More News From Door County!

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I am so tired, I can't not even begin to describe just how tired I am. We've had the boys with us since Thursday. I've had two doctor's appointments this week, so I've driven from Sturgeon Bay to Milwaukee and back twice this week -- once on Wednesday and once on Friday. I feel as if I really haven't had a vacation, but I'm not going to complain. I have another appointment tomorrow morning. If all goes well, nevermind, let's not get a head of ourselves. Anyway, today we took the boys to a place called The Farm. I don't know who had more fun, us or them! Here are just some of the pictures. We have more to post... Enjoy!
Come on, Grandma! Get dressed! Let's go!
Wait up, Nana! I'm ready to go!
Alex is raring to go!
Let's go!

Two Rivers, WI

Today I had to leave my wife and two grandchildren to travel from Door County to Milwaukee for yet another doctor appointment.  On my way back to Door County, I traveled through Two Rivers, WI.  Two Rivers is such a small little town that if you blinked you'd probably miss it.  But, it's pretty with a nice high school and a lot of tourist type places.  It's the kind of town that flies flags from nearly every porch and everyone knows everyone else -- along with their business.  It's the kind of place, from what I saw driving thru, that you wish you could raise your kids in.  The kind of place where Ozzie and Harriet probably still live.

While driving through town the other day, Cheryl and I wondered just why the majority of the flags were at half-staff, but we're on vacation, so we figured we missed some big news item.  Today, I saw why.  According to a sign at a local bank, SGT. Shaun Novak was killed in Iraq.  When I saw the sign -- noticing it only because I had been caught at the light -- it took my breath away.  A whole town has lowered their flags to honor one of their own.  Feeling lucky that my son arrived back from Iraq safe and sound, I felt for the Novaks.  I wondered what they must feel.

Then, I passed the high school and saw another sign flashing an honor to the fallen soldier.  This one stated his birthday.  I didn't catch the date, but I caught the year, 1985.  The year that I graduated from high school this young man was born and now he's gone, killed in a War being fought so far away.  This time, I didn't have my breath taken away, this time real tears flowed down my cheeks for a young man I never met and for his parents and family.

I saw another sign that said, God Bless the Novaks.  So, I'm going to end today's blog with nothing more than those four words.  No rant, no rave, just a simple:

God Bless the Novaks.

World Trade Center...

In less than a week it will be five years since that horrible day when terrorists attacked us and did what no one thought anyone could do -- take down the World Trade Center. What the terrorists wanted to happen, didn't happen. America, the land of the free and home of the brave, didn't fall apart, we didn't disintegrate, we haven't failed.

But, with the memory of that day feeling like it was just yesterday, I feel it is too soon to go to the movies and watch the real terror the World Trade Center victims felt. Yeah, I like Nicolas Cage, but, even though I think the movie has a happy ending, I just can't go watch him in this film. The happy ending didn't happen for a lot of families and I don't think I want to see it on screen. I wonder if this is how people felt about Pearl Harbor?

I saw a survey result that stated that Pearl Harbor doesn't resoniate with people today, as 9/11 has. Not many of us stop on December 1 and think of those who died there. But, I'll bet 99% of us will stop on 9/11 and think about those who died in New York, Washington DC and on Flight 93.

God Bless

Every 11 seconds, a customer returns to AT&T...

only to have their information stolen by hackers.

I heard an ad on the radio this morning encouraging me to come back to AT&T for my phone and high speed Internet services. Well, I don't think so...

The savings, which isn't much since the offer on the radio didn't include Satellite, isn't worth having to worry about my data being on their computers...

Don't you agree?

God Bless

Gas Price Update...

I don't know if you noticed, but gas prices have dropped from a high of $3.19 down to $2.89.  The price of a barrel of gasoline is $69.20.  Don't feel bad for the oil companies, they are still making a profit of $0.43 per gallon, which is a profit margin of over 17%.

Just wanted to pass that on...

God Bless

They Left Him to Die...

Regular readers know that I do not advocate the death penalty. I am usually someone who wants the people to be placed in jail for life, but in the case of Liz and David Carroll, Jr, I'm willing to put aside my convictions.

Maybe, it's just because I'm PMSing. Maybe, it's just because Cheryl and I have spent thousands of dollars so we can have a child of our own. Maybe, it's because I'm a grandmother and I can't understand how anyone could be so heartless.

The Carroll's wrapped this little innocent boy in a blanket and tied his hands behind his back and left him to die in a closet. I can't imagine the pain and suffering this little guy had to go through before Jesus took him home, but just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes.

I want these people dead, dead, dead and more dead. I want them to be placed in a closet, wrapped in a blanket and tied up, all alone until the Devil calls them home. And, I want their mouths taped up, so the Good Lord above cannot hear their pleas for mercy.

I know I shouldn't, but I do. At least I know I'm not a perfect Christian.

God Bless

Another PayPal Scam...

I received the following email from a PayPal scammer.  I'm posting it here so that all of my readers can be aware of this new way to get your account information.  I have reported it to PayPal.

If you receive an email like this, please, please, please DO NOT click anywhere on it.  Forward the email directly to spoof@paypal.com.  They will do their best to get the scammer site shutdown.

Julie

---

From: "PayPal" <support@paypal.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 1:08 AM
To:
Subject: Please review your information!

Dear valued PayPal® member, We recently reviewed your account, and suspect that your PayPal account may have been accessed by an unauthorized third part. Protecting the security of your account and of the PayPal network is our primary concern. Therefore, as prevention measure, we have temporarely limited access to sensitive PayPal account features.We encourage customers to get their information up-to-date and change password often. PayPal has assigned you an unique tracking number. Unique tracking number : 8233105134 Please review your information after loging in. Use only your assigned unique URL. Click this button to access your unique URL (! please read below for security tips) and gain full access: ( or click here ) For more information about how to protect your account, please visit PayPal's Security Center. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and appreciate your assistance in helping us maintain the integrity of the entire PayPal system. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
PayPal has assigned you an unique tracking number. URL in your browser's address bar should begin with " http:// " following your tracking number.
Unique tracking number : 8233105134
Copyright © 2006 PayPal Inc. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners.

