"P" is for Provocative

This how it works: Comment on this entry and I will give you a letter. Write ten words beginning with that letter in your journal, including an explanation of what the word means to you and why, and then pass out letters to those who want to play along.

Kat gave me the letter "P". Here are my words in no particular order:

Plants I love plants! I love to grow things. Plants are endlessly fascinating because they are so different from us, yet we coexist and we rely on them for survival, among other things. I've been studying herbal folklore for a while. ;-) Plants have been here longer than we have, and they would continue to live even if we all disappeared. Sometimes it seems as if plants and humans live in parallel universes or dimensions or something, well, maybe parallel isn't quite right because our existences intersect. My ten year old and I were talking about other universes/dimensions and thought that an hour-glass model was an interesting one. But anyway, although we differ in so many ways from plants we also share certain basic characteristics. I could go on but I have 9 more words to do!

Psyche The mind is probably the one thing I ponder most. I studied psychology in college. I think that despite its efforts to act like a hard science it really is more a system of philosophy. This doesn't necessarily make it less valid or less important or influential. Just different. Anyway, Psyche was loved by Cupid. You really can't separate love from the mind or soul, which I tend to think are the same thing. When I left school there was a 'new' trend of thought that implied that the psyche is purely biological, or the product of chemical and electrical processes inside our brains. I was somehow drawn to that model, but it also left many questions that I couldn't answer (partly because I ended my studies). I wondered, if it was purely biological then could it be reduced to a formula or pattern of some sort? Well, no one has succeeded in finding such a formula that I know of. In some ways it seems the study of the mind is analogous to theoretical physics, but I think it's a mistake to link the two too closely as some are prone to do.

Ponder I'm ALWAYS thinking. From an online dictionary: synonyms ponder, meditate, muse, ruminate mean to consider or examine attentively or deliberately. PONDER implies a careful weighing of a problem or, often, prolonged inconclusive thinking about a matter [pondered the course of action]. MEDITATE implies a definite focusing of one's thoughts on something so as to understand it deeply [meditated on the meaning of life]. MUSE suggests a more or less focused daydreaming as in remembrance [mused upon childhood joys]. RUMINATE implies going over the same matter in one's thoughts again and again but suggests little of either purposive thinking or rapt absorption [ruminated on past disappointments]. I do all of those different varieties of thinking, but I'm afraid that 'prolonged inconclusive thinking' might be the most common one. Not that this is always a bad thing! For many subjects require prolonged inconclusive thinking, just like in the paragraph above about the psyche. (and there are other activities that also benefit from some prolonging, ;-), though incompletion is unsatisfactory)

Philosophy Now, I can't tell you all the different types of philosophical thought even though I did take at least one course about it. But I've always been a philosopher of a sort, even as a child. That just goes along with all that pondering!

Phenomena There are a couple of meanings to this word that apply here. One is "objects or aspects known through the senses rather than by thought or intuition." Now all this thinking I do doesn't just spring from my mind uninspired by observations of the world around me. They all, well, almost all probably, are directly related to some physical/sensory observation. Even my 'imaginary' thoughts are usually based on some physical reality that I've noticed or sensed. The other meaning of "phenomena" that is important here is "rare or significant facts or events; exceptional, unusual, or abnormal persons, things, or occurrences." When you notice so much in your environment it's natural to note the unusual events and try to figure out how they fit into the grand scheme.

Pattern When thinking about the world and trying to construct meaning out of all of these observations certain patterns become apparent. In some areas of examination, like math and physics and chemistry, these patterns can be written out in formulae. We humans find some comfort in patterns and predictability (because they are a natural part of the environment in which we've evolved). This search for patterns seems to be the motivation for so many areas of study and pondering. I like thinking about archetypal symbols that represent various intrinsic patterns of our world. Ancient people noticed these patterns and expressed them in whatever limited ways they had, like petroglyphs, etc. Whether or not we'll ever be able to discern the ultimate patterns that seem to govern our existence is the great unknown. And we will always seek that.

Particular There are many meanings for this word. One is "singular," and another is "distinctive." But the ones I'm most fond of are "concerned over or attentive to details: METICULOUS [a very particular gardener]" and "hard to please: EXACTING." I recall my grandmother describing certain people as "particular." When I was a child I confused that with "peculiar" which is rather similar. I've always been a 'detail' person, a 'nit-picker', a 'stickler' (and sometimes a tickler), but let me tell you in case you didn't know, people just hate that! Why is it people always pick on those of us who are particular about things? We don't mean for it to make others uncomfortable, and certainly we don't usually mean for it to make others feel inferior if they aren't as meticulous. Nowadays some of us have even gotten a fancy label called Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. The Obsessive-Compulsive part isn't so offensive, but man, the "Disorder" part is way off the mark! We want order, not disorder! ;-) Anyway, I can and do coexist peacefully (usually) with people who are not so 'particular' because I'm aware that not everyone is like me. And thank God for that, right? LOL

Perception I'm a primarily visual person. By that I mean I think in images. I love that photography reflects the world the camera sees, and with some skill a photographer can work with the camera's abilities to more accurately capture his or her own vision. And now with digital photo manipulation it is even easier to bring those mental pictures out of the mind and into a form that others can see/perceive. I've always been interested in perceptive thresholds among various species of creatures, as well as differences between individual people. For instance, butterflies can see ultraviolet light. Wouldn't it be cool to see what they see? And I think that individual differences in people's perceptive thresholds are probably not adequately studied and understood. These differences might could help explain some particular phenomena.

Parent Since I'm a mother being a parent is the first and foremost identity I have. I'm many other things and fill many other roles, but I will always be a parent. Is my purpose in this existence to procreate? Yes and no. Certainly, a person can live a fulfilling, important, and influential life without having children. Growing my babies in my body and now watching them grow, develop, and learn has been the most amazing experience of my life, but I know that if I hadn't had children I would still exist and function and influence the world.

Penis Last but not least! I was going to make this first on the list because honestly, it was the first "p" word I thought, but I decided that it might distract so much that the other words wouldn't be noticed. I've made no secret that I'm a bit phallicly obsessed. I've heard some women talk about the penis and how ugly they think it is. No way! Not me! I think it's a beautiful biological sculpture. Well, except for this one I saw once, but I'll spare the details. But make no mistake. Being phallicly obsessed does not mean that I have penis envy! I don't want to be a man! I like being a woman. I don't want a penis attached to me. I just want, er, okay let's not 'go down' *snickers* that path. (Damn, sometimes I crack myself up!)

Okay, sorry that I sort of lost it here at the end. I hope this isn't an unsatisfactory conclusion! ;-) But I've been working on this phucking post all phreakin' day because I keep getting interrupted. And perhaps this is an example of when prolonging something isn't beneficial.


There are lots of other great "p" words, but if you want to participate in this word game/exercise leave a comment and I'll give you a different letter!

42 things

7 Things I Hope (originally this said 'Plan' but I'm not into making lots of plans) to Do Before I Die

1. Become a grandmother
2. Go to Green Valley Spa again
3. See all my kids graduate
4. See all my kids marry
5. Travel outside the US
6. Learn as much as possible about whatever strikes my fancy
7. Be a positive influence on someone

7 Things I Can Do

1. Archery
2. Roll my "R"s (rrrrrr)
3. Spread my toes far apart
4. Whistle a little
5. Hit a baseball pretty well for an old momma
6. Laugh at myself
7. Read people and situations pretty well

7 Things I Cannot Do

1. Drive a stick shift (well, I could if my life depended on it)
2. Sing (not well anyway)
3. Have anymore babies in the normal way
4. Pee standing up without making a mess
5. Tolerate outright meanness
6. Function without caffeine
7. Play any musical instruments

7 Things I Say Most Often

1. Shit
2. Really
3. Kind of
4. Sort of
5. I reckon
6. In a minute
7. Wow

7 Celebrity Crushes (I don't really care for 'celebrities' of the typical variety.) Sorry, I just can't confess my crush(es) right now, so I'm changing this to "Seven Favorite 1970s Songs."

1. "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin (actually they could populate this entire list)
2. "Love Machine" by The Miracles
3. "Radar Love" by Golden Earring
4. "Give a Little Bit" by Supertramp
5. "Sara" by Fleetwood Mac
6. "Livin' Thing" by Electric Light Orchestra
7. "Strawberry Letter 23" by The Brothers Johnson


7 Things That Annoy Me

1. Bad drivers
2. People moving/rearranging my stuff
3. People with no sense of humor
4. Grammatical, spelling, punctuation, etc. errors in published books
5. Global Warming
6. Blood-sucking insects
7. People who get mad at kids for acting like kids

Recycled Thoughts- Fire Under the Vessel

Originally posted to my now private AOL journal:

Friday, April 22, 2005
Subject: Art and the Artist's Dilemma
Time: 3:33:00 PM EDT
Author: ramskates
Music: Do Noubt, oops No Doubt, got typing dyslexia today

I've been thinking about writing a longish post about artists and the infamous "artist's temperament" or disposition. I've done a couple of online searches just to see what pops up, and there have been a couple of interesting articles but not exactly what I'm looking for. Maybe I'll search some more later, but for now I'm just jotting down some of my preliminary ideas.

