Happy New Year to Everyone

Wishing all my friends a very Happy New Year. Hoping 2006 will be happy, healthy and prosperous for us all.

I want to thank you friends for visiting my blog this year and leaving some of the sweetest comments. You guys, I feel as if I know you like a neighbor, looking forward to us visiting in the new year.

Take care and if you go out tonight, please be careful and safe. Have a drink for me…I am going to have a few myself. Happy Happy New Year!!!

Love with Kisses and Hugs,
Suzie

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Happy New Year's Eve

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New Year Traditions

Traditions to bring good luck for the New Year are as old as the celebrations and come from all corners of the world. Many cultures count a tall, dark and handsome man crossing the threshold as a sign of good luck, but if the first person to enter the house is a red headed woman...the year is sure to be stressful. What single girl would argue with that one!
Others involve housecleaning...brushing the bad luck of the past out with the dust. Holding a piece of silver or gold as the New Year begins is said to increase the chances of prosperity in the coming year...some place a silver coin over the doorway or a penny on the windowsill.
An Irish tradition involves banging on the door and walls with Christmas bread to chase the bad luck out and bring good spirits to the household with the promise of bread enough in the New Year. This is probably related to the tradition of banging pots and pans in Iran, or the ancient tradition of using firecrackers to welcome in the Chinese New Year.
The youngest boy in the household lighting a candle at dusk to burn through the night until morning light is another Celtic tradition that may be a citified version of lighting bonfires to keep away the evil spirits or a carryover of the Samhain tradition of lighting tapers in the windows to chase the evil spirits.
In the Philippines children jump up and down at midnight to make sure they will grow tall. In Asia, sunrise celebrations and honoring of the ancestors and elders brings luck. German's drop melted lead into cold water and take turns interpreting the results. This tradition has become so popular that kits are sold that include the lead pellets and suggestions for reading the results.
Then there are the foods. Chiacchiere, honey drenched balls of dough ensure a sweet year in Italy. Grapes, one for each month, make for a lucky year in Spain and many Latin countries. Eating pork, all kinds of greens, cabbage, sauerkraut, the Southern U.S. tradition of black eyed peas or anything that forms a circle - such as donuts or pretzels - make for good fortune in the coming year. In Korea, bowing to the elders and deokguk, Rice Cake Soup, are part of the sun rise celebrations. The traditions are as varied as the lands where they are from, but they all involve sharing with friends and family and wishes for happiness, health and prosperity in the New Year... for more click here

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New Year's Eve Ball

Each year, millions of eyes from all over the world are focused on the sparkling Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year's Eve Ball. At 11:59 p.m., the Ball begins its descent as millions of voices unite to count down the final seconds of the year, and celebrate the beginning of a new year full of hopes, challenges, changes and dreams.
But just what is that Ball? Where does it come from?
We're glad you asked.
History of the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball
Revelers began celebrating New Year's Eve in Times Square as early as 1904, but it was in 1907 that the New Year's Eve Ball made its maiden descent from the flagpole atop One Times Square. This original Ball, constructed of iron and wood and adorned with 100 25-watt light bulbs, was 5 feet in diameter and weighed 700 pounds. In 1920, a 400 pound ball made entirely of iron replaced the original. for more click here

Risky Journey by Farris

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- A 16-year-old from Florida who traveled to one of the world's most dangerous places without telling his parents left Baghdad on Friday to begin his journey home, the U.S. Embassy said, drawing to a close an adventure that could have cost him his life.
The mother of Farris Hassan, the prep school junior whom U.S. officials took custody of in Baghdad this week, said she was "grateful" he was headed back. Shatha Atiya said she already knew what her first words would be to her son.
"'Thank God you're alive,' then I'll collapse for a few hours and then sit down and have a long discussion about his consequences," she said in Fort Lauderdale. click here for more

More Local and National coverage:

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- A 16-year-old Florida student traveled to Iraq for a school project during the Christmas holidays and he didn't tell his parents.
Farris Hassan, a junior at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, was taking a high school class in "immersion journalism" and it seems he took the idea of immersion all the way to Iraq.
Images: Teen Travels To Iraq
"I thought I'd go the extra mile for that, or rather, a few thousand miles," he told The Associated Press.
Using money he had saved, he purchased a $900 plane ticket. He then skipped classes to write about Iraq with first-hand experience.
He reportedly left the United States on Dec. 11 and flew first to Kuwait where he tried to cross into Iraq. The border was closed, however, due to the Iraqi elections.
He called home and his father advised him to come home. Hassan insisted on going to Baghdad. On advice from his father, he stayed with friends in Beirut, Lebanon for 10 days before flying to Baghdad on Christmas. click here for more

What would you do if your teenager took off to Iraq? (smiling)

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Needing An Excuse

I need a creative excuse why my home is a mess and not much has moved around here. All that live here are very easy going and laid back. We definitely possess the feeling of live and let live or maybe whatever you feel go for it. Napping, doing your own thing and hanging together, whatever the flow is we do it. I think if the roof fell in; there would not be much bitching it would be call someone to fix it. Actually, it is very rare for any of us to complain about anything. Even during the hurricane this year with no power, we hung in here with a relaxed attitude the best we could. Okay now I need a good reason why I have not taken out the wrapping paper to the dumpster, put the gifts up, called for wireless connection concerning the new laptop, cleaned the refrigerator, or did laundry in a week. I could go on and on, but will save you the saga of my mental state of mind.

Here I go again, haven’t felt like getting on the computer, as rare as that sounds it is true or doing much of anything to be completely truthful. I did finally last night decide to start Turkey Gumbo, as I call it Turkey Surprise, wasn’t going to but my daughter said oh why not? It is really no big deal but it is time consuming. You boil the bones, then strain saving the juices, separate the remaining meat from the bones, then start adding leftovers, etc. etc. etc. It is really good with hot sauces added in along with fresh peppers, onions, a good tomato, rice or pasta, fresh herbs, spices, and so forth. The broth is wonderful to work with and you can make it anyway you wish. Add cream, fresh mushrooms, whatever works, but be sure to taste as you go along. (smiling) Don’t forget the kitchen sink.

Oh yeah, getting dressed around here, I think with the holidays you have a good excuse for staying in your pjs or gown being comfy. Forget brushing your hair, just pull it back in a ponytail and put some earrings on. Myself I keep them in anyway. The babies have loved all the extra attention, Pepe or Peepee both fitting for our fairly new hurricane stray poodle. He is now officially spoiled. Bella, she looks like she has gained 20 lbs. She needs to be weighed but we will have to take her in for that, being at 100lbs already it is hard to pick her up for the scales. Talkin about a Rottie here that is rotten to the core. We just love these babies and they have dominated our home, now they rule the household.

