~ There And Back Again ~

Hello my friends! I am so very sorry that I have been absent for far too long. I have been under the weather ,so to speak and have been in and out of the hospital three times since I last posted. I als ran the frustrating course of getting out of the "old Blogger" and into the new but I think I have those trials and tribulations behind me..........or at least I hope so. I will once again attempt to post on my blog those things that touch my sensibilities in some way or another and hopefully you kind readers will grace me with your presence and perhaps even a comment or two. I will start in earnest in 2007 and with your help I hope to make this a interesting stop on your travels through the web............BE WELL!!!!!

~ Here Again ~

Well ....Finally some good news to report. I have recieved word from my surgeon and I have only two more hoops to jump through to qualify for the gastric by-pass surgery that I have been trying to get lined up for nearly a year. I need clearence from my cardiologist and clearence from my pulmanologist and I will be ready to go. They have informed me that as soon as they get these it will be 4-6 weeks untill they can get word back from the insurance company and then they will schedule my surgery as soon as possible thereafter. I am having continuing health problems due to my enormous weight. I have partially torn a tendon that attaches to my left hip and because of that I am not comfortable either sitting standing or laying. I am eagerly awaiting this surgery so that I can begin to get healthy again. Without a doubt this has been the very worst thing that has happened to me in my life. I know you occasional readers can appreciate that but for those family and friends that read me they know that that is not a casual statement. I have been through the mill and would not reccomend this to my worst enemy. Thank God that my family hasn't given up on me. I fully intend to accomplish this and get on with the business of living. Perhaps a vacation trip to Hawaii IS in the cards...........

Trick Or Treat

Today our little community had its annual trick or treat event. I was visited by super heroes,bums,impossibly fat women who were only two or three feet tall and a princess and our share of cowboys. They crept up on our porch knocked tentivly on our door and as we answered we were greeted with a few "trick or treats" more than one "just put it in the bags" a occasional "thank you" and lastly a "no thanks I don't like potato chips"
It made me think back to my youth when we had our "Halloween Season" it lasted for four or five days and all the kiddos would dress and go door to door. We covered one or two streets each night and occasionally we would get tricked as well as treated. Some of our neighbors went way out of their way to hide behind the bushes and scare the bejeasus out of us when we came around and we would all scream and some even cried as we ran for the cover of the street lights. The secret was you would never know what was to come and I think that is what made it the most fun for us.
I wish just once more I could put on my costume and go door to door and get my litle treats and then under the cover of the street lights share and trade with my friends. It was a great experience then and believe it or not it looks like great fun still...............HAPPY HALLOWEEN !!!!

~ Finally Finish ~

I finally finished changing my blog around and applying all of the changes. I had no idea that that wouldn't just follow me over form my original blog but no matter it needed a update worse than I do. I plan to start posting by tomorrow in a more serious manner and I thank all of you who gave me words of encouragement. I hope that I am up to the task..............................

~ A NEW LOOK ~

I think it is appropriate that my decision to start anew is coupled with a new look so here it is. Take or leave it we move on from here.

~A FRESH START ~

I suppose it is time for a new start,a new beginning so to speak. I have not posted for some time, due largely to a lack of readership. I realize now that that is a important part of blogdom......you have a desire to be heard or why else post it. I have convinced myself that if you build it, they will come. So once more I commence my effort into bloddom and hope that I can find a readership so that I no longer feel as though I am shouting into the abyss.....................

~ FIVE YEARS LATER ~

At this point in time we are about to pass the five year aniverery of the last terror attacks on American soil. I say last more hopefully than confidently . I see our countrys resolve weakening. I hear stories in the main stream media that serve the terrorists more than they serve the citizens of the greatest nation on earth.I don't make these claims from outside the war effort, I have family that is serving there , my son served four years in the Marine Corps. He did not fight in a war but he was at the disposal of the Corp to dispatch as they would. He was happy to go wherever they would send him and I was proud to know that he was willing and able to serve . I spent two tours in Viet Nam. Most said that we were baby killers and that we didn't belong there. There are many who say we don't belong anywhere. There are some statistics that claim as high as 80% of homeless people are Viet Nam vets, maybe its because of the way were we welcomed back. You noticed I didn't say home but when you come home most are glad to see you. That wasn't the case here.

I recieved this in my E-Mail. I don't know if it is true, but I do know I agree with it. I want to pass it on to as many as I can. Perhaps it will make you think. Perhaps it will maybe put all of the eggs in one basket so that you all can focus on the issues. I don't know, all I know is that it touched me.

This was written by a retired attorney, to his sons, May 19, 2004. Dear Tom, Kevin, Kirby and Ted, As your father, I believe I owe it to you to share some thoughts on the present world situation. We have over the years discussed a lot of important things, like going to college, jobs and so forth. But this really takes precedence over any of those discussions. I hope this might give you a longer term perspective that fewer and fewer of my generation are left to speak to. To be sure you understand that this is not politically flavored, I will tell you that since Franklin D. Roosevelt, who led us through pre and WWII (1933 - 1945) up to and including our present President, I have without exception, supported our presidents on all matters of international conflict. This would include just naming a few in addition to President Roosevelt - WWII: President Truman - Korean War 1950; President Kennedy Bay of Pigs (1961); President Kennedy - Vietnam (1961); eight presidents (5 Republican & 4 Democrat) during the cold war (1945 - 1991); President Clinton's strikes on Bosnia (1995) and on Iraq (1998). So be sure you read this as completely non-political or otherwise you will miss the point.

