Grandma's House

For the most part, the rain we have been receiving for the past two days has been glorious! I was really beginning to worry about how much water we had in our well. And we're supposed to get rain off and on for about the next week. There has been one not-so-pleasant side to the rain; we've discovered our roof is leaking. Water is apparently coming down around the side of the chimney, and leaking through the ceiling in the living room. All over my sofa. And this morning, the ceiling tile fell on the sofa. I can't win. Now I will be spending all my time in the bedroom until the sofa dries out. God only knows how long that's gonna take. Plus, we have no way to get up on the roof to fix the problem. Aacckkk!

Older-than-dirt rocker Keith Richards was briefly hospitalized in New Zealand after he fell out of a palm tree on an island in Fiji. I always knew he was a little nuts. I just didn't know he was a coconut!

a 62-year-old schoolteacher in Yonkers, New York is fighting with her cable company over an over-inflated bill. Cablevision has billed Mrs. Lee for porn pay-per-view and gangsta rap programming in the amount of $1,431.00. Naturally, Mrs. Lee says they've made a mistake; the cable company says if it wasn't her, it was someone else in her family. That would be even stranger, since the only other person it could have been is Mrs. Lee's 81-year-old mother. Go, granny, go!

I've heard of grave robbing, but this, in my opinion, is worse:

Canadian newspapers reported Thursday someone broke into a funeral parlor in Longueuil, Quebec in July last year, where the body of Cecile Lemay was awaiting burial.

The thief or thieves made off with the 68-year-old's head, but left her earrings and a cash charity donation behind.

There is a reward for the safe return of the head.

I came across this meme while perusing my blogroll last night and thought it would be fun. If you're a blogger, feel free to give it a shot.

1. Were you named after anyone? Yes, my mother's best friend (first name), and my grandfather (middle name). That may sound a little strange, but the doctor told my folks I was gonna be a boy, so when I proved them wrong, Dennis was changed to Denise.

2. Do you wish on stars? Not since I was a little kid.

3. Do you like your hand writing? No way. It used to be pretty, but now it's really sloppy and hard to read. That's probably because I type so much and write so little.

4. What is your favorite meat? Beef, absolutely. I tolerate pork and chicken, but if I couldn't have beef I'd be heartbroken. Fish is good, but I needs my steak, burger, roast....

5. What is the most embarrassing CD on your shelf? Probably Roy Mercer vs. Yankees, but only because of the adult language.

6. If you were another person, would YOU be friends with you? I doubt it. I'm hard to get to know in person, although I'm very outgoing on the phone and computer.

7. Are you a daredevil? I used to be. I was always first to line up for the new roller coasters, and tended to drive too fast as a young adult. I don't do that much any more.

8. When was the last time you cried? I hate to cry, so it doesn't happen very often. But I believe the last time was when my son moved his family to Indiana. I miss them something awful. Before that, the last time was when I went to see "Passion of the Christ".

9. Did you ever tell a secret you weren’t supposed to? I'm sure I probably did. I don't keep secrets from my husband. But other than him, I'm very reliable.

10. How do you release anger? I used to throw pencils when I'd get angry, but one time I embedded one in the dining room wall. We left it there as a reminder to get a grip on myself. Also, Sir Mugley tells me that when I'm angry, my very dark brown eyes get positively black. And I know how to use them to get the point across. People around me know when I get like that, just leave me alone until I calm down.

11. Where is your second home? Second home? I barely have a first!

12. Do you trust others easily? I try to give people the benefit of the doubt. But if someone lies to me, it takes me a long time to trust them again.

13. What class in college do you think is totally useless? I'd probably have to say Philosophy. I prefer classes that have right and wrong answers. And, being as I'm fairly lazy, I would do away with Phys. Ed. as a requirement.

14. Have you ever been in a mosh pit? Not a chance.

15. What do you look for in a guy? Honesty, respect, love of God, and a good sense of humor, not necessarily in that order.

16. Would you do a bungee jump? I have a major fear of falling, so that would be a big no.

17. What’s your favorite ice cream flavor? Any kind of chocolate. Dark, light, chipped, mint, I love them all. Vanilla would come in second, because you can do so many different things with it.

18. What is your least favorite thing? Spiders. I was bitten as a child and am in dread of them now. I'm also terrified of drowning. I can't swim, so I get really nervous driving across a bridge over water. I guess my worst way of dying would be seeing a spider in my car while driving over a bridge, and losing control and going off into the water. Yikes!

19. How many people do you have a crush on right now? If we're talking TV star type crush, I'd guess four or five. If we're talking real life, none. I'm quite satisfied with the man I've got.

