Indigo Insights |
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Musings of the Chronologically Challenged™ Fourth Generation 
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Tuesday, December 31, 2002
THANKS First of all, I'd like to thank Chuck of 'redneckin' fame, who introduced me to the term "blog" by throwing it at me out of the blue, knowing full well that it would drive me crazy because it was a new word to me and I didn't know the meaning of the term. He's a sly one, that Chuck. Then he led me, kicking and screaming, down the blogging path, whether I wanted to go or not. Retired from publishing, I figured I had already BTDT with writing. Chuck asked me what I planned to do with my "skills" (ahem) if I wasn't going to put them to use. I told him I'd just sit on them - like laurels!! He had different plans and his were more productive than mine. Thanks, Chuck. I love you, Man! (aside: Would that make Chuck my Blog-Daddy? Naaaaaaaaaa- I'm older than him!) Next, thanks to Terry of Possumblog who saw me hunkered down in the Briar Patch one day and invited me in out of the cold to a warm room right above The Axis of Weevil. (Would he be my Blog-Uncle?) Also, many thanks to Terry for the introduction to the gal downstairs - - - Francesca of Yorkie Blog in The Axis of Weevil, who has become my Number One GF of the Blogosphere, and without whose direction to the referral from - - - South Knox Bubba (a kissing cousin) regarding the database of rankings at Blogstreet.com, which I missed previously, there would be no occasion for all these 'thank yous'. I mean, come on, ranked 22,851 out of 43,203!!!! ROTFLMFAO!!!! Oh well, Francesca, at least we made rank!!!! LOL And thanks to all the other wonderful writers in the Reading List at right whom I've come to know, be entertained and informed by, and touched in many special ways (you all know your specialities! LOL). Misha, Meryl, Rachel, Michele, Kim, and Acidman are revelations in true journalistic talent. IN-BOX -- Swansboro, NC The Time Machine must have been tinkered with by those cyber gremlins, because these predictions came out for the year 2035. Talk about a bleak future! Newspaper Headlines in the Year 2035 *Ozone created by electric cars now killing millions in the seventh largest country in the world, California. *White minorities still trying to have English recognized as California's third language. *Spotted Owl plague threatens northwestern United States crops & livestock. *Baby conceived naturally.... Scientists stumped. *Authentic year 2000 "chad" sells at Sotheby's for $4.6 million. *Last remaining Fundamentalist Muslim dies in the American Territory of the Middle East (formerly known as Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, and Lebanon.) *Iraq still closed off; physicists estimate it will take at least ten more years before radioactivity decreases to safe levels. *Castro finally dies at age 112; Cuban cigars can now be imported legally, but Pres Chelsea Clinton has banned all smoking. *George Z. Bush says he will run for President in 2036. *Postal Service raises price of first class stamp to $17.89 and reduces mail delivery to Wednesday only. *35 year study: diet and exercise is the key to weight loss. *Massachusetts executes last remaining conservative. *Supreme Court rules punishment of criminals violates their civil rights. *Upcoming NFL draft likely to focus on use of mutants. *Average height of NBA players now nine feet, seven inches. *Microsoft announces it has perfected its newest version of Windows so it crashes BEFORE installation is completed. *New federal law requires that all nail clippers, screwdrivers, fly swatters, and rolled up newspapers must be registered by January 2036. *Congress authorizes direct deposit of illegal political contributions to campaign accounts. *Capital Hill intern indicted for refusing to have sex with congressman. *IRS sets lowest tax rate at 75%. Monday, December 30, 2002
TOP TEN Anything you'd ever need to know about Top Tens for 2002 are URL'd over at Bubba's. He's done all the research for you, so go check it out. You may find the exact list you've been wondering about. NATIVE AMERICAN NEW YEAR The words of John Two-Hawks and his beautiful music have a calming, peaceful effect on me. His writings and flute have soothed my soul on many occasions. John offers new perspectives to this old WASP, and he has guided my inner thoughts down a different path toward inner peace, time and time again. His offerings should be understood and accepted considering the purity of the dimension from which they come. Many of us 'white eyes' do not comprehend the Indigenous people's deeply spiritual observance of The Red Road ( http://www.think-aboutit.com/native.htm ) but it may behoove us to familiarize ourselves with their beliefs, and others' beliefs, before negating them out of hand. Here is John's welcome to the new year. I like to read his letters after clicking onto one of his sites so as to listen to his flute while I read his words. Circle of Nations Hau kola na nitakuye (hello friends and relatives), It is a new year, the solstice has passed and maka ina - mother earth - has begun her journey back toward the sun once again.... as she has since the beginning of all beginnings. Oh ya sure, January 1st is the "new year" as most moderners know it. But we Lakota know that the true new year for our planet actually begins after the winter solstice, that time when the mother earth's northern axis has tilted the furthest from the sun, thus bringing us here on Turtle Island (north america) our 'shortest day'. After this, the new year begins as the axis begins to return toward the sun and our days get a bit longer each time we pass the sun. We are the star people, and we know the stars. Not in the way an astronomer.... nor in the way of an astrologist.... but in the way of the Lakota. We know the stars, like an ancient old friend. There is much the stars have to show us. For countless centuries people all around the world have listened to the voice of the stars.... the signs which foretell of great catastrophic or powerful earth changing events. In this time of Christmas, we are reminded of a story of wise men who knew the signs of the stars, and followed these signs straight to the cradle of the Christ child. We Lakota know the signs of the stars this way. There is much we can learn, if we only listen with humble hearts and open minds.... EAST - Wiyohinyanpata - Yellow (Four Winds) An old year passes.... a new year begins. What have we learned? Where have we traveled and what have our travels taught us about where we are headed? I see a lot of hope, a lot of good in our world. I also see very clearly the problems, the ignorance and the pain of a humanity that has not yet learned the power of true, real love. Our world is as many pendulums. Some pendulums are pulled away from their center and have have yet to swing. Some have swung already and are way on the other side of their center. A few have found their way back to the center. This center is a place of stillness. A place of peace and rest. In the 1950's, many pendulums had been pulled away from their center for ages by oppression and suppression. The young people of the 1960's broke the oppressive grip on many of these pendulums and they finally began to swing. Some are still just beginning their first swing today, and others have swung entirely the other way and back several times. What must be understood is that in order for a pendulum to find it's true resting center once it is pulled out of balance, it has no choice but to swing wide first, then back and forth a bit until it slows and then finally finds its center once again. Human social relations, the condition of our environment and political climates are just a few examples of the many 'pendulums' that are in swing as we head into 2003. World peace means much more to me than merely human peace.... it means peace for all Creation.... every rock, tree, and drop of water.... every living, breathing, creeping, crawling, swimming and flying thing on this planet. For this real world peace to occur, all must become actively interested and involved in bringing every pendulum back to its true center. World peace will only come when balance is achieved. I had