25 Word Challenge One Day Early!

Well, since I fully intend to start my weekend today, I thought I'd also offer up this week's challenge a day early: As always, the rules are quite simple...

I'll get the story rolling along and you just place your contribution in the comment section....however, it must contain exactly 25 words NO MORE NO LESS!

You can post as many additions to the storyline as you want, but no back to back comments!

You owe all thanks and praise to my good friend, Feisty Christina. She thought up the idea in the first place and actually assented to my taking a turn as host -- silly, silly girl!

Please remember to tune in next week as Yabu at Bad Bad JuJu hosts a new edition of the Challenge make sure to add your piece of the story next week as well.

Here goes . . . I am counting on you all to move this story along!

Readying for this reunion of sorts, his pace slowed - today - the day he had to face his fears, face what he'd done many years ago . . .

Melon Smoothie

With Summer quickly advancing, thought I'd share a yummy and easy smoothie.

2 cups very ripe cubed melon (such as watermelon, honeydew or cantaloupe)*
1 cup ice cubes (5 to 7 regular cubes), crushed**
2 to 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, if desired

In blender, combine melon, ice and powdered sugar. Cover; blend until almost smooth.

**Place ice cubes in heavy-duty plastic bag and pound with mallet or hammer until coarsely crushed.

Mix with your favorite alcohol to kick it up a notch too!

WTW - Havin' Me a Party!

Originally uploaded by zen..

How's ya'll like my party lites? Jed helped me make em out of shotgun shells. I think it gives the traylor a sorta, how do you say it? Ambeance.

Fistful of Fortnights
HECTOR VEX
It Is What It Is
Mean Ol' Meany
Merri Musings
MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy
Riehl World View
Rightwingsparkle
Six Meat Buffet

Sortapundit
The Ebb & Flow Institute
The Jawa Report
The Nose On Your Face
The Therapist
Vince Aut Morire

10 Things I haven't done Meme

Tom at Hamstermotor nailed me with this meme. I am supposed to tell ya'll 10 things I haven't done so here goes . . . brace yerselves!

1. I have never eaten an organ of any animal;

2. I have never chewed, already chewed gum that I found on a chair;

3. I have never placed hexs or voodoo spells or curses of any kind on anyone, though I have wanted to many times;

4. I have never ridden a horse bare-back and nekkid;

5. I have never had relations with anyone of the same sex;

6. I have never gone skinny dipping under the bright shine of the moon on a warm summer's day;

7. I have never won more than $15 on the lottery, including scratch-off tickets;

8. I have never missed when shooting varmin from my kitchen window;

9. I have never missed the local annual county fair in my entire life;

10. I have never danced topless crowd surfed at an outdoor concert . . . wait, um, never mind - did that.

Jeff's Comment Party Is Still On!!

And now a small request, as Jeff toils at boot camp, he needs some lovin of the snail mail variety. Don't send goodies to him, he has to do push-ups for that. If ya'll are so inclined, drop Jeff a line. Here is his spamproof address (note remove the spamproofs and drop him a line):

PFC Harr, Jeffrey EE CO 3-10 (2nd PLT)SPAMPROOF
495 Iowa Ave SPAMPROOF
SPAMPROOF FLW, MO 65473 SPAMPROOF

And, His latest letter home has been posted over at Oh Dark Thirty, give it a look and leave comments at his party while you are there. We are up to 201 and have quite a way to go! Join the fun for Jeffrey!

Karnival of the Kidz

It is up at Practical Penumbra and it is great! Go now.

My Pumpkin

Here is my little pumpkin. Isn't he a cutie? This was taken in the fall, and he wanted to pick out his own "plutkim" He picked out the cutest one and he was showing it off for the camera.

He was giddy with delight when I carved the big pumpkin and ripped out the stuff inside. My son and I are on the same plane. We like stuff loud and messy!

It's Coming!

Keep watching here for the unveiling of my new MuNu site!!

Carnival of the Vanities

Its up over at the Commonwealth Conservative. Drop in and take a gander, he did a great job.

White Trash Wednesday - Momma's House

Originally uploaded by ryan_hutton.

Thought I'd post a pikture of my momma's house. We moved some of the cars so you could get a good view. One of these days I am gonna move out of the traylor park and into a big ole house like that!

BOBO BLOGGER
Cranky Neocon
Dangerous Logic
Fistful of Fortnights
HECTOR VEX
It Is What It Is
Mean Ol' Meany
Merri Musings
MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy

Riehl World View
Rightwingsparkle
Six Meat Buffet
Sortapundit
The Ebb & Flow Institute
The Jawa Report
The Nose On Your Face
The Therapist

Vince Aut Morire

Another Meme!

Manic Viking tagged me with this little "good things happen in threes" gem, er meme. So here goes:

3 names you go by:-
Oddybobo
Mama
Cardinal (as in sin)

3 screennames you’ve had (besides blog psuedonym):
Chink (more to do with my name than anything else . . . don't get your panties in a bunch)
bobolicious
cjh5360

3 physical things you like about yourself:-
My ass-length brown hair
My toes
My birthmark (looks like a bullseye)

3 physical things you dislike about yourself:-
My inability to lose the weight gained while pregnant with my first child due to other illnesses
My butt, big but slightly flat
My big fat legs.

3 parts of your heritage:-
Korean
Irish
Polish

3 things you are wearing right now:-
Brown Suede Blazer
Black Tanktop
Black Dress Pants

3 favorite bands / musical artists:
Just three? Led Zeppelin
Janis Joplin
Jimi Hendrix

3 favorite songs:
Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd
May This Be Love - Hendrix
Tangerine - Zeppelin

3 things you want in a relationship:
Humor
Honesty
Love

3 physical things about the preferred sex that appeals to you:-
Height I like taller men cause I am short
A strong build but not all muscley
Nice ass-cheeks

3 of your favorite hobbies:-
Spending time with my Boy
Fishing or swimming
Camping

3 things you want to do really badly right now:-
Go Fishing
Go home and spend the day with my son
Eat an ice-cream cone, banana soft-serve!

3 things that scare you:-
Losing my boy or my Better Half, I can do anything as long as I have them.
Knives thrown at me by drug-addled ex-boyfriends. . . long story.
Plane crashes.

3 of your everyday essentials:-
My cell-phone
My bottled water
My moisturizer

3 careers you have considered or are considering:-
FBI Agent
Judge
CIA Agent ( I have a thing about badges and guns)

3 places you want to go on vacation:-
New Zealand
Fiji
Alaska

3 kids’ names you like:
Ryan
Katherine
Morgan (boy or girl)

3 things you want to do before you die:-
Have more babies
Win the lottery
Travel

3 ways you are stereotypically a boy:-
Can endlessly watch football or Nascar
Love to Fish
Love firearms

3 ways you are stereotypically a chick:-
Moisturizer
Love to plant flowers
Want to mother all my friends and family (on occassion)

3 celeb crushes:-
Elliot Sadler
Naveen Andrews
Tommy Lee Jones (Don't ask, I just love him)

I am going to pass this one to my first born-the Babaganoosh, if he's done with finals yet.

Karnival of the Kidz

Boudicca has been working overtime this week and has done a great job with this weeks carnival! Go check it out, all the cute faces will have you in stiches.

It's Up!

The Carnival of Recipes that is, and Boudicca did a wonderful job! Go see it now, and get cooking, my family will be there at 7

Fireflies

I like country music, usually. I am not really that fond of performers like Tim McGraw or Faith Hill, but many people are. Faith Hill has a new CD coming out and its title is "Fireflies".
Fireflies and not country music is the thought for this post. I will probably buy Fireflies, just because of the title.

When I was a wee one, my daddy took me on my first firefly (also called lightning bugs) collecting expedition. It was a early summer evening, the temperature was nearing 80 degrees but the breezes were still crisp. Jackets were going to be necessary as the sun drifted below the tree line. I stood at the sliding glass door waiting for that first flicker, and there it was, like a tiny beacon in the coming darkness. I shreiked with delight, and mason jars in hand, out we went to collect the "dancing lights" as I called them then.

My daddy showed me how to gently cup them in my hand so as not to harm them, and running through the yard I did just that. The sky was filling with what seemed like millions of dancing lights each one flickering on and off as if a silent symphony was being played out in lights.

Of course, after a while, the excitement began to build with my energy and the ones that were too high were simply swatted out of the sky to the ground so that I could add them to my jar.
My daddy chuckled as he showed me how to smear a firefly on my clothes so that I would glow too, after offering the simple explanation that the fireflies likly didn't feel it as I mutilated one, I agreed to do it too, and it simply added to my delight.

When our sojourn was over, I had a jar full of lights and I tightly screwed on a cap that my daddy had added holes to. I took those fireflies into my room and they acted as a makeshift night light. In the morning, the fireflies were still. Most were still alive, although my fun had resulted in some casualties. I let them all out so that I could repeat the fun that evening.

My daddy never tired of running through the yard, or lifting me up to catch those fireflies. Later I learned that the lights were a mating dance, and the romance of those bugs was not lost.

I anxiously await the early days of summer now. When those first lights flicker at dusk. It takes me back to that happy place I knew back when. When my daddy was Hercules and dancing lights lit my room. Whenever I think of fireflies, I think of those times, when a summer evening would be spent gathering fireflies or simply chasing them through the yard trying to predict from which direction the next light would come. I think of campouts and marshmallow roasts, and I think of laughter.

Those days are nearing quickly now, and my son has a vast yard in which to catch fireflies. I will teach him to gently cup them in his hand, and I will also teach him to smear one or two on his clothes so that he glows as We both squeal with delight. I cannot wait!

Karnival of the Kids Entry #4

As a special treat, this is me *note: I am the baby*! Here I am in all my sleepy glory as a wee bebe. My mom and dad look a bit weary, I must have been keeping them up at night.

Pork and Pineapple Kababs

I love to grill and fruit on the grill is delicious. Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor. Enjoy!

1/4 cup frozen pineapple juice concentrate, thawed
4 teaspoons cider vinegar
4 teaspoons molasses
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (I use korean, but you can use your favorite)
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 lb. center-cut boneless pork loin chops (1 1/4 inch thick), cut into 1 1/4-inch pieces (City Chicken cubes will do too)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 (3/8-inch-thick) slices fresh pineapple, each cut into 4 wedges
1 bunch green onions, white and light green parts only, cut into 2-inch pieces

1. In small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice concentrate, vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce and oil.

2. Heat grill. Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper. Alternately thread pork, pineapple and green onion onto 4 (10- to 12-inch) skewers four times; finish each skewer with 1 piece pork.

3. Lightly oil grill grate. Place kebabs on gas grill over medium-high heat or on charcoal grill 4 to 6 inches from medium-high coals. Cover grill; grill 8 to 10 minutes or until pork is browned and just cooked through, turning and basting occasionally with pineapple juice concentrate mixture. Do final baste 2 minutes before kebabs are done cooking.

Hits, Hits, Everywhere

Seems my post on Corey Clark and Paula Abdul and whether they did or did not sleep together in her guest bedroom -- Ewe! Is generating some hits on Yahoo and Google and Google UK. . . It I keep this up, I might even hit 10,000 visits!

I'm number one for the search Corey Clark, Paula Abdul, sleep on Google UK.

Now Corey Clark says he has proof of the affair with Paula Abdul that is just too explicit to show to AI. Hmmm, I wonder what kind of hits that will generate . . . oh, and EWE! The thought that entered my mind was that his proof is like nude pictures or maybe stained clothing or special video tapes . . . ewe, ewe, ewe!

UPDATE: Ok, more on the EWE front! Apparently, Corey Clark is set to reveal a "distinguishing characteristic" of Paula's that only those who have been intimate with her would know. EWE!

On a different note, I even got an odd hit for "Alicia Silverstone in Handcuffs", which I didn't quite expect, and I am #1 on a Google search for "I smell a turd"

White Trash Wednesday-Driver

A midget in a monster truck! He's growin up to be jes like his daddy, if'n I could only remember who that be.

Merri Musings
MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy
Riehl World View
Rightwingsparkle
Six Meat Buffet
Sortapundit
The Ebb & Flow Institute
The Jawa Report

The Nose On Your Face
The Therapist
Vince Aut Morire

Fly-by

I am on the 41st floor of my building and a C-130 Hercules transport plane just did a fly-by in connection with an event at Heinz Field. Not quite expecting it, I was a bit startled to say the least - - planes flying at your building not a welcome sight, until I regained my composure and realized it was a C-130. Then I did some quick google searches and found out that it was for a scheduled event.

Nothing like a plane flying at your window to wake you up on a bright sunny day!

The Party's Still On

Oh, its on! But, it is starting to lag a bit. Harvey is currently spaced on roofies, Alekx is looking for a spinning partner, the midgets have all been flogged and a challenge has gone out (by me) to grab the nearest blogger to join the party.

The blogger doesn't have to be willing, Dorko has enough roofies to go around . . .

Karnival of the Kidz #3

Its up and its great! Prochein Amy did a wonderful job on the round up this week. Go check it out!

Ahh, Monday

It is 80 out and I am wearing longsleeves as my arms are all jacked up. I went 4-wheelin yesterday and didn't wear a jacket. The jaggers took my arms to task for that oversight! So, I will be uncomfortable all day cause I'm a dumb a$$. Oh, and I am sick too, damn spring cold!

On a lighter note, had a great mother's day and got all my small flower beds done, or at least started. On to the big ones next!

Its Friday!

It is Friday and I am looking forward to what is suppossed to be a beautiful weekend! I have weeds to pull, mulch to spread, and mother's day dinner to cook. Oh, how I love spring (and Fridays in Spring)!

What is that Foul Smell? Why a Turd in the Punchbowl of Course!

I have been tagged by VW with the Turd meme! Yippee. That means I have to write a dirty ditty about some turd in the punchbowl. Here goes:

Turd in the punchbowl
no its not chocolate ice-cream
Turd in the punchbowl
oh wait, maybe its green
Turd in the punchbowl
this dirty ditty is done
Turd in the punchbowl
see? wasn't that fun?

Ok, I am not going to tag anyone with this. Cause its kind of, well, stanky.

05-05-05

That's right! It's Cinco De Mayo! So round up all your illegal alien friends (or if you are the Manic Viking, your neighbors), don sombreros, mix up a batch of margaritas, eat a taco or an enchilada and dance to the sounds of a mariachi band.

Or, if you are a history buff or just generally into reenactments attack your local Frenchman with a pitchfork! Viva la Mexico! (Just kidding!)

In honor of my good (not-illegal) Mexican friend, I made homemade tortillas and had ouevos rancheros for breakfast! MMM, now, time for the Cuervo.

Corey Clark and Paula Abdul

Ewe. Did I say ewe? Corey Clark is like a mini-Michael Jackson. Or a Michael Jackson wannabe. He isn't even attractive. Ewe. He's the "can't sing but I need some bling" gigalo of 2005.

Paula Abdul is like a robot. Ewe. She'd sleep with Corey Clark after bedding Emilio? Ewe!

But, do cell phones lie? What happened to the "she was gonna pay me a cool 2 million to keep it quiet" I didn't see that on the "shocking"ly boring tell-all.

How about real details? Everyone knows Paula has dogs with silly girl names. Everyone, who is anyone has a jacuzzi with a tv over it, and hmmm, he couldn't even get it on in her master bedroom? Relagated to guess bedroom privileges only.

OK, so Corey Clark screws Paula Abdul on Primetime no less, EWE!

Ewe. Have I said that enough? Ewe. But the biggest Ewe? Randy Jackson in those electric blue, skin-tight rubber suits!

Karnival of the Kidz Entry #3

Ok, Photoshop wasn't working so I simply smudged out the other boy, Here is my future President, quite a bit more grown up than the last picture. He has two hands, his shirt was just pulled down over the other.

White Trash Wednesday's --Limo

Originally uploaded by MagicHappens.

Well, y'all jest looky at what my cousin JoeDon has gone and bought. He says he's gonna use it for transporten brides around. Its fortified sos them brides a don't run off and stuff, and it has cameras in case a bride wants a disguise sos she can run fer the hills!

Check out what our noisy naybors have to say here:
basil's blog
Bobo Blogger
Cranky Neocon

Cry Freedom
Dangerous Logic
Fistful of Fortnights
Hector Vex's Infotainment
It Is What It Is
MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy
MerriMusings
Riehl World View
Six Meat Buffet

The Ebb & Flow Institute
The Jawa Report
Toner Mishap
Vince Aut Morire
Mean Ol' Meany

Immigration Failure

I've updated this:

My aunt, would like to stay. She doesn't have much to go back to, her family is scattered and she is alone. Here in the states (she has been here for 2 months) she has my family, her sister and some family we recently discovered living in California. Here she is surrounded by love, in Korea, she is surrounded by the mountains and and no family. I have done my research, contacted several immigration attorneys and got the same answer. For my aunt to stay, she will have to immediately go back to Korea and then wait for a minimum of 10 years (as long as 12) while she is processed. She's 61 now. To wait that long will mean she will be unable to enjoy what our country has to offer, she will be unable to see her young nephew grow. I have to tell you, March was the first time in 23 years that my mom and aunt had seen one another. I had never, ever met her. It was 30 years since my dad had seen her last. To wait another 10 years would be torture. She is independent. Would not get social security as she never worked here, and would not be dependent upon the resources of the state. She simply wants to spend her later years with her sister.

I don't talk about this much, but she and my mom lost their beginning years together, then lost the last 30. In all, over the course of their lives, they maybe spent 15 years in one another's company.

Should we petition to have her visiting status turned into legal status, she will be sent to Korea until that process is completed. The strain on the system has made such petitions the lowest of priorities. 9-11 has made a 5 year wait 10 years, and all in all, we cater to those who rape this country of resources, while overlooking those who simply want a better life.

Everywhere you turn there are illegals flooding the system and costing me money. Even here in Western, PA we have illegals who tend tree farms and work at the places that the amish now refuse to work. I don't begrudge them a living, but at the same time, I want them to strictly adhere to the law. I am a law abiding citizen, hell, I am a lawyer. But I am increasingly tempted to tell my aunt to go home, get her affairs in order, say goodbye to her friends and come back and just stay. She isn't a criminal (not that it would matter). The plain fact is that no one would ever look for her, she is a non-entity.

But, my law-abiding mind gets the better of me and I tell myself that that won't do. Instead, I will scrape up the $2000 for her to travel here every six months to a year (if I am able) so that she can spend some of her waning years with my mom. Instead, I will forego new furniture, a 1/2 bathroom, a deck, a new roof, new windows, for the few short months she can spend with my mom. Instead I will actively shout about our open borders and the increasing strain our society is put under when I can't get a shot at the clinic (which is all I will now be able to afford) because an illegal immigrant has gotten there first.

The failure of immigration in the country is that for those wanting to come to America legally, the process is so time consuming and difficult that it makes it an impossibiity. It is still possible for children and parents, but that time has even been lengthened to around 5 years. Think of it. Your baby could be stuck in another country while the "process" works itself out. Meanwhile, we are overrun with illegal immigrants that our country chooses to largely ignore because afterall "undocumented individuals have rights too" WTF? They get to trample my rights as a citizen because they are minorities. I got news for ya! I have been a minority all my life. I have never asked for a handout, never asked for a break, never asked for a group right that I wasn't already entitled to under the Constitution. What I ask for is fairness. The system is not fair.

To this country immigration reform is to turn the other cheek while another mexican crosses the New Mexico border, while an Muslim intending to do harm sneaks across the Montana border, while the President makes nice with the President of Mexico, who has it in mind to turn the US into a Mexican territory. I am mad! Instead, however, since I don't believe in entitlements to myself, I will stew and wait for the day when one of the generally inept members of Congress introduces a real immigration reform package. One that halts the flow of immigrants (many of whom have criminal backgrounds) into our country and makes it easier for family members of citizens to come here for that better life.

So much for immigration reform . . .

My rant is done. Resume regularly scheduled programming.

Evil Glenn Moment

HEH

Karnival of the Kids #2

Its up here! Sally of Whimsy Capricious did an excellent job!

The How Old Are You Quiz

Pegged me, sorta . . .

Just a quick reminder

The party is still going at Jeff's come on by and bring a friend!

Don't Panic!

Its coming, its coming, I can't wait!!!! If you don't know what I am talking about, you need to read the Guide or thumb a ride, or perhaps just have a spot of tea! Don't misplace your towel.

Whoo Hoo, its here!

Carnival of the Recipes

Caltechgirl has the new Carnival of the Recipes up and she did a great job. Go now!

Karnival of the Kids Post #2--Baby Blue Eyes

Here is a picture of the Boy when he was about three months old and lifting himself from the ground for the first time. On this particular day, he rolled over for the very first time. And yes, his eyes are that blue (but they change color to a deep grey on occassion). Who woulda thunk it! I have very brown hair and brown asian eyes, and my baby has blue ones (his daddy has the prettiest ice blue eyes, and my daddy has hazel eyes (heavy on the blue-green) So there you have it a 1/4 asian baby with blue eyes. Wasn't he delicious?

Portobellos and Bow-Ties

I love portobello mushrooms. Grilled, sauted or even baked. So, here is an easy Portobello Mushroom Pasta!

2 cups farfalle (bow-tie pasta)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups sliced portobello mushrooms
2 tablespoons dry sherry
1 (16-oz.) bag frozen broccoli, thawed, steamed to crisp-tender
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Salt
Freshly ground pepper
1/2 to 3/4 cup (2 to 3 oz.) shredded Parmesan cheese
1. Prepare farfalle according to package directions. Drain.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add garlic; cook 1 minute. Add mushrooms; cook 6 to 8 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and slightly brown. Add sherry; remove from heat. Scrape bottom of pan to remove any brown bits.
3. Place farfalle in large bowl. Add mushroom-garlic mixture, broccoli, basil, salt and pepper. Top with cheese, and not crappy cheese, but good Asiago or freshly grated Parm!

Day of Random

Go here for directions:

INCOMPREHENSIBLE

WTW-Redneck Car Alarm

Sparky, Spot and Gus guard momma's car while she's gettin her hair done. See, Billy Joe, momma's ex-boytoy wants to get back at momma, so he's been a threatnin to slash her tayors. Sos, she needs these here guard pups to alert her when anyone touches her car. I think momma dun lit on a great idea!

uploaded by cszar.

A Small Request

The Better Half is a volunteer fire-fighter. For those of you who don't live in a city, your fire department and possibly your EMS are volunteer.

Redneck jokes aside, these deparments usually hold breakfasts, dinners, auctions and dances in order to raise money for the department.

Every year, local governments decide that they "just can't help fund the department this year cause money is tight" while tossing tax money to duplicative services or their favorite slush fund. Remember, these are guys who might have to save your life or property one day. They need new gear, new trucks, insurance, new facilities and manpower, so . . .

If it strikes your fancy, donate to those departments by eating there or dancing there. They could use your help. That is all . . .

Grandma Update

The party was a success. Grandma never expected a thing, and was genuinely surprised. The turnout was impressive about 100 people. She said "how did you get these people here? I think its everyone I know!"

So to anyone thinking about Grandma yesterday, thank you!