We racked up from Santa here…and we are thankful. Dell laptop, satellite radio, shopping spree gift cards, space bags (smiling), etc. etc. Never did figure out the bows from Victoria Secret, but the boxes were awesome. My thoughtful children bought me an amplified bible with my name engraved on it, I was totally surprised. I love it and they put a special message inside for me too. I have never understood why people say the words ‘bible thumping’, I have tried figuring it out and the only solution I can come up with is they feel threatened by Christians or it is a way of making fun of us. I don’t feel I am thumper. We truly do enjoy reading the bible here though and now have several different versions to read from. WooHoo!! It does not take much to make me happy, just having us together and safe is a true blessing. We all agreed that we really did not need anything this year, we buy all year especially when something is needed. It was nice though exchanging surprises and everyone smiling feeling happiness and joy.

Now back to griping, I forgot which blogger friend (think CCW) mentioned this before, but it is a bitch when you have tons of medical tests done during December and they leave you hanging until it is convenient for them to call you with results. Been feeling extremely sluggish and wishing for energy, but optimistic about good results, maybe I will know soon. Meanwhile, I will look around and trudge here and there to get some of these things done. Forgot to mention, my daughter went and bought more liquid vitamin B-12 yesterday from Whole Foods we have been out for awhile. You put it under your tongue for 30 seconds and wait. (it is suppose to go into your blood stream quicker) It worked, I did manage to shift a few things around, but the rest is far behind. To clear up what some may be thinking by now, our home stays neat and tidy, but as far as deep cleaning that does not happen on a monthly basis. (LOL) I’ll say this, at least the living area and kitchen looks good the majority of the time, but I can not say that for today. My mind needs a good creative excuse for this place being a disaster zone. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year, hoping 2006 is a healthy, happy and prosperous for you all. Don’t forget to buy the black-eyed peas for good luck!! (smiling)

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Reflecting on 2005

Hoping everyone had a very Merry Christmas and is looking forward to our New Year. Below are a few links if you are interested in lists, studies, and surveys of 2005.

Most Livable States: (Top 5)
New Hampshire
Minnesota
Vermont
Wyoming
Virginia
# 50 Mississippi
2005 Most Livable State Award

Crime State Rankings 2005 Names Nevada
as the Nation’s Most Dangerous State
North Dakota Repeats as the Safest State
2005 Most Dangerous and Safe States

2005 Most Powerful Women in the Corporate World
Fortune Magazine

Most Expensive Champagnes 2005
Lifestyle Wine & Food Feature

Most Blogged about Books of 2005
The listed selected was conducted by an automated survey of 5,000 of the most-trafficked blogs. The source: N.Y. Times so take it with a grain of salt.
Books most frequently mentioned by bloggers in 2005

America’s Most Literate Cities – 2005
# 1 Seattle, Wa
Top Ten conducted by CCSU

The 40 Most Obnoxious Quotes For 2005
Click Here for Obnoxious Quotes 2005

The Five Most Murderous Countries for Journalists Click Here for full story
Philippines
Iraq
Colombia
Bangladesh
Russia

Australians happiest people in the world
Click Here for survey of 30,000 people in 30 different countries

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Away in a Manager

Away in a Manger

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky, And stay by my side until morning is nigh.
Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay. Close by me forever, And love my I pray.
Bless all the dear children, In thy tender care. And take them to heaven, To be with thee there.

For Christmas Carol Songs and Lyrics

Click Here

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!

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Christmas Resolution passed 401-22

Congress passed a resolution to protect “the Symbols and Traditions of Christmas”.
The Vote was 401-22!!!
Headed off by U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Davis, (R-Va)
BILL TITLE: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that those who celebrate Christmas believe that the symbols and traditions of Christmas should be protected.
Votes Yea and Nays by Name
The 22 votes against this resolution were all Democrats.
Happy to report this is now resolved about Christmas!!!! (smiling)

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A Soldier's Prayer

Soldier's Prayer
God up in heaven hear me I pray,Watch over our soldiers and please keep them safe!Grant them much wisdom so they know what to do,To finish their tasks and return home soon! ...... So bless them and keep them and help us all to take measures,To realize that a soldier is a blessing and a gift to be treasured!

Our Brave Soldiers in Iraq

I encourage everyone that reads my blog to go and thank our troops for fighting for us and keeping us safe. All of us know that this is a lonely time to be away from your family and friends during the Christmas Holidays. Today I want to introduce you to Capt B. He is ONE TOUGH Marine in Iraq. The name of his blog is One Marine’s View in Iraq . Below is an excerpt from his latest post:

12/21/05
LEAVE, WE JUST GOT HERE!
Click Here-LEAVE, WE JUST GOT HERE!

Pull the troops out? We were loosing? We cant win?? Did these people eat a bowel
of frosted dumbass for breakfast? I just got back from seeing Marines, Soldiers
and Sailors in bases like Korean Village and Al Asad in western Iraq. These
warriors are going strong, fighting hard and full of motivation eager to fight
and kill terrorists, taking the fight to the enemy. Why would we even mention
pulling out of here until the job is done? It would be like forfeiting a
baseball game in the ninth inning and quitting with a two run lead. We are
winning this war and for anyone who says different, get your facts together (yea
right) and come play ball, Im waiting. For all you “I didn’t get enough
attention from daddy when I was young, left wingnuts” out there, we are AT WAR
and we defiantly are winning! To be more specific it’s a counter insurgency war.
Well, why isn’t it wrapped up and finished then like Desert Storm?? Well my
little cup cake it takes approximately 10 years to extinguish a counter
insurgency. We began the war on terror hard core about three years ago so by the
left wingnut book of all answers, we should have about seven more years to fight
this evil regime before its defeated, right? Nope! We have overthrown their
insane dictator, stomped a mud hole in the insurgents ass, established a
government, restored economics and set the tone for the surrounding country’s
that if they don’t play nice, they too can have a Marine Infantry Battalion
sitting off their coast just as easy in only three years. Holy haji stain
Batman, if we stayed here seven more years I could have a Walmart Super Store
chain established and smoking cigars in my downtown Iraqi bar! (don’t steal my
idea!) Click Here to read the rest of His Awesome Post

P.S. Capt B just had a birthday too!! (smiling)

While you are there, you may want to read all his posts, but the one prior to the above excerpt was THE PRESIDENT-click here and the picture published above.

