April Fool's a Day Early

My ten year old and I believe that our calendar is more off than most people realize. Today is one more piece of evidence that supports that idea. I am 'celebrating' April 1 today, March 31, with a series of fantastic blunders.



First, this morning David was enraged when he discovered that the younger kids and one of their friends, who spent last night here (because his mother, my good friend, was recovering from outpatient surgery), destroyed about $400 worth of 'flex duct' in the garage. This was not the first time that they had played on some of this stuff and crushed it, so we were especially angry about it. So I had 'court' with the kids this morning. This court might more resemble Saddam's trial than a typical American court, but since I'm the Judge, Jury, and Executioner around here so what I say goes. Oh, sure, that's just my story-telling bravado. I didn't really execute anyone. ;-) Anyway, the culprits were lectured on the law that says, "If it's not yours then don't touch it unless you ask first." And also the law that says, "When in Rome (my house) do as the Romans do (follow my rules)." And I threw in a little guilt-trip by telling the visiting boy, "Your mother is one of my very best friends and I would do anything for her. I don't like being put in the position of having to threaten her kid with banishment (a little too strong a word). How do you think it will make your mom feel knowing that you've embarrassed her this way?" After hearing each child's testimony (admissions of guilt) I sentenced them to no PlayStation all weekend. I'm sure I'll think of some other things too. lol

So after starting the day with a bang I've spent the rest of it cussing out and threatening with serious harm my stupid computer and printer. I'm trying to get my pictures finished for tomorrow, and my computer has taken today as sick day. It seems to be missing much of its memory, hmm, a little like its owner. Maybe the TSA came in the night and abducted some it my computer's memory to go with my brain that I'm convinced they still have. (When they 'reconstructed' my head a while ago they must have used some cheap aftermarket reproduction parts.) All day I've been getting a message "not enough memory to perform task..." (printing large files that haven't bogged it down before today). I'm just about ready to go to Circuit City and buy a brand new computer! Or run away... Or both...

Story of 1

Last night on PBS I watched part of a fascinating show about the history of numbers. It was very entertaining as well as informative. There was a lot of humor and cute graphics that helped illustrate the points. I missed about the first half of the show, but when I started watching it ONE was in Greece with Archimedes but was abducted by the 'backwards' Romans. I've never been a fan of Roman numerals, and now I understand why. They are cumbersome and limited, though they do look nice on clocks and watches. Not to disrespect the Romans, however, who achieved great feats of engineering despite their numerals.

I've often wondered about how numbers came to be and how they have affected the intellectual development of humanity. There probably were brief lessons on this somewhere in my education, but maybe not because most math classes focused on using numbers and not how they evolved.

And it was in India that ZERO was 'invented'. Until then 'nothing' wasn't counted. The show explained the cultural, and often religious, concepts that influenced the evolution of numbers at different times in history. In Indian thought very large amounts of things were commonplace so it followed that they would want to develop a way of 'counting' these huge numbers. It was there that 'Arabic' numbers really came to be, in addition to the revolutionary Zero.

The show also discussed Leibniz who 'invented' the binary (using only One and Zero) system on which all of our cyber communications are based. I won't pretend to totally understand how the binary system works, but boy am I glad it does!

Anyone who is interested in the history of thought and the cultural influences that spawned revolutionary ideas in counting and accounting and calculating, as well as how those ideas in turn revolutionized the world, would enjoy this show. Order it or look for it a your local library or video store.

Shopping Spree

Monday morning I was out and about and did a little art and craft supply shopping. I first went to Jerry's Artarama. I had a 20% off coupon that was going to expire at the end of this month, so I wanted to use it. It can be dangerous for me to go shopping there, especially with a coupon, because I love art supplies. I went there specifically for some nice mats for some photos I'm entering in the Dogwood Arts Festival Photo Show. Well, I'm entering them this Saturday, but it is a juried show so they might not be judged into the show. Last year I got two pictures in and the year before that I got one in.

In addition to the mats I bought:

1. "Micro Mini" 12 brush set, I really like these tiny brushes for precision work. They were made in China. I wonder how much they get paid per hour to make these brushes.

2. "Colour Shaper" 5 piece shaped silicone brush set, these are also good for precision work and corrections. Made in England. I wonder how much they are paid to make these in England as compared to China.

3. "Scrubber" 3 brush set, these are supposed to 'erase' paint. Made in China. Again, I wonder about the hourly wage for making these.

4. Staedtler "Mars" Plastic eraser, this is good for removing smudges, etc. Made in Germany. I wonder if Germany has the market on this kind of thing.

5. Staedtler "Mars" Dry Cleaning Pad, another tool for removing smudges, etc. Made in the good, ol' USA. I wonder if union workers make these and how much they get paid per hour compared to the other countries.


It's no accident that 80% of those products I bought are eraser type items. I make lots of mistakes! Or maybe it's just that I change my mind a lot? lol

Oh, how could I forget?! I also bought these ultra-cool Crayola "Spider Writers" which are marker pens with a stringy ink. When you touch the tip to paper and lift it again the ink trails along and forms a strand between the two points. Kind of like building a spider web, thus the name I guess. lol I got the metallic set, but I think there were 'plain' colors too. Made in Korea. I don't see many things made in Korea anymore. I wonder how their unemployment rate is these days.

Million American March

Okay, here's an idea. Why can't someone organize something like a Million American March on Mexico? I'm not a leader or organizer. I'm just a thinker. But if someone would organize this thing I think it could make a big point. We could go to Mexico City or somewhere down there and bring our American flags and march on their city streets in protest. (And while we're at it we can stake out where to start our retirement communities. Florida is already overcrowded and overpriced, as well as most other popular retirement areas in the US, so we could find some nice warm places in Mexico. One of their supposedly abandoned towns, maybe?)

ABC's

I've been tagged by kat.

Accent ~ East Tennessee Twang.

Booze of choice ~ not much of a drinker anymore, but usually vodka in a White Russian

Chore I hate ~ Paying bills.