This WAR is for REAL ! To get out of a difficulty, one usually must go through it. Our country is now facing the most serious threat to its existence, as we know it, that we have faced in your lifetime and mine (which includes WWII). The deadly seriousness is greatly compounded by the fact that there are very few of us who think we can possibly lose this war and even fewer who realize what losing really means. First, let's examine a few basics: 1. When did the threat to us start? Many will say September 11, 2001. The answer as far as the United States is concerned is 1979, 22 years prior to September 2001, with the following attacks on us: * Iran Embassy Hostages, 1979; * Beirut, Lebanon Embassy 1983; * Beirut, Lebanon Marine Barracks 1983; * Lockerbie, Scotland Pan-Am flight to New York 1988; * First New York World Trade Center attack 1993; * Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Khobar Towers Military complex 1996; * Nairobi, Kenya US Embassy 1998; * Dares Salaam, Tanzania US Embassy 1998; * Aden, Yemen USS Cole 2000; * New York World Trade Center 2001; * Pentagon 2001. (Note that during the period from 1981 to 2001 there were 7,581 terrorist attacks worldwide). 2. Why were we attacked? Envy of our position, our success, and our freedoms. The attacks happened during the administrations of Presidents Carter, Reagan, Bush 1, Clinton and Bush 2. We cannot fault either the Republicans or Democrats as there were no provocations by any of the presidents or their immediate predecessors, Presidents Ford or Carter. 3. Who were the attackers? In each case, the attacks on the US were carried out by Muslims. 4. What is the Muslim population of the World? 25%. 5. Isn't the Muslim Religion peaceful? Hopefully, but that is really not material. There is no doubt that the predominately Christian population of Germany was peaceful, but under the dictatorial leadership of Hitler (who was also Christian), that made no difference. You either went along with the administration or you were eliminated. There were 5 to 6 million Christians killed by the Nazis for political reasons (including 7,000 Polish priests). (see http://www.nazis.testimony.co.uk/7-a.htm ) Thus, almost the same number of Christians were killed by the Nazis, as the six million holocaust Jews who were killed by them, and we seldom heard of anything other than the Jewish atrocities. Although Hitler kept the world focused on the Jews, he had no hesitancy about killing anyone who got in his way of exterminating the Jews or of taking over the world - German, Christian or any others. Same with the Muslim terrorists. They focus the world on the US, but kill all in the way -- their own people or the Spanish, French or anyone else. The point here is that just like the peaceful Germans were of no protection to anyone from the Nazis, no matter how many peaceful Muslims there may be, they are no protection for us from the terrorist Muslim leaders and what they are fanatically bent on doing -- by their own pronouncements -- killing all of us "infidels." I don't blame the peaceful Muslims. What would you do if the choice was shut up or die? 6. So who are we at war with? There is no way we can honestly respond that it is anyone other than the Muslim terrorists. Trying to be politically correct and avoid verbalizing this conclusion can well be fatal. There is no way to win if you don't clearly recognize and articulate who you are fighting. So with that background, now to the two major questions: 1. Can we lose this war? 2. What does losing really mean? If we are to win, we must clearly answer these two pivotal questions. We can definitely lose this war, and as anomalous as it may sound, the major reason we can lose is that so many of us simply do not fathom the answer to the second question - What does losing mean? It would appear that a great many of us think that losing the war means hanging our heads, bringing the troops home and going on about our business, like post Vietnam. This is as far from the truth as one can get. What losing really means is: We would no longer be the premier country in the world. The attacks will not subside, but rather will steadily increase. Remember, they want us dead, not just quiet. If they had just wanted us quiet, they would not have produced an increasing series of attacks against us, over the past 18 years. The plan was clearly, for terrorist to attack us, until we were neutered and submissive to them. We would of course have no future support from other nations, for fear of reprisals and for the reason that they would see, we are impotent and cannot help them. They will pick off the other non-Muslim nations, one at a time. It will be increasingly easier for them. They already hold Spain hostage. It doesn't matter whether it was right or wrong for Spain to withdraw its troops from Iraq. Spain did it because the Muslim terrorists bombed their train and told them to withdraw the troops. Anything else they want Spain to do will be done. Spain is finished. The next will probably be France. Our one hope on France is that they might see the light and realize that if we don't win, they are finished too, in that they can't resist the Muslim terrorists without us. However, it may already be too late for France. France is already 20% Muslim and fading fast! If we lose the war, our production, income, exports and way of life will all vanish as we know it. After losing, who would trade or deal with us, if they were threatened by the Muslims. If we can't stop the Muslims, how could anyone else? The Muslims fully know what is riding on this war, and therefore are completely committed to winning, at any cost. We better know it too and be likewise committed to winning at any cost. Why do I go on at such lengths about the results of losing? Simple. Until we recognize the costs of losing, we cannot unite and really put 100% of our thoughts and efforts into winning. And it is going to take that 100% effort to win. So, how can we lose the war? Again, the answer is simple. We can lose the war by "imploding." That is, defeating ourselves by refusing to recognize the enemy and their purpose, and really digging in and lending full support to the war effort. If we are united, there is no way that we can lose. If we continue to be divided, there is no way that we can win! Let me give you a few examples of how we simply don't comprehend the life and death seriousness of this situation. President Bush selects Norman Mineta as Secretary of Transportation. Although all of the terrorist attacks were committed by Muslim men between 17 and 40 years of age, Secretary Mineta refuses to allow profiling. Does that sound like we are taking this thing seriously? This is war! For the duration, we are going to have to give up some of the civil rights we have become accustomed to. We had better be prepared to lose some of our civil rights temporarily or we will most certainly lose all of them permanently. And don't worry that it is a slippery slope. We gave up plenty of civil rights during WWII, and immediately restored them after the victory and in fact added many more since then. Do I blame President Bush or President Clinton before him? No, I blame us for blithely assuming we can maintain all of our Political Correctness, and all of our civil rights during this conflict and have a clean, lawful, honorable war. None of those words apply to war. Get them out of your head. Some have gone so far in their criticism of the war and/or the Administration that it almost seems they would literally like to see us lose. I hasten to add that this isn't because they are disloyal. It is because they just don't recognize what losing means. Nevertheless, that conduct gives the impression to the enemy that we are divided and weakening. It concerns our friends, and it does great damage to our cause. Of more recent vintage, the uproar fueled by the politicians and media regarding the treatment of some prisoners of war, perhaps exemplifies best what I am saying. We have recently had an issue, involving the treatment of a few Muslim prisoners of war, by a small group of our military police. These are the type prisoners who just a few months ago were throwing their own people off buildings, cutting off their hands, cutting out their tongues and otherwise murdering their own people just for disagreeing with Saddam Hussein. And just a few years ago these same type prisoners chemically killed 400,000 of their own people for the same reason. They are also the same type enemy fighters, who recently were burning Americans, and dragging their charred corpses through the streets of Iraq. And still more recently, the same type enemy that was and is providing videos to all news sources internationally, of the beheading of American prisoners they held. Compare this with some of our press and politicians, who for several days have thought and talked about nothing else but the "humiliating" of some Muslim prisoners -- not burning them, not dragging their charred corpses through the streets, not beheading them, but "humiliating" them. Can this be for real? The politicians and pundits have even talked of impeachment of the Secretary of Defense. If this doesn't show the complete lack of comprehension and understanding of the seriousness of the enemy we are fighting, the life and death struggle we are in and the disastrous results of losing this war, nothing can. To bring our country to a virtual political standstill over this prisoner issue makes us look like Nero playing his fiddle as Rome burned -- totally oblivious to what is going on in the real world. Neither we, nor any other country, can survive this internal strife. Again I say, this does not mean that some of our politicians or media people are disloyal. It simply means that they are absolutely oblivious to the magnitude, of the situation we are in and into which the Muslim terrorists have been pushing us, for many years. Remember, the Muslim terrorists stated goal is to kill all infidels! That translates into ALL non-Muslims -- not just in theUnited States, but throughout the world. We are the last bastion of defense. We have been criticized for many years as being 'arrogant.' That charge is valid in at least one respect. We are arrogant in that we believe that we are so good, powerful and smart, that we can win the hearts and minds of all those who attack us, and that with both hands tied behind our back, we can defeat anything bad in the world! We can't! If we don't recognize this, our nation as we know it will not survive, and no other free country in the world will survive if we are defeated. And finally, name any Muslim countries throughout the world that allow freedom of speech, freedom of thought, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, equal rights for anyone -- let alone everyone, equal status or any status for women, or that have been productive in one single way that contributes to the good of the world. This has been a long way of saying that we must be united on this war or we will be equated in the history books to the self-inflicted fall of the Roman Empire. If, that is, the Muslim leaders will allow history books to be written or read. If we don't win this war right now, keep a close eye on how the Muslims take over France in the next 5 years or less. They will continue to increase the Muslim population of France and continue to encroach little by little, on the established French traditions. The French will be fighting among themselves, over what should or should not be done, which will continue to weaken them and keep them from any united resolve. Doesn't that sound eerily familiar? Democracies don't have their freedoms taken away from them by some external military force. Instead, they give their freedoms away, politically correct piece by politically correct piece. And they are giving those freedoms away to those who have shown, worldwide, that they abhor freedom and will not apply it to you or even to themselves, once they are in power. They have universally shown that when they have taken over, they then start brutally killing each other over who will be the few who control the masses. Will we ever stop hearing from the politically correct, about the "peaceful Muslims"? I close on a hopeful note, by repeating what I said above. If we are united, there is no way that we can lose. I hope now after the election, the factions in our country will begin to focus on the critical situation we are in, and will unite to save our country. It is your future we are talking about! Do whatever you can to preserve it. After reading the above, we all must do this not only for ourselves, but our children, our grandchildren, our country and the world. Whether Democrat or Republican, conservative or liberal and that includes the Politicians and media of our country and the free world! Please forward this to any you feel may want, or NEED to read it. Our "leaders" in Congress ought to read it, too. There are those that find fault with our country, but it is obvious to anyone who truly thinks through this, that we must UNITE!

~ I Can't Believe My Ears ~

I hear on the news that Brittish televisions channel 4 called More4 has produced a little ditty called "Death Of A President" It mixes real footage with digital manipulations to look as though it is actual footage. The directors name is Gabriel Range and his so called work is called "Death of a President". It shows the assination of President Bush. This is so deplorable that this was even considered as artistic by this ass hole and then even approved by the Brittish Government as acceptable. What the Hell has this world come to. We are in the middle of a war against terrorists and our supposed allies produce a film showing this horrible crime against America. To top it off there are plans to show this piece of crap at the Toronto Film Festival. I would of thought that since we have kept the Cunucks free all these years we would have deserved better from them. Maybe it is time for America to withdraw all support weather military,financial, or even disaster relief from these ungrateful bastards and lets stay within our borders with our up to now generous monetary and physical help.At the end of the day I can't remember one single solitary instance of help from a foreign source for any disaster we have ever experienced.Not so much as a drackma`s worth of aid to help with our national debt. Not even so much as two bricks stacked together to help with a natural disaster.Not even Hollyweird has sunk this low..........Shame on you Brits if it weren`t for us you would be having sourkraut on your crumpets.

