New Day New Page

'Welcome Back Kotter'a Juan Epstein Is Dead at 60

2012-01-26T18:25:00.000-05:00

Robert Hegyes, the Jersey-born actor who played Jewish Puerto Rican wheeler-dealer Juan Luis Pedro Phillipo de Huevos Epstein on the 1970s classic "Welcome Back Kotter," died from an apparent heart attack after suffering chest pains at age 60.

Hegyes was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, where my Grandmother used to live. He was one of four children. What you may not know was that he is the cousin of singer Jon Bon Jovi

Robert made his Los Angeles stage debut to rave notices as "Chico Marx" in the Westwood and National Touring Company engagements of, An Evening with Groucho. Upon returning from the tour, Robert was cast by Producer Barney Rosenswieg to star as a series regular portraying undercover detective "Manny Esposito" in the Emmy Award-winning drama, Cagney & Lacey, starring Tyne Daly and Sharon Gless.

When I was a teen I hated to miss an episode of this show. From the excuse notes from "Epstein's Mother" to a young John Travolata and Horschack's Ooh-ooh-ooooh!" (Used with raised hand when Arnold gets excited because he believes he knows an answer to Mr. Kotter's question. The shout was an imitation of Joe E. Ross's phrase from Car 54, Where Are You?.) to Washington's "Hey, Mister Kot-taire" (how he addresses Mr. Kotter)this show didn't just make me laugh out loud it helped me be the teacher I am today.

After all a little laughter makes the learning go down so much easier. Please do not believe for one moment I was anywhere near as funny as Kotter but my "sweat hogs" were and are just as loveable as these guys were.

Robert Hegyes died on January 26th, 2012 at John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey from an apparent heart attack. He was taken there after suffering chest pains at his Metuchen in the morning. He was 60.

Publix Best Meals Happen At Home

2012-01-26T05:29:00.002-05:00

I was so excited about this deal I kind of jumped the gun by publishing it too soon.

So I want to remind you to take advantage of great savings on some of your favorite participating brands during the “Best Meals Happen at Home” event at Publix from January 26th through February 1st.

As of Jan 26th look for in-store for coupons that will be valid through February 15th

Visit BestMealsatHome.com to sign up and receive emails with weekly recipes and coupon offers that will help you save up to $200 this year.

Don’t forget to enter our giveaway where you have the opportunity to WIN a $25 Publix Gift Card. In keeping with the FTC rules I would like to inform you that I received no financial compensation for this post. The Publix gift card, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark. The opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Fernbank Presents Georgia Natural: Photographs by Diane Kirkland,

2012-01-24T06:54:00.002-05:00

In the new gallery exhibition Georgia Natural, Fernbank Museum of Natural History showcases the diverse landscapes of Georgia in a series of black-and-white and color photos by local artist Diane Kirkland. Georgia Natural will be on view at the Museum from February 4-April 29, 2012.

Georgia Natural includes 35 framed photographs, which highlight Kirkland’s appreciation for the many sanctuaries in Georgia that have remained largely unchanged for thousands of years. She works to portray the mysterious and primordial qualities of each scene while capturing the evocative, other-worldly appearance the natural world can convey in soft and low light.

“I hope my pictures show that these places are worthy of our attention and that we don’t allow these sanctuaries to disappear,” Kirkland said. “Because often, we don’t keep what we don’t value.”

The photos include rivers, streams, trees, swamps, outcrops and more, while moments of fog, dusk, mossy trees, and blooming flowers add depth to the view. Kirkland explores patterns and designs to discover cohesiveness in seemingly random, unrelated elements of nature, which she says requires intense observation to the uniqueness of a view.

“Subtlety enlivens our senses,” she said.

Kirkland’s photos not only capture the beauty of the landscapes but they also capture the essence of the moment. In several coastal plain and barrier island images, a mysterious fog coats the landscape, slow to reveal exactly what has been captured in the lens. Crisp reflections in the water of Sweetwater Creek in the Piedmont region swell and recede as rocks below distort, revealing what appear as upside-down apparitions, sunlit cliffs, or something else. Sunlight pierces through the steam of Moody Swamp, cutting through the dampness that can almost be felt through the photograph. In another image, a glorious expanse of ephemeral clouds greets the viewer in Morning Marsh.

The collection of images includes documentation of the variety of landscapes found in Georgia’s Ridge and Valley, Blue Ridge Mountains, Piedmont, Coastal Plain, and Barrier Islands regions. All are represented in rich compositions. Kirkland framed her subjects in a manner that leads the eye on a journey within each piece, from swirling vines and roots that lift the eye up and out of an Ocmulgee River Flood Plain to a journey deep into Brasstown Bald Trail.

Kirkland has a long relationship with Georgia’s natural spaces. A 25-year staff photographer for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Kirkland has traveled extensively throughout the state to capture the natural beauty of Georgia’s geographic regions. The Georgia Council for the Arts selected Kirkland to join their 2008-2010Touring Artist Rosters, and she was also invited to join the Southern Arts Federation, which is a multi-media artist registry that spotlights outstanding artists who live and work in the South. In addition, Kirkland was the recipient of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources 2007-2008 Artist in Residence Grant.

Georgia Natural is included with Museum admission, which is $17.50 for adults, $16.50 for students/seniors, $15.50 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for children 12 and under and for members. Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located at 767 Clifton Road, NE in Atlanta. Tickets and information are available at www.fernbankmuseum.org and 404.929.6300/404.929.6400.

Ryan Brunn - Convicted Child Killer Dead in Jail Cell

2012-01-19T21:20:00.001-05:00

Ryan Brunn had just pleaded guilty on Tuesday to the murder of Jorelys Rivera. Jorley was killed December 2nd at a north Georgia apartment complex where she lived.

Jorley was reported missing after she left the complex's playground to retrieve sodas at her apartment for her friends. Brunn described in detail to the court how he lured the girl into a vacant apartment and sexually assaulted her. Brunn said he was afraid she would tell her parents so he "cut her." When she didn't die right away, he beat and stabbed her.

Brunn placed her body in a garbage bag and dumped it in a trash compactor at the complex where it was found.

You may remember that Brunn's family was adament that there was no possible way Ryan could have done such a heinous thing.

"There's just no way he would do something like this. He's just a kindhearted person. This is just some big mistake. I just honestly think this was a big setup," Connor Brunn said.

I was glad that the judge had sentenced him to life in prison without parole but honestly it was a case that made me wrestle with the death penalty. When someone commits such a violent act upon a young child it's difficult for me to get past the desire for justice in the form of the death penalty. The fact that he was not eligible for parole made me feel that at the very least he was being removed from the general population and would protect other children from him.

According to spokeswoman Kristen Stancil,at the state prison in Jackson, said Ryan Brunn was found unresponsive at 4:15 p.m. Brunn was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:37 p.m. of an apparent suicide."

It is interesting to note that Braunn was on suicide watch when this happened. An autopsy on his body has been scheduled for tomorrow. The outcome of the autopsy will determine the cause of his death.

Jimmy Castor Dies Of Apparent Heart Failure

2012-01-17T19:52:00.001-05:00

Back in 1975 there wasn't a kid who didn't love the Beartha Bump Boogie. Even now when I hear it I can't help but want to get up and dance. Me like! Me like!

Castor is best known as a fun disco/funk saxophonist, with his biggest hit single being 1972's million seller, "Troglodyte (Cave Man)".

Castor had been hospitalized in November before undergoing a quadruple bypass surgery.

Jimmy Castor died of apparent heart failure in a Las Vegas hospital, family members said Tuesday. He was 71. He was a great showman and an amazing talent.

It's Puppy Love For Casey Anthony

2012-01-15T16:50:00.000-05:00

More photos were posted by the girl who hates being on camera via Twitter. Don't worry, she's not posting about the loss of her daughter. She just wants to share new photos of her and her future victim, I mean dog.

Life goes on for Casey. secretly dating a new man, is frequently out in public and has even been attending church. It's even rumored that she is working for this new man. I hope he sleeps with one eye open.

Who is this new man? The name Rob Hensley, a landscaper from Kansas has recently surfaced. Now you're probably asking yourself, just how does a landscaper from Kansas get to meet a quality woman who was aquitted of murdering her child. It appears that Hensely, Casey's new squeeze is her defense former attorney Jose Baez's cousin.

With this in mind would it surprise you to learn that Mr. Hensley may very well be the source of the videos and photos.

While it might surprise us that some genius decided the woman most of America believes killed her toddler daughter was a good candidate to adopt a living creature of any shape or size you might be comforted to know that that Hitler loved his dog Blondi. Well he did until he killed it by giving Blondi cyanide capsules.

When Blondi died Hitler became completely inconsolable, however if I remember correctly Casey wasn't inconsolable when her own daughter Caylee died. The again, Casey was found not guilty of killing her daughter now wasn't she.

Jose Baez Quits Casey?

2012-01-11T20:00:00.000-05:00

It appears that the sick parasitic relationship between Baez and Casey may have finally come to an end. That's right. Jose Baez has decided to REMOVE HIMSELF from Anthony’s legal team.

Am I the only one who feels the timing of his jettison from team Casey after her videos went viral. Baez is smart enough to realize that his toxic client is not the hot commodity he had hoped she would be.

Meanwhile, Dorothy Sims, a member of Casey's defense dedicated to appealing her fraud conviction, filed paperwork in an Orlando court seeking to remove herself as the client of record for the case. Does this mean the rats are abandoning the sinking ship?

I'm willing to be that Jose is still planning to use this case as his cash cow. After all Jose's been getting plenty of face time while his meal ticket patiently waits for her big payday.

Breaking News - Casey Anthony Got Her Nose Pierced

2012-01-09T21:14:00.000-05:00

Amazing. Simply AMAZING. In this second installment of America's most hated sociopath she once again speaks about her favorite subject, herself. I'm sure you'll be very excited "woo" about her nose ring.

So why should we give a damn? We shouldn't. Why is it newsorthy? Well it seems that Jose Baez claims an investigation has been launched into what he says is the illegal hacking and leaking of his client's online video diary. Legal action will be taken against the guilty party. Gee Jose, do you think it was the meter reader or her Dad that hacked her computer?

It seems to me that this is all about Casey. It always has been about Casey. She craves the limelight. Sadly, it never seems to occur to her that her celebrity is due to her infamy because many still believe she killed her daughter Caylee. For some people fame at any cost is worth the price and I believe this is true for Casey.

Casey Anthony's Baaaaack

2012-01-05T20:40:00.002-05:00

Yes it's really Casey. According to her lawyer, Chaney Mason, the video release was "unauthorized" and "inappropriate."

He insisted Anthony — who sports a blond bob in the video instead of her long, dark hair — did not release the video. Mason suggested it may have been hacked.

Poor Casey, it's never, ever her fault.

As always with Casey it's me, me, me, my, my, my,mine, mine, mine. My computer. My audio recordings. I have something I can call mine. My camera, my phone. My dog. These things are MINE!!!

By the way Casey what about YOUR daughter. Thought of her lately?

I know it's been said many times many ways but Casey appears to be the epitome of the word Narcissist.

She's self-absorbed, unaware of others' needs and of the effects of her behavior on others, and insistent that others see her as she wishes to be seen. In this video she displays her sense of entitlement and obviously has unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with her expectations.

Michael Plumadore Pleads Not Guilty To Murder Killing Aliahna Lemmon

2012-01-04T20:51:00.004-05:00

Michael Plumadore, the man accused of killing Aliahna Lemmon, pleaded not guilty to murder charges today. Plumadore previously confessed to committing the crime and is charged with murder, abuse of a corpse, and removing a dead body from the scene of a crime.

Allen Superior Court Magistrate Samuel Keirns asked Plumadore whether he understood the charges and proceedings. Plumadore answered each question with "yes, sir."

We already learned that Aliahna was living in a trailer park infested with child molesters where almost half of the homes in the park included at least one name on the Indiana Sex Offender Registry database.Sadly we discover even more about the horror that this little girl endured in her short life. Today we learn that Aliahna Lemmon was sexually assaulted in in 2010 by Kurtis Allen Kennedy.

According to the affidavit, in January 2010, Kennedy admitted to Centerville Police Officer Jeremy Cole and DHS case worker Sarah Bakerduring that he "partially disrob[ed] Aliahna Lemmon, a seven year old child, and plac[ed] his hand on the child’s bare buttock."

The affidavit also states that the victim, Aliahna Lemmon, confirmed Kennedy's admission. At the time of the sexual assault, Aliahna was seven years old and Kennedy was 19 years old.

Later in July, Kennedy was arraigned on a charge of indecent contact with a child, which is an aggravated misdemeanor. In July 2010, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years in prison

When will we stop this insanity? When will we say enough is enough? When are we as a nation going to put our children first?

If you live in the Ft Wayne area there will be a memorial gathering and service has been planned for 9-year-old murder victim Aliahna Marie Maroney Lemmon.

Services are set for 7 p.m. Thursday, January 5 at the First Assembly of God, 1400 West Washington Center Road in Fort Wayne. A gathering will begin one hour prior to the service.

2011 Sweepstakes Wins

2012-01-03T17:38:00.000-05:00

Do you remember how you told yourself "No one WINS those sweepstakes"? Not true. I win some. Not as many as I like but I still win an awful lot. These are the prizes I won last year from sweepstakes and contests. I may have forgotten a few here and there but it's definitely been a great year.

January

Knight & Day DVD
FREE Soft Drink From Einstein's Bagel
FREE Soft Drink From Einstein's Bagel
FREE Soft Drink From Einstein's Bagel
$25 Walmart Gift Card
NFL tote and coupon
Breakfast from Hardee's for the office

February

a gift certificate for 2 to Cracker Barrel
Vow Renewal with the FISH radio station
Revlon Red Lipstick
NO ONE WILL HEAR YOU book win
When The Stars Go Blue book win
$25 1800flowers Gift Card
High Impact Mascara from Clinique

March

Free Fries from Hardees
Advance reading copy of Planting Dandelions by Kyran Pittman

April

$100 Visa Gift Certificate
$100 Red Lobster Gift Card

May

$50 ProFlowers
$25 Chili's GC
$50 Land’s End gift card

June

Kill Bin Laden - Book win
$100 Cooking.com gift card - recipe contest
Free Coffee and Hash Rounds on the Carl's Jr. Wheel of Awesome
Free Coffee and Hash Rounds on the Carl's Jr. Wheel of Awesome
$1 Off Six Dollar Burger™ Combo on the Carl's Jr. Wheel of Awesome
$1 Off Six Dollar Burger™ Combo on the Carl's Jr. Wheel of Awesome
Free Small Fry on the Carl's Jr. Wheel of Awesome
Free Small Beverage on the Carl's Jr. Wheel of Awesome!
Free Coffee & Hash Brown Nuggets on the Carl's Jr. Wheel of Awesome
Free Small Fry & Small Drink on the Carl's Jr. Wheel of Awesome
$1 Off Any Shake or Malt on the Carl's Jr. Wheel of Awesome
10% off one meal at a participating California Pizza Kitchen location
Whispers in the Sand - book win
Win Your Meal Ticket to the Big Apple - Trip to 3 day/2night stay in NY + $250 towards dinner for 2 at Maze
Trip to Pearl River Resort includes transportation Two nights, two dinners, one breakfast, Golden Palace Hotel
$20 Chili's Gift Card (blog win)
$20 Chili's Gift Card (this is from a different blog)
Mr. Darcy Takes the Plunge (book win)
two movie tickets
$100 Babies ‘r’ Us Gift Card

JULY

You won 2 AMC Theatres® tickets and 2 large fountain drink coupons – perfect for date night!
$20 Chili's GC from another blog

SEPTEMBER

Congratulations! You won an X Factor Poster! Please allow 6-8 weeks to receive your prize.
Star Wars Light Saber

OCTOBER

Grill Master BBQ set

NOVEMBER

$50 American Express Gift Card

DECEMBER

Coupon for free Dove Bar

My New Year's Horoscope

2012-01-01T08:40:00.000-05:00

Admit it. We all do stupid things on the first day of the new year. Maybe it's breaking the resolution we made just the night before. Maybe it's buying some high priced exercise machine that will wind up as an over priced place to hang your clothes. Me? Well I always check my horoscope the first day of the year. Preferably one that tells you what to expect in the year ahead but I do it even though it's really not something rational to do.

Today I was checking the TV guide to see if there were any made for TV marathons that I'd be interested in watching. Low and behold they had one of those fortune telling things right there on the side of the page and for a lark I decided to let it "read my tea leaves"

So what's in the leaves for me?

As the steam from the tea evaporates, I see many interesting events in your future! Is the kindness you have shown others about to be returned tenfold? The many triangular shapes present in your cup say it is so.

Near the top of the cup I see a chair. An unexpected visitor may bring you joy. I also see a queen. Romance is coming to you soon. Are you ready for love ... or just lust?

At the bottom of the cup is grapes, suggesting that caution may be key now. Think twice before speaking if you're angry. I also see a wheel. It may be a long but steady climb to the top. Enjoy the view along the way.

All the shapes reveal themselves in a clear clockwise spiral within the cup. Your future is moving quickly toward you. The letter D is apparent in the cup. Someone with this initial may offer you a chance at a new beginning.

If you're a Leo like I am then here's what's in store for you in the year 2012

The position of the Saturn and Uranus for the Leo Horoscope 2012 highlights that all your plans for which you have been working for past two years would reach its fruition.

Great opportunities would be there on your way. The position of the Sun too is favorable, which adds reinforces energy and zeal. This would enhance your vitality and make you more enthusiastic at work and other matters that concern your family and loved ones. You might be caught up planning some household events and playing the generous host.

Leo’s have a tendency to erupt all too soon. This is helpful at times, but can also act otherwise. 2012 involves a great amount of family involvement, where you might have to put up with few relatives with whom you might get into disagreement.

In such cases handle the situation by logically reasoning out than getting into combative arguments.

According to Leo forecast 2012, health is something that you might have to take special care of. Especially for working women. There are chances of getting affected by allergies, abdominal aches, and other digestive problems that may prolong for a while.

There would be more facilities given to you at work, which would help to increase your performance. New challenges would be there where you have to play the role of a leader. At some point of time the work pressure might seem unbearable. This is more towards the months of July and August. You fellow workers will gain a lot from your leadership and company. Leo’s look for recognition. Acknowledgement and respect for the work done is what they expect first and foremost. The monetary rewards can tag in later. People around you certainly understand this fact, and hence you are noted for your excellent business strategy and achievements. You would get concrete results for all the hard work taken towards the end of the year. This is when you are up for a promotion and even an income raise.

When it is about love it’s about transformation and role change. You would undergo layers of evolvement. There will be times when you will feel that romance has become all too mundane and regular. This is just going to be a phase from where you mature and evolve. Most Leos would discover how they look at love this year. If you are married this is a vital time that strengthens your bond. There might be some acid tests, but it is only there to testify your emotional stability. The best advice one can give here is to follow your heart and don’t regret a single moment.