20. What do you miss most right now? Being healthy.

21. What are you listening to right now? The television in the background and two dogs snoring on the floor.

22. What is the weather like right now? Dark. I kid. It's raining (finally) and mild.

23. Last person you talked to on the phone? My daughter in law. She called so I could wish my youngest grandchild a happy third birthday.

24. The first thing you notice about the opposite sex? His eyes.

25.Favorite drink non-alcoholic? I would have to say Coke, although coffee and tea follow pretty closely.

26.Favorite alcoholic drink? I haven't had one in a very long time, because of the medications I have to take, but when I was able to partake I preferred Tom Collins, or occasionally, peach or strawberry Schnapps and 7-up.

27. Haircolor? Mostly dark, dark brown, but it's getting grayer every day.

28. Eyecolor? Dark, dark brown.

29. Wear contacts? No way. I hate having anything in my eyes. I do have to wear glasses for reading now, though, since my cataract surgery.

30. Last movie you watched? The Chronicles of Narnia. I almost cried when Aslan died.

31. Favorite day of the year? The third Sunday in February. Daytona 500! It's almost springtime.

32. How many people have a crush on you right now? I doubt seriously that anyone does.

33. Scary movies or happy endings? Both. I love old-fashioned horror flicks like Psycho or The Birds. But I also love action movies and dramas with happy endings. I'm not too fond of chick flicks, however.

34. Summer or winter? Can I say in-between? Spring is my favorite. I get the fresh, warm air in the daytime, and get to wear my sweaters in the evening.

35. What book/magazine are you reading at the moment? I'm in between books right now.

36. What’s on your mouse pad? I don't use one.

37. What did you watch on TV last night? Just about everything. Let's see: Deal or No Deal, Las Vegas, Conviction, Ghost Whisperer, Close to Home, Numb3rs, the news, and syndicated sitcoms after the news.

37.Favorite Smell? Freshly baked bread.

38. Do you regret ever breaking up with someone? No.

39.Favorite actor/actress? This is a tough one. All-time favorite actor would have to be John Wayne; favorite actress would be Katherine Hepburn.

I was reading this article about California possibly changing the date of their presidential primary so it would be more relevant, when I came across a somewhat buried bit of information I hadn't seen anywhere else in the news.

The second bill would ratify an interstate compact under which California's 55 Electoral College members would agree to support the winner of the national popular vote for president, regardless of the outcome of the election in California.

The compact would have be ratified by states with a majority of electoral votes to take effect. It's currently under consideration in four other states - Louisiana, Illinois, Missouri and Colorado, where it's passed the state Senate, according to an Assembly analysis of Umberg's bill.

Well, I've gotta tell ya, this was news to me. According to this, if these plans pass, our votes for president would be pretty much meaningless. The states with the most voters (California, New York, Florida, Illinois, etc.) would decide the presidency and we wouldn't matter. People, this is precisely why the Electoral College was set up in the first place. With it, each and every state would matter. Without it, the smaller states would become second class, having very little input into matters of national import. Do we really want to vote for a particular candidate, only to have a larger state overrule our decision? I certainly don't. All of us in the states considering this nightmare should contact our representatives and make sure they understand how very wrong this would be. I know I don't want California and New York to decide my votes don't count.

Oh my goodness, they know me so well:

You Are an Old Soul

You are an experienced soul who appreciates tradition. Mellow and wise, you like to be with others but also to be alone. Down to earth, you are sensible and impatient. A creature of habit, it takes you a while to warm up to new people. You hate injustice, and you're very protective of family and friends A bit demanding, you expect proper behavior from others. Extremely independent you don't mind living or being alone. But when you find love, you tend to want marriage right away. Souls you are most compatible with: Warrior Soul and Visionary Soul

This is a little sickening to me, and I don't live there.

In what will surely repulse Pennsylvanians, a Domino's delivery man used a car to transport corpses to funeral parlors when he wasn't using the vehicle to bring pies and Cheesy Bread to pizza enthusiasts.

According to the article, no county ordinances were being violated. I just hope the people who ordered meat lovers' pizzas didn't get more than they bargained for.

An unknown number of thieves stole 150 plum trees from an orchard northeast of Budapest. The police have no idea what their motive was. I'm guessing they were really Hungary.

Are there enough reality shows on television today? Apparently Ford Motor Company doesn't think so.

Ford Motor Co., a sponsor of Fox's "American Idol" reality show, is planning its own television reality program in which the participants develop concept cars with Ford designers, the Detroit News reported in Thursday editions.

I just can't see how they could make this a compelling show to watch. But I may be wrong. I suppose they could come up with some strangely intriguing vehicles.

