I received this in an email. I’ll be making (few) changes to it to better fit MY opinions, but here it is for now…
We, the Sensible People of the United States
In an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines.
We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights.
ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.
ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc.; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.
ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.
ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes.
ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but, from the looks of public housing, we are just not interested in public health care.
ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair.
ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.
ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to a job. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful.
ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.
ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country. We don't care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it, or go back to wherever you came from!
(There is one final “article” that was included with this email that is factually incorrect. This country was founded on the belief in FREEDOM OF RELIGION, not belief in the “one true Christian God.”)
ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our country's history or heritage. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all, with no fear of persecution. The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
Eat It, Michael Vick!
Many thumbs up to American Airlines for dumping this bastard for his "alleged" association with dogfighting.
Nike, you have lost any support that you may have once had from me. Ditch him!
Nike, you have lost any support that you may have once had from me. Ditch him!
Love It!
Warehouse fire claims ton of marijuana
Associated Press
June 22, 2007
EDINBURG, Texas - Firefighters who spent half an hour fighting a blaze in which 2,000 pounds of marijuana went up in smoke breathed so much of it that they would have failed a drug test, a fire chief said.
It took more than 35 firefighters, 1,000 gallons of water and five gallons of chemical suppressant to extinguish the warehouse blaze on Wednesday, Fire Chief Shawn Snider said.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were investigating the origin of the drugs. The Hidalgo County fire marshal was investigating whether arson was the cause.
Snider said Thursday the firefighters were exposed to so much marijuana smoke that they would not be able to pass a drug test, despite wearing air packs to prevent them from inhaling toxic or hazardous fumes.
Associated Press
June 22, 2007
EDINBURG, Texas - Firefighters who spent half an hour fighting a blaze in which 2,000 pounds of marijuana went up in smoke breathed so much of it that they would have failed a drug test, a fire chief said.
It took more than 35 firefighters, 1,000 gallons of water and five gallons of chemical suppressant to extinguish the warehouse blaze on Wednesday, Fire Chief Shawn Snider said.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were investigating the origin of the drugs. The Hidalgo County fire marshal was investigating whether arson was the cause.
Snider said Thursday the firefighters were exposed to so much marijuana smoke that they would not be able to pass a drug test, despite wearing air packs to prevent them from inhaling toxic or hazardous fumes.
Friday, June 8, 2007
Feds get involved in Vick dogfighting case
Feds get involved in Vick dogfighting case
NFL.com wire reports
SURRY, Va. (June 7, 2007) -- Federal law enforcement officials descended on a home owned by Michael Vick armed with a search warrant that suggests they're taking over an investigation into the Falcons quarterback's possible involvement in dogfighting.
More than a dozen vehicles went to the home early in the afternoon and investigators searched inside before turning their attention to the area where officials found dozens of dogs in late April and evidence that suggested the home was involved in a dogfighting operation.
Surry County officials secured a search warrant in late May based on an informant's information to look for as many as 30 dog carcasses buried on the property. The warrant never was executed because Commonwealth's Attorney Gerald G. Poindexter said he had issues with the way it was worded.
That search warrant expired June 7.
"What is foreign to me is the federal government getting into a dogfighting case," Poindexter said. "I know it's been done, but what's driving this? Is it this boy's celebrity? Would they have done this if it wasn't Michael Vick?"
Poindexter said he was "absolutely floored" that federal officials got involved, and that he believes he and Sheriff Harold D. Brown handled the investigation properly.
"Apparently these people want it," Poindexter said. "They want it, and I don't believe they want it because of the serious criminal consequences involved. ... They want it because Michael Vick may be involved."
Poindexter said he found out about a sealed search warrant filed in the U.S. Attorney's office about the time federal investigators executed it.
"If they've made a judgment that we're not acting prudently and with dispatch based on what we have, they're not acting very wisely," Poindexter said.
He said Surry County officials were in the process of preparing another search warrant for the property and that the investigative team planned to meet to make sure it had all the experts needed to make the search most effective.
"There's a larger thing here, and it has nothing to do with any breach of protocol," Poindexter said. "There's something awful going on here. I don't know if it's racial. I don't know what it is."
State police assisted investigators from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Attorney's office in executing the warrant, Virginia State Police Sgt. D.S. Carr said, declining to comment further.
The U.S. Attorney's office would not confirm a search warrant was filed.
Messages left at Brown's were not returned, and a dispatcher said he left for the day at around 4 p.m.
An after-hours call to Vick's attorney, Larry Woodward of Virginia Beach, was not immediately returned.
During an April 25 drug raid on the home Vick owns in the county, authorities seized 66 dogs, including 55 pit bulls, and equipment that suggested someone at the property was involved in a dogfighting operation.
A search warrant affidavit said some of the dogs were in individual kennels and about 30 were tethered with "heavy logging-type chains" buried in the ground. The chains allowed the dogs to get close to each other, but not to have contact, one of myriad findings on the property that suggested a dogfighting operation.
Others included a RAPE STAND (emphasis added), used to hold non-receptive dogs in place for mating; an electric treadmill modified to be used by dogs; a "pry bar" used to open the clamped-down mouths of dogs; and a bloodied piece of carpeting the authorities believe was used in dog fights. Carpeting gives dogs traction in a plywood fighting pit.
Vick has claimed he rarely visits the home and was unaware it could be involved in a criminal enterprise. He also has blamed family members for taking advantage of his generosity. Vick's cousin, Davon Boddie, was living at the home at the time of the raids.
Vick, a registered dog breeder, has said in more recent interviews that his lawyers have advised him not to discuss the investigation.
NFL.com wire reports
SURRY, Va. (June 7, 2007) -- Federal law enforcement officials descended on a home owned by Michael Vick armed with a search warrant that suggests they're taking over an investigation into the Falcons quarterback's possible involvement in dogfighting.
More than a dozen vehicles went to the home early in the afternoon and investigators searched inside before turning their attention to the area where officials found dozens of dogs in late April and evidence that suggested the home was involved in a dogfighting operation.
Surry County officials secured a search warrant in late May based on an informant's information to look for as many as 30 dog carcasses buried on the property. The warrant never was executed because Commonwealth's Attorney Gerald G. Poindexter said he had issues with the way it was worded.
That search warrant expired June 7.
"What is foreign to me is the federal government getting into a dogfighting case," Poindexter said. "I know it's been done, but what's driving this? Is it this boy's celebrity? Would they have done this if it wasn't Michael Vick?"
Poindexter said he was "absolutely floored" that federal officials got involved, and that he believes he and Sheriff Harold D. Brown handled the investigation properly.
"Apparently these people want it," Poindexter said. "They want it, and I don't believe they want it because of the serious criminal consequences involved. ... They want it because Michael Vick may be involved."
Poindexter said he found out about a sealed search warrant filed in the U.S. Attorney's office about the time federal investigators executed it.
"If they've made a judgment that we're not acting prudently and with dispatch based on what we have, they're not acting very wisely," Poindexter said.
He said Surry County officials were in the process of preparing another search warrant for the property and that the investigative team planned to meet to make sure it had all the experts needed to make the search most effective.
"There's a larger thing here, and it has nothing to do with any breach of protocol," Poindexter said. "There's something awful going on here. I don't know if it's racial. I don't know what it is."
State police assisted investigators from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Attorney's office in executing the warrant, Virginia State Police Sgt. D.S. Carr said, declining to comment further.
The U.S. Attorney's office would not confirm a search warrant was filed.
Messages left at Brown's were not returned, and a dispatcher said he left for the day at around 4 p.m.
An after-hours call to Vick's attorney, Larry Woodward of Virginia Beach, was not immediately returned.
During an April 25 drug raid on the home Vick owns in the county, authorities seized 66 dogs, including 55 pit bulls, and equipment that suggested someone at the property was involved in a dogfighting operation.