Last year I read a book called, Lives of the Muses: Nine Women and the Artists They Inspired, by Francine Prose. In addition to the examples in that book of the relationships between artists and their subjects there are many other stories of artists entangled in various types of involvements. It seems almost every artist has encountered at least one person who irrevocably influenced his/her life. I think artists are especially receptive to beauty and to being overwhelmed and consumed by it. Sometimes this makes it impossible to recognize boundaries because the artist often doesn't see boundaries at all. Part of the discomfort of the artist's temperament is that he/she frequently oversteps boundaries and faces the consternation and even scorn of others because of that. But to one who believes that inspiration comes from some divine source, or divine infusion, there is no line that divides. Here's a partial quote from the Prose book, "...isn't it the nature of the divine to transcend corporeal and psychic borders?" Yes, it is. And it does.

I think it's a common experience for artists to 'fall' for their subjects for all these reasons. The artist erases all boundaries to see inside their subject and in the process can become entranced and overcome with the beauty they see there. Sometimes there is one in particular that touches something deep inside unlike any of the others. In the Prose book these people are the muses of the artists. Whether that experience lasts a lifetime or only a little while is probably irrelevant because the impact is lasting.

Another quote from the Prose book:

"And so, once more, we return to the Greeks and to the various examinations and definitions of love and Eros considered in Plato's Symposium: the search for the long-lost half of theself, the desire for good and for beauty, the need to procreate, and to create. For the artists, the love of -- and for-- their muses provided an essential element required for the alchemy of invention, or the fire under the vessel in which talent and technique were melded to produce the gold of art."

Fire under the vessel. I like that phrase. It sounds like a good title for something.

I love that man! (and some crystal green and purple persuasion)

Via Lubos Motl:

Richard Feynman, The Pleasure of Finding Things Out

You must surely invest 50 minutes of your time to enhance your life by watching that interview with Feynman. Wow! I'm a little angry at my former (very 'liberal' - what a joke) college professors who 'protected' me from this social science critic, who was also many other much more important things. The man was brilliant! And a part of me toys with the thought that I sure would have liked to meet him if I had been born a few decades sooner. ;-)

I especially like his description of how his father taught him to examine the world instead of just knowing the names of things. I have done that with my kids too. When they ask me 'what is this or that?' I can't only tell them the name but have to give them as much information as I think they will find interesting or will understand. Sometimes maybe I tell them more than they care to know, but maybe they absorb more than they let on at those times. He also mentions that knowing the science that explains the world does not take away any of its grandeur but adds to its complexity and beauty. I totally agree! And I'll even step a little further and say that knowing how complex and scientifically beautiful the world is makes me even more appreciative of whatever 'Creator' there might be or have been. (Feynman doesn't say that.)

Another thing he says that I can completely relate to is his idea of 'active irresponsibility' which means taking the time to truly concentrate on a subject instead of taking time for other 'responsibilities'. Now I certainly don't do any complicated and deep physics computations that require my total concentration, but I do suffer from the loss of concentration and only getting to 'dip' lightly into deeper thoughts due to interruptions by children, telephones, book-keeping, laundry, chauffeuring, etc. Though in the last year or so I've made a commitment to myself that I have at least one hour of uninterrupted time alone every day. And it is during that time that I am able to ponder things as far as I can. So what if the dishes don't get done right then? So what if the house isn't straightened up? Those things aren't the most important in my world at every moment.

It's kind of funny because just Sunday night during my 'alone time' in my 'secret room' I was looking at one of my crystal specimens (a green and purple fluorite) and letting it seize my mind. I examined the banding of the colors and imagined how the different elements combined to form such a beautiful object. I don't know the chemical composition of fluorite or which particular elements or whatever cause the different colors (things I could easily google), but it's not exactly necessary for me to know the names of those things to appreciate and understand the complex beauty of how it is formed.

CaF2, Calcium Fluoride

I collect many different kinds of crystals, not because of any supposed magical powers that some might give them but because they are so cool and pretty and thought-provoking. But I have to admit that I can see why some might ascribe magical powers to crystals because of the way that they can seize your mind as I described above. Anything that can so completely seduce your attention is magic of a sort.

I don't think Feynman would have approved of my saying this, but I think that he was a very magical person to be able to enchant and to be enchanted and to translate that enchantment into science. I love that!


A cool set of carved quartz shapes.

Happy Mother's Day!

To all you moms out there have a wonderful Mother's Day!

For the last 9 years this day has been one of mixed emotions. After losing my own mother 9 years ago I have struggled with sadness on Mother's Day, but my own children make it a happy occasion. It does seem to get a little easier every year though last night I had a thought of "I really wish I could talk to Mom about this" in response to some current personal issues. Maybe now I choose not to dwell on her not being here and maybe that is why it seems easier. And certainly, my own children's love and affection eases any sadness, especially as they get older and more expressive.

New Wheels, Baseball, and a Very Busy Week

Sorry I haven't been blogging much this week. It has been very busy, more than usual. Monday was a Monday. I had errands to run before school let out, and then my oldest had a piano lesson and a baseball game that night.

Tuesday the fourth grade had another field trip. This time it was to the DARE day at the Tennessee Smokies baseball stadium. This was an event for all fourth grade classes in all Knox County Public Schools. Imagine a ballpark filled with 9-11 year olds! Wow! It was fun, and the kids got to see some vicious-looking police dogs in action as well as the DARE officers. Then the game started, and the Smokies were playing well and hit four home runs while we were there. But we had to leave during the seventh inning so the buses could get back to school before school let out. The Smokies won 6-3 which was the score when we left. Then that evening my oldest had baseball practice. (Yes, lots of baseball these days, but man, I LOVE baseball!)

Wednesday was filled with catching up on the chores, etc. that didn't get done on Tuesday. And I also had to start getting our tax related documents together for the May 15 deadline that our accountant and I agreed on. Oh, how I hate dealing with all of that stuff! But, one good thing was that David called and said that he found me a new family vehicle....

Then Thursday we went to Carmax to pick it up. I'm riding in style now! We didn't trade the old car because they wouldn't give a good trade-in value. We can outright sell it someone and get more money. The new one is also a Ford Expedition, but it is a 2003 Eddie Bauer edition with all the bells and whistes, including a sunroof- goody, goody! The old one is a 1999 plain-jane Expedition.


The old ride. 


The new ride. 


Vicious Momma-mobile 

I had the skull-and-crossbones plate on the old car but put it on the new one. I've always like skulls and skeletons, even way before they became a popular 'thing.' Ever since I've had it I've gotten lots of attention (in the form of waves, etc.) from a certain class of young punks. LOL I've wondered if this skull-and-crossbones is some kind of 'gang-sign' or something because of that. Well, whatever.

I think I'll make it a gang-sign for the Gang of Evil-SUV-Driving-Vicious-Mommas or GESDVMs. Yes, I'm a proud member of the Evil-SUV-Driving gang. When you've got a bunch of kids you have to have something bigger than a Geo Metro or any other sedan style car. We almost always have more than our three riding with us as we do a lot of carpooling. And this is still the land of Freedom and Choice, and I choose NOT to drive a minivan. I don't like them, and they really aren't any more economical in our case.

So anyway, this is my Happy Mother's Day present!

More baseball today as my oldest has a game this afternoon. It's a beautiful day! Oh, and yesterday I was able to get 95% of our tax stuff finished, so yay! I hope to get back to regular blogging next week. I've got a nice (mentally) juicy post I'm working on.

AOL Poll

Here are the results (as of a few minutes ago) of an AOL poll:


Should the military be used to tighten the U.S.-Mexico border?

Yes 86%
No 14%

Total Votes: 136,504


Certainly, this isn't a 'scientific' poll, but they let each screenname vote only once. I guess if someone has nothing better to do they could sign on with a bunch of different screennames to vote more times, but I doubt that is a large problem. And of course, I voted only once because I'm a good, upright kind of citizen. (but I can also be a pretty good, recumbent kind of citizen too) ;-)

The Worst Movies I've Ever Watched

1. The Day After Tomorrow

Don't even get me started on that one. I'll just say they completely lost me when the passenger jet flew directly into the huge storm.


2. Mission to Mars

I was so disappointed with this one. I had anticipated a great space movie but got an exercise in emotional stupidity instead.


3. Cabin Fever

Dumb, dumb, dumb! However many minutes of my life I'll never get back. The only reason I watched it to the end was to see just how dumb it could get. How do people get the financing to make such stupid movies??