I thought I had more good news for you today. As you recall from this post, Andrea Clark was set to be executed by St. Luke's Episcopal Health Care Center in Houston. We got word yesterday that an arrangement had been reached regarding her case. St. Luke's had agreed to transfer Andrea to a Nursing and Rehab Center in Illinois, rather than discontinuing her treatment and killing her. The Houston Chronicle wrote a great story about their "benevolence" in sparing the life of this woman. Now that the story has run, St. Luke's has decided to renege on their deal. They've decided the Rehab Center isn't equipped to take Andrea, even though they were the ones who made the arrangements in the first place. Therefore, if no other facility can be found by Tuesday morning, Andrea will be killed. There is contact information at the link above if you wish to express your displeasure with St. Luke's. PLEASE BE POLITE. Don't stoop to their level, but do let them know they are committing murder. This woman must be saved. If she is allowed to die, perhaps the next victim will be a member of your family. We must stop it before it goes any further.

Well, it's Friday at last. And there's good news in today's postings. I received my weekly report from our State Representative, Ed Emery. Such a nice guy. I thought you'd like to see what Missouri is up to these days, straight from the horse's mouth:

This week the House took up and passed Representative Cynthia Davis’ bill, HCS HB 1075. Among other things, the legislation removes Planned Parenthood from our government school classrooms as an instructor of “sex education.”
(snip)
Planned Parenthood’s own survey found that the highest rate of sexual activity was among those who had comprehensive sex education as opposed to those who had less. The report notes an increase of 50% in teenage sexual activity for those who received comprehensive sex education. A Congressional study in the 80’s found that comprehensive “safe sex” education resulted in a doubling of sexually active teenagers. More sexual activity means more teenage pregnancies, more abortions, and more STDs. Planned Parenthood’s failure in the classroom benefits them financially, clearly a conflict of interest.

This didn’t seem right, and we voted (along party lines - 90 for and 60 against) to pass the bill. There is some misinformation being propagated, so here are some details of the legislation. HB 1075 continues the requirement that all classes teach about all forms of contraception. However, now the classes will be designed to strengthen families and will be taught by a more neutral source. The bill requires that sex-ed course material be medically and factually accurate and stress that sexually transmitted diseases are serious health hazards of sexual activity. Students must be provided the latest medical information regarding HIV, AIDS, hepatitis, and other STDs.

A significant plus to HB 1075 is that it requires parents to “opt in” rather than “opt out” of sex education for their child. This will require parental involvement which is a plus in any child’s education. Currently schools can introduce your son or daughter to an abortion provider right in the classroom without asking you, but no longer if HB 1075 is passed by the Senate and signed by the governor. Parental involvement will produce stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger Missouri.

Good news for families all across the state. I know it takes a load off my mind.

Here's an opportunity you don't get very often. The BioDiversity Research Institute managed to set up a webcam about 40 feet away from an eagle's nest. Now you can watch the eagle triplets that were born about two weeks ago. Aww, aren't they cute?

If this dog hadn't been murdered, this would be a very funny story.

Police found a dead dog dressed in blue jeans, a T-shirt, socks, tennis shoes and a baseball cap on the rear porch of a home on Monday in the Stanton Heights neighborhood.

Police Lt. Kevin Kraus said the dog, apparently a boxer-pit bull mixed breed that neighbors said was named Pimpin', was dressed after it had been killed.

With a name like Pimpin', I think I would have dressed it a little differently. Maybe a big hat, some fur, rhinestone sunglasses....

Woo Hooo!! Finally, she's gone!

(Thanks to IMAO for the photo)

It looks like the South Yorkshire police need to hire some ghostbusters.

Officers arrived at the Low Valley Arms pub near Barnsley in South Yorkshire, 250 miles north of London, after being told the alarm had been set off, but instead of finding any signs of a robbery, they were faced with a shaken landlord convinced he had encountered a ghost with half a face missing in the ladies washroom.

Though they saw no ghoul_ described as a woman in flowing white gown_ officers were shocked to find toilets flushing themselves, said Inspector John Bowler of South Yorkshire Police.

Oogee Ooogeee!

You Are More Mild Than Wild

You're confident, and you really aren't concerned with how "hot" you are. Other people's ideas of what's sexy don't concern you. And this is exactly what makes you attractive.

And now, for my last post of the night, here's a little joke I received in my e-mail this week:

Three little ducks go into a Bar......

"Say, what's your name?" the bartender asked the first duck.
"Huey," was the reply.

"How's your day been, Huey?"
"Great. Lovely day. Had a ball. Been in and out of puddles all day. What else could a duck want?" said Huey.

"Oh. That's nice," said the bartender. He turned to the second duck, "Hi, and what's your name?"
"Dewey," came the answer from duck number two.

