…and it won’t be just Vinnie and me!

Please email me for details at merrimusings AT msn DOT com if you are interested in joining us in Lincoln!

Hubby says I get to go shoppin’ ….and not only for a gun, but for a new Coach bag to put it in. Woot!

OMAHA, Neb. — The scramble to prepare for a new weapons law in Omaha has started at area businesses.

The Omaha City Council passed an ordinance on Tuesday that will allow people to legally carry concealed guns when a new state law takes effect on Jan. 1. There are exceptions, including places where the business owner or the person in charge of the property decides to ban weapons.

Mayor Mike Fahey has said he will veto the ordinance, but with a 5-2 vote out of the council, there are enough votes to override a veto.

Nyah, nyah, nyah Fahey. Of course you don’t understand. I’ll bet you never got followed off the interstate when you were coming home from work at 2am, huh?

This comes by way of Traderrob at Jawa.

Apparently the Indian government feels that Merri Musings (albeit my old url that’s no longer in service at http://www.merrimusings.typepad.com) is worthy of being censored so the people in India are not subjected to the content of my blog.

Officials in the Ministry of Information Technology cite a July 14, 2003 gazette notification that gives the government rights to restrict access to the Internet.

The notification lists five parameters that can allow blocking of websites, which include threats to sovereignty, security of the country, friendly relations with another nation, public order or to prevent a cognizable offense.

I feel very priviledged to (kinda) be in the company of a number of outstanding blogs on the list, The Jawa Report being one of them. I do think it’s guilt by association since that crazy hubby of mine is a contributor at Jawa Editor in Chief of The Jawa Report (heheheh). Well, maybe it’s all the posts I do on Rachael Ray…it’s just gotta be!

In all honesty I find it quite humerous, and the article is quite interesting. You can find it here.

The Merri Musings typepad site is defunct, following a transition to this site (and after a very ridiculous battle with Typepad to remove the thugs who decided to use my old URL as a pr0n site). But those of you in India who want to read about Rachael Ray, get a few recipes, read about pedophiles and child molesters (oh, and the occasional political rant)…stop over here…it seems you are still welcome to be here courtesy of your government.

UPDATE: Yanno, sometimes it sucks having to go to work…I missed out on so much!

Let me break it down for you: The penny Beth threw in the fountain made her wish come true - she made the “banned” list! She also notes that Malkin has word that the silly little ban may be lifted in a few days. Malkin also posted what is allegedly a document requesting the ban. You can see it here.

Rusty has a great post on the Indian government’s decision to ban our sites. It appears to be related to some posts we did last year about the rioting following a reported incident involving the alleged flushing of the Koran. Read Rusty’s post - it’s awesome!

Teach also got the ban treatment and boasts about it over at his cove. What great company to be in! Now, since they listed my OLD URL, I don’t get the hits from the WSJ, so I will live vicariously through those that do!

…and to think this may have been all about Rachael Ray. Rachael, I guess you are off the hook!

I hunted down my Koran post here, if you want to take a peek.

UPDATE REDUX: I love my hubby.

This case makes me sick to my stomach and pisses me off all at the same time.

OMAHA, Neb. — The Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a child pornography case.

Investigators confiscated numerous items, including computers, from a Sarpy County home, NewsWatch 7 has learned.

Police said they will be serving an arrest warrant issued for James L. Miller. Miller faces 100 counts of possession of sexually explicit conduct. Police said most of the victims seen in the photos removed from Miller’s home are boys.

Okay. So this sick freak is in posession of enough sexually explicit material involving boys that they can charge him with 100 counts. If he’s convicted, guess what the sentence is?

The charges can mean a five-year prison sentence and fine of $10,000.

Shoot. Many crimes that are less harmful carry stiffer penalties than that. And this guy is a midgets football coach. I’ll bet he *never* thought of doing anything to those boys he coached.

But WTF about this?

Investigators said they know where Miller is, but have not yet arrested him because he is “indisposed,” but they would elaborate on where Miller is.

GET THIS GUY OFF THE STREETS, PLEASE! One wonders what he is doing when he is “indisposed.”

