Right As Usual

I've decided that it's important to affirm what is special about being a Christian, rather than a Muslim. In that spirit, I've decided to set aside 1 day a week to indulge in eating the OTHER WHITE MEAT - PORK! I'm thinking of making it Tuesday or Wednesday - any preferences? Email me with suggestions. I have some hot sausage in the freezer - I better take it out. Maybe I'll make Dirty Rice - that makes a great day-after lunch, as well. Tags = [tagname]

I found this link on my girl MaxedOutMama's blog . As usual, The Anchoress is stunningly profound. It's long, but worth every savory bite. The Anchoress replies to a Wall Street Journal post of Peggy Noonan. we must do something else, if we are to stave off the Painless Coup. We are going to have to turn away from our distractions - the television, the radio, the magazines, the talkshows, the films, the fashions, the escapist entertainment, even the internet. We will have to turn away from these empty things - to make them smaller in our lives, where they and the popular culture now loom so large - and we are going to have to get quiet. A good musician knows that music is not created only by playing notes, but by understanding the spaces between the notes, and their value. Just so, it will not be enough to simply repeat what is true - if that is all we do, it will only add to the din - there must also be silence, in which to do our other, more powerful work. It is a cacoph...

Lisa, another SC blogger, of Organized Chaos , posted something we all need to remember: i hate giving democrats advice. there's always a slight chance they might take it. Tags = Blogging

When I was reading this, I laughed out loud, which is a strange thing to do when you live alone. Well, actually, it's not a big deal unless you see it in a movie or on TV, where there the action is used to establish that the person is a whackjob. Which, of course, I'm not. What made me laugh: 2. Bat: The bat is the piece of wood with which a batter tries to hit the ball. The bat is usually hewn from Canadian maple or Kentucky ash and should be a solid piece of wood and should not be hollowed out to contain tennis balls, cork, metal, or any other foreign substance that gives the batter an unfair advantage over the pitcher...okay, I can hear you snickering out there, knock it off. 3. Batter: A man who makes what I make in a year for the amount of time it takes him to adjust his jockstrap, and that's without him trying to hit a ball. If he manages to do this three times out of every ten times attempted, he is a good hitter. This may work in baseball, but if the doctor your be...

I wanted to point out a new guy on the Blogroll - The Liberal Wrong - Wing . I found him when he emailed me; I checked him out, and I thought he deserved a slot. Now, before I become swamped (was going to write unindated, but I wasn't sure of the spelling) with requests to add your blog, let me clarify: I normally find the blogs on the blogroll by myself I HATE spammers that have blogs unrelated to my interest, but send me stuff - don't bother, I'll just block you from commenting or emailing. If I REALLY get ticked off, I'll sign you up for spam myself. I've never done that, but don't get me that steamed. I like to put quirky blogs on the list - but they should be posting about politics, culture, or Catholicism. Need I add, that the politics I'm interested in are generally more conservative? If yours fits those categories, don't be shy. Send me a short email with the link, and I'll check it out. Don't expect an immediate reply - this is a l...

One of my favorites, Ace of Spades , is creating a Blog Family Tree. I added my history to the mix, not because my blog is that significant, but because I wanted to honor my Blogmother, Maripat, who invited me to co-blog on Right We Are! (now defunct - go to the WayBack Machine , and enter http://rightweare.com to see what it looked like). I'd never considered starting a blog, I just read others. But, when she solicited a second helper, I immediately responded - to my surprise, she accepted. Alas, she shut down the site several months later - personal life interfered with keeping it up. But her generousity led to an interesting experience, and, eventually, to starting my own blog. I just checked - my 2 year anniversary is coming up on November 13. I noticed that I've posted over 300 times in that period. That, roughly, works out to 3-4 1-2 times a week for 2 years. I didn't realize that I had that much to say. (When reading those numbers above, I realized my mistake...

I had a rare treat this weekend - I met Amy Welborn and her husband, Michael Dubruiel . They were there as authors of MANY books. I took a picture, but, of course, being the total techno-newbie when it comes to graphics, I lost it. Also forgot to get the two books I bought autographed. As Homer Simpson says, "D'oh!" I've been reading Amy's blog for ages - it was one of the first I found through The St. Blog's Parish webring. She offers commentary on a variety of ethical and moral issues, life in general, and provides a glimpse of what an author's life is like. If you believe her, a lot like yours and mine. But even more hectic. Tags = [tagname]

One of the many centers for the young representatives to gather. The one in the miter is one of many who enjoyed combining Church traditions with a little pre-Halloween dress-up. 

