Saturday, December 30, 2006

I Need A Favor

As you read in the post below, I've been having some trouble with my connection. But I'm beginning to wonder if that's the real problem. Because some sites will load just fine. Like Best Buy, Yahoo, Barnes & Noble and IMDB. While some won't. Like Amazon, Netflix and TinyPic. Could someone log on to those four sites and see if they load for you. I want to know if it's just me or what, because it's strange that some load fine and others don't. I was conversing with someone I know in China and he's having trouble with his connection because of the recent earthquake that hit the region and I'm wondering if maybe that could be causing the problem. A far reach, I know, but worth a shot.
First off, I've been having some trouble with my ISP which has made loading page king of iffy. Sometimes I can and sometimes I can't. So for those of you on the WHB, if you don't get the post next week it's because I couldn't get it out.

Anyway, I've been tagged by Greta so I now have to tell you five things you may not know about me.

1. I'm afraid of the dark. I sleep with my stereo on that has a bright blue light on it.
2. I can pop my knuckles just by closing my fists.
3. I can't swim. When I was younger I almost drowned in the lake and ever since then I won't go in water deeper than my chest.
4. I have gray hair. Have ever since the 10th grade.
5. I apparently sound like a woman on the phone. In person I have a fairly deep voice, so go figure.

I tag John K, Za & Deo.
Friday, December 29, 2006

Saddam Is Dead

Now rot in Hell, or what ever it's called in the Muslim world.
Thursday, December 28, 2006

A Picture's Worth A Thousand Words

Here's a link to a picture of John Kerry's recent trip to Iraq to meet with the uneducated troops there. In the picture, Kerry is eating breakfast with the troops, only none of them seem to want to sit with him. Gee, I wonder why. It kind of reminds me of the picture that came out a year or so ago where the soldier who was posing with Hilary Clinton had his fingers crossed. A sign of distress.

Credit: Here, There And Back Again & John K
Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Wednesday Heroes

Every once and awhile I'll do a Wednesday Hero that doesn't profile a single soldier. Sometimes it's been two or three from the same unit, sometimes it's been an entire group of soldiers like the Navajo Code Talkers. I even did an organization once, Operation Iraqi Children. This weeks Wednesday Hero is one of those sometimes. This weeks Wednesday Heroes are the parents of soldiers.

These people sacrifice just as much, if not more, than the soldiers themselves. They, in many cases, are having their babies leave home for the first time in their lives. While most parents only have to adjust to them moving a few miles away or going off to college, these Blue Star Parents have to watch their children go off to a very dangerous situation and can only hope and pray that everything will turn out okay. I don't have children of my own, so I can't even imagine what that is like. We have a few Blue Star Parents in the blogroll, so to them, and every parent of a Hero, I tell you we all stand with and support you and your family.
There's a site that everyone should check out if they haven't already. Blue Star Mothers Of America.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Have Every Right To Dream Heroic Dreams.
Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look


This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. If you would like to participate in honoring the brave men and women who serve this great country, you can find out how by clicking here.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Santa Arrested, Repost

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and that you didn't eat too much. I posted this last year and felt it was so good that I couldn't pass up doing so again this year.

SANTA CLAUS ARRESTED
Dec. 26, 7:00 AM (CT)

SAN FRANCISCO (RWRM News) - Santa Clause was arrested early Monday morning by San Francisco Police at the behest of the ACLU. The jolly fat man known the world over for bringing presents to good little boys and girls was arrested Christmas morning on charges of instigating a riot when citizens of San Francisco began to burn cars and destroy private property upon hearing Mr. Claus reciting, "Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas".

"I was incensed" said one woman. "How dare he say something like that. Chri... Chris... I can't even say it. All I know is it offended me and my children".

Anthony RomeroSaid Anthony Romero, ACLU Executive Director, "This is a great day for freedom. This Mr. Claus has been going around the world spreading his religious hatespeech far too long. We will not sit idly by and let people say the 'C' word like this. It must be stopped. We plan to take this matter to the highest court in the land. Mr. Kringle must be stopped".

After hearing about the arrest children all over the world began to cry. Mrs. Sarah Stephens, mother of three, said "We depend on Santa. We can't afford to buy our children toys for Christmas and he wasn't able to make it to our house this year. What are we to do now?" Upon hearing this, Mr. Romero was quoted as saying, "Too bad. Contact the government. That's what they're there for. To take care of us".

Mr. Kringle was said to be just finishing up at an orphanage when the police nabbed him.

Santa Mugshot"This is bullshit," said Santa about his arrest. "I've never heard of such trumped up charges in my life. This is just another example of the Neo-Libs trying to force their views on the rest of the country. Kids, don't worry, Santa will beat this. MERRY CHRISTMAS...MERRY CHRISTMAS".

Mr. Kringle's lawyer, Alan Thomas, rushed to his defense. "Mr. Claus is innocent of all charges", he said during a press conference. "The ACLU and the city of San Francisco are trying to silence a man for doing only one thing. Exorcising his first amendment right. This travesty of justice will be rectified. Christmas will not be stopped". Upon saying that Mr. Thomas was then arrested himself.

"This has gotten out of hand", said one man who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal. "This whole anti-Christmas sentiment that's sweeping though this country has gone too far. I was too scared to even put up lights this year. My children were threatened by their school mates just last week for bringing candy canes to class".

Ms. Heather Fong, San Francisco Chief Of Police, refused to return our calls. But Officer Thomas Hall said, "That old man sure can put up a fight. He took three of our best before we were able to subdue him".

Blitzen and Comet were said to inconsolable after the arrest. But Dasher had this to say, "Santa will not be in jail for long. I guarantee that. This injustice will not stand. FIGHT THE POWER!!!".
Monday, December 25, 2006

Merry Christmas

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Christmas. I hope Santa brings you everything on your list and the family doesn't drive you too crazy. I will see you all again on Tuesday.


A U.S. Marine's Christmas
'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live.

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I'd just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps."

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.

I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.

I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas Day, all secure."
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.

MERRY CHRISTMAS