Friday, October 31, 2003


Karros among eight filing for free agency
Karros turns 36 next week. He began the season as an insurance policy for Hee Seop Choi and ended it platooning with Randall Simon. In the postseason, he batted .310 (9-for-29) with two solo homers, both in the National League Division Series against Atlanta.

I, for one, will be sorry to see him go. I think he still has a good year or two left in him. He did a great job for the Cubs.

Yahoo! News - Number of Hungry Families in U.S. Rising
About 12 million American families last year worried that they couldn't afford to buy food, and 32 percent of them actually experienced someone going hungry at one time or another, the Agriculture Department said Friday.

It was the third year in a row that the department has seen an increase in the number of households experiencing hunger and those worried about having enough money to pay for food.

Report Says Iraq Contracts Reek of Cronyism
Many of the U.S. firms doing billions of dollars of work in Iraq and Afghanistan have been big donors to President Bush and his Republican Party and fill their boards with political and military heavyweights, a report on Thursday said.

Blood money. How do they sleep at night?


Vampire Killing Kit Sells for $12,000
A label on the kit says: "This box contains the items considered necessary for persons who travel into certain little known countries of Eastern Europe where the populace are plagued with a particular manifestation of evil known as Vampires."


HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Yahoo! News - Sosa Expected to Keep Hopping With Cubs
Sammy Sosa has until midnight CST Saturday to tell the Cubs if he's going to opt out of the final two years of his four-year contract and explore free agency. But it appears almost certain now that he's going to stay in Chicago.

Cubs left-hander Shawn Estes and center fielder Kenny Lofton filed for free agency. Left-hander Mark Guthrie filed after the club declined a $2.2 million option for next season. Other Cubs players who have filed for free agency include second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, infielder Tony Womack, outfielders Troy O'Leary, Tom Goodwin and Doug Glanville, and pitchers Antonio Alfonseca and Dave Veres.

(Edited at 7:04PM. Sammy officially announced he was staying.)

Thursday, October 30, 2003


GOP Revs Up Anti-Gay Strategy
The Post says the enthusiasm of the far right is worrying some administration officials who fear the issue could hamper White House image-making efforts to portray the president as a compassionate conservative, a crucial part of his appeal to suburban women and swing voters.

I, for one, hope that they do make this a front burner issue. With a huge budget deficit, high unemployment, rising health insurance costs and American troops coming home in coffins, it's going to make them appear extremely out of touch with the issues that people are REALLY concerned about. It also exposes the religious bias that seems to guide the party's direction. Go for it, guys. Alienate as many people as you possibly can.



WHITECAPS RELEASE ACTION-PACKED 2004 SCHEDULE
Even though the baseball season has just ended, the action is just beginning for the West Michigan Whitecaps. Today, the team announced their 2004 schedule with the home opener set for Friday, April 16 at 6:35 p.m vs. the Battle Creek Yankees. The team opens the regular season on the road against the Dayton Dragons Thursday, April 8.

In conjunction with the Tigers, the West Michigan Whitecaps announced today that Matt Walbeck will go from behind the plate into the Whitecaps dugout as the sixth manager in the team's 11-year history.

Baseball is starting later next year. Maybe the snow and ice taught them a lesson.

Yahoo! News - Marlins to Change Name if New Field Built
The Florida Marlins (news) have agreed to change their name to the Miami Marlins if the city builds the World Series (news - web sites) champions a new ballpark, The Miami Herald reported Thursday.

I always thought "Miami Marlins" had a better ring to it. They definitely need a new stadium.

(Since "Blogger" was down when I woke up, I posted this at one of my forums instead- it was a response to "where were you in '95?)

I turned 30, a milestone that seemed to say, “OK, time to grow up.” I didn’t want to.

This was my famous “moderation” phase in my drinking career. After a DUI in late ’94 and subsequent suspension of my license, I was beginning to realize that, indeed, I had a problem, but I wasn’t ready to quit yet. I was living the rock-n-roll dream, working in the greatest record store ever, playing bass in a band, going to concerts whenever I could…I couldn’t fathom giving up my crutch, as it was an integral part of the scene. My drinking once again escalated into an everyday, all day occurrence.

I was struggling to figure out just where I fit in this world. To be totally honest, I found the gay community to be quite oppressive. I was chastised for playing in a band with men, I was told I had to look, act, “be” a certain way- and I rebelled. (they actually nicknamed me “Rebel”) I started to really resent my gay friends for what I saw was blatant hypocrisy; they bitched about not being accepted by the straight world, how everybody should accept the fact that they were “different”, but yet they were trying to pigeonhole me into their preconceived notion of what a “femme” should be. “Different” was not allowed. I drifted away and hung with the music people instead, spending my time at the punk bars as opposed to the gay bar.

