Cerebral Obama Says "Path to Victory" in Afghanistan Lies Through Wormholes and an Infinite Number of Alternative Universes

Washington, D.C.--After ten months of what critics called "dithering" on the war in Afghanistan, President Obama finally announced last night that he had determined "a path to victory" in the region lies through wormholes leading to an infinite number of alternate universes.

Administration sources said the cerebral President had become concerned that sustaining his endless ruminations over the contingencies posed by the pressing war in Afghanistan might become increasingly difficult, so he asked his political advisers to recommend additional contemplation plans.

"At that point," said a White House spokesperson, "it became clear that a wormhole strategy would open up unlimited additional possibilities for pondering."

"Unlike my predecessor, who too often made decisive military decisions," said Obama, "I want to fully exhaust my navel resources before making a commitment. That's why I'm so excited by the opportunities offered by a passage in spacetime that connects alternate Afghanistan histories, each holding limitless alternatives for me to consider."

Administration officials cautioned there remained "some uncertainties" with Obama's plan -- including the risks of massive gravitational tidal forces and incineration by radiation emitted near a singularity -- but they emphasized "the President has now set forth some clear goals to aim for."

Associated article: Associated Press

Cerebral Obama Says "Path to Victory" in Afghanistan Lies Through Wormholes and an Infinite Number of Alternative Universes

Washington, D.C.--After ten months of what critics called "dithering" on the war in Afghanistan, President Obama finally announced last night that he had determined "a path to victory" in the region lies through wormholes leading to an infinite number of alternate universes.

Administration sources said the cerebral President had become concerned that sustaining his endless ruminations over the contingencies posed by the pressing war in Afghanistan might become increasingly difficult, so he asked his political advisers to recommend additional contemplation plans.

"At that point," said a White House spokesperson, "it became clear that a wormhole strategy would open up unlimited additional possibilities for pondering."

"Unlike my predecessor, who too often made decisive military decisions," said Obama, "I want to fully exhaust my navel resources before making a commitment. That's why I'm so excited by the opportunities offered by a passage in spacetime that connects alternate Afghanistan histories, each holding limitless alternatives for me to consider."

Administration officials cautioned there remained "some uncertainties" with Obama's plan -- including the risks of massive gravitational tidal forces and incineration by radiation emitted near a singularity -- but they emphasized "the President has now set forth some clear goals to aim for."

Associated article: Associated Press

Old-fashioned missing pieces

It's not often that I consciously think about the now-considered "old fashioned" things I grew up with. It was just a part of my world. How things used to be. My experiences.

While we were in Minnesota on our spontaneous 2,600 mile trip last month, we stayed with Grammy and Grampy, my in laws. It had been over 2 years since we had been there, and Jimmer remembered less about the house than I expected. He did recall they had a basement which was to be considered a kids-only wonderland while they were there. Basements are novelties to kids raised in Texas!

One morning while we were having breakfast, I drew open the drapes in the dining room. Jimmer put his spoon down, and with dropped jaw he asked how I did that to the curtains. He was totally enthralled with the "mechanical" drapes! He asked me to pull back the curtains so he could see the curtain pulleys. Again--he was totally fascinated!

In this photo are the drapes of interest.



I didn't realize that the kids hadn't seen (or at least noticed) draw drapes before. Hmmm...our house only has blinds, roman shades, and decorative curtains (that don't close).

Interesting.

Then, after we returned home and Jimmer celebrated his 7th birthday, he was excited to get a check that he had to cash. HE wanted to make a big deal about going to the bank to cash it himself. He wanted to go inside the bank...because he didn't remember ever being in a bank before. Really? I went into the bank a couple of times with the kids--maybe 3 years ago! After I thought about it, I realized that it had been at least 2 years since I had entered a bank.

When was the last time you walked into a bank?

Anyway, Jimmer was unusually excited about going to the bank.

Joe took him to cash his check, and when they returned, I asked if he got to go into the bank. He said, "Yes, but I thought banks had a lot of shelves with a bunch of money on them. It didn't."

Interesting. Another missing piece.

I started thinking about other missing pieces from the past. Using cash or writing checks instead of the current mode of swiping plastic or paying online that our kids now see. Maybe that's why Jimmer was so interested in going to the bank--to see REAL money!

