Reid's Rhetoric

Support for his plan?

2008-07-24T20:00:00.001-06:00

Yea, he needs to pay better attention to what is going on... I think he was surprised to find that the surge was working and the presence needed from the US by the Iraqis was not just a "US" desire.

clipped from www.washingtonpost.com

Mr. Obama in Iraq

Did he really find support for his withdrawal plan?

Wednesday, July 23, 2008;
Page A14

THE INITIAL MEDIA coverage of Barack Obama's visit to Iraq suggested that the Democratic candidate found agreement with his plan to withdraw all U.S. combat forces on a 16-month timetable. So it seems worthwhile to point out that, by Mr. Obama's own account, neither U.S. commanders nor Iraq's principal political leaders actually support his strategy.

A twist about some of the people if Iraq

2008-07-07T09:05:00.001-06:00

A nice article about some Iraqis making a difference... good stuff considering most of the things we hear about their county. Looks like there is more and more good news coming from there. I love it!!

clipped from onthescene.blogs.foxnews.com

10 Iraqis You Should Know

by Baghdad Bureau

By David Mac Dougall & Ghalib Tawfiq, Baghdad Bureau

After years of reporting from Iraq, viewers are familiar with some of the most common personalities connected with events here: from Saddam Hussein to Prime Minister Maliki; Moqtada al-Sadr to Ayatollah Sistani. But what about some other Iraqis making an impact in their chosen professions?

Nashat Akram, Dr Ala Bashir, Hussain al Shahristani, Dana Abdul Razzaq,
Maysoon al-Damluji, Zaha Hadid

Dana Abdul Razzaq: Iraqi Olympic athlete
Hassan Abdulrazzak: Author / playwright
Nashat Akram: Star player on Iraq’s national soccer team
Suhair al-Qaisi: Iraqi journalist for Arabiya TV
Dr Ala Bashir: Plastic surgeon
Ayad Jamal al-Din: Shiite member of parliament
Maysoon al-Damluji: Women’s rights activist
Nadhmi Auchi: Businessman & philanthropist
Hussain al Shahristani: Minister for Oil
Zaha Hadid: Architect

Hmm, what do our politicians do when things change??

2008-06-21T12:51:00.001-06:00

Pretty good article, what will the candidates do with what is going on TODAY... it is fine to remember what happened back then, as it helps (or should) from repeating mistakes.

I think it is good to see what they will do now that situations have changed and are they really paying attention.

clipped from www.realclearpolitics.com

June 21, 2008

The Facts in Iraq Are Changing

By
Michael Barone
As we enter the second half of the campaign year, facts are undermining the Democratic narrative that has dominated our politics since about the time Hurricane Katrina rolled into the Gulf coast -- most importantly, the facts about Iraq.

All of this matters because the rejection of the Republicans in the 2006 elections was a verdict on competence more than ideology. The Republicans seemed incompetent at relieving victims of Katrina, producing success in Iraq and even policing the House page programs. The Democrats could not do worse and might do better. But in the 19 months since November 2006, some important facts have changed.

When asked why he changed his position on an issue, John Maynard Keynes said: "When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, sir?" What say you, Sen. Obama?

Let's see it!

2008-06-08T20:44:00.001-06:00

I would like Congressman Udall to accept this request. It would be good for Colorado to see the exchange of ideas this way and the struggle that takes place to help people REALLY know where they stand. I fear he will not accept though--a real debate with the tough questions seems to scare Democrats these days.

clipped from www.bobschafferforsenate.com

May 9, 2008 — Schaffer Proposes Debates

For Immediate Release:

Friday, May 9, 2008

SCHAFFER PROPOSES SEVEN "LINCOLN-DOUGLAS" STYLE SENATE DEBATES OVER SUMMER

Awaits response from Boulder Congressman Udall

ENGLEWOOD – Colorado Republican Senate candidate Bob Schaffer today proposed a series of seven “Lincoln-Douglas” style debates with his opponent, Congressman Mark Udall (D-Boulder), that would be held between Memorial Day and Labor Day this summer.

"Obama was SELECTED; NOT ELECTED"

2008-06-05T09:36:00.001-06:00

An interesting article... and a pretty good premise. As usual Ann has laced this article with some very good satire to drive the point home. Check out the entire article for more.

clipped from anncoulter.com

OBAMA WAS SELECTED, NOT ELECTED
June 4, 2008

Words mean nothing to liberals. They say whatever will help advance their cause at the moment, switch talking points in a heartbeat, and then act indignant if anyone uses the exact same argument they were using five minutes ago.

When Gore won the popular vote in the 2000 election by half a percentage point, but lost the Electoral College -- or, for short, "the constitutionally prescribed method for choosing presidents" -- anyone who denied the sacred importance of the popular vote was either an idiot or a dangerous partisan.

But now Hillary has won the popular vote in a Democratic primary, while Obambi has won under the rules. In a spectacular turnabout, media commentators are heaping sarcasm on our plucky Hillary for imagining the "popular vote" has any relevance whatsoever.

$4 for Gas is CHEAP

2008-05-29T20:49:00.001-06:00

REALLY good article about gasoline prices... I just clipped a small bit of it so please check out the entire article...

These higher prices will show you exactly how powerful the market is, and how quick things can change when you are paying attention to supply and demand.

clipped from www.slate.com

On the environmental front, people concerned about greenhouse-gas emissions should be cheering today's oil prices. Expensive motor fuel is the only thing that will lead consumers to use less oil and make the switch to hybrid vehicles, smaller cars, and public transit. Higher oil prices are convincing automakers to change their fleets. Earlier this week, Nissan Motor Company announced that it will begin selling an electric car in the United States and Japan by 2010. Carlos Ghosn, the chief executive of Nissan, made it clear that fuel prices were a factor in the company's decision to build electric cars, telling the New York Times that "the shifts coming from the markets are more powerful than what regulators are doing."

Czech President Klaus ready to debate Gore on climate change

2008-05-29T19:44:00.001-06:00

Czech President Klaus ready to debate Gore on climate change
Posted on : 2008-05-27 | Author : DPA
News Category : Environment

Washington - Czech President Vaclav Klaus said Tuesday he is ready to debate Al Gore about global warming, as he presented the English version of his latest book that argues environmentalism poses a threat to basic human freedoms. "I many times tried to talk to have a public exchange of views with him, and he's not too much willing to make such a conversation," Klaus said. "So I'm ready to do it."

Klaus was speaking a the National Press Building in Washington to present his new book, Blue Planet in Green Shackles - What Is Endangered: Climate or Freedom?, before meeting with Vice President Dick Cheney Wednesday.

"My answer is it is our freedom and, I might add, and our prosperity," he said.

Gore a former US vice president who has become a leading international voice in the cause against global warming, was co-winner of this year's Nobel Peace Prize. Gore's effort was highlighted by his Oscar winning documentary film An Inconvienent Truth.

Klaus, an economist, said he opposed the "climate alarmism" perpetuated by environmentalism trying to impose their ideals, comparing it to the decades of communist rule he experienced growing up in Soviet-dominated Czechoslovakia.

"Like their (communist) predecessors, they will be certain that they have the right to sacrifice man and his freedom to make their idea reality," he said.

"In the past, it was in the name of the Marxists or of the proletariat - this time, in the name of the planet," he added.

Klaus said a free market should be used to address environmental concerns and said he oppposed as unrealistic regulations or greenhouse gas capping systems designed to reduce the impact of climate change.

"It could be even true that we are now at a stage where mere facts, reason and truths are powerless in the face of the global warming propaganda," he said.

Klaus alleged that the global warming was being championed by scientists and other environmentalists whose careers and funding requires selling the public on global warming.

"It is in the hands of climatologists and other related scientists who are highly motivated to look in one direction only," Klaus said.

Interesting article... I think if something is supposedly so important that there should be debates on it as it helps people learn. We should be wary of people "selling" us ideas with the beginning premise "the debate is over" ... when there has been no debate

57 States???

2008-05-10T21:12:00.003-06:00

WOW, I think we have another GW on our hands instead of just making up words, makes up extra States (my appologies to GW)...

Shouldn't someone who is running for the office of POTUS know? The folks that are quick to defend him should remember to give him the same scrutiny in his speeches that they have given others.

I have a feeling that with Barry Obama that the scrutiny will be his content/substance rather than his delivery style. But to his supporters, his "style" is all they see.

Democrats break promises???

2008-05-08T11:32:00.001-06:00

Say it isn't so. (I am cheeky) I am personally not surprised about this at all. What many liberals care about is really "getting to hear what they want to hear" then they forget and don't even care about follow through. There is more to read at the original post and I would encourage you to do so.

clipped from www.politico.com

War funding would break Dem promises

By MARTIN KADY II |
5/6/08 4:44 AM EST

Te

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is about to lead her party into a major showdown over Iraq funding by violating two Democratic campaign pledges in one fell swoop.

To the critics, whether anti-war activists or House Republicans, Pelosi has made her feelings clear: Get over it.

This week’s maneuvering over a $200 billion war spending bill has revealed Pelosi self-confidently playing what she believes — with increasing evidence — is a strong hand.

Strong enough that she is expected to break one promise — her 2006 pledge for a more open and inclusive committee process — by circumventing the powerful House Appropriations Committee on the Iraq bill.

And when the final Iraq bill reaches the president’s desk, any troop withdrawal conditions are likely to be gone from the legislation. That is another 2006 pledge that has fallen by the wayside.

The Decline of Leftism in Europe

2008-05-05T12:58:00.001-06:00

Nice, I think we should follow Europe's example here.

clipped from www.americanthinker.com

The Decline of Leftism in Europe

By Bruce Walker

In less than a week the major political parties of the Right in Britain and Italy scored unprecedented electoral victories by winning mayoral races in Rome and then in London. Since the end of the Second World War, the Right had never controlled those two offices.

