Gerald Ford Dies At 93


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

On a really cold snow flurry day in Reno, the flags fly at half mast in honor of Gerald Ford. Mr. Ford seemed to me to be a really decent man. A man that you don't often remember that way. I think ex-President Ford was a true American. I believe, somewhat like George W. Bush, he took over that office at a time when shit was hitting the fan, and he had the backbone and stamina to make it better.

I was only 14 years old in 1976, and politics or the state of the union was the last thing on my mind. I had forgotten he pardoned President Nixon. I didn't realize that it was one of Charles Manson's followers that tried to assassinate him. I had forgotten that he only became Vice President after the fall of Spiro Agnew. Today, looking back at the history I do remember, I think even more of Gerald Ford.

I was a bit taken back remembering, or just finding out the whole story of his pardon of Nixon that probably cost him the election following...but when I heard his quote...it brought it more into perspective. "If you cannot forgive someone, you might as well let that person live in your head forever rent free." That was paraphrased a bit from what I heard on the news this morning, but the gist is there. What an amazing insight. I would have hung Nixon for embarrassing the office and the GOP.

May you rest in peace Mr. Ford, and may we all learn a bit from your common man approach and belief in the right thing to do and when to do it. You served our country well, and more than that...you served your family well for many years. That is truly the measure of a real man.

I wonder if Jesus just can't help himself...and the welcoming party is just a little fancier and a little larger than life when someone like Gerald Ford shows up at the pearly gates?

Click HERE to read about all the wonderful and famous people that left this world in 2006. There's quite an honorable list of rookies in heaven this year :)

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read Comments

A Blustery Day In Pooh Land


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

It was a blustery day in Pooh Land here in Reno today. Hard to see the snow flurries in the photo, but this was the view from the office. This is only our third little snow flurry day this season, thank goodness we are not holed up like the folks in Denver.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read Comments

Aerosmith Rocks Reno!


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos


Oh my Gosh! Steven Tyler is still a babe, and Aerosmith still ROCKS! I had GREAT seats for the sold out show here in Reno Friday night, and it was one of the best shows I've ever seen. Guess I'm not too old to still party like a rock star! Too Much Fun...

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read Comments

I Am Time Magazine's Person Of The Year!


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

How Exciting! I am Time Magazine’s Person of the Year for 2006, and SO ARE YOU! I would like to thank all the little people that made this possible, and I am so proud to share this honor with my other millions of friends that are so deserving of this award.

What a wonderful and bi-partisan surprise to find that all of us collectively made such a difference in the world this year that we won such a prestigious award. We The People, By The People, and For The People, what a concept! By golly, I think Time Magazine is onto something!

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read Comments

My Mystery Angel


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos


Help me identify my mystery angel. When I opened my new shop in May, I inherited some "stuff" left behind by the previous owner. I found this angel in a cabinet, and decided to bring her out to bless our little office tree. I call her my Christmachanakwansa angel, because I cannot identify her origin. I've never seen a dark haired angel before, and with the black hair and the beads, I thought maybe she was of Mexican descent. Some of my Hispanic clients and vendors didn't recognize her either. Perhaps Indian, I don't know. If you've ever seen an angel like her, let me know where you think she comes from. At any rate, she's beautiful, and makes a nice holiday conversation piece around our office :)

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read Comments

ATTR Rocks In The Christmas Season!

For our FOURTH year in a row, we had a stellar Christmas Party. Our three companies (American Truck & Trailer Repair, Inc., Dynamic Diesel, Inc., and All Trailer Supply, Inc.) combine all of our favorite people together in an annual Company / Client / Vendor Appreciation Christmas Party. I estimate approximately 150 people made it to this one, and we rocked in the Christmas season.

Held at our favorite local watering hole Mud-Bugs Bar / Carolina Kitchen BB-Q Restaurant, we had a wonderful buffet of pot roast with potatoes & gravy, green beans, and Texas toast, enchiladas, Mexican rice & beans, lasagna, green salad and garlic bread, green salad, potato salad, broccoli rice & cheese casserole, pecan pie, chocolate pie, and banana pudding. YUM YUM.

After dinner, and following some short announcements, we let the partying begin. The liquor flows, the dancing starts, and Kevin & I have the pleasure of watching our hard working employees, loyal clients, and dedicated vendors whoop it up and twist off a bit (sometimes a lot). It is a joy to see the smiles on so many faces, enjoy the conversations, and hear the laughter and music around the room. The incredible local band Fast Forward provided our entertainment, and did a wonderful job. Enjoy some of our photos below. Wish you could have all been there!


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos



Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos



Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos



Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos



Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos



Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos



Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos



Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos



Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos



Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos



Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos



Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read Comments

My Son Gave Christmas Back To Me


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos



Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos




My Son Clayton Gave Me Back My Christmas…

For a few years now, I’ve really been a scrooge. We’ve traveled the last few Christmases, and my family is so far away in Texas. My children (now at 23 & 17) are so old, that the tree really didn’t matter, just the food and the presents (not to them, but how maybe I perceived it). We have been so busy trying to build a new company (first one, then two, and now three), that I’ve lost sight of what it is all about.

