Bought a cup of iced coffee on the way into work yesterday.
Spilled it on myself about 5 min. away from work - no time to change, no way to get clean clothes. Embarassing, to say the least.
So I went to the market at lunchtime to pick up a few things and found this little tiny bottle of "Oxi Clean Spray-A-Way Instant Stain Remover". You spray it on the stain, you blot it with a paper towel - and it disappears.
Even though the coffee had dried by the time I got back to the office to use it, I spent the afternoon stain-free!! Recommended by Sewmouses!!!
I called the AC repair guy yesterday, and he fixed the AC. Apparently there was a small freon leak that drained the whole darn system. I'm not 200% certain it's all really fixed, but it was working last night, so I'm happy for now. I can't believe how fast he went out to fix it - and didn't charge me so that part is good.
Clorox "Clean-Up" - it's probably just watered-down bleach, goddess knows it smells like it, but its fixed up a lot of problems for me, including a nasty mouldy "infection" on an embroidered swan picture on the bathroom wall. Another recommendation - just use it in sensible amounts. I'm not sure it's real environmentally friendly.
One of the "things I'd like to see" is an MP3-player finger flash-drive USB plug-in device in cars. Instead of toting around your CD collection, rip them all to MP3's, then copy to those cute little finger drives. Then put your car radio/tapeplayer/CDplayer/mp3thing on and plug in the USB finger drive and listen without skips or CD damage (or having the player eat a tape!!!) Considering the cost of those little drives, you could have a whole keychain full of them and swap in and out which ones you want to listen to. No more worries about having your CD's stolen at a truck stop on a road trip - just drop the whole ring of drives into your purse or trousers pocket! (I almost said pants, but this Scots gal was complaining that pants=undies and not trousers, so I'm trying to oblige...)
I'm pretty sure the technology wouldn't be that hard to create, since the whole USB thing has been around for a long while now. C'mon, Motorola!!! Gimme a car USB player! To hell with I-Phones!!
552 days
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Monday, July 16, 2007
I thought about...
I thought about you today at lunch time, because an ambulance was trying to get through the traffic snarl and hearing the WeeeOoooooWeeeOoooooWeeeeOooooBRAPPPP BRAAAPPPPWeeeeeeOoooooWeeeeeOooooooo made me think of you driving about Edinburgh going MeeMawMeeMaw. Amazing how you've become an articulate, compassionate, intelligent, responsible and absolutely brilliant professional adult, when I first met you as an awkward, shy, sweet teen boy. *hugs*
I thought about you today, driving myself to work this morning and seeing a huge 1/2 wooden barrel full of lovely nasturtiums. Mine still haven't done well - perhaps too much shade back there.
I thought about many of you this morning, as I surfed from blog to blog, smiling and reading those bits of your lives you want to share. And I smile.
A lot.
Date Counter on post below.
I thought about you today, driving myself to work this morning and seeing a huge 1/2 wooden barrel full of lovely nasturtiums. Mine still haven't done well - perhaps too much shade back there.
I thought about many of you this morning, as I surfed from blog to blog, smiling and reading those bits of your lives you want to share. And I smile.
A lot.
Date Counter on post below.
On Stress and Insomnia and the Power of Phoning
Some of you may remember a while back that I got my AC replaced. The thing hadn't worked for several years, and I finally decided to bite the proverbial bullet and get a new one with my tax refund. So I did. It worked GREAT for a few weeks - during the worst of the heatwave, fortunately. Unfortunately it has stopped working.
Now, ordinarily this kind of stress, discovered on a Friday Night would have destroyed my whole weekend, buried me in insomnia from the constant mind-game of "what if it needs replacing again - I can't afford this (duh - warranty, your stupid git!!)- what if it needs replacing again! - I can't afford this - " again and again ad-insomniaeum. <- Yes, I made that word up. Deal with it.
Anyhow.
I've been trying to deal with anger management via this book that Lea sent me that I absolutely find utterly bollocks, because it has this attitude like "what? you're a heroin addict? why.. all you have to do is QUIT" Like its that easy. As if it were like eating toast. Easy to quit eating toast - don't cook the bread!!
Anyhow - despite the fact that the book is bollocks, I've been trying to redirect my thoughts every time I catch myself in the fits of circular thinking or adrenaline-enhanced rage or kvetching about unalterable circumstances. I managed to make it thru the weekend with considerably less episodes than I'd anticipated, and I made the phone call this morning to the guy who installed my AC and he's going to look at it sometime this afternoon.
It had BETTER be warranty.
Oh - and my insurance company sends out the most incomprehensible EOB's I've ever had the misfortune to try and interpret.
Just sayin'
553 days.
Now, ordinarily this kind of stress, discovered on a Friday Night would have destroyed my whole weekend, buried me in insomnia from the constant mind-game of "what if it needs replacing again - I can't afford this (duh - warranty, your stupid git!!)- what if it needs replacing again! - I can't afford this - " again and again ad-insomniaeum. <- Yes, I made that word up. Deal with it.