Yeah, okay, so that's only 3, but I'm only counting movies that I've actually watched all the way through. There are many more that I've either refused to waste my time watching or have only watched parts of. And not that my taste in movies is so very sophisticated or advanced since I list among my favorites Mars Attacks, Little Nicky, and House of 1000 Corpses. But what makes those movies good compared to the ones listed above is that they don't take themselves seriously. They are kind of silly by design. They are over the top but in a clever, satirical way. And to me that is funny.

To my detractors

Take that! Ha!!

Am I cool or uncool? [CLICK] You are Super-Cool! Woah! Step back - the future's so bright for you it's blinding me! You are the coolest of the cool. Everyone looks up to you as the benchmark for being coooool. The fonze was your grandfather. Any cooler and you'd freeze! WOO it's chilly in here. Cool quizzes at Go-Quiz.com

Another funny

Okay, this is fluff-and-no-stuff week on the blog!

LOOK OUT! ïòð

Rae Ann is a radioactive squirrel!!

Username:

From Go-Quiz.com

Sounds about right...

saw this at kat's

R	Revolutionary
A	Ambivalent
E	Entertaining
A	Astonishing
N	Naive
N	Nice

Name / Username:

Name Acronym Generator
From Go-Quiz.com

Funny!

You Are a Glazed Donut

Okay, you know that you're plain - and you're cool with that. You prefer not to let anything distract from your sweetness. Your appeal is understated yet universal. Everyone digs you. And in a pinch, you'll probably get eaten.

What Donut Are You?

This is true...

You Are Somewhat Machiavellian

You're not going to mow over everyone to get ahead... But you're also powerful enough to make things happen for yourself. You understand how the world works, even when it's an ugly place. You just don't get ugly yourself - unless you have to!

How Machiavellian Are You?

... but I was kind of hoping it would say I was more Machiavellian. ;-)

After the rain...

Hostas and 'Squirrel Corn' (Dicentra canadensis), a relative of Bleeding Hearts. I love the way the rain drops cling to these particular hostas. I can't remember which variety they are.

First Blog Anniversary

I've been a Hoe for a year now, and this is post number 400! And what an interesting year it has been. I've 'met' many fascinating people and have also encountered some real goobers. Some have left the blogosphere and I miss them (not the goobers). I've ruffled feathers and had mine ruffled too. But for the most part blogging has been great. It is Free Speech in practice to the extent that people have never experienced before. Of course, by Free Speech I don't mean that it gives people a license to abandon all decorum and morality, as some have done. But, in the Land of the Free, we know part of the price of Freedom is putting up with a few lame-brains who aren't intellectually and emotionally evolved enough to handle the responsibilities that come with Freedom. The cost of Freedom is high in so many ways, but it is more than worth it.

Mae West Quote for Today

"His mother should have thrown him away and kept the stork."

Another Step in the Invasion (and some much rambling)

I heard on the news this morning that Mexico is close to legalizing all kinds of drugs for personal use. In an article from the San Diego Union-Tribune Mayor Jerry Sanders says,

"I view this as a hostile action by a longtime ally of the U.S."

I totally agree which might come as a surprise. But I see this a another step in Mexico's efforts in "reconquista." (Michelle Malkin also has an article about that.)

I don't like imported drugs, legal or illegal. I think if a person wants to smoke pot they should grow their own. That way you aren't supporting the drug smugglers and dealers and other nasty people and you also know exactly what you have and how it was grown and handled. Of course, I'm speaking hypothetically. I'm not advocating illegal activities!

As for the other illegal drugs I think they are too dangerous to be legal anywhere. I'm not looking for any pro-drug comments/arguments here. That isn't the point of this post. I'm aware that the Libertarian Party's platform includes legalization of all drugs. I don't agree with that. I'm not a Libertarian.

My concern here is that our neighbor is on the verge of passing a law that will result in even more conflict on our border. How can others not see this as practically equal to some other kind of attack on our country? It is indeed as Mayor Sanders said a "hostile action."

I've already been called a racist. Oh well. It's not about race at all. It's about what's legal and illegal and protecting my country from an invading foreign force.

I'd like to talk about my family's very long American heritage, but I hesitate because some might take it wrong. They might say that I'm claiming to be some kind of American elite or something, but that is NOT the case. I am a proud American, but I don't think I'm any 'more' American than a first generation naturalized citizen. But for the open-minded knowing my family's history might shed light on my strong Patriotic and Protectionist feelings.

And thankfully I have Clyde the frog to cheer me up in the case of any bashings that come my way. People don't stop to think that behind these words there is a real, live, breathing, feeling person. If you only have hurtful things to say then save your energy. Name-calling isn't an intelligent argument. I'm not Lubos Motl who takes abuse from idiots all the time and seems to not be bothered by it. I think that might be one of the differences between men and women. I'm probably more sensitive than he is.

It's hard to be right, especially when being right doesn't follow the popular trends. People bash you for stating the unpopular truth before they finally realize that it is the truth, but then after you've been proven right by time and experience, etc. those very same people bash you again if you if you even hint, "I told you so." I'm not saying that I'm always right. I'm just stating an observation about how things happen.

My crystal ball is mediocre. I've already admitted that. If it were perfect there might be a temple built for me like Delphi, but it's not perfect so I only have my little blog here. But some of the things that I've seen in the past have come to be. At the age of 14 (1982) I had a vision of a new wave of racial tensions in our country, specifically the vision was of race riots in the streets. In 1982 racial tensions were not big in the news, but somehow I sensed that within a decade or so things would happen. And they did.

Also one day in the very early 1980s I was thinking aloud about how expensive and wasteful it seemed for so many glass jars and bottles to be thrown away. I posited that recycling them was a viable option and also predicted that plastic was a better, cheaper solution that could and would also be recycled. This was way before recycling was a thing, and one of my 'brainy' guy friends ridiculed my ideas as 'improbable or even impossible.' Heh, who ended up right? These are just two examples of times when I've made what sounded like silly, crazy predictions to 'people who knew better' and was dismissed or criticized only to be vindicated later. Oh well. Time will tell. I suspect that Nostradamus wrote his visions in vague ways to avoid persecution too. Not that I'm any kind of Nostradamus!

So what am I getting at with this? I hate to say it but my crystal ball is showing me some pretty disturbing visions. I hope they are wrong and only the products of a very overactive imagination. I see our border conflicts with Mexico escalating into something more, especially if our leaders refuse to recognize the seriousness of the situation. I rarely describe the specific visions I have, but this time I'll say that I've seen a sleeping giant awaking (not the most original, I know, but hey). We concern ourselves with far away places but don't tend to our own back yard. I hear the echoes of the fall of the great empires of the past. Call me crazy. I hope that I am.

He's Back!

Clyde the frog has made another appearance! My cute little amphibious suitor! It's interesting that he makes his appearances soon after I've been bashed. Cleansing indeed!



And actually I did get a chance earlier today to read more about Upland Chorus Frogs. I didn't find anything about whether or not they burrow under dirt, but most of what I did find said that they are usually difficult to see and that there isn't much information about their habits other than during mating season. I also read that they are nocturnal. Well, apparently not totally nocturnal, at least not Clyde. If you click on the photo to go to a larger version of it you can see some specks of dirt on his back. Maybe he was under some dirt.

I had questioned my identification of him and wondered if he was actually a Spring Peeper, but after listening to a recording of each species I'm 99.8% sure he is an Upland Chorus Frog.

And I'm really amazed that he showed up just now and completely absolved my previous aggravation. Thank you Clyde! (I might just have to kiss him, lol.)

#73

I'm #73 on Blogshares Hot 100.

whatever that might mean, ;-)

E pluribus unum

From many, one. That's the motto of the United States of America.


I've been called a racist by a cowardly, mean, judgmental commentor

at CapitalistImperialistPig's.

This verbal assault isn't the first by "Dano" who apparently isn't brave enough to write his own blog but likes to leech onto other blogs and insult people like me who disagree with his limited world view. He calls me a racist because I'm sick and tired of the illegal aliens who shouldn't be here in the first place making demands like spoiled toddlers. He probably pays them to clean his house and do his yard work. But some parasites do sympathize with other parasites.

Sure, I know that many of them do work, but I'm sure that if you did a detailed comparison of what 'benefits' they bring to our economy (cheap labor, cheap produce, etc.) to the actual costs (lower wagebase, social services, loss of taxes, etc.) to our economy there would be no argument in their support. They cost each American at least $3000 a year in social services, lost taxes, etc. I'd rather pay $3000 a year more for groceries than for it to go to a leech on our economy. They don't pay any payroll taxes including Social Security. How many of the liberal idiots who are so protective of the ailing Social Security system have thought about that? In a few years if the liberals have their way there will be thousands upon thousands more people added to the Social Security rolls who haven't paid a cent into it.