Putting a statue to good use - I will have to ask Shannon which saint this is supposed to represent. 

A quiet moment in a long day. 

That's a picture of Shannon from her 1st vows. 

The sisters in their booth. 

Shannon's shirt 

Our good neighbor, Canada, whom the Liberals always seem to use as the standard for enlightened thinking, has introduced a bill to legalize euthanasia. The bill has several interesting provisions: The person "(ii) either (A) continues, after trying the appropriate treatments available or refusing the treatments that have not been tried, to experience severe physical or mental pain without any prospect of relief, or (B) suffers from a terminal illness," I have some issues with that "trying the appropriate treatments available or refusing the treatments that have not been tried". Does that mean that Canada can keep a treatment from being available (for cost reasons), then allow those patients to be "offed" without penalty to the murderer gentle soul who only wants to spare the soon-to-be-deceased any pain, whether physical or psychic. What a way to balance the health budget! Just keep those treatments from being available, then pull the plug on the suf...

I just returned froom Atlanta, GA, where I spent some time at the National Catholic Youth Conference. I was visiting my daughter, whose order (Sisters of St. Joseph, Third Order of St. Francis) had a booth to acquaint young women with some information about religious life. Below is a picture of my daughter, with some of the other members of her family. I'll upload pictures later, once I get around to unloading my camera from the car. I almost didn't go, as I had a nasty intestinal bug Friday morning. By afternoon, I was considerably better, so decided to go ahead with the trip. I didn't eat much there, but I had no further trouble. Tags = Catholic

A Fox News story on the GodBlog convention totally misses the point Blogging's popularity is no doubt on a rapid rise, although it hasn't yet taken hold over the vast majority of Internet users. By the end of 2004, 8 million U.S. adults — 7 percent of adults who use the Internet — reported having created a blog, according to a study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project. Traditional media always focuses on the fact that it's only a small percentage of the Internet population that publishes a blog. Dolts. It's an even smaller percentage of the reading population that ever started a newspaper or TV/radio station. It's not necessary for every single reader to CREATE A BLOG, but they are clearly being influenced by the phenomenon. Those who aren't writing blogs are reading blogs, more every day. And, as they become accustomed to getting a larger percentage of their news from blogs and websites, they dependence on MSM decreases. More every day. Why do...

The Fox News story points out SOME of the scandals of recent presidencys. The story led with Raymond Donovan, a sitting Cabinet secretary under Reagan. In theory, that's why that part was at the top - because they both served in the Cabinet. Me, I'm inclined to believe that it was more because he was Republican. They could have, instead picked the most recent Cabinet official to have been indicted - Henry Cisneros, the Housing Secretary under Clinton. But, that would have meant that the story would start with a Democrat. That's a no-no. What's interesting is the number that may have substantial political motivations, if you judge by the number of acquittals. Unless the politician got caught with his hand in the cookie jar, the juries tended to acquit. Another Fox story focuses solely on "Scooter" Libby, and provided support for his eventual acquittal by pointing out that Only one person went to prison in the Iran-Contra affair, although several people...

I have always felt that I was the center of the world - doesn't everyone? Now, you can view my world . It's a site called Frappr, and it lets you create a map that others can join. It works for blogs, groups, families, and any other collection of people who are geographically separated. Check it out, and join my world. Tags = [tagname]

Wilma is on her way out, having done about all the damage she will be able to. From what I hear from the locals here (SC), the hurricane season should start to wind down from now on. There may still be activity, but it should be lessening. My daughter has just set up a web camera. Her husband has taken a new job out of town, so they'll have a commuter marriage for a few months (like mother, like daughter). The camera will be a big help. I had a presentation on our new interactive learning system (think of a projection system, with mixed text, graphics, and video - and a classroom full of kids with remotes, answering questions). The board loved it - we had to practically pry the remotes out of their hands. I've installed the base system on my laptop, so I can construct new stuff for my classes. It does take a little time to make, so I'll only do a new one about once a week. But, over time, I'm hoping that all the teachers in the department will spend a little tim...