Anyhow.
I've been trying to deal with anger management via this book that Lea sent me that I absolutely find utterly bollocks, because it has this attitude like "what? you're a heroin addict? why.. all you have to do is QUIT" Like its that easy. As if it were like eating toast. Easy to quit eating toast - don't cook the bread!!
Anyhow - despite the fact that the book is bollocks, I've been trying to redirect my thoughts every time I catch myself in the fits of circular thinking or adrenaline-enhanced rage or kvetching about unalterable circumstances. I managed to make it thru the weekend with considerably less episodes than I'd anticipated, and I made the phone call this morning to the guy who installed my AC and he's going to look at it sometime this afternoon.
It had BETTER be warranty.
Oh - and my insurance company sends out the most incomprehensible EOB's I've ever had the misfortune to try and interpret.
Just sayin'
553 days.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Quilt Design for a Male Friend/Relative
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the following are those of the author and should not be misconstrued as being anything other than the opinion of the author, and are presented for the express purpose of aiding those who would like some assistance with designing a quilt for a male friend/relative and are not intended to be taken as gospel in any way,shape,form or fashion. Your mileage may vary, all rights reserved, does not contain peanuts, void where prohibited.
The vast majority of quilting magazines would give one the impression that all quilts are either works of art that should hang on walls rather than actually keep someone warm, or are to be enjoyed only by married couples, single women, babies or "country folk". My friend Lea and I make a lot of quilts, however, for our single adult male friends.
We see patterns for quilts in pretty pastels, beautiful flowery confections or color-co-ordinated designer prints with draperies and pillow-shams to match, all rather frou-frou, but other than the rare "sailing" or "hunting" pattern, not much for guys.
Designing a quilt for a single adult male is more of a challenge to most, because one is dealing with something the magazines and websites dedicated to quilting are not focused upon - men. However, the amount of gratitude and the sheer joy from the men we've gifted with quilts is so amazing that it begs a plea to other quilters to consider these guys when you're thinking "who can I choose for my next quilt-recipient victim!"
In general, I think we can all figure that choosing fussy florals and delicate pastels are a bad idea, but when I design for an adult male friend, I take a bit more into account.
First off, I remember that a lot of guys are into rather... well... filthy dirty...recreational activities. Sweaty sports, automotive repair, woodworking, etc. Things that make them dirty, greasy, gooey or otherwise less than pristine. We like them that way, so rather than changing THEM, we need to consider this as a part of our overall strategy in creating a quilt for them. While they may treasure the quilt - they also may just see it as another blanket, so you have to be prepared for it to take a beating.
Be sure to pre-wash all your fabrics - including the backing - in HOT HOT HOT water. Dry them on the hottest possible dryer setting. Remember that the intricacies of the art of laundry are lost on most guys, and "dump it in and let it rip" is the extend of most of their concern for the art form. Oh, sure, there are a few who will think long enough to keep their tighty-whities separate from their red t-shirts, but don't bet on it. For this reason it is also a good idea to use a larger seam allowance than the standard 1/4". I suggest at LEAST 3/8 - 1/2 is even better.
Darker colors, and patterns that won't show a few stains or smudges are a good idea. NO FLORALS. FLORALS ARE BAD. There are so many great fabrics out there in 100% cotton that aren't florals - this is the opportunity to let them shine.
Darker colors will also differentiate this quilt from a more "girly" quilt. Guys as a rule may like "girly" on girls, but don't necessarily want to live with it if they are single. The bali prints or the tye-dye type semi-solids are great for men's quilts. I have a great olive green one that I'm saving for a "special someone" when the time comes to make the quilt.
Find out what your guy's favorite colors are. Don't automatically assume "BLUE". One guy we know prefers teal and red. Another likes black and orange (this was a challenge to not have be a halloween quilt!!). Don't worry so much about how it will affect his decor, instead make something that he will like because it reflects HIM.
Since we're dealing with men, we also get to eliminate 99.9% of the applique quilt patterns. Sorry applique fans, but a fussy Baltimore Album quilt just isn't going to be anything but too girly or too cutesy. Real men need Real Geometric Patchwork.
The beauty part of this is that the simpler, the better. A nice Shoo-Fly or large-scale Lone Star will be appreciated and boggled-over as much or more than some intricate and complicated pattern. Also, as many more men than women are color-blind, a simpler pattern allows you to use a smaller number of fabrics, and gives you the freedom to choose colors with greater contrast to let them appreciate the pattern.
Borders and sashings work well, as long as the geometric basics are simple. Less is more - too many intricacies tends to give a "girly" impression.
Another cool idea is to find fabrics and patchwork patterns that are significant to the specific individual. Randy is a musician from Texas - a "Lone Star" quilt was the perfect choice for him. David had just been through a rough divorce and was having issues dealing with his re-singlehood - we didn't tell him that his quilt's pattern was "Bachelor's Puzzle", but it sure fit.