These European leaders or, in the case of David Cameron, the Conservative Party leader in Britain, soon to be European leaders, are also very much in synch with Senator McCain regarding the war on terrorism (Cameron is a big McCain fan.) What could this mean for the world? It could well mean that for the next four years the leaders of Europe and America could be united in a way seldom seen in modern history to protect Western Civilization from the threats it faces. Certainly the weeks from mid-April to early May have been better for the Right in Europe than almost anytime ever. Rumors of the death of Europe may, to paraphrase Twain, may turn out to be greatly exaggerated.

McCain's Better Half

2008-05-02T08:18:00.001-06:00

Nice it is refreshing to see that this lady represents what America is about and an excellent person to fill the shoes of First Lady... Of course take a look at the entire article there is more to her than meets the eye.

clipped from www.ibdeditorials.com

McCain's Better Half

Election 2008: Cindy Hensley McCain has been disparaged as a trophy wife, a Barbie, an heiress with fancy purses, even the Paris Hilton of politics. But there's more to the picture than meets the eye.

Mrs. McCain: More than meets the eye.

Though all seven McCain children — including two Sen. McCain adopted from his first marriage — are supportive of their father, they prefer their privacy to the glare of the campaign trail. Another daughter, Meghan, 23, helps him behind the scenes.

Cindy McCain not only cherishes her children, but also her country, which in an election year filled with America-bashing, is a refreshing novelty. She seethed when she heard Michelle Obama's unpatriotic remarks that she only recently grew proud of America. "I am very proud of my country," Mrs. McCain asserted.

While the Democrat women talk about helping the poor and needy, Cindy McCain actually rolls up her sleeves and does it.

Clinton blasts Bush for not stopping a project Bill OK'd

2008-04-30T19:32:00.001-06:00

Full Article: Clinton blasts Bush for not stopping a project Bill OK'd

McClatchy Washington Bureau

Posted on Wed, Apr. 30, 2008
Clinton blasts Bush for not stopping a project Bill OK'd
Steven Thomma | McClatchy Newspapers

last updated: April 30, 2008 05:23:10 PM

INDIANAPOLIS — Hillary Clinton loves to tell the story about how the Chinese government bought a good American company in Indiana, laid off all its workers and moved its critical defense technology work to China.

It’s a story with a dramatic, political ending. Republican President George W. Bush could have stopped it, but he didn’t.

If she were president, Clinton says, she’d fight to protect those jobs. It’s just the kind of talk that’s helping her win support from working-class Democrats worried about their jobs and paychecks, not to mention their country’s security.

What Clinton never includes in the oft-repeated tale is the role that prominent Democrats played in selling the company and its technology to the Chinese. She never mentions that big-time Democratic contributor George Soros helped put together the deal to sell the company or that the sale was approved by her husband's administration.

I never understand the logic that the dems have and the people who support them. They do things and then use rhetoric against their own actions to get votes. Democrats don't care about the poor, the working class, or gays but for some reason they have everyone convinced that they are... nutty nutty nutty. Please click on the full article for more, including Mrs. Clinton's rebuttal.

Outside the Wire: Documentary Series

2008-04-30T11:47:00.001-06:00

I do look forward to this Not-From-Hollywood documentary... should be interesting to see

The Pro-Americanism of a French Intellectual

2008-04-27T21:11:00.001-06:00

Great Post at Flopping Aces, much more detail of this French Intellectual who "got it" I would more would, including some Americans!

clipped from www.floppingaces.net

“Clearly, a civilization that feels guilty for everything it is and does will lack the energy and conviction to defend itself.”
- Jean-Francois Revel

Revel also detected a tendency of other countries to ascribe their own worst faults to the Americans in a curious “reversal of culpability”. Thus, the Japanese and Germans excoriate America for “militarism”; the Mexicans attack it for “electoral corruption”; the British accuse it of “imperialism”; the Chinese accuse it of “hegemonism”; and Arab writers, post 9/11, for “abridging press freedom”.

“We French have had little to say against Saddam Hussein, Muammar Qaddafi, Kim Jong Il, Fidel Castro, Robert Mugabe, the imams of the Islamic Republic of Iran, or the bosses of China and Vietnam. We reserve our admonitions and our contempt and our attacks for Ronald Reagan and George W Bush.”

OBAMA WILL FIX YOUR COMPUTER

2008-04-24T10:18:00.001-06:00

Funny Stuff...

OBAMA WILL FIX YOUR COMPUTER

Questions for Obama Supporters

2008-04-22T06:34:00.001-06:00

I like these questions, I think they are fair. I hope someone can answer them

clipped from www.gaypatriot.net

So, with thir bellyaching in mind, I have few more questions (hope they’re not too shoddy or despicable) for Obama supporters:

What makes your man such an unusual politician?

What has he accomplished to merit your enthusiasm and to show his fitness for the White House?

If your man is as great as you claim, why are you whining about the debate? Do you really believe his stature should exempt him from intense and probing questioning?

Wouldn’t a man who seeks to lead our great nation be able to dismiss unfair questions much as one such leader handled a question about his age in 1984?

Snobbery

2008-04-20T09:06:00.002-06:00

Hee hee, I liked this one especially in light of his recent comments

Liberal Fascism

2008-04-11T19:29:00.001-06:00

This is an excellent review and commentary of what is going on with the American Left, it is dangerous. I hope more people will read this book and understand what the problems really are

clipped from www.intellectualconservative.com

Liberal Fascism

by Bernard Chapin

Should fascism come it will arrive with a happy face and a smile — hence the cover — as our Nanny Staters will trample any person or family who gets in the way of their keeping us all safe . . . safe from ourselves and our liberties. Who are the fascists among us? How about those folks wanting to proscribe the use of IPods while crossing a street or those who wish to ban outdoor smoking and transfats? We’d all be better off if such power freaks found religion and began worshipping at the church of minding their own business.

Politically, the Democratic Party is the party of the state although many Republicans such as George W. Bush — recall his Oprahesque line: “when somebody hurts government has got to move” — are chock full of statist impulses. All of these mundane warriors fail to comprehend the value of Thomas Jefferson's timeless edict, “a government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have.”

Heroic marine throws himself on grenade

2008-04-04T16:17:00.001-06:00

NICE, I am extremely grateful that this story turned out as it did. This story shows to me that there are still people that are REALLY heroes that do more than talk about it--this man could have lost his life to save the others that were with him. Brittan should be proud!

clipped from www.telegraph.co.uk

Heroic marine throws himself on grenade

By Thomas Harding, Defence Correspondent

A Royal Marine could receive the highest award for gallantry after he saved the lives of his comrades by throwing himself onto an exploding grenade in Afghanistan, it has been reported.

Lance Corporal Matt Croucher amazingly survived the incident despite shrapnel peppering his helmet during the explosion.

L/Cpl Croucher's backpack was thrown more than 30ft in the explosion
His extraordinary courage, which could lead to a citation for the Victoria Cross, came after a tripwire booby-trap was stepped on during a nighttime mission outside the town of Sangin, Helmand province.

Sky Soldiers 173rd

2008-03-04T09:44:00.001-07:00

A Paratrooper in Afghanistan Responds to the New York Times

Interesting article, and I think something that many should do either by e-mail or post card, since it is such a simple gesture. I would like to flood our soldiers with letters, since the treason times is having troubles loving America.

This is the end of the article and why I am posting it here for some of the crew here for that stumble here to GIT R DONE

Our paratroopers are in the fight of their lives and they need to hear that America loves them.

Please send an email of support to skysoldiers173rd@gmail.com

Or you can mail cards to:

Leta Carruth
P O Box 100
Cordova, TN 38088

Due to security reasons in Afghanistan please do not put addresses or phone numbers on any correspondence. All emails will be printed out here in the US and mailed to Afghanistan as they do not have the resources to receive a large number of emails. All letters and emails will be vetted to make sure there are no negative comments. These are letters of support, so please keep them positive and uplifting.

Which location makes you feel safer?

2008-02-29T06:34:00.002-07:00

Which location makes you feel safer?

AAUP Announces Voluntary Affirmative Action Plan

2008-02-29T06:32:00.001-07:00

AAUP Announces Voluntary Affirmative Action Plan

If you are a recipient of this letter, you are a non-diverse person.3 Your presence on the faculty fails to represent the diversity of views and experiences crucial to a broad education, and leaves your institution vulnerable to damaging discrimination lawsuits. Therefore, in the interests of diversity, AAUP suggests that you resign to make space for a diverse person.

Interesting parody, unfortunately the sub-script rings way too true.

I guess I am a comma

2008-02-14T07:46:00.001-07:00

You Are a Comma

You are open minded and extremely optimistic.
You enjoy almost all facets of life. You can find the good in almost anything.

You keep yourself busy with tons of friends, activities, and interests.
You find it hard to turn down an opportunity, even if you are pressed for time.

Your friends find you fascinating, charming, and easy to talk to.
(But with so many competing interests, you friends do feel like you hardly have time for them.)

You excel in: Inspiring people

You get along best with: The Question Mark

What Punctuation Mark Are You?

What happens to our economy when the Dems reverse tax cuts

2008-02-13T06:23:00.001-07:00

http://www.ibdeditorials.com/Cartoons.aspx

Barack Guevara

2008-02-12T21:35:00.001-07:00

It goes along with what I have been saying for a while now. Obama Fever reminds me of the same fervor that motivated people in the past 100+ years support our most destructive world leaders. I am disappointed in my liberals friend jumping on the Obama Wagon without really looking

clipped from www.ibdeditorials.com

Barack Guevara

By INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY | Posted Tuesday, February 12, 2008 4:20 PM PT

Election 2008: How is it a front-runner for the highest office in the land can reject an American flag on his lapel but permit the display of a huge Cuban flag at one of his offices, emblazoned with a mass murderer's mug?

