Hey Rocky! Watch Me Pull a Rabbit Out of This Hat

Sunny - Hi 112 Lo 87 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 108 Lo 74 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Isolated Thunderstorms - Hi 85 Lo 64 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Der fliegende Holländer (The Flying Dutchman), Richard Wagner



The Flying Dutchman by Richard Wagner is a romantic opera. Wagner's earliest opera was based on the legend of the Dutch captain who defied Satan to prevent him rounding the Cape in a storm. He was condemned to sail the seas until Judgment Day, unless redeemed by a woman's love. Read more here.

Podcast of the week: Sandy Rios: Behind the Fake Façade--A Firsthand Look

Young Americas Foundation
Chicago talk show host Sandy Rios reveals the horror stories of life in socialist countries. This speech took place at Young America’s Foundation’s Midwest Conference. Running Time: 00:43:09

Ramble:

Scooter Trash Husband and I have been hitting the history books of late. We've been watching lots of documentaries all the while trying to keep up with the rapid pace of all that is occurring today. Americans have been witness to extraordinary times. My grandparents stand in disbelief as events unfold. I can not imagine their point of perspective on this.. For God's sake... they fought this form of tyranny 60 years ago. We have forgotten already? There is no doubt we are marching towards Socialism. There is an apathy and indifference that has taken hold of the people. Who can forget the young woman during the elections that believed when then President-elect Obama would get into office, she need not worry about paying for gas for her car or her mortgage? In observing young people today... those that have just entered the work force do not go beyond what is absolutely required to perform their job duties. And even younger people (those in high school)do not see anything wrong with spreading the wealth... Yes... yes indeed.. timing is everything.

In looking at Socialism and Communism throughout history, there is this slow ooze of change... if ever so slight... for a very long time... little things really.. nothing of any consequence or real substance but then all of a sudden and virtually overnight with a fury of lightning speed major changes occur and for the common working soul it is overwhelming and there are so many things happening simultaneously, it is hard to keep up with all of it.

What are the "slow oozes of change"? Well, seatbelt laws and smoking bans would have been unheard of in the 1950's. Sure sure.... we can say we didn't know the safety and health risks... ok... what about baggy pants laws? If some dopey goofy kid wants to walk around with his pants hanging down to his hips and his parents are too stupid and pathetic and apathetic to say no... who am I to dictate what is fashion? I can always say no--- no shirt, no shoes, no baggy pants in my establishment... Why does this have to be mandated by government? What about Zero tolerance laws? Are you kidding me? Yah... the 16 year old girl with Midol gets expelled from school... unreal... What about neighborhood association rules? You know the ones I'm talking about... You as a HOMEOWNER can not paint your house purple with pink polka dots... or You as a HOMEOWNER have to have a particular type of mailbox or have to store your trash cans in a particular area... or You as a HOMEOWNER can not have 150 pink tacky plastic flamingos in your front yard (we have 2 in our front yard so that's different... thanks Rob and Jo) or You as a HOMEOWNER can not put your 4 beater cars up on cinder blocks in your front yard... Sure... these are all to keep the neighborhood free of looking like Hillbilly Heaven... but what about You as the HOMEOWNER not being permitted to place a flag pole in your front yard? What? You can't fly Old Glory? No common sense in anything anymore... Has anyone checked the Constitution on this? Does anyone realize these are all UNCONSTITUTIONAL? But because, we are more interested in aesthetics... well... we'll just let that slide...

So while the masses are entertained by Panem and Circuses such as the Paris Hilton's and Perez Hilton's and Michael Jackson's (or err uh... ex-Michael Jackson's) we have handed our banks over to the Federal Government... We have handed over 2 car manufacturers to the Federal Government... The House of Representatives has passed cap and tax.... Honestly... on Global Warming? We are on the verge of having nationalized health care. How many Executive Orders has President Obama issued? How many Czars has President Obama appointed because there were not enough seats at his Cabinet table? What exactly does a "Special Master of Compensation (Pay Czar)" do? All the while the undertow of becoming a Godless nation continues. The bias of mainstream media is blatant... I'm not writing about Democrats vs. Republicans... Like a growing number of conservatives I have little use for any politicians. I'm writing about conservative vs. liberal, right vs. wrong, good vs. evil, real science vs. junk science, religion vs. new age.... I'm talking about common sense. I'm talking about the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. AHHHH!!! I'm so frustrated!!