Bindings should be simple, mitered corner, and at least 3/4" wide. Don't fuss with the fancy scalloped or arrowhead bindings. Simple is best. Also, it won't break your heart as much when you see it laying on the floor of the garage.
For the quilting patterns, again, K.I.S.S. is the best rule - Keep It Simple, Silly. (Yes, I know I paraphrased that - I'm trying to be nice today.) Forget all the fancy curleyques and floral designs and linked hearts. Nice straight lines are your best bet. Again, remember that garage floor. The only exception we've made to this "rule" of thumb is for Randy's quilt, where we quilted the shapes of his guitars and the inlay-work on one of the guitars into the wide gold border around the outside of his quilt. Otherwise - straight lines.
If you hand-quilt, using a contrasting color thread will show up the quilting pattern on the back and confuse him about which side is "up". This is fun to do.
558 days.
The vast majority of quilting magazines would give one the impression that all quilts are either works of art that should hang on walls rather than actually keep someone warm, or are to be enjoyed only by married couples, single women, babies or "country folk". My friend Lea and I make a lot of quilts, however, for our single adult male friends.
We see patterns for quilts in pretty pastels, beautiful flowery confections or color-co-ordinated designer prints with draperies and pillow-shams to match, all rather frou-frou, but other than the rare "sailing" or "hunting" pattern, not much for guys.
Designing a quilt for a single adult male is more of a challenge to most, because one is dealing with something the magazines and websites dedicated to quilting are not focused upon - men. However, the amount of gratitude and the sheer joy from the men we've gifted with quilts is so amazing that it begs a plea to other quilters to consider these guys when you're thinking "who can I choose for my next quilt-recipient victim!"
In general, I think we can all figure that choosing fussy florals and delicate pastels are a bad idea, but when I design for an adult male friend, I take a bit more into account.
First off, I remember that a lot of guys are into rather... well... filthy dirty...recreational activities. Sweaty sports, automotive repair, woodworking, etc. Things that make them dirty, greasy, gooey or otherwise less than pristine. We like them that way, so rather than changing THEM, we need to consider this as a part of our overall strategy in creating a quilt for them. While they may treasure the quilt - they also may just see it as another blanket, so you have to be prepared for it to take a beating.
Be sure to pre-wash all your fabrics - including the backing - in HOT HOT HOT water. Dry them on the hottest possible dryer setting. Remember that the intricacies of the art of laundry are lost on most guys, and "dump it in and let it rip" is the extend of most of their concern for the art form. Oh, sure, there are a few who will think long enough to keep their tighty-whities separate from their red t-shirts, but don't bet on it. For this reason it is also a good idea to use a larger seam allowance than the standard 1/4". I suggest at LEAST 3/8 - 1/2 is even better.
Darker colors, and patterns that won't show a few stains or smudges are a good idea. NO FLORALS. FLORALS ARE BAD. There are so many great fabrics out there in 100% cotton that aren't florals - this is the opportunity to let them shine.
Darker colors will also differentiate this quilt from a more "girly" quilt. Guys as a rule may like "girly" on girls, but don't necessarily want to live with it if they are single. The bali prints or the tye-dye type semi-solids are great for men's quilts. I have a great olive green one that I'm saving for a "special someone" when the time comes to make the quilt.
Find out what your guy's favorite colors are. Don't automatically assume "BLUE". One guy we know prefers teal and red. Another likes black and orange (this was a challenge to not have be a halloween quilt!!). Don't worry so much about how it will affect his decor, instead make something that he will like because it reflects HIM.
Since we're dealing with men, we also get to eliminate 99.9% of the applique quilt patterns. Sorry applique fans, but a fussy Baltimore Album quilt just isn't going to be anything but too girly or too cutesy. Real men need Real Geometric Patchwork.
The beauty part of this is that the simpler, the better. A nice Shoo-Fly or large-scale Lone Star will be appreciated and boggled-over as much or more than some intricate and complicated pattern. Also, as many more men than women are color-blind, a simpler pattern allows you to use a smaller number of fabrics, and gives you the freedom to choose colors with greater contrast to let them appreciate the pattern.
Borders and sashings work well, as long as the geometric basics are simple. Less is more - too many intricacies tends to give a "girly" impression.
Another cool idea is to find fabrics and patchwork patterns that are significant to the specific individual. Randy is a musician from Texas - a "Lone Star" quilt was the perfect choice for him. David had just been through a rough divorce and was having issues dealing with his re-singlehood - we didn't tell him that his quilt's pattern was "Bachelor's Puzzle", but it sure fit.
Bindings should be simple, mitered corner, and at least 3/4" wide. Don't fuss with the fancy scalloped or arrowhead bindings. Simple is best. Also, it won't break your heart as much when you see it laying on the floor of the garage.
