Grandma's House

From Llama Butchers we link to a story about why John Kerry bounced a pitched ball to the National Guardsman waiting to catch it at home plate of the Boston-New York baseball game. He did it on purpose to "take it easy" on the soldier. Give me a break. He wasn't even standing on the pitcher's mound. What a dork. At least President Bush can throw a strike.

Blackfive has a story of two Iraqi National Guardsmen who sacrificed their lives to save 250 people. Real heroes in a time when we really need them.

After reading many blogs (which I do every night) I get the distinct impression that Kerry is in real trouble. Bill Clinton was his usual charismatic self last night, so much so that if possible I think the Dems would give him a third try. Hillary didn't do so well, though. Teddy Kennedy should really retire, cos he's getting panned across the board. He's really past his prime. Teresa Evita Kerry stank big time, according to various polls I've read. Howard Dean was pretty good, considering he wasn't allowed to let loose. Al Gore was stuck in 2000. And Obama, the latest rising star of the Democratic Party, seems to be in line for a run at the White House, probably in 2012. Unless the 2008 candidate makes him the veep.

Kerry should be getting a boost in the polls from the convention. He didn't get one when he picked Edwards. He doesn't seem to be getting one now. And he is planning to "go dark" in August, so the only advertising for him will be from the 527 groups. I'm afraid that may be his biggest mistake yet.

Over at Vodkapundit check out the possible "October Surprise" from the Bush Administration. Steve really goes into great detail on the plusses and minuses of such a plan. It's a great read. Therefore, do it. Mind your grandma.

Is it just me, or are you sick and tired of white men and women using the term "ho"? For that matter, why do black men and women use it? The word is "whore" not "ho". It's not a difficult word to say. Perhaps we could try using it properly, and it just might catch on. This is my English usage rant for today. Thank you for your indulgence.

President Bush had another accident while riding his mountain bike on his ranch in Crawford, Texas yesterday. He was on a steep downhill trail when the front tire lost traction and he went head first over the handlebars. He landed on his back with the bike on top of him. Fortunately his only injury was a scrape to his knee. For the full story, click here. My favorite line in the entire story was the following:

When the reporter points out that Democrat John Kerry has an $8,000 road bicycle, Bush says, "Who?"

Priceless.

If you are considering voting for John Kerry, of course that is your choice. It is still a free country. However, be sure of what you will be getting with your vote. Check out Swift Boat Veterans For Truth, a site established by men who served with John Kerry in Vietnam. See what they have to say, then vote accordingly.

A student in Durham, NC received a one day suspension for jaywalking. That's right... jaywalking. Apparently, one day after school she was on her way home, and crossed on a yellow light. The school suspended her for a full day. When the mother complained to the school about it, as she would since it didn't happen on school property, the vice principal told her the school day didn't end until the student walked through the front door at home. Of course, when Mom asked if that also applied to students who were injured, mugged, hit by cars, etc., on the way home, she was told, "Let's not get carried away." Mom is considering a lawsuit.

Apparently poor tipping runs in the Democratic Party. On June 5, 2004, John and Teresa Kerry and four guests ate in a semi-private dining room at the Chart House Restaurant in Alexandria, Va. Their food total was $262.60, and they left a grand total of $0 in tips. So much for the little guy!

Here's an easy comparison of the two candidates for president this year: First, we have John Kerry at a 9/11 memorial. And here we have President Bush at the graduation ceremony of the Air Force Academy in Colorado. It doesn't take much to see the difference. I certainly know which one I admire more.

From the Wall Street Journal, here's some good news from Afghanistan.

I'm not going to blog much on the convention in Boston. There are so many bloggers who are doing it much better. However, I do have one thing to say: Someone please tell Glenn Close how to pronounce "Spontaneously". Seriously, she tried twice, blew it both times. And they complain about how George pronounces words.

Also, check out the picture of John Kerry at Kennedy Space Center. Now that is a picture that screams out for a caption contest.

Sorry, but I don't really feel like blogging tonight, folks. I'm having a bit of a problem with abdominal pain, and can't really concentrate on the news. I've seen some pretty funny stories out there tonight, but can't expend the effort on them right now. If any of you know how long post-op pain from a hysterectomy is supposed to last, let me know.

Here's a story about a man named Samir, who was a translator for the unit who captured Saddam Hussein. He's a local man, lives in the St. Louis area. Read it, and be proud.