I was reading a meaty series of posts on Sigmund, Carl and Alfred , and I just had to excerpt from one in particular In our time, however, the incredible has happened. The court jester has become the king. Those who play the heroes have become the culture's actual heroes. Those who direct fantasy movies are directing the direction of our youth. And with entertainers as the principal people we look up to, so much of our society has become silly and trivial. This is exactly what was going through my mind as I watched the narcissism of the Academy Awards. In America today, there exists not a single mainstream televised awards ceremony for anything other than movies, television, acting and music. Even when brave soldiers are awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for gallantry, it is not broadcast on television. With these "shining" examples dominating the media choices every night, is it any wonder that our society becomes more than a little confused about their importance...

I found a great link to a philosophical piece, courtesy of Bad Hair Blog . The article deals with human rights. Now, I have strong beliefs about the importance of the individual. It probably stems from my Catholic upbringing; the essential core of the right is that humans do not exist for the state, nor even the family, but for a mission that they determine for themselves (and, I would add, with the grace of God). In essence, the question is, why am I here? To be able to answer that question, you have to believe that it is your right to decide that for yourself. If someone else is in charge of your destiny, you cannot freely make that determination. Therefore, you have to "own" your destiny, or your own self. That's the real reason that slavery is wrong - slaves cannot chose their own destiny. It isn't the working conditions, or the unsavory choices they face - millions around the world, although nominally free, find their choices limited, and their working l...

My Vast Right Wing Conspiracy has done it again. She's declared an Open Trackback weekend. Clever girl. She gets links, we get more potential readers, and the excitement just keeps building! I'm also linking to The Politics of CP . He's been uncovering some VERY interesting information about fringe Islamic groups, and you won't believe where some of them are located - there is one right here in South Carolina. Go check him out, and find out if you should be concerned about strange activities in your neck of the woods. Speaking of strange activities... Tags = Blogging

Hog On Ice has posted some classic rules for screenwriters: don’t kill a whole Chinook full of them while they’re on the way to get the terrorists, just so Steven Seagal can show up in a gigantic maternity kimono and fight them with one hand while eating Ho Hos with the other. I love Steven Seagal movies, but dude, could you give the drive-thru a rest and let the rest of us have a shot at the food? Here’s a tip: you can be a perfectly good Buddhist without actually LOOKING like Buddha. There's more - go there . Tag = Entertainment

I've been finding an endless source of amusement on the Democratic Party website . Alas for the Dems, the "Internet-savvy" politician has brought little but his customary acidic accusations against the "Evil Empire", AKA the Republican Party and those who support them. Among his gifts to the web: A report on the status of "emergency contraception" , which the party claims will reduce need for abortions by 50%. Really? So, responsible use of contraception is a choice employed by only HALF of sexually active women? Pray tell, if they can't plan ahead, even by a 1/2 hour or so, what makes the Dems think they'll be responsible enough to get their backside out of bed long enough to get the "Plan B" stuff? Even if it's over the counter. ESPECIALLY if it's over the counter - since OTCs are not generally covered by prescription drug plans. I'm betting most will just cross their fingers and wait. The bigger issue here is the...

I've been following the progress on getting states to require IDs to vote. Georgia just struck down a requirement. Other states are considering enacting legislation, as well. The Democrats, uniformly, are against it. What are their arguments? From the Democratic Party web site: Today, "a federal court temporarily barred Georgia from enforcing a new state law requiring voters to show photo identification at the polls." The federal judge hearing the case in Georgia "agreed with critics who claimed the law amounted to an unconstitutional poll tax." A poll tax? Mister, you've got to be kidding. I can't think of a mentally stable adult over 18, with the possible exception of someone recently moved, who can't produce a legal ID. Without an ID, you can't open a bank account, get a library card, video card, or grocery frequent-shopper card. You can't rent an apartment, drive a car, or get a job. So, no person who does any of the above can clai...