~ Still Another Update ~

After waiting another ten days for my assigned physcian to return numerous phone calls with no reply from them, I called the main office number. Sorry my train of thought was interupted by the secretary finally calling. (this is after I called the office manager) She states that I never called her or at the very least none of my calls ever showed up on her voice mail. Humbug pure freakin humbug. I know I called at least 15 times and each time I left a message but mysteriously her voice mail decided arbitrarily to not record my messages because "I return all my calls everyday even if I have to stay here after five o`clock to do it"Cut to the chase..... she states that she needs certification by my family physcian that I have been on a diet for six months, the actual report by a Pulmanologist is insufficient as documentation I also need a certification from him, A copy of the stress test that put me in the hospital is insufficient I must have a certifification by a cardiologist that I am fit for the surgery. Documentation that I have been weighed at my doctors at least six times in two years must come from him ( A insurmountable requirement since this cheap bastard don't have a scale that will weigh my obese ass.)A statement of what type of diet he has had me on, and oh yeah.........tell us all about the exercise program that I am involved in.I am so sick and freakin tired of even trying to accomplish this it seems as though it is so slanted that I will never meet their criteria I may as well order a deep dish pizza with all the toppings and die with a smile on my fat fucking face.

~ One Year Later ~

For lack of something better to watch on the ol boob tube (you wouldn't imagine that that would be possible since i have about a hundred gazillion stations) I settled on a one year anniversery revisiting on New Orleans,and the damage done by hurricane Katrina. The progress they have made is deplorable. This is due mainly to the folks just not wanting to do the work of cleaning up what was left and actually setting hammer to nail and rebuilding what has been left them.I honestly have not ever seen a bigger bunch of whining complaining folks in my life. The show highlighted certain victems and where they are now. There was a older ,disabled (legless) man who was stuck between the eve of his home and a huge ammount of flotsam from the flood. His dog was trapped on the peak of his roof. He was calling out for help and finally a boat came by and heard his calls. This was a small john boat with three guys in it already. They went to the fella that was stuck and got him unstuck and pulled him onto the roof so they could pull him into the boat. After much effort they finally get the guy in the boat and he is in deplorable condition. He is nakie as the day he was born,legless, beat up from the debri in the flood water and the rescuers dragging his naked body up and onto a shingle roof after his skin was tenderized by the flood water for about a day or so.They finally get this "gentleman" in the boat and he states...." I want you to go back and get my dog" They try to calm him and tell him there is only room for humans on the boat and they promised to come back for the pooch if they were able.This did not set well but considering the circumstances there was little he could do. The show cuts to current time The rescuers ,true to their word do get the dog and somehow manage to reunite them The "gentleman" who was rescued, whos life was saved, who was snatched from a watery grave,states one year later.........The rescuers could of done a better job and got my dog out of trouble before they did. ................EXCUSE ME?????
these unpaid people risked life and limb to help out a unknown human and all this guy was concerned with a year later was criticizing his rescuers and absolutely negating their effort in saving his wretched life. That in and of itself is the problem in New Orleans. The citizenry thinks someone ,anyone, everyone owes them whatever it takes to get things set up to their liking again. I was in a flood.....twice. I chose to live along a river ..........my fault for what I get. My problem trying to re claim my property.....my effort for my choice. And our neighbors in chocolate town need to understand that when they pick it up and fix it themselves ,at that time ,and only that time will things be back to normal in New Orleans.

~ As Time Goes By ~

Another week has passed with no response from the "Good Doctor" . If our health care system were any better I would swear we were under "Socialized Medicine." I would not believe what is happening in my case if I read it in a BLOG somewheres but the sad truth is, I am living it and getting angrier by the moment. I will attempt to fight my way through the voice -mail world of my physcian, and find out what is going on . If I am lucky enough, perhaps this week comming up, I will know something that is fit for reporting or at least I will have something further to rant about next week. Oh by the way does anyone know a site that will walk you through do -it- yourself- gut surgery? Well you can't blame a guy for trying.

~There Has To Be A Better Way~

I, at one time,had faith in our medical community. I knew in my heart that they either would, or did, do anything that was within realms of possibilities for them to do.In this process of arrainging this gastric by-pass surgery for me, I have learned a lot of lessons. Sadly none of them have given me much hope for myself or any of you out there that are facing a medical problem yourselves.
For you folks who have been kind enough to read my postings. You know that my next and final step prior to surgery was a psycological evaluation to see if in fact that I am doing this "for the right reasons." I understand that weighing nearly 400 lbs and being only 5`6" tall may NOT be clue enough for someone who is a true medical professional,so rather than making a error in judgement and passing me on through, I was in fact required to see "Da Shrink" That meeting, although a major farce, and a collosal waste of my time, and money, went as well as could be expected. She decided that I was in fact moral enough to sit on the group "W" bench with all the other mother killers and father rapers, and passed me with flying colors.
And heres the rub Horatio.........I waited four days before I called for a additional appointment with the surgeon prior to surgery. I called the main office and attempted to set it up with no success. I was told my case was refered to another physcian who was a "specialist" in the type of by-pass surgery that I required and was given her number and told to call them. Needless to say I complied and reached her secretarys voice mail. She left a lovely electronic message on her voicemail that more or less wanted to know all my particulars and only simply stated that she was either away from her desk or on another line and that she would get back to me.
Not wanting to blow up her voicemail, I waited the rest of the day for her to return my call. Mind you this is a call from a "sick" patient. I also waited all of the next day and the next. I, at that point, placed another call and finally got.....................SUPRISE.....her voice mail. I left still another message and she in-fact called back.Our conversation went something like this.......I see you had your psyc evaluation here a few days ago and everything is fine with that BUT (and that is a big ol butt you got there) I need you to get a lot of other testing done prior to seeing the doctor. I replyed....What do you mean? I have been examined ,poked,prodded, turned inside out, put in so much stress as to nearly have a heart attack to proove I am fit enough to have this surgery, and now you want "a lot" more testing. Well sorry sir but these things need to be done first. I said ok what are these things. She stated ....blah blah blah I replyed with those results have been forwarded to your office a week or so ago. My family physcian had all those tests done in preperation for this and I was there last week and asked him to forward all the results to your offices. She states....I am sorry sir but there is nothing here. I say ok I will call my family physcian and see what is going on.
I call his office talk to the chief flunky he has there and she tells me no it hasn`t been sent but she will do it right now. I supply her with the fax number for the appropriate office and I stupidly take her at her word. I wait three days and call Miss voiemail again after three days of getting her recorded messages she finally comes through and calls me back. Tells me she still has not recieved anything but after speaking with my family physcian they will not be able to send her ALL of the test results. I will after all this, have to either retest or somehow aquire the test results my self and hand carry them to her office . She then proceeds to tell me that sometime late next week she will call me and tell me what she has and what I still need to accomplish my self. I am sure this will take another two months to accomplish and then depending on the surgeons schedule I may in fact get this surgery by somtime next year. Providing I live long enough. If I do die before then I hope she buys a new Jaguar and has trouble making the payments because she is short my surgery fee.