Dog or Cat ~ grew up with a cat, but now have two dogs forced upon me

Essential Electronics ~ computer, tv, dvd player, Sonicare toothbrush

Favorite perfume/cologne ~ anything by Givenchy

Gold or Silver ~ either

Hometown ~ Knoxville, TN

Insomnia ~ not often

Job Title ~ vicious momma

Kids ~ two boys, 10 and 5; one girl, 7

Living Arrangment ~ family of five in an almost too big house

Most Admired Trait ~ kindness (and honesty, but if you're truly kind you don't lie)

Number of Sexual Partners ~ one at a time, lol

Overnight Hospital Stays ~ 4

Phobia ~ making phone calls

Quote ~ "When the gods want to punish you they answer your prayers." (from movie, Out of Africa)

Religion ~ my own weird mix of things

Siblings ~ older sister

Time I wake up ~ When I have to

Unusual talent/skill ~ sometimes I can read minds

Vegetable I refuse to eat ~ turnips

Worst Habit ~ procrastination

X-rays ~ lots

Yummy foods I make ~ Ooey Gooey (sinfully rich dessert thing)

Zodiac sign ~ Aquarius (sun), Sagittarius (moon, rising, Venus)

I'm supposed to tag people, but I'll leave it up to anyone who wants to do it or leave their answers in a comment.

Say What?

By way of Tayster, Sharon Stone about Hillary Clinton:

I think Hillary Clinton is fantastic. But I think it is too soon for her to run. This may sound odd, but a woman should be past her sexuality when she runs. Hillary still has sexual power, and I don't think people will accept that. It's too threatening.

Is that not the most sexist comment you've ever read? And from a liberal woman, no less!

Groove Is In The Heart 2

Warning: Anyone who is easily offended by religious questions should skip this post.

note: This a 'continuation' of some thoughts in February.

Well I ain't no new messiah,
But I'm close enough for rock and roll.

38 Special, "Rockin' Into the Night"

What is love? The Bible tells us, "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God." (KJV) 1 John 4:7

Anyone who gets to know me finds out that I'm not usually a Bible quoter, I do believe that God (or the Divine, or the Universe, or the Great Unknown, or Whatever you choose to call It) is the source of love. What else but some omnificent, omnipotent, omniscient omnipresence (did that cover all the 'omni's?) could create such a thing? Surely it can't just be the result of chemical reactions. As much as we try to recreate love with chemicals we ultimately fall short. When I was younger (college age) I began to doubt the existence of the "Omni-" although I'd grown up in a Christian (Lutheran) home and had been baptized and confirmed and all that. I never thought of myself as an atheist but more as an agnostic at that time.

Then I fell in love. I couldn't explain love in any other way than that it had to come from some great "Omni-". Surely, anyone who has loved can relate. And when I had my children my knowing of the "Omni-" was even more confirmed. And that maternal love also gave me the purest and strongest glimpse of the "Omni-" that I've ever had. Looking at my firstborn I literally felt my heart open and fill with something that had never been there before. I was never the same.

To be sure, love comes in as many forms as our imaginations and nature can create. There is romantic love, parental love, friendly love, etc. Maybe it seems different only because we each filter and express it differently with different people. Maybe it's like light and sound that travel differently through different substances. But let us not be confused as to love's source even though it seems to exist in so many various forms.

The Divine Feminine

My problems with Christianity lie largely with the Father and the Son. Yeah, I know that's huge. The Lutherans believe in the Trinity, the unity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as three persons in one Godhead. That always bothered me, even as a child. Where was the Mother? Where was the feminine aspect of divinity? It didn't make sense. Was the Holy Spirit feminine? Not according to the church's teachings. Can't you see how this oversight would concern a thoughtful little girl?

Even as encompassing as the Trinity tries to be it seems still incomplete. And I've wondered why the concept of the Holy Spirit wasn't enough in itself. Any time that we try to limit the "Omni-" with names and personifications we are limiting our own understanding of It. Of course, we do want to name things. That's what we do. We like to identify our surroundings and give things names so that we can communicate about them. But isn't there some scripture that tells us not to name God? Or am I suffering from another false memory caused by too many random thoughts (some old and feeble) bumping into each other and getting confused?

Doesn't it seem like it's time for another Reformation? Doesn't it seem like the way-it-is has been somewhat dysfunctional? And no wonder, there is no balance. Hold the groans, yes, I'm going to make a Star Wars reference here. Anakin was the promised one who was going to bring balance back to the Force. In his wisdom George Lucas chose not to have that happen with ease and happiness (where's the material for 6 movies in that?). The balance to the Force came only after much pain and suffering, all connected in some way to Anakin's love for his mother and Padme. Where am I going with this? I'm not sure, but I do have a point somewhere. Maybe I'm trying to say that we need a new messiah, a female who can give the world a new, more complete perspective on the Divine. Despite an occasional delusion of grandeur, no, I'm not suggesting that I'm some new messiah... I'm not even close enough for rock and roll.

So, what's love got to do with it? Well, over the last couple of thousand years the masculine concept of the Divine hasn't been terribly successful in promoting 1 John 4:7, has it? Maybe if males grew lives inside their bodies they would revere it more? "...and every one that loveth is born of God..." Born of God. Born of woman. You make the connection. I'm being facetious; I'm not saying that God is a woman. I'm saying that by denying the feminine aspect of the "Omni-" we are limiting It. If it truly is "Omni-" then it is everything, not just the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The problems with love are due to our own limitations. Love inevitably causes us pain, so how can it be from the Divine? Asking that is the same as throwing the baby out with the bathwater. It's not the love itself that causes the pain. It's the denial, withdrawal, or blindness to the love that hurts us. Love really is like a drug in that way. Once you have a taste of it you want it over and over and over again. The trick is to learn to access that love on your own and not rely on it coming from others. Oh, yes, I know what a difficult trick that is! And anyone who has loved, really loved, has felt their heart break, if only from the thought of their love going away. But we don't have to rely on others to connect to the flow of love that comes from the "Omni-".

Some say that we can only do that through the Son, Jesus Christ. Frankly, and I know this is a heresy, but I think that what Jesus said was misinterpreted or even that his own language was limited by his time and place.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (KJV) John 14:6

I guess Jesus was brought up with the prevailing Jewish views of the time. And that was Father-based. Maybe you can only get to the Father by way of Jesus, but what about the "Omni-"? Is it possible that what Jesus meant was that he knew the meaning of love and that people needed to listen to his words in order to learn that truth? I know these are uncomfortable questions and statements.

And what happens when our hearts get broken anyway? That answer is probably as variable as the different people in the world. My heart has been broken many times, even in the 'protection' of marriage. David says I'm way oversensitive. Maybe so, but maybe sensitivity is a tool people can use to access (open up to) the love from the Source, the "Omni-"? Either way, I do know that Groove is in the Heart, and if people want to be some kind of a conduit for it they need to reinforce their insulation somehow because it can burn like a bare, hot wire. Or maybe like light reflected from a mirror (you really can burn things that way):

There's a mirror moving inside my mind
Reflecting the love that you shine on me
Hold on now to that feeling
Let it flow, let it grow, yeah, yeah

My heart is on fire
My soul's like a wheel that's turnin'
My love is alive, my love is alive, yeah...