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." - George Santayana

An interesting timeline of the rise of Nationalsozialismus (Nationalized Socialism) can be found at Shoah Education.

Have a great week everyone!

Where Eagles Soar

Mostly Sunny - Hi 81 Lo 66 for Baghdad, Iraq
Rain - Hi 73 Lo 55 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Scattered Thunderstorms - Hi 70 Lo 44 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: When The Sh*t Hits The Fan, CJ



In a sluggish economy
Inflation, Recession,
Hits the Land of the Free.
Standing on an employment line.
Blame the government for hard times.
We just get by, however we can.
We all gotta duck when the shit hits the fan.
Ten kids in a Cadillac,
Standing in line for welfare checks.
"Let's all reach off the state."
"Gee the money's really great!"
We just get by, however we can.
We all gotta duck when the sh*t hits the fan.
Soup lines.
Free loaves of bread.
Five pound blocks of cheese.
Bags of groceries.
Social Security,
Has run out on You and Me.
We do whatever we can,
Gotta duck when the sh*t hits the fan......

When I was in high school I went through a two to three year period from being a born again Christian to being anti-establishment. It was during my angry year that I discovered bands like Black Flag, Dead Kennedy's, Ramones, Patti Smith, The Damned, Clash, and of course CJ. It's funny... I've written here before... a song is very personal, it can take you back to a different time and place. The miracle of music is that it can change meaning over time. This song has a whole new meaning for me today...

Podcast of the week: Dr. Roy Spencer- Global Warming Is Not Man Made Young Americas Foundation Author and scientist Dr. Roy Spencer presents data to students that global warming is primarily a natural occurrence. This speech took place at Young America’s Foundation’s National Conservative Student Conference. Length: 00:40:46

There is no doubt in my mind that the top folks pushing Global Warming now known as "Climate Change" are pushing a socialist agenda. These people want us to not have stuff... to live more simply... Now, mind you- there is nothing wrong with living more simply. However, my husband and I and every single solitary person in this country has the right to pursue our happiness... our dream.. So... get off me you effing liberals--- I suspect this is one of the reasons Rick Wagoner, former CEO for GM was terminated by the President of the United States... Rick Wagoner made the biggest gas guzzling vehicle on the road... the GMC Yukon. OH.. he must be evil. My God. the President of the United States terminated the CEO... Good GAWD!! Where do we live? Since when does the government have authority over a private business? DO YOU SEE THE DANGERS OF TAKING HANDOUTS? Be it a company or a solitary person... once you accept a handout from the government... the government owns you. You lose freedom... you lose liberty. YOU LOSE. I digress. Anyway, my brother has one of these baby's and it is really nice.... really... Mr. Wagoner made these because up until gas prices shot up last summer, people wanted these behemoths. The people wanted them...

Our neighbor's young daughter, Danielle has an electric car... quite frankly... hers is larger than the yellow one pictured above...

Ramble:

I'm disgusted by everything in Washington. What the heck are they doing to our country? I think I'm going to post something over at my other place about a "little tax" that went into effect on April 1. So, rather than go on another ramble I offer you a diversion.

Cindy sent this link to me and it has really struck my interest. The link is to a live web cam watching an eagles nest in West Virgina over the Potomac River. There is an eaglet and some may think watching a couple of eagles- Mom and Pop raising a baby may be like watching paint dry, but I can guarantee it is not. I was pretty sad yesterday, but watching them take care of this defenseless baby... poking at him when he was sleeping as if to check to see if he was breathing... I don't know... it gave me some hope... not like the kind in the White House. Watching the symbol of our nation has provided me with inspiration. So, enjoy... Here are two links-- the first is to the live web cam, the second is to the blog. web cam and blog. At the time I am typing this, Mom and Dad have both left the nest. Baby is sleeping soundly. I'll be adding both links to my sidebar. Thanks BBH!