My family supports, honors, and prays for our troops all around the world. Our hearts and prayers are with the families that have lost love ones giving their lives for protecting us Americans. If you have a minute I know you can make a soldier smile if you go and write your encouraging thoughts.

Capt B, we love you all!!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!
P.S. If you wish to continue visiting Capt B, his link is in my sidebar!

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Four Days Left to Christmas

I love Poinsettias, so I wanted to share this one with you! (smiling)

We are down to the the last few days now with four days remaining. Would love to hear about everyone's plans for Christmas and any special gifts you have bought for your loved ones.

Wishing everyone a Very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!!!

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Away This Afternoon

Sorry to all of you that I normally try to visit daily but due to my heart and unexpected problems that developed this afternoon....not sure when I can. My chest pain has been increasing and all my other plans of going some places today are on hold too. Going to take my medications and some valiums...hopefully I can relax long enough for them to work. I truly do not want to go back to the hospital, been there and the doctors enough lately. Many of you already know about me but for the others - it is truly not a big deal....I just handle it the best I can. Maybe later I can get back on here. Merry Christmas to everyone!

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Seaplane Crashes in Miami

Today my daughter and nephew (visiting from out of town) were at South Beach in Miami and had just left moments before the plane crashed. So thankful they left when they did. As tragic as it is, it could have been worse if it would have crashed into one of the restaurants near there or other businesses. It is very sad and our prayers are with the families.

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. -- A seaplane carrying 20 people crashed into the water within sight of this city's high-rises Monday, killing 19 people, authorities said. The other person has not been found. Witnesses said the plane exploded in the air. [more] From our local TV station.

The Coast Guard reported that there were 20 on board the Chalk's Ocean Airways plane, 18 passengers and two crewmembers, and that one person was still missing but 19 bodies had been recovered. Full Story

Chalk's Ocean Airways flies between Miami and the Bahamas, using planes that take off and land on the water. Chalk's aircraft have been featured in TV shows such as "Miami Vice." Its seaplanes take off in view of the port and the multimillion-dollar homes that dot islands in the bay.
Founded by Arthur "Pappy" Chalk in 1919, the airline thrived during Prohibition, taking bootleggers, their customers and customs agents to Bimini. According to the airline, its most famous regular passenger was Ernest Hemingway, who flew to Bimini to go big-game fishing.
One of its planes was hijacked to Cuba in 1974 and the company has since had a policy of not carrying enough fuel to get to Havana.
Two years later, the airline was sold to Resorts International, which owned properties on Paradise Island. Donald Trump bought it in 1988 and sold it a few months later to Merv Griffin. The owner as of 1995 was Seth Atwood of United Capital Corporation of Illinois/Atwood Enterprises.
According to its Web site, Chalk's operates 17-passenger Turbine Mallards.

A live News conference justed ended minutes ago. They have not found the one person still missing. There were 3 infants on board. The seaplane was built in 1947.
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Bush "We Are Winning"

Just in case you missed the President's Speech last night you can click here to read it. Transcript: Bush Oval Office Speech

Millions of Iraqis Voted "a landmark day in the history of liberty".

"Some look at the challenges in Iraq and conclude that the war is lost and not
worth another dime or another day. I don't believe that. Our military commanders
do not believe that. Our troops in the field, who bear the burden and make the
sacrifice, do not believe that America has lost. And not even the terrorists
believe it. We know from their own communications that they feel a tightening
noose and fear the rise of a democratic Iraq."

Let us remember to pray for our troops during this glorious Christmas season.
I want to believe we are winning and that our troops will come home soon. Recently I was visited by One Marine’s View – Capt B . I encourage all to go visit his blog. He is a Brave Marine in Iraq. Also on my sidebar you will find Iraq the Model , he has posted banners if you wish to add them to your site. Our family is grateful to all the soldiers fighting to protect us.

UPDATE: President Bush to speak live at 10:30 a.m. (est) this morning.
Do you think we are winning?

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MEME has been Tagged

Patrick has tagged me after being tagged by Prof I’m suppose to list five weird things about me or things I do. I consider everything normal, but after asking my daughter while responding to Patrick, she said I had many to list. Go figure! (LOL) Patrick and Prof discussed about being pack rats as weird, but Patrick and I agree that was practical. I’m not as old as Patrick (smiling) but growing up we never knew if certain items may come in handy one day. Prof listed about eating sandwiches from the center and spreading butter or mayo to the edges, the spreading part is a must here on both sides of the bread especially Mayo on my sandwiches.

So after Rachel started stating a long list of things, I said “Wait, only five is needed” then some quick ones off the top of her head like me refusing to go outside without lipstick and sunglasses, dying before I would wear something with a spot, or no one ever seeing me without toe polish. We went to dinner last night and she found it fun to point out the following.

1. Food Etiquette. Both my children think I have always been weird about insisting on us NOT eating on any paper products. I always require a plate for all foods with a napkin included. No way will they eat in front of me outside of our home with their fingers; however, I taste food cooking with a spoon out of the pot. If in a restaurant, I will not allow them to have their plate removed until I am finished. An old rule that men should not allow a woman to sit alone at a table to eat with the rest of the table cleaned. Bad manners!! It can make a women self-conscience about eating slower but being alone with a plate to finish, highlighted that she is the only one overindulging. Men that have been taught proper etiquette know not to do this; they are true gentlemen if they do. My pet peeve! (Men leave 2 or 3 bites on your plate finish when the woman takes her last ones) Many find because I will not eat without a fork and knife, other than sandwiches or proper finger foods that perhaps that is weird. I only drink out of the proper glassware for the appropriate drink. No red wine for me, in a martini glass, certain glasses or goblets for made for a reason.


2. Bedding. I will only sleep on 300-thread + count if I have to take my own sheets with me when I go away. Can’t sleep unless they are tucked in at the bottom of the mattress and they are straightly line-up on each side. Three pillows are a must. Water always has to be by my bed when I go to sleep and most always, the TV left on with the sleeper timer. I have to have a fan on constantly winter or summer.

3. Words. The children are use to me calling them that even being grown. I always had trouble for some crazy reason referring to them as kids. (maybe b/c of goats) I have always (the majority of the time) called them young people or children, and call my grown dogs or someone else’s - pups, puppies, or babies same for cats to me they are kitties. Shut up has never been in our vocabulary, only hush.

