Sunday, October 30, 2005

...who is to say that I am mad?

Sunny Hi 91 Lo 68 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny Hi 65 Lo 44 for Northern Kentucky, USA

Featured Song of the Week: Thriller, Michael Jackson or for fun... go here.

Juke Box: Dracula - Rob Zombie, Sanitarium - Metallica, Freak on a Leash - Korn, Basket Case - Green Day, Enter Sandman - Metallica

::10/31:: Happy Anniversary to Rob and Jo

I have never been a huge fan of Halloween. I suppose it's because there was never a huge emphasis put on any holiday when Terry and I were growing up. It is also a holiday that revolves around the occult, and I've always been a little creeped out by it. Don't get me wrong... I can come up with another list of movies that hit this genre... note to self... top 10 creepy movies.... Night of the Living Dead... Halloween anything with Bela Legosi.... Being married to Michael, Halloween has become more fun for me, since it is one of his favorite holidays...(I still get creeped out). Over the years we have a developed a couple of traditions that we are obligated to uphold... Pumpkin carving, watching It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown and now, Blair Witch Project.... Michael loves to be scared... not the kind that causes one to scream or be "grossed out", but rather the kind that causes that tingling on the back of your neck... he loves that... but don't we all?


Small pet peeve...when did Halloween become cute? I thought it was supposed to be a little frightening... what are these blow up things on peoples lawns? When did "icicle lights" become scary Halloween decorating? I want tombstones and spiderwebs and blood and skeletons and jack o lanterns.... these happy black cats and smiling ghosts... ugh.... Cute is restricted to Charlie Brown... that's it... Michael and I still compare fall nights to the sky scapes in this classic cartoon...

Be that as it may... courtesy of Nickie Goomba go carve your Halloween pumpkin here and go Whack a Ghoul.

I will leave you with this....one of my favorite short stories...