Terror is Dead-------------NOT

For all of you whiners and complainers out there look no further that todays main stream media news reports and see that there has been multiple arrests and more pending. Who you might ask? Al Quada memebers. They figured no one could get through airline security carrying a bomb or a weapon BUT perhaps if 5or 6 or whatever the number, would each carry a small disguiseable segment of a bomb, perhaps they could actually pull it off.
Look around you people. Chances are that someone you know or knew has been affected by a act of terror. We must not falter, we must not hesitate. This particular caldren of evil was stirred up in Pakistan. All of these occurances originate somewhere in the Mid East,and yet you folks keep asking why are we there?
You would be better off understanding that this is a war. Not one like your used to, but still all in all, a war. Back in the Revolutionary war the bad guys wore red coats and marched in a straight line. We wore buckskins and hid behind trees. The face of war has totally changed. Today it may be a little boy your children are playing with or a eldely lady who just got on the bus or a couple of truckers who passed you on the freeway not ten minutes earlier. We can't know who they are or what they look like. That is why it is important that your gov. has powers that you think may be out of the ordinary. They don`t want us, they want the bad guys and hopefully this will help them get them. We can't back off, or withdraw, untill the job is done. Regardless of the cost. If we do, it will be here before you know it.

~UPDATE~

As promised..........At last I think I am at the last hurdle.....I am to report this comming Mon for a Physcological Evaluation.....there are those who say that this is as far as I will get BUT I think I can probably convince the good doctor that considering I am 200 pounds past my ideal weight that I'm most probably not making this up and i do in fact require this life saving surgery.It has taken nearly a year to push through the system and get the help i need......Thank God I wasn't bleeding out................ Will keep all posted.

~Time For Peace In The Mid - East~

I mean really. Isn't it time for peace in the Mid - East? How many have to die? how freakin tragic does it have to get. You may think that it is impossible, but you know what kiddies ? It freakin isn't. All that needs to be done is Isreal put down its arms, park its weaponry, and promise not to kill any more innocent civilians in Lebanon accidently and i'm positive that hezbolla will jump through hoops to comply with the movement and promise to not kill Jewish civilians on purpose and quit hiding in areas that are populated by mostly civilians and lie down their weapons and park their missle launchers and such.
Just picture it. Peace and prosperity will come to the area that is the epicenter of all the major religions of the world. Beautiful huh? JUST FREAKIN BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!
Look folks get yer heads all the way out of your asses and really look at what is going on. The Muslem world wants nothing more than to eliminate the Jewish people. Sound like someone we remember? Some Nazi guy, think his name was hitler or sumpin. I forget just like most of you out there. Wait a minute its comming back.........If I remember right he wasn't alone there was that Russian guy oh yeah Stalin . Its seems like its all comming back. If I remember right there must of been at least 20,000,000 of them killed between the two. I don't suppose we should leave out the atrocites that were and are still taking place in Africa. Ask.com dosen't have a handle on all of the mothers and fathers, grandparents, children, uncles, aunts, cousens and who knows who else that have given their lives to to a terrorist, or a nation of terrorists. This is the evil out there. It isn't Jews or Arabs or Germans or Russians or even Africans. It is terror commited by people who are dedicated to destroying life as we know it.
Yes Elizabeth there is a Santa Clause and sadly there is pure evil out there also. It is time the people of the world put a stop to all this hate, all this terror while we still have a world to wake up to. At least thats the way I see it here at Arathorns Alley.

~ UPDATE ~

As promised........ I said that I would keep everyone posted as to my progress in my by-pass quest. I have successfully completed all of the physical aspects of the pre- testing. I must still under go a physcological exam. I honestly don't understand the need for that considering that if I had the cash I could find almost any plastic surgeon who would make me look like almost anybody for a fee of course. Regardless that must still be scheduled to see if I really am seriously over weight, and that this surgery could actually help save my life.
More word as I find out.....................

~Please~

Please, please, please......there now I said it three times. You won't be able to say you didn't know. or you weren't aware.I Found out today there are in excess of 200,000 homeless Veterans. At least 80,000 are Viet Nam Vets. The remaining ones are from WW2, Korea, Grenada, and the first Iraqi War. There were no stats for the ongoing war but I am sure that there will be many who will not be able to come back to the world. Many for whom the dreams will not stop. Many of them reduced to hiding in fear at the sound of a car back firing or perhaps the weather helicopter flying over head.
These brave men and women reduced to living hand to mouth,often outdoors, many not using the veterans benefits they so richly deserve.These brave souls have lost the ability to spend a peaceful, quiet, relaxing evening in the safety and security of their own homes. Many afraid to be indoors because of feeling trapped.
We as a nation need to be ashamed of the way these heros are being treated. We need to know that these brothers and sisters laid it all on the line . They paid the ultimate price for all of your and my freedoms. Because of what they did and gave up you and I are safe and secure in our own homes.
Get interested and involved in helping our homeless vets, donate all you can spare. If you are involved with a community project, make the focus of that group help the homeless vets. After all look what they have done for you. 

~ HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY ~

Today is a National holiday. It is a day that we as a nation should reflect on, well, what brought us to the "dance". We here in America enjoy a lot of things.Most things we don't even notice and as a result we take for granted. Most of us enjoy a standard of living that is way beyond what the majority of the world experiences. Take for example the simple act of brushing your teeth. You stumble out of bed in your air conditioned home, totter to the bathroom and flip on the over head light.Most will avial themselves of the lavatory and then head to the sink and wash your hands and brush your teeth. Some will even begin their day by taking a hot shower and putting on freshly laundered clothing. These are a few of the small things we take for granted.
We then head to the front door and get the daily morning paper. It, as usual, is full of claptrap and nonsence BUT they are free to write anything they want, about anything they want. The only constrainment is that is must be true and even that is rarely adhered to.
Well it is time to prepare for the days festivitys. We make sure the beer is iced down, the charcoal is in the grill waiting for the guests to arive. Our food is stored safely in the refridgerator untill it is time to grill it.
Soon our guests arive,cars parking in the yard,in front of the houses, every available space. Most of the guests bring their family specialtys.....those special baked beans or perhaps potatoes au gratin. Maybe a pasta salad or a green salad. We all pool together our resourses and a grand party comes together. We celebrate by getting our buzz on and watching the fireworks, perhaps setting off a few ourselves. Patriotic feelings coursing through our veins as we hear the thunderous report of the ordances we are setting off.
The day has come and gone. Our familys and friends have gathered. We celebrated as hard as we could, and all have returned home safely.
How many truly will reflect on what our forefathers actually paid to bring this country together? All of the signers of the Constitution paid horrific prices. They lost their fortunes, their familys and their property. Most did not live long enough to see our fledgling nation flourish.
We live in the greatest nation on the face of this earth. Some of our citizens have no clue as to what it took to get us here. Some don't care any longer,it seems we are turning into a nation of self centered people instead of a band of citizens that work together for a common goal.Most fail to understand what it takes to remain free and strong. They can't even be bothered to get off their lazy duffs and venture out in their own community and vote. Vote for the people who represent us, vote for whom we want , oh yeah that is another privelege . If you don't like what is going on you may run for office and work towards changing it.
Please people it is high time we quit knocking our country and our President and our troops. We are so blessed to live in this country. We have so much more than any nation I have ever seen. Happy Birthday America !!! May God continue to bless us. 

~ R.I.P~ THE AMERICAN WAY~

Today is one of the saddest days of my life. I say this unequivocally,without reservation. I say this bearing in mind all the tradgedys that this life has seen fit to deal me as my hand.Today one more little piece,one small piece of what I hold dear has been taken away. Not for its becoming broken or outdated or even out of fashion,but for it losing it's potential for making a profit. To increase it's profitability in the "World Market".Like some kind of diseased whore......"I'm only in it for the money."
I'm sure by now some of my readers are wandering just what I am going on about....well in the new Superman movie they have eliminated a part of his creed. From day one Superman stood for "Truth, Justice, and the American Way.This was something solid. Something we could hang on to. Something children could hold near and dear. A sort of guide to live your life by. Goals to try and emulate. Knowing these things to be good and right and proper. The "American Way" we would defend to the end if necessary the "American Way" regardless what its cost is.We would and did sacrifice those lives in huge numbers to promote the American Way. Don't believe me? Think I'm over reacting? Look at the endless rows of white crosses ,standing as a mute tribute, to the "American Way" at Arlington National cemetery perhaps gaze at that strangely quiet field known as Flanders Field in France. These people, knew the value of the "American Way"
they paid the price to spread that word.
Look at our borders. People are trying desperately to find a way to get here. To enjoy "The American Way" they risk their lives as a matter of routine, just to be here,to breathe the free air to be allowed to do as they please,when the want to.The "American Way" has immeasurable value and yet Hollyweird says because they want to make more money,to increase their profitability they eliminate the phrase "The American Way" from Supermans creed.
I feel this is a act of treason . It is so insidious. It whittles aways one more little piece of American uniqueness.For money,.......money. They sold out the hopes and dreams and sacrifices of untold numbers of people for money. Is there a word that is dispicable enough to describe them ?If there is I would love to know it. I would love to shout it from the mountaintops. From shore to shore of this great country. God bless America and may God bless and keep "The American Way"