I'm going into work late today - not really late, we've shifted time for reporting from 7:30 or so to 11:00. The down side is that we can't leave until 7:00. It's due to Parent Conferences and Report Card Pick-up. It makes for an interesting day. Part of the day, we just have some time to get stuff done - organizing, planning, meeting with other teachers. Today, I will be showing other science teachers how the Quizdom setup works. It's an interactive class system that lets kids "buzz" in with a remote. In theory, which (surprisingly) matches the practice, you can make sure kids understand one concept before moving on to another. I tested it out on my classes, and it was amazingly effective. I'm just trying to decide whether it's worth the time to put on a pot of coffee. Probably not. Although, my coffee is MUCH better than the stuff available at school. For one thing, it's freshly ground. For another, it's a better grade of coffe...

I've a new picture on the blog today, in honor of the campaign to Free Piglet. For those who haven't been following it, the Brits have caved in to PC thinking, and banned the pig. Lost Budgie Blog has much of the story. Politicians in West Midlands banned the display of toy pigs and other pig-related items in municipal offices as a result of a single complaint from a Muslim. Among the banned items were piggy banks, novelty pig calendars and a tissue box featuring Winnie the Pooh and Piglet. Many bloggers have the same reaction I did, and are joining me in defiantly nailing our pigs to the blog-mast. Tags = News and Politics

Free Piglet 

Free Piglet! 

Free Piglet! 

i've been reading The Anchoress for some time, now. I started when I found her site through The Terry's Blogs list. I continued even after that lady died, and I've always found her to be thoughtful and incisive. She's written something for the CBSNews.com: Blog that I think you'll want to read. In her words: Televised news seemed either moribund or yappy or designed for the attention span-impaired, so I clicked off the television and clicked on the Internet. In short order, I there began not simply to consume news, but to roll around in it like a capitalist wallowing in a pile of hundred dollar bills, and I didn’t give televised news another thought. The rest of the piece is just as good, pungently meaty, and straightforward about her take on media bias. She pulls no punches. Tags = News and Politics and Media

I'v added another link to a Carolina blogger - this one is Mike's America . Like me, he is an Ohio transplant to the Lowcountry (we call it that because, well, we don't build basements in this part of the country - we're not too far from sea level). He has a funny story about Nancy Pelosi and the Delay indictment . The last line of the story is the kicker. Mike also links to another great blogger I always like, Ace of Spades , who mysteriously disappeared from my Blogroll (but will be re-enrolled posthaste). Ace has the list of top 10 requirements for employment with Al Qaeda 10. Must be eager to work with a dynamic group of diverse suicidal maniacs 9. Must be a "self-starter;" also, a "self-detonator" 8. Must be a "people person" 7. Absolutely no prima donnas! Whether it's fetching coffee or sawing off the head of a female schoolteacher, there are no "small tasks" at Al Qaeda, only "small workers" 6. Must have a ...

Real Clear Politics writes about the tendency of voters to egg on legislators to enact laws that take over the job of parents. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger recently signed a bill that prohibits the sale to minors of video games that ``depict serious injury to human beings in a manner that is especially heinous, atrocious or cruel.'' Have you noticed? Politics can be surreal. Remember the ``Terminator" movies? In his previous incarnation as an action hero, Arnold was exceptionally skilled at inflicting ``serious injury to human beings in a manner that (was) especially heinous, atrocious or cruel.'' Anyway, California isn't alone. Michigan has passed a similar law banning the sale of ``ultra-violent explicit video games'' to minors under the age of 17. And Illinois also has a law on the books that bans the sale or rental to minors of violent or sexually explicit games. Most of the opposition has come from, shall we say, interested parties. There...

Believe it or not, I've never read The Daily Kos, before today. But when I read about Tips for Protestors (doesn't that remind you of Glamour's Do's and Don'ts - sprightly advice on what to wear?), I had to look - and see what I found! Don't's: Don't have a hippy drum circle: There are few things more annoying and irrelevant than a bunch of dreadlocked Boulderites banging on drums while dancing around with erect nipples under their hemp shirts. Don't have a gothic pagan chorus on the stage talking about mermaids: This actually happened at the last November 3rd movement rally. It has nothing to do with the overall point of the protest. Rather it is just an opportunity for superficial hipsters to whine about "mother earth". They then leave to go get coffee and don't stay for the rally. Don't talk about gay rights or other issues that have little to do with the Iraqi invasion: Believe it our not, all of the protesters do not se...