Dial phones (and of course, we had a laborious "0" in our number...that I still remember: 445-2053). Our kids don't even think of the dial phones when they think of an old fashioned phone. They think about the old phones from "pioneer" days with the separate ear and mouth piece.

They think of reel-to-reel or vinyl records, but not the 8-track or cassette tapes.
Again, missing pieces.

So, it seems that the kids either think of the new technology we have today or they think back to the really old times. And they miss some pieces in between. Jimmer even asked if we had electricity, running water, or horseless carriages when I was growing up!

Hmmm...what other "missing pieces" have I forgotten?

Scientists at Climatic Research Unit Say “Unequivocal Evidence” Confirms Earth is Threatened by Giant Homework-Eating Dogs

East Anglia, United Kingdom--Scientists at East Anglia's Climatic Research Unit who destroyed much of the raw temperature data they claimed proved their global warming predictions have now said that "unequivocal evidence" indicates the earth is threatened by giant homework-eating dogs.

Responding to accusations that temperature data was lost in order to prevent scientists around the world from verifying the accuracy of their global warming claims, Climatic Research Unit officials said they had "clear proof" that "huge, menacing dogs" ate the data and threatened to consume academic assignments around the world for decades to come.

When asked to produce the data on which their new theory was based, the global warming scientists said "everyone knows dogs eat homework."

Associated articles: London Times; Toronto Sun; Charles Murray

Scientists at Climatic Research Unit Say “Unequivocal Evidence” Confirms Earth is Threatened by Giant Homework-Eating Dogs

East Anglia, United Kingdom--Scientists at East Anglia's Climatic Research Unit who destroyed much of the raw temperature data they claimed proved their global warming predictions have now said that "unequivocal evidence" indicates the earth is threatened by giant homework-eating dogs.

Responding to accusations that temperature data was lost in order to prevent scientists around the world from verifying the accuracy of their global warming claims, Climatic Research Unit officials said they had "clear proof" that "huge, menacing dogs" ate the data and threatened to consume academic assignments around the world for decades to come.

When asked to produce the data on which their new theory was based, the global warming scientists said "everyone knows dogs eat homework."

Associated articles: London Times; Toronto Sun; Charles Murray

Couple with Private Sector Experience Breaches White House Security

Washington, D.C.--Over 90 percent of President Obama's White House cabinet consists of people whose only prior experience was in the government sector, making his administration perhaps the least familiar with private enterprise in U.S. history.

Consequently, when a White House State Dinner was crashed for the first time ever by two people who breezed through security and schmoozed amongst President Obama and Vice President Biden, that remarkable security breach was overshadowed by the more shocking revelation that the uninvited guests were aspiring reality television show stars who had private sector experience.

"This administration prides itself on its total isulation from free enterprise," said one official. "That people with business experience managed to even get close to the President is just not supposed to happen."

Associated articles: American Enterprise Institute; New York Times

Couple with Private Sector Experience Breaches White House Security

Washington, D.C.--Over 90 percent of President Obama's White House cabinet consists of people whose only prior experience was in the government sector, making his administration perhaps the least familiar with private enterprise in U.S. history.

Consequently, when a White House State Dinner was crashed for the first time ever by two people who breezed through security and schmoozed amongst President Obama and Vice President Biden, that remarkable security breach was overshadowed by the more shocking revelation that the uninvited guests were aspiring reality television show stars who had private sector experience.

"This administration prides itself on its total isulation from free enterprise," said one official. "That people with business experience managed to even get close to the President is just not supposed to happen."

Associated articles: American Enterprise Institute; New York Times

Police Round Up Notorious Gang "The Hockey Stick CRU" in International Sting Operation

Police worldwide moved in on the notorious gang called "The Hockey Stick CRU" late yesterday, part of an international sting operation that advertised government funding in return for politically-favored research results.

Police said CRU members -- scientists associated with the Climatic Research Unit who sport distinctive flaming hockey stick tattoos symbolizing a fanatical devotion to the notion of human-caused global warming -- flocked to a "call for papers" from a United Nations front group.

"These guys are wanted for manipulating science, hijacking the peer review process to enforce global warming dogma, and cheering the deaths of skeptical colleagues," said one officer involved in the sting.

The gang had used fraud to corner the market on the world's largest temperature data set until an informant exposed their operations.

