Ricin in Las Vegas

Yikes! Are going to have to worry about white powder again? I think the last time, the powder was anthrax. I don't remember if we, in the United States, have had the ricin scare, but I do remember something about a scare in Japan a few years ago. As if we don't have enough worries, we now have to worry about someone grinding up castor beans in a hotel room in Las Vegas. What is the world coming to? The investigators don't believe it was an act of terrorism, but time will tell.

Whoa! Now That is Weird!

Blind Man's Sight Restored By Inserting Son's Tooth!

That is the strangest headline I think I have ever read, but it turns out to be true! Who would ever come up with such and idea and have it work. It seems this fellow in Ireland lost his vision when lava-hot liquid aluminum splashed into his eye a few years ago. He thought he was going to be blind for the rest of his life until he found out about a procedure that involves creating support for a cornea from the person's own tooth and jaw. The man's 23-year-old son donated his tooth and a piece of jaw so that his father's eye socket could be rebuilt and an artificial cornea could be inserted into a hole drilled into the tooth. How freakish, cool, amazing and miraculous is that? The man had a 65% chance that his sight will be restored. He is now able to see well enough to watch television and to get around relatively easily. What a wonderful world we live in!

Nation of Immigrants: Yes! Nation of Illegal Immigrants: No!

Okay, this is something that absolutely needs to be thrown onto my trash heap for thought. This is something that has been bugging me for awhile now, and now that we live near a state that is truly struggling with this issue, I need to address it. Last night the news was about the state of Maryland trying to pass legislation in attempt to curb illegal immigrant activity. This issue is starting to go the twisted way of the Iraq war. Do you remember how the Bush administration justified attacking Iraq because of the attacks on September 11? Iraq did not orchestrate the attacks, but somehow the politicians, and the news media twisted things into one issue. The same thing seems to be happening with immigrants and illegal immigrants. There is a difference! America is a country built on immigrants and all they have to offer. Come to America to have a better life, to be free to pursue life, liberty and happiness. All of this is true, but do not come here under cover of darkness, across borders that you should not be crossing and expect to have the same rights and privileges as those who have come and followed the right path to get here. If I were an immigrant who entered the country through legal means and followed all the right ways of becoming a citizen, I would be outraged toward those who are trying to receive the same benefits without going through the legal ways to get here. I agree that some of the rules of becoming a legal citizen may need to be revised and that the process might need to be streamlined, but who would want to start their lives off in a new country by illegal means? With all the demands the illegals are making of us, it seems that they are disrespectful of the laws and rules, and the citizens of the very country they are wanting to be a part of. Do it the right way! Don't break the rules and expect to be treated as though you are welcome if you disregard the laws of our country! Immigrants, yes! Illegal immigrants no! There is a difference.

No Children for Johnny Knoxville???

I heard on the radio that Johnny Knoxville, of "Jackass" (in)fame injured his "family jewels" trying to re-enact a trick that Evel Knievel did. The photos of the pants Mr. Knoxville was wear make it obvious that the accident was bloody and painful. Knoxville also had to have a catheter for awhile afterward too. Hopefully this dude will take the hint from above and quit doing such stupid and dangerous things. At the very least, maybe this accident has made it impossible for the fellow to pass on the jackass gene.

Politics & Sex Scandals: Do They Matter?

This morning we woke up to "news" of a possible affair that John McCain might have had with a lobbyist named Vicki Iseman. We also are hearing rumblings of Hillary Clinton having an affair with a personal assistant, Huma Abedin. Whether or not these sorts of stories are true, they beg the question: "Do they matter?" Our country has been through all this junk before and it seems not to have had a real impact on the political process. I just wonder why all this stuff has to be dredged up. Does it matter? In some respects, the lobbyist thing might matter insomuch as McCain could grant favors, but some of the other stuff doesn't really matter. Way back when the "news" media had much less of a grudge against us all, none of politicians affairs were known, and there had to be some. Sometimes I think there is nothing to be gained from putting all this past trash out there when the purpose seems to be just to destroy a candidate personally.