an honest man say to me once, "the world is going to come to an end anyway, so why bother?" I will answer that question here with another question. If your house was on fire, would you not at least try to save it from the flames? World peace as I define it may seem like a foolish dream, but I will keep filling the bucket of my life with the cool, calming water of peace and love and casting it into the flames of hate, ignorance and corruption with the hope that maybe others will continue to join me with their own buckets. Hey, who knows, maybe with enough of us casting our peace and love water into the flames, we may surprise ourselves and actually succeed! We just might put out the fire.... and save our home.... After all, the pendulum is still in swing.... May you all find peace, inner strength and balance this coming year. I am honored to connect to you in this way. I have offered my elk medicine to you with an honest heart. May these ramblings bless you in some beautiful way. And may Creator encircle you with faith to believe, hope for the future and love for all.... In the spirit of mending the sacred hoop of the nations of the world, Your Oglala Lakota brother / friend, John Two-Hawks http://www.nativecircle.com http://www.johntwohawks.com Sunday, December 29, 2002
IN-BOX -- Ayden, NC Received this today from my oldest buddy - i.e. Korean War era!! We grew up together in that same little North Carolina town I speak of occasionally and were blessed with many of the same memories. It seems a fitting end of the year piece to blog and reflect upon. He's a "keeper" too, BTW. He's been keeping me in stitches most of my life. Happy New Year, Dear Ol Greg! "Keepers" Some things you keep. Like good teeth. Warm coats. Bald husbands. They're good for you, reliable and practical and so sublime that to throw them away would make the garbage man a thief. So you hang on, because something old is sometimes better than something new, and what you know is often better than a stranger. These are my thoughts, they make me sound old, old and tame, and dull at a time when everybody else is risky and racy and flashing all that's new and improved in their lives. New careers, new thighs, new lips, new cars. The world is dizzy with trade-ins. I could keep track, but I don't think I want to. I grew up in the fifties with practical parents -- a mother, God bless her, who washed aluminum foil after she cooked in it, then reused it -- and still does. A father who was happier getting old shoes fixed than buying new ones. They weren't poor, my parents, they were just satisfied. Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their best friends lived barely a wave away. I can see them now, Dad in trousers and tee shirt and Mom in a house dress, lawn mower in his hand, dishtowel in hers. It was a time for fixing things -- a curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, the oven door, the hem in a dress. Things you keep. It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that re-fixing, reheating, renewing, I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant there'd always be more. But then my father died, and on that clear autumn night, in the chill of the hospital room, I was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't any 'more.' Sometimes what you care about most gets all used up and goes away, never to return. So, while you have it, it's best to love it and care for it and fix it when it's broken and heal it when it's sick. That's true for marriage and old cars and children with bad report cards and dogs with bad hips and aging parents. You keep them because they're worth it, because you're worth it. Some things you keep. Like a best friend that moved away or a classmate you grew up with, there's just some things that make life important...people you know are special...and you KEEP them close! Author Unknown Sunday, December 22, 2002
GIFT TO OUR SOLDIERS At the risk of posting something that may have already been seen, this is worth it. Skip right over to the next blog if you have previously read it, or if it's just not your cup. Or, copy and paste it on your next email, should you feel so inclined. The Soldier Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Close your eyes and picture in your mind the soldier at Valley Forge, as he holds his musket in his bloody hands. He stands barefoot in the snow, starved from lack of food, wounded from months of battle, and emotionally scarred from the eternity away from his family surrounded by nothing but death and carnage of war. He stands tough, with fire in his eyes and victory on his breath. He looks at us now in anger and disgust and tells us this... I gave you a birthright of freedom born in the Constitution and now your children graduate too illiterate to read it. I fought in the snow barefoot to give you the freedom to vote and you stay at home because it rains. I left my family destitute to give you the freedom of speech and you remain silent on critical issues, because it might be bad for business. I orphaned my children to give you a government to serve you and it has stolen democracy from the people. It's the soldier, not the reporter who gives you the freedom of the press. It's the soldier, not the poet who gives you the freedom of speech. It's the soldier, not the campus organizer who allows you to demonstrate. It's the soldier who salutes the flag, serves the flag, whose coffin is draped with the flag, that allows the protester to burn the flag!!! "God, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen." When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our U.S. ground troops in Afghanistan, and the ones facing deployment to Iraq at this very moment - and all over this world. Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Prayer is the very best one..... Thursday, December 19, 2002
FELIZ NAVIDAD ¿Usted irá a casa? RUN DON'T WALK Hey You Guys! There's a party going on over at Rachel's house. Not a Christmas party - a celebration of FREEDOM!! It's a reeeeeelly big party, so plan to stay a while. And invite some friends. Look for Guns and Freedom (Dec. 17th) to enrich yourself with words from a true American. Wednesday, December 18, 2002
BACK TO PERSPECTIVE Just compared posts from 17th and 18th and was reminded of "Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused." So I laughed and I feel better. Perhaps I should set up an alternate blog site for ranting only. Seems to work for some. LOL FURTHERMORE To rub my nose in it (and yours, if you go there), almost immediately up popped this tidbit. Yeah, right. I want to wish these people a happy holiday season! OK, so it's Pakistan. Six of one, as far as I'm concerned. I'm almost to the Bah, Humbug stage. (counting 10 here) IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS When this came across my screen, I figured it was just another item I was not current on. But when I emailed it to my keypals, their replies indicated I was not the only one who was not current. My email said simply: "Please see this site. No comment from me because I'm too angry!" I got more replies on this item than any email I've ever sent out. Obviously, my pals were not aware of it either. Every single person who responded was incensed, and some even took the time to write the Board of Governors, via snail mail. In any event, for those in Blog World who may not yet know about the Christmas stamps, check the link above. Tuesday, December 17, 2002