When police made their appearance known and made requests under the Freedom of Information Act, many CRU members tried to swallow evidence that contradicted their preferred theories.

One suspect even tried "stuffing documents up his rear," only to end up with "some nasty paper cuts, stained pants, and a tarnished reputation."

Associated article: RealClearPolitics; Washington Times; Watts Up With That; London Times

Police Round Up Notorious Gang "The Hockey Stick CRU" in International Sting Operation

Police worldwide moved in on the notorious gang called "The Hockey Stick CRU" late yesterday, part of an international sting operation that advertised government funding in return for politically-favored research results.

Police said CRU members -- scientists associated with the Climatic Research Unit who sport distinctive flaming hockey stick tattoos symbolizing a fanatical devotion to the notion of human-caused global warming -- flocked to a "call for papers" from a United Nations front group.

"These guys are wanted for manipulating science, hijacking the peer review process to enforce global warming dogma, and cheering the deaths of skeptical colleagues," said one officer involved in the sting.

The gang had used fraud to corner the market on the world's largest temperature data set until an informant exposed their operations.

When police made their appearance known and made requests under the Freedom of Information Act, many CRU members tried to swallow evidence that contradicted their preferred theories.

One suspect even tried "stuffing documents up his rear," only to end up with "some nasty paper cuts, stained pants, and a tarnished reputation."

Associated article: RealClearPolitics; Washington Times; Watts Up With That; London Times

Obama Grants Himself First-Ever "Jive Turkey" Thanksgiving Pardon

Washington, D.C.--After ten months in office, President Obama continued the White House tradition of "pardoning" a turkey before Thanksgiving, but with a twist. This year, Obama pardoned himself in the first-ever "jive turkey" Thanksgiving pardon ceremony.

"If anyone needs a pardon," he said, "it's me."

After reading the definition of "jive turkey" -- which the Urban Dictionary describes as "a master of B.S." -- the President reviewed some of the major domestic and foreign policy statements he made during his first ten months in office.

"My administration said that if the $787 billion spending bill didn't pass, unemployment would reach 8 percent. Well, that giant spending bill passed, and unemployment's now over 10 percent. I also said my health care bill would save money. But it actually spends more money."

"I said the war in Afghanistan was a necessary one," he continued, "but I didn't meet with the general in charge of that war for eight months, and I've only just now made a decision on troop support there."

Obama concluded his remarks, saying "The reason for this pardon is clear: whenever I say something's clear, you know I'm jiving. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone."

Obama Grants Himself First-Ever "Jive Turkey" Thanksgiving Pardon

Washington, D.C.--After ten months in office, President Obama continued the White House tradition of "pardoning" a turkey before Thanksgiving, but with a twist. This year, Obama pardoned himself in the first-ever "jive turkey" Thanksgiving pardon ceremony.

"If anyone needs a pardon," he said, "it's me."

After reading the definition of "jive turkey" -- which the Urban Dictionary describes as "a master of B.S." -- the President reviewed some of the major domestic and foreign policy statements he made during his first ten months in office.

"My administration said that if the $787 billion spending bill didn't pass, unemployment would reach 8 percent. Well, that giant spending bill passed, and unemployment's now over 10 percent. I also said my health care bill would save money. But it actually spends more money."

"I said the war in Afghanistan was a necessary one," he continued, "but I didn't meet with the general in charge of that war for eight months, and I've only just now made a decision on troop support there."

Obama concluded his remarks, saying "The reason for this pardon is clear: whenever I say something's clear, you know I'm jiving. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone."

Speaker Pelosi Discusses Her Health Care Legislation "Christmas Present" for the American People

Speaker Pelosi Discusses Her Health Care Legislation "Christmas Present" for the American People

Crime! Declared on al-Qaeda and Other 9/11 Terrorists

Crime! Declared on al-Qaeda and Other 9/11 Terrorists

Anticipating Effects of Cap-and-Tax Energy Bill, Employers Institute Carbon Footprint Hiring Discrimination

Anticipating the negative economic effects of federal legislation imposing huge taxes and strict limits on energy use, employers nationwide are adopting hiring policies that discriminate against those with carbon footprints.

"When the government raises some of our costs of doing business," said one employer, "we have to cut our costs in other areas. So potential employees with energy-draining carbon footprints are increasingly being shown the door."