I was desperately unhappy in my relationship with my first girlfriend. I was not in love with her, but couldn’t figure out how to end it because I didn’t want to hurt her. But I WAS hurting her with my drinking, I was totally emotionally unavailable to her, which in turn caused her to go slowly crazy trying to control me and save our relationship. I pushed her away. It was an ugly breakup, and she finally moved out toward the end of the year. I still feel a certain twinge of guilt to this day, although we are still close friends. One very good thing came out my being such an asshole- this episode caused her to take control of her life, go back to college and now she is a teacher.

I would describe ‘95 as a transitory year. ’96 was when the shit really hit the fan, as I was busted again, decided to quit drinking for good, and that really brought about some changes….I started to finally “grow up”.

After I posted this, I realized my breakup with Kathy occured in late '94- but as they said on Seinfeld- "it takes a few pushes to tip the Coke machine over". The breakup was an ongoing thing for awhile.)

Yahoo! News - North Korea Says Crisis Becoming 'Unpredictable'
Kim "pointed out that the situation in Northeast Asia centring around the Korean peninsula is reaching an unpredictably difficult phase due to the U.S. invariable hostile policy" toward North Korea, the North's KCNA news agency said.


Wednesday, October 29, 2003


ThinkGeek :: Shower Shock Caffeinated Soap
Scented with peppermint oil and infused with caffeine anhydrous, each bar of Shower shock contains approximately 12 servings/showers per 4 ounce bar with 200 milligrams of caffeine per serving. No, we're not kidding and no you don't eat it. The caffeine is absorbed through the skin..
I WANT THIS!

School cuts among budget options, Granholm says:
As predicted here first, Betsy DeVos had her say about Granholm's tour-


"Betsy DeVos, chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party, criticized the tour, saying in a statement: 'Gov. Granholm was elected to lead, not just listen. However, if she wants to listen, let her hear this: Do something."

Does Betsy ever have anything positive or constructive to say?

Yahoo! News - U.S. Post-War Iraq Deaths Surpass War Casualties
U.S. military deaths from hostile fire in Iraq (news - web sites) have reached a grim landmark with the post-war toll surpassing the numbers killed during the invasion itself.

Obesity is the worst killer in the US: officials
Obesity has overtaken tobacco to become the number one killer in the United States, according to health officials. A spokeswoman for the US Centers for Disease, Control and Prevention, reported that the leading causes of death in the US are heart disease followed by cancer, stroke, lung disease and accidents.

65% of Americans are either overweight or obese. Perhaps we should keep Bush in power; soon enough people who lose their jobs won't be able to afford to eat.

Santo OK after bladder surgery
Santo, 63, was reported to be resting comfortably in a Phoenix-area hospital. His wife, Vicki, told WGN-AM program director Mary June Rose that the popular former third baseman would remain hospitalized for about a week and that doctors said his prognosis for a full recovery was good.

Yea! for Ron. Hang in there guy.

Cubs release '04 home schedule
The Cubs released the home portion of the 2004 schedule on Tuesday.

It can't come soon enough!!!



Most U.S. Adoption Agencies Accept Gay Parents
A majority of adoption agencies in the United States are willing to accept applications from homosexuals and lesbians and 40 percent have already placed children with same sex partners, according to a survey to be released on Wednesday.


Sun Hurls Huge Magnetic Cloud Toward Earth
The cloud, known to astronomers as a coronal mass ejection, is the one of the strongest ever detected since scientists started measuring these phenomena a quarter-century ago. It is vastly stronger than a series of solar flares that headed toward Earth last week.


Tuesday, October 28, 2003


From the "My Governor is So Cool" Department comes this today-

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today unveiled her schedule for
forums to discuss the state's $900 million budget deficit that will
offer Michigan residents in every corner of the state an opportunity to
learn first-hand the depth of the budget crisis and details on the
impact of potential cuts that may be made.

"We have inherited a massive problem, and we need every citizen's input
to solve it. Limiting our conversation to a relatively small audience
limits the value of what our citizens can bring to this discussion,"
Granholm said. "This budget represents the people's money, and we want
to hear what they will be willing to pay for and what they are willing
to cut. We can't make these decisions behind closed doors in Lansing."

The Governor announced her office will partner with the media, including
television stations in six cities, to broadcast her one hour forums with
the people of Michigan. All of the programs will air live.

The following also comes from Lansing-


"We are obligated to spend every penny of every taxpayer dollar
efficiently and effectively," said Granholm. "Since January, Michigan
has saved more than $14 million in administrative spending alone. With
additional restrictions and greater fiscal discipline, we expect even
more savings this year."