Love Is Alive by Gary Wright

But just because it is hot and possibly dangerous, much like the electricity that runs through our wired world, doesn't mean that it's not worth the risk in order to have our lives lit up and powered from within.

So I'll close with the Aaronic Benediction that traditionally closes Lutheran services. This is a vast improvement over my first draft (that blogger lost) which ended with a link to a song that celebrates a very different, yet just as valid, way of finding that God/love connection.

The Lord bless you, and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

Mae West Quote of the Week 3

"Too much of a good thing can be wonderful."

One Year Ago

I've been trying to delete my old aol journal for some time now, but I find it difficult to let some things disappear into the cyber oblivion. This is a day early, but here's the entry from one year ago:

Monday, March 28, 2005
Subject: Shocked and Rocked
Time: 7:33:00 PM EST
Author: ramskates
Mood: Worried
Music: I'm at a loss as to what I need to hear right now.


Well, as for commenting on that horoscope all I can say is that yeah, change occurred today, but not in any way that I ever imagined. And not in a good way as far as I can tell at this point. How could having your beautiful, perfect dream car smashed be a positive change? Is it some kind of punishment for loving a thing so much? It's not like I loved it more than my kids or husband or anything like that. And why was I so quick to blame myself for being in the wrong place at the wrong time in the wrong car? I know that I think that I should know everything that is going to happen and therefore be able to avoid or prevent them. But this was something that truly took me by surprise. I had general feelings of anxiety and concern this morning and debated taking the Corvette out. I decided that I would take it because I was planning on driving a good bit getting some stuff to get my pictures ready for the Dogwood Arts thing. With gas so expensive I thought I would save a little gas by not driving the Expedition. HA!! Saved a little gas for sure. Stupid reasons for doing things. I'm so disappointed. Shook up. Shocked. Heartbroken. Sick. This really rocked my world, and not in a good way.

So tonight I'm on my way to pickling myself with White Russians. I might just add a little herb to the mixture too. I know it doesn't solve anything or accomplish anything other than probably making me sick. But sometimes you have to pour fuel on a fire. Sometimes you have to put salt on the cut. And sometimes you have to say what the Fuck?!!

So what the fuck!

I do feel sorry for the woman who hit me. She's having a run of really bad luck. She was so apologetic and she even called this afternoon to see if I was okay. I know she's probably worried that I'm going to try to sue her or something. But I'm not that kind of person. I'm not hurt and I trust that the insurance will cover things. She just moved here from Texas and is having a disaster every day. I hope she's going to be okay.

Anyway, so yeah, this week has started out with a bang and I'll definitely remember it for a long time to come. I wonder what other surprises are in store. Please, if there are any others let them be pleasant. What was that sign I was asking for? I'll have to look back and see what I was wanting. I'm going to stop asking for anything.

The irony of asking for signs and getting what you'd never imagined is a humbling experience. It's that same idea that your prayers are always answered but that sometimes those answers come in forms we don't recognize or don't appreciate or like. In the weeks before this entry last year I had been musing about changes and signs and had "asked" for something big and surprising to happen. In my hubris I expected that I could challenge the Universe and win. HA! Well, like in all the old cartoons and things that have the mischievous genie granting wishes in some off-hand way I got my big surprise. But all's well that ends well. I learned some hard lessons from that experience, and isn't that the point of life anyway?

And the Wind Cries, Mary

Update:Mary's Cries, 7-2-06


(Lubos has a thoughtful post on the Winkler murder. For the complete lyrics to "The Wind Cries Mary" by Jimi Hendrix click the title above. Actually, did Hendrix write this song or was it a cover of an old blues song?)

After all the jacks are in their boxes
And the clowns have all gone to bed
You can hear happiness staggering on downstreet
Footprints dressed in red

And the wind whispers, MARY

A broom is drearily sweeping
up the broken pieces of yesterday's life
Somewhere a queen is weeping
Somewhere a king has no wife

And the wind, it cries, MARY

Many of us have speculated about the motive for Mary Winkler to shoot her husband dead. Did the wind whisper her name and tell her that murder was the only way? Did she hear the happiness staggering down her street and wish that it was hers?

Or was she killing a monster only she (and her daughters?) knew? It's hard for me to 'get into her head' because she was indoctrinated with a belief system very different from mine. But we do have things in common. We both have three young children. We both chose to live in a marriage with 'traditional' gender roles (but put into practice in very different ways). We both are from Tennessee.

I first heard about this story when the Amber alert came on TV. At that time they hadn't even said that Mary was a suspect. But I've watched too many crime shows and knew that the spouse is usually the first person to suspect in a murder at home. And the thought that he was molesting one or more of those little girls 'popped' into my head, probably because that is the only thing that would cause me to kill someone intentionally.

Another clue for me is that the police won't tell the motive even though they know it. The delay could be due to their need to gather more evidence (interview the children) and take steps to protect the children as much as possible. When there are accusations of incest there must be extreme care taken in how the children are treated. And I will admit my personal feeling that if he was molesting one or more of his daughters then my views of Mary are much more lenient. Would it justify her actions? Not in the eyes of the law, but in my motherly eyes it does. I know that is wrong, but as a "vicious momma" that's just how it is.

Of course, I could very well be wrong (some of you tell me that often enough). For the sake of those girls, I hope I am.

Country Questions

I saw this over at Kat's.


1. Have you ever been muddin’? Does that mean four-wheeling? (yes) Or rolling around in the mud? (not intentionally)

2. Have you ever been on a dirt/gravel road? We do now, well, this is even worse... it's half paved and half gravel.

3. Ever been swimmin’ at the river? Yes, as a child, but I didn't like it. My hand brushed up against some long, stringy moss or something under the water that felt just like long hair and that creeped me out so bad I still get chills thinking about it.