One rejected job applicant said "I was told that if they hired me, they'd have to unplug an entire section of their production center."

Employment counselors are suggesting job applicants consider approaching potential employers in ways they may find more acceptable in the current regulatory environment. Those suggestions include presenting oneself at a job interview "as a plant, or some other, non-human life form."

Associated article: Washington Times

Anticipating Effects of Cap-and-Tax Energy Bill, Employers Institute Carbon Footprint Hiring Discrimination

Anticipating the negative economic effects of federal legislation imposing huge taxes and strict limits on energy use, employers nationwide are adopting hiring policies that discriminate against those with carbon footprints.

"When the government raises some of our costs of doing business," said one employer, "we have to cut our costs in other areas. So potential employees with energy-draining carbon footprints are increasingly being shown the door."

One rejected job applicant said "I was told that if they hired me, they'd have to unplug an entire section of their production center."

Employment counselors are suggesting job applicants consider approaching potential employers in ways they may find more acceptable in the current regulatory environment. Those suggestions include presenting oneself at a job interview "as a plant, or some other, non-human life form."

Associated article: Washington Times

Al-Qaeda Reporters Provide Detailed Coverage of National Security Information Revealed in Open Court Criminal Prosecutions of 9/11 Terrorists

New York, New York--Haters of America around the world are hailing the al-Qaeda press corps' "comprehensive" coverage of the open criminal trials of the 9/11 terrorists being held in New York City.

Terrorist journalists are being praised for doing a particularly good job publicizing sensitive national security information revealed in court -- information that will help tip off other terrorists and thwart their capture.

"Our sophisticated terrorist audience demands detailed reporting on anything that could help them avoid detection," said one reporter for the Afghanistan Terror Times. "Lists of unindicted co-conspirators and the disclosure of which terrorists the government already knows about, along with details regarding the operation of anti-terrorism programs, is just some of the material information our readership craves."

"The terrorist press corps is giving the New York Times some real competition in this market," said one envious journalist.

Associated article: Wall Street Journal

Al-Qaeda Reporters Provide Detailed Coverage of National Security Information Revealed in Open Court Criminal Prosecutions of 9/11 Terrorists

New York, New York--Haters of America around the world are hailing the al-Qaeda press corps' "comprehensive" coverage of the open criminal trials of the 9/11 terrorists being held in New York City.

Terrorist journalists are being praised for doing a particularly good job publicizing sensitive national security information revealed in court -- information that will help tip off other terrorists and thwart their capture.

"Our sophisticated terrorist audience demands detailed reporting on anything that could help them avoid detection," said one reporter for the Afghanistan Terror Times. "Lists of unindicted co-conspirators and the disclosure of which terrorists the government already knows about, along with details regarding the operation of anti-terrorism programs, is just some of the material information our readership craves."

"The terrorist press corps is giving the New York Times some real competition in this market," said one envious journalist.

Associated article: Wall Street Journal

A Sunday Ride...

I think Mary Kate got the short end of the stick on this one. She's been pushing Mikey on this rig for the last 20 minutes. Mikey hasn't moved from the chair.

She pushes him up the slight street incline then rides down.

Pushes up.
Rides down.

Over...
and over.

Is it the unspoken privilege he earned from his little scooter-chair invention?

Symbiosis?

They're happy.
No complaints.
Whatever works!

Democratic Speaker of the House Pelosi Discusses Tax Policy in Twilight Zone

Democratic Speaker of the House Pelosi Discusses Tax Policy in Twilight Zone

Law Enforcement Officials Replace "Good Cop, Bad Cop" Routine with "Good Cop, Super-Sensitive Hippie" Routine

Facing pressures to be more "politically correct" in its anti-terrorism investigations, law enforcement officials nationwide are increasingly abandoning the "good cop, bad cop" method of interrogation in favor of a "good cop, super-sensitive hippie" routine.

"The new interrogation style is more attuned to empathizing with a terrorists' deep-seated angst," said one interrogator. "If a terrorist finds himself between one cop -- the good cop -- who offers him sympathy, and another person -- the super-sensitive hippie -- who offers him abject adoring kindness, we hope hardened religiously-motivated mass murders will come to 'smell the coffee' -- or at least the warm, comforting hot chocolate we offer them by the gallon."