For the quilting patterns, again, K.I.S.S. is the best rule - Keep It Simple, Silly. (Yes, I know I paraphrased that - I'm trying to be nice today.) Forget all the fancy curleyques and floral designs and linked hearts. Nice straight lines are your best bet. Again, remember that garage floor. The only exception we've made to this "rule" of thumb is for Randy's quilt, where we quilted the shapes of his guitars and the inlay-work on one of the guitars into the wide gold border around the outside of his quilt. Otherwise - straight lines.
If you hand-quilt, using a contrasting color thread will show up the quilting pattern on the back and confuse him about which side is "up". This is fun to do.
558 days.
Monday, July 09, 2007
That last post was rather strongly worded, and I do need to apologize to the friend who sent me the e-mail. First off, understand, this guy is NOT stupid. We just disagree on politics. In all other regards I respect him and value his friendship highly. Actually, I think that if he and I ever sat down for a few hours and really discussed our views point-by-point, we're probably less far apart than it would seem.
I freely admit that I am more offended and sickened by George W. Bush and his crew of nation-destroyers than ANY 40 Neocons are offended and sickened by President Clinton AND Senator Clinton COMBINED. In many ways this is irrational - and was spawned during his FATHER's term in office. But my friends know this. That's not what got me going last week.
What sent me "postal" was something that has bothered me for years - something that started with "J", the friend I had to stop associating with because of her extreme right-wing politics and religious intolerance. Something that I hear every. single. fucking. day out of not only the blogs and commentaries by the Wrong wing, but which blew my mind to see from REUTERS.
I know that if I try and say this myself, I will screw it up again - so I am going to plagarize something that my friend Leandra wrote in another forum, because she said it better (used with permission):
I have a legitimate political question that's been bugging me for quite some time. When did breaking the law or indulging in bad behavior (even if it's not illegal) become a relative thing rather than merely right or wrong? There seems to be a sort of get out of jail free mentality in the political arena these days that renders any political gaffe or even illegal behavior ok and acceptable if you can point ot a similar situation in which another politician, preferably from the opposing party, behave equally badly or did something equally as bad or as stupid.
Since when did that sort of behavior become relative? It's ok for politician A to take a bribe because at some point in the past politician B took a bribe. The logic being that if it's ok for politician A to be a crook, it's equally ok for politician B to be one. It is ok for President A to lie to the American public because some time in the past President B lied to us. The "logic" here totally eludes me.
I see where some people say that it's ok for President Bush to have failed to get bin-Laden in Tora Bora because Bill Clinton failed to get him somewhere else. Why is it just not equally wrong in both cases, or why is each case not determined on its own merits? It's ok for Mr. Libby to lie and obstruct justice then have his sentence commuted because Mr. Clinton pardoned Mr. Rich. It's ok for some unnamed politician to release classified documents because Sandy Berger stole copies of classified documents from the National Archives and Fawn Hall smuggled similar documents out of the White House in her underwear. It was ok for Mr. Bush to misread or cherry pick faulty intelligence because Mr. Clinton also did so many years earlier.
My question is simply this: When is finger pointing at someone else's mistakes going to stop being used to excuse your own? Essentially this mindset argues that two wrongs make a right, and that one person's criminal behavior can be neutralized if you can find another crook doing something similar. Why are both actions not wrong? I believe the term I'm looking for is personal responsibility, whether it's a party or an individual.
It's time we stopped thinking this way. There is never going to be perfect equality and balance across time for all acts. Mistakes made in the past do not justify making equally bad mistakes in the present. A lie in the past doesn't justify a lie now. Bad judgment on the part of one person doesn't excuse or explain bad judgment on the part of another. Each situation stands by itself and should be judged that way. If something is wrong because a Republican does it, for instance, it's not ok for a Democrat to do the same thing as a result. The fair response is that it's equally wrong for the Democrat to do it. No conditions. No excuses. No "yes, buts".
Why have I never heard the argument that goes something like: "Yes, it's true that Congressman X did almost the exact same thing 20 years ago and got away with it. That doesn't make Congressman Y doing the same thing today right. It was wrong then and it's wrong now"?
Thanks, Lea.
560 days
I freely admit that I am more offended and sickened by George W. Bush and his crew of nation-destroyers than ANY 40 Neocons are offended and sickened by President Clinton AND Senator Clinton COMBINED. In many ways this is irrational - and was spawned during his FATHER's term in office. But my friends know this. That's not what got me going last week.
What sent me "postal" was something that has bothered me for years - something that started with "J", the friend I had to stop associating with because of her extreme right-wing politics and religious intolerance. Something that I hear every. single. fucking. day out of not only the blogs and commentaries by the Wrong wing, but which blew my mind to see from REUTERS.