Even though it's almost twice as long as the 9/11 report, Pejman has a review of Bill Clinton's My Life.  To say he didn't like it would be like saying the ocean is a tad salty.  Check it out.

I'm beginning to think John Kerry is deliberately trying to blow the election, and that's why he hasn't resigned his Senate seat.  When he went to Detroit earlier this week, to discuss the plight of the American auto worker, he blew it big time by printing press passes to the event with a logo of the showcase car of a foreign auto company -- the Rolls Royce!

It seems like every time he turns around, he's sabotaging his own campaign.  Maybe it's just the mindset I'm in lately, but it seems he's only spinning his wheels until he can get back into the Senate.  Does he want to win this thing or not?

Here we go, Star Wars fans.  The upcoming Star Wars movie, scheduled for release May 19, 2005, will be titled Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith.  Here's a tidbit from the website:

About Episode III
After three long years of relentless fighting, the Clone Wars are nearly at an end. The Jedi Council dispatches Obi-Wan Kenobi to bring General Grievous, the deadly leader of the Separatist droid army, to justice. Meanwhile, back on Coruscant, Chancellor Palpatine has grown in power. His sweeping political changes transform the war-weary Republic into the mighty Galactic Empire. To his closest ally, Anakin Skywalker, he reveals the true nature of power and the promised secrets of the Force in an attempt to lure him to the dark side.

Are the juices flowing yet?  Who's going to be first in line??

A deputy cleaning out a basement storage area in Montgomery, Alabama found a mountain of Civil Rights era artifacts.  These artifacts included mugshots of Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks.  Historians are calling it a monumental find.  It would be nice if they would make it all available online for those of us who can't travel to Alabama to see.

Happy Birthday to my dear grandson, Anthony Scott Lewis.  He is a beautiful 6 years old now.  I wish I could give you a big hug and kiss.  I'm sure Daddy will do that for me, won't you dad?

A very dear man passed away yesterday.  Reverend Doctor Kenneth Sorden was a man who would stop whatever he was doing if he thought he could help you in any way.  He never used his titles, even though they were earned the hard way.  He received his Masters in Theology at the age of 78, and his doctorate at the age of 80.  He was the kind of man you could tell anything, and not worry it would get all over the county.  He nursed his dear wife Grace through her bout with bone cancer, never asking for help.  Although he had retired as a full-time minister, he was always available if needed.  He will be truly missed.

Lots of news on the set of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.  George Eads (Nick) and Jorja Fox (Sarah) were both fired, then rehired, over a salary dispute.  Long story short, they didn't get their raises, but they did get to keep their jobs.  In the meantime, Eric Szmanda (Greg) was given a raise without requesting one, and will be featured more in the coming season.  Also joining the cast, at least on an occasional basis, is Reiko Aylesworth, who played Michelle Dressler on 24.  Looks like it could be an interesting year at CSI.

According to SETI, we should have contact with any extraterrestrials  within the next 20 years.  How exciting.  Of course, they'll get here, and immediately want to "phone home".

Didja ever wonder why it hurts to bite down on aluminum foil?  Here's why.

Timing is everything, isn't it?  Read this article and decide for yourself.

Mr. Minority has a troubling report of spies in our churches ratting out the ministers if they mention politics in their sermons.  Read it and get angry.  These heathens have got to be stopped. Day by day, week by week, year after year, we Christians lose more and more of our freedoms to people who have no use for God and think any other way of thinking is wrong and should not be allowed.

Every day I more and more wish they would ban Sex Education in classrooms.  It never really belonged there in the first place.  Now, a teacher in New Mexico encourages his students to play with condoms, and if they are the flavored kind, go ahead and taste them.  Supposedly it is to reduce the stigma of the condom.  When parents complained about these sessions, the state Health Department sided with the teacher!

Page one of World Net Daily has an interesting story, that former Clinton energy chief Hazel O'Leary had to be escorted off a plane because she was "loud and abusive", and had to be restrained.  Did anybody from the Clinton Administration grow up to be nice?

The music community took a double hit today.  Don Shipps, founder of the Titanic Blues Band, and Bill Brown, Jr., founding member of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, died this morning in a house fire in Springfield, Mo.  Apparently the duplex they were sharing caught fire due to ashes in a chair.  They will both be sorely missed.

Here is the ultimate in irony.  A tree-hugger is killed when the tree his hammock is tied to falls on him.  Excuse me, but I have to go laugh now, and at this stage of my recuperation, that still hurts.