Associated article: Krauthammer

Law Enforcement Officials Replace "Good Cop, Bad Cop" Routine with "Good Cop, Super-Sensitive Hippie" Routine

Facing pressures to be more "politically correct" in its anti-terrorism investigations, law enforcement officials nationwide are increasingly abandoning the "good cop, bad cop" method of interrogation in favor of a "good cop, super-sensitive hippie" routine.

"The new interrogation style is more attuned to empathizing with a terrorists' deep-seated angst," said one interrogator. "If a terrorist finds himself between one cop -- the good cop -- who offers him sympathy, and another person -- the super-sensitive hippie -- who offers him abject adoring kindness, we hope hardened religiously-motivated mass murders will come to 'smell the coffee' -- or at least the warm, comforting hot chocolate we offer them by the gallon."

Associated article: Krauthammer

Authorities Defend New "Paint By Numbers" Approach to Terrorism Investigations As "So Much More Fun" Than the Old "Connect the Dots" Method

Washington, D.C.--Responding to criticism that sensitivities to "political correctness" failed to prevent the mass murders committed by Nidal Hasan at the Fort Hood army post, FBI and military officials defended the new "paint by numbers" approach to terrorism investigations as "just so much more fun" than the old "connect the dots" method.

Administration officials said that under paint by numbers, "You start out with assumptions about how the world should be, which makes painting a utopian vision so much easier. Whereas under the connect the dots approach, you first have to discover the dots wherever they might appear, which tends to make for a much uglier picture."

"The connect the dots approach is mind-numbing," bemoaned another law enforcement official. "Paint by numbers is so much more colorful!"

Associated articles: Washington Times; Weekly Standard; Senate Report

Authorities Defend New "Paint By Numbers" Approach to Terrorism Investigations As "So Much More Fun" Than the Old "Connect the Dots" Method

Washington, D.C.--Responding to criticism that sensitivities to "political correctness" failed to prevent the mass murders committed by Nidal Hasan at the Fort Hood army post, FBI and military officials defended the new "paint by numbers" approach to terrorism investigations as "just so much more fun" than the old "connect the dots" method.

Administration officials said that under paint by numbers, "You start out with assumptions about how the world should be, which makes painting a utopian vision so much easier. Whereas under the connect the dots approach, you first have to discover the dots wherever they might appear, which tends to make for a much uglier picture."

"The connect the dots approach is mind-numbing," bemoaned another law enforcement official. "Paint by numbers is so much more colorful!"

Associated articles: Washington Times; Weekly Standard; Senate Report

Government Celebrates Takeover of Stimulus Bill

As most jobs affected by the massive $787 billion federal spending bill passed by Congress earlier this year went to public sector jobs, and not the private sector, government factions celebrated the successful takeover of the "stimulus" legislation.

"The government demanded change," said Vice President Biden before a cheering crowd of coup supporters, "and we've delivered the government hundreds and hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars!"

Biden introduced White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel, who repeated his infamous public comments that "You never want a serious crisis to go to waste," meaning that government should exploit trying times to expand the federal regulatory apparatus. "And we have not wasted this chance to waste hundreds of billions of dollars on huge bureaucracies."

Associated articles: The Corner; Big Government; associated video: ReasonTV

Government Celebrates Takeover of Stimulus Bill

As most jobs affected by the massive $787 billion federal spending bill passed by Congress earlier this year went to public sector jobs, and not the private sector, government factions celebrated the successful takeover of the "stimulus" legislation.

"The government demanded change," said Vice President Biden before a cheering crowd of coup supporters, "and we've delivered the government hundreds and hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars!"

Biden introduced White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel, who repeated his infamous public comments that "You never want a serious crisis to go to waste," meaning that government should exploit trying times to expand the federal regulatory apparatus. "And we have not wasted this chance to waste hundreds of billions of dollars on huge bureaucracies."

Associated articles: The Corner; Big Government; associated video: ReasonTV

Democrats Fend Off Legal Reform Amendment, Implore Colleagues to Consider "The Face of Trial Lawyer Victims"

Washington, D.C.--Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives defeated a tort reform amendment to their health care bill, arguing with special passion that limits on legal fees would victimize trial lawyers.