I know that if I try and say this myself, I will screw it up again - so I am going to plagarize something that my friend Leandra wrote in another forum, because she said it better (used with permission):
I have a legitimate political question that's been bugging me for quite some time. When did breaking the law or indulging in bad behavior (even if it's not illegal) become a relative thing rather than merely right or wrong? There seems to be a sort of get out of jail free mentality in the political arena these days that renders any political gaffe or even illegal behavior ok and acceptable if you can point ot a similar situation in which another politician, preferably from the opposing party, behave equally badly or did something equally as bad or as stupid.
Since when did that sort of behavior become relative? It's ok for politician A to take a bribe because at some point in the past politician B took a bribe. The logic being that if it's ok for politician A to be a crook, it's equally ok for politician B to be one. It is ok for President A to lie to the American public because some time in the past President B lied to us. The "logic" here totally eludes me.
I see where some people say that it's ok for President Bush to have failed to get bin-Laden in Tora Bora because Bill Clinton failed to get him somewhere else. Why is it just not equally wrong in both cases, or why is each case not determined on its own merits? It's ok for Mr. Libby to lie and obstruct justice then have his sentence commuted because Mr. Clinton pardoned Mr. Rich. It's ok for some unnamed politician to release classified documents because Sandy Berger stole copies of classified documents from the National Archives and Fawn Hall smuggled similar documents out of the White House in her underwear. It was ok for Mr. Bush to misread or cherry pick faulty intelligence because Mr. Clinton also did so many years earlier.
My question is simply this: When is finger pointing at someone else's mistakes going to stop being used to excuse your own? Essentially this mindset argues that two wrongs make a right, and that one person's criminal behavior can be neutralized if you can find another crook doing something similar. Why are both actions not wrong? I believe the term I'm looking for is personal responsibility, whether it's a party or an individual.
It's time we stopped thinking this way. There is never going to be perfect equality and balance across time for all acts. Mistakes made in the past do not justify making equally bad mistakes in the present. A lie in the past doesn't justify a lie now. Bad judgment on the part of one person doesn't excuse or explain bad judgment on the part of another. Each situation stands by itself and should be judged that way. If something is wrong because a Republican does it, for instance, it's not ok for a Democrat to do the same thing as a result. The fair response is that it's equally wrong for the Democrat to do it. No conditions. No excuses. No "yes, buts".
Why have I never heard the argument that goes something like: "Yes, it's true that Congressman X did almost the exact same thing 20 years ago and got away with it. That doesn't make Congressman Y doing the same thing today right. It was wrong then and it's wrong now"?
Thanks, Lea.
560 days
Friday, July 06, 2007
Why I hate Republicans
I got this in my e-mail from a politically WRONG friend of mine. He's been brainwashed by the Republican party into believing any of the BS that their neocon pundits spew.
Your Blog deserves both sides of the story - but it is your blog:
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House on Thursday accused former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Sen. Hillary Clinton, of hypocrisy for criticizing
President George W. Bush's decision to spare ex-aide Lewis "Scooter" Libby from prison.
The administration is on the defensive after Bush commuted Libby's 2-1/2-year sentence in a CIA leak case. It took aim at Clinton for granting 140 pardons,
including one for fugitive financier Marc Rich, in the last hours of his presidency.
"The hypocrisy demonstrated by Democratic leaders on this issue is rather startling," White House spokesman Scott Stanzel told reporters.
Scott Stanzel can lick my clit. This is exactly why I hate republicans.
This has NOTHING to do with Senator Clinton, nor does it have anything to do
with President Clinton. This has ONLY to do with the Pretender to the Presidency covering up his own wrongdoing.
EVERY President grants some questionable pardons - Reagan did it. Bush Sr.
did it. Carter did it. ALL OF THEM DO IT. However, MOST of them do not do it in order to protect themselves, their VP's and their evil "Advisors" THIS is the story - that Shrub is acting like a goddamn fucking mafioso - Fucking Neocons ALWAYS fucking pull Clinton into it - even when it is NOT applicable - as in this case.
In a letter from the organization "Grassfire", the PROPER usage of the presidential power to commute a sentance is requested - I'm NOT going to hold my breath waiting for the fucking shrub to do the RIGHT thing, however.
> After learning that he commuted the sentence of former
> White House aide Scooter Libby, who was convicted of
> obstructing the investigation of a crime, I'm wondering
> when he's going to pardon U.S. Border Agents Ramos and Compean?
>
> Both of these decorated agents have been languishing in a
> Federal prison for 169 days, and it is time the President
> does the right thing by pardoning both and reuniting them
> with their families.
>
> Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a great friend of Grassfire,
> and a true champion for these agents said it best "the President
> does not seem to have the same mercy for the average men and
> women holding the frontlines of our borders. Unjustly imprisoned
> Border Agents Ramos and Compean...deserve the same mercy afforded
> to Mr. Libby."
563 days - maybe.
Your Blog deserves both sides of the story - but it is your blog:
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House on Thursday accused former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Sen. Hillary Clinton, of hypocrisy for criticizing
President George W. Bush's decision to spare ex-aide Lewis "Scooter" Libby from prison.