Oh, and she got a special treat, my 2-year old sang her happy birthday. . .

Karnival of the Kids offering #1

VW of One Happy Dog Speaks is the host of the new Karnival of the Kids (go there now!) Here's my first entry.

Here is a picture of my Better Half pushing the Boy up the hill on the Boy's first sledding trip. He was a hoot! He would get down to the bottom of the hill, roll around in the snow and then jump up, dust himself off and yell "Again! Again!"

Grandma's 80!

My grandma will be 80 next week. My dad and I have come to the conclusion, aided by some digging, that gran has never, ever in her 80 years had a birthday party. *Lightbulb on* So on Sunday, we are throwing a surprise party for my grandma.

We have invited all the family we could think of, all the church friends, etc... We, as in my mom and me, are making all the food (I have already told you how we over do things . . . ). We expect about 100 people.

Grandma's pastor is going to tell her congregation to join him for a "light lunch" at the fellowship hall. Then we will surprise, her by singing Happy Birthday. We can't yell surprise, the ole bat might have a heart attack!

Let me tell you about my grandma. She doesn't look 80 (her birthday cake will say 'Happy 35th Birthday' on it). She has always been there for me. She took me in for a year when I was a wayward teen. She came to every significant event in my childhood and young adulthood. She selflessly gave to me when she really shouldn't. She's my grandma and I love her.

Grandma took me to the beach, took me camping, to horse shows, to fairs, to rodeos, fishing, shopping, and even shooting. Grandma taught me to cook, taught me to bake, taught me to swim (with my mom of course). She taught me that sharing even special days was important. On my birthday she always baked a "companion cake" for my sister and gave her a small gift so she wouldn't feel left out on my special day.

I couldn't imagine life without Grandma. Now, I am realistic. I know that there will come a time when I have to go on without her, but not right now. So, we are giving her a special day, one 80 years in the making. I hope she is as happy with it as we are in the planning.

If you think of it, raise a toast to my Grandma, may she live longer and healthier still. She is much loved.

Something Classy

This weeks Carnival of the Recipes is up here!

Every now and again, my Better Half makes me my favorite "rich people" dessert . . . Poached Pears. They are unbelievably simple, and can be poached in just about any sweet liquid. Here is a variation we have used: Chianti

Chianti Poached Pears

3 tablespoons lemon juice
6 ripe but firm pears
1 bottle Chianti
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
2 (2-in.) cinnamon sticks
4 or 5 whole cloves
2 whole allspice
Fresh mint sprigs

1. Fill large bowl half full with cool water; stir in lemon juice. Peel pears, leaving them whole with stems intact; place each pear in water before peeling the next one.
2. Place Chianti, sugar, orange peel, cinnamon sticks, cloves and allspice in medium saucepan; cook over medium heat until boiling and sugar dissolves, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low. Drain pears; place, one at a time, in Chianti mixture. Add enough water to cover completely. Simmer 15 to 30 minutes or until pears are tender but not mushy. Cool pears in liquid; place in clean dry bowl.
3. Return saucepan to medium heat; simmer 10 to 15 minutes or until liquid is reduced by two-thirds. Strain; discard spices. Place 1 pear on each serving plate; drizzle with sauce. Garnish with mint sprigs. And serve with a generous helping of vanilla ice cream or an itty bitty dolop of whipped cream!

I've Been Adopted!

I am now a member of the Bad Example Family. I'm so happy I could pee . . . But, instead I'm going to Jeff's to party!

WTW-HOME SWEET HOME

If'n you were wondrin where I lived, my traylor's back down off the stilts and I'm now the third on in on the left, right nexta cousin red! Hey basil? That you visitin Beulah Mae's there?

Check out my noisy naybors fer more trash . . .

Fistful of Fortnights
Hector Vex's Infotainment
It Is What It Is
MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy
Rachael Ray Redux
Riehl World View
Six Meat Buffet
The Ebb & Flow Institute

The Jawa Report
Toner Mishap
Vince Aut Morire

Comment Party On!

So, Jeff of Oh Dark Thirty is shipping out . . . going to the Army he is. While his blog is left unattended, a party will be raging. There are some requirements in his absence, so stop on over and get the party started!

Well Duh!

Your Inner European is Irish!

Sprited and boisterous! You drink everyone under the table.

If I Could Be . . . Meme

Ok, so, hiding my email address wasn't enough because Ogre still tagged me with his silly meme. You know the drill, if I tag you then you have to answer at your place and tag three more, make sure you trackback to Ogre cause the Ogre's trying to keep track of his creation . . .

Here are my answers:

If I could be a gardner, I would build several acres of greenhouses and raise orchids. I am obsessed with orchids. Then I would sell them at outrageous prices and become a very wealthy gardner.

If I could be a farmer, I would wear my John Deere hat, while I drove my John Deere tractor and I would sing "John Deer Green", ah . . . I like green, its the color of money. Oh and I would plant rutabegas cause who plants those?

If I could be a doctor, I would find a cure for that itchy burning sensation the ailment that causes stupidity . . . you know the one. The ill that makes you pull out in front of me when I am doing 90 on my way to work, the ill that makes you utter that snide remark while I am fondling my glock. Yes, a cure for stupidity is necessary. Oh, and I'd make money doin it!

If I could be an athlete, I would be a professional stockcar driver. Fast cars, beer, screaming fans, beer, oh and money, lots and lots of money *said with Homeresque drool escaping mouth*.

If I could be a writer, I would actually take all the useless thoughts and stories that occupy my brain and put them to paper with magnificent prose. I would of course win awards and accolades, and I would also earn money, lots and lots of money. . . Hmm. Screw the jobs, just give me the money!

So here's how it works. Immediately following there is a list of 19 different occupations. You must select at least 5 of them (feel free to select more). You may add more if you like to your list before you pass it on (after you select 5 of the items as it was passed to you). Each one begins with "If I could be..." Of the 5 you selected, you are to finish each phrase with what you would do as a member of that profession.

If I could be a scientist...
If I could be a farmer...
If I could be a musician...
If I could be a doctor...
If I could be a painter...
If I could be a gardener...
If I could be a missionary...
If I could be a chef...
If I could be an architect...
If I could be a linguist...
If I could be a psychologist...
If I could be a librarian...
If I could be an athlete...
If I could be a lawyer...
If I could be an innkeeper...
If I could be a professor...
If I could be a writer...
If I could be a llama-rider...
If I could be the oddybobo's maid. . .

I tag Tom the Pooklekufr (cause he is sweet and smart), Two Dogs (cause he's the Mean Ol' Meany) and VW of OneHappyDogSpeaks because outside of mine, her boys are just the cutest!

Me no speaky

I've been seeing this test all over the blogosphere this a.m. So, here goes . . .

Summertime

This one is for Tom because my sappier posts seem to make his day . . .

The sun has been shining for several days in a row here, not an easy feat in Pittsburgh as it is usually overcast or raining. While the air has still been crisp it is reminding me of summertime.

My perch here on the 41st floor of my building has an exquisite view of the Point, the place where the three rivers converge in Pittsburgh (oh and for you baseball fans, I can see PNC Park and all that goes on there . . . ) Anyway, what has been reminding me of summertime is the glisten of the water when the sun hits it at just the right angle. It reminds me of crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on our family vacations which we always spent on Assateague Island in Maryland.

My sister and I would pack a bunch of bathing suits and shorts and tanktops for the trip (we literally slept in our suits). We'd sing along with the radio in the car as we drove from Western PA to Maryland, getting more and more excited as we got closer to the shore. Once we hit the bay, the windows were rolled down so that I could smell that musty-salt filled air that I love so much. If I lived there, it probably would not affect me as much, but that scent lingers in my mind, and I can close my eyes and smell it right now. The windows, rain or shine, would stay down until we got to Assateague.

Funny thing about Assateague, it always seemed to rain, torentially, as we were setting up our tent, but then the sun would burst forth and there wouldn't be a drop during daylight hours for the rest of our days there.

As soon as we would get the car parked, I ran to the top of the dune to say "Hello" to the ocean. The waves would lap the beach as if they were welcoming me, their old friend, back for the summer. I'd zip back to camp to do my part, then off to the beach to sit and listen to the waves, watch the sun glisten off the water and hear the call of gulls as they said Happy Summer in their strangely melodic calls.

The rest of the time was spent sun-bathing (I looked good in a bikini in my teen years), crabbing, fishing, canoeing, swimming and eating. We'd troll the boardwalk in Ocean City, which went through its own changes over the years. My sister and I always managed to meet a new guy for the summer, our summer crush. One year it was the creepy guys who ran the photo shop, another it was a group of skaters, still another we each met several guys, a traveling Beach Volleyball team (we were older then). We didn't care, it was all good.

Those were some of the happiest days of my life. We'd take with us our best friends, or adopted family, and we'd make so many new friends we'd fill a lifetime of pages about them. Some that spring to mind, two guys who went to the University of Maryland and who were just Freshman at the time. I was probably 13 or 14. I was madly in love with one. I, being a little hippie then, taught him, he was the park naturalist, how to tie-dye for events. We got on well. Over the years, my crush faded, but we remained very good friends.

Then there were the twins. They were a good deal younger than my sister and I. Spitfires they were. Both were so full of life that everyone around them was happy to know them. We've lost touch over the years, but I remember their faces as boys when I think about the beach. I imagine they've grown into great young men.

The last time I was at Assateague for a vacation, was my honeymoon. Yep, my Better Half and I stayed in a tent on the beach for our long awaited honeymoon and it was great. I got to share with him the love I had for that place, we camped, went to an all-you-can eat crab boil and had a blast. I have been back to visit, but not to camp. I plan to take the Boy there when he is a bit bigger.

I want to share with him the joys of being with family, seeing the beach, smelling the smells. I hope he is as fascinated by the sound of waves at night as I was. I hope he loves the outdoors as much as me. I hope that he will cherish memories made on summer days the way that I do. I hope I am as good a parent as my parents were. As I stare out at the Point today wishing I could jump into that inviting water at Assateague, I hope my son looks back in years to come and says to himself "my mom showed me the best that this world has to offer and I want to share it with someone too." That'll mean I did my job and did it well.

Answers to the Ten Things About Me Post

Ok, I know, you were all waiting with baited breath, so, here are the responses to my "ten things about me" post:

1. I was a bully in school. This one's true folks. I was a bully, sorta. See, I lived in an all-caucasian school district and was picked on endlessly because I am 1/2 Asian. In fact, starting in kindergarten I got called all kinds of less-than creative things like "chink" and "jap" and "ching-chong wing-wong" and the like. I didn't get mad, just even. My baby sister got upset, cried all the time. Not me, I jumped in and pounded on those that would try to tease me.
My dad had really wanted boys I think. Cause he'd tell me stuff usually reserved for the boys. For example "if you ever get hit, hit back, but keep hitting until someone stops you cause the other guy might get back up!" So, I took his advice and let fists fly whenever challenged. A very typical episode in my childhood was this: I sat in the same seat on the school bus for years(because they had tried to assign seating but it didn't work except that I liked my seat) . In the 6th Grade, a new kid was riding the bus and sat in my seat. I asked him to move, he didn't. I asked again, he told me to buzz off. My best friend Nate told him he needed to watch out cause I'm mean, he said something to the effect of "stupid chink." I gave him my classic (6th grade) warning, which was something like: "If you say that again, I'm gonna hit you." He burst into song: "Ching-chong wing-wong, bang a gong, ching-chong" so I hit him, hard. Poor boy had a black eye and went home crying, ha ha, (he never sat in my seat again). His dad confronted my dad about my dad's "kid" beating his kid up. My dad's response? "You should ask your son why he got beat up by a girl!" He He. I developed a bit of a reputation, but no one picked on me more than once. I did get kicked off the bus a lot. . . wonder why :)

2. I once chased a swimming bear around Jackson Lake in Wyoming so I could take his picture. Yep, did this too. Was back-country camping in the Grand Tetons when a juvie brown bear got into the lake so he didn't have to walk past my camp site. I spotted him and went running down the banks of the lake in my bare feet trying to get a picture of him. Terrified, he jumped out of the water, and ran into a tree. I felt so bad. Didn't get a good picture of him either. Oh, and the Better-Half screamed at me for 10 minutes about wild animals and getting too close, blah blah . . . I was just having fun!

3. I was once attacked by a rooster and kicked in the chest by a horse on the same day. I was attacked, and I mean attacked by a rooster that we had when I was a kid. The damn thing didn't want me near his "girls" and jumped on my shoulders and began pecking my head till I bled. I was more than a little shaken, but I still had to feed the horse. The horse didn't like the fact that the rooster was chasing me into the stall, and so promptly kicked out, right into my chest. Damn horse! Anyway, I had the shape of a horse shoe between my adolescent breastesses for a week. I declined the hospital cause I didn't want to get heckled about the rooster and horse teaming up to do me in.

4. I used to sing in a garage band, old hippy tunes and Metallica . . .As Kris put it, who didn't? I sang Janis Joplin tunes and played cords for the Metallica tunes. Had a grand time. Even threw a "concert" in my living room for 20 of my closest friends, mom wasn't pleased to learn of the "party" in her absence. He He He. . . good times!

5. I "dated" one guy on and off for 5 years before marrying my current "Better Half". I married my Better Half at the ripe ole age of 20, and "dated" the other guy from the 6th grade until the 11th grade. I put the "dated" in quotes cause we were in junior and senior high, and cause he was never faithful when we reached the riper ages. Also because we would go a few months without speaking, both "dating" others, and then would hook up again. He became my first real "boyfriend" when we were in the 6th grade. You know, school dances, boy-girl parties. We did date for real as we got older, he was even my junior prom date, but ditched me at the last minute (for good) for the woman he is now married to. But, believe it or not, to this day, he is one of my best friends. Sicko part? he dated my sister too, yuck! At least I dated him first. My Better-Half and I started dating at the end of my 11th grade year and have been together ever since, my last and best high-school sweetie!

6. I like ketchup but can't eat tomatoes, and I like onion rings but not onions. I'm really weird. I also don't eat eggs unless they are boiled or in soup, nor do I eat peppers, unless they are the caliente kind. And I hate sweet pickles, but drink sour pickle juice on occassion. I drink lemonade or put lemons in my tea or water but don't eat lemon anything else. I don't eat chicken thighs. I don't eat fish (usually) but love crab-meat and these tiny dried, fried fishies that are a native dish in Korea. I don't eat the cabbage on stuffed cabbage rolls, but I eat egg rolls, sourkraut and kimchi. I don't eat bleu cheese. Cause they spell it the french way and for no other reason. I don't eat baked beans, ever, never, ever. But, my favorite candy is the little peanut candies called "boston baked beans." There, more than you ever wanted to know about my eating habits.

7. I swam with a school of sharks off the coast of Maryland. Yep, really did. They were little sand sharks, and there were tons of them (ok, not tons, but a few). How many fish do you have to have in one place for it to be a school? The lifeguards made us get out of the water because a report of a "school" of some kind of feeder fish came in that was being chased by a bunch of barracuda close to the shore, and the little sharks were waiting for their meals too I guess. It was really surreal. The water was unusually clear, eerily so (mostly cause it is never that way in Maryland), and you could see the sharks and other fish everywhere. You could even see the crabbies before you stepped on them! The water was also unusually still. I remember because it was like being in a different place completely. Instead of freaking out, I was like--cool, I'm staying in for five minutes so I can forever say, I swam with sharks, so I did. In fact, alot of us did, cause it was just too cool to be in the water with these little sharks and not be like Ahh! JAWS!! Then we got chased out of the water so that we wouldn't get accidentally bit by a barracuda. Apparently they like shiny things like jewelry and stuff.
Oh, yes, and I swam near a shark in the bahamas, but not knowing what kind of shark it was, I hightailed it to the boat!

8. I was a *gasp* cheerleader. FAKE, FAKE, FAKE! I am not a cheerleader, never was, never could be. First, I was always chunky. Cute, but chunky (as opposed to the blob I am today). I wasn't cheery, either. I was the sarcastic, one, the freak, the geek, the bully. I was always popular but not *Popular*. Also, it was way more fun to make fun of the cheerleaders than to actually be one. I went to keggers, not to pep rallies. Don't get me wrong. I'm a lovable girl. I got along with everyone (but for those who insisted on calling me chink). In fact, some of my closest friends were cheerleaders and jocks, I even had band-geek friends (still do), it just wasn't for me. I was the true-nerd, but no one could tell. I got the best grades in the class but hung out with the toughs, the burn-outs. I had the respect of all my peers, cause I'd always help out in a jam, oh yeah, and cause I'd let the jocks cheat off me in class as long as they promised to miss enough questions so they didn't get me in trouble. . . I was, hmmm, an anomaly? No one could figure me out. They still can't. (Some of you thought I was too sweet to be a bully, after all). Oh yeah, and I still watch those cheerleader competitions on ESPN and make fun of people. But secretly I wish I was as athletic, if I could only do that with my legs . . .

9. I got hit in the head with a wooden clog at a Dead Milkmen Concert and required 6 stiches (ala that "Clueless" Alicia Silverstone Movie from the mid-90's). This happened. I was in the mosh-pit during a 'Bitchin Camero' 'Punk-Rock Girl' medley and, you know how people throw beach balls at sporting events? Well, someone threw a shoe, not just any ole shoe, a wooden clog (who the hell wears wooden shoes to a concert?) I got smacked just at the crest of my eye socket. Split my face open and I needed 6 stiches. But, first, I taped a bar napkin to my face with scotch tape, drank a shot of Jack and danced for another hour, my white tank-top splotched with blood (the Trocadero in Philly didn't have a 1st aid kit then, hmmm. lawsuit?). I still have the scar, it twitches when I'm stressed out. Its a cool battle scar! Cause *you're for me punk rock girl!*

10. The first car I bought myself was named "Dave" and it talked. My first car was a silver 1984 Chrysler Laser. The dash panel would talk saying things like "the door is ajar" or "the headlights are on" and the like. Anyway, the Dave Thomas Wendy's commercials were big then, with customers saying "Thanks Dave!" for their burgers. I named the car Dave so I could say "Thanks Dave!" I wanted a Mercury Zephyr with 2 Holly 4-Barrels but my dad said "too much power for a girl" so I got Dave. I loved Dave. sold him to get a girl car: a pontiac sunbird. Now I have a truck (an F-350, Full-sized Powerstroke! Oh Yeah!)

posted at basil's breakfast

White Trash Penthouse

Originally uploaded by Reddline.

How U like My New Traylor? I'm Higher en any body else! No, really, I am!

Check out my noisy naybors fer more trash . . .

basil's blog
Bobo Blogger
Cranky Neocon
Cry Freedom
Dangerous Logic
Fistful of Fortnights

Hector Vex's Infotainment
It Is What It Is
MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy
Rachael Ray Redux
Riehl World View
Six Meat Buffet
The Ebb & Flow Institute

The Jawa Report
Toner Mishap
Vince Aut Morire

Just a little longer . . .

Not much more time to get your guess in about which thing is false here! Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock (gratuitous "24" theme sounds . . .)

Ten things about me!

Ok, I am stealing this one from Kris, who stole it from SarahK, who stole it from Jennifer: here are ten things about me--which one is not true?

1. I was a bully in school;
2. I once chased a swimming bear around Jackson Lake in Wyoming so I could take his picture;
3. I was once attacked by a rooster and kicked in the chest by a horse on the same day;
4. I used to sing in a garage band, old hippy tunes and Metallica . . .
5. I "dated" one guy on and off for 5 years before marrying my current "Better Half";
6. I like ketchup but can't eat tomatoes, and I like onion rings but not onions?;
7. I swam with a school of sharks off the coast of Maryland;
8. I was a *gasp* cheerleader;
9. I got hit in the head with a wooden clog at a Dead Milkmen Concert and required 6 stiches (ala that "Clueless" Alicia Silverstone Movie from the mid-90's); and
10. My first car was named "Dave" and it talked.

I'll post the fakie in a day or two . . . ok, guess . . .Now!

Update: Haloscan just went all crack-whore on me so I'll post trackbacks later! If you can't comment, come back later and do it!

Posted at basil's
Lunch

Spring has Sprung!

I spent every lighted moment this weekend, outside. The boy and I rode the 4-wheeler all over on Saturday, and we went for a long walk and rode bikes on Sunday. It is spring. Time for me to enjoy the air outside and the flowers and grasses and birds . . .

Ok, public service announcement over. I hope you all had as nice a weekend as I.

Happy Anniversary Harvey and TNT!!

Ok, so today is the sixth anniversary of Harvey of Bad Example and TNT of Smiling Dynamite, other members of the Bad Example Family and Friends will likely post some funnies, but since I am not that funny . . . I will send them the following wishes:

May the anniversary wishes that you receive today, remind you of the vows you both took. May you revel in all the wonderful memories that you have made together. May you always take time to show your love and appreciation for one another. May you never forget to laugh together. May you have many, many more anniversaries to share. Happy Anniversary to you both *raises glass of champagne in your honor*. Now, on with the festivities *switching from champagne to bourbon . . .*

1. Iron Handcuffs;
2. His and Hers Candy Underwear; and
3. Wood, to spank one another repeatedly with (of course, Harvey, feel free to supply your own, wood that is!)

I hope you both have a wonderful Anniversary, and that you continue to share many more years with one another. I have only met your blog-personalities, but feel like you both are old friends. My very best wishes to you both.

Have fun tooling around the blogosphere and reading all the good wishes, oh and the cuffs and underwear will go together nicely!! Don't worry TNT, Harvey will bring the wood! Bwahahahahaha!

UPDATE: Find candy underwear here

My Baby's a Bully

When I was a kid, my best friend, Nate, was the little boy up the street. We used to play "wargames." I am not entirely sure how it is that we knew what wargames were, but we played them, nonetheless.

We would dress in camo and warpaint, don fake weapons, and plant fake incendiary devices around his grandma's house. Then we'd lie in wait. We would hang back until someone came out of the house calling us and we would pick up pots and pans (conveniently stashed near our hideout) and begin banging relentlessly until we scared the bejesus out of Nate's gram. We were about 8 years old at the time.

We also would play "V"- for those that don't remember, V was a tv show in the 80's that was about aliens who came to earth to steal our water and eat people. They looked like humans but were really lizardy. Oh and they talked funny(for the first season) and ate live rats. I always got to play the Starchild-Elizabeth (the one with powers) cause I was the only girly one.

Anyway, the playground monkey bars were our homebase and all the other kids in class were the aliens (we were the resistance), recess always ended in someone (not one of us) crying cause they got knocked in the mud (usually by me). I was an elementary school bully, not like a mean bully, but, well, yes, exactly like that . . .

Here is my point. I am reminded by all of this because of my young son. He recently hid in a closet and proceeded to bang pots and pans at me to scare me. He thought it was funny and said "that was funnier than pushing you in the mud mommy!"

It just reminded me of when I was a kid. My baby's gonna be a bully. I'm so proud. . .