neo-neocon has an interesting post on blogging. She writes about the unmediated nature of blogs - nothin' between the blogger and the reader, except some elecrons. No editors. No lengthy process, during which the blogger might re-consider the wisdom of stating his/her thoughts quite that strongly, or using those words. It's the immediacy I kinda like. A little like the bad old days of straight-from-the-hip journalism. Occasionally rash, and often inflammatory. But exciting. I'm tired of pontificating, mock-I'm-an-unbiased-observer attitude that the MSM types affect. I really prefer my reporting and commentary to be straight about the biases - don't we all have them? I even like the glimpses of personal life interwoven into the politics, culture, and commentary. I like them so much, that, when I moved to SC, I didn't bother to get a TV. My only news comes from a weekly local paper, and online reporting. And, to be honest, I don't miss the MSM - no...

Bird flu has hit Romania. The H5N1 strain is the one that has concerned public health officials. Before you start panicking, remember that the human deaths have, so far, been confined to Asia. It's in Asia that the practice of keeping swine and birds (primarily chickens and ducks) in close proximity is widespread. That may be the factor that is allowing the virus to reach humans, via transmission from birds to pigs, then to humans. That's the route that most flu viruses take, which explains why most influenza attacks start in the East. Tags = Health and Wellness

I found an interesting book in the local library this week. It's called The Worm in the Apple , and it's about the NEA (National Education Association). Disclaimer: I previously belonged, grudgingly, to the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Last year, I was teaching in a long-term position, and joined the NEA. In both cases, the amount I had to pay (they call it "Fair Share") was mandatory. It differed so little from the cost of joining, I decided to hedge my bets, on the off chance that I might need the "protection" of the union. (That sounds a little "Tony Soprano", doesn't it?) In neither case did I receive anything of value from the union. I can't count the cheesy trinkets and candy I got on "Teacher Appreciation Day". The author, Peter Brimelow, runs the VDare site . He can best be described as a long-time conservative. His particular passion is sounding a warning about immigration's potential to undermine A...

IMAO puts the Harriet Miers competency issue to rest: So what is the job of a Supreme Court Justice? It's to interpret the Constitution. And what is the Constitution? A FOUR PAGE DOCUMENT! Think about it: the job of a Supreme Court Justice - his only job for his entire life - is to understand four pages of text. Why do you even need a legal degree for this? I'm not even sure you need a high school diploma. He has a point, folks. I've actually read the document myself (My major in college was History - OK, I finally saw the light, and used my Science minor to get and stay employed). An intelligent high school sophomore could easily understand the provisions. In fact, in old-fashioned schools, they do. Those are the ones that still teach Civics instead of those squishy, touchy-feely Social Studies classes. What a waste of time THOSE are! So, why don't schools still teach kids about the basic documents that underly our political system? Because it's too @#$%^...

I was able to post via e-mail, so I may take advantage of that in the future.  It certainly is convenient, and can solve problems of slow access times. The New York Times is up in arms about an African aid bill.  It seems that NYT is blaming three interests some critics call the Iron Triangle of food aid: agribusiness, the shipping industry and charitable organizations. Well, I can't say that I'm on the NYT's side in this one. The bill would send money to organizations, who would then be able to buy needed supplies locally.  According to promoters of this initiative, Had the Agency for International Development had the authority to buy food in Ethiopia in the mid-1980's, when a million perished, or in 1999-2000 when 20,000 died, it could have saved many more lives, said its administrator, Andrew S. Natsios, who added, "Speed is everything in a famine response." Why, oh why, does this seem like a VERY bad idea to me? I seem to remember the last great Afric...

I'm checking out the "blogging by mail" function of Blogger.  At some point, it may be necessary to post that way to avoid waiting until I return home to update my blog.

I don't care what anyone else thinks, I think the lady's got a healthy attitude about the situation. Michelle Duggar just delivered her 16th child, and she's already thinking about doing it again. Johannah Faith Duggar was born at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday and weighed 7 pounds, 6.5 ounces. I mean, what the !@#$%^&*( business is it of anyone else's? If they are happy about it, and it isn't costing the taxpayer anything, more power to them. I remember when we told friends and family that we were expecting our 3rd child. EVERYBODY had a comment, most of them snide: Have you figured out what causes it? (Why, no, why don't you explain it to us?) Are you THAT Catholic? (Is that a bad thing?) How are you going to afford it? (Why, I'm so happy to hear that you want to help us out - that IS why you asked, isn't it?) I could NEVER do that. (And, considering the way you act towards your spouse, I'm not surprised.) I'll pray for you. (Thank you - I'll pr...

