A different 4th of July

I am so thankful I was raised by a mother who instilled in me the value of people. Having lived in Los Angeles and in Texas most of my life, I've seen many different folks in action. Many jerks and a-holes, it's not limited to ethnic nor religious persuasion. The most common denominator is lack of education . . . There's an abundance of stupid people doing stupid things in this world, I just wish they would have to travel in other people's shoes. . . We, who are WASPs, just don't understand nor have the empathy needed to understand the pain words can inflict upon people.

Life Goes On . . .

Here's a tough piece from Right Thinking Girl that explores an artifact of 9/11 which I had not thought much about. Love.

After reading it, I was reminded of the most haunting images of that fateful day. . . Bodies flying. . . not by choice, but out of necessity . . . the need to escape the pain. . . knowing, knowing!! you must choose to either be incinerated alive, die choking on toxic fumes or jump, jump while conscious for the last twenty seconds of your life . . . . . What goes through your mind as you think of your family while full of terror . . . when does bliss open her arms to enfold you in her comfort? ? ? ?

Vacation 2004

Well, I'm back! ! !
Let me rephrase that, we're back . . . I guess if you think or worry about something so much, it's bound to turn out ok, eh? We has so much trepidation, it just had to turn out just fine! ! !

All I can say is I had a wonderful time! ! ! Even better, the Wife and Children had a wonderful time, too. This was for both Baltimore and Asheville.

In Baltimore, we were smart enough to stay in a hotel just down the road. This was an issue with the family at first, but soon became a non-issue. Let's see, we had the matriarch, six aunts and uncles, 10 nieces and nephews (in-laws included) and 7 great grandchildren. Most of the family lived with in three blocks of each other. Inner city row houses bring a new meaning to closer living.

Anyway, we all had a blast. We spent one day at the Smithsonian which is two days short of what is needed. It was my first time in DC and the dichotomy of inner city slums contrasted with the majesty of our nation's capital is amazing. I've been to London, Paris, Rome, Venice, Vienna, Amsterdam, etc. and I've never seen such a stark contrast of poverty abutted against such national treasures. Sad. ..

We also spent time at the Inner Harbor, which is a lovely place. I just wish we had a chance to go to Camden Yards, but the only game in town was against the hated Yankees which was sold out.

One day was spent cemetery hopping. We visited four vast graveyards and drove by two others. Man, being from the West, we don't have the architecture nor the cemeteries they have on the East Coast. These cemeteries are vast!! These places will be excellent locations for future oil reserves if the formaldehyde doesn't ruin it . . .

Next was with me mum and gran. It's quite a change from over twenty members of a clan down to 6 . . . But we went river rafting down the French Broad River and just hung out.

It was quite a contrast of matriarchs. The Wife's celebrated her 80th on 24/7 oxygen due to OPD unable to walk with out a walker and confined to a chair. Mine is 81 with her third pacemaker (20 yrs with one), yet still full of life. She wrestled on the floor with the Daughter (5) and is sharp as a tack when it comes to dominos. But she weighs 2 lbs more than the Boy (9) at 85 lbs! ! ! She's quite something and hasn't changed much since I lived with her 30 yrs ago. I gather my strength from my mother and my grandmother. My wife thanks them everyday for how they've shaped me. . . .

Now that we're back, I've been put to the grindstone. . . Spock, help me Spock . . .

Griswold Vacation to the East Coast

Well, it's upon us. The dreaded vacation to Baltimore begins tomorrow evening. At least we have a hotel to retreat to when it gets to bad. Cool pool and frilly drinks!!

Unfortunately, I'm now getting into this bloggin' thing and will miss the daily entries I strive for. Even though I have my wireless laptop, I'm not going bring it. I need to support the Wife; otherwise I'd love to hide in my laptop from these folks while they yell and try to one-up each other. All the while, the matriarch struggles to stay alive for another couple days. Can you say Joy!! It's time to live as I preach - Attitude is Everything!! This is for the Children to see the Wife's Grandmother and My Grandmother before the pass, since they are both in their 80's and neither will travel again. Let me rephrase that, it's for the Great Grandmothers and that makes it worth it.

Caterpiller on Par with Smith & Wesson

Ok, now this is a tough one . . . Well maybe not, but let's give it a try, shall we?
I'm an avid supporter of Israel, but not blind to some of their actions. Given the fact an entire religion, one billion strong, is dedicated to their annihilation, one can be somewhat lenient to their tactics. The one I have the most problem with is the bulldozing of homes and orchards. I don't have a problem of `dozing the homes of homicide bombers, but I do when it's used as collective punishment.