"So how's your day been, Dewey!?" he asked.
"Great. Lovely day. I've had a ball too. Been in and out of puddles all day myself. What else could a duck want?"

The bartender turned to the third duck and said, "So, you must be Louie?"

"No," she said, batting her eyelashes. "My name is Puddles."

If you don't read another thing today, go read this post. Andrea Clarke needs your help before it's too late. And pray that the help they receive will be enough to save her life.

Michael Urbano is a very lucky man. He could easily have died pulling this stunt.

Police say Michael Urbano, 23, locked himself out of the house early Saturday morning and decided to get in on a cable TV wire through the chimney.

But the wire broke and Urbano fell, getting stuck about three-quarters of the way down. He was freed when a firefighter pushed him to safety.

"We get him up, and he's naked as a jaybird," said Hayward police Lt. Gary Branson. "He tells us he took his clothes off because there would be less friction going down the chute. We did find his clothes. So that part checked out."

He was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of drugs. Suspicion, huh? I wonder what their first clue was.

This woman makes me ill:

TV talk show host Maury Povich was hit with a $100 million lawsuit on Monday by a producer who alleges she was forced to expose herself in the studio for crude videos that were shown to guests of the show.

Now, you can ask any of my family and they'll tell you I'm nowhere near being a feminist. I'm independent, and love the fact that my husband has chauvinistic tendencies. When I was working, I was charged with helping train people to take on my boss's job. My boss informed me that I was intimidating the trainees. So you can see why this woman really irks me. She was forced to expose herself?? Puh-leeze! If she exposed herself, it was because she chose to expose herself. Nobody held a gun to her head. And she wants to be rewarded for it. If she wins this lawsuit, the judge and/or jury should be taken out back and shot for being stupid. She sets the women's movement back 40 years.

I just realized I've been blogging for two years as of about 5 a.m. Tuesday morning. I can't remember the last time a hobby lasted that long for me. I guess maybe I'm growing up or something. That's fine, as long as I don't grow old. Anyway,
HAPPY
BLOGIVERSARY
TO MEEEE!!!

Everything and Nothing is hosting this week's Carnival of Recipes. This week the recipes honor the month of April.

This man may not be a criminal, but he sure is dumb.

An Ottawa man is in serious condition and was airlifted to the burn unit at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto after accidentally setting himself on fire yesterday morning while trying to cut open a gas tank with a chainsaw.

He's going to have plenty of time to think about the wisdom of what he's done. He suffered second and third degree burns to his face, head, chest, back, arms and legs.

Here's your dumb criminal for today:

The 61-year-old man, armed with what looked like a gun, entered the Uihlein Soccer Park in Milwaukee at 12:45 p.m. Thursday, police said.

He first tried to hold up a woman in an office, but she had no money, according to Capt. Darlene Jenkins. He then tried to mug a man who had a wallet — which turned out empty, Jenkins said.

The frustrated robber tried to flee but got lost and couldn't find the exit, Jenkins said.

By the time he was apprehended, he needed to go to the hospital because he was having chest pains. I guess he just wasn't cut out for a life of crime.

I can't imagine the horror this couple in Charlotte, North Carolina went through.

Utility workers trying to blast out a grease clog from a sewer line forced 3,000 gallons of raw sewage into a couple's home, forcing them to abandon their house while hoping that the city makes good on a promise to clean up and repair the damage.

It would be refreshing if the city did clean it up, but judging how most municipalities would handle it, I hope they're not holding their breath.

Here's a real "head case" for you. A man walks into a hospital in Oregon, complaining of severe headaches. When they take a series of X-rays, they find 12 nails embedded in his skull. It seems at one time he was high on meth and decided to kill himself. So he took a nail gun and shot himself in the head 12 times. Then forgot about it. Hopefully, he'll get the serious mental help he so requires. Otherwise, he might hurt himself.

Here's a real "head case" for you. A man walks into a hospital in Oregon, complaining of severe headaches. When they take a series of X-rays, they find 12 nails embedded in his skull. It seems at one time he was high on meth and decided to kill himself. So he took a nail gun and shot himself in the head 12 times. Then forgot about it. Hopefully, he'll get the serious mental help he so requires. Otherwise, he might hurt himself.

I'm back. The phone line is mine again. Hooray!!!

To start off, here's a little tidbit some of you were hoping for. There are plans in the works for another Star Trek movie. It would take place during the time Kirk and Spock were in Starfleet Academy. The plans are to release it in 2008. Let's hope it turns out better than their last endeavor.