TRUE! --nervous --very, very dreadfully nervous I had been and am; but why will you say that I am mad? The disease had sharpened my senses --not destroyed --not dulled them. Above all was the sense of hearing acute. I heard all things in the heaven and in the earth. I heard many things in hell. How, then, am I mad? Hearken! and observe how healthily --how calmly I can tell you the whole story. It is impossible to say how first the idea entered my brain; but once conceived, it haunted me day and night. Object there was none. Passion there was none. I loved the old man. He had never wronged me. He had never given me insult. For his gold I had no desire. I think it was his eye! yes, it was this! He had the eye of a vulture --a pale blue eye, with a film over it. Whenever it fell upon me, my blood ran cold; and so by degrees --very gradually --I made up my mind to take the life of the old man, and thus rid myself of the eye forever. Now this is the point. You fancy me mad. Madmen know nothing. But you should have seen me. You should have seen how wisely I proceeded --with what caution --with what foresight --with what dissimulation I went to work! I was never kinder to the old man than during the whole week before I killed him. And every night, about midnight, I turned the latch of his door and opened it --oh so gently! And then, when I had made an opening sufficient for my head, I put in a dark lantern, all closed, closed, that no light shone out, and then I thrust in my head. Oh, you would have laughed to see how cunningly I thrust it in! I moved it slowly --very, very slowly, so that I might not disturb the old man's sleep. It took me an hour to place my whole head within the opening so far that I could see him as he lay upon his bed. Ha! would a madman have been so wise as this, And then, when my head was well in the room, I undid the lantern cautiously-oh, so cautiously --cautiously (for the hinges creaked) --I undid it just so much that a single thin ray fell upon the vulture eye. And this I did for seven long nights --every night just at midnight --but I found the eye always closed; and so it was impossible to do the work; for it was not the old man who vexed me, but his Evil Eye. And every morning, when the day broke, I went boldly into the chamber, and spoke courageously to him, calling him by name in a hearty tone, and inquiring how he has passed the night. So you see he would have been a very profound old man, indeed, to suspect that every night, just at twelve, I looked in upon him while he slept. Upon the eighth night I was more than usually cautious in opening the door. A watch's minute hand moves more quickly than did mine. Never before that night had I felt the extent of my own powers --of my sagacity. I could scarcely contain my feelings of triumph. To think that there I was, opening the door, little by little, and he not even to dream of my secret deeds or thoughts. I fairly chuckled at the idea; and perhaps he heard me; for he moved on the bed suddenly, as if startled. Now you may think that I drew back --but no. His room was as black as pitch with the thick darkness, (for the shutters were close fastened, through fear of robbers,) and so I knew that he could not see the opening of the door, and I kept pushing it on steadily, steadily. I had my head in, and was about to open the lantern, when my thumb slipped upon the tin fastening, and the old man sprang up in bed, crying out --"Who's there?" I kept quite still and said nothing. For a whole hour I did not move a muscle, and in the meantime I did not hear him lie down. He was still sitting up in the bed listening; --just as I have done, night after night, hearkening to the death watches in the wall. Presently I heard a slight groan, and I knew it was the groan of mortal terror. It was not a groan of pain or of grief --oh, no! --it was the low stifled sound that arises from the bottom of the soul when overcharged with awe. I knew the sound well. Many a night, just at midnight, when all the world slept, it has welled up from my own bosom, deepening, with its dreadful echo, the terrors that distracted me. I say I knew it well. I knew what the old man felt, and pitied him, although I chuckled at heart. I knew that he had been lying awake ever since the first slight noise, when he had turned in the bed. His fears had been ever since growing upon him. He had been trying to fancy them causeless, but could not. He had been saying to himself --"It is nothing but the wind in the chimney --it is only a mouse crossing the floor," or "It is merely a cricket which has made a single chirp." Yes, he had been trying to comfort himself with these suppositions: but he had found all in vain. All in vain; because Death, in approaching him had stalked with his black shadow before him, and enveloped the victim. And it was the mournful influence of the unperceived shadow that caused him to feel --although he neither saw nor heard --to feel the presence of my head within the room. When I had waited a long time, very patiently, without hearing him lie down, I resolved to open a little --a very, very little crevice in the lantern. So I opened it --you cannot imagine how stealthily, stealthily --until, at length a simple dim ray, like the thread of the spider, shot from out the crevice and fell full upon the vulture eye. It was open --wide, wide open --and I grew furious as I gazed upon it. I saw it with perfect distinctness --all a dull blue, with a hideous veil over it that chilled the very marrow in my bones; but I could see nothing else of the old man's face or person: for I had directed the ray as if by instinct, precisely upon the damned spot. And have I not told you that what you mistake for madness is but over-acuteness of the sense? --now, I say, there came to my ears a low, dull, quick sound, such as a watch makes when enveloped in cotton. I knew that sound well, too. It was the beating of the old man's heart. It increased my fury, as the beating of a drum stimulates the soldier into courage. But even yet I refrained and kept still. I scarcely breathed. I held the lantern motionless. I tried how steadily I could maintain the ray upon the eve. Meantime the hellish tattoo of the heart increased. It grew quicker and quicker, and louder and louder every instant. The old man's terror must have been extreme! It grew louder, I say, louder every moment! --do you mark me well I have told you that I am nervous: so I am. And now at the dead hour of the night, amid the dreadful silence of that old house, so strange a noise as this excited me to uncontrollable terror. Yet, for some minutes longer I refrained and stood still. But the beating grew louder, louder! I thought the heart must burst. And now a new anxiety seized me --the sound would be heard by a neighbour! The old man's hour had come! With a loud yell, I threw open the lantern and leaped into the room. He shrieked once --once only. In an instant I dragged him to the floor, and pulled the heavy bed over him. I then smiled gaily, to find the deed so far done. But, for many minutes, the heart beat on with a muffled sound. This, however, did not vex me; it would not be heard through the wall. At length it ceased. The old man was dead. I removed the bed and examined the corpse. Yes, he was stone, stone dead. I placed my hand upon the heart and held it there many minutes. There was no pulsation. He was stone dead. His eve would trouble me no more. If still you think me mad, you will think so no longer when I describe the wise precautions I took for the concealment of the body. The night waned, and I worked hastily, but in silence. First of all I dismembered the corpse. I cut off the head and the arms and the legs. I then took up three planks from the flooring of the chamber, and deposited all between the scantlings. I then replaced the boards so cleverly, so cunningly, that no human eye --not even his --could have detected any thing wrong. There was nothing to wash out --no stain of any kind --no blood-spot whatever. I had been too wary for that. A tub had caught all --ha! ha! When I had made an end of these labors, it was four o'clock --still dark as midnight. As the bell sounded the hour, there came a knocking at the street door. I went down to open it with a light heart, --for what had I now to fear? There entered three men, who introduced themselves, with perfect suavity, as officers of the police. A shriek had been heard by a neighbour during the night; suspicion of foul play had been aroused; information had been lodged at the police office, and they (the officers) had been deputed to search the premises. I smiled, --for what had I to fear? I bade the gentlemen welcome. The shriek, I said, was my own in a dream. The old man, I mentioned, was absent in the country. I took my visitors all over the house. I bade them search --search well. I led them, at length, to his chamber. I showed them his treasures, secure, undisturbed. In the enthusiasm of my confidence, I brought chairs into the room, and desired them here to rest from their fatigues, while I myself, in the wild audacity of my perfect triumph, placed my own seat upon the very spot beneath which reposed the corpse of the victim. The officers were satisfied. My manner had convinced them. I was singularly at ease. They sat, and while I answered cheerily, they chatted of familiar things. But, ere long, I felt myself getting pale and wished them gone. My head ached, and I fancied a ringing in my ears: but still they sat and still chatted. The ringing became more distinct: --It continued and became more distinct: I talked more freely to get rid of the feeling: but it continued and gained definiteness --until, at length, I found that the noise was not within my ears. No doubt I now grew very pale; --but I talked more fluently, and with a heightened voice. Yet the sound increased --and what could I do? It was a low, dull, quick sound --much such a sound as a watch makes when enveloped in cotton. I gasped for breath --and yet the officers heard it not. I talked more quickly --more vehemently; but the noise steadily increased. I arose and argued about trifles, in a high key and with violent gesticulations; but the noise steadily increased. Why would they not be gone? I paced the floor to and fro with heavy strides, as if excited to fury by the observations of the men --but the noise steadily increased. Oh God! what could I do? I foamed --I raved --I swore! I swung the chair upon which I had been sitting, and grated it upon the boards, but the noise arose over all and continually increased. It grew louder --louder --louder! And still the men chatted pleasantly, and smiled. Was it possible they heard not? Almighty God! --no, no! They heard! --they suspected! --they knew! --they were making a mockery of my horror!-this I thought, and this I think. But anything was better than this agony! Anything was more tolerable than this derision! I could bear those hypocritical smiles no longer! I felt that I must scream or die! and now --again! --hark! louder! louder! louder! louder! "Villains!" I shrieked, "dissemble no more! I admit the deed! --tear up the planks! here, here! --It is the beating of his hideous heart!"