This is a year where you must focus on your savings the most. The influence of the Jupiter and Sun will influence you to splurge more. This is exactly where you need to do a budget control and balance your spending vis-à-vis your savings. Legal cases related to property would give their verdicts. This is what suggests your property gains.

Transformation, union in love and career advancements is what the Leo Horoscope 2012 primarily talks about.

Having checked on this information do I take it as gospel? Absolutely not. Do I consult the stars before making any important decisions? NO. So why bother? For that question there really is no answer except maybe next year I should make it my New Year's Resolution NOT to check my horoscope.

Toddlers And Tiaras - Sexy Baby Contest

2011-12-30T09:55:00.003-05:00

Toddlers & Tiaras with Ashley Tisdale from Ashley Tisdale

I'd like to be perfectly clear, I generally watch news shows, documentaries, and old movies. The whole reality tv genre generally leaves me cold. The very idea that there was a show featuring pagent girls and their pushy stage moms just didn't make sense.

I learned about the show as I stood in line to buy groceries one day and saw a story featured in one of the rags on display at the check-out counter. My mind immediately jumped to the most famous pagent child, Jon Bennet Ramsey.

Jon Bennet was murdered in her home in Boulder, Colorado on Christmas in 1996. Media coverage of the case has often focused on JonBenét's participation in child beauty pageants. Like so many others, I found these child pagents bordered on child exploitation. It troubled me that girls as young as two or three years old were being sexualized way.

What kind of person would actually tart their child up like that? A few short months later, I was to discover the answer to this question.

I had been watching one of the news opinion shows and the female host questioned the parenting skills of a parent who would dress her three year old like a prostitute.

A prositute? You are kidding me right? Nope! Wendy Dickey decided to ress her daughter in the hooker outfit that Julia Roberts' character wore in "Pretty Woman". Wendy insisted she's a good mom and suggested that other people need to look at their own family and what they're doing. Talk about a pearl clutcher moment.

The next day I actually watched the episode. It wasn't a planned thing, really, just flipping the channels and I actually caught sight of a toddler in full glitz mode. For a moment I actually thought it was a documentary that I hadn't seen about Jon Bennett. When I realized it wasn't I didn't change the channel because I seemed glued to my seat in full prosti-tot regalia.

This episode featured Maddy Johnson Clad in a hot pink catsuit, complete with fake C-cup breasts and padded buttocks. Her Mom Lindsay feels that when Maddy wears the fake boobs and the fake butt it's just like an added extra bonus. Your right Lindsay. I'm sure the pedophiles out there found your daughter to be the complete package.

Can we say OBJECTIFICATION?

From shaving the legs of a seven year old to spray tanning a two year old you'll see it all here. It makes me wonder yet again, where do they get these people?

Michael Plumadore Admits He Killed Aliahna Lemmon

2011-12-27T18:29:00.004-05:00

When I arrived home from dropping Darryl off at the airport yesterday I arrived just in time to see the second half of the Nancy Grace Show. The story was about a missing Indiana girl named Aliahna Lemon.

Aliahna has several disabilities/emotional problems: She is partially blind and has hearing problems; she suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).

From what I could gather Aliahna and her two younger sisters were staying with Plumadore for about one week because their mother, Tarah Souders, had been sick with the flu.

Plumadore claimed that on Sunday Aliahna disappeared from the home Friday morning while he was sleeping after having gone to a gas station about a mile away to buy a cigar. Authorities have said the Marathon Gas Station's surveillance video shows him there about that time.

He said he smoked his cigar and went back to sleep, then woke up about 10 a.m. when Aliahna's mother called. After that call, he realized the door to the home was unlocked and that Aliahna was gone. He said Aliahna's 6-year-old sisters told him Aliahna had left with her mom.

The story then seemed to morph into the claim that she left the home in the middle of the night while she was sleep walking. Aliahna's Grandmother even professed that they absolutely believed that Plumadore did nothing, could never have done anything to her precious grandchild. After all Plumadore had gained the trust of the family after befriending her grandfather James Lemmon.

Oh wait, did I mention that they met IN JAIL? That's right, you see James E. Lemmon was convicted March 6, 2006, of child molestation.

Aliahna wasn't reported missing until Friday night when he spoke with Aliahna's mom about 8:30 PM.

Today I learned that Michael Plumadore has confessed that he bludgeoned nine-year old Aliahna to death with a brick then dismembered her, hiding her head, hands and feet at a home where he was staying and dumping the rest of her remains in a nearby dumpster at a convenience store.

Allen County sheriff's investigators said in an affidavit that 39-year-old Michael Plumadore admits he killed Aliahna Lemmon on Thursday.

According to the affidavit, Plumadore told police that after beating Aliahna to death on the front steps of the home in the early morning hours. Plumadore then stuffed her body into trash bags and hid her remains in his freezer. He said he later chopped up her body with a hacksaw and stuffed her remains into freezer bags.

This is such an incredibly horrifying and heartbreaking act. A beautiful little angel left this world far too early at the hands of a vicious murderer. She never really stood a chance did she. I pray that justice is done for Aliahna.

Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol

2011-12-26T10:55:00.001-05:00

Get ready for action, adventure, and explosive entertainment like you´ve never seen it before! Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to check out Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol in IMAX theatres.

Starting December 16th, a full five days before its North American premier, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol will be shown in a mind-blowing IMAX experience in 300 theatres across the country. Join Ethan Hunt and his team of rogue IMF agents, in this awesome spy adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. With 30-minutes of scenes shot with IMAX cameras, fans will be able to enjoy certain sequences of the movie in larger than life proportions. You will be right in the action as Ethan Hunt (played by Tom Cruise) scales the world´s tallest building; the Burk Khalifa Tower in Dubai, as this and other thrilling moments expand to fit the entire IMAX screen. As an added bonus, IMAX will offer the first previews of the upcoming Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises, prior to Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol.

Disclaimer: In keeping with the FTC rules I would like to inform you that I received no financial compensation for this post. I received an entry to WIN one of ten exclusive 4-pack of tickets to Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol at your local IMAX theater from the people at MyBlogSpark.

Riding The Storm Out

2011-12-23T19:16:00.031-05:00

The highlight of my day was going to be the arrival of my husband. This of course meant that I would have to drive to the airport in Birmingham, Alabama, something I really didn't like doing.

The weather had been miserable all day but as I got ready to leave I began feeling that familiar panic attack beginning to well-up in my chest as the rain began to pick-up. I closed my eyes and prayed a little prayer. I asked God to be my co-pilot on my trip because he knew how I hated driving in the dark especially when it rained.

As I crossed the Alabama line the rain picked up in intensity it seemed to drown out the CD I had playing. Just as well I thought, I had already decided that I didn't like the book that much anyway. I also noticed that there was some low lying area flooding which also gave me some cause and I wished yet again that I didn't have to make this long drive.

At one point a vehicle drove past me in the opposite lane causing a huge sheet of water to leave me not only blind but to hydroplane also. During that blinding moment I reminded myself that I had to trust that God had heard my prayer to be my co-pilot and that he had bigger plans for me that I have yet to accomplish.

When I was able to see through my windshield again I switched off the CD and turned on the radio. It was then that I learned that I was in the midst of a storm watch which included strong winds and rain. Gee who knew?

Turns out that high winds tore the roof off a building at Shorter University and more than 19,000 customers lost electricity. Twenty-three homes and six businesses were destroyed in the initial assessment after the F-2 tornado, said Floyd County EMA Director Scotty Hancock.

Thankfully despite all of the destruction, only three minor injuries were reported,

iCaughtSanta Folks & You Can Too!!!

2011-12-21T12:07:00.000-05:00

Imagine the look of wonder and surprise when a child receives a photo of Santa caught in the act in his or her very own home. iCaughtSanta.com is a unique website that helps visitors create those memorable keepsake photos.

In three simple steps anyone can upload a holiday photo, add Santa Claus and print it as proof… or share it via Facebook and Twitter. Last-minute shoppers can purchase Gift Cards and eGift Certificates for loved ones with children, making iCaughtSanta.com a great gift idea even if you don't have kids yourself.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Homeless Lady with 15 Kids: ‘Somebody Needs to Pay for All My Children’

2011-12-02T06:55:00.001-05:00

The sad thing in this situation is that the children are paying a very heavy price for the irresponsible actions of the parents. That is always the most difficult part of these situations.

As a teacher, I am faced with similar situations in which I have wound up buying meals, paying for school supplies, etc. of children who live their lives in chaos due to their parent's inability to take care of their children. While this is an extreme case, I can't begin to describe some of the cases I have seen over the years.

Angel obviously needs some help. I believe the first step is for her to get some parenting classes as well as life-skill classes. Who will pay for that? Obviously the taxpayer. Her children need a place to live, clothes on their backs and food in their stomachs. Who will pay for that? See previous answer.

Does that seem fair to you? I've got news for you, life is NOT fair. This is not a theoretical case. You are dealing with flesh and blood children and now you have to ask yourself what is the right thing to do.

Certainly you can bemoan the fact that this woman should NEVER have had all these kids. You can certainly be angry at her entitlement stance. I have no problem with adults facing the consequences of their own actions. I do have a difficulty with children bearing the burden of their irresponsible parent's decisions.

Do cases like this bother you? These are fifteen children born without a chance.

Do I feel like taxpayers are rewarding bad behavior? Yes. I understand what you are saying and I believe you are correct. So what is the answer? The constitution does not allow for involuntary sterilization. Demand that these people "get a job"? Surely this would help some but what skills do these people really have? Will a minimum wage job really cover the needs of 29 kids? Will it cover the babysitting costs for 15 kids?

Should the fathers of Angel's kids be contributing to their support? ABSOLUTELY. Unfortunately the father of TEN of her kids is in jail. Again, adult choices being born-out upon the children. What now?

I suppose Angel could always pimp out her kids to a reality TV show. What do you think they should call it? How about 15 & Homeless?

So what happened to Angel? It turns out that Hillsborough Kids volunteered to help cover the more than $6,000 she owes to the Tampa Housing Authority. The Children's Home Society paid the first month's rent for the six-bedroom house and found furnishings. Her rent, adjusted for income and the size of her family, will be virtually nothing, Cox said. He couldn't estimate how much the state has spent on her in the past two years.

No Justice For Missing American Women In Aruba

2011-11-25T16:14:00.001-05:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Almost ten years ago my husband and I went to Aruba. I had won the trip and we had an amazing time. The people there were so warm and friendly that we had opined moving there one day.

Just one short year later we learned of the disappearance of Natalee Hollaway who was there on a Senior Class trip. Americans had been shocked as they watched Aruban justice play out with no justice for Natalee. It suprised few people when Joran van der Sloot eventually went on to be arrested for murdering a young woman in Peru.

Now it's as though history is repeating itself with the release of U.S. businessman Gary Giordano, who was detained in connection with the August death of his traveling companion, Robyn Gardner.

It has been three months since Maryland woman Robyn Gardner went missing in Aruba. Prosecutors admitted that they had no body, no murder weapon and no solid motive. But over the past few months, they believed they had accumulated enough circumstantial evidence to keep him jailed for a while.

By the way, Gary Giordano’s lawyer, is none other than Jose Baez. YES THAT Jose Baez.

You see while the $1.5 million travel insurance policy that Giordano had purchased for Gardner the day before they left for Aruba might trouble most people Baez want us to realize who the victim is, HIS CLIENT. For some reason I seem to remember another client of Baez who was also a victim.

Baez says that "It's unfortunate what's happening to him and it angers me, which is why I got involved." Thank goodness Baez. Thank goodness.

“It doesn’t even pass the laugh test,” Baez said today on “Good Morning America.” “You’re going to say a person goes to an island he has never been to before and doesn’t leave a trace of a crime. I don’t buy it. I don’t buy it.” Baez told ABC News that Giordano would be freed Tuesday night at 8 PM and may be home as early as Wednesday.

Aruba is a nation that depends on tourism and this latest missing woman case certainly can't be a big tourist draw.

Tatiana Limanova Is Fired Over One Finger Salute

2011-11-24T16:56:00.002-05:00

Russian news anchor shows Obama the middle finger - November 21, 2011 Vidéo mirrorthis2010 sélectionnée dans Actualité

Russian anchor, Tatiana Limanova, was fired over her one finger salute to U.S. President Barack Obama.

It's certainly not as if our President would ever lower himself to make such a crass gesture. Obviously when Obama scratched his face with middle finger during the April 17, 2008 speech he made in Raleigh, NC. I mean EVERYONE scratches their face with their middle finger don't they? The crowd certainly caught on though because you can hear them cheering the gesture.

Then again it wasn't like he was the President or anything. Certainly this was a juvenile trick, not worthy of someone who at the time was the front runner for the nomination.

It is obvious that "if" this had been deliberate, it was a remarkably childish thing to do, completely unworthy of anyone running for the presidency.

Obviously it is inappropriate to flip off a world leader just as it would be inappropriate to play the song "Lyin' Ass Bitch" by Fishbone when a female candidate for President appears on television.

Certainly our media would treat people better than that. Unless of course that female candidate was Michlle Bachmann. Don't worry though because that's all been taken care of because the Jimmy Fallon show's band was "severely reprimanded."

Kudos to New York Democrat Nita Lowey, who said the song was "...insulting and inappropriate. I do not share Michele Bachmann's politics, but she deserves to be treated with respect."

Obama Heckled By Occupy Wall Street

2011-11-22T19:56:00.000-05:00

President Obama was heckled today by members of the Occupy Wall Street Movement in front a crowd packed into a Manchester, N.H., high school gym,

Occupy Wall Streeters could be heard chanting, "Over 4,000 peaceful protesters have been arrested while 'banksters' continue to destroy the American economy."

Just curious, when people from the Occupy movement heckle Obama, are they racist? I seem to remember that this was the charge leveled against tea party members when they spoke out against Obama.

President Obama bailed out everyone except the 99% that these Occupy people claim to be members. Maybe Occupy protesters didn't get the memo.

The longer the Occupy protests go on the more I am reminded of the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Thousands of young activists from around the nation gathered in the city to protest the Vietnam War. In a clash which was covered on live television, Americans were shocked to see Chicago police brutally beating antiwar protesters in the streets of Chicago. While the protesters chanted "The whole world's watching," the police used clubs and tear gas to beat back the protesters, leaving many of them bloody and dazed.

Obama and some of the Democrats may feel that the Occupy Movement can be a power harnessed to re-elect the Democrats but they obviously failed to take a good hard look at how that actually worked for the Democrats back in '68.

The tragedy of the antiwar riots crippled Humphrey's campaign from the start, and it never fully recovered. If you don't believe that pepper-spraying student protestors isn't hurting the President, you might just want to watch the video once again and listen to what is being said.

Russian Journalist Shows Obama Some Love

2011-11-21T18:09:00.004-05:00

Russian news anchor shows Obama the middle finger - November 21, 2011 Vidéo mirrorthis2010 sélectionnée dans Actualité

Not that I speak Russian or anything, but I'm thinking that whole middle finger salute thing might not be a sign of enduring love or respect for our President.

It appears that Obama's heart-warming outreach to other countries after the "cowboy diplomacy" of the Bush years is certainly having an affect. Perhaps not the affect that Obama's supporters thought it would but an affect all the same.

Ah the bad old days when EVIL George Bush was in charge. We were told time and time again that George W. Bush’s foreign policy was alienating our allies, enraging our enemies, and making America less safe.

Thank goodness Obama's been able to bring the world together with his community organizer skills. It certainly looks like he's winning the hearts and minds of the world doesn't it?

After The Thrill Has Gone

2011-11-20T18:43:00.004-05:00

It appears the thrill is one, or at least Chris no longer feels a tingle up his leg at the mere thought of Obama.

To hear Chris describe Obama as just an empty suit living in a virtual world comes as a surprise to those of us who remember the Chris' coverage of Obama's inauguration. How "racist" of you Chris to say that Obama is not the deity you once thought he was. I mean it would be racist if someone on the right said it but gee golly I'm sure YOU didn't mean it to be "racist".

By the way was that a Freudian slip when Chris said "...we are waiting for our marching orders..." I thought you were a journalist Chris not a mouthpiece for the Obama administration. Then again, I do remember that you still felt that as a journalist, it is your job to help Obama succeed.” By the way, how's that going for you Chris?

Actually this clip sound a bit more like a woman scorned and you know what they say about them don't you? Maybe you should just sit by the phone and wait for it to ring.

Que song by Player:

Baby come back, any kind of fool could see
There was something in everything about you
Baby come back, you can blame it all on me
I was wrong, and I just can't live without you

Five Phrases You Shouldn't Use On Social Networks

2011-11-16T19:20:00.001-05:00

Gather round my tin foil hatters, I have a story to tell you it's sad but true.

Do you remember when the dawning of the Age of Obama arrived and all his acolytes proclaimed that his lordship would usher in a reign of transparency such as we have never seen before.

Sadly like so much of Obama's hopey-changey thing, what he said is not necessarily what his administration is doing.

You see, the Obama/Holder Justice Department is attempting to re-write the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), empowering or even compelling government agencies to deny the very existence of records they know to exist if they believe they are legitimately exempted from disclosure.

In plain English the Obama/Holder Justice Department would then be the sole arbiters as to what information they choose to share and what information is classified as a "State Secret" and therefore exempt from disclosure.

So much for Change You Can Believe In!!!!

By the way, you may just want to be careful about the words you post on social websites. That's because the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), says DHS could track certain words and that information could be stored for up to five years and shared with other agencies.

Hmmmm. This whole things sounds vaguely familiar doesn't it? Let's see I seem to remember reading about a world with pervasive government surveillance, and incessant public mind control, accomplished with a political system ruled by cult of personality of Big Brother. Oh yeah, now I remember, I read it in the book 1984!

Guess it's time to re-read the book.

.

Police evict Occupy Protesters From Zuccotti Park

2011-11-15T06:24:00.004-05:00

"If there is any place on God's fair earth where wickedness 'stalketh abroad in daylight' it is in the army," wrote a Confederate soldier in a letter to his family back home. Indeed, life in the army camps of the Civil War was fraught with boredom, mischief, fear, disease, and death. Scratch the bordom and you may well be describing the Occupy encampments.

Think I'm exaggerating? Consider this, a 35-year-old military veteran shot himself in the head and later died from his wounds at the Occupy Burlington encampment. The city closed half of City Hall Park and called an immediate halt to all camping, which led to clashes between protesters and police on Thursday night.

An overdose of cocaine and heroin killed Ashlie Gough, the 23-year-old Victoria woman who died at the Occupy Vancouver protest.

Salt Lake Police have ordered the closure of the 'Occupy Salt Lake' protest after the discovery of a dead body inside a tent at the protest campsite.

Police and fire authorities say the death may have been caused by drug related issues, carbon monoxide exposure from a heater inside the tent, or a combination of both.

A woman protester at the Occupy Philadelphia encampment at City Hall was raped in a tent, allegedly by a man who had traveled from out of state to join the protest, police said.