Now comes this, from the body that John Kerry want to have the final say:

A leading UN official has warned US manufacturer Caterpillar that it may be complicit in human rights violations in the West Bank and Gaza.

and this:

Mr Ziegler is the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights' Special Rapporteur on the right to food. In his letter, he described destruction by the bulldozers of "agricultural farms, greenhouses and ancient olive groves".

Caterpillar says it is not its job to police use of its equipment Caterpillar's actions in supplying the D-9 and D-10 bulldozers mean they may be complicit in violating the right to food, Mr Ziegler said.

Ok, so while I think handguns are made for one purpose and one purpose only - to kill people. I just don't think Caterpiller tractors are made for the purpose of destroying homes.

Now, my little dig a Kerry was a wee bit factitious, but here's a man who wants to rely on the UN so much so that he would validate his foreign policy via the UN. But when Chad, Libya and Iran are able to chair Human Rights committees, one must question their sanity as well as motives, no less than questioning the motives of corporate fat cats.

Tuesday's Choices

Tuesday's weekly fare . . .
Would you rather:
1. All your toenails rot and fall off OR grow a thick, bushy coat of back hair? Oh hair, no doubt
2. Have the psychic ability to hear other people's thoughts but be unable to turn it off OR the psychic ability to transmit your thoughts to everyone within a mile, but again you can't turn it off? Get ready for my opinion folks
3. Watch Richard Simmons and Susan powter get it on OR Oprah and Dr. Phil? Let's go High Intensity!!
4. Find a cure for cancer, but be ridiculed for it for 20 years before it was accepted OR find a cure for cancer and be considered a hero for 5 years, only for the public to find out it was a hoax. Let's cure this thing, to hell with my ego

Al Qaeda's Next Target?

One of my favorite blog sites is Belmont Club. It's not just a site with political rants that spew irrational vituperation. It's almost like having a history lesson online. Granted it tilts to the right, but it's heads up.

He brings up a topic most likely on the minds of the NAS folks, but well below the radar for us plebeians. What is it we, as a world, are now so dependent upon?

Interestingly enough, the dependence of Third World countries on oil imports will grow at a far faster rate than the industrialized countries. India and China in particular will experience a growth in energy demand far exceeding that of mature economies. But even Central and South America and Africa will need oil products. Many people will be surprised to discover that Mexico, not Canada, is already the second largest consumer of petroleum in North America and will probably increase its lead over time. This chart of yearly percentage increases in petroleum consumption averaged to 2025 illustrates this

So, when China begins to exert its UN vote, we need to view it from a different point of view. Seen from an economic point of view as opposed to a political one should give us pause. Even though the Maoist are still too tight, no doubt they sing "money makes the world go around, the world go around" behind closed doors.
Back to the point, how better to kick Western Civilization in the balls than to seriously disrupt the world's oil flow. Even though we import significantly less, percentage wise, than many other regions, we've already seen what just a little disruption or even a threat will do to the market.
Be afraid, be very afraid. . .

They Come in Threes . . .

Ok, so I blew it!!! I thought it would be John Paul. It only goes to show you easy money is dead money.

You've got Ronnie and Ray knockin' on the Pearly Gates, so who'd be next? As I said, I thought it would be Karol Józef Wojtyła. So, the next on the docket was Ralph Wiley. I know, I know that this is weak, but the dude was a hell of a writer. Anybody who watched Sports Reporters when Dick ran it, saw him in action. As I said, weak. . .but the statue of limitations is about up!!!

A Whole Lot of Nothing

There's nothin like hearing someone comment on someone commenting on someone else. . . Especially when the egos are so large. Here's my favorite exchange:

At any rate, here's my interpretation of Wonkette's latest interpretation of Tina Brown.
What Tina Says:
One of Ronald Reagan's unsung achievements is that he saved Vanity Fair.
What Wonkette Says Tina Means By This:
I am completely high.
What Wonkette Means By This:
I should see my gynecologist. Is it normal for one's genitals to smell like feet?

No, wait this it my fav . . .

What Tina Says:
The Reagans' moment of gaiety on the cover was a kiss of life for Vanity Fair. Coming when America was emerging from a long recession, the dancing presidential couple seemed to epitomize the buoyancy of American expectation. Reagan's theatricality always resonated that way. It was an instinctive collusion between imagery and national mood.
What Wonkette Says Tina Means By This:
I would make an excellent minister of propaganda.
What Wonkette Means By This:
Let me just wrap this post up so I can get back to the Sister, Sister marathon on the We Network. And then maybe I can see if Duane Reade carries some sort of feminine Tinactin.