The Tell-Tale Heart
by Edgar Allan Poe
1843


all clipart courtesy of Halloween Clipart.

Friday, October 28, 2005

TGIF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First of all....TGIF!!!!!

I have had a rough couple of weeks at work and can't tell you how happy I am that Friday has finally arrived...Furthermore... it's a bonus weekend because we get an extra hour!! I'm having a strong girly drink tonight... I've earned it...

You'll notice that my playlist is just one song... ::sigh:: because of that.... I'm plugging in a request from Joshua... a little something he requested... enjoy...

Also, my friend, my hero Wonder Woman is now a contributor at Cannuckistan Chronicles... I don't know how she does it... Not enough hours in the day.... She truly is amazing... I still need to borrow those bracelets... I have the perfect outfit...

See ya all on Sunday....


Update: Sorry Joshua.... Videocode Zone is still pissing me off... and still not working... Ketel One... here I come...

Sunday, October 23, 2005

I Got Nothin'

Sunny Hi 84 Lo 60 for Baghdad, Iraq
Cloudy, Rainy Hi 54 Lo 41 for Northern Kentucky, USA

Featured Song of the Week: Virtual Insanity, Jamiroquai

I'm not sure if you noticed last week, but VideoCodeZone has upgraded and I now have the ability to show multiple videos so you can fast forward through songs if you like, but the first song will always be my "featured" song and one that follows the theme of my Sunday ramble. I'll take requests...VideoCodeZone may not have it, but I'll request it from them... Also, 1st generation videos (from the days when MTV actually played music videos) are of a poor quality and I may have to pass on your request - but I'll let you know.