Have a great week everyone!

Lions and Tigers and Bears.... uh... no.

Partly Cloudy - Hi 75 Lo 53 for Baghdad, Iraq
Partly Cloudy - Hi 74 Lo 60 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Rain - Hi 42 Lo 33 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: The Preamble, School House Rock



Podcast of the week: 55KRC Morning Show with Brian Thomas interviews Harald Zieger Go to March 26, 2009

This was one of the best interviews I have ever heard. The fluidity of conversation between Brian and Harald was truly appreciated. I was introduced to Mr. Zieger along with 5000 other Cincinnati Tea Party participants. His story is one of escape from oppression in East Germany. His story is one of cherished freedom and fear of it being lost once again. Mr. Zeiger is just a regular guy. Imagine having a personal file that consisted of 8000 pages... Yes. 8000 pages. Let me offer some context- The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown is 454 pages. William Bennett's America The Last Best Hope Volume I is 572 pages including notes and index. 8000 pages on a regular guy. If you do anything today... please... please listen or download this podcast. Be inspired.

Ramble:

My head is reeling. After the onset of the War on Terror in Iraq, I stayed with it and kept informed and stayed active in my support for our military, in support of our Commander in Chief. About three years ago, I had to tune it all out-- especially when the focus turned to politics and the presidential election. My head was ready to explode and I just needed a vacation. It wasn't until about nine months prior to the November 2008 elections did I tune back in. I now feel the urge to tune back out... but I can not. It is my responsibility to stay informed and to do my part to preserve our incredible nation. There is so much we need to watch. I alone can not remain vigilant and watch everything that is occurring in our country. Yes... it's the economy, stupid. We are being taxed and taxed. Our money has no value. My 401K is a 101K. I know I know... but while we are focused on that... the creepy crawlies are out in force and I am compelled to watch all the different tentacles of of the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Branches of our government instead of zoning out with a trashy romance novel... I now have to keep an eye on what this "mandatory volunteerism" or the prettier more PC "GIVE Act", H.R. 1388 is.... Embryonic Stem cell research,Card Check, anti-gun legislation, the Fairness Doctrine aka Localism has taken a back seat and run the news cycle for the time being,and the United Nations and all their incredible work...

I suppose what concerns me more than anything else is our children. My ears always perk up when I hear a politician say, "we have to think of the children." It turns my blood cold. Although Scooter Trash Husband and I do not have any children of our own, my thoughts and concern goes immediately to our nieces and nephews and children of our friends. I feel horrible a million... make that a trillion different ways. I started perusing Birth to Five Policy I don't know what this means... There is so much. Of course... our children are most important. That is clearly defined. The "HOW" part is what is obscure and unclear... There is no doubt- The Stimulus Plan is all over all the links associated with this program. What are the intentions? Yes... I know... I sound conspiratorial... Please someone enlighten me. I did not realize and forgive my ignorance... but I thought education was fundamental. Reading, writing, math, science and history... Why is money being put towards understanding the development of a brain? Why is the money not going towards rewarding excellent teachers? Where are the vouchers?

What is happening? Why is everything so complicated? Where is my country?

Oh. One other thing. Make no mistake... I'm not afraid. I'm pissed.

Have a great week everyone!

Fifty-six Men

Mostly Sunny - Hi 75 Lo 58 for Baghdad, Iraq
Rain - Hi 67 Lo 55 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Mostly Sunny - Hi 65 Lo 40 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Gimme Some Money, Spinal Tap



Podcast of the week: Kate Obenshain: America—The Greatest Nation on Earth Young America's Foundation - running time 31:58. "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor." An excellent reminder of why this country has been blessed

Ramble:

Friday night my niece spent the night with us. Man-- she is one really cool kid. Sweet, painfully shy, but incredibly observant of the world around her, she is the future of this country and I feel horrible a million... uh billion.... no.. a trillion different ways. She and her Dad and her Obasan went to the Cincinnati Zoo. Terry reconnected with an old friend and had a "behind the scenes" tour of the zoo. I wish I could have taken the day off from work to go, but alas... staying employed is kind of critical these days. In any event, here are a couple of photos Kamae took. The polar bear pic-- which is my favorite was taken by my niece. The other is a picture of Kamae standing in front of a baby Okapi. She also had the opportunity to feed and pet a manatee, rhinoceros and got to hang out with penguins... now that is a good day.

