AUSSIES SAY, "NO WAY"

I came across this in my wanderings today. Seems the Aussies don't always say "she'll be right , mate". I have no idea who "Anonymous Coward" is. The header tells you about an American group that seems to be fighting the Real ID card. <----I believe that might be Dubya's reply. Submitted by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday December 26, @04:45PM The proposed Australian "Access Card", a universal ID that would be required for any Australian wishing to use Medicare, Centrelink, the Child Support Agency, or Veterans' Affairs, has been scrapped by the incoming Rudd Labor Government. The card would have contained an RFID tag with the person's name, date of birth, gender, address, signature, card number, card expiration date, and Medicare number, but there were also provisions to add more personal data later on. It seems that Rudd Labor is not eager to copy the American REAL ID Act.http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20071224-australias-controversial-national-id-program-hits-the-dumpster.html . That's not enough. We all know about the crapola that the music industry is foisting on Americans. Although we don't download music from the internet, many people do. Especially if they have teenagers in the house. If you do download and/or have others who do, you might find this informative: http://www.cdt.org/copyright/warninglist/ . As you know, New Mexico has its share of real life cowboys. I overheard two of them talking about a situation. The conversation went like this: Two cowboys are talking about their favorite sex position. One says, "I think I enjoy the rodeo position the best." "I haven't ever heard of that one", says the other cowboy, "What is it?" "Well, its where you get your girlfriend down on all fours, you mount her from behind, you reach around and cup each one of her breasts in your hands, and then you whisper in her ear, 'Boy, these feel just like your sister's' ... and then you try to hold on for 8 seconds." . I'm sorry. That just slipped in. . Whether you're a newly minted blogger or a relative old-timer, you've been seeing more and more stories pop up every day about bloggers getting in trouble for what they post. Here's a link that might help protect you: http://w2.eff.org/bloggers/lg/ . And it seems to be happening in Japan now. Censorship is rearing its super ugly head: Japanese Government to Regulate Online Communication Posted by Soulskill on Friday December 28, @03:42AMfrom the best-of-luck-with-that dept. Chris Salzberg writes "The Japanese government made major moves this month toward legislating extensive regulation over online communication. In a series of little-publicized meetings, two distinct government ministries pushed ahead with regulation in three major areas of online communication: web content, mobile phone access, and file sharing. Content regulation will cover anything on the web, including personal blogs and web pages. Upcoming mandatory filtering of mobile phone access is targeted at users under age 18, and will cover chat rooms, forums, bulletin boards and social networking services. File sharing legislation will initially target illegal downloads, but, according to critics, may ultimately broaden to include streaming media from sites such as YouTube." Although I can understand why they want to censor some web things, I don't think they fully understand what they are creating. When any government wants to control what people see, read and think, (especially in a prosperous state) vthere can only be discontent and eventually violence. "Little publicized meetings" can lead to things no one wants to see. I wish Japanese bloggers and media luck in fighting this idiocy. Here's a more detailed story about it: http://gyaku.jp/en/index.php?cmd=contentview&pid=000320 . Now, have fun. Eat too much. Drink a little too much. Don't get caught by the blue noses.

KANGAROO FARTS ARE GOOD

I just couldn't miss showing this to you. I know, I know, it's not a bellyache about Bill Richardson nor Dubya, but I laughed all the way through it. Keep in mind that kangaroos are marsupials. And that Aussies have a reputation as being the world's best con men. Anything for a joke used to be the rule there. It was published in the Brisbane Courier Mail.

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AUSTRALIAN scientists are trying to give kangaroo-style stomachs to cattle and sheep in a bid to cut the emission of greenhouse gases blamed for global warming.

Thanks to special bacteria in their stomachs, kangaroos' flatulence contains no methane and scientists want to transfer that bacteria to cattle and sheep who emit large quantities of the harmful gas. While the usual image of greenhouse gas pollution is a billowing smokestack pushing out carbon dioxide, livestock passing wind contribute a surprisingly high percentage of total emissions in some countries. Queensland Government senior research scientist Athol Klieve says 14 per cent of emissions from all sources in Australia are from enteric methane from cattle and sheep. "If you look at another country such as New Zealand, which has got a much higher agricultural base, they're actually up around 50 per cent," he said. Researchers say the bacteria also makes the digestive process much more efficient and could potentially save millions of dollars in feed costs for farmers. "Not only would they not produce the methane, they would actually get something like 10 to 15 per cent more energy out of the feed they are eating," Dr Klieve said.

Even farmers who laugh at the idea of environmentally friendly kangaroo farts say that it is nothing to joke about, particularly given the devastating drought Australia is suffering. "In a tight year like a drought situation, 15 per cent (more energy) would be a considerable sum," said farmer Michael Mitton. But it will take researchers at least three years to isolate the bacteria before they can even start to develop a way of transferring it to cattle and sheep. Another group of scientists has suggested Australians farm fewer cattle and sheep and just eat more kangaroos. The idea is controversial but about 20 per cent of health-conscious Australians are believed to eat the national symbol already. Peter Ampt, from the University of New South Wales's Institute of Environmental Studies, says the meat has health benefits. "It's low in fat. It's got high protein levels. It's very clean," he said. "It doesn't get drenched. It doesn't get vaccinated. It utilises food right across the landscape. It moves around to where the food is good. It's a good food."

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This site never fails to elicit comments:

http://www.michaelbach.de/ot/index.html

Enjoy.

GOOGLE WANTS YOU TO GIVE UP

Pure evil? Looks like it.

At least if you click on the header it does.

I've mentioned the Great Google before, but this time I think they might have gone too far.

They've snuck in a new feature called Google Talk. Which seems to be a sharing sort of thing. You know, chat with your friends online.

You'd think it was only competition to AIM and Yahoo.

But it's a bit more than that.

"If any of your friends from Google Talk are using Google Reader and sharing items, you'll see them listed under 'Friends' ."

That's a direct quote from the Google.

However, they admit that any files you have under your "Sharing" are also open to all your friends. And anyone you send an email to, can see whatever is there. And you can see their files. Google says you can deny this privilege to different people, but it sounds like an awful lot of work to me. The more people you send email to, the more can see your shared files.

Yep, the simple act of buying something on line gets your files opened to the company you do business with unless you remember to exclude them. I can't imagine New Egg being interested in my files, but since it's an online geek store....

However I believe I've figured out a way to prevent Google's Social Networking Tool from letting anyone have privileges on my computer. I just don't use Google Talk.

Sorry Google.

THE DAY AFTER

First up, Happy Chrismschanukwanzikah!

Rhiannon A. from San Diego passed along these greetings--which I just can't resist sharing (she works in a law firm, BTW):

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Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non addictive, gender neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2008, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the recipient of said wish. By accepting these greetings, you are accepting the aforementioned terms as stated. This greeting is not subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for herself/himself/others, and is void where prohibited by law and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher.

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Here's a video from one of my favorite comedians.

Enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kXOg23pGeA

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This is late, but it says worlds about the mentality of some officials.

U.S. Customs agents have barred a lauded Canadian seller of Christmas trees from setting up shop in New York this year.

For the last nine years, Daniel Lemay, 39, a graphic designer from Montreal, has brought his trees south to sell in front of St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery, The New York Times reported. Each year, Lemay donated 10 percent of his Christmas sales, about $3,000, to the church. He lived in an elaborate, birch-sapling shack he designed and transported from Canada for the season.