He was supposed to be coaching the Beef’s playoff game, but officials said a family member had told the Beef that Miller was having personal problems and would not be at the game.

Really? Personal problems? Um, unlike the ACLU (ahem…can you say NAMbLA?) I think being a pedophile is most definitely a personal problem.

For my Rachael Ray fans….I’m in the process of putting together a photo album of Rachael Ray and John Cusimano photos. If you have any that you would like included, please drop me an email at merrimusings *at* msn *dot* com. My hope is that it will be a one stop spot for those of you actively looking for pictures of her (and her hubby, and Isaboo, etc.).

COMING SOON!

Rachael Ray is featured in the August 2006 issue of “Good Housekeeping” and is even pictured on the cover. The article is titled “Rachael Ray’s Recipie for Joy.” You can find a teaser of the article here. Here’s an exerpt:

The unpretentious Rachael Ray might not seem like a top-rated television host who draws more than 18 million viewers a week. But with four programs on regular rotation at the Food Network and 14 best-selling cookbooks, she has become a force to be reckoned with. It’s an understatement to say cooking is her life: Even after a long day of cooking in front of cameras, Ray unwinds by preparing meals for her husband, John Cusimano. In fact, she knew he was The One after he requested this carbonara dish for his birthday dinner.

“I knew my boyfriend was the man to marry when I asked him what he would like for his birthday dinner,” Rachael Ray writes in her cookbook Cooking ‘Round the Clock. “I offered up lobster, steak, fine foods of all nationalities, to which he replied: ‘Can I just have some of your carbonara?’ Whoa! I was right about him….

“Carbonara is bacon-and-egg pasta, a true classic from Italian cuisine. This is the food of the people! I never order it out because everyone messes with it: They add cream, mushrooms, ham — all kinds of stuff that simply doesn’t belong. Yes, I acknowledge that this dish is heavy and bad for you, especially when eaten in copious amounts. But eating this out of the pan or one large bowl with two forks is extra-sexy. Usually, this recipe makes six servings, but late at night, when no one can see us, my husband, John, and I eat as much as we want!”

Carbonara

Ingredients:

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 pound pasta, such as spaghetti or rigatoni
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (enough to coat bottom of pan)
1/4 pound pancetta (Italian bacon), chopped
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
5 to 6 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 large egg yolks
Freshly grated Romano cheese
Handful of finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Directions:

1. Put a large saucepot of water on to boil. Add a liberal amount of salt and the pasta. Cook to al dente, about 8 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and pancetta. Brown pancetta 2 minutes. Add red pepper flakes and garlic and cook 2 to 3 minutes more. Add wine and stir up all the pan drippings.

3. In a separate bowl, beat yolks, then add 1 large ladleful (about 1/2 cup) of the pasta cooking water. This tempers the eggs and keeps them from scrambling when added to the pasta.

4. Drain pasta well and add it directly to the skillet with pancetta and oil. Pour the egg mixture over the pasta. Toss rapidly to coat the pasta without cooking the egg. Remove pan from heat and add a big handful of cheese, lots of pepper, and a little salt. Continue to toss and turn the pasta until it soaks up egg mixture and thickens, 1 to 2 minutes. Garnish with parsley and extra grated Romano.

There’s another great Rachael Ray article out at People.com.

TV chef Rachael Ray has a lot on her plate – but worrying about her weight isn’t one of them.

The Food Network host, best-selling cookbook author and lifestyle-magazine editor – who is about to launch her own daytime talk show – says, “I don’t care about any fashion enough to give up food.”

Asked how she manages her weight, “I don’t,” she said at the Television Critics Association’s summer meeting, reports the Associated Press. “I buy jeans with stretch. Everything I have has stretch in it. I haven’t known my weight since I was 12-years-old. I have enough pressure.”