This year, I was feeling even more impeded by the pressures of “getting it all done”. My husband is a typical macho type busy guy, and cannot be bothered with some details. He will tell me what he wants to give others, what he’d like to have for dinner, he’s generous, but he DOESN’T PARTICIPATE IN HANDLING ANY DETAIL…just sits back and watches it all come together…and then tells me how wonderful it was. Granted, that’s nice, but I have become to be bitter about that aspect, when maybe I should worry about the real meaning, and let the other fall where it might fall. I sometimes forget after eight years how wonderful my husband is. I forget that through all of our problems, he's done so much for me and our family. I am too quick sometimes to nag, and too slow to praise and appreciate. Before it even really started this year, the Christmas season was bearing down on me. I recognized that as a problem that was not indicative of “how I was raised”, and began to think of how that could change. I don’t want to lose my sight of Christmas. I don’t want to stray away from the way I was raised where the birth of Christ, Family, Love, and Giving is the true focus of Christmas.

My oldest son is dating a wonderful woman who has a nine year old daughter. She is a really good kid, and has big brown eyes, long eyelashes, and a giggle that would drop any mother to her knees. I thought that maybe it was a child that was missing from my Christmas. I called my son and asked if the little girl would like to help me decorate my Christmas tree. He said she would love it, and we made a date. I thought the kids would drop her off and we would play. As it turned out, he called the day of the date, and they were all coming over, and my youngest son would be home too.

WONDERFUL! But…now I wanted to have dinner for everyone after work, and accomplish the tree too. I left work, and went to the store, and came home just barely before everyone arrived. While I was cooking dinner, the kids and the new “granddaughter” began to rifle through my ornament collection. I’ve been buying gold plated ornaments from Danbury Mint since 2000 at the millennium. Since I haven’t put up a tree in several years, there were many boxes that were unopened. I let J. open them, and watched her giggle as each new box gave way to a different gold filigree miracle of art.

Then, I began to watch into the living room as I was in the kitchen cooking, and I saw my 23 and 17 year old sons, along with the new “daughter-in-law” laugh and enjoy the ornaments, along with J.


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos


The pets got involved, and we found fun stuff to put on them and take photos. The kitty Poof found a stocking that he claimed as his own. Our dog Reno donned her “Reindeer Hat”.


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos



Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos



The wonderful ornaments with incredible detail portrayed images of Christ and the REAL meaning of Christmas, and we all commented on those things. It just became a real evening of joy and family togetherness. I don’t think I’ve had such a wonderful evening in some time.

We had a wonderful dinner of two flavors of pork loin, cheesy mashed potatoes, broccoli & cheese, and buttery corn.


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos



I realized that in my photos, it shows that I’m a bit of a clutter monster, and I don’t have a home that looks like a magazine house, but I couldn’t be more pleased with what I have. I do have a home, and my children and my love for all my family, immediate or acquired…blood or by marriage, whether here, or abroad, or whether together or away from each other, these are the reasons we have Christmas. We celebrate the birth of Jesus, and remember Joseph and Mary as one of the original families, and love and give. I remember that even outside Christmas I still see the North Star, and I remember the Wise Men and the adoration they gave the baby Jesus. I remember that Saint Nicholas was a patron saint that gave gifts to the poor and began the tradition of Santa Claus. I remember the wonderful menorahs and the beautiful people that celebrate Kwanza.

During my “perfect Mommy night”, others sat sometimes, some didn’t do a whole lot; I got so busy with dinner and making that all come together, it REALLY BECAME CLAYTON that kept the whole tree decorating project on course. He really came through for me, and through some frustration and us all getting tired and being up late, and him away from his home, he made my night so special. I even have to admit that I might have been able to pull dinner together sooner than I did, but I was so filled with a joy that I’ve missed for a while watching all of them that I just embraced the moment and watched. It was too beautiful and watching my grown men sons loving the moment made that slack more than I could resist.

I’ve already purchased Miss J’s present, and I wanted to have it wrapped and ready for her to find. The night prior, another friend called needing to talk, and we went out, and had fun, and again…I misplaced my duty to be on a schedule for this night. My newest girlfriend in my intimate family life came over with my son and her daughter and went into another room and just jumped right in. She shared with me that she LOVES wrapping gifts, and that is one of her favorite things of Christmas. I couldn’t have been more blessed, as that allowed me to give the child a wrapped present, and explain to her (as I think a Grandmother would) that the “most special person” gets to have the first present under the finished Christmas tree. Once again, I got to see those little brown eyes sparkle, and hear her giggle. She was happy, and as my late Mama Ann always said…, “Today I am blessed, for today I got to hear a child laugh”.


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos


I remembered my saved keepsake...the Santa Claus MY MOTHER gave me when I was TWO. This is a 42 year old Santa doll. However, all the Christmases I had, this doll sat under our tree.