Thanks to two enterprising Vietnam Veterans, the city of Branson, MO is plannning a once-in-a-lifetime welcome home celebration for our nation's Vietnam veterans, called Operation Homecoming USA.  They are anticipating 100,000 plus veterans and their families, and may also include celebrities such as Mel Gibson, Jay Leno, Bill Cosby, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw.  Of course, right now the plans are in the early stages, but this could be the blowout party of the century, and if any town in this country could do it, Branson can.  They have a celebration for our veterans every November that can't be topped.
Operation Homecoming is tentatively scheduled to take place June 13-19, 2005.

Dennis Kucinich has officially dropped out of the Presidential Election.  Maybe now he can get a date.

In an article in the Washington Times, flight crews and others in the know say Middle Eastern men have been probing the airlines recently.  Among other incidents was this:

A second pilot said that, on one of his recent flights, an air marshal forced his way into the lavatory at the front of his plane after a man of Middle Eastern descent locked himself in for a long period.     The marshal found the mirror had been removed and the man was attempting to break through the wall. The cockpit was on the other side.

I don't know about you, but that scares me.  Airline security apparently sucks right now.  These incidents should not be taking place.  I vote to stop the P.C. nonsense and start checking these guys more carefully.  I also think the flight crews should be trained to be more aggressive when these situations arise.

On July 27, the gang from National Review are going to be in Boston for the first night of the Convention.  They are having a get-together at Doyle's in Jamaica Plains.  All in the area are welcome to join them at 5 p.m.  Send an RSVP to thecorner@nationalreview.com if you can make it.  Sounds like it will be a lot of fun!

I've never tried a Krispy Kreme doughnut, but I understand they are like heaven on earth.  Well, now the company has come out with a drinkable version of their doughnuts.  They have more than 700 calories, and are available in several flavors.  Somebody let me know how they are.  I'm afraid to go to Krispy Kreme.  I may never leave.

According to a poll conducted by the Kansas City Star and KMBC-TV, the presidential election is dead even.  With a margin of error of four percent, Sen. Kerry is ahead of President Bush 46% to 44%.  Of course, you have to consider that this was a poll of only 600 likely voters, with 36% of those polled identifying themselves as Democrats, and 32% identified as Republicans, with 28 percent claiming to be Independents.  I don't think I'll believe this poll.  I would prefer they had asked more people.

I haven't written anything on the Sandy Berger fiasco, but do check out this website.  Wizbang is keeping up to date on this story and asking the questions the media will never ask.  The media would be afraid of the answers.

The 9-11 Commission Report is out now.  Let the spin begin.  I've no doubt that the liberals are going to try to blame it all on Bush, and the conservatives are going to blame it all on liberals.  Read the report for yourself.  Don't let other people tell you what to think.  Don't be a sheeple.

The congresscritters who wanted U.N. intervention in the elections still haven't given up.  Now they are asking Colin Powell to take their case to the U.N.  Check the story.  Every representative who signed the request is a Democrat.  These idiots want the U.N. overseeing the workings of our government, apparently at every election where they don't win.

Man, it's been hot this week.  I've been hibernating in my bedroom since Monday, because that's where the AC is.  I come out only to use the facilities.  We're eating in here too.  It has the dogs thoroughly confused, but seriously, why not?  Why try to cool the entire house with a window air conditioner, when it's 90+ degrees outside, the humidity over 80%, and everything you could possibly need is in one room?  We have internet, television, phone, food, bed.  We go to the kitchen to replenish our food and water supplies.  Right now, at 6:25 p.m., it's 89 degrees, and the heat index is 97 degrees.  It will be over soon, though.  We're supposed to have one more day like this, then rain and a cool spell for a few days.  Doesn't matter what room I'm in right now.  I am not allowed to do anything anyways.  Not for at least another week. 

 

Finally Kit Bond takes on Joe Wilson.  I finally get to see Kit Bond do something....and it's good.

I got this quote from the Wisconsin Leader-Telegram online regarding John Kerry:
 
He was asked, after trapshooting in Holmen, what kind of hunting he preferred. His answer, “Probably, I’d have to say deer. It’s tough, depending on where you are. I go out with my trusty 12-gauge double barrel, crawl around on my stomach, I track and move and decoy and play games and try to out smart them. You know, kind of play the wind.”
 