A search warrant affidavit said some of the dogs were in individual kennels and about 30 were tethered with "heavy logging-type chains" buried in the ground. The chains allowed the dogs to get close to each other, but not to have contact, one of myriad findings on the property that suggested a dogfighting operation.
Others included a RAPE STAND (emphasis added), used to hold non-receptive dogs in place for mating; an electric treadmill modified to be used by dogs; a "pry bar" used to open the clamped-down mouths of dogs; and a bloodied piece of carpeting the authorities believe was used in dog fights. Carpeting gives dogs traction in a plywood fighting pit.
Vick has claimed he rarely visits the home and was unaware it could be involved in a criminal enterprise. He also has blamed family members for taking advantage of his generosity. Vick's cousin, Davon Boddie, was living at the home at the time of the raids.
Vick, a registered dog breeder, has said in more recent interviews that his lawyers have advised him not to discuss the investigation.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Preach On, Sister!
Brutality is brutality, whether it's against a human or animal
By NANCY ARMOUR, AP Sports Columnist
May 23, 2007
Before Clinton Portis opens his mouth again to make light of dog fighting, maybe he should know something about what he's defending.
Two dogs, bred to be hyperaggressive toward other dogs, nip and bite each other until one gets a firm hold. With its jaws firmly clamped, it will shake its head violently, ripping the other dog's flesh and tissue apart. This can go on for as long as two hours, the fight only ending when one dog is either dead or has quit. There's little difference, because a dog that quits is useless to its owner and is as good as dead, anyway.
The "winner," meanwhile, doesn't escape unscathed. Gaping, bloody wounds, shredded muzzles and broken front legs are just a few of the usual battle scars.
"This isn't like when you're at the dog park and a couple of Labrador retrievers get into a quick tiff over a stick," John Goodwin, of the Humane Society of the United States, said during a telephone interview Wednesday. "This is something organized, with dogs that are bred for this specific purpose, that just tear each other to pieces."
According to Portis, though, there's "no reason" to go after Michael Vick for dog fighting. They're Vick's dogs and Vick's property, the Washington Redskins running back said. The man should be able to do what he wants.
Portis' comments were as offensive as dog fighting itself. They're the epitome of the permissive arrogance that turns people off to pro athletes. Spinning it, the way agent Drew Rosenhaus tried to do Wednesday, only makes it worse.
Let's leave Vick aside for the moment. Authorities are still trying to figure out exactly what happened at his former home in Virginia, and he's entitled to the benefit of the doubt until the investigation is finished.
But Portis is a different story.
During a TV interview Monday, Portis said if Vick winds up being punished, authorities would be "putting him behind bars for no reason -- over a dog fight." He added that dog fighting is everywhere, as if that somehow made it OK.
"I know a lot of back roads that got a dog fight if you want to go see it," he said.
There are a lot of things that are available in a lot of places. It doesn't legitimize them or make them any more palatable.
There's a reason dog fighting is illegal in all 50 states and a felony in 48 of them. It's a blood sport, and it's a death sentence for thousands of dogs each year. In Los Angeles alone, more than 2,800 pit bulls and pit bull mixes were euthanized last year, according to LA Animal Services. Even dogs that are "rescued" during raids often wind up being killed because they've been bred to be so aggressive.
Dog fighting is barbaric, reprehensible and cruel.
Some excuse it by saying it's similar to boxing. There's one big difference: Anyone who steps in a ring has made a conscious choice to do it.
"We're talking about live animals here," Goodwin said. "If we're going to have animals in our home as our family members, we have an obligation to treat them right. I don't know if I can get that across, though, to someone who doesn't have a problem with dogs fighting each other to the death."
As soon as his comments got some air time, Portis backpedaled at warp speed. In a statement Monday night, he said he would never condone dog fighting. Sure, just erase everything he said a couple of hours earlier.
The Redskins apologized on his behalf Tuesday. On Wednesday, it was Rosenhaus' turn.
"I like the fact that Clinton stood up for another athlete, but I want to clarify that he in no way, shape or form condones dog fighting or any type of illegal activity," Rosenhaus said. "I spent the last day or so with Clinton trying to get that message out."
Here's a thought: Maybe that time would have been better spent making sure Portis doesn't say something stupid in the first place.
There's no excuse for what Portis said, and he and Rosenhaus are making it worse by trying to find one. Some things are simply indefensible, and anything that spills blood in a vicious, violent manner falls under that category.
This isn't a hard concept to grasp. Senseless brutality is senseless brutality. Whether it's against a dog or a person is beside the point.
Nancy Armour is a national sports columnist for The Associated Press. Write to her at narmour@ap.org
Updated on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 7:16 pm EDT
By NANCY ARMOUR, AP Sports Columnist
May 23, 2007
Before Clinton Portis opens his mouth again to make light of dog fighting, maybe he should know something about what he's defending.
Two dogs, bred to be hyperaggressive toward other dogs, nip and bite each other until one gets a firm hold. With its jaws firmly clamped, it will shake its head violently, ripping the other dog's flesh and tissue apart. This can go on for as long as two hours, the fight only ending when one dog is either dead or has quit. There's little difference, because a dog that quits is useless to its owner and is as good as dead, anyway.
The "winner," meanwhile, doesn't escape unscathed. Gaping, bloody wounds, shredded muzzles and broken front legs are just a few of the usual battle scars.
"This isn't like when you're at the dog park and a couple of Labrador retrievers get into a quick tiff over a stick," John Goodwin, of the Humane Society of the United States, said during a telephone interview Wednesday. "This is something organized, with dogs that are bred for this specific purpose, that just tear each other to pieces."
According to Portis, though, there's "no reason" to go after Michael Vick for dog fighting. They're Vick's dogs and Vick's property, the Washington Redskins running back said. The man should be able to do what he wants.
Portis' comments were as offensive as dog fighting itself. They're the epitome of the permissive arrogance that turns people off to pro athletes. Spinning it, the way agent Drew Rosenhaus tried to do Wednesday, only makes it worse.
Let's leave Vick aside for the moment. Authorities are still trying to figure out exactly what happened at his former home in Virginia, and he's entitled to the benefit of the doubt until the investigation is finished.
But Portis is a different story.
During a TV interview Monday, Portis said if Vick winds up being punished, authorities would be "putting him behind bars for no reason -- over a dog fight." He added that dog fighting is everywhere, as if that somehow made it OK.
"I know a lot of back roads that got a dog fight if you want to go see it," he said.
There are a lot of things that are available in a lot of places. It doesn't legitimize them or make them any more palatable.
There's a reason dog fighting is illegal in all 50 states and a felony in 48 of them. It's a blood sport, and it's a death sentence for thousands of dogs each year. In Los Angeles alone, more than 2,800 pit bulls and pit bull mixes were euthanized last year, according to LA Animal Services. Even dogs that are "rescued" during raids often wind up being killed because they've been bred to be so aggressive.
Dog fighting is barbaric, reprehensible and cruel.
Some excuse it by saying it's similar to boxing. There's one big difference: Anyone who steps in a ring has made a conscious choice to do it.
"We're talking about live animals here," Goodwin said. "If we're going to have animals in our home as our family members, we have an obligation to treat them right. I don't know if I can get that across, though, to someone who doesn't have a problem with dogs fighting each other to the death."
As soon as his comments got some air time, Portis backpedaled at warp speed. In a statement Monday night, he said he would never condone dog fighting. Sure, just erase everything he said a couple of hours earlier.
The Redskins apologized on his behalf Tuesday. On Wednesday, it was Rosenhaus' turn.
"I like the fact that Clinton stood up for another athlete, but I want to clarify that he in no way, shape or form condones dog fighting or any type of illegal activity," Rosenhaus said. "I spent the last day or so with Clinton trying to get that message out."