Also playing on the Juke Box: 2. Groove is in the Heart - DeeLite, 3. Rubberneckin' - Elvis Presley (Paul Oakenfold remix), 4. Goin' Back to Cali - LL Cool J, 5. Smooth - Santana, featuring dude from Match Box 20 (can't think of his name... it's 3:30A.M. gimme a break)

Why am I up in the middle of night? Well, Michael and I watched Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. Go here for the official website. I've been stuck all day on what my topic was going to be... Obviously... nothing... and because of this, the featured song pretty much explains my mental state and obsession for getting something on this blog for Sunday morning.

Guess who taught herself how to make buttons that actually take you somewhere...yes, tis I, yours truly... See all the things that can be accomplished when suffering insomnia? Check out my sidebars... yep... (slight grin and patting myself on the back)...
***please let me know if you are unable to click on any of the photos below to see a larger version***

Last weekend, Michael and I toured Maker's Mark Distillery. When we started on our journey, we came upon this...

The campus is absolutely beautiful and it was truly an interesting tour. If you have never had Maker's, I must recommend it - Kentucky's finest bourbon...






Michael and I visited Cancun spring 2004. Wow.
We stayed at Spa Aventura, an all inclusive resort and spa. This was one of the best vacations we have ever taken. While there I took full advantage of the spa - facials, massage, sauna, etc, etc... We were treated like royalty. I have never experienced such service. Everyone was friendly and polite and catered to our every need. Our room was equipped with a full complimentary bar and jacuzzi. The only downside of Spa Aventura was that there wasn't a beach. The area is incredibly rocky, so a lagoon was created.

While there, we made a day trip to Chichen Itza. If you have never been, it is an amazing sight and I recommend you visit. We took the tour provided by the resort. There was a large group. We loaded on a tour bus and headed inland. The drive as I recall was about two hours long and there is no doubt about it, Michael and I were convinced we were going to die on one of those so called roads. The "roads" were paved... with dips and craters the size of a Mini Cooper. The roads were so narrow, there was room for only one car to drive, so if there was oncoming traffic, our expert bus driver would quite literally drive off the side of the road into a gully and give room to the oncoming vehicle. never slowing down.... and this guy flew...The scene in Planes Trains and Automobiles where John Candy and Steve Martin finally realize that they are "going the wrong way"... Steve Martin has to pull his fingers out of the dash board... that was us.

I remember Arturo, our tour guide at Chichen Itza commented on the extinction of the Mayan people. In his words, "De Mayan peeple are not gone. Oh no, only de government of de ancient Mayans are gone. De beautiful and strong Mayan people are everywhere. Dey are working at your resort, dey are everywhere." Arturo was correct. They are beautiful people. I'm not exactly tall... but at 5'2" I felt like a giant standing next to the Mayans (Arturo requested that we refer to the locals as such). Tiny frames yet squarely built. Beautiful faces with dark brown soulful eyes; smiles that would warm you on the coldest winter day. Michael and I worry about them now, but I think about what Arturo said. They are strong. They will survive this hurricane too. Just the same, I will continue to pray for their safety.


Michael climbing the pyramid. My irrational fear of falling up steps prevented me from making the trek with him.

The Plaza of a Thousand Columns

Sunrise at Spa Aventura, Palace Resort

Military blog of the week: Akinoluna

The men and women of Italy are our friends. Thanks to this wonderful medium I have met a few patriots. As a typical American, I am embarrassed to admit that I know little about politics in other countries. However, thanks to Right Nation, Otimaster, and Robinik that is slowly changing.

Do me a favor too... all 3 of you that visit here. Make sure you visit my friend, Wonder Woman at A North American Patriot. She sends me folks every single Sunday. I'd like to return the favor. Tell 'er Cath sent ya.

Rob is still having technicl difficulties, so he asked that I post something there... the pressure... I'm delirious and insane and could not come up with anything to write here... what the heck am I going to write over there?

Alright folks, I'm not going to proof this. I'm finally getting sleepy... When I wake, although taboo, I will make any necessary corrections. If you would be so inclined, let me know what needs to be corrected. This will save me a little time.

Have a great week everyone.

Sunday, October 16, 2005

On Behalf of a Grateful Nation...

Sunny Hi 100 Lo 75 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny Hi 67 Lo 43 for Northern Kentucky, USA

Featured Song of the Week: Arlington, Trace Adkins

If you aren't familiar with Trace or this song... just listen to the words.......

Every week I get a little apprehensive because I never have a clear plan on what I will write about on Sunday. This week was no exception. I usually start by picking my music. That always firms the direction I want to take my journal entry.