Isn't that precious?  I've never known anyone who would hunt deer that way.  What a moron!

I watched the debate tonight between current governor Bob Holden, and State Auditor Claire McCaskill.  What a rout!  I think Gov. Holden forgot to prepare for the questions or something.  He stumbled over his answers, made glaring errors in facts, and in general looked like a giant goober.  Claire McCaskill came off as a smooth, confident woman, well in control of the situation.  If voters judged only by this debate, he might as well not bother showing up on November 2.  Any thoughts?

According to MSNBC, the Filipino hostage in Iraq has been released.  I'm surprised the terrorists didn't ask for another payment of 6 million dollars ransom.  I mean, if you can get it once, why not twice?

All right.  I'm not going to comment on this story, even though I could go on for a day and a half.  Whether you are pro-life or pro-choice, this is just sick and wrong.  Read it, but prepare to cry.  This supposed "woman" deserves zero children.  I'll not say another word.  I'm too angry.

Several anarchist groups are planning to cause trouble at the GOP Convention in New York.  Many of these groups are funded by Ms. Heinz-Kerry throught the Tides Foundation.  You can read the full story here.  But let's see what some of the plans involve:
 
* Dog decoys intended to deliberately miscue bomb sniffing dogs in their bag of dirty tricks, tossing marbles under the hooves of police horses and using homemade slingshots to pelt the beasts.
* Go to a rifle, pistol or skeet shooting range, spend an hour shooting to saturate clothing with smell of gunpowder, go directly to a New Jersey Transit, LIRR or subway train headed for Penn Station.
* Try to have at least two people on a train in different locations, sit or stand near the doors as the train approaches the station, try to get near police and dogs, loiter as long as possible around the dog, try to pet it if possible.
* If the dog alerts on your scent, do not leave or resist; the situation will cause a major disruption of the train schedule. ... If there is more than one person on the train that causes a dog to alert, you can bet that the train will not be going anywhere for a long time ... neither will any trains behind it.
* It is important that the police call in all possible resources to investigate the situation. ... This will result in the maximum disruption. ... With any luck, Madison Square Garden will be evacuated.
 
Does this sound mature to you?  This is the kind of thing that makes me wonder what happened to the Democratic party of my parents.

Here you go:  John Kerry saying exactly what he means.  (haha)

It's the end of the world as we know it... and I feel fine.....
 
Get ready, y'all.  The end of the world begins on September 29  I'm ready. 

I see Mongolia has signed on for a third rotation with the Polish-led multinational group in Iraq.  Thanks, Mongolia!

Former Clinton administration aide Sandy Berger is under investigation for removing classified documents from a secure reading room, where he was compiling records for the 9/11 Commission, per Bill Clinton's request.   Can't these guys stay out of trouble?

Okay here we go.  I promised a recap of this week to my oh so many readers (tee hee).  On Monday morning, we arrived at the hospital at 5:15 am so we could wait until 6:15 to be checked in (figures).  After check-in, we were taken to a pre-op area, where I was bled for type in case they needed to give me blood (for my family's info, I'm B+), got my enema, got my vitals checked again, and was dressed (or undressed) for surgery.  Then I was wheeled to a different pre-op area, where I said goodbye to my husband (at which point we both almost started crying, God I love him!), then on to get my IV started.  I remember talking to the doctor, who was upset that I wasn't ready yet, and talking to the anesthesiologist, then they pushed me into the surgical theater.  I remember helping them move me to the operating table, then waking up in my hospital room.  It was all over.  My family was there, and there were flowers and a teddy bear.  My favorite thing was by my side:  a PCA machine.  Every time I pushed the little black button, it gave me a booster of Demerol.  So I really didn't have that much pain. 
 
I slept most of Monday away, and well into Tuesday.  The staff came in frequently to move me around, because for some reason I couldn't move myself. 
 
I remember asking about food.  Remember I hadn't had any solid food since Friday.  They told me I could start on a liquid diet as soon as I passed gas.  I thought, no big deal.  Little did I know that wasn't going to happen until Wednesday evening.  All I had until then was ice chips and sips of water.
 
I finally started eating real food on Thursday.  They had pretty good food.  I've definitely had worse. 
 
My worst times in the hospital were when I had to go to the bathroom.  Have you ever tried to get out of bed without using your abdominal muscles?  Try it some time.  It's really hard to do.
 