I won't be posting anything much until Monday night, because Sir Mugley has a lot of homework to do, which requires the phone line. But just a quick note, for you 24 fans, the telephone number shown on Aaron's telephone last episode was the number used last year as a fan phone line. I haven't tried to call it, but I'm sure somebody will. The number is: 310-597-3781. Have fun. And remember May 9th, I think, is Jack Bauer Appreciation Day. I'm not sure how to go about celebrating what should be a national holiday, but I'll bet you have some good ideas. I'll see you all Monday night.

Here's some fun for you. The Sonoma County Fair is having an ugly dog contest and you can vote online for the winner(?). Go ahead and look. But beware, you may have nightmares.

A woman in El Salvador was arrested this week after trying to smuggle a grenade into a prison. The grenade and some marijuana were hidden in this woman's vagina. That's right. I'll bet she didn't have any trouble giving birth. Of course, I'm sure that many of you who read this tidbit will make up your own jokes. I know I've come up with some doozies that I won't write here. Enjoy.

And another millionaire joins the club. A sheriff's deputy in Washington state found a scratchers ticket he had forgotten about purchasing. Turns out it was worth a million bucks. Everybody's getting rich but me. Waah!

Talk about your lucky grannie! Josephine Crawford, 84, won 10 million dollars on a slot machine in Atlantic City. God bless her. She's gonna have grandchildren and other relatives popping out of the woodwork now. Good luck, grandma.

Attention 24 Fans! According to this item from TV Guide, Chloe will be back next season. That's right... Chloe Lives!!

The American Idol voters finally got it right: Ace Young has been sent packing. Too bad it didn't happen last week. Bucky was better than Ace, and I'd like to have heard what Bucky would have sung. Rumor has it next week will be love songs. I don't know if I have the stomach to watch that one or not.

You Are a Blue Flower

A blue flower tends to represent peace, openness, and balance. At times, you are very delicate like a cornflower. And at other times, you are wise like an iris. And more than you wish, you're a little cold, like a blue hydrangea.

I'm going to try a little experiment here, so bear with me. Since it seems we may be getting close to electing a female president (maybe not this time, but soon), I'm curious about the opinions of my readers (all two or three of you). So leave a message in the comments (anonymously if you must), and let me know what female would have to run for President to get your vote? Would it be Condoleezza Rice, Hillary Clinton, Elizabeth Dole, Ann Coulter, Cynthia McKinney, or someone else? Please participate in this unofficial poll. When my curiosity peaks, it can get ugly if it's not vanquished. And thanks for playing!

While stationed in Alaska in 1962, Lance Nesta received a fruitcake from his beloved aunts. Not being a fan, he packed it away with the rest of his belongings and forgot about it. Until this week. He found it in his mother's attic, still unopened. I get the feeling he probably won't eat it. Can't say as I'd blame him, either.

This week's Carnival of Recipes, hosted by Grill Maestro, is dedicated to Income Tax Day. I'm guessing the recipes don't cost much to prepare, since you probably don't have anything left!

Reading comprehension must not be a requirement in California teachers' training. A principal at Inglewood's Worthington Elementary School locked down the school to prevent children from attending those protests last week. Problem is, she misread the procedural manual and used the lockdown protocols for a nuclear attack. The classrooms were closed off so tightly kids were forced to use a bucket to relieve themselves. Parents were not amused.

Okay, people. Time Magazine has done it again. This is their laughable list of 10 Best Senators (try not to choke with laughter when you read this, ok?):

Arlen Specter, R-PA
Dick Durbin, D-IL
Thad Cochran, R-MS
Ted Kennedy, D-MA
Richard Lugar, R-IN
John McCain, R-AZ
Kent Conrad, D-ND
Jon Kyl, R-AZ
Olympia Snowe, R-ME
Carl Levin, D-MI

Okay, you still with me? Here is their idea of the 5 Worst Senators:

Daniel Akaka, D-HI
Wayne Allard, R-CO
Jim Bunning, R-KY
Conrad Burns, R-MT
Mark Dayton, D-MN

You may now regain your composure and go about your business.

Here's another name that should be added to the nominees for the new NASCAR Hall of Fame: Louise Smith. And here's why:

Smith, remembered as "the first lady of racing," was on the NASCAR circuit from 1945-56. Known for her fearless style, she won 38 modified events.

She got her start in racing when young promoter Bill France was looking for a way to get people to the track. France started NASCAR on the road to its dynasty in part by sending Smith to tracks in the Northeast and Canada.

Smith was a barnstormer who ran for $100 to $150 in first prizes. She mixed with Curtis Turner, Ralph Earnhardt, Bill Snowden, Buddy Shuman and Buck Baker.

She was remembered for some spectacular crashes.