The administration is on the defensive after Bush commuted Libby's 2-1/2-year sentence in a CIA leak case. It took aim at Clinton for granting 140 pardons,
including one for fugitive financier Marc Rich, in the last hours of his presidency.
"The hypocrisy demonstrated by Democratic leaders on this issue is rather startling," White House spokesman Scott Stanzel told reporters.
Scott Stanzel can lick my clit. This is exactly why I hate republicans.
This has NOTHING to do with Senator Clinton, nor does it have anything to do
with President Clinton. This has ONLY to do with the Pretender to the Presidency covering up his own wrongdoing.
EVERY President grants some questionable pardons - Reagan did it. Bush Sr.
did it. Carter did it. ALL OF THEM DO IT. However, MOST of them do not do it in order to protect themselves, their VP's and their evil "Advisors" THIS is the story - that Shrub is acting like a goddamn fucking mafioso - Fucking Neocons ALWAYS fucking pull Clinton into it - even when it is NOT applicable - as in this case.
In a letter from the organization "Grassfire", the PROPER usage of the presidential power to commute a sentance is requested - I'm NOT going to hold my breath waiting for the fucking shrub to do the RIGHT thing, however.
> After learning that he commuted the sentence of former
> White House aide Scooter Libby, who was convicted of
> obstructing the investigation of a crime, I'm wondering
> when he's going to pardon U.S. Border Agents Ramos and Compean?
>
> Both of these decorated agents have been languishing in a
> Federal prison for 169 days, and it is time the President
> does the right thing by pardoning both and reuniting them
> with their families.
>
> Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a great friend of Grassfire,
> and a true champion for these agents said it best "the President
> does not seem to have the same mercy for the average men and
> women holding the frontlines of our borders. Unjustly imprisoned
> Border Agents Ramos and Compean...deserve the same mercy afforded
> to Mr. Libby."
563 days - maybe.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
The Week With No Middle
What an oddball week this is. Monday was Monday, Tuesday was Wednesday, Wednesday was Saturday, Thursday is Monday and tomorrow is Friday again...
I was glad I was able to make a suggestion to a friend about her daughter's dog, even though that specific idea didn't work, the vet did suggest giving the poor old fella some benadryl and when she played some classical music for him afterwards he settled down and fell asleep. Hurray for Diphenhydramine.
My zucchini did not get big. It didn't even get growing very well. It fell off last night as a little inch-long shrivvled thingy. OTOH my cucumbers are doing well, one of them is about the size of a standard "sweet pickle" pickle and is growing well. Perhaps I need to get some plant food into the other pots.
I couldn't really bring myself to "celebrate" yesterday. Besides being Wednesday and having to work today, I also just don't feel much like celebrating the birth of this nation as it goes through what very well may be its death throes. I still am not of the belief that we will EVER again have presidential elections, and I am sick to death of hearing all the horrible things that this administration has done.
It's too late to impeach the motherfucker - by the time that the process got under way there would either already have been elections, or he will have already staged the fake terrorist attack that will allow him to suspend elections in the wake of a "National Emergency", and have declared himself dictator for life.
The country my forefathers fought for, died for, gave their all to support and defend is being destroyed from within by those who have profited from its freedom and justice for these many decades. I watched the Berlin Wall come down. I watched the Soviet Bloc disintegrate - and I never... ever... thought I would live long enough to see the destruction of the United States - certainly not by its own citizens in government.
564 days. Maybe.
I was glad I was able to make a suggestion to a friend about her daughter's dog, even though that specific idea didn't work, the vet did suggest giving the poor old fella some benadryl and when she played some classical music for him afterwards he settled down and fell asleep. Hurray for Diphenhydramine.
My zucchini did not get big. It didn't even get growing very well. It fell off last night as a little inch-long shrivvled thingy. OTOH my cucumbers are doing well, one of them is about the size of a standard "sweet pickle" pickle and is growing well. Perhaps I need to get some plant food into the other pots.
I couldn't really bring myself to "celebrate" yesterday. Besides being Wednesday and having to work today, I also just don't feel much like celebrating the birth of this nation as it goes through what very well may be its death throes. I still am not of the belief that we will EVER again have presidential elections, and I am sick to death of hearing all the horrible things that this administration has done.
It's too late to impeach the motherfucker - by the time that the process got under way there would either already have been elections, or he will have already staged the fake terrorist attack that will allow him to suspend elections in the wake of a "National Emergency", and have declared himself dictator for life.
The country my forefathers fought for, died for, gave their all to support and defend is being destroyed from within by those who have profited from its freedom and justice for these many decades. I watched the Berlin Wall come down. I watched the Soviet Bloc disintegrate - and I never... ever... thought I would live long enough to see the destruction of the United States - certainly not by its own citizens in government.