~ When Are They Going To Learn ? ~

I want to rant a little about the main stream media. It is the primary information source for most of our country. As much as myself and my fellow bloggers want to think that we are reaching out and touching a lot of people it is a fly spec in proportion to those who turn on Wolf Blitzer or Charlie Gibson .
In light of that, our media has a obligation to report as accurately and as truthfully as humanly possible to inform the general public of the facts in each and every news story.
Dan Rather did not, and it cost him his career and his network their credibility to some degree. It cost the public the ability to believe what they see or hear on the news. More importantly it has made a nation of cynics out of us. How many times are we charged with the admonition to believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see.
We are in a situation now where we are engaged in a brutal war to help a nation rid itself of tyrant whose likes have not been seen since Adolf Hitler. The media reports as its agenda dictates as opposed to the truth of what is really going on. We hear stories posted in the msm of how our troops murdered citizens in cold blood. Well as far as I know our troops have not given up their right to be considered innocent until proven to be guilty. Storyies like this turn our peoples minds from the reality of what is going on. The Insurgents will lie to serve their own agenda and have more insurgents swear that it is true.We have been accused of mis- treating our prisoners of war. Perhaps we shoud have Sen. McClain exactly what mistreatment in a POW camp is really like. We have been acused of being ruthless in our dealings with the Iraqi's. I have not heard how ruthless and against the Geneva Convention is the way the two soldiers who were just kidnapped, brutalized, and beheaded the way the insurgents are behaving.
And yes Virginia there were Weapons Of Mass Destruction found in Iraq they were trucked to Lybia and are hidden there or somewhere else for use by the terrorists.
And how long will it take before the good people of the world understand that it won't be long before the terrorists strike in their homeland. Killing their familys. Our media needs to get their heads all the way out of their collective asses and start telling the truth...... the whole truth .....not just some version that suits their agenda or their bosses agenda or perhaps their owners wallet.
We have had two attacks on American soil with nearly 3,000 fatalitys. We better wake the hell up before 3,000 looks like a mere drop in the bucket. Surely the terrorists will go where it is easyest to do the most damage and if our media is willing to convince the public that there is in reality, no problem and the terrorists are really freedom fighters, fighting against all forms of oppression, we better invest in a coffin company cause the body count right here in America will go through the roof.

~ UPDATE ~

As promised......I said I would keep everyone informed and I will. The Endoscopy went very well and posed no problem at all. The medical staff was considerate and informative each step of the way. I realized absolutely no pain and the scope never bothered me at all. I suppose it was from the novacain I was given to gargle with prior to insertion of the tube. They also ( as a matter of routine ) did a biopsy of my stomach tissues and the Doc said he expected no problem but still was required to send the sample for analyses. All in all it was painless and easy. I am scheduled the 17 of July for the proctoscope and I hope that goes as well. I understand the worst part of that test is the preparation. Before they let me go home, they gave me two photos with 4 images on each of my innards......talk about introspection....

~STEP 987 ~

Well tomorrow is what seems like step 987 in what must be the worlds longest journey.I am scheduled up for a endoscopy tomorrow. I am waiting on the hospital to call and let me know what time they want me, but, regardless of the time I will be there so that I can step one process closer to my goal. Some time in early July I will also be scheduled for the EWWWWWW, the much dreaded.....Proctoscope. I suppose regardless of needing clearence for my surgery, the proctoscope should be performed on everyone at age fifty to help protect from the possiblitity of colo-rectal cancers.So having dodged this rather blunt bullet and all my aprehension this long I suppose it is time I take it like a a stout heart. I will post on my results as soon as I know them. I`ve heard that you can actualy order a DVD I suppose to show with the rest of the family albums....................... 

One Small Step For Mankind....A Hell Of A Leap For Me

As I have posted previously one more step has been taken towards my by-pass surgery. I passed my stress test (I'm not sure if that means I have plenty of stress or my stress levels are low)regardless though, I have scheduled for the Endoscopy and Proctoscope .By mid July ,as far as I can tell all i will have to do is get through the physcological evaluation and I will be ready for the surgery. I truly had no idea that it would of taken as long as it has.
I will never look like the guy in the photo that I have posted,nor do I want to . Geeze the guy is as bald as a Q ball!! I have come to terms with the fact that I will never have a athletic body. As a matter of fact I would look silly if I did. But the dream of being fit enough to be able to do things for myself is certainly starting to come into my mind. Perhaps walk the 300 feet or so to the river and fish a little or be able to tie my own shoes. I don't know how I got this fat but I do know that it will be nice being a little smaller. A man can dream can't he?

~ MEMORIAL DAY ~

As we approach this day to remember our brave sons and daughters,brothers and sisters,uncles or aunts that have fallen in battle to protect our nation,or perhaps to bring freedom from tyrany or even to bring a better life to most of the peoples of the world, I must ask myself why.
Oh not why we do it but why those who we do it for don't appreciate it. Most aren't even aware of the basic knowledge that a citizen of our nation should.
I was listening to talk radio yesterday and the radio personality was talking to five college grads or seniors. Out of that lot of obviously intellegent folks only one knew knew who the vice president was, he also knew who the sec. of state was. he was not able to either sing or recite the words to the National anthem or the pledge of allegience. One person got as far as "and to the publik that it stands for and was stymied.
So I ask my self why do we keep on ? Why do men and women try and keep the American way of life? Why do we give up our sons and daughters for a bunch of people who never bothered to take the time to learn the most rudimentry aspects of our history. Maybe we would be better off being ASSIMILATED by the mexican horde at least they have some ethnic pride, they at least are aware of their history.I truly don't understand how I can be so proud to be a American ..........and so ashamed at the same time. 

~ WORLDS WORST MOM ~

Once more, the worlds worst mother has come to my attention. Her disrespect for her fallen hero son is way past anything that could be imagined. Cindy Sheehan is too busy out and about to bother to mark the grave of her son. Casey Sheehan was killed in the line of duty. He gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect and defend the United States Of America. He swore an oath and held to his pledge till he drew his last breath. His mother was properly notified and was given a quarter of a million dollars in insurance money that she refused to part with to mark his final resting spot can understand that it may of been a financial hardship to part with any of that cash BUT the Veterans Administration would pay for a marker that would be appropriate to the other markers in the cemetery. All she need do is authorize it and pick it out. She seems too busy to do even that for one of Americas finest. God Bless you Casey Sheehan. You didn't have a mom but at least you had a country that loved you and will remember you.

When Yer Wrong Yer Wrong

Dear Mr. President, I hate to give you this thumbs down because I have been one of your biggest supporters. You missed a perfect opportunity to show the Chinese a life lesson yesterday. When Pres. Hu Jintao was with you at the brief press conference and a documented press representative from the Epoch Times, a New York based newspaper, spoke out,her name is Wang Wenyi and is obviously a chinese national. She was quickly whisked away and you apoligized for the incedent you would of been better served by stating that this is America Mr. President, and we believe in free speech. Sometimes its difficult but in all the world there isn't a finer system. You must not ever let a chance to shine go by.

Brad and Angelina Is Pleased to Announce~~~~~

Thank God that Brad and Angie finally decided where, their as yet unborn son, is to be born.............Nambibia. Finally a movie star of his caliber and I might point out huge resourses, has decided to take all precautions in the birth of his son and cause him to be close to all possible medical resourses in a forward thinking,technically advanced country like Nambibia. I must say that I am a little jealous of Brad and Angies finances. If I lived in Nambibia I wouldn`t need to jump through all these hoops the doctors here in America are making me go through in order to get my gastric - bypass.I would venture to say that it probably wouldn't even be necessary in the first place. Oh and further kudos to the happy couple for making sure that the newborn is taken care of in the future.....He will be given a African name to go along with his Nambibian citizenship. Sometimes the sun surely seems to shine on certain folks.....