Here's a thought: Maybe that time would have been better spent making sure Portis doesn't say something stupid in the first place.
There's no excuse for what Portis said, and he and Rosenhaus are making it worse by trying to find one. Some things are simply indefensible, and anything that spills blood in a vicious, violent manner falls under that category.
This isn't a hard concept to grasp. Senseless brutality is senseless brutality. Whether it's against a dog or a person is beside the point.
Nancy Armour is a national sports columnist for The Associated Press. Write to her at narmour@ap.org
Updated on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 7:16 pm EDT
Saturday, May 19, 2007
The 10 Stupidest Things President George W. Bush Has Ever Said
So, I got this email today entitled, “The 10 Stupidest Things President George W. Bush Has Ever Said.”
The first question that popped into my head was, “How the hell did they narrow it down to just ten?”
For your reading pleasure, I’m reprinting a copy of the email here (with comments, of course!). Enjoy! : )
10. "Families is where our nation finds hope, where wings take dream."
—LaCrosse, Wisconsin, Oct. 18, 2000
9. "I know how hard it is for you to put food on your family."
—Greater Nashua, New Hampshire, Jan. 27, 2000
8. "I hear there's rumors on the Internets that we're going to have a draft."
—Second Presidential Debate, St. Louis, Missouri, Oct. 8, 2004
Internets? There’s more than one? Maybe one for Texans and one for the rest of the world…
7. "I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully."
—Saginaw, Michigan, Sept. 29, 2000
Not with the Republican environmental policies.
6. "You work three jobs? … Uniquely American, isn't it? I mean, that is fantastic that you're doing that."
—To a divorced mother of three, Omaha, Nebraska, Feb. 4, 2005
This is just ignorant. I bet that hard-working mother was dying to smack the taste and the silveer spoon out of his mouth.
5. "Too many good docs are getting out of the business. Too many OB-GYNs aren't able to practice their love with women all across this country."
—Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Sept. 6, 2004
Tee hee!
4. "They misunderestimated me."
—Bentonville, Arkansas, Nov. 6, 2000
The whole country did….
3. "Rarely is the questioned asked: Is our children learning?"
—Florence, South Carolina, Jan. 11, 2000
Is they? Come on, is they REALLY gettin’ that good book learnin’?
2. "Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we."
—Washington, D.C., Aug. 5, 2004
Dear George,
You are the biggest threat to the safety of the American people.
Sincerely,
~p~
1. "There's an old saying in Tennessee — I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee — that says, fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can't get fooled again."
—Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 17, 2002
Wow. Just wow. I can’t believe he fucked that up…
I now understand why my dad always REFUSED to put bumper stickers on ANY of his cars. (Well, the one exception was Cleveland Browns stickers. That’s one thing that will NEVER change. He’ll always be a Browns fan!) Things change. People change their minds. And, I don’t know about you, but scraping sticker goo off a bumper is usually not too high on my list of priorities.
Since I live in the state LOADED with election fraud, which just happens to be the state in 2004 that managed to fuck up the election, I am particularly bitter at those who choose to advertise their conservative (read: Pro-Shrub) political preferences. Specifically, the “W-04” stickers that seem to be everywhere. (Hey, if you have one of those, IT’S NOT 2004. YOU’RE LIVING THREE YEARS IN THE PAST!)
I see them all over the place. Not quite so much anymore, but still more than enough. I would LOVE to walk up to someone with that sticker on the ass of their car and ask, “So, do you still think you made the right choice? Still proud of the fact that you (re)elected a moron who, as a senior partner or executive, managed to destroy THREE separate oil companies? Still think that invading Iraq was the right thing to do? Still think that it’s good we’re STILL there? Still think that the Iraqi people are singing our praises?
The fact is that Bush made a mistake, LIED about making a mistake, is STILL lying about making said mistake, and is spending trillions of tax dollars that could be feeding malnourished children in American inner cities fighting both sides of his daddy’s war.
Still confident of that choice?
The first question that popped into my head was, “How the hell did they narrow it down to just ten?”
For your reading pleasure, I’m reprinting a copy of the email here (with comments, of course!). Enjoy! : )
10. "Families is where our nation finds hope, where wings take dream."
—LaCrosse, Wisconsin, Oct. 18, 2000
9. "I know how hard it is for you to put food on your family."
—Greater Nashua, New Hampshire, Jan. 27, 2000
8. "I hear there's rumors on the Internets that we're going to have a draft."
—Second Presidential Debate, St. Louis, Missouri, Oct. 8, 2004
Internets? There’s more than one? Maybe one for Texans and one for the rest of the world…
7. "I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully."
—Saginaw, Michigan, Sept. 29, 2000
Not with the Republican environmental policies.
6. "You work three jobs? … Uniquely American, isn't it? I mean, that is fantastic that you're doing that."
—To a divorced mother of three, Omaha, Nebraska, Feb. 4, 2005
This is just ignorant. I bet that hard-working mother was dying to smack the taste and the silveer spoon out of his mouth.
5. "Too many good docs are getting out of the business. Too many OB-GYNs aren't able to practice their love with women all across this country."
—Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Sept. 6, 2004
Tee hee!
4. "They misunderestimated me."
—Bentonville, Arkansas, Nov. 6, 2000
The whole country did….
3. "Rarely is the questioned asked: Is our children learning?"
—Florence, South Carolina, Jan. 11, 2000
Is they? Come on, is they REALLY gettin’ that good book learnin’?
2. "Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we."
—Washington, D.C., Aug. 5, 2004
Dear George,
You are the biggest threat to the safety of the American people.
Sincerely,
~p~
1. "There's an old saying in Tennessee — I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee — that says, fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can't get fooled again."
—Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 17, 2002
Wow. Just wow. I can’t believe he fucked that up…
I now understand why my dad always REFUSED to put bumper stickers on ANY of his cars. (Well, the one exception was Cleveland Browns stickers. That’s one thing that will NEVER change. He’ll always be a Browns fan!) Things change. People change their minds. And, I don’t know about you, but scraping sticker goo off a bumper is usually not too high on my list of priorities.
Since I live in the state LOADED with election fraud, which just happens to be the state in 2004 that managed to fuck up the election, I am particularly bitter at those who choose to advertise their conservative (read: Pro-Shrub) political preferences. Specifically, the “W-04” stickers that seem to be everywhere. (Hey, if you have one of those, IT’S NOT 2004. YOU’RE LIVING THREE YEARS IN THE PAST!)
I see them all over the place. Not quite so much anymore, but still more than enough. I would LOVE to walk up to someone with that sticker on the ass of their car and ask, “So, do you still think you made the right choice? Still proud of the fact that you (re)elected a moron who, as a senior partner or executive, managed to destroy THREE separate oil companies? Still think that invading Iraq was the right thing to do? Still think that it’s good we’re STILL there? Still think that the Iraqi people are singing our praises?
The fact is that Bush made a mistake, LIED about making a mistake, is STILL lying about making said mistake, and is spending trillions of tax dollars that could be feeding malnourished children in American inner cities fighting both sides of his daddy’s war.
Still confident of that choice?
Flint Finally Does Something Right...
Flint, Michigan Voters Cast 62% in Favor of Legal Med-Pot
by Associated Press (28 Feb, 2007)
Flint joins 4 other Michigan municipalities to endorse legal medical cannabis. Hundreds of towns, cities, districts and 11 states have done similarly in across the USA.
FLINT, Michigan - Voters in the city gave approval to a measure legalizing the use of medical marijuana. The proposal to allow the possession and use of marijuana with a doctor's approval passed Tuesday with nearly 62 percent of the vote, or 1,777 to 1,101, in unofficial results, WJRT-TV reported.
The move is mostly symbolic, since state and federal laws outlaw the use of the drug, which advocates claim alleviates pain and nausea, The Flint Journal reported.
