The Once and Future Prime Minister 

Never Believe the Press

If the numbers are right comming in from Great Brittan, It seems as though Mr Blair will be enjoying another year as Prime Minister. The word from the press was that the Brittish citizens were opposed to Great Brittans support of the United States in the Gulf War in Iraq.
Our press reported nearly the same attitudes as the Brittish citizens and predicted a huge loss for the incumbents BUT it seems like once more the reality of the situation is very much different than the press hoped it would be.
Congratulations Mr Blair and thanks for having our backs.You know you can count on us if the need ever occurs. At least that is the way I see it here on Arrathorns Alley


~Factoid # 4~

The " RH" factor was named for the rhesus monkeys that was used to research blood types

A Great Sandwich 

A Challenge

A challenge has been issued from way up north here in Pennsylvania,more specifically it seems to be centered in Clearfield County.
It seems a local tavern named Dennys Beer Barrel claims they have a burger SOOOO big no one can actually eat it.
This burger is purported to weigh about 15 lbs. The meat weighs in at a hefty ten pounds,plus the bun,and 25 slices of cheese,two large onions,three tomatoes,a medium sized jar of pickles, a whole head of iceberg lettuce, and approximately one quart of a mustard,ketchup,mayonaise combination. This tribute to the Earl of Sandwich is said to contain about 30,000 calories (unverified)
There is a challange to any tag team to consume this behemoth burger called the "Beer Barrel Buster Burger" If it can be eaten in less than three hours by any two people you will win $40.00 cash (may substitute Pepto Bismol Coupons) Two Hats and two stretch tee shirts,complete with Dennys Beer Barrel logo.
Being semi -professional in such challenges, I am forbidden from giving it a go, but I would truly love to see someone do this deed. I`m sure it would do my heart good.



~ Factoid # 3 ~

A red blood cell lives for 80 to 120 days while a white blood cell lasts only a average of 13 days.

And pretty too........... 

Ladys and Gentlemen...........The First Lady

There is a new buzz in D.C............. Laura Bush is extreemly comfortable and competent in front of crowds. She captured many hearts and minds at a roast at the White House and was so good that,in my opinion,ever decides to run for office this is a woman that truly has a chance to make it happen.I think she is smart ,tough,and beautifull and the house on Pennsylvania Ave hasn`t been graced with a woman of this caliber since Jackie Kennedy. It is so nice to feel good about the white house and its residents.


~Factoid # 2 ~

The total ammount of air that both lungs hold when filled to capacity is six liters

She is gone............sigh

Well my Princess left to go back home yesterday and it never ceases to amaze me how empty this house and my life is without a childs presence in my home. I have always had children,mine,or someone elses around and I truly miss having those wonderously open minds to mess with. A niece was the best in makin up stories and her little motor mouth never stopped and now that she is gone and grown up on me, her daughter is stepping right up to fill her moms history without even knowing it.She selected about five different kinds of "spices" from the yard (most horticulturists would call them weeds) but to Miss Priss they are spices carefully selected for the pot of Jumbolayla she was cookin for everyone. She even accompianied her stirrings with a occasional phew and a wipe of the brow cause we all know how hard that cookin is.I must say it was a mighty fine scald on that Jumbolayla.


~


I think I am going to introduce a new feature on my blog starting today..........A Pointless Piece of Information. Let me know if you all like it and if you do I will try to keep up the effort of findin em HEHEHEHEHEHE

Factoid # 1 The average person breathes about 16 times a minute,960 respirations per hour, 23,040 per day, 161,280 per week, 645,120 per month, and 7,741,440 per year.

Smallville Pa. 

I Love My Town

I love my community. Honestly I love livin here. I learn so many things even at my advanced age. Like..........my five year old grandaughter is a lot faster than I am and that when she catches me nakie(getting out of the shower) I look like a "great big naked baby". Hehehehe. I also learned that in times of need a lot of people show up from different areas in your life to help out. I lost my boat docks this last winter due to a bad slice of time when the river was freezing and then it warmed and flooded and the resultant ice flows took them down river somewhere to be fire wood for some fortunate riverman. Bad for me ~ Good for them.
Today was the day to rebuild them and launch them again. All of my sons friends showed up and most everyone actually helped rebuild and launch Some also brougt a meat sacrifice to the webber god who smiled greatfully upon them. When it was done the was a great feast for all to be had and a brand new nice place for me to fish or maybe even swim. It is truly nice to know your neighbors name

I Sinply FOUND the money 

Thats My Sory & I`m Stickin' To It

Honest your Honor we really was diggin around in the yard and simply found the money. Well why don`t it have dirt on it? I don`t know but we found it while we were diggin in the yard. ..........Yeah thats it. found it......yard.yeah. Well why were you digging in the yard............oh no reason we ah well you see your honor man we are trying to get in shape and we couldn`t afford a gym membership or free weights for home so we decided that we would just dig in the yard and that would build us up. yeah thats right it would build us up see and then we could get a job acting and then we could buy some free weights. Yeah thats right your honor thats our story and we are stickin to it.
Well it seems that while these bums are putting a roof on someones house they simply FOUND the money, trouble is they didn`t find it on their own property. how they got caught is they wanted be on tv and brought the attention on themselves so they made up the story.
Poor bums aint got enough sence to keep their mouths shut and enjoy the money so they deserve to get caught. At least that is the way I see it here on Arrathorns Alley.

Shades Of Tom Swift

I had a chance to view photos of the new air bus today and it is aboslutely incredible. It has the potential to seat app.800 coach class passengers and if it is really tricked out around 550. It has a first class eaterie, a bar,and even a duty free store. It truly is the day of tom swift and his flying boat.