A Cleveland teenager claims she was raped while staying overnight with activists taking part in the Occupy Cleveland rally.

A woman at the Occupy Wall Street encampment claims a man barged into her tent and sexually assaulted her.

At the Occupy Baltimore encampment a woman claims she was raped and begs that the encampment be dismantled.

Dallas police arrested a man who allegedly sexually assaulted a minor at the Occupy Dallas campsite downtown.

The lack of sanitation and food safety, combined with the large quantities of debris in very tight quarters, made the Occupy encampments a tinder box for gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. That's why it should be no surprise that tuberculosis was found at the Occupy Atlanta camp. Officials from the Fulton County Health Department confirmed that residents at the homeless shelter where the protesters have taken refuge, have contracted a drug-resistant strain of tuberculosis. They are warning that homeless persons and protesters occupying the shelter are at risk, since the disease is airborne.

People living in the conditions that the occupy encamplments are susceptible to respiratory viruses. It has also been reported that there is evidence of lice and fleas at the Occupy San Francisco encampment.

Even an Occupy Wall Street activist is filmed referring to part of Zuccotti Park as a “ghetto,” with a prevalence of drug abuse, sexual assault, rape, and other violent crimes among the demonstrators. It's time. Time to close the encampments.

It's clear to many that the message of your movement has been lost and your hijacked by hooligans. If you really want to be heard register to vote and do so.

What's New With Justine Winters?

2011-11-13T17:00:00.004-05:00

After watching these videos, the depth of this tragedy even more clear to me. While I had been outraged upon reading the original news story detailing Justine's attempt to sue the actual victims, I hadn't actually seen the destruction wrought by one young woman's decision.

video platform video management video solutions video player

Ever want to know why you should NEVER text and drive? Not just teens, NO ONE should be texting and driving.

video platform video management video solutions video player

The boyfriend actually makes sense. He says "All your life you're like a puppy you run from BLEEP instead of facing it" Sounds like a pretty accurate assessment if you ask me.

video platform video management video solutions video player

Is Justine remorseless or is she simply acting upon counsel advice not to display any emotion during the trial?

video platform video management video solutions video player

Why did the defense refuse a plea bargain which could have given Justine a four year sentence?

In the end it took just four hours for the jury to unanimously decide that Winter was guilty of both counts of deliberate homicide.

Four months later, a judge sentenced Winter to 30 years in prison, with 15 years suspended. She will be eligible for parole after 7 and a half years, when she's 25.

Thankfully Winter and her father dropped their lawsuit against the Thompson estate but I still can't believe that such a suit was ever initiated.

Announcing FWD>Day, Wednesday, Nov 9th

2011-11-08T18:54:00.000-05:00

Right now 13.3 million people are in crisis because of the Famine, War, and Drought in the Horn of Africa. This is the worst drought in 60 years, the worst famine in 20, and there is non-stop violence.

Today, you can make a big difference by taking part in FWD Day. It’s our massive push to spread awareness and ensure the Horn of Africa tragedy no longer goes overlooked. Our goal is to generate 13M+ tweets and shares of the FWD facts.

Celebrities like Uma Thurman, Josh Hartnett, Geena Davis, Lance Armstrong, and Anthony Bourdain are on board. Check out their videos at: youtube.com/usaidvideo.

But we need you to show your support too! Join the powerful FWD coalition by:

• Tweeting with the #FWD hash-tag,
• Sharing updates from the USAID Facebook page,
• E-mailing your friends and telling people about usaid.gov/FWD,
• Creating your own video on YouTube, or
• Texting “GIVE” to 777444 to donate $10.

Saving lives doesn’t take a lot. It just takes a lot of us.

Help us reach our goal of 13.3M shares—FWD facts, !

In keeping with the FTC rules I would like to inform you that I received no financial compensation for this post.

Winter Wonderland Returns to Fernbank Museum to Celebrate Holiday Season and More

2011-11-05T15:59:00.000-04:00

Fernbank Museum of Natural History will celebrate holidays, traditions and cultures with Winter Wonderland: Celebrations & Traditions Around the World, the Museum’s 2nd Annual holiday-inspired exhibition and programming series. On view from November 16, 2011 through January 8, 2012, Winter Wonderland will feature trees and other displays decorated by local cultural partners that recognize celebrations including Christmas, Hanukkah and the Festival of Lights, as well as traditions and practices like origami, indigenous art and national symbols.

The exhibition will twinkle with lights, glimmer with color, and shine with a variety of cultural ornaments and emblems that recognize the diversity of celebrations, holidays, traditions and events around the world. Festive programming will accompany Fernbank’s Winter Wonderland on select days as cultural groups entertain visitors with performances, dancing, music, demonstrations, storytelling and more.

Winter Wonderland trees, displays and performances will showcase traditional celebrations from cultures across five continents, representing the Arab World, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Mexico, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey. Decorations include origami cranes from Japan, natural objects symbolic of Switzerland’s ecological lifestyle, iconic columns and friezes representing the Parthenon in Greece, folkloric figurines symbolic to the Arab World, and many other beautiful displays of cultures around the world.

Fernbank also will feature a variety of special opportunities, sponsored in part by Publix Super Markets Charities, in collaboration with many of the Winter Wonderland cultural partners at no additional cost, including:

* Evening Hours

November 18 and 25 and December 16 from 6:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.

See Winter Wonderland after dark during Fridays during Martinis & IMAX®.
(Standard Martinis & IMAX® ticket prices apply).

* Winter Wonderland Celebration Weekend

Saturday, November 19 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Sunday, November 20 from noon – 4 p.m.

Enjoy performances by The Atlanta Ballet, straw star-making crafts from Germany, a roaming Santa-saurus, Viking stories and re-enactment from Norway, a Chinese Lion Dance, a Hungarian cultural display, hat-making craft from Canada and more.**

* Martinis & IMAX® Holiday Fest

Friday, November 25 from 6:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Work off those extra Thanksgiving Day calories with live music by Kingsized and enjoy evening viewing hours of Winter Wonderland during a special holiday-themed evening.

(Standard Martinis & IMAX® ticket prices apply.)

* Caroling and Cupcakes Weekend

Saturday, December 3 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Sunday, December 4 from noon – 4 p.m.

Enjoy the sounds of the season and free holiday delights including performances by the Georgia Boy Choir and The Atlanta Ballet, ornament-making crafts and a special appearance by Fernbank’s holiday mascot, Santa-saurus.

* Winter Wonderland Celebration Weekend

Saturday, December 10 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Sunday, December 11 from noon – 4 p.m.

Join us for performances by Salsa Belles, storytelling and crafts from Israel, crafts from Japan and France, a variety of cultural games, Turkish dancers and more.**

* Winter Wonderland Celebration Weekend

Saturday, December 17 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Sunday, December 18 from noon – 4 p.m.

Enjoy an appearance by Fernbank’s Santa-saurus, storytelling from Italy, Liberian singers, Peruvian music, Philippine dancing, Indian arts and more.**

Admission to Winter Wonderland: Celebrations & Traditions Around the World is included with Museum admission at $17.50 for adults, $16.50 for students and seniors, $15.50 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for Museum members and children ages two and younger. Events offered during Martinis & IMAX® are included with the $7 cover charge or with the purchase of an IMAX® ticket for one of the evening’s film screenings at $12. Tickets can be purchased online at fernbankmuseum.org/winter or by phone at 404.929.6400.

A special joint ticket package is available, which includes admission to Fernbank Museum, including the Winter Wonderland exhibition, and to Christmas at Callanwolde, a historic mansion featuring Period furniture, designer treasures, fine art and dazzling Christmas trees that reflect a glorious era from the 1920s to the 1950s, when the prominent Candler family lived in the home. The joint ticket package is offered at a savings for $32 for adults, $27 for students and seniors, and $24 for children and can be purchased by calling 404.929.6400. The tickets can be redeemed for admission to Callanwolde from December 5-18 and to Fernbank from November 16-January 8.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located at 767 Clifton Road, NE in Atlanta. The museum is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from Noon-5 p.m. For visitor information, call 404.929.6300 or visit fernbankmuseum.org/winter.

*Please note: All events and program participants are subject to change without notice.

**Not all activities will be offered both days.

For the most current schedule information, visit fernbankmuseum.org/winter.

Andy Rooney Dead At 92

2011-11-05T09:38:00.000-04:00

Andrew Aitken "Andy" Rooney (January 14, 1919 – November 4, 2011. He was most notable for his weekly broadcast "A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney", a part of the CBS News program 60 Minutes from 1978 to 2011. His final regular appearance on 60 Minutes aired October 2, 2011. He died a little over a month later on November 4 at age 92.

Rooney typically offered satire on a trivial everyday issue, such as the cost of groceries, annoying relatives, or faulty Christmas presents. Rooney's appearances on "A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney" often included whimsical lists (e.g., types of milk, bottled water brands, car brands, sports mascots. In later years, his segments became more political as well. Despite being best known for his television presence on 60 Minutes, Rooney always considered himself a writer who incidentally appeared on television behind his famous walnut table, which he made himself.

While I can't say I always agreed with Andy Rooney he was a weekly presence in our home for years. While many identify him as a prickly, irascible, curmudgeon, he was the gold standard in stating what was on his mind, and in a way that everyone understood. He will be greatly missed.

The American Nazi Party Issued An Official Endorsement Of The Occupy Wall Street Protest Movement

2011-11-03T20:36:00.001-04:00

That's right boys and girls, Obama and some Democrats are not alone in support of the Occupy Protests. The “National Socialist” political party, in company with the Socialist Party USA, have thrown their support for the Occupy protesters in a nationwide conference call last Tuesday night.

In its statement on Sunday, the Westland, Michigan-based Nazi party wrote:

I urgently URGE all of you,” the statement’s unnamed author added, “to TAKE PART and JOIN IN when these protests hit your neck of the woods. Produce some flyers EXPLAINING the ‘JEW BANKER’ influence — DON’T wear anything marking you as an ‘evil racist’ — and GET OUT THERE and SPREAD the WORD!”

Oh I did I mention that in an October 20th video posted on his Youtube channel, former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke expressed support for the “Occupy Zionist Wall Street” movement.

“The Zionist media has their paid whores condemning the demonstrations across America against these criminal banks,” says Duke.

Kind of brings to mind that old adage about what happens to you when you lie with the dogs.

Is Feeding People Who Are Drug Users Further Enabling Them?

2011-11-02T19:39:00.001-04:00

If you think those, heartless and selfish words are the words of one of those "evil, racist, tea-baggers", you would be WRONG.

No this caring message brought to you by a woman giving a health committee report at the Occupy Baltimore encampment.

Funny isn't it? When taxpayers try to have laws passed requiring welfare recipients to have drug tests they are portrayed as evil, uncaring people.

Another said that “there are people who feel we’ve over extended ourselves … instead of demanding that the city provide more money to shelter the homeless, we are sheltering the homeless.”

Really? I think I remember someone else who said that. See if you recognize this famous quote from a fictitious character:

Are there no prisons? And the union workhouses - are they still in operation?

I help to support the establishments I have named; those who are badly off must go there.

If you said that sounds like Scrooge, well then you're smarter than a fifth grader, congratulations!

Funny isn't it? Just a few days ago the liberal media was fawning over the Occupy movement for feeding the homeless and the poor.

It may be interesting to note the following stats brought to you by Arthur C. Brooks, a professor at Syracuse University:

Although liberal families' incomes average 6 percent higher than those of conservative families, conservative-headed households give, on average, 30 percent more to charity than the average liberal-headed household ($1,600 per year vs. $1,227).

-- Conservatives also donate more time and give more blood.

-- Residents of the states that voted for John Kerry in 2004 gave smaller percentages of their incomes to charity than did residents of states that voted for George Bush.

-- Bush carried 24 of the 25 states where charitable giving was above average.

-- In the 10 reddest states, in which Bush got more than 60 percent majorities, the average percentage of personal income donated to charity was 3.5. Residents of the bluest states, which gave Bush less than 40 percent, donated just 1.9 percent.

-- People who reject the idea that "government has a responsibility to reduce income inequality" give an average of four times more than people who accept that proposition

So much for the 99% because it doesn't seem as though the part that's camping out in the parks is "doing their fair share" now does it.

John and Kate Plus Eight And A Connoisseur Of Child Pornography

2011-10-30T20:37:00.000-04:00

You may remember that I was one of the last people on the face of the earth to have heard of the show, Jon and Kate Plus Eight.

Since I don't generally watch reality TV or read gossip rags, I wasn't following the ups and downs of the Gosslin marriage. I guess you could say I had better things to do with my life.

I accidentally stumbled upon this show one day when I was bored and wound up watching an all day marathon which I seemed almost incapable of turning off for the next four hours. It seemed like a train wreck searching for a track.

Who were these people and why was Kate so full of herself? Why does Jon not have a spine? Why is this mom pimping her kids for clothes, play houses, etc.? Does she really believe that this sort of lifestyle could possibly be healthy for the kids?

I just didn't get it. Since then, I have been made aware that the Gosslin marriage was not on solid ground despite the vow renewal show I watched during that marathon.

Jon, the formerly henpecked husband, turned out to be a cad and people who had once hated Kate rallied to her side in light of John's dalliances.

Now it turns out there is something else the audience of this show did not know. William Blankinship who had been involved in editing such TLC shows as "Jon and Kate Plus 8," "Kate Plus 8," "17 Kids and Counting" and "Table for 12." was arrested Oct. 21 on charges relating to child porn.

Parents, do you need any more reasons not to put your children on one of these "reality" TV shows?

Thankfully, Mr. Blankinship was never in the field or in direct contact with any of the talent for any of those productions. Let's hope that if he is indeed guilty he serves a long prison sentence.

ANOTHER Possible Rape At Occupy Wall Street?

2011-10-30T17:36:00.004-04:00

The New York Post is reporting that another sexual assault has occurred in the Occupy Wall Street tent city in Zuccotti Park.

According to reports, a man barged into a woman’s tent and sexually assaulted her at around 6 AM. Protesters then chased him from the park.

“Pervert! Pervert! Get the f–k out!” said witnesses. “They were shining flashlights in his face and yelling at him to leave,” said a woman who called herself Leslie, but refused to give her real name.

Why is it then that NO ONE EVER bothered to call the cops? Is it really true that Occupy Wall Street is handling it internally?

Handling it internally? What the heck does that mean? Are we talking vigilante justice? Could it be that they handled it by shining flashlights in his face and yelling at the rapist to leave?

What about the victim? How can such a policy help the victim? Is the larger message of the group more important than the individuals pain? Are victims cautioned not to go to file a report? Are they really told to steer clear of the authority in keeping with the "don't snitch policy"?

What about the perpetrator? Does this mean he is free to rape again? Will other women become victims of this rapist due to the short-sightedness of the groups "don't snitch" policy?

Don't forget the security policy at the Occupy Baltimore encampment states the following:

Though we do not encourage the involvement of the police in our community, the survivor has every right, and the support of Occupy Baltimore, to report the abuse to the appropriate law enforcement.

Really? They're not encouraging the involvement of the policy? The people at Occupy are setting up their own kangaroo court system?

Regardless who the perpetrator is, be he a wall street banker, a Tea Party Activist, a homeless person, or even a member of the Occupy Wall Street movement, NO WOMAN should be pressured NOT to seek help. If this is indeed true, then the movement truly fails women, ALL WOMEN!

Let me repeat, rape is NEVER good. It is never right. Rape is never warranted.

What Percent Of The 99% Are The Homeless?

2011-10-29T17:14:00.004-04:00

According to the New York Post the Occupy Wall Street volunteer kitchen staff has a bit of a problem about working 18-hour days to provide food for “professional homeless” people and ex-cons masquerading as protesters. (Just wondering what is a professional homeless person? Is that something someone should post on their resume? Is there a career path in homelessness before one actually becomes a professional)

Yes boys and girls the folks that brought us "fairness" and sharing means caring are a wee bit upset that people who are draining their funds. Imagine that. Sort of like the American taxpayer is sick and tired of paying for TARP, bailouts, and people who cheat the system.

Cooks plan to serve only brown rice instead of the usual menu of organic chicken and vegetables, spaghetti bolognese, and roasted beet and sheep’s-milk-cheese salad. They will also provide directions to local soup kitchens for the vagrants, criminals and other freeloaders who have been descending on Zuccotti Park in increasing numbers every day.

Sharla Tane, one of the Occupy Wall Street cooking staff, complained that “our hard work is being filched by spongers looking for a free meal.”

I'm sorry, is that another way of saying, "Let them eat cake?" Pherhaps redistribution is good, but only when they get to redistribute Other People’s Money. You know like taxpayer's money. I forgive her though because she must not have taken the Wealth Redistribution 101 class at the School of Hard Knocks.

Now imagine for just one moment if those evil "Tea baggers" had complained about feeding the hungry or mentioned that many of them felt unappreciated and overworked. (Read racist if referring to the Tea Party when they complain and it is posted in the liberal media. I would imagine that these statements would be played in an endless loop as proof that members of the Tea Party, just don't care about people. Pot meet kettle.

Feeding the "professional homeless" isn't the only problem the Occupy Wall Street is experiencing. There are rumors that one homeless man had pulled a knife in a dispute and that there had been yet another case of groping.

According to the news, most of the crime at Occupy Wall Street goes unreported, because of a bizarre “stop snitching” rule. So does that mean if a woman is groped, molested, or raped, she should just keep her mouth shut like a good girl? INCREDIBLE!!!!

Problems with the movement also extend to Madison City where officials temporarily denied Occupy Madison a new street use permit Wednesday after protesters violated public health and safety conditions. Employees of nearby hotels complained of inappropriate behavior, such as public masturbation, from street protesters.

Meanwhile one might want to consider the tremendous amount of money that cities are spending due to the Occupy Movement. This is money that might be better spent on schools, policy, housing, etc.

For example the city of Philadelphia shelled out $230,000 for one week, mostly in police overtime to man the tent city that sprung up next to City Hall. Other costs include setting up a police command center, as well as public property and sanitation expenses.

On the other side of the spectrum Tea Party groups across the nation are accusing local and state governments of a double standard – charging them fees to hold rallies in public parks, while allowing Occupy protesters to set up camp for free.

The members of the Tea Party would have loved to have parity in how they were portrayed by the media but not surprisingly received only disparaging charges of being racist, selfish, and evil. They were called a sexually demeaning name, Tea Baggers, and yet we are all supposed to praise the Occupy Movement and be impressed with their peaceful movement. In fact, some of us would argue that those in the Occupy movement are arriving a little late to the party.

The Tea Party was outraged by the bailouts—but not for lack of access to the government’s coffers. The Tea Party argued that government did not have constitutional authority to bail out anyone on Wall Street or Main Street.

Remember, when all is said and done, with all the promise of "Hope and Change," a few years ago and the results: 9% unemployment, 14 Million out of work, Baliouts, etc. How's that working for YOU?

Couple Arrested At The Occupy Boston Encampment

2011-10-26T07:40:00.001-04:00

A man and woman were arrested in Dewey Square for allegedly selling heroin to an undercover police officer.