I thought about all the Iraqis making it to the polls... and how inspired I was all day Saturday because of their courage... Yes... I could have blogged about that... but then I believe the photos I posted yesterday say it all...

I then thought about some of the blogs I visited this past week... and the ones that kept my attention were the military blogs. OK... let me explain something... I'm partial to Marines... always have been... if you have read this blog for any amount of time you'll know that I come from a family of 'em. Now... don't get me wrong... I love all the other branches and have just as much respect and appreciation for them...I love a man in uniform, but nothing compares to those dress blues...nothing....

About a week and a half ago, a friend, Kyle, dropped a note stating that there was going to be a benefit dinner and dance in December for one of our fallen Marines. Kyle... not sure if I've mentioned him before or not... He is a good man. He is a Vietnam Veteran and is definitely one of my heroes. Michael and I met him at a rally in Cleveland- March 2003. As we weaved in and out of the crowd we saw this sign...we saw the colors... we knew...

Ever since that first chance meeting, Kyle has been our partner to countless rallies and lectures. If you read this and live in the Cincinnati area, chances are, he has welcomed home a son or a daughter of someone you know. Kyle's the guy that quietly makes sure no one is forgotten and that you have a frosty adult beverage. The photo to the left is at Glenn Beck's Rally for America in Huntington, West Virginia. A news reporter actually interviewed Kyle...
05/25/2003 5:42:42 AM PDT · Herald-Dispatch 5/25/2003 jean tarbett "Just because," he said with tears in his eyes, summing up the reason he drove from Cincinnati to Huntington, painted USMC on his forehead for "United States Marine Corps" and carted flags and signs into Marshall University Stadium Saturday. When the former Marine found his voice, he managed an explanation: "To thank the ones who have come home and the ones who didn't come home and to thank the families of both."

More recently, Kyle landed some tickets to see Sean Hannity down at the Cincinnati Convention Center. Michael had to work so I invited my brother-in-law, Sam and mother-in-law, a recent convert from the darkside... I'm still in shock.... When you meet Kyle... you've made a friend for life... before we parted ways that evening it was as if he'd known them all his life- hugs and kisses for everyone.

Kyle is the guy you want to have a beer with... and he most certainly is someone you want on your side.

With that said, this past May, prior to starting this blog, Kyle sent me a note stating that one of our fallen Marines, Lance Corporal Nicholas B. Erdy, was coming home. We had about an hour notice. I flew home from work, got changed, Michael grabbed our flag off the porch and off we went to Milford, Ohio. Kyle met us and we followed him to the firehouse where we got a ride with one of his buddies- another veteran, was he the fire chief?

LCpl Erdy arrived at CVG- Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Law enforcement officials from the Kentucky State Police, the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and Owensville Police Department escorted him. When Nick arrived in Milford, he was greeted by countless red white and blue ribbons that women in the town quickly made and the fire department placed along the entire route of this very sad homecoming. As the procession slowly made its way up "Main Street" dozens of people were out with flags to pay their respect. Most were like us... We didn't know this young man, but we were compelled to come and thank him for giving the ultimate sacrifice. I suppose this young man's passing as well as Pfc Jim Miller IV of Anderson in January of this year hit me because they grew up in the same place I did...albeit many years after me... we went to the same schools... walked the same halls... but they had a greater calling- one that I and others like me will never be able to comprehend. These young men new what they were doing. They joined a brotherhood where Honor, Courage, and Commitment is the standard. When they enlisted they knew that going to battle was imminent. What courage.

My hope and prayer is that no one else dies in this war or any war for that matter. However, as long as terrorists continue to plague our planet, injury and death will continue to be a sobering reality for us until we have rid the world of this evil enemy. Understanding this harsh reality, everyone should attend a military procession of this nature at least once, not only out of respect but as a reminder--- freedom is never free. The military funeral ceremony is absolute. It will move you. I encourage you to bring your children- It is important that our young people understand what the ultimate sacrifice is. However, if you have not taught them how to be respectful and reverent-- do it before you show up to something like this. This isn't the time to throw a temper tantrum or have to listen to whining or have kids running around playing... but rather a time to teach your children about heroes.

When in attendance of a military funeral, the flag that draped the coffin is given to either the wife or mother of the fallen Marine... the following words are spoken...