By gum I think I fially figured it out. I know I am stupid but I have come by it honestly. I suppose I wanted to think better of my fellow man than he deserves. I was thinking..........why on earth isn`t everyone as greatfull to live in this country as I am? After much thought and postulation I remembered (with the help of the way back machine) how my children wasn't really appreciative of some of the toys that we furnished them. Well........ all right I can understand why the boys didn`t like the deal on the barbies I got at the flea market,but, we did buy them some pretty cool stuff. It was always lying around inviting me to trample them or otherwise render them un-usable. But when they ended up earning some money and buying their own things..... by golley they no longer were strewn about but actually picked up and put away when they were done with them for the day.
~ SO ~
I think that is why most Americans today don`t appreciate the freedoms that they enjoy and it ends up being no big deal if one or two of those rights are taken away or changed or otherwise made to serve someone other than the general populace it was intended to.
I am about to change all of that...........Institute a Draft. commencing at age 18. All must register for this draft. Male or female ....no matter. Are you one of those people who don`t want to serve in the military or perhaps a contentious objector? Not a problem at all. You may serve in hospitals or nursing homes or in our park service or perhaps a volunteer shopper or just a friend sitter. All of our youth should be required to do this for a minimum of two years and in exchange for this service recieve the same benefits that our military recieves. This way their rights will have been earned and simply not just given to a ungratefull lot who will just poo poo them away. Wake up people things are comming down around your ears and you won't do a damn thing about it, or at least that is the way I see it here at Arathorns Alley

Dan Fogelberg 

Dan Fogelberg

Please include in your thoughts and prayers Dan Folgelberg. He is fighting advanced prostate cancer and has been forced to cancell his tour. His music has broght much peace and joy to me and I hope he knows how to "Go Down Easy". It is a brutal form of cancer and is very fast in its progress.It is the same cancer that took Jerry Orbash so quickly.

One of his guests was Ms. Fonda preaching her clap trap who by the way moved up to first place on my list for claiming that the Iraqi war was founded on all lies and maligning our brave men and women who are serving there so honorably. I personally know how this will demoralize a military and how the sheeple here at home allows this view to distort the facts. Mr Maur earned his position on my list for thanking Ms. Fonda for a great body of work and for standing up for her country and had the audacity to call this scum a "Great American" How dare he do that? He ignores the 33,000 plus names on the wall and says she is great . Well he can get that piece of trash to support and defend his right to say what he wants next time instead of the military who protect those rights for him.GRRRR at least that is the way I see it here on Arrathorns Alley 

Over the week end I had occasion to add to my very short list of people I absolutely detest. The new addition is Bill Maur a self proclaimed pundit who has a commentary/comedy show on HBO that fits neither of its descriptive criterior. 

And you thought we were in charge HEHEHE 

Earth Day

We are celebrating Earth Day....Yippie or should that be yuppie? I don't know i`m so confused. All I know is earth day MUST be a good thing. We all live on the Earth,well except for the moonbats and of course the aliens. But seriously folks we must be extrememly carefull abot the earths resourses and its apparent abuse by us people.We must be very carefull of anomallys like global warming ....well that shouldn`t be much of a problem considering that it is going to snow here on Sunday. So just where the hell is this global warming? Just a few degrees would help emeasurably with our heating bills......might even reduce the heating bill enough to allow Grandpa to uprgrade his catfood purchace to human grade tuna,or, actually buy ALL of his meds this month.Yes lets safeguard the planet while we ignore our seniors and our special needs children or our mentally challanged who roam the streets untill some one abuses them or worse.Quickly now........go hug a tree Well at least that is the way I see it here on Arathorns Alley

Welcome Home Brother 

Hats Off To You Michael Smith !!

At a recent book signing Jane Fonda recieved in return for her actions those many years ago, a angry Marines spittle. She didn`t deserve that. She does deserve to shrivel and die. I wouldn't spit on this piece of human scum if she were on fire. In fact I would look for more fuel to make the blaze hotter.Ms Fonda cost countless lives, added untold sorrows to so many familys and stretched out the war so much longer, with the resulting costs.Possibly the worst thing this piece of crap did was to besmerch the names of many good men and women who sacrificed their lives and their bodys and yes even their sanity to do the right thing. We came home to another enemy after our discharges and people like Jane Fonda was directly responsible for how we were treated.We as Viet Nam Vets still live with the disdain of our American citizens who believe that it was just a innocent photo opp. for her.It wasn`t and she should be tried for high treason and face a fireing squad. At least thats the way I see it here at Arrathorn`s Alley

A One Of Kind American 

Another American Hero

Lance Armstrong has announced today that it is time to retire from racing. He has done a extraordinary job at his sport winning the last six out of six Tour de France races. He has far outdone anyone in his class and appears to be untouchable as a athelete. Now to make it a little more interesting............ He suffered from A severe and debilitating cancer that would knock most men out of the human race let alone competitive bike racing. Hats off to you Lance or at least that is the way I see it here at Arathorn`s Alley