And for those who don't know or have forgotten, legal employers contribute to Social Security too. When you have an employee and withhold those taxes from their paychecks, you don't just send the government that amount you withheld. You have to match the Social Security and Medicare portions. So if you withhold $50 from the employee's paycheck you also have to send $50 of your own money (meaning the employer's money). People never stop to think about that. It's very expensive to have legal employees. But that's the way it is. And all of these companies who hire illegals are getting out of paying their share. Someone look it up and tell me how much in lost taxes it amounts to when you have millions of people and companies not paying into the system. I would love a list of all the big corporations that hire illegals so that I can boycott them. Tyson Foods is one that is well-known. Just imagine how much our country is losing for the sake of cheap chicken. I can live without eating chicken.

Another thing that many people probably haven't even considered is that illegal aliens could be a health hazard as they most likely haven't been immunized against many diseases as well as could be carriers for diseases like TB. Certainly, this could add even more to the cost of to us tax-paying citizens.

So, am I a racist? I don't think so. I don't hate Mexicans. I don't discriminate against Mexicans. But I do have a problem with leeches and parasites whether they are from Mexico, Timbuktu, or right here in Knoxville.

Another point that Dano didn't like was my mentioning that Mexico seems to be trying to reclaim the territory that the US won and bought in the Mexican-American War. He's no doubt some miserable apologist who thinks that the very land he lives on should be returned to its rightful native owner. Oh, wait, probably not his very own land, if he actually does own anything and god-forbid pays taxes on it. That only applies to everyone else, right Dano? Only the ones who disagree with you and who you think have more than you?

I really shouldn't have put any time and attention into this silly man's comments. But I think it's good to expose people who think it's okay to throw stones when they live in glass houses.

Happy May Day

Inspired by kat's post of her pretty roses I wanted to post some pictures from around my yard, but blogger isn't wanting to upload them for some reason. Oh well. Blame it on the illegal aliens! (I haven't paid attention to the news today. Are they doing their big protest/boycott?)

I was going to do a post about the significance of May Day, but when I looked it up I found that the Commies have adopted it for their own purposes. Just like a bunch of socialist pigs to ruin a perfectly good fertility celebration.

I did read that the Maypole started out as a phallic symbol. Well, that's cool! Gotta love those phalluses!

I can't seem to gather my thoughts enough today to put anything together for a coherent post. I was thinking about my favorite archetypal symbol (well, other than a phallic symbol), the Sacred Spiral. I might still do that eventually, but I'm just not up to it right now.

My throat is feeling scratchy. It's probably allergy related, but who knows? I guess I'll take some Motrin and drink some more orange juice.

I don't know what's wrong with me today, other than it being Monday. I don't do Mondays very well.

I've heard Clyde the frog but haven't seen him. He's so small, and I suspect that he's hiding in one of the flower pots, maybe even under the dirt. I'd look up whether frogs do that (burrow under dirt), but I don't feel like doing that either.

A million things to do, but I think in spirit maybe I'm an illegal alien today and will sit on my ass and do nothing.

What am I protesting? Maybe a lack of phallic symbols...

Another Field Trip

Yesterday my fourth grader's class went to the Sam Houston Schoolhouse in Maryville.

Read the wikipedia article on Sam Houston.

I have several thoughts to share as a result of our visit to Tennessee's oldest schoolhouse. The first is a list of rules for teachers at the school. These rules are dated 1872 which is 60 years after Houston taught there. I'm not sure if the rules were different when he was teaching.

The second is a list of School House Rules. This list isn't dated, but I think it has some good, timeless advice.

Later I'll do another post on the history of the school and its importance in the community and Sam Houston's impact on the early years of Tennessee's statehood and how Tennessee's and Texas's histories are entwined in other ways in addition to having Sam Houston in common.


1872 RULES FOR TEACHERS

1. Teachers each day will fill lamps, clean chimneys.

2. Each teacher will bring a bucket of water and a scuttle of coal for the day's session.

3. Make your pens carefully. You may whittle nibs to the individual taste of the pupils.

4. Men teachers may take one evening each week for courting purposes, or two evenings a week if they go to church regularly.

5. After ten hours in school, the teachers may spend the remaining time reading the Bible or other good books.

6. Women teachers who marry or engage in unseemly conduct will be dismissed.

7. Every teacher should lay aside from each day's pay a goodly sum of his earings for his benefit during his declining years so that he will not become a burden on society.

8. Any teacher who smokes, uses liquor in any form, frequents pool or public halls, or gets shaved in a barbershop will give good reason to suspect his worth, intention, integrity and honesty.

9. The teacher who performs his labor faithfully and without fault for five years will be given an increase of twenty-five cents per week in his pay, providing the Board of Education approves.


SCHOOL HOUSE RULES

If it's Monday- be very patient.

If you get mad- count to 10.

If someone's new or lonely- be a friend.

If you forget your homework- be honest.

If you are late- be earlier next time.

If you don't understand- ask for help.

If your feelings are hurt- don't pout.

If you don't do well- keep trying.

If someone has less- share.

Treat others as you treat yourself.

If you talk out of turn- apologize.

When it's Friday- T.G.I.F. !!

Alien recycling (and Farm Day)

Luboš Motl's reference frame: Rae Ann: Alien recycling

Please read my guest post at Lubos Motl's Reference Frame. I 'won' that opportunity by being one of the four people who claimed being his 400,000th visitor.

Yesterday when I got home from a field trip to the Knox County Farm Bureau Annual Farm Day with my first grader I checked the progress of his contest and was amazed at the timing of my visit. I captured a screenshot and sent it to him. Thank you, Lubos!


More about Farm Day...

We saw all kinds of animals like horses, cows, chickens, goats, and sheep. There was an extremely cute miniature horse that the own said he'd sell us for $300. Of course, my daughter wanted it real bad. But I'm not ready for a new pet yet, and especially not one that requires even more care than a dog.

A group of bee-keepers had a display there too. While watching the bees busy in their hive I was telling my daughter that my great grandfather used to keep bees. The older lady at the table said, "And why doesn't his great granddaughter keep bees too?" Good question! So we talked a little about it and I'm now seriously considering it. She said that most bee-keepers are getting old and that they need some younger people to teach how to do it. I asked if the Africanized 'killer bees' have come here yet. She said not yet but that they will be here eventually and that bee-keepers have to learn new ways to deal with them. That's probably the only reason I'm hesitant about it.

We also learned how to make our own butter with heavy cream and an electric mixer. Of course, you can do it without electric appliances. They had assorted styles of churns on display also. I'm definitely going to try it with the mixer though.

On a side note, with our very warm spring weather so far the wild black raspberries are blooming early. Last year I made jelly from the berries. They are the best-tasting berries you can find. They are smaller and sweeter than true blackberries which also grow around the perimeter of the woods around our house. I'm a little stingy with the jelly I make because it's a lot of work to pick the berries and get enough juice for jelly. They grow on very thorny brambles that leave me looking like I've been in a fight with several cats. And to get enough juice for jelly you have to pick a lots of berries. It would be easier to make jam, but I like the smooth texture of jelly better. There will be a cold snap in the next month or so, and that is called 'blackberry winter.'

Amorous Amphibian Visitor

Sunday afternoon I heard a loud croaking sound outside my open office sliding glass doors. I looked out to see what was making such a racket but saw nothing. I thought maybe it was just a mockingbird making some weird sounds or something and left it at that. Then Monday I heard it again. I looked again and saw this little guy:


(photo taken Monday, April 24)

Isn't he cute? I'm pretty sure he's an Upland Chorus Frog (Pseudacris feriarum feriarum). He's tiny but makes a loud noise! You can see his throat all puffed up with air to help amplify his croaking. I wonder how he got all the way up here since this is a second story porch and there aren't any tall trees very near. I asked the kids if they brought him up here and they assured me that they didn't. With my shamanic inklings I tend to think that his presence is some kind of sign or message. (Frogs represent cleansing, especially in the sense of being washed clean and refreshed with water.) He has something to share with me somehow, even if it's only a reason to learn more about frogs or to give me something to write about.

And why do I call him a he? I read that usually only male frogs croak to attract female frogs and that "female frogs think croaking is very sexy." (click link for reference) Not to say that I find frogs or their croaking sexy, but I am a female and I do find frogs very interesting and their sounds very soothing (cleansing). I have to wonder if this little guy is just confused or very ambitious(!) to be directing his amorous exclamations to me. Do you think I should kiss him to see if he'll turn into a handsome prince? (not that I could do anything with a handsome prince if he did appear... David wouldn't like that one bit, lol)

My little frog suitor was here again on Tuesday. It was very warm, humid, and hazy yesterday as you can see in this picture:



Isn't he cute sitting there warming in the sun? I was gone most of the day yesterday so I didn't get to hear him croaking much. He hasn't made an appearance yet today. I hope he hasn't given up on me! lol If he appears again today I think I should give him a name. What name should I give him?