THE "W" IN CHRISTMAS Author Unknown Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations -- extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas. My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise. So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song. Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment -- songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row-center stage -- held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing, "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love." The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down -- totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W." The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W." Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear: "CHRISTWAS LOVE" And, I believe, He still is. MORE ABOUT NORTH CAROLINIANS You know you're from North Carolina if - - You think that the first day of deer season is a national holiday. You find 100 degrees Fahrenheit "a little warm" You know all four seasons: Almost summer, summer, still summer, and Christmas. You know whether another North Carolinian is from east, west, or middle North Carolina as soon as they open their mouth. Going to Wal-mart is a favorite past time known as goin' wal-martin' or off to Wally World. IN-BOX Anyone who surfs Blog World knows that the more one links, the more one learns, hence the more well-rounded one may become. Well, at least I find that true. It is also true that wisdom, incisive comment, wit, and savvy are not limited to the elite of the Blogosphere. There are many, many travelers on the www who have never heard of blogging (unbelievable, huh?) who nevertheless pass on informative, thought-provoking tidbits through their emailing lists. That's why I have featured some of their email from time to time. If you are one of Indigo Insights' readers (three of you now, right?) you may have noticed the material published here runs the gamut of opinions and political diversity. That's because I really enjoy a cornucopia of opinions and political diversity. And like many of you have pointed out, on my own blog I make the rules. Today I would like to share what was in this morning's mail from two international keypals of mine. A delightful gentleman from Qatar (yes, the Mideast Qatar!) forwarded this link to me. And here's a bright holiday greeting from an animal-loving Brit. Is there any other kind? Gotta love 'em. Monday, December 16, 2002
NOW THEY'VE DONE IT! Last night the Iraquis shot Santa's sleigh out of the sky, killed all the reindeer, and captured and tortured Santa Claus. (Is Southpark in the major media?) ALSO The Wilde Poet refuses to link. Oh well. We tried. FROM THE IN-BOX - Greenville, NC To Kill An American You may have missed it in the rush of news last week, but there was actually a report that someone in Pakistan had published in a newspaper an offer of a reward to anyone who killed an American, any American. So an Australian dentist wrote the following to let everyone know what an American is, so they would know when they found one. An American is English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German, Spanish, Polish, Russian or Greek. An American may also be Canadian, Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Australian, Iranian, Asian, or Arab, or Pakistani, or Afghan. An American may also be a Cherokee, Osage, Sioux, Mohawk, Blackfoot, Navaho, Apache, Seminole or one of the many other tribes known as native Americans. An American is Christian, or he could be Jewish, Buddhist, or Muslim. In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in Afghanistan. The only difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them chooses. An American is also free to believe in no religion. For that he will answer only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God. An American is from the most prosperous land in the history of the world. The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence, which recognizes the God given right of each person the pursuit of happiness. An American is generous. Americans have helped out just about every other nation in the world in their time of need. When Afghanistan was overrun by the Soviet army 20 years ago, Americans came with arms and supplies to enable the people to win back their country. As of the morning of September 11, Americans had given more than any other nation to the poor in Afghanistan. Americans welcome the best, the best products, the best books, the best music, the best food, the best athletes. But they also welcome the least. The national symbol of America, The Statue of Liberty, welcomes your tired and your poor, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores, the homeless, tempest tossed. These in fact are the people who built America. Some of them were working in the Twin Towers the morning of September 11, 2002 earning a better life for their families. I've been told that the World Trade Center victims were from at least 30 other countries, cultures, and first languages, including those that aided and abetted the terrorists. So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did. So did General Tojo, and Stalin, and Mao Tse-Tung, and every bloodthirsty tyrant in the history of the world. But, in doing so you would just be killing yourself. Because Americans are not a particular people from a particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom. Everyone who holds to that spirit, everywhere, is an American. Pass this around the World. CLOSED MOUTH GATHERS NO FOOT How many years should the media delve back into its archives to find an uncomplimentary quote from a politician? How many months? Weeks? According to the Wilde Poet, the archive guys over at RWN are apparently flipping the coin on the Democrats and republishing some of their infamous quotes. Here are a few "in their own words". Guess it just goes to show, nobody's perfect, right Trent? PUSSYFOOTIN' >^..^< Duct tape is like the Force. It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together. >^..^< Creator gave you two ears and one mouth, so you can listen twice as much as you speak. - Lakota Elder >^..^< A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person. (This is very important. Pay attention. It never fails.) - Dave Barry >^..^< One of these days, Alice, the Archives will be up again!! >^..^< You don't stop laughing because you've grown old. You grow old because you stop laughing! Saturday, December 14, 2002
STRANGERS IN THE BOX Come, look with me inside this drawer, In this box I've often seen, At the pictures, black and white, Faces proud, still, serene. I wish I knew the people, These strangers in the box, Their names and all their memories Are lost among my socks. I wonder what their lives were like. How did they spend their days? What about their special times? I'll never know their ways. If only someone had taken time To tell who, what, where, when, These faces of my heritage Would come to life again. Could this become the fate Of the pictures we take today? The faces and the memories Someday to be tossed away? Make time to save your pictures, Seize the opportunity when it knocks, Or someday you and yours could be The strangers in the box. © 1997 by Pamela A. Harazim. All Rights Reserved. May be used in unchanged form for non-commercial purposes if accompanied by this copyright message. UNDETERMINED? Snopes says the authenticity of the U.S. Marine versus French officer letter is "undetermined". (Dec. 6, From the In-Box below) Snopes' Barbara Mikkelson wrote the piece and gives several reasons for invalidating the letter as being from a woman. All I can say is, Mikkelson needs to hang out with more Women Marines! But read it for yourself. FROM THE IN-BOX - Utah Received this from a friend with the comment "This is scarey". And so it is. Lots of things are very scarey today. So many, in fact, I have to prioritize in degrees of "scariness" to get some perspective. But as scarey as this is, to me it's not as scarey as spending the rest of my life in a burka! Give it a read and see what you think. "An excerpt from a book by Milton Mayer - "They Thought They Were Free"" But Then It Was Too Late "What no one seemed to notice," said a colleague of mine, a philologist, "was the ever widening gap, after 1933, between the government and the people. Just think how very wide this gap was to begin with, here in Germany. And it became always wider. You know it doesn't make people close to their government to be told that this is a people's government, a true democracy, or to be enrolled in civilian defense, or even to vote. All this has little, really nothing, to do with knowing one is governing." PUSSYFOOTIN'' >^..< Could apophenia explain the fanatics of the far right and/or the far left? hmmmmmm QUOTABLES * If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings". - Dave Barry * Earlier this week, Trent Lott met with his spiritual advisers. The bad news – It's Cardinal Bernard Law. - Jay Leno * There are three kinds of men. The ones that learn by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence. - Will Rogers * U.N. Weapons Inspector Hans Blix has just declared Trent Lott's mouth a weapon. - David Letterman Friday, December 13, 2002