But this year, Lemay was stopped at the border in Beecher Falls, Vt., where he said border agents told him only U.S. residents could bring in trees to sell, the Times reported.

Lemay quickly sold his trees to another Canadian grower, Roger Boust, a retired tree farmer from the Catskills, to sell them in New York, the Times said.

Nonetheless, residents in the Bowery are saddened and feel as if the Grinch "stole our Christmas tree man," said the Rev. Frank Morales, associate pastor of St. Mark's.

There isn't anything I can do other than shake my head.

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"Always leave 'em laughing" department:

Little Johnny was eating breakfast one morning and started thinking about things.

"Mommy, why does daddy have so few hairs on his head?" he asked his mother.

"He thinks a lot," replied his mother, pleased with herself for coming up with a good answer to her husband's baldness.

Johnny thought for a second and asked,"So why do you have so much hair?"

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Don't forget to click the header.

Have good day or two.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

You'll have to click on the picture to read the explanation. (I'm still trying to learn how to use my photo editing thingee.)

In any case, this cat understands the Spirit of Giving pretty darn well.

I have a couple of other gifts also:

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http://www.funlaugh.com/Christmasmidis.html

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http://www.links2love.com/christmas_songs_grandmarunover.htm

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In Florida, an atheist became incensed over the preparation of Easter and Passover holidays. He decided to contact his lawyer about the discrimination inflicted on atheists by the constant celebrations afforded to Christians and Jews with all their holidays while atheists had no holiday to celebrate.

The case was brought before a wise judge. After listening to the long passionate presentation by the lawyer, the Judge banged his gavel and declared "Case dismissed!

"The lawyer immediately stood and objected to the ruling and said, "Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and many other observances. Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah...yet my client and all other atheists have no such holiday!"

The judge leaned forward in his chair and simply said, "Obviously your client is too confused to even know about, much less celebrate his own atheists' holiday!"

The lawyer pompously said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any such holiday for atheists. Just when might that holiday be, your Honor?"

The judge said, "Well it comes every year on exactly the same date---April 1st!

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http://www.funlaugh.com/reindeercrash.html

. Enjoy yourselves, eat too much and have too much fun.

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Don't forget to click the header.

DARN, DANG IT, RATS

Oh, terrific. Has anyone ever had a day where almost everything turns to poo? I'm having that now. First off, I indavertently deleted a few comments to the Banana posting while deleting some spam junk. (Sorry. If yours was one of them please resend it?) Then Schotzy got on the computer and entered a post. Now when I am on the "create post" site there's a bunch of strange looking characters here that I guess describe the picture. Looks ok in preview but weird on this page. And Blogger spell check still doesn't work. See what happens when you take time off to shop and put up the decorations and make cookies? . And now I see tools over on the right hand side of this page. They look like tools so anyone can change what's there, but I don't know how they got there. Nor how do I know how to remove them. . Please click on the header. There's a present for you.

I'M AVAILABLE

Schotzy here. The human who thinks he's the boss here has gone to eat dinner. I've already had mine. I appeal to you all to tell him to feed me properly. I never get mice, nor birds, nor lizards, nor good things like that to eat. "Balanced diet", he calls it. He'd just better share their Christmas Lasagne with me. . Happier news now. I've got my own email address. It's Schotzy7atgmail.com. I'm sure you know how to fix that so it can be read by the computer. Something about switching a couple of letters to an "@". . Now, please don't tell the big Cat, but I was visiting a certain website today and saw they had put in a link to an oldish Aussie Christmas song. So I thought, well, if she can do it so can I. Just one caveat: I don't think it is a song you'll want young children to see nor hear. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWMTF5fLA6o . Here's something nice you can show people who say they don't like us cats: A cat named Oreo is being credited for nipping a carbon monoxide leak in the bud. Jeanie Probst said her cat began to act strangely since she began using a heater over the past couple of weeks. "He came out here yelling," Probst said. Oreo would run in circles under the vent or jump onto the back of a chair, stare at the register and make loud noises, she said. "It was one of those scary meows," Probst said. Once the heat would went off, Oreo would act normal again. Probst said she and her boyfriend began to realize they were getting headaches and feeling tired. They called MidAmerican Energy, which discovered the furnace was pumping carbon monoxide into their Cedar Rapids apartment, and a technician came out and fixed the poisonous leak. . I heard that people who live in Texas were treated to this headline: "State Report Says Texas Has Too Many Reports" -- AP headline . As long as there's already a newspaper headline here, look what the Aussies have found out: "Australia Finds a New Power Source -- Beer" -- London Times headline . Here's something I've been trying to figure out. Maybe you can help? The Brain Buster Card Trick ! . I need help: ¿¿¿¿ sɐǝpı ʎuɐ ǝuoʎuɐ'ǝɯ d1ǝɥ uɐɔ noʎ ǝqʎɐɯ' pǝuǝddɐɥ ʇɐɥʍ ʇno ǝɹnbıɟ ʇ,uɐɔ 11ıʇs ı puɐ ʎɐpoʇ ʎ1ɹɐǝ uɐbǝq sıɥʇ'ǝɯ ɹoɟ ǝuo ʍǝu ɐ sı sıɥʇ . One more thing. Here's some blogs where the owner didn't think before registering the name: . 11.23.2005 Webmasters who didn't think when they registered their URL Here's a list of some funny URLs, where the designer didn't thinking about how people would read the name of the site: '1) Who Represents?, a database for agencies to the rich and famous:http://www.whorepresents.com 2) Experts Exchange, a knowledge base where programmers can exchangeadvice and views:http://www.expertsexchange.com 3) Looking for a pen? Look no further than Pen Island:http://www.penisland.net 4) Need a therapist?http://www.therapistfinder.com 5) Mole Station Native Nursery, based in New South Wales:http://www.molestationnursery.com6) Gas central heating anyone?http://www.gasheating.co.uk 7) New to Milan and you need electric light? Why not sign up on-line withPower-Gen?http://www.powergenitalia.com Bye for now.

NOW, THAT'S A BANANA

A friend asked me why I considered the banana palm as being a very rude plant. What's your opinion?

The link in the header takes you to a talented Australian's site.

NEW MEXICO'S NUMBER TWO!

Here's some unwanted news. Seems State Farm says we're only Number 2 in this category:

N.M. ranked high on list of holiday robberies According to a new State Farm study, New Mexico is the second worst state in the nation when it comes to the number of home burglaries during the holidays. Jeff Feid of State Farm said thieves are looking for specific items during the holidays. "They're gonna look for items that are easy to grab and take in their arms, not attached to the house, so electronics, jewelry, furs, things that are not attached to the house, they're gonna take 'em and dash real fast," he said. Officials with State Farm recommend that residents install security systems in their homes. They said that motion activated lights are also a good way to detour criminals. But officials said having good locks with deadbolts are the key to keeping thieves from gaining entry. The study names Nevada as the state with the most holiday burglaries and North Dakota with the fewest.

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I'm not sure if that's better or worse than being 48th in average income. Oh, well, whatever.

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A recent activity of sneak thieves here resulted in a multi amputee from Iraq having his electric wheel chair stolen. I kid you not. A collection was taken up by us locals and he was supplied with vlivk thea new unit.

I don't remember, when I was a kid, of anything this heinous and disgusting happening. I think my Dad and some of his buddies might have gone out hunting for anyone who would do such a heinous thing. I know for sure the cops would have made a super effort to find the ***'* ** *******(supply your own adjectives).