4. Ever had a bonfire party? Yes.

5. Have you ever driven a tractor? Yeah, we have a John Deere, but I think it's scary to drive.

6. Have you ever been on a horse? Yes, and I love it even though I'm not that good at it.

7. Call a kiss “sugar” (Gimme some sugar)? All the time.

8. Get stuck, in a 4WD, in mud up to the windows? No, but I have been four-wheeling in a truck.

9. Do you say fixin’, reckon and ya’ll? fixin' not so much, but reckon and ya'll all the time

10. Ever done 90 mph down a dirt road? No, not a dirt road. ;-)

11. Worked/Lived on a farm? No, but we are surrounded by them and I had relatives with a farm when I was a kid.

12. Been to a rodeo? No

13. Do you own cowboy boots? Not now but in high school I did

14. Have you ever went rollin’ yard? No.

15. Have you ever said “git er done”? I wrote it the other day!

16. Does your town have a “Drive A Tractor to School Day”? No.

17. Have you ever had a party in a barn? Not hosted one but been to one.

18. Do you think tractors are sexy? Uh, no, but erectors (cranes) are cool... lol

19. Ever rode a 4-wheeler? No.

20. Are you from the country? Yeah, I guess so.

21. If so, are you proud of it? Of course!

22. Gone hunting? No, but I've run over a variety of critters.

23. Gone fishing? Yes, I love fishing as long as the fish are biting. And I'm pretty good at it.

24. Can you clog or have you been clogging? No.

25. Been on a hay ride? yeah

26. Have you ever line danced? A few times, but I don't enjoy it.

27. Camped under the stars? No, I'm not a camper.

28. Ever been cow tippin’? No

29. Ever owned a pick up truck? Many, currently we have a huge Ford F350 dually, club cab that's about 50 feet long (well, maybe 20). I can drive it, but I don't like to.

30. Had a pig for a pet? No. But we had a goat for a while until it ran away or was stolen.

31. Own a pair of overalls? No, not my style.

32. Pee’d on the side of the road? Many times.

33. Made homemade wine? No, I'm more into growing things...

34. Had a party at the creek? No.

35. Milked a cow? Yeah, when I was a kid.

36. Ran across round bails of hay? No, but I love to see them lined up in fields.

37. Must have sweat tea? Absolutely!

38. Been to a race? No.

39. Drink fresh milk, straight from the dairy farm? I tried that once when I was a kid, but it was gross because the milk was still warm from the cow. Ick.

40. Include the word “yonder” in your vocabulary? Not usually.

While I'm at it...

talking crazy and offending people, let me say that I think Hell just froze over: Hillary is using the Bible in her arguments against an immigration bill!

Hello? Why is everyone babying illegal Mexicans? They are ILLEGAL! Since when did an entire group of CRIMINALS become the poster children for the Democrats?

Or did I miss the memo that changed the meaning of ILLEGAL? Jesus! (or Hey-sus, if you prefer)

Yes, this is a mindless rant so don't bother with telling me about the good of immigration, blah, blah, blah... I totally support the good of LEGAL immigration.

But there is one way to solve this whole mess.

Let's just take over Mexico.

All the Mexicans are coming up here anyway, so let's just open the border both ways and tell them, "Move over we're in charge now."

Put that in your taco and chew on it.

Mae West Quote of the Week 2

"Those who are easily shocked should be shocked more often."

Jose', can you see?

And so the Constitutional debate continues over at CapitalistImperialistPig.


Here are some annotations on the Constitution and the Fourth Amendment:

Valid Searches and Seizures Without Warrants

Detention Short of Arrest: Stop–and–Frisk
Search Incident to Arrest
Vehicular Searches
Vessel Searches
Consent Searches
Border Searches
Public Schools
Government Offices
Prisons and Regulation of Probation
Drug Testing


Click the following link for an in-depth, though dated because it cites no cases beyond 1982, examination of Electronic Surveillance and the Fourth Amendment.

footnote 153 from that link:

The case [Katz v. United States, 1967] contains a clear suggestion that the Court would approve a congressional provision for a different standard of probable cause in national security cases. “We recognize that domestic security surveillance may involve different policy and practical considerations from the surveillance of ‘ordinary crime.’ The gathering of security intelligence is often long range and involves the interrelation of various sources and types of information. The exact targets of such surveillance may be more difficult to identify than in surveillance operations against many types of crimes specified in Title III. Often, too, the emphasis of domestic intelligence gathering is on the prevention of unlawful activity or the enhancement of the Government’s preparedness for some future crisis or emergency. . . . Different standards may be compatible with the Fourth Amendment if they are reasonable both in relation to the legitimate need of Government for intelligence information and the protected rights of our citizens. For the warrant application may vary according to the governmental interest to be enforced and the nature of citizen rights deserving protection. . . . It may be that Congress, for example, would judge that the application and affidavit showing probable cause need not follow the exact requirements of Sec. 2518 but should allege other circumstances more appropriate to domestic security cases. . . .” Id. at 322–23.

Mr. Pig says that our founding fathers, among others, "distrusted unlimited executive power." Well, sure, we all do. Their concern was that America didn't become another England. But they also restricted voting rights to white, male property owners and had 'good' reasons for doing that considering their time and place. But we have grown as a country and things change. The Constitution and its interpretation has changed too (and will continute to evolve). I don't see how people can logically conclude that Bush has exercised "unlimited executive power." I'm reminded of Truman's famous sign, "The buck stops here." The Executive Branch has got to have some final say about some things, especially if we are to call the President The Commander in Chief. What does that imply? Simply, it means that in issues of war and national security there must be a strong, singular leader who can cut through all the bureaucratic bullshit and willy-nilly political crap and say, "Git-R-Done!" (thanks to Larry the Cable Guy).

Ignorant dumbass or not, I do feel safer today than I was on Sept. 10, 2001. I ain't no feminazi. I like to be taken care of by a strong man (or men if that's what it takes). As for Bush setting some slipperly slope precedents that will lead our country into some totalitarian regime, that's just ridiculous, except coming from someone who has such a low estimation of all our government branches that he thinks they all will fail. Is that what you think Mr. Pig? Is your faith in the American way and the American system and the American people so low that you honestly believe that we are in danger of losing all of our freedoms? For someone who sees the world that way I guess it is a natural response to cry, "The sky is falling! The sky is falling!"

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight'
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming.
And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?...

Oh, thus be it ever when free men shall stand,
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation;
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Power that has made and preserved us as a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust";
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

First and last stanzas of The Star-Spangled Banner.

Constitutional Study Part 5

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.


I think the key word there is "unreasonable."

Someone show me where in the Constitution that it says a wartime President cannot wiretap foreign terrorists' incoming calls without a warrant when taking the time to get that warrant might cost lives.