I want...

I want...
    to always remember the first time I held each of my grandsons.
I want...
    my grandsons to grow up and make the world a better place.
I want...
    to spend the rest of my days loving my wife.
I want...
    to remember that the second greatest commandment is to Love Thy Neighbor.
I want...
    to live my life remembering to Love my Neighbor.
I want...
    to be the good person my dog thinks I am.
I want...
    to learn something new every day.
I want...
    to just for one day, live in a world that is at peace.
I want...
    to remember to thank God for every day I'm given.
I want...
    to live long enough to see my grandchildren's grandchildren.
I want...
    to be a good mom.
I want...
    to be the greatest Nana ever.
I want...
    to be the change I want to see in the world.
I want...
    to leave the world in better shape than how I found it.
I want...
    to pay $1.50 for a gallon of gas again.
I want...
    to marry Cheryl again in a legal ceremony and not just the religious one we had.
I want...
    all the people of the world to realize that we're all in this together and if we keep fighting, we will end up killing ourselves.

***

I've learned...
    that life is like a roll of toilet paper.  The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned...
    that we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned...
    that money doesn't buy class.

I've learned...
    that it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.


I've learned...
    that under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned...
    that the Lord didn't do it all in one day.  So, what makes me think I can?

I've learned...
    that to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned...
    that the less time I have to work, the more things I get done.

Katherine Harris Religious Nut

Have any of these people who claim that the founding fathers intended this to be a Christian nation actually read a history book? Oh, wait, they'd probably claim that the history books have liberal bias!

Katherine Harris stated on Saturday, "If you're not electing Christians, then in essence you are going to legislate sin."

Wonder how many Jewish law makers take offense to that?

I know I take offense.

If these Bible Thumpers would read their Bibles instead of thumping them, they might learn something.

If these Constitution Thumpers would read the Constitution instead of thumping it, they might learn some more.

Hey, if there isn't a separation of Church and State in this country, then why aren't Churches paying property taxes?

When they start paying their fair share of taxes in this nation, I'll start singing the praises of all these so-called Christian legislatures.

BTW, if she really is a "Christian", why isn't she at home taking care of her husband and subjecting herself to him like St. Paul taught? And, if she really read the Constitution, she might come to the realization that our founding fathers never intended for women to hold position of leadership in our nation.

God Bless

Ann Coulter -- Still Stupid After All This Time...

When asked what about Osama Bin Laden, (click above link to see the discussion)Ann Coulter responded, "As for catching Osama um it's, it's a irrelevant. Things are going swimmingly in Afghanistan. He's like a fading movie star in Afghanistan now."

The man who masterminded 9/11 -- the person who was behind it all -- the one who is still out there sending videos and messages -- this guy is "irrelevant"?

Wow!

Don't you think that the blond bitch would be all over a Democratic administration if they couldn't come up with the world's most hunted man?

Mission is NOT accomplished. We are recalling inactive Marines -- 2500 -- to serve their country some more and now NOBODY wants to find Bin Laden?

Least of all the woman who make Hitler look like a good guy, Ann Coulter.

God Bless.

Jail time for Osment, but Gibson gets probation?

Hailey Joel Osment, the young kid from "Sixth Sense", was busted for drinking and driving. Yeah, I know he's underage and I realize that he did get into an accident, but still, as far as I know, this is his first offense, so why is he not getting probation?

Mel Gibson told off a cop -- something I find totally appalling -- and he gets a lousy three years of probation. Plus, look at the age difference. Isn't it worse when a guy Gibson's age (ie, someone old enough to know better) does something stupid -- drinking and driving -- then when an 18 year old does it?

Now, I'm not a person who believes in leniency for drunk drivers by any means. I just can believe the disparity between Gibson's sentence and Osment's.

God Bless

#2 guy at McDonald's leaves...

Think he was just trying to avoid a heart attack?

BTW, I love the new chicken wraps.

God Bless

Da Boys Again...

Yeah, I know the whole world is going to hell in a handbasket. I'm working on finals this week, so I'm going to be a little lax in updating with the well-thoughout and researched articles to which you have grown accoustomed.

But, since the boys came to visit this weekend, I thought I'd post some pictures of them. I love it when they're here. There is nothing better than seeing their faces in the morning. Even though Alex has been quite the crappy guy in the morning. He begins the day with loud screaming. Danny, however; sits in the playpen and talks to himself. When he gets bored, he begins saying, "Hey, hey, hey" in order to get Alex's attention.

But, I love them and they love me.

And, that's what makes life worthwhile.

God Bless

These pictures are from Cheryl's company picnic we attended on Saturday.

I've posted video from the day on the Babie Video page.

Kill all the conservatives...

I read an article over at The Other Side Of My Mouth and it got my mind racing, so I'm going to make a statement and see just how many complaints I get.

I'm going to paraphrase Vicki McKenna and say:

I urge you, my gentle readers to challenge the right-ended world view of the mainstream media until we kill them. Kill them until they are deader than dead.

What do you think?

God Bless

Don't call me anti-business...

I am really and truly sick and tired of being called anti-business because I lean a little to the left. Why can't a company be expected to pay decent wages to its employees? Why should a company be allowed to not offer affordable -- and, good-- health insurance which leaves the states to pick up the slack.

Back in the days when I was downsized a couple of times in a row, I had been looking into getting healthcare from one of the temporary companies for whom I worked. They wanted nearly $200 a month, but I would have a $500 deductible and half of the medications I was on at the time were not covered. Nor, were some doctor visits. But, yet, the company did "provide" health insurance -- just not good health insurance.

So, why shouldn't Democrats have a problem with Wal-Mart? The company is owned by the riches families in American, yet pays some of the lowest wages. And, it isn't jus Wal-Mart. Numerous companies post high profits, yet low pay raises for their employees. Someone's getting rich while the middle class just gets dumped on and taxed to death. The Republicans have had since 1994 to come up with a better plan. They added the White House to the mix in 2001 and yet, the middle class is shrinking and the upper 1% is just getting richer.