A bad day is when I read that my Representative Jeff Davis voted to impose an additional tax on certain TARP recipients.... (AIG) ok... first don't even go there with TARP--- but no taxes... means no taxes... I love the indignation of the likes of Charles Rangle.... Who does he think he is fooling? Good Grief! A bill like this can (and will) be a slippery slope to tax others...I like that... "We the Government do not like this bonus you are receiving... therefore we will tax it by 90... 95... 99... ok ok 100%!! Sucks to be you... Have a nice day you moronic little piece of dung idiot citizen who keeps getting up and going to work."

A nice little email will be going out today.

Jean Schmidt, Representative for Ohio also voted in favor... She really ticked me off-- she was at the Cincinnati Tea Party last Sunday... GRRRRRRR....

If you want to see how your representative voted, go a here... Also, here is a link to GPO Access. Here you can find Bills that the 111th Congress has in front of them..

Please listen to the podcast... it is real important that we find strength in the Classics... you know the Bible, The Constitution, The Declaration of Independence, The Gettysburg Address... Please take a few minutes to read them... We are in a weird place... But it is not yet the darkest of times.

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army, another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward. Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the Battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt. Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.

Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more.

Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

They gave you and me a free and independent America. The history books never told you a lot of what happened in the Revolutionary War. We didn't just fight the British. We were British subjects at that time and we fought our own government! Most of us take these liberties so much for granted...We shouldn't.

Brief Biographies of the 56 Signers can be found here.

Have a great week everyone!

Today the 2nd Amendment...

Sunny - Hi 88 Lo 69 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 69 Lo 46 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Rain - Hi 65 Lo 43 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Damn Right I Got the Blues, Buddy Guy



Podcast of the week: Dennis Prager - Trivializing Nazis, The Dennis Prager Show. Running Time: 54:55

Ramble:

It is hard to keep up with all the national and world events. One that has caught the collective eye of many of the blogs I read is Bill H.R. 45.... Michael and I were at a little party and a comment was made in response to a comment I made about Armageddon being around the corner. The reply of the young lady turned my blood cold, as it is someone I love very much. She said that this was a scare initiated by the NRA.... Now, I have no doubt her flippant reply was in response to my flippant comment, however, her sentiment is one that can be read all over the Internet. My Grandfather's voice is in my head... "The Socialists in this country are going to do their best to disarm the American people."

"It" is H.R. 45: Blair Holt's Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2009. This bill was introduced in the 111th Congress by U. S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) on Jan. 6, 2009. Failing to attract any co-sponsors, it was referred for consideration to the House Committee on the Judiciary, where it now rests awaiting further action.

This bill is sweeping in its gun control proposals. Its summary description reads, "To provide for the implementation of a system for licensing for purchasers of certain firearms and for a record of sale system for those firearms, and for other purposes."

If enacted, this bill would prohibit anyone from owning any type of handgun without obtaining a license for such ownership. The same would be true for any semiautomatic firearm that can accept any detachable ammunition-feeding device.

Further, all sales of these firearms would have to go through a licensed dealer. The bill also directs the Attorney General to establish and run a federal record-of-sale system. And it would make it a criminal act not to register as an owner of a firearm.
Read more at ESPN Outdoors.

Here is a link to the Bill: Blair Holt's Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2009 (Introduced in House) H.R. 45

Stop the ACLU has details on the bill. A few things that caught my eye in the bill are: gun owners would be required to be photographed and thumb printed, testing would be required--- and the gun owner is required to notify the feds of any change of address, or if your gun is lost or stolen, but the best catch all- any other subjects, as the Attorney General determines to be appropriate.

There are fewer and fewer of The Greatest Generation to remind us of tyranny and what can happen when our rights are slowly and quietly taken away... "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." We are on our way folks...if we do nothing...

Call your Congressman (I have links on my sidebar)... So far this is just sitting in Committee... let it die there.