Anyway, every day got a little better, until they took me off the Demerol.  Then it was on to Percocet, which works very well, but takes longer to work.  Now that I'm home, I'm on Lorcet Plus, which is a little stronger, but I was already using it for back pain, so I just have to use it more often.  I also have a prescription for Premarin, just so I don't freak out on my husband.
 
I came home from the hospital Friday evening, after they took out the staples and taped over the wound.  I'm under instruction to lift nothing heavier than 5 pounds.  I can't do housework, laundry, cooking, dishes, etc. for a minimum of 3 weeks.  Can't drive the car either.  No stairs.  No lifting,  No reaching.  So I get to sit around and watch my husband wait on me.  I don't like that.  I'm used to waiting on him.
 
My daughter came over today.  She's gonna come back on Tuesday to help him clean the house.  Good.  Of course, she's gonna bring the kids with her.  All four of them.  God give me strength.  She says she's gonna put them to work.  We'll see.
 
Now I can resume my regular schedule of reading blogs, and making snarky remarks as needed. 
 
Any questions?

Hello world!  I survived, although you can't tell by how fast I'm moving around.  I truly think a slug could outrun me in a race...downhill...on ice.  Seriously, I am getting around slowly but surely; according to my doctor, I'm doing very well.  Everything was benign, all fibroids and adhesions removed.  Recovery 100%...eventually.
 
The most strenuous thing I can do right now is go to the bathroom.  I fully intend to write extensively on the surgical experience, but right now, hopped up on muscle relaxers and pain killers is not the best time.  Unless you're in the twilight zone.  So, I'll be spending the next day or so getting caught up on my blog reading.  Suffice it to say I missed you all very much, and I will write more later. 

Well gentle readers, this will be my last blog for a little while. I won't have time to write tomorrow (see previous entries), and I'll be in the hospital for about a week. I hope to get right back to you guys as soon as possible after getting home if I feel up to it. Lord knows I won't be able to do much else for a few days.

Feel free to leave comments while I'm gone. I will read them, even if I can't write back for a while. Just remember to come back in about a week or so. I can't afford to lose even one of you.

See you soon.

You know what they say in the military: All work and no play....Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce...Gruntbob Squaretrousers!

Your Icecream Flavour is...Chocolate!

You are the all time favorite, chocolate! Turning white kids black since the 1800s. Staining carpets, car seats, and bed sheets for centuries. One thing is for sure, you will never go out of style. You can't go wrong with chocolate!

What is your Icecream Flavour?

Find out at Go Quiz

I read over at Drudge that the World Court is planning to tell Israel to take down their wall. Are they crazy? That wall is working. Leave it alone.

I had my pre-operative doctor's visit today. OMG who would have thought you had to do so much before you could have an operation? Today (Friday) is the last day for a while I get to eat real food. Starting tomorrow, I'm on a liquid diet. Gaack!

TMI WARNING!

On Sunday, I have to flood my system with four liters of liquid laxative, on top of two Dulcolax pills, then take two different antibiotics every two hours for most of the afternoon. Add to that Compozine, to keep me from throwing up all the meds I'm taking. I also have to take two showers, one Sunday night and another one Monday morning before we leave for the hospital. I have to use two different specialty soaps, plus an iodine douche each time. I told you it was a lot of stuff, didn't I? On top of that, we have to be at the hospital at 5:30 AM! Monday morning. I won't be going to bed on Sunday night. It takes almost 1 1/2 hours to get to the hospital, so I'll have to shower about 2 am. Why go to bed? I'll just sleep through the surgery. Then when I get to the hospital, they're going to torture my poor colon even more. You got it: an enema! How could there possibly be anything left in there? Well??

Two of my sisters and one brother-in-law are coming down to be with me Monday. Since there's no guarantee the surgery will go off on time, I told them to come after lunch. No sense getting there before dawn. If there were a spate of emergencies or babies to be born, the surgery could very well be postponed until Tuesday.

My daughter Shauna came over tonight, to let me know she will be worrying about me. I told her to just gather the kids together and have a little prayer for grandma and God would take care of the rest. She was also concerned about Daddy, because she thinks he won't eat without me in the house. I told her to make him eat at her house. HAHAHA!! He'll eat, don't worry. He's a better cook than I am. He'll be just fine if he can get his nose out of the schoolbooks long enough. I'm afraid he's already mentally started the next semester a month early. It should keep him occupied though. Maybe he won't worry so much.