In 1947, Smith went to watch the beach races at Daytona in her husband's new Ford coupe, but when she arrived, found out she had to race. She entered the shiny new car and wrecked it.

Benny Parsons, a longtime NASCAR star and now a TV analyst, recounted the story.

"Her husband said, 'Where's the car, Louise?' And she said, 'That ol' trap broke down in Augusta (Ga.),'" Parsons said. "He showed her the newspaper. The wrecked car was on the front page."

Louise Smith passed away at the age of 89. Truly a great lady in sports history.

People can be so industrious and ingenious when it comes to making a profit. We have very creative people in this country, such as Kyle MacDonald. He had a dream of owning his own home, but didn't have the money. So he decided to barter for one. He started with a giant red paper clip. One trade led to another, and now, just a little shy of one year later, he has a one-year lease of a home in Arizona. Now he's looking to barter that for a home of a more permanent type. Good luck, Kyle. I think you'll make it, dude.

And yet another outrageously priced cocktail goes on the market: a $3,000 diamond-studded martini.

Served in a traditional martini glass, the Sapphire martini is made with Blue Curacao, Bombay Sapphire Gin, a splash of dry vermouth and is coated with blue sugar on the rim. But it's the accompanying pair of custom-made blue sapphire and diamond earrings, set in a sterling silver pick, that makes the cocktail sweet.

People just have too much money to throw around, don't you think?

One man who didn't get his Easter wish is Dominik Diamond, a British journalist who wanted to be crucified for Easter.

Dominik Diamond broke down and wept after watching nine Filipinos take their turn to be whipped and nailed on crosses and realising that his turn was next. “God wanted me only to pray at the foot of my cross,” he sobbed, sinking to his knees and praying as local people and tourists started to boo.

God never asked us to hang ourselves on the cross. He asked only that we "take up the cross and follow Him". That is challenge enough in this life. I'm not saying these people are doing anything wrong; all I'm saying is the Bible doesn't tell us we have to do this.

Well, I hope everybody had a lovely Easter. We did here in Southwest Missouri. Beautiful warm weather (although I'm still waiting for more rain). We had Easter dinner at my daughter's house, and I watched my local grandbabies hunt Easter eggs. Of course, these days they don't use real eggs; they're all plastic and full of candy. I kinda miss the old days of coloring the hard-boiled eggs and hunting them in the backyard. My dad was an expert at hiding those little suckers, too; sometimes we'd find them a week or more later. Then we'd have lots of deviled eggs, and boiled eggs with our lunches. Mom would always make an Easter cake; an angel food cake with lucious marshmallowy frosting with a coconut nest on top full of candy "eggs". We always had a blast. My son called and let me know he was making one of those cakes this year, except he hates coconut. It didn't dawn on me until it was too late that he could have used white chocolate instead. Just shave it and color it green. Oh well, maybe next year. Anyway the holidays are over, and we must get on with life.

I guess nobody wants to take responsibility for their own actions anymore. You may remember a couple of years ago a DEA agent was demonstrating gun safety in a classroom full of children, and accidentally shot himself. Apparently it was caught on tape, and has become a very popular video on the internet. The agent wasn't amused.

A DEA agent who accidentally shot himself in the foot while demonstrating gun safety to school children is suing the agency, saying video of the incident has made him the joke of the Internet.

Lee Paige was making a presentation to children at the Orlando Youth Minority Golf Association on April 9, 2004, when he shot himself. Moments before the shooting, the 14-year agency veteran was displaying his firearm and telling students he was the only one in the room professional enough to handle a gun.

He was suspended for five days without pay after the accident, and the video was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The lawsuit filed April 7 in federal court in Washington alleges the agency leaked the video to the public.

Seems to me he should have let it go. Filing a lawsuit just brings it all to the surface again.

Well it was just a matter of time. A 14 year-old boy committed suicide, and he's being turned into a martyr for illegal immigration. Disgusting. A child killed himself, and people are coopting his death for their own nefarious goals. God forbid they try to find out the real reason why he felt he had to die.

I don't normally like the New York Times. They're just a little too liberal for my tastes. But I did enjoy this article on local law enforcement agencies who are tired of waiting for the federal government to do something about illegal immigration. They're starting to do the job they formerly depended on the feds to do: busting these criminals (and that's what they are, criminals) and sending them back where they belong. I'm thrilled all the way down to my toes. It's just a shame our federal law enforcement agencies aren't doing their jobs. They're screwing around with this immigration reform crap, and in the meantime more and more invaders are coming over the border, trying to get in before the borders are closed off like they should be.