OH YEA ? WHAT WOULD you DO?

Well come on.......... Tell me........... Just tell me...................What would YOU do? What would you do if you were President Of The United States Of America? Understand there are tens of thousands of things that more than likely require the attention of POTUS on a daily basis. Bear in mind that each decision could have the potential to cost lives, win or lose large sums of money,and or effect peoples lives in extraordinary ways. What are the top five things you would do, and in what order?Oh BTW don`t allow your personal feelings, or family members,Or friends situations figure into your decisions,determine what five things you would do based totally benefiting the greater number of people,oh did I forget to say that,you being the President ofUnited States, must also consider the world wide ramifications of each seemingly small thing.
On the surface the above seems a daunting task,well it is. But I'm a generous kind of fellow. I will gleefully throw in the patience of Job, the wisdom of Solomon, the determination of Attilla, the strength of Hercules, the foresite of H.G. Wells.Still quite the task isn't it? What would you do? What would you mandate? Please help me tell me ? I wanna know? or maybe I wanna see if you know,or if anyone knows OR are we are as a nation,turned into a bunch of whiners will complain regardless of who is doing the job or even how well he/she is doing that thankless task.

Another follow - up on my road to a thinner, trimmer, movie star type body. Hah like any of that could ever be. I was set back last week due to the med staff neglecting to tell me to quit my meds 48 hours prior to testing time,so it was re-scheduled for this Wed. & Thur. I reported as requested at 7:00 A.M. and was promptly told that I was too debilitated and my breathing was so labored from not being on my meds for two days prior to my test,that they were afraid to do the test because there was a real danger of going into respiratory arrest. I was carted to the Emergency room for further evaluation and the ER doc concurred that I needed admitted and some intesive treatment on my breathing. I spent the next two days getting breathing treatments and huge doses of steroids which, although ultimately bad for you, really work wonders for aches and pains and to restore capabiltys for breathing . I can actually walk without groans and moans now till the seroids wear off, about a week they say.
So much for the news report, but for my impression of the medical arena I am sorely tried to keep from screaming at these people. I was admitted to a nice room on the sixth floor of our local hospital and that is as far as my satisfaction went. I had no hot water to clean my self with or to shower. Their solution is to give me a zip lock bag with about 6 or 8 washcloths soaked in some sort of soapy solution and some water and put in a microwave till steamy. I asked what this was and the told me with some pride..............a bath in a bag. Grrrrrrrrr I want a hot steamy shower and hot water and soap to wash my hands after using the toilet.My bed was a good quality hospital grade bed, BUT it had some sort of sheet material that was horribly uncomfortable. It stuck to your body but wouldn`t stay tucked in, it slipped off the pillows exposing the plastic pillows so a good nights sleep was impossible. I think it is probably a moot point due to the fact that they come in and check on you at least hourly. If all you need is rest I reccomend a four star hotel, you will feel a hell of a lot better and not spend near as much money. So all this means that I must wait another two weeks as per my doc before I can get the stress test and once through that on to the next aspect of the qualifying process for the Gastric By- Pass surgery that I need so badly.Wish me well!!! 

~ One More Step ~

As promised another update on my gastric by-pass path. I ask myself sometimes why people get frustrated about things and it is a process like this that brings clarity to me. I was scheduled for the stress test part of the process on Wednesday and was to call in on Tuesday for instructions. As per my directions I did so and was told that I could not take the test because they neglected to inform me at my Doctors office that I was to not take my breathing medications for the two days prior to the test and my diabetic med the day of the test. This translates into another week lost till I can reschedule. OK get over it no big deal. I am rescheduled for this week coming up for that. I had that aspect resolved and could move on to getting a colonoscopy and a endoscopy performed. I show up at this doctors office, and the doctors wife is his secretary and receptionist.....1st warning sign was they called four hours before my scheduled apt. Time and rescheduled me six hours later because the doctor had a emergency. As far as I am concerned those things happen but usually not six hours in advance. 2nd warning sign...... I am the only patient there,hmmmmmmmmm. The receptionist / secretary / wife / concubine,shows me to a exam room where I spend the next hour waiting for the good doctor to show up. Being a observant type I check out the room and it's furnishings and supplies. I notice only one exam glove left in the box. A trash receptacle that is over flowing with the somewhat disgusting traces of prior exams and worst sin of worst sins ,the trash can liner is a simple trash bag like you would use at home as opposed to a red bio - hazard bag as required by law, considering what is contained in this vessel. The exam room in general ,has a palor of a over used,run down ,cheap motel. 3 rd warning sign..........Doc finally shows and wants to know before even even exchanging niceties how do I intend to pay, and was I aware that he only accepts cash for my co-pay.I am beginning to doubt that this physcian and his obvious dedication to upholding the Hippocratic Oath is going to be appropriate for me. He will do I believe, for these testing processes, but I am so glad that the caregiver I have selected to do my surgery, is clearly superior to this poor excuse for a doctor. He may even be the poster boy for malfeasence.

The Beginning Of The Process

As I promised, I would keep everyone updated as to my progress in the ordeal to get the gastric by-pass surgery that hopefully will allow me to get my life back. Next week the testing begins in earnest. I have been on a supervised weight loss program for the last six months, and now that that aspect has been completed next week seems to be filled with the testing process. I have to go to the hospital for two consecutive days to get a stress test. This will be a chemically induced stress situation as my damaged leg will not allow me to actually walk the dreaded treadmill.They will inject me with some sort of stimulant to mimic physical effort on my part and then take x - rays of my heart. I will have to return the next day for another injection and more heart x - rays. They day after that, I must report to a Gastro-Enterologist to get examined for a colonoscopy and a endoscopy. I hope they can do them both in the same day,but needless to say, I trust different scopes.Once these are completed they will decide if moving along is warranted and if so, the next step is a physcological evaluation to see if i'm doing this for all the right reasons. I am sure that they will not mistake me for a annorexic wannabe. I must also get extensive blood work prior to the surgery and then I can finally get on with the process. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.......I will post more as soon as I know more.

BY GONE ERA

It came in one of my decreasing moments of lucidity.......Things that are no more........Soft drinks in bottles made from glass, penny candy, and if you were a frugal child you could sometimes find two for a penny. Drive in movies and barber shops. The one that I visited in my youth was a three chair shop. There was Tony and Joe and that extra chair towards the back of the tonsorial emporium belonged to Tony senior who passed long before I was even born,but they kept his area in a respectful tribute to Tonys father. You would come in and the smells told you you were in the right place. The smell of cigar and cigarette smoke.The sweet smell of tonic water that Tony would sprinkle on you liberally when he was done. You sat in the row of leather upholstered chairs that ran along one wall and took a magazine even if there was no one in the chair. Sooner or later ,when he was ready Tony would give you the nod and you would go and settle into the most comfortable chair imaginable. It had a leg rest and a foot rest and even a head rest.It was made from stainless steel,wood and soft leather. Tony would get out a fresh paper neckband and wrap it around your neck and then he would get the cape from its place on the back of the chair and place it tightly around your neck to protect your clothing from the hair that he cut . He would ask you "what can I do for you today young man?" You told him "a shave and a haircut please Tony" he would gently recline you and take a hot steaming towel from its cabinet and wrap it round and round on your face and let it soften your beard while he stropped his straight razor. He would remove the towel and apply warm shaving cream from the dispenser, and shave you as clean as a new born baby's bottom. He would then set you upright and cut your hair the way he thought it should be cut. Then another hot towel to clean the remnants of the shaving cream off your face. He would then take a little tonic and shake it on your scalp and comb your hair with a fine toothed comb, dry your neck and your ears with another dry clean towel, and spin you around so you could see your haircut in the panoramic mirror as he removed the cape with a theatrical flair like to say........."Here he is folks" That would be $1.75 please. I would always give him two bucks because my Dad said that is what you should do. You would walk out of there looking and smelling like a new man.Those days are I'm afraid, long gone. You are not forgotten Tony....thanks for making me feel like the King of the world so many times.