"The sole impetus behind these directives is saving money," Granholm
added. "In tight economic times, every cent counts. Thanks to
incredibly creative and hard-working state employees, we'll continue to
be able to offer excellent service in a more cost-effective way."

Imagine! Actually asking the people for ideas and input! And trying to be cost effective too! Let's recap: Listens to constituents, tries to spend their money wisely. Sounds almost un-American to me. I'm sure we'll be hearing from Betsy DeVos soon.



Study Links TV Habits to Reading Trouble
Most surprising thing to me-The report found that 27 percent of 4-to-6-year-olds use a computer each day, spending an average of one hour at the keyboard. Wow. I guess this means that there are actually kids 4-6 who spend more than one hour a day at a computer?

Bush Says Americans Not Misled on Iraq Campaign
The president sought to drive home a "stay the course" message a day after suicide bombers drove carloads of explosives into five buildings around Baghdad, killing 35 people and wounding 230 in the bloodiest day since President Saddam Hussein (news - web sites) was ousted in April.

The extent of the coordinated attacks stunned the White House as Bush strove to maintain Americans' backing for keeping U.S. forces in Iraq to create conditions for a democratic government and search for alleged weapons of mass destruction that the war was fought over and that have not been found.

*deep sigh*


Chicago as seen from the Stevenson (I-55) as of yesterday.

Congratulations, Cathleen!

Your IQ score is 129



This number is the result of a formula based on how many questions you answered
correctly on Emode's Ultimate IQ test. Your IQ score is scientifically accurate;
to read more about the science behind our IQ test, click
here
.

During the test, you answered four different types of questions —
mathematical, visual-spatial, linguistic and logical. We analyzed how you did on
those questions, which reveals the way your brain uniquely works.

We also compared your answers with others who have taken the test, and according
to the sorts of questions you got correct, we can tell your Intellectual Type is
an Insightful Linguist.

This means you are highly intelligent and have the natural fluency of a writer
and the visual and spatial strengths of an artist. Those skills contribute to
your creative and expressive mind. And that's just some of what we know about
you from your test results.

If I'm so smart, how come I'm not rich? :~)


Doctors alerted on antidepressants, children
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration alerted doctors yesterday to a possible increased suicide risk among children and teenagers taking several of the eight most common antidepressants. But the agency said more study is needed to determine whether the drugs are at fault.

I've heard that the initial spike in suicides to newly prescribed patients is due to the fact that antidepressants give you a burst of energy that you didn't have before. Depression seems to have a built-in, oh, let's say "barrier", to suicide: you just don't have the energy to actually follow through with the thought.

Why these drugs are prescribed to children is beyond me. That seems way to dangerous. More testing on long-term effects is needed.

Southern California Firestorm

As I was reading these stories, I thought that nothing destroys so throroughly as fire. Tornados? Hit and miss. Earthquakes? Again, hit or miss. Snow and ice? Everything just freezes. But fire consumes all in it's path. I feel sorry for these folks; California is in bad enough shape as it is. But I'm sure that George will help his new friend Arnie out.

Monday, October 27, 2003


Yahoo! News - Boston Manager Little Sent Packing
Oops! Gotta beat those Yankees...

Telegraph | News | Gay bishop kept under 24-hour FBI guard
The Anglican Church's first openly homosexual bishop is under 24-hour protection from the FBI after receiving death threats from Christian fundamentalists.

I don't remember seeing this in the American media!??

Yahoo! News - 35 Dead in Baghdad Bombings; Foreigners Suspected
The apparently coordinated morning rush-hour bombings followed the killing of three U.S. troops overnight and the death of another in a rocket attack Sunday on a Baghdad hotel where U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz was staying.

A total of 113 U.S. troops have been killed by hostile fire since Bush declared major combat over on May 1.

This is the last of all my previous "fun" quizzes-


Which Genocidal Maniac Are You?
Brought to you by Rum and Monkey

What bird did the Soviet Union like best? That's right, you're Josef
Stalin!


Stalin's actually a stage moniker - your real last name is Dzhugashvili, but
you changed it for political reasons. These days, someone called Stalin wouldn't
reach power either; following the death of Lenin in 1924, you decided to be a
big old fascist, declaring it to be roughly the same as socialist democracy
anyway.


Unfortunately, the Chechens didn't particularly want to be part of your
social-fascist state, and continually revolted from 1918 to 1944, demanding
their freedom. You then wiped out 35 to 50% of their population. (Chechnya is
still demanding to be free today, and had been demanding to be free before the
Soviet Union was established. To date around a million Chechens have been forced
to leave their homes.)