Sad News

Rest In Peace, Lovely



Lovely is the one in the background with the heart-shaped black spot on her side which inspired her name. Jewel, her sister, is the one in the front. Interesting 'orb' there, btw.

Lovely, one of our Jack Russels, died last night. Late yesterday she started acting sick with vomiting and diarrhea, soon followed by muscle spasms in her rear legs and loss of muscle control and collapse. I suspect she was bitten by a black widow spider because of her symptoms. I looked it up and it fits with what happened. And we have lots of black widow spiders around here. A black widow bite could easily kill a 14 pound dog.

This is especially sad for me because she is the one who so miraculously recovered from her severe injuries from getting hit by my car in December. She was such a sweet, loving dog who had a strong will to overcome her injuries. But she was no match for a poisonous spider. I think I'm more sad than the kids.

Test Yourself

Sample questions from the NAEP Science Assessment run by the National Center for Education Statistics:


1. Animals that reproduce sexually differ from animals that reproduce asexually in that sexually reproducing animals have

A) a larger number of offspring
B) more genetic variation among their offspring
C) offspring that are nearly identical to their parents
D) offspring that are perfectly adapted to their parents' habitat


2. X --> Y + Z + energy
The equation above represents a nuclear decay, in which nucleus X decays into particle Y and nucleus Z and releases energy. Which of the following can explain why energy is released in the decay?

A) The mass of X is less than the sum of the masses of
Y and Z.
B) The mass of X is less than the difference between the masses of Y and Z.
C) The mass of X is greater than the sum of the masses of
Y and Z.
D) The mass of X is greater than the difference between the masses of Y and Z.


3. Air in the atmosphere continuously moves by convection. At the equator, air rises; at the poles, it sinks. This occurs because

A) the Earth's ozone layer is thinner at the equator than
at the poles
B) the Earth's magnetic field is stronger at the poles than
at the equator
C) warm air can hold less water vapor than can cold air
D) warm air is less dense than cold air


Without CHEATING, leave your answers in a comment. I'll post the correct answers later.

Just remember if you cheat and google the answers then you're just a plain ol' idiot, but if you don't know then it just means that you haven't learned enough yet.

Even Better Than Toad Suck, AR

(by way of Tayster's World)

Here's a great place to go see just so you can say you've been there.

Big Bone Lick State Park
3380 Beaver Road
Union, KY

Failure

Update: Oh! All those aching toes out there! I just want to thank everyone for providing their own personal stories. I am amazed at how many people totally misrepresented what I've said here. I've been insulted and otherwise attacked for making a simple, modest prediction. I'm very tempted to take this experience as further evidence supporting my prediction. If you have a civil, reasonable comment please proceed. Otherise, please show some maturity and social development and refrain. Thank you.


(left)The Tower Card as I saw it a couple of years ago, but now I would probably do it differently.

(right) The traditional Rider-Waite Tower Card.


The Tower card ultimately signifies failure which opens the path for new growth. No one likes to fail, but some of us learn best by finding out what doesn't work first and then trying new things. I see the development of tarot over the centuries as more of a psychological and spiritual counseling tool than a divination tool. But this post isn't really about tarot.


In case you've missed it on the news lately there is currently a mumps epidemic. In the US the state of Iowa has been hardest hit, but it is happening in the UK also. The main reason for this is that about 20 years ago many parents began deciding not to have their children immunized. I know I'm stepping on some toes here, but facts is facts. I know parents who have not had their kids immunized because of several reasons which generally fall into the following catagories:

1. Unrealistic fear of side effects.

2. Erroneously thinking that mumps and other illnesses had disappeared from the planet because of the previous people being immunized.

3. Religious influences which used the previous reasons as their propaganda.


People will tell you that they know someone who knows so-and-so who had such-and-such happen because of an immunization. I am aware that there have been a few isolated cases of severe reactions to immunizations. I'm not denying that, but I do know far more people who have had no problems from immunizations. Statistically we know that the risk of severe side effects is very low. And now we are seeing that the risk of contracting mumps (and probably other diseases) is much higher without the immunizations, even when "most other people have been immunized so what are the chances of me getting one of those diseases?" (one of the comments I've heard from people who did not get immunized)

This leads me to the second reason. It's funny how quickly people become complacent. When we had a generation that avoided getting sick because they were immunized then people decided that the danger of getting sick must gone. They didn't stop to realize that the people didn't get sick because they were immunized; they assume that without people getting the diseases then those diseases just disappear or something. Wrong! These viruses and bacteria still abound in the environment, but we who have been immunized don't get sick because of the immunizations, not because we haven't had contact with the microorganisms that cause the diseases.

Almost invariably the people I know who have not immunized their kids have been influenced by their churches. Somehow some religious leaders have brainwashed their congregations that immunizations aren't necessary. They spread horrific stories of unusual side-effects that may or may not have been the result of the immunizations, and they told their congregations that if they pray hard enough they will be protected from these diseases that must surely be rare by now anyway. They suggested to the church-goers that the medical and pharmaceutical fields are just trying to make a bunch of money by giving their kids 'unnecessary' and 'dangerous' injections. Of course, most people who have spouted that view or have heard it spouted and believed it will not come forward to confirm this. But I have seen and heard it with my own eyes and ears, in church no less.

So, what does this have to do with failure (and the tarot Tower card)?

Well, we are seeing the results of a failed social experiment by those who tempted fate by not getting immunized. Certainly, there are some who still refuse to accept that their experiment failed. But it seems pretty clear to me that they were and are wrong. Sometimes the ripples of the church's influence spread like a disease. Lightning strikes the tower and knocks it down.


I'm going to make a bold prediction here. I see many parallels between the 'no immunizations' camp and the 'homeschooling' camp. Again, sorry for any toes I might be smushing here, but this is how it looks to this mediocre visionary. This home-schooling movement that has been going on for about a decade is going to prove to be another failed social experiment. I foresee that we'll have problems arise from it that most of us haven't even considered possible. What exactly those problems are I can't really say yet because my mediocre crystal ball is just that, mediocre. But I am sure that we will see problems directly related to it. Mark my words.

Firefox, Safari, Camino Users, please help

Visitors who use Firefox, Safari, and Camino have said that the page isn't displaying properly. If anyone knows how I can tweak the template code to fix it please leave detailed instructions because I really don't know code so well. Thanks!

From Senator Frist

Here's the email reply from Frist in regard to my email to him about illegal immigration. It's your typical blah, blah, blah government rhetoric which is meant to sound like they are working hard to solve the problem. I ain't buying it. But judge for yourself:

Dear Friend:

Thank you for contacting me regarding comprehensive immigration reform. It is an honor to serve you as the Majority Leader of the United States Senate and a privilege to respond to your concerns.

Today there are 10 to 12 million undocumented aliens living in the United States, and many Americans believe that our immigration policies are in need of serious review. As a nation of immigrants who honor the rule of law, I believe we must make it a priority to secure our borders as a part of any effort to reform our immigration policies.

In order to address this issue I have introduced S. 2454, the Securing America’s Border Act, a billion-dollar down payment that focuses on border security and interior law enforcement and will enable the Senate to pursue comprehensive immigration reform. My proposal will add resources to border protection, give our immigration-enforcement officials new legal tools, invest in physical barriers and electronic surveillance equipment at the borders and make it easier for employers to ensure that they hire only citizens and legal residents. We need to make these investments because maintaining a secure border ranks among the most fundamental missions of any sovereign nation

While our country needs security at our borders in order to slow the flow of illegal immigration and enhance our national security, we still need to do more. A majority of the people who enter America illegally, after all, come here to work. Among other things, the full Senate will need to address ways we can balance security interests with our economy's labor needs. In the long term, our government needs to work on policies that encourage democracy and prosperity abroad which will also address our immigration crisis by reducing the number of people who feel that coming to the United States is their only option.

Let me be clear, I do not support amnesty, but I do understand the labor challenges facing our nation, and, as Majority Leader, I will continue to work with my colleagues to address this critical problem in the 109th Congress. On the basis of sound immigration policy, we can protect our borders, and continue to welcome legal immigrants, and in doing both we will improve the lives of all Americans.

Sincerely,


William H. Frist, M.D.
Majority Leader
United States Senate

Looking into the mind of a killer

Look Who's Tattling Now: Kevin Ray Underwood


To see into the mind of a killer read that post which is an excellent examination of Underwood's blogosphere presence. It is clear that he was a deeply disturbed person who knew he was disturbed. I know that when you are in the pit of Depression that your ability to think and act can be diminished, but I do not believe that his mental condition should ever be used as an excuse for what he did to that little girl. He did not have to act on his sick thoughts. If he had the 'strength' to plan and carry out this horrific murder then he also had the 'strength' to get the medical treatment that he knew he needed.