Democratic House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), imploring his colleagues to consider "the face of legal reform victims," held up two photos of personal injury attorneys. One, protected by the current legal regime, stood proudly in a tailored suit in front of his BMW. The other, the purported victim of legal reform whom Hoyer described as "stripped of his dignity at exclusive cocktail parties," stood forelornly in an off-the-rack suit in front of a more modest mid-range Ford model.

"Our precious trial lawyers are a uniquely Democratic institution, and their way of high-life deserves protection," said Hoyer. "Lawyers are members of the only profession that, for a mere $30 filing fee, can force anyone they sue, for any reason, to spend thousands fo dollars to defend themselves against even frivolous claims, and trial lawyers use that leverage to extort large legal settlements, including massive fees, which they contribute virtually exclusively to Democrats."

Members of Congress on the majority side of the aisle stood up and cheered, many of them with tears in their eyes, as the legal reform amendment was defeated on a party-line vote.

"Trial lawyers may be parasites," said one Democrat. "But even the lowliest amongst us must be protected, as they serve an essential political role in the U.S. legal environment."

Associated article: legal reform amendment; trial lawyer charts

Democrats Fend Off Legal Reform Amendment, Implore Colleagues to Consider "The Face of Trial Lawyer Victims"

Washington, D.C.--Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives defeated a tort reform amendment to their health care bill, arguing with special passion that limits on legal fees would victimize trial lawyers.

Democratic House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), imploring his colleagues to consider "the face of legal reform victims," held up two photos of personal injury attorneys. One, protected by the current legal regime, stood proudly in a tailored suit in front of his BMW. The other, the purported victim of legal reform whom Hoyer described as "stripped of his dignity at exclusive cocktail parties," stood forelornly in an off-the-rack suit in front of a more modest mid-range Ford model.

"Our precious trial lawyers are a uniquely Democratic institution, and their way of high-life deserves protection," said Hoyer. "Lawyers are members of the only profession that, for a mere $30 filing fee, can force anyone they sue, for any reason, to spend thousands fo dollars to defend themselves against even frivolous claims, and trial lawyers use that leverage to extort large legal settlements, including massive fees, which they contribute virtually exclusively to Democrats."

Members of Congress on the majority side of the aisle stood up and cheered, many of them with tears in their eyes, as the legal reform amendment was defeated on a party-line vote.

"Trial lawyers may be parasites," said one Democrat. "But even the lowliest amongst us must be protected, as they serve an essential political role in the U.S. legal environment."

Associated article: legal reform amendment; trial lawyer charts

Conservatives and Environmentalists Agree on the 2,000 Page Pelosi Health Care Bill

Conservatives and Environmentalists Agree on the 2,000 Page Pelosi Health Care Bill

Seven years...fuzzy toes and logic

Our youngest turned SEVEN...

...a week ago!

At least we celebrated (mostly) on his actual birthday.
He did finally get to open his last gift yesterday!
Around here, we like to stretch out our birthdays.
Makes 'em more special that way...or something!


Me: "Jimmer, Happy Birthday!! You're seven years old today!"

Jimmer: "Yes, I know. But how many days old am I?"
Me (scrambling for a calculator): "2,554"

Jimmer: "How many hours?"
Me: "61,296"

Jimmer: "Minutes?"
Me: "3,677,760"

Because a seven year old just wants to know that kind of stuff!

Pizza cakes Kathleen and Mary Kate made for him.

Later...while we were alone (other kids were at piano)

Jimmer to me (speaking softly): "Have you noticed that I'm growing hair on my big toes now?"

Me: "Really? May I see?"

Jimmer: (sticks out his foot to me)

Me: "Whoa! Does that mean you're getting to be a big boy?"

Jimmer: (big smile, proudly) "I have some on my thighs too!"


Then he came up with this logic only a seven year old has.

Jimmer: "Now that I'm seven, are you going to have another baby this year?"

Me: "Whuh?"

Jimmer: "When I was six, we had six people in our family. Now I'm seven and think we should have another baby to make it seven."

Me: "So, you think I should have another baby every year then?"

Jimmer (after doing a quick tally): "Maybe have one baby this year and then one every five years after that!"


Through the eyes and in the mind of a seven year old...

Happy Birthday, Chimpy Boy, Jimmer, Jimmy Jam, Little Buddy, Jimmy Changa, Jim Bop a Loo Bop!