Sesame Green Beans

Ok, so I love everything Sesame. I even love the word. Like as in "Open Sesame" or "Sesame Street" or "Sesame Seeds" or "Sesame Oil" the list goes on. So for this weeks Carnival of the Recipes which is being hostedby Aussie Wife, I offer this easy side dish:

Sesame Green Beans

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds green beans, washed and trimmed
1 tablespoon wok or vegetable oil,
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil, (several drops or a drizzle)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
(a handful) Coarse salt

Steam green beans covered in 1/2-inch boiling water for 2 minutes. Transfer beans to a colander and run under cold water. Drain well. Heat a wok shaped skillet or large nonstick frying pan over high heat. Go once-around-the-pan with wok or vegetable oil, add several drops sesame oil, and crushed pepper flakes. The pan will smoke. Add beans and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add sesame seeds and coarse salt and toss to coat beans evenly.

Enjoy with steamed rice and your favorite asian flavored meat dish, YUM!

Its Tartan Day!

See my post here.

To see more of what those gathered on this day have to offer see here:

Absinthe & Cookies
The Country Pundit
Tributaries
Not Exactly Rocket Science

Lintefiniel Musing
The Pirate's Blog
Ninjababe's Ramble
Margi Lowry *dot* com
BabyTrollBlog
Miasmatic Review
TacJammer
A Celt
Misplaced Keys

Mixolydian Mode
Bobo Blogger
The Bull Speaks!t
Frizzen Sparks
Llama Butchers
Jenna Thomas-McKie
Physics Geek
Daily Vegetable
Aaron's cc

Boudicca's Voice
MB's Blogasm
Blackfive - The Paratrooper of Love
Swanky Conservative
MB's Blogalicious
Doggie's Blog
The Gun Line
Grim's Hall

The Laughing Wolf
Villanous Company
Straight White Guy

White Trash Cup Holder

This "Queen of the Trailer Park" creatively developed her own cup holder soes she'd have a hand free to pick her butt.

Check out my noisy naybors fer more trash . . .

basil's blog
Bobo Blogger
Cranky Neocon

Cry Freedom
Dangerous Logic
Fistful of Fortnights
Hector Vex's Infotainment
It Is What It Is
MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy
Rachael Ray Redux
Riehl World View

Six Meat Buffet
The Ebb & Flow Institute
The Jawa Report
Toner Mishap
Vince Aut Morire

John Bolton to my Tanto

I haven’t done any political blogging in a little while so here goes:

As we know, John Bolton is the President’s nominee to the United Nations. The left has started a campaign to smear him as he has the necessary votes to be confirmed. In fact, they have publicly stated that although they can’t defeat him they have the questions which will make his confirmation hearings uncomfortable, for those that don’t know, this is liberal speak for: “you are the President’s pick, so we don’t like you, no matter who you are, and it is our job to make you squirm.”

Recent talking points for left are to publicly state that Bolton is a “Lone Ranger Type” (in conservative speak = Leader), an “Unadulterated Nationalist” (in conservative speak = someone who puts his country first) and an “Enemy of Multinationism” (in conservative speak = someone who recognizes the failings of the UN and is poised to help fix them!).

Sounds like the President in his infinite wisdom, has yet again picked a winner! There. Now everyone knows how I feel about John Bolton.

Mount Rushmore 2

In response to this tag by blog-son The Babaganoosh, I am to tell you who I would pick to "head"; get it? Mount Rushmore 2.

Well, since I have been to Mount Rushmore, there can be no #2. Also, we have a living changing museum dedicated to all our Presidents, it is called Washington, D.C. Therefore, my picks for Mount Rushmore 2 are the oft overlooked Presidential pets.

1. "Nelson" George Washington's beloved horse upon whom he accepted General Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown, ending the Revolutionary War.

2. "Nanny and Nanko" Abe. Lincoln's pet goats who were privileged to ride in the Presidential Carriage alongside Lincoln.

3. "Rebecca" Calvin Coolidge's beloved pet raccoon for whom he built a special house and whom he took for long walks on the whitehouse grounds by leash. Once, while the first family was out of the Whitehouse during repairs, Coolidge, fearing Rebecca would be lonely, had the presidential limo pick her up and bring her to them.

4. "Old Ike" the tobacco-chewing ram and representative of Woodrow Wilson's flock of sheep which roamed the grounds of the Whitehouse and were used to cut groundskeeping costs during World War I. The flock's wool was auctioned off for the American Red Cross during the war.

And there you have it, my picks for Mount Rushmore deux, Influential Presidential Pets. I shall tag FrankL of Manic Viking, because he has way too much time on his hands lately!

Update: Manic Viking has posted his disturbing example of Mount Rushmore 2!

That big round disk in the sky

Yep, folks, it's called the sun! I was in the mountains of Tennessee this past weekend where last week it was in the 70's and upon my arrival it quickly dipped to about 35 degrees. See, mother nature was aware of my penchant for camping (in a tent) and pulled a fast one on me.

Seeing as how it was snowing on the evening of Saturday, I awoke to find a cloudy sky on Sunday. Brain-dead me, forgetting that mother nature spits upon me, did not take a hat, nor sunscreen, nor protection of any kind . . . Well, that 10 a.m. sky quickly burned off the remainder of the clouds.

7 cloudless hours later, and Whamoo! Sun-burnt and dehydrated, I limped back to my campsite to pack up for the 8 hour drive home. Curse you Bristol, TN/VA Curse you! Oh yes, and see you next year, with sunscreen and long-johns!

What I do for fun

.

I am not able to blog much today (blog-son, I will have your answers to the President-Meme soon!).

This is a (post-baby) pic. of me for those who wanted to know what I look like! That's the best I can do, sorry.

I've Found a Scarf!!

Gentlemen of the Blogwars! I have found a scarf! Let the fun begin!

Gathering of the Blogs

Cream fat and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Sieve dry ingredients. Add gradually with mixed fruit, adding milk if necessary (mixture must be stiff). Place almonds on top of cake in well greased (8 in) cake tin. Bake: 325°F 2-21/4 hours

oh, and I stole this Cool pic. from Ith.

Guidbye!

FLA: Evil Glenn on April Fool's

Evil Glenn, in his quest for world domination will have developed an automated ping that sends the following link to everyone's blogger account:

I was cruising round the blogosphere and found this very insightful and humorous blog [insert blog name here]. Everyone should go there now!

Of course, the link on Evil Glenn's site would simply say:

Gotcha Sucker!

. . . and the link would jump back to his own site in an evil plan to rise in the TTLB Ecosystem until there has to be a new category just for him!

Woke up this morning. . .

I woke up this morning, and what did I find? IMAO gone, Harvey in a state of depression and basil stirring mayhem in the blogosphere. All was going well until I saw this! I guess I must admit, that while participating in the defeat of Evil Glenn, I indulge in his daily delights (of reading) it is a guilty pleasure, yes. But now, oh why! Why????

April Fools!

Did I mention I'm a "sweet transvestite, from transexual, Transylvania?" Having a Rocky moment . . . ok, it's over.

The "Karn Evil" of Recipes is up!!

Ok, evil spawn, Go now! Its up over at TexasBestGrok.

no time . . .

I've no time to post today. I am staring out of my window on the 40th floor overlooking the Point (the convergence of the three rivers) in Pittsburgh and wishing I was outside. Just have to finish this brief though.

I keep reading about all these blogger meetings which sound so much fun, so if any of ya'll are in Pittsburgh, shoot me a line and we'll do lunch . . . I love meeting new peeps.

White Trash Wednesday, Date Night

Me and Billy Jo ar gonna go on a date this summer. I'ze been wantin to git me a new gun, so we goin to the raffle! Billy Jo is happy fer it don't cost but $6.00 a piece and we might win us a new piece! Steak, I likes steak!

basil's blog
Bobo Blogger
Cranky Neocon
Cry Freedom
Dangerous Logic
Fistful of Fortnights
Hector Vex's Infotainment

It Is What It Is
MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy
Rachael Ray Redux
Riehl World View
Six Meat Buffet
The Ebb & Flow Institute
The Jawa Report
Toner Mishap

Vince Aut Morire

posted at basil's
breakfast

I met him once

I met Johnnie Cochran when I was living in Philly. He was a nice guy, now he's dead. Memories . . . Good times!

I got a Dyson!

The one for pet hair, now I walk around the house whilst cleaning, saying in a fake british accent "does your vaccum lose suction?" and "Prototypes", oh yeah, and its purple!

Attn: moehawk and Contagion!!

Update: moehawk has answered the questions here! And Contagion has posted his answers here, and the mental image of me with the cool electro-gadget . . . hmmm, must get one! Go now!

Ok gentlemen, (Contagion, you ducked TNT but you can't duck me!), you commented here to my response to the tag by TNT of Smiling Dynamite and the rules of this interview meme being what they are, you must answer the following questions: (Sissy, you get a pass cause I seem to remember you already being tagged for this meme, if I am wrong, let me know and I'll tag you too)

For moehawk:

1. Tell us how you really feel about kimchi and why you like it so much.

2. How long have you been a chef? and have you "invented" any special dishes?

3. If you could be anything (assuming there was something that you wanted to be besides a chef) what would it be and why?

4. What would be your ideal vacation spot?

5. Your handle is "moehawk" do you have one? do you want one?

Ok Contagion:

1. If you had a time machine and could travel backwards in time, when and where would you go and why?

2. Do you ever consider participating in reenactments outside of your tri-state area?

3. What trait, most like yours, do your children exhibit?

4. Describe your ideal Saturday.

5. If you could be a character from a book who would it be and why?

Remember, answer on your blog, and I will link to your answers, and pass it on to the first 3, 5, any arbitrary number you choose, who comment on your answers - they will be your next interview victims.

How my marriage works

Sarahk and FrankJ are getting married. Go over and send your congrats they deserve it.

It made me think about my marriage a bit. I started dating Better-Half when I was a junior in High School. We even went to the Prom together. Anyway, we got engaged when I was 19, here is how it went:

Better-Half: oh, here, this is for you *tosses ring into my lap*
Me: Gee! Thanks a bunch.
Better-Half: Guess that means we are gettin hitched
Me: Yep guess so, want some ice-cream?

While the proposal was less-than-stellar, the marriage has been wonderful. We got married about 18 months or so later while I was still in college. We had a beautiful wedding.

My aunt worked at a florist, so our gift from her was our flowers, my other aunt was a cake decorator, our gift was our wedding cake (fondly referred to as our penis cake, that is for another day). One of my mom's good friends was a caterer, she catered our shindig for $7.00 a person. My entire wedding, the dress, the tuxes, the church, the minister, the invitations, the rehersal dinner cost roughly $4,500.00. We had 150 people at my church fellowship hall (not being catholic, we could not have alcohol at the church, so that cut costs tremendously). Anyway, that is how it began.

A couple of our wedding gifts really stood out. They were simple but inspiring and we have tried to govern our marriage by our gifts. The first was a simple wooden clock. Inscribed on the back was the following:

Use this clock to remind you to:
take time for one another,
take time to laugh,
take time to cry,
take time to listen,
take time to party,
take time to relax. . .
do not take time to dwell on things you cannot change,
do not take time to rehash old hurts,

do not take time to wound your partner, and
do not take one another for granted.

Together, as time spins, you will grow, take time for the good things in life, and remember not to give the bad things the time of day.

It was just a little something from a friend who had just divorced after 20 years. He had put a great deal of thought into it because his marriage fell apart because he and his wife never let things go and would dredge up old hurts to throw back in each other's faces.

The second gift that stood out was just a card (nothing in it) it said, "laugh often, and you will always be happy."

My Better-Half is a cut-up with a really dry sarcastic sense of humor that would drive most people nutso but is endearing to me. We laugh, all the time. Before my son was born, someone told us to laugh a lot so that our child would be a happy child. He is the happiest of children.

Besides laughter, we went into our marriage with a couple rules:

1. we would never, ever fight about money. The theory behind this is that if we do or don't have enough money, that is simply a fact, there is nothing to fight about. Spend or no, it's just money;
2. we would give our children all we could, even if we had to do without (a given); and
3. we wouldn't try to change one another. We married the other person for who they are. We have grown together, and changed but not because the other one tried to change us.

Friends and family always comment on how close and sincere we are. We don't seem contrived. We understand eachother, can read one another, and we don't push. Our relationship is simple, because we can be ourselves, and know we are loved by the other.

We know that the other is always there when we need them. There have been times when my only solace was knowing I could come home to the Better-Half and a bowl of ice cream. My troubles seemed small when faced with the big world we've made together. I look forward to many wonderful years with Better-Half and our boy.

I have heard many people say that a marriage takes work, there are ups and downs, I have had them. More ups than downs. We have in the past, taken one another for granted and that hurts, but all in all, our marriage works because we pledged to make it work. We are not perfect, we slip, but we always get up. It seems very simple, and it is. I have accepted Better-Half as is, and I have been accepted, faults (and there are many) and all.

Ok, back to work . . .

Another Tight Sweater for the "Blog-Warriors"

1 oz Kahlua
1/4 oz Frangelico hazelnut liqueur
1/4 oz amaretto
1/4 oz Irish cream

6 oz coffeeAdd liqueur to mug of coffee. Top with whipped cream.

Recipe from the Park City Resort, Utah USA. www.resortspace.com.

Enjoy!!!

5 Answers for TNT

TNT of Smiling Dynamite has charged me with the task of answering these five questions and I am not allowed to let the midget answer for me *damn*, well here goes:

1. What/where did your name "Oddybobo" come from? It is really just a combination of my dog's name (Oddy) and my boy's nickname (Bobo).

2. You can only read one blog for one year, who's would it be and why? That would be a toss up. I would probably read IMAO because I read all the posters that post there, but I would have to lobby in the comments for the inclusion of links to the rest of my favorites so I could still read them all, cause technically, reading a link is still reading from that blog ;)

3. You get to be President for one day, what law would you pass or repeal? (You rule, there's no senate, House, etc. stopping your decision.) Taxes of all varieties . . .

4. Since your "better half" is a chef, what's the best meal he has ever made for you? Its a toss up. When we were dating, I mentioned that I loved Thanksgiving turkey so in the middle of July the Better-Half made me a full-blown Thanksgiving dinner. But the very best has to be filet mignon with a little dollup of blue cheese, garlic smashed potatoes, asparagus with homemade hollandaise sauce, and death by chocolate dessert. I love steak!

5. It's a rainy, stormy day outside. You have to stay inside; however, you have no chores to do, no appointments - you are totally caught up in all the home projects. What would you do? I would lay in bed snuggling with the baby, the cat, and the dog, we would watch various animal shows on tv and the baby would tell me what all the animals were and the sounds they make. I love those kinds of days, I've never had one, but I sure do love them.

That's it, I hope it was a bit informational. The drill is, the first 3 to comment get five questions -- come on, don't be shy!

Have a Blessed Easter

Have a wonderful holiday everybody (who reads my blog, and those that should ;) read it!)

I will be back Monday with some cute stories about the annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Attn: Warmongers! One Tight Sweater Coming Up!

Okay, so it is a tight bodice, but these ladies are here to cheer on basil's side in the blogwar against that crumpet muncher sortapundit.

Anyway, I owe a post to the blogwar so here goes: attention . . . since I still haven't sorted out the extended post html (help me if you know how . . .), move along - - the remainder may not be work safe . . .

there, that should do it!

"My Feet are Made of Clay, Made of Clay"

Last night I had the distinct pleasure of watching (for what is probably the 1000th time) "The Philadelphia Story". I know many of the lines by heart, and the Better Half's eyes roll whenever I watch the movie.

I love it. There is just something about Katherine Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart, Cary Grant, Ruth Hussey, and John Howard all in the same film.

My favorite line, one I use often to Better Half's annoyance is "Oh we're going to talk about me now, goody!"

I love Katherine Hepburn, but this film -- and if you haven't seen it, oh do -- is so classic Hepburn, her mannerisms, voice, lilt, facial expressions, everything about it is classic.

And that oft-spoken line by Jimmy Stewart " . . . but you were also a little worse, or the better for wine, and there are rules about that." Sends chills down my spine.

When I lived in Philadelphia, I went to an outdoor showing of the film during the week of the 4th of July where hundreds of people sat out on the parkway and watched it on big screens, repeating lines under their breath, humming along, laughing and enjoying this masterpiece of a film.

There is nothing at all like it. If you enjoy romantic comedies, or are just looking for a good snuggli movie, watch The Philadelphia Story!! What are you waiting for? Go now!

posted at basil's lunch

Eggcellent Eggs

Pajama Pundits has posted the new Carnival of the Recipes and I posted this recipe!!!

In honor of the Easter Holiday and my awesome Easter Egg Hunt and Festivities on Saturday, I thought I would post an egg recipe for the carnival. Most of us like eggs. I don't really like eggs. I never eat them for breakfast ever. Weird, but true, I love boiled eggs. And deviled eggs? Oh my, I could eat a whole tray! Its like the green m&m's boiled/deviled eggs taste different than breakfast eggs. So, here is a great deviled egg recipe! Enjoy.

INGREDIENTS:

10 hard-boiled eggs
1/4 cup spicy brown mustard
3 tablespoons mayonnaise (not miracle whip!)
1 teaspoon white-wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (I use an asian hot sauce but any will do)
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon drained bottled capers
2 to 3 tablespoons water
paprika and/or chives for garnish

Halve the eggs lengthwise, smash in a bowl with forks, and stir in the mustard, the mayonnaise, the vinegar, the hot sauce, the parsley, and the capers. Stir in enough of the water to reach the desired consistency, add salt and pepper to taste, and mound the filling in the egg whites. Sprinkle with paprika and add some chives or other favorite colored veggie for a garnish. Enjoy.

Who was I Supposed to Be?

Inspired by a post over at Contagion's place, I thought I would look over my life thus far and see if it turned out the way I had thought well, no, it hasn't, not exactly anyway.

When I was a youngun, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer, I knew I wanted to graduate from an Ivy League University and I knew I wanted to be a judge someday. Despite advice to the contrary by supposed teachers and counselors (a subject for a post another day), I have done all of that (except the judge part, that's still in my future).

That was it, however. I didn't think I would be married, if at all, until well-after thirty. I also envisioned that if I ever did marry, I would marry a fellow graduate of an Ivy League, or a senator, lawyer, judge, doctor or some other fancy profession. I didn't envision children at least not until well-after thirty. I thought I'd live in a big house I built and drive a fancy car. I envisioned money, lots of money, and I envisioned I would live thousands of miles from my parents.

That of course changed when I met my Better Half. I was married at the age of 20. I never do anything half-way. Better Half is not educated in the college-sense. But wisdom and intelligence -- Better Half has a command of those in spades. Better Half is not in a fancy profession, in some circles Chef is fancy, but not in our case, no fancy schools or family money for my Better Half nope! Better Half is also a volunteer at the local fire department. A hero for many if you ask me -- Definately so when you factor in my inherent ability to be difficult in nearly every situation ;).

I didn't build my own home, but I have 13 1/2 acres of country on which I live so it is almost as good. Oh and it is only 40 minutes from the folks. I don't drive a "fancy car" we have an SUV and an F350 full-sized Powerstroke Truck, that's fancy in these parts! Oh and money? Never heard of it.

I never, in a million years, imagined that my Better Half and I would take in a wayward 16 year old high-school drop-out and counsel him to take his GED and lead a better life away from drugs and inappropriate relationships. I never would have dreamed that our love and support would take that young man to the Navy and mold him into a fine person inside and out. He was my baby cousin before we took him in, he is my baby brother now!

And children? My son was born in 2003 and was the greatest achievement of my life. I am not sure that it can ever be topped (accept with more children). I told the Better Half that my life started on the day the boy was born. Anything I may have wanted or thought I wanted prior to that, poof, gone. He is foremost in my thoughts and what I do now I do with a thought toward his future. I am still a lawyer, I still work god-forsaken hours, I still strive to be a judge oneday and hope that God gives me the wisdom to look at all the important information before rendering a decision (unlike Judge Greer and his ilk!) and I hope that becomming a judge will open yet other avenues for my son.

When I look to the future now, I see vacations and outings with my family, I see toy-strewn rooms, candy covered faces, and smiles. It is interesting, but I really don't care much what the future holds as long as it keeps my family together. I see our young charge coming home from the Navy a clean cut, well balanced and happy young man. My son sure misses him.

All is good. We have our share of ups and downs but we weather it together because we are a family. Without them my dreams would be shattered. With their love and support, I can do anything. Heck, I'd live in a tree-house if it meant spending extra time with them all.

I guess my dreams changed when I changed. I don't look back and say, gee, I shoulda done this or that. I look forward and say, "I can't wait to do this or that with them!" and in ten years I will say the same!

posted at basil's lunch and the Beltway Traffic Jam

White Trash Wednesday's Easter Egg Hunt!

My fust ofishal post frum this here trailer I live in! I am so xcitable. Anyways, last Saturday me and the younguns joined up in the Easter Egg Hunt at the local Volunteer Fire Department.

Little Billy Jo won’t wear no shoes and won’t wear no socks, soez he got his feet all durty. We brung home his eggs but found one that wernt cooked. Little Billy Jo’s daddy ate it anyways. He’ll eat anything with beer.

They hid things other than eggs too! And, welp, here’s a picture of what I was able to find at the Easter Egg Hunt! I sho did enjoy my easter basket!

Check out my noisy nayboars here at the trailer park and holler at Sortapundit whose doing one of them cease fire thingys till Thursday on his war with our nayboar basil!

The rest of the trash:

basil's blog
Bobo Blogger
Cranky Neocon

Cry Freedom
Dangerous Logic
Fistful of Fortnights
Hector Vex's Infotainment
It Is What It Is
MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy
Rachael Ray Redux
Riehl World View

Six Meat Buffet
The Ebb & Flow Institute
The Jawa Report
Toner Mishap
Vince Aut Morire

posted at basil's breakfast

Steal Fred!

Got me a gnome! I got him from Ogre who got him from Harvey who theived him from Nick whose original assignment was to steal pencils from Chuck. As Fred is making his way around the blogosphere during Chuck's vacation, be sure to borrow him for a visit to your place and post a trackback to (http://blog.mu.nu/cgi/mt-tb.cgi/71993) so Chuck can eat his heart out that Fred had a better spring break!

My Brain Hurts

I haven't weighed in on the Terri Schiavo mess because, well it is way too serious and I am way too tired -- brain hurts. Others have said it better than me, but I feel the need to release a bit today.

Terri Schiavo is being murdered by her "husband" and by those complicit in his demands.

There. I said it. Now, I don't agree with Congress stepping in, but on another level something has to be done. The Florida judicial system got it terribly wrong. Judge Greer, if he can even be called a judge, can't tell a vegetable from a living breathing being. The babbling idiots in Florida's legislature don't know the difference between life support and food, and well, my brain hurts.

Here is a clue -- if someone withheld food from you, you too would perish. It would be a slow and disgusting scenario. Blue-eyed Infidel has an article with a description of the process, brain hurts.

I guess the in vogue term is "Life Support" so when I decide I want to cut off my Better-Half's life support because he is getting increasingly annoying, well, I will just deny him food and water until he wastes away to death. Afterall, it doesn't matter if you aren't in the process of dieing like Terri is not, starvation will just aid in jump starting the process right? My brain hurts.