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos


I remembered that one year of 20 I was a casino dealer...one September, I purchased a magical Santa, or Saint of Italy during the Italian Festival. I brought him out and once again hung him up. More memories, more joy.


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos





I wasn’t using my normal camera, as with many of my failings, I left MY camera at the office. I had my husband’s camera, (which I've used maybe twice, he and my youngest make it work like a charm :) and the settings weren’t quite right, as the photos in this post weren’t all as good as I would like, but they were MY photos. These are very personal photos that shed light on my personal life and home (which I don’t share too much of on this blog), but this night was too wonderful not to share. I love my family, and loved this night more than some over a few years. Clayton Robbie, thank you for giving me my Christmas back.

To my father, brother, and sisters...to my natural mother, my incredible step-mother, and half sisters and half brother I've never met...to my wonderful in-laws that live closer, but still not around the block...I love you all. Day to day life takes us away from those thoughts, and I'm thankful that I am trying to bring those thoughts more prevalent each day than those "normal" thoughts and pressures I have begun to call "important".

PS: If this night wasn’t enough, while driving to work the next day…I was enjoying my drive and thinking it all over again, and my cell phone rang. Out of the clear blue, a friend of more than 10 years, (one I hired and had to fire at my company almost a year ago…) called to say…”I know K is out of town, and you have a big company party in two days…can I help…my day is free today”…I couldn’t believe it. It was like Christ Himself was trying to thump me on my head and bring back to me what I know to be true. My son gave me Christmas back, but my friends continue to help, and my Lord finds a way even in today’s 2006 attitude to show me that Christmas is a SPIRIT. Hope, Faith, & Love…and the greatest of these is love. CR…I LOVE YOU! Thank you for giving Mom her Christmas back!


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read Comments

Chris Angel Magic With Food


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos


HOW DID HE DO THAT? I believe this is Chris Angel. This three minute video will stun you. Magic with food in a grocery store. Hmmnnn…We all know that there is an explanation to “magic tricks”, but some of these guys really amaze me. Enjoy.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read Comments

Carson City Child Abusers GET MAXIMUM SENTENCE


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos



Justice was finally served in Carson City. Back in January I posted the horrific story of two children who were found and rescued from an apartment home in which they were held captive and locked in a bathroom and starved for almost five years! The oldest, a 16 year old girl managed to escape, and was reported to authorities when she was spotted walking down the street scantily clad and pushing a shopping cart full of blankets and frozen food, and appeared to be only 8 years old. These disgusting bad excuses for parents said they locked them up in fear they would steal food. When rescued, the 16 year old girl weighed about 40 pounds, and her 11 year old brother weighed only 30 pounds. The children are now doing well, and on a road to recovery and love.



Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos



I think the death penalty would have been more appropriate, but at least each of the egregious offenders received the maximum penalty under the law. The mother Regina Rios was sentenced to 22-55 years in prison. The grandmother Esther Rios was sentenced to 28-70 years in prison. The step-father Tomas Granados received 14-35 years in prison.

Abuser cries in photo below after listening to victim testimony of all the horrid abuse bestowed upon them over the five year period. I say the time for ‘cryin is long over. May you all rot in jail, and if you ever get out, may you rot in hell for eternity.



Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read Comments

Can't Blog WHERE AND WHEN I NEED TO!


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos



Sorry for no posts. I must have the Blogger.com flu. Ever since "Blogger Beta" came out, I cannot log on from my office. Well, that's where I have more time for quality data than I have time for at home after I finally get home and get business over with, not to mention trying to have a family and a life...HELLOOO that's what it really all about.

I have some freaky glitch on my office PC (HP), and my home laptop is a Toshiba, and home PC is a Dell... I cannot log in at work during business hours. Everytime I put in my username and password, I get nothing. It all just clicks to blankness. I have deleted cookies, and re-enabled them. I have ordered Norton to allow Blogger as a safe site. I have done everything I think any paid IT guy would have done. I cannot figure it out.

Just try...just try to e-mail Blogger Customer Service for help, that's like trying to lick your own balls. Everytime, you just get a "form" e-mail to try all the lame stuff you've already tried.

I go to Blogger group sites and find that I'm not alone. LOTS OF PEOPLE have this same dilemma. Any suggestions? How the heck can you log in on two computers, but not on one other one, and all of your computers are set up the same damn way. I don't get it.

BUT...WHEN I DO GET IT...many more posts will come. I have a lot to say, and no way to say it some days.

Love ya all, wish I could comment on your great blogs, but the evil Blogger Genie has me on the "fuck you" list right now... :)

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read Comments

Son At Work


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos


Ya know what they say..."Every old crow thinks her's is the blackest". My secretary was fiddling with her new camera, and snapped a shot of my son the office manager hard at work. I'm so proud of him and the peace of mind he brings to our little Mom & Pop company. GO CR...LOVE YA BABY!