4. TV Programs. I rarely swear, but I curse up a storm at the television if my football team is on and they have messed up or the other team gets a good play. It goes for listening to idiots on TV that are totally ridiculous especially in debates that they humiliate themselves with stupid analysis. It is not me to react this way, but I sometimes get so upset I want to throw something at the TV as if it is the television’s fault.

5. Misc. Household. My daughter says it is weird that I am obsessed with having the living area clean but my office and all other bedrooms can be a disaster. I am not a domestic goddess but this drives me crazy. Toothbrushes have to be several feet away from the toilet. I have to have all blinds and drapes CLOSED at sunset with no exceptions. If the house gets too hot, I go ballistic. Okay I know some of these things probably sound weird to most people, but here are a few.

This list could probably go on with my little quirks and weirdness as others may refer to it, but to me it seems normal. (LOL)

I’m going to tag:

I'm A Hoe Rae Ann-TN

Nikky Egland-WY

Jesse-PA

Elvira Black-Shithouse Rat

Ed Abbey-Recycled Thoughts

Let me know if you do not wish to and I will tag someone else. Hope you all will have fun with your "weirdness". (LOL) Oh yeah, if anyone fines anything weird above...tell me about it or add about things others find about you. (smiling)

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King Tut's Treasures in Ft. Lauderdale

My daughter and I are so excited about this exhibit. We have been knowing about it for several months now and planning on purchasing our tickets soon. I encourage you to click the main website to check out how awesome this is.
King Tut Official Website Tutankhamum and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs
The Gallery

The exhibit may be the last time the artifacts will be seen outside of Egypt.

King Tut's Treasures Arrive in South Florida

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The treasures of King Tut are in South Florida.
For the first time in 26 years, the treasures of Tutankhamun (King Tut), an extensive exhibition of more than 130 artifacts from the tomb of the celebrated Pharaoh and other Valley of the Kings ancestors has come to America.
Beginning Dec. 15, the Museum of Art/Fort Lauderdale hosts the collection.
Featured treasures in the exhibition, which are all between 3,300 and 3,500 years old, include Tutankhamun's royal diadem -- the gold crown discovered encircling the head of the king's mummified body that he likely wore while living -- and one of the gold and precious stone inlaid coffinettes that contained his mummified internal organs. Full Story

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Bloody Santa Disgusting Decorations

Can you believe it? Again but worse if you can imagine!! Click Here to my previous post of Santa hanging from a tree Don't tell me that this is a small issue in reference to Christmas, people are going to an all time low that I have never witnessed in my entire life. The pictures are so bad that I can only post this one because of how gruesome the others are. My heart breaks for children and how traumatizing this must be for them to see in person or on the news. This story was aired on our local station but it is in N.Y. This story makes me sick to report it, but for ones that think there is no war against Christmas this only shows just how bad it has gotten. I do not even want to hear the free of speech defense again. This is outragous!!

(CBS4 News) NEW YORK A New York City family’s holiday decoration is giving new
meaning to the phrase, “You’d better watch out.”

In the family’s yard,
there’s a bloody, bearded Santa Claus hanging from a tree. Old Saint Nick is
holding a bloody knife and a beheaded Barbie.

The family members are
reportedly non-practicing Jews, who want to make a holiday statement with their
disgusting display, protesting the commercialization of Christmas.

Their
16 year old daughter came up with the idea, based on the movie, “Silent Night,
Deadly Night.” Full Story and Pictures

To an upbeat site of Jews and many groups that are defending Christmas Jews For Fairness "Jews Against Anti-Christian Defamation" Don Feder was on Fox N Friends this morning.

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Define 'Integrity'

Based on your online lookups, the #1 Word of the Year for 2005 was: INTEGRITY

According to Merriam-Webster's Words of the Year

1. integrity
Pronunciation: in-'te-gr&-tE
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English integrite, from Middle French &
Latin; Middle French integrité, from
Latin integritat-, integritas, from integr-, integer entire

1 : firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : INCORRUPTIBILITY
2 : an unimpaired condition : SOUNDNESS
3 : the quality or state of being complete or undivided :
COMPLETENESS
synonym see HONESTY

Click on each of the other words in the Top Ten List for their definitions in the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary:

2. refugee
3. contempt
4. filibuster
5. insipid
6. tsunami
7. pandemic
8. conclave
9. levee
10. inept

What was your most looked up word?

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A Couple in the Garden

A couple had been married 15 years.
One afternoon they were working in the garden together.
As the wife was bending over pulling weeds, the husband said, "Hey honey, you're getting fat. Your butt is getting huge. I bet it's as big as the gas grill now."
The husband, feeling he needed to prove his point, got a yard stick, measured the grill and then measured his wife's butt.
"Yep", he said, "Just as I thought; just about the same size."
The wife got very angry and decided to let him do the gardening alone. She went inside and didn't speak to her husband the rest of the day.
That evening when they went to bed, the husband cuddled up to his wife and said, "How about it honey? How about a little lovemaking?"
The wife rolled over and turned her back to him, giving him the cold shoulder.
"What's the matter?" he asked.
She replied, "You don't think I am going to fire up this big ass grill for one little weenie, do you?"

Thanks to Normal Jew from New Jersey-NJ from NJ for always sending me funny jokes. (smiling)

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Feelings and Response - War in Iraq

When responding to a friend on my previous post I decided due to the length of my reply and stating my feelings that I would openly post it w/some added info. Ed, please know I am not picking on you because you are against the war, my response was much longer than I thought it would be. I made this decision since I had written most of it when the President came on with his speech late this morning. A subject I could write on endlessly but my energy levels will not always allow me to due to my CFS. This will probably drain me for the day.

The President’s 30-minute speech today was outstanding one of the best I have ever heard in defending why we are in Iraq. He took some responsibility for going to war but also pointed out that the same politicians that now oppose had access to the majority of the same intelligences prior to the war. I had already written most of this comment when he began to speak at the Woodrow Wilson Int’l Center from Scholars.