Update:

After learning on Saturday that Underwood committed his horrific crime it occurred to me that he killed her on the very day of my posting Full Moon Fury. While Underwood might not be considered a 'true' pedophile, most pedophiles share many characteristics with him.

How many of them are out there harboring fantasies like Underwood's?

How many of them are out there planning on acting on their evil, immoral thoughts?

Protected vs. Unprotected Speech

From http://faculty.ncwc.edu/toconnor/410/410lect08.htm

Since much of Free Speech law is confusing, and perhaps the most confusing part of it is the criminal law aspect, the following table attempts to summarize what is not a crime and what is a crime.

NON-CRIMINAL

Words may be offensive, profane and vulgar...but not be fighting words.

Words may be insulting and outrageous...but not be fighting words because there was no face-to-face confrontation.

Words may make a person or audience angry, and be impolite, rude, or insulting...but may be protected by the First Amendment.

If the person to whom the words are addressed is not angered and an immediate violent response is unlikely, there is no "fighting words" violation.

Obscenity is a different concept than "fighting words"

"Fighting words" and obscenity are considered to cause different reactions in people; anger v. sexual arousal.

Graphic sex scenes and things that are absolutely disgusting...are not necessarily obscene.

Nudity in itself is not obscene...but a community can regulate it in places where liquor is sold and when local ordinances apply.


CRIMINAL

Verbal Crimes & Elements of the Offense:

"Fighting words" (1) insult, (2) face-to-face, (3) likelihood of immediate violent response.

Obscenity (1) prurient interest*, (2) patently offensive, (3) lacks literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

Inciting unlawful conduct (1) language directed to producing or urging, (2) imminent lawless action, (3) language likely to produce

Obstruction of justice (1) language that hinders, delays, or makes more difficult, (2) defendant knew the person obstructed was an officer, (3) physical interference, at least in part (some states only)

Defamation (libel or slander) (1) words that are false and untrue, (2) injury of character and reputation, (3) communication to third person (in some states libel deals more with accuracy and slander more with malice) - When victim is public official, reckless disregard must also be shown.

Harassment (1) telephone call deliberate, (2) intent to frighten, (3) any local ordinances that apply.

Loud Noise (1) meant by volume to disturb others, (2) clear and present danger of violence.


*for anyone who doesn't know what 'prurient' means, here's the definition:

marked by or arousing an immoderate or unwholesome interest or desire ; especially : marked by, arousing, or appealing to unusual sexual desire

Splendid Anomaly

Last night was the opening reception and awards presentation for the Dogwood Arts Festival Art and Photo Show. I got all fixed up, not too dressy, just nice jeans with a beaded design down the sides of the legs and a new springy green satin shirt. I went alone because David stayed home with the two younger kids, and my friend who was going to go took her boys and my oldest to a movie. I was just going to see the show and didn't expect to stay long.

There are about a dozen categories of photos ranging from 'black and white architecture' to 'color animal world.' They hang the first place winners of each category in the first section of walls. In the past they informed winners before the reception, so I assumed that they did the same this year. Then I saw one of my pictures (category, 'Computer Enhanced') with a big blue ribbon on it, I just stopped and said, "Oh! Oh! Oh!" I went back to the lobby and called David to tell him that I got a first place. I was so excited! What a nice surprise!

There's nothing like some validation and recognition to sooth the savage beast. LOL I'm in a much better mood today! And I'm $50 richer too! Each first place wins $50 in addition to the big blue ribbon. So WOW! I can't believe it!

Here is my winning picture:


Splendid Anomaly 

Is this better??

This is basically the same template but different colors. Is it better? Does it work better on the browsers that the pink didn't work with?

I'm still working on some other changes, but for now this is it. I'll be restoring my links, etc. asap.

Full Moon Fury

I've noticed that my hormonal cycle seems to have aligned itself with the lunar cycle. This hasn't always been so because my cycle isn't as regular and predictable as the lunar cycle. But what this does mean while they are in alignment is that the combination seems to make for a very volatile situation. So you better watch out!

This explains why I might be especially vicious lately. My apologies if anyone has felt assaulted. Please be assured that it's not personal, unless you are a pedophile.

That being said, here goes:

Google's blogger.com has hosted a pedophilia blog. Being the vicious momma that I am, and especially vicious this week, I commented on the offending blog because they tried to use the First Amendment and 'freedom of speech' as their justification for promoting their bullshit.

How much of this ignorant and vile 'freedom' do we have to put up with? I'll say that if as many people who put their time and energy into arguing about 'global warming' would put that time and energy into fighting pedophilia, which is a more true, undeniable problem, then we might actually make progress in stopping these sick bastards.

I'm more concerned about my children being assaulted by some predator than about some chimerical climate disaster. The way I see it, if they suffer from some climatic event that is more of an 'act of Nature' than if they are raped by some asswipe criminal. And I'd say that statistically, though I haven't looked this up, they are much more likely to be the victim of a pedophile than of some climate disaster.

Call me what you like, but I think that too many people have very wrong priorities. If you are concerned for the future of y/our children then take a stand against the people who are directly and unrelentlessly trying to fuck them. Nature can take care of herself. She has done that for billions of years.

But our children can't take care of themselves. They need our care and protection in a real and tangible way.

"No Representation Without Taxation"

Yes, that's the inverse of the famous slogan from our REVOLUTIONARY WAR,

"NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION."

Does anyone remember our American History? Does anyone remember why we fought for INDEPENDENCE from England? I'm not going to review that here because it should be COMMON KNOWLEDGE.

But I'm so mad about all the ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION bullshit that I'm spitting venom.

They sneak into our country illegally, leaving huge, litter-strewn trails along the borders, trespassing on TAX-PAYING AMERICANS' property. And now just because they 'peacefully' demonstrate on our streets they think they have a RIGHT to citizenship and 'respect.'

SORRY! I have no respect for someone who comes here and expects to have all the same rights as a LEGAL resident without going through the proper processes.

I see them as no different from a MOB OF BULLIES who think that they are above the law. They are just like that selfish person who tries to jump ahead of others when there is a long line at the bank or whatever. We're all in line here, folks. It is NOT the American Way to cave to a mob of criminals.

If our Congress gives in to the demands of the ILLEGALS then we all should

VOTE THEM OUT OF OFFICE BECAUSE THEY OBVIOUSLY ARE NOT REPRESENTING THEIR TRUE CONSTITUENTS, REAL AMERICAN CITIZENS.


Article Three, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution:

"Treason against the United States, shall consist only in
levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them
aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the
testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open
court."

Well, I'm sure many will object to my calling ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS our 'enemies', but they are AN INVADING FOREIGN FORCE, and if that's not an enemy then what is??


I have no qualms about accusing any US CONGRESSMEN of TREASON if they are "adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort," which certainly seems the case if they are putting ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS' demands ABOVE their CONSTITUENTS', American Citizens, needs.

Call me mean-spirited, non-compassionate, whatever. I don't care. MY TAXES pay the salaries of my so-called REPRESENTATIVES, and if they aren't doing their job then they need to at least be fired, if not convicted of aiding criminals.

Hugh Hefner Is the Devil

Update, 1-19-07: This post is experiencing a huge amount of traffic today. I'm curious as to how people are landing here. It would be great to read comments explaining how you got here. Thanks!

He is responsible for the modern commodification (interesting that 'commodity' and 'commode' have the same Latin root, commodus) of women that has resulted in the disfigurement (physical and emotional) of an entire generation of women. He takes the power of female sexuality and compresses it into an unnatural yet potent form, somewhat like the distilling of extracts and essential oils from plants but more like a pharmaceutical chemical created to mimic those natural substances but is much stronger and more likely to have negative side-effects. Yes, he makes female sexual power equivalent to a drug.

When I first had this thought I wondered if I was being hypocritical by condemning a man for doing that when at the same time I admire women, like Mae West, who have exploited the female sexual power for their own benefit. I asked myself, "Why is it okay for a woman to use her sexuality for gain but wrong for a man to do it?"

The answer I came up with is that it is wrong for a man to use what is not intrinsically his for his own advantage. Mae West was only doing what was natural for her. She used the female sexual power that she was born with. But Hugh Hefner does not naturally possess female sexual power. He extracts it from the young women who surround him. He manipulates and exploits and adulterates that female sexual energy for his own gain. I see it as similar to stealing.

You might say, "How is that like stealing? Those women volunteer themselves." Not all stealing is that obvious, gun-in-the-face robbery. Sometimes people get misled by someone claiming to do all these things for them, caring for them and providing for them, etc., but at what price? These girls are seduced into a degrading lifestyle and pretty much sucked dry of all their youth and beauty and then they're disposed of and replaced with new girls, just like a commodity. He's a fraud and a user. Very few of those women really gain anything from all that they've invested in Hugh Hefner.