Mitt on Military and Iran Threat

2008-02-04T18:16:00.001-07:00

He is just as strong as McCain, but he actually has a plan... and he GETS it. Take a look at these two videos, they say a lot about how strong he is, but his understanding about how the funding works including the international Economic community.

Tammy Bruce is on fire!!!

2008-02-04T17:48:00.001-07:00

Check out my friend Tammy Bruce on Fox Today... she is fired up. I am too, and I agree with her.

Her Website
http://tammybruce.com/

Her MySpace Page
http://www.myspace.com/heytammybruce

Ann Coulter Endorses Hillary...

2008-02-01T07:17:00.001-07:00

If John McCain is the nominee...An excellent segment on Hannity and Colmes last night. Nothing like a bit of shock rhetoric to make us think a bit more before we nominate the wrong guy.

Coulter
by krs601

Surprisingly Liberal

2008-01-31T19:57:00.001-07:00

Interesting commercial... don't assume conservatives are going down without a fight

Marines New Commercial

2008-01-30T08:33:00.001-07:00

Pretty cool stuff, I am proud to be part of a country that has men an women that are called Marines. This commercial by the way, highlights some amazing parts of our country.

Green Conservatism

2008-01-29T13:11:00.001-07:00

If the U.S. had developed Nuclear power at the same rate France has, we would today put 2,200,000,000 tons less carbon into the atmosphere--beating kyoto requirements by 15%.

Wow, to me seems like the "far left" are the ones that are ruining it for everyone else

Indoctrinate U - Request it on Netflix

2008-01-27T23:05:00.001-07:00

I have been waiting for a screening of this movie in my area and it seems to take forever for that to happen. There may be hope the Indoctrinate U folk posted this on their website. The movie is not yet available for purchase... but it would be cool if it was available for more people to rent (or Netflix) until purchasing is an option.

DO YOU USE NETFLIX? * 01.11.08

Are you a Netflix customer? Did you know that you can recommend movies for Netflix to carry?

We've been asked a lot if Indoctrinate U will eventually be coming to Netflix. And, of course, we'd love it if Netflix carried our film. So, if you use Netflix and you'd like to see Indoctrinate U, consider using their online suggestion form to recommend our film! (Select "Title Request" as the subject.)

http://indoctrinate-u.com/pages/welcome.html

U.S. Marines evacuate Iraqi girl in need of life-saving open-heart surgery to a Nashville hospital

2008-01-27T20:04:00.001-07:00

I love stories like this, I wish they would appear more mainstream news, so for now word of mouth will have to do. The men and women of our armed forces are doing so much outside what we "feel" they are doing based on our clueless left wing politicians rhetoric... to our military keep up the good work!

clipped from ocworld.freedomblogging.com

U.S. Marines evacuate Iraqi girl in need of life-saving open-heart surgery to a Nashville hospital

By VIK JOLLY

The Orange County Register

A 2-year-old Iraqi girl with a congenital heart defect, who has been evacuated to a Tennessee hospital by U.S. Marines in the Al Anbar province, was reported Friday to be awake but fighting a respiratory infection.

The toddler has a large hole in her heart and a severe obstruction between her heart and lungs, giving her the classic “blue baby” look around her lips and extremities, according to a hospital news release. Amenah’s heart is basically backwards in her chest and her large arteries are oriented abnormally, the hospital said.

The Iraqi government backed the Marines’ effort with its unconditional support. And friends and family of Maj. Kevin Jarrard, who befriended Amenah’s family, in Nashville continue to help, the hospital said.

Learn to fight fire with fire

2008-01-26T15:10:00.001-07:00

Looks like Alan Roebuck has an excellent premise for the all so common banter that happens between atheists and theists, this time the theists have the stronger position.

clipped from www.americanthinker.com

January 26, 2008

How to Respond to a Supercilious Atheist

By Alan Roebuck

Not all atheists are supercilious, of course. Many are content to live and let live, and some even grant that religion (which, in America, basically means Christianity) does some good. But atheism as an organized, evangelizing movement has been on the offensive lately. Witness the "New Atheists" such as Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens, with their aggressive stance against God and their bestselling books attempting to debunk religion. So, assuming you are a theist, what do you say to the atheist who asks, "You don't (chuckle) actually believe in God, do you (snicker)?"

They are taking our cartoons!!!

2008-01-26T14:13:00.001-07:00

First They Came for Piglet

This is an interesting article from the National Review Online by Mark Steyn, interesting look at how we tend to confuse "Anti-Islam" with discrimination and in so many words how our fear of offending, is really tearing us down. (Hit the link for the full article)

You remember the Three Little Pigs? One builds a house of straw, and another of sticks, and both get blown down by the Big Bad Wolf. Western civilization is a mighty house of bricks, but who needs a Big Bad Wolf when the pig’s so eager to demolish it himself?

Fred Heads for Mitt

2008-01-25T23:28:00.001-07:00

I wonder if Mitt has something up his sleeve, if it includes Fred Thompson, that would be brilliant.

Tonight January 25th is Burns Night…Celebration of poems, drink and haggis

2008-01-25T07:54:00.001-07:00

Tonight January 25th is Burns Night…Celebration of poems, drink and haggis

Sadly I am not attending a Burn Night Supper this year… but a wee bit of tribute today for this famous Scottish bard. It is a simple (sometimes wild) gathering with some friends, to enjoy the celebration. My personal favorite is when the night turns in to a full fledge cèilidh. (more on that some other time) While I have never feasted on REAL haggis, I was able to feast on some vegetarian haggis, complete with neeps and tatties (mashed turnips and potatoes) while I was in Edinburgh a couple of years ago… Fun stuff, I hope some of you are able to enjoy these festivities.

From the http://www.robertburns.org/suppers/

I copied and pasted some excerpts for folks here to get an idea of what this night entails.

The annual celebratory tribute to the life, works and spirit of the great Scottish poet, Robert Burns (1759-1796). Celebrated on, or about, the Bard's birthday, January 25th, Burns Suppers range from stentoriously formal gatherings of esthetes and scholars to uproariously informal rave-ups of drunkards and louts. Most Burns Suppers fall in the middle of this range, and adhere, more or less, to some sort of time honoured form which includes the eating of a traditional Scottish meal, the drinking of Scotch whisky, and the recitation of works by, about, and in the spirit of the Bard.

Every Burns Supper has its own special form and flavour, though there are probably more similarities than differences among these gastro-literary affairs. Individual tastes and talents will determine the character of your Burns Supper. Some celebrants may contribute the composition of original songs or poems; some may excel at giving toasts or reciting verse; while others may be captivating storytellers. A particular group of celebrants will, over time, develop a unique group character which will distinguish their Burns Supper celebration from every other.

With a little bit of planning anyone (well, almost anyone) can enjoy a Burns Night celebration. All that's needed is a place to gather (gracious host), plenty of haggis and neeps to go around (splendid chef), a master of ceremonies (foolhardy chairman), friendly celebrants (you and your drouthy cronies), and good Scotch drink to keep you warm (BYOB). With these ingredients, at least a few celebrants will be able to make prattling fools of themselves, trying to do justice to the words and spirit of Robert Burns. And if everyone brings along a wee dram and a bit of poetry, prose or song then each, in turn, may become an object of mirth and amusement to the gathered throng. Be prepared to enjoy yourself beyond all expectation. It helps if you know your guests and can match them with a suitable reading. Better still, you may be able to gently motivate them, in advance, by including an informal listing of sources along with your charming (I'm sure) Burns Supper invitation.

Hopefully with the good vibes and good whisky, will be all the encouragement anyone will need to lower their inhibitions to a level that Burns, himself, would appreciate.

Don’t forget the Selkirk Grace before your supper tonight

Some hae meat and canna eat,
and some wad eat that want it,
but we hae meat and we can eat,
and sae the Lord be thankit.

In English: Some have meat and cannot eat,
Some cannot eat that want it;
But we have meat and we can eat,
So let the Lord be thank it.

But be careful, trying to get a “traditional” haggis past US Customs officials

Smugglers dodge sniffer dogs and risk $1,000 fine for a Burns Night haggis

They look no different from any other transatlantic passengers as they walk through into departures or enjoy a final drink at the airport bar. Perhaps they seem a little nervous and maybe their hand luggage looks a bit heavy, but otherwise there is nothing to mark them out as haggis smugglers.

But today, on the 249th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, an unprecedented number of otherwise respectable Scots and Americans will try to circumvent a US ban on British offal products so that they can celebrate Burns Night as it is meant to be: in the company of the “great chieftain o’ the puddin’-race”…. More of this story HERE

Traditional Macsween Haggis

Just a Reminder

2008-01-25T06:20:00.001-07:00

Suck it up cupcakes

2008-01-22T20:13:00.001-07:00

Recently two of the most conservative candidates running for the nomination dropped out of the 2008 presidential race. I have seen a couple of dynamics with this that are pretty clear. First, I am glad to see so many conservatives keeping the support of the process alive, and not giving up on their principles just because their main candidate is no longer in the race. Those that seek to figure out who to next support with what we have, are the ones who will help keep the conservative issues alive even if the candidate is not 100% what they want.

Second, I am disappointed with conservatives that are slinking away and behaving like spoiled children because they did not get 100% what they want. To them I say suck it up cupcakes, because your conservative voice will have a better audience and possibilities with any of the republican candidates than it ever could with Barack, Hillary or John. Yes, can you choose a write-in, choose not to vote… and of course it will be an excellent premise for you when you are sitting on your asses down the road blaming everyone else for any troubles. But come on act like the conservative you claim to be. I was taught if you are bucked off the horse get back on. So dust off your chaps and get back on the horse and help fight the good fight.

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

--Reinhold Niebuhr

What happened to Iraq?

2008-01-22T20:04:00.001-07:00

Victor Davis Hanson writes a blog for Pajamas Media, he always has some excellent perspectives on what is going on in the world. Here is an excerpt from his post on January 21, 2008. I do feel sorry for the Democrats (not really) that one of their platforms--the Iraq war, is much less in their favor in this election year.