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But this kind of thing is not just reserved to Albuquerque. There's a link under the header about the recent fires in San Diego County and part way down it reports on some slime bag thievery during the disaster.

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It seems to me that American morality (and perhaps that of other countries, as well,) has sunk to a low point never dreamed of by our Founding Fathers.

GLOBAL WARMING DOESN'T MEAN YOU CAN'T FREEZE TO DEATH

It seems many people have the idea that this Global Warming warning means we'll all sweat to death.

It doesn't. What they seem to be saying is that the Earth is going to go through major climactic changes. And most of the change can be blamed on the human race.

This Warming refers to the unimaginably huge ice caps at our polar ends that are very likely to melt from the heat we, the two legged ants, have managed to create in the planet's atmosphere.

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If it is true, then we're in for climate changes the human race has never even conceived of in its wildest dreams.

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Mom Nature has a way of doing what she wants to, in spite of our puny efforts to change her mind. Thus, if the ice caps do melt, then she'll most likely give us a dose of the coldest weather we've ever seen. Just to balance the scales. She's got a manner of doing that, you know. And we believe that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

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This has been a public service announcement. Please do not abuse the author.

Oh, don't forget the header.

A BURNING QUESTION?

Have you ever sworn at a computer?

David Macmahon, of http://david-mcmahon.blogspot.com/ asked this question on his web site.

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I've started a reply more than once, denying, each time, that I would ever do such a thing to an inanimate object. And each time Wild Thing has made strangling noises in her throat. And Schotzy smiled (yes, she can smile. Or maybe that's a sneer.) in my direction. All of those posts have been deleted. So there.

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Confession is good for the soul, I'm told. I forget who told me that (probably my Mom, years and years ago.) So here's my confession:

Yes, dammit. However, in my defense, I recognized soon that cursing only helped my mental state. It didn't do a thing for, nor to, the damn computer.

Further, in my defense, I was really cursing the software, not the machine.

That being the case, I guess I have never sworn at the computer.

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Now, I will admit to having used unsavory language regarding the keyboard. It sometimes puts strange and unpronounciable words on my screen . There is no excuse for it and I often threaten to replace it with a smarter tool.

So there, David.

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Don't forget the header. It's from the UK.

NO, NO, NO! NOT NOW. NOT HERE

This is a violation of my rights. You know, the right to have a s**w free winter.

Yeah, it snowed here last night. (If I didn't know better I'da thunk Lin sent this to plague me.)

Actually that picture came from a friend in Wisconsin. But that stuff did indeed decide to violate our pristine existence.

I'm thinking of sending it to David Macmahon. Shock the hell out of those Banana Benders.

Keep a stiff upper lip. Cheerio.

Don't forget to click the header.

IT'S ALMOST NEW YEARS DAY?

Hey, wait a minute. The year 2007 just started a couple of weeks ago. Maybe I forgot to wind my calendar? Or the batteries went bad? Geeze. . A friend (call him Joe) asked me today what New Year's Resolutions I was going to make. (I looked at him quizically, waiting for him to acknowledge his error in reading the calendar.) Joe looked back at me, as if waiting for an answer to his ridiculous question. He obviously didn't realize how young 2007 was. Poor guy. . I decided to humor him (it made me feel safer) so I pointed out to him that I hadn't made any resolutions in many years and really didn't see the need for them, since I would undoubtedly forget what I'd agreed to long before the new year ended. . I tried writing them down one year, but the dog ate the paper. . Herewith, the resolutions I have decided to disremember: .

1. Cats will get their special food (canned or prepared) at 6 a.m., 12 noon and 6 p.m. That should be easy. It's the times they get it now.
2. I will not sleep in past noon. (Haven't done that since I worked night shift 20 years ago.)
3. I will not offer ham nor bacon to my Jewish friends.
4. I will not put links like this on my blog: http://www.heptune.com/farts.html
5. I will, however, put links like this on my blog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0zgQAp7EYw
6. I will stop calling George Bush "Dubya". Except when he pulls one of his boners or spends our money. (I'm pretty sure I will break this one.)
7. I will continue taking Wild Thing to local casinos. And to Laughlin. And to Las Vegas. (Why stop doing what you like?)
8. I will Google for sites that praise chocolate. (So what's new?)
9. I will continue to get the words to songs wrong when I sing them.
10. I want to try to avoid remarking about how our dollar is dropping so fast, it'll soon be equal to the Mexican Peso. Then all our invaders will feel at home.
11. I promise not to buy a truck that one needs a ladder to get into.
12. I promise to put a link behind every Header I use. I know, I know. I already do that. A man's gotta have at least revolutions (sic) he can keep.
13. I will not go hunting with Dick Cheney.

How about your resolutions?

IF IT AIN'T BROKEN, DON'T FIX IT

I am amazed about the shenanigans elected officials can get up to in the performance of their official duties. The anti red light runners/speeders cameras have been put under the gun by our wise City Councillors. Well, at least by some of them. Seems four of the nine Councilors refused to attend this meeting. They were angry about the "negotiations" that led to Brad Winter becoming the president of the Council. The four accused him of reneging on his word to back other people seeking that job. Winter denied that charge. The vote on whether the city can still fine scofflaws was 3 to 2 against this action. (I wonder if those 3 have gotten any tickets?) I remember that, long ago, I had the delicate job of stopping children's bickering. Had to be careful not to hurt any of the little tyke's feelings. (I wonder what reminded me of that?) I'm not going to mention names, but the objections of a couple of Councilors strike me about as valid as those children's excuses were. Happily, the bill must go to Mayor Marty before taking effect. Marty Chavez should veto it, since he's the person who had them installed in the first place. Whew, what luck. I fired off an email to all of the Councilors this morning. Haven't gotten any replies yet, but this is what I wrote: I find it very interesting that the City Council is implying that Albuquerque's Mayor and the Chief of Police are lying. To explain that statement, both of these officials have stated that the speeding and red light cameras, at dangerous intersections, have substantially reduced accidents and injuries. The Council, in deliberation, has questioned whether or not this is actual fact. One of my questions is: doesn't the Council have access to records that would show, or not show, whether this is true? Another question: Do any of the Council members, their families or friends have convictions re the speeding and/or red light running? . One more thing. I got this in an email from a friend in another city: "It never ceases to amaze me to what length politicians go to, to avoid stop sign cameras, that would pay for themselves in a day or two, and wuld(sic) save a lot of lives. Last Wednesday my dad got run over right in the middle of a crosswalk by some cell phone using bimbo who blew right through a stop sign and then took off in a hurry. A camera would have helped to put an end to THAT bad habit. "Dad is OK but was limping badly for a few days, and regretting that he had just soft bread in his shoping(sic) bag instead of canned or frozen goods. He would have dented that drivers car considerably more than he did." . Don't forget to click the header.

DECEMBER 7, 1941

The following is the speech given to the members of Congress and the American people on Monday, December 7, 1941. You can almost hear Franklin D. Roosevelt's pain and anguish as you read the words. At least I can. Click the header for more pictures. Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives: Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And, while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack. It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu. Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya.Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island.And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island. Japan has therefore undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation. As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense, that always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory. I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us. Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger. With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph. So help us God. I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire. Franklin D. Roosevelt - December 8, 1941 . That war, was not predicated on false reports and guess work. It was a vicious, unforgiveable sneak attack on a nation unprepared for such a conflict. Apologists try to say that America forced Japan to attack us. And I note, in response, that Iraq "forced" us to attack them. I get mighty sick of the lies that swirl about the falsity mill that Washington has become. . Japan attacked us in order to expand its Empire. They did it without caring about the civilians who would be killed and maimed. But they had the gall to denigrate our denigrate our way of ending the war with the least loss of American life. Tough stuff, Japan. You got what was deserved.