Ten Years Ago..........Today

I remember hearing of a huge explosion in Oklahoma City and wondering what it was about. Ten years later I still don't really have any answers to most of the questions that have been jumping around in my mind, as a matter of fact I think in fact I may have more questions. Although I can't for the life of me imagine why I know less about the whys and wherefores of this situation ten years later then I did when it first occured.At the time of the incident Bill Clinton said " Oh I hope it isn`t of middle east origin" I never understood that then and I still don't. It has so many implications that I would bet the ranch I will never understand just what (aside from where Monica might be) was going through his pointed little head. I don't understand how a truck bomb could cause the type of damage that they say it did.I know a little about explosives having been in the military and also working with them in construction ,mining, and demolition I see more of a shaped charge doing the type of damage to the infrastructure of the building and the truck bomb accounting for the damage to the face. I also still don't understand how Mr. McVey could of been executed for his crimes as quickly as he was. I am not going to plead innocence or guilt for him, that is for the justice system to determine and in my oinion they did. I know that the state has prisoners convicted of a heinous crime and sentanced to death many years before this tradgedy ever occured,and still they exist on death row.Did haste play a part in shutting him up or what exactly was the reason for his rapid demise.
None the less ten years ago today, 19,April 2005 168 human beings( including 19 children) lost their lives at the Alfred B. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. We will never recover from that loss and we will never forget the ultimate cost. At least that is the way I see it here on Arathorns Alley

168 Lives lost 

Baseball is so............... 

I'm Not Sure I Understand The Buzz

I suppose baseball has been the most popular sport in America ever sense Abner Doubleday invented the game. It was a fantastic outting for familys and there were many familys who attended games on a weekly basis. BUT I think those days are past . Due to salarys like baseballs highest five players Alex Rodriquez's salary of 25.7 million dollars down to the paltry income of Manny Romerierez's 19.8 dollars, the game of baseball is no longer a family pass time. It costs $5 bucks for a beer $6 bucks for a hot dog and God forbid you should want some nacho`s. It is approximately $15 bucks to park somewhere in the same county as the stadium and perhaps as much as $40 bucks for a ticket. Now if you want to have your family along for the ride it is easy to see why you almost need to have this days entertainment financed I have a good friend who played semi pro baseball and he recieved $5 per game (no extra for doubleheaders) and he had to bring his own lunch and provide his own transportation. He played for many years because he loved the game. Not the millions these men recieve but because he loved the game. We need these days back or our teams will continue to play to nearly empty stadiums . It is getting so bad now that they nearly have to import a cheer track when someone makes a good play.Well at least that is the way I see it here at Arathorns Alley

EEEWWWWWWWWWWW

I must say that the last few dys have been less than pleasent. I have had the flu and I sure don't ever want it again. At times I was afraid I was going to die and at other times I hoped I would. I suppose it is all a matter of perspective. I am abel to keep noureshment down now although the sweat/shiver period is alive and kicking. Oh did I mention the achey breaky body syndrome that makes it almost imossible to be comfortable at your demise.Well the truth of it is that there are much worse things to have happen to you and I know personally cause I have experienced a few of them.So I suppose i will quit my winey stage of this as soon as I stop hurting Perhaps I will be able to start bloging more reularly in a few days.

May He Rest In Peace 

The Passing Of A Era

His Holyness, Pope John Paul The Second, passed away quietly yesterday in His sleep. He was born Karol Joseph Wajtla in 1920.
The world mourns his passing. He has been the head of the worlds Catholics for twenty six years,five months.He has traveled the world trying to bring the worlds faithfull together. As a young Pope he even snow skied, so his attraction to the worlds young was a given.They seemed to see him in a different light and flocked to the church in record numbers.
The worlds leaders have sent messages of condolences,bemoaning the worlds loss. A message from the Taliban wants the Popes successor to stop the persicution of the Taliban and Fidel Castro the head of the only communist nation in the Western Hemisphere asks the Popes replacement to stop the embargo placed on Cuba by the United States. I am so happy to see their true colors shine once more. Only Godless,heartless people would consider making that kind of statement during this time of the worlds mourning period.
Sleep inside the Gates Of Heaven Your Emminance, You have finally gotten to go Home.

A Never Ending Love 

A Love Story

I just finished watching a movie called the "Notebook", and I am not ashamed to say that this movie had me in tears. I only wish that people experience the type of love that is displayed in this movie. Absolutely moving. If you ever get the chance to see it do yourself a favor and watch it.

April Fools Day

"April Fools Day is the first day we realize what we are the other 364 days of the year"
Mark Twain

I know that April Fools Day is all in fun, BUT there were times when it wasn`t. It was meant to hurt and humiliate and otherwise make the rest of your class mates apear (a least for that moment) superior. I`m sorry I just don't get the point. It had its humble beginnings as a French holiday to celibrate a different calander which moved the first of the calander year from today to Jan. 1st. Well pilgrim ......just one more reason to dislike those smelly,escargo eating girly men who live accross the channel from some of our finest allies.At least that is the way I see it here on Arathorns Alley

A Matter Of Trust

Douglas Smith, the executive leader of the Boy Scouts Of America, was recently found guilty of possesing child pornography and faces nearly forty years in prison. He at one time lead a task force to eliminate child porn. Now isn't that a case of the monkeys running the zoo. This Man was entrusted with Americas' finest youth. A youth that posesses all the hopes and dreams of our futures. Not only America, but the world will be affected by this scums direct action.I suppose that no one knows what makes us tick ,why we like blondes instead of brunettes, or short girls instead of long leggy ones OR why we are turned on by children. In most cases tall v short, blonds v brunettes, it is a matter of preferance. In Mr. Smiths choice, it is illeagle and immoral and certainly reprehensible in every factor of society throughout the world,with the exception of( NAMBLA ?) North American Man Boy Love Association. This is a group of miscreants that will surley burn in Hell or in my opinion hopefully. Please people if any of you know of any instance of possible child abuse report it to the proper authorities. This needs eradicated in our lifetime. We need to make the everyday world safe for our children. They face enough problems comming of age without out and out perverts like Mr. Smith being allowed to co -mingle with real humans.