On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to Country and Corps.

Imagine those words being spoken to you. Life is so very precious and Nick Erdy knew that.

Related from my blog:

Anger and Hope
Letter from a Soldier

Related articles and websites:

Cpl Jeffery Boskovitch
Military Mascots
Lima Company
Band of Brothers
Arlington Cemetery
Welcome Home

Blogs to visit!!!!!!

OK, So Here's the Deal
Camp Katrina
Who's Your Baghdaddy?
Six More Months


The fire departments prepares as LCpl Nick Erdy comes home Posted by Picasa


Savannah & Anna waiting to pay their respects.
They came alone- Her fiance was in Iraq. When the Marines pulled LCpl Erdy's casket out of the hearse, Michael and I held Anna while she cried... we all were crying as I recall. Posted by Picasa


The sun disappears as we wait for him to come home. Posted by Picasa

Have a great week everyone...

Saturday, October 15, 2005

Color Me Purple

Make no mistake...
*
*
*
*
*
This is why we fight.
So is this....
And especially this...
It's a great day and make no mistake THIS IS why we fight...

All photos courtesy of AP

For a more detailed slideshow go
here.
See ya tomorrow.

Thursday, October 13, 2005

Eww.

OK, So Here's the Deal... I just found this blog the other day- An officer in the Corps pulls no punches... This picture and caption has haunted me since Tuesday... I am compelled to share...

Thanks Captain... thanks, thanks so much...

This posting aside... it's a great read... enjoy... but try and get through the day with that visual...

It's all starting to make sense now...

Susan Estrich and Darth Vader are related...

Sunday, October 09, 2005

You Know... I'm "eh".............

Sunny Hi 99 Lo 74 for Baghdad, Iraq
Mostly Cloudy Hi 66 Lo 53 for Northern Kentucky, USA

Happy Birthday, Cory!! (Wednesday)

Song of the week: This One's for the Girls, Martina McBride

I have absolutely nothing to blog about...well, I do... but I'm not in the mood... For instance, I could write about Harriet Miers. Conservatives are walking two separate paths right now... many feel betrayed others are standing by their man. I've read countless blogs and they run the gamut-most criticizing the president for his selection, others stating they are leaving the Republican party... Many are upset with President Bush because he did not select someone that we KNOW to be conservative. Others believe we need to trust President Bush. I'm in the latter category along with a few others... Hugh Hewitt and Thomas Sowell, a man I have a tremendous deal of respect for. So, like my Therapist,
I too am "passively" supporting the President. By no means, would Miss Miers have been my choice, but I'm not the President. George W. Bush has surrounded himself with some of my favorite people, Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary Condoleeza Rice, Secretary Don Rumsfield, John Bolton... The very fact that these folks cause liberals to break out into hives and organize peace rallies makes me very happy. President Bush has had an intense presidency...He vowed that he would fight terrorism and he has kept his promise (Is he as aggressive in the fight as I would like? No...) He hasn't done anything about illegal aliens...well, we knew that when we voted for him... twice... Do I agree with everything he has done? No. Good Lord, he spends money quicker than I do! Regardless, President Bush has my support and I trust him. He is the right man in the right job right now. So, despite the accusations from the left, President Bush has never lied, so when he says, "[...]Harriet Miers will be the type of judge I said I would nominate: a good conservative judge. [...]" I believe him.

President's Radio Address, 10/08/05 Transcript and Audio

Picture of my therapist, Ron stolen from The Therapist .

So, what's with the title, Cath? Well, it's my mood.... I'm not in a great mood, I'm not in a bad mood, I'm just... "EH"... So, knowing that I don't have anything in particular that I want to ramble about, I thought I'd take this opportunity to follow up on a few things.