~ BLACK HISTORY MONTH ~

Our local newspaper is celebrating "Black History Month" by having a open forum on famous black people in history. The newspapers invitation was "Area students are being asked to take a journey through the history of the world we live in and choose a famous Black American leader that has made a impact on all of our lives".
Our youth came up with influential people of color who made significant impacts on our lives. These people ranged from Brianna Scurry, who is currently a goal keeper for the Olympic soccer teams. To the old standard of George Washington Carver, who was a accomplished horticulturist.
There were 13 outstanding students who entered this competition, and in actuality it taught me things I didn't know. What puzzeled me was that of all the people who entered this contest NONE were black. ZERO ~ZED ~ZILCH ~NOT NARY A ONE. Is black history month only to be celebrated by white people or do none of the blacks in this area care about their fore fathers 

~ LOSS ~

Loss. It comes in hundreds, no, thousands of varieties. Some are insignificant like your team losing the big game or perhaps losing a few bucks on the lottery. Some are very important ones like you just lost your job, or perhaps you lost your temper with someone who means a lot to you.The worst kinds of losses are ones that can never be made right again. This is the kind of loss that unfortunately paid me a visit yesterday. One of my friends passed to the other side. He had been sick but everyone expected him to recover. There will be times that I will think of him and perhaps a tear will come or even a smile but there will never be a time when I won't feel the loss of this good man. Friends like him don't come often but when they do they leave a impression. He has left a impression even bigger than he was. May God rest his weary soul.

~ Hate Crimes ~

It has come to this feeble little brain after reading a story about nearly 600 prisoners in the Los Angeles County jail system wanting to transfer all of these prisoners into the state system to prevent further fighting and rioting amongst the reported 600 inmates. I was appalled,but not surprised to hear that the ACLU was called in and is attempting to turn all these situations into "HATE CRIMES".
First off I never saw a crime that was committed against someone you "LIKED" . They were particularly concerned when rioting broke out between two Hispanics and four Blacks who by the way were all locked in the same cell. Who were they gonna fight...The Chinese down on the next cell block>? Damn people gimmie a break.......When people are locked up in cages they do not have a tendency to settle disputes with diplomatic efforts. Whoever is stronger has their way in all things.......A good incentive to stay out of jail,or prison, or any other sort of incarceration. At least that is the way I see it here on Arrathorns Alley.

~ NATURAL DISASTERS ~

Michael Brown is expected to give sworn testimony today regarding the federal governments less than timely response to the effects of Hurricane Katrina. First off, I think that what they are looking for is a whipping boy,someone to point at and say hey it wasn't me it was HIS fault.
I have some experience in flood matters, some years ago we were flood victims right here in my little town. The rains came and wouldn't stop it rained for nearly a week steadily.At times heavily. We live along the banks of a lovely and usually benign river, but after these ceaseless rains, the banks were swollen with flood water. There is a large dam and another river at the headwaters of the river I live on. Some one at this dam, decided to open the wickets a little and let off some of the water pressure because they were afraid that the dam would burst. They did and debrie from that river clogged the wickets and they couldn't`t close them. On our river we have a series of locks and dams to control the water level and promote navigation. They held back as much water as they could to protect Pittsburgh which is downstream from us. Now the interesting part is Pittsburgh is at the bottom of the glass and simple physics dictates that the glass will fill from the bottom up unless the dams intentionally hold back the water.So in light of that we filed a class action suit to recover our damages. It went through the court system and they found the power company and the operators of the upstream dam were guilty of malfeasance BUT they could not be held culpable. This, very simply , means yeah they did it but they don't have to pay . Thank you very much so instead of the help we thought we would get, we were permitted to borrow money from the federal government and repair our homes. Lesson learned? If you live in a area that is lower than the water level..Expect a flood. If you get flooded ..Shut up about it cause it will not matter how vociferous you are no one is going to give you anything for nothing and the truth of it is, you deserve nothing . Fema or any other group is not responsible for your mis- fortune. If you qualify and get a loan take it and repair your homes or move out of the flood zone and start over like so many of us have. They took us out of our home by boat and as soon as the water went down we shoveled our way back in and started the re-build it was hard ,brutal work that often times was heart breaking when somewhere in the mud and debri you found a treasure you held dear and it was destroyed. A trinket your children made in school gone. Human nature says you suck it up and move on. That in and of its self is what New Orleans needs to do. They want to be a first class American city then act like first class Americans and get the job done. At least that is the way I see it on here Arrathorns alley.

~ WHAT DO THEY KNOW ~

Don't eat bacon.....It has carcinogens that can potentially cause cancer. Don`t drink coffee it may be harmful to your health. Don't eat butter .....use margarine .............Don't use margarine use butter it is better for you. Don't ever drink milk when you are dieting it has way too many fats in it. .....Oh wait you need four glasses of milk per day when your dieting it helps you shed the pounds faster.
It turns out that the government has just spent about fifty bajillion bucks to find out that a fat free diet is not at all good for you. you must have some fats in your diet.
It seems to me that our government should be in the business of repairing our infrastructure, supplying our military with what they need to wage this war in Iraq. Providing the necessary police and fire departments the training and finance needed to protect our citizenry and staying the Hell out of the pork barrel funding of all these unnecessary and ultimately mis-begotten studies. As far as I know not one of them has ever proven out to be factual and the recommendations they made to be in vogue for more than a few months,before another study, equally inaccurate, divulges what the previous study stated as absolute gospel truth. At least that is the way I see it here at Arrathorns Alley

~ EXCUSE ME? ~

What on earth was this Dimocrat thinking at Mrs. Coretta Kings funeral? Her funeral was attended by no less than four presidents and by any standards it was a impressive tribute to this womans ceaseless efforts to bring racial equality to America. She worked tirelessly untill she had a National holiday named for her husband. This is a honor that has only been afforded two other men in history ,George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, mighty fine company if you ask me.
Former President Carter went on to say that racism still exists in America and to prove that all one has to do is look at the color of the faces of those who were victims of Hurricane Katrina. Is he going to sit there with a straight face and say that this hurricane only affected people of color?This this giant rainstorm somehow only fell on areas where people of color lived?"
It is a good damn thing that the only thing he is allowed to touch now a days is a hammer and nails. When I think of it ,in all of the many pictures of Jimmy in a habitat for humainty setting, I have never seen a saw in his hand, perhaps they knew all along he couldn't be trusted with anything sharp. It is people like him that give Southerners and Democrats a bad name. At least that is the way I see it here on Arrathorns Alley.
 

A RELIGION OF PEACE

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I suppose that a picture is worth a thousand words and it appears as though this one has said even more.The Muslim religion is purported to be a religion of love and peace. I must ask myself who it is that these Muslims love and wish to live in peace with. They kill their own in the name of a Jihad,and this helps how? They send children wearing explosives in the midst of a crowd and then blow them to smithereens in order to make some sort of convoluted point that no one but themselves understands. They kidnap and kill in a most detestable way (beheading) the much hated westerners in their country to ensure that we will leave them as soon as humanly possible.I wish someone would tell these booger eating morons the reason we are there is to bring them a bit of peace and tranquility and to improve their standard of living. We are actually building hospitals,bridges,highways,schools,ensuring electricity, water,and fresh potable water is availabe throughout their country.We do not seek to have a presence there,instead we are trying to help them establish their own governing body in free and unbiased elections.
Now one more thing for these sorry excuse`s for humanity is doing is committing violence on another nations soil (Danish Embassy ) in Beirut,Lebanon.Demonstrators attacked police withstones and even went so far as to destroy life saving equipment that belonged to their own nation,several firetrucks.
Security officials claimed that at least 18 people were injured and at least ten transported by ambulance to area hospitals took to the streets in Afghanistan,Iraq,the West Bank,and even New Zealand.
You may ask what horrible thing was committed against the Muslims to warrant such a wide spread reaction? Well believe it or not someone actually poked fun at Mohammed. I know no one ever made fun of Jesus,or that chubby little fella Buddha, but come on Muslims show a little tolerance. If you folks didn`t want people to use you as the brunt of jokes quit acting so freakin stupid. Quit telling the story that if you go into the midst of that crowd of Christians and blow your self up and kill a number of them in the name of Allah then there will be many virgins waiting for you in heaven. In my opinion the surest way straight to Hell with a first class ticket non- stop is to take another human life and you are going to try to say yer gonna get virgins for it........Hahahahaha you guys ARE funny.......Well at least that is the way I see it here at Arrathorns Alley.