HOW ABOUT A QUICKIE?

Just time for a quickie. Post, that is. And please do not hump the bridge.

OK, that's all the warning you get. Proceed at your own risk. And don't forget to click on the header.

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A British mobile technology firm has developed a satellite system to help cell phone users locate the nearest toilet.

SatLav -- named after driving satellite system SatNav -- uses technology similar to the global positioning system to direct users who text the word "toilet" to 80097 to the nearest restroom, The Daily Telegraph reported.

The system is currently only available across 8.5 miles of London's Westminister area but could be spread to other regions if it is successful.

Robert Thurner, commercial director of SatLav developer Incentivated, said the technology is aimed at "making residents' lives easier."

"From today onwards nobody should get caught short again, and we understand how important that is, be it for a young mum with children in tow, older people or friends on a shopping trip or a night out," said Westminster councilor Alan Bradley. And Wild Thing wants to move to London, now.

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How come when you mix water and flour together you get glue...and then you add eggs and sugar and you get cake? Where does the glue go? Well?

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Why is it that our memory is good enough to retain the least triviality that happens to us, and yet not good enough to recollect how often we have told it to the same person?--

Francois de La Rochefoucauld. See? The French can get things right.

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A kindergarten pupil told his teacher he'd found a cat.

She asked if it was dead or alive.

"Dead," she was informed.

"How do you know?", she asked.

"Because I pissed in his ear and it didn't move," said the child innocently.

"You did WHAT?!?", the teacher squealed in surprise.

"You know," explained the boy, "I leaned over and said 'pssst' and he didn't move." No comment.

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Our young daughter had adopted a stray cat. To my distress, he began to use the back of our new sofa as a scratching post.

"Don't worry," my husband reassured me. "I'll have himtrained in no time."

I watched for several days as my husband patiently "trained"our new pet. Whenever the cat scratched, my husband deposited him outdoors to teach him a lesson.

The cat learned quickly.

For the next 16 years, whenever hewanted to go outside, he scratched the back of the sofa. Be careful what you ask for.

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People who hate cats, will come back as mice in their next life." See there?

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Little Johnny was eating breakfast one morning and started thinking about things.

"Mommy, why does daddy have so few hairs on his head?" he asked his mother.

"He thinks a lot," replied his mother, pleased with herself for coming up with a good answer to her husband's baldness.

Johnny thought for a second and asked,"So why do you have so much hair?" Think fast, lady.

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I decided to stop worrying about my Wild Thing's driving and take advantage of it.

I got one of those bumperstickers that say, "How's my driving?" and put a 900 number on it.

At 50 cents a call, I've been making $38 a week. Shhh. Don't tell her.

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Children Are A Wonder ! Love this site.

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She was in the kitchen preparing to boil eggs for breakfast.He walked in, she turned and said,"You've got to make love to me this very moment."

His eyes lit up and he thought "This is my lucky day!"

Not wanting to lose the moment, he embraced her and then gave it his all, right there on the kitchen table. Afterwards she said, "Thanks" and returned to the stove. More than a little puzzled, he asked, "What was that all about?"

She explained "The egg timer is broken." Please note: No names are used.

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Can't beat this new bumpersticker sentiment;

"I WISH HILLARY HAD MARRIED O.J." Hmmmm.

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In a cafeteria : "Shoes are required to eat in the cafeteria."

(hand-written underneath) ~"Socks can eat any place they want."

IT'S TIME FOR AN OLIO POST

I have often wondered why we allow ourselves to be led around like so many herd animals. There's got to be a reason other than our instinct for survival. After all, Docs approve of smoking. ^

Don't forget to click on the header.

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Gillian Gibbons, 54, was given 15 days in jail late Thursday after she was convicted of insulting religion.

This was in Sudan. Or maybe Darfur, since the government of Sudan is responsible for the ethnic cleansing going on there.

Gillian Gibbons, an apparently dedicated teacher who gave up a comfortable, safe life in England was arrested and jailed. For a charge we have never heard of: "Insulting Religion"?

I wonder how the rabid atheists here feel about that?

What are facts of her crime? Simple. Non-arguable. Direct. She allowed her class to name a stuffed Teddy Bear "Mohammed". By Jiminy (I'd say Holy Mackerel but that might get me in trouble) that's definitely insulting. A soft, cuddly loving teddy bear just has to be insultingly named after a religious figure.

Now there are "thousands of club wielding and knife waving" people in the streets of the Khartoum.

Here's a suggestion to end this inanity: The American, Canadian and English governments will inform Sudan that if the teacher and her child are not on a plane to England by midnight tonight, all aid to Sudan and Darfur will cut off at that time. No ships will be allowed to dock in their ports, no aircraft will land at their airports, no overland trucks will be permitted to enter their country.

I don't have any myself, but if did have pet pigs, guess what I might name them?

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Since this an olio post here's something else:

A person (who shall remain nameless) asked me "Why should the American people change their life style to accommodate people who are here illegally?"

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Massachusetts considering outlawing spanking 11-28-2007In 1999, the highest court in the state of Massachusetts ruled that parents could spank their children as long as it didn't cause serious bodily harm.

Today, they are considering a bill that would make corporal punishment illegal. With corporal punishment defined as "the willful infliction of physical pain or injurious or humiliating treatment," legislator Jay Kaufman says, "We need to have a serious public conversation, not about spanking - that's not what this is about - but where people cross the line and abuse their children." And while some lawmakers and parents feel it is not the place of the state to tell them how to raise their children, psychologist Teresa Whitehurst agrees that this is a conversation worth having. "The state has always had rights in this area" such as "child safety seats in cars," she says. "We're not saying parents can't make choices. We're just saying let's move toward nonviolent methods."I personally do not believe spanking is an appropriate form of discipline. To me, hitting is always wrong and not something I want to teach my child. But passing laws that are ultimately open to interpretation makes me a bit nervous. And it seems backwards to ban corporal punishment for the purpose of opening up a dialog. Can't we have that conversation without lawmakers getting involved?

"...passing laws that are ultimately open to interpretation makes me a bit nervous." That's a scary statement. Ms. Whitehurst needs to get a grip on reality. If our laws were not open to interpretation, we'd have no use for our court systems, nor the Supreme Court. I don't even want think about that situation. sound like Darfur to me.

If you remember, I am against Zero Tolerance anywhere it rears its ridiculous head.

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I like this quote: "Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could.

Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense."-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Well, at least we beat Arizona in one ranking:

No. 2 -- New Mexico New Mexico's coiffed tourist image of open desert spaces, Earth-conscious living and colorful hot-air balloons belie a serious crime problem in this border state.Rankings in Crime

Murder: 6

Rape: 2 Robbery: 25

Assault: 2

Burglary: 2

Motor Vehicle Theft: 14

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No. 1 - Nevada...

. No. 3 -- Arizona Another border state tops the list of Most Dangerous States; there's more to fear here than black widow spiders and scorpions.

Rankings in Crime

Murder: 5 Rape: 24

Robbery: 15

Assault: 16

Burglary: 11

Motor Vehicle Theft: 2

Just remember that Bill Richardson told us that he's made New Mexico safer for everybody.