I'm beginning to wonder if there are any intelligent people working in school districts any more. Jerry Trujillo, 8 years old, was acting up at school. So instead of calling the parents to come get him, the school called the police. Then, instead of calling the parents to come get him, the police officer took this child to jail, booked him, dressed him in an orange jumpsuit, and locked him in a holding cell. This kid had to endure taunting from adult criminals until his parents arrived to take him home. Absolutely outrageous, in my opinion.

What is it with tornadoes this year? The storms last month hit buildings on the Missouri University and Kansas University. Now we have a tornado hitting buildings on the campus of the University of Iowa. I had no idea tornadoes wanted a higher education.

I want to thank Freddie for checking up on me. Yeah, I'm doing okay. It's just been a very frustrating week here in Shangri-la. We ran out of propane last weekend, and it's taken all week to get a delivery. You have no idea how long it takes to do dishes when you're heating the water on the stove. Plus Blogger was giving me some trouble as well. But all is well now.

My baby called me today to check up on me as well. He's sure got his hands full with those boys. I guess they're out on "spring break" this week. He was busy spraying them with the water hose. There's a small chance he and his wife will be able to adopt a little girl this year. Let's keep our fingers crossed. They've wanted a little girl for a long time now, but just kept spitting out boys!

Sir Mugley caught a break today, when he found the $25.00 he lost last month. So I guess he'll not be quitting smoking any time this week. He better make that money stretch, cause that's it until next month.

Okay, on to important stuff. Bucky?? Why was Bucky sent home?? Ace should have been sent packing for sure this week. Don't get me wrong. I don't think Bucky would have made the finals. But he was definitely better this week than Ace.

As for 24, who decided to use James Bond music this week? I kinda liked it. Made the whole episode kinda campy.

On Survivor, Terry's still hanging in there, while Shane apparently was hanging out. Hope he cleared up that rash quickly, don't you?

I had a real bright spot in late night television watching this week. I only caught the end of the Montel Williams show the other night, but who should I see but Debbie the Dork. Schlussel was on there, and she, for some reason, called some kids dummies. Montel sat on her so fast! He sliced and diced her in two minutes flat! Nobody comes on his show and calls kids dummies, he doesn't care who they are. It was a sight to behold, ladies and gentlemen. I only wish I'd taped it!

Enough of that stuff. I'll post some more later. Just wanted to let you know I'm still alive.

And now we add another to the list of overly-expensive alcoholic drinks coming on the scene: a $1,000 mint julep, only available to the first fifty people to fork over the cash at the Kentucky Derby this year.

Okay, gang. Here's today's stupid criminal, all the way from Elko, Nevada:

A man accused of burglarizing a laundromat in Elko figured he made a clean escape over the weekend when he took off with the store's six video surveillance cameras.

But it turns out he left some rather compelling evidence behind — the video machine and videotape that recorded his face each time he stood in front of the cameras at the Southside Laundry.

No comment. I'm too busy laughing.

This is outrageous in my opinion. A woman in Los Angeles was given a ticket for $114 for obstructing traffic. She accomplished this by taking too long to cross the street. I hope that motorcycle cop is proud of himself. Giving a ticket to an 82-year-old woman who has to use a cane to get around. He should get a medal for that one ... NOT!

You know, I've had phone bills that have made my jaw hit the floor, usually because of a mistake on the phone company's part. If I had received this bill, I'd probably have had a heart attack. I can't imagine what it would take to rack up a bill that high.

The Ziggurat of Doom is hosting this week's edition of Carnival of Recipes. I think there's a superhero theme this week.

It was just a matter of time before this happened. Someone has come out with drink recipes that include Peeps, the little marshmallow yummies shaped like chicks and bunnies, etc. Click here to get recipes for Peeptinis, Melon Peeps, and Ear Royales. Sheesh!

I'm sure you've all heard about the crap NBC Dateline tried to pull. Imagine trying to start trouble by getting "Muslim looking" people to attend a NASCAR race, hoping for a negative reaction. NASCAR wasn't amused. Fortunately, it backfired on Dateline: nobody reacted to the "Muslims" in a negative way at all. Perhaps they should have dressed them in Kurt Busch's uniforms, then someone would have clobbered them. He's such a putz. Did you see him wreck Biffle in Texas Sunday? I'm thinking NASCAR should make him sit out a race, then perhaps he'd get the message. Just about every time there's a wreck on the track anymore, he's somehow involved. If Busch keeps it up, someone's gonna get hurt.

When will it end? The Montgomery County, Maryland School District has decided to allow students to attend these asinine immigration protests. Not only that, but any students who do attend will receive community service credits. What is wrong with these people? They are telling our children that it's okay to break the law. What's next? If they can break that law, why not all of them? Why not go out and rob someone, steal their cars, commit arson, rape, murder? Come on, people. A law is a law, just like a sin is a sin. Committing a crime should be punished, not rewarded.