Detroit, Ann Arbor and Ferndale have approved similar measures. Voters in Traverse City in 2005 approved a measure that, while not legalizing the drug, declared possession, use or delivery by a medical patient the lowest law enforcement priority of the city.
Opponents in Flint had said the city was already battling crime and drug problems and shouldn't legalize marijuana use, even under special circumstances.
I'm absolutely amazed!
by Associated Press (28 Feb, 2007)
Flint joins 4 other Michigan municipalities to endorse legal medical cannabis. Hundreds of towns, cities, districts and 11 states have done similarly in across the USA.
FLINT, Michigan - Voters in the city gave approval to a measure legalizing the use of medical marijuana. The proposal to allow the possession and use of marijuana with a doctor's approval passed Tuesday with nearly 62 percent of the vote, or 1,777 to 1,101, in unofficial results, WJRT-TV reported.
The move is mostly symbolic, since state and federal laws outlaw the use of the drug, which advocates claim alleviates pain and nausea, The Flint Journal reported.
Detroit, Ann Arbor and Ferndale have approved similar measures. Voters in Traverse City in 2005 approved a measure that, while not legalizing the drug, declared possession, use or delivery by a medical patient the lowest law enforcement priority of the city.
Opponents in Flint had said the city was already battling crime and drug problems and shouldn't legalize marijuana use, even under special circumstances.
I'm absolutely amazed!
The ACLU Rocks!
*Originally written March 15, 2007*
I have an update for those of you who may care! ; )
Today, we are one step closer to victory in the war on civil liberties. I was one of the "lucky" attendees at Club What's Next in Flint, Michigan on March 20, 2005.
On October 13, 2006, the courts decided that those of us who were ticked for "frequenting a drug house" were not guilty. The charges were subsequently dropped.
Today (March 15, 2007), the ACLU filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of 40 of the attendees against the Flint Police Department and Gennessee County Sheriff's Department. You can read it online at www.aclumich.org.
Thank goodness this might be over soon! : )
I have an update for those of you who may care! ; )
Today, we are one step closer to victory in the war on civil liberties. I was one of the "lucky" attendees at Club What's Next in Flint, Michigan on March 20, 2005.
On October 13, 2006, the courts decided that those of us who were ticked for "frequenting a drug house" were not guilty. The charges were subsequently dropped.
Today (March 15, 2007), the ACLU filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of 40 of the attendees against the Flint Police Department and Gennessee County Sheriff's Department. You can read it online at www.aclumich.org.
Thank goodness this might be over soon! : )
Why Does the Rest of the World Hate America?
*Originally written January 5, 2006*
I just finished reading an article entitled, "U.S. faults Bolivia Anti-Drug Efforts," written by Associated Press reporter Jennifer Loven. Basically, the Shrub administration "sees disturbing trends in Bolivia's dealings with efforts to combat illicit drugs." The U.S. government annually issues a list of major drug-transit or drug-producing countries. This year, 20 nations made the list: Afghanistan (of course!), the Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela.
This disturbs me for several reasons. As any sane-thinking person knows, prohibition doesn't work. It didn't work in the 1920s with alcohol, and it isn't working now. Not with sex/abstinence. Not with underage drinking. Nothing. By forbidding these things "for your own good," the party in power virtually ensures that demand will increase. Any good sales person can tell you that taking something away from a customer is the best way to get a sale. People want what they can't have.
But, there's a part of this article that bothers me even more. White House press secretary Tony "Fair and Balanced" Snow reported that the U.S. government "will establish benchmarks by which to further judge Bolivia, such as eradicating minimum acreages, including in the Chapare region, making changes to Bolivian law and tightly controlling the legitimate sale of the coca leaf for traditional use."
Not only will the U.S. government tell the Bolivian government how to run its own country, the U.S. is going to do "an interim assessment" in six months to determine if Bolivia is following U.S. rules. So, we're going to tell them what to do, when to do it, and then we're going to check to make sure that they're doing it our way?
Hello, people? Is there anyone in Washington with a fucking brain? The rest of the world hates the United States. And, why? Because our government can't keep its fucking nose out of everyone else's business. Trey Parker and Matt Stone were right on target with "Team America: World Police." If you've never seen it, you should.
Don't get me wrong. I love living in a country where I am free to express my opinions. I love the fact that my opportunities are only limited by my imagination. And, I'm not complaining about the standard of living and technology, either. I have it pretty damn good. But, I do have serious issues with the powers our government assumes that it has.
Georgie, you do not have the right to control any other country except for the United States of America. Somehow, you managed to cheat your way into the White House (can you say nepotism? Look it up.) and half of the country was so stupid that they let you stay for another four years (this is a topic for another blog). The people of Colombia did not vote you into office. The people of Afghanistan did not vote you into office. And, over half of the people of your OWN country did not vote you into office. This world was a lot better off before you came along and ran it into the ground.
I can't wait for 2008.
I just finished reading an article entitled, "U.S. faults Bolivia Anti-Drug Efforts," written by Associated Press reporter Jennifer Loven. Basically, the Shrub administration "sees disturbing trends in Bolivia's dealings with efforts to combat illicit drugs." The U.S. government annually issues a list of major drug-transit or drug-producing countries. This year, 20 nations made the list: Afghanistan (of course!), the Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela.
This disturbs me for several reasons. As any sane-thinking person knows, prohibition doesn't work. It didn't work in the 1920s with alcohol, and it isn't working now. Not with sex/abstinence. Not with underage drinking. Nothing. By forbidding these things "for your own good," the party in power virtually ensures that demand will increase. Any good sales person can tell you that taking something away from a customer is the best way to get a sale. People want what they can't have.
But, there's a part of this article that bothers me even more. White House press secretary Tony "Fair and Balanced" Snow reported that the U.S. government "will establish benchmarks by which to further judge Bolivia, such as eradicating minimum acreages, including in the Chapare region, making changes to Bolivian law and tightly controlling the legitimate sale of the coca leaf for traditional use."
Not only will the U.S. government tell the Bolivian government how to run its own country, the U.S. is going to do "an interim assessment" in six months to determine if Bolivia is following U.S. rules. So, we're going to tell them what to do, when to do it, and then we're going to check to make sure that they're doing it our way?
Hello, people? Is there anyone in Washington with a fucking brain? The rest of the world hates the United States. And, why? Because our government can't keep its fucking nose out of everyone else's business. Trey Parker and Matt Stone were right on target with "Team America: World Police." If you've never seen it, you should.
Don't get me wrong. I love living in a country where I am free to express my opinions. I love the fact that my opportunities are only limited by my imagination. And, I'm not complaining about the standard of living and technology, either. I have it pretty damn good. But, I do have serious issues with the powers our government assumes that it has.
Georgie, you do not have the right to control any other country except for the United States of America. Somehow, you managed to cheat your way into the White House (can you say nepotism? Look it up.) and half of the country was so stupid that they let you stay for another four years (this is a topic for another blog). The people of Colombia did not vote you into office. The people of Afghanistan did not vote you into office. And, over half of the people of your OWN country did not vote you into office. This world was a lot better off before you came along and ran it into the ground.
I can't wait for 2008.
How to Drive
In keeping with Lanigan and Malone's Monday Moaning, I am starting a new blog just to complain about things that really piss me off.... So, again, you have been warned. Proceed at your own risk. : )
Originally written Summer 2006*
I would like to take this opportunity to educate the people of Akron (Fairlawn, specifically) as to what, exactly, the big signs, pretty lights and yellow lines on W. Exchange and W. Market Street actually mean. I am forced to travel down this path of idiocy every weekday, excluding banking holidays. Unfortunately, so are most of my neighbors. And, since I have realized that most of them have no clue what these common road signs mean, I feel it is my social responsibility to educate the city of Akron.