~ GIVE IT A REST ~

I had hoped that we had heard the last of this moonbat that has quit supporting her son's cause,and went so far as to join the the very terrorists that were responsible for her sons untimely demise. She has attempted all sorts of actions to disrupt the general publics impression of what is going on in Iraq. She has stooped to calling the President of our great nation such things as..." A lying Bastard,Evil Maniac,Fucking hypocrite,and the worlds biggest terrorist." She went on to even greater heights and out and out lied by stating that President Bush is committing blatant genocide and is waging a nuclear war.
Well last night she reached new heights by attempting a lame protest at the State Of The Union Address . She was invited by a dimocratic congresswoman and as soon as she got in the chamber she revealed her real reason for being there....To further disrupt the workings of our country and to attempt to embarrass the President of these United States. If her son could, I know he would be screaming from his grave to "shut the fuck up and quit dishonoring our sacrifice here in Iraq and Afghanistan. This fine young man V-O-L-U-N-T-E-E-R-E-D for this service. It is because of her sons sacrifice and many others that Saddam Hussein ,and his two out of control sons, are no longer raping school girls, feeding people to the lions, pulling the tongues out of peoples mouths and even attacking his own people (Kurds) and killing 5,000 or more of those with poison gas.
Her family has turned against her, even her husband has filed for divorce. Even worse than anything else she has done is attempting to have her sons sacrifice mean nothing at all by trying to have us leave Iraq prematurely and there by allowing Iraq to fall back into the wrong hands. In my opinion this woman wants to act like a terroist let her go live with them.

~ WHAT IS YOUR POINT ~

News Flash........ Some time through the night ABC anchorman Bob Woodruff and camera man Doug Vogt and a unamed Iraqi soldier were grievously wounded by what has become known as a IED (improvised explosive device). Their wounds were called serious and they have been already medi-vaced out of the war zone and transported to Landstull Germany. There they will recieve further treatment and when they are asolutely stable, they will be airlifted to probably Walter Reed Hospital out side our nations capitol. This major news story took up the greater portion of the first hour of "Good Morning America" today. The anchor people were all dutifully serious in light of the situation
Here is the rub............ those people were there by choice it is their job. They chose to do it. In exchange for their services they are compensated, at least, richly. I am positive that a network anchor earns as much in a year as I had earned in my mispent life.That is in no way to say they are overpaid just thatI was not much of a achiever.There has been quite the hooplah over these people being injured,the hooplah has been forthcoming in direct porportion to the "importance" of the person. Lots of conversation about the "news anchor" Bob Woodruff....... some about the camera man...... only called Doug for most of the show............ and a unamed Iraqi soldier.
What about the American or allied soldier who is there because they believe in the cause? They will probably earn upwards of $900.00 bucks a month. It is highly recomended that if they are not married, to not get married because there will not be enough money to live on. Why isn`t the first hour of "Good Morning America"dedicated to these brave men and women? Just because the folks at ABC know these people it is a big deal but in reality thier sacrifice is no greater than any one who has been wounded or killed trying to bring freedom to Iraq.The news team was there by choice and were riding in a Iraqi army convoy to further the networks position to belittle the efforts of our troops. Well sometimes irony kicks in and it happens like this. Perhaps there will be a "breaking story" as to how good the medical treatment is that our troops recieve. You can be sure they will never point out our militarys sacrifices so they can present the news story in whatever skewed fashion they choose. 

NEWS FLASH.......BAHRAIN

Date Line Bahrain 1/252006 Pop star Micheal Jackson now vilified as a child abuser was spotted roaming the mean streets of Bahrain. He was dressed as a woman and wearing a Burka.It is unknown at this time if he was secretly trolling for young Bahrainian boys or scouting the area for what his supporters are calling "NEVERLAND ~EAST.. More on this breaking story as soon as a translator is made available to translate from Towel To Jive to English . This may take some time being what the study of linguistics has morphed to today. 

~ How bout DEM STEELERS ~

Pittsburghs going to the Superbowl !!!! Wooooo Hooooo. I was pleased to not have to eat a previous posting when Pittsburgh soundly beat the Denver Broncos. This man had a lot to do with it, not just his personel efforts but his leadership on the team inspired the rest of the team to new heights. This very well may be Jeromes last year on the team but he will remain a valued community member,and a integral member of the future of Pittsburgh.
WAY TO GO STEELERS!!!  

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Willson Pickett. He was a inovater in early soul music and influenced many of todays younger artists. He will be sadly missed by many.

HOW BOUT DEM STEELERS !!!!!!

I am going out on a very thick and secure limb and picking the Steelers over Denver Bronco`s on Sun and I think Those mighty Steelers will Face North Carolina in the Superbowl,where the Steelers will have their hands raised once again and we will get the one for the thumb this year!

Excuse Me??????

Excuse Me ???? Could someone please tell me how the Iraqi terrorists come to the conclusion that holding the young female journalist hostage helps their position? Please explain to me how this can have anything but inflamatory results for them. Since we have neglected to give in to their demands the plan is now to execute this young woman,please tell me how this is going to further the terrorists position. We have stated without reservation that we do NOT negotiate with terrorists PERIOD. What makes them think that this is any different.How stupid are these people to keep trying a tactic that has been proven to NOT work. The United States needs to hunt down these offenders and give them more than they ever afforded their hostages, a fair trial and a stout rope at the end of it. Oh yeah I will volunteer to build the scaffold,tie the knot and pull the lever.

One Step Further

For the kind readers information I have had a horrible ending of 2005 and I pray fervently that 2006 will be a much better year. To that end..............I am stepping out of the house today and going to the doctor for a check up. I am planning to have my weight reduction surgery as soon as possible and I am trying to get the ball rolling towards that end. So wish me well,it is only twenty nine degrees and blowing snow and I pick this as my first day out in nearly six months. I kinda feel like a prisoner here who has gotten a notice that the courts will in fact here my plea for a new trial. I`m hoping the docs will help me start a new life..........Woo Hooooo I may be dancing soon !

He Said WHAT??????????????

I could NOT believe my ears and eyes as i lay complacently in my bed. While watching the evening news. The mayor of New Orleans had claimed that he was having a conversation with Dr. Martin Luther King who, if I remember correctly, is as dead as my great great grandmother. He went on to say the Dr MLK told him that God is angry with the United States for being in a immoral war in Iraq and that is why he has brought all these hurricanes to our shores and caused so much destruction. He went on to say that New Orleans should from here on out be a chocolate city, peopled by chocolate people, and rebuilt with chocolate money( I hope this last part is true) Dr MLK is also very angry about the way the black people were neglected during Katrina. I thought I had somehow slept the week through and it was Saturday Night Live,but it wasn't. This idiot was REALLY saying these emmensly stupid things. I think I understand why New Orleans had so much difficulty during Katrina. Mayor Ray doesn't have the sence that God gave a goose. He neglected to call help in untill the situation was so bad that no one could get out of New Orleans and no one could get in either. This once great city was not neglected it simply was mishandled by this bufoon. As a responsible official he should be mandated to promote unity and a a team spirit in rebuilding the city. It is a huge job and it can't be done over night or even with all possible help and unlimited funds New Orleans could never be restored in less than five years. I have some experience in this field. My home was flooded in 1985 and as yet I am not fuly restored. The house is fixed so that it is usable but I have not recovered some of the things that I lost. I never will and I didn`t blame it on anyone........... The rain came down ,the water rose. No ones fault. Shit happens. Did I call out for my comunity to be a white bread town? No that would of marked me as next in line for the looney bin. I think that is where Mayor Ray needs to be put and the key thrown away. At least that is the way I see it here at my end of Arrathorns Alley.