What happened to Iraq?

The general media reaction to the good news in Iraq has been the following: ignore it; or run stories about traumatic and deadly stress of veterans, or other bad news themes like the updates on the Marine trials; or talk not about the significance of victory but only of the unnecessary cost. Iraq was supposed to be the make-or-break issue for the Democrats, as they vied with one another to get the troops out the quickest. But the last two months in the theater, the number of American fatalities is starting to devolve to the number of what might be normally lost in deployments of the size of 160,000 through normal training and dangers in a noncombatant environment. (20,000 have died in military accidents since 1980).

In any case the argument is increasingly becoming moot. Americans of all persuasions want US troops to come home, the question now is mostly under what circumstances. Fears of Iran and $100 a barrel oil have made many of the old controversies of the 2003-5 years moot as well. I wrote once that the war would end with a whimper not a bang, and so it is starting to—only to be refought for the next twenty years by historians, once the tell-all, fiasco, quagmire, ‘George Bush is our worst president’ exposes clear out.

Helping you figure out who to vote for...

2008-01-18T08:24:00.000-07:00

Cannot figure out who to vote for this coming primary, let alone this coming fall? Have a tendency to vote for the candidate that a “smart” friend supports—rather than doing a small bit of research to see who you REALLY support? I know some find that it can be intimidating because the subject of politics seems to be very taboo in our culture and not everyone loves a good argument. Since I cannot change that culture, and I can only hope to stimulate healthy dialogue one conversation at a time, I thought I would throw some suggestions out there to help people get informed without having to jump into a debate.

It is important to vote for and support who aligns most with your views. Not just who is “the most popular” or the one you hear will make a good candidate. How embarrassing if you decide to support a candidate that contradicts most of your own core values, based on a quick and surface evaluation. Remember, we are talking about people that make legislation that affect our economy, lifestyles, how we interact with other countries… It should be something to take a look at more than just casually.

So where to go? I say take some quick candidate tests and then head over to Vote Smart to be sure what you are hearing on the news about your few favorite candidates are correct.

I find that these kinds of “tests” help you get an idea of where you fall so that you have a direction to go in research. I think one of the hardest things to do is get started…these kind of tests help you do just that. I would take more than one because each uses different criteria to match you to a candidate. They are also fun and easy to complete… There are WAY more out there, but here are a few to help you get started.

http://www.speakout.com/VoteMatch/senate2006.asp?quiz=2008

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/candidate-match-game.htm

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/page?id=3623346

http://www.dehp.net/candidate/

http://www.wqad.com/Global/link.asp?L=259460

http://glassbooth.org/

For the research, you do not have to get a political science degree. I use Project Vote Smart as a reference. They cover all levels of government and how our elected officials vote. They do all the research so you do not have to and they are very good at keeping with the non-partisan claim. They also have a phone line to call if you have relatives or friends that do not access the internet

http://www.vote-smart.org/

Here is a video of their organization explaining what they do.

The Blue Boar: Human organs to be taken without consent in UK

2008-01-15T10:01:00.000-07:00

The Blue Boar: Human organs to be taken without consent in UK

Nice, this is what happens when you let government decide on health care... it is a dangerous slope. Free health care sounds great if you get it for free and still have choices. But that is not the reality when you have someone else control it for you...eventually you loose the ability to choose.

Come on candidates... show me this change

2008-01-14T11:43:00.000-07:00

I think this would be an excellent idea... have the candidates move past the rhetoric and start showing us HOW they would change this next year. They are currently senators and can make things happen. I say GIT R DONE, show me what you keep talking about.

Change?

2008-01-07T13:28:00.000-07:00

Excellent cartoon by Ramirez at Investor's Business Daily

Space Invaders :-)

2008-01-04T14:15:00.001-07:00

From Tammy Bruce's Blog... Why the world hates us

2008-01-04T07:15:00.000-07:00

This is why I love Divas like Tammy, they help put things into perspective and they are almost always right on. Our American impact on the world is not one of domination, we just care and we want peace more than anyone--That is why our military is the best

No Wonder the World Hates Us

Sometimes we must simply admit how evil we are. Running roughshod over the world, caring only about ourselves, not considering for one second the negative impact we have on the world, to say nothing of ruining the lives of little children. Yeah, with stories like this, isn't it about time we stop messing around with other peoples lives and retreat so the world can once again have a good time?

Five-Year-Old Boy Feels 'Very Well' After Having Peach-Sized Brain Tumor Removed

NEW HYDE PARK, N.Y. — A 5-year-old Peruvian boy rushed to Long Island for surgery to remove a peach-sized brain tumor said he felt "very well" less than a week after the procedure.

Sebastian Jimenez Pina praised the doctors who treated him -- and the congressman who helped get him to them -- at a news conference Wednesday at Schneider Children's Hospital, where he underwent the operation Dec. 27.

"The hospital and the doctors were very good," the boy said in Spanish.

His physicians, Dr. Mark Mittler and Dr. Mark Atlas, said Sebastian would have died quickly without the surgery. It removed the tumor protruding from his right temple and two other, smaller ones on his head.

Yeah, and I bet you we waterboarded that little boy ahead of time to make sure he said nice things about the doctors.

Conservative Resolutions

2008-01-02T08:45:00.001-07:00

Something to think about if you are a conservative

clipped from www.humanevents.com

Five New Year’s Resolutions for Conservatives
by Gary Bauer

1. REJECT BIG GOVERNMENT

- I resolve not to apologize for being a conservative, because conservatism does not need
to be softened as if there were something inherent in our allegiance to principled conservatism—with its belief in a strong national defense, traditional moral values and fiscal responsibility—that made it cruel

2. EMBRACE THE FAITH OF OUR FATHERS AND MOTHERS

-- I resolve to fight attempts by secularists to deny or misrepresent America’s Christian heritage in the classroom, in the office and wherever it is found.

3. SUPPORT FAIR MEDIA OUTLETS

-- I resolve to be attentive to media bias and to expose it in all its forms

4. RESOLVE DIFFERENCES QUIETLY AND WITH DIGNITY

-- I resolve not to mischaracterize other conservatives’ positions or records on issues, especially to unsympathetic media outlets that would trumpet the words to aid the liberal
agenda

5. SUPPORT TRUE CONSERVATIVES

Some lawers are jerks...

2007-12-31T12:23:00.001-07:00

It will be interesting to see what comes of this. Take a look at Blackfive's post... it is amazing, the lawyer is a jerk and while he criticizes the Marine for "doing what he will" ... he is practicing exactly that as a lawyer.

clipped from www.blackfive.net

Anti-Military Lawyer Damages Marine's Car on Eve of Deployment

While saying goodbye, at about 11am, he noticed a man leaning up against his car. Mike left his friend's apartment and caught the man keying his car on multiple sides.

After caught in the process, the man told Mike, "you think you can do whatever you want with Department of Defense license plates and tags". (In Illinois you can purchase veteran, Marine, or medal plates. Mike has Illinois Marine Corps license plates.) During the exchange, he made additional anti-military comments.

Mike called the Chicago police and had the man arrested. A citation against the man was issued for misdemeanor criminal damage to private property.

Update 12-31-07: The hearing is today. After about four hundred emails offering help, I've taken down the email address for now. If I haven't sent you a reply, I apologize and hopefully will send one soon.

Happy Hogmanay!!!

2007-12-31T08:31:00.000-07:00

Yea, when it was forbidden to celebrate Christmas in the crazy fashion the Scots just moved their celebration over a week and go crazy for New Years, this year it started on Saturday and goes through tomorrow. If you have ever been to Edinburgh during festival you know how crazy it is. While Edinburgh usually hosts the tourists you can find Hogmanay celebrations all over Scotland ... My friends over there always call me for an official drunk dial, cracks me up because it is only 3pm here... I just found it interesting and thought I would share with all of you

The Origins of Hogmanay (From Rampant Scotland Website)
A guid New Year to ane an` a` and mony may ye see!

While New Year's Eve is celebrated around the world, the Scots have a long rich heritage associated with this event - and have their own name for it, Hogmanay.

There are many theories about the derivation of the word "Hogmanay". The Scandinavian word for the feast preceding Yule was "Hoggo-nott" while the Flemish words (many have come into Scots) "hoog min dag" means "great love day". Hogmanay could also be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon, Haleg monath, Holy Month, or the Gaelic, oge maidne, new morning. But the most likely source seems to be the French. "Homme est né" or "Man is born" while in France the last day of the year when gifts were exchanged was "aguillaneuf" while in Normandy presents given at that time were "hoguignetes". Take your pick!

In Scotland a similar practice to that in Normandy was recorded, rather disapprovingly, by the Church.

"It is ordinary among some Plebians in the South of Scotland, to go about from door to door upon New Year`s Eve, crying Hagmane." Scotch Presbyterian Eloquence, 1693.

Hogmanay Traditional Celebrations

Torchlight Procession Historians believe that we inherited the celebration from the Vikings who, coming from even further north than ourselves, paid even more attention to the passing of the shortest day. In Shetland, where the Viking influence was strongest, New Year is called Yules, from the Scandinavian word.

It may not be widely known but Christmas was not celebrated as a festival and virtually banned in Scotland for around 400 years, from the end of the 17th century to the 1950s. The reason for this has its roots in the Protestant Reformation when the Kirk portrayed Christmas as a Popish or Catholic feast and therefore had to be banned. Many Scots had to work over Christmas and their winter solstice holiday was therefore at New Year when family and friends gathered for a party and exchange presents, especially for the children, which came to be called hogmanay.

There are traditions before midnight such as cleaning the house on 31st December (including taking out the ashes from the fire in the days when coal fires were common). There is also the superstition to clear all your debts before "the bells" at midnight.

Immediately after midnight it is traditional to sing Robert Burns' "For Auld Lang Syne". Burns claimed it was based on an earlier fragment and certainly the tune was in print over 80 years before he published his version in 1788.