Occasionally, you may see a white sign with black letters and two very prominent black numbers. These numbers define the speed limit for that particular stretch of road. This limit on the speed of your vehicle is the actual speed that you are permitted to go. For example, if the big, black numbers are a 3 and a 5, you can allow your vehicle to reach speeds of 35 (pronounced thirty-five) miles per hour. In some cases, you may even exceed the speed limit slightly to 40 miles per hour. Under no circumstances, however, should you ever maintain a constant 25 miles per hour along that stretch of W. Exchange Street (Ohio license plate: DAK 4583).
Now, I understand that there is a school zone along this route. I pass through two (soon to be three) of these such zones every day. However, the speed limit in these areas is 20 miles per hour. This means that my manual transmission car should be well out of first gear. It is perfectly acceptable to reach this limit, as long as one does not exceed it. I, in no way, endorse speeding through school zones, although I do encourage my fellow Akronites to make sure that your car is moving forward at all times in these zones.
The next several miles of my drive are usually without incident. One word of caution to those who still cannot grasp the speed limit concept. If you see a vehicle following closely behind you, it is probably safe for you to assume that the driver of said vehicle would like to pass you. Do not slow down. Do not stay in the left lane (also known as the PASSING lane). Get your ass out of the way. Just because you choose to waste our planets precious resources with your aimless driving does not mean that other drivers do not have places to be. Maybe you should wait until rush hour is over.
The worst portion of my daily commute is, without a doubt, W. Market Street between Revere and Ghent Roads. It seems that, as soon as I cross Revere, I encounter every driver in the Akron area who should have failed his or her drivers license test. The speed limit (remember this term?) in this area is 35 miles per hour. There are two lanes on either side of the road. In the center, however, lies a fifth lane. This lane is delineated by yellow lines two solid lines on the outer-most edges and two dashed lines (the ones that indicate you can pass another vehicle) on the inner edge of those. This lane is called a turning lane. Its primary function is to permit the flow of traffic to continue while allowing vehicles that need to make a left-hand turn to do so.
Let me repeat that. ITS PRIMARY FUNCTION IS TO PERMIT THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC TO CONTINUE WHILE ALLOWING VEHICLES THAT NEED TO MAKE A LEFT-HAND TURN TO DO SO.
It is one of my greatest desires that the people of Akron (and Ohio, too) learn basic traffic rules. I can only hope that those who need this assistance will heed my words of advice.
Originally written Summer 2006*
I would like to take this opportunity to educate the people of Akron (Fairlawn, specifically) as to what, exactly, the big signs, pretty lights and yellow lines on W. Exchange and W. Market Street actually mean. I am forced to travel down this path of idiocy every weekday, excluding banking holidays. Unfortunately, so are most of my neighbors. And, since I have realized that most of them have no clue what these common road signs mean, I feel it is my social responsibility to educate the city of Akron.
Occasionally, you may see a white sign with black letters and two very prominent black numbers. These numbers define the speed limit for that particular stretch of road. This limit on the speed of your vehicle is the actual speed that you are permitted to go. For example, if the big, black numbers are a 3 and a 5, you can allow your vehicle to reach speeds of 35 (pronounced thirty-five) miles per hour. In some cases, you may even exceed the speed limit slightly to 40 miles per hour. Under no circumstances, however, should you ever maintain a constant 25 miles per hour along that stretch of W. Exchange Street (Ohio license plate: DAK 4583).
Now, I understand that there is a school zone along this route. I pass through two (soon to be three) of these such zones every day. However, the speed limit in these areas is 20 miles per hour. This means that my manual transmission car should be well out of first gear. It is perfectly acceptable to reach this limit, as long as one does not exceed it. I, in no way, endorse speeding through school zones, although I do encourage my fellow Akronites to make sure that your car is moving forward at all times in these zones.
The next several miles of my drive are usually without incident. One word of caution to those who still cannot grasp the speed limit concept. If you see a vehicle following closely behind you, it is probably safe for you to assume that the driver of said vehicle would like to pass you. Do not slow down. Do not stay in the left lane (also known as the PASSING lane). Get your ass out of the way. Just because you choose to waste our planets precious resources with your aimless driving does not mean that other drivers do not have places to be. Maybe you should wait until rush hour is over.
The worst portion of my daily commute is, without a doubt, W. Market Street between Revere and Ghent Roads. It seems that, as soon as I cross Revere, I encounter every driver in the Akron area who should have failed his or her drivers license test. The speed limit (remember this term?) in this area is 35 miles per hour. There are two lanes on either side of the road. In the center, however, lies a fifth lane. This lane is delineated by yellow lines two solid lines on the outer-most edges and two dashed lines (the ones that indicate you can pass another vehicle) on the inner edge of those. This lane is called a turning lane. Its primary function is to permit the flow of traffic to continue while allowing vehicles that need to make a left-hand turn to do so.
Let me repeat that. ITS PRIMARY FUNCTION IS TO PERMIT THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC TO CONTINUE WHILE ALLOWING VEHICLES THAT NEED TO MAKE A LEFT-HAND TURN TO DO SO.
It is one of my greatest desires that the people of Akron (and Ohio, too) learn basic traffic rules. I can only hope that those who need this assistance will heed my words of advice.
Coingate
In keeping with Lanigan and Malone's Monday Moaning, I am starting a new series just to complain about things that really piss me off.... So, again, you have been warned. Proceed at your own risk. : )
*Originally written April 22, 2006*
The only radio station that I listen to *ever* is WMJI - the oldies station. Every once in awhile, Lanigan and Malone (the morning show) have Betty Montgomery on the show. She's the Republican Auditor of the state of Ohio. This, by itself, is fine. I really enjoyed when she was on because she has always seemed to be a pretty liberal conservative.... Until now. At least twice a day, I hear her campaign commercials on the radio. Or, I guess I should say commercial because she has just one. And, it really pisses me off. She talks about the "motto of the great state of Ohio: with God all things are possible." She continues by mentioning how the ACLU fought against the motto, saying that it was a First Amendment violation.
"When seen in context (Matthew 19:23-26), the state motto, which was adopted in 1959, is a clear violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The motto not only supports religion over non-religion, which has been ruled unconstitutional, it supports a particular religion and a particular doctrine (divine intervention versus the disinterested God who helps those who help themselves) over all others. The motto is an expression of fundamental religious commitment and it is the imposition of a particular religion on a democracy which has articulated the value of separation of church and state for over 200 years." (Referenced from: http://cadfile.dougberger.net/humanism/motto/mottohtm.html)
Now, personally, I don't give a shit what the Ohio state motto is. I don't care that the pledge of allegiance says "one nation under God." And, I really could care less that our currency says "In God we trust." Why? Because I realize that others have the right to believe in their religion, no matter how stupid or blind I think they are. That's the beauty of America. I can say whatever I want (unless I'm threatening someone), and no one can say shit about it.
However, Ms. Montgomery has overstepped her political boundaries, in my opinion. First, the invoking of religion to win an election is just sad. Using the ignorant blind faith of the sheeple (rhymes with people) of this state proves that she really has no other issues that work in her favor. May I remind you of the "Coingate" scandal?
In addition, her blatant disgust for the ACLU and others that do not share her opinion simply shows her own ignorance. Just because you disagree with someone's opinion does NOT mean that you are better than them, that they are wrong, or that you are right. A hell of a lot of people thought the world was flat, Ms. Montgomery. I just find it funny (OK, not exactly *funny*) that most of the civil rights crushing in this country is directly related to a book that was compiled from hundreds of sources over thousands of years. It contains two stories of creation that completely contradict each other and no less than FOUR accounts of Jesus's birth. (Yes, I've read the Bible several times. I'm not just spitting out random shit.) Accurate? If you think so, then great. You have the right to think that, and no one should ever be able to silence you because of your beliefs. That is your right.