We love you to pieces...and love your snuggles.

Recognizing 20th Anniversary of Fall of Berlin Wall, U.S. Democrats Welcome Former Communist Central Planners

U.S. Democratic leaders marked the twentieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall -- which had separated a free West Berlin from an East Berlin subject to communist control --by welcoming former East German central government planners into the ranks of American policymakers.

"For too long, the Berlin Wall trapped industrious social and economic engineers inside Soviet-controlled territory," said U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. "Today, we are so grateful that those planners and their principles are free to help shape our domestic American agenda."

Recognizing 20th Anniversary of Fall of Berlin Wall, U.S. Democrats Welcome Former Communist Central Planners

U.S. Democratic leaders marked the twentieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall -- which had separated a free West Berlin from an East Berlin subject to communist control --by welcoming former East German central government planners into the ranks of American policymakers.

"For too long, the Berlin Wall trapped industrious social and economic engineers inside Soviet-controlled territory," said U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. "Today, we are so grateful that those planners and their principles are free to help shape our domestic American agenda."

National Security Officials Undergo Terrorism Sensitivity Training

Before a U.S. Army major yelled "Allahu Akhbar!" prior to shooting and killing 13 soldiers and injuring dozens of others, he reportedly attended a radical mosque at the same time as two of the September 11 terrorists, gave a classroom presentation that justified suicide bombings, wrote posts on the internet glorifying them, told colleagues non-believers in Islam should be beheaded, and tried to make contact with people associated with al Qaeda.

Yet no one filed a formal written complaint regarding his behavior because it was feared doing so would appear discriminatory against a Muslim.

Officials are attributing the response to a terrorist sensitivity training program entitled "Helping Violent, Religiously-Motivated Killers Feel Comfortable with Their Differences," which encourages law enforcement and the nation's military to "check their survival instincts at the door" in favor of "global consciousness."

The associated instructional materials for the program advise:

If you are injured by a terrorist, ask yourself "What did I do to deserve this?"

If you evade injury by a terrorist, ask yourself "What could I have done differently to help him fulfill his own personal mission?"

If you perceive tell-tale signs of potential terrorist activity, ask yourself "Is my perception biased toward my own selfish desire for self-preservation?"

One national security official who took part in the program said he walked away with "a much greater understanding of how the threat of a discrimination claim should be of far more concern than a potential suicidal terrorist bent on killing and maiming as many innocent Americans as possible."

Associated articles: Associated Press 1; Associated Press 2; UK Telegraph 1; UK Telegraph 2; ABC News; TIME Magazine

National Security Officials Undergo Terrorism Sensitivity Training

Before a U.S. Army major yelled "Allahu Akhbar!" prior to shooting and killing 13 soldiers and injuring dozens of others, he reportedly attended a radical mosque at the same time as two of the September 11 terrorists, gave a classroom presentation that justified suicide bombings, wrote posts on the internet glorifying them, told colleagues non-believers in Islam should be beheaded, and tried to make contact with people associated with al Qaeda.

Yet no one filed a formal written complaint regarding his behavior because it was feared doing so would appear discriminatory against a Muslim.

Officials are attributing the response to a terrorist sensitivity training program entitled "Helping Violent, Religiously-Motivated Killers Feel Comfortable with Their Differences," which encourages law enforcement and the nation's military to "check their survival instincts at the door" in favor of "global consciousness."

The associated instructional materials for the program advise:

If you are injured by a terrorist, ask yourself "What did I do to deserve this?"

If you evade injury by a terrorist, ask yourself "What could I have done differently to help him fulfill his own personal mission?"

If you perceive tell-tale signs of potential terrorist activity, ask yourself "Is my perception biased toward my own selfish desire for self-preservation?"

One national security official who took part in the program said he walked away with "a much greater understanding of how the threat of a discrimination claim should be of far more concern than a potential suicidal terrorist bent on killing and maiming as many innocent Americans as possible."