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot and auld lang syne
For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o kindness yet, for auld lang syne."

An integral part of the Hogmanay partying, which continues very much today, is to welcome friends and strangers, with warm hospitality and of course a kiss to wish everyone a Guid New Year. The underlying belief is to clear out the vestiges of the old year, have a clean break and welcome in a young, New Year on a happy note.

"First footing" (that is, the "first foot" in the house after midnight) is still common in Scotland. To ensure good luck for the house, the first foot should be male, dark (believed to be a throwback to the Viking days when blond strangers arriving on your doorstep meant trouble) and should bring symbolic coal, shortbread, salt, black bun and whisky. These days, however, whisky and perhaps shortbread are the only items still prevalent (and available).

"Handselling" was the custom of gift giving on the first Monday of the New Year but this has died out.

Torch and Bonfire Ceremonies

Torchlight ProcessionThe magical Firework display and torchlight procession in Edinburgh - and throughout many cities in Scotland - is reminiscent of the ancient custom at Scottish Hogmanay pagan parties hundreds of years ago.

The traditional New Year ceremony of yesteryear would involve people dressing up in the hides of cattle and running around the village being hit by sticks. The festivities would also include the lighting of bonfires, rolling blazing tar barrels down the hill and tossing torches. Animal hide was also wrapped around sticks and ignited which produced a smoke that was believed to be very effective to ward off evil spirits. The smoking stick was also known as a Hogmanay.

Some of these customs do continue, especially in the small, older communities in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland where tradition, along with language and dialect are kept alive and well. On the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides, the young boys form themselves into opposing bands, the leader of each wears a sheep skin, while a member carries a sack. The bands move through the village from house to house reciting a Gaelic rhyme. On being invited inside, the leader walks clockwise around the fire, while everyone hits the skin with sticks. The boys would be given some bannocks - fruit buns - for their sack before moving on to the next house.

One of the most spectacular Fire ceremonies takes place in Stonehaven, just south of Aberdeen on the North East coast. Giant fireballs, weighing up to 20 pounds are lit and swung around on five feet long metal poles, requiring 60 men to carry them as they march up and down the High Street. The origin of the pre-Christian custom is believed to be linked to the Winter Solstice of late December with the fireballs signifying the power of the sun, to purify the world by consuming evil spirits.

And it is worth remembering that January 2nd is a holiday in Scotland as well as the first day of the year - to give us all time to recover from a week of merry-making and celebration, all part of Scotland's fascinating cultural legacy of ancient customs and traditions surrounding the pagan festival of Hogmanay.

Broncos superfan hangs up the barrel

2007-12-31T06:08:00.001-07:00

An age of Orange Crush is ending... It kind of brought a tear to my eye for real, and I am not even a football fan.

clipped from www.9news.com

Broncos superfan hangs up the barrel

VIEW SLIDESHOW
DENVER - Tim McKernan, known to generations of Broncos faithful as "The Barrel Man" is retiring after thirty years as the oddly-dressed informal cheerleader for the home team.

Chances are, you wouldn't recognize McKernan with his clothes on, but that suits him just fine.

He began wearing an orange aluminum barrel to Broncos games in 1977 because of a bet with his brother.

"He wanted to see me on TV out in California," McKernan said. "I had painted a barrel to make a drum out of it to look like an Orange Crush can, told him about it and he bet me 10 bucks that I didn't have the guts to wear nothing but the barrel to a ball game."

He did have the guts to wear it and keep wearing it, through snow and sub-zero temperatures for 30 years worth of Sundays.

"The older I get, the harder it is to handle the cold," he said. "I always thought I'd go until the day I died in it."

Man-Made Global Warming: 10 Questions

2007-12-29T17:53:00.001-07:00

Interesting article... click on the link to see his explanations for each of the questions. These are excellent questions, even though as many who have commented on the article agree, for some reason we are not allowed to question. I hope for everyone's sake that this is not the real trend. One of the things I enjoy about our country is our freedom to question, investigate and figure out what we believe on our own.

clipped from www.humanevents.com

Man-Made Global Warming: 10 Questions
by Pat Sajak

1. What is the perfect temperature?

2. Just what is the average temperature of the earth?

3. What factors have led to global warming in the past, and how do we know they aren’t the causes of the current warming trend

4. Why is there such a strong effort to stifle discussion and dissent?

5. Why are there such dramatically different warnings about the effects of man-made global warming?

6. Are there potential benefits to global warming?

7. Should such drastic changes in public policy be based on a “what if?” proposition?

8. What will be the impact on the people of the world if we change the way we live based on man-made global warming concerns

9. How will we measure our successes?

10. How has this movement gained such momentum?

Oprah…Uma…Obama…Uma…Oprah

2007-12-26T13:09:00.001-07:00

Interesting post, and steeped in pithy humor... I quite agree with this.

clipped from gaypatriot.net

Oprah…Uma…Obama…Uma…Oprah

Posted by Vera Charles at 12:03 pm - December 26, 2007.
Filed under: Annoying Celebrities, Post 9-11 America, 2008 Presidential Politics

Apparently, in Oprah’s view, instructing the general public on what books to buy, what diets to try, what movies to watch, and what cars to drive, pales in comparison to telling people what candidate to vote for; namely, Mr. Obama.

Over the past 20 years, Oprah’s morphed from everyone’s favorite sister - with the self deprecating wit and the boyfriend who won’t commit - to everyone’s overbearing mother - complete with an endless list of your current shortcomings, and dopey advice for your love life. I guess being the self-elected spokeswoman for all women - and a billionaire - just isn’t as fulfilling as one would think. Having the Queen of All Media explain why I should vote for ‘any’ candidate is like having the Queen of England give me housecleaning tips; it’s unwanted and unappreciated advice from the uninformed.

Iowa Man Spends Christmas Eve in Septic Tank

2007-12-26T12:55:00.001-07:00

I could not imagine, I am glad that his wife was home!!!

clipped from www.foxnews.com

DES MOINES, Iowa — Christmas Eve stunk for Robert Schoff.

The 77-year-old Des Moines man got stuck in his septic tank.

"It wasn't good, I'll tell you what," Schoff told the Des Moines Register. "It was the worst Christmas Eve I've ever had."

Schoff's holiday adventure started Monday when he dug a hole and reached inside to find a clog. He lost his balance and became wedged in the opening of the tank.

The 5-foot 5-inch, 135-pound Schoff hollered, screamed and hoped his wife, Toni, would hear him.

He waited for an hour until she walked by a window and noticed feet in the air.

"I saw these kicking feet and ran out, but couldn't get him out," Toni Schoff said.

She called 911.

Two Polk County sheriff's deputies arrived to yank her husband out.

"How that happened, I don't know," he said. "I thought it was the end of my life. Thank God my wife saw me. I don't think I could have stood staying in there much more. She's my lifesaver."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

CPT Travis Patriquin, a Tribute- Thanks Blackfive

2007-12-26T11:11:00.000-07:00

I am proud to be an American with the brilliant members of our military serving as they do and their sacrifices are not unheeded by us civilians. I thought many of you would enjoy this who seen this before but it having it with the tribute to who designed it is nice.

Back Five Tribute For the full story but an excerpt here...

Last December Travis Patriquin died along with two others in an IED blast. This December he would not even recognize the al Anbar Province he was helping to transform. He became famous for his Powerpoint on "How to win in Anbar" and helped in ways far above his pay grade to push the change to a Counter-Insurgency (COIN) strategy. It is too bad he is not here to see what has become of his stick figures, but we are. So thanks CPT P, from all of us.

Iraqis Crowd Churches for Christmas Mass

2007-12-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

Iraqis Crowd Churches for Christmas Mass

My friend Tammy Bruce said this on her website... and I thought it would be nice to share here....

When it comes to the current events we all deal with, here's a bit of news about Iraqi Christians and their Christmas. It is something that reminds us of the importance of our work, the remarkable accomplishment of our troops, and the grace of God, especially when we are challenged the most. And next time you hear Barack Winfrey or any other out of touch politician preen him or herself on having been against the war from the beginning, think of this story, the millions liberated, made safe and now able to look to a more hopeful future.

Here is the article for those that cannot access links...

BAGHDAD (AP) - Thousands of Iraqi Christians made their way to church through checkpoints and streets lined with blast walls, many drawing hope from a lull in violence to celebrate Christmas Mass in numbers unthinkable a year ago.

Death is never far in Iraq—two separate suicide bombings north of Baghdad killed at least 35 people and wounded scores more. But the number of attacks has fallen dramatically in the past few months—the U.S. military says by 60 percent since June.

"We did not celebrate last year, but this year we have security and we feel better," said Rasha Ghaban, one of many women at the small Church of the Holy Family in Karradah, a mainly Shiite district in downtown Baghdad where many Christians live. "We hope our future will be better, God willing."

Families streamed into the church's courtyard, wrapped in heavy winter jackets to protect them from the early morning chill. Young children with neatly combed hair held their parents' hands, and women stopped by the front door to pick through a basket of small lacy headscarves, placing them over their hair before walking in.

The pews were almost full—women toward the back and on the right side of the church, the men on the left—and still more people streamed in. Outside, police armed with automatic rifles manned a checkpoint at the corner of the narrow street, searching every passing car for possible bombs.

Christians have often been the target of attacks by Islamic extremists in Iraq, forcing tens of thousands to flee. Many of those who stayed were isolated in neighborhoods protected by barricades and checkpoints. Less than 3 percent of Iraq's 26 million people are Christians—the majority Chaldean-Assyrians and Armenians, with small numbers of Roman Catholics.

A coordinated bombing campaign in 2004 targeted churches in the Iraqi capital, and anti-Christian violence also flared last September after Pope Benedict XVI made comments perceived to be against Islam.

But this year, with the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha coming just before Christmas, Iraq has been living through some of the most peaceful moments since the U.S.-led invasion of 2003.