What I cannot wrap my head around is how anyone can look at the photos, video, soundbites and see the testimony and doctor's reports and still say Terri is in a coma or PVS. Not so.

Look, if the Pope were in Florida, and one of his Vicars decided that he said once that he didn't want extraordinary measures taken for him, the damn judiciary would yank his trach tube out and let him asphyxiate. Afterall, the Pope's lived a good life, and who really wants to use a tube to breathe anyway right? Too extreme you say? My brain hurts!

Michael Schiavo wants his wife to die because she has become a nuisance. Her only real crime is that she hasn't murdered a cop or sodomized a young child. Afterall, those vermin get all the perks, best care, extra pit stops on the judicial train. They get appeals, and more appeals all while eating great meals, working out in top gyms and watching tv (you all know that Michael Schiavo even withheld her tv right?) We treat our criminal scum better than Terri! Brain Hurts!

We treat our pets and even damned insects better than Terri, well, not me, I like to rip the wings or legs of bugs to watch them die a slow death much like Terri is doing now. Why not? Why value any life if we aren't going to value Terri's? Next we will have legislation allowing for the government sponsored euthanasia of unwanteds.

Look, I have a severely retarded sister-in-law who really doesn't do much on her own. Sure she talks and reads and responds, plays with toys and eats, but really what good is she? We should just starve her now right? one less mouth to feed right? Besides she is never going to be a productive participant in society so that, according to judge Greer means she is in a persistent vegetative state and we should sentence her to death by starvation! My brain hurts.

This is what it has come to. I don't have answers, I am not a doctor, I certainly am not God. I can only say this, when this poor, helpless woman dies in agony because the Courts stood by and let her starve to death, many will be judged in the eyes of God for not preventing it. That, my friends, my brain understands.

I am going to go home now, wrap my arms around my little one, say a prayer for Terri and her family (oh and VW and her family too cause they are sick),

I am going to pray that Terri really isn't aware of what is going on so that she doesn't die knowing that her husband let her starve and her family couldn't stop it,

I am going to call my sister-in-law and ask her how her day was and offer to take her to lunch on Friday, and

I am going to revel in the knowledge that there are burning hell-fires awaiting the likes of Michael Schiavo and his supporters.

Posted at basil's Tuesday Lunch and the Beltway Traffic Jam

It's That Time of Year

Everyone is feeling under the weather at this time of year. The seasons are changing, (it is spring you know!) the pollen is starting to circulate, lingering colds and infections are playing themselves out. I was sick, as was my little one last week.

This week, VW of One Happy Dog Speaks is sick as is her youngest son. VW has 2 beautiful boys, and though I don't know her personally, I have seen the pictures of her kids and how wonderfully happy they look. So we know she is doing a great job. This week, however sickness and a hospital stay for the little one are making it difficult for her. She needs sleep and some TLC. So if you get a chance, pop over there and give her some words of encouragement and think happy thoughts and send up some prayers for her little one.

We will be seeing sauce stained faces and oatmeal pyramids in no time!

Overboard much?

Ok, so this is a question I am asked frequently by the Better-Half. See, I tend to go overboard in all that I do.

I overdo the roast (I am not a great cook - afterall, Better-Half is a Chef).
I overdo the drama, the anger, the sarcasm, the wit, the cheer . . .

But the thing I overdo the most is functions. I love a good function. At Christmas we have an open-house, and everyone leaves with a gift after we play an incredibly weird off-the-cuff game whose prizes are little trinkets which everyone gets . . . Anyway, I love holidays.

I like to hide great gifts in weird packages at Christmas, once I broke open walnuts, cleaned them out stuffed different denominations of money in them, glued them shut, then put them in a styrofoam package covered with plastic wrap. No one wanted to pick it cause it looked dumb, but a very happy 5 year old left with about $25.00 that day. We have also heated fortune cookies taken out the fortunes, stuffed in money and reshaped them, and gave them out as favors, at first no one wanted them, but after the first person opened their cookie, everyone wanted one!

I am the one who at Halloween doesn't give out candy. No, I give out glow necklaces! The kids race to my house, screaming "Which house has the glowwwww necklacessss???" You know which kids have visited my home cause they glow.

At Thanksgiving, I never have just turkey, we usually also have shrimp, beef, pork and eggrolls (I love eggrolls).

When I have a friend who is getting married, I usually bake them a miniature wedding cake and decorate it with real sugar dusted flowers, because the happy couple usually doesn't eat much at their wedding (unless you are in my family where backyard weddings are common and usually end in full on games of tackle football!)

Birthday parties are low-key but 4th of July!!!! A huge picnic and thousands of dollars of illegal fireworks (the whole neighborhood pitches in). For the kids I always have games and pinatas oh, and this year I am setting up a mini carnival. Good times!

And then there is Easter . . . I throw an Easter Egg Hunt to rival most others. I get RSVP's so I can estimate out how many kids are coming and can guarantee that each child will leave with at least 12 eggs (usually many more). Each egg is filled with toys and candy and the eggs are all different sizes. Then comes the good part. At the end, each kid is guarenteed to walk away with prizes. In fact, I make up a fun bag for each kid and also give out a prize to each kid. No one walks away empty handed at my house. Then there is the food. Now, I don't have a very big house, but we always invite everyone, and let me tell you, everyone is coming this year. My whole yard is a sea of eggs. This year since there are some bigger kids, there are even more eggs.

Here comes the Better-Half's question, you see, being a parent of a 2 year old, I don't have too much in the way of furniture, I have found it is just more for him to injure himself on, so the 50 people that are coming to my home on Saturday will not have anywhere to sit. My solution? tables and chairs in the living room . . . he he he.

With all the candy I will pump into their children, they won't be sitting anyway, so there will be more room for the adults!

How about you? is there anything you overdo?

posted at basil's Monday Lunch and the Beltway Traffic Jam

That's Right! I'm an American

Took this How American Are You Quiz over at Nate Nichol's place:

and, just as I though, I am an American! How about you?

posted at basil's Monday Breakfast

Carnival of the Recipes!

Spacemonkey has done a great job with this week's carnival of the recipes. Be sure to check it out and stay and look around! You won't be disappointed, that spacemonkey is funny guy!

FYI

For those of you not yet aware, given last nights festivities . . . IT IS FRIDAY.

resume regular programming now . . .

Bourbon Baby!

Saw this quiz over at Tammi's and had to take it! I must say, it turned out to be completely fitting!

May she fly well!

Here is the flag (courtesy GOP and the City) to be hoisted upon each hill claimed from Sortapundit, the limey-bastard.

Let the volleys fly, let the cannons ring, let the defenders of Sortapundit fall! Chant with me now, "basil, basil, basil!!!" oh yes, and lest I forget . . .

Take that Sorta-limey-pundit!

We are at War!

As has been eloquently stated by our Cap'n, we are at war with that evil crumpet muncher Keith Taylor of Sortapundit. He up and challenged the innocent basil, who has been joined by the following defenders:

• basil -- our fearless leader
• GOP and the City
• Moehawk
• Phin
• Travis Benning
• pooklekufr
• Me, the Oddybobo

Others are welcomed and encouraged to join. Support is needed on the hills we must claim.

1. Gizoogle
2. Paris Hilton's Cell Phone number
3. Jamie Lynn Spears Naked (which has recently fallen but shall be taken again)
4. The Niggas at the DFNCTSC
5. Strip Clubs in Ohio With Midget Strippers (also recently fallen . . .)
6. Free Big Tit Sites
7. Girls Big Tit

Go forth, each is work safe! Link, Link, Link!!! Climb those hills quickly friends, and remember, that lime-sucking bastard Sortapundit will get his!

Out of the Loop

So, have you ever had that feeling that you are out of the loop? Better Half and I had an interesting conversation last evening, where it became increasingly clear that Better Half is out of the loop, and purposefully.

Better Half is 2nd in command, management if you will, at the place of employment. Owners of said employment are the worst kind of people. You all know the type, praise to your face but the moment you leave the room they say hateful things about you (about everyone). This is where Better Half is employed. Better Half had a drink after work with 3rd in command. They discussed their current situations and the fact that neither are happy with the owners and the way that the owners treat them.

Now comes the good part, Better Half learns about the "plans" of the owners to expand the business, further working Better Half's already short-staff to the bone. No one said a word to Better Half. My guess, no one intends to either. See, Better Half has one of those personalities everyone is drawn to, humor, kindness, dedication, trustworthiness, etc . . .

Problem is, those qualities engender abuse as well. Owners know Better Half is dedicated and loyal and will not disappoint, so Owners take advantage to the fullest. They intentionally keep Better Half out of the loop so as not to cause any ripples in their abuse.

I feel for Better Half. Plan two has taken effect as of now . . . Better Half searches for better-job!

Posted at basil's Friday
Breakfast and the Beltway Traffic
Jam

under the weather, the blankets, the bed . . .

So, me and the little one are under the weather. We are one the bed under the blankets, and well, the cat is under the bed. so posting will be light today . . .

Chocolate Chip Pie

What's better than a chocolate chip cookie? Why a chocolate chip pie of course! here is one for ya'll.

Ingredients

2 eggs
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup butter, melted and cooled
6 ounces Chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell
whipped cream or ice cream
This recipe can be doubled

Directions

Preheat oven to 325. In large bowl, beat eggs until foamy. Add flour, sugar and brown sugar. Beat until well blended. Blend in melted butter. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Put into pie shell. Bake at 325 for approximately one hour. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.

Enjoy!

It's a Boy!

I have a blogson, I didn't know it until Yesterday when I began my temper tantrum about not having a blogfamily.

Seems basil, Frank and I had some sort of interesting three-way(I am assuming FrankJ but could be wrong, if it is FrankJ, SarahK, I slipped him a roofie so I could take advantage of his omnipotence, sorry, I'll make it up to ya later.)

Of course, as I consider both Frank and basil to be instrumental in my birth as a blogger, I am officially not a redneck but now can be considered . . . white trash (Buelah Mae, here I come!). Fitting that I live so close to West Virginia no? Because the product of our unholy match-up was none other than the Babaganoosh (goes tasty with crackers).

So I am a blog mommy parent! But as I came into being without a parent (at least one that wants to claim me, -- Harvey, Frank, SarahK, basil and others . . . ), I shall be king/queen of this family. Bwahahahahaha!

UPDATE: There is a Deaniac living somewhere in my family tree, fitting no? The Dean-scream harkens back to something eerily simian, he he he . . . I know, I know, goes against the whole theory of banning certain bloggers from the family gatherings. But hey, I am finding this whole blogospheric family thing, way incestuous! So, we all have skeletons in our closet, and black sheep in the family, having only been acquainted with FrankL for a short time--I am sure his twin can't be that bad ;), so until proven otherwise, I will turn my head for now but be forwarned Fritz I'm watching you, any funny business and I withhold pumpkin pie at all future family gatherings . . . :)

Bible & Tire?

(This is so white trash. I should beg to join the white trash family) . . . How bout it Beulah Mae?

Posted at basil's
Wednesday Breakfast

What? No Family?

Ok, I have this profound emptiness today as I have no family. No, I have a family, just not a blog family. I love reading all these blogs but they all have family. So I thought it would be good for my psyche if I recounted why I began to blog and, in fact, as I never did a lame ass post for my first, I am doing it now:

I started blogging because I was buying something at Rightnation.com or something and got directed to IMAO, from there, I went to MountaineerMusings and then back to IMAO.

I lurked around IMAO funny for a while and found myself at Bad Example and several other outstanding blogs for sometime until, one day FrankJ was out of town and Harvey and Rightwingduck were guest-posting, and in the comments to one of Harvey's posts, this really thoughtful and well-written young man posted a comment to which Harvey replied he should get his own blog. (sorry folks I am too lazy to find the exact link to the comment.)

I, of course, wanted one too and my blog was born. I immediately contacted Harvey, got some advice on this blogging gig, joined the Alliance, posted some stuff (that really wasn't that interesting) and was off and running. But alas, who do I credit? I belong to no-one. And no-one wanted to claim me. boo hoo.

Since then (December of 2004 to be exact), I have become enamoured with the Bad Example Family Tree as well as the posters at IMAO, basil, a lot of the blogs on the Alliance blogroll and the Feisty Family of Feisty Christina's and various and sundry others. I have even managed to get blog-rolled by several of you wonderful bloggers (which makes me wonder about you, but I digress . . .) I am still, however, without a family.

Since no one will claim me (this happens often so I am not that surprised)-hence-forth, I proclaim (I can do this cause this is my blog :P ) that the whole blogosphere is my family (whether you like it or not) and the following are the icky second-cousins who have been banished from all family goodness and grandma's will:

1. Yucky, mean, trolly liberal bloggers like Oliver who looks eerily similar to Shrek (can you say brainwashing?); by the way, has anyone seen my "Gun-toting lib" troll? I seem to have misplaced him;
2. Deaniacs;
3. People who voted for Hillary or will vote for Hillary, I don't like her, she has big eyes -- ala Janay Castine from AI;
4. Redneck bashers;
5. Evil Glenn, although sometimes he gets invited to parties so we can make fun of him ;)
6. Communists and MSM persons pretending to be bloggers;
7. Those who bash my religion, my country, my President, and the military that defends me (unless I already like you then you shall be exempt);
8. and anyone else I shall henceforth decide upon from time to time.

This is my will, it shall be done. But, my will can change if someone out there wants to claim me . . .

Why I love Nascar

Ok, so BinHex (sorry I don't know how to link to individual comments) wants to know from a fan why Nascar is so appealing, well here goes.

First, you have to love fast cars. I love fast cars. When I was but a wee-child I wanted a fast car, a 69 sport-fury to be precise. As I aged, I wanted a 64 'stang but would settle for a vintage 'Vette. At 16 I wanted a mercury zephyr with two holly 4-barrells and racing stripes. As I aged still more, it was bikes, vintage Victory or Triumphs, but I digress. I love fast cars. Naturally, I would love to see fast cars in action.

So, I started to visit dirt-tracks with my pops--Midget cars and dune buggy's. We'd sit as close as we could without getting splattered with mud, but we would still leave the place so dirty you could cut the mud off. Bonding with daddy helped spawn my love of racing; then it was bonding with my now-better-half at World of Outlaws races.

Once your bitten by the fast-car bug, you have to see a race, not just watch it on tv. but be there to hear the roar of the crowd and the whiz of the engines as the drivers speed past your seat at 180 plus mph and while you try to pick out your driver from the blur that has shot across your sight range.

There is a thrill in seeing your favorite driver weave in and out of traffic and speed to the front of the pack to cross the finish line first, or in some cases after first . . . but I digress.

The race is more than just fast-cars going in circles. It is about a common-love from common folk. This is why you have to attend a race. I will give you an example:

Upon attending a race in the Poconos, after which my driver had fared well but not won, I reluctantly walked with my family and friends back to the truck (see you visit these tracks with family and friends, it is the experience). I passed a group of people sitting on lawn chairs outside their motor home tending to no-less than five charcoal grills. They were cooking shrimp, hot dogs, burgers, sausage, and steaks. They had bowls of chips and coolers of beverages, and as passersby walked past their set-up, they offered a cool drink or a hot meal as friends for no reason other than their good nature.

Folks, these are good people, and this story isn't just an anomaly, it is simply normal.

So there is more to Nascar than the cars, you have to look at the people. Included in that group are the drivers, the most fan-friendly sports-stars today. They take time out of every race weekend to talk to fans, sign autographs, take pictures. They come to the race with their families in tow, and camp out in trailers like us commoners. They thank the people that make their dreams reality, their sponsors, their owners, their fans. There is a genuine lack of cockiness about them. There are no Randy Moss's or Terrell Owens' in the bunch.

Contrast that, however, with their on-track personas. On the track, they are warriors. They have one, make that two, goals in mind. Win points, win the race.

With that in mind, like rabid dogs, they defend their positions, and like skillful politicians, they play every advantage.

Nascar is more than cars going around in circles. One has to remember that the cars are going in excess of 180 mph. That requires an extremely athletic individual to hold onto the wheel. In races where the draft plays a role, the driver must be able to place his car just under the car in front of him in order to use the draft to gain more speed. In races where it is difficult to pass, the driver must attempt to cause the car in front of him to "get loose" meaning he has to position himself so close to the car in front of him that he steals the air, causing that car to wobble and allowing him to pass. In other situations, a simple bump can startle a driver or slow him enough to get by. The driver has to be able to see a hole where their isn't one, and make a dive for that hole to get the win.

This all takes skills beyond my comprehension. This of couse says nothing about the skills of the pit crew. How they can service, gas, and change tires on a car in 14 seconds is remarkable.

I was an honorary pit crew member at a race several years ago, where I saw, up close the work each guy puts into a pit stop. They are constantly moving, preparing for the next stop, and during the stop every guy has his place, and job. If they work together well, their performance is smooth like butter, but if one guy falters, the whole team misses a step. It is a precise dance that lasts mere seconds, but could mean the win in a race.

The race isn't all on the ground either. Precise calculations are made throughout the race to determine if fuel mileage will beat the driver. Fingers are crossed that the guys in the shop did their jobs, to ensure a speedy car and a ramped up engine. Ingenuity is key, the builder has to pull more power from an engine without varying from the regulated specifications, this takes skill, knowledge, ingenuity and luck. Some have it, some don't. Spotters perch on high ground so they can guide their man to the start-finish line with no, or minimal damages.

Then there is the thrill, there is no other sport like it. It isn't for everyone, but it is for me.

Oh yeah, did I mention the beer?

posted at the Beltway Traffic Jam

I've been tagged!

My first meme tag comes from Harvey at Bad Example, and so here goes:

You're stuck inside Fahrenheit 451, which book do you want to be? The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy (wait, that is really five books hmmm. Is it ok if they are bound in one version?)

Have you ever had a crush on a fictional Character? When I was a young-un, I had a crush on a character from the book "Tiger Eyes" by Judy Blume . . .

The last book you bought is? Ann Coulter's "How to Talk To A Liberal"

The last book you read? Does it count if the book is from work? If so, the last book I read was a treatise on Products Liability. If not then, sadly, the last book I read was "Eight Silly Monkeys", to my son, last night.


What are you currently reading? I am currently reading "Good to Great . . . " for a marketing presentation. Blahhh.

Five books I would take to a deserted island. My Aphra Behn anthology, because her writing is a wonder.

"The Complete Idiot's Guide to Surviving Anything", because I'd need some basic skills, and its big, so it will burn nice on a cold night . . .

The Bible - because I have always had it with me.

"William Shakespeare: The Complete Works, Deluxe Edition" because if I was alone, I could act out five part plays in my spare time, and read myself sonnets . . .
And lastly, "Goodnight Moon" because it would remind me of my baby and because it was and is my favorite children's book.

Who are you going to pass this stick to (3 persons) and Why?

FrankL at Manic Viking because he has lost the love over the weekend ;)

Phin of Phin's Blog because it might be interesting to see what a fish reads . . .

and Ogre at Ogre's View because he is feeling a bit under the weather and there is nothing like a good meme to get you back on yer feet!

It's My Party!

Yesterday was my birthday and I'm 29 ;). I apparently share my day with the Confederate Yankee, tell him happy birthday, go now!

Anyway, so, it was my birthday and my momma asked me what I wanted. Of course, I wanted what I get every year from her (and she knew it) that is a traditional Korean birthday dinner. Here is what I got:

Mandoo--Korean dumplings (for luck)
Chap Chae--A Korean rice noodle dish with veggies and beef (noodles are eaten for long life)
Eggrolls-not Korean, but yummy
Seaweed Soup--for health
sushi rolls--Korean style has no fish
bulgogi --Korean BBQ Beef
And roast beef (cause it is my better-half's favorite dish!)

Oh yes, and an Almond Birthday Cake. Yum!

Both my son and nephew had birthdays last week, so it was also the day to celebrate their birthdays. My nephew wanted to open all his presents right away, but me, being the mean one, told him they were really my presents because it was my birthday. Well, he cried for an hour until I gave in and gave him a present.

My son, got so many things, and he was completely overwhelmed (only 5 presents but to a two year-old it is the jackpot!)

Every year, someone forgets its my birthday. This year, it was the better half. See better-half had already given me my gift (a Dyson vacuum which I asked for) last week, so when yesterday (my actual birthday) came along, well, I didn't get a "Happy Birthday" until well into the afternoon. It is going to take some time for better-half to be back on my good side ;)

It is ok though, because my son had a good time singing happy birthday to me, over and over and over and over . . .

Oh, and I learned something at my party, the word for Happy and for High are close in sounds, and my poor Aunt thought my dad was saying that he was High, until my mom explained he was really saying he was happy. ;)

Mensa Word Contest

The Washington Post had this fun contest to develop new words and definitions, see how well you do. (Sorry, don't have a direct link from this one as I lifted it out of an email . . . )

1. Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.

2. Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.

3. Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows>little sign of breaking down in the near future.

4. Foreploy: Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of getting laid.

5. Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period.

6. Giraffiti: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high.

7. Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.

8. Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.

9. Hipatitis: Terminal coolness.

10. Osteopornosis: A degenerate disease. (This one got extracredit.)

11. Karmageddon: It's like, when everybody is sending off these bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.

12. Decafalon (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.

13. Glibido: All talk and no action.

14. Dopeler effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.

15. Arachnoleptic fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.

16. Beelzebug (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.

17. Caterpallor (n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.

18. Ignoranus: A person who's both stupid and an asshole.

So, how about it? What word can you come up with??

Posted at basil's Monday Lunch

Carnival of the Recipes #30

The newest installment of Carnival of the Recipes is over at Pamibe and Pam did a wonderful job! Check out some yummy goodies and each site you find a goodie at because I guarantee you'll love what you find!

I am a drumstick

Got this quiz over at Boudicca's Voice who got it from Pam at CampHappyBadFun it tells me basically that I am a lunatic, but hey, I already knew that!

You are a drumstick.

Absolutely insane. That is how most would describe you. You aren't afraid to take risks, and enjoy putting yourself in strange situations. Most people hang out with you because of your hilarious sense of humour. You light up any bad situation, and can help all of your friends with their problems, except for your own. Because of this, you enjoy being around people like you. Many shut you out for your very weird, random personality, but honestly, you shouldn't care.

Most compatible with: Guitar, and another drumstick.

Click here -- What Random Object Represents Your Inner Self?

posted at basil's Friday
Breakfast

Green Stuff

As a child, my favorite part of Sunday dinner at Grandma's was Green Stuff. We didn't have a Sunday dinner without it. It was wonderful, and I still make it for Sunday dinner now. Of course, it is really Pistachio Pudding Salad, but as it is green, it is green stuff.

Ingredients:

1 box Pistachio Jello Pudding
1 container Cool Whip
1 large can crushed pineapple, drained
3 cups miniature marshmallows

Mix it all together well (the pineapple causes the marshmallows to dissolve, yum) and serve. Chill until ready to serve and put any leftovers in the fridge for later ;)

Things I love

I am full of love today. Why you ask? Well, today is my son's second birthday. We have been singing "Happy Birthday" all morning. So, it is a happy day because it was the day he was born! That said, I wanted to post, in honor of my son's birthday, about the things I love. Let's begin with the obvious:

I love my family. My better-half, my baby boy, my goofy sister, my hilarious daddy, my mom who speaks with broken English but can take a joke when we rib her about it, my pets and everyone else in my family (usually.)