The whole reason that this country was founded was RELIGIOUS FREEDOM. That is what the Pilgrims and others were seeking when they left Europe. Can you even imagine how bad it must have been for whole families to risk their lives crossing the Atlantic just to be able to practice the religion that they want? And now, Americans are doing the same things that our ancestors tried to escape so many centuries ago. People who do not believe in the religion of the majority (that's Protestant Christianity for those who may not be sure) are still persecuted and discriminated against.
I have the right to be the person I want to be, just the same as everyone else. I have the right to do what I please - AS LONG AS I DON'T INFRINGE ON THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS - THE SAME RIGHTS THAT I AM GUARANTEED. If I want to swear in a restaurant while conversing with the others at my table, I can. If I choose to not have children, but end up pregnant, I have to right to free my body of the parasite which inhabits it. If I were to choose to marry a woman, I should be able to.
NO ONE IN THIS WORLD HAS THE RIGHT TO NOT BE OFFENDED. NO WHERE IN THE CONSTITUTION, BILL OF RIGHTS, OR ANYWHERE ELSE (BIBLE INCLUDED) DOES IT SAY THAT ANYONE HAS THE "GOD-GIVEN" RIGHT TO STIFLE MY BELIEFS AND RIGHTS UNLESS I HAVE CAUSED PHYSICAL HARM TO ANOTHER PERSON.
*Originally written April 22, 2006*
The only radio station that I listen to *ever* is WMJI - the oldies station. Every once in awhile, Lanigan and Malone (the morning show) have Betty Montgomery on the show. She's the Republican Auditor of the state of Ohio. This, by itself, is fine. I really enjoyed when she was on because she has always seemed to be a pretty liberal conservative.... Until now. At least twice a day, I hear her campaign commercials on the radio. Or, I guess I should say commercial because she has just one. And, it really pisses me off. She talks about the "motto of the great state of Ohio: with God all things are possible." She continues by mentioning how the ACLU fought against the motto, saying that it was a First Amendment violation.
"When seen in context (Matthew 19:23-26), the state motto, which was adopted in 1959, is a clear violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The motto not only supports religion over non-religion, which has been ruled unconstitutional, it supports a particular religion and a particular doctrine (divine intervention versus the disinterested God who helps those who help themselves) over all others. The motto is an expression of fundamental religious commitment and it is the imposition of a particular religion on a democracy which has articulated the value of separation of church and state for over 200 years." (Referenced from: http://cadfile.dougberger.net/humanism/motto/mottohtm.html)
Now, personally, I don't give a shit what the Ohio state motto is. I don't care that the pledge of allegiance says "one nation under God." And, I really could care less that our currency says "In God we trust." Why? Because I realize that others have the right to believe in their religion, no matter how stupid or blind I think they are. That's the beauty of America. I can say whatever I want (unless I'm threatening someone), and no one can say shit about it.
However, Ms. Montgomery has overstepped her political boundaries, in my opinion. First, the invoking of religion to win an election is just sad. Using the ignorant blind faith of the sheeple (rhymes with people) of this state proves that she really has no other issues that work in her favor. May I remind you of the "Coingate" scandal?
In addition, her blatant disgust for the ACLU and others that do not share her opinion simply shows her own ignorance. Just because you disagree with someone's opinion does NOT mean that you are better than them, that they are wrong, or that you are right. A hell of a lot of people thought the world was flat, Ms. Montgomery. I just find it funny (OK, not exactly *funny*) that most of the civil rights crushing in this country is directly related to a book that was compiled from hundreds of sources over thousands of years. It contains two stories of creation that completely contradict each other and no less than FOUR accounts of Jesus's birth. (Yes, I've read the Bible several times. I'm not just spitting out random shit.) Accurate? If you think so, then great. You have the right to think that, and no one should ever be able to silence you because of your beliefs. That is your right.
The whole reason that this country was founded was RELIGIOUS FREEDOM. That is what the Pilgrims and others were seeking when they left Europe. Can you even imagine how bad it must have been for whole families to risk their lives crossing the Atlantic just to be able to practice the religion that they want? And now, Americans are doing the same things that our ancestors tried to escape so many centuries ago. People who do not believe in the religion of the majority (that's Protestant Christianity for those who may not be sure) are still persecuted and discriminated against.
I have the right to be the person I want to be, just the same as everyone else. I have the right to do what I please - AS LONG AS I DON'T INFRINGE ON THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS - THE SAME RIGHTS THAT I AM GUARANTEED. If I want to swear in a restaurant while conversing with the others at my table, I can. If I choose to not have children, but end up pregnant, I have to right to free my body of the parasite which inhabits it. If I were to choose to marry a woman, I should be able to.
NO ONE IN THIS WORLD HAS THE RIGHT TO NOT BE OFFENDED. NO WHERE IN THE CONSTITUTION, BILL OF RIGHTS, OR ANYWHERE ELSE (BIBLE INCLUDED) DOES IT SAY THAT ANYONE HAS THE "GOD-GIVEN" RIGHT TO STIFLE MY BELIEFS AND RIGHTS UNLESS I HAVE CAUSED PHYSICAL HARM TO ANOTHER PERSON.
Warning: Incessant Babbling About My Cats Inside This Post
*Originally written February 10, 2006*
As anyone who has *ever* met me knows, I am such a nerd when it comes to my cats. I have to admit that, if I was a third party, I would think that I'm a *little* bit obsessive. Today, I learned why.
I've always known that Telly (the light beige one) was a little odd. From the time that he ran into the stove when I moved it, took a step back, shook it off, and ran right into it again, I knew something just wasn't quite right. First off, he's gay. He ignores female cats (even before he had "the surgery") and sits with his front paws crosssed. He is such a momma's boy, following me around every minute that I'm home. Both of the little ones meet me at the door and, after eating, plant themselves close to where ever I'm at, most of the time on my lap. Even now, as I'm typing, Telly is perched on my knee with his tail in my face. When I ask him for kisses, he ducks his head so I can kiss the top of it. When I lay down, Telly and Dottie are right there, snuggling under the covers with me. Telly chases his tail and attacks *anything* that can't attack him back. He just fell off my bed. But, I digress.
The weirdest thing about Telly, by far, is his eating preferences. Sure, he'll eat cat food-the cheaper the better-but he is never far off when I'm trying to enjoy a meal. I'm sure that some of his appetite comes from the "munchies" cause I've never met a cat who enjoys the ganje like he does. The first time the incessant begging began, I was eating some Rold Gold Honey Braided pretzels (mmmm) while watching TV. He kept trying to get a bite so, finally, I held one out and said, "Go ahead." He ate the whole damn thing! And it didn't stop there. His favorite snacks include potato chips (any kind-he's not choosy), crackers, tortilla chips, and most recently, Cheetos! The best tho, is angel hair pasta. I was eating a bowl of plain noodles with him at my feet meowing. I picked one out and dangled it above his head and, sure enough, he jumped up, caught it, and ate it! So, being me, I did what any cat lover would do: I dangled a piece out of my mouth like Lady and the Tramp. He put his paws on my cheeks and proceeded to eat the whole piece of pasta.
Yes, I know, I have a weird cat. But, I guess it's kind of fitting since I'm turning into the crazy cat lady. : )
As anyone who has *ever* met me knows, I am such a nerd when it comes to my cats. I have to admit that, if I was a third party, I would think that I'm a *little* bit obsessive. Today, I learned why.
I've always known that Telly (the light beige one) was a little odd. From the time that he ran into the stove when I moved it, took a step back, shook it off, and ran right into it again, I knew something just wasn't quite right. First off, he's gay. He ignores female cats (even before he had "the surgery") and sits with his front paws crosssed. He is such a momma's boy, following me around every minute that I'm home. Both of the little ones meet me at the door and, after eating, plant themselves close to where ever I'm at, most of the time on my lap. Even now, as I'm typing, Telly is perched on my knee with his tail in my face. When I ask him for kisses, he ducks his head so I can kiss the top of it. When I lay down, Telly and Dottie are right there, snuggling under the covers with me. Telly chases his tail and attacks *anything* that can't attack him back. He just fell off my bed. But, I digress.