Cardinal Emmanuel III Delly, leader of the ancient Chaldean Catholic Church and Iraq's first cardinal, celebrated Mass before about 2,000 people in the Mar Eliya Church the eastern New Baghdad neighborhood of the capital.

"Iraq is a bouquet of flowers of different colors, each color represents a religion or ethnicity but all of them have the same scent," the 80-year-old Delly told the congregation.

Muslim clerics—both Sunni and Shiite—also attended the service in a sign of unity.

"May Iraq be safe every year, and may our Christian brothers be safe every year," Shiite cleric Hadi al-Jazail told AP Television News outside the church. "We came to celebrate with them and to reassure them."

William Jalal, a 39-year old father of three attending Mass at Mar Eliya, said this Christmas was clearly different.

"We didn't celebrate like this in the past two years as we were holding limited celebrations for relatives in an atmosphere filled with fear," said Jalal, a cook in one of Baghdad's social clubs. "Now we feel better as we see all these security forces in the streets to protect us."

Bombers still attack city markets, police or army patrols and stores, and the dead bodies of tortured kidnap victims turn up almost daily along river banks or dumped on the streets.

Venturing out in large numbers late at night in Baghdad is still unthinkable, so the capital's Christians celebrated midnight Mass in the middle of the afternoon on Christmas Eve.

Delly, speaking to The Associated Press at his guarded compound in western Baghdad on Christmas Eve, said fear still pervaded everyday life, despite the fall in violence.

"Everyone is still afraid to go out," he said. "Even small animals are afraid of the danger."

In northern Iraq's much safer Kurdish autonomous region, worshipers headed to the town of Ain Kawa, near Irbil. Some 1,600 Arab Christian families from Baghdad and nearby regions have settled there, said the local mayor, Fahmi Sulafa.

"Here, I feel my soul is at rest," said Matti Gordese, a 40-year-old father of four originally from Baghdad. "I can practise my religion without feeling that suddenly, a bomb will explode and kill you in God's house."

PC Holiday Wishes

2007-11-24T11:09:00.001-07:00

From a fellow poster at ACOC

For My Liberal/Progressive Friends:

"Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, our best
wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible,
low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter
solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the
religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your
choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or
traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or
secular traditions at all.

We also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and
medically uncomplicated recognition of the generally accepted calendar
year 2008, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of
other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America
great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other
country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. In addition,
without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability,
religious faith or sexual preference of the wishers.

By accepting these greetings, you are accepting these terms. This
greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely
transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no
promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for
herself or himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law and
is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher.

This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual
application of good tidings for a period of one year or until the
issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and
warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new
wish at the sole discretion of the wisher."

For My Conservative Friends:

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Why spoiled kids drive me nuts...

2007-11-23T18:26:00.001-07:00

This is an interesting article by Selwyn duke for Thanksgiving. The rich and spoiled have so much to learn, just a little reminder about what causes true happiness.

clipped from selwynduke.typepad.com

The spirit of entitlement, however, is born of just the opposite: A false sense of sanctity. When someone lives an unexamined life, when he fancies that he has been immaculately conceived and is blind to his own faults, he will always see the glass as half empty. Why, he has been denied his birthright, as a demigod such as himself should have the world at his feet. He is owed this and that, and he will protest and picket and pout until he gets what he has coming. He certainly has something coming alright.

Come Home

2007-11-23T10:34:00.001-07:00

Come Home

I think Michael Yon is an excellent photo journalist, he has had the fortunate privilege of actually being imbedded with the military... he has seen it first hand, unlike many other reporters, who stay safe in the green zone, and rely on "sources" ... he is the source

I enjoy this story, because it says so much about what is going on over there... and there are some good things happening

Iraq is doing well...course we would not know

2007-11-23T10:25:00.001-07:00

Victor Davis Hanson is such an excellent writer... he really hits the nail on the head. We are not seeing Iraq in the news, because there is not alot of "drama" ... plenty of progress though

clipped from www.victorhanson.com

November 19, 2007
When Good News Is No News
by Victor Davis Hanson
Tribune Media Services

There's an old expression about war: "Victory has many fathers, while defeat is an orphan." But in the case of Iraq, it seems the other way around. We've blamed many for the ordeal of the last four years, but it is the American victory in Anbar province that now seems without parents.

Over the last few months, the U.S. military forced Sunni insurgents in Anbar to quit fighting. This enemy, in the heart of the so-called Sunni Triangle, had been responsible for most American casualties in the war and was the main cause of unrest in Iraq. Even more unexpectedly, some of the defeated tribes then joined in an alliance of convenience with their American victors to chase al Qaeda from Iraq's major cities.

As President Bush recently told U.S. troops about Anbar province: "It was once written off as lost. It is now one of the safest places in Iraq."

Dems... yea they are the ones with the money

2007-11-23T09:48:00.001-07:00

Some of us know this already, it is just now in print...The scary part is that this party of the rich likes to pretend that they are poor, so regular people feel sorry for them and contribute.

clipped from www.washingtontimes.com

Democrats party of rich, study finds

By Donald Lambro
November 23, 2007

Sen. Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat, opposes Mr. Rangel's plan to tax hedge-fund compensation at 35 percent as regular pay.

Democrats like to define themselves as the party of poor and middle-income Americans, but a new study says they now represent the majority of the nation's wealthiest congressional districts.

In a state-by-state, district-by-district comparison of wealth concentrations based on Internal Revenue Service income data, Michael Franc, vice president of government relations at the Heritage Foundation, found that the majority of the nation's wealthiest congressional jurisdictions were represented by Democrats.

Politics of Planting

2007-11-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

I find it interesting...as my friend Tammy Bruce says "Newsflash for the party, Hillary, and every other clown standing up on the stage: If you're afraid of facing the American people without a net, how in God's name can you face a world filled with tyrants who will not play your game?

Bagpipes Cryin'

2007-08-10T16:50:00.001-06:00

Two Haditha Accused Cleared...

2007-08-09T17:52:00.001-06:00

I am very happy to hear this!!

This article is from Australia... but shows that we have two of our finest that no longer have charges against them. We need to follow suit with the other 5, I think that this independent investigation is going to backfire on those that wish to smear our military (It shows that the left instead of finding out the facts, try and skew the results to match what they hope they would find)

clipped from www.worldnewsaustralia.com.au

Two Haditha accused cleared

10.8.2007. 09:21:11

Two US Marines facing charges in connection with the alleged massacre of civilians in the town of Haditha two years ago have been cleared of wrongdoing.

In rulings released at the Marines Camp Pendleton base in southern California, Lieutenant General James Mattis announced that charges against Lance Corporal Justin Sharratt and Captain Randy Stone had been dropped.

Our Military

2007-08-09T12:53:00.001-06:00

A mother asked President ...
"Why did my son have to die in Iraq?"

A mother asked President ...
"Why did my son have to die in Saudi Arabia?"

A mother asked President ...
"Why did my son have to die in Kuwait?"

Another mother asked President ...
"Why did my son have to die in Vietnam?"

Another mother asked President ...
"Why did my son have to die in Korea?"

Another mother asked President ...
"Why did my son have to die on Iwo Jima?"

Another mother asked President ...
"Why did my son have to die on a battlefield on a field in France?"

Yet another mother asked President ...
"Why did my son have to die at Gettysburg?"

And yet another mother asked President ...
"Why did my son have to die on a frozen field near Valley Forge?"

Then long, long ago, a mother asked...
"Heavenly Father ..
why did my Son have to die on a cross outside of Jerusalem ?"

The answer is the same ..
"So that others may have life and dwell
in peace, happiness, and freedom."

Analysis: Military Shows Gains in Iraq

2007-08-06T16:25:00.001-06:00

I enjoy the good stories that are coming out, while the MSM is looking for the "Big Sell" ... and thus you think that the surge is not working... But it is.

clipped from www.breitbart.com

BAGHDAD (AP) - AP Video The new U.S. military strategy in Iraq, unveiled six months ago to little acclaim, is working.
In two weeks of observing the U.S. military on the ground and interviewing commanders, strategists and intelligence officers, it's apparent that the war has entered a new phase in its fifth year.

US Army Drill Team

2007-07-16T07:41:00.001-06:00

The Pledge of Alleigiance...

2007-07-03T13:34:00.001-06:00

YEEEHAW... iPhone

2007-07-01T14:15:00.001-06:00

Ann Coulter on Global Warming

2007-06-26T18:59:00.001-06:00

Ann Coulter on Global Warming - Watch more free videos

I am so excited for this release!!!

2007-06-25T07:08:00.001-06:00

Coming out in Ireland...

2007-06-22T21:52:00.001-06:00

I love Catherine Tate ... this is a silly sketch

Media Bias... say it isn't so

2007-06-21T19:51:00.001-06:00

Interesting article about who the media supports politically, and it includes to me something that many of my friends don't understand... That most of the media is further left than they even know... here is a quote from the piece.

The fact is — and it is a fact — the media are far more liberal than they are conservative, and far more liberal than the public at large. They represent one of the most consistently left-leaning segments of American society.

clipped from www.ibdeditorials.com

Extreme Prejudice

By INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY | Posted Thursday, June 21, 2007 4:20 PM PT

Journalism: Another year, another survey, and once again the conclusion is the same: The media have an overwhelming liberal bias. But sadly, they are too self-deceiving — or dishonest — to admit their tilt.

Tammy Bruce... talks about media conspiracy.

2007-06-21T19:07:00.001-06:00

I love this woman! She is one of my favorite Democrats... but don't expect her to be a lemming! She is a regular on fox, substitutes for Laura Ingram... and regular diva!

Happy Flag Day!!!