Meow!!!

Reagan Services

I'm just going to jot down a lil' something on the Reagan Eulogies. In all honesty, I really didn't pay much attention this morning. I was consumed with getting the Boy and the Girl ready for their last day of school!! All two hours of it . . . I just didn't get that until the Wise Wife explained "Silly boy, it's for signing the Annuals!"
All that said, it wasn't til this evening when Ronnie went back home that I paid much attn to what was going on today. I mean, I checked out the Today show this morning and saw some of the pomp and circumstance. It was nice . . .

But this evening I turned on the TV to assist in my daily evening chore of making the Wonderful Wife's lunch for the night, when I came upon the West Coast version of the eulogy. It stopped me in my tracks . . .

On the screen was Michael Reagan, it must have been at the beginning of his eulogy. It was amazing. It was one of the heart wrenching, heart felt solilquies I've ever heard. It gave a 'human' touch to all the reflection the country has been force fed this week. First off, I didn't know he was adopted. There must be something there I'm not hip to since both he and Maureen were both adopted my him. Weren't they from his first marriage? I just don't remember.

Next came Judy. Man, she looked strung out. She tried, but just seemed dislocated.

Finally, Ron Reagan's turn. He too gave a remarkable eulogy. It was peppered with humor and reflection. He went of on what could be perceived as a political tangent for just a moment concerning religion and the imposition of it in politics, but it was just a flash.

It was wrapped up in the pomp of the moment, but I'll tell you . . . Amazing Grace played on bag pipes makes me well up EVERY time. In fact, Amazing Grace is what does it. I hope to be able to sing AG for Grandmother when it's her time to be received into the arms of God. . .

Anyway, the rest was just heart wrenching. No matter what your political taste, this was truly amazing.

Palestinian Logic

I've yet to touch on the Palestinian issue. Well, I just came across an article by David Goldberg for the New Yorker. It just made my heart ache with the twisted logic of the Palestinians. Referring to Reem Salah al-Rayashi:

The attack was the first conducted by a female member of Hamas, a religiously conservative group that had previously limited participation in terror attacks to men. Rayashi was the mother of a three-year-old and a one-year-old. In a video made shortly before the attack, she stated, “God gave me the ability to be a mother of two children who I love so. But my wish to meet God in paradise is greater, so I decided to be a martyr for the sake of my people. I am convinced God will help and take care of my children.”

It gives rise to the Moloch Complex:

Just outside the Old City walls of Jerusalem is a narrow valley called Gai Hinnom, which means “hell” in Hebrew. On a stone altar in this valley, it is said, the Canaanites sacrificed children to the god Moloch. If the extremists among the Jews suffer from a Moriah complex, then the extremists among the Palestinians are in the grip of a Moloch complex. Jewish children are among the targets of sacrifice, but some extremists sacrifice their own children as well, dispatching them on suicide missions, and using them as shields when they attack Israeli soldiers. In Gaza three years ago, I witnessed Hamas gunmen firing at Israeli jeeps from behind a screen of children throwing rocks.

The man who deserves the greatest amount of contempt is Yasir Arafat. How can a man, who is not even from 'Palestine', claim to be their rightful leader when he professes:

On Palestinian Authority television two years ago, Arafat was asked if he had a message for Palestinian children. He answered, “This child . . . who is grasping the stone, facing the tank; is it not the greatest message to the world when that hero becomes a martyr? We are proud of them.”

I've said it before...We were able to defeat the Soviets because their mothers were fearful their children would die in war. But in Islam, they worship death more than they love life. I don't know how to defeat that 'logic'. . . do you?

Political Snub

What does it say when major allies snub the funeral of former President Ronald Reagan? Let's take a look at whose not attending, oh and some of those were at the G8 meetings. So one day extra is an imposition? ? ? ?
France - Jacques Chirac
Russian - Vladimir Putin
Japan - Junichiro Koizumi
as well as...
Mexico - Vincente Fox
Canada - Paul Martin
Wow, Chirac and Putin's snub speaks volumes. I am officially tired of France. I now could care less what happens to them. Charles De Gaul snubbed the American contribution to the liberation of France during the commemoration of Normandy in 1964 so this is not the first time, nor do I expect the last. As for Putin, well . . . what's to say about a former KGB leader who's ideology was shown to be corrupt and corrosive. It would be a bitter pill to swallow to show respect to the man who was so instrumental their downfall.
Japan said they feel it's more appropriate for the Prime Minister at the time of Reagan's Administration to attend. However, what would it take for Koizumi to attend, too.
Now, Mexico and Canada . . . I just don't get it. I don't remember Reagan having any policies which would be justification for such a snub.
I'm just shocked at the G8 leaders. Even though Great Britain, Germany and Italy will be there, I feel France and Russia deserve our contempt.