Exactly how can they think their way is the RIGHT way, when the nation is not headed in the right direction?

God Bless

And, now a judge who should be unbenched...

Judge Gary McKinley stated the following, I shouldn't be doing this, but I'm going to. I see positive things about participating in football." Then, he decided that two high school students would be allowed to serve their sixty day sentences AFTER football season is over.

Here's what these two morons did (as reported on CNN):

The "teens stole the decoy from a man's home, created a base to help it stand upright because it had only two legs, and then drove up and down the road, watching as drivers swerved to avoid it, prosecutor Brad Bailey said. He said Howard did not stop the prank."

And, what happened?

Robert Roby Jr. swerved to avoid hitting the deer and crashed his car into a pole. He "broke his neck, collarbone, arm and leg. His passenger, Dustin Zachariah, suffered brain damage."

These two kids cause injuries to two people -- serious, life threatening and life changing injuries -- and they get to go home and play football?

Judge McKinley, you should be found in contempt of court for a stupid, slap on the wrist sentence like that. These boys should not have been tied as minors, but as adults. If Mr. Roby and Mr. Zachariah had died from their injuries, would Campbell and Howard been allowed to play basketball, too?

God Bless

Judge Anna Diggs Taylor is my hero

Finally, a judge has enough guts to say and do what should've been said and done a long time ago. Spying on US Citizens without a warrant is illegal and must be stopped. Judge Anna Diggs Taylor is the only judge who decided to actually read the constitution!

God Bless

Misleading Ads

On my way into work this morning, I heard an ad that claimed that John Lehman is the reason that Honda built a plant in Alabama instead of where it belonged -- Wisconsin.  I didn't hear who sponsored it.  So, I decided to research this issue to find out if this is true and what do I find on the Internet?  Two more radio ads (in pdf. format) saying the same thing, only this time the Honda plant was built in Indiana.

Excuse me, but how can you blame John Lehman for single handedly ruining the chances of two different plants, both for the same company?

Sounds to me like someone is trying to mislead the public because Representative Lehman is running for State Senator.

Further, the little "fact checking" at the bottom of the ads claims that the statement "In fact, he’s making things worse." (he being John) is backed up by 28.6% Cumulative WMC Voting Record, 1997-Present.  No where in that "fact" does it list how things were made worse.

There are other so called facts at the bottom that list bills Representative Lehman voted against.  I'll research the full text of them and post it here.

In this upcoming election, since the Republicans have passed NOTHING that will help the state of Wisconsin, I think they're skating on thin ice.

I would, also, like to point out that Lehman's opponent, McReynolds, voted for a 19 million dollar jail in Racine.  I'm sure that's done a lot for Racine.

God Bless

Are they all bigots?

It seems more and more you can find an article showing the true colors of the right wing. They really do look at people of color and see a human being that is less than they are.

Here's proof of another one:

Republican Senator George Allen made the following remark at a campaign rally - singling out a man of Indian descent: "Let's give a welcome to Macaca here. Welcome to America and the real world of Virginia."

That's rich, S.R. Sidarth "was born and raised in Fairfax County."

God Bless

Memories...

When I was 2 1/2, my Grandpa Totsch decided that it was time I learned how to climb a chainlink fence. According to my father (as I have no memory of this), Grandpa showed me how to put my foot into the fence and pull myself up. This very much upset my mother, as once I learned to climb, there wasn't a fenced in yard that could hold me.

It was in that tradition that when Alex showed an interest in climbing the fence at the pool, I totally -- most likely without his mother's approval -- encouraged him.

I've posted a video on the Baby's video page.

Anti-Ann T-shirt...

I was wearing this t-shirt this past weekend and someone asked me where he could get one, so this post is for him...

Again with Da Boys!

Here's Danny and me riding the helicopter ride.

The water was cold and Danny wasn't happy about that.

Cheryl and Alex on the helicopter ride.

More Pictures of the boys...

Today we went to a place called Bay Beach. It has rides for kids and a nice wading pool. Here are some of today's pictures...Also, I've posted videos.

This is the boys and me this am.

This is Danny, just awaiting to go!

Alex and Danny Playing nice!

Are we going, Nana, or what?

Merry Go Round...

Keep watching this space - I've got more pictures coming! Also, Check out the videos page, I've posted quite a few!

Back from the Zoo

We had a great time at the zoo with the boys. We saw lions and giraffes and otters. I'll post a video montage of our day later.

Here are some pictures of us at the Zoo.

Danny had a pooping accident that was so bad that it took both Mommy and Grandma to clean up. So, that left Nana and Alex on there own.

What to do, what to do?

Hey, that carousel looks like fun...

Da Boys...

I'm up here with Da Boys. They stayed up late last night so I could see them before bedtime. Now, they're eating breakfast and Grandma is watching over them, while I duck in here and post the new pictures. (Note to Dad: Look what Danny's wearing!)

Enjoy the pictures! Videos to follow! Oh, and last night, I was carrying Danny and Alex held my hand and walked from the kitchen to the living room, like a big boy.

God Bless

Another Interesting development...

Seems that an anti-Gore Internet video on YouTube wasn't designed, according to the Wall Street Journal article by a 29 year old living in Beverly Hills. The IP address came "from a computer registered to DCI Group, a Washington, D.C., public relations and lobbying firm whose clients include oil company Exxon Mobil Corp."

Well, well, well... A little bashing of an environmentalist? Very interesting...

Exxon claims they had nothing to do with the video -- Big surprise there! Wish I had seen that coming!

Difference between Liberals and these new Neo-Conservatives (who just think they are, but they aren't), stuff like this.

Paramont -- the distributor of Mr. Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" -- created a YouTube video, but they had the decency to put their name on it.

God Bless!

Thomas Coughlin has to stay home for 27 months....

Don't know about you, but I know for a fact if I stole $500,000.00 from my company, I wouldn't be so lucky to get house arrest! I can't believe this is what he gets because of "fragile health"? Please, if I was dying of cancer, the judge would put my butt in jail. Some sentence.