Today is Frank J.'s second blogiversary, and the International Link to IMAO Day. So here is my link to one of my favorite of his entries, Know Thy Enemy: John Kerry. Drink alert applies; some language may be adult in nature, but that's Frank's way.

I've finally made it! I got my very first troll! Now I feel like a real blogger. Welcome to my troll. I won't be blogging next week, but feel free to come back and bring your friends. You may not agree with my opinions, but at least you're reading them. Maybe something will sink in.

When John Kerry was listing the reasons he and Sen. Edwards should win the election, one of the things he listed was that they had "better hair". So what? I've got better hair than a lot of women in Hollywood (Nicole Kidman, for example). My hair is medium length, off black, wavy and thick. Hers is strawberry blonde, very thin and she seems to have a receding hairline. So does that mean I should get an Oscar? I think not. Performance is the key. Something at which Kerry-Edwards will never excel.

Although I seem to be on a downslope with my writing tonight, I did learn last night that my husband's aunt passed away last December. I think it is abominable that his family did not let us know. I know they are not a close family, but that is outrageous. I never understood how families can be that distant from one another. Our family has always been very close, some would probably say too close. We care about each other, would do anything to protect each other, would give each other the shirts off our backs. Half of my family is planning to come to the hospital to be with me during the surgery. Even though I probably won't remember seeing them, they'll be there. And they'll be praying for me. The ones who can't be there will be praying for me as well. To me, that's a family. There's nothing better short of Heaven.

Fifteen years ago today, my father passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack. Even after all this time, it is still painful, but not as bad as it used to be. I can go quite a while without thinking about him and Mom, but then something will happen that will remind me of a time when I was growing up, and the memories will flood in, filling me with a warm, secure feeling. I'm am so glad to know where Mom and Dad are today, and filled with a knowledge that when my time comes, I will join them for eternity. I don't feel like that is going to be any time soon, though. I believe God gives us a hint when the time gets close; I haven't received any of those hints yet. So I head into this surgery on Monday, with a feeling that there is more that God wants me to do in this life. I pray for a quick recovery in order to begin fulfilling my destiny.

The U.N. has denied the request of the nine Congressbeings who requested they oversee our elections this fall. It's a good thing. They won't honor a request like that unless it comes from the head of state.

Now, what are we going to do about those idiots? Have you written to your Congressperson yet? I wrote to mine, Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo, and asked him what he planned to do about their traitorous activities. As yet, I haven't heard from him. If or when he answers me, I will let you know. I'm just not going to hold my breath. He's never done anything for me before, why start now? It's not like I'm going to vote for him or anything.

This is too funny. Blackfive has the story of The World's Greatest Golfer and he lives in North Korea. And if you believe that story, let me show you some beachfront property in Colorado! I promise you I will give you a real good price.

There was a terrifying "kidnapping" in Gallatin, Tennessee the other day. Mr. Minority has all the details. Let's hope they catch those filthy swine quickly!

The Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica has erupted, according to IOL South America. I hope Acidman is avoiding the lava better than he avoids mangoes. That's a tan he really doesn't want to deal with.

A sad day today for "Star Trek" fans. James Doohan, Lt. Commander Montgomery Scott, or Scotty has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. He had previously been diagnosed with Parkinson's, diabetes, and fibrosis, which he contracted during his World War II service in the Canadian military. He is in the early stages, according to his son. It's hard to watch them go one by one. I'm sure he would appreciate your prayers.

Now, and for a limited time, you can pick up your Guide to the Presidential Elections. Use them wisely. We thank Barking Moonbats Early Warning System for this invaluable service.

Duuuude! They were trying to get a marijuana legalization initiative on the ballot in Nevada, but they may not be able to, since the people responsible for the 6,000 petition signatures they collected forgot to file them! They had to be filed by June 15 to be counted. Bummer!

Here's your macabre moment of the day. In Lewiston, Maine there was apparently a demonic gopher on the loose. It's just a case of "Caddyshack" meets "Cujo". Someone should write the screenplay quickly.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRESIDENT BUSH!!!

May you have many, many more birthdays and may we have your wise leadership for another four years!

I would really like someone to explain this to me. John "Waffles" Kerry is supposedly an intelligent man. How he can justify his statements regarding abortion is just beyond me. When he spoke to a NARAL meeting, he fully supported a woman's "right to choose", and said he would never try to change the law. Now he says he believes life begins at conception. If both statements are true, this man is truly evil. Any man who believes that life begins at conception, but that it's okay to take that life later on is purely evil. This man has no business running our country. I wouldn't want him in charge of my dog kennel.