Assorted Babble: Hinson another reminder of Recidivism

Assorted Babble: Hinson another reminder of Recidivism


Please read suzie's post about that subhuman monster in South Carolina. Honestly, I think we need a new Constitutional Amendment that specifies that anyone who has been convicted of sexual crimes against children has forfeited all rights and protections of the Constitution upon the obvious committing a another such offense.

Happy Spring!

(not the birdbird from this morning but one from a couple of summers ago)



This morning I was visited by a bright blue male bluebird on our back porch/deck. According to shamanic mumbo-jumbo bluebirds represent "modesty, unassuming confidence and happiness" (Ted Andrews, Animal-Speak), and their time of power is at seasonal changes (interesting, no?). We have lots of bluebirds around here, but one has never perched so close to the house before (that I have seen). And of course, by the time I grabbed my camera it had flown up into a tree. In his book Andrews suggests that bluebirds might come to us as a reminder to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. That is always good advice. And the color blue corresponds to the throat chakra which is concerned with expression. Bluebirds are gentle and non-agressive but will become quite fierce if threatened. Andrews suggests that the bluebird's symbolism as happiness is a recent idea and that bluebird didn't play any large parts in Indian mythology. I think that implies a commonness, not in the sense of being inferior or lacking in any way but in the sense of being present and ubiquitous, like the good that's always around us if only we'll notice it.

So, happy Vernal Equinox! The equinox also represents balance, which perhaps the bluebird might also represent.

Big Idea

Sometimes when I'm so emotionally unstable due to hormones I have to go outside and pick around the yard to 'ground' some of that extraneous, 'negative' energy. Hokey or not, it does seem to help. Today I was outside cleaning up an area next to a large cinderblock retaining wall that has yet to be painted or otherwise 'finished.' All of a sudden I thought, "Oh! That would be the perfect place for a large-scale tile mosaic." Now, I've never done that before, though I have pondered doing tile mosaics for a few years. As with many of my inspirations it might never come to fruition, but then again, maybe it will. It will take a while for me to 'find' the right design, something that will not be "too weird" according to David. After all, it will be a fairly permanent installation. I'm thinking of some cool, mostly geometric design, but I also like this kind of thing, only I'll have to leave out any obviously "weird" spiritual symbolism in respect for David's tastes. I'll also have to consider the style of our house which is 'country ranch' style. Perhaps a mosaic that says "See Rock City" would work? LOL Well, really, I'd like to do something somewhat 'artsy,' but it really can't be too crazy-looking. I'll have to go through my computer files for any designs I've already made to see if something jumps out at me. My daughter said an angel would be good. Yeah, maybe it would. And how could anyone think that is too weird?

Opinions, please! Is this a crazy idea? Any suggestions for designs?

26 Wasted Minutes...

The transcript of an IM exchange with an Australian friend(?) whose name is changed for privacy. The bold emphasis was added later to highlight my main points. :


aussie [10:37 A.M.]: Hola
Ramskates [10:37 A.M.]: hi
aussie [10:38 A.M.]: Do you know how many civillians were killed on september 11th?
Ramskates [10:38 A.M.]: about 3000 I think, but I'm not sure
aussie [10:38 A.M.]: 2,975
Ramskates [10:38 A.M.]: yeah
aussie [10:38 A.M.]: Know how many civillians have been confirmed killed in Afghanistan?
Ramskates [10:38 A.M.]: nope
aussie [10:38 A.M.]: 3,500+
aussie [10:39 A.M.]: Know how many in Iraq?
Ramskates [10:39 A.M.]: no
aussie [10:39 A.M.]: 33,489
Ramskates [10:39 A.M.]: the terrorists are bad
aussie [10:39 A.M.]: Know how many Coalition troops have been killed?
Ramskates [10:39 A.M.]: no
aussie [10:39 A.M.]: 2655
Ramskates [10:39 A.M.]: the terrorists have killed most all of them
aussie [10:40 A.M.]: it's not terrorism when it's against a military person
aussie [10:40 A.M.]: but yes
aussie [10:40 A.M.]: duh
Ramskates [10:40 A.M.]: I was talking about the civilians
aussie [10:41 A.M.]: actually most were killed during the bombing runs
aussie [10:41 A.M.]: basically at the end of the day you have 2,975 versus 39,644
aussie [10:42 A.M.]: that's a difference of 36,669
aussie [10:42 A.M.]: and we're not talking about money or something here
aussie [10:42 A.M.]: we're talking about humans
Ramskates [10:42 A.M.]: That's not a good comparison, actually. Too many variables that aren't taken into consideration. Not logical.
aussie [10:42 A.M.]: what variables?
aussie [10:42 A.M.]: I've only used US government estimates.
aussie [10:43 A.M.]: the maximum estimate for Iraq civillians is 37,589
aussie [10:43 A.M.]: but that few thousand difference don't affect us
Ramskates [10:44 A.M.]: the issues behind the attacks on the US and the issues of why the US retaliated. You have to stop the crazy Muslims who want to kill everyone who isn't Muslim because they want to take over the world.
aussie [10:44 A.M.]: funny that the few thousand in the first stat 9-11 do
aussie [10:44 A.M.]: yes you do
aussie [10:44 A.M.]: killing 3500 civillians in bombing runs
aussie [10:44 A.M.]: is not the way
Ramskates [10:44 A.M.]: What is?
aussie [10:45 A.M.]: better intelligence? Better funding? A foreign policy that doesn't involve assasinating democratically elected Iranian presidents?
Ramskates [10:46 A.M.]: I don't have any answers for those questions. I'm just a little old redneck momma in TN who is trying to raise my family and teach them how to be good people.
aussie [10:47 A.M.]: I know :P
Ramskates [10:47 A.M.]: LOL
aussie [10:47 A.M.]: Teach 'em that killing is wrong no matter what.
aussie [10:47 A.M.]: :P
Ramskates [10:48 A.M.]: No, if their lives and safety and freedom are being threatened then it's okay for them to support the government's wars.
Ramskates [10:48 A.M.]: Freedom is expensive.
aussie [10:48 A.M.]: lol
aussie [10:48 A.M.]: I believe killing is always wrong unless in self defence
Ramskates [10:49 A.M.]: Self defense can include 'offensive' defense.
aussie [10:49 A.M.]: of course
aussie [10:49 A.M.]: you don't have to be looking down a gun barrel
aussie [10:49 A.M.]: but dropping bombs on civillian towns
aussie [10:49 A.M.]: is not self defence
aussie [10:49 A.M.]: I think most would agree
Ramskates [10:50 A.M.]: dropping bombs on civilian towns in which the terrorists are cowardly hiding and using civilians as shields is self-defense.
Ramskates [10:51 A.M.]: are those civilians dying because of us or because of the terrorists? That's my question.
aussie [10:52 A.M.]: because of you
Ramskates [10:52 A.M.]: no, because the terrorists are using them
aussie [10:53 A.M.]: so if terrorists used your children as self defence, that's cool with you?
aussie [10:53 A.M.]: keep in mind these weren't terrorists
aussie [10:53 A.M.]: these were the Afghani government
Ramskates [10:54 A.M.]: no, that's not cool with me. But if terrorists had MY children I'd be going after them with MY OWN guns and shit and wouldn't wait for the government to step in. I'd sacrifice my life to try to save theirs.
aussie [10:55 A.M.]: and they weren't using them as shields
aussie [10:56 A.M.]: and I think you're a sick fuck if you think it's ok to kill hostages to get the hostage takers
Ramskates [10:56 A.M.]: Like I said, freedom is expensive. MANY people (innocent and otherwise) have lost their lives in the fight for freedom all over the world.
aussie [10:56 A.M.]: you've only lost freedom since this war began
aussie [10:56 A.M.]: you haven't gained any freedom
Ramskates [10:56 A.M.]: I haven't lost any freedom. What freedom have I lost?
aussie [10:57 A.M.]: The President has violated the constitution and ordered wiretaps without warrants, the patriot act has been passed, new legislation forcing communications providers to provide the government with backdoors to tap has been passed
aussie [10:58 A.M.]: but nevermind what you've lost
aussie [10:58 A.M.]: what have you gained?
aussie [10:58 A.M.]: are you any safer?
aussie [10:58 A.M.]: is safety the same thing as freedom?
Ramskates [10:58 A.M.]: The US would never have become an Independent nation if many people hadn't lost their lives in the fight for freedom.