Attention all you "24" fans... Keifer Sutherland has contracted for three more years as Jack Bauer, our hero from CTU. So we don't have to worry about him being killed right away! Whoopie!!

This nonsense over the illegal immigration is still going on. Now the Mexicans who are here illegally are teaming up with the idiots who want to let them stay, and they are planning a work stoppage on Monday. I say, Great! We don't need you to survive here. If you stay home from your illegal job, you should be fired. If you skip classes you are attending illegally, you should fail. I suggest everybody go about their business as if these people didn't exist. Maybe they'll get the message: Go home. If you want to live in America, come back legally. We'll welcome you with open arms at that time.

A 300-year-old book was found recently in London, apparently abandoned after a burglary. The interesting thing about this book is that it is bound in human skin. Now before you freak out, that seems to have been fairly common back then. Even so, I'm not sure I'd want a book like that in my library.

Your Theme Song is Beautiful Day by U2

"Sky falls, you feel like It's a beautiful day Don't let it get away" You see the beauty in life, especially in ordinary everyday moments. And if you're feeling down, even that seems a little beautiful too.

I have no use for chiropractors. I've yet to meet one I'd trust with my spine. Having been diagnosed with scoliosis at the tender age of 12, I have a fairly obvious curvature to my spine. So I was totally caught off guard when a chiropractor asked my husband (!) if he knew I had a back problem! We laughed about that for many moons my friends. We still laugh about it. But this guy takes wackery to a whole new level:

A chiropractor who claims he can treat anyone by reaching back in time to when an injury occurred has attracted the attention of state regulators.

The Ohio State Chiropractic Board, in a notice of hearing, has accused James Burda of Athens of being "unable to practice chiropractic according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care due to mental illness, specifically, Delusional Disorder, Grandiose Type."

Well, duh!

If you have a beaver in need of dental work (insert your own joke here), take him or her to Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. They have experience with beavers.

The 41-pound animal, nicknamed Bailey, lost her chewing teeth when struck by a car last week near Lewiston, Idaho, about 30 miles southeast of Pullman. A retired Idaho Fish and Game agent brought the injured beaver to the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine.

What can I add to this story that you haven't already added in your own mind.

There were a couple of notable deaths while I was gone. First was author Henry Farrell, who wrote some of the best psychological horror stories of my lifetime: "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" and "Hush, Hush.... Sweet Charlotte". After seeing the latter, to this day I can't sleep with my arm hanging off the side of the bed. I know, I know. Pathetic.

Another notable who passed away was singer Gene Pitney. He was noted for singing "Town Without Pity" and "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance". However, he also wrote a couple of very good songs from the day: "Rubber Ball", recorded by Bobby Vee, and "Hello Mary Lou", recorded by Rick Nelson.

Two very good talents who will be missed.

I'm back and ready to roll. You remember the story I wrote a while back about the sweet little coyote that was found in Central Park in New York? Well, when they were tagging the little fellow to prepare him for release in the wild, the poor little thing died on them. Road runners across the nation celebrated.

Hi, gang. I'm going to take a few days off from blogging. I'm not quitting; it's just the spring pollen is messing with my head. Of course, Sir Mugley thinks that I act this way all the time. Seriously though, I'm dealing with a nasty case of sinusitis, and it's keeping me tired all the time. So, to keep you busy while I'm gone, I've added several new websites to my blogroll. I expect you all to go check them out, and add them to your favorites if you like them. I thought about testing you to see if you could find them all, but I'll be a nice person (I can be once in a while), and list them here so you'll know which are new. Of course, I still expect you to read the older ones as well. We don't want any of them feeling left out now, do we? Here are all the new guys and gals:

Southern Sass
Dax Files
Wit Nit
Fluorescent Justice (Night Court in New York)
My Vast Right Wing Conspiracy
Random Yak
Dave Barry
Pirate's Cove
Mean Ol' Meany
TMH's Bacon Bits
Stingray (a blog for salty Christians)
Martinis, Persistence and A Smile
Agent Bedhead
Jawa Report
Army Wife Toddler Mom
Ace of Spades HQ
Support Your Local Gunfighter
Warts and All
Thoughts Online
Zero Point
Ms. Underestimated
Expose The Left
PowerLine
News Busters
Brainster's Blog
Viking Pundit
Riehl World View

I hope you'll visit them all as you can. I'll probably be off the blog until around Thursday or Friday. I've gotta get my head to stop spinning around.

Before I go, this week's Carnival of Recipes is at Blog O'RAM. Be careful though; it is the April Fool's edition. See ya later. Don't forget to tip the waitress.