It looks like John Kerry has picked for his running mate....Richard Gephardt! At least that's the story according to the New York Post. I guess everyone has their "Dewey defeats Truman" kinda moment, huh?

I had my "pre-admission" appointment today at the hospital. What fun! They take you into a private room, and a nurse counselor goes over every single detail of what they are going to do to you on the day of your surgery. Then you have to undergo a series of tests: blood draw (5 tubes), chest X-ray, EKG, pulse, blood pressure, height, weight. After all that entertainment, you get to meet the anesthesiologist who will be gassing you, er..putting you to sleep. I asked him if I would be waking up. He said sure. We'll see.

Then I got the really bad news. I have to take off my rings. You must understand, this is very distressing for me. I wear two rings every single day: my wedding rings, and my "family" ring. That one is a braided band with four stones in it, like a mother's ring, but there are stones for our two children, my husband and myself. I never take these rings off. Ever. Until now. Now they want them off. I told them I hadn't had them off since the day I got them. When my husband put my wedding rings on my finger, I weighed 95 lbs, dripping wet. I don't anymore. To get these rings off, I'm going to have to cut them off. I really don't want to do that. I'm going to try to get them to make an exception. They did when I had surgery in 1984, they might again. We'll see.

So I brought home a whole sack (I'm not kidding) of forms and pamphlets to read before Friday. I also brought home some special soap. I have to shower the night before the surgery with this soap, and again the morning of the surgery. Scrub everything from the neck down (soap not suitable for face), paying special attention to surgical area. They also want me to give myself an enema. That's not gonna happen. I don't know about you, but I cannot turn myself into a pretzel anymore (even though I'm already shaped like a Cheeto). If they want me to have an enema, they'll have to do that themselves. I wouldn't want them to feel neglected. Anyway, that brings you up to date. My next experience is the pre-operative visit with the surgeon on Friday afternoon. Happy happy joy joy!!

Go on over to Sgt. Hook and read about this week's hero, Pvt. Sean Watkins, who saved a little boy from heat stroke. Bravo, Private. You do your uniform and nation proud.

So Kerry's going to name his Vice-Presidential choice tomorrow. Big Deal! I'll just be glad when he's done dragging this out. Let's get on to tearing the new guy apart (just kidding). I'm sure there will be good and bad to say about whoever is chosen.

Isn't it great that Coach K has decided to stay at Duke? It is refreshing to see a coach stay with a job he loves, rather than go for a lot more money. Besides, Duke wouldn't be the same without him!

All hail the Mighty Frogmen! France is going to defend Europe?? From what, escargot?

Have you ever read anything by Mark Steyn? He's an excellent syndicated columnist who should be read frequently. Check this obituary for Marlon Brando if you don't believe me. The man is a magician with words.

Again, the story has changed. First, Cpl. Hassoun was dead, then alive, then maybe dead, and now he's safe and secure in an undisclosed location since he's agreed to stay away from the U.S.

Some day we might be able to get the full story, but I'm not going to hold my breath.

This is absolutely laugh-out-loud hilarious! Follow the link to see a picture of John Kerry hunting. If you look closely, you will see a pointer in the background, pointing in the opposite direction! Could anything be more appropriate? Assuming you've already seen the other two pictures of him supposedly skeet-shooting, you can tell the man has no business anywhere near a gun. He doesn't know how to hold it, doesn't follow the basics in gun safety, and according to the original captions on the pictures, he could only hit 17 out of 25 slow skeets with a 12 gauge shotgun. I could do better than that, and I've never fired one. I have, however, fired a pistol and a 22 rifle and I was pretty darn good at it. I've been thinking about going to a firing range. It probably wouldn't hurt to protect myself from people like him!

Okay, now the homosexuals have their own drink? According to an article at World Net Daily, a drink called Gay Fuel is supposed to improve their performance. I say, "Boloney!" Fruit juice and minerals and a few vitamins, and I'll bet they're selling it for a small fortune. Of course, the money is going to support various gay charities. I'm sorry, but this is just pathetic. They don't need something special to improve their sexual performance, they could use the same things everybody else does: candlelight, romantic music, etc. Then they could make donations to the charity of their choice.