Ed sorry to hear you are enjoying being brainwashed (LOL) Happy you are smart enough to see through some of it though. (smiling)

I agree that we can’t save every country but if they are a serious threat to us it should be handled diplomatically if possible, sanctions or last resort military force. I felt the same as the majority of Americans and Congress did following 9/11 that we were under attack and according to our intelligence and several other countries’ reports (faulty now or not) at the time it was the right thing to do in my opinion. Some people are not aware it was not just our intelligence agencies; it was based on gathered info from other countries too. A decision was unavoidable imagine if the wrong one was made to please France along w/a few others and nuclear weapons were used against us. To me - more safe than sorry later! We knew Saddam had WMDs when he used them against his own people; this fact never disputed. (due to your comment of the people uprising) With his ongoing defiance after umpteen resolutions (14 if I remember right) against him in the U.N. spanning over years, he still refused to comply. A high-ranking Al Qaeda member was also living in Baghdad and been hospitalized there; Saddam sponsored terrorists and could have avoided war. The choice was upon Saddam for war, he still refused to comply. However, you already know all this and it is easy NOW for ones to say they are against the war, but THEN it seemed the majority was for it. As we all know NOW many of the ones at the U.N. was in bed with Saddam, so they of course did not wish for us to go in there and find what we did - the evidence on the corrupted bastards that fought against U.N.’s involvement. (Oil for Food Program) Sanctions ignored repeatedly for years, Saddam was a threat and the world is better off without him in power.

I respect our President and the fact he stands up for what he believes in and does not waver regarding being popular or not. One thing that makes me feel safer is he is not going to back down regarding our safety to please a few countries with conflicting interest and/or politicians with a political agenda - for their approval. I believe his decisions regarding war were legitimate on the safety and security of the people of the U.S and our country. I do not agree with every decision he makes but overall I do. Fighting the terrorists there to me have kept us safer here and we were able at the same time to free people from one of the most evil dictators. I do not wish to fight the terrorist in my own backyard and if we were not fighting them there - that is exactly what would be happening here; actually, that is what they want. It frustrates the hell out of me for a few liberals believing and sympathizing with the terrorists and the anti-war groups hurting the morale of our soldiers.

I want to believe all Americans whole-heartedly support our troops; but there is minorities that wish for us to lose in Iraq b/c of their hatred of Bush and his administration and the liberal bias media reports bad things there also b/c of it. If you notice, the camera people are always at the right spot at the exact moment to capture what the terrorists wish to be aired in small areas – believe me it is not always by accident or coincidence. I do not get ones that believe a connection in us having something to do with 9/11 so we could go get their OIL. I do not see us profiting from their oil now. Oil is a diversion created by far left politicians from the truth of what happened and why we reacted directly following 9/11. It is amazing how they were all onboard when the decision was made to go into Iraq. I see us fighting a war against ones that wish to kill us. Your reason for thinking it is all about freedom. Freedom is a part of it for the people there and a safer Middle East, but for the Radical Islamic it is in part a religious war. Their goal is to eliminate all infidels as they consider us - that started way before 9/11 when they attacked us on our soil - 1993 when they bombed the World Trade Center. Before Iraq, terrorist’s goals were to kill Americans. To answer your question, as long as there are terrorists wanting to murder us I am sure our soldiers will be fighting them there or over here on our soil.

As far as our troops go, they do not understand the anti-war groups here and the ones that say they support and/or honor them but not what they are doing there. I hear and read it all the time from soldiers repeatedly. I am sure when your local 224 roll in they will say the same thing. It would also be disastrous to cut and run.

The number of suicide bombers are increasingly being recruited and who can understand why anyone would volunteer to do this anywhere in the world not just Iraq. The Iraq army is training successfully daily and becoming more and more capable. I find that analysis of reverting back to the way it was very discouraging as an opinion especially after steps of becoming a democracy with a constitution in a miraculously short time. A lasting democracy for peace and freedom is what the majority are achieving. Seven out of 10 Iraqis say their life is improving. They have met every milestone with each major election.
I could go on and on, but will end here for today.

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Freedoms for Religion and People

I am putting off my researched post of Eminent Domain Abuse because today I would truly like to know why ones that support a huge importances on respecting other’s religions on a Christian - Christmas Holiday but do not support freedom of others from torture, rape, oppression, genocide, murder, etc. To me I would think the same ones would support freeing people the same as defending their rights for their religion. What am I missing here in the difference? Perhaps I am a bit slow, but I don’t get it. Please explain to me where rights for religion are that much different from the rights for freedom?

I found it interesting that only a few people commented recently on my post of women in the Middle East enjoying the freedom to form Rock Bands. Would commenting on that indicate you supporting freeing people under an evil tyrant dictatorship? Humm, it made me think about this also listening to our President’s speeches lately and today on the progress in Iraq. Myself I feel it is awesome that women are getting more rights than livestock and several countries are making such progress towards democracy (rule of majority) in such a short period of time.

Last weekend I watched a special called “Winning in Iraq” it aired again last night. It appeared that the economy there is doing well, the stock market is booming, people are allowed outside at night, they are shopping, cell phones are in hot demand, etc. the good news is endless. Electricity is free or a tiny charge, so they are overloading their circuits with new appliances and electronics, generators are the biggest sellers at places like our Costco. There is a woman that has a TV reality show that is a huge hit and many new TV stations. The citizens are making better wages and the unemployment level is going down. Overall, the people are happy and feeling more at ease with their new country. A man said that other than Baghdad, he and his family feel safe walking down the streets. They have a vacation resort now in northern Iraq to where many are going to enjoy their lives where before very few were allowed to travel. The people are amazed at what other parts of their country looks like. VOTING TODAY what a privilege! Can you imagine NOT having any of the above mentioned?

The soldiers both interviewed and blogs I read are stating the good things that are happening in Iraq and they claim the media only reports and focuses on the bad. Do we dare forget about the Taliban and what Afghanistan was like, before they were free? Surely, you remember the Burkas and the women beat in the streets? I am ALL for our troops coming home as soon as possible, but I also feel that our soldiers believe in what they are doing and fighting for there. These terrorist are not going to stop until they attack us here, if you believe otherwise then I feel you think tonight is the night for the tooth fairy. These suicide bombers, insurgents, and hard-core terrorists are from the pits of hell and they will not hesitate to cut your head off in a heartbeat. There is no negotiating with them. My thoughts are if we do not fight them over there we will be doing it in our own backyards. That will take me later - to border control on that major problem. Please give me a break if you plan to argue on the past tense of war involving OIL, Halliburton and/or Big Buddies of the administration. This post is about FREEDOM and Rights of Religion. It will not surprise me if this debate does not happen because standing up for other religions is one thing but agreeing about freedom for people is another. Feel free to comment if you wish. I just wanted to express my feelings on this; however, I still do not understand the difference on this topic of freedoms.

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Governor Denies Clemency for Tookie

Breaking News: Arnold Denies Clemency!!!
At 12:01 tonight or Tuesday morning a.m. Tookie's execution!

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Guessing? Clemency or Not? Monday!