Associated articles: Associated Press 1; Associated Press 2; UK Telegraph 1; UK Telegraph 2; ABC News; TIME Magazine

President Obama on Jumping to Conclusions

Associated article: Boston Globe

President Obama on Jumping to Conclusions

Associated article: Boston Globe

Speaker Pelosi Unveils New Promotional Campaign to Inspire Fellow Democrats

Speaker Pelosi Unveils New Promotional Campaign to Inspire Fellow Democrats

Cliffs Notes Releases 500-Page Summary of 2,032-Page House Health Care Bill

Cliffs Notes Releases 500-Page Summary of 2,032-Page House Health Care Bill

Congressional Democratic Leaders "Twit" Health Care Bill

Congressional Democratic Leaders "Twit" Health Care Bill

Simulcast: Democrats Announce Government Health Care Bill, Citizen Announces Misery of Government Vaccine Program

Simulcast: Democrats Announce Government Health Care Bill, Citizen Announces Misery of Government Vaccine Program

I won! I won!

I'm quite thrilled to have won a delicious soy candle from Carly Jean, my cousin's lovely and pregnant daughter.

Carly, who recently closed the doors to her very cool L.A. boutique to spend more time at home with her little boy, is starting to create a line of home products. She recently had a contest and let people submit suggestions for her upcoming batch of winter candle scents. Her hubby, Chad Brannon, an Emmy award winning actor for playing the part of Zander on General Hospital and who is now doing lots of voice over work and is the Promo voice for the comedy shows on FOX, pulled my name out of the bunch!

I truly don't believe I've ever won anything before (that I can recall anyway). So, now it's documented...and is grandly appreciated!

Thanks, Carly! I loved my winning candle...and all the others in your new fall line. Can't wait to get a whiff of your newest holiday candles soon!


If you want your house to smell fabulous, check out this post for her line of candles and ordering information.



Oh, the joy of soy.

The candles last a looooooooong time, seem more fragrant, are non toxic, lead free, and support our American farmers. So, go get some and feel good about it!

Silver Lake is keeping me company and flickering away as I type...yum!

(Note to self: order more now as Christmas gifties for teachers...and some other lucky peeps.)

Al Gore Charged with "Leveraging Alarmism" in Giant Global Warming Ponzi Scheme

New York, New York--Al Gore has invested millions of dollars in business ventures -- such as carbon trading and waterless urinal firms -- that stand to make huge profits if Congress enacts the policy mandates he advocates.

Now, Mr. Gore has come under scrutiny for "leveraging alarmism" in what federal officials call a "giant global warming Ponzi scheme."

Investigators said that while the empirical evidence of human-caused global warming has proven lacking over time, Mr. Gore "fomented exaggerations and distortions" of the science to create an "ever-widening pool of suckers" that would support increasingly draconian federal policies. Those policies would help Mr. Gore's business ventures at the expense of the nation's small businesses, which would become less competitive and suffer financially in the face of increased energy costs.

Mr. Gore defended his actions, saying "While I may have helped dig the American economy into a deeper and deeper hole, at least that hole is green-friendly."

Associated articles: Washington Times; Australian News; http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/business/energy-environment/03gore.html; http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/6491195/Al-Gore-could-become-worlds-first-carbon-billionaire.html; Times of London; Telegraph

Al Gore Charged with "Leveraging Alarmism" in Giant Global Warming Ponzi Scheme

New York, New York--Al Gore has invested millions of dollars in business ventures -- such as carbon trading and waterless urinal firms -- that stand to make huge profits if Congress enacts the policy mandates he advocates.

Now, Mr. Gore has come under scrutiny for "leveraging alarmism" in what federal officials call a "giant global warming Ponzi scheme."

Investigators said that while the empirical evidence of human-caused global warming has proven lacking over time, Mr. Gore "fomented exaggerations and distortions" of the science to create an "ever-widening pool of suckers" that would support increasingly draconian federal policies. Those policies would help Mr. Gore's business ventures at the expense of the nation's small businesses, which would become less competitive and suffer financially in the face of increased energy costs.

Mr. Gore defended his actions, saying "While I may have helped dig the American economy into a deeper and deeper hole, at least that hole is green-friendly."

Associated articles: Washington Times; Australian News; http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/business/energy-environment/03gore.html; http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/6491195/Al-Gore-could-become-worlds-first-carbon-billionaire.html; Times of London; Telegraph

Spot the Photo Differences (6): Obamacare Version

Click here for answers: Answers

Spot the Photo Differences (6): Obamacare Version

Click here for answers: Answers