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read Comments

Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Writes Americans Letter





Well, well, well. Isn’t this just the most “lick your eyebrow” letter you’ve ever seen? Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has written a sweet little letter to all of us to let us know how very much he cares. Nice piece of propaganda, but it’s as transparent as the wind, and a lame attempt to have us turn against our own country. A copy of the letter is provided below for you. After the letter, there is a link to Fox News in which they are providing an avenue for you to write back to Dear President Ahmadinejad. The American responses are both amusing, and touching in the fact that the resolve of the American people is still strong, and we are not swayed by such malarkey. Take a moment to read some of the responses.

"Message of H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
To the American People


In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
O, Almighty God, bestow upon humanity the perfect human being promised to all by You, and make us among his followers.


Noble Americans,
Were we not faced with the activities of the US administration in this part of the world and the negative ramifications of those activities on the daily lives of our peoples, coupled with the many wars and calamities caused by the US administration as well as the tragic consequences of US interference in other countries?


Were the American people not God-fearing, truth loving, and justice seeking, while the US administration actively conceals the truth and impedes any objective portrayal of current realities;
And if we did not share a common responsibility to promote and protect freedom and human dignity and integrity;
Then, there would have been little urgency to have a dialogue with you.
While Divine providence has placed Iran and the United States geographically far apart, we should be cognizant that human values and our common human spirit, which proclaim the dignity and exalted worth of all human beings, have brought our two great nations of Iran and the United States closer together.


Both our nations are God-fearing, truth loving and justice seeking, and both seek dignity, respect and perfection.


Both greatly value and readily embrace the promotion of human ideals such as compassion, empathy, respect for the rights of human beings, securing justice and equity, and defending the innocent and the weak against oppressors and bullies.


We are all inclined towards the good, and towards extending a helping hand to one another, particularly to those in need.


We all deplore injustice, the trampling of peoples' rights and the intimidation and humiliation of human beings.


We all detest darkness, deceit, lies and distortion, and seek and admire salvation, enlightenment, sincerity and honesty.


The pure human essence of the two great nations of Iran and the United States testify to the veracity of these statements.


Noble Americans,
Our nation has always extended its hand of friendship to all other nations of the world.


Hundreds of thousands of my Iranian compatriots are living amongst you in friendship and peace, and are contributing positively to your society. Our people have been in contact with you over the past many years and have maintained these contacts despite the unnecessary restrictions of US authorities.


As mentioned, we have common concerns, face similar challenges, and are pained by the sufferings and afflictions in the world.


We, like you, are aggrieved by the ever-worsening pain and misery of the Palestinian people. Persistent aggressions by the Zionists are making life more and more difficult for the rightful owners of the land of Palestine. In broad daylight, in front of cameras and before the eyes of the world, they are bombarding innocent defenseless civilians, bulldozing houses, firing machine guns at students in the streets and alleys, and subjecting their families to endless grief.

No day goes by without a new crime.
Palestinian mothers, just like Iranian and American mothers, love their children, and are painfully bereaved by the imprisonment, wounding and murder of their children. What mother wouldn't?
For 60 years, the Zionist regime has driven millions of the inhabitants of Palestine out of their homes. Many of these refugees have died in the Diaspora and in refugee camps. Their children have spent their youth in these camps and are aging while still in the hope of returning to homeland.


You know well that the US administration has persistently provided blind and blanket support to the Zionist regime, has emboldened it to continue its crimes, and has prevented the UN Security Council from condemning it.


Who can deny such broken promises and grave injustices towards humanity by the US administration?


Governments are there to serve their own people. No people wants to side with or support any oppressors. But regrettably, the US administration disregards even its own public opinion and remains in the forefront of supporting the trampling of the rights of the Palestinian people.


Let's take a look at Iraq . Since the commencement of the US military presence in Iraq , hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have been killed, maimed or displaced. Terrorism in Iraq has grown exponentially. With the presence of the US military in Iraq , nothing has been done to rebuild the ruins, to restore the infrastructure or to alleviate poverty. The US Government used the pretext of the existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq , but later it became clear that that was just a lie and a deception.


Although Saddam was overthrown and people are happy about his departure, the pain and suffering of the Iraqi people has persisted and has even been aggravated.


In Iraq , about one hundred and fifty thousand American soldiers, separated from their families and loved ones, are operating under the command of the current US administration. A substantial number of them have been killed or wounded and their presence in Iraq has tarnished the image of the American people and government.
Their mothers and relatives have, on numerous occasions, displayed their discontent with the presence of their sons and daughters in a land thousands of miles away from US shores. American soldiers often wonder why they have been sent to Iraq .


I consider it extremely unlikely that you, the American people, consent to the billions of dollars of annual expenditure from your treasury for this military misadventure.


Noble Americans,
You have heard that the US administration is kidnapping its presumed opponents from across the globe and arbitrarily holding them without trial or any international supervision in horrendous prisons that it has established in various parts of the world. God knows who these detainees actually are, and what terrible fate awaits them.