Hey, anyone know if there's any truth to the union busting he's claiming? I know Wal-Mart, like a certain ex-owner of a Kenosha trucking company, hates unions.

Funny, tho'. I just heard that Wal-Mart in China is unionized. They didn't have a choice or something. Don't know if that's true or not, but it makes it interesting.

God Bless!

Arrests Bolster G.O.P. Bid To Claim Security as Issue - New York Times

What a load of crap!!! (Make sure you read the whole article)

According to the article, "U.S. government officials say there were two phone calls made from London to the United States recently by suspects. Those calls were tracked down and investigated, but there is no evidence of any involvement of people in the United States in the alleged plot."

What does that mean?

It means that our safeguards aren't working. It means that the Republican controlled government STILL cannot protect our citizens.

It means they investigated phone calls and still didn't uncover this plot. It means we should be grateful to the Muslim community in Britain. Because we didn't stop this, they did.

It means that for all their big talk about being tough on security and their smokescreens, the REPUBLICANS are throwing money down a hole and we're not any safer than we were when we bombed (without support from anyone but Tony Blair) Iraq.

It means that we have spent billions upon billions and Al Queda is still coming up with ways to blow our planes out of the sky.

Isn't that a scary thought?

Aren't you glad that George W. Bush and his Washington Republican friends have our backs?

Doesn't it make you sleep better at night?

It shouldn't.

God Bless

Traveling...

Cheryl and I will be going to Door County after Labor Day, as per our usual vacation plans. A co-worker of Cheryl's gave us a card to get a special friends and family rate at a hotel. Well, the special $49.00 per night rate wasn't available at all for the week we want to stay.

Okay, fine.

Next, I went to priceline.com, Travelocity and hotels.com to check out their special rates. Well, they were all in the 95 - 105 range. There is no way I'm paying that much money for a hotel room when I know the place will be more than half empty because basically no one is visiting Door County the week after Labor Day. And, I mean nobody! That's why we go there. Lots of room, rarely have to stand in line and the hotel swimming pool all to myself. Plus, the weather is still nice.

Now, later in the month, when the leaves start changing, well, then there are a lot of people there and the hotels can charge more. But, don't even try to convince me that you would rather have the room empty than allow me to pay a lower rate.

Anyway, I called the Comfort Inn, where we stayed last year. The hotel has wireless access, friendly service, clean and an indoor pool -- everything I need for a vacation. Plus, there are fridges & microwaves in the rooms. Well, I didn't get the $49.00 rate, but I did get a fairly good rate.

So, it just pays to call the hotel direct rather than rely on a website.

God Bless

Blogs You should Check Out...

Well, I'm always surfing and checking things out, so I thought I'd pass on a few interesting blogs and sites I have found:

http://crosscountrybiketour2006.blogspot.com/ -- These two guys are going to ride their bikes cross-country to raise money. Man, I wish I had the courage to do something like that.

http://lifehacker.com/ -- When you need to know something about something, this is the place to check first. I received an invitation to join, but I screwed it up and it got lost somehow. I've got to make this a priority to get another one.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page -- A free encyclopedia. I've used it for research and it is the bombdiggity!

http://icantandiwont.blogspot.com/ -- total star gossip. Thought it was cool.

God Bless

TIME.com: The Unmaking of a Senator: How Bloggers Pulled It Off -- Page 1

I've got to make this fast, as I'm going to pick my cousin up for dinner and Blogger's about to do maintenance, but according to this Time article (click link above) "Mary Matalin, an outside adviser to the White House, signaled the message when she said on Fox News Channel shortly after the polls closed: "MoveOn is not fringe. They're the heart of the party.""

Now, I don't always agree with MoveOn, but if you read the whole article, it's almost saying that Republicans think Democrat bloggers are the far left. So, does that make Republican bloggers the far right? I don't assume that every Republican blogger cannot find the left side of the room. I don't think it's fair that they label Democrat bloggers the same way.

I think that the higher ups in the Republican party are losing touch with those of us here on the ground. I'm sure that their blogging supporters would agree.

Maybe, the Republicans could use a little youth blood in their party to get them with the times?

God Bless!

I'm not homophobic! I'm not homophobic!

Theresa R. Deschenes is being sued by a civil rights advocate's office in Rhode Island for verbally harassing and threatening her gay neighbor. According to the article in the NY Blade, Deschenes threatened to kill Kenneth Potts "if you do anything to my daughter."

A similar article on 247 Gay supports this, but has an added paragraph that states, "The Providence Journal reports that during the injunction hearing Potts, 48, testified how his relationship with Deschenes got off poorly in March as he was preparing to move into the apartment house. Soon after telling Deschenes that he was gay and ill, Potts said he received a phone call from Deschenes after she had left her young daughter alone in the apartment upstairs."

Now, we all know that I am all for people being able to say what they want, when they want. If you want to let me know that you disapprove of me because of my religion, sexual orientation or fatness, go right ahead, BUT you have no right to make me uncomfortable in my own home or threaten my life. That falls under the category of harassment and it is wrong. You wouldn't want me to come to your house and announce to your neighbors that you're a jerk, so don't come to mine and do the same thing.

That said, what really caught my eye for this whole thing is that Deschenes claims that despite the anti-gay slurs she used, she isn't homophobic. Really? Your first thought when dealing with a gay neighbor is to make anti-gay comments and you're NOT homophobic? Girl, you're living in a dream world. You're homophobic. Trust me I know.

On a good note, Deschenes apologized for her comments. So, Potts should forgive her, as a good Christian should. Let the healing begin.

God Bless

Bengal Fans Can Report Issues in Stands

On one hand, I applaud the Cincinnati Bengals for creating a hotline number to be able to report bad behavior in the stands -- 513-381-JERK. On the other hand, I just think how sad this is that they feel the need to do so.

I have been to just two professional football games in my life -- both at Soldier Field and both during the 1980's. (Remember, when the Bears had lots of winning seasons). Anyway, I was 11 at the first game and we had tickets really close to the 50 yard line. I remember how nice the people were because I had my arm in a sling. People moved out of our way, so not to jostle me. No one got so drunk that they couldn't control themselves. No one swore so bad that my father had to worry about us kids hearing.