  1. A few weeks ago, I added the guest map to my sidebar... to date, it's just been me and Robinik.... Grazie, Robinik! Talk about hurt feelings... be a sport... please sign my guest map...
  2. How do you like the 3 columns? I am HTML illiterate... I'm still not sure how I did it... I'm just glad its working... and I didn't blow anything up. Also, as a little fyi...I have added some links to my blogroll (something I've been meaning to do)...
  3. I have to take a moment to thank the lovely and talented Wonder Woman at A North American Patriot. She singlehandedly increases my blog traffic... At least I know my ramblings amuse her... She sends folks my way every Sunday to read them as you can see here, here, here, here, and here. When I get to 10,000 hits on my blog, then can I borrow your tiara and truth lasso? Pleassseeee?
  4. A hearty hello to all my Italian friends at the Italo American Flag League... True patriots and lovers of freedom all... I love that Italian accent too... very sexy...
  5. Some of you may remember that I made a retraction and was working to get my money back from the HSUS... Well, I'm still working on it... Patience is a virtue... right? Once I get our money back, I'll provide a full report. The lesson here is... research your charity prior to making a donation.
  6. I have added a few more names to my military tribute list, located on the left sidebar. If you would like to add a name to my list, nothing would make me prouder. I'd like to take a moment to welcome Corporal Mitchell Neil Price home. He just finished his second tour of duty in Iraq. It is an honor to know this young man.
  7. Lastly, because I'm in an "eh" kind of mood... and I really don't like it when I feel like this... nothing knocks the "eh" out more than a good Chick Flick--- As all 4 of you that read this will recall, I reviewed my I'm Really Not a 15 Year Old Boy list back in August. My Chick Flick list is ...yes... geared toward the chick.. (namely me since it's my list), but I think some of the boys will like some of these movies also...

So.... in no particular order... here is my list of Chick Flicks...

Steel Magnolias: I love the relationships between the women in this movie. I love their strength. I love the laughing through tears... Casablanca: I must have been 10 the first time I saw this movie... The Joy Luck Club: When I try to explain my relationship with my mother, often I will reference this movie.
Notting Hill: This is such a charming movie. Julia Roberts character is such a pain in the a$$ (I think most women can identify...bad choices in men). In the end, she picks the good guy... the nice guy... the guy that treats her with respect...the man that puts her on a pedestal...
The Wedding Singer: This movie is so cute. The music of course reflects my youth... Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore have great chemistry on the screen and they are fun to watch.
Serendipity: I have had a crush on John Cusack ever since 16 Candles. I have seen, I think almost everything he has done... This is such a feel good movie... Serendipity... what a wonderful word...
It Happened One Night: Claudette Colbert... I love her in everything I that I have ever seen her in. (Since You Went Away is one of my all time favorite movies... you will see that on another list). Clark Gable... I just love him. He was handsome and he behaved like a man.
When Harry Met Sally: This was when Meg Ryan was still sweet. Was I the only one that thought.... wow...Billy Crystal.. he is cute...
An Affair to Remember: Cary Grant... Why wasn't she at the top of the Empire State Building? Love Actually: I hesitated in putting this in my top 10 Chick Flicks... but the reason I include it is for the first 10 minutes of the movie. The film makers set up hidden cameras at Heathrow International Airport at locations where people were arriving. Have you ever been to the airport to just watch people? If you are ever down in the dumps.. I highly recommend going to the airport and watching the arrivals...

There are others... Sleepless in Seattle, Breakfast at Tiffanys, Philadelphia Story, On Golden Pond, The King and I (I have always had a thing for Yul Brynner), anything with Gene Kelly or Cary Grant or Jimmy Stewart... The crushes I had on these four men... these movies will show up on other lists...

I wish I could put The Way We Were on this list... but I just can't do it...not anymore...the reason, you ask? One word... Barbra....

Movie poster images courtesy of IMDB.

TV trivia... In what television series was this establishment mentioned? Click on the photo to enlarge.



The song... well that is dedicated to my beautiful and bright nieces...Aimee, Kamae, and Kaeli...

So that's it. Have a great week everyone!!

Friday, October 07, 2005

Houston, a Hurricane, the 2nd Amendment, & Beer

I'm sure most of you have seen this photo. It was emailed to me last week, so just in case you haven't seen it.... click on the photo to get a larger image...

Gotta love Texans!




See y'all on Sunday!

Sunday, October 02, 2005

Brainwashed by Radio...