I love God, for giving me such a wonderful family to be a part of.

I love the outdoors. I went on a month-long cross-country camping trip with my better-half that we simply divine. I urge you all to try a little camping!

I love to fish. I do, I love it.

I love Nascar. I'm going to Bristol in three weeks and can finally add Tennessee to my "where have you been" post.

I love food. I am married to a chef, so food is big at our house.

I love music, all kinds. So does my little guy. I bought him a keyboard and a bongo drum for his birthday and he is thrilled.

I love orchids. I know, I'm a geek. I love them. Every shape and size of them. Here is a pic of one of my babies taken last year.

I love Pennsylvania, except for that demojerk of a governor and Philadelphia & Pittsburgh politics in general, it is a wonderful state to live in. We get all four wonderful seasons, and we have beautiful country here.

I love animals, all kinds. I like to eat them too ;) and finally,

I love meeting new friends out here in the blogosphere! You are really great and talented. Thanks for dropping in and saying hello or leaving comments even on my weirdest posts :)

Enough, what do you love?

Posted at basil's lunch
special and at the Beltway Traffic Jam

Speed much?

Ok, ok, so I am a speed demon and I freely admit it. I live 38 miles door to door from my office and it takes me roughly 40 minutes to get to work (and an additional 10 with traffic.) That means I regularly travel in excess of the speed limit. I normally do not worry because here in PA, to get trapped for speeding, the cop has to be in a stationary position in order to laser you, and I can usually see them before they see me. Not so in other states as I had apparently forgotten until yesterday.

I was in Ohio where the kindly police folk can laser you or they can tag you while they are on the move. Go figure! Anyway, I had to tell myself outloud every ten minutes or so that I could not speed because I was in Ohio. I got two dirty looks from rollin cops and one quick light flash to alert me to the fact that I was speeding but that they would let it go for now. Arghh!

See, I have a driver superiority complex. I know I am a good driver usually. I speed but that seemingly is my only real driving problem. Usually. I learned to drive at 11 in a pickup we used on the farm. My pops is a professional driver and taught me to look out for certain things people do on the road. I can usually spot a clueless driver before they even do whatever clueless thing it is that they are going to do. Alas, I must admit that on occassion I have been known to be an aggressive driver. I know I am one of those a-holes that cut you off, but you probably deserved it. Anyway, I am sorry, for that. But as I said, I am usually a good driver. But speeding, well, that is my downfall. I set the cruise to keep from speeding and usually get angry with the cruise cause it is making me slow down, go figure.

I vow to try harder on the way home from work today (since I blew it on the way in).

But let me just tell you, tickets -- damn they are expensive!

What slavery where?

Ok, so the mainstream media hasn't cared a lick about this, mostly because our country's so-called civil rights leaders care more about reparations for slavery from 150 years ago (wherein the money wouldn't go to decendants of slaves but rather "civil rights organizations", but I digress).

The government of Niger was set to hold a "free-slave" event where 7,000 slaves were going to be set free. At the last minute, Niger cancelled the event. Niger's official comment for why the event (co-sponsered by the government) was being cancelled? There is no such thing as slavery!, it doesn't exist!

Well, I am sure that this is news to the over 43,000 people enslaved by other Africans in Niger today who are subjected to rape, torture and abuse daily. And I am sure that it is news to the slaves freed as recently as December 2003 in a similar ceremony.

It is a shame that the world doesn't take notice of these kinds of things. We are too busy turning a blind eye to the raping and pillaging of those less fortunate, by those sent to help (UN!!!). We are too busy trying to rape corporations here in the U.S. for things some of their predecessors may have done during slavery here, we are too busy crying foul when we feel oppressed by a banana eating cop .

Look to be perfectly honest, as is clear by Niger's refusal to admit to slavery, the sad fact is that it exists. No, slavery didn't only exist here in the Western World 150 years ago, it existed elsewhere and continues to. In fact, my family and other Koreans like them were enslaved by the Japanese for 50 years during which time, they could not speak their language or observe their traditions. During which time, whole families were uprooted by the Japanese government and sent to a locale off Siberia to mine gold. They still live there today.

The U.S., evil as we are portrayed, isn't the only country to be disgraced by slavery, but it is history here. Not so in Niger. Where's the outrage hmmm?

Posted at the Beltway Traffic
Jam

Redneck pic of the day

Actually, I am thinking that this qualifies for Beth's White Trash Wednesday instead :)

Sledding

I decided to take time away from working on the weekends (yes, I do that on occassion) to teach my young son the art of sled-ridding. I am not a novice at this as I have taught a few young people in my day, my two cousins currently serving in the U.S. Navy, their sister, my sister and some of the neighborhood dogs, I digress.

We were blessed with two things this weekend that made me decide to break out the sledding contraptions:

1. Snow; 2. Sunshine.

I know, snow and sun means melt, but we got about 5 inches so it took a bit to melt. Anyway, It was sunny and in the high 40's and time to sled. Now, mind you, my son is not-quite two and well, I am no spring chicken so the sledding was comical. My son had this to say:

"Push!"
"Go, Go, Go!"
"Again! Again!"
"Noooooo!" (when told that it was time to go inside).

The education in sledding was a success. I taught the boy to bank, to push off, to lean in, and to roll away when too close to the apple tree. He did wonderfully. The boy had a blast, the better half smiled much, and I took pictures to embarrass the boy with later . . . Fun was had by all, and the best part? I didn't work this weekend!

Hands Free

Redneck photo of the day!

Out of the Mouths of Babes

I thought I would do a “hooray it’s Friday” post today but instead, indulge me, I am going to do a little mommy “parent” blogging.

My son is not quite two. His official 2-Day is next week. He doesn’t know that but suspects something is up since I keep saying “your birthday is coming, to which he responds by breaking into song “hoppy birdday to oooo.”

He talks beyond his age, albeit with a sweet little baby slang, and is always the independent one. So after work when I tried to help him with his dinner, he loudly pronounced “I do it!” (He can’t say “me” for some reason so he has moved straight to “I”). He did a great job eating his Kielbasa and Kraut too (or "Big Dogs with stuff" as he calls it). Oh ya, he only eats big people food like vegetables, refuses little people food like Hot Dogs unless I eat it too, go figure.

So my little independent one ate his food, and it was jammy time. Again, I got the “I do it!” as he dutifully put his jammy pants on backwards, but insisted they stay that way. Off to bed he went. Now, as my boy isn’t quite two, I don’t want to let go of that sweet baby I held in may arms everyday (they ache without him), but it seems he wants to go quickly. Dejected, I headed to bed myself.

Well, out of a dead sleep, my not-quite two year old woke me. For some odd reason, I was dreaming of pool chemicals and opening my pool (its 9 degrees here right now). Anyway, he woke me (the clock said 12:45) to say “mommy I wuv ooo, move over” I of course obliged, how could I not, the kid is cute as a button! He snuggled in and said “dweam candy kay mom?” Awe. . . he knows I always tell him “sweet dreams,” apparently for him sweet equates with candy. It seems he doesn’t yet want to grow up completely, he still needs his mommy parent, all is good in my world again!

Oh yeah, HOORAY ITS FRIDAY!

New Carnival of the Recipes

The new carnival is up at Rocket Jones and he has interesting short stories/film lines imbedded in which are this weeks recipes. Go check it out!. While you are here, check me out . . . no not like that, get your mind out of the gutter ;)

It's the towel B-tch!

Inspired by Christina at Feisty Repartee, and because I would rather blog than work, I thought I would muse for a moment about my mom who is a naturalized citizen from Korea. See my wonderful emo (aunt) is coming from Korea next week. It should be funny because she speaks no English and my mom, speaks quite her own brand. Don't get me wrong, I give props to my mom cause she came here, spoke no English and learned so people can understand her, but it is still comical to walk into a Dairy Queen and have my mom order a "Brizzald" instead of a Blizzard, or for her to say something completely off the wall, and otherwise insulting and then to look at me and say "what'd I say?, you know I don't speak English so good!" So I was thinking for a moment about how the months will go by:

my mom: Have a "sit" by that towel "b-tch"

my emo: Ehh?

me: She said have a seat by the beach towel.

my emo: Ehh?

my mom: translation in Korean

ladies: Ha ha ha. . .

my mom: What want you full "runch" "radies?"

my emo: Ehh?

me: She said what do you want for lunch ladies?

my emo: Ehh?

my mom: translation in Korean

ladies: Ha ha ha . . .

my mom: (points at me) rawyel in pittsbulgel.

my emo: Ehh?

me: She said I am a lawyer in Pittsburgh.

my emo: Ehh?

my mom: Translation in Korean

ladies: Ha Ha Ha . . .

Since my emo is staying for several months, this should pretty much be how the months go with the occassional:

I am wondering if I will be able to get through this in one piece, not just that, but my 2-year old is learning to speak so my hope is that he doesn't start speaking in broken english, not that it wouldn't be damn cute though . . .

Posted at the Beltway Traffic
Jam

St. Paddy's day Toast

For this weeks recipe I thought I'd go a bit on the alchie side with a little St. Paddy's day mixer

3/4 oz green creme de menthe
3/4 oz Green Chartreuse( (an herbal liqueur)
3/4 oz Irish Whiskey
1 dash bitters
Stir all ingredients with ice, strain into a cocktail glass, and serve. Yummy!

I love it when . . .

I love it when I have been blogrolled somewhere, it means that someone, somewhere has read something I have to say. It is a thrilling experience really. So, when I recently discovered that I had been blogrolled by Frank at ManicViking and by the Babaganoosh at Mitsurgi's Babaganoosh I was very excited! (Anyone named after the wonderful creation that is babaganoosh is good in my book). I've also been blogrolled by Ogre at Ogre'sview and Phin at Phin's Blog. I read these guys everyday so it is nice to know they read me too!

I am on the Alliance Blogroll so I show up at other places here and again, but it is fun to see someone actually blogroll you! It is also an honor! Thanks guys!

What Flavour Are You?

Tagged this one from Ogre this a.m. The quiz asks what flavor am I? Well I am:

Hot hot! I am Curry Flavoured. I have a spicy personality. If you can take the heat, you'll love me, if not, I'll probably make you cry. I am not for the faint-hearted. What Flavour Are You?

I am Chocolate Flavoured. I am sweet and a little bit naughty. I am one of the few clinically proven aphrodisiacs. Sometimes I can seem a little hard, but show warmth and I soon melt. What Flavour Are You?

Hmm. Interesting, two of my favorite things. What Flavor Are You??

Isn't it Ironic?

Drudge had a post yesterday in which a woman who helped establish the Million Mom March was arrested on illegal gun charges stemming from a drive-by shooting investigation.

LaShawn Barber posts about a report wherein an activist mother who has been getting in the business of other non-minority parents who pulled their kids from schools with a majority illegal immigrant population has recently pulled her children from the school as well, typical liberal, when it comes down to it, your really only in it for yourself!

And Newsmax reports that KKK Byrd likens the GOP to Hitler because they want to invoke the "nuclear option" to force full Senate votes for judicial nominees. He says it is the majority's way of stepping on the rights of the minority. That is really rich, seeing as it was KKK Byrd and his cronie Al Gore, Sr. who filibustered the Civil Rights Act. Can't get more steppy on the minority than that!

Isn't it ironic that Bush's charge to free the peoples of the Middle East is paying off despite the claptrap from the left? The people in the Middle East actually want democracy (See recent protests in Lebanon and Iran) and we have proven in Iraq that it can be attained!

Also, the Supreme Court, charged under the Constitution with interpreting laws to make sure they conform with the Constitution, has ruled that minors cannot be executed. This of course, is ironic as the Constitution protects a state's right to punish its constituents in the manner it deems appropriate. This is simply one more step in federalizing the entire country, something the Constitution was created specifically to avoid!

And lastly, the country songstress Carrie Underwood on American Idol sang Piece of My Heart last night. The judges said you can't countrify Janis Joplin, but ironically, the version sang by Ms. Underwood last evening was the version which hit the country charts at number one many moon ago by none other than superstar Faith Hill! Now, since the washed-up judges on AI clearly have no idea what they are talking about, they need a music class somewhere. Ms. Underwood did Faith's version justice and while I love Janis, not even Melissa Etheridge and Joss Stone, can adequately present Janis, so any attempt has to be modified greatly!

Further ironies: A man was tasered in a Chuck E. Cheese in Colorado for taking food from a salad bar without producing payment (having gone to Chuck E. Cheese at least once every two weeks for several months, I can tell you, you don't get a plate for the salad bar unless you pay!). (hat tip Drudge) According to an eye witness, the man was physically battered by police and then tasered in front of an entire restaurant of children, including his own! His children were then left to fend for themselves in the restaurant until a relative could get them. I smell a lawsuit, endangering children, physical battery, false accusations, embarrassment ooh the list is long! Oh, the local paper adds this, the man was black and the police department has been accused of using excessive force in the past. Two sides to every story, I wonder how this will play out . . .

In another Drudge post, China calls for global and multinational controls on the internet because the U.S. is "wah" monopolizing the internet. Chinese Ambassador Sha Zukang told a UN conference that

"controls should be multilateral, transparent and democratic, with the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil society and international organizations."

Posted at the Beltway Traffic
Jam

Redneck Picture of the Day

Where's the door?

Feeling under the weather

Did you ever notice that you tend to feel under the weather when the weather is bad out? Coincidence, I think not! Today we are on day two of our snowstorm and I couldn't feel worse. Ate crackers on the way to work so I wouldn't get sick. And yes, I went to work. Some miserable bastard from work made me sick, so I am going to pass on the favor.

Speaking of weather, the forecasters forecasted around 10 inches of snow here in "Picksburg" they were wrong. 2-5 maybe but 10, no way.

Speaking of Pittsburgh, we are the City of bridges. We have more bridges and tunnels in and around our fine city than any other.

Speaking of tunnels, did you ever get that creepy feeling inside a tunnel that the walls were going to cave in? Well, here in Pittsburgh, one tunnel is doing just that!

Speaking of creepy feelings, while watching American Idol last night, I got the creepy feeling that Mario Vasquez really is Fez;

Speaking of Fez, I don't watch That 70's Show anymore, it bores me, but I am totally into Lost.

Speaking of Lost, one of the men is going to die in the season finale, but we do not know which one!

Ok, I am done speaking of. . . I am going to leave early and go home to bed.

New Bonfire of the Vanities

Visit this week's Bonfire of the Vanities and check out Zero Boss's bonfire set to poetry!

Redneck Snowplow

In honor of the snow we will be gettin today through Wed., thought I would post a pic of how some of us clear that powdery white stuff!

The Dukes Ride Again

So, tonight is the 7:00p.m. debut of the Dukes on CMT (for those paying attention, the Dukes were on all weekend on CMT as a kickoff to running the show at 7:00 p.m. beginning today.) Words can't express how delighted I am to hear Dixie blazing on my t.v. My 2 year old is getting into it too. With every car leap, crash, turnover, spill, he cheers and makes the sound effects. My little Redneck in the making ;)

My weekend was complete after 4 Hendrick cars bit the dust in the Sonoma California Nascar Race too!

States Meme

From Ogre, I found this States Meme which says to:

bold the states you've been to, underline the states you've lived in and italicize the state you're in now...

Alabama / Alaska / Arizona / Arkansas / California / Colorado / Connecticut / Delaware / Florida / Georgia / Hawaii / Idaho / Illinois / Indiana / Iowa / Kansas / Kentucky / Louisiana / Maine / Maryland / Massachusetts / Michigan / Minnesota / Mississippi / Missouri / Montana / Nebraska / Nevada / New Hampshire / New Jersey / New Mexico / New York / North Carolina / North Dakota / Ohio / Oklahoma / Oregon / Pennsylvania / Rhode Island / South Carolina / South Dakota / Tennessee / Texas / Utah / Vermont / Virginia / Washington / West Virginia / Wisconsin / Wyoming / Washington D.C /

Go HERE to have a form generate the HTML for you.

Gee, I'ze been around a bit!

New Carnival of Cats is up

The New Cat Carnival resides at Mind of Mog go there and look at kittys! I command ye.

You might be a Redneck . . .

So, I took all the quizzes over at Ogre's place and each quiz pegged me as a Redneck 100%, certified, carebear redneck. Ok, so I did some soul searching and a review of my site to try and figure out why these quizzes think I am a Redneck. I found these things out:

1. One of my favorite tv. shows is the Dukes of Hazzard replaying on CMT starting today;
2. Some of my favorite songs are ( in no particular order, and in no way complete): Simple Man, Was I Right or Wrong, Red White & Blue (all Skynyrd); Redneck Woman (gender hint here); My Hero's have always been Cowboys; Ramblin Man;
3. I watch Bull Riding on TV every Saturday night and when I can I watch in person;
4. I drive an F-350 full-sized, 4-Wheel drive Diesel, flaming red pickup;
5. I was born in South Carolina;
6. I have said ya'll since birth;
7. I drink beer and bourbon;
8. I eat bbq at every opportunity;
9. I had a pet pig once (named porkchop, ate him for dinner when he was big enough);
10. I live for Nascar, can recite almost every driver's name and most of their stats, I know the terminology, I time drivers while they are in the pits and I have checkered flag jammies;
11. Have a motorcycle;
12. Have a fishin boat;
13. Watch fishin shows on Sundays with the Better Half;
14. Taught 2 year old to say "Git R Done!" Which he does well;
15. Eat pancakes at firehall;
16. Have urge to post redneck pictures;
17. My favorite attire is t-shirts and jeans;
18. I burn stuff; and
19. I have guns, lots!

Does the above mean I am a redneck? Can it be true? Can a 1/2 asian be a redneck? hmmm. Help me out here, please.

posted at Beltway
Traffic Jam

Dukes of Hazzard Update

Friday, February 25, that's today folks!!! There will be an Inside Fame on the Dukes on CMT at 8:00 p.m. and repeats of episodes beginning with #1 will follow shortly thereafter at 9:00 p.m. Yeeeeee-Hawwww!

Today's observation/rant

Job descriptions:

We all have them. Its so we can fit into a neatly worded little package and when someone says to us "well, what do you do?" We can answer with little effort. For example, my job description is to "be a zealous advocate for my client" usually one of those evil big corporations out to steal lunch money from small children . . .

Anyway, why is it then that once we have learned our job description someone seeks to change it. Take for instance a young man who works at my firm. He does a bang-up job as a paralegal. His job description is to do paralegal stuff, that does not include secretarial stuff for which we have assistants, nor does it include clerical stuff for which we have clericals. . .

Well, the recent hire of serveral new attorneys has caused paralegal-boy to have to do secretarial tasks, not fair because as I said, we have secretaries for those tasks. So, when he dared to ask his supervisor about this sudden change in his job description he was told not to rock the boat, not to complain, just to do the work or expect the worst. Nothing like a good threat to get your juices jumpin.

So I ask again, why do others always seek to change our job descriptions? Is it laziness? Ineptness? My advice to paralegal-boy was to don his paralegal cape and scoff at secretarial work, after all, we can't mix with the lesser beings right? ;)

Not to over do it on this ranty post, but here is another thing I hate, interviewers who don't read resumes or applications before conducting interviews, in which circumstance said interviewer then asks stupid questions of the interviewee . . . Just an observation folks, nothing else to see, move along, oh and paralegal-boy, take off that silly cape!

Baby/Cat Blogging

Awe . . . He just loves his kitty!

Redneck Birthday Cake

In honor of my birthday which is fast approaching, I thought I would post this homage to birthdays!

28th Carnival of the Recipes

Check out Rocket Jones' great job on the Carnival this week! Check out all the new recipes too, and mine for Israeli couscous a can't go wrong side dish!!

A Little Lunchtime "Haven't I seen you before?"

Ok, so, I am sitting in this deposition today and the guy across from me looks exactly like Beavis from Beavis and Butthead. he is asking all the questions and is literally transforming before my very eyes into a snickering cartoon idiot. I am not lying this guy has the look completely, only difference is his hair doesn't stand up as much. His chin juts out, his nose is long and his shoulders slump inward. He is asking questions and all I can hear is "huh huh, he said butt!" Seriously, I can't keep myself from laughing. I keep coughing so as not to draw any attention to myself. I don't know what I am going to do at trial. "Your Honor, opposing counsel Mr. Rod, "huh huh, *rod*" . . . blah blah, begin laughing hysterically . . . Your Honor, I have to ask for a mistrial because opposing counsel is a tool and looks like Beavis, I can't go on!" Then my client will file a malpractice suit against me, I will be disbarred, poor, homeless . . . all because some guy looks like Beavis. Damn!

Have you ever had the sensation that you have seen someone before? I will give you another example, that guy on American Idol, Mario Vasquez - looks exactly like Wilder Valderama from that 70's show. Give me your examples in the comments.

Israeli Couscous

I love couscous. Especially the Israeli or Pearl variety (also called Osem in some Middle Eastern Markets) here is how I prepare it:

1 bag couscous (Israeli variety)
1 Tbspn. Oil
1 finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon chicken soup base
salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients: mushroom pieces, red or green peppers, squash, chickpeas, or green peas.

Heat oil in saucepan, saute onions until soft, add optional ingredient of choice and saute until softened. Add couscous to pan, mix with veggie of choice, add a bit more oil if required. Saute briefly, add soup base and water to cover (plus one cup). Bring to a boil, stirring occassionaly reduce heat (or shut off heat), cover and simmer until water is absorbed and couscous is tender. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your tasts, fluff with a fork and serve. This can be made ahead and kept in a warm oven (or simply reheated), just fluff and serve! Yummy.

The Dukes of Hazzard

Ok, showing my age here. I am a huge, huge fan of the Duke boys, Bo and Luke not Coy and Vance. The show had everything, mystery, intrigue, sexuality, morality, fast cars, car chases, occassional explosions and/or shoot outs, singing, racing, gambling (see episode 1 of season 1), bootlegging, half-nekkid Catherine Bach (who really wasn't all that pretty, but no one was actually looking at her face), and over indulgences at every turn. The premise was simple:

Two good ol' boys "never meanin' no harm, beats all you've ever saw, been in trouble with the law since the day they was born." Oh wait, that's the theme song. Ok anyway,

There's Bo and Luke, trying to make their way, but always seeming to get into a scrap o'trouble. But, they are good hearted and try to do good for others (sometimes to get into the pants of others, see episode 1 of season 1 with Bo and the orphanage lady) but hey, no bother. Plus they had the best stunt car on the planet! Which they occassionaly raced, and which they always got chased in. They are simply trying to expose the corruption of Boss Hogg's political system and get what they can out of it. There is no better time-honored story than the outlaw hero.

There's Daisy, she is the cute one, the brains behind the boys and she can shoot a bow and arrow like nobody's business. Not afraid to use her sexuality and hot pants to get what she wants (see shot-gun wedding episode) and also not afraid to bust heads when she had too, oh yeah did I mention she was a great driver too?