44 and Counting

Today is my 44th birthday. I happen to be someone who doesn't mind acknowledging and celebrating my birthdays. I think that attitude is one that I learned from my parents. They never made a huge deal about birthdays; no elaborate parties, but an occasional one. My mother always made a birthday cake and fixed our favorite meal when it was one of our birthdays. My birthday was the only one in my family that occurred in the winter, so sometimes weather would interfere with celebrations, but I always felt special on "my" day. Since I have become older, I still enjoy my birthday. No matter what my age is or what my circumstances are, I am awfully glad to be here!

Total Eclipse of the Moon Good Luck?

Tomorrow night the moon will be full and the shadow of the earth will overtake it and cause a total eclipse. Tomorrow is also my birthday, so I think it is a gift from the heavens to me! I wonder if that means that I will have a lucky year? I sure hope so. After the last year I had, I would really be thankful for some good things to come my way. In addition to the lunar eclipse, Saturns rings are also supposed to be visible. The next lunar eclipse will not occur until the year 2010, so I want to make this one count. The only thing that could ruin the viewing is that we are supposed to be getting a wintery mix of weather tomorrow night, but that doesn't dampen my hopes and spirits in regard to having a great 44th year!

The Mudslinging Begins

I knew this would happen sooner or later, but I just hate to see it happen. I am referring to the accusation by Senator Hillary Clinton that Senator Barack Obama plagiarized some of the material from his speeches. I don't like all the bickering and accusations and meanness that comes out of candidates during elections, but I think it is almost necessary. The Obama camp is sort of blowing off the accusations by saying "so what, I borrowed a few speech lines and ideas from my friend." Barack Obama might not think it's a big deal, and in the smaller picture, it may not be anything, but in the larger picture, it could make one pause before jumping onto the Obama bandwagon. Barack Obama also says that Hillary has borrowed words and phrases too. I am afraid that this is only the beginning of the picking and throwing that is going to go on until the Democratic nominee is picked. I guess we all need to remember that what we hear in the news and from either side of the race is not the whole story. We need to hear what accusations are being made and then do our own research before jumping to conclusions about either one of the candidates.

Carly Smithson a.k.a Carly Hennessy

It wouldn't be another American Idol season without the usual "American Idol Scandal." So far, this season the latest "scandal" is that the Irish singer, Carly Smithson, who made the Idol cut two seasons ago, but couldn't continue due to work permit troubles, made it this year. But that's not the controversy, the thing is, Carly Smithson has already been discovered and has had an album produced and distributed with the MCA record label under her maiden name of Carly Hennessy. Apparently the album was a flop, so here she is under a different name trying pass herself off as an undiscovered amateur. She is a good singer, but other contestants in the show might feel it is unfair to have someone competing against them who has already had an opportunity to "make it" and didn't. No word yet if she will be allowed to continue, but it makes for some interesting watercooler discussions until the next American Idol contestant does something that catches the media's attention.

David Groh Was My First Boyfriend

I saw in the news yesterday that David Groh died. He was my first boyfriend. The "Rhoda" show started when I was ten years old. For some reason, I liked the show, and when Rhoda married Joe (David Groh), I thought he was the most handsome, nicest man in the world. As a matter of fact, I think that is how I first started forming my idea of the man I would marry. I liked men with dark, curly hair and I liked the name Joe. The funny thing is that I have carried that picture of "the perfect" man for me for the rest of my life. I ended up marrying a man who has dark, curly hair, and his name is Joe. Thank you, David Groh, for forming my young opinion of whom I would marry in the future. Rest in peace.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day has always been one of those "holidays" that seem to be driven more by candy and card companies than by any true reason for celebrating the day. This morning when I was getting my six year old ready for school, the radio DJ was talking about Valentine's Day and then said, "And you know, St. Valentine, the guy who started this whole day of love, was beheaded. . ." My daughter whipped her head around and said, "What?" I simply told her that a guy who started the celebration was a guy whose last name was Valentine, and he died for his beliefs. In further researching St. Valentine, it is interesting to note that he is a bit of a mystery. He was believed to be a priest in Rome, and was imprisoned for helping martyrs and their families. Claudius II seemed to like the priest, but when Valentine refused to renounce his faith and tried to convert Claudius, he was beaten and stoned. Still he refused to turn from his faith. Claudius is said to have had Valentine beheaded on February 14 around the year 269. Saint Valentine is busy these days being the patron who is assigned to look after engaged couples, happy marriages, beekeepers, love and lovers, birds and roses, just to name a few. So when you hand your sweetie his or her card today, remember a kind soul is looking down from heaven and smiling.