It’s easy to see how she has an ever-growing fan base. She seems like “real people” to me - down to earth and not wanting to get too far from reality. Honestly, who has time to be Martha Stewart? If you aren’t out refinishing that table from 1812, you are drying your pine cones or making your own plates for the 12 course dinner you are serving 30 tonight. I like Rachael Ray because she gets things done in 30 minutes or less, she is no-nonsense, and a bit crazy. Some people can’t stand her loud, gabby, arm-flinging antics on her show. I personally think it is part of her appeal (hint: maybe because I’m a bit like that in person?). It hasn’t hurt her pocketbook, either!

As I have been watching my Tivo’d “30 Minute Meals” with Rachael Ray, commercials for Alton Brown’s new show “Feasting on Asphalt” have appeared. Even my kids like his show “Good Eats” because, well, he’s kind of crazy. It appears that on “Feasting on Asphalt” he’ll be just as crazy, but won’t be clean-shaven, will ride a motorcycle and will make his way around parts of the country’s backroads, diners and even VFWs and churches. Here’s some Q&A regarding the show:

What is Feasting on Asphalt?
Alton Brown’s cross-country search for the nation’s best road food.

Where is Alton Brown going?
Georgia, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, California and more.

How is he going to get there?
On a motorcycle. “Why a motorcycle? As far as I’m concerned, there’s no better way to experience the road than from the back of a bike. Being exposed to the elements presents thrills and challenges alike, most of which can’t be captured in a ‘cage’ (that’s what motorcycle people call cars),” says Alton.

What will Alton eat?Every kind of road food available–from foraging in the forest (grubs are great protein) to camp cooking (think Lewis and Clark) to diners, truck stops and even the corporate fast food chains. Alton also intends to eat (and cook) in nifty regional joints, churches, community centers, VFW halls, RV parks and the homes of folks nice enough to offer a weary traveler a meal.

You can read more about the show here. There’s some video, great photos and a newsletter you can sign up for. I’ll definitely check out his show. After all, I bought his Sodium Chloride Containment Unit, didn’t I? Oh, and if you don’t know what this is, shoot me an email or drop a comment…always fun to see who is Alton-savvy!

Most of you remember the story of the notorious 5′1″ sex offender, Richard Thompson, and his favorite fan and judge Kristine Cecava. If you need a refresher, you can stop over here. The “Cliff’s Notes” version: Judge Cecava felt sorry for shorty, who happens to be a pedophile (sex offender, child molester, etc.) and chose to give him PROBATION because he might be picked on in the prison yard for being a little guy. The story made national news and put my state of Nebraska on the map…nice, huh? Anyway, the sentence is being appealed by Attorney General Jon Bruning. ..and now, an update.

The title of this post was a very fitting headline over at KETV for good reason. The State Patrol has classified Thompson as a Class Three offender, which has the highest risk to reoffend.

As a Class Three offender, Thompson’s name, address and photo are posted on the State Patrol’s public registry and he must notify the state, through the local sheriff, of any change of address and other information.

Attorney General Jon Bruning’s office has filed an appeal of Thompson’s probation sentence.

The judge’s decision not to imprison Thompson brought local and national criticism.

C’mon judicial system. Do the right thing here. Keep this predator off the street away from kids.

I know I live in hicksville when this makes the news:

The Veterans Administration Hospital sits at 41st Street and Woolworth Avenue, but its new sign reads Woolworth Street.

The VA said it noticed the problem right away, and so did numerous employees and neighbors who called to report it.

Wow….now *that* is cutting edge reporting!

I can remember the horrific images we all saw on television on 9/11. Terrorist thugs ramming planes carrying people into our buildings - lives lost as they fell from the buildings to the earth. Much destruction all because the bastards thought we should die. These are the most vile, souless, disgusting creatures that have ever lived and al Qaeda proves it again by releasing a very graphic video of the desecration of two kidnapped U.S. soldiers, Kristian Menchaca and Thomas Tucker of the 101st Airborne.