2007-06-14T11:26:00.000-06:00

This history of flag day was taken from the website USA Flag.org It is a nice symbol of the freedoms that we enjoy and a remembrance that we live in a great nation. Take a moment today to say the pledge of allegiance... I did

The History Of Flag Day

The Fourth of July was traditionally celebrated as America's birthday, but the idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. BJ Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6, to observe June 14 (the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes) as 'Flag Birthday'. In numerous magazines and newspaper articles and public addresses over the following years, Cigrand continued to enthusiastically advocate the observance of June 14 as 'Flag Birthday', or 'Flag Day'.
On June 14, 1889, George Balch, a kindergarten teacher in New York City, planned appropriate ceremonies for the children of his school, and his idea of observing Flag Day was later adopted by the State Board of Education of New York. On June 14, 1891, the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia held a Flag Day celebration, and on June 14 of the following year, the New York Society of the Sons of the Revolution, celebrated Flag Day.
Following the suggestion of Colonel J Granville Leach (at the time historian of the Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolution), the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames of America on April 25, 1893 adopted a resolution requesting the mayor of Philadelphia and all others in authority and all private citizens to display the Flag on June 14th. Leach went on to recommend that thereafter the day be known as 'Flag Day', and on that day, school children be assembled for appropriate exercises, with each child being given a small Flag.
Two weeks later on May 8th, the Board of Managers of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution unanimously endorsed the action of the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames. As a result of the resolution, Dr. Edward Brooks, then Superintendent of Public Schools of Philadelphia, directed that Flag Day exercises be held on June 14, 1893 in Independence Square. School children were assembled, each carrying a small Flag, and patriotic songs were sung and addresses delivered.
In 1894, the governor of New York directed that on June 14 the Flag be displayed on all public buildings. With BJ Cigrand and Leroy Van Horn as the moving spirits, the Illinois organization, known as the American Flag Day Association, was organized for the purpose of promoting the holding of Flag Day exercises. On June 14th, 1894, under the auspices of this association, the first general public school children's celebration of Flag Day in Chicago was held in Douglas, Garfield, Humboldt, Lincoln, and Washington Parks, with more than 300,000 children participating.
Adults, too, participated in patriotic programs. Franklin K. Lane, Secretary of the Interior, delivered a 1914 Flag Day address in which he repeated words he said the flag had spoken to him that morning: "I am what you make me; nothing more. I swing before your eyes as a bright gleam of color, a symbol of yourself."
Inspired by these three decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day - the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 - was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson's proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.

DU student law team vs. the United States

2007-06-03T18:06:00.001-06:00

A team of University of Denver law students has stepped up to the big leagues early, arguing in federal court against government limits on prisoners' free speech.

Interesting... I am not sure if you guys feel the same way. But I think if you are in prison, there are certain "rights" you loose since you chose to commit a crime against society.

Jordan "has no avenue left to express his thoughts and ideas," student attorney Jack Hobaugh argued. The federal rule, he said, "is an irrational and exaggerated response" to concerns that inmates reporting on prison life could disrupt order and threaten security.

I personally think he can journal who is stopping him, but to make a profit? He needs to wait until he gets out of prison to be able to exercise all of his rights again. I don't feel sorry for him AT ALL

Until then prisoners need to keep making our license plates and such for FREE and any sort of productivity and profit that could come from them should be used to offset the need to use taxes used to run the prisons. They committed a crime against society, they should help pay for their "downtime"...

I am embarrassed that this is coming out of Colorado

clipped from www.denverpost.com

DU student law team vs. the United States

DU student law team vs. the United States
The trio, supervised by a professor, argues in federal court against restrictions on reporting by federal inmates.
By Bruce Finley
Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 06/02/2007 11:00:54 PM MDT

A team of University of Denver law students has stepped up to the big leagues early, arguing in federal court against government limits on prisoners' free speech.
Students at DU's Sturm College of Law - who have worked on the case for a year - faced a government legal team in presenting their case before U.S. District Judge Marcia Kreiger last week. Now they await her verdict.
The students are targeting a U.S. Bureau of Prisons rule that bars federal inmates from acting as reporters and publishing articles.

In Thier Own Words...

2007-05-31T08:31:00.001-06:00

Matt Sanchez lucky devil, is out on a mission to bring the voices of the REAL troops back to us. He has started a series called "In Their Own Words" I am looking forward to the installments. I will of course copy and present here some of the ones I like... but if you happen to stumble across my blog take a look at what he is doing.

Day by Day...Cartoon

2007-05-27T10:11:00.000-06:00

Thanks for posting this Michelle. It is good that we have strong voices such as Chris Muir and Michelle Malkin to remind us that there is more going on that what the MSM, Hollywood, and Liberals seem to be saying so loudly.

Good point on immigration

2007-05-27T10:02:00.001-06:00

You know, it would be an interesting twist if the people that were here illegally were going after "mainstream" jobs. I agree with Ann, we tend to shrug our shoulders when it is something we don't care about. If they were going for "what we want" but instead we would rather appear compassionate than really pay attention to what is going on.

clipped from www.anncoulter.com

The people who make arguments about "jobs Americans won't do" are never in a line of work where unskilled immigrants can compete with them. Liberals love to strike generous, humanitarian poses with other people's lives.

Rules of Engagement

2007-05-23T09:12:00.001-06:00

We all need reminders of the most basic of rules. As we sharpen each other and find our place in this world, we need to come back to home base on occasion and remember what is important. When we get ready for battle and to fight for what is right we need to be sure that our outfit is appropriate. I am glad that God tells us what to wear...otherwise I would be lost.

clipped from www.biblegateway.com

Colossians 3:13 (The Message)

The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

12-14So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

Freedom of Speech -OR- Freedom from Being Offended

2007-05-22T22:18:00.001-06:00

I love this article from Selwyn Duke. He illustrates that we have an interesting take on the freedom of speech... and what that means in our society today is "You are free to speak your mind as long as you agree with me".

When I get in discussions with people I find that I need to do a little digging to find out if they can handle REAL discussion. Meaning they they do not rely solely on the persuasion of pathos. Nothing is more taxing to me that to hear an emotional rant and it escalates because the other person gets frustrated because you do not "feel" the same way or that they do not have Ethos and Logos to back them up... Then then they whip out the "I am offended" the king of all information override cards and it is based on what?

The full article can be found on his website....

clipped from www.selwynduke.com

The Offensiveness of Taking Offense

The Fraud of the Fairness Doctrine

By Selwyn Duke

The voicing of the unpopular, being the very soul of free speech, the right to give and take offense shall not be infringed.

Sometimes I think it is time to insert the above into our First Amendment. Whether it’s an off-color joke or colorful commentary, it’s now hard to make anything but the most plain vanilla statements without offending somebody. In fact, so ingrained is the notion of being offended that it has become a topic of satire. Just think about Geico’s famous commercials, wherein stone-age characters take umbrage at the slogan, “So easy a caveman can do it.”

Man on a Tractor

2007-05-21T08:15:00.001-06:00

You ever feel restless, like you are never can get ahead that everyone else has better things that you do?. Sometimes a song can remind us that all is where it should be. Sometimes we need to stop and realize that where we are is an amazing gift, and we just need to change our lens a bit. When we focus to others, we will never understand joy.

Rodney Adkins is one of my favorite musicians right now... loving what his songs say... here are the lyrics to A Man On A Tractor if you want to hear his songs check out his My Space page

A Man On A Tractor

(Kent Agee / Michael Lunn)

I WOKE UP THE SAME WAY THIS MORNING

LIKE A STRANGER IN MY OWN LIFE

TIRED AND CONFUSED WITH TOO MUCH TO DO

NOTHING LEFT FOR MY KIDS AND MY WIFE

OH I CLUNG TO THAT FIRST CUP OF COFFEE

PRAYING GOD, WON’T YOU SHOW ME WHAT’S REAL

THEN OUT IN THE DISTANCE I SAW THROUGH THE WINDOW

A MAN ON A TRACTOR WITH A DOG IN A FIELD

THE DOG WALKED JUST LIKE IT WAS SMILING

THE MAN DROVE LIKE THE WORLD WAS ALL RIGHT

THE TRACTOR HUMMED ON LIKE A PART OF A SONG

THAT YOU SING TO YOUR CHILDREN AT NIGHT

HIS WORK WAS LAID OUT THERE BEFORE HIM

IN ROWS OF GREEN, HIS WHOLE LIFE WAS REVEALED

OH WHAT I WOULDN’T GIVE IF I COULD JUST LIVE

LIKE A MAN ON A TRACTOR WITH A DOG IN A FIELD

CHORUS:

LET ME DO WHAT I’M DOING

LET ME BE WHERE I AM

LET ME FIND PEACE OF MIND

ON MY OWN PIECE OF LAND

WHEN I’M LOST, HELP ME TO LET GO

AND FIND SOMEWAY TO FEEL

LIKE A MAN ON A TRACTOR WITH A DOG IN A FIELD

THERE I WAS WATCHING AND WONDERING

MY WIFE CAME DOWN AND SAT BESIDE ME

SHE SAID. “IT’S NOT ABOUT LIVING ANOTHER MAN’S LIFE

IT’S ABOUT SEEING YOUR OWN DIFFERENTLY

OH THIS HOME THAT I LOVE AND MY CHILDREN

WHAT MORE COULD ONE MAN HOPE TO YIELD

THEN SHE TOUCHED MY FACE

AND SAID, “THERE’S MORE THAN ONE WAY

TO BE A MAN ON A TRACTOR WITH A DOG IN A FIELD

(REPEAT CHORUS)

Don't Mess with Gran...

2007-05-16T18:22:00.001-06:00

Fred Thompson AGAIN... I know, I know

2007-05-16T11:54:00.000-06:00

OK I am on a Fred Thompson kick... a sane voice in Hollywood

Go Fred Thompson... Funny Stuff

2007-05-16T11:52:00.000-06:00

Hee hee, you can see why some people like him. He is in the very industry that needs an overhaul. (Hollywood)

GOP Presidential Primary Debate

2007-05-15T21:01:00.000-06:00

I am REALLY pleased, with this debate hosted by Fox News. I thought that the questions were relevant, and the candidates did a great job answering. It was a good first picture of what the candidates stood for on issues that are forefront in todays America. I have started narrowing down the candidates.