There's Uncle Jesse, he is the moral rock and foundation of the Duke clan, but has been known to let loose and get those juices jumping every once and a while as well. I like that about Uncle Jesse. (cannot wait to see Willie Nelson as Uncle Jesse). Afterall he is a lawbreaker, a moonshiner, but he objects to obscenity, gambling and the like, and keeps his family close.

There's Cooter, he's the You Can Lean on Me friend, there when you need him, and mighty handy with a wrench.

Then there is Boss Hogg, he is the absence of moralality, the slovenly over indulgent a-moral center of the Duke world. But, like Uncle Jesse, he has been known to act out of character (he tends to have a soft spot for Daisy, and his Missus). he has a soft spot for Uncle Jesse too cause they used to run shine together, but he wants the Dukes out of the picture so they can't foil his dastardly plans.

And last, we have the bumblin idiot Roscoe P. Coltrane and his pleasant pup Flash. He is the idiot with a heart. Every town needs one. (his deputy Enos ( and later Cletus) is just an idiot, but sweet and honest.) he used to be straight until he lost his pension and took up with Boss Hogg

Ok, I love the show for all these things and more, but mostly because it reminds me of coming home from school, gettin a snack and watching it every weekday with my little sister, and singing the song, and hooting and hollerin for the Duke Boys to get away from whichever sherrif Roscoe or Little happens to be a chasing them.

Which brings me to the reason I am posting this. CMT is going to be showing the Dukes every night at 7.p.m beginning on a date yet to be announced, and there is a contest wherein you can become the VP of the Dukes Institute for $100,000.00. I am going to apply because I love the Dukes of Hazzard, but also because I love money . . . he he he.

Posted at the Beltway Traffic
Jam

Who The Hell Do I Think I Am?

By supreme Order of Frank J (worship him!) He has commanded that these questions be answered and I am hereby obeying him!

THE "WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?" BLOGGER QUIZ

1. Who the hell do you think you are? Why I am Oddybobo, Master of my domain and all that lives in it, I look like this and sometimes like this and I deliver sharp rants on whatever I like, whenever I like.

2. So, other than blogging, what's your job? Do you work at some fast food joint, dumbass? No, oh common ones, I am an elitist snob (no not a liberal, just a snob) I am a lawyer in a high-priced high-rise. I take money from the little people to line the pockets of evil corporations at the expense of fast-food workers. Ha.

3. Do you have like any experience in journalism, idiot? Why yes, I was on my highschool journalism staff where I wrote whimsical tid-bits for my newspaper and highschool year book, often titled "remember when" or "last week at lunch."

4. Do you even read newspapers? Never. I can't because I can't keep myself from cringing at the bad grammer and the poor fact-checking capabilities of newspapers with the possible exception of my local paper which I read simply for the police reports.

5. Do you watch any other news than FOX News propaganda, you ignorant fool? I do not watch "Fox News propaganda", rather, I watch a "fair and balanced" news organization which publically donates more money to the dems than to the republicans and which delivers the facts sans lefty-bias!

6. I bet you're some moron talk radio listener too, huh? Sure as shootin! My favorite is the Quinn in the Morning Show which regularly martyrs callers ala palestinian suicide bombers.

7. So, do you get a fax from the GOP each day for what to say, you @#$% Republican parrot? I'm with Frank J here, can't figure out how to make the printer "be" a fax machine, after all it is nurture over nature, perhaps I just don't have it in me.

8. Why do you and your blogger friends want to silence and fire everyone who disagrees with you, fascist? Because they are Lefty-Pinko B#$%ards trying to rob me of my money, gun and home (shakes fist at them) and we must smite them!

9. Are you completely ignorant of other countries, or do you actually own a passport? I have a passport. I like to travel only when the dollar is higher than other currency that way I can be assured of ripping off stupid little peasants by paying pennies for their wares . . . Seriously, why travel to any other country, we have it all, Mountains, Deserts, Beaches, Prairies, campy theme parks and natural wonders within our very borders, no need to spend my cash for someone else's tourism industry.

10. Have you even been to another country, you dumb hick? Yep, actually several but my most important trip was not really a trip but rather a beginning. See I was "made" in Korea but born in the U.S. of A! Oh yeah and my redneck ass could kick your pansy ass anyday!

11. If you're so keen on the war, why haven't you signed up, chickenhawk? Cause my momma says I'm too old.

12. Do you have any idea of the horrors of war? Have you ever reached into a pile of goo that was your best friend's face? No but once I reached into a pile of goo that turned out not be playdough but to be kitty poo. That was gross, but I was five. Since you asked, however, have you?

13. Have you ever reached into any pile of goo? Didn't you read the above, dumbass?

14. Once again, who the hell do you think you are?! As I said before, which apparently needs repeating because your attention span only lasts for 13 questions, I am Oddybobo, master of my domain and all that is in it.

Did I mention I like quizzes? You can find more here.

The 127th Carnival of the Vanities is Up

The 127th Carnival of the Vanities at Pundit Guy who did a great job with this weeks Carnival. I am in it, for the exposure, he he he, and cause I like to check out everyone else in the carnival and you should too!

Some Wednesday Quizzy Fun

Want to waste some time at work today? Try out some of these fun little quizzes!

Duane at Pennsylvanian in Exile links to this great quiz on what kind of dog are you? I'm an Australian Cattle Dog!

Orge of Ogre's Politics and Views has a link to this llama quiz by brought to you by Quizilla! I'm a friendly llama, protector of sheep and kind to friends. But if anyone tries to hurt mr or my sheep, I'll spit.

Basil of Basil's Blog has this interesting Gender Genie which will tell us which sex we really are. Hmmm . . . my entry says I am a male. Interesting!

Also according to Basil, a Yankee From Mississippi has a What Gender is Your Brain quiz (Hat tip A Typical Joe) which says I have a total boy brain! 40% female, 60% male. Well, that too is interesting!

I love Quizzilla Quizes! Try this one Which Greek God are You? I'm Poseidon.

Ok, enough wasting precious morning time! Must work. Arghhh!

New Blog Carnival Is Up

Check out the Carnival of New Blogs over at Celebrity Cola. Lucas Brachish did a wonderful job and he even included me and quite a group of great new blogs! Check them out, especially Haiku for You cause you can get a new Haiku for just about any occassion! Also if you are interested in biological timing, check out Circadiana. I especially liked the blip about night eating syndrome maybe that's my problem!

Anyway, if you are new here, and just looking around, I really am not off my rocker completely, and sometimes I even have interesting things to say! Comment liberally, but don't be mean, I'm having a bad month. :)

I love NASCAR!

I am doing a happy dance now that Nascar is back. My house is filled with beer and chips, and we have the tv on really loud watching the in depth analysis of yesterday's race on the SPEED Network. See, there is just something about the race that I love. I think it is that you get to road trip to your favorite track, meet new people who don't have an air of superiority about them, people who share their beer and their hotdogs with you, people who give gifts for flashes (did I just write that?), people who are cool no matter who your driver (unless that driver is Gordon, we hate him!). Race fans rock.

So, why am I so pumped about Nascar? Cause my other loves, are not in season, well Football is over and Hockey is dead in the water this year. So, my sport of choice this season is Nascar. I know that my Sundays will be full from now until next February as the season runs from now until November and Football is on then so it is all good. Ah how I love Nascar.

Oh, and I love the looks I get when I'm cleaning my tires off by weaving in and out of traffic during rush hour . . . he he he. . .

Our Cat Cool Hand Cat

Never entered in the carnival of the cats before, but as the better half adopted said cat, figured I'd post a pic of him doing some serious laying in one spot.

The Social Security Debate

Since I haven't really posted about this topic, I thought I would post some of my thoughts today.

The leftists are trying to turn this debate into a "Bush wants to steal your social security check" debate. They are off-base. Here are some of the facts of the plan to privatize some of social security:

1. We will still contribute to the General Fund (For those of you who are unaware, there is no social security trust fund. The Democraps tore those walls down long ago. Your FICA dollars go into the General Fund, think of it this way: your broker steals your money and buys a vacation home, but he still sends you "interest" checks on your investment. He is able to do this using another clients money, and he proceeds to pay that other client with yet another's money. This is what our government is doing with social security. Because the money goes into the General Fund, lawmakers have spent it. Yes, they still send Grandma her check, but they are doing it with the money you just sent in. Sound like sound policy to you?);

2. A mere 2% of our contributions can voluntarily (meaning you don't hafta if you don't wanta) be placed in a private fund;

3. The private fund can thereafter be willed, or gifted to our family members should we meet our maker;

4. When we reach retirement age, we will still get our guaranteed Social Security check and we will also get to keep our private fund (its a BOGO);

5. Federal lawmakers do not pay into social security. They have a plan similar to this only they get to put 100% of their taxes into private funds!

6. This plan works, it has been proven to work in other countries and in small local communities in the U.S.

Now, why is there opposition to this plan? It is simple really, if the American public realizes that there is a ponzi scheme going on in Washington with their Social Security money there will be a revolt. In addition, the lawmakers don't want us illiterate, uneducated, red-state country bumpkins to have any say over our money, see this keeps us dependent upon the gubment. We all know that while the gubment professes to be looking out for us, they are not, they are in reality lining their pockets with our hard-earned cash, and they don't want their cash flow to end.

That is all.

Posted at the Beltway Traffic Jam

New Carnival of the Recipes

The Carnival of the Recipes #27 is up at Inside Allan's Mind and it is an award show theme. Since there are only two recipes in my category can we call it a tie and both get an award?

That's how the cookie crumbles

Some of you may not have heard about the case of the two teens who decided to stay home from a school dance (because they thought there might be sexual behavior and cussing there) to bake cookies for their neighbors. They flitted around their neighborhood under the cover of darkness leaving packages of goodies on the porches of their neighbors.

As that old saying goes, no good deed goes unpunished, and these two young ladies found that out the hard way. After a neighbor complained about being afraid for her life, and having to go to the hospital (over cookies) the girls were sued, and subsequently ordered to pay over $900.00 in medical bills to the neighbor. The families of the girls had previously offered to settle and pay the medical bills, but the neighbor insisted on Court because well, she apparently had principles, or something.

Anyway, shortly thereafter, the husband of the neighbor allegedly made harassing telephone calls to one of the girls families, which prompted a request for a restraining order.

Now the "victim" of the cookie package says that her family has been receiving hate mail and no one has heard their side of the story, boo friggin hoo. I have their side of the story right here:

She did this, not those girls. She took them to court, when she could have quietly settled the matter. Her husband called the family of one of the girls and made a veiled threat. I have no sympathy for this woman. I think she took those girls to court (publically) so that she would get her 5 minutes of fame. Well, infamy is still fame in some respect. But really, her side of the story is simple, she didn't like sugar cookies and chocolate chip. Woman's all about the oatmeal! After all, it lowers the cholesterol. She's pissed cause she can't go around knocking on random doors saying "Hi! I lowered my cholesterol" cause those pesky kids sent her chocolate chips.

Now for the lawyer in me: The girls should never have been ordered to pay up. You take the public as you find them, persons who have "egg-shell" sensitivities are to be treated no differently. Liability in these types of cases should be doled out according to how the average/general public would react to the gift of cookies. Seeing as how the Youngs are the only ones who complained, my thoughts are that they are not "average" but rather have heightened sensitivities. The Court isn't to take these sensitivities into account, and therefore, the girls, while they should possibly have declared who they were when dropping their cookie bombs, didn't have to.

The Young's whining about being harassed is falling on deaf ears because they brought it on themselves, by not agreeing to take the money when offered out of court. Seriously, they got the same amount in court as they would have out of court but catapoulted these girls into the national spotlight. So, the moral of this kerfuffle is that stupid people file stupid lawsuits, oh no, where was I, oh yes, the moral is that the courts are not here so disgruntled neighbors can file suits about cookies, it is a waste of everyone's time. But, good on the public for supporting the girls, they are going to get a cookie dedicated to them, and they haven't been deterred from being anonymously kind to others.

Now, my biggest question is: Where are my cookies? I haven't benefited from the kindness of strangers with cookie gifts this year, I have to steal from those cute little girly-scouts to get my cookie fix (I don't really, I pay them, with funny money ;0)

Posted at the Beltway Traffic Jam

Fire-In-The-Hole French Fries

I love potatoes (I spell it with an e!), any kind will do.

INGREDIENTS

2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground chipotle
1/2 teaspoon
kosher (coarse) salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
Favorite prepared french fries or fresh potato wedges

INSTRUCTIONS

Place all ingredients in dry small skillet. Cook over medium heat 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until spices are fragrant and darken slightly. Prepare your favorite french fries and while hot, toss fries with spice mixture.

Or, for more of a kick, take potato wedges, coat lightly with olive oil, toss with spice mixture, and bake at 350 degrees until crisp and cooked through (about 25
minutes you may need to adjust the time in the oven until the potatoes are done the way you like them). Yummy.

A Picture of Me at the Beach

Yes, I know, ya'll couldn't wait to see who I am, so taking advice from my new blog-friend Harvey of Bad Example, I decided to post a picture of myself. Now, all you lefty-bloggers out there who thought you could expose my true identity, I dun beat cha to it! He He He.

Rednecks and Religion

Ok, Lawyer Time Again

The first of the asinine Tsunami lawsuits is being filed in New York. (hat tip Drudge) The suit by some Austrian and German victims of the Tsunami will file against Thailand, the French Hotel Accor and US forecasters in order to prove whether they reacted adequately to the impending disaster. Lets break this down:

Thailand, devestated by the Tsunami was going to do what? Send some ridiculous little government official out onto a jetty to call upon the Gods to avert the disaster? "Oh mighty Thai God, in the name of all that is peanutty, please divert the Tsunami from our shores!" Or better yet, was going to send the police out to round people up off the beachs? I have the reaction here: "Get the @#$$^% away from me, I paid ____ Euros for this @$%#$^ing holiday, and I am going to @$#^%ing enjoy it right here on this here beach, bee-yotch!"

Accor (employees), a hotel people, were suppossed to take time out of their busy schedule catering to rich and pampered Euroweenies and cleaning bathrooms to do what? Well to gather each Euroweenie by the hand and guide them to higher ground. But really the argument is that the Accor hotel should not have built their hotel on the fault line (should this have happened, the Hilton would likely have built in their place, but I'm just saying . . .)

Seriously, last I checked, hotel employees don't have extensive backgrounds in geological and meterological occurances, enough to forecast a major earthquake and killer tsunami. So, what lapses might this hotel have made? Well I have an answer for you, allowing Euroweenies to vacation in their hotels. (the hotel is also being lambasted because it did not properly inform relatives about the status of guests could that be because hotel personnell were as dead as the guests? Perhaps they were supposed to phone from Pergatory in order to give a complete tally of the guests floating with them?)

And lastly the U.S., and why not? we get blamed for everything why not this? Because the U.S. as we all know is situated smack dab in the middle of the indian ocean from which vantage point its agencies should have detected the problems. Again, without sounding too condescending, we are bordered by the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and owe no allegience, nor responsibility the Eurotourists on Holiday in Thailand!

"We have evidence that they did not warn us." Ok, so the U.S., busy with its own problems is supposed to call up the front desk at the Accor Hotel and say, yo, there was an earthquake in Sumatra and the waves are killer dude, grab a board - let's shoot the tunnel! Whoa . . .

Not likely, and seeing as how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its Hawaii-based tsunami warning centre are government agencies (that's the U.S. government not Europe people) their attentions are likley focused on U.S. occurences. Don't they have weathermen in Europe?

And for the lawyer part, the Plaintiffs in the matter have admitted that this is a "fishing expedition" to determine if blame can be placed upon these entities for this NATURAL disaster. The law is clear, that one cannot engage in litigation for the purpose of a fishing expedition. Why any court would entertain such a suit is quite beyond me, and jurisdiction anyone? Last I checked, neither Accor (french) nor Thailand were domiciled in New York, oh yeah and the NOAA is in DC, someone needs to do a quick dismissal of this drivel, but knowing the courts in this land, it'll probably hang around for a while costing tax payers money! Oh how I hate Euroweenies!

Posted at the Beltway Traffic
Jam

Oddybobo Unmasked, Sorta

Ok, I am going to follow Basil's lead and tell you that while no one will likely want to "take me down" cause quite frankly, who the hell cares about whittle ole' me, I am going to tell you that I operate under the assumed name of oddybobo because my real name is none of your business, and because oddybobo is my dog's name and I love my dog.

In addition, while some of you may have made assumptions about my sex (or lack thereof . . .) that is on you, as I have neither stated affirmatively nor denied what my sex is. What I have told you is that I am ambiguously asian (which is sorta like Diana Degarmo on last season's American Idol, who was ambiguously ethnic). Anyway, let me explain. I am 1/2 caucasian, and 1/2 Korean. I look more white than asian, except for that slanty eye thing going on. I am versed in both cultures and self-identify as AmerAsian. Now, all that aside, when I went to college and tried to take advantage of minority programs, I was told I was not Asian (tell that to me mum) and therefore did not qualify.

Now, I am thinking to myself, what happened to Jim Crow, when even if you had a drop of African blood, that made you black? (Kidding!) Really though, seeing as how I look amibiguously asian, self-identify as such and in fact have the pedigree to back it up, that makes me Asian. But, not Asian enough, it seems, to qualify for some of that free money, advice, help, etc. . . the government and their schools are always throwing at minorities.

Well, it didn't stop there, I was shunned by the campus Korean group because I was a Hapa (hawaiian for 1/2 and 1/2) and well, there just aren't any caucasian groups on campus that could qualify as non-nazi or non-supremicist. So, me and my pals, started a multi-cultural/multi-racial group on campus (which is still going strong today).

Back to the premise of my post . . . (and Basil's) this is simply a preemptive strike so that I don't get hate mail or blog-attacked to reveal my identity. I'm really not that worth it, and when, and if i ever am, well I will simply stop blogging so that those chomping at the bit to do me in, will have to pull a Dan Rather and make stuff up!

Oh, and I am not being completely secretive here, some people know who I am, it isn't like I posted a fake picture of myself here to throw everyone off the trail ala Libertarian Girl. He He He. Besides, who really wants to see a picture of a slightly chunky, ambiguously asian she/he at this site anyway? Really? Well then I will have to invent me one of those pics shortly . . .

This is my Valentine

This is my boy and my valentine. He makes life wonderful!

The UN's Latest Scandal

Not new, really, but Newsmax is reporting today that a top UN official admits that he raped and pillaged his way throught the Congo while on peace-keeping business. (See Michelle Malkin's post this weekend regarding the arrest of these UN morons in Morroco.) This official took lots of pictures which he saved and shared (including one where a tear is visible on the face of one of his victims). He points the finger at the UN's administration saying they tolerated the attacks on children by UN and aid workers.

While the world skewers the US in the prison abuse scandal and calls for investigations of women-on-prisoner interrogations at Gitmo, where is the outrage here? The young men and women of the Congo are being victimized by those sent by the UN to guide and help them. The UN is not content to victimize the Iraquis in the Oil for Fraud scandal, but sets out to steal the innocence of young men and women in the Congo as well. The US gets skewered for its treatment of evil persons intent on doing harm to innocents, and here, we have evil persons doing harm to innocents without any outcry!

It is time for the UN to get out of the US for good.

Redneck Lovers

In honor of Valentine"s Day

Hell Yeah! (Live Blogging the Grammys, sorta)

I just want to congratulate Gretchen Wilson on her Grammy win yesterday. It is fitting that she won, since she is only the biggest selling artist of 2004 in any genre, even though we didn't get to see her win. And I have to say, seeing the Southern Rock Tribute and a Janis Tribute all in one night, loved it! But Melissa Etheridge tried too hard to channel Janis and Joss Stone just rocks period. And the winner for most wonderful acceptance speech goes to Ray Charles' manager Joe!

Redneck Home Schoolin'

He he he, what can I say about this one?

Friday Linky Action

Its Friday! Wahoo! (and yes, we watch the Wiggles!)

Anyhoo, for your Friday enjoyment:

basil at basils blog has a history lesson for us;
Rightwingduck asks the questions "do you know where your children are?
SarahK at MountineerMusings has some refreshing scripture for this a.m.;
If you haven't caught it yet, FrankJ's been a reading the Bible!
And La Shawn Barber tells us what Black History Month means to her.

Keep a look out for Anywhere but Here who is hosting this weeks Carnival of the Recipes as well!

Happy weekend!

Boy Stabs Sister over Pot Pie

What is this world coming to when you can't even eat your pot-pie in peace? That's right folks, a young man stabbed his sister when she refused to give up her chicken pot-pie, somewhat reminicent of Cartman on Southpark ("no kitty, my pot-pie") but a tad more violent. So, I have devised a pot-pie protection program for those of you who are afraid that your pot-pie will be theived by a sibling or other pot-pie bandit:

1. Nuke pies only when alone with shades drawn and telephone off the hook;
2. Tie up younger brother prior to nuking pie - then eat every morsel in front of him while singing "nanny nanny boo-boo" gleefully;
3. Disguise pot-pie as a peanut butter sandwich;
4. Replace pie wrapper with tin foil marked "mystery", get sibling to dare you to eat it;
5. Take a preemptive strike at the pie-snatcher, disabling him or her prior to nuking pie;
6. Stand guard with taser;
7. Wire pot-pie with electrodes which cause much pain when ever pie is touched by anyone not you (think beer/roommate commercial and dog collar);
8. Replace pie filling with rocks, watch teeth of thief shatter;
9. Try the "look over there" option and make a run for it; and last but not least
10. Perfect the art of speed eating.

Palestinian Peace Falters

So, it has been a whole day after the Israelis and Palestinians shook hands and declared a cease-fire, but it didn't last. Today, Palestinian militants fired mortar shells and homemade rockets at Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip. Admirably, Abbas moved his security forces in to remedy the situation so as not to put the cease-fire in jeopardy, however how long before the cease-fire falls apart?

Abbas needs to silence the rhetoric against the U.S. and the Israelis in order to get real cooperation. Young Palestinian men and women have been brainwashed into believing that all Jewish people must die and that the west is evil. This culture of murder will take a very long time to reform. While shaking hands and stating that there is an agreed upon cease-fire is a good thing, it will do nothing to stop the bloodshed perpetrated by those with a jihadist mentality.

However, it must be noted, and take this as a warning, here in the U.S. anti-Israel bias is evident on almost every college campus. Pro-fanatical muslim extremism is evident in Hollywood and in the likes of persons like Ward Churchill. This is a global problem, and therefore, while moderate Palestinians may get behind the cease-fire, look for wackos like Churchhill and CAIR and college muslim groups to side with the Jihadiis and look for wahabists and other foreign fanaticals to infiltrate the borders and begin murdering Israelis. These "insurgents" currently in Iraq, will just find another front when they tire of losing the fight in Iraq.

To steal a phrase from "Cambodia Kerry," we need a plan to win the peace. My plan is preemptive. Take the fight out of the Wahabists and Jihadiis. Crush them in order to allow those muslim's who value life to peacefully co-exist with Israelis, Americans, Kurds, etc. . .