I'm working on a new blog idea-- I'm calling it The Slippery Slope. It's not quite ready, but feel free to take a sneak peak if you like. I intend to keep track of all the initiatives, executive orders, policy changes, and laws that erode our liberties... starting with seat belt and helmet laws, smoking bans, and baggy pants laws. This is the slippery slope that leads to legislative proposals such as gun control laws... If you have something you would like to contribute, please let me know... it is going to be a huge task but I hope to illustrate how our liberties are at risk.

Scooter Trash Hubby made an interesting observation in the car the other day. We were listening to the radio and national news came on... One of the items reported was about a car accident killing 5 or 6. Now no doubt this is profoundly sad... but why is this NATIONAL news?

Next week we'll chat about the 1st Amendment...

Have a great week everyone!

Economic Stimulus, Depression, Surrealism and Dada...

Mostly Sunny - Hi 69 Lo 51 for Baghdad, Iraq
Partly Cloudy - Hi 63 Lo 45 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Scattered Showers - Hi 51 Lo 32 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Down Home Girl, Old Crow Medicine Show



Podcast of the Week: Ronald Reagan - The Economic Recovery Act of 1981

In honor of Ronald Reagan’s birthday, listen as the President participates in a Q&A session with reporters as he signs the Economic Recovery Act, the largest tax cut in American history. The bill was signed into law 27 years ago at his ranch, Rancho del Cielo, on August 13, 1981.

Ramble:

This past week was another bear. I missed a few days of work-- had some weirdo flu like crud. Thankfully, I think the worst of it has past. The snow has finally melted and I am ecstatic. I'm done with winter... but I said that last Sunday. In any event, mother nature is teasing us in the Cincinnati area with spring like conditions. I opened the door this morning and it smelled like spring... that subtle smell of decay and earth's soil regenerating ready to let daffodils and crocus bloom...

Since I was home this past week I pretty much watched C-Span2 and watched the Senate chat about the "Economic Stimulus Package". Senators Coburn, Graham, Thune, McCain, and McConnell spoke passionately against this garbage--- I'm disgusted although not surprised by Senators Collins and Specter... I continue to send them e-mail although the automated response from Senator Specter's office is the following:

Thank you for taking the time to contact me.

I receive a large volume of E-mails, phone calls, faxes and letters every week from concerned citizens like yourself.
Unfortunately, due to the high volume of mail, I can only respond if you're a resident of Pennsylvania. If you need to find out who your U.S. Senator is please go to www.senate.gov.

And now when you try and send a note to Senator Collins you receive this little message:

The document you requested can not be found or is undergoing routine maintenance.

If this is an application error, the system administrator has been notified by email. If you would like more information, you may also submit a request to the system administrator at administrator@collins.senate.gov.

I have talked to the sweet kids in Senator Bunning's and Senator McConnell's offices and have asked them to deliver messages to Senator Collins and Senator Specter. They have kindly obliged... not sure if they are personally delivering the messages... but I'm doing my part.

I am really excited about an exhibit coming to the Cincinnati Art Museum. Surrealism and Beyond will run beginning February 15 through May 17. I anticipate large crowds as this will be the only stop in the United States for this exhibit from the Israel Museum.

The Cincinnati Art Museum will be the sole U.S. venue for an exhibition that features works by the greatest masters of Dada and Surrealist art, including Salvador Dalí, Marcel Duchamp, Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst, René Magritte, Joan Miró, Jean (Hans) Arp, Man Ray, Kurt Schwitters, Hannah Höch and Paul Delvaux. Surrealism and Beyond: In the Israel Museum, Jerusalem provides a comprehensive survey of Surrealist art from its roots in the beginnings of the Dada movement in 1916, through recent manifestations in international contemporary art.

So, Jimi and Myrna, if you are in town for a visit this spring, I would love to take you to see this exhibit.

All right.. I have a bunch of things to do... another cup of coffee and time to catch up on my favorite blogs...

Have a great week everyone!