How would you feel . . .?

My newest and bestest Blogger friend, Lachlan, has a post that started to make me think. Isn't that what we blog for anyway? So, her blog concerned Sharleen who just happens to live in the Great Northwest with both Lachlan and me.

How would you feel if you just happened to be LDS and the whole world turned on you? They're just Cultist, right? How about a Methodist? They've just welcome the Gay and Lesbians to join them in worship. Isn't that just wrong in God's eyes? OK, what about those wicked Calvinist who only 'do it' in the missionary position? Now that's just sick!

The point is just how uncomfortable is acceptable? Is profiling OK? What about unreasonable searches? Sharleen's family is far more accomplished than this WASP's family that's for sure. See what sex, drugs and rock-n-roll got me? ?

In a couple of days I will be spending time with three "mindless idiots" who ought to be "exterminated"--my father, mother, and brother. (Father: PhD, tenured full professor of chemistry. Brother: BS, M.I.T., chemical engineer. Mother: Doctor, Dhaka Medical College. Those are the idiots we must exterminate because they teach your children, deliver your babies, and work to ensure that the plants which create the quality plastics that we use run smoothly, all the while wishing the peace of Allah upon you.)

There's no doubt we are up against something that is an anathema to our Western ideals. I seriously doubt the Radical Left wants a society resembling the Taliban, but they don't realize the passion the mullah's have for subjugating women. Just check out all the acid attacks that occur in the name of Honor. Those folks are not the Taliban; they live in Jordan, Pakistan, India and the Kingdom.

The Rabid Right doesn't seem must saner in their vitriolic desire to 'exterminate' a whole creed. Their point is 'where are the moderate Muslims?' Indeed, I've wondered as well. The rightful indignation of Abu Ghraib pales in the silence of 9/11 and Berg. Yes, silence, but that doesn't qualify for a Crusade. It just shows timidity.

So what's to be done? ? ? Those of us who choose to use our gray matter need to do so with the understanding we are up against a force which think nothing of death. This is not the Cold War where Soviet mothers feared for their children's death. This is a battle against a people where mothers celebrate their children's death as long as it includes infidels. How do you devise a game plan for that, sparky?

Tuesday's Choices

Found a new fun site thanks to Lachlan. Nothing like answering the deep philosophical questions on Tuesdays when you get tired of your navel.

Would you rather:
1. wear the same underwear for a week OR not bathe for a week?
I think not bathing would be my own self inflicted Abu Ghraib
2. eat a plate full of boiled earthworms, covered in gravy OR fried bird feet with a tangy teriyaki glaze?
If it's got crunch and spice, I can eat anything
3. drop your wallet and keys in a thick patch of cacti and have to dig in to find them OR play dodgeball naked?
Dodgeball, oh the benefits of a small dick!
4. get caught spitting in your boss' coffee OR mooning your neighbor?
duh, neighbor. Cheap thrills abound!!

Hockey

And on the eighth day God created Overtime Playoff Hockey . . . Alas, the Flames didn't win the Lord Stanley's Cup. I was hoping the Cup would reside in Canada during the possible work stoppage.

The Gipper

Well, what's to say that all the other Bloggers haven't added already about the late President. Regardless of political persuasion, and the vitriol from the Left as well as the messianic rants from the Right aside, this man was a rather large figure on the American landscape. He came at a time when America needed him. At the time of his reign, I was not a fan. However, I've come into the latter stage of Churchill's famous dictum, therefore am better able to appreciate what he did. But not without some serious reflection.

I was a teenager in California during the `70s and remember his legacy as governor. Time fades memories, but at the time I clearly recall being abhorred at the thought of this man being POTUS. The 1980 election was my first one and as any young good political junkie, I didn't have a clue but it was ANYBODY but Ronnie!!! I thought Carter was weak during the Iranian Crisis, so I did what any naive newbie does . . . I voted for John Anderson! It started me down a path of Libertarianism that still gnaws at me today.