I'm safer than I was on Sept. 10, 2001.
aussie [10:59 A.M.]: No, you're not.
Ramskates [10:59 A.M.]: My constitutional rights have not been violated. How do you know? You're not here.
aussie [10:59 A.M.]: I'll warrant I read US news more closely than you do
Ramskates [10:59 A.M.]: When I've flown I haven't worried that some [epithet removed] was going to blow up the plane.
Ramskates [10:59 A.M.]: you get biased news
aussie [11:00 A.M.]: AHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHA
aussie [11:00 A.M.]: Here's my regular news sources
aussie [11:00 A.M.]: Reuters, CNN, ABC, NBC, BBC, Fox News, PBS, Washington Post, TIME
aussie [11:01 A.M.]: and many many more
aussie [11:01 A.M.]: I don't watch Australian news
Ramskates [11:01 A.M.]: yes, all biased
aussie [11:03 A.M.]: what isn't biased?
aussie [11:03 A.M.]: everyone is biased
Ramskates [11:03 A.M.]: Don't you think that Iran's current push for nuclear weapons would be a much bigger threat if Sadam was still in power in Iraq? The problem with people today is that they don't look far enough into the future to see that today's hardships and sacrifices will ensure better lives in the future.
aussie [11:03 A.M.]: basic facts aren't though
aussie [11:03 A.M.]: I think you're a dumbass.
Ramskates [11:03 A.M.]: I think you're a dumbass. You have no clue as to what the real issues are.
aussie signed off at 11:04 A.M.


I don't need some Australian to tell me that my Constitutional rights have been violated by President Bush. Total bullshit. What does an Australian pussy coward know about freedom anyway? Did they fight a Revolutionary War and WIN their INDEPENDENCE from England? Hm?

When will all these cowards finally realize that FREEDOM IS FUCKING EXPENSIVE, in lives, in money, in time, in responsibility? THANK GOD that we weren't overrun by these silly slugs 230 years ago or we'd still be spending money with the freakin' Queen of England's picture on it too. And THANK GOD for the soldiers who have the COURAGE and HEART to risk their lives for all of us. Of course I am saddened that innocent civilians have died. And I THANK GOD for them and their sacrifices too.

And for the record, if you disagree with me that's fine. Just remember if you live in the FREE world there have been countless lives sacrificed for your freedom to disagree. Have a little more reverence for that, okay?

Kiss Me, I'm Irish!

(by marriage, anyway, yes, I have a McName)

Calgon, take me away!

Magazine Inspired Meme

I saw this Dressbarn ad in a magazine and decided I'd turn it into a blog meme.


Where were you born? The Secret City (Oak Ridge, TN)

Name something you've always wanted to do. Just one? Spacewalk. (Yeah, like in space, away from the planet.)

What do you want to be when you grow up? A grandma. (remember the Fruitcake Lady)

What's the number one problem we face in the world today? In the US, the entitlement mentality and the abuse of freedom. In the world, suppression of freedom.

If you could change the world what would you do? Honestly, I would become a dictator of love. LOL

What's the most dangerous thing you've ever done? Fall in love. (It's pretty sticky stuff.)

Favorite word? Succulent. (And Bubble is nice too.)


And to add a couple of questions borrowed from Playboy:

Turn ons. Intelligent humor, compliments, kindness.

Turn offs. Body odor, bad breath, meanness.


Please, feel free to add your answers in the comments here or on your own blog.

This Blog Approved in China

I was reading about one site's being banned from Google. I'm not getting into the details and rights and wrongs of it because I'm not sure exactly what all the issues are. One side says it's being banned and censored because they ridiculed Google China and Google's going along with China's censorship, and the other says the site was banned for breaking rules about spamming or something. Really, that's their dispute. But it piqued my curiosity about my own blog's standing with the Communists. Apparently, I've slipped under the radar and am approved in China. From my statcounter I've noticed that I've gotten hits from a wide variety of countries, even Iran, but I can't recall any from China (yet).

Happy Pi Day

(copied from AOL, I think they can afford it)

Fast Facts About the History of Pi
Have Some Pie and Celebrate This Unique Number
By JUSTIN CLEARY, AOL RESEARCH AND LEARN


The Greek letter Pi became the number's symbol when Welsh mathematician William Jones introduced the notation in 1706.