He Has Risen 

EWWWWWWW

I feel so bad for what I heard on the news.....A customer of Wendys discovered a human finger in their chili. One of the best things about Wendys was/is their chili. It was a welcome addition to a somewhat boring and repetitive menue at most fast food joints. I know that they do not actually cook the chili in the actual resturant location but I can NOT believe that the supplier of said chili didn't shut down production immediately when the employeee lost her finger.Why wasn't the batch dicarded after the accident? You can't tell me that the woman who lost said offending finger just looked at her maimed hand and said something like "Its only a flesh wound" and continued working. It isn't like she was of the same stock as the "Black Night" in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.Management had to know that if the mangled didgit wasn't hanging by a thread it must of fallen into the batch. Is this purveyor of fine foods to the resturant industry located in the Donner Pass? Is this "found" ingredient the thing that gave Wendys chili that special taste? I just don't want to know. not now not ever. Perhaps someone will end up pointing the finger at the culprit......if they have one left that is. Well that is the way I see this woefull tale here on Arathorns Alley

Grim Indeed 

Where Are They Now?

So, Just where the Hell are they now? where is peta? where is all those right to life groups? where is all the feminist groups? Hells fire where are the damn tree huggers and yer greenpeace when you need them? Well the way I see it those "groups have no intrest in anything other than their own agendas. They no more believe in the sanctity of life than I believe that there is such a thing as a democrat that is worth even considering to vote for. They are no more than self serving orginazations that has no appreciation of the same values that they are purported to expouse. Its all just so much political bullshit or at least that is the way I se it here on Arathorns Alley

when men were iron and ships were wood 

Found Porn 

Finally

Sorry that I have been gone for a few days folks but my system crashed and burned,leaving me in a lurch. but no matter up and running again thanks to my genius friend I am once more functional. Thanks for your effort and thank you soooo much for your time.

Afirmitive Action At It's Finest

When is our government going to wise up and realize that there are differences between men and women. I am not in any way,shape,or form a sexist but having Cynthia Hall at 5ft tall escort a violent offender to the courtroom so that his trial may begin. He was a former linebacker weighing in at over 200 pounds and is over 6 ft tall. I know they had to hire this woman and it is a huge mistake to think that any female can control any man physically. He escaped her custody and killed a judge, and a court reporter in the courtroom where his trial was to have been heard. He went on to kill another security guard and a federal agent in his attempt at freedom. Perhaps one of the reasons this was accomplished so easily is that he was uncuffed and unshackled so that the jury would not see him and the very visage of a accused criminal in chains would taint their ability to to decide weather or not he was guilty. To add insult to injury all of this was video taped by security cams but no one was watching and did I mention that he was found to have two home made knives hidden in his shoe two days earlier? So I think it is a slam dunk that they can`t say he appeard to pose no risk or do you think that is what they are going to try. At least that is the way I see it here at Arrathorns Alley

Worth Saying.................Again

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but lesswellness We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancie houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete Remember, spend some time with your loved ones. because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
I know these thoughts hve been expressed by other more savy writers but I needed a reminder today of how much my family and friends mean to me and by golly I got what I needed. Thankfully there was no harm done................life is frail and it is short damn shot......at least that's the way I see it here on Arathorns Alley

A Few Thoughts From A Wise Old Man

I was sitting in the kitchen this morning ,drinking coffee,awaiting the sunrise and for some unknown reason the witisims of the home spun humorest/ writer Will Rogers came to mind and I thought I would share some of them with you kind readers today

Will Rogers, who died in a plane crash with Wylie Post in 1935, was probably the greatest political sage this country has ever known. Enjoy the following: 1. Never slap a man who's chewing tobacco. 2. Never kick a cow chip on a hot day. 3. There are 2 theories to arguing with a woman...neither works. 4. Never miss a good chance to shut up. 5. Always drink upstream from the herd. 6. If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging. 7. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back in your pocket. 8. There are three kinds of men: The ones that learn by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence and find out for themselves. 9. Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment. 10. If you're riding' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there. 11. Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier'n puttin' it back. 12. After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him. The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut. ABOUT GROWING OLDER... First ~ Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it. Second ~ The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for. Third ~ Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know "why" I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved. Fourth ~ When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of Algebra. Fifth ~ You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks. Sixth ~ I don't know how I got over the hill without getting to the top. Seventh ~ One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young. Eighth ~ One must wait until evening to see how splendid the day has been. Ninth ~ Being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable. Tenth ~ Long ago when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft. Today it's called golf. And finally ~ If you don't learn to laugh at trouble, you won't have anything to laugh at when you are old.

I hope you all found as much warmth and humor in his musings as I did

Its About Time

Today is International Womans Day and I would like to take this chance to honor three wonderfull women in my life. First and foremost is my lovely wife of nearly thirty-five years. She has been there every time I have ever stumbled and I will never be able to thank her sufficiently for bearing two fine sons for me. She has cooked and cleaned and gotten out of bed in the middle of the night to feed me cause she thought I might be hungry.The truly amazing thing about this is she has done it all with love in her heart. I will be the first to admit that I don`t deserve to touch the hem of her skirt and perhaps someday I will be able to thank her enough for teaching me the value of telling the truth. It was the single hardest lesson for me to learn and she tought it to me gently and with love and compassion in her heart. The second woman I want to honor is my baby sister. When all around her thought her fight was over she battled on and has become a cancer survivor for almost 23 years now. She was single handedly responsible for raising a fine young man who is currently serving our great country right now. She is artfull, compassionate, and a healer. She has always been my biggest supporter in anything I ever did and not once in her life did she ever reproach me for all the times I let her down. Not too long ago she stated that I was her hero which touched me more than I can say. Oh did I say she was cute as all get out? The third woman I would like to honor and thank is my friend Linda who has been the greatest friend a person could want. She stuck by me in some of my darkest hours and her faith in God helped me find my way. I will always be greatfull to her for that one single candle she held out for me so that I can see.Thank you Ladys from the bottem of my heart.