You have certainly heard the sad stories of the Guantanamo and Abu-Ghraib prisons. The US administration attempts to justify them through its proclaimed "war on terror." But every one knows that such behavior, in fact, offends global public opinion, exacerbates resentment and thereby spreads terrorism, and tarnishes the US image and its credibility among nations.


The US administration's illegal and immoral behavior is not even confined to outside its borders. You are witnessing daily that under the pretext of "the war on terror," civil liberties in the United States are being increasingly curtailed. Even the privacy of individuals is fast losing its meaning. Judicial due process and fundamental rights are trampled upon. Private phones are tapped, suspects are arbitrarily arrested, sometimes beaten in the streets, or even shot to death.
I have no doubt that the American people do not approve of this behavior and indeed deplore it.

The US administration does not accept accountability before any organization, institution or council. The US administration has undermined the credibility of international organizations, particularly the United Nations and its Security Council. But, I do not intend to address all the challenges and calamities in this message.
The legitimacy, power and influence of a government do not emanate from its arsenals of tanks, fighter aircrafts, missiles or nuclear weapons. Legitimacy and influence reside in sound logic, quest for justice and compassion and empathy for all humanity. The global position of the United States is in all probability weakened because the administration has continued to resort to force, to conceal the truth, and to mislead the American people about its policies and practices.
Undoubtedly, the American people are not satisfied with this behavior and they showed their discontent in the recent elections. I hope that in the wake of the mid-term elections, the administration of President Bush will have heard and will heed the message of the American people.


My questions are the following:
Is there not a better approach to governance?
Is it not possible to put wealth and power in the service of peace, stability, prosperity and the happiness of all peoples through a commitment to justice and respect for the rights of all nations, instead of aggression and war?


We all condemn terrorism, because its victims are the innocent.
But, can terrorism be contained and eradicated through war, destruction and the killing of hundreds of thousands of innocents?
If that were possible, then why has the problem not been resolved?
The sad experience of invading Iraq is before us all.


What has blind support for the Zionists by the US administration brought for the American people? It is regrettable that for the US administration, the interests of these occupiers supersedes the interests of the American people and of the other nations of the world.
What have the Zionists done for the American people that the US administration considers itself obliged to blindly support these infamous aggressors? Is it not because they have imposed themselves on a substantial portion of the banking, financial, cultural and media sectors?


I recommend that in a demonstration of respect for the American people and for humanity, the right of Palestinians to live in their own homeland should be recognized so that millions of Palestinian refugees can return to their homes and the future of all of Palestine and its form of government be determined in a referendum. This will benefit everyone.


Now that Iraq has a Constitution and an independent Assembly and Government, would it not be more beneficial to bring the US officers and soldiers home, and to spend the astronomical US military expenditures in Iraq for the welfare and prosperity of the American people? As you know very well, many victims of Katrina continue to suffer, and countless Americans continue to live in poverty and homelessness.


I'd also like to say a word to the winners of the recent elections in the US :


The United States has had many administrations; some who have left a positive legacy, and others that are neither remembered fondly by the American people nor by other nations.


Now that you control an important branch of the US Government, you will also be held to account by the people and by history.


If the US Government meets the current domestic and external challenges with an approach based on truth and Justice, it can remedy some of the past afflictions and alleviate some of the global resentment and hatred of America . But if the approach remains the same, it would not be unexpected that the American people would similarly reject the new electoral winners, although the recent elections, rather than reflecting a victory, in reality point to the failure of the current administration's policies. These issues had been extensively dealt with in my letter to President Bush earlier this year.


To sum up:
It is possible to govern based on an approach that is distinctly different from one of coercion, force and injustice.


It is possible to sincerely serve and promote common human values, and honesty and compassion.


It is possible to provide welfare and prosperity without tension, threats, imposition or war.


It is possible to lead the world towards the aspired perfection by adhering to unity, monotheism, morality and spirituality and drawing upon the teachings of the Divine Prophets.


Then, the American people, who are God-fearing and followers of Divine religions, will overcome every difficulty.


What I stated represents some of my anxieties and concerns.
I am confident that you, the American people, will play an instrumental role in the establishment of justice and spirituality throughout the world. The promises of the Almighty and His prophets will certainly be realized; Justice and Truth will prevail and all nations will live a true life in a climate replete with love, compassion and fraternity.


The US governing establishment, the authorities and the powerful should not choose irreversible paths. As all prophets have taught us, injustice and transgression will eventually bring about decline and demise. Today, the path of return to faith and spirituality is open and unimpeded.


We should all heed the Divine Word of the Holy Qur'an:
" But those who repent, have faith and do good may receive Salvation. Your Lord, alone, creates and chooses as He will, and others have no part in His choice; Glorified is God and Exalted above any partners they ascribe to Him. " (28:67-68)


I pray to the Almighty to bless the Iranian and American nations and indeed all nations of the world with dignity and success.


Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran 29 November 2006



DEAR PRESIDENT AHMADINEJAD...