I think that Fox news, and the panel of three facilitators should do this again. It would be interesting if the Dems could step up and have a Debate on Fox like this. I am not sure they could handle it though. If you missed it here are the 7 sections on Fox.

If we have more like this, it will make it easier to decide who my favorites will be. I have already started narrowing it down.

Our Warriors

2007-05-12T08:59:00.001-06:00

We can be so spoiled at times, taking for granted the very freedoms we are given. Our warriors and our protectors are the shield that makes these freedoms happen. Pretending that they are not necessary or that somehow their efforts are in vein. THEY ARE NOT. Do not forget our warriors we need them, they are necessary...Let them do their job, let them finish the job so they can come home.

Mine your own business

2007-05-07T21:52:00.001-06:00

Interesting perspective on environmentalism. With so much propaganda, and information being forced fed to us, I find this an interesting perspective on the entire situation. I have this video, and it is one I am surprised is less emotional propaganda and more facts, you can make your own conclusion at the end. Here is the official website Mine Your Own Business for more information

France, England and the power of Youtube

2007-05-07T19:14:00.001-06:00

WOW, this is awesome. I have never known a CURRENT world leader to use such simple means to convey a message. But I like what this says and more than just a simple congratulations. It shows an alliance on a simple level, and gives it to the masses. It will most likely be viewed here by people who may otherwise avoid news channels.

Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose

2007-05-07T09:25:00.001-06:00

It looks like France has a new leader. To me this is good news as there is talk of change and France needs it. I personally hope it does mean this, but they are such a mess that they have been called the "sick man of Europe" they would need to improve their Economic standing and some of their internal workings before they would be any help on global issues.

I happen to like that this new president is more pro American and Pr-Israel than that of his predecessor. Time will tell

clipped from www.businessweek.com

France Elects Sarkozy: Will Things Change?

The center-right President-elect has plans for labor and the economy, but will the changes be big enough to satisfy the business community?

by
Carol Matlack

I am unbiased REALLY I AM...

2007-05-06T07:49:00.000-06:00

I get in arguments with my liberal friends all the time about the media bias towards the left. It is amazing to me that they are still convinced that somehow news outlets such as NPR and MSNBC are fair and balanced. I personally enjoy FOX News (Well when they don't oversaturate the news about Brittney and Anna Nicole), one of the reasons they get dubbed conservative is that they actually have conservatives on the shows... and liberals. Big deal, we have become accustomed to the differences. But when a publication that SHOULD be unbiased by its very nature as it represents all American people continually undermines the leader of our country, I personally question their integrity. Time magazine publishes the 100 most influential people that shape the world. In 2007 they negated to include the president of the United States. From the Shanghai Daily they list here some of the influential people...

The list of 100 most influential, on newsstands in the United States yesterday, also includes Rosie O'Donnell, Queen Elizabeth II, presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, YouTube founders Steve Chen and Chad Hurley, director Martin Scorsese and model Kate Moss.

I am sorry but I do not care whether you like GW and his policies or not, he has been very influential in the world we live in for the past 7 years. His exclusion is a slap in the face in regards to the thoughts and desires for many Americans. This radical left wing magazine chooses to include Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama... Pu-lease, that is more a campaign plug for the left than a real inclusion of influential people. In fact, most if not all of the list are left wingers, hmmm... makes ya think doesn't it. Time, you used to have the American interest at heart, now you are merely a platform for left wing politics I am glad many of us are waking up to this.

Nancy Pelosi, what a nutjob

2007-05-05T15:59:00.001-06:00

Nancy Pelosi, what a nutjob!!! She has gone beyond freaky... I do love how some political cartoons can say so much without a dissertation.

Rosie O'Trash Can O

2007-05-05T15:35:00.000-06:00

Funny stuff here... I cannot wait for Bill O'Reilly to show the snippits of this unhinged woman!

A Royal Rainbow Warrior

2007-05-04T08:10:00.001-06:00

What a royal pain...yes the snobbish and arrogant have done it again…and again. But this time I really question the motivations behind it. Prince Charles told his son Prince William that if he did not intend to marry Kate Middleton, then he should stop dating her. Then the break up seemed to happen amicably. OK, makes sense—there are such things as ‘normal’ or free from the drama. We have come to expect such explosions from reality TV, that we cannot recognize normal if it hit us between the eyes. Yet for some reason we just cannot let it go.

“Gosh, dad do I hafta?” Ooops, my bad a Royal would never talk that way remember? All of this publicity the press decided that it would be necessary to “flame” the mother for being too common, and blame that as the reason for the break up amongst other things. How distracting to have all the discussions of the break-up not even involve the two that broke up! “Sorry son, you cannot date that young lady, her mother chews gum…we cannot have you be seen with the likes of that.”

I think there is a hidden meaning of the break-up and it deals directly with the prince himself, and it has NOTHING to do with the smoke and mirrors display that we have been feed by the media. Here is a hint, he dated a fashion designer (a hot one) and has no intentions to get married (Remember they broke up amicably) His close friends are women, and he dresses well. Now he wants to hang out with Justin Timberlake.

I don’t know about you but most of the people I know who are BIG Justin fans are girls … or gay men. Yep, it looks like the hottie prince wants to “play golf” with the hottie pop star. I cannot help but think there are ulterior motives behind this one. Other golf legends have been in the UK, and has the prince requested and audience with them? Probably not, if so show me the news story. I think he wants some alone time with the sexy singer so that they can talk about being what they have in common. Be careful Justin, Prince William means something different when he is talking about getting the ball in the hole.

clipped from www.24dash.com

"Wills wants to take some time out from partying and enjoy some sport.

"One of his passions is golf and he knows Justin is practically a professional."

The pair are tipped to meet up after Justin's concert in Glasgow this week.

The 26-year-old singer split from his girlfriend of four-years, Cameron Diaz, in January and William, 24, is also newly single after ending his relationship with Kate Middleton.

The source added: "Justin has just split from Cameron and him joining William for a chat is perfect timing."

Since he split from Kate, William has enjoyed several nights out at London clubs and has been linked to his close friend Holly Branson, the 25-year-old daughter of Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson.

Copyright Bang Royal 2007

Earth Day Humor

2007-05-03T07:10:00.001-06:00

Sunday...what a Sunday

2007-04-29T21:37:00.000-06:00

What an amazing city I live in, and my home is just a couple of blocks from this beautiful park. I happen to have Sundays off and I am going to start enjoying these "off" times. This does not mean making the day off more hectic than the rest of the week, much more leisurely.

This past Sunday I took a bike ride around the park, stopped off and made a picnic area for myself and read some chapter from Ann Coulter's Godless and then enjoyed watching the boats and the water skiers...I think one of the things we miss in life are these peaceful times where we can re group and for lack of a better term "center ourselves". I hope everyone has these grounding moments where you are able to do some of the things you have been meaning to do: Like go on a hike, paint a picture, journal, go for a walk, practice your piano... these leisurely things that you want to do but are not a "high" priority... Once a week, make them a high priority.

Indoncrinate U

2007-04-29T18:53:00.001-06:00

I hope this movie comes to Denver!

Kilted Scotsman

2007-04-02T13:44:00.001-06:00

It is illegal to be a conservative

2007-03-28T13:57:00.001-06:00

It is pretty frustrating that liberals talk about tolerance and acceptance, but they can never practice what they preach. I do hope that some will "see the light" and learn proper discussion techniques to articulate their responses... rather than the "What about, what about, what about arguments" ...It is clear that there is a double standard in regards to how we deal with liberals and conservatives in regards to the law.

Ann Coulter has a great article that addresses it here Shooting Elephants in A Barrel remember she is one of my Right Wing divas.

Fun Quote from a Co-Worker

2007-03-28T13:44:00.001-06:00

"I am not going to be the cog in the wheel or the excuse why people can't get their shi...stuff done." -Brian Corbett

House Comparison

2007-03-27T12:40:00.001-06:00

Interesting House comparison... this was forwarded from a friend... I would be interested to see the sources of the information....

HOUSE # 1:

A 20-room mansion (not including 8 bathrooms) heated by natural gas.
Add on a pool (and a pool house) and a separate guest house all
heated by gas. In ONE MONTH ALONE this mansion consumes more energy
than the average American household in an ENTIRE YEAR. The average
bill for electricity and natural gas runs over $2,400.00 per month.
In natural gas alone (which last time we checked was a fossil fuel),
this property consumes more than 20 times the national average for an
American home. This house is not in a northern or Midwestern "snow
belt," either. It's in the South.

HOUSE # 2:

Designed by an architecture professor at a leading national
university, this house incorporates every "green" feature current
home construction can provide. The house contains only 4,000 square
feet (4 bedrooms) and is nestled on arid high prairie in the American
southwest. A central closet in the house holds geothermal heat pumps
drawing ground water through pipes sunk 300 feet into the ground. The
water (usually 67 degrees F.) heats the house in winter and cools it
in summer. The system uses no fossil fuels such as oil or natural
gas, and it consumes 25% of the electricity required for a
conventional heating/cooling system. Rainwater from the roof is
collected and funneled into a 25,000 gallon underground cistern.
Wastewater from showers, sinks and toilets goes into underground
purifying tanks and then into the cistern. The collected water then
irrigates the land surrounding the house. Flowers and shrubs native
to the area blend the property into the surrounding rural landscape.

HOUSE #1 (20 room energy guzzling mansion) is outside of
Nashville,Tennessee. It is the abode of that renowned
environmentalist (and filmmaker) Al Gore.

HOUSE #2 (model eco-friendly house) is on a ranch near Crawford,
Texas. Also known as "the Texas White House," it is the private
residence of the President of the United States, George W. Bush.