Italian Feast 

Can You Believe This ?

As much as I love Italian food I suppose now i'm gonna have to swear off eating it if it makes you do lame things like the latest hostage to be released by the Iraqi's. It seems this woman was held hostage for some time and our policy is we do not negotiate with terrorist. We never have ,we never will. If a group would ever see that these negotations were sucessfull then it would just open the door for more kidnappings and more hostages. Well some rich Italian fellow decides he is going to pay her ransom on the sly because they don`t want the Americans to know that they are gutless suck ups who cowered before Hitler and Musollini in the past. The terrorists release this woman and in her haste to escape her captors she is in a motor-cade speeding down a main road on her way to Bagdad International, The motor -cade comes to a check point and fails to heed hand signals to slow and stop , verbal warnings to slow and stop, warning shots (now there is something they never had in the old soviet union) to make them slow and stop and continue on as though they are a car bomb advancing on a secured section of highway. By any stretch of the imagination it wasn`t a quantem leap for our military to think well here comes another car bomb to probably kill or miame us........... we better open fire and try to stop them. Being U.S.Military they are sucessfull. Her body guard threw himself over her to protect her and is killed and a single bullet passes through his body and into her shoulder. Things are sorted out and after recieving treatment at a American facility she is taken to the airport and flown home to Italy. The story she now tells once she is home is that the American forces deliberately fired upon her motor cade to show our displeasure that she was released through the paying of a ransom. Please people ,we would never do something like that we value life a lot more than that. So now I don't suppose Italy will be helping with the reconstruction or are they gonna keep their greedy little money grabbin paws stretched out as far as possible?

Terror Strikes Home..........Again

Today I want to address terrorism,not in Iraq or Afganistan or even Mogadishou. I want to speak to a attack that is happening right here on the Mother Land. It is striking one of the basic tennants of America. One of the principles our great country is founded on.
Religous freedom. To those who know me, I am far from the kind of person who insists that you do as I do or that has to stop. I, as my father before me and my youngest son after me defended the Constitution of the United States of America. And today that very same constitution is under attack.It is under attack from within. I remember, as a young lad, all of the neighbors encircling our television (yes I was fortunate enough to have the only tv on the block) and watching the Russian Premier Nikta Kruschev, remove his shoe in the halls of the United Nation and shout that "we will overcome the United States from with in" as he beat his shoe on the desk in front of him for emphesis.
People we are under attack from a good idea gone bad. The Civil Liberties Union.A rite of passage for a lot of American male youths was the scouting program You started out as a cub scout,moved on to boy scout as your skills and your age increased and finally as you came into maturity there were the Eagle scouts to help that tranistion. Scouting preached the tennats to always be prepared. To serve your community. To be thrifty, clean,reverant. and that is where the trouble stems from. The American Civil Libertys Union now is holding our government hostage. They are insisting that the military"throttle back the support of the boy scouts" this would affect about 450 troops , most of them outside of the United States. The feeling of the ACLU is that parents can find sponsorship outside of the military bases. No big deal
On the contrary, it IS a big deal.One that is symptomatic ofof a larger assault on faith and its place in our society.The ACLU wants the boy scouts removed from public places because the Scout Oath refers to a higher power. The ACLU contends that that even a nondenominational reference to God is a misuse of tax dollars,or perhaps even a violation of the law.
We need to understand that much of our countrys basis is founded on religous freedom. Our president and all other officers of our legislative system take a oath with their right hands placed on the bible. When I enlisted in the military I placed my hand on that bible and swore allegience to this great country. When one is called on to testify in a court of law You place your hand on the bible and swear to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Our Supreme court justices all took the very same oath and how many times have you yourselves said " I swear to God".
The Department Of Defence is rolling over for the ACLU and at the same time requiring our brave men and women in our armed forces to stand firm against terror ,even at the price of their own lives. The Boy Scouts of America, help make this one nation of ours......This nation under God........... a little more indivisible. The ACLU is trying to erase faith from the military and when you are fighting a war sometimes that is all you have.
At least that is the way I see it here at Arathorns Alley.

Semper Fidelis 

One American Marines View

UNTIL I DIE ..This a poem being sent from a Marine to his Dad.For those who take the time to read it, you'll see a letter from him to his Dad at the bottom. It makes you truly be thankful for not only the Marines, but ALL of our troops. This says it all. Too good not to forward. THE MARINE We all came together, Both young and old. To fight for our freedom, To stand and be bold. In the midst of all evil, We stand our ground, And we protect our country >From all terror around. Peace and not war Is what some people say. But I'll give my life, So you can live the American way. I give you the right To talk of your peace. To stand in your groups, And protest in our streets. But still I fight on, I don't bitch, I don't whine. I'm just one of the people Who is doing your time. I'm harder than nails, Stronger than any machine. I'm the immortal soldier, I'm a US MARINE! So stand in my shoes, And leave from your home. Fight for the people who hate you, With the protests they've shown. Fight for the stranger, Fight for the young. So they all may have, The greatest freedom you've won. Fight for the sick, Fight for the poor. Fight for the cripple, Who lives next door. But when your time comes, Do what I've done. For if you stand up for freedom, You'll stand when the fight's done. By: Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert,US Marine USS SAIPAN, PERSIAN GULF Hey Dad! Do me a favor and label this "The Marine"; and send it to everybody on your email list. Even leave this letter in it. I want this rolling all over the U.S.A I want every home reading it. Every eye seeing it. And every heart to feel it. So can you please send this for me? I would, but my email time isn't that long and I don't have much time anyway. You know what Dad? I wondered what it would be like to truly understand what Bush said in his inaugural speech. "When the time comes to lay down my life for my country, I do not cower from this responsibility. I welcome it" Well, now I know. And I do. Dad, I welcome the opportunity to do what I do.