But, the times they are a-changin' and I wonder if it isn't for the worst and not the better.

Why do you have to get so drunk at a football game that you can't control yourself? Why can't you have a couple of beers and have a good time without getting into a fight?

What happened to just common decency?

Where are we going and why are we in this handbasket?

God Bless

Old Post --What happened to Helping those Less fortunate?

I found the below post in my drafts and I had thought I had posted it, but I was wrong, wasn't I? Anyway, I'm posting it now. Happy Reading!

I keep hearing about how we are a Christian nation. That's why we're bombing Muslims back into the stone age in Iraq and that's why the Federal and State governments are voting to "protect" marriage from those anti-Christian, evil gay people.

But, when the President's 2007 Budget leaves out the funding for Health Services in schools, I wonder just where the Hell Christianity is now.

There are plenty of pro-life supporters who supported Bush's veto of the stem cell vote. Plenty of pro-lifers who applaud the stopping of abortions in this nation, all in the name of Christianity.

But where are these so-called pro-lifers now?

Why aren't they working to protect the children that are here? I hope to God that I will never have to receive money from the government to help me raise my child. I hope that I never have to make the decision between a doctor's visit and food on the table. I thank God that even in these hard economic times that I am able to keep a roof over our heads, food in our bellys and clothes on our backs.

That's why I support the government when it takes my tax dollars and spreads them around to help those who aren't as fortunate as I am. Sure, there are a few people on the government dole who just don't want to work. But, I know people who took money from the government to get them past some hardtimes -- you know who you are -- and are now on their feet and making some headway.

So, why is our "Christian" President pulling Health Services out of the 2007 budget? Why are we leaving these children, who didn't ask to be born and didn't necessarily want to be here, behind? If we can help them grow into adults, we can't help them grow into productive members of society.

HR 5834 is a bi-partisan bill that will protect the funding for Health Care Services for those in need and yet, it isn't going to get the assistance it needs to pass.

God Bless

More on Gas...

Finally, I found the refining costs per barrel of oil -- $4.33 (2004 figure), so I've taken it and added in the 3.7% inflation to make the refining costs $4.49 per barrel. So, now let's have an honest discussion about how much the oil companies are truly making on a gallon of gas.

A barrel of oil is $76.30, cost of refining $4.49, which makes the grand total $80.79. A barrel is refined down to 42 gallons of material. 55% of this is the gas that runs our vehicles, so the oil company gets 23 gallons of gas for each barrel of oil.

It costs the oil company a total of $1.92 a gallon. According to an article on CNN, 3% of the price of gas is the transportation costs, so that is $0.96 a gallon. Federal Taxes are $.184 per gallon. Wisconsin State Taxes are a whooping $0.309. So, let's add that all together:

Final -- before profit for the gas station and the oil company: $2.52 a gallon. But, I'm paying (and I paid this am) $3.19 per gallon. AND, the barrel price I used was from today and that gas won't be in my tank for three months. So, I read that gas stations make between 4 and 7% per gallon, so let's split the difference and say that the gas station is making 5.5% on a gallon of gas. Now that brings our total to: $2.65, so that means the oil company makes $0.54 on every single gallon they sell. That's a profit of 20.36%

Now, I'm mad!

Let's do a little more figuring. Let's see how much the oil company made per gallon in this same week in 2005 (I don't have my gas prices for 2004 or 2003 with me at the moment).

A Barrel of Oil Cost $55.05 this week in 2005. I'll use the same $4.49 for refining. Total per Barrel: $59.54. The price per gallon comes to just $1.42 -- exactly $0.50 less than today. The transportation costs are $0.07, Fed Taxes are still 0.184 and WI tax is 0.309 (although I this it was really 2 cents cheaper, but since I am not sure, I'm going with this year's tax). Grand Total: $1.99, but again no profit for gas station or oil company, so add in $0.11 for the 5.5% gas station profit and the price per gallon is $2.09. The cost of a gallon of gas this week in 2005 was $2.39 (in case you're wondering, I was bitching then, too). That's a profit of $0.30 per gallon or 12.37%.

What does this mean?

It means that the oil companies have raised their profit margins from 12.37% to 20.36%. That would be great if we, the consumers, had any control over the situation. We don't set the price for the barrel, nor the tax. Nor, really, the amount we consume. I have to get to work. I don't have a choice in putting 500 miles on my car each week. I've looked into bus schedules, but the Racine and Milwaukee bus lines suck, so here I am, paying an outrageous price for gas.

If the oil companies profit margins had gone up a little, say to 15%, I wouldn't think we were getting screwed, but I don't know many companies who can merely raise prices and raise their profits so quick. Mine can't, how about yours?

I have a question I just thought about -- why is it that if I buy toilet paper in bulk, I get a discount, but no one is offering a discount if you purchase a lot of gas?

God Bless

Dog Politics: Frozen Food Giant Gives Therapy Dog Cold Shoulder

Dog Politics: Frozen Food Giant Gives Therapy Dog Cold Shoulder

I could say a lot about this story found on the Dog Politics site, but I couldn't say it better than it was all ready written. So, please take the time -- especially if you're from Canada -- to read about this special dog and her family.

God Bless

Marilyn Monroe...Reincarnated?

It's not that I don't believe in reincarnation. It's not that I don't believe that all of us have been here before, but come on...

Sherrie Lea Laird is a singer in a Canadian rock band AND she's the reincarnation of Marilyn Monroe?

Really?

If Sherrie Lea Laird is Marilyn Monroe, then I'm Mary Todd Lincoln and Patsy Cline rolled into one -- don't believe me? Well, I'm a little crazy as well as a little wide in the backside (like Mrs. Lincoln) and I sing a little (like Patsy, well, not really like Patsy, but good, well, maybe not that good).

So, why couldn't I be both of them?

God Bless

Headlines

Bush'’s Embrace of Israel Shock?
According to a NY Times article from today, when President Bush told Ariel Sharon (in 2001, "six months before the Sept. 11") that he would use force to protect Israel it was a shock.