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read Comments

Irony Of Sports


Someone e-mailed this to me, and as a business owner, I can find the humor in it…

INTERESTING OBSERVATION ON THE IRONY OF SPORTS:

· The sport of choice for the urban poor is BASKETBALL
· The sport of choice for maintenance level employees is BOWLING
· The sport of choice for front line workers is FOOTBALL
· The sport of choice for supervisors is BASEBALL OR SOFTBALL
· The sport of choice for middle management is TENNIS
· The sport of choice for corporate executives & officers is GOLF

Moral of this story…the higher you go in the corporate structure, the smaller you balls become. (I think the real truth is…the higher you go on that ladder and see the true overhead and costs, and have to juggle it all to still show a + on the bottom line, your balls shrink in shock.)

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read Comments

Hope Your Thanksgiving Was Wonderful



I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Boy, last week was so hectic for me I slipped out of the blogesphere for a few days. A few of you commented or e-mailed me to see if I was OK, or if the turkey ate me. I assure you, I ate the turkey, but the whole week prior to that just about ate me :)

I have been so busy with the businesses, and looking for a new location for the growing original business that I’ve had to let the blog suffer a bit. We had our son’s football banquet last week, (as soon as I get photos you know there will be a post about it all), I had many meetings, and the big feast to prepare for. Glad to say I’m back and ready to rant some more :)

I surely appreciate all the reader e-mail, and your continued support of this blog. The stories and rumblings should be more regular again (until I probably drop out a few days around Christmas). My favorite things this Thanksgiving...

  • I had both my sons at home ALL DAY.
  • Our menu...Turkey (cooked in a paper sack), CORNBREAD dressing, gravy, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, fruit salad, pea salad, carrot salad, deviled eggs, potato salad, munchie tray with meat, veggies, dip, crackers, etc., Chex Mix, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, apple pie, and banana pudding
  • The joy of shopping hectic crazy Wed. night, cooking till midnight, and cooking all day till 6pm dinner.
  • My sons both helping in the kitchen and the laughter we share each year as each son picks a "domestic duty".
  • My youngest son 17 asking my 23 yr. old son if he felt "gay" yet while arranging a cheese tray and crumbling cornbread.
  • My two WONDERFUL "girl-friend-in-laws" (my sons aren't married yet) being over and adding their own new and special touches to our feast, along with visiting with them.
  • The BEAUTIFUL flowers that #1 son's girlfriend brought me (I LOVE flowers that are unexpected and for no special reason...the only ones I accept)
  • New friends that joined our home and added new and special memories.
  • How 'Bout Them Cowboys...GREAT FOOTBALL DAY
  • Lots of cocktails, and the ability to stay AWAY from them until dinner was prepared :)
  • Laughter, new memories, and the incredible love I have for my family.
  • Knowing I get to do it all again next year...can't wait...Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read Comments

America's Victory 08 - New Conservative Blog

America’s Victory '08 is a new blog organization dedicated to bringing Conservatism back to power in 2008, after years of liberal and moderate leadership. The membership is growing fast, and I was graciously invited to post an article or two as an author. Check out the site, and click the “Get Involved” link at the top left under About This Site if you would like to join or be a part.

The AV08 Blogroll can be found on my right side bar just beneath my personal blogroll. I plan to move it higher as soon as a logo with a link has been developed.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read Comments

PayPerPost - I GOT PAID



As I mentioned before in this story, you can make a little money while you blog. I began posting for PayPerPost a little over a month ago, after I saw the post on Bestest Blog Of All Time. I do not take advantage of nearly all the opportunities on the site, as I only post about things I find interesting, or products and services I would actually support myself.

I began this venture to raise some of the money that will be necessary for my son’s trip this year with People to People. He’s been chosen again to travel as a student ambassador, and those trips are costly. I’m happy to announce that PayPerPost actually works! So far I’ve been paid $81.15, and am due to be paid $91.65. That is in only a little over one month. It is easily conceivable to make approximately $30 per day.

Give it a try to earn some extra money for your latest cause or project. There is an option to donate all your earnings to your favorite charity.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read Comments

Pelosi Backs Hastings For Intelligence Committee Leader

OK, obviously, “We the People” are going to have to teach “They the Congress” some basic picking rules that we all learned early on the playground…DON’T PICK THE BAD GUYS TO BE ON YOUR TEAM!

My GOODNESS! I’m appalled that there are NOT any RULES IN PLACE that would PREVENT the MERE POSSIBILITY of such atrocities. It was bad enough that Pelosi wanted to appoint Murtha, her “Porking Friend” as the House Majority Leader, NOW she wants to appoint Alcee Hastings as head of the Intelligence Committee.

Shouldn’t it be a LAW that if any of the following have happened ( you’ve been involved in a huge scandal, impeached and removed from office, tried for a crime, and misuse of taxpayer money), that you are AUTOMATICALLY INELLIGIBLE FOR APPOINTMENT FOR LEADERSHIP – EVER?