...but, then, I wasn't that excited about the IPod, either. Jobs did it again, apparently The new video iPod, available in black or white, will be able to play video and podcasts. A 30-gigabyte version will sell for $299 and a 60-gigabyte, $399. Extra features on both versions include a clock, a calendar that Jobs said never looked better, a stop watch and a screen lock. "It's really very beautiful and very thin," Jobs told assembled journalists and guests. The video iPod will lock TV shows and music videos downloaded from the iTunes store with copy-protection software, just as Apple does for music. But it will also support the MPEG-4 video standard, meaning users could view home movies and other unencrypted videos on it. I really can't see the excitement, but then, I already have videocameras and alternate video output equipment. The small screen seems to say, Gramps, get out of the way - the future is about to run you over After all, I also wear reading glasses...

I have just 3 words to say to people who have their knickers in a twist about the Harriet Miers nomination: TOM C. CLARK Don't remember him? He's the father of Ramsey Clark, and of whom Truman, who nominated him, said: "It's not that he's a bad man," rued Truman. "It's just that he's the dumbest sonofabitch I ever met." Face reality - the US will not dissolve if Miers is appointed Justice. Hell, she could hardly do worse than the Kelo decision, which will have to rank in the Top 10 Worst Supreme Court Blunders Of All Time. And the Justices that weighed in on the side of that stupidity are considered more qualified? Please! Tags = News and politics

Count me as one of the many who love the Internet passionately. Yet, if I am honest, times (like this weekend) when I didn't have access were among my most productive. I simply accomplish more when I am not able to log on. However, I am NOT about to detach myself from my addiction. It's too useful for keeping me up-to-date on events. Without a TV, I just don't have an easy way of keeping up on national events. In fact, the Internet is MORE useful in finding out what's going on than TV. However, some of the reporting is just wrong, or even silly. Fox News has a headline - Scientists: 1918 Killer Spanish Flu Was a Bird Flu: Scientists who re-created the 1918 Spanish flu say the killer virus was initially a bird flu that learned to infect people. Alarmingly, they find that today's H5N1 bird flu is starting to learn the same tricks. NEWSFLASH: ALL FLUS ARE CARRIED BY BIRDS . Dolt. For the uninitiated, all flu viruses are carried by birds. Usually, the carrier ...

Some parts of the US have a more sluggish job market than others. I don't think any part is so desparate for a steady income that they'll respond to this DUBAI (Reuters) - Al Qaeda has put job advertisements on the Internet asking for supporters to help put together its Web statements and video montages, an Arabic newspaper reported. The London-based Asharq al-Awsat said on its Web site this week that al Qaeda had "vacant positions" for video production and editing statements, footage and international media coverage about militants in Iraq, the Palestinian territories, Chechnya and other conflict zones where militants are active. Nice to know that the US doesn't have the only armed forces that are out-sourcing. Tags = News and politics

Bummer. I came home last night, looking forward to a long weekend of catching up on Internet and grading. No phone service. Don't know why. Won't be fixed on the weekend. Fortunately, there's a coffee shop in town with WiFi. So, I'm sitting here, overstimulated and frantically downloading everything I think I might use in the next few days. Sigh. Life is awfully complicated sometimes. I'm trying to remember that there are people in this world that are truly in extreme distress: Homeless Mourning Hungry Thirsty Broke Persecuted In pain But, being a solid member of the truly ungrateful human species, right now, I'm more focused on my irritating situation. I really am a sorry individual. I wish I were a bigger person. But I'm not.

UPDATE: Baldilocks also had the same reaction to the sniping. Earth to elitists: This isn't the old days, when waiting on the tables of your "betters" would pay the tuition. There's a reason most kids, however academically qualified, don't even bother to apply. It's called FINANCIALLY IMPOSSIBLE! OK - rant over. I can't believe that I'm hearing one of the biggest objections to the Miers nomination is that she attended Southern Methodist University! It's not even the religious underpinnings of the school that the elitists are talking about - it's the fact that she didn't deign to attend a more prestigious institution. Earth to Snobs! Not all of the civilized world is eager to drop the equivalent of a new car each year (and a high-end car, at that), simply to rub elbows with our "betters". I am one who attended the local college, and spent the first two years at a - gasp - community college. Oh, the horror! Worse, the brazen...