I find it interesting that the media describes the couple as living in a tent with Occupy Boston protesters on the Rose Kennedy Greenway as opposed to being part of the group. I suspect if this had been a Tea Party rally arrest the media would point to this as yet another example of the depravity of those on the right.

Take for example, the media's handling of Mr. Steve Stevlic. Mr. Stevlic is a Tea Party activist and is the head of the Chicago Tea Party. It was very important for the media to inform us of his arrest for soliciting a prostitute. Perhaps it should be mentioned here that according to the Chicago DA, all charges against Stevlic were dropped.

Meanwhile, back at Occupy Boston.... The arrest of thirty-four-year-old Isaac Bell and 31-year-old Charlene Dumont went down after an undercover officer bought heroin from Bell in the men’s bathroom at South Station. Uniformed officers arrested Bell when he returned to his tent in Dewey Square.

Officers recovered the money used to buy the drugs as well as a small bag of heroin and empty plastic bags.

Why is there a disparate treatment of the two groups by the media? Why was it important to call out Mr. Stevic but at the same time make sure that the herion dealers were NOT actually part of the group, just living there? What is their proof that they weren't part of the protest or should we just safely assume the best? Could the answer be found in the fact that four times more journalists identify as Liberal than Conservative? I'll let you be the judge.

Maybe, just maybe, Mr. Bell and Ms. Dumont were just visiting the encampment. If so then it wouldn't be fair to paint Occupy Boston with a broad brush of criminality. Then again, maybe, just maybe the people who attended Tea Party Rallies would have appreciated it if the media and those on the left hadn't placed on an endless loop that "ALL Tea Party people are racist".

Party on Garth. Party on Wayne. Party on Occupy Whatever!

Honestly Officer I Thought She Was Older - The Occupy Crowd Strikes Again

2011-10-24T19:46:00.001-04:00

There is an investigation into the possible sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl at the Occupy Dallas campsite. According to published reports, members of the Occupy Dallas never knew the girl was 14 saying she had claimed to be 19 years old.

Police were alerted after someone recognized the girl from a picture seen on a flyer asking for help locating a missing teen.

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise, a 14 year old girl misrepresented her age. What should be surprising, but sadly is not, is that grown men were ready and willing to take advantage of this young girl.

Gosh is there a pattern here? Sadly, I've seen a few people posting that this statutory rape (and yes that's just what it is because she does not have the legal ability to consent) is the girl's own fault. After all she lied about her age.

Just what kind of pervert sleeps with a fourteen year old? Never mind. I think we know don't we.

By the way, didn't Obama say he supports this group? Maybe he should back away from this statement before it gets much worse. As if....

Funny how the TEA Party never needed to develop guidelines on how to deal with rape and sexual assault at any of their rallies.

The published #Occupy guidelines involve discouraging police involvement! I'm not kidding. According to their own pamphlet members of the protest group who believe they are victims or who suspect sexual abuse "are encouraged to immediately report the incident to the Security Committee," which will investigate and "supply the abuser with counseling resources." What the heck does that mean exactly?

As a rape survivor myself, I would wonder why anyone would discourages victims of sexual assaults from contacting police.

Party On Kids - Occupy Strikes Again

2011-10-21T19:22:00.000-04:00

Here we go again kiddies. According to the Missoula police, 11-year-old boy turned up drunk on the courthouse lawn, from the Occupy Missoula encampment early Thursday morning.

Twenty-seven year old John Skinner was charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Police say Skinner invited the boy and his friend into his tent so he could "keep an eye on him." Good thing too because it turns out that the police found the boy unconscious and vomiting on the courthouse lawn.

Boy, this sure brings back memories of that TEA Party last July.

Drunk pre-teens running around everywhere..... rapes, theft, pedophiles..... Oh wait, that sort of thing NEVER happened at the Tea Party Rallies. Never Mind.

Fernbank Museum Becomes a BOO-seum This Halloween

2011-10-20T19:47:00.000-04:00

Fernbank Museum is celebrating Halloween with two events to satisfy the scary and sweet sides of All Hallow’s Eve for children and adults. An adult event will be offered on Friday, October 28 as part of Martinis & IMAX®. Fright Night will embrace the scary attire of ‘80s proms and eerie prom films set in the (almost) ‘80s, like Carrie (1976), as Fernbank reveals what happens “When Good Proms Go Bad.” On Saturday, October 29, Fernbank invites children to don their costumes and enjoy a safe environment for trick-or-treating along with special activities and costumed characters as the Museum becomes a BOO-seum.

Halloween Fun for Adults:

Martinis & IMAX® Fright Night

Friday, October 28 from 6:30 p.m.-midnight
What happens when good proms go bad? Fernbank’s annual adult Halloween event is taking you back to the day of big hair with an ‘80s prom theme. Enjoy live music by Flux Capacitor, a special “screaming” of Carrie, a costume contest for best Prom King and Queen and more.

Standard Martinis & IMAX® prices apply: $7 for general admission or general admission with Carrie screening (must purchase in advance to guarantee seating), $12 for general admission plus Carrie and/or an IMAX® film. Members receive free general admission and can purchase IMAX® tickets for $7.

Halloween Fun for Kids and Families:

Fernbank BOO-seum Trick-or-Treat

Saturday, October 29 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Get ready to have a screaming (in delight) good time! For one day only, Fernbank Museum is becoming Fernbank BOO-seum. Little Beat Music, Inc. will provide family-friendly tunes and face painting will inspire those who didn’t quite finish their costumes. Plus, enjoy a frightening-ly fun Halloween party featuring games, crafts, hands-on activities and special treats for kids in costumes.* (*Treats available while supplies last.)

BOO-seum admission is free with a Museum ticket: $17.50 for adults, $16.50 for students/seniors, $15.50 for children ages 3-12, and free for museum members and children ages 2 and under.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located at 767 Clifton Road, NE in Atlanta. Visitor information is available at fernbankmuseum.org or 404.929.6300. Tickets can be purchased at fernbankmuseum.org or by calling the box office at 404.929.6400.

Child Run Over TWICE -- Pedestrians Ignore Dying Child

2011-10-19T05:48:00.000-04:00

Behold the stunning apathy in the face of horrible suffering. This video is incredibly difficult to watch. A two-year-old toddler is struck by a van in a busy marketplace.

The van briefly stops with the girl small body underneath the van, before continuing on, its way. The girl is left barely moving in her own blood as several pedestrians and cyclists pass by with indifference.

I suppose one could blame the bystander effect. The bystander effect or Genovese syndrome is a social psychological phenomenon that refers to cases where individuals do not offer any means of help in an emergency situation to the victim when other people are present.

How tragic that it only takes one individual to help and yet a child died a horrible death because no one chose to act.

Rape, Child Molesters, And Plundering At Occupy Wall Street, Oh MY

2011-10-18T21:26:00.006-04:00

Occupy Wall Street is not much different than the Tea Party movement according to President Obama.

WAIT A MINUTE! I said wait a minute. I think you might want to rethink that statement, Mr. President.

How could it possibly be that a group that claims they are the people that are going to bring about "change" and a "new order" would demonstrate their inability to see that the world is NOT populated solely by good people, even if they do profess to have the same political beliefs that you do.

I say this because it appears the 19-year-old student was instructed by “Occupy Cleveland” personnel to “share a tent with the suspect due to a shortage of tents.” Sadly, this young woman might not have the ability to make an informed decision. It has come to light that she attends Summit Academy in Parma, a school for young people with educational abilities like Attention Deficit Disorder, Autism and hyperactvity.

She DID NOT deserve to be raped. That's worth repeating. She DID NOT deserve to be raped. I do blame the organizers who put her in this position. Why would they assign her to share such tight living quarters with a man she didn't know?

As a rape survivor myself, I know first hand the overwhelming degradation and life-long effects that come with having been violated in such a manner.

The comparisons to the Tea Party don't stop there. It appears in Nirvana, I mean Zuccotti Park, where the good people of Occupy Wall Street are camped out, thieves experienced some plundering last night. According to the New York Post, about $2,500 in donations were stolen from the kitchen. One protester claimed his $5,500 laptop was also taken.

While I have no clue if the plundering took place by people who are actually in the group, hangers on to the group, people invited into the group with signs that said, "Room for one more", but some how, I just don't believe on of those evil, racist Tea Partiers stole the young man's laptop.

You don't suppose that this young man who had his laptop stolen actually meant redistribution of wealth stops at his laptop. Seems a bit selfish that he doesn't want to share with the people who don't have a laptop. I'm part of that percent. Hey maybe the government will supply me one as part of my RIGHTS as a human being. I have the right to a iPad don't you?

Ah but if that were an isolated incident. A man accused of exposing himself to children in the Seattle area at least five times since September was arrested early Tuesday at his home in Kenmore. Not quite certain how I missed the flasher pervert at the tea party rally. Oh wait, if there actually HAD been one of those trust me there would have been no way anyone could have missed it because it would have been all over the news.

Oh and did you hear that a convicted sex offender from California registered his address at the Occupy Portland camp? Don't worry though because he says "I'm not here to harm children," Since last week, he's been living in Lownsdale Square among the dozens of other demonstrators in solidarity with the national Occupy Wall Street movement. Anyone want to share a tent with him?

So let's see, there's rape going on, thievery, and the occasionally child molester. You're right Obama, they're just like the Tea Party, oh except for the whole criminal element. By the way, don't look for this to hit the main stream media because only stories about "racist teabaggers" make the news.

Higher Education Bubble In America

2011-10-18T20:45:00.001-04:00

Higher Education Bubble by Savings Account.org

The Death Of Lindsey Blake Householder

2011-09-20T20:57:00.000-04:00

The case of Kathleen Householer still haunts me all these years later. At the time I had an infant son and the fact that a mother's worst fear struck so close to home was unnerving. I can still remember watching Kathleen's tearful pleas for the kidnappers to return her baby and I felt her pain.

At the time I had a brother serving on the police force in Winchester, Virginia. When my asking my brother what the police were doing to find poor Lindsey he told me that he couldn't talk about the case but that he could tell me that there's more to the story than meets the eye.

I knew enough not to ask anything else. It was obviously confidential and he couldn't discuss it but at the time I didn't follow his comment to the next "logical" step. It never occured to me that the mother would lie about her child being kidnapped.

When Kathleen was charged after her daughter's body was found in a garbage bag in the Shenandoah River, I remember doing an almost instant 180 from disbelief to outrage.

How could she have possibly done such a thing to her child and then gone on TV, tears streaming down her face, begging for her child's return while she knew all the while her daughter was already dead.

How quickly we were all willing to reach out to her in her pain as two-week old Lindsey's picture was broadcast by Washington television stations, and the National Missing Child Search Society offered a $15,000 reward for information leading to her recovery.

When police pulled Lindsey's body from the river, one of the officers said she looked like a little doll. The icy waters had kept her little body in a pristine condition and she appeared to be sleeping and you almost expected her to awake at any moment.

In the end, Kathleen Householder, 22, admitted in court Wednesday that she threw a rock at her 2-week-old daughter, Lindsey Blake, and threw her body in the Shenandoah River. She pleaded guilty in West Virginia to voluntary manslaughter after spending a year in jail.

The Rippon, W. Va., woman spent the year in the Jefferson County Jail and will receive credit for the time when she is sentenced March 9, the Morning Herald in Hagerstown, Md., reported.

Voluntary manslaughter carries a penalty of one to five years, so Householder could be released just after her sentencing, because she was given credit for time served while awaiting trial.

Householder said she fatally injured Lindsey on January 3, 1985, as she was preparing to take the baby and her brother Dustin to the pediatrician.

''They were both crying, and I just lost my temper. I grabbed a rock and threw it. I had no intention of doing what I did,'' she said. Dustin, who was three, was not hurt.

It still amazes me to learn that an innocent child's life is only worth a year in jail. Then again I suppose in light of the Casey Anthony trial, I suppose she's served at least some time for her crime

For a long while Lindsey was burried in an unmarked grave just outside of Berryville, Viriginia. It is my understanding that some local people raised money to mark her final resting place.

Dumpster Diving Couponer Arrested

2011-08-05T20:01:00.000-04:00

It appears that there is trouble in Coupon World. For those of you who have been watching the Extreme Couponing show, you will recall that a couple of episode featured women who go dumpster diving for coupon inserts.

In case you didn’t know, coupon inserts that are not sold MUST be returned to the publishing company that makes them. This is the newspapers and publishing companies’ agreements – nationwide. It does not matter what a store employee tells you –you are not allowed to take the extra inserts that are waiting to be picked up.

You should also keep in mind that generally speaking, dumpsters are on private property and you have the same rights to protect your property interests as you would with someone trespassing/ damaging any other portion of your property. If the dumpster is on property owned by the overall store/ complex owner they have a right to protect their property.

It appears that Jamie VanSickler, 34, was not aware of this fact and she arrested for taking 185 Sunday editions of the local paper off of the curb of a Harps grocery store in Springdale Arkansas.

VanSickler released the following statement through her attorney Friday afternoon:

"While I was shopping at Harps one night, I noticed that the employees were putting out bags of old newspapers on top of and in their trash can. Assuming they were being thrown out with the trash, I asked the employees whether I could take some of the newspapers because I wanted the coupons. I was told by employees at Harps that they put out the old newspapers each Sunday at closing time, and that I was welcome to take some."

VanSicker's attorney, Alanna Fairrell said in a statement Friday that "Mrs. VanSickler is shocked and embarrassed by the whole situation, since she obtained permission from Harps prior to taking any newspapers, and she was just trying to save some money. She is also very disappointed that the newspaper went public with this story and has decided to press charges against her although she offered to pay for the newspapers she took."

Dumpsters are a dumping ground for all kinds of waste. They are unsanitary; hold rotting, stinky garbage and they attract flies, mice, rats, and other pests. Before you take a leap in your local dumpster or recycling bin, you may just want to consider whether or not it’s worth the “price” you’ll pay for those "FREE" coupons. It's just not worth it.

Sweeping For A Living

2011-08-01T21:01:00.028-04:00

First let me say if for some reason you honestly believe that you can quit your job and sweep for a living "PLEASE STEP AWAY FROM THE KOOL-AID".

Sweepstakes are games of chance. There is no guarantee that your effort will pay off EVER. While certainly you may increase the probability that you will win, it is unwise to stake your livelihood, and that of your family's well-being on your wins. Nothing is guaranteed with sweepstakes entry.

Having said that, I thought I'd share this video with my readers.

I'm a sweeper through and through but I absolutely understand that this is a hobby, only a hobby, and that it's important to make sure that you deal with legitimate sweepstakes. It's veryexciting to find out that you've won a prize. There's nothing like hearing brown pull into your driveway to drop off an affidavit.

Please, please, please, don't quit your day job, put this hobby in perspective and have fun!!!

I Don't Have To Pay For Nothing Because I'm Just Me

2011-07-31T14:29:00.003-04:00

While I certain do not begrudge someone an education, this video seems to demonstrate why some tax payers are saying "Enough Already!" Judge Judy speaks ‘Moron’ to whom the taxpayers have given $70,000 towards his education (so far). This self-centered, narcissistic, taxpayer-funded third-year college student wants to keep the checks coming but not for his room and board as it is intended, rather to pay for him to party the night away.

Even when Judy explains that the money he's wasting came from taxpayers with certain expecations it seems to be lost upon him. Clearly the "rich" (read tax payer) have to pay more so he can continue his life of indulgence and ripoff, because after all, he's just him.

Oh if only this video could be played in court when the taxpayers demand their money back. This of course will never happen because he is "ENTITLED" to this money and who am I to question how he uses it.

Casey Anthony As A Hustler Centerfold?

2011-07-28T20:40:00.002-04:00

The preeminent pornography Larry Flint has allegedly offered Casey Anthony $500,000 plus 10% profits for photo-spread in Hustler.

Larry claims that people have come up to him in droves on his book tour requesting Casey in the nude. He has had more requests about Casey than anyone else ever.

To steal a quote from Casey "Surprise...Surprise".

Can you really blame Larry for making the offer, after all her own attorney announced in open court that Casey is a liar and slut in court. Besides, unlinke Casey, Larry is honest about who and what he is and he is in the business of making money.

Perhaps Casey could pose with duck tape on her mouth.

Congressman Wu Has Tiger Blood

2011-07-26T18:41:00.001-04:00

but he's not WINNING!

Rep. David Wu announced that he will be leaving Congress following a report in The Oregonian last week that an 18-year-old woman complained to his office about an "unwanted sexual encounter."

He's issued a statement announcing his imminent resignation:

It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be a United States Congressman. Rare is the nation in which an immigrant child can become a national political figure. I thank God and my parents for the privilege of being an American.

Now, however, the time has come to hand on the privilege of high office. I cannot care for my family the way I wish while serving in Congress and fighting these very serious allegations.

The wellbeing of my children must come before anything else. With great sadness, I therefore intend to resign effective upon the resolution of the debt-ceiling crisis. This is the right decision for my family, the institution of the House, and my colleagues.

It is also the only correct decision to avoid any distraction from the important work at hand in Washington. I intend to go forward with new resolve and love of family, the State of Oregon, and our nation.

Don't cry for Wu though because he doesn't leave empty handed. His consolation prize will be a pension and benefits worth more than $1 million in his lifetime.

I'd say he'll be doing just grrrrrrrrrrreeeaaat with that kind of walking around money!

Casey Anthony Mask

2011-07-26T18:12:00.000-04:00

Hide your children because it looks like Casey Anthony will be headed your way come Halloween. I bet you already saw this one coming didn't you.

Actually I think this mask bears and uncanny resemblance to Casey don't you think. The mask does not come with the upgrade, duck tape, but you can always pick that up at the Home Depot along with a laundry bag.

Sunday Morning Wreck

2011-07-24T17:44:00.034-04:00

It can happen in a second.

Darryl and I had not warning this morning as we began our weekly shopping trip. We parked in the parking lot of CVS and headed towards the store, coupons and shopping list in hand ready to go bargain hunting.

As we came out of the store we heard a loud crash and we looked up to see a car veer off the road heading straight down the embankment towards our car.

No one seemed in control of the vehicle that seemd to be coasting almost in slow motion. While you wanted to run to the car to make sure the driver was OK you were frozen in place partly out of shock and partly because the car was still moving and you knew that you should wait for the vehicle to stop to render aid.

The car barely missing our car and came to a stop as it hit the curb of the CVS.

The car was badly damaged and the driver, a woman, said she couldn't move and we told her that she should try. We had already called 911 as had the other people who had witnessed the accident. The next thing we knew an ambulance and a fire truck had shown up.

We stayed with the woman speaking with her letting her know that help was there. Then after she was loaded onto the ambulance we were questioned bythe police as to what we observed.

We were told that thewoman in the vehcile that had coasted off the road had broken her ankles but that she would be OK.

I came away shaken by the incident because it could have ended so differently. Life is just so fragile and sometimes we get a wake-up call to remind us that life is precious.