Alcee L. Hastings (D-Fla), was impeached as a US District Judge in 1988 by a vote of 413-4 and removed from office. He was tried for bribery, but was acquitted. (Hey, OJ was acquitted too, among MANY other people that are believed to be guilty) A post-trial investigation by the US Court of Appeals believes that Hastings lied at trial and faked evidence. He’s even believed to have plotted with a lawyer to take a payoff for reducing the sentence of an alleged racketeer. Another prominent liberal African American John Conyers was one of Hastings’ prosecutors. Conyers is quoted saying, “We argue that he must be removed from office so that he does not teach others that justice may be sold.” Mr. Hastings was removed from the bench in 1989.

Ms. Pelosi had better get a grip soon, or she may find herself upon the impeachment list sooner than later. This woman is going in with guns blazing, and is going to lose the gunfight. Her leadership so far has been to choose two losers as leaders, and continue pork spending. Click HERE to see the unfinished Pork business on the 2007 schedule. Keep an eye on her and watch how many of these earmarks she votes yes to…her past record has been horrific.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read Comments

If I Did It


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos


Thank goodness Fox Broadcast Network had the aftersight to pull the plug on this show scheduled to air tomorrow. If they hadn't, just think of all the horrible sequals we would have had to suffer through!

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read Comments

Credit Card Search Engine - Apply For What You Need


Throw away all the junk mail. Now there is a site that will organize all types of Credit Cards for you so that you may compare and apply for the card(s) that best suit you and your needs. Choose from Low Interest, Cash Back, Airline Miles, Student, Business, and credit cards that allow bad credit.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read Comments

Pelosi's District - San Francisco - Bans ROTC


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos



Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos



Nancy Pelosi may not be directly responsible for this atrocity, but it comes from her district, which proves the mentality of these people, and these people elected her. The San Francisco school board decided today that JROTC; (Junior Officer Reserve Training Corps) will be ABOLISHED from ALL SAN FRANCISCO HIGH SCHOOLS. And if that isn’t BAD ENOUGH, one of their major reasons for the decision is the “don’t ask don’t tell” mentality “they say” represents our actual military. That translates in layman’s terms…we must protect the rights of gay high school children.

EXCUSE ME, but the last time I checked, the reason we have minors and laws to protect minors is the simple fact that every seasoned adult knows that minors aren’t yet old enough to know what’s even good for themselves. We are worried about high school children’s “gay rights”? In the exploratory years of puberty, you aren’t even qualified to know for sure which side of the sexual fence you sit on. And, believe me, kids in ROTC gay or straight know that ROTC is WAY DIFFERENT THAN HEALTH CLASS. Besides that useless point, to let our high school students (AND THE MAJORITY OF THEM ARE OPPOSED TO THIS), dictate our government and school board policies, is stupid.

Oh yeah…THE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS BEGGED THE “MAN” TO NOT DO THIS… LET’S NOT LISTEN TO OUR BEST AND BRIGHTEST, LET’S LISTEN TO THE STUPID ADULTS IN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CALIFORNIA!!!

This decision is a DIRECT SLAP IN THE FACE TO OUR ARMED FORCES. ROTC has long been, and still is one of the most prestigious and diligent activities our children can be associated with. Although many kids think “only the geeks or nerds” are a part of this program…NOT TRUE. The regimen and discipline that is required of these kids equals or exceeds that of a varsity football program. Anyone that regularly reads this blog knows, I AM THE RABID FOOTBALL MOM, and I know what dedication those kids put forth. The ROTC kids have more due diligence than the kids on the football team, just without the glory. Their workout program and guidelines of discipline and dedication go year round, not just nine or ten games.

My oldest son was a proud member of the McQueen High School ROTC program, and there he learned many skills and qualities that can only be taught in that caliber of program. Oh, the honor to watch them march in a parade, or shoot in sequence, to stand for time on end at attention while several faint due to precision and rigidness, and to watch NO PERSON falter in their stance while another fell, are the QUALITIES AND DISCIPLINE THAT OUR ARMED FORCES USE TO KEEP THIS COUNTRY FREE.

This country, so full now of people that run along in life oblivious to what’s really going on around them, and oblivious to the rules and morals they’ve sold out for any bit of profit or fame shame my parents, and my grandparents, and any elder that ever influenced me to be, and believe in who I am today. In a city like San Francisco where NO HOME hardly has a real back yard, and it’s so crowded and infiltrated by crime and a mentality of “life in the fast lane”, incredible liberalism, or high powered money gained by the inability of folks that live there to fight back…this decision is an American atrocity!


I KNOW THAT A CONGRESSMAN DOESN’T ATTEND A SCHOOL BOARD MEETING, but if Nancy Pelosi had one hair on her liberal fluffy ass, she would step forth as a mother, or a supposed WOMAN leading this country, or even a political figure that wanted the monetary support from other “earmarked” committees, she would NIP THIS IN THE BUD and reverse this decision. Martha Washington, Martha Jefferson, Mary Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mamie Eisenhower, Rosalynn Carter, Laura Bush, Nancy Reagan, or any other first lady would not let this happen.