You ruled with an iron glove and a teflon moustache until your death in 1953,
scaring the pants off America and pretty much everyone else in the west. Pretty
good going, for an evil dictator.




USATODAY.com - Cubs vs. Red Sox: Our Dream Series

GAME 7 — Oct. 26
Cubs 9, Red Sox 2 (Cubs win series 4-3)

CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN! HOLY COW!

This will put a smile on my face all day. :~)

White House Accused of Stalling 9-11 Probe
Members of both parties are accusing the White House of stonewalling the federal commission investigating the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks by blocking its demands for documents despite threats of a subpoena.

What would they have to hide?????

Sunday, October 26, 2003


Microsoft TerraServer Imagery-Wrigley Field from space



My house from space (I think)- thanks to TerraServer!

Cuts in Medicaid could reduce care - wzzm13.com

"Anything left to cut is going to have a major impact on poor people," said Sherry Mirasola, spokeswoman of the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, an organization of hospitals, health systems and other health care providers. "There are people out there who can't find a doctor now because the state won't pay the doctors to even cover their costs."



Sad news. I hope that this doesn't hurt Granholm; she's doing the best she can to clean up the mistakes of 12 years of John Engler.


Which Famous Homosexual are you?
Brought
to you by Rum and Monkey


How spiffing! You're Alexander the Great!


Yeah, baby. You were the King of Macedonia, and
conqueror of much of the world; you're responsible for the spread of
Christianity, as well as Hellenistic society and even the Roman Empire. Your
power was feared for thousands of miles around.


And how gay were you. When you'd conquered Persia, you
fell in love with a male courtier from that court - scandalous in those days,
because the Persians were believed to be uncivilised barbarians.


You were always really in love with your boyhood friend,
Hephaestion, and when he died you were grief-stricken to a legendary degree:
convinced that he would live on after death, you passed away soon afterwards.



***This is an excerpt for a long post involving the biochemical aspects of alcoholism. I tend to agree with this guy quite a bit.***

Alcoholism / Substance Abuse #7502.75
It is natural for people, ignorant of the biological basis of alcoholism, to believe that alcoholism is caused by the very strange compulsive behaviour of the alcoholic (the alcoholic symptoms). They therefore believe that some treatment program involving talk therapy, persuasion, mandated therapy, psychoanalysis, punishment, appeal to morality and decency, belief in God, and spiritual realignment should help him to recover from the mental aberration.

A glance through this discussion forum makes one realize how common this misconception is. So long people continue to believe in these outdated and simplistic myths about personality traits causing alcoholism, the less likely a scientific solution to alcoholism as a disease - a brain disease at that - will be forthcoming.

It is time that alcoholicscounselorsrs, psychiatrists, doctors, and all those engaged in the drug rehabilitation industry, become informed and educated in the scientific explanation of alcoholism and that they employ scientific methods in the treatment of alcoholism.


Jurriaan Plesman
Free Web Site at
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au


Bravo!

Jury Awards $70M Against Halliburton
A jury has awarded $70 million to a Houston man who claimed that Halliburton and another oil company cheated him out of the chance to develop an oil field in Kazakhstan in the late 1990s.

Karma?


Marlins Top Yanks to Win World Series
Hats off to the Marlins. Quite a performance all through the post season. They are a helluva team.

This also means that summer is officially OVER.

*sigh*

Saturday, October 25, 2003


The Official Guide to Being a Good Republican - The Talking Points

A BUZZFLASH READER COMMENTARY
by Jeff

1. Co-Opt God into absolutely everything you say and do. If people believe that God is on your side, then more likely they will support you. Also stress that Democrats do not believe in God, and if elected, they will try to ban God all together. Always remember to use God's name often. Example of how to deliver bad news to your constituents: "This legislation that cut millions of dollars from [insert social program here] was God's will!!" -- Smile often and make a "possessed" body movement so people will think that God is speaking through you, reaffirming the impression that you, and only your party, can do God's will.

2. Always stick to the "official" story. Independent statements and thoughts are what get people into trouble. If you don't know the official story, check with Newsmax, FOX, or the Washington Times for updates. Don't run your yap!! The truth may get out and we don't want to have to start explaining things!

3. George W. Bush has been and will be, America's ONLY president. Tell everyone you meet, and speak it as if it were told to you by God himself. If people start getting around to thinking that there could be a president other than George W. Bush . . . Well let's not think about that. Also remember to remind people that EVERYONE got to vote in Florida during the 2000 presidential election, and all of that stuff about Katherine Harris was made up by the liberal media. (See Below)

4. All media is liberal lies! Especially the New York Times, the Washington Post, and NBC. The only REAL news comes from FOX. Remember to pepper your comments with statements like, "Katie Couric wants everyone to wear a Mao Jacket!" or "Dan Rather is an atheist!" -- These are statements that cannot be proved or disproved; therefore no one can ever accuse you of lying. If you say them often, proudly, and as if God told you himself, people will believe you.