Amy Winehouse Found Dead In Her London Home

2011-07-23T16:49:00.000-04:00

Amy Winehouse Performs Rehab Live

Troubled diva Amy Winehouse dead at 27. Winehouse was found dead Saturday by ambulance crews called to her home in north London's Camden area. The cause of death was not immediately known.

Winehouse's battled with substance abuse were the subject of much media attention. In various interviews, she admitted to had problems with self-harm, depression and eating disorders.

Please Help Find Baby Kate

2011-07-22T20:37:00.001-04:00

Katherine Shelbie Elizabeth Phillips, also known affectionately as “Baby Kate” is now five months old. Born on February 12, 2011, she was last seen on June 29, 2011 when her father, Sean Michael Phillips, sped away with her in his vehicle after arguing with her mother.

Phillips was concerned about telling his parents he had another child. His parents did not know about Kate nor did they ever see her. Phillips had also insisted that they give Baby Kate up for adoption.

Sean Michael Phillips is in the Mason County Jail where his bond is set at $500,000 on kidnapping charges. He is scheduled to return to court on August 3, 2011.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Mason-Oceana Dispatch at 231-869-5858.

The Anthonys Are Bahama Bound

2011-07-22T19:10:00.002-04:00

George and Cindy Anthony are going first class as they alighted from a stretch limo and boarded a private charter jet today at the Orlando Executive Airport heading to the Bahamas. Orange County businessman David Deese, is paying for the trip.

It appears that Casey is not the only one living La Bella Vida.

Where Is Casey? Where Is Casey?

2011-07-19T21:10:00.001-04:00

When my youngest son was a little boy I was introduced to a certain bespectacled young man who wore a red and white-striped shirt and was always hiding, sometimes in plain sight, you just had to look for him.

Could it be that the shell game that Jose Baez is playing with Casey more to raise the value of his client or is it really for her own protection?

Interestingly enough, there are reports that a woman emerged off of the same plane that Casey Anthony allegedly boarded days earlier.

Now why would she be back in Orlando and why would her attorneys, the ones that are so concerned about Casey's safety?

If the defense wanted to keep this "sighting" private, why would the person coming off of the plane be wearing the same clothes that Casey Anthony wore the day of her jail release? Is this a game Baez et. al is playing with the media or is Baez trying to make sure his commodity stays newsworthy?

Step Right Up And Dunk Casey Anthony!

2011-07-18T14:50:00.001-04:00

The Lexington Lions Club Bluegrass Fair organizers have decided to capitalize on the outrage in the Casey Anthony trial by setting up the Casey Anthony Dunking Booth front and center at the fair.

It appears to be a big "hit". Lots of people were out Monday night snapping photos, calling friends, and talking about the booth.

Participants can pick up a ball and throw it at one of two choices – “guilty” or “innocent.” The goal is to hit one of them, knocking the Anthony look-alike into the cold water below.

Is this in good taste? I suppose it is far better than setting up a "Wack-A-Casey" game or the Casey Anthony Shooting Gallery.

For better or worse, Casey Anthony is a public figure and part of our lexicon. She can expect that there will always be those who will believe that she got away with murder.

Don't Allow Caylee's Death To Be In Vain

2011-07-17T14:50:00.000-04:00

If you go to church any length of time your priest or minister is going to deliver a particular sermon that you will find very timely as well as a gentle nudge to get you back on the right path.

My husband generally does not like to go to mass and I generally don't make a big deal about nagging him. This week was different though because he actually told me that he wanted to go to mass.

Truthfully I thought he'd tell me he changed his mind by the time Sunday rolled around but come Sunday morning he was ready to go to mass. He was hoping that he would hear something that would answer a pressing question in his mind.

Isn't it funny that the message today was a reminder to me about forgiveness.

Today's reading from the New Testament was from Matthew 13:24-30.

Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.

“The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’

“ ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.

“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’

“ ‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’ ”

Generally this parable is interpreted to show that both believers and unbelievers will co-exist until the end of the world and the coming of Christ. My priest though brought it back home when he said that there are times when we ask ourselves, "How can God allow people who do bad things to live among us?" We were reminded that God gives us all the opportunity for forgiveness and spiritual growth and that God will be judge in the end and not those of us here on earth.

My mind went straight to Casey Anthony. It also went straight to the internal debate I have about the death penalty. If we are all children of God, if all lives are sacred, then how can we as humans support the death penalty? On the other hand are there not cases that cry out for the ultimate punishment of death and wouldn't one such case involve the murder of a child.

Like so many others I felt that I was mourning the life of a child that was cut short and for whom many of us, myself included felt found no justice in the courts.

You could see signs of this in many people that reacted to learning of the verdict in the Casey Anthony case with numbed disbelief. You could see the pain in the eyes of people outside of the court house and at the the tribute that many seemed to be suffering an empty feeling of pain as the shock of the verdict wore off. These were the tears we cried for Caylee that we'd searched for in her own mother's eyes.

Then the frustration gives way to anger which is actually one of the normal phases of grief. Some may lash out and lay blame for the death on Casey Anthony and they release of bottled up emotion that they feel.

Some people rail against fate, questioning "Why Caylee?" You may also try to bargain in vain with the powers that be why such a thing could happen to such an innocent child.

Hopefully many of us who have been affected by this case in one way or another will find some sort of ACCEPTANCE (this does not mean condoning the crime)not and HOPE that this will never happen to another child by doing something positive so there can finally be justice for Caylee.

Please sign the petition for Caylee's law. Don't let Caylee's death be in vain.

Casey Is Going To Cali

2011-07-17T08:01:00.000-04:00

It is being reported that a plane left the Orlando Executive Airport around 3AM. It taxied out of the hanger without lights. At the end of the runway, lights came on, it took off. No flight plan was filed. Aircraft was a single engine turbo prop, registered to an address in California where Atty. Tony Macaluso has his office.

When Macaluso first came on Team Anthony in March, 2009, he was already facing charges with the California Bar Association. The Notice of Disciplinary Charges against him were filed on January 13, 2009. At that time, Macaluso was charged with eight counts. They consisted of one count of Moral Turpitude-Issuing NSF Checks, two counts of Failure to Maintain Client Funds in Trust Account, three counts of Moral Turpitude-Misappropriation, on count of Failure to Maintain Client Funds in Trust Account, and one count of Misuse of Client Trust Account.

Apparently, Macaluso had used about $170,00 from clients trust accounts for expenses in his business, including the leasing of a jet. While he is not accused of stealing any money and states the money was returned to the accounts, this definitely fits into the category of misappropriation of funds.

Hmmmmm.... leasing of a jet. Very interesting.

Don't forget Peace Walk for Caylee is scheduled for today at 2 PM from the memorial site in Orlando. If you are anywhere in the area please come out and show your support for Caylee!

Casey Anthony Is A Free Woman

2011-07-17T07:30:00.002-04:00

After being acquitted of first-degree murder in the death of her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee, Casey Anthony was released last night just after midnight.

Anthony was given $537.68 in cash and accompanied by two sheriff's deputies armed with semi-automatic rifles.

Casey Anthony was greeted with shouts of 'killer' and protesters holding placards with the words 'murderer' and 'devil' when she exited the Orange County Jail.

Where Casey will go now is anybody's guess. Her father has made it apparent that she is not welcome home. There has been speculation that she might go to Puerto Rico and there was early speculation that a distant relative of her mother Cindy who lives in Texas might take her in for awhile.

What will Casey do with her life is an even more difficult question to answer. She is a high school drop-out with virtually no work experience in a very difficult economy. Putting that aside though, who would want to hire the "Most Hated Mother in America"?

Do you honestly think that a diner at Cracker Barrel would want her to take their order? Would your local bank hire her? Can you imagine anyone wanting to drop their child off at a daycare center where she would be employed?

Despite all this agents say that her story was highly marketable, despite the furor over the verdict. As a matter of fact Jose Baez is still pitching photos of Casey's first days out and an exclusive interview with her.

Casey is going to have to do something because she has a defamation lawsuit for slander by a woman who shares the name of a nanny Ms. Anthony invented. When Casey had told the police that a nanny, nicknamed “Zanny the Nanny,” kidnapped Caylee she began receiving death threats and now has difficulty securing employment herself though no fault of her own.

Texas company, EquuSearch, which helps find missing people has also sued Ms. Anthony and is asking for $100,000 in expenses it incurred in its search for Caylee.

Let's take our collective anger and turn it into a positive force by signing the petition to make it a felony for a parent/guardian to not report a child's disappearance is a timely manner.

Help make a change, people! No parent should get a free pass of 31 days ever again!

Would You Allow Casey Anthony To Babysit Your Children?

2011-07-14T17:01:00.009-04:00

By now most of America is aware that Casey Anthony has been found not guilty. Given the fact that there is a legislative proposal in San Francisco that seeks to make ex-cons and felons a protected class, I was wondering if this might prevent you from denying Casey Anthony a position in child care.

While Casey Anthony was found not guilty on murder charges she is a convicted felon and therefore in many states this could affect her ability to find employment.

For example, as a teacher, I am required to undergo a background check. If I have ever been arrested or convicted for an act of moral turpitude a school district could chose not to offer me employment. After all, if I used to sell crack on the street to small children would you really want me teaching your kids?

That's why I'm glad that Joy Behar articulated the question I've been wanting to ask Casey Anthony's lawyer Dorothy Clay Sims.

Does it really take a body language specialist to tell us that there is NO WAY that Ms. Sims would trust Casey with her cat let alone her own children.

I wonder if her hesitancy might be because she actually thinks that Casey is a dangerous psychopath and a pathological liar and a killer.

Sean Michael Phillips Appears In Court Today

2011-07-13T21:28:00.000-04:00

Sean Michael Phillips appeared in court today wearing a bullet proof vest. Phillips, 21, the father of Baby Kate’s sister and the man charged with kidnapping her, had just received deployment papers to Afghanistan.

Good-bye GACTE Hello Home!

2011-07-13T21:23:00.001-04:00

Note to self: You cannot drink even one glass of wine if you are taking medication.

I woke up today with 76 trombones leading the big parade in my head and while the pounding reminded me of the mistake I made by imbibing the night before, I wondered how in the world I was going to roll out of bed and head on over to the GACTE meeting.

Obviously I am not a big drinker and never have been but one would think that one small glass of wine would not have such serious ramifications.

I turned to look at the clock in my room which caused my head to swim and my stomach to turn.

I was barely able to dart to the bathroom quick enough to audition for a part in the Philip's colon health commercial with the crazy Colon lady who wants to let you know she'll help you with bouts of gas and diarrhea.

My trips back and forth between the bed and the bathroom finally subsided after I finally had a long hot shower, a Green Tea Frappuccino from Starbucks, and some aspirin. A quick trip down to the whirlpool helped too.

Thankfully most of my packing had been done the night before and the room had been prepaid. It made checking out so much easier.

I finally ran into my boss this morning as well as my new co-worker. We were all checking out and getting ready to head on over to the Waverly for the close of the GACTE Conference.

The Conference convened with a brunch that included election results, awards, and door prizes. I did not win any prizes by the way.

Before I hit the road I stopped off at the Cheesecake Factory and ordered a BBQ Chicken salad. It's made with avocado, tomato, grilled corn, black Beans, cucumber and Romaine all tossed with their Barbeque Ranch Dressing and topped with lots of Crispy Fried onion strings.

I had planned to take this home to my husband for the two of us to share along with a slice of cheesecake. This is my one disappointment because I had ordered one kind of cheesecake and I didn't check my order before I drove home.

I arrived home about fifteen minutes before Darryl. When he arrived home I surprised him with the meal from Cheesecake Factory and that's when I realized that they gave me the WRONG kind of cheesecake. They gave me a German Chocolate Cheesecake and although it was OK but I had craved the Oreo Cookie cheesecake I'd ordered all the way home. Since I live over an hour away it's not worth it to drive all the way back.

It's good to be home though. Atlas was so glad to see me. All he could do was jump up and down on me and not allow me out of his site.

Darryl was also glad to see me and let me know that even just three days apart was difficult.

We spent some time swimming in our pool which is finally clean. Thank goodness because this has been the longest it's ever taken us to open our pool.

I feel like clicking the heels of my ruby red slippers together and reciting "There's no place like home. There's no place like home."

GACTE, BCS, & Passion Tea Oh My

2011-07-12T16:27:00.000-04:00

Today was Division Programs Day at the 64th Annual GACTE and it couldn't have begun any better. I know it sounds crazy but they actually had my FAVORITE TAZO Tea, Passion Tea, as my students would say OMG! It made up for the fact that I had to hustle myself over to the Waverly this morning at 8AM on a summer day.

My first session was entitled, "Quick, Easy ways to Become A Standards-Based Classroom (MS &HS). To be honest, in the past my favorite thing about these workshops were finding new ideas to incorporate into my classroom which has always meant lugging home tons of paper. Not this time. It seems like every session I attended offered to email you the material or provided you a link for the material. Won't Al Gore be so very happy?

I was looking forward to the second session, "Engaging Pupils in the Classroom by Embedding Projects into the Curriculum (HS)" because it promised a project resource CD for all attendees! Obviously others felt the same way because the session was packed and I had heard people discussing that this was why they chose to attend that particular session.

While the instructor did not have those CD's available, she did have a very good reason and her presentation made up for leaving empty handed.

I was going to eat lunch with the people in my area, I changed my mind last minute. The reason for this was that while other instructors were filing out of their sessions they began heading over to the tables which were almost completely set. A few teachers headed over to various tables when a couple of women at the Dias that were part of GACTE asked them to just wait. Then a few more people began heading for the tables and the women had to repeat themselves. I just didn't feel like hugging the walls, staring at tables, like a vulture waiting for its turn at the carcass.

I decided to head on over to Cumberland Mall instead and pick a restaurant. While I was trying to decide between a couple of restaurants I'd never been too, I decided to visit the Cheesecake Factory because they last time I'd eaten there it was SO good.

I ordered the Santa Fe Salad from the lunch menu but trust me, even though they say it's smaller, it's still HUGE. I had to divide it in half and bring the other half back to the hotel for another meal. Thank goodness I didn't eat the bread because then I wouldn't have been able to eat my half serving of salad.

Of course, I couldn't very well have gone to the Cheesecake Factory and NOT had any cheesecake now could I? I guess I could, technically I did, but I did ask them to pack that up to go also. It was so very hard to decide but I decided to try the vanilla bean cheesecake which I will share with my husband on Wednesday when I go home.

I arrived back at the Waverly just in time to watch the hotel staff serve a steak to the other attendees. I did wonder if perhaps I'd made the wrong choice, but I don't think I'll be regretting my choice when I'm eating that cheesecake later.

I finally took the opportunity to head on over to the hotel pool and swim a little bit as well as take advantage of the whirlpool.

There is a GACTE Networking Reception but I probably won't be attending. I still feel a bit uncomfortable when I'm around others in a room where I hardly know anyone. I say this even though I did briefly attend the small mixer here at the hotel and I did take a seat at one of the tables in the Business Education luncheon even though I didn't eat anything.

I didn't wind up babbling or analyzing every word I said, berating myself for every perceived mistake. I spoke with a teacher from Thomasville City Schools who owns a coffee shop and he explained to me about why Starbucks has such a bitter taste. It was really very interesting.

As I write this post the sky has finally opened wide and there heavy pouring rain is providing a respite from today's heat despite warnings of dangerous lightning, and gusty winds.

Unfortunately, the Weather Service has issued another heat advisory for metro Atlanta for Wednesday for heat indices topping 105. Can you say HOT?

What I Learned At GACTE

2011-07-11T18:26:00.001-04:00

For the next several days I will be attending the 64th Annual GACTE Conference.

As I explained yesterday I wound up arriving much later than I had originally hoped to arrive but after breakfast today I headed over to registration to retrieve my packet.

I wound up bumping into two of my co-workers. Each of us all had the same question, "Did you see the boss?" We all had the same reason to ask this question because we all wanted to make sure that she knew that we had shown up and attended all of the meetings.

The first General Interest Session I attended was entitled, "Engage, Excite, Educate! It was conducted by Dr. Marilyn Skinner who I thought had a plethora of online resources available for teachers to use in the classroom. Some I had already known about but others were new and I'm excited about investigating them further.

The second General Interest Session I attended was entitled job Search Readiness-The New job Market and How to Help Students Succeed. As the media reminds us constantly, we are living in the new normal and I for one have been worried about how I can help my students find a job after graduation.

Several things impressed me about this session and one of them was the fact that Judi Adams of RightChanges.biz actually spelled out to those in attendance the TRUE Unemployment numbers. When I explained them to my students many of them had no idea that the real unemployment numbers are between 16%-20% but the government is quick not to calculate them in a more transparent manner and therefore release the unemployment figure as being 9.2%.

After the morning workshops my co-worker and I headed out for lunch over to Schlotzsky's. I don't know if I'd ever eaten there before but i can tell you that I really loved their Greek salad. I probably would have liked it even more if I hadn't managed to get a large squirt of salad dressing on the front of my dress.

At 2PM I was able to view the Career Tech Expo and view the various exhibitors tables. I also got to enter to winner some of these exciting prizes:

IPad
2-Night Weekend Stay at the Renaissance Waverly with Breakfast for 2
iPod Touch
and other prizes donated by exhibitors. Wish me luck. They will be drawing for prizes on Wednesday and you can only win if you attend the GACTE Awards Brunch and Business Meeting on July 13th

In order to receive learning credit for this conference I had to pick up all conference materials at the registratioon desk and attend all activities and breakout session. Approximately one month after the conference concludes, I will be sent an e-mail which includes a link allowing me to evaluate the conference. This survey will require the CTAERN password, which allows GACTE to confirm participants ho have completed the final required evaluation step. Once I have completed the on-line survey I will be issued a Professional Learning Contact Hour Certficate that reflects the 20 contact hours recommended for participation in this conference.

Vitriol & The Aftermath of The Casey Anthony

2011-07-11T17:05:00.003-04:00

According to a recent survey 2 in 3 Americans think Casey Anthony is guilty. Another survey found that 86% of African Americans believe Casey Anthony is guilty of the death of her two year old daughter, Caylee.

Many of them wonder like I do if Casey would have received the same treatment had her name been Laquita Jackson.

Casey Anthony has become the most hated woman in America and you don't have to look far for the proof. From a Facebook account called "I HATE Casey Anthony" which include a photo of Casey pointing a gun to her head to people declaring that they want to punch Casey Anthony in the throat I don't blame Casey's attorney's for being fearful for Casey's safety.

I am concerned about the outrage and anger that has been directed at the jury members. While I personally don't feel that they decided the case correctly,and I find it distasteful that some are hoping to profit on this tragic death, I don't hate these jurors as some do. They had a difficult job to do and now many of them are receiving death threats.

The woman, known only as juror number 12 left her job and went into hiding fearing co-workers would 'want her head on a platter'.

Is it any wonder that Judge Belvin Perry revealing on Thursday that he would not release to the public the names of the jurors for their own safety?