Posted at the Beltway Traffic
Jam

Redneck Gingerbread House

TODAY'S INSTALLMENT OF REDNECK PHOTO OF THE DAY:

In honor of the holiday's just past, thought I'd show ya'll what me and the little tyke made for Christmas, ain't it purdy?

Happy New Year!

Gung Hay Fat Choy (Chinese for Happy New Year!)

Today is Lunar New Year in the year of the Green Rooster. So good wishes to you all, and if you want, feel free to send me lucky money!

Say Hayya Boke Mahnhe pah du sayoh! (Happy New Year in Korean!)

Tsunami Aid Frauds

Something that is not at all a surprise, government officials in Sri Lanka are accussed of plundering the Tsunami Aid and demanding bribes for distributions.

I am waiting to hear more about the UN in all of this. Word of the Tsunami relief has subsided for the most part but where the UN is involved there's always a rat!

Oddybobo's Mama's Famous Eggrolls

After you make these (which takes a bit of time folks) and then eat them, you will never eat an eggroll in a chinese restaurant again!

INGREDIENTS

1-2 heads cabbage (not napa) julienned into very thin strips;
1 1/2 pounds ground pork;
1 medium onion chopped;
1/2 inch piece of ginger diced fine;
2-3 green onions chopped;
2 cloves garlic diced fine;
1 teaspoon garlic powder;
1 teaspoon onion powder;
1 teaspoon black pepper;
1/2 cup soy sauce;
1/2 cup sesame oil;
2 tablespoons teriaki sauce (or 1 tablespoon sugar for sweetness)

Prep. Ingredients
2 eggs whisked in a small bowl
2 packages of eggroll wrappers
deep pan with oil for frying

DIRECTIONS

Put the green onions in a large mixing bowl; brown and drain the ground pork with some of the onions, garlic and ginger (reserve the rest for the final steps), while still hot, layer over green onions, this will cook the green onions, allowing the essences to cook into the meat. Saute the cabbage with a little salt and pepper in about 1 tablespoon or oil (I use sesame but be careful it has a low burn point); when the cabbage is clear, drain and add to the meat mixture. Add the remaining ingredients and mix together well. Then roll small amounts (use the package directions to roll the eggrolls into pockets) into the wrappers and seal with the egg wash. Fry until crispy and brown and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Redneck Measuring Tape

Thought I'd post a "Redneck Photo of the Day" in tribute to my redneck heros. Scalped these from a chain email, don't know who took them.

Accident on the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk

While we have admirably praised the work done by our service men and women on the front lines in the war on terror, please don't forget those that serve in other parts of the armed forces.

A couple weeks ago, an F/A 18F Super Hornet was making a landing on the carrier deck of the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk when it was involved in an accident on the deck. The two pilots were recovered but the accident caused serious, but not life threatening injuries to six crew members. Please keep these Navy men/women in your prayers.

Commercial Love

I just wanted to say the commercial tribute to our soldiers was moving and memorable. I personally want to send my thanks to the troops as well! May God's hand rest on your shoulder, may God's eyes lead your way and bring you safely home!

Carnival of the Recipes

The Carnival is up over at the Glittering Eye go check it out!

A soldier has had enough

Check out Michelle Malkin's post about a soldier sick of justifying his uniform and his response to his commenters.

I feel the same way when someone asks me to justify my (foster)-kid's decision to join the Navy. Usually, I just tell them "not having asked for your opinion, its use to me is worthless." That usually gets a blank stare and then an angry growl.

Show this soldier some love and check out his other posts.

Make with the Funny for the New Marine

So, the Alliance has commanded that I make with some funnies, here goes:

First soldier: "Pass me the chocolate pudding, would you?"Second soldier: "No way, Jose!"First soldier: "Whyever not?"Second soldier: "It's against regulations to help another soldier to dessert!"

Someone sent this to me, but I can't remember who . . .
One Brave Man
General McKenzie was in charge of the Navy, and he was visiting his colleague General Marshall, who was in charge of the Army. McKenzie arrives at the military camp and is greeted by Marshall. As they both walk around the place, Gen. McKenzie asks, "So how are your men?"Gen. Marshall: "Very well trained sir."Gen. McKenzie: "I hope so. You see, my men over at the Navy are so well trained, you could say that they're the bravest men in the country."Gen. Marshall: "Well, my men are very brave, too."Gen. McKenzie: "Well, I'd like to see just how brave you think they are."So Marshall calls private Cooper and says, "Private Cooper! I want you to stop that tank coming here with your body!""Are you f*&^%ing crazy? It would kill me, you a-hole! I'm out of here!" As private Cooper ran away, Marshall turned to a bewildered McKenzie and said, "You see? You have to be pretty damn brave to talk like that to a general."

And last in my lame attempts at being funny:

What does ARMY mean?

Ain't Ready to be a Marine Yet!

Elevator conversations

So, I am in the elevator this a.m. minding my own, when lo and behold, some dude in a bad suit thinks I want to converse about the fact that "in three weeks it'll be March, can you believe it? I bet the skiiers are not happy this year!" Well, seeing as how I am neither wearing a sign that says "I heart February" nor any skiing apparel, why he thought I would care is beyond me. Plus, I had not yet had any caffeine or food this a.m. and so was in no mood to even smile.

So my half-hearted response was "yeah, gee, uh huh, can't believe it. hmmm." What can I say, it is difficult to form full sentences when zombified in an elevator with a lunatic raving about our unusual lack of snow this season and the month following February. I really don't care. If I cared, I would wear a t-shirt that said, "Hey, if I'm in an elevator, talk to me cause I care about everything and I heart strangers."

I am being serious. Never rouse a zombie from pre-caffiene stupor, especially if said zombie carries a 22 snub-nose loaded with hollow-points on said zombie's belt! Kablam -Kablam, there's yer ski report.

Lunar New Year Yummies!

Lunar New Year is February 9, 2005 and it is the Year of the Rooster. The Rooster is a happy animal and is also a family animal, so it should be a good year to spend with one’s family! Anyway, being ambiguously asian, and also since Lunar New Year is my favorite holiday, I am posting a few dishes for everyone to eat. On Wednesday, eat some noodles for long life and some dumplings (mandoo in Korean) for good luck and wealth! Drink some green tea for health and give people younger than you money for luck – oh how I love lucky money!

Here are a couple Korean dishes to try with your noodles and dumplings. First and foremost, the most recognizable Korean dish, Kimchi for moehawk! Everyone makes this dish differently, and I have revealed only a couple of my secrets here, if you can stomach the spicy/sour yumminess that is kimchi, try eating my seaweed and sticky rice too! Mmmm . . .

Halmoni’s Quick Kimchi (Halmoni is Grandma in Korean!)

1 large head Chinese (napa) Cabbage (4lbs)
3 Tablespoons Coarse Salt
2 Tablespoons (or more) coarse red pepper powder (or good flakes)
3 Tablespoons anchovy essence (or tamarind or fish sauce)
5 garlic cloves, peeled, crushed and finely chopped
3 scallions cut into three-inch pieces
2 scallion sliced very very thin
2 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled, crushed and finely chopped
2 Teaspoons sugar

Trim off tough outer leaves and stem of cabbage (peel a few large leaves off and set aside) and slice head of cabbage lengthwise into four pieces then sliced into 2 inch pieces. Place in a large bowl and sprinkle with the salt. Mix with your hands. Leave for 4 hours or more shaking the bowl and mixing with your hands from time to time. Drain off any excess water. During the 4 hours keep checking the cabbage and bend the thicker parts until the cabbage is limp but still crisp when broken. In the meantime in a small bowl, mix the red pepper powder with sufficient water to make a paste. Do this right away to allow the paste time to draw out the color.

Once the cabbage is limp, rinse well and drain in a colander for 30 minutes. Mix the fish sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar & red pepper paste. Then add mixture to the drained cabbage mixing well with your hands (wear rubber or plastic gloves!!) Pack tightly into a sterile jar and seal with a few large cabbage leaves which you have set aside, cover with cellophane and lids. Place in a cool dark spot. Let it sit for a day or two if you can wait that long. The longer it ferments, the better it tastes!

Ok, since Kimchi takes forever to make, here is a quick and easy Korean dish.

Bulgogi (Korean marinated beef)

2 1/2 pounds of thinly sliced (1/8th inch or thinner) rib-eye or sirloin/flank steak
marinated in:
5 Tablespoons soy sauce
3 garlic cloves, peeled, crushed, and finely chopped
1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled, crushed, and finely chopped
2 Tablespoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons sugar
Freshly ground pepper to taste
2 Tablespoons Worschestershire sauce
4 scallions sliced
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Cover beef with marinade and mix well using your hands. Set aside for at least one hour. Grill the meat for a few minutes on each side under a broiler or on a grill. If using a grill, turn with tongs frequently until cooked through. Serve with steamed white rice.

Kimbop (Rice and Seaweed.)

This is a favorite of mine, and now my son's. I used to eat it like white kids eat chips after school. The benefits are that Seaweed detoxifies your body, and cleanses the blood. So, yummy and good for you!

What you need

In the Asian aisle at the supermarket get a package of laver (seaweed for sushi). Brush each sheet with a little sesame oil and sprinkle with salt. Run each sheet over a heat source (in a pan or on a grill) until the sheets crisp up. Once done, cut into squares and serve with hot steamed white rice. Place rice on the small squares of seaweed (like a little seaweed taco) and eat!

SayHayYay Boke Manhepadusayoh! (Happy New Year.)

I woke up this morning . . .

So, I woke up this morning and stumbled to the head to clear mine of what was fast becoming that (so sick you can't stand) feeling. And lo and behold, I saw my shadow in the toilet. Therefore, my prediction is that we will have six more weeks of winter! Ha, and you thought that ole Phil had the lock on weather predictions. Well, you just wait, six more weeks of winter I tell you. Six more weeks of dry and cracking skin, cold toes, shoveling snow, and salty cars. Six more weeks of idiots who can't drive when there is one measly snowflake on their windshield. Six more weeks of the insane people in my office saying "brrr it sure is cold out there isn't it" Duh! When one is wearing a parka reminiscent of the one worn by Cheney in Poland, simply to sit in one's office, it is freaking cold! Get a clue and leave me alone!

Howard Dean Hates Me

In what sounds like a kindergarten rant, Howard Dean states that he hates the right! Did so, did not, I hate you! And you could have been our President? At the first sign of unrest in the world he would unleash his paper airplanes, and spitball brigades to combat evils. And if that didn't work, he'd call "Food Fight!" And just so we are all clear that he means business, no milk and crackers for your snack today.

So the Deaniac hates Republicans and everything we stand for such as:

• Everything that is right;)
• Freedom for the oppressed;
• The Constitution of the United States;
• The right to defend oneself;
• The upholding of morality;
• The support for the military;
• Patriotism;
• Family;
• Freedom of religion . . . I could go on and on.

It is good to know that Dean and his party hate these things. Afterall, it will help us get our message out.

New Carnival of the Recipes Up

Check out the new Carnival of the Recipes at Kin's Kouch. Everything is so yummy!

Kerry's Inability to Accept Reality

Yesterday on Meet the Press, Kerry stated that the historic elections in Iraq "should not be overhyped". First he tows the party line that says that the election in Iraq will be the test for whether or not Bush's war has succeeded. Now he has moved the goal-post and says there will be another test (a global one!) and that is a day to day test in which we wait to see what the world community thinks.

And it's going to take a massive diplomatic effort and a much more significant
outreach to the international community than this administration has been
willing to engage in. Absent that, we will not be successful in Iraq, he said.

Update: Sen. Bloviator isn't that impressed by the election in Iraq. (hat tip Newsmax). Gee, imagine that!

Friday Linky Action

Check out some of these samplings from the blogosphere today.

Check out The Anchoress and La Shawn Barber's takes on the confirmation of the exceedingly talented Condi Rice as Secretary of State. The first woman of color and the only the second woman ever to hold this important position. JimK at Right Thoughts weighs in with a late commentary on the confirmation process as well.

Harvey of Bad Example offers advice on how to pick a career for those of you who haven't yet.

Jim at Snooze Button Dreams has a really fun little movie trivia game/meme goin on, join the fun!

Little Green Footballs links to a post at the Daily Kos by, wait for it, Barbara Boxer who thanks her minions, I mean supporters, for their support during her grilling of our new Madame Secretary.

Instapundit links to one Hammorabi regarding the democratic pressure the Iraqi people are putting on their neighbors.

Rightwingduck tackles some additional myths about bloggers and the MSM.

Michelle Malkin posts about yet another pundit getting paid to push the government's agenda!

And as always, Basil of Basil's Blog has a great Friday Morning breakfast roundup, check it out.

CAVITY PIE

Just like it sounds, a "pie", I love pie by the way, that will cause instant cavities. It is a hit with the kiddies and the bigger kiddies alike. It is a snap to make and it also makes a pretty snazzy presentation.

Ingredients

1 roll of refrigerated cookie dough (my favorite is chocolate chip)
1 cup of chocolate chips
1/2 cup of peanut butter
several of your favorite candy bars chopped into small pieces
a pizza pan or a cookie sheet (with 1/4 inch sides)

Directions

Spread cookie dough thinly into a pizza pan (I usually spray with pam although it isn't necessary) there may be small holes in the dough, they will fill in as it bakes; bake according to the package directions; pull from oven and sprinkle with the chocolate chips and peanut butter in dolops; when the chips are glazed, spread the peanut butter and chips over the cookie like a sauce. Next, sprinkle on your favorite chopped candy bars (use em all!). I also add mini m&m's for color. I suggest putting the concoction into the refrigerator until it is cooled completely, however it is not necessary. Serve to its adoring fans.

Also, you can add some variations to this, like a sugar cookie with vanilla icing and fruit, or a brownie with candy or fruit, the possibilities are exciting!

News Flash: Murdered Spammer Found Stuffed With Spam Can

Not really, but Brian would like you to believe it so, and in an attempt to help out Brian of Brian Flemming's Weblog create a new urban legend, check out this story about the:

Murdered man with a can of spam lodged in his throat.

Help a guy out and spread this not-so-true crime story! (Hat tip Harvey of Bad Example)

Blame Bush!

All the rage of course is the theory that whatever happens in the whole world is Bush's fault. Today, abortion is Bush's fault! No lie, Senator Hillary Clinton actually blames Bush for increased abortions, using outdated and false statistics, of course. She does not blame those who use abortion as an accepted form of contraception, not those who chose abortion over life, but rather Bush. Seems he single handedly impregnated all those additional abortion seekers, and then proceeded to perform their abortions. Think of the windfall! Relations with thousands of women and the payday that comes from performing that dreaded procedure. Cha-Ching!

Perhaps Ms. Clinton is just jealous . . . that Bush got some from all those lovely ladies. Hmmm.

But seriously, to even allude at Bush as being the culprit here is to highlight the real problem with the liberal mentality, which is that:

Everyone else is to blame for the choices we make. There is no
accountability, nor should there be. Afterall, the problem will simply
disappear if the government throws money at it.

I am convinced that the liberal establishment has learned nothing from their trouncing in November. Better still they refuse to learn anything.

Evil Glenn Controls Tornados

Evil Glenn is at it again. He has created a weather control machine to use as part of his evil plan of world domination. His plan is to take over the world piecemeal.

Next stop Kansas! No, this ain't Dorothy's Kansas, this is Evil Glenn's Kansas where pretty farm houses and rolling fields are replaced by Tornado's specifically programmed to whir puppies, including Toto, into tasty milkshakes.

Yes, Evil Glenn has programed his weather machine to turn simple unassuming tornados into giant, GOD-sized blenders for puppies and other earthly animals.

Not content to simply tear homes apart, and wreak havoc on communities, Evil Glenn intends to scoop up all living mammalian creatures lounging about in the green grasses of the midwest, whir them into a milkshake and devour them while lounging pool-side. Call it Evil Glenn Ambrosia. Of course, not content to shake up the midwest, look for Evil Glenn to take a side trip to the nearest body of water for a little water spoutin' -- Lobster Bisque anyone?

New Baby Needs New Heart

Michelle Malkin has posted a report about baby Jordan Zane Trimarchi who was born with a tumor in his tiny heart. His only hope is a heart transplant. For more information visit www. jordanzane.com.

This should put you in mind of today, the "March for Life" day in Washington, D.C.
When so many babies are being tossed aside, one is struggling to live.

Our hopes and prayers go out to you little Jordan Zane.

UPDATE: Per Michelle Malkin, Baby Jordan has received his heart. Please keep him in your prayers.

This just in . . . the Interview

I've been interviewed at Jennifer's History and Stuff, check it out and if you are lucky, maybe I will one day share my pumpkin pie recipe here.

Iran's Warning

"Iran issues a sharp warning to the US" stop threatening us about those damn nukes or "we'll cut you!"

Really? It sounds like a school yard threat, "stop picking on us big US bully, that's a sharp warning!"

Of, course, being the big US bully in the school yard in my day, my response would be: See my pet birdie in the sky dropping a special package just for you? . . .
Ka Boom! Now that's a warning . . . oh wait, skipped warning, that's a bullseye!

Inauguration day!

I love President Bush! I do, I love President Bush.

Now, Senator Byrd, he can take a flying leap off a very large building racist mo-fo that he is! Dems like Byrd and his ilk (and "gun toting lib." if you are out there, I am making a broad generalization here!) are the epitome of racist. To tell what a liberal is thinking or doing, just listen to what they say - they do the exact opposite. So when those libs shout about conservatives being racist a big bell should go off, and a sign should light up right over Byrd's head with a cliched arrow pointing down denoting Byrd as the racist.

Condi, we are behind you! Later, we will hold up our lighters as you put a well deserved smack down on Sen. KKK.

Cussin at the Inaugural Youth Concert

So, no Kid Rock but Fuel's lead singer still supplied the young people with a little F-word action, just before the Prez. graced the stage! My word! What will Worldnet Daily say? I still say, Kid Rock should have been there, and you can be guaranteed that he would have kept it clean! So much for those ruffled ideas that anyone other than Kid Rock could keep it clean! I think I am going to be indignant all day because no one listened to me! That'll show'em.

Update: Since I missed the boat last night on this story (I was sleepin) here is Michelle Malkin's take on it all, check out her track backs too!


P.S. Love that JibJab!!

American Idolatry

So, watching American Idol, and for a play by play, Sarahk at mountaineer musings has a comment on almost every singer, and a fabulous rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.

I have to say, I can't get why I am actually watching this program. It is like an addiction. I seriously can't pry my face away from the tv and my ass cheeks off the couch!

I have to say though, I feel really bad for some of these people, I can't understand what goes through their heads. How can you get in front of people, and intentionally humiliate yourself? I mean, I humiliate myself unintentionally all the time, but on purpose? And did you see the girl who sounded like a stuck pig? Really, how do they find the nads to do this? I cringe for them, in between laughing my ass off of course!

And to the guy who fancies himself "fabulous" and is going to have 8 hit records to poor Botox Beauty Paula's 3 . . . what the hell? Who says that? Your going to have 8 hit records? Why stop there? While you are at it, in the words of Simon Cowell from last year "I hope you have a good lawyer to sue your voice coach."

. . . crap, I just spit beer all over the keyboard, papa was a rollin stone . . . dude forgot the words! I love that!

Have to give props to the boxing babe! She is really cute. A bit all o'er the place (like this post) but cute, hope she becomes the next middle weight champ!

Welp, gotta go prep for a dep, and catch some zzzz's between laughing my ass off watching American Idol. Mary Roach, oh man I am dieing! Oh geez, i really am, girl's giving me a freakin heart attack, think stalker single white femail singing worse than William Hung!

Ode to My Cat Snowball

To Blog is to live . . . in yer underwear

So FrankJ destroys the myths about why we blog, and his comments section adds additional myths shattered and pictures frozen on brain. . . This is a pretty hot topic today as La Shawn Barber asks why we blog (link in and answer her questions), and Instapundit links to an article discussing the inherent conflic of interest faced by journalists who blog.

And then there is that brainless Jonathan Klein from CNN who thinks that blogging is "you know, glorified Web-site hosting—that’s what it is." This guy is totally nutballs and totally clueless. But then again, he is from the real world . . . of course if he is from the real world then I am from the better informed world, but I digress . . . Here are my useless thoughts on the blogosphere and why we blog . . .

• some blog because it gives them a forum to discuss interesting matters in the safety of their four walls;
• some blog because it gives them a forum for their very relevant and highly original ideas;
• some blog for money (I'm available if anyone is interested . . .);
• some blog as to escape work, else they should go insane;
• some blog for work;
• some blog because they called in sick and didn't go to work;
• some blog because they can do it in their under guchies while spongebob plays in the background, and while eating cheesy poofs and drinking beer . . .;
• some blog because finally, there is a forum available for the masses to enjoy;
• and still others lurk in comment land.

I was a comment land lurker for a very long time and decided that it was time to blog, hence my not very informative blog, which is slowly taking shape and will one day . . . rule the universe . . . blog envy, oh well.

As a simple shout out to those who came before me, your blogs are a source of comedy for my dull life, information for the intellectual in me, and inspiration. Carry on!

A little Thursday Linky Action

So according to ABC News, Ted (where'd I leave my car?) Kennedy can't tell the differance between new Demobrat star Barak Obama and Osama Bin Laden allegedly calling him "Osama bin . . . Osama . . . Obama" (hat tip Drudge).

Clint Eastwood expresses his intent to kill Michael Moore if ever the fat-one graces Dirty Harry's doorstep camera in hand. Bill at InDC talks more about it here. Question is . . . How do we get Moore to knock on Clint's door? (apparently I am not the only one asking this question . . .)

And apparently Armstrong Williams isn't the only partisan paid pundit, some bloggers fit the bill as well . . .

And lastly, poor Prince Harry and his poor choice of costume has the world in arms . . . personally, while Harry's costume was in poor taste (he has apologized again and again), I want to see the pics. of Wills dressed as a lion!

Liberal Hate and Rhetoric

As an ambiguously Asian, conservative, lawyer of the effeminate persuasion . . . (all in one breath whew) . . . I have faced similar attacks to those printed by Michelle Malkin for my beliefs. Michelle is a very intelligent and talented columnist one who should be read for her thoughts, not the shape of her eyes, and she faces racist attacks from the liberal elite. Big surprise there! It never ceases to amaze me that a progressive liberal (aka anti-conservative) can shout profanities and make racist judgments on a person of color because they don't tow the liberal/socialist party line and spout BS at every opportunity. Or how if you are a woman and a conservative or anti-fetal murder, you are somehow trying to throw back to pre-suffrage days.

Believe it or not, women and people of color have brains (oh the horror!) and can think for themselves (see additional instances as La Shawn Barber, and Baldilocks, and others of their ilk), and do not need hand-holding, coddling, or intellectual brain-washing at the hands of so called progressives or intellectual elites! Sorry to sound so pre-kindergarten here, but it seems that anti-conservatives can't understand intellectual speak. Its all gobbledy-gook to them.