I remember being such the pragmatist that I took Russian in High School since I just *knew* we'd be going to war if Reagan became POTUS. In fact, I figured even if Carter retained the POTUS we'd still go to war . . . If I wasn't such an ol' dog, I'd take Mandarin today . . . I'll see if they offer it when the Wee Ones are ready to take language 101, but I digress . . .

Even during the `80s, I wasn't impressed with RR. I was in college, so you can only guess how I felt about the Contras and all of the crap going on in Central America. I remember not being overly upset when he was shot . . . in fact I was more upset when John Lennon was assassinated!!!

I was unable to bring myself to vote for either Party due to the Gridlock that consumed the `80s. I still flinch at the thought of voting for Bush this year, but I just see Kerry as being Carteresque and that does not bode well for the country. Once again, we need someone who is decisive. Someone who can take on the newest and possibly the greatest evil in our lifetime, Islamofacists. I would give my right hand to know that these evil, evil pigs are sent back into the stone age they so desire.

Anyway, after reflection, I do feel like he was a great President. In seeing several clips yesterday and today, the biggest thing I noticed was Reagan took resposnibility for actions during his Admin, everything from Beirut to Contragate. Man, is that refreshing!! I forgot what it was like. . . Nowadays NOBODY takes responsibility for ANYTHING.

Ramblin's

Well, nothing special today. I just need to jot down some words to keep this up. Since writing doesn't come naturally to me, I need to work at keeping in practice.

Man, the Wife is just stressin' beyond belief. The new lab at the hospital is just a mess. The Heads just didn't work at what was best for getting the blood work out in a timely fashion. They were concerned with Image. Proof? They even talked about putting the lab about 2 miles from the hospital . . . so think about that. . . A nurse or phlebotimist draws your blood when you're in the Emergency Room and you need results STAT. If the lab is 2 miles away, are you going to cab each draw or have an interior courier drive it ? ? ? Of Course!!! Once they realized what they were envisioning, they decided to have the lab on two floors. Not just two floors, but separated by another floor . . . Man, are these folks clueless. I'm sure I'll blog more on this later, since the Wife is beside her self with Anger and Depression on this . . .

Neither one of us are too excited about going back east to visit family. We're just running up against bad Karma everywhere we turn. It got so bad, last night the mother-in-law calls knowing the Wife is asleep. She said 'Hold on, someone wants to talk to you!' Next thing I know, I'm talking to Cousin Paul (?)who is inviting us to stay at his house. Now, the mother-in-law KNOWS we already made plans to stay at a hotel for sanity reasons, but still put me/us in a bad position. After declining his gracious invite, I could hear him in the background saying 'they want a pool!!' which is true, but I could hear the tone . . . I told the Better Half what transpired and man was she pissed. Nothing like long distance manipulations! ! !

Major FUBR

Man, is there ever a moment in your life when you just fuck up beyond belief? Well, I had such a moment yesterday.

The family is going on our summer vacation this year to the East Coast to visit my wife's grandmother in Baltimore for her 80th birthday. We'll then go down to Asheville, NC to see my mother and grandmother. The trip to Baltimore is kinda like a family reunion for the 80th b'day. Even the Bro'-in-law is making an appearance with his girlfriend and their son. We're hooking up with their mother who's already in Baltimore taking care of the Queen Mum.

All that said . . .

My major fuck up was due to my inattention to detail and this really chaps my hide since I know better. I'm sure you can almost guess what's coming. . . I made the airline reservations on line with Orbitz. With the agenda, we had multiple flights btwn Baltimore and Charlotte. And . . . I . . . forgot . . . to . . . change . . . the date . . . for the flight . . . to Charlotte!!! Now, comes the fun part!!! Just hazard a guess as to how painful this was. . . Let me start with the cancel/change fee for United which was $100 per ticket (+ $400), then there's the change fee due to Orbitz at $30 per ticket (+$120), but wait there's more . . . due to the price of fuel increasing, the cost of the tickets has changed, so now it's an additional $146 per ticket!!! Are you beginning to feel the pain yet? So for my fuck up, it's going to cost me an additional $1100 on top of the $1800 for the pleasure of visiting the in-laws. This is not including the cost of the hotel nor auto rental.

Half the pain was having to inform the 'better half'. She's already so stress with work at the hospital that I thought she'd just break. She just said 'fuck it, let's stay at the Radisson ($140) so we don't have to stay with the family'.

This was just so painful, but I have no one to blame but myself. Grrrrrrrr, it doesn't make any easier though.