Please remember, that while Casey Anthony is scheduled to be released on July 17th, you must NOT take the law into your own hands. We are a country of laws and the jury has spoken even if we disagree we can NOT allow ourselves to become a nation of vigalantism.

In the meantime please do something positive in Cayee Anthony's memory. There is a petition online for a new law created called Caylee's Law that will make it a felony for a parent or guardian to not notify law enforcement of a child going missing within 24 hours

Please join others who want to find justice for Caylee

How's Those Meds Workin?

2011-07-10T16:21:00.001-04:00

For awhile now I've been having problems with panic attacks. I wish I could tell you how or when they all began but I think it would have to have been about twelve years ago.

If something bad or off happened during the day I would become almost uber-introspective thinking about what I could have done or should have done when something happened often taking full responsibility for things even when the perhaps I bore no responsibility.

My world was become more restrictive. I wouldn't quite say I was to the point of being agoraphobic but I would say that while I was once someone who could pick up on a whim and head for the beach I now only went to work or shopping.

There was a sameness to my day, weeks, and months except for interactions with some at work and I stuffed my fear and anxiety by stuffing my mouth with food.

I struggled to beat this by myself and it seemed like an up-hill climb at times. I had to break down the symptoms and work at taking them on one by one.

For example, part of the reason I hated leaving my house was because I was suffering with menorrhagia. It's a very embarrassing condition and it also left me very tired.

I finally decided to stop putting off seeing a doctor and found out that my problem, Uterine fibroids, was treatable.

I lost the weight I had put on but with all that was going on with my life, from my husband losing his business, losing our home, etc., etc. I just couldn't seem to totally beat my depression. There were times when I would feel a wave of fear for no reason at all. My heart would pound in my chest and it would sometimes be hard for me to breathe if there was some deviation in my schedule. I was living the life of a quasi-agoraphobic

I was living a life of active avoidance and it was having serious impact on my life. I have finally sought out treatment for my panic attacks and I think I finally have begun seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Today I was driving into Atlanta for a big conference for my curriculum area. Normally the thought of going all that way all by myself would start making me nervous. I would begin thinking over and over that I just didn't want to go.

This time I was backed yesterday and while I wasn't excited about going I was able to leave without working myself into a state or seeking ways to avoid leaving for the conference.

Just before I got on 75 I stopped at the Starbucks in Cartersville to get a brownie. That's when I noticed that I had Darryl's keys. This was not a good discovery because they are keys to the house, his vehicle and of course work keys.

Honestly there was a time where I would have gone into full panic attack mode at the very thought of having to drive all the way back home only to have to turn around to begin driving back. Keep in mind this does not mean that I would have been angry about the whole thing just panicking because now I'd be late getting where I was going.

This time I realized that my world wouldn't end. I'd simply get my brownies, called my husband, returned home with the keys, and then headed on over to the Country Inn & Suites in Atlanta.

Speaking of the Country Inn & Suites, I'm staying at the one in Windy Hill and I really love it. My bed is HUGE. I also have a nice refrigerator and microwave in the room. There is a Fitness Center and a swimming pool whirlpool area. This Country Inn & Suites offers a complimentary shuttle within a 5-minute radius of the hotel between the hours of 8AM - 10PM. How great is that.

I got here too late to go to the conference opening event but I'll be there bright an early tomorrow.

Court Dismissed Early Because Casey Felt Sick After Viewing Court Photos

2011-07-09T20:22:00.005-04:00

Casey Anthony became ill during her murder trial on Thursday, and as a result, court was dismissed early.

Jurors viewed a series of photos showing the wooded area near the Anthonys’ Suburban Drive home where Caylee’s remains were found in December 2008. Duct tape was on the child’s skull.

Former First Lady Betty Ford Dead

2011-07-09T09:30:00.000-04:00

Betty Ford died Friday at the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California. Her cause of death was not immediately clear.

Betty Ford (April 8, 1918 – July 8, 2011) was the wife of former United States President Gerald Ford and served as the First Lady of the United States from 1974 to 1977. As First Lady, Ford was active in social policy and shattered precedents as a politically active presidential wife.

Throughout her husband's term in office, she maintained high approval ratings despite opposition from some conservative Republicans who objected to her more moderate and liberal positions on social issues. Ford was noted for raising breast cancer awareness following her 1974 mastectomy and was a passionate supporter of, and activist for, the Equal Rights Amendment. Pro-choice on abortion and a leader in the Women's Movement, she gained fame as one of the most candid first ladies in history, commenting on every hot-button issue of the time, including feminism, equal pay, ERA, sex, drugs, abortion, and gun control. She also raised awareness of addiction when she announced her long-running battle with alcoholism in the 1970s.

Even President Barak Obama noted that throughout her long and active life, Elizabeth Anne Ford distinguished herself through her courage and compassion. As our nation's first lady, she was a powerful advocate for women's health and women's rights. After leaving the White House, Mrs. Ford helped reduce the social stigma surrounding addiction and inspired thousands to seek much-needed treatment. While her death is a cause for sadness, we know that organizations such as the Betty Ford Center will honor her legacy by giving countless Americans a new lease on life.

Casey Anthony's Set To Cash In With Million Dollar Deal

2011-07-09T07:56:00.001-04:00

The Son of Sam Law is any law designed to keep criminals from profiting from their crimes, often by selling their stories to publishers. Such laws often authorize the state to seize money earned from such a deal and use it to compensate the criminal's victims.

I bring up this law simply because in light of the verdict in the Casey Anthony trial many people are concerned about Casey's ability to profit of the circumstances surrounding the death of Casey Anthony.

The Son of Sam Law does not apply to Casey Anthony because she was aquitted of the murder charges.

It's "not impossible" to expect Anthony to get an advance between $750,000 and $1 million or for her receive a cut from the sales of the book. If a TV or film studio acquires the rights to it.

It is being reported that book publishers in New York are in a bidding war to land Anthony’s tell-all book. The price tag is up to $3 million, according to ABC News.

As a matter of fact, it was reported yesterday that Casey had been offered $1 million to appear on The Jerry Springer Show.

According to these reports, not only does host Jerry Springer want Casey, he also wants her parents Cindy and George Anthony and her brother Lee Anthony.

The Jerry Springer Show claims that they have not made any monetary offer to Casey Anthony and her family to appear on the program, nor will they.

Meanwhile, Casey Anthony is not the only one who may profit from the death of little Casey Anthony. The network news divisions reported being approached by Rick French, a publicist from North Carolina, who said he represented Juror No. 6. One network executive said the fee being demanded to talk to Juror No. 6 was $50,000.

Jose Baez Gets Dropped By Hollywood Agent

2011-07-08T15:27:00.002-04:00

Oh darn. Hollywood Baez has lost his Hollywood agent in a matter of hours. I guess it's true when they say that the public is fickle.

It was originally announced that Jim Griffin of Paradigm would represent Baez and explore opportunities in publishing, motion pictures and television, according to several reports Thursday afternoon.

Now, according to an internal Paradigm memo Paradigm has informed Jose Baez tonight that we will not be representing him.”

Guess Paradigm remembered that old adage about lying with the dogs and getting up with fleas.

By the way, there is a Facebook group that believe Casey Anthony is Guilty, and should not profit from book deals, interview licenses, movie deals, reality type shows.

What we can do, is not buy her book, not watch her made for TV movie, not do anything that would support Casey Anthony from profiting from her daughter Caylee's death.

Should Mason Have Been Giving Himself The Finger?

2011-07-08T14:52:00.001-04:00

When Cheney Mason was lecturing those who don't that he hoped that this has been a lesson to those who have indulged in media assassination for the past three years with bias, prejudice, and incompetent talking heads was he perhaps the pot calling the kettle black?

If you view the following video, he had acted as a talking head before joining Casey's dream team saying what would be and how it would be. I suppose that since he says that he is discussed by some of the lawyers who did this, he'd conveniently forgotten this little television appearance.

Perhaps that's why he presented this classy hand signal to let us know that he is still number one.

In the meantime, Casey's release date has been pushed back a few days and she is now scheduled to be released July 17th.

Casey Anthony To Be Free Next Wednesday

2011-07-07T17:39:00.004-04:00

It's all over but the paperwork for Casey Anthony as she will be freed into society next Wednesday after having been found not guilty in the death of her child.

Before court began this morning Casey was animated, smiling and occasionally played with her hair. Her demeanor changed, however, to stone-faced when she heard she would be spending a little more time in jail.

Outside the courthouse there was increased police presence and a throng of protesters gathered near the courthouse, holding signs that said "Arrest the Jury!!" and "Jurors 1-12 Guilty of Murder."

The one source of comic relief (if comic relief can be found in the face of this tragedy) a young man held a sign asking Casey Anthony to marry him.

I was not the only one shocked as a representative of HLN actually interviewed this guy asking him just how he planned to ask her to marry him and why he wanted to marry her.

"I would date her," said the sign's holder Tim Allen. "Everyone deserves a second chance.

Speaking of jurors, one of the jurors, Jennifer Ford, told ABC News in an interview "I did not say she was innocent," Ford said. "I just said there was not enough evidence. If you cannot prove what the crime was, you cannot determine what the punishment should be."it was because "we were sick to our stomach to get that verdict."

"We were crying and not just the women. It was emotional and we weren't ready."

I guess she was ready when ABC decided to take her and her immediate family as well as nieces and other family members for an all expense paid to Disney World in return for her interview. (May I interject her that she's a far better negotiator than Judas. After all he only got 30 pieces of silver.)

Jennifer Ford isn't the only juror who wants you to know that if the price is right the flight's tonight.

According to TMZ a publicist for the unidentified juror is sending a letter to media outlets, claiming, "Our client -- a married, college-educated, 33-year-old white male with two young children -- is willing to consider granting one or more media interviews so long as the opportunities are paid."

This just in....

According to the Orange County Sheriff Office spokesman Cpl. Susan Soto, hours after Casey Anthony was sentenced for lying to investigators about the disappearance of her daughter, lightning struck the area of a makeshift memorial where Caylee Anthony's skeletal remains were found dumped.

I found this particularly interesting because when the jury was sent home after their first day of deliberation, a storm blew in with heavy downpour and strong winds.

Am I the only one who senses there may be a message here?

Voting Contest Scandal

2011-07-07T14:45:00.005-04:00

I have asked ToyDiva from OLS if she would allow me to reprint her post about Voting Contest cheating.

Let me begin by saying that initially I felt that these were winnable because they usually required some sort of skill and I actually was able to win a couple with the help of vote requests on various forums I belong.

I would make myself sick begging for people to vote for me, feeling disappointed because I saw some of my competitors do questionable things to get votes. I was entering against someone offering freebies for votes.

Another time I entered a very small voting contest with only one prize and ten people competing. One of the people entered a famous photo. I say famous photo because I used to have a jigsaw puzzle that was made of the original photo. I emailed the contest to tell them the problem and NEVER received any response back from them. The two of us were neck and neck for a little while but then in the last day she got hundreds of votes and blew me away. She won the prize. I can't even remember what that prize was but I was disappointed.

Then a few years ago I noticed that someone had posted a very interesting post about people using bots, scripts, and multiple email addresses in a voting contest involving a popular mommy blog. The grand prize I believe was a washing machine.

I believe that's when I finally had a "light bulb moment". Sponsors have voting contests in order to drive traffic to their website. As soon as I realized that I realized that there was really no incentive for sponsors to change what it was they were doing.

Even worse is when sponsors change their rules and/or ignore their own rules as happened in a recent contest I entered.

After swearing that I would NEVER again enter a voting contests I entered one that was only open to teachers. There was a photo aspect and an essay aspect.

The day before the contest was over there were only THREE entries and mine was one. The prize structure was a $500 GC for classroom supplies for the grand prize winner and $100 GC for the top 10. I was thrilled. At the very least I could buy $100 worth of school supplies.

I checked the day after the contest "ended" but voting hadn't begun and there were only four entries. I was pretty happy because I realized that this meant I would get at the very least one of the $100 GCs.

A week went by and on the day voting begins I log on so I could get the link necessary to use to ask people to vote for my entry. Imagine my surprise when there were about thirty entries!!! How in the world? According to the rules submissions had already stopped a week ago and now there were twenty-six new entries. How could that be?

The voting began and while I had first place for a little while I quickly lost it. The rules initially said that you could only vote once per person which is what I informed my friends. Days later I realized that this rule had also been tossed to the wind because when I checked to see how voting was doing I was asked if I wanted to vote for my entry. I had already voted but I decided to click the vote link and believe it or not it registered a new vote. Now I have to go back to my family and friends and ask for more votes.

Some people where able to give me a second vote and some weren't. I went back the next day and I wasn't able to vote again. I informed my support team tat they couldn't vote again. I was however, WRONG AGAIN. Three days later I checked on my progress and was asked once again if I wanted to vote for my own entry.

I threw my hands up in the air. Can vote. Can't vote. Enter past the deadline. Some of the people I would normally ask don't belong to Facebook where the contest was held. I just stopped asking people to enter because just felt it was out of control. Obviously I did not win.

I have known "ToyDiva" online for awhile because she and I both entered essay contests and such. I liked that about her. Today she wrote a very informative post and with her permission I'd like to share the next voting contest scandal.

Here's is Toy Diva's Post In Its Entirety

Before I begin this much anticipated essay on the dirty underworld of contesting, allow me to explain a few things. First, I am not writing this because I am a "sore loser". I knew I had lost this contest well before it ended. Secondly, any reference to voting pages are not directed at any page in particular. And finally, I am writing this essay to expose what really goes on in "voting contests" so my friends and fellow contesters are informed and the companies and administrators who run these contests stop running these three ring circuses and go back to old fashioned judging.

I have been a sweepstaker for 7 years. During those 7 years, I have won some amazing things including trips, cash, gift cards, electronics, toys and more. It wasn't until 2 years ago that I got a taste for voting contests. My daughter had an entry in the "Cheese Doodle" contest to win a Wii for my son, her older brother, who happens to be disabled. The company gave several Wiis away and my daughter won. However, it wasn't without alot of work "campaigning" for votes, emailing friends and family as well as returning votes for those who had voted for us. My next voting contest was for a trampoline and the next for a Tempur-pedic bed. I was blessed to have won both of those with the help of family, friends and the Facebook and sweepstaking communities. I have always chosen my voting contests by need, rather than want...after all, they take a great deal of work and countless hours on the computer.

Most recently, I saw an opportunity to try and win a family trip to Florida as well as a brand new car in the Visit Florida Sunshine Moments sweepstakes (which it was technically a contest since it is not the luck of the draw) I entered a beautiful photograph I had taken on a trip I won (through a luck of the draw sweepstakes) 4 years ago, to Florida. I thought I had a good chance at winning, although I knew it would be tough....alot more people want to win a car than a trampoline or a bed! I was psyched and ready to FIGHT to win this contest. We were in desperate need of a new vehicle due to my health and my son's. And the trip to Florida, I wanted that desperately as well since we have never had a family vacation.

Not even one week into the contest, I was in the lead but I noticed an entry screaming up on my heels quickly. The photograph was absolutely gorgeous.....so gorgeous in fact, that I felt it looked professional. I Googled the title of the photograph and it popped up in HUNDREDS of links.....on blogs....on a Canadian tourism site...and in Flick'r under the TRUE OWNERS NAME. The photograph was immediately removed from the contest. I was happy. It was unfair to me and the other participants to have a stolen photograph in the running.

I was still in first a week into the contest, then things started to change dramatically. Suddnely, in the blink of an eye, I was in third. I was still getting a steady influx of votes, I was still campaigning and working day and night but a few entries started moving up at the speed of light! One went from 8th to 2nd in a matter of hours.....another from 17th to 2nd in just hours.....and still another that was well on the 20-somethings that flew to 2nd in a matter of a few hours. How was this happening? How could they possibly be getting that many votes that quickly. And how was the 1st place person staying in first, set in concrete? My mind churned and I didn't want to think it.....I didn't want to say it.......but I couldn't help but be suspicious......were they cheating? Before the contest ended, I started doing some investigating and what I learned not only disappointed me but it absolutely SHOCKED ME!

How naive was I? How long had this been going on? Why aren't companies doing something about this? How could contestants actually cheat like this and then sleep at night?

I didn't drop out of the contest, no way, I stayed in....kicking, screaming and holding on for dear life for, at least, a top 10 finish. I wanted to prove to myself that cheaters never win. But ahhhh, they do. They get the car and the trip and I get a camera.......no sour grapes, I needed a new camera ever since I allowed the husband to take mine on a ghost hunt and it was returned to me with a sticky shutter. Nothing worse that a sticky shutter. So now I am sure you are curious as to what my little investigation turned up, right? Ahhhh, soon.......

But first, allow me to explain the general rules of voting contests, just in case you don't know. You might think you enter your essay or photograph and people browse the entires and say, "Oh this is nice, I'll give it my vote." or "Well written! He's got my votes!" No, no, no.....not ever close. You can write a single run-on sentence with poor spelling and still win. You can enter a beach photo that isn't even the state asked for...but you can still win. It's all about the votes.....how many friends you have...how much time you're willing to spend.....how popular you are...what church you belong to......where you work etc. it's a numbers game.

You can trade votes on voting pages.....which is perfectly alright (as long as the rules do not state otherwise). You simply post your contest link and ask for votes. People vote for you and in return, you vote back for them. One vote for one vote....even Steven. OH! But I just learned, things aren't as cut and dry as they seem! I noticed several vote requests posted by, let's say "Jon Smith". Jon Smith posts 3 vote requests, none of them seem to be his, names don't match, nationalities don't match and Jon is obviously NOT from the US, and if he is, he's yet to learn to read or write English. So people vote down the wall for everyone, including Jon Smith and his 3 entries. Jon Smith then returns one vote per person. Now first, it's a little unfair, but secondly, Jon Smith actually is a "vote exchanger". (Can you hear the music...dun, dun dunnnnnnnnnnn)

A person who "exchanges votes" offers to give you 50 votes for your one vote. Sounds short sided on Jon's side....but no.....Jon had his own network voting for him....his own vote exchange page. So Jon gets his votes by everyone who posts on his page or through his network and he's easily returning his promise of 20-30-50 votes per person by posting them on other walls to be votes on by up to 100 or more people per day. Vote exchanging is frowned upon and is usually grounds for disqualification IF the contest administrator find out. And you, the contester voting for Jon's many contests, is getting the short end of the stick.