Huh?

I wouldn't expect President Bush to do anything less than protect Israel at any cost. After all, Sharon removed his people from the Gaza strip, so what's anyone's beef? And, why can't the surrounding Arab countries just leave Israel alone?

Personally, if they don't -- I'm sure there aren't just going to feel the wrath of the US (not that we right now have the military strength to help Israel), but since the Jews are God's chosen people, they'll feel His wrath as well. I'd be more scared of God than Bush, but hat's just me.

More Trouble for Gibson

Mel Gibson is still apologizing for the anti-Semite statements he made. First, I totally disagree with him, but second, as I Christian, I have to forgive him. So, could we discuss something else for a while?

Does this mean Elvis Won't be my Teddy Bear?

According to CNN, Barney -- a six year old Doberman pinscher -- went on a rampage and destroyed numerous Teddy Bears, including one named Mabel that once belonged to Elvis.

Don't they feed that dog?

Elton John is giving fashion advice?
Okay, I give. This one's a joke, right? Mr. John teaching someone else how to dress?
Plus, what's wrong with tatoos? I have two. One's even a Teddy Bear.

Until next time --

God Bless

Quakes hit Cleveland...

Read the article here.

I wonder, is this God's way of getting back at Ohio for voting for Bush?

Just a thought.

God Bless.

Are you kidding me?

According to CNN, the deputy that pulled over and arrested Mel Gibson said, "That stuff is booze talking," the deputy [who is Jewish] said. "There's two things that booze does. It amplifies your basic personality. If you are a laid-back kind of person, just an easygoing kind of person, booze is going to amplify that and you'll be just sitting around going how it's a wonderful day.

"But, if you are a high-strung person, it's going to amplify that, and all the bad things are going to come out."

It has always been my understanding that whatever you said while drunk is EXACTLY how you feel. So, if you shout racial epithets, gay slurs or anti-Semite crap, you're a racist, homophobe or anti-Semite.

PERIOD. End of story.

You don't get drunk and suddenly bring despicable words to your lips.

God Bless

Treasury Secretary lays a bomb!

According to the NY Times, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said, "Amid this country's strong economic expansion, many Americans simply aren't feeling the benefits. Many aren't seeing significant increases in their take-home pay. Their increases in wages are being eaten up by high energy prices and rising health care costs, among others."

Well, DUH! I am so glad that we have this man in charge of the Treasury so he could point out things we all ready know!

For once, I'm truly speechless!

God Bless

Richard Taylor

Last Friday, according to an email I received from Center Advocates, Richard Taylor passed away at the age of 81. I never met Mr. Taylor, but I'm sure I would've liked him. He sounds like he was my kind of guy.

Last December, Mr. Taylor and his husband,Ray Vahey, testified for the rest of us by coming out of their nearly 50 year closet to tell their story of love. They have been together since 1956. With the divorce rate at 50% and the added stress of being closeted, I can't imagine how to make a marriage last 50 years. It is quite a shame that Mr. Taylor and Mr. Vahey never got to stand up as a legally married couple in this state -- or any other. We have a real problem in this country when we don't allow loving couples to "marry".

According to the email I received, "Richard was indomitable and free-spirited, walking his Lower East Side neighborhood in his trademark britches, argyle knee socks and stylish hat fit for the season. He survived the Depression, naval battles in the South Pacific in World War II, and decades of blatant homophobia with Ray’s companionship and his trademark saying “think nothing of it;” but I’ll always remember him for his advice to younger activists: “Agitate, agitate, agitate!”"

Godspeed, Mr. Taylor, I'll keep you and Mr. Vahey in my prayers.

The rest of us should hang our heads in shame for keeping up this sham that we are a "Christian" nation when we deny rights to anyone else.

God Bless

Bad Day...

Yesterday, Cheryl and I had to take our little cat, Babie Kitty, to the vet and wait while her life drained out of her. She had become sick, the vet suspects cancer, in the last couple of weeks . She wasn't in her normal hangouts and she had started acting different. It broke our hearts to put her down. We've been expecting to lose Mr. Mann, who is diabetic and has been in poor health over the years, but we never thought we'd lose our Babie Kitty.

Babie Kitty, along with Mr. Mann, was given to me by a friend who could no longer take care of them. He needed to move and couldn't keep the cats, so at three years of age, Mr. Mann and Babie Kitty entered my life.

From the beginning, Babie Kitty established herself as the top cat. She ruled our roost. She would great me at the door and once she accepted Skywalker -- four years ago -- it became okay for Mr. Mann to accept him, too. She entertained us with her antics and her little ways of doing things. She liked to sit out in the sun, but she didn't like her paws to touch grass. She loved shrimp, but wouldn't eat it if we gave it to her. After we discovered her knack for stealing shrimp, we began placing a peeled shrimp on the table just for her. She would stick her head up and check the the coast was clear. Then, after hiding back down below the table, we would see this little paw come up and bat at the shrimp until it was knocked to the ground, where she would gobble it up.

I've always had cats, but to Cheryl being owned by a cat was a new experience. Babie Kitty taught Cheryl about being a cat lover. She brought a joy to our lives that will be so missed that I'm crying just thinking about it.

It should be noted that she hated car rides and did not like the vet. Even yesterday, when she couldn't lift her head and could no longer walk, she growled and hissed at Dr. Fulmer.

Godspeed, little gal. You will be missed more than you will ever know.



God Bless

American Idols and the President...

So, I was watching the View -- yesterday's edition -- and the guest host (filling in for the recently let go Star Jones) was American Idol contestant, Katharine McPhee. The subject came up that she and the other American Idol people are meeting President Bush.

Joy Behar stated, "Doesn't Bush have more to do? Isn't he busy with Hezbollah that he now has to deal with American Idol?"

To which that great brain, Elizabeth Hasselbeck responded, "He wants to keep a perspective on what's going on. It's huge. More people voted for American Idol probably than in the election."

When Joy said, "I can't believe you're defending him in this too," Elizabeth answered, "I'm just saying this is something that's big. Just as big."

Oh, that is so wrong on so many levels.