Common Sense and Wonder slams San Fransisco's mayor San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who became internationally known for his campaign a year ago to legalize gay marriage, said on Monday he considered wireless Internet access a fundamental right of all citizens. Well, I'm on the fence on that one. No, it isn't a fundamental right to have Wi-Fi. But it might be a smart move on the part of cities that want to be competitive in business lures. It would be worth it for many towns to set up a free, city-wide Wi-Fi. Just as they currently provide free or low-cost services to businesses willing to move to their town, free Wi-Fi could be the "hook" that closes the deal. Not to mention the benefits for a city whose citizens have free or low-cost access. That is, if they use the service to educate themselves and their children. And not to gamble, chat, or surf for porn. Which is more likely, in your opinion? Tags = News and politics Technology

It's hard to believe that it's been that long. It's five years since Janet Reno used armed government employees to kidnap Elian Gonzales from his dead mother's family. Kidnap is what it was. The proper way for a US Attorney General to act is legally, through the courts. If you don't prevail, that's the chance you take. The child was in no danger there. His relatives were, admittedly, over-the-top in their emotional playing to the media. But, that isn't a crime. But, they were treated like criminals. And Elian never had a chance. His father said that he wanted Elian to return to Castro's Cuba. Hard to accept, since his wife and other child were held on the island. Captives, you might say. Hostages, some others might say. And he took him back there with him. Now 60 Minutes has interviewed Elian, and he is filled with praise for Fidel (his "father") and the dictatorship that holds the island in semi-slavery. You work for the state. Or ...

Now, don't faint or anything, but I actually cooked something without a recipe or directions of any kind. Since I've been here in South Carolina, I've had to do many things on my own. You get out of the habit after almost 32 years of marriage. As my husband worked as a chef, and a cook in a 4-star restaurant, I never bothered to learn much about cooking. I just enjoyed the food. My previous experience in a kitchen was basic short-order stuff - sandwiches, stir-fry, eggs, and the like. Nothing fancy, just OK. It would keep you alive, but my seasonings were pretty much limited to salt and pepper. Never did garnishes. I made DIRTY RICE. It sounds as though it belongs in an Asian strip club, but it's just a spicy rice dish. Commercial sources of it include Popeye's Chicken , Bojangle's Chicken , and Zatarain's , which makes the boxed type (not bad). This is the way I did it. 1/3 pound of Hot sausage cooked rice (I used leftover rice) Salt & pepper to ...

I have phone service. Therefore, I have dial-up. Don't look down your nose at that. It's 300% better than no Internet at all. It should help. At work, I do have Internet access, but, there, I tend to --- work. What a crazed idea. At home, I have no TV (TV - what's that? I haven't seen anything worth looking at in a L - O - N - G time). Later this year, I may break down and get a small one, and maybe a DVD player. At current prices, I can hardly resist. I've been out of the loop for a while. Since I work at a school, some sites get blocked. I never can figure out why. Although it's better than last year's filtering, which alerted you to a blocked site with (in LARGE, RED letters): This site may have PORNOGRAPHY. You are forbidden to view it. Need I add that I never knowingly accessed a porn site in my life? It was highly embarassing when that message popped up when there were kids around. I felt like a perv. Found this Top Ten List via the alway...

I've moved into the new place, but the phone service isn't working. Need I say that the Repair Department doesn't work on the weekends? I'm temporarily using a friend's computer. I had to, to still the shakes. So, after this post, no matter what happens, I probably won't be able to comment on it. Fortunately, I still have friends and relatives to vent with. It's kind of strange to be living alone. Almost 32 years of marriage, kids, and such make you forget how quiet a house can be. I had to go out and buy a few items (food, can opener, coffee maker, etc.), but I expect to spend the remainder of the weekend, except for church, being by myself. I think I'll go to the Salvation Army, and pick up a few books. Did I mention that I don't have a TV? I may have to do something drastic, like grade papers or something. Tags = Internet