I am a gun-toting, conservative thinking, red-stater, working hard to keep my own money, Asian who didn't get into my Ivy League University by affirmative action, didn't graduate law school because someone "helped" me along, didn't pass the bar because someone lowered the standard for me because I come from a fractured-family background, and didn't get a lucrative position with an international law firm because some white liberal (or conservative for that matter) felt pity on me. No, believe it or not, I am an intellectual, say it with me now, minorities can be intellectuals too!

You anti-conservatives out there who think that you are better or smarter than persons of color because you were brainwashed into believing that you have some higher calling to do for others (i.e. minorities) because we can't do for ourselves, can take this to the bank -- No amount of name-calling (wagging of tongues or nanny-nanny boo-boos) will change the fact that in the arena of ideas persons like Michelle Malkin flatten persons like those of you who resort to crass profanity in order to get your point across, which is simply that you don't like Michelle Malkin or others like her. And we are supposed to care who you like?

This Just in . . . We Had A Surplus!

What a surprise, no one in the MSM said a word, a shout out to Instapundit (AKA Evil Glenn)and Gay Patriot a surplus is a surplus no matter how small. One step at a time folks, one step at a time.

Sgt. Peralta a Marine Hero

As usual, we hear nothing in the MSM about the honorable actions of the brave men and women serving their country abroad. Here is a story that touched my heart when I came across it yesterday (can't remember where), and again today when I read it at Blackfive and at the National Review. This marine and others like him should be celebrated for their sacrifice!

And thanked! Many thanks Sgt. Peralta for your selfless and heroic act. May God Bless you.

Rathergate questions left unanswered

So, the CBS report blasts the boys (and Mary Mapes) at CBS for their "Myopic Zeal" but can't pass judgment on any political bias because there was not enough evidence?

Excuse me? The evidence was appended to the report. As a lawyer, I can tell you that that kind of 'circumstantial' evidence is what sent Scott Peterson a death penalty conviction. That kind of 'circumstantial' evidence would fry any conservative. That kind of 'circumstantial' evidence screams of political bias. My goodness, Mapes writes . . . there's blood in the water . . . she talks "hypothetically of course" about paying for the docs. with a book deal. She doesn't want her colleague to underestimate how much she wanted that story?

In fact, I take it back! This isn't circumstantial evidence, it is actual proof of bias at CBS News.
The problem is, that the report couldn't actually say that because it would open CBS up to unprecented scrutiny, because of course, the public has been well aware for a very long time of CBS's penchant for liberal bias. To say so in the report would be the worse condemnation of what goes on in the MSM. So, instead the report takes CBS to task for its malfeasance, but conveniently ignores the motive for the malfeasance. Not in my courtroom! CBS News, like Scott Peterson, deserves the dealth penalty!

Armstrong Williams the comeback kid?

Rightwingduck (in a guest post for IMAO) has a hysterical post on how Armstrong can be welcomed back into the conservative fold seamlessly. When in doubt use tried-and-true step-program approach to life. Or, simply declare oneself a liberal and run around screaming that the vast right-wing conspiracy that you attempted to surreptitiously invade and bring down has found you out and is now trying to ruin your reputation.

Kabbalah Leader Blames Jews for Nazi Holocaust

(Click title for direct link)

Hollywood's religion du jour, the Kabbalah Center (not to be confused with the legitimate study of jewish mysticism), has a number of skeletons being exposed this week, including the following:

Kabbalah leader blames Jews for the Holocaust because they didn't have the "Light" and weren't followers of Kabbalah;

Kabbalah stores sell bottled waters with supposed miraculous powers to cancer patient, turns out water is from a Canadian bottler which has been previously cited with government warning on its quality;

Kabbalah has major problems with its finances, that is to say that it misuses money that stars so generously give!

The BBC is going to run an expose on its news show this week. Hat tip Captain's Quarters.
When will the Hollywood elite learn?

Terhaaza makes a contribution

Newsmax (see title for direct link) writes that T. Heinz-Kerry (going by Heinz only these days) made a donation of $450,000 to the Tsunami victims, but it wasn't her money she donated. No, it was foundation money, no mention at all of her intention to give her own money! Not like those of us who operate in the real world. In fact, as history would have it, she doesn't like to actually . . . HELP . . . no, she like Barbara Streisand, and other liberal weinees just wants to order you to help and tell you how.

But let me throw this out to you, Here in Pittsburgh, PA we had a horrendous flooding during this years interesting hurricane season. The floods devastated small towns outside of Pittsburgh. One town, was the hometown of the Heinz patriarch, and where he began the Heinz empire selling veggies out of a cart. Anyway, she came and toured the area and said - no kidding - that she "wasn't in a position to actually do anything" but she came to see the probs. first hand. Not in a position to do anything! This coming from a woman with loads of mullah, and surrounded by the little people who gave of their time, possessions, extra money and prayers.

Now here we are in the midst of the worst natural disaster in modern history and she can't even pony up her own cash to contribute. Geez! Some bleeding heart liberal she is, oh wait, that is exactly what she is, emoting about a travesty while throwing someone else's money at the problem!

Sorry, just a weekend rant here!

Kid Rock at the Inauguration

So Kid Rock is going to perform and the folks over at Worldnetdaily.com have their guchies in a bunch. I understand why, Kid Rock has some pretty raunchy lyrics, but that is not all he has and remember, we are the new party of the inclusive!

Kid Rock raises his young child as a single parent, is muli-talented, having recently scored some points with country radio, and while not the best role-model, he is a model of what one can do in America. Up from the worst streets in Detroit to fame and stardom.

Let's be real, Mel Gibson, the Christian Right's current posterboy, was no choir boy in his youth (admitted multiple daliances, adultery and substance abuse). Bush himself was wayward once! Let's not pass judgment on Robert Richie that is what we fight against, people passing judgment on us.

So I say, I can't wait for Kid Rock to Rock the Inauguration! Now, JoJo, she scares me!

UPDATE: Maybe those planning the festivities have caved because now they are backpeddling (See Worldnet daily link)

UPDATE II: Apparently I am a 'Southpark conservative' per Michelle Malkin on her site today, because I say who cares about Kid Rock. Look, my reasons are simple. Religious conservatives are not the only members of this party, contrary to what we may want to believe, conservatives come from all walks, including the likes of Kid Rock. What he does for entertainment value sould not relegate him to the depths of slime. However, while not entirely a fan of his music, and certainly not his early cuts, I still admire a working class guy who makes it big albeit as a slut! Look, we need to represent all our faces as conservatives to stay on top. Perhaps rather than jump up and down because Kid Rock is playing, we should simply request that he keep it clean? He can, I've seen it. Just my 2Cents!

Story of Faith in the US System of Government

Link to the title of this post to get the full story of the treatment received by a young international student studying at one of the US's less commendable institutions. Frontpage magazine, a champion of the Student's Bill of Rights helps to identify the evil liberal professors trying to brainwash our children!

This time, it also helps put into perspective how some in the Arab world feel about the United States. Bravo! Very good reading, enjoy!

Liberals heart Terrorists!

Those wascally wiberals haven't learned anything from the trouncing they got in November. Today they are poised to come out against Judge Gonzales and in favor of the terrorists. Have they learned nothing???? The public does not want to see you coddle the terrorists! We do not want you to side with them, like them, understand them or champion them in any way. We want them dead, rid from the sea of humanity in which they have placed a stain. We want to ride herd over their dead bodies! WAKE UP!

Demobrats at it again!

Click title to link directly to the Newsmax article wherein Oliver Stone cries about the fact no one watched his horrible portrayal of Alexander the Great:

American audiences' rejection of the terrible movie,
whose low point is Angelina Jolie as a Freudian mother
from hell vamping
with snakes while talking in a Natasha
Badenov accent, is a sign of "a
raging fundamentalism in morality,"
Stone complained in London.

Stone is right, we don't know enough about Alexander the Great, so why stoop to slander then? Why create Alexander in Hollywood's mold? I do not think that Egyptians would appreciate it if you took King Tut and made him gay, or perhaps made Cleopatra a transvestite. Greeks did not, then, appreciate Hollywood's portrayal of Alexander. And then, of course, the paying public didn't want to watch a poorly conceived movie about him when better (and more family friendly) movies, Shrek 2 and Shark Tale for instance were out. Also, the History Channel did an excellent portrayal of Alexander so who needed to see Stone's movie? Not I.

It had nothing to do with my morality, I simply like historical fiction to have some historical reality. I have nothing against Alexander being gay, if it was true, Geez, Ben Franklin had syphilis, Queen Nefertiti (we think) masqueraded as a man and actually became Pharoah for a time, Bill Clinton is a rapist . . . truth is sometimes not pretty. What I disliked about Stone's is that the movie sucked. My colleagues who watched it came back with that review. So I didn't waste my time or my dime. I rented the unrated version of Girl Next Door instead, Very Funny!

Check out Vessel Of Honour's Carnival of the Vanities

Hey, for some good laughs and good blogs, check out Vessel of Honour's Carnival of the Vanities where there is an excellent roundup of bloglicious offerings. Enjoy! (click the title to direct link!!)

UN Theives

Ok, (hat-tip Quinn and Rose) the UN's spokes-asshead has actually said, in public mind you, that all the money contributed to the UN agencies and ear-marked for the Tsunami victims, "may not actually make it to the Tsunami vicitims."

The simple explanation for this is of course that Kofi and his lecherous kind hadn't gotten enough money through Oil for Food and so why not skim from the generosity of others while watching those poor asian peoples founder? (Ok, in all actuality he was refering to the fact that pledges are made but not always followed through . . . ahem. . . Germany, France)

And then these liberal mouthpieces get on tv and spout in Newspapers that Bush is trying to go over the UN's head with his coalition. Well gee, doesn't take a spacemonkey to know that the UN is looking for their take, by the by, have you seen any UN weenies on the ground? No, just US Marines. Have the UN Weenies dedicated any flying machines to the effort? No, just the US Navy. Have the Canadians sent DART? Nope, waiting on the US to fly em over. Is Kofi picking through trash and death to find survivors, anyone? anyone? Bueller? Nope again! Kofi is pursing his fingers together eyes arched waiting for the cash to roll in, Cha-Ching! (think Mr. Burns only eviler).

My money, and yes, I donated what I could, is actually going to make it to the victims. Go figure, you send money for help and, wait for it . . . IT HELPS SOMEONE!

PEOPLE! I am going to go all John Birch Society for a millisecond and say . . .

GET US OUT OF THE UNITED NATIONS!!!!!

Better still kick those boot licking, scum sucking, sex peddling, money laundering, euroweenies out of our country!

Can I get an AMEN?

Teen Charged with Crime After Causing Miscarriage

Hat-tip Drudge: (Hit title for direct link) So a young man faces criminal charges after he and his paramour decide to cause the spontaneous abortion of their baby. How is this possible? Did the girl state that this happened against her will? No, she was complicit. She wanted to get rid of her pregnancy. (she was 6 months pregnant) Last I heard, this was legal! Yes, abortion in its many forms is legal in the good ole US of A. We don't know why these two chose to cause this spontaneous abortion by baseball bat rather then travel to a clinic and have an actual medical procedure, but truly, what is the difference? Perhaps they didn't have the money, perhaps Michigan is a parental consent state (it is), whatever the motive, the outcome would have been the same, dead baby.

Why then, does this young person (and not the mother who was also complicit) face criminal charges? (Because the law is meant to protect the mother's right to chose!) The prosecutor should be ashamed. This flies directly in the face of all things pro-abortion. In fact, this sounds positively religious right!

What does this say to our young people? I will tell you what it says, it says you must pay hundreds of dollars that you do not have to have a legal miscarriage, but if you do it with a baseball bat, we are sending you to prison. It is a conspiracy hatched by pro-lifers to send pro-abortionists to jail! They are trying to take away the right to chose to get smacked in the tummy until the baby falls out! They are taking away the right to chose to use a coat hanger in a dark closet! The nerve.

But seriously folks, if this spontaneous abortion by baseball bat is a crime, so too then is the D&C procedure in a sanitary medical facility. And don't even get me started on partial birth abortion! The end result is the same. There was no illegal physical assault of the mother, she wanted to kill this child and the two of them succeeded swimingly.

A little law from a football fan

Since I am a lawyer, and since I do want to occassionally post about the law, I thought it fitting to delve into the realm of trademark infringement!

You ask what has this got to do with football? Well, it is playoff season and my family's favorite teams are all in the playoffs. I was strolling through a local mall and happened upon a store bursting to the brim with all things (your favorite team here). Naturally, being a rabid pigskin fan, I went in to snoop around. What I saw was table after table of unlicensed NFL merchandise. Now, you may ask what is the harm? The harm is that teams and some players make money off the merchandise sold bearing their logo, name, stats or likenesses. Buying unlicensed merchandise is like taking money from their pockets.

Realizing that those pockets are already nicely lined you ask again, what's the harm? The harm is trademark infringement and dilution. Infringement is basically whether the good being sold is likely to cause confusion for a consumer (i.e. confusion about whether the product is an official NFL or player product). Dilution happens when someone's mark is famous and the sale of an unlicensed or unassociated product causes a blurring or tarnishment of the mark. (i.e. casting the mark in a unflattering way.) So if you buy that cheap, and I mean cheap, see through, knock-off Rams t-shirt at your local t-shirt store, it has tarnished the mark. It makes Rams t-shirts look cheap paving the way for a trademark dilution or infringement action. (not to be confused with products made by slave labor for very wealthy actors and which have nothing to do with this post - ahemm twin girls who shall remain nameless!)

This is really basic, but the cases can get very technical with sometimes large economic consequences. Because we all know that those big nasty Republican Corporations don't like to be messed with! But seriously, in the world of football, anyone who messes with football gets a world of hurt from NFL Players, Inc., the for-profit licensing arm of the NFL, who doesn't like a cent of its (I mean team and player money) going to anyone else. Trust me, they even, on occassion, attack retired players for trying to cash in (go ahead google them, you know you want to.)

Moral of the story is: Don't buy cheap knock-offs, they are ugly and poor little million dollar ball boy gets mad cause he didn't get his $1 from the sale!

If you sell this cheap crap, and the NFL Players, Inc. people descend upon you like a pack of wild dogs, google for a good trademark infringement lawyer, yer gonna need one!

Serious Breaking Terrorism News

Per the ever Omnipotent Drudge! According to China News Daily (click title above to link direct)

Abu Mus'ab al-Zarqawi, whom the US occupation authorities
declared to be the "target number one" in Iraq, has been arrested
in the city of Baakuba, the Emirate newspaper al-Bayane reported
on Tuesday referring to Kurdish sources. Al-Zarqawi, leader of the
terrorist group Al-Tawhid Wa'al-Jihad, was recently appointed the
director of the Al-Qaeda organisation in Iraq.

Let's hope this turns out to be true! Now if only we can score that wascally wabbit Bin Laden all would be keen in Bushie land!

John Kerry Speaks

So, John Kerry speaks to the press about his vague plans for the future, the vague reasons for his loss and his vagueness.

He doesn't blame anyone (including himself) for the loss saying: They didn't lose the election, rather they just didn't win, and well, he thinks he can beat Hillary in 08.

Kerry also says he learned something from Al Gore, hopefully it wasn't how to unravel into a raving lunatic and put on 100 pounds in one year.

But seriously, does the junior senator from Mass. think that his good ole better half will stick around for a second run? Hell no. She is going to marry her a Jeb Bush so that she can get to the White House, no second best for Missy Miss.

Enough of John "sour puss" Kerry, find me someone new to pick on!

Tampon Saves Marine's Life

Click the above title to read what a Houston Marine's Mom wrote regarding the amazing expansion capabilities of an ordinary tampon. An unintended female care-package sent to a marine in the field helped save the life of an injured marine.

In the after-holiday stuper that we all suffer this time of year, if you have a moment, send a thought or a gift to a soldier fighting for us out there!

The Changing Face of the NRA

Click on the title to link into the news story from azcentral.com regarding the president-elect of the NRA. Replacing Chuck Heston is a no-nonsense legal beagle, who happens to be female. She wants to change the public perception of NRA members as "bubbas and rednecks." You go girl!

But, just for the record, I am a gun-toting redneck bubba who is not a member of the NRA . . . yet!

A snippet of humor or as I like to call it, My Christmas Presents

I thought I would share with everyone my Christmas tale. Every year, my family asks me what I would like for Christmas, and every year I tell them that I do not need anything and that they needn't bother. Of course this leads to booing and hissing from the family unit. So this year, I made a list. A very comprehensive list. I gave it to all those persons who profess to be my loved ones. Thinking that this year I saved myself a trip to the store to buy the things on my list, I eagerly awaited Christmas morning.

While my family opened their gifts and oohed and ahhed over each package, I was left shaking my head. See, my family in their infinite wisdom chose not to honor my list in the least. In fact, I did not receive one gift off my list. Don't get me wrong, the fuzzy slippers were nice, too small, but nice. I also liked the picture frames sans pictures and the sorry excuse for a briefcase that I received (oh, and did I mention the towels?) My family got what they asked for from me. Geez! However, I had taken time out of my busy schedule to write a list, the least my loving family could do was buy me a copy of MASH Season 7.

The moral of this tragic story is of course to cease writing lists. No, not I, I intend to write the same list over and over and over again, until I receive at least one of the items on it from at least one of my so called loved ones.

While I realize that it isn't the gift but the thought, I also expected the family unit to put some thought into it! Perhaps next year I will tell them all, I dislike your thoughts, get me a BB gun!

Enough now! Happy New Year. Or as my young charge puts it, Happy Ear Ear!

LOST

I love it! can't wait until Jan. 5 so that I can watch a new episode. If you haven't yet checked it out! Park yer ass in front o' the tube on Weds. at 8 and watch very attentively!

LOST! on ABC.

Those UN Weenies

So, Bush declares a Tsunami Aid Coalition and a bunch of UN weenies are crying because "they should go through an established agency like the UN." Why? so they can get their hands on the money earmarked as aid for the victims of the tsunami and skim theirs off the top? Not so fast!

Bushie recognized that those UN weenies are licking their lips just waiting for the money to come rolling in so they can skim their obligatory share off the top and (Kofi Annan's son can buy a new house) then pass the aid to the victims as if they were the generous ones.

Sorry, in just a couple of days, we stingy American's pledged and donated more money than the UN and other agencies like it have raised in one whole year. We donated directly because we recognize the UN's penchant for skimming off the top. We donated directly so that the aid would actually make it to the victims. We American's may be stingy but we are not dumb! We recognize the stonewalling and the fraud and theft going on behind UN walls and we won't be duped into providing for the lavish retirement of those UN weenies.

Am I wrong? let me know.

Looking back on the year that was

Oddybobo's top ten significant and not so significant events of 2004

10. Assault Rifle Ban that didn't really Ban any assault rifles is finally lifted, meaning, well, nothing since assault rifles are still technically banned and the Ban didn't need to be in place since it banned a banned item? Does that operate as a double negative thus canceling said ban?

9. Michael Moore is exposed for the deceitful fat man he is by none other than a democrat! Go figure, Go Dick Morris!

8. Ray Charles died. :(

7. Liberals use any failure of theirs to decry the GOP: my movie tanked because of the Republicans, it takes me too long to get on a plane because of the Republicans, John Kerry lost because of those nasty Republicans!

6. We learned that all the Ketchup in the world couldn't buy Johnny the Presidency.

5. We learned that the MSM will never learn and while rallying behind Rather, they exposed themselves for the partisan hacks they really are.

4. The UN was finally exposed for being a lieing, lecherous, fraudulent, money laundering conglomerate of commie sympathizing cowards.

3. The left was finally exposed to the majority of free-thinking, moral, family loving American's for being a lieing, lecherous, fraudulent, money laundering conglomerate of commie sympathizing cowards.

2. We learned that with $250,000 and good weblogs behind you, one can derail a Presidential candidate! Congratulations to the honorable men involved with POW and Swiftboat Vets against Kerry.

1. President Bush is President Bush Again! "Excellent!" says I with fingers pursed together in a devious yet slightly errotic way!

Now, more seriously, the recent Asian Tsunami is not listed as number one because it is so incredibly mind-blowing everything else pales in comparison to it. However, as Bush is once again our President, you can rest assured that while he feels the pain of those in Asia he won't go on every MSM and cable network anouncing to the world the he indeed "feels their pain." In one very slight sentence, Bush does an end run around the UN and declares a lead position with other nations in the recovery and response efforts towards Asia, announcing his coalition was genious, and left those frauds at the UN wondering how they were going to get their lecherous hands on the funds earmarked for Asia! Go Bush!

Everyone, if there is anyone out there, have a safe and happy New Year. Oh, and just for fun, kiss a liberal at the stroke of midnight! With any luck they will turn to vapor "I'm melting, melting, melting!"

Beware Charities Scamming for Political funds

Michelle Malkin linked to this interesting post by Geoffrey at Beyond Wallacia (hit the title of this post to link in directly). When checking out charities to help with the efforts in Asia post-Tsunami, be very careful. Research the charities you may be willing to donate to and also, be sure not to be suckered in to various direct marketing charities that may use your credit information for nefarious purposes.

While we probably all already know these things, I think it bears repeating as we review the desparate images coming out of Asia these last few days.

Happy New Year!

Here I am in

Here I am in all my glory! Didn't know pups could type did ya? Well, we can! In fact, there is a book about Cows and ducks who type, and the cows want electric blankets . . . I digress. Happy New Year!

New Precision Guided Humor Assignment: Boosting Osama's Ratings

In answer to the question "What can Osama Bin Laden do to make his next video tape more entertaining?" I submit:

As Osama's newest tape scored 0.0 with Neilson (hat tip: Harvey), my advice to Osama is to add one or more of the following:

1. scantily clad Bollywood dance routine
2. scantily clad Britney dance routine
3. scantily clad Ashlee Simpson lip synch routine
4. scantily clad Janet Jackson/Timberlake routine with appropriate wardrobe malfunctions.

In the event that these do not score points with the viewers, a William Hung Christmas song impersonation would likely do the trick.

Tsunami efforts

I created this blog because I was lost in comment-land and wanted to air my musings without restrictions. Today, (much like the entire bloggosphere) I am going to rant about the Tsunami efforts, specifically, the inane attitude of the Sri Lankan government toward the ready, willing and able bodies which Israel had intended to send to help with the recovery efforts. As we know, Sri Lanka is a primarily muslim country, and of course, muslim's (at least those fanatical ones) are charged with eliminating Jews. Perhaps those poor desperate Sri Lankan's would make Allah angry if they accepted much needed assistance from, gasp . . . a Jew! Ask those affected, I can guarantee that they would want that Jew, American, Japanese, Korean, whoever to help them locate, dead or alive, the bod(ies) of their loved ones.

But here is a picture I cannot erase from my mind, I think it was on one of the internet news links (when I am better at this blogging thing, I will link direct). It was a picture of a church built by some Portugese men who were rescued from the Ocean, it remained completely untouched by the sea when all around it was destruction, that simple picture spoke volumes! Perhaps this is God's way of saying enough. Take a look at ourselves. Nuf said!

Feel free to comment, I will be posting more later, and welcome to my new blog!