(March 14) - Certain scientific and mathematical principles are irreplaceable cornerstones of modern discovery. One of the most fundamental of these is a number commonly called “Pi”. This number, defined as the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its radius, is universally applicable and ranks among math and science’s most important concepts – after all, how many other non-integers have their own button on many calculators? Each March 14, scholars celebrate Pi Day in recognition of the number's first three digits: 3.14. Read on to learn about the history of Pi’s discovery, a legislative attempt to fudge its value and how mystics hijacked its significance.

3.14159265358979323846…: The first 20 decimal places of Pi were not always known. The ancient Chinese recognized the number’s concept and estimated its value to be approximately three. The most accurate ancient estimates came from Archimedes (around 250 B.C.) and Ptolemy (around 150 B.C.), who used geometric methods to determine Pi. These brilliant tactics led to an approximation of Pi equal to 3.1416. Given the comparatively crude measuring equipment available to these scholars, this 99.999% accurate estimate is astounding.

Nerds Struggle to Get Digits: As technology became more advanced, the quest for more accurate estimate for Pi escalated. Ludolph van Ceulen, a 16th century mathematician, computed 35 correct digits of Pi after decades of work. While many worked on the task over the years, the project gained steam with the invention of computers. Researchers at the University of Tokyo announced that they had discovered 1.24 trillion digits as of Oct. 2002.

We’re Not in Kansas Anymore: Just as the battle over evolution in Kansas is today's major effort to legislate appropriate book learnin’, Indiana once had a fierce dispute over the value of Pi. In 1897, Dr. Edwin Goodwin introduced a bill to the Indiana legislature that officially pegged the value of Pi at 3.2, reverting to a 2500 year old estimate of the real number. As scholars cringed, the bill was unanimously passed in the house. Luckily, the intervention of a Purdue University professor killed the bill in the Senate. Although not defined in the bill, one has to wonder: what would be the punishment for breaking the Pi = 3.2 law in Indiana?

The Nostradamus of Numbers: Numerology has not missed the significance of Pi. This practice involves studying numerical patterns in letters and interpreting their mathematical significance. One popular numerological analysis is of a Bible passage describing the dimensions of a circle. Such analysis adds the letters of certain phrases in a system similar to A=1, B=2, etc. In short, the Biblical phrase “a line of thirty cubits encircled it” divided by the phrase “ten cubits” yields 3.16. The proximity of this number to the actual value of Pi has been used as evidence to prove that the Bible contains secret codes. These codes can allegedly be used to predict future events including WWII and the invention of the Internet.

Uses of Pi: Just about every high school graduate has used Pi at one time or another. When it comes to circles, Pi is all important. The number in many calculations including the area of a circle and the volume of a cylinder or a sphere. Although these are useful formulas, the practical applications of extended values Pi are limited. Do a tire’s dimensions have to correspond to the 10,000th digit to make its design effective? Certainly not. As with many scientific pursuits, however, the search for Pi’s digits result in the development of new research techniques and methods. In short, discovery begets discovery.

Sources Used
Carpenter, Thomas P. "Pi." World Book Online Reference Center. 2006. 10 Mar. 2006. http://www.aolsvc.worldbook.aol.com/wb/Article?id=ar428700
"The Story of Pi." CodeHappy.Net. 10 Mar 2006. http://www.codehappy.net/pi.htm
Simon Singh. "As Simple as Pi." BBC 2006. Mar 10 2006. http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/science/5numbers2.shtml
"Pi and Traditional Gematria." July 1999. Mar 10 2006. http://members.aol.com/emuro/gematria/gematria.html

Phobias

(this is my third attempt at a post today, everything seems pointless today)

Do you have any phobias? I used to be deathly afraid of spiders (Arachnophobia), but after studying shamanism I've overcome that fear. I've never been terrified of snakes or any other creatures. Actually, I'm really fascinated with most creepy-crawlies. I might have a bit of Acrophobia, the fear of heights, but I chalk that up to common sense avoidance of dangerous places like unsecured high ledges, etc. I mean, isn't that just common sense to stay away from the edge of a cliff? I really dislike clowns, but I don't think it's to the point of Coulrophobia. I have a dysfunctional relationship with food and hate to cook, but I don't fear cooking (Mageirocophobia).

The one thing that I do have this terrible, irrational fear of is making phone calls. I can't find a name for that one. Now, I can receive a call and talk on the phone just fine most of the time, though I do hate my phone voice which is too little girly and soft and thick with that Tennessee twang. But just in the last week I've missed two appointments due to my being a bimbo (I'm not blonde but I do have lots of recessive blonde genes.) And now, I'm tormented by having to call and reschedule them. How stupid is that? I know that all I have to do is dial the number and tell the receptionist that I need to reschedule my appointments. So why do I find it so difficult? It's totally irrational and inexplicable.

I just did a search on fear of phoning and apparently it's pretty common. And the most frequent advice is to just make the f*cking calls and get over it. Yeah. LOL

Mae West Quote of the Week

"Good sex is like good Bridge. If you don't have a good partner, you'd better have a good hand."

BUBBLES

Which reality do I choose?

1. The blue bubble that is the near future of painting the mudroom?

Or

2. The red bubble that is the near future of sitting here connected to this cyber-dimension of time and space letting my stream-of-consciousness ramble on about the meanings of bubbles and stuff?


I'm reaching for the red bubble and hear a whispering echo, "Remember -- all I am offering is the truth, nothing more."

And then, "Come on in...the water's nice."

Okay, I'm taking a dive. And it doesn't involve a paint bucket.

Our understanding of our universe is comparable to a child's. (not that this is necessarily a bad thing because children can be quite wise) Children love BUBBLES. They seem to intuitively know that a bubble is such a basic structure. Their fascination connects them with some undefined truth.

Imagine that you are a bubble. All you know is yourself (provided you are self-aware) and your immediate surroundings that you can sense with whatever senses you have. Most bubbles never 'know' the water (or whatever substance they come from) somewhere below/around them. They might never even 'know' that there is some thing that 'created' them and 'sustains' them. And they probably don't even know that they are bubbles at all but think that they are solid balls.

Sometimes there are bubbles that are 'connected' to their source and intuitively know that there is more to the universe than just bubbles. These bubbles spend their entire lives trying to define this thing and trying to make the other bubbles aware of it. Some do this through science, some through philosophy and religion, and some just pop. Just as in some theoretical physics, which longs to unify all things known and unknown, so do prophets and philosophers seek to define all things known and unknown. They all construct their own particular understandings and sometimes try to impose theirs as the only way. But rarely comes a bubble who can unify all views of the current time. We are approaching that time. Soon. (And no, I'm not that bubble because I'm too prone to popping under pressure.)