LOTT SYNDROME After reading Acidman's parable regarding growing up racist, but learning from life what a waste of time it is, there's really nothing more to say. Except that while all of us "bawn and bred in the briar patch" know this dirty history, we are not Senate Majority Leaders. Nope, we are smarter than Lott, who apparently suffers such diarrhea of the mouth that he becomes mesmerized by the sound of his own voice and doesn't know when to shut up. The brain should send a signal of good taste and judgement to the tongue in such situations as he found himself. No, I don't think he should resign because he will be slapped with the race card. He should not be Speaker because he is a dullard. FROM THE IN-BOX This is the most inspiring "Christmas card" I have received this year -- perhaps ANY year. Please take a few minutes to link here and, hopefully, to the other links you will find. Don't miss the Home link. We all know the "reason for the season" but we may need a reminder of the reason we are free to celebrate it. Tuesday, December 10, 2002
MAN'S BEST FRIEND My Number Two Grandson moved to another city about a month ago. He's the musician/animal-lover GS. There is also a football hero GS (#3) and a professional, settled, married GS (#1). #2 has been really lonely - especially after his girl friend moved out and took the dog!!! Actually, he seemed to miss the dog more than the GF. His sister (my #1 GrandDaughter) has been trying to find a dog for him through her vet/shelter connections, but until last Friday had not been successful. On Friday, #2 left for a weekend camping trip - to the mountains, where the temps were in the teens. brrrrrrrr If you have any kids or grand-kids from this generation, save yourself a lot of wear and tear on the synapses and stop right now trying to figure out their reasoning faculties. The #1 GD is a persistent, industrious little thing and she pulled out all her stops (and favors, I assume) to get a Golden Retriever ready for adoption while #2 GS was camping. The year-old male adoptee was all bathed, brushed, beautiful. and ready for his new home when #2 came back Sunday night. I knew the surprise was planned, but was sworn to secrecy. So later in the night when #2 telephoned and said "Guess what I've got in my lap?", of course I played dumb. He was ecstatic while telling me the dog-tail! Very happy to have a friend in the house. This is his first time living alone. He said it will be so nice to have a welcome-home greeting when he came in. So he went to bed very happy with his new room mate, and so did GD because she had been instrumental in making her brother so happy, and so did I because both of them were so happy. (OK, so you're underwhelmed. Be thankful I didn't have any pics!) SOUTHERN THANG (s) +This is a sweet reminder (with speakers) to our Southern gentlemen - and to the other gentlemen, Eat Your Hearts Out. +More about North Carolinians.... You know you're from North Carolina if - - You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked. You carry jumper cables in your car... for your OWN car. You know what "cow tipping" is. You only own four spices: salt, pepper, texas pete and catsup. The local papers cover national and international news on one page but requires 6 pages for local gossip and sports. +And the latest chapter of Chuck's Southern childhood is out. Don't miss "Loading Your Own". GRASS STILL GROWING? RIVER STILL FLOWING? Every Native American and American taxpayer should be outraged at this. If you'd like to forward the article to your senator's attention, he or she will be here someplace. BEST OF THE WEB If you missed James Taranto yesterday (Dec. 9), pick it up here. It's an outstanding one. FROM THE IN-BOX Top 10 Reasons Republicans Love Santa Claus 10. He is married to a woman who does nothing but stay at home and bake. 9. Like many Catholic priests, Father Christmas uses promises of candy and toys to get children to sit on his lap while his "little helper" takes pictures. 8. Only a republican could love a man who breaks into your home in the middle of the night to stuff your socks full of a polluting fossil fuel because he thinks you were naughty. 7. Like George W. Bush, Santa has spent most of his life surrounded by giant piles of white powder. 6. Santa continues to force his elf labor to work year round without pay. 5. Santa is always sticking his nose in people's bedrooms to see if they are sleeping or awake. 4. Santa set up his toy factory at the North Pole to avoid EPA restrictions and labor laws. 3. Santa sits on his butt 364 days a year, then because he's generous for one night, he expects to be called a saint. 2. Santa is a big fat white guy that has everybody under constant surveillance to see if they've been bad or good. 1. Just like compassionate conservatism, corporate responsibility, and the liberal media... only a child is naive enough to believe Santa Claus actually exists. Monday, December 09, 2002
POKE FUN MONDAY Wish this had been Christmas greetings to Alabama so I could have dedicated it to the Axis of Weevil, but too much of the meaning would have been lost!!!! You know you're from North Carolina if - - You measure distance in minutes. You've ever had to switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day. You know what a "tar heel" is. You see a car running in the parking lot at the store with no one in it, no matter what time of the year it is. You use "fix" as a verb. Example: I am fixing to go to the store. All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable, grain, insect or animal. >^..^< PUSSYFOOTIN' >^..^< If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it. >^..^< People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them. -Dave Barry >^..^< And when God, who created the entire universe with all its glories, decides to deliver a message to humanity, He WILL NOT use as His messenger a person on cable tv with a bad hair style. -Dave Barry >^..^< Thank you. We know the Archives are not working Saturday, December 07, 2002
It has come to my attention that yesterday's "From the In-Box" offering was not new material!!!! LOL That's why it's identified as "From the In-Box". It's potluck. Maybe it's been to your in-box before, maybe not. My largest readership, my relatives and friends, are sometime a tad behind anyhow. Many of them are afflicted with the dreaded "Senior Moments"!!! So even if they've seen an item before, they've forgotten it!!! Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape! Friday, December 06, 2002
FROM THE IN-BOX I received this from an Airforce Reservist in semi active duty. Its authenticity is fairly reliable... but then... Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2002 17:21:32 EST Subject: Marine in Bosnia. Note the signature.... A funny thing happened to me yesterday at Camp Bondsteel (Bosnia): A French army officer walked up to me in the PX, and told me he thought we (Americans) were a bunch of cowboys and were going to provoke a war. He said if such a thing happens, we wouldn't be able to count on the support of France. I told him that it didn't surprise me. Since we had come to France's rescue in World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and the Cold War, their ingratitude and jealousy was due to surface at some point in the near future anyway. That is why France is a third-rate military power with a socialist economy and a bunch of faggots for soldiers. I additionally told him that America, being a nation of deeds and action, not words, would do whatever it had to do, and France's support was only for show anyway. Just like in ALL NATO exercises, the US would shoulder 85% of the burden, as evidenced by the fact that the French officer was shopping in the American PX, and not the other way around. He began to get belligerent at that point, and I told him if he would like to, I would meet him outside in front of the Burger King and beat his ass in front of the entire Multinational Brigade East, thus demonstrating that even the smallest American had more fight in him than the average Frenchman. He called me a barbarian cowboy and walked away in a huff. With friends like these, who needs enemies? Mary Beth Johnson LtCol, USMC Thursday, December 05, 2002