Will Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger grant clemency Monday for convicted death-row inmate Stanley (Tookie) Williams.

What is your guess? He will or will Not? Mine is Arnold probably will grant it.

You can read my recent post here with links to the story .

Update: The decision can come down as soon as today (Sunday) - just announced. Will post the outcome as soon as I know it.

UPDATE: GOVERNOR DENIES CLEMENCY 3:33 p.m (est) my breaking news on MONDAY

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12 Step Program of Recovery

12 Step Program of Recovery for Web Addicts

1. I will have a cup of coffee in the morning and read my PAPER newspaper like I used to, before the Web.
2. I will eat breakfast with a knife and fork and not with one hand typing.
3. I will get dressed before noon.
4. I will make an attempt to clean the house, wash clothes, and plan dinner before even thinking of the Web.
5. I will sit down and write a letter to those unfortunate few friends and family that are Web-deprived.
6. I will call someone on the phone who I cannot contact via the Web.
7. I will read a book...if I still remember how.
8. I will listen to those around me and their needs and stop telling them to turn the TV down so I can hear the music on the Web.
9. I will not be tempted during TV commercials to check for email.
10. I will try and get out of the house at least once a week, if it is necessary or not.
11. I will remember that my bank is not forgiving if I forget to balance my checkbook because I was too busy on the Web.

12. Last, but not least, I will remember that I must go to bed sometime...and the Web will always be there tomorrow!

Thanks to Normal Jew from New Jersey- NJ from NJ for sending me this email!!! (LOL)

Do you have any changes or steps to add? I have several!! (smiling)

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My Apologies for Responding

I hope everyone that has written me recently in my Yahoo account will forgive me for not responding. I rarely open and view that email program due to using my Microsoft Outlook for corresponding. This morning I opened it to delete email comments that accumulate from my blog and found many personal notes there. SO SORRY!!! (It has been a couple weeks) I will try my best to answer everyone and check it more often. (smiling) Appreciate all your emails!!

Actually one of the Giant Pro Blogs - STOP THE ACLU ask if he may link me and I was honored by his request. If you wish, please check his blog out I highly recommend it. He did not know that I was planning anyway on asking him if it was okay for me to link his blog. (smiling) Thanks to all that wrote me an email and sent funny jokes…..will try to reply as soon as I can.

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Hanging Santa in protest of Christmas

Bound and blindfolded Santa hung from tree Miami Beach residents called police and complained to the city that this house near West 50th Street and Fifth Avenue had a life-sized, bound and blindfolded Santa Claus doll hanged from a tree.

MIAMI BEACH -- In one South Florida community, a man's holiday decorations are causing holiday fear for local children instead of creating holiday cheer, news partner NBC 6 reported Wednesday.

Residents called police and complained to the city that a house near West 50th Street and Fifth Avenue had a life-sized, blindfolded Santa Claus doll hanging on a tree with its hands tied and its mouth gagged.

Some residents were furious and said their naughty neighbor put jolly old St. Nick in a position that is not too merry. But even police officers couldn't save a Santa who was bound, gagged and hanging for the holidays.

The owner of the house says it's freedom of speech. But his neighbors think it's the start of a creepy Christmas.

"It's not healthy. I mean, if somebody has something against Santa Claus or something, maybe express it in some other way," resident Lori Vega said.

Parents are afraid the decoration will cause a nightmare before Christmas for their children. Full Story

Can you imagine your neighbor hanging Santa execution style from a tree next door in protest of Christmas? Well, true story right here in my neck of the woods.

P.S. Menorah IN and Nativity Scene OUT on public property Full Story in Palm Beach County FL "I don't see anyone being offended if they put a nativity scene next to a menorah. What is the big deal?" was quoted in the article.

This is also very close to where I live.

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Iced up and Wet

Hello everyone,

When I say iced up and wet it is not from snow or rain. (smiling) Late Tuesday evening my A/C iced up and water leaked to the surrounding carpet. (ankle deep) With discovering this, the repairman found mold on the coils (most likely due to the hurricane) and he had to clean and spray a strong solution on it. Well, it has given us headaches in more ways than one, I am even afraid for the pups now. They are even acting weird like us. (smiling)

Today hopefully the carpet cleaners will return and get the mess finished on the carpet. The A/C is working okay now, but we are testing the air quality and still have clean up to do. Maybe later today I can post and visit. Needless to say, this discovery and the fumes are getting to me. Just wanted to update you guys on what is happening here.

Any parties planned for the weekend?

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Women Rock in the Middle East

It seems Rock n Roll is popular in the Middle East with Women.

If your travel plans include Tehran next Thursday December 17 and Friday, “Orkideh” will be performing at Vahdat Hall. (pictured) Hopefully they will be “bringing down the house” this eight young women rock band. My friend Gateway Pundit reports on several all women bands in the Middle East. Did you know that Afghanistan has the “Burka Girls”? Links and Pictures I say - "Go Girls"!!!!!

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Hors d’oeuvre Anyone?

Thought it may be time to SIMMER down and have a bite to eat!! (smiling) Hoping to follow-up this post with links, recipes and info for entertaining for the Christmas parties you may have or plan to attend.

For now….this will have to do, my neck has been acting up the last couple days. All the reviews were 5 forks, but I have not tried it.

SPANISH OLIVE AND CREAM CHEESE CANAPES
10 slices firm white sandwich bread
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 oz Parmigiano-Reggiano 6 oz cream cheese, softened
(3/4 cup)1/3 cup pimiento-stuffed green Spanish olives
(3 oz), rinsed, drained, and finely chopped1/4 cup finely chopped scallion
1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
2 teaspoons medium-dry Sherry

Special equipment: a 1 1/2-inch round cookie cutter; a Microplane rasp

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 375°F.

Cut 40 rounds from bread slices with cutter, then brush 1 side of each round with butter and bake on a large baking sheet until pale golden, about 8 minutes. (Leave toasts on baking sheet.)

Preheat broiler.

Finely grate Parmigiano-Reggiano using rasp (you will have about 1 cup). Mash together cream cheese, olives, scallion, bell pepper, paprika, and Sherry until combined well, then top each toast with 1 teaspoon cream cheese mixture and sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano. Broil canapés about 4 inches from heat until Parmigiano-Reggiano begins to turn golden, about 1 minute.

Cooks' notes:• Toasts can be made 1 day ahead and cooled completely, then kept in an airtight container at room temperature.• Cream cheese mixture can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring to room temperature before using.
Makes 40 hors d'oeuvres.