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I hearken to Ezra Pound:

"Winter is icumin in.

Lude sing 'goddamn!'

Skiddeth bus and sloppeth us,

And how the wind doth ram.

Sing goddamn, damn, lude sing goddamn!"

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The madam opened the brothel door to see a rather dignified, well-dressed good-looking man in his 50s or maybe early 60s.

"May I help you?" she asked.

"I want to see Valerie," the man replied.

"Sir, Valerie is one of our most expensive ladies. Perhaps you would prefer someone else," said the madam.

"No. I must see Valerie" was the man's reply. Just then, Valerie appeared and announced to the man that she charged $1,000 a visit. Without hesitation, the man pulled out ten one hundred dollar bills, gave them toValerie, and they went upstairs. After an hour, the man calmly left.

The next night, the same man appeared again, demanding to see Valerie. Valerie explained that none had ever come back two nights in a row--too expensive--and there were no discounts. The price was still $1,000.

Again the man pulled out the money, gave it to Valerie and they went upstairs. After an hour, he left. The following night the man was there again. Everyone was astounded that he had come for the third consecutive night but he paid Valerie and they went upstairs.

After their session, Valerie questioned the man. "No one has ever been with me three nights in a row. Where are you from?" she asked.

The man replied "Arkansas."

"Really?" she said. "I have family in Arkansas."

"I know," the man said. "Your father died and I am your sister's attorney. She asked me to give you your $3,000 inheritance."

The moral of the story is that THREE things in life are certain:

1. Death

2. Taxes

3. Getting screwed by a lawyer.

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We need to show more sympathy for these people.

They travel miles in the heat. They risk their lives crossing a border. They don't get paid enough wages. They do jobs that others won't do or are afraid to do. They live in crowded conditions among a people who speak a different language. They rarely see their families, and they face adversity all day every day.

I'm not talking about illegal Mexicans; I'm talking about our troops! Doesn't it seem strange that many members of Congress are willing to lavish allkinds of social benefits on illegal's, but don't support our troops?

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NSW Department of Lands and Resources provides better arials than Google Earth If you are a resident of New South Wales, Australia, and you feel that Google Earth just doesn’t cut it for your top-down visuals, you now have options: the NSW Department of Lands and Resources has provided a service that displays more detailed photographs, and even pics from different eras for your viewing pleasure. At the Spacial Information Exchange website ( www.six.nsw.gov.au), and with the assistance of a browser plug-in, you can get down to the very street level of areas in NSW. However, that’s not the best part; with “SIX” you can view historical photographs to assess change in specific areas dating as far back as 60 years ago, according to IDM.net. Is Google shaking in it’s proverbial boots because a few users choose to use another imaging service than its own? Probably not. However, options are what drives progress, and hopefully other states will begin releasing dated photographs in their own iterations so users can glean more from their top-down satellite imagery than what car was parked on the corner 3 months ago on their street.

I don't know if this spies on you or not as opposed to host, which does.

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"An honest politician is one who, when he is bought, will stay bought."

- Simon Cameron

WELCOME TO MEXICO, YANKEE

There is an article in the header that shows why an immigrant is against Driver's Licenses for illegals. Just click it.

I wanted to get your attention for this post. I know it succeeded in a couple of cases.

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I'm not sure which political party I'm the most disgusted with over this Driver's Licenses (DL) for illegal aliens business. .

The Democrats, in general, seem to feel that it would be ok to give them out to people who are in this country illegally. Some of the Republican candidates agree with this. .

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I have a problem with this, however. Since the States issue DL's why should they surrender this right to the Federal government?

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While watching the almost total lack of any action in any sphere by the sitting Senate and House representatives over the past year, it occurred to me that we don't really need any Federal law ordering the states to issue, or not issue, DLs to illegals. It has been stated that far too many bills (laws, acts, whatever) are approved or disapproved by our representatives without that person even reading them. It may sound cavalier on my part, but it has to be an ugly fact. If it isn't true, then why are so many of them bad and totally inadequate for the subject they concern? After all, the majority of our reps are college grads and the majority of them are lawyers. I've heard, from other sites, that the poor dears are so overworked they sometimes don't have time to read what they are voting on.

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Busy with what? Well, they have to see all the lobbyists and other people with an axe to grind to help individual businesses. And then there are the (paid for) trips to other lands, vacation spots, holiday events and tours and meetings in various locations around the U.S. and the world.

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But about issuing DLs to illegals. Is it possible that those in power don't grasp the fact that once one has a DL, it is a simple matter to register to vote? Voter registration cards are easy to get, easy to fill out and easy to return to the registrar. If you remember the application you filled out years ago, they don't even ask if you are a citizen. So I guess that means we must be quite willing to allow non-citizens to elect our law makers. Maybe we should send a few millions to China and Iran and Russia and North Korea and any other country that wants them? And let's not forget those countries that our State Department says we shouldn't visit. They'd probably love to help elect a President and Representatives for us.

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I'm quoting from a comment in http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071115/OPINION03/711150362 "Iowa on its own, however, could issue driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. It's a matter of public safety. That's why the New Iowans Policy Task Force, created by former Gov. Tom Vilsack, asked the 2007 Legislature to consider doing just that. That idea went nowhere, and it's not likely to go anywhere in 2008, especially after what happened in New York. Ignoring the problem, however, will not make it go away."

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Iowa, and all our states need to recognize that we, and the illegals, are a mobile country. If I can get a license from Iowa (or any other state) it is a simple matter to then apply for a new license from any other state as a new resident.

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I seem to remember a famous American who said, unequivocally: "Beware of entangling alliances." I feel like a definite minority accepting that quote.

IS IT IN YOUR FOOD? IS THE FED IN YOUR FOOD?

If you look carefully, you'll see a little illegal alien in this picture. The lettuce is called mache in Spanish, Valerianella locusta in Latin. It's a gourmet form of lettuce. And it is sold in many food stores in the Southwest. I don't know anything other than that about it. Well, maybe the fact the animal is apparently a frog, carrying who knows what diseases. In fact the idea of consuming any of this lettuce is not being given any room in my cluttered mind. How should I put it? "There's enough s**t in my head now"? "No more p**s and vinegar, thank you"? You get the idea. . When America imports food stuffs don't we have the right to ask that it be readied for us by our standards? Well, yes. And no. Yes, we have the right to demand this from our federal and state governments. No we don't, according to the sellers and buyers of the the raw product. (Raw seemed to fit well here.) . Complaining to either of these governments (ours and theirs) can be most frustrating and lead one in circles that are like crop circles (do you suppose?) that never seem to end. If you don't believe that, here's a little test you can perform. Write down a question to ask the IRS. Call the IRS, read the question and carefully record the response with pen and paper. Hang up, call the 1-800 number again and read the same question. Write down their answer. Hang up and call the number again. Read the question. Write down their answer. The odds are all three will be different responses. Keep calling and you might get an infinite variety of answers. And the IRS cannot be held responsible if they give you the wrong answer and you wind up with a fine and late fees. That's in their rules. Federal Income Tax was first started in 1862 to pay for the Civil War and was eliminated in 1872. Then it was revived in 1894 and declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court the next year. In 1913, the 16th Amendment to the Constitution made the income tax a permanent blight on our lives. The Social Security Act was signed into law in 1935 and the first payment was made into it in 1937. Under this law, only retirement benefits were paid to the primary worker. In 1939 a change in the law added survivors benefits and benefits for the retiree's spouse and children. In 1956 Disability benefits were added. The original 1935 law contained the first national unemployment compensation program, aid to the states for various health and welfare programs, and the Aid to Dependent Children program. Franklin Roosevelt, President and multimillionaire, saw that many businesses had no retirement nor pension plans and forced the bill through a Congress who did not want it enacted. They were afraid of losing the support of big business who supplied them with perks and money for re-election campaigns. The cost was low to the average wage earner. A few pennies out of their paychecks. People thought, correctly, that there would be some money coming in after the business world was through with them. Poor houses would become a thing of the past. And the people were right and the houses disappeared. And contentment reigned in the country. (The children of the retirees were happy that they wouldn't have to hold two jobs to support the parents in their old age. Parents were happy because they wouldn't have to take orders from their snot nosed kids. Everybody was happy. COLA (Cost Of Living Adjustment) were first paid in 1975. Before that, Congress played the catch me when you can game before giving them raises. However, Congress, which gives itself and the President raises when it feels like it, decided that retired people didn't need to have their COLA figured on the same basis that Federal Government employees did. Maybe they thought that retirees paid less for food, less for cars and gasoline and repairs, less for housing costs, less for clothing than gov employees. Maybe. . This coming year, retirees are being treated to a magnificent 2.3% COLA because of the way it is figured. (Bean counters another 1, citizens 0.) The message I see the government sending is: If you don't like it, stick it in your gas tank. I think that perhaps the last president we had who really cared about the average citizen was John F. Kennedy.