Now on to the fun part of the story!! Now who wouldn't want to vote for an adorable photograph of two little girls and Cinderella at Disney World, right? It seems EVERYONE wanted to vote for that photograph.....for a little incentive. During my investigation (where I was merely trying to see what voting forums they were posting in) I found a mom blog. On this mom blog they were giving away FREE DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING KITS! Woohoooooo! Was I excited about the freebie? No, I'm not a scrapbooker. I was, however, intrigued by the fact that these kits were being given away FOR A VOTE in a particular Florida contest. And not only that, you got one EACH TIME YOU VOTED! I retained the link and it was subsequently turned over to the contest administrator.

http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/06/fr...ur-choice.html

Obviously, they didn't disqualify the entry, it won first place. But the question remains, was that cheating? Is it OK to "buy" votes? Personally, I feel it is cheating, otherwise Ms. E (my alter ego and adult product blogger) would have given away much more "interesting" prizes to scoop up the motherload of votes. But some might jump to her defense and say, "The rules didn't state you couldn't give away an item for each vote." TRUE. The rules stated "cheating" was grounds for disqualification.....they didn't go into details..."cheating is defined by paying cash or trading merchandise, sexual favors, dog walking service, your third cousins' baby or an internal bodily organ for a vote. You cannot use proxy computers, pay a company for votes or".......let me stop right there. PAY A COMPANY FOR VOTES.

YES....you can actually pay someone for votes! Need 500? Gotcha! Need 1,000 by a certain date? No problem! Need 5,000 votes or facebook photo "likes" in 3 weeks, spread out and from different ISP addresses? They can do that! I even found one heck of a bargain.....1,000 Facebook "likes" or votes for a mere $5!!!!!

https://www.facebook.com/note.php?no...45938&comments

I found a company, during the investigation, where people freelance their services for everything from SEO and website building to giving hundreds and even thousands of Facebook likes, contest votes or anything of that nature for a price. You post what you need, you set the particulars, the freelancers bid.

http://www.freelancer.com

I looked around the site and searched terms like "Facebook votes" and "Facebook contest" and surely enough, there was one of my competitors, asking for bids on 1,000 votes. I looked at her profile (and she included a photo) came to the Florida photo contest and matched are Freelancer account name to her entry AND her Facebook account. Obviously her measly purchased 1,000 votes weren't enough to contend with free scrapbooking kits.....or the other "questionable" entries that would move 3, 4 or as many as 20 places in a matter of hours. By this time, I KNEW there was no way I could win this contest, so I just dug deeper....I wanted the truth out there for all contesters to see.

Now if you are one that wants to run right out to the site and post for a freelancer to vote for you 5,000 times.....be my guest. However, I fully intend on taking this to every company, sponsor, sweepstakes administrator and marketing company out there. I want to see voting contests ABOLISHED. Hell, if they claim they don't have the time or manpower to go through hundreds of photographs and pick a winner, heck send them to me, I'd be happy to JUDGE the contest fairly! Voting contests are no longer fair.....they are an abomination and reflect poorly on any company who chooses to run one then turn a blind eye to blatant cheating.

As a special treat to my contesting friends, I'd like to share some interesting links with you! Are you currently in a certain baby contest here on Facebook.......look out, somebody is buying votes: http://www.freelancer.com/projects/I...o-Contest.html Oh and don't think just because the person on this account isn't from the USA, I learned through another contester that people from other countries frequently enter US based contests and they have "friends" here in the US to collect their prizes for them.

And for the rest of you contesters, I thought these links might be of interest:

http://www.freelancer.com/projects/W...quot-like.html

http://www.freelancer.com/projects/I...o.1028475.html

http://www.freelancer.com/projects/I...-fan-page.html

http://www.freelancer.com/projects/I...ikes-Need.html

Here's a good one! http://www.freelancer.com/projects/1101491.html

And another! http://www.freelancer.com/projects/1105374.html

And here is a list I pulled off of Google with VARIOUS Facebook contests listed from various months throught the year. Maybe you'll see the person who beat YOU out of a certain contest. Take a peek!

http://www.freelancer.com/projects/a...ook-votes.html

And please don't think this is the ONLY place out there. This type of "freelancing" is popping up everywhere! I am a fool not to have realized this earlier!

http://www.careerfreelance.com/freel...freshcoast247/

In closing, I would like to add this. I do not like cheaters. Those of us who enter sweepstakes and contests do it for the thrill and the challenge and excitement of winning. Most contesters are honest.....but I am noticing an increasing amount of people who are saying "To hell with morals and rules. I want to win and that's all that matters!" Yes, the society of instant gratification, the country of entitlement. Well this woman isn't into it. I find it morally wrong to cheat and you will nevr find me doing it.....EVER. And for that matter, you will never find me entering another voting contest again.

I would much rather lose, playing by the rules than win by cheating.

ABOLISH VOTING CONTESTS!!!!!!!

UPDATE: Did a cheater actually prosper? It appears she did and boy she can't wait to tell you how thrilled she is that her strategy worked.

http://mga-creations.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-won-contest.html

Fernbank Museum Tips the Scales of Fun during Annual REPTILE DAY Event with Lizards, Snakes, Turtles & More!

2011-07-07T11:47:00.002-04:00

ATLANTA-Fernbank Museum's annual Reptile Day will give visitors an opportunity to
get up-close with dozens of lizards, snakes, turtles, and even a few amphibians,
including frogs! This popular event for visitors of all ages will take place on
Saturday, July 30, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A variety of reptiles-both exotic and native to Georgia-will be on display in the
Museum's Great Hall for visitors to examine up close. Select display animals will be
available for visitors to touch. Fernbank also is partnering with the Georgia
Herpetological Society, the Chattahoochee Nature Center, the Bear Hollow Wildlife
Zoo, My Reptile Guys, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and more. Organizations will
offer many opportunities to ask questions and learn more about the importance of
these exceptional animals. Children will also have the opportunity to create a
leopard gecko hat and see a real leopard gecko from Fernbank's education collection
of live animal ambassadors.

Reptile Day coincides with Fernbank's summer-long programming series, 97 Days & Ways
to Play, which offers visitors a variety of ways to enjoy the summer with giveaways,
events, programs, activities and more. Fernbank's 97 Days & Ways to Play continues
through September 4, 2011.

Reptile Day is included with Museum admission, which is FREE for members, $17.50 for
adults, $16.50 for students and seniors, $15.50 for children ages 3-12, and free for
children ages 2 and under. Purchase Museum tickets at fernbankmuseum.org/97days or
by calling 404.929.6400.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located at 767 Clifton Road in Atlanta. For
more information and tickets, visit fernbankmuseum.org.

Will Casey Turn To Porn?

2011-07-06T17:30:00.001-04:00

I for one was wondering what Casey Anthony would do with her life once she was released from jail. After all she's a high school drop out who never really held a job and that whole "baby killing" thing might just hurt her chances in her future employment endeavors.

Never fear Casey because unlike many Americans who are desperately searching for work, you already have a job waiting for you when you get out of jail.

While this is not a job everyone would want to put on their resume Casey must be really excited about the fact that Vivid Entertainment has offered her a job in one of its upcoming porn films.

I'm thinking it must have been her lawyer's job recommendation when he called her a "slut".

************UPDATE*********************

The head of porn company Vivid Entertainment has rescinded an offer to make Casey Anthony an adult film star.

Oh Darn. Believe it or not even the porn industry finds her a property they don't want to touch. The head of Vivid Entertainment said, "A movie starring Casey Anthony is not what people want to see."

You know like how men couldn't wait to rent porn video staring Amy Fisher who shot her married lover's wife in the head. Now that's sexy!

Casey Anthony Found Not Guilty

2011-07-05T15:01:00.002-04:00

When The jury left for the evening yesterday I was pretty sure that there would be a decision in the Casey Anthony case. I expected it to be sometime this afternoon. What I did not expect was the verdict that the jury delivered.

I felt that the jury would want information about just how the child died and they didn't have that. It was for this reason I felt it would be difficult to get a guilty verdict for murder in the first degree.

What I did convince myself was that jurors would come back with a verdict of guilty of aggravated child abuse or second degree manslaughter.

Like so many others I sat transfixed to the TV as the verdict clock began counting down the hours until a verdict was rendered.

I felt I would have enough time to walk my dog Atlas and run to Walmart. So I scheduled these activities for first thing in the morning.

When I arrived home the clock was still ticking and I almost wondered if in fact the jury might not reach a verdict today.

I ate lunch, then stepped out of the room to put some clothes in the dryer. I was only out of the room for a few moments and I realized that the announcement that a verdict had been reached and would be delivered at 2:15 PM today.

I sat down and began tweeting to others who have been following this trial. A "crazy" thought came to my mind that I would cry when the verdict was reached. Would I? Why would I cry? Would it be relief that it is finally over?

When the camera focused on the "All Rise" I watched as Casey seemed to be sucking in deep breaths in a way to calm herself down. I wondered how she would react when the verdict came down.

My chest constricted. I began to write the tweet about the verdict before it was announced believing that she would be found not guilty of First Degree murder. I was going to send it and then I was going to tweet Guilty of the second charge but I said I'd better wait until the verdict was actually announced.

When the word came down many people keep coming back with the same feelings. There was no justice for Caylee. I am shocked and not alone.

Casey was only convicted of lying to the police which carries a maximum of about four years total. She obviously won't serve her whole sentence. She might even get time served. Casey Anthony could walk as soon as Thursday.

Will she go back home to be with her mother and father? Will they take her back into their home? Will she now profit from this tragedy? Forget the Son of Sam laws because she was not convicted and therefore can sell her story, write a book, and/or help make a movie if she wants to do so.

As I watch the people outside of the courthouse milling around aimlessly I wonder if they feel that same sense of disbelief. Are they all wondering "What ever happened to justice for Caylee?

Deliberaton In The Casey Anthony Case Has Begun

2011-07-04T15:58:00.004-04:00

Following the prosecution's closing argument rebuttal and Judge Belvin Perry's instructions to the jury the Casey Anthony murder case has been given to the jury for deliberations.

I felt that Prosecutor Linda Drane Burdick left the jury with a haunting image, that of a photo of the "Bella Vita" tattoo and asked questions that the jury must answer. "Whose life was better without Caylee? Was Cindy Anthony's life better? Was George Anthony's life better? Mr. Ashton said what George Anthony's life was like as a result of losing his beloved granddaughter. Whose life was better? That is the only question you need to answer in considering why Caylee Marie Anthony was left on the side of the road dead."

Casey Anthony is accused of multiple charges, including the following:

Count One, First Degree Murder: If Casey Anthony is convicted of first degree murder, regardless of whether it is on a theory of Pre-meditated Murder or Felony Murder she will receive at a minimum a life sentence. For many years, a life sentence in Florida is a life sentence, which means there is no parole or early release. A defendant convicted of first degree murder only leaves prison after his or her death. The only alternative to a life sentence is death by execution.

Lesser Included of Count One, Second Degree Murder: (depraved mind murder, not premeditated) The maximum penalty for Second Degree Murder is a life sentence. The minimum sentence is based on the Criminal Punishment Code. The estimated minimum sentence for this charge and other charges which might result in conviction along with this count would be 24 years, 6 months.

Count Two, Aggravated Child Abuse: The maximum penalty for aggravated child is 15 years in prison. The estimated minimum sentence for this charge and other charges which might result in conviction along with this count would be 12 years, 1 month.

Count Three, Aggravated Manslaughter of a Child: If Casey Anthony is convicted of causing the death of Caylee by culpable negligence the maximum sentence is 30 years in prison. The estimated minimum sentence for this charge and other charges which might result in conviction along with this count would be 16 years and 6 months.

Counts Four Through Seven, Giving False Information to a Law Enforcement Officer in Reference to a Missing Person: The charge in these four counts carries a maximum of one year in county jail for each count. As a result if convicted of all four of these counts, Casey Anthony could receive a sentence of four years if the sentence for each count is run consecutively.

The jurors ended their deliberations early on Monday due to the July 4 holiday, however, they will return to the courthouse to deliberate further on Tuesday morning at 8:30 AM ET.

Isn't it interesting that a the torrential downpour that happened shortly after the jury was dismissed just as it rained the day Caylee's body was found. Is it a foreshadowing of the outcome?

Matthew Bartlett Gives The Prosecutor The One Finger Salute

2011-06-30T21:46:00.001-04:00

I was determined to watch the Casey Anthony trial today to learn whether Casey was actually going to take the stand. I simply couldn't see how she could take the stand but many people felt that she almost had to in order to help Casey Anthony's case.

Personally, I felt if Casey took the stand it would be akin to her actually pulling the switch on the electric chair. She has proven again and again that she doesn't even have a nodding acquaintance with the truth. Surely even the most inept of legal interns would be able to tear her testimony to shreds. She was indeed wise not to take the stand.

After court recessed for the day, Judge Perry called a young man, Matthew Bartlett into the courtroom and showed him a photo of a man flipping off the prosecutor, Jeff Ashton. Bartlett admitted he was the man in the photo making the offensive gesture with his middle finger.

Apparently, despite the presence of several signs that are posted outside of the 23rd floor courtroom warning spectators that facial gestures, hand signals or audible comments are prohibited, Mr. Bartlett felt those rules didn't apply to him.

Chief Judge Perry found a 28-year-old restaurant server guilty of direct contempt of court. I suppose it was just "an accident that snowballed out out control."

Perry appointed Bartlett a public defender because he wants to appeal the sentence. I'm not quite sure what he's basing his appeal on but perhaps he feels that the judge should have accepted his apology.

Word to the wise here Matthew, you're a grown man, act like one. There is a certain decorum one must maintain in court. The judge is not your mommy and contempt of court is a really serious thing.

Man’s Body Pulled From The Oostanaula River On Friday Morning

2011-06-30T14:09:00.002-04:00

My husband has told me to write down when I have thoughts, maybe some would call premonitions, and they come true. I really don't bother because I often tell my husband, that a particular thought coming true doesn't necessarily mean anything or that perhaps its just so obvious I should not be surprised. I had such an experience today.

When I first heard that there had been a shooting in Rome on Tuesday night. Police said a man had jumped in the river Tuesday night to avoid capture after a shooting in North Rome. The man entered the river near the Rome-Floyd County Library where the Oostanaula was only about 3 to 4 feet deep late Tuesday.

I read about the man jumping into the river and I told my husband that this man is dead. It just seemed to add up. To jump from the height of that bridge into such a shallow area of water did not fare well for the missing man.

On Thursday I had to drop off some books at the library and we noticed what appeared to be a family, a small group of people gathering at one end of the library parking lot looking out towards the bridge.

I turned to my husband and said, "I think they're here looking for their loved one." My husband wasn't so certain because he had heard rumor that the man never really jumped into the river. I was certain he was in the river and his body was nearby.

I turned to my husband and said, "I feel sorry for someone because they will just be walking by and they will notice this guy's body in the river."

On Friday morning the missing man, Christopher Graham’s body was seen in the river by a person walking along a nearby trail near The Forum civic center around 7:30 AM Friday, officials said.

The fact that I was certain that Graham was dead did not seem particularly odd to me because as someone who used to dive from the high dive often I know that the water has to have a certain depth if you are leaping from a certain height. That part of the equation was elementary.

The fact that the body was found by an unconnected pedestrian didn't seem odd to me because there is quite a nice walking path in Rome.

I knew that my husband had said he'd heard that there might not have been a jumper and I had heard that the police had called off the search. The Oostanaula is not a wide river by any stretch of the imagination. It seems odd that they might not have seen a body in the river.

The day we stopped at the library and I saw that small group of people, I felt this tremendous sense of sadness and anxiety and I just knew that he was dead and they were hoping that he wasn't.

I did not know the young man who was shot. I did not know the young man they pulled from the Oostanaula. I know that the police feel that there is a probable drug connection but I do not know. I do know that this particular morning I felt the pain of a mother from afar and I wished I had a different answer for her.

My husband says that's a premonition. I think its just plain obvious.

George's Suicide Letter - Day 32

2011-06-29T21:10:00.009-04:00

Today, Jose Baez asked George Anthony about his January 2009 suicide attempt.

Casey Anthony’s father wrote in a suicide note that he had unanswered questions about what happened to his granddaughter. If you will remember, it is Baez assertion that George was there when Caylee was pulled from the pool and it was he who tried to conceal the death of his beloved Granddaughter.

Here is the suicide letter:

Cynthia Marie,

As you get this letter, this should be no surprise that I have decided to leave the earth, because I need to be with Caylee Marie.

I cannot keep going because it should be me that is gone from this earth, not her. I have lived many years, I am satisfied with my decision because I have never been the man you, Lee, Casey & especially Caylee Marie deserved.

I have never been the man any of you could count on. I have always let each of you down in more ways than I can remember. I do not feel sorry for myself, I am just sorry I burden all of you the way I have.

My loss of life is meaningless.

Cynthia Marie, you have always worked the hardest, given the most to me, and I have never “Thanked you.” 28+ years ago, you corrected me, a man who has now found his identity in life. What I mean is, you always challenged me the right way and I always could never live up to your expectations. You have always been smarter, more knowledgeable & thought things through & I love you for that.

Page –

I cannot be strong anymore. Caylee Marie, our grand-daughter, I miss her. I miss her so much. I know you do too.

You were always the one that provided for her. What did I provide?

I blame myself for her being gone! You know for months, as a matter of fact for a year or so I brought stuff up, only to be told not to be negative.

Caylee Marie, I miss her. I miss her. I want my family back.

I sit here, falling apart, because I should have done more.

She was so close to home, why was she there? Who placed here there? Why is she gone? Why?

For months, you & I, especially you always questioned, why?

I want this to go away for Casey. What happened? Why could she not come to us? Especially you, why not Lee?

Who is involved with this stuff Caylee?

I am going Krazy because I want to

Page –

Go after these people Casey hung with prior to Caylee being gone.

That is why I got that gun. I wanted to scare these people. You know, they know more than they have stated, you cannot sugar coat, kid glove these people. They need hard knocks to get info from.

Sure that will not bring Caylee Marie back, but was Casey threatened? You know, Casey does not deserve to be where she is.

I miss her, I miss her so much. I am worried for her. Her personal safety is always on my mind.

I try to deal with so-so much, as I do you also.

I have never wanted to my family for sorrow in any way. I realize families have ups & downs but we have suffered our share & then some.

Cynthia Marie, you have always deserved more, and with me being gone, you will. I have always brought you down. You know that. You are better off. Lee will be there for you. Mallory is such a great woman. I see how you are with her. She is a keeper. Future

Page –

daughter-in-law. I smile when I say her name. Mallory, please take care of yourself, Lee & Cindy. Someday you will be a great wife to Lee, and a fantastic mom. Cindy is a great “Grammy” and will love you forever.

Getting back to why I cannot live anymore: I cannot function knowing our granddaughter is gone. Caylee Marie never had a chance to grow. I wanted to walk her to school (the 1st day). I wanted to help her in so many ways….I could go on & on.

I sit here empty inside for her. For you, for us. Jose keeps calling.

Yes, you deserve more & you will have freedom to enjoy what you deserve.

I have taken what meds was given to me with alcohol & I am ready to give up. As I can tell by my writing and thinking, I am getting very stupid. Wow, what a word STUPID. Yes, I am. Again, I do not feel sorry for myself(…unintelligible) I am STUPID. I cannot deal with stuff anymore.

Page –

The loss of Caylee Marie. The loss of Casey. The loss of us, Cynthia Marie, the meds, I am ready.

Saying good bye, please understand it is for the best. I do not deserve life anymore. Anymore us.