Rusty over at The Jawa Report has the full story, including the video and pictures. Why, might you ask, am I linking you over there if the videos are so disturbing? Well, we cannot forget who the enemy is. We cannot forget what they are capable of. The MSM paints a picture of Gitmo as some torture scene and these assholes are beheading, desecrating and parading our dead soldiers for all the world to see as some kind of bullshit “revenge” story that makes absolutely no sense. What, truly, is the real evil here? Watching the video was tough for me in the sense that I know these soldiers were not only soldiers, but they were sons, and they were cousins, friends, nephews, brothers, grandsons. The difference between a person like me and these soldiers is bravery and a dedication to fighting for my freedom and yours - knowing there is a cost. But also knowing that the price they pay will keep freedom’s gift a part of America’s future. I will always stand behind our soldiers and I will always support them, but I need to understand as well - we can get somewhat forgetful with a body of water and the MSM filter between the front lines and here. This war is REAL - this isn’t some made up story to increase presidential approval ratings, or some street fight started by the U.S. for no reason. These people want us dead and will not stop until we stop them. You can choose to watch the video or not - some may not be able to, but I had to. This is the face of the enemy and it doesn’t matter your view on the war - it’s enraging.

All the anger and pain I felt on 9/11 resurfaced in just over 4 minutes of video. But along with the anger and pain comes strengthened resolve.

What, might you ask, has Merri been doing all day?

Well….this.

…and this.

Twenty pint jars of freshly grown green beans. All nicely packed and sealed into jars for the dead of winter. YUM!

Next on the canning list for summer? Tomatoes and catsup. The first is simple, the catsup is a 2-day job (and takes a LOT of tomatoes to do!). Is it worth it? My kids sure think so!

From over at Beth’s…

At this site, you can actually get t-shirts with a word cloud from your blog on it! Here’s mine:

Pretty cool, huh?

Please be looking out for this beautiful little three-year-old girl. She’s been missing since May under suspicious circumstances.

Also posting: PC Free Zone, Alabama Improper and MVRWC. Even one lead could help save this little girl!

Additional information (thanks, Linda!): The suspect that they believe had abduced Reachelle was found dead - an apparent suicide via carbon monoxide poisoning. Here’s another somewhat recent article discussing the search efforts for Reachelle and more about the case.

OMAHA, Neb. — Army Cpl. Jeremy Jones will be buried Saturday with full military honors. It’s a service that will attract dozens of protesters to Omaha along with a contingent that plans to buffer Jones’ family from their message.

A roadside bomb in Iraq killed the Omaha man on June 27. As his family gathers to say goodbye to Jones, members of a Kansas church will protest nearby.

Unfortunately, the story of these protesters has come up more than once here in the Midwest.

The Topeka-based Westboro Baptist Church said it plans to share its anti-gay message at Jones’ funeral. Westboro Church leaders feel God is killing U.S. soldiers for defending a nation that tolerates homosexuality.

Growing up Baptist, I am absolutely puzzled about this church group’s behavior and judgments. A man died fighting for the very freedoms they have to protest and speak out and they thank him by subjecting his grieving family and friends to their insulting remarks that don’t even apply to this man’s situation or circumstance. When will they understand that a funeral for a fallen soldier is about the fallen and not about their twisted cause? Never, of course, because to them it *is* about them.

With a new law in Nebraska requiring protests to remain 300 or more feet away from funeral services and a group planning to shield the family and friends from the protesters, my hope is that Jones’ family and friends will be allowed to honor him privately and with the respect and dignity he deserves.

At the same time, a group of bikers called the Patriot Guard said they planned to protect Jones’ family and shield them from the hateful words of protestors. More than 300 guard members plan to stand between the protesters and the church where the funeral will take place.

Guard members traveled to Omaha from Iowa, Minnesota and Kansas. Many of them are military veterans, like Cliff Leach. “Every time I do one of these it’s a Band-Aid on my heart,” Leach said.

Leach said the group’s mission is to support military families and give fallen soldiers the respect they’ve earned.

The Jones family is in my thoughts and prayers. My hope is that Westboro Baptist Church figures out that their prayers would be much more meaningful than their protests.

For my Rachael Ray fans…

Rachael Ray’s new daytime talk show will debut on September 18, 2006 according to the show’s website. The show is, of course, called “Rachael Ray.” Their tag line? Everyone needs a little R & R. The site is easy to navigate and will even tell you which channel and time her show will be on in your area. there are also pictures for those of you who always seek them!