I know many men find his lifestyle enviable and ideal and perfect. But that mindset is immature and evil because it doesn't value women as equal partners but as a commodity to use and dispose of. The men who 'buy into' Hefner's offerings are just as misled and seduced as the young women he uses. And our society has suffered more than most men (and many women) would like to admit. It's no coincidence that the rise of Hefner's image of the ideal woman has corresponded to the rise in plastic surgery, especially breast implants, to make women try to attain that impossible ideal. And look at all the aging women, like Sharon Stone, who have built their lives on that image and are now going to extremes to try to maintain it. It's insane, and it's wrong.

Hefner just celebrated his 80th birthday. He doesn't look like your typical 80 year old man. Obviously, he's a vampire, forever youthful because he sucks the life-force and female sexual power from all of these young women. And that's why he's the Devil.


I googled Hugh Hefner and found these articles. I've only skimmed them so I'm not sure if they support or contradict my thoughts.

Hugh Hefner's Hollow Victory

Blows Against the Empire

Mae West Quote For This Week

"When I'm good, I'm very good, but when I'm bad, I'm better."

OH! My Eyes! My Eyes! (please vote)

Okay, now I've been thinking about this pink thing and I'm about 78% sure that I want to change this color template. I got a book about color theory and now I'm thinking that I need to change from this flirty pink to a more mellow yellow.

So what do you think?

Yes or no for the color change?

If not mellow yellow then suggestions?

Friday Meme

I got this from kat.


1.Last kiss? This morning, telling David bye.

2. How do you flush the toilet in public? Usually with my foot

3. Do you wear your seatbelt in the car? Always

4. Do you have a crush on someone? Always

5. Name one thing that you start to get tense about if you are close to running out of it: eh, I'm skipping this one. lol

6. What famous person do you (or other people) think you resemble? Nobody.

7. Favorite pizza topping: bacon

8. Finish this sentence: if my life was a sitcom my theme song would be... "Drop It Like It's Hot" by Snoop Dogg.... I'm KIDDING! Really, maybe "She's a Lady" by Tom Jones.

9. Do you pop your knuckles? no

10. What song do you dislike the most when it gets stuck in your head? Walking on Sunshine

11. Did just mentioning that song make it get stuck in your head? No, I'm listening to Tom Jones.

12. What are your super powers? Despite all the skeptics I really can read minds sometimes...

13. Peppermint or spearmint? Spearmint

14. Where are your keys? In the ignition.

15. Who's answers to this questionnaire do you want to hear? Everyone's.

16. What's your most annoying habit? Sighing loudly.

17. Where did you last go on vacation? earlier this year, Green Valley Spa, St. George, UT

18. If you could punch one person in the nose and get away with it, who would it be? CapitalistImperialistPig, ;-)

19. What is your best physical feature? I have no idea.

20. What CD is closest to you right now? the first Fleetwood Mac album

21. What 3 things can always be found in your refrigerator? milk, Dr. Pepper, mystery leftovers

22. What superstition do you believe/practice? Knock on wood.

23. When you're in a public place and your underwear gets up your crack do you sit there and take it, or do you dig it out and let the world deal with it? Dig it out baby!

24. If you could murder 5 people and get away with it, who would they be and why? Wow, I can't think of anyone I personally hate so much that I'd kill them, but I'd kill some of the Muslim terrorist extremists with no remorse.

25. Do you talk on your cell phone when you drive? Not usually.

26. What are your favorite sayings? "Do it right!" (from a Thomas the Tank Engine dvd that my 5 year old has)

27. What song(s) do you sing most often in the shower? I don't usually sing in the shower.

28. If you could go back or forward in time would you and where would you go? I do this all the time in my mind to lots of different places. I just observe.

29. What is your favorite Harrison Ford movie? Star Wars I guess, but I'm not a big fan of his.

30. What CD is in your stereo? the previously mentioned Fleetwood Mac cd

31. What OCD qualities do you have? Mostly I have excellent 'place memory' which means you better not touch my stuff and move it because I'll notice even the slightest changes and get really pissed.

32. how many kids do you plan on having? 3, can't physically have any more, but I have thought about adopting an older child at some point

33. If you could kiss anyone famous who would it be? George Bush, lol

34. Would you really want to kiss someone you didn't know? Maybe.

35. What do you do when no one is watching? Sing out loud and sometimes dance around.

36. If they made a movie about your life, what actor/actress would play you? I have no idea.

37. Would you rather die in a blaze of glory or peacefully in your sleep? It doesn't really matter if you're dying anyway.

38. What candy, from when you were a kid, do you miss the most? Can't think of any.

39. What is your favorite movie? Just one? This is stupid, but Little Nicky always makes me laugh and cheers me up when I'm depressed.

40. Favorite musician(s)/bands you've seen in concert? KISS when I was a kid, Robert Plant as an adult.

41. Have you ever been in love? Of course!

42. Do you talk to yourself? All the time. Sometimes I'm the only one who'll listen.

43. Is there anybody you just wish would fall of the face off the earth? Only one? Where do I start? All the pedophiles in the world should just die right this minute.

No Surprise

Sharon Stone Flops with Larry the Cable Guy!

From cnn.com:

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc.

1. "Ice Age: The Meltdown," $70.5 million
2. "Inside Man," $15.7 million
3. "ATL," $12.5 million
4. "Failure to Launch," $6.6 million
5. "V for Vendetta," $6.5 million
6. "Stay Alive," $4.58 million
7. "She's the Man," $4.57 million
8. "Slither," $3.7 million
9. "The Shaggy Dog," $3.5 million
10. "Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector," $3.2 million (tie)
10. "Basic Instinct 2," $3.2 million (tie)


While this is probably great news for Larry, it's terrible for Sharon Stone. But really, why can't aging stars accept that they must move on to a new stage of life? This is what happens when a woman makes her fame and fortune only by exploiting her youth and beauty. And youth and beauty are fleeting and not something that make a firm foundation for anything - career, marriage, or whatever. Stone is 48, ten years older than I am. I'm not saying that women can't stay beautiful as they age, but I am saying that artificially produced youthful beauty isn't attractive in an older woman. And I find it sad that these women who are hailed as the 'most beautiful in the world' when they are young can't let go of that as they age.

This is another reason why I, as a more 'plain' woman, feel more freedom to be myself as I age instead of feeling pressure to maintain some impossible facade of youth and beauty. I have much better things to spend my time and energy on than trying to defeat the natural process of aging. I can't imagine how horrible it must be to wake every morning and begin to worry about wrinkles and all of that. What a waste of time!


Oh, how this reminds me of the 1950 film Sunset Boulevard about an aging star's refusal to accept that her youth and beauty had faded. Sharon Stone on the set of Basic Instinct 2.

The 53 year old Gloria Swanson in Sunset Boulevard.

From the Chimerical Mailbag

Hey Rae Ann,

I hate pink! Why do you keep that horrible pink template?

No Pink Please


Dear No Pink Please,

I love pink, and I always have. But my mother was one of the first feminists and she didn't allow pink, not even if I begged. So now that I make my own choices I choose pink. It's a very powerful, feminine color.

Pretty in Pink,
Rae Ann

PS If it bothers you that much try right-clicking and selecting all. At least then there is some blue and white.


Hello Fruitloop,

Why and how can you take horoscopes seriously and call yourself 'psychic'? I think you're just another fruitloop.

Raisin Bran Is Better


Dear Raisin Bran,

Of course you're entitled to your opinion and can call me whatever you like. I don't care. All of these things are very personal and not especially conducive to a scientific kind of validation. Indeed, it has taken my husband nearly 15 years of living with me to recognize and accept that I just know things sometimes. I keep most of my 'visions' to myself because I've found that most people just can't deal with (or are very frightened by) someone who can see right through them. This has taught me to be more forgiving and understanding of other people's dark sides and insecurities that they'd rather deny exist. However, at the worst it can make me very suspicious and sad to know "what evil lurks in the hearts of men (and women)." But make no mistake, I do know what you're thinking and I try to overlook it. In this way I might be the best friend you could ever have.

As for horoscopes I only like the thought-provoking ones that give me a new way of looking at things. I certainly don't live by them, but they are entertaining and interesting.

And be careful in a crowd as you are going to fart and embarrass yourself.

Your Fruitloop Oracle,
Rae Ann


Dear Rae Ann,

Are you a feminist or not? You send mixed messages, and you seem to have a deep hostility toward men.