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Oh, clicking on the header will take you into an entirely different world.

. I confess, it was a sneaky way to get into this subject.

WE'RE GIVING THANKS TODAY

One word sums up my feelings about today: YUMMY!

Wherever you live, eat, drink and be merry.

The first thanksgiving in America is available clicking on the header.

G. W. BUSH AND HIS PECKER

The header should be clicked on by anyone building a web site.

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I sometimes dig out a picture and then write a post around it.

Since Thanksgiving (American) is just around the corner, I decided you should be impressed by this picture of two turkeys.

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I love Thanksgiving. I love pigging out on turkey and stuffing and smashed potatoes and dressing and rolls and cranberry sauce and eggnog and pumpkin pie. (Wild thing has accused me of being able to eat real turkey at least twice a week. So?What's your point?)

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I also watch football on that day. Real American style football. It's one of my myriad of vices and even Wild Thing has become knowledgeable about it (See, she must love me.)

Speaking of vices, I am an inveterate web surfer as you may have guessed. So there's a couple of sites I found that either tickled me or caught my attention.

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At a news conference, a journalist said to the politician running for the presidency, "Your secretary said publiclythat you have a small penis. Would you please comment onthis?"

"The truth is," replied the politician, "That she has a big mouth."

I wonder who he was refering to?

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A Cat's Dictionary

• Aquarium: interactive television for cats.
• Cataclysm: any great upheaval in a cat's life.
• Catatonic: a feline medicinal drink.
• Caterpillar: a soft scratching post for a cat.
• Cat Scan: to look for a new cat.
• Dog: a cat's device for running practice.
• Im-purr-sonate: to act like the cat.
• Purr-ade: an organized march of cats.
• Purr-adise: the garden of Cats.
• Purr-amour: a cat lover.
• Purr-anoia: the fear that your cat is up to something.
• Purr-aphernalia: a cat's personal belongings.
• Purr-ch: any favored feline napping spot.
• Purr-chase: anything bought for a cat.
• Purr-fume: the scent of an open can of tuna.
• Purr-gatory: a houseful of kittens.
• Purr-petual: everlasting feline love.
• Purr-plex: a house with two or more cats.
• Purr-suit: the garment your shedding cat rubs against just as you are leaving home to go to an important meeting.
• Tuner: sonar-like device in cat food that causes cats to appear.
• Yawn: a cat's honest opinion openly expressed.

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I think it would be a good idea.---

Mahatma Gandhi, when asked what he thought of Western civilization

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Here's a link about the RCMP and counterfeiting:

http://www.michaelgeist.ca/content/view/2243/135/

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An artistic link:

http://www.younggalleryphoto.com/photography/brandt/brandt.html

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A satiric site:

http://www.rru.com/webodor/

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A really cool Gmail trick If you use your Gmail address to sign up for websites, newsletters, etc. you can use a trick to see if they send you unwanted email or sell your address to others. Normally you would use your email address such as me@gmail.com but you can use a plus sign ( + ) to mark the address because the plus sign and everything between it and the @ sign will be ignored. As an example if you were to sign up for my newsletter and wanted to make sure I'm not lying when I say I won't use your address just sign up as me+coolsites@gmail.com. The newsletter will go to me@gmail.com but be marked as going to mailto:me+coolsites@gmail.com. Then you can use Gmails filters to send that unwanted email to the spam folder or even just delete it. Spam Control for Gmail Users. This is a cool trick to find out if the place you just gave your gmail address to is sending you unwanted email. http://www.lockergnome.com/nexus/theoracle/2007/08/09/spam-control-for-gmail-users

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Here's a different kind of site:

http://www.llamaadventures.com/

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Here's a site you should visit and use. Very helpful:

http://secunia.com/software_inspector/

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And finally, one for all the lovely ladies:

http://webby.com/humor/i/cartoon1230.jpg

WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?

Ah, peace and contentment. Be sure to click the header, please.

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The old grouch here is feelin' pretty mellow and relaxed right now.

In spite of the VA insisting I can't see my Doctor until January.

In spite of the seeming crookedness of our local politicians.

In spite of all the dangerous and ugly things going on in this world.

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I've been smoodging (I think I made that word up...but I bet you can figure out what I meant.) around the Internet today.

Visited a number of sites, went to check up on Microsoft's latest screw ups, downloaded a couple of freebie programs (I don't love downloading them, just trying them out) and removed a couple of oldies that I don't use. Saw some cute things, some nostalgic things, some things that brought back old time Christmas's to me.

Here's a web site I would really like you to visit and interact with: http://ecard.ashland.edu/2004admission/index.html

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It was sent to me by, of all things, a churchie site where I had left a comment. I don't normally visit this kind of site, but for some reason I found myself there a few days ago. I'm glad I did, now.

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I found this quote:

All you need is love.

But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.

~ Charles M. Schultz

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I wonder if the approaching season is getting to me?

After all, I've had a lot of Christmases. And presents. And giving. And enjoyment. And great music. I remember the fun and the food and the football and some of the conversations, too.

I come from what was once a large family, but inevitable time and death and distance have broken us apart from each other. We phone various members during the season, but it's too difficult to get together, physically, with them now.

Perhaps Christmas is really meant to be a time of remembering. A time to chuckle over jokes and pranks we pulled on our loved ones.

I can remember when the girls were teens and just as obnoxious as any other youngster. I remember threatening them with something like "Keep that up and you'll get a lump of coal for Christmas." More than once.

While shopping for presents, I wandered into a candy store and LO! there before me, in their glass case were wonderful pieces of licorice made to resemble large lumps of coal.

Yes, I bought them. Yes, the girls were given them as their first (and supposedly only) present and it was fun. Laughter and joy throughout the house. Daddy had struck back.

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Canada has lots of great scenery and many good people. They also have a chain of coffee shops called Tim Horton's. Here's a story I found about them:

Tim Hortons are Canada's favorite donut shops and there are even some in Afghanistan for the Canadian troops there.