5. Michael Moore is the anti-Christ. In fact, the reason he always wears a baseball cap is to hide the three sixes on his head. Remember to tell everyone that Bowling for Columbine is a work of complete fiction and only won the Academy Award for Best Documentary because of the liberals in Hollywood. Also remember to remind people that Hillary Clinton is in cahoots with Michael Moore to make America a socialist country, and to take away your guns.

6. Hillary Clinton wants to take away your guns. Remind everyone that Bill and Hillary Clinton hate democracy, hate America, and hate your guns. That should be enough to convince whomever you are talking to that the Clintons really suck, and if you ever want to have a gun on you, whenever that mugging you are so worried about actually occurs, you had better hate the Clintons, too.

7. Clintons Part Two -- All Bill Clinton ever did was have sex, sex, and more sex. While it is partly true, don't let anyone try and slide things like "Balanced Budget" or "Eight years of peace and prosperity" by you. Tell people that it was the Republicans that kept terrorists in check by spending millions of dollars investigating sex, sex, and more sex.

8. Ann Coulter looks like the Virgin Mary. (Yes it is out there, but a few real dummies will buy it, and will start to look at Ann and imagine her as a brunette, and a few might actually believe you!). In fact, if you have a real sucker, tell them Ann Coulter IS the Virgin Mary!

9. September 11, 2001 was the fault of [insert Axis of Evil member state here]. Never concede that there is no evidence of a Saddam Hussein / Al-Qaeda connection, stick with the official story; (see number 2). Remind people that [insert enemy of the week here], hates America and wants to take your S.U.V. away from you. This works especially good on soccer moms and NASCAR dads.

10. Iraq is not a quagmire. If anyone tells you that Iraq is a quagmire, remind them of September 11, 2001 and the three thousand lives that were lost. If they resist and bring up evidence that Bush ignored the threats about terrorists using commercial jets to attack America, remind them of Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky. NEVER, and we repeat, NEVER discuss, W.M.D.'s, The State of The Union, Landing on the Aircraft Carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and declaring an end to major combat operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Oil, Halliburton, Enron and Ken Lay, Tax Cuts for the Wealthy, France, Russia, or Germany, The U.N., Valerie Plame, Record deficits, No Child Left Behind, Homeland Security, or The Boston Red Sox. Stick to Bill's sex life and you can't go wrong. Also, don't forget to tell them that God told you this himself.



Log Cabin Republicans Chicago Respond To Jack Ryan's Anti-Gay Comments
"In this interview, Mr. Ryan announced that he would not be seeking the support of the Log Cabin Republicans for his Senate Campaign. Jack Ryan's statements translate into political gains for Democrats, something all Republicans should work to avoid."

Nothing pleases me more than to see Republicans turning away potential votes. You go guys!!!


Halliburton Defends No-Bid Iraq Contract
"Democrats in the House and Senate have questioned whether Halliburton's oil industry contract resulted from favoritism to Cheney, since there were no competitive bids.

Lesar, Halliburton's president, CEO and chairman, said: 'Now I'm asking you to help by writing a letter to the editor of your newspaper.' He listed 'some facts that you can use to help deliver your letter.'
He also told workers 'it would be helpful to write to your representatives in Washington, D.C., asking them to support fairness and accuracy.' "

Yes, I think that's a grand idea. I urge everybody to contact their local paper and their representatives and tell them just what you think of Halliburton's $1.59 billion (so far) no-bid deal. After all, it is your money. I'm sure you don't mind making Dick Cheney's retirement just a bit more comfortable.

USATODAY.com - Cursed?
A brief timeline of the Cubs and the Red Sox post-season disasters. Cool flash graphics on this page.

silver
Silver Dragon


Who is your dragon spirit guide?

brought to you by Quizilla


Today's thought-

The moon is a house
In which the mind is master.
Look very closely:
Only impermanence lasts.
This floating world, too, will pass.

- Ikkyu Sojun (1394-1481


Anti-War Rallies Today on Both Coasts
"With each passing month, more and more Americans become disillusioned with the occupation of Iraq"

Friday, October 24, 2003


Ananova - Courtney Love 'tried to make overdose fun for daughter'
Good God, somebody get that kid away from her quick.


Barbara Bush shows just how gullible the men in the Bush family really are.