All recipes and comments are welcome!! (smiling) Merry Christmas!!!

P.s. Please know that I never intended to offend anyone on my previous Christmas post and/ or any future Christmas endorsements that I may publish. I appreciate everyone's opinions if you agree with me or not!!

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Blogs that Link Here!!!

Humm, It seems I have caused quite a stir in the blog world! If you click here or in my sidebar under the maps to Technorati, you will find Scribe and others having a field day. I am not endorsing their site or readers, but did find it interesting that they felt threatened by my thoughts enough to link me and post about it. This will show you how hot this topic is on both sides.
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Hot Issue: Christmas and Holidays

Christmas is a hot topic right now with the people, government, public and private sectors, places of worship, in the courts, the media, bloggers, within advertising, down to what people say to one another. It sure has made me more aware of what is happening and how important it is for me to stand up for what I believe in. All my life I have never given it a second thought about saying to someone Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. Now, I feel I must say Merry Christmas because of the importance of what is at stake concerning our holiday as Christians. If you look on your calendar on December 25th it is Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ and it is celebrated all over the world.

In our nation, 85% are Christian and 95% of people celebrate the holiday. We have a small minority that is causing quite a bit of controversy to change our traditions, as we know it. It is fair to say that the ACLU and a few others have been chipping away at this a very long time and bullying organizations, cities, etc. to change their policies on any thing that mentions or indicates GOD in any form. That is the bigger picture, I believe. Wishing I had the numbers of cases and the ones pending right now throughout our country in every state. Liberty Counsel, part of the “Friend or Foe Christmas Campaign” knew this was coming as well as John Gibson with in his new book “War on Christmas.”

“Is there a war against Christmas? The ACLU and a lot of other people have been trying to take Christ out of Christmas for years. At this time of year, many people will believe that that's a real concern.”

Every day for the last month or so, you hear of a new case surrounding displaying or expressing Christmas. The debates from both sides have been like watching a cockfights, it has been down right vicious. I have been watching and listening both day and night on the news channels, so I know for myself what the other side is saying and their opinions on what we as a nation should be doing. The seculars want us to be silent as Christians, do our celebrating privately at home and do away with any public display. They feel it is okay to capitalize on our holiday, get publicity for opposing and encourage it for secular/materialistic things instead of the true meaning. Myself, I do not want to live in a Secular nation.

(Sorry, but below contents I can’t find my link on it must have lost it while I was researching)

"The War on Christmas: How the Liberal Plot to Ban the
Sacred Christian Holiday is Worse Than You Thought' by John Gibson is an
interesting book in which he argues that the separation of church and state with
respect to Christianity has grown far too uncompromising. In this book, he
provides examples in which liberal activists have been devising ways to prevent,
and/or conceal, the exercise of Christmas in public, while other protecting the
exercise of other faiths such as Judaism, Hinduism, and Islam, thus
misinterpreting the agenda of the Founding Fathers in their statute that
Congress would never create a law respecting an establishment of religion. He
also shows that such efforts to prohibit the exercise of Christianity have, for
the most part, resulted in failure, as hordes of Americans have begun to fight
back against liberal local officials and secularist forces, while also providing
ways for readers to prevent the obliteration of Christmas in America.

"In an effort to prove his premise involving a war against Christmas,
Gibson shows readers how the ACLU, ADL, and Americans for the Separation of
Church and State have all gone to great lengths to effectuate their
anti-Christmas campaign. He provides many instances in which these organizations
have made desperate attempts to remove all vestiges of Christianity from public
life. For instance, we learn that no laws were being passed to forbid Hanukkah
and Kwanza decorations in American public schools, whereas we are also taught
that officials of the same schools, particularly those located in rural Georgia,
had declared it unconstitutional for the word 'Christmas' to be inscribed on
school calendars.There was also an incident in which Texas officials forbade a
student from distributing goodie bags featuring the inscription: 'Jesus is the
reason for the season.'

Christmas-Wikipedia History

The first mention of December 25 as the birth date of Jesus occurred in A.D. 336 in an early Roman calendar.

It was not until A.D. 350, that December 25 was declared the official date for celebrating Christmas by Pope Julius I.

Our country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles and philosophy. Christmas has been a part of American culture for 200 years.

“It sends a wrong message to either eliminate all holiday celebrations or to eliminate only the religious and Christian components of the holiday season. The Founding Fathers never intended the First Amendment to be used as a weapon against the celebration of Christmas."

The founding fathers said `Merry Christmas' all day long. They had Christmas celebrations everywhere, including... every government building.


Here you have, in April 1787, Benjamin Franklin talking to the Constitutional Congress, saying: “I have lived a long time, sir, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this, that God governs in the affairs of man, and, if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, how can a great empire rise without his aid? The father of our country,” he said, “of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.”

People in every culture celebrate holidays. Although the word “holiday” literally means “holy day,” most American holidays are not religious, but commemorative in nature and orgin. In the United States, the “holiday” is now synonymous with “celebration!”
Ten holidays per year are proclaimed by the federal government. They are as follows:
New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Next to Easter, Christmas is the most important holiday of the year for Christians.

So I ask are you offended when you walk into a store and see “Merry Christmas advertised? Do you take the holiday off? Do you think it should be a federal holiday? I view this as an endorsement from our government for a Christian holiday. Would you have Congress rescind the federal holiday? Get real people have you ever heard before about a Holiday Tree? All this is ridiculous and we should not have to be defending this.

In my opinion, celebrating Christmas is a joyful, happy, and peaceful holiday and it is not causing harm to anyone. If we do not stand up for what we believe in now before we know it we will be persecuted for our beliefs and lose all our traditions. If you do not think that something bigger is going on here you had better wake up quick and start listening that is if you care about our freedoms.

P.S. If you scroll down to my previous posts, I have linked to other blogger friends that have written on this subject since Friday. Today I feature As Always, Rachael

The title of her post is “Is it January yet” not sure why because she has a birthday coming up December 23rd. (smiling) If you know Rachael you know she does not hold back, check out her post with a different view and her reader’s comments.

Everyone knows they can express their opinions here and we can all agree to disagree in a civil way. I am going to get to you too, Mr. G don’t worry. (smiling)
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Christmas Presents: Idea 2

Wishing... and surfing!!!

Dualit Combination Espresso Coffee Machine Maker 84026
Perhaps I should say wish instead of idea! (smiling)

I have a Krups Coffee/Espresso/Cappuccino Combination Coffee Maker and it has lasted for years. I love my mine!! As long as it keeps doing its thing...the Dualit will have to wait.