The weirdest thing about Telly, by far, is his eating preferences. Sure, he'll eat cat food-the cheaper the better-but he is never far off when I'm trying to enjoy a meal. I'm sure that some of his appetite comes from the "munchies" cause I've never met a cat who enjoys the ganje like he does. The first time the incessant begging began, I was eating some Rold Gold Honey Braided pretzels (mmmm) while watching TV. He kept trying to get a bite so, finally, I held one out and said, "Go ahead." He ate the whole damn thing! And it didn't stop there. His favorite snacks include potato chips (any kind-he's not choosy), crackers, tortilla chips, and most recently, Cheetos! The best tho, is angel hair pasta. I was eating a bowl of plain noodles with him at my feet meowing. I picked one out and dangled it above his head and, sure enough, he jumped up, caught it, and ate it! So, being me, I did what any cat lover would do: I dangled a piece out of my mouth like Lady and the Tramp. He put his paws on my cheeks and proceeded to eat the whole piece of pasta.
Yes, I know, I have a weird cat. But, I guess it's kind of fitting since I'm turning into the crazy cat lady. : )
Quote of the Day
Some random things I've heard people say...
Asshole cop in Flint, MI: What's this in your pocket?
Dan: It's an Altoid.
Asshole cop: Are you sure it's not illegal drugs?
Dan: Well, it IS a curiously strong mint.
"C'mon! Hurry up! Our vaginas are gonna blow! Go! Go! Go!"
--Random drunk lady in the bathroom at the Buffett concert
"I'm sure that he doesn't *mean* to do it, ya know. He doesn't walk around thinking, 'Who am I going to talk to? Who can I annoy the hell out of today?'"
--Dan from work
"So, I'm black. Can I buy you a drink?"
--James Brown
"C'mon, what the fuck? Why are they saying that *you're* trying to steal Chad. *I'm* the one who's trying to do that and no one is paying any attention to *me*!!!!!"
--Stevo
"So, I ate a turkey sandwich. So what? At least it wasn't an ecstacy sandwich!"
--Me to Stevo, while he was berating my choice in food
steVo301103: so what, has erik done some sort of disappearing act?
MissPShush: i don't know. i haven't talked to him since december
MissPShush: and i have no desire to
steVo301103: good thing too, what a fuck
steVo301103: thats so weird, that hes still randomly entering your life
MissPShush: yeah, just a reminder that no matter how bad things are, at least i'm not barb
"You? A dork? No way! You're not a dork! You're the opposite of dork....You are the ANTI-DORK!"
--Don to me
"That's a pretty fucked up superhero to be."
--Me, in response to the above comment
"Having a girl that's just a friend is like having $19 in your bank account and just an ATM card."
--Random guy on TV
"You don't even understand the orgasm in my mouth!"
--Maura
"I hope my girlfriend breaks up with me soon."
"Why, Mike?"
"So, I can marry you!"
--Normal work conversation between me n Stasek
"I'm like M&Ms in Corey's hands. Oops, I mean mouth. Shit, I fucked that up, didn't I?"
--Stasek
"I would have quit college a long time ago if it weren't for the drugs. They had some good drugs."
--Bert
"Before I was an alcoholic, I had so many problems. But now, just one - Alcohol. Really gave my life focus."
--Nick's away message
grvfuel: I miss you so much
grvfuel: you were my best friend ever
"I'm gonna go write a letter to Louis Farrakan now. I hate you white people. That's why I hang out with you every Monday..."
--Don
"Dude--I just called these people who had just finished having sex...."
"Far out!"
"No."
--Stasek n Brian
"I think Dan might give me a run for my money.... Cause I *am* charging him!"
--Two
"I LOVE fucking horses!!! Yeah, maybe I do need to go to that clinic.... Get checked out or something...."
--Two
"You know you have a real friend when she lets you in the bathroom before her. Thanks, girl!"
--Dan, Brubaker's night
"Nothin's more gangsta than a bowtie. C'mon girl, you know that!"
--Kylan
"I wasn't living before I met you? It's been a nightmare *since* I met you!"
--Peggy Schuster
"Oh, it's on like Donkey Kong!"
--Me, in reference to all you can eat shrimps night
"Yeah! And I got a whole roll of quarters!"
--Kylan, in response to the above
"Maybe he's getting too much booty. Not that I think there is a such thing as too much booty, but I'm pretty much in Ethiopia right now..."
--Kylan
"He just doesn't know how lucky he is. He doesn't realize that's not how it is in the real world."
--Kylan
"I just said I would buy you any beer you wanted and you chose Busch bottles?"
--Two
"When she said that, I almost choked on my spit!"
--Sheila
"Ya know, in High Society, they have a 'Rich Bitch of the Month.' I don't know if she's rich or even a bitch. But it don't matter. Cause she's nekkid."
--Kylan
"Man, you never hear about someone back in the day saying 'I was playing with my sword and cut my head off."
--Kylan
"Hey, Twinkletoes! Ya, I'm talking to you, bitch!"
--Doug, to Damion
"He's an idiot."
--Kylan
"I don't think I can suck THAT much cock."
--Eric, on having to pick up the partying slack from Paris Hilton 's impeding jail sentence.
Asshole cop in Flint, MI: What's this in your pocket?
Dan: It's an Altoid.
Asshole cop: Are you sure it's not illegal drugs?
Dan: Well, it IS a curiously strong mint.
"C'mon! Hurry up! Our vaginas are gonna blow! Go! Go! Go!"
--Random drunk lady in the bathroom at the Buffett concert
"I'm sure that he doesn't *mean* to do it, ya know. He doesn't walk around thinking, 'Who am I going to talk to? Who can I annoy the hell out of today?'"
--Dan from work
"So, I'm black. Can I buy you a drink?"
--James Brown
"C'mon, what the fuck? Why are they saying that *you're* trying to steal Chad. *I'm* the one who's trying to do that and no one is paying any attention to *me*!!!!!"
--Stevo
"So, I ate a turkey sandwich. So what? At least it wasn't an ecstacy sandwich!"
--Me to Stevo, while he was berating my choice in food
steVo301103: so what, has erik done some sort of disappearing act?
MissPShush: i don't know. i haven't talked to him since december
MissPShush: and i have no desire to
steVo301103: good thing too, what a fuck
steVo301103: thats so weird, that hes still randomly entering your life
MissPShush: yeah, just a reminder that no matter how bad things are, at least i'm not barb
"You? A dork? No way! You're not a dork! You're the opposite of dork....You are the ANTI-DORK!"
--Don to me
"That's a pretty fucked up superhero to be."
--Me, in response to the above comment
"Having a girl that's just a friend is like having $19 in your bank account and just an ATM card."
--Random guy on TV
"You don't even understand the orgasm in my mouth!"
--Maura
"I hope my girlfriend breaks up with me soon."
"Why, Mike?"
"So, I can marry you!"
--Normal work conversation between me n Stasek
"I'm like M&Ms in Corey's hands. Oops, I mean mouth. Shit, I fucked that up, didn't I?"
--Stasek
"I would have quit college a long time ago if it weren't for the drugs. They had some good drugs."
--Bert
"Before I was an alcoholic, I had so many problems. But now, just one - Alcohol. Really gave my life focus."
--Nick's away message
grvfuel: I miss you so much
grvfuel: you were my best friend ever
"I'm gonna go write a letter to Louis Farrakan now. I hate you white people. That's why I hang out with you every Monday..."
--Don
"Dude--I just called these people who had just finished having sex...."
"Far out!"