Because of the high quality donuts and excellent coffee, they are also a favorite place for police to have their brief lunch and coffee breaks. Whenever you see more than three police cars in the same parking lot in Canada, it is usually either a police station or a Tim Hortons. Imagine the crush at this time of year.

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A lady picked up several items at a Dollar Store here. When she finally got up to the checker, she learned that one of her items had no price tag.

Imagine her embarrassment when the checker got on the intercom and boomed out for all the store to hear,"PRICE CHECK ON LANE THIRTEEN, TAMPAX, SUPERSIZE."

That was bad enough, but somebody at the rear of the store apparently misunderstood the word "Tampax"for "Thumbtacks."

In a business-like tone, a voice boomed back over the intercom. "DO YOU WANT THE KIND YOU PUSH IN WITH YOUR THUMB OR THE KIND YOU POUND IN WITH A HAMMER?"

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Of course, we never forget our cats at Christmas. An interactive toy, a bag of treats (handed out judicially) and petting and rough housing. Which brings me to this observation:

Cats are independent, they don't listen, they don't come in when you call, they like to stay out all night and when they're home, they like to be left alone and sleep.

In other words, every quality that women hate in a man, they love in a cat.

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One day a little boy on a ranch here woke up and sat down at the table expecting breakfast. However, his mother said, "You don't get any breakfast until you do your chores."

Ticked off, the boy goes out to do his chores.

When he goes to milk the cow, he kicks it.

When he goes to get eggs he kicks a chicken.

When he goes to feed the pigs, he kicks a pig.

When the little boy sits down his mother gives him a bowl of dry cereal.

"Where is the bacon, eggs and milk?" asks the little boy.

His mother replies, "I saw you kick the cow, so you don't get any milk; I saw you kick a chicken so you don't get eggs; and I saw you kick a pig so you don't get any bacon!"

Just as she finishes saying this, the boy's father comes down the stairs and kicks the cat.

The little boy looks up at his mother and asks, "Do you want to tell him, or should I?"

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And here's a letter from a New Mexico warrior defending our freedom:

Dear Ma and Pa:

Am well. Hope you are.

Tell Brother Walt and Brother Elmer the Army beats working for old man Minch. Tell them to join up quick before all the places are filled.

I was restless at first because you got to stay in bed till nearly 6 a.m. (but am getting so I like to sleep late.

All you do before breakfast is smooth your cot and shine some things --no hogs to slop, feed to pitch, mash to mix, wood to split, fire to lay. Practically nothing.

The guys have to shave, but they say it is not bad in warm water, and after I thumped a few of them, they don't tell nobody about why I don't need to shave.

Breakfast is strong on trimmings like fruit juice, cereal, eggs, bacon, etc., but kind of weak on chops, potatoes, beef, ham steak, fried eggplant, pie and regular food, but you can always sit between two city boys that live on coffee.

Their food plus yours holds you till noon, when you get fed.

It's no wonder these city boys can't walk much. We go on"route marches," which, the Sgt. says, are long walks to harden us. If he thinks so, it is not my place to tell him different. A "route march" is a casual stroll about as far as to our mailbox at home. Then the city guys all get sore feet and we ride back in trucks. The country is nice, but awful flat.

The Sgt. is like a schoolteacher. He nags some. The Captain is like the school board. Kernels. and Generals just ride around and frown. They don't bother you none.

I keep getting medals for shooting. I don't know why, the bull's-eye is near big as a chipmonk and don't move and it ain't shooting at you, like the Higsett boys at home. All you got to do is lie there all comfortable and hit it, you don'teven load your own cartridges. They come in boxes.

Be sure to tell Walt and Elmer and Mary to hurry and join before others get onto this setup and come stampeding in.

Your loving daughter, Pat

BILL RICHARDSON HAS STRANGE HAIR

Among things I can't explain, including this picture, is the governator of New Mexico.

He was on yet another television"debate" amongst Democratic wanna be candidates for the job of President. And he looked fat and puffy and unkempt. I suspect that look was created by his campaign manager.

No self respecting man would want to look as if he'd forgotten how to comb his hair and didn't know how to wear clothes properly. I have a lot of trouble equating his appearance with the idea that he was an Ambassador (or some such) to various foreign countries.

In any case the subject of illegal aliens was bruited about and Bill (who begged for a fence across the N. M. border a little while back) now doesn't want one. Personally I think the environmentalists got to him and pointed out that various wild life (not including Mexican fiestas) had to cross the border or become extinct. He didn't think about fencing the worst holes for human entry in border security. Nah. Just don't do it at all. I agree with the stupidity of the fence all along the border. We are not East Germany. I do, however, think that the well worn and constantly used trails (by illegals) should have some kind of fence. It might help the border guards narrow the entry way through the Rio Grande River. (Now you know why they're called "wets" by the ranchers here.)

Bill seems to think that all we need to do is hire an army of border patrol guards and that'll keep them out. Oh, yeah, he also wants more and more "sophisticated" electronic detection tools. I kid you not. The numbers, costs, support units, etc., etc., have not occurred to him. Maybe he'll start a national lottery to cover expenses? Maybe he'll go on fund raisers?

My guess about the number of human American bodies needed goes into the millions. The cost of this "plan" of his is terrifying. Hell, Bush's war would look bargain basement cheap to us.

He alo supports giving driver's licenses to illegals. He claims that way they'll have insurance and every thing will be hunky dory. I have no idea if he wants to teach them to read and write before they take the driver's written test. (The vast majority, I read on another site, can neither read nor write any language, much less English.) In Mexico, the government wants everybody who drives a vehicle insured. In actual fact, it ain't happening. And I can guarantee their insurance is a whole lot cheaper than ours. Oh, did you know that if you drive your car into Mexico you need a written statement from your insurance company that the policy is valid in Mexico? Yep. You get to pay extra for that coverage.

Speaking of paying extra for car insurance, we had to pay an extra $100 a year a while back so we would be protected from "uninsured" motorists. There are lots of illegals driving without insurance now. Lots of them.

Bill wants to be known as the "Education President". Now, I think he should have kept his mouth shut on that one. The drop out rate in N.M. is right around 40%. Yessiree. Four out of every ten children don't finish even the push courses offered in High School. Or bother to attend school and get a worthless "No Child Left Behind" diploma. That's something Bill should remove from his platform.

Another troublesome thing about him is his stance on the "Pakistan problem". He wants to cut off all American aid to Pakistan until they do something about the terrorist cells there. Now, the very word "terrorist" raises our hackles, our anger levels and creates a feeling of hatred among Americans. He says they are a small group and it should be easy for the Pakistani government to get rid of them. I guess he figures that America should blackmail any government with which he doesn't agree. I also guess that he has learned nothing from history. When the Nazi Party started in Germany, they were a small terrorist group. America put trade restrictions into action. Hitler's party got a lot of mileage out of that. It helped them to grow. And we know what happened then. Bill apparently did not get A's in American history.

A surprise under the header.

OBSERVATIONS AND STUFF

There's a special link in the header.

And there should be after putting this picture here. What do the people in the truck do if they have to go the bathroom in a hurry?

If they jump, they're likely to break a leg. Climbing down one of those tires looks like an athletic feat that should be reserved for gymnasts. Do you suppose they frantically scream at the station attendant to fetch a ladder? Maybe they have a rope ladder in the cab? Maybe they have parachutes?

This was sent to me by an Australian correspondent (no, it wasn't David) and he refuses to answer any questions.

I'd be afraid my nose would bleed from the altitude of the cab.