REVISIONISTS' ALERT What Northern authors did to history books concerning the Civil War; what Neo Nazi fringe groups are trying to do with the Holocaust; what Japanese apologists have done regarding Hiroshima and Nagasaki - and on and on and on. Pick a hot historical topic and chances are that what "history" tells you may be just the proverbial tip of the iceberg. Sadly, most people believe the first version they hear/read of a historical event and never do any further research. Apparently, there are enough folks in Arkansas willing to fund a Counter Clinton Library to assure that all sides of the Clinton 'legacy' will be available to future historians. Interesting. LETTER FROM SANTA "Bill Anderson" I regret to inform you that, effective immediately, I will no longer serve the States of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Texas, and Arkansas on Christmas Eve. Due to the overwhelming current population of the earth, my contract was renegotiated by North American Fairies and Elves Local 209. As part of the new and better contract I also get longer breaks for milk and cookies so keep that in mind. However, I'm certain that your children will be in good hands with your local replacement, who happens to be my third cousin, Bubba Claus. His side of the family is from the South Pole. He shares my goal of delivering toys to all the good boys and girls; however, there are a few differences between us. Differences such as: 1. There is no danger of the Grinch stealing your presents from Bubba Claus. He has a gun rack on his sleigh and a bumper sticker that reads:"These toys insured by Smith and Wesson." 2. Instead of milk and cookies, Bubba Claus prefers that children leave an RC cola and pork rinds [or a moon pie] on the fireplace. And Bubba doesn't smoke a pipe. He dips a little snuff though, so please have an empty spit can handy. 3. Bubba Claus' sleigh is pulled by floppy-eared, flyin' coon dogs instead of reindeer. I made the mistake of loaning him a couple of my reindeer one time, and Blitzen's head now overlooks Bubba's fireplace. 4. You won't hear "On Comet, on Cupid, on Donner and Blitzen.." when Bubba Claus arrives. Instead, you'll hear, "On Earnhardt, on Andretti, on Elliott and Petty." 5."Ho, Ho, Ho!" has been replaced by "Yee Haw!" And you also are likely to hear Bubba's elves respond, "I her'd dat!" 6. As required by Southern highway laws, Bubba Claus' sleigh does have a Yosemite Sam safety triangle on the back with the words "Back Off." 7. The usual Christmas movie classics such as "Miracle on 34th Street" and "It's a Wonderful Life" will not be shown in your negotiated viewing area. Instead, you'll see "Boss Hog Saves Christmas" and "Smokey and the Bandit IV" featuring Burt Reynolds as Bubba Claus and dozens of state patrol cars crashing into each other. And Finally, 8. Bubba Claus doesn't wear a belt. If I were you, I'd make sure you, the wife, and the kids turn the other way when he bends over to put presents under the tree. Sincerely Yours, Santa Wednesday, December 04, 2002
NOT MY CHILDREN, YOU DON"T I read this Orlando Sentinel piece twice. Couldn't believe my eyes the first time. The BP went up about a dozen points per perusal. This pretty much does it! Where can I volunteer to help load the bombs? PATRIOTS AGAINST SLIME Rachel Lucas got my full attention with this. I had the time, so I used it to read every single word, including all Comments. Hope readers here will be able to do the same. I guess it's just not a good time to be Anti-American! (hint to military detractors) And BTW Rachel, I sent the link to everyone I know in the military, and was proud to do it. FROM THE IN-BOX by Kevin Stone What's wrong with this quote? Demoncrat John Kerry had this to say about President Bush's proposed tax cuts: ''The largest cost of the Bush tax giveaway will not be borne by any of us here today it will be paid for by our children. We're borrowing from Social Security and Medicare to put money in our pockets today and sticking our children with the bill.'' Um, tax giveaway? Borrowing? Looks like it's business as usual at Dem central. Only a tax and spend Demoncrat could consider taking less to be a giveaway. Only a tax and spend Demoncrat would consider a proposal likely to boost revenues through economic stimulus a case of borrowing from other programs. As responsible Conservatives, I think it's our duty to make sure that Demoncrats don't get away with these types of rhetorical tricks. Spread the word! KS CULTURE SHOCK/FRENCH BASH Had an interesting instant message chat with a keypal last night. We started out discussing Christmas shopping. He was shopping online for perfume for his lovely wife. (Go figure. The guy works in the perfume industry!!) The chat soon degenerated (perhaps) into a treatise on foreigners in general and the French in particular. But here, read it for yourself. Keypal -- Found some perfume. Guess I'll get two. Indigo -- What kind? Keypal -- Brand X Indigo -- I don't know that one. You know I'm a Brand Y girl, myself. Keypal -- LOL Hey! We make Brand Y. Indigo -- I seem to remember you told me that a long time ago. However, if you're getting two of the Brand X with one in mind for me, I'll try it!!!! LOL Just kidding. Keypal -- Have you heard of Brand Z? Indigo -- Yes. A little heavy for me tho. Keypal -- We make that also. Indigo -- Really? I've smelled so much of that on men that I'm turned off to it. Keypal -- I believe it's made for both men and women. Indigo -- Yes. It's just a mental block thing with me, I guess. Keypal -- I'm not sure which kind of Brand Y we make. Indigo -- I also like Brand W - but have to be very careful to only use one squirt. It's a little overpowering. The Brand Y I use is yyyy. It's light and nice, and I don't need a trail of Frenchmen following me!! LOL!! Keypal -- We had a Frenchman working with us for about 3 months. He was loving and leaving a female employee. When he came back she slammed the door in his face. Indigo -- Served him right!! Keypal -- He took the wife and me out for supper and he had the audacity to offer her the keys to his room! Indigo -- LOL That's the French Way, I guess. Keypal -- I guess. Indigo -- Europeans are so different from us. Keypal -- If he had understood English, I would have told him where to put his keys. Indigo -- I hope your wife wasn't too mortified. The hand-kissing puts me off. I guess it's indicative of a gentleman in Europe -- but really - - - - - Keypal -- Well, I managed to hold my tongue. The hand thing puts me off also. Indigo -- Just different cultural mores. Tell the wife not to take offense. Take it as a compliment - and forget it. Keypal -- Yes, I will. I'll never see the guy again anyhow. Indigo -- When I attended professional conventions, I used to meet foreigners that I had spoken to on the telephone, or had correspnded with. Naturally, when I met them in person, I extended my hand to shake hands. A Swiss and a Polish guy grabbed it and planted a kiss! After that, I just nodded my head when I was introduced. Guess they thought it was the proper thing to do if a lady offered her hand. Keypal -- Probably. At work you're lucky to get a hand shake from some of the foreigners. Most of them seem to think we're dirt unless they're sucking up. Indigo -- A common attitude of foreigners, it seems. And from what I hear, some Americans are the same when travelling abroad. Keypal -- There are many there that dislike America. Indigo -- Oh but yes! Keypal -- And I am one of those American travelers who dislikes them just as much. After Keypal and I signed off, I got to thinking about the French. It appears that as far as the ubiquitous French "Boo, America" is concerned, the feeling is mutual. But it was not always so. The History Channel telecast a show last week of interviews with World War II veterans. Several of the gray, wrinkled vets had emotional overflows just telling of their European war experiences. But one old fellow, with a twinkle in his eye, told of marching into Paris to liberate the French from the Nazis. He remembered how the streets were lined with euphorically grateful Parisians as the American Army came into town. French girls, holding hands, would encircle an American soldier and not release him from the circle until he kissed every one of them, he said. The memory elicited a chuckle from the old vet. It may have been his only happy memory of the war. "Boo, America!" How soon they forgot. Tuesday, December 03, 2002