Confused


Dear Confused,

I consider myself a 'New Feminist.' As I stated above my mother was one of the original feminists who were rebelling against the oppression they experienced in the 'June Cleaver' 1950s culture, etc. I was brought up to not trust men and to not depend on them for anything. Indeed, these women were confused themselves because they tried to be more like men instead of asserting their feminine power in a more natural way. Childhood influences can be difficult to overcome. I'm not blaming or resenting my mother's approach, but I'm finding my own. I am quite bothered by all the oppression of women over history (and that continues today) by men who I know are at the most basic level envious of women's ability to create and grow life within their bodies. And some men even know and deeply resent that they (and their seed) are plentiful and 'disposable'. They try to say that women are the 'weaker vessel' or whatever, but I'd love to see a man go through pregnancy and childbirth. There would be no population problem! lol Both sexes have their strengths and weaknesses, and we are intended to complement each other instead of be adversaries.

Anyway, no, I don't hate men. I love them, most of the time, except when I'm hormonal. They are funny creatures to study and experiment with. And I do try to forgive them for fearing strong women. I've found that their egos are like bubbles. The bigger they get the more fragile they are.

Hope that helps,
Rae Ann

I'm Just A Girl, part 1

I have no credentials, that is, no string of letters following my name and no impressive Curriculum Vitae. All I have is my experience.

I've always attracted a motley group of friends, people on the fringes of other groups. I've never been in any kind of sorority (organized or spontaneous) of homogenous friends with whom I had everything in common. Think of the cliques in school and how they were usually groups of practically identical people. I never fit into any of that, even as a young child. I was in the 'clique of oddballs' if I had to label it.

Interacting with lots of different people has given me insights and perspectives that many other people don't have because they know only people who are just like them. By having friends who are on the fringes of these groups I get more of an 'inside view' of their lives and lifestyles. When you're more 'in' the group then they let you in on their real selves. It breaks the barriers of stereotypes. In a sense maybe this gives me some 'street creds'.

Immigration

I've been pretty pissed, yet a little amused, at the talking heads on TV who have absolutely no idea what is really going on with many of the illegal immigrants. They've never spent any time with them getting know why they're here, how they got here, how they live, or what they really think of America. Going to the border and ambushing them with questions doesn't count. These reporters have no street creds. Of course, having street creds isn't 'politically correct.' And they don't want street creds because they'd rather believe their own notions than deal with reality.

One of my really good friends (who has a PhD but isn't 'using' it) met an illegal Mexican, and they fell in love. As you can imagine this was quite a shock for almost everyone she knew. But love is rare and precious, and you often find it in the least expected places. He did what he had to do to 'get legal' which can be a very complicated process, especially if the person is here illegally first. But this is good because people should be willing to jump through hoops to become a legal resident or citizen. And marrying someone first does not make any of the process easier or faster. My friend and her love did not marry until after he was finally legal.

Knowing someone personally who has gone through all of that has shown me how things really work. And it has also given me some insights into the world of illegal Mexicans, particularly in the Southeast which might vary somewhat from the border states of the Southwest. I've personally seen the small houses where 20 young Mexican men live together to keep their expenses as low as possible so that they have more money to send back home to their families in Mexico. I've heard the stories of Pablo or Juan who came here only for a few months, long enough to make a little extra money. These young guys aren't in America because they crave freedom and American citizenship. They are here because they want to make some quick money. They almost exclusively do landscaping and construction work (carpentry, masonry, etc.) that is easily paid in cash. They don't pay income taxes or into the Social Security system. They are uninsured, both in Worker's Compensation and health. They might appear to be living in abject poverty, but it is more often than not by their own design. The fewer things they have the easier it is for them to move quickly.

It is a huge exaggeration for people to think that every Mexican worker has brought their family with them to America so that they can all become citizens. I've heard some ridiculous arguments from both sides of the political aisle that assure me that these people have no earthly idea what is really happening with illegal Mexican immigrants. One even said, "for every illegal worker there is also a family that needs services, etc." (that's paraphrased and I didn't bother to remember who said it because it was so stupid) Sure, there are families involved, but most of them are not in the US but are in Mexico. If there are any vast conspiracies going on here it's that these illegal Mexicans have figured out how to exploit the 'wealthy' Americans. Most of them don't care about America except for how much money they can make. Call me 'mean spirited' or cynical or whatever you like, but I'm just reporting my own personal experience which I'm willing to bet is much closer to reality than what you hear from the suits and ties.


to be continued...

Sounds rather ominous...

Jonathan Cainer's Aquarius horoscope for today:

Are you going too far or are you going just far enough? How can you know? You are following an extremely strong impulse and it is doubtful whether you could resist this even if you wanted to. As it happens, you neither want to nor need to. Others can sit in judgement of you if they wish to. You can even disapprove of yourself if you so desire. It makes no difference. There's a date with destiny on your horizon and with each passing day you grow closer to a fulfilment of a promise made long ago.



Curiously enough, I've been reading Cainer's horoscopes for some time and he is often spookily on target with them. This one concerns me for that very reason. A date with destiny sounds like a good thing, but I've lived long enough to know that those things are usually like double edged swords.

Porn Industry in Perspective

via suzie

Part of the transcript of Nancy Grace's show last night:


... the size of this global porn industry, $57 billion.

If you take Toys R Us and Mars company -- they make Snickers and M&Ms and Milky Way -- add them together, it`s half that amount of on-line porn.

ABC, NBC, CBS combined, $6 billion-- That`s one tenth of the on-line porn industry.

And lastly, you take the gross domestic product of Jamaica, Bermuda, Aruba, Jordan and Bahrain, that`s a little short of the GDP of the porn business.


And related, DHS Press Secretary Arrested on Child Seduction Charges

Someone tell me why a 55 year old man is soliciting sexual contact with a 14 year old girl. Are there still older men who are stupid enough to think that a 14 year old girl is really going to want to do things with them?

This makes me ill. I think that men who want sex with young girls must have very tiny dicks. If any man tries something with one of my kids he'll be losing that tiny dick of his in the most unpleasant way.

I Was Wrong

I'm sorry, if you are looking for a picture of daffodils, that link has been disabled. Sorry for any inconvenience.








What a pisser! Wah, wah, wah, boohoohoo. Nobody likes to be wrong, let alone admit publicly that they were wrong. But being who I am, I will swallow my pride and admit to being wrong. (Much like the way that I had to laugh off my hilarious tripping and falling in front of a bunch of people at my son's baseball practice last night. How embarrassing!)

I had to go pick up my rejected picture today. Well, much to my disappointment it wasn't the only one. There were two others. I hate when my bubbles get burst like that, but I did secretly suspect that this would happen. (just another example of why it's not good to be 'psychic') So my percentage did not rise to 80% acceptance and my level of 'presence' in the show did not double. :-(

So does this make me a liar? I don't think so, but Dr. Pig probably will because he is certain that President Bush is a liar because he happened to repeat 'wrong information.' So, Dr. Pig, am I in the same category of malicious liars as Pres. Bush (according to you) just because I believed and repeated wrong information?

Anyway, I guess I should be pleased that I still have two pictures in the show, but I'm not ashamed to admit that I am let down that it is only two instead of four.

Now I need something to cheer me up.


Update 8-22-2006: A new post with a video of Democrats 'lying' can be seen here. And can you believe that the song "Would I Lie To You?" by the Eurythmics just came on the radio. I shit you NOT!

Mae West Quote for the Week

"When caught between two evils I generally pick the one I've never tried before."

Ha Ha!

You Are 60% Evil

You are evil, but you haven't yet mastered the dark side. Fear not though - you are on your way to world domination.

How Evil Are You?

Whoo Hoo!!

I'm so happy! Four of my five entries into the Dogwood Arts Festival Photo Show were accepted! Yay!! I had been hoping to continue my trend of doubling my accepted entries. In 2004 I got one entry in the show. In 2005 I got two entries in the show. And this year I got four! And my percentage went up to 80%.

So if you find yourself in Knoxville the show will be on exhibit from Thursday, April 13th through Saturday, April 22nd at TVA's West Tower, 400 West Summit Hill Drive, downtown Knoxville. The Tower will not be open on Easter weekend, April 15th and 16th.

There is a Preview Reception (open to public) on Wednesday, April 12, 6:00-8:00 pm at the TVA West Tower.

Here is the rejected picture (Computer Enhanced/Special Effects catagory):

"Charity" This is a modified version of my 6 of Orbs tarot card. Now I'm thinking that for the purposes of the photo show I should have cropped it so that there was less clutter in the background. But for the tarot cards the background is important for the meaning of the card.

(I tried to upload the accepted entries but blogger isn't cooperating right now. I'll try again later.)

Missing Neutrinos Found!

As Lubos reported yesterday some neutrinos were lost.

I'm happy to report that I have found them here in Tennessee. Apparently, the mischievous little buggers were the ones responsible for my computer problems yesterday. I've managed to capture a picture of them....




Happy April Fool's Day!