Uh-oh, IU's Basketball Coach is in Trouble Again!

They had to know something like this would happen again. When Indiana University officials hired basketball coach Kelvin Sampson from Oklahoma, he came along with some pretty heavy baggage. I guess they thought Coach Sampson would behave differently in Indiana. I guess they thought wrong. News today is that Kelvin Sampson is back to his old tricks of ignoring the recruiting regulations set down by the NCAA. Even though I never attended Indiana University--I went to Ball State, the ugly step-sister school to IU and Purdue--I still feel like the powers that be at IU have really undermined the basketball program that was once such a powerhouse. After coach Bobby Knight left, things sort of crumbled. That, of course was good news for little underdog schools like Ball State, but still, I feel kind of bad for the players. Why would IU hire a guy who had violations in the past? That's just asking for trouble in my book. Shame on Kelvin Sampson, and shame on Indiana University!

I'm Ready for the Westminster Dog Show!

My mistress has stepped out to get the mail, so I thought I would take this opportunity to put a plug in for the Westminster Dog Show that starts today. All those snooty dogs! I'm just at pretty and smart as they are! As a matter of fact, I was just admiring myself in the window last night. I am looking better than ever! Who cares that my favorite thing to do is roll around in all that great smelling stuff the deer leave behind in my mistress's yard? I can't wait to see all those fancy pants dogs strutting around. I know I could do all that and more. I bet they can't wave, or sing or dance or play the piano like I can! Oh well, I can dream can't I? I know my family loves me no matter what. Here is a picture of me. I'm pretty cute even if I'm not Westminster Dog Show material!

David Shuster is a Jerk!

What would possess someone to talk like that? His remark about the Clinton's "pimping" their Chelsea is just uncalled for! Once again, "news reporters" show that they are not impartial. It seems like they just let all sorts of trash pour out of their mouths and then they think that just saying they are sorry should fix everything. MSNBC and all other news outlets should be more careful when they are hiring and training their reporters. It is getting tiresome to hear them talk so much trash. Apparently, this particular news station favors Obama, but there is no call for rudeness. There is enough of that in the world. Grow up Mr. Shuster!

By the way, if you read the transcript of his "apology" to the Clinton family, it sounds as though everything he is saying is only being said sarcastically and that he really isn't sorry for what he said. In fact, I would venture a guess that David Shuster is quite pleased with himself for digging at the Clintons. He is now suspended, but he will probably be back on the job soon.

February 8, 2008--Most Boring Day

I have now unofficially proclaimed that today, Friday February 8, 2008 as the most boring day so far this year. There is absolutely nothing going on either locally or globally that has captured anyone's interest. I like to check out Google Trends to see what searches and subjects are "hot" to see if there is anything worth blogging about. Today, when I checked out Google Trends, I clicked on the number one subject listed and it was only mild on the hottness list. I actually went through the entire list of 100 top searches for today, and none of them registered anything but mild interest. Don't get me wrong, a calm, rather boring day here and there is okay. We can't have things happening all the time, we probably couldn't handle it. Today is the kind of day just ripe for something big to happen. Gee, I hope it will be something good!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Today is New Year's Day for the Chinese! Happy New Year! It is also the Year of the Rat. I am not Chinese, but I do eat a fair amount of Chinese food. I have been known to read the placemat on my table in a Chinese restuarant from top to bottom. Because I routinely read the placemats at Chinese restuarants, I know that my mom was born during the Year of the Rat; in 1936, maybe this will be a lucky year for her. I have also learned that the animal mascots for the Chinese Calendar are repeated every twelve years. In my extensive placemat reading, I have also learned that the descriptions of people born during the different years have a lot of truth to them. Mine always states that I tend to "apply myself whole-heartedly; have high standards for myself and others, and get frustrated with others when they cannot keep up" with me. All of this happens to be true of my personality. I was born during the Year of the Dragon, in 1964. So anyway, to all of you who are celebrating the New Year, happy 4705!

If you would like to see what your Chinese horoscope has to say about you, please visit http://astrohoroscopes.com/chinese

Democratic Primary is Cool!