EYE WITNESS No profanity allowed against Sadam. No limits to the cruelty. FROM THE MAIL BOX With friends like the Saudis - - - LEARNED IN NORTH CAROLINA Possums sleep in the middle of the road with their feet in the air. There are 5,000 types of snakes and 4,998 live in North Carolina. There are 10,000 types of spiders. All 10,000 live in North Carolina, plus a couple no one's seen before. Squirrels will eat anything. Unknown critters love to dig holes under tomato plants. Raccoons will test your crop of melons and let you know when they are ripe. If it grows, it sticks; if it crawls; it bites. A tractor is NOT an all-terrain vehicle. They do get stuck. Onced and Twiced are words. It is not a shopping cart, it is a buggy. Fire ants consider your flesh as a picnic. People actually grow and eat okra. Fixinto is one word. There ain't no such thing as "lunch". There's only dinner and then there's supper. Tea is appropriate for all meals and you start drinking it when you're 2. Backards and forwards means I know everything about you. 'Jeet? is actually a phrase meaning "Did you eat?" You don't have to wear a watch because it doesn't matter what time it is. You work until you're done or it's too dark to see. >^..^< PUSSYFOOTIN' >^..^< Call me a profiler, a racist, or whatever floats your boat, but I am so weary of difficult-to-understand Mid-Eastern accents on TV that I've stopped watching TV news. Period. Will check back with the talking heads after my offended ears get a rest. >^..^< Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day. Monday, December 02, 2002
SEE RACHEL Forgive the mess. We're working on it. But I need to tell you to go over to Rachel's and learn about her new project. Can you help? Sunday, December 01, 2002
I was told by my Galactic Guru that this would be a good blog. Can't imagine who would be interested, but "ours is not to reason why". Ergo: TEXAS CHILI Doesn't seem to matter what part of the country one lives in, Christmas starts the day after Thanksgiving. In our coastal area, the Season to Be Jolly is kicked off on Saturday night with an impressive regatta, known locally as The Christmas Flotilla. It really is quite beautiful. All the boats, both pleasure and commercial, are ingeniously decorated with every conceivable nautical motif, a la Christmas. The lights on the boats are awesome, and as each boat slides quietly down the Inland Waterway, the children (and adults too) vote with their ooohs and aaahs for their favorites. As dark falls on the designated Saturday, the Flotilla launches from a nearby port city and travels down the Waterway about seven miles to a quaint little fishing village on the ocean, where it ends with great festivities. Santa Claus rides in the last boat, and when it docks at the village, he comes ashore to pass out goodies and gifts to the miniature Michelin tire people - who by then are Michelin popsicles. So Saturday morning, I received a telephone call from a Marine Corps officer's wife (friends) proposing that she bring over a pot of chili to enjoy and warm up with after the Flotilla. These folks are from Texas, and since I had never had any authentic Texas chili, and her kids wanted to watch the Flotilla from the pier in front of my house, we quickly struck a deal. Later in the day, another friend, Jackie, telephoned for chit-chatting and I mentioned to her that Captain and Mrs. Texan were coming over with a pot of chili. "Oh my!", said Jackie, "That'll be REAL Texas chilli made with beef, won't it? That should be delicious!" "Yes", I agreed, nonplussed. "I'm sure it will be much tastier than the chilli I make with possum!." (Now, really. Wasn't that a long way to go for a Southern punchline? Told you, Guru!) Epilog: The Flotilla was postponed due to high winds at dark. The chilli was mighty fine. I do believe it IS better with beef. Saturday, November 30, 2002
FROM THE IN-BOX -- indigoinsights@hotmail.com Another easy one: A little boy asked his father, "Dad, is God a man or a woman?" And his father said, "Well, He's neither and He's both." The little boy said, "Dad, is God black or white?" And his father said, "Well, He's both." And the little boy said, "Dad, is God Michael Jackson?" EASY BLOG DAY When material like this just falls in your lap, what's a blogger to do? Follow-up to >^..^< 11/22/02. WISH I HAD SAID THAT Michele over at A Small Victory has pretty much had her (and my) say on PETA. Also, saved me a lot of typing today! Thanks Michele! Maybe you'll tell how you really feel in an upcoming post!!! Looking forward to it. LOL Tuesday, November 26, 2002
SEMPER FI Please take a look at this, linked by InstaPundit. What a great tribute to the USMC and testimony to a father's pride in his son, as his title "My Heart on the Line" indicates. DAM! No link for this, so here's the whole thing. I'd like to think it's true! This is supposedly an actual letter sent by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, State of Michigan. Response follows. Dear Mr. Smith: It has come to the attention of the Department of Environmental Quality that there has been recent unauthorized activity on the above-referenced parcel of property. You have been certified as the legal landowner and/or contractor who did the following unauthorized activity: Construction and maintenance of two wood debris dams across the outlet stream of Spring Pond. A permit must be issued prior to the start of this type of activity. A review of the Department's files shows that no permits have been issued. Therefore, the Department has determined that this activity is in violation of Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the Natural Resource and Environmental Protection Act, At 451 of the Public Acts of 1994, being sections 324.30101 to 324.30113 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, annotated. The Department has been informed that one or both of the dams partially failed during a recent rain event, causing debris and flooding at downstream locations. We find that dams of this nature are inherently hazardous and cannot be permitted. The Department, therefore, orders you to cease and desist all activities at this location, and to restore the stream to a free-flow condition by removing all wood and brush forming the dams for the stream channel. All restoration work shall be completed no later than January 31, 2002. Please notify this office when the restoration has been completed so that a follow-up site inspection may be scheduled by our staff. Failure to comply with this request or any further unauthorized activity on the site may result in this case being referred for elevated enforcement action. We anticipate and would appreciate your full cooperation in this matter. Please feel free to contact me at this office if you have any questions. Sincerely, David L. Price District Representative Land and Water Management Division This is the actual response sent back............ Dear Mr. Price, Your certified letter dated 12/17/01 has been handed to me to respond to. First of all, Mr. Smith is not the legal Landowner and/or Contractor at 2*** Dagget, Pierson, Michigan. I am the legal owner and a couple of beavers are in the (State unauthorized) process of constructing and maintaining "two wood debris dams" across the outlet stream of my Spring Pond. While I did not pay for, authorize, nor supervise their dam project, I think they would be highly offended that you call their skillful use of nature's building materials "debris". I would like to challenge your department to attempt to emulate their dam project any time and/or any place you choose. I believe I can safely state there is no way you could ever match their dam skills, their dam resourcefulness, their dam ingenuity, their dam persistence, their dam determination and/or their dam work ethic. As to your request, I do not think the beavers are aware that they must first fill out a dam permit prior to the start of this type of dam activity. My first dam question to you is: (1) Are you trying to discriminate against my Spring Pond Beavers or (2) do you require all beavers throughout this State to conform to said dam request? If you are not discriminating against these particular beavers, through the Freedom of Information Act, I request completed copies of all those other applicable beaver dam permits that have been issued. Perhaps we will see if there really is a dam violation of Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the Natural Resource and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of the Public Acts of 1994, being sections 324.30101 to 324.30113 of the Michigan Complied Laws, annotated. I have several concerns. My first concern is - aren't the beavers entitled to legal representation? The Spring Pond Beavers are financially destitute and are unable to pay for said representation - so the State will have to provide them with a dam lawyer. The Department's dam concern that either one or both of the dams failed during a recent rain event causing flooding is proof that this is a natural occurrence, which the Department is required to protect. In other words, we should leave the Spring Pond Beavers alone rather than harassing them and calling their dam names. In my humble opinion, the spring Pond Beavers have a right to build their unauthorized dams as long as the sky is blue, the grass is green and water flows downstream. They have more dam rights than I do to live and enjoy Spring Pond. If the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection lives up to its name, it should protect the natural resources (Beavers) and the environment (Beavers' Dams). So, as far as the beavers and I are concerned, this dam case can be referred for more elevated enforcement action right now. Why wait until 1/31/2002? The Spring Pond Beavers may be under the dam ice then and there will be no way for you or your dam staff to contact/harass them then. In conclusion, I would like to bring to your attention to a real environmental quality (health) problem in the area. It is the bears! Bears are actually defecating in our woods. I definitely believe you should be persecuting the defecating bears and leave the beavers alone. If you are going to investigate the beaver dam, watch your step! (The bears are not careful where they dump!) Being unable to comply with your dam request, and being unable to contact you on your dam answering machine, I am sending this response to your dam office. Sincerely, Stephen L. Tvedten Friday, November 22, 2002
GOOD READ I'm no Rush fan, but this Boston Herald piece is a good historical reminder to Mr. Daschle. Whether you are Dem or Repub, you may get something from it too. COMPLIMENT Since imitation is the highest form of compliment, I didn't think Chuck would mind if I launched "Pussyfootin" as a new addition to Indigoinsights. It will probably be sporadic, just like the writer, but from my entry into Blogging World, I have wanted to write something about cats or dogs. I am very passionate about animals (not rabid enough to send money to PETA!) but I wasn't sure if animal posts would be appropriate here. Imagine my delight when I found the Meryl Yourish Cattales! Then when Bubba and his fans/commentators had their say about Christmas puppies this week -- well, it seemed like a green light to me. Hence, >^..^< Pussyfootin. The connotation is that the material here was gleaned while "Pussyfootin" around -- not that it will necessarily concern itself with cats! THANKSGIVING After reading redneckin's Thanksgiving tale, I stand mute. Don't miss it! A classic Southern tale, in the inimitable redneckin genre. A big ZIP!! FROM THE IN-BOX -- indigoinsights@hotmail.com How America Works Let's see if I understand how America works lately . . . **If a woman burns her thighs on the hot coffee she was holding in her lap while driving, she blames the restaurant. **If your teen-age son kills himself, you blame the rock 'n' roll music or musician he liked. **If you smoke three packs a day for 40 years and die of lung cancer, your family blames the tobacco company. **If your daughter gets pregnant by the football captain you blame the school for poor sex education. **If your neighbor crashes into a tree while driving home drunk, you blame the bartender. **If your cousin gets AIDS because the needle he used to shoot up with heroin was dirty, you blame the government for not providing clean ones. **If your grandchildren are brats without manners, you blame television. **If your friend is shot by a deranged madman, you blame the gun manufacturer. **If a crazed person climbs into the cockpit of an airliner and tries to kill the pilots at 35,000 feet and the passengers kill him instead, the mother of the deceased blames the airline. I must have lived too long to understand the world as it is anymore. So if I die while my old, wrinkled butt is parked in front of this computer, I want you to blame Bill Gates, OK? >^..^< PUSSYFOOTIN' >^..^< The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue. >^..^< I thought I "got it" when all the plastic surgery was done. Neverland was also a clue. Affinity for little boys raised my eyebrows. Strange places for sleeping gave me pause. The biographical movie "The Jackson Five" pretty much clinched it. But the picture that went "around the world in 8 minutes" (or less) removed any doubt. Just in case there's anyone left on planet earth who missed it, "Whomp! There it is!" >^..^< Yeah, I know. Anyone else would have named this cornucopia of crassitude Potpourri. But you can find potpourri just about anywhere. Seen any other Pussyfootin' lately? Thursday, November 21, 2002
INSANITY Yourish says she can't talk about this. I can understand. "Sandwiches and schoolbooks lay scattered in the street. As rescue workers removed the dead from the bus, the bodies were placed in black plastic bags that were numbered and laid out in a row along a sidewalk." FROM THE IN-BOX While some of these are vintage, a few may be new to readers. Please remember the IN-BOX is all cut/paste work - absolving your House Mother of responsibility for any resulting trauma to the reader. In other words, "Reader Beware"!! Suggested Bumper Stickers.. 17. Jesus loves you...but everyone else thinks you're an a$$hole. 16. Impotence...Nature's way of saying "No hard feelings." 15. The proctologist called...they found your head. 14. Everyone has a photographic memory...some just don't have any film. 13. Save your breath..You'll need it to blow up your date. 12. Your ridiculous little opinion has been noted. 11. I used to have a handle on life...but it broke off. 10. WANTED: Meaningful overnight relationship. 9. Guys...just because you have one, doesn't mean you have to be one. 8. Some people just don't know how to drive... I call these people "Everybody But Me." 7. Heart Attacks...God's revenge for eating His animal friends. 6. Don't like my driving? Then quit watching me. 5. If you can read this...I can slam on my brakes and sue you. 4. Some people are only alive because it is illegal to shoot them. 3. Try not to let your mind wander...It is too small and fragile to be out by itself. 2. Hang up and drive!! AND THE NUMBER ONE BUMPER STICKER YOU'D LIKE TO SEE!! #1. Welcome to America...now speak English!!! >^..^< PUSSYFOOTIN' >^..^< George Carlin said this week: "With all the presidential administrations we've had, I'm sure that by now there must have been someone in the cabinet who was also in the closet." >^..^< Yesterday, Chuck over at redneckin linked to Andrew Sullivan to share a thought-provoking query: "What Would Jesus Drive?" Detroit and some religious leaders are pondering that question too. >^..^< Q & A - from a web message board: Q: “Do You Think The Democratic Party Could Produce a Candidate That Could Beat President Bush in 2004?” A: "Of course they could. All they need is a candidate with movie star like charisma, one that’s a pathological liar, and one that will do the reverse of all his campaign promises once in office. Oh! I’m sorry. I forgot; it’s the law, Bill can’t run again." Wednesday, November 20, 2002