Dave Barry-Take that, N.Y.: We have snook and mullet
"Speaking of marine life: I was wandering by the Yankees' dugout during pregame warm-ups, and I saw Don Zimmer, the 72-year-old Yankees coach who looks like the result of an ill-conceived genetic experiment involving W.C. Fields and a manatee."

Everyone should read Dave Barry every week.

Fish on Prozac Pose a Problem:
"And if the blue gills were exposed to enough of the antidepressant, the drug would likely have similar effects in the fish that it does in humans.
'They would be happy fish,' Brooks said. "

I would like to thank the wonderful men and women of the Grand Rapids Police Department. Unfortunately I have had occasion to call them quite a bit over the last few years, due to unruly neighbors and unruly friends. I'm almost embarrassed that I have had to use their services so much...

They are always prompt, courteous, and professional. They have to deal with quite a bit of bullshit, and they do a remarkable job.

Hats off to 'em. Stay safe guys.

"The AP reported last week that Halliburton has been charging the U.S. Army between $1.62 and $1.70 per gallon for gas when Iraqis pay between 4 and 15 cents. Reps. Henry Waxman (Calif.) and John Dingell (Mich.) said the U.S. taxpayers are subsidizing more than 90 percent of the cost of gasoline sold in Iraq, covering the purchase and transportation of the petroleum from Kuwait and other countries."

HAHAHAHAHA! OK, I think I'm gonna be sick now.....



CNN.com - Singer Elliott Smith dead at 34 - Oct. 22, 2003
Now I know how totally removed from the music world I am; I didn't even know who this guy was. From the description of his music, I probably would have liked him.

You're a just a little bit of a New Yorker...
You're just a little bit of a new yorker. You
probably have visited the city, but have been
sheltered and only visited a nice restaurant, a
museum, and possibly broadway. Oh, and don't
worry...not EVERYONE you meet has a gun.


How much of a New Yorker are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Marlins Beat Yankees to Take Series Lead
When the Marlins went down two games-to-one, I thought, "Yep, now they got 'em where they want 'em".

Scalia Ridicules Court's Gay Sex Ruling
"Scalia adopted a mocking tone to read from the court's June ruling that struck down state antisodomy laws in Texas and elsewhere."

Closet case, perhaps?


Thursday, October 23, 2003


Detour ahead: Camelback Bridge work planned
If everybody jumped off a bridge, would you do it too?
Yes, I would, and this is the bridge I used to jump off of. It was about two stories down more or less, scary stuff. Hurt like hell if you landed wrong, but it was a lot of fun.

Yahoo! News - Gene Found for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
"They interviewed relatives of the patients and found 6 of the 7 people with the mutation had an obsessive-compulsive disorder, and some also had anorexia, Asperger's syndrome, which is a form of autism, social phobia or were abusers of alcohol."

I believe that alcoholism/addiction is going to be eventually categorized in the "obsessive-compulsive" family of mental disorders. (if it isn't already)



World Series: Marlins 4, Yankees 3
Watch out for those Fish. Will this baby go seven games?

Today's thought is:

. . . concern should drive us into action and not into depression.
--Karen Horney

One of the things that bothers me about AA's "mind over matter" brand of self-psychotherapy is that it neglects the very real biochemical aspects of depression. Sometimes people just can't help the way they feel. No amount of "positive thinking" can change that.
I do enjoy my daily affirmations, but sometimes they lead to guilt when I can't feel grateful, or I am tired or afraid. This guilt can be the very thing that can lead to relapse. I doubt that AA will ever change, but I hope that some new program will arise that deals with both the mental and physical aspects of addiction.

My message from the cosmos this morning- posted on the Politics forum

It's never too late. One piece of advice would be to start your own business as a part-time thing. Run it out of your home and take the tax breaks. Set it up as a sole-proprietorship. Doesn't matter what the business is, dog-sitting, grass-cutting, tutoring, buying and reselling stuff on ebay, selling (ahem) "adult" toys on a website.... it doesn't matter. Don't laugh. My last boss got her start that way. Earned enough to buy a printing company in under two years. {Two to avoid; bars and bookstores}

OK, but what? Hmmmmmm. Will have to think.


Dean: Wife Would Not Be Typical First Lady
"She doesn't want to live the life of a first lady," said Dean, a doctor himself. "She will not give up her medical practice."


Wednesday, October 22, 2003



Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, as top defense officials questioned progress in the war, points to the spot on his head where a horn once resided. "You can't even see a scar!", Donald excalimed.

USATODAY.com - Cubs vs. Red Sox: Our Dream Series
Somewhere in an alternate universe, all is well. Hope the Cubs don't lose this one too.