Rugged Stainless Steel Housing with Polished Chrome and Black Accents! Comes with a hefty price tag even on sale: $599.99 reg price $700.00
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Christmas Tree Tales

So far, today I have read several impressive posts and want to encourage everyone to check them out.

Rae Ann wrote about the Constitution and the right we have to celebrate Christmas. “The Separation of Church and State and how so many people don't understand what that really means.” Occasionally she will write posts concerning our constitutional rights and she explains it so well to ones that may not completely understand. She out did herself on this one, great job Rae Ann. This is definitely worth the read followed with a comment.

Now Lil Bitty her post is in reference to our soldiers along with facts that need to be acknowledged by us all. As she stated it: “Things that make you think a little.” I think if you take the time, you will be glad you did. While you are there, I know she would appreciate a hello! Lil Bitty thanks for writing this for everyone. Sounds like your first Christmas is going to be wonderful.

Patrick posted a touching poem written in 1862 and tells us about a holiday from Victorian times the day after Christmas. I am always learning something new over there. Patrick is from Africa, lived in England several years and had a very successful famous restaurant in San Fran to now enjoying a laid-back RV park business on a farm in rural SW Oregon. His posts are always stimulating to your mind and he publishes several times a day. His place gives the feeling of home and he converses with you on one post or another all the time. I am hoping he will invite me over for lunch one day! Don’t forget to scroll down as the rest of us do.

For a several good laughs for the day, check out Mike's blog - Wild at Heart . Many of the one liners he has listed, I had never heard. Very Funny! He also has a picture posted from his visit lately to the Sacramento Zoo. Mike is an all around nice guy and a hard worker. I always enjoy when he visits my blog and comments, and I know he would appreciate it if you said hi too. Wishing you Mike a very Merry Christmas. Oh yeah, thanks for turning me on to happynews.com long time ago! (smiling) I read the headlines everyday or so!

Merry Christmas!!!

P.S. I know it is the weekend, but I wanted this info out now. May re-post this next week for others that may miss it.
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Assorted Babble Friday

You guys know it is coming, the Christmas advertising and attacks. Will tackle that very soon along with links to stores that are using Merry Christmas and allowing their employees to use the greeting for shoppers. Check below-decided to add the link!! (smiling)

Today, both Ed Abbey and Mahndisa’s Thoughts-Disa have mentioned me in their posts; I truly appreciate it. Ed has his theory after our heated debate the other day on Michael Jackson being innocent because the jury said so. If you get a chance check it out. Ed is an excellent writer and his wife is expecting! Great News!!! Disa’s topic was IRREVERENT SCIENTISTS & ZERO POINT ENERGY FLUCTUATIONS and a mentioned summary of some of the things I post about. She is one very intelligent and interesting young woman.

I hope that soon I can fill all of you in on our new addition to the family. Several of you already know about us taking in a Hurricane Stray Poodle. He is a sex maniac with our 100lb Rottie CiaoBella. He and Bella are now lovers. Bella still hates all animals, but is making an exception for this little one; it is hilarious these two. Black and White!!! Will have to write a post with a disclaimer and XXX rating before posting! (LOL)

My son rec’d last month a huge promotion and he is excited about taking on his new position. He had a great time at Peace River for the boat and camping trip starting Thanksgiving night until late that following Monday.

My daughter made 98 on her mid-term exam and she is so busy right now with work, school and shopping. Oh yeah, and being mommy to our fur babies!!

I am feeling better, will return to the doctor next week. Always dreading that - as most of you know! Been fatigued lately more than usual, but hanging in here! (smiling)

Well, this is it for now!! Let me shout out so all can hear Merry Christmas, meanwhile if you wish you can check on the Christmas Store Information here! For stores and status concerning using Merry Christmas.

Meanwhile have a great weekend!!!
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Laptop Shopping Survey

It is time for us to buy a laptop. About time!! (smiling) We own Dell PC’s, but not sure if Dell is the best choice for this.

If you own one or planning to purchase, what brand are you using or looking at? What do we need to know for specs in order for us to use it wireless? A friend suggested buying from overstock.com as they did for a Dell laptop for much less than from the manufacture.

We have put this off for months due to being confused on our best buy. Does it matter what brand? Any comments or suggestions, would be very much appreciated.


MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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N.Y. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in New York's Rockefeller Plaza was lit Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2005, during the 73rd annual tree lighting ceremony.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was set aglow with 30,000 colored lights at a joyful ceremony Wednesday featuring children displaced by Hurricane Katrina and Rita.

With temperatures in the high 40s, crowds packed the midtown Manhattan plaza for the festivities. This year's tree, a 74-foot-tall Norway spruce is from Wayne, N.J.

The 9-ton tree was topped for the second year in a row with a crystal star. It will be displayed at the plaza until Jan. 7.

Today's TV Commercials

These days I find myself repeating constantly to my daughter that I just cannot believe what I am witnessing on TV commercials both daytime and prime. I remember a couple of decades ago or longer...maybe 3, when the first woman’s hygiene commercial from Tampax came out and everyone was shocked and outraged. Today times, we see them advertising stopping up a leak in a johnboat.

Nothing seems to be held back now from Viagra to soft porn Victoria Secret commercials with not much left for the imagination and no pre-warning that they are going to appear. Am I showing my age or what? If I had young children I would do as I did with mine when they were younger and have them quickly cover their eyes. That would be difficult to say the very least today. We wonder why young people are so desensitized to crime, soft porn and distasteful behavior. Perhaps the advertisers are brainwashing and programming them like little guinea pigs for a bigger picture for our future might be a theory. Humm makes you wonder what the entertainment business, media and advertisers are really up to! Look at Commander and Chief getting the audience ready for a woman president in real life.

On the subject of commercials, I do like several. One we saw yesterday two young people kissing at the front door and the father turns on the outside Christmas lights and the whole front yard is lit up. Hilarious! I was impressed today at a Pampers commercial singing a Christian Christmas Carol with a baby peacefully sleeping. To name a few others…

The Rubber band Man
Pepto-Dance line now they have Pepto for children (isn’t it all the same thing?)
Citibank’s Identity Theft personalities

The ones that make me squeamish are

The Caveman ones
Especially the Toenail creature
The Geico commercials

Any comments on today’s commercials and their content? Maybe your favorites or dislikes?

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Christmas Presents: Idea 1

For more info Click Here about the game.

Price range: approx $30.oo

Family: All ages and several different Editions

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