564 days. Maybe.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Sing Along
In order to raise my rating from "PG-13" to a more respectable "R" at the very least, please sing along to the tune of the chorus from the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" (the "Glory Glory Hallelujah" part):
George Bush is an asshole
George Walker Bush is a motherfucking asshole
George Bush is an aaaaa aaasssss hole
And his mo-ther is a cunt.
Repeat.
George Bush is an asshole
George Walker Bush is a motherfucking asshole
George Bush is an aaaaa aaasssss hole
And his mo-ther is a cunt.
Again.
George Bush is an asshole
George Walker Bush is a motherfucking asshole
George Bush is an aaaaa aaasssss hole
And his mo-ther is a cunt.
With feeling.
George Bush is an asshole
George Walker Bush is a motherfucking asshole
George Bush is an aaaaa aaasssss hole
And his mo-ther is a cunt.
Like you MEAN it.
George Bush is an asshole
George Walker Bush is a motherfucking asshole
George Bush is an aaaaa aaasssss hole
And his mo-ther is a cunt.
Once more.
George Bush is an asshole
George Walker Bush is a motherfucking asshole
George Bush is an aaaaa aaasssss hole
And his mo-ther is a cunt.
(yes, the following is plagarized from my own comment on Blognonymous - deal with it)
It is the opinion of 2 of us out here in interwebland that this was in the works from the beginning. Scoots was told to take the fall - but his deal was simple - NO JAIL TIME. He'd take the fall for Cheny, Bush and Rove, but he didn't have to do jail time.
Bush planned to pardon him at the end of his term - expecting that the appeals process would be dragged out at least that long, and that Scoots would stay free during the appeals. The judge ordering Scoots to jail during appeals screwed that pooch.
Our guess is that Scoots has considerable "goods" on Bush, Cheney and Rove, and that his deal was - "No jail time, or I sing like a canary on crack!"
Bush HAD to pardon him now - or face having something(s?) revealed so heinous that it would put all three of the Trinity of Evil away for the rest of their lives.
Ok - once more with feeling - like you mean it - loud enough for him to hear it:
George Bush is an asshole
George Walker Bush is a motherfucking asshole
George Bush is an aaaaa aaasssss hole
And his mo-ther is a cunt!!!!
566 days
George Bush is an asshole
George Walker Bush is a motherfucking asshole
George Bush is an aaaaa aaasssss hole
And his mo-ther is a cunt.
Repeat.
George Bush is an asshole
George Walker Bush is a motherfucking asshole
George Bush is an aaaaa aaasssss hole
And his mo-ther is a cunt.
Again.
George Bush is an asshole
George Walker Bush is a motherfucking asshole
George Bush is an aaaaa aaasssss hole
And his mo-ther is a cunt.
With feeling.
George Bush is an asshole
George Walker Bush is a motherfucking asshole
George Bush is an aaaaa aaasssss hole
And his mo-ther is a cunt.
Like you MEAN it.
George Bush is an asshole
George Walker Bush is a motherfucking asshole
George Bush is an aaaaa aaasssss hole
And his mo-ther is a cunt.
Once more.
George Bush is an asshole
George Walker Bush is a motherfucking asshole
George Bush is an aaaaa aaasssss hole
And his mo-ther is a cunt.
(yes, the following is plagarized from my own comment on Blognonymous - deal with it)
It is the opinion of 2 of us out here in interwebland that this was in the works from the beginning. Scoots was told to take the fall - but his deal was simple - NO JAIL TIME. He'd take the fall for Cheny, Bush and Rove, but he didn't have to do jail time.
Bush planned to pardon him at the end of his term - expecting that the appeals process would be dragged out at least that long, and that Scoots would stay free during the appeals. The judge ordering Scoots to jail during appeals screwed that pooch.
Our guess is that Scoots has considerable "goods" on Bush, Cheney and Rove, and that his deal was - "No jail time, or I sing like a canary on crack!"
Bush HAD to pardon him now - or face having something(s?) revealed so heinous that it would put all three of the Trinity of Evil away for the rest of their lives.
Ok - once more with feeling - like you mean it - loud enough for him to hear it:
George Bush is an asshole
George Walker Bush is a motherfucking asshole
George Bush is an aaaaa aaasssss hole
And his mo-ther is a cunt!!!!
566 days
Thursday, June 28, 2007
The first veggie...
Will be a tomato. A little bitty tomato - either a "Cherry" tomato or a "Sweet 100" tomato, I can't remember which one is in which pot. But 2 of them are going red already and one of them is almost there!! The first veggie is always such a joy. This year I am getting a whole lot of baby tomatoes (mini ones by design) as well as a good 1/2 dozen or so of the mid-size ones I planted as well. Happiness.
BBC asked what is the big deal about the zucchini - really it is not a big deal in and of itself, it is just one baby zucc, but I really get a kick out of harvesting my own food from a garden I've tended myself, so this baby zucc is the first one and kind of exciting. I also have never grown zucc's in a pot before, so that whole thing "working" is fun as well.