DEARTH WEDNESDAY SHADOW WOLVES follow-up Fox finally picked up the story! FROM THE 'IN' BOX Red Buttons said, "Sure I've gotten old. I've had 2 bypass surgeries, a hip replacement, new knees, fought prostate cancer and diabetes. I'm half blind, can't hear anything quieter than a jet engine, take 40 different medications that make me dizzy, winded, and subject to blackouts. I have bouts with dementia, poor circulation, hardly feel my hands and feet anymore, can't remember if I'm 85 or 92 but thank God, I still have my Florida driver's license." Seven Wonders of the World A group of geography students studied the Seven Wonders of the World. At the end of that section, the students were asked to list what they thought were considered to be the present Seven Wonders of the World. Though there was some disagreement, the following got the most votes: 1. Egypt's Great Pyramids, 2. Taj Mahal, 3. Grand Canyon, 4. Panama Canal, 5. Empire State Building, 6. St. Peter's Basilica, 7. China's Great Wall. While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student, a quiet girl, hadn't turned in her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The quiet girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many." The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help." The girl hesitated, then read, "I think the Seven Wonders of the world are: 1. to touch 2. to taste 3. to see 4. to hear- She hesitated a little more, and then; 5. to feel 6. to laugh 7. and to love" The room was so full of silence it was deafening! It is far too easy for us to look at the exploits of man and refer to them as "wonders", while we overlook all God has done for us, regarding them as merely "ordinary." May you be reminded today of those things which are truly wondrous! Monday, November 18, 2002
MISCELLANEOUS MONDAY My "different drummer" is beating a cadence today. I swear, sometime I think George Carlin is my love-child brother! Any-hoo, a few non-related subjects come to mind. Like George, a couple of these items (1 & 2) came from the dark recesses of my left brain. ITEM ONE Isn't it ironic that perhaps the most inept general of the Civil War is the only one many people remember today? Funny too that they don't even realize it. There may be millions of Americans who know what "sideburns" are, but don't have a clue that the excess facial hair is so named for the Federal military screw-up artist, General Ambrose Burnside. General Burnside sported the fullest (and grossest, IMO) beard on the sides of his face, while shaving the remainder except for the moustache. He was able to create a little havoc here in North Carolina, but was more notorious for his debacle at Fredericksburg. Inasmuch as his efforts in North Carolina were concentrated in the coastal area of the state where I grew up, it's likely that he encountered some of my great-greats. For more pics and background, link here and here, if you're a real history buff. ITEM TWO Anyone who didn't read "The Peter Principale" (pub.1969, Raymond Hull), when it was first published and popular, should do so just as soon as you can locate a copy. It can still be found in some used book stores. and maybe even on a dusty back shelf of a large library. Now out of print, Barnes and Noble has it for a ridiculous price, as well as Amazon. The hypothesis of The Peter Principale is that people in the American work force rise to their level of incompetency. While it was a much-discussed book of the time, it recently occurred to me that it has proven to be a prophecy! The author was exploring the beginnings of apathetic, lackadaisical work habits and attitudes in America, concentrating largely on the corporate world, if memory serves me. If the author is still alive, he must must be amazed to realize that his amusing little "principal" was prophetic, and has now progressed into the highest echelons of government. Bet you can come up with some candidates for the Peter Principale Award! ITEM THREE And as if to prove the Principale in Item Two, this prime example just fell into my hands! LOL ITEM FOUR Dropping in on SKB is like stopping by Wal-Mart. Everytime you go you see something you missed the last time. For instance, yesterday I noticed for the first time that Bubba lists worthwhile charitable organizations, rather than asking for gratuities for himself. A gentleman and a scholar! I visited several sites, but my favorite was the National World War II Memorial. (Second Place: Friends of the Smokies) There is so much to see and browse that I will have to go back and continue as time permits. But I'm ever so grateful to Bubba for leading me to these sites. As a sign-off, and in memory of General Burnside, with speakers up, now hear this! Sunday, November 17, 2002
WHAT AFGHANISTAN? The war is over. The Taliban has disappeared. Freedom rings. Things are fine in Kabul. Right? NOT. One wonders why the major media does not update us more on circumstances in that beleaguered land. Out of sight, out of mind? Maybe I don't explore the media thoroughly enough, but what I learn about current life in Afghanistan seems to be from foreign sources. The human spirit survives in Afghanistan, but still needs a lot of nurturing. Here is a report that is both disheartening and uplifting - and should be read by every American who is as ill-informed as I am. "Was It Worth It?" is rather lengthy, but not tedious. Saturday, November 16, 2002
ANOTHER SOUTHERNISM In an aside to a New Jersey friend of mine a few days ago, I used the expression "cobbed". I also interjected (parenthetically) that he probably wouldn't understand that comment. He didn't; and insisted that I explain. Well (says I) since you are from the North, there is no possible way you could know the meaning of an expression totally indigenous to the South. But sometime maybe I'll blog it for you. Actually, I suppose some areas of the country may know it, but only where there are corn fields. Feigned delicacy dictates that I carefully proceed with the history of cobbing. I grew up in a little town where as soon as one passed the city limits sign, there was no more indoor plumbing. My education to the art of cobbing came to me through visiting my grandparents' farm. There was no such thing as "a room and a bath" in the early 1900s when they built their house. There was "a room and a path". At the end of the path was the charming little house behind the house with the crescent decor. Within the walls of that outwardly adorable cubicle, appearing to be a doll house, was an unbelievably hellish interior. Dark as doom. Only a sliver of light came in through the opened door. The crescent cut-out may have been for letting in some light, but it was insufficient. I never visited my grandparents' crescent house but once. Took one look inside and ran back up the path without entering. But I had time to see the ominous bench with a hole in it and a large bucket of corn cobs nearby. Must have been about six years old at the time, but that scene from Dante is branded on my brain as vivid as if it were yesterday. I think they upgraded to the Sears-Roebuck catalog later, but cannot attest to that inasmuch as I never looked in but once. I remember dancing a lot the rest of the afternoon until I got back home. So anyhow, my Yankee friend, if you ever hear a Southerner say how bad something cobbed him or her, you will have an inkling now of the meaning. As I said at the beginning, it's a delicate matter and my grandmother would turn over in her grave if she knew I blogged this!!!! FIGHT OR QUIT? Received this from a friend. Whether you are a smoker or not this is an interesting read. Please notice the reference to the Alabama lady. Some things are about just plain courtesy. Personally, I am more offended by public flatulence than public smoking. But that's just me. Here is my friend's reply to the person who sent it to her, plus Peggy Noonan's URL for the article. Susan: This is great and I want to send it to my friend over at Possumblog. But I can't access a URL. Could you send it to me please? And as to that "second hand smoke" crap -- I have a 15 year old cat (that's 105 in human years) who has never in her entire life had one day in a smoke-free environment. The vet says she's the healthiest 15 year old he's ever seen. With the exception of a touch of arthritis, she has no health problems whatsoever. But keep that to yourself or the PC non-smokers may hear about it and add arthritis to the Hazards of Smoking List. Lynn Thursday