I might (note: might) offer a prize for the best answer. Yeah, first prize is one week in Espanola, second prize is two weeks in Espanola.

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I've come up with a sort of slogan for the environmentalists (sent it to Terry Tamminen already):

It is not a question of whether you can afford to drive a gas guzzler. It is a question of whether the human race can afford you driving it.

It's free for quoting. Big deal.

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MILAN, Italy — Can't get to Milan to see Leonardo Da Vinci's masterpiece "The Last Supper?"

As of Saturday, all you need is an Internet connection.

Officials put online an image of the "Last Supper" at 16 billion pixels — 1,600 times stronger than the images taken with the typical 10 million pixel digital camera. The high resolution will allow experts to examine details of the 15th century wall painting that they otherwise could not — including traces of drawings Leonardo put down before painting. • Click here to see 'The Last Supper' in high definition.

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Don't fool with Aussies

SYDNEY (AFP) - A tourist who was attacked by a crocodile while swimming in an Australian river was so drunk that he fell asleep at his campsite before going to hospital for treatment, a report said Friday. Matt Martin was camping in an area of the northeastern state of Queensland known to be inhabited by crocodiles when he drank what he later described as "half a slab" -- or 12 cans of beer. When he dived into the river at Cow Bay in the topical far north of the state, he landed on a crocodile. After a brief wrestling match with the reptile, Martin emerged with gashes on his face requiring 40 stitches, The Australian newspaper reported. Admitting his face was "pretty messed up" when he went back to his campsite, Martin, 35, from Newcastle city north of Sydney, then slept for seven hours before seeking medical help. His injuries were so bad that when he finally did make it to hospital, he was holding a blanket to his face to stop the bleeding, the newspaper said. Crocodiles inhabit most of the waterways in northern Australia and although attacks on humans are rare, they are potentially very dangerous and numbers have increased in recent years due to official protection after fears they might be wiped out by hunters.

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When is it bad luck to see a black cat?

=^,,^= When you're a mouse.

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A man comes home from work and finds his wife admiring her breasts in the mirror.

He asks, "What are you doing?"

She replies, "I went to the doctor today, and he told me I have the breasts of a 25 year old."

The husband retorts, "Well, what did he say about your 50 year old ass?"

She replied, "Frankly dear, your name never came up."

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A linguistics professor was lecturing to his class one day.

"In English," he said, "a double negative forms a positive. In some languages, though, such as Russian, a double negative is still a negative. However, there is no language wherein a double positive can form a negative."

A voice from the back of the room said, "Yeah, right."

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Ever wonder what happens when you leave your computer on overnight?

Does it just sit idle until the screen saver kicks in?

That's what you want to believe. But now MASO Digital Studio has captured proof of the secret life of your desktop icons in a Flash clip. View the animation

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Florida Poll

The latest telephone poll, taken by the Florida Governor's office, asked people who live in Florida whether they think illegal immigration is a serious problem:

29% of respondents answered: ''Yes, it is a serious problem."

71% of respondents answered: "No, es una problema seriosa."

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Moose was in trouble. He forgot his wedding anniversary.

His wife was really angry.

She told him "Tomorrow morning, I expect to find a gift in the driveway that goes from 0 to 200 in less then 6 seconds AND IT BETTER BE THERE!" The next morning Moose got up early and left for work.

When his wife woke up she looked out the window and sure enough there was a gift-wrapped box in the middle of the driveway. Confused, the wife put on her robe and ran out to the driveway, brought the box back in the house. She opened it and found a brand new heavy duty bathroom scale.

Moose has been missing since Friday.

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Everything here has been brought to you by your friend Schotzy.

He had fish for dinner. I didn't get any of it except the smell.

THE WARRIOR...THE VETERAN

He didn't really want to go to war.

He had a good job that paid him almost $35 a week. He could afford to buy a car (used), he could afford to get married and have a family. Perhaps within five or six years he'd be able to buy a house and raise his own vegetables and fruit. His wife could harvest and can these goodies and they'd have enough to get through the winter and share with their neighbors.

After all, his boss liked his work and he might get a couple of raises by then.

He enjoyed listening to the radio, dancing, reading the newspaper and playing cards and Monopoly with his friends and family.

He played softball and hardball in the summer, went ice skating in the winter. It wasn't any trouble to walk to the city park for these free things. After all, it was only five blocks. And he liked to play his trumpet (although Mom didn't to want hear it in the early morning).

He knew about the war in Europe, but that was their problem and they should solve it themselves. Europe was an ocean away, after all.

One winter Sunday morning, after he had eaten breakfast and read the newspaper (comics first), his Dad, as usual, turned on the radio to hear a newscast.

What? What did that announcer say? Something about a place called, um, Pearl Harbor, wherever that was.

The family listened, intently now, as they heard about a vicious sneak attack on an American Naval Base. Death and destruction rained down on a peaceful island somewhere in the Pacific Ocean.

The newscaster told of fires, ships being sunk, bodies of Americans floating in the roiling, oil covered waters. Of civilians, as well as service men, strafed by airplanes.

The newsman's voice was relatively calm, although it broke in mid sentence many times, and he could hear the tension, the horror, the almost disbelief, as the man's voice filled the silent kitchen.

His older brother's eyes met his. Without a word they agreed that they would have to do something about this ghastly event.

He didn't see the look that passed between his mother and father. His two sisters were in shock.

They all listened in silence for aother half hour. His father spoke. "It's time to get ready for church." Silently they all got up and prepared for the service. Shaving, he thought about, but could not voice his outrage and anger. That would come later.

At church, the congregation chattered among themselves until the preacher asked them, several times to be silent.

He apologized for changing the scheduled sermon and asked all of to join him in singing "For Those In Peril On The Sea". After the song, he asked the assemblage to pray for those who had been wounded or killed in the cowardly attack. And then he asked them to pray for those who would fight in the inevitable war.

The young man didn't really hear anything else the preacher said. He could only see the redness of pure fury. His mind locked on killing those weasel Japs.

The only Japanese he knew had a fruit and vegetable store a block from his home. He didn't consider them enemies. Hell, they were friends and neighbors and Americans.

When the family arrived home, his other two brothers, their wives and two other sisters were waiting in the living room. They hadn't needed keys. Mom and Dad rarely locked the front door when they went out, except at night when they went to bed. The four young men (well, Earl was 36 and Albert was 30) spoke for a long time about enlisting in the army and fighting Japs.

Mom and Dad didn't want them to go to war. They were afraid for their children.

But all four of them stood in the enlistment office line the next day.

The eldest son, Earl, was told he would not be accepted because he was a machinist and would be needed to help make the weapons of war. The next (Albert), was told he wouldn't be accepted because he was needed in his executive position in City Hall. The two youngest were accepted immediately.

Of these two, one would be killed over Germany when the bomber he was piloting was destroyed. The youngest one taken prisoner by the German Army and managed to survive imprisonment. He died sixty years later.

One of the sisters joined the women's Army Corps and was honorably discharged after the war ended.

Two of the other sisters went to work in defense plants and the other raised a fine group of children (seven plus one adopted).

To my loyal, American loving forebears, I salute you on your day.

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I watched the Arlington Cemetery ceremony on TV this morning. The Presidential Seal was conspicuous on podium. George W. Bush did not show up for it. Remember him? The guy whose daddy got him out of a shooting war. Richard Cheney stood in for him.

I am disgusted with Dubya.

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There a couple of poems by men who were at Pearl Harbor in the header.