Sunny Hi 100 Lo 73 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny Hi 84 Lo 63 for Northern Kentucky, USA

Before I get started- Happy Birthday Mom! (my granny)---Friday, 10/7

Song of the week: Riot Radio, The Dead 60's

I loooovvve talk radio!! I listen all day. My favorites are (in no particular order):

Dennis Prager -- by far the most well rounded of all. I learn so much about religion, relationships, and yes politics. A definite father figure.
Glenn Beck -- for a good laugh and Moron Trivia.
Laura Ingraham --a female voice of reason... politics and pop culture...
Rush Limbaugh --the Godfather of talk radio
Sean Hannity -- for red meat and toeing the Republican line.
Michael Medved -- for pop culture.
Bill Bennett -- for calm thoughtful discussion of what matters most and another father figure.
Michael Savage -- for insane red meat
Hugh Hewitt -- for reflection on the ridiculousness of today's events
Mike McConnell -- a local guy, going national on the weekends...
G. Gordon Liddy -- The G Man!!
Neal Boortz -- a Libertarian
Mark Levin -- fighting evil in the courts on the bench
Michael Reagan -- the other Reagan...you know, not Ronnie not Patti...
Michael Gallagher -- hot button topics

Now, there aren't enough hours in a day for me to catch all these folks.

Michael Savage... I can only listen to him maybe once every 2 months... He exhausts me....Sean... well, I adore him of course, but (monkey) he can get on my nerves especially when he gets on the Newt and Ollie love fest or the missing girl (insert name here) tirade. Don't get me wrong, I love Oliver North too... Glenn Beck and Laura Ingraham are the two I go to for a laugh... no one does it better---I hate that they are on at the same time... Dennis is on at the same time Rush is on... so I always have to make that decision... Of all these folks, the only one I listen to consistently is Bill Bennett's Morning in America.

I began listening to Morning in America the first day it aired and have been inspired ever since. His staff, Seth and Jeff are also active participants in the show. Topics include everything... from Iraq to education to judicial nominees to philosophy to government spending to hiking in the mountains of Colorado to history to religion to the beaches in North Carolina to Bill's life experience. You will hear callers try to "stump Bill" with rock-n-roll music trivia. You will hear Bill calmly discuss all subject matters and is respectful of all callers regardless of their stance on a topic. Bill even treats seminar callers with respect. By far, his program attracts the most intelligent callers (do a side by side comparision to callers of Michael Gallagher...) from all backgrounds... truck drivers to doctors to stay at home moms. Unlike other nationally syndicated shows, Bill Bennett has a number of "regular" callers that along with Bill and the gang have become old friends. Bill is an intellectual... His resume is impressive to say the least- law degree from Harvard, under President Reagan he was chairman of National Endowment for the Humanities and Secretary of Education. He served under President Bush (41) as drug czar. He is a fellow at the Claremont Institute. He has written countless books and is Chairman of K12. His wife, Elayne, founded Best Friends, an organization "helping girls develop self-respect through self control."

So, I was listening to his show last Wednesday... you know the one that has been all over the blogosphere, talk radio, and MSM... I'm not going to argue it hear... There are others that do a much better job and I have links to them as well... I will say this. The left has been waiting to jump on this man... and they found their opportunity. Pay no attention to the fact that the comments were taken completely out of context... Pay no attention that Bill was dissecting an argument and proving it ludicrous. Based on his body of work and what I have heard him say for 18 months, Bill Bennett is not a racist.

"[...] A thought experiment about public policy, on national radio, should not have received the condemnations it has. Anyone paying attention to this debate should be offended by those who have selectively quoted me, distorted my meaning, and taken out of context the dialogue I engaged in this week. Such distortions from 'leaders' of organizations and parties is a disgrace not only to the organizations and institutions they serve, but to the First Amendment. [...]"
-excerpt from statement 9/30/05

I wish I had seen this for myself...

"[...]I'll not take instruction from Teddy Kennedy. A young woman likely drowned because of his negligence. I'll take no moral instruction with him. That's much worse than legal gambling what Teddy Kennedy did. He should make no judgments at all about people. He shouldn't be in the Senate. As far as racist and all this other stuff, I'll put my record up with Howard Dean, with Harry Reid."
-excerpt from interview on Hannity and Colmes 9/29/05

I hope you give him a listen, Monday should be interesting...


Read:
Andrew McCarthy

Captain's Quarters

Exile from Hillary's Village


Then you have this sort of brilliance...Check out her "related" articles... good grief...

One last thought, why doesn't President Bush stand by those that stand by him? Why did the White House feel it necessary to distance themselves?

Update 10/4/05: Go visit my husband for his take on the matter...

This was taken in a park in Historic Louisville, KY (Louisville is pronounced Lewlvull)

Have a great week everyone.