I'm just saying.

God Bless

Senate Removes Abortion Option for Young Girls - New York Times

Why? That's all I need to ask -- why? Why is the Senate wasting taxpayer money when the majority of abortions occur to 40 + year old women? How many underage abortions do they really think they are preventing?

Now, all of you know that I am pro-life and anti-abortion, BUT what is this going to do to that underage girl who's parents are going to absolutely flip if they find out she's pregnant? Answer me that. If she is so fearful of her parents that she doesn't discuss her pregnancy with them, what makes you think she's going to come clean about the abortion? What makes you think that she will give birth to a happy and healthy baby and all will end well? This isn't an after school special -- this is real life -- and either she'll kill the kid after she gives birth or it'll grow up knowing that it wasn't really wanted. Not many kids give their babies up for adoption.

So, thanks US Senate for wasting your time on a doesn't do much bill and, if you're pregnant with no where to turn and don't want the baby -- don't abort. Drop it off at my house. I'll raise it as my own.

God Bless

Richard Hatch -- Sent to Prison...

According to a CNN article, Richard Hatch has been sent to the Federal Transfer Center in OK. Do we really care?

I mean, who is this guy? Yeah, yeah, he won the first survivor, but that doesn't make him a public figure, does it? So, what, he won a game show -- a tough show I'm not sure I could win, but still it is just a game show. Why are we making these nobodies our new heroes. At least with actors they have a craft and with the kids from American Idol, they have a talent we can for which we can admire them, but Survivor casts? I don't get it.

Why did the View hire Elizabeth Hasselbeck? Because of Survivor. Does that really qualify her to co-host a talk show? I don't think so, but then, maybe I would feel differently if I watched Survivor.

What do you think?

God Bless

Dennis Troha -- Bad Mob Impressionist?

Man, I can't stand Dennis "I'm asshole" Troha! He arranged a Feb. 2nd fund raiser for Governor Doyle and even though he is supporting a candidate I support, I still can't stand the man. He states, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "absolutely no assurances, no threats' to persuade the contractors to make large donations."

Yeah, like I believe that. Isn't this the man who said that you need to know how to swing the bat to do business in Kenosha? Who the hell does this guy think he is Tony Soprano? I swear, this guy is the guy who gives Italians a bad name!

Also according to the JS article, Troha said: "Anybody who is a friend of the project, a friend of the governor's, is a friend of mine." Really? Now, he sounds like Pacino in Scarface.

I've seen a lot of money poured into Milwaukee and Wisconsin from the Potawatomi tribe and I think casinos are good for the economy to a point, but I have plenty of objections.

First, I'm not backing anything that still has Dennis Troha's name attached to it. He was a lousy owner and employer when he owned ATC Leasing/Dallas and Mavis and I'm sure he will still suck big time at a casino. The man is a union buster and rarely gave decent raises to his employees while he lives high on the hog. And, hired his family members to help siphon off the profits into the family's hands.

Second, a "Connecticut-based Mohegan tribe is partners with the Menominee tribe of Wisconsin" and I don't believe for one minute that a Connecticut tribe is going to give a rat's ass about the people of Wisconsin. They only want to make money.

Finally, I'm really sick of Kenosha anyway. They don't have to pay for the stupid baseball stadium that those of us in Racine have to pay for. If there is going to be a casino in the Racine/Kenosha area, it should be ours, not theirs. I could care less if their dog track folds. Too many jerks from Illinois have moved into Kenosha and ruined it for the rest of us.

Well, that's all I got to say about that.

God Bless.

Electric Cars...

Did you know that there are -- or rather were -- electric cars out there that can travel between 100 and 120 miles without recharging and drive faster than 80 mph?

I didn't until I started seeing information on a movie that should be out soon called "Who Killed My Electric Car?"

Doesn't that just get your panties in a bunch while you pay $3.17 a gallon for gas that you might have been able to purchase an electric car that would cost you many dollars less to run?

It starts mine bunching up. How hard would it be to eventually switch us all from our dependency on oil? If the car companies would just build the cars, we would all move over sooner or later.

For the sake of the world and our country, it should be sooner than later.

God Bless

Hold on to your hats...

You're not going to believe this, but I actually agree with President Bush. He said (in reference to swearing in foreign born American soldiers, who were wounded in Iraq), "We are stronger and more dynamic when we welcome new citizens like these. As the nation debates the future of our immigration policies, we must remember the contribution of these good men."

He's right.

As a kid, I spent a lot of time in the Great Lakes Naval Hospital. Whether it was the flu, broken finger, broken collar bone or stitches that I needed, there was usually a Navy Corpman or Corpwoman who was not from around here attending to me. I met people from the Philippines, as well as other nations, who were serving our country in the Navy and serving it well.

With all this talk about immigration and I hear a lot about how they should just go home, our country couldn't and wouldn't be here today without the immigrants.

As the song says, "Anytime that flags unfurled, they're coming to America."

And we should keep them coming.

God Bless

PS. I'm taking this quote (as the rest came) from the NY Times story. Thought it was cute and wanted to make sure my readers saw it.

"

As in the past, Mr. Bush said in his remarks Monday that the United States “can be a lawful society and a welcoming society at the same time.’’ He said this was “a joyful day’’ for himself and for the three soldiers: Specialist Noe Santos-Dilone, 21, originally from the Dominican Republic and now of Brooklyn, and two natives of Mexico, Specialist Sergio Lopez, 24, of Bolingbrook, Ill., and Pfc. Eduardo Leal-Cardenas, 21, of Los Angeles.

All were seriously wounded — two lost limbs — by homemade bombs in Iraq. Mr. Bush said he had met one of them, Specialist Santos-Dilone, at the National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast in Washington this year.

“He grabbed my hand, and he said, ‘I’m not a citizen of the United States, and I want to be,’ ” the president recalled, adding, “Now here’s a man who knows how to take it directly to the top.’’"

New T-Shirts...

I gotta make money someone, so I am shamelessly promoting my own t-shirts...

First, there is:

FRONT:

BACK:

Which can be found at my CafePress site.