I don`t know for a fact that any of this is true but I do know that it speaks to and from my heart. I know what this warrior is feeling ,I know because I felt the same oh so many years ago. The only difference is that he has someone who cares . The American public hated the Viet Nam era warriors ..........for good or bad........ the press was succesfull at turning our countrymen against us ............. it is a pain that has never left and more than likely never will. Please support our troops. If you run into one thank him for his/her service. If you know one send them a letter. If you have a few extra dollars, send it to a group that will turn it into a care package and forward it to whoever needs it. Please people support these people don't allow what could be their dying thought to be one that their country isn`t 100 % behind them.

Pristene Beauty

It snowed again yesterday which in and of itself is no suprise but overnight we also got some freezing rain. This morning when the sun rose it looked like a crystal palace. Nature has so many faces ranging from abject horror to one of the most breathtaking scenes I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. It looked like a giant snow crystal this morning and it made all the shoveling and salt spreading worthwhile. If it would always look this beautifull I would have no objection to living above the Mason- Dixon line. I don`t suppose that will ever occur though so someday maybe I can get where the weather and the people are so much gentler and easier on my fragile pysce.

Uncommon Valor

Time Line---- 19 Feb 1945--- Under the over all command of Lt. General H.M. Smith's Expeditionary Troops headquarters, VAC's 4th and 5th Marine Divisions Lead the amphibious assult on the southeast coast of Iwo Jima. The 28th Marines reaches the western shore and seals off Mt. Surabaxhi before the end of the day,while the 27th and the 23rd Marines make it to the edge of Airfield #1. Heavy Japenese artillery,morter fire,rocket fire aided by mines and machine guns inflict over 2,400 casualties.
20 Feb. 1945--The 28th Marines begin the assault on Mt. Surabachi. The 4th Marine and the remains of the 5th Marines capture airfield #1
21 Feb 1945-- VAC commits the 21 st Marines of the 3rd Marine Division from corps reserve to reinforce the 4th Marine Division. That night the Japenese launch the one and only kamikaze attack of the campaign on the fleet off the bloody shores of Iwo Jima.
23 Feb 1945-- Elements of the 28th Marine division seize the crest of Mt. Surabachi and hoist a American Flag over its heights. Soon After five Marines and a U.S. Navy corpsman replace it with a larger ensign. Joe Rosenthalls photo of this flag raising electrifies the United States and becomes the symbol for the 7th War Bond drive.
24 Feb 1945-- The rest of the3rd Marine Division (less the 21st Marines that are already there) deploy.
27 Feb 1945-- The 9th Marines complete the siezure of Airfield #2 and also takes Hill Peter and Hill199 Oboe key terain overlooking Airfield #2
4 March 1945-- Although Marine gains have been measured in yards on Iwo Jima, at this point in the battle VAC has blasted and bled its way through most of the Japenese defensive lines. The first B29 damaged on a strike on Japan lands on Iwo Jima.
11 March 1945-- The 3rd and 4th Marine Divisions drive to the coast in their respective zones leaving on a few pockets of resistance remaining on the island.
14 March 1945-- As the official flag raising is held at the VAC command post ,the flag raised on Mt Suribachi is lowered.
25 March 1945--The 5th Marine Division wipes out the last resistance in Death Valley. This marks the end of of organized Japenese control on any terrain on Iwo Jima.
27 March 1945-- The 3rd and 5th Marine Divisions begin departing the island. Total Marine casualities during the battle are 5,931 dead and 17,272 wounded. Losses among attached Navy personel are 209 dead and 641 wounded.

And so the bloodiest battle of the pacific theater ends Nearly six weeks of unmittigated Hell. There is a lot more to the story than the raising of the flag. That is what the public sees and that is what they remember. To those that were there it was just one more example of America`s Uncommon Valor. At least that is the way I see it here at Arathorns Alley

Uncommon Valor 

The Hardest Question Ever

Dear Pro-Life Friend,
I’m taking the unusual step of emailing the entire pro-life blogs mailing list because of a critical situation that has developed in the case of Terri Schiavo.
Today, the courts rejected the pleas of Terri’s parents to stop her husband, Michael, from withholding food and water from her. He has promised to begin starving her tomorrow at 1 pm.
Most of you are aware that Terri is not a "vegetable" or "brain-dead" as Michael and his lawyers claim, but responds to others and is aware of her surroundings. She laughs, smiles and, according to her nurses, has a small vocabulary.
Terri is not on life support and is healthy. She needs help eating and is fed through a tube (helping someone eat and drink who is impaired has never been considered artificial life support).
While Michael asserts he is carrying out Terri's wishes, he waited until after he received a large sum of money from a lawsuit against her doctors before making this claim. During the lawsuit, he alleged negligence and motivated a financial award with the potential cost of Terri’s rehabilitation.
However, Terri has been denied rehabilitation that experts testify could allow her to eat and talk. The courts in Florida have consistently blocked appeals to give Terri proper tests and therapy that would improve her life.
Terri may not have the capabilities she once had, but she is no less valuable and no less a person.
Here is what you can do to help Terri:
1. Pray for Terri and her family.2. Blog - communicate the truth about what is going on and rally support for Terri and the Schindlers.3. Visit BlogsforTerri for information and to join the team of blogs for Terri.4. Deluge Gov. Jeb Bush with emails and phone calls. He has the power to intervene. Here is his contact information:
Governor Jeb Bushjeb.bush@myflorida.com850 / 488-4441850 / 487-0801 (fax)
5. Support HB701(click here). 6. Important - Bypass the Mainstream Media - pledge support a paid advertisement in the St. Petersburg Tribune to inform its 450,000 paid subscribers about what is really happening to Terri.
Your participation in help is desperately needed.
Thank-you for standing-up for Life.
Tim
prolifeblogs[at]gmail[dot]comhttp://www.prolifeblogs.com
P.S. I’ve set-up a special aggregator that displays only posts about Terri Schiavo. You can see what our 200+ members are saying here.
More Information at TerrisFight.org