All right, ladies. I want a show of hands...well, maybe not. How many of you can do this? I've never tried personally, but if you have, let us know how it went. This could be a public service to your fellow women (?).

I hope everyone is having a glorious fourth of July. I have had a very nice day. Stayed up way too late last night waiting for West Wing syndicated series to come on and it didn't. So I overslept today, not getting up until well after noon. We pretended we were sloths all day, then I went and got pizza for dinner. Living in the country you can't get anyone to deliver, even though we only live 10 miles from the pizza place. Oh well, it was good. We heard not a word from the kids today. I'm sure son and family went to the park for the day; daughter and family went to the in-laws for the day. Peace can be a wonderful thing!

Well I'll have to make up for all this slothfulness tomorrow. I have my surgery one week from Monday, so I've got to get this house in some semblance of order (giggle, gasp, guffaw!!) before then, so it won't be too bad when I come home.

This is the first year I can remember we didn't buy any fireworks. I can't say I really missed them, the kids on the next farm have plenty enough to keep the dogs nervous.

I'll write more tomorrow. I think I'll turn in early tonight. Sloth can be exhausting, you know...

Via A Small Victory here's a great story in pictures. Check out Rock Paper Saddam. Warning: some mature language.

This is unbelievable! Some of our moonbattier members of the House of Representatives have written a letter, asking Kofi Annan to appoint U.N. overseers to monitor our Presidential elections. How dare they do that? The Constitution clearly states that no other body shall have authority over this country. Who do they think they are? The only name I've come up with so far is Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX). If she is your Congressperson, you might want to let her know she's crazy. She may not realize it.

UPDATE: Thanks to Geek with a 45 here is the letter and a list of the signers. For those who don't like to use links (why not?) here are the names:

Eddie Bernice Johnson - TX
Joseph Crowley - NY
Raul Grijalva - AZ
Danny K. Davis - IL
Corrine Brown - FL
Carolyn B. Maloney - NY
Jerrold Nadler - NY
Michael M. Honda - ?
Elijah E. Cummings - MD
Julia Carson - IN
Edolphus Towns - NY

In my humble opinion, these eleven people should be publicly horsewhipped. At the very least, they have no business representing our nation.

I'm supposed to be attending my family reunion tomorrow morning. Knowing full well I will catch all kinds of grief, I'm sorry to say I will not be attending. Here are my reasons: 1) My sinuses are working overtime in order to make me sick with a summer cold, 2) it has been raining off and on all day and is supposed to be raining in the morning, and 3) if I'm sick they will want to postpone my surgery on the 12th, and I really want to get it over with before Sir Mugley has to go back to school in August. I need him home to take care of me. To tend to my every need, to wait on me hand and foot, to.... oh, sorry. Drifted off there for a minute. I need him at home to keep the dogs from jumping on me (they love me so much).

Michael Moore is claiming that his trash flick beat out Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ. Can you believe it? The man's cheese has totally slipped off his cracker. The only way that "movie" could beat Gibson's movie would be in a race to the big trash bin in Hell. Of course, the idiot's personal appearances are being backed by MoveOn.org. Interesting to note the people who showed up at these appearances are first pressured to join MoveOn and help get all the conservatives out of office this November.

Marlon Brando has passed away at the age of 80. He was very impressive in the Godfather, but have you seen a picture of him lately? Good grief! I feel sorry for the pallbearers, I really do.

According to Box Office Mojo, Spiderman 2 grossed $40,442,604 on its very first day. Compare that to F9/11, which has grossed a total of $35,664,000 over the past eight days. A full week longer. But in all fairness, people prefer to see reality programming like S-2 over crockumentaries.

Guess what? Saddam Hussein thinks he should be President of Iraq. If you change the name of the country, he could be a ringer for Al Gore!

James Lileks asks you to do your part to control urchin Americans. Excellent idea. Somebody should.

Apparently, a company called Dale Air has come up with a scent that represents the breath of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Why? Is there a big call for dino-breath? It would have to smell like meat, wouldn't it? Naturally, a "veggie-saurus" wouldn't have bad breath. They probably ate parsley on a regular basis.

The Minnesota Twins are planning to give a G.I. Joe action figure to 5,000 kids at Monday's baseball game. Of course, someone has to complain. We can't have anything patriotic going on at a baseball game, for crying out loud. Sadly, the Twins have partially capitulated. They took away G.I. Joe's gun! At least he got to keep his grenades.