Around my house we have a strange combination. My husband leans toward Republican ideals--conservative, pro-war, Bush supporter. I, on the other hand lean toward Democratic beliefs. We have four daughters and the three older ones have started to become interested in the political process and are getting caught up in the excitement that the Democratic primary is stirring up. My three oldest daughters range in age from 15 to 8 and they all have opinions. The youngest one, who is six, just likes to say "Barack Obama." Anyway, my husband, like all Republicans these days, says he's not going to vote on Tuesday when Virginia gets to participate. I am sort of excited to vote, but am still not sure which candidate to vote for. Hillary is smart, and I think is really thinking about ways to improve our country in many ways. Barack is also smart and interesting and would definitely bring about change. I'm torn. I could see both of them as President. The older two girls want me to vote for Hillary, the eight year old wants me to vote for Barack. I think it is so cool that they are interested in all of this. They are excited about being able to witness historical changes. Either way I go, I can't lose. History will be in the making with either candidate. Living so close to Washington also makes the process more interesting for the girls. They think we will be going in town next year to witness the inauguration--not sure about that one, but this is a fun and exciting time! Cool!

Eewwwwww!

This morning my daughter had an early morning orthodontist appointment so she didn't get to eat breakfast. After her appointment, I decided to run through the McDonald's drive-thru to get something quick for her to eat on the way back to school. Let me preface this post by saying that this particular McDonalds is the only fast food restaurant in this dinky little town. It is constantly busy, but for the life of me, I cannot understand why. It has to be, without any doubt in my mind, the worst McDonalds in the country. It is squished into a tiny little lot on the main drag through town. I am unable to park in the parking lot because if you park there, you will be trapped! Anyway, the drive-thru must have been set up by an idiot because the speaker for ordering is nowhere near the menu. Although I have been to McDonalds many times throughout my lifetime, I have not memorized the menu. I had no clue what to order. Not only could I not figure out what to order, I could not understand the guy squawking at me from the other end of the speaker. English was definitely NOT his first language! So, I ended up ordering a bacon, egg and cheese bagel breakfast sandwich for each of us. I get the thing, and by now am having one of my famous "low blood sugar"attacks, and I take a bite. What the ?????? Out squished this most unnatural, neon yellow sauce!!!!! Eewwwww!!! What is that crap, and when did they start putting it on breakfast sandwiches? It tasted like a cross between ranch salad dressing and some horrible kind of mustard? What moron thought that would taste good? I don't know what the world is coming to. If McDonalds is slipping, then I guess the world really is coming to an end. Yucko!

Super Super Bowl

Last night's Super Bowl game was one that was worth watching. It is interesting to me to watch a humble team play a cocky team as was the case last night. All the chest thumping and strutting that went on with the Patriots was almost too much to watch. With that kind of over-confidence, one could almost predict a Patriots loss. The New York Giants seemed to be much more humble, and low-key. They played a good, tough game and won fair and square. It was interesting to watch the Patriots' coach, Bill Belichick act like somehow he and his team had been cheated. Yes, it's sad that they had such a great regular season but came up short last night, but being a good sport about the loss would have raised my opinion of the Patriots team in general. I am not a fan of Tom Brady--his behavior off the football field makes me unable to like him, but his is still a good quarterback. The Patriots just didn't get the win, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose and it is, afterall, just a game.

Manning vs. Brady Tonight!

The time has finally arrived. It's Super Bowl Sunday! Actually, I'm not all that interested in the "big game" since I am a Colts fan, but at any rate, I thought I would put my two cents in about the game tonight. There has been a lot of talk about the two opposing quarterback, Eli Manning and Tom Brady. I have to say that I do not care one bit for Tom Brady. Everything about him says to me that his is a cad, a playboy and not someone to look up to. All of the sexy ads with him posing in his underwear are just unappealing. The thing that makes him the most unattractive and unworthy of praise is his behavior toward his former girlfriend and his infant son. Very uncool. Now, lets look at Eli Manning. He is not super good-looking. He is quiet and unassuming. He just seems like an all around good guy. He and his brother Peyton must have had parents who took the time to teach them that it is better to be humble and nice and easy going than rich and in the spotlight all the time. So who am I hoping wins the Super Bowl tonight? If it can't be the Colts led by "nice guy" Peyton Manning, I'll take the next best thing and root for the Giants, led by "just-as-nice-guy" Eli Manning. Go Giants!