Today's thought-

We're not here to lose our sense of humor.
--Richie Berlin

Rebuttal:
Mr. Beer belly, beer belly, get these mutts away from me, you know,
I don't find this stuff amusing anymore.
--Paul Simon




Wow! After getting my pay cut by 10% yesterday, I'm having a really hard time getting myself ready for work today. Wonder why. I hope that I can keep my big mouth shut and not flip out on my boss. Although, if I got fired, I might be better off......

{sarcasm} I would like to thank George Bush and his merry band of thieves for making this all possible! Thanks for the sound economic policies that have created sooooo much consumer confidence George! {/sarcasm}

Bush Praises Islam as Religion of Tolerance
Now if we could only say the same about the Christians.....

Greenville braces for massive job losses
Say goodbye to manufacturing in America.

Clemens to Make Last Career Start Tonight
Sure wish he had pitched for the Cubs. Best of luck Roger! (Note to Yankees: DO NOT turn your back on this Marlin team. DO NOT get comfortable with a Series lead. They will not quit till the last out.)

Yahoo! News - Partial Birth Abortion Ban Heads for Bush
The first step in overturning Roe v. Wade?

Tuesday, October 21, 2003


A Short Story

While walking down the street one day, George "Dubya" Bush is shot by a disgruntled NRA member.
His soul arrives in heaven and he is met by St.Peter at the Pearly Gates.
"Welcome to Heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems
there is a problem: We seldom see a Republican around these parts, so
we're not sure what to do with you."
"No problem, just let me in; I'm a believer." says Dubya.
"I'd like to just let you in, but I have orders from the Man Himself: He says you have to
spend one day in Hell and one day in Heaven. Then you must choose where you'll live for eternity."
"But, I've already made up my mind; I want to be in Heaven."
"I'm sorry, but we have our rules." And with that, St. Peter
escorts him to an elevator and he goes down, down, down, all the way to
Hell.
The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a lush golf
course; the sun is shining in a cloudless sky, the temperature a perfect
72 degrees. In the distance is a beautiful clubhouse. Standing in front
of it is dad...and thousands of other Republicans who had helped him out
over the years: Karl Rove, Dick Cheney, Jerry Falwell.... The whole of
the "Right" was there...everyone laughing...happy.... casually but
expensively dressed. They run to greet him, hug him, and reminisce about
the good times they had getting rich at expense of the "suckers and
peasants". They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster
and caviar.
The Devil himself comes up to Bush with a frosty drink, "Have a
Margarita and relax, Dubya!". "Uh, I can't drink no more, I took a
pledge," says Junior, dejectedly.
"This is Hell, son: you can drink and eat all you want and not
worry, and it just gets better from there!"
Dubya takes the drink and finds himself liking the Devil, who he
thinks is a really very friendly guy who tells funny jokes and pulls
hilarious nasty pranks, kind of like a Yale Skull and Bones brother with
real horns.
They are having such a great time that, before he realizes it, it's
time to go. Everyone gives him a big hug and waves as Bush steps on the
elevator and heads upward.
When the elevator door reopens, he is in Heaven again and St. Peter
is waiting for him. "Now it's time to visit Heaven," the old man says,
opening the gate.
So for 24 hours Bush is made to hang out with a bunch of honest,
good-natured people who enjoy each other's company, talk about things
other than money, and treat each other decently. Not a nasty prank or
frat boy joke among them; no fancy country clubs and, while the food
tastes great, it's not caviar or lobster. And these people are all poor,
he doesn't see anybody he knows, and he isn't even treated like someone
special! Worst of all, to Dubya, Jesus turns out to be some kind of
Jewish hippie with his endless 'peace' and 'do unto others' jive.
"Whoa," he says uncomfortably to himself, "Pat Robertson never
prepared me for this!"
The day done, St. Peter returns and says, "Well, then, you've spent
a day in Hell and a day in Heaven. Now choose where you want to live for
eternity."
With the 'Jeopardy' theme playing softly in the background, Dubya
reflects for a minute, then answers: "Well, I would never have thought
I'd say this-I mean, Heaven has been delightful and all-but I really
think I belong in Hell with my friends."
So Saint Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down,
down, all the way to Hell.
The doors of the elevator open and he is in the middle of a barren
scorched earth covered with garbage and toxic industrial waste... kind of
like Houston. He is horrified to see all of his friends, dressed in rags
and chained together, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags.
They are groaning and moaning in pain, faces and hands black with grime.
The Devil comes over to Dubya and puts an arm around his shoulder.
"I don't understand," stammers a shocked Dubya, "Yesterday I was
here and there was a golf course and a clubhouse and we ate lobster and
caviar... drank booze. We screwed around and had a great time. Now
there's just a wasteland full of garbage and everybody looks miserable!"
The Devil looks at him, smiles slyly, and purrs, "Yesterday we were
campaigning; today you voted for us."