Next, there is:

Which, also, can be found at my CafePress site.

I have one last dig on Ann Coulter that I just couldn't resist:

which, is at my CafePress site.
Finally, I have more designs being offered, see the Zazzle Store or click the links above!

Thanks for helping support my site!

God Bless!

Republican Rep. Steve Nass thinks he speaks for taxpayers

Let me preface this by saying that I don't agree with Kevin Barrett. I don't think our govement leaders conspired to cause 9/11.

But, I think our government made a lot of mistakes. I think our government knew more about the attacks then they say they did. And, I think the House of Representatives did us wrong on November 14, 2002, when they voted down an independent commission to investigate the 9/11 attacks.

Also, I believe that Barrett has the right to belief what he believes and say what he wants to say, just as I do.

I, also, do not believe he should lose his job because of his beliefs anymore than I believe I should lose my job for my beliefs.

But, without really getting into the whole debate, because I would need to hear both sides of the issue, I do take offense -- but I support his right to say it -- to Republican Representative Steve Nass when he stated:

"When 61 legislators condemn a decision by U.W.-Madison and demand the dismissal of Kevin Barrett, the leadership of the U.W. System operates at its own peril if it continues to ignore views of the taxpayers."

First, just what in the world does he mean, "operates at its own peril?" Is he threatening the school? Will our Republican controlled Legistlature take away funding and harm thousands of students enrolled at UW-Madison because of one teacher -- and a PART TIME teacher at that? Is that what he's saying?

Second, since when does the legistlature get to say who becomes an instructor and who doesn't?

Finally, ummm, which taxpayers' views are being ignored? Because I noticed that the REPUBLICANS in the Wisconsin State Legistlature seemed to IGNORE this TAXPAYER'S VIEWS quite a bit last year. They voted for the anti-gay amendment, they never got the insurance bill I wanted passed out of committee and the list can go on and on. So, who is Representative Nass to say that when he and 60 other Representatives sign a paper condeming "a decision by U.W.-Madison" that he is speaking for the taxpayers in Wisconsin?

Because, he isn't speaking for me.

God Bless

The World has lost its Collective Mind...

With Israel at war, the US at war, gas prices rocketing and the economy beginning to sink, you would think I would have something better to write about than an artist from a New York Times article.

But, hey, it's Friday and I don't.

The artist, Donny Johnson, is serving three -- that's 3 -- life sentences. He and "two friends had stabbed an acquaintance to death after a party in San Jose, in a dispute over the sale of cigarettes laced with PCP." Later, while in prison, Johnson killed a guard.

Now, he paints using the dye from M&Ms and his work, which can be seen on the NY Times Website is very colorful. It really isn't my kind of art.

At first, I was totally appalled that 500 people attended a man who is in prison for life art show.

I mean, the guy is a murderer for pete's sake! Why are we paying attention to him.

And, then, after viewing the slideshow and reading the whole story, I'm thinking, this might not be a bad thing. First, the guy didn't start doing these to end up in an art gallery. He did it to prevent himself from going mad while living in an 8-by-12-foot concrete cell and having no human contact. The fact that some people think enough of them to buy them, well, that's not my fault.

Second, since he is not allowed to profit while in prison, "he intends to donate the money to the Pelican Bay Prison Project, a nonprofit group that will use it to help the children of prisoners." I'm all for giving money to charity, as you know. Plus, if there is a way to prevent the children of prisoners from ending up like there locked up parents -- I'm all for that, too.

Finally, I think about Jesus and what He would teach. One, he teaches forgiveness and, while I don't believe it is up to me to forgive him, I think about how Jesus would forgive him. Two, Jesus said we should visit those in prison.

God Bless

First Major League Black Coach Denied Hall of Fame

I'm not much of a baseball fan. I rooted for the Yankees in my childhood and when I go to Miller Park, I cheer for the Brewers. But, what the hell is wrong with the morons who get to vote for Baseball's Hall of Fame?

John Jordan "Buck" O'Neil is Major League Baseball's first Black Coach -- The first, that means no one did that BEFORE HIM! So just what the hell is wrong with the National Baseball Hall of Fame special 12-member panel who have denied the 94 year old man a spot in the Hall?

What are they thinking?

Read the story here.

God Bless

President Bush Said a Bad Word...

Have we really fallen that far in this country to get our panties in an uproar because the President said a bad word? It was a headline floating on my taskbar, so you know I had to take a look.

I agree with the President that these people over there need to "stop doing this s___". I, also, agree with him that Israel has the right to defend itself. I wouldn't send "Condi", like he suggests, but that's just me.

It's really too bad that our military is stretched so thin because of the war in Iraq. We could send American military to Israel and show that we are standing behind our friend. That would make the Hezbollah sit up and take notice.

And, I disagree with Bush in his saying, "we're not blaming the Lebanese government." Sorry, they let this group in, they need to control it, so I do blame the Lebanese government.

God Bless

First Audio Log

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This is the first of what I hope will be many audio blogs. Please take the time to listen.

Dennis Troha -- Bad for Kenosha Bad for WI

Dennis Troha is a cheap son of a bitch. He, when full owner of ATC Leasing, rarely gave good raises to his employees. He tried to break the unions (see story here) and now that he has sold ATC Leasing, he is all about bringing a new casino -- one where he'll make a lot of money (BTW, this article makes Troha look like a friend of Doyles, but he's given a lot of money to Paul Ryan as well) -- to Kenosha.

Personally, I don't see the need for yet another casino in the state, least of all one that won't benefit Racine. Also, I don't see the need for any business that will benefit Dennis Troha and I encourage my fellow Wisconsinites to call the governor and Paul Ryan and say, "Hey, we don't want another casino."

I know a lot of good, upstanding citizens who work for ATC Leasing -- none of them make a decent living. We don't need casino workers to be in the same spot as the people who worked for Troha in the past.

BTW, this is Dennis Troha's idea of what you need to do business in Kenosha: "If you're coming into Kenosha, you have to know who would have the baseball bat - and I know how to use the baseball bat."

Do you want this man running a billion dollar industry?

I don't.

God Bless