"No."
--Stasek n Brian
"I think Dan might give me a run for my money.... Cause I *am* charging him!"
--Two
"I LOVE fucking horses!!! Yeah, maybe I do need to go to that clinic.... Get checked out or something...."
--Two
"You know you have a real friend when she lets you in the bathroom before her. Thanks, girl!"
--Dan, Brubaker's night
"Nothin's more gangsta than a bowtie. C'mon girl, you know that!"
--Kylan
"I wasn't living before I met you? It's been a nightmare *since* I met you!"
--Peggy Schuster
"Oh, it's on like Donkey Kong!"
--Me, in reference to all you can eat shrimps night
"Yeah! And I got a whole roll of quarters!"
--Kylan, in response to the above
"Maybe he's getting too much booty. Not that I think there is a such thing as too much booty, but I'm pretty much in Ethiopia right now..."
--Kylan
"He just doesn't know how lucky he is. He doesn't realize that's not how it is in the real world."
--Kylan
"I just said I would buy you any beer you wanted and you chose Busch bottles?"
--Two
"When she said that, I almost choked on my spit!"
--Sheila
"Ya know, in High Society, they have a 'Rich Bitch of the Month.' I don't know if she's rich or even a bitch. But it don't matter. Cause she's nekkid."
--Kylan
"Man, you never hear about someone back in the day saying 'I was playing with my sword and cut my head off."
--Kylan
"Hey, Twinkletoes! Ya, I'm talking to you, bitch!"
--Doug, to Damion
"He's an idiot."
--Kylan
"I don't think I can suck THAT much cock."
--Eric, on having to pick up the partying slack from Paris Hilton 's impeding jail sentence.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
What's wrong with this?
Mich. cop avoids charge for pot brownies
Associated Press (Thursday, May 10, 2007)
DEARBORN, Mich. - A police officer will avoid criminal charges despite admitting he took marijuana from criminal suspects and, with his wife, baked it into brownies.
The police department's decision not to pursue a case against former Cpl. Edward Sanchez left a bad taste in the mouth of at least one city official, who vowed to investigate.
"If you're a cop and you're arresting people and you're confiscating the marijuana and keeping it yourself, that's bad. That's real bad," said City Councilman Doug Thomas.
Sanchez, who resigned last year from the department in this Detroit suburb, declined comment Wednesday to the Detroit Free Press. Police Cmdr. Jeff Geisinger did not return calls seeking comment.
The department's investigation began with a 911 call from Sanchez's home on April 21, 2006. On a 5-minute tape of the call, obtained by the Free Press, Sanchez told an emergency dispatcher he thought he and his wife were overdosing on marijuana.
"I think we're dying," he said. "We made brownies and I think we're dead, I really do."
Sanchez later told police investigators that his wife took the marijuana out of his police vehicle while he was sleeping. In a subsequent interview, he admitted he got the marijuana out of the car himself and put it in the brownie mix, police said.
His wife also was not charged.
I find something extremely wrong with this story. As in, this is bullshit!
This is just one more story of abuse of power by those who are SUPPOSED to live by the motto, "Protect and Serve."
Please understand that I know that not all cops are bad apples. However, if a police officer is using cannabis and is not punished for his illegal actions, why are the prisons full of offenders whose only offense is using or distributing cannabis?
I find it extremely unfair that a person can openly participate in illegal activity without legal ramifications - JUST because he knows the right people and made the "right" career choice, but anyone else who would have called and admitted to illegal activity during a 911 call would have found themselves cuffed and in the back of a squad car.
I call BULLSHIT!
Associated Press (Thursday, May 10, 2007)
DEARBORN, Mich. - A police officer will avoid criminal charges despite admitting he took marijuana from criminal suspects and, with his wife, baked it into brownies.
The police department's decision not to pursue a case against former Cpl. Edward Sanchez left a bad taste in the mouth of at least one city official, who vowed to investigate.
"If you're a cop and you're arresting people and you're confiscating the marijuana and keeping it yourself, that's bad. That's real bad," said City Councilman Doug Thomas.
Sanchez, who resigned last year from the department in this Detroit suburb, declined comment Wednesday to the Detroit Free Press. Police Cmdr. Jeff Geisinger did not return calls seeking comment.
The department's investigation began with a 911 call from Sanchez's home on April 21, 2006. On a 5-minute tape of the call, obtained by the Free Press, Sanchez told an emergency dispatcher he thought he and his wife were overdosing on marijuana.
"I think we're dying," he said. "We made brownies and I think we're dead, I really do."
Sanchez later told police investigators that his wife took the marijuana out of his police vehicle while he was sleeping. In a subsequent interview, he admitted he got the marijuana out of the car himself and put it in the brownie mix, police said.
His wife also was not charged.
I find something extremely wrong with this story. As in, this is bullshit!
This is just one more story of abuse of power by those who are SUPPOSED to live by the motto, "Protect and Serve."
Please understand that I know that not all cops are bad apples. However, if a police officer is using cannabis and is not punished for his illegal actions, why are the prisons full of offenders whose only offense is using or distributing cannabis?
I find it extremely unfair that a person can openly participate in illegal activity without legal ramifications - JUST because he knows the right people and made the "right" career choice, but anyone else who would have called and admitted to illegal activity during a 911 call would have found themselves cuffed and in the back of a squad car.
I call BULLSHIT!
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Thoughts on Pit Bulls
I am the proud mother of two very well-behaved pit type dogs. Both were rescued - one was a stray and one from a local rescue group. When I found out that my girl (she's now two and a half) was a pit (like most people, I couldn't identify a pit, either), I started reading as much as I could find about the breed. I was very apprehensive about bringing this "vicious" dog into my home with two cats.
I have no more doubts. I will never own another breed of dog. My dogs are intelligent, learn quickly, and well-behaved. People say that only drug dealers and white trash have this breed. That could not be farther from the truth. I live in a suburban neighborhood and work as the Business Development and Marketing manager at a Catholic financial institution. I have a Bachelors and Masters degree in Business and Marketing. And, guests to my house always comment on how well-behaved and docile my dogs are - especially when they find out that they are pitties.
It is not the fault of these dogs that they have been bred to fight other dogs. It is also not their fault that some sick people have trained their dogs to attack humans and other animals. Don't even try to tell me that all pits are bad. People train them to be that way. Blame the deed, not the breed.
Discriminating against my dogs is the same as racial discrimination. If you were attacked by a person with light skin, does that mean that every person with light skin is going to attack you? If your attacker had blue eyes, would you try to ban all people with blue eyes from moving into your city? Maybe require them to wear a muzzle and carry excessive insurance?
It is not fair to group people into general categories, and it is not fair to group all pit bull type dogs into a general category.
I have no more doubts. I will never own another breed of dog. My dogs are intelligent, learn quickly, and well-behaved. People say that only drug dealers and white trash have this breed. That could not be farther from the truth. I live in a suburban neighborhood and work as the Business Development and Marketing manager at a Catholic financial institution. I have a Bachelors and Masters degree in Business and Marketing. And, guests to my house always comment on how well-behaved and docile my dogs are - especially when they find out that they are pitties.
It is not the fault of these dogs that they have been bred to fight other dogs. It is also not their fault that some sick people have trained their dogs to attack humans and other animals. Don't even try to tell me that all pits are bad. People train them to be that way. Blame the deed, not the breed.
Discriminating against my dogs is the same as racial discrimination. If you were attacked by a person with light skin, does that mean that every person with light skin is going to attack you? If your attacker had blue eyes, would you try to ban all people with blue eyes from moving into your city? Maybe require them to wear a muzzle and carry excessive insurance?
It is not fair to group people into general categories, and it is not fair to group all pit bull type dogs into a general category.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
The First One
This is the first one, and it's short. I can't write a whole lot at the present moment, but I will soon. : )
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