The Nasturtiums must have heard me complaining, as they have started making more flower buds. Apparently, glaring at them in disapproval works almost as well as "Miracle Gro". LOL
The weather is utterly stupendous today - I think I may just do the BBQ thing in the little baby Weber and cook up some burgers tonite. Its been a long time since I did that, and I do have some nice ground beef I can spank into patties!
BBC asked how many people I hug in one week. Well, Dear - I'm not a big huggy person - as said before, I come from that "stoic German" family tradition, so it feels to me as if I am being intrusive into another person's "personal space". In fact, it seems to me that more people are uncomfortable at PDA's (Public Displays of Affection) than those who are not.
Most of those I'd hug with a lot more regularity live far enough away to make it impractical, however. There's a fair few folks I hug on a regular basis, but I'd say in one week there are probably only 2 or 3 actual PEOPLE who get hugs. Some get more than 1 a week, tho.
And I'm ok with that.
571 days
BBC asked what is the big deal about the zucchini - really it is not a big deal in and of itself, it is just one baby zucc, but I really get a kick out of harvesting my own food from a garden I've tended myself, so this baby zucc is the first one and kind of exciting. I also have never grown zucc's in a pot before, so that whole thing "working" is fun as well.
The Nasturtiums must have heard me complaining, as they have started making more flower buds. Apparently, glaring at them in disapproval works almost as well as "Miracle Gro". LOL
The weather is utterly stupendous today - I think I may just do the BBQ thing in the little baby Weber and cook up some burgers tonite. Its been a long time since I did that, and I do have some nice ground beef I can spank into patties!
BBC asked how many people I hug in one week. Well, Dear - I'm not a big huggy person - as said before, I come from that "stoic German" family tradition, so it feels to me as if I am being intrusive into another person's "personal space". In fact, it seems to me that more people are uncomfortable at PDA's (Public Displays of Affection) than those who are not.
Most of those I'd hug with a lot more regularity live far enough away to make it impractical, however. There's a fair few folks I hug on a regular basis, but I'd say in one week there are probably only 2 or 3 actual PEOPLE who get hugs. Some get more than 1 a week, tho.
And I'm ok with that.
571 days
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
The Zucchini That Ate Tokyo
Ok, not yet.
It's only about the size of the top of my thumb - but there is a baby zucchini growing! I know that I have to keep a weather eye on it, however, lest it go off and rob Godzilla of his favorite snack. (I love that song. It makes me laugh.)
I also have a baby cucumber. It is about 1/2" long, and about 1/8" wide. I know that eventually it will be a full size cucumber and ready to make into sandwiches, but right now it is just an itty bitty baby pickle with prickles and soooo cute.
I have one Nasturtium flower. It looks stupid all by itself in the pot. *sigh*
My glorious new tan colored hot-water heater is doing a heck of a job, Tannie, and while I still have to call the repair guy back to finish working on the sink and commode, the watery floor issues seem to be resolved. HUGE sigh of relief. As I repack the closet, I am finding that I am less inclined to hang on to stuff that I just never use. It's hard even to keep the extra parts for the carpet-steamer and the floor scrubber, because I don't use them - but if I ever Freecycle the cleaners, I will want to give all the "parts" with them, so I best maybe box them up and haul to the garage.
My fingers are sore from doing piecework for work - a little extra cash for some mindless assembly that I can do while watching movies. I've been watching all my favorites so far this week, but I may take a break from that and go for something "less travelled" like Gone With The Wind tonite. I'd like to get this over with so I can go back to using my weekends for naps.
572 days
It's only about the size of the top of my thumb - but there is a baby zucchini growing! I know that I have to keep a weather eye on it, however, lest it go off and rob Godzilla of his favorite snack. (I love that song. It makes me laugh.)
I also have a baby cucumber. It is about 1/2" long, and about 1/8" wide. I know that eventually it will be a full size cucumber and ready to make into sandwiches, but right now it is just an itty bitty baby pickle with prickles and soooo cute.
I have one Nasturtium flower. It looks stupid all by itself in the pot. *sigh*
My glorious new tan colored hot-water heater is doing a heck of a job, Tannie, and while I still have to call the repair guy back to finish working on the sink and commode, the watery floor issues seem to be resolved. HUGE sigh of relief. As I repack the closet, I am finding that I am less inclined to hang on to stuff that I just never use. It's hard even to keep the extra parts for the carpet-steamer and the floor scrubber, because I don't use them - but if I ever Freecycle the cleaners, I will want to give all the "parts" with them, so I best maybe box them up and haul to the garage.
My fingers are sore from doing piecework for work - a little extra cash for some mindless assembly that I can do while watching movies. I've been watching all my favorites so far this week, but I may take a break from that and go for something "less travelled" like Gone With The Wind tonite. I'd like to get this over with so I can go back to using my weekends for naps.
572 days
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