See, I'm stuck with this vision of bubbles. Somehow looking at bubbles connects me to some undefined (to my limited knowledge) truth, just like a child. I don't have the language to explain this vision, just like I can't explain in words, or even pictures, what God looked like when I saw 'It' one day last summer while taking a shower. (Yes, I'm totally serious about that, and if that makes me crazy then I'll just go get the pink hair dye.) Anyway, some current theories in science and some corresponding ideas in spirituality seem to keep bringing the bubbles to the surface. I'm trying to read about these things in search of that missing language I can use to define my 'visions.'

But then I begin to wonder if there will ever be an end to that search because every time we define our 'container' there's still the question of 'what contains that container?' I feel my bubble thinning and getting very close to that critical popping point. What is Infinity? Is it truly infinite? Or is it only infinite because we haven't found the end yet? My oldest son asked me a couple of years ago, "Does space have walls (meaning an ending)?" Well, does it? If it's a bubble it does. I told him that his question was one that has puzzled people endlessly and that I just don't know. I told him that somehow I 'intuitively' know that if Infinity is 'real' then it ultimately has no walls (and I tried to explain that what we know as space is probably not all that there is in the universe). Isn't pi an infinite number? If there is pi that is truly infinite then Infinity must exist. Or am I dumb, and a very thin and fragile bubble, to be having trouble reconciling infinity and defining our 'container' whether that container is a bubble or what?

Now I'm getting flashbacks to an old Star Trek episode, "I, Mudd", in which a robot race controls a planet until their human 'leader,' Harcourt Fenton Mudd, fries the circuits of the robot leader, Norman, by telling him, "Everything I say is a lie."

*POP*




(Apologies for the lame Matrix and Star Trek references. I should have chosen the blue bubble.)

What I want to be when I grow up...

the Fruitcake Lady!






For more click here.

Answers

I have lots of answers if only people would ask me the right questions.

This is just the beginning.


1. the answer to

is 2 lobster tails, 3 crab legs, and chocolate mousse.

Brokeback Oil Change

I absolutely HATE dealing with car maintenance! On Friday I took my old Expedition for an oil change at one of those quick change places. I've gone there several times, and David takes all the work vehicles there. I've never had a problem with them trying to mess up my car or charging me for things I didn't need. Well, change is inevitable. On Friday I pull up and get in line for service. Usually, a woman comes right out and gets all your information and tells you to wait in the lobby. But this time no one came out, and I sat there for a while thinking that I'll be patient and wait a few minutes because they seemed a little busy. One of their work bays was closed so I figured they were short-handed.

There were three men there, two mechanics and a guy running around like he didn't quite know what he was doing. None of them acknowledged my presence except for some annoyed glances. Okay. Beginning to feel like I'm not wanted there. Then a little low-rider truck pulls into the line next to me. They immediately wave at the GUY in it. Hmmm, I'm thinking I don't like the way this is going. But being the patient and good-natured person I am I wait a little longer to see when they are going to service my car. I catch the two mechanics doing that talking and looking thing that always gives away when people are talking about you in a negative manner. I think, "They are going to do that truck next to mine and ignore me." Well, low and behold, that's exactly what happened! So I started my car, backed out, and left. Piss on 'em!

For some reason Brokeback Mountain came to mind. I've decided that they were a bunch of gay mechanics and that they only work on guys' cars. Who's to say that if a couple of rancher/cowboys can be gay lovers then a bunch of oil change mechanics can't be? Maybe there are a bunch of Brokebacks in all kinds of places you wouldn't normally suspect. How about...

Brokeback Heating and Air Conditioning? (definitely NOT our business)

Brokeback Plumbing and Rooter Service? (now, that one is funny!)

Brokeback Tree Trimming?

Brokeback Landscape and Gardens?

Brokeback Pool Service?

Brokeback Construction?

Brokeback Erectors? (crane service, of course)

Brokeback Waste Management?

Brokeback Trucking?

Brokeback Pest Control?


What can you think of to add? I thought of a really funny one last night, but now I can't remember it. I hate when that happens.


As always, Tayster has found a funny. Brokeback Bunnies.


Well, anyway, the oil still hasn't been changed because I told David that I will no longer do anything involving contact with auto mechanics and service. I'll drive it until it blows up first. Men, a little advice from a New Feminist, if you want your woman to feel taken care of, you deal with all the car maintenance. If your woman is a feminazi and insists on doing it all herself, well, then that's your problem. But this woman ain't no MAN, and I'm not doing any MAN's Work.

I Knew It!!

Tayster finds all the coolest things. Do your own Einstein picture.

What a Goober! (a rant)

Jay Bennish


I'm sure everyone knows this story by now. This teacher was suspended for his classroom rant that compared President Bush with Hitler. Sure, everyone has freedom of speech, but as we've already talked about here in the past, there are limits to that freedom. And we must recognize that teachers have to be especially careful in what they present to young and impressionable minds.

But mainly my problem is with all the liberals who have previously alluded to Hitler when talking about Bush. Come on, now. Really. These very same people have talked at length about how DUMB they think Bush is. But NOW, they have decided that he's really a brilliant and evil dictator in disguise who will in the span of time between now and the next election completely overthrow our government and establish a totalitarian regime like Hitler's Germany. People! You can't have it both ways! Forget your silly Hitler comparisons and go back to criticizing Bushisms like 'misunderestimated'. That's a whole lot funnier.

Weird Dream

I'm really disappointed that NO ONE has attempted to give meaning to the code I posted yesterday. Come on, people! Use some imagination or something.




Not last night, but the other morning when I woke up I had begun a really weird dream. Brian Williams, the news-anchor, was hosting a documentary about Albert Einstein and his sex life. He began by saying something about how few people realize that Albert Einstein was sexually obsessed, even to a point of it being almost dysfunctional. Too bad I had to get up and didn't get to finish that dream!

Does anyone know if Albert Einstein was in fact sexually obsessed? And why would I dream about that? (other than the obvious reason... that I am myself sexually obsessed)

Break This Code

What does this mean? I'm interested in what anyone can make out of this. And how do you approach problems like this? Creatively, like telling a story? Or logically? Or intuitively? Or what?

And blame Lubos Motl for my lack of new posts because he posted these two games that I've spent way too much time playing...

Frog Jump

Stained Glass


I've solved the stained glass one (5 levels), but I keep getting stuck on levels 9 and 10 of the frog game.