I Saw this at another blog and it evoked such emotion from me I felt like I had to post it in case someone would somehow or another stray upon it. When we cheapen life to the point where someone else decides that they no longer want to bother taking care of you it is inherently wrong. Whatever happened to death do we part or am I only one of a handfull of people who still take my vows seriously. I am a fat guy and it would kill me to see my lovely wife starve to death because I was no longer willing to feed her GEEEEEEEEEEEEZE What the Hell is this man thinking?

A Sensible Law ?????

Arathorns Alley
Finally a law was enacted that makes sence believe it or not. The Arizona legislature has made a law that simply stated enables whoever rescues someone from winning the Darwin Award is able to recoup up to $2000.00 towards the cost of the rescue. It seems that folks would ignore warnings not to cross a swollen stream and get swept away by raging waters must now re-imburse the rescuers for their efforts. Way To Go Arizona ....if they wanna be stupid at least let them py the frieght. At least that is the way I see it here on Arathorns Alley.

Scales Of Justice 

Still Traumatized

I would like to begin by saying that I am sorry for not posting for some time but I have been or am still under the weather with a really bad head cold,but today I saw something that FORCED me to get off the couch and post this somewhat dubious picture. I was forced into watching the View because I was too lazy to get up and get the remote and as a fitting punishment, the Gods allowed this to be one of their segments. I have seen things that would reduce the most hardened of us weep uncontrolably. I have seen things that would make you laugh so hard as to make you pee your pants, but in my long and varied life I have never seen anything as bizarre and revolting as Bridget Nielson and Flava Flave makin out on the public airwaves. Just what in the hell is this world comming to? When I could not believe my eyes any longer , my ears (as tratorious as they may be) heard that not only is this man with boobs stringing along ol Flava,she,it,him,shim or whatever is stringing along some poor fella in Europe and was bold enough to state unequivocably that it was fine and he didn"t mind at all. Please people please I beg of you do NOT assault my eyes and ears in this manner again. I am soooooooooo revulsed that I may never ever fantasize about Star Jones again.

Unfreakinbelievable 

Hello ...............You Have Reached...........