Self Diagnosis: ADHD

Sunny - Hi 70 Lo 47 for Baghdad, Iraq
Mostly Sunny - Hi 67 Lo 47 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Partly Cloudy - Hi 38 Lo 25 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: A Sort of Homecoming, U2



In the darkest days of winter, when I am blue and sun deprived, this song somehow brings me back. It brings me back to the people and places that are most important. It is a simple reminder that winter does indeed come to an end and spring will soon arrive...

Podcast of the Week: Dennis Prager: The American Trinity

Nationally-syndicated talk show host Dennis Prager talks to college students about the American Trinity of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. This speech took place at Young America's Foundation’s West Coast Leadership Conference.
December 15, 2008 - Running time 43:33

This is an excellent speech and gets to the heart of what America is and should always be. Go get a cup of coffee and listen. You will not be disappointed.

Ramble:

What a week. First let me just whine momentarily about the weather... I'm done. Half a foot a snow covered by half an inch of ice covered by another half a foot of snow does not make for a fun commute to work. You see we here in the midwest forget how to drive in it every single time we have a "weather event"... by the way... when did weather become an "event"? ugh. I am sure I would be of a different mindset were I able to telecommute to work... but alas... I can not... Scootertrash Husband and I were fortunate, we only lost power for about 5-6 hours. So not bad at all. There are still folks without power... not a good thing in the winter time. River's Mommy's Mommy was still without power as of Friday. Please report in Marti if you are able. I freely admit it was breathtaking and continues to be quite a spectacle. During the second snow storm I was convinced I was in a Currier and Ives snow globe. The trees look like they are covered in diamonds. The sun was actually out yesterday and made for quite a show.

Scootertrash Husband made the comment that all the fun stuff occurring in Washington D.C. has motivated him to start blogging again. He has posted a couple of interesting ones. Go check him. Nice perspective from a conservative atheist.

Yes... since I am in a new blog home, I thought I would revisit things about my husband and me that new visitors may not know or old timers may have forgotten. I thought about a list... but no one in life walks around with a list... That's not true... I have two separate lists in my handbag this very moment...

See that.. I'm back to the rambling... it's been a while...

OH! DC Roe has contacted me about Project 2996. After last year, I offered to help him in anyway possible because I have found this to be such an important remembrance. Dale wants to get started early. So this is my plea to all my techy friends... DC is looking for a way to automate issuing names for those that want to participate. Please contact me. We need help for this huge annual undertaking.

I have been playing on Twitter and LinkedIn all weekend. Twitter is great. I have become a follower of a bunch of Washington Insiders- have sent off private notes and read what they have to say... I can see now why it is so addictive. Let me know if you sign up for Twitter-- I'll follow you too! DragonLady was my first--- follower. And because of the economic climate- I have been working on my LinkedIn account. Despite my optimism about my current position, nothing is ever guaranteed so... It's also fun to find people I know LinkedIn.

Superbowl... We'll be watching. Who is playing by the way? KIDDIN!! I know! Who do I want to win? Well.. I don't really care... but I don't like the Steelers... but I'm told I shouldn't like the Cardinals either... go figure... All I know is that Scootertrash Husband is making all kinds of food and we have our 3-D glasses... It's going to be a great game...I guess. Do I care if Bruce is doing the halftime show? It depends... if he does something goofy and makes some obnoxious political statement, we'll flip the channel over to Animal Planet and watch the kitten half time show. I want Prince back. His half time show was the best. Ever. Except for this one in 2002. Do you remember?



And lastly... something to warm your heart..and inspire... Purple Fingers...

Iraqis held their most peaceful election since the fall of Saddam Hussein on Saturday, voting for provincial councils without a single major attack in a poll that demonstrated the country's dramatic security gains.

“The purple fingers have returned to build Iraq,” Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said after the polls closed, referring to the indelible ink stains on index fingers that show voters have cast their ballots.

There was something of a holiday atmosphere in many parts of the country. In normally traffic-choked Baghdad, children took advantage of a ban on cars to play soccer in the streets.

“How can we not vote? All of us here have always complained about being oppressed and not having a leader who represented us. Now is our chance,” said Basra voter Abdul Hussein Nuri.

Read the rest here.

Have a great week everyone!