Yahoo! News - Barbara Bush Calls Democrat Line-Up a 'Sorry Group'
She should know.

Yahoo! News - Bored to Tears, Woman Hurls TV Out Window

Trying to get all my quizzes up for history's sake...

Celeborn

Celeborn

If I were a character in The Lord of the Rings, I would be Celeborn, Elf, King of Lothlorien, husband of Galadriel and grandfather of Arwen.

In the movie, I am played by Marton Csokas.

Who would you be?
Zovakware Lord of the Rings Test with Perseus Web Survey Software





Kent leaders again told to stay clear of gay marriage issue
Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids. If we can make it there, we can make it anywhere.
I believe the war is already won, it will just be a matter of time until the laws change to
reflect our victory over bigotry.

I'm proud of my little town.

Alou to remain with Cubs
Even at his age, I believe that he will still produce. .388 in postseason games. Happy news, but what
about Lofton? Stay tuned.

I just discovered this has a spell check! Cool! I guess I didn't notice it before. My apologies for any
misspellings. I don't feel like going back to correct them.

ABCNEWS.com : Fla. Senate Gets Into comatose Woman Tiff
Sad story all the way around. Starving this woman to death is cruel, that
should be outlawed.

Yahoo! News - U.S. Posts Record $374.22 Billion Budget Gap in 2003
"For the year, the government brought in $1.782 trillion in revenues. Individual income taxes, the largest
source of federal revenues, and were down about 7.5 percent from 2002. Spending was up sharply, as
federal outlays grew by 7.2 percent, to $2.156 trillion."

"President Bush (news - web sites) has taken us from the biggest surplus in the nation's history to the
biggest deficit in the nation's history in just three years," said Kent Conrad, ranking Democrat on the Senate
Budget Committee.

In 2000, the government posted a record $236.92 billion surplus.
Sure wish I could spend like this.

Monday, October 20, 2003


Cubs, Sox fans coming to terms
Dude, I feel your pain.

Bush's 'spirit' cursed with black magic, tossed into river - www.smh.com.au
I love it! Great idea!

I would like to thank the Detroit Lions for their horrible play on the field
yesterday. They got the suspense over with very quick, and this allowed me
to clean my kitchen counters nice and shiny, which started my day off today on
a quite positive note.

If they continue to play like this, I probably will be able to refinish my floors
before the end of the season. Damn that regional coverage.


ESPN.com - Gammons: Series looking like a seven-gamer
Something tells me the Marlins won't be deterred by last night at all.

Another quiz...

Pegasus Banner
You're a pegasus. You're very calm and loving.
Something about you makes others want to get
close to you, whether or not you feel the same
way about them. You don't bond to others
easily, but when you do it's long-lasting. Your
alignment is *good*, but not so much that you
can't have fun.


What mythical beast are you?
brought to you by Quizilla


Yahoo! News - Poll: Public Supports Health Care for All
I hope the Democrats take this one and run with it. Wonderful campaign issue.

Yahoo! News - Sexual Identity Hard-Wired by Genetics - Study
Eventually they will find the everything we are is
genetically determined. Question is- will we seek to then alter
those genes so as to eliminate "undesirable" traits? Will we still be human?
Perhaps they will find that environment also plays a huge role in our
development.

Today's gift from Hazelden-
At bottom every man knows well enough that he is a unique human
being, only once on this earth; and by no extraordinary chance will such a
marvelously picturesque piece of diversity in unity as he is, ever be put together
a second time
.
-- Nietzche


Sunday, October 19, 2003


Yahoo! News - Gay Episcopal Bishop-Elect Going Forward
It's about time.

I....I.... I am a victim of REGIONAL COVERAGE!! Here I thought that I would get
to see the Buccaneers today, but NOOOOOOO, for the second time in two
weeks I have to watch the BEARS. So, not only are my Cubs done for the
year (sob!), I am stuck with the hapless Bears.

My God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Maybe I'll go for a walk instead. It is a beautiful fall day in Michigan.

The RIAA Saves Some Money
Isn't that nice? They won't have to pay to file in court with this approach.

The quiz I took today...



So goth you're dead!
You are every goth-kids dream!


Which Ultimate Beautiful Woman are You?
brought to you by Quizilla



Damn Those Fish!
First and foremost on my mind is the World Series. I want the Marlins to lose out of pure personal spite for knocking my beloved Cubbies out of the playoffs.

Hello! Welcome to my blog!

(testing....one....two....can anyone hear me?)