Hello, you have reached the mega giant, nameless,faceless, heartless utility company. If you would like to speak with a customer representitive please enter in your 13 digit account number........grumble, grumble ok lets see oh here it is 45839 ------ 5510062----1 . You have entered 45839-------5510062------1 if this is correct please press # 1 or #2 if it isn`t. # 1 If you would like to continue this call in English please press # 1 Se hablo grrrrrrrrrrr why don`t they make the wetbacks speak english .....after all this is America #1 Please listen to our menue selections carefully as the selections may have been changed. To become a new subscriber please press the # 1. To speak to our commercial division please press the # 2. To speak to our award winning repair department please press the # 3. To report the theft of services please press the # 4 To speak to someone in our billing dept please press the # 5 or the # 6 if it is concerning a commercial account.To make a payment arrangement please press the #7 and if you wish to report a emergency such as downed wires or a gas or water leak please press # 8 All others please hold and a customer representitive will be with you as soon as possible. Alright lets see what I wanted to do .........oh yeah make a payment arangement so I press # 7 and I hear ring.................ring..................ring............. Hello all our customer service representitives are currently helping our other valued cusomers so please hold and a customer service representitive will answer your call in the order it was recieved. There will be a 27 minute wait from this point. tic toc tic toc tic toc time goes sooooo slowly when you are on hold...........Hello this is to remind you that our representitives are still busy and will be with you as soon as possible. There will be a approximately a four min wait from here. tic toc tic toc tic toc ring ............ring..........ring...........damn these last few minutes are the longest ones ..............Hello my name is Achmed and you have reached the billing dept, how may I help you? Oh hiya Achmed I want to make a payment arrangement on my act. Ok sir may I have your 13 digit act number? grrrrrrrr Hey Achmed I had to enter that in in order to speak to you..... Oh I see ,its policy, ok all right hang on ......ok here it is45839-------5510062-------1 O K sir may I please have the service address for confirmation oh and I must tell you sir that this call may be recorded and used for training purposes Oh all righty then Achmed, it s 1313 Mockingbird Lane ,Why On Earth Do I Bother, New Mexico 19537-4421 All right Sir May I have the answer to your secret question in order to confirm your identity? Damn Achmed I didn`t have to go throught this much crap when I was cleared for top secret gubmint werk back in the 60'S , well if I gotta I gotta......... the answer is my teddybear.All right Sir How may I help you? I already told you Achmed I want to make a payment arrangment on my account. Well Sir you have not told me what you would like the arrangement to be.Oh......... I would like to make a payment over the phone Oh ok sir would you be using a credit card or a check by phone............I think I will use my credit card Achmed if that is all the same to you. Oh yes sir that is fine. I must put my supervisor on the line with us to confirm your card numbers and that it is ok to place a charge on your card. Please hold Sir. Click.........Tic Toc Tic Toc Tic Toc Helo Sir my supervisor is on the line with us now her name is Janiqua . Hello sir my name is Janiqua and I am Achmeds immediate supervisor and the reason I am on the line is be sure that all proper proceedures are being followed. Would you please answer your secret question for me sir so that i know it is you? Again ????I just gave it up to Achmed . Yes sir I know that but I am sure you understand that these procedures are for your personel safety sir ........ Well ok Janiqua..... teddy bear ( I swear I can hear a very tiny snort and a little giggle come from ol Janigua ) All right you may proceed Achmed everything seems to be in order All righty Sir could you tell me what credit card you are using today........... Sure it would be my Bank Of Bagdad ops sorry I mean Bank of America. Oh no problem sir what is your card number lets see it is 5218742-66832-001. Ok its 5218742-66832-001 is that correct. Yes Achmed. Ok sir when does it expire? Ah lets see June of 2007. Ok sir june of 2007 What is your code on the back of the card sir? lets see 992 Ok and whose name is the card in sir? Ah It is my wifes the lithe and lovely Esmerelda Oh sir is your name not on the card? No it is only hers. I see Sir is she there? Uh no she is werking that is how we have credit cards....... she werks and gives me money to pay the bills.......... I see sir but I can`t allow this transaction because the card is not in your name. Oh achmed andJaniqua your telling me you wont accept my payment cause I am using my wifes card is that right? yes sir that is the case ..... well then Achmed how am I supposed to make this payment Oh sir you can use your checking account but there is a $9.95 fee for check processing would you be interested in that sir? Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr yes Achmed I gotta get this bill paid before they turn off my service. Ok sir I`m gonna put you on hold till I can get the checking supervisor on line with my self and Janiqua and of course you sir. Please hold. click. Tic Toc Tic Toc Tic Toc CLICK WHRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR If you would like to make a call please hang up and try again.............wrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr If you would like to make a call please hang up and try again...................................wrrrrrrrrrrrrr if you would...........At this point I ,well so they tell ,me threw the phone so hard against the wall it bounced back and put a goose egg on my forehead and knocked me out coder than Theresa Hienzes heart. What ever happened to ring..........ring....hello you have reached the Acme utility company how may I help you. Wanna know why the economy seems to be failing at times? Because people should be having these jobs not some ultra- sophisticated computer system answering the phones and sooner or later (usually later) hook ya up with a human in calcutta cause when you live in the black hole of calcutta any job looks good Damn i loved it when you went to town and paid cash to a clerk in the utility payment center. How radical........ pay all your utilities in one place to one clerk at one time. New never means better does it?

Arathorns Alley

Arathorns Alley
I salute you General Mattis, You deserve a medal for saying what is on your mind as opposed whatever it is that is thought to be P C When I went to war I was proud I had people with your attitude beside me I can only pray that every man or woman that goes into combat in defense of freedom has the honor and privledge of having their back watched by a warrior like you.

This Man Deserves A Salute From Us All 

Lest We Forget..........

This is the aniversery of the day the music died.......... no sensible person could say it wasn`t a unparraled tradgedy when that plane crashed. He remains sadly missed by this fan.

A Mother And Father Say It All

During the State of the Union address last night, the parents of a marine sargent who had lost his life during his second tour of Iraq were featured. The were seated close to a Iraqi woman who lost her father in one of Sadam's temper tantrums. This woman had the index finger of her right hand stained purple......significant that she had voted in the first ever election in Iraq. They later on interviewed the marines parents and asked perhaps the tackiest question ever.....was it worth losing your son to bring freedom to a oppressed people? The father answered......... My son lost his life attempting to help wounded marines and I am sure that any of them would of done the same thing for him. I think if you asked them they would all say yes it was definately worth their sacrifices. This is what a lot of Americans don`t understand freedom is prescious and is worth any price you could be required to pay. I understand why most don`t understand this basic concept because they have always been free to do as they wished, to go anywhere they wanted,at any time they wanted, and to say anything they wanted. Perhaps if most of Americans were deprived of their God given rights for a few days they would appreciate what they have more.No that wouldn`t be right either, let them think what they will I know what is right. I have seen with my own eyes, I and so many others have paid the price for us to walk around shooting off our collective mouths with little or no thought as to who may hear it or even more importantly that word might get back to those very souls that are fighting to keep the world free. God bless our troops and their endevors.

Got One Joe ......Get Some Moe

Not even Al Jazira could hope to believe that we would buy a G.I. Joe action figure as a real life captive. I haven`t laughed so hard since they locked up the Iraqi Information Minister. What is this supposed to prove? I am sure anyone with eyes would recognize the "captive" as being a childs toy. Not only did it make the terrorists look pathetic in our eyes, it made them look foolish in the eyes of the people they are trying to convince that terrorism and intimidation is a way of life they can all embrase. If this is as good as it gets turn in yer gear the freakin war is over .......damn dumb towel heads

A Peacefull Town? Not

In Mink La. they came to celebrate this day. Lousianna Bell spent some astronomical ammount of monet finaly providing phone service to the residents of this rural community. Now mind you they have not had phone service ever never ever. The first call was made by the Honorable Govenor to the towns most senior citizen and all was well in Mink La. Now here is the catch, not 15 minutes after the aforementioned call was made, another phone sounded off..........you guessed right ......a telemarketer damn will they ever learn that if someone wants to buy the product they are selling ,chances are they will call the sales staff. I just pray they never call me again.