Toddlers And Tiaras - Sexy Baby Contest

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

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

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

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!!!

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’

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

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

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

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.

Kathy Dusty Brown Has Died

What ever happened to the infamous "Dusty" Brown who was convicted of conspiracy to murder of her husband Chris Brown in 1983? 

You may remember that after three trials and almost three years Dusty Brown was finally convicted of Conspiracy to Murder and given seven years.  Dusty only served 4 years and she was released from Federal prison on September 13, 1989.

Since then Dusty has been in and out of prison for petty crimes, mostly writing bad checks, forgery, and DUI's. She was released from an Oklahoma prison in 1999 after serving five years for writing bad checks, and in 2001 was rearrested for forgery and concealing stolen property.  She was arrested again and sent back to prison in August of 2004, and she was released on parole on March 2, 2007.

She married Mark Lyons on August 27, 2008 in Tennessee.

Dusty died on November 21, 2011 in Oklahoma Hospital, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Oklahoma. She was buried in Cremated by Corbett Funeral and Cremation Service.  As a matter of fact she has a
memorial website where you can leave your condolences. 

Russian Journalist Shows Obama Some Love

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

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

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

"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?

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.



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



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.



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




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

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

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

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

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?

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

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?

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Higher Education Bubble by Savings Account.org

The Death Of Lindsey Blake Householder

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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.