But hey… read the next post…we are now in the “fad” stage of reality. Sorry folks, our reality is currently headed in a very dangerous direction fueled by greed and political correctness which is merely a lack of backbone. But, as everyone knows, the bony portions of the meat are the cheapest…just taste the best if cooked correctly. USA…PLEASE GET BACK TO THE BASICS BEFORE WE ALL BURN IN THE HELL OF STUPIDITY. The few of us cannot continue to carry the rest of you, life is getting heavy.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read Comments

O.J. Simpson - What If I Did?


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos



Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos


O.J. HAS OFFICIALLY SOLD HIS SOUL TO THE DEVIL! That is one side of this coin, and my thoughts of the nefariousness of this situation overcome me. Each coin has two sides, and some memories and sadness of those memories changed sit on the other. OJ has long been a “hero turned freak” for anyone my age. I remember the Heisman trophy declaration, and I remember watching OJ play football, and I remember the days when we all loved him as he ran through the airport on the Hertz rental car commercial when he was a star for the Buffalo Bills. We all loved the “juice” at one time. Those were times prior to media coverage 24-7, and media “SPIN”, which unbeknown to us all, has changed the very way we think and live. We were raised on fire and brimstone, but the media has changed us into a culture that believes in fire and rhinestone.

Then, one day…we all watched in disbelief as the white Bronco was being tracked on TV by every media news channel in America as he became the one that “killed” his wife and her supposed lover and boyfriend. If reality TV isn’t BAD ENOUGH, now it seems the fad is “what-if” TV. How morally irreprehensible is it that it’s OK to make 3.5 million dollars to write a book and do a two part series on TV that explains, “If I had have done it, this is How I WOULD Have Done It?” And yet, there’s a morbid curiosity that has been instilled in all of us ever since Geraldo Rivera hyped the Al Capone safe on national TV. What we all need to remember is…THERE WAS NOTHING IN AL CAPONE’S SAFE.

There is NOTHING that we NEED TO HEAR OR SEE in this upcoming OJ broadcast. We need to all set aside our badly media provoked curiosity for spin and corruption, and remember what our parents and grandparents and our faith has taught us. TURN AWAY FROM THE DEVIL. Instead, the Devil has become the money maker and the “forbidden road” that law abiding citizens DON’T TAKE, but “just watching it”, or “just reading about it” allows us to “experience a taste of it”.

This show is beyond horrible. This show is over the line. OJ is selling out to even allow himself to think about doing it for the simple sake that he’s a father. His children are now old enough to KNOW BETTER. He will burn in hell for the mere thought. As morbidly curious as I may be, I have to take a stand and say that as a parent, and wife, and American…I hope this show never airs. It’s wrong for the people involved, and it’s a bad track for America. Whatever faith you might follow, all religions teach us to resist temptation and resist evil, and this is pure evil for profit. PEOPLE, IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT THE MONEY. Some paths need NEVER BE TREAD.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read Comments

Farmers Branch TX - TAKES A STAND ON IMMIGRATION


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos


HALLALUJAH! It’s so rare to really have something good to write about, but today a victory was won, and I’m so proud it was in my native state of Texas. GOOD FOR FARMERS BRANCH, TX! FINALLY, a group of Americans have stood up in force and ACTUALLY PASSED LAWS and taken action as a city to better our country and take a stand against illegal immigration.

Farmers Branch city council unanimously passed ordinances to fine landlords for renting to illegal aliens, made English the official language, and gave police officers the right to screen those in custody to find out their legal immigrant status.
And I find the most wonderful thing is…this community is over 35% Hispanic. This means that elected officials backed by law abiding Mexican citizens have stood together with their local government to make a difference. They have flipped a big finger to the likes of the ACLU, and have decided as a city to take a stand. NOT ONE OF US TRUE AMERICANS has any objection to ANYONE OF ANY BACKGROUND OR FOREIGN COUNTRY from seeking the American dream. Our country was founded on that very possibility. Americans, of all colors just want to do it the right way. Congratulations to a wonderful bunch of folks that are doing it for Old Glory!

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read Comments

My New Harley?

Think I'd Look Good Riding This Harley??? :)
Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read Comments

New MANLAW - Have Plenty Of Beer For The Game!

NEW MANLAW - HAVE PLENTY OF BEER FOR THE GAME!
Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read Comments

FAFSA College Financial Aid Application



PARENTS OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS LISTEN UP… It’s the time for college applications and preparing to gain Federal financial aid for your college freshman to be. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a vital part of this process.

FAFSA online has put together an AMAZING website to guide you through this process and give you the NINE MOST VALUABLE SECRETS to gaining the most federal money you can to aid your student through college. The FASFA site has a wonderful written links to all aspects of this application, PLUS there is a very detailed and wonderfully informational MP3 Podcast you can listen to as well that will give you step by step instruction on how to achieve your financial aid goals.

One of the things our government does right is put education at a high priority. Don’t miss out on your child’s higher education due to financial woes. STUDY these guides and let FAFSA help you get all the money you can for your student.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read Comments