You are the best, you always have been. I am sorry for all that I have done to us.

You know I never got to say goodbye. I am at this place and all is getting foggy & my writing is all over the place.

I love you, I love you, I hope you get to see Casey soon. All the people we met, wow, the writing is getting weird, I love you, I am sorry – I will take care of Caylee – once I get to God “hopefully”

Page –

I want to hold her again, I miss her, I will always love us, I am sorry Cynthia Marie, I called my mom today, ….(unintelligible) I am so tired, at least I shaved today, wow – I’m tripping out, I am sorry,

I love you – Cynthia Marie

Caylee Here I come

Lee, I am sorry

Casey –

An Aquittal

2011-06-29T17:24:00.001-04:00

How can I describe how it feels to hear that one of your co-workers has been charged with aggravated sodomy, sexual assault against a person in custody, cruelty to children and sexual battery?

Somehow the words, alarmed, surprised, and disbelief don't begin to cover the emotions that wash over you.

This is a person that you may know well or a person that you see in the hall and tell him to have a great weekend.

In this case, this teacher was a person who was often chosen to show my co-workers and I how we could put the technology in our classroom to better use. I was always impressed by his knowledge and I will admit that I realized that I often rested on my laurels thinking that I knew enough about computers to keep motivate student involvement in the classroom.

When the news first filtered back to me via email about the charges I drew a sharp intake of breath. How could this be?

I mean at a rational level I understand that people who do bad things don't generally look like villains. It's not like they have the words "child molester" stamped on their forehead but the charges and my interactions with him just didn't jive.

Was I really such a bad judge of character? Should I have known? Is this even true? I had no answers.

After a few delays, the case finally came to court. I didn't even realize that the case was finally heard until I saw the headlines on June 24th, which announced that he was acquitted of all charges.

Once again I could hear the sudden intake of air as I gasped. Is this true? Was he really acquitted? Did this mean that the original charges were false? If so how can he possibly repair the damage that has been done to his reputation? Could he ever pursue a career in education again? Would there always be people who believe that he got away with it?

According to the article his initial reaction to returning to teaching was “no way.” But after some thought, he said he would like to earn his master’s and return to teaching.

I know that many of his students, coworkers, and parents of his students, felt that he was an excellent teacher. Will the specter of these charges forever tarnish his ability to teach for many others? I wish I had the answer.

I pray that my co-worker and his family and the student and his family can put their lives back together.

High Stakes Sweeper

2011-06-28T17:44:00.000-04:00

Someone shared this video with me and I had to laugh because once upon a time this was me. Well me without access to the internet because no one had access to smart phones and the internet back in the late seventies and early eighties when I used to play radio contests all the time.

Ah those were the days when I would often call my three favorite radio stations almost every day and wind up winning something from one of them almost every day.

I was winning multiple concert tickets, albums, T-shirts, and so much more. Back then there were no hard and fast rules against winning multiple times even multiple times a day.

I took a break radio call-ins when I went back to college but that didn't keep me from going to Live remotes where there were always opportunities to win something.

After I graduated from college and moved to Richmond, VA I picked up where I left off and began playing radio call-ins yet again as well as live remotes. It appeared that I hadn't lost my touch.

During college I began entering mail ins but it seemed much more difficult to win but with small wins here and there I continued to dabble in my favorite hobby.

That's why even though I am interested in the new TLC show, "High Stakes Sweepers," I'm not looking forward to the possible backlash to sweepers like myself.

Sweepers, like myself have been under the radar to a certain extent because most people honestly believe that they will NEVER win anything. When they learn that you actually win things like trips to Disney, Scotland, St Lucia, New York, etc. or things like four laptops, three iPods, portable DVDs, digital cameras, etc., they convince themselves that you "must just be lucky."

In truth I am not very lucky at all. In fact I lose way more than I win but people don't see the time I put into my hobby. I don't believe that this new show will demonstrate that it actually does take time and it's not as easy as it looks. Saying that someone puts in 60 hours a week isn't really processed in someone's head when they are thinking "Wow look at all that stuff this person has won."

According to the Direct Marketing Association, 55 million Americans per year enter sweepstakes and approximately 15 million enter four or more sweepstakes per year.

“High Stakes Sweepers” will air in the latter part of this summer! ”High Stakes Sweepers” will show viewers the lives of five of the most passionate sweepstakes connoisseurs to ever fill out an entry form.

TLC is hoping that “High Stakes Sweeper” will share the same success as the hit show “Extreme Couponing” by adding yet another avenue for people across America to get something for nothing. ”High Stakes Sweepers” will show the strategies that these everyday people use to increase their odds at winning big in sweepstakes and also show some of the amazing prizes that they have won. The five participating sweepers will tell their stories of how they spend up to 60 hours per week filling out entry forms to thousands of sweepstakes and contests. Viewers will get to peek inside their lives to see how sweepstakes have affected their day to day lives and the lives of their family members.

The five High Stakes Sweepers being profiled in the TLC special are:

Ron: A loving father who will stop at nothing to save money on his daughter’s wedding by winning everything from sweepstakes!

Carolyn: An out of work women who is striving to win enough from sweepstakes to earn a living!

Barbara and Patricia: These sweeping sisters have won everything from cases of beer to boxes of tampons, and are in the hunt for more prizes!

Robert: A sweeping father that involves his entire family in entering sweepstakes including his two youngest children that help decorate the envelopes.

Ret: A man that has won over a million dollars and will let us in on a few of his secrets!

Walking Away A Winner

2011-06-26T19:49:00.017-04:00

While I did turn $1 into $50 I think Darryl's more accurate when he says that we left a healthy donation at the Golden Moon. In the end though, I think it all worked out. We stayed two nights in a wonderful room, I had my fill of Alaskan Crab legs and steak, we rode in style, and we had the opportunity to see Sugarland in concert.

This morning we had $60 to spend on breakfast so we wound up going crazy ordering food to eat there and to take with us. Darryl and I were wrong when we said that we'd had the best steak in a long time at the buffet. In fact we had it at the Villa restaurant this morning.

The Villas is billed as casual dining anytime. Darryl and I would argue that we found this restaurant to be a very romantic setting for any meal even breakfast.

The trip home was pretty uneventful and I wished we'd been able to stay just a few more days.

This was an amazing prize and it turned out to be a wonderful way to celebrate our anniversary early.

MOB YELLS 'KILL ALL WHITE PEOPLE' IN PEORIA:

2011-06-25T16:25:00.000-04:00

Let's all put on our tin hats as I tell you about this story.

When I originally saw a link to the story it appeared to be dead or misdirected because when you clicked on it it seemed to hang somewhere in cyber-space purgatory.

I tried back several times throughout the day with the same result before finally deciding to Google the topic.

I was then taken to other sites which also seemed to have the same mysterious dead link before finally finding several sites which had copied the story before it was scrubbed from the original news site.

Scrubbed you say? A story scrubbed from the internet can this be possible? Why is it that we have not heard about this story from any of the mainstream news sources, not CNN, not FOX, not MSNBC, one would have to ask why?

I think that once you read the story you may wonder if race is the reason that the story has been kept off the radar.

Peorians living in fear

This eye-witness account is from Paul Wilkinson, president of the Altamont Park Neighborhood Association:

Tonight, around 11 PM, a group of at least 60-70 African American youth marched down one of the side streets (W. Thrush) to the 4 lane main drag (Sheridan). They were yelling threats to white residents. Things such as we need to kill all the white people around here. They were physically intimidating anyone calling for help from the police. They were surrounding cars. Cars on the main drag had to slam on their brakes to either avoid the youth blocking not only all four lanes, but a large section of the side street as well. fights were breaking out among them. They were rushing residents who looked out their doors, going on to porches, yelling threats to people calling the police for help.

Cars were doing U turns on the streets just to avoid the mob, mostly male. One youth stated his grandfather was white and several assaulted him on the spot.[/i] One police officer answered the call. The youth split into two large groups, one heading north, the other south. They were also yelling racial threats to the police officer but he was outnumbered. Another police car did not show up until after the youth finally dispersed and the patty wagon (van) also eventually showed up.

Residents are very shaken, both black and white alike. This is the fifth large mob action in about a month with smaller groups of 10-12 are out threatening children and adults a few evenings a week or later into the night. The times vary, even occuring during the day. In talking to the police officer, they are short staffed. Residents were advised to simply keep inside and to lock their doors. In other words buckle down, it’s not even safe to sit on your porch or go into your yards.

“The fifth large mob action in about a month.” Wow. This is really outrageous. Why is this neighborhood having to put up with this? “Residents were advised to simply keep inside and to lock their doors”? Seriously? That’s the best we can do for our fellow citizens’ safety?

This needs to be addressed, and quickly.

For some the focus is on the race of the mob. I see this as yet another symptom of how desperate the state of our economy has become.

Despite his promises for Hope & Change, the unemployment rate for blacks is 15.5% while unemployment for black teens is 42.1%. There are less jobs now even though our President has spent spent $287,000 of taxpayers money per bob Created or saved by Obama Stimulus.

Spin it how you want but it but at some point during his administration the economy belongs to Obama and I believe we hit have definitely hit that point.

If this were going on night after night, city after city, across the United States we would hear about these desperate youths and an evil Republican President's failure to help. You would also hear contrived stories about how said Republican has a long standing hatred for non-whites. No such stories have come forth about Obama.

I wish I could say that this story was an anomaly, but more and more the news is featuring flash mobs with criminal intent. How bad must it get before something is done?

When will the economy turn around? Is this part of the price we must all pay because cities, towns, and states have all had to lay-off law enforcement officers?

Play The Diamonds When You Play The Slots

2011-06-24T18:06:00.003-04:00

Welcome to day two of our adventure at the Pearl River Casino.

Darryl and I began our day with a walk around the Dancing Rabit Golf Club. The clubhouse really was beautiful and our walk around the course was a great way to begin our day.

After the golf club we decided to head to the pool. Now you would think that a pool located in Mississippi in the summer would not be very cold. You of course, would be wrong. It was very cold and it took me awhile to get adjusted. I did love the atmosphere of the pool area and even though it was early in the day I might just have been tempted to enjoy an umbrella drink.

After a quick trip back to the room we decided to hit the floor and gamble. I had a feeling about a particular slot machine. I had won $50 and I decided to play some more while waiting for Darryl to finish gambling.

Amazingly enough this particular machine would keep me mostly winning throughout the day with the expected backslides. At one point I got as high as $92 and I said to myself that I should stop there but since I didn't see Darryl I kept playing anyway. In the end I wound up walking away with the original $50. Which I suppose after playing four hours wasn't really so bad.

The menu tonight was my dream menu at the Chef's Pavillion with never ending crab legs and shrimp! I was in a word, HEAVEN. I LOVE crab and it's been quite some time since I've had all you can eat crab legs.

The only let down was the Sugarland concert. I had looked forward to the concert but Darryl didn't feel too well and asked how bad I would feel if we missed it. It wouldn't be the end of my world but in the end the fact that Darryl didn't feel well over-road whether or not I wanted to go to the concert. I knew he would go if I asked him but I didn't ask him because I know he didn't feel well.

I Went To Golden Moon Casion With Dave FM And All I Had Was FUN!!!

2011-06-23T17:39:00.051-04:00

Today began our "Extreme Casino Trip" with other couples who won the trip to the Golden Moon Casino.

Our trip began in Rome at the Starbucks. I had coupon for FREE drinks and I told Darryl I would treat him to any drink he wanted. I of course had my favorite drink which is a Venti Green Tea Frappaccino. Darryl decided to have a frozen cafe mocha.

From there we headed downtown to the appointed location to meet the party bus. Now when I say party bus, I probably mean to say luxury star treatment bus. The bus was equipped with Dual stereos, Large screen televisions, DVD, IPod hookups, CD, fiber optic lighting, Mood lighting
Ice wells, Microwaves, and a restroom!

Honestly, I was having one of those limo moments. For a girl who grew up poor I've been in a limo more times than I've ever imagined. Amazingly enough, each and every time I've actually been in a limo it was due to a contest win. This was, however, the very first time I'd ridden on such a splended bus that reminded me of a very large limo.

Call me a nerd but one of the things that I rate high on vacation satisfaction is the opportunity to read and despite the term party Darryl and I came prepared to read books.

Turns out we picked the perfect seats to do just that. The back of the bus became the party section while the front of the bus was occupied mostly by people who seemed to be walking the tamer side of the street.

The big excitement on the trip was when the police pulled our bus over.

No Willie Nelson was not on the bus. The trooper wanted to check our driver's log book and then sent us on our way.

When we finally arrived I couldn't wait to check into our room and check out the buffet.

The people at the Silver Star Casino were amazingly generous. Not only were our rooms very nice but they provided us with gift certificates for dinners for both night stay as well as breakfast on the other day.

Our first night we enjoyed prime rib and some of the best steak I've had in a long time at the Chef's Pavillion Buffet. That meal alone would have been a wonderful prize.

I can hardly wait until tomorrow when we get to see Sugarland! Oh I didn't tell you? Tickets to see Sugarland are part of our prize too!

Fracas In The Casey Anthony Que

2011-06-17T20:55:00.004-04:00

Just in case you didn't think the Casey Anthony trial was enough of a side show, a fight broke out early Friday morning at the Orange County courthouse among people waiting in line for tickets to view the Casey Anthony trial.

Apparently, two men cut the line, and when approached by others standing in line, a fight broke out.

Two men were questioned by police but no arrests were been made.

What appears to be lost in all this insanity is the death of a beautiful young girl.

Will there be justice for Caylee?

Weinergate Or Bye Bye Weiner Bye Bye!

2011-06-16T18:14:00.004-04:00

There is no joy in Weinerville tonight as the mighty Weiner has stepped down.

I say this not because I'm a Weiner fan. I think he showed extremely poor judgment when he acted like he was part of the new reality show "When Congressmen Go Wild". Still it was very difficult to watch the side show that was Anthony Weiner's resignation. The only thing that seemed to be missing was Charlie Sheen.

While I don't know Rep. Anthony Weiner personally, I have personally found him to be quite a narcisist. In many of his televised appearances he seemed condescending, caustic, abrasive, bombastic, and rude.

Turns out that I was not alone in that assessment because it has come to light that Weiner is not well-liked by many of his colleagues. George Arzt, a New York City-based Democratic consultant, said. “He (Weiner) was abrasive. He had tantrums. He was a headline hunter and it did not make him any friends. His behavior has always been out of sync with someone holding his position.”

This problem helped exacerbate the whole twitter scandal when Weiner conveniently placed the blame on the doorstep of a conservative rather than admitting that he had done something very, very, dumb.

He cared little about trying to bring down the reputation of others as long as his reputation was not tarnished by the scandal. Unfortunately for Weiner, it was indeed a tangled web he wove when first he practiced to deceive.

This morning word leaked to the media that today would be the day when Weiner's office was being emptied and phone calls were not being returned. Could it be I wondered?

I tuned in at the appointed hour and just as Weiner began to sing his swan song one of the people in the room -- Benjy Bronk from the Howard Stern Show, screamed, "Are you more than 7 inches?" Another screamed, "Yeah, get out of here pervert."

It was enough for me that he was stepping down but as you listened to the crowd as they heckled him, you could tell that others wanted to make him atone for his past actions and personality flaws.

It was and has been sad to watch him implode, to watch his former privleged life slip away from him.

Anthony Weiner didn't take questions from reporters. He again apologized to his constituents, his colleagues, and to his pregnant wife, who was notably not at his side.

As he walked out, one heckler asked, "Will you maintain your hot physique?"

Don't cry for Weiner just yet though you see according to an analysis of his available benefits by the National Taxpayers Union, Weiner is leaving with a great parting gift since his pension as well a savings plan lawmakers have access to similar to a 401(k) could be worth $1.12 million to $1.28 million. How's that for a lovely parting gift?

Personally, I really hope Weiner will receive the help he needs but only time will tell.

Sarah Palin Email Dump Or How The Lame Stream Media Got It Wrong AGAIN!

2011-06-14T18:59:00.003-04:00

The Daily Show
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Is it any wonder why Sarah Palin may have her doubts about the fairness of the main stream media?

The last time I saw such an explosive avalanche of details was when a certain reporter covered Al Capone's Vault.

So anxious was the main-stream media to prove that Sarah committed something that would PROVE once and for all that she is stupid and/or evil, that the Washington Post and the New York Times actually asked readers to volunteer to help read through her emails.

Since there was no bombshells in the emails some in the media have decided to assess her writing skills against the Flesch-Kincaid readability test.

It was deemed that Sarah Palin writes emails on her Blackberry at a grade level of 8.5.

"She came in as a solid communicator," said Paul J.J. Payack, president of the Global Language Monitor. The emails registered as an 8.2 on his version of the test. "That's typical for a corporate executive."

By the way, just to prove to the world just how smart you are, you can find out what grade level that you write because obviously YOU are smarter than an eighth grader.

Just wondering, what level does Anthony Weiner Tweet on when he's sending those "Hot" photos.

Weinergate Or Guess What's That You Have There?

2011-06-12T20:34:00.002-04:00

It appears that NEW pictures of a certain Congressman's junk have trickled out and onto the internet.

These photos were taken at the House gym which sets off more questions about the congressman's use of congressional facilities for less than official purposes.

Actually, I thought Anthony, (sorry I hope you don't mind if I call you by your first name after I've seen you naked and all) might just try to ride this whole thing out when he announced yesterday that he was going to get some help for his sex addiction.

With the release of today's photos on TMZ.

In each of these photos our hero appears to want us to say hello to his little friend as he grabs his junk beneath his towel and in one special photo his junk is barely covered by his towel.

Gee Anthony, you sure came across as a very cocky guy, not so much anymore. I suppose after lying point-blank about your X-rated Internet liaisons for days, even suggesting that hackers had infiltrated your Twitter account only to have the truth come to light might just knock the wind out of your sails.

Democrats on Sunday stepped up calls for US Congressman Anthony Weiner to resign over his lewd online exchanges with women. Removing Weiner against his will could involve a protracted and messy legal battle and I suppose the DNC wants to be rid of it pretty quickly.

Sadly while we spend time watching and waiting for the next naked congressman photo to be released we are ignoring the fact that our country is in big trouble.

The 9.1 percent unemployment rate reported in May remains high by post-World War II standards long after the economy resumed growth following the worst recession in 70 years.

Almost half of the unemployed have been jobless for more than six months and people who have been out of work for long periods find it difficult to obtain a job comparable to their previous one, as their skills tend to deteriorate over time, and as employers are often reluctant to hire the long-term unemployed.

Economists warn that this may well be the "new normal" and it is likely to mean that unemployment will remain persistently high, at 7 percent or more, for years to come.

The Gold Report: Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has given a warning to the US government that it may downgrade its rating by 2013 if nothing is done to address the debt and deficit.

The US dollar is at an all time low. The sky really is falling people.

Don't worry though, because clowns like Rep. Weiner have all the time in the world to tweet naked photos of themselves while we fall into a double-dip recession.