a sidewalk cafe or a line of people waiting to enter a theater or buy tickets.

As is always the case, the ACLU has to leave its footprint on anything they interpret as "a no-no" (emphasis mine):

Barbara Feige, president of the Greater Pittsburgh American Civil Liberties Union, said she doesn't plan to challenge the ordinance's constitutionality in court now, but she wouldn't rule it out if people complain. Feige said it's unconstitutional to restrict freedom of speech from sunset to sunrise, which is too vague to be enforced properly by police.

I felt the need to go to my trusty dictionary to get some definition behind these basic concepts.

Sunset:  The event or time of the daily disappearance of the sun below the western horizon.

Sunrise:  The event or time of the daily first appearance of the sun above the eastern horizon.

Panhandling:  To approach strangers and beg for money or food.

Call me a simpleton, but last I checked, it was pretty simple to determine what sunset and sunrise are.  Even my local weather celebrity tells me the exact hour and minute of sunrise and sunset every day.  So the whole sunset/sunrise issue is resolved.

Now, my trusty dictionary says that panhandling is approaching strangers and begging for money or food.  I cannot be convinced that panhandling falls within freedom of speech.  I would actually go a step further and say that after sunset, a person who is a stranger to me approaching me would actually be quite frightening (whether they are panhandling or not).  I think the limitations make perfect sense and are not out of line in any way. 

Who is the ACLU fooling?  Someone will complain, more than likely the panhandler who isn't getting his or her "fair share" of income due to the limitations, and the ACLU will put on their cape and swoop down in an attempt to "save the underdog."  At the risk of sounding completing heartless (okay, a risk I have to take), I have to wonder if a panhandler's income is being reported to the IRS?  What would the ACLU accomplish by fighting for a panhandler's right to panhandle after dark?  Why wouldn't they just offer the panhandler a job in order to truly help?  [crickets chirping]

Okay, I think you get the point.  I just think the ACLU could do so much more by actually HELPING someone.  Instead, they focus on these types of cases in an effort to help "the little guy" defeat the big, mean system.  This doesn't help anyone, and is truly a waste of our time.

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Please stop over at Stop the ACLU! to read more about the ACLU's involvement in issues you may be surprised about!

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GO NAVY! Project Valour-IT

Please stop over at my hubby's site here. 

He's participating in a fund drive for a good cause - Project Valour-IT.  He has all of the information, but simply stated, this fund drive will allow Soldiers' Angels Project Valour-IT to "...form laptop libraries equipped with voice-controlled software at each major military medical center.  Service personnel with hand or arm wounds can check out one of these laptops for as long as they are hospitalized.  If they still need assistance when they leave the hospital, they receive a copy of the voice-controlled software to use on their own computer."

What a GREAT CAUSE!  By donating using the donation button at Vince Aut Morire, your donation will count for the "Navy" team.  A little friendly competition for a good cause never hurt anyone, right?  The competition is scheduled through Veteran's Day (Friday, November 11th).

Thanks for your consideration.  Eric and I have donated and hope you'll think about helping our soldiers as well!

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November is...

It never fails to amaze me that the changing of the calendar brings with it new observances.  No, not talking about Thanksgiving, not talking about Veterans' Day...I'm talking about the unusual observances that are assigned to each and every month of the year (and then every week of said month, and every day of said week).  Here's what the month of November brings us:

• National Fun with Fondue Month (um....no, ain't gonna touch it!)
• Georgia Pecan Month (hmmmm....won't the pecans in other states feel discriminated against?)
• National Peanut butter Lover's Month (mmmm....peanut butter!)
• National Impotency Month (eh....ain't gonna touch that one either, although is it intended to celebrate impotency or make us aware of it?  Hmmmm....nope.  Ain't gonna go there)

There are a few weekly and daily celebrations that I couldn't pass up as well.  This week includes:

• National Fig Week (YAY!  It's National FIG week!)
• Plan your Epitaph Day, Wednesday (I'm just not ready for that!)
• National Men Make Dinner Day, Thursday (now THAT's what I'm talkin' about!)
• National Sandwich Day, Thursday (hey...who decided to put SANDWICH day on the MEN MAKE DINNER DAY?  This should be National 7-course-gourmet-dinner-day!)
• National Chicken Lady Day, Friday (whah?!?!?)
• International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, Sunday (okay, I put this one in for two reasons...1) it is the world's longest title....how do you get this on a bumper sticker anyway? and 2) Read it again...yeesh!)

There you have it!  Be sure to mark your calendars and plan your celebrations and events for November!

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The Cotillion - Portia Rediscovers Me!

So, we've been having a Cotillion each and every week, and I just haven't been playing the past few weeks (for one reason or another...let's leave it at "real life" getting in the way).  I did have a chance to get a post submitted this week, and it's part of the great round up at Portia Rediscovered (you've just GOT to take a look at her new digs!).

As always, the post is also over at the Cotillion.  Many thanks to Portia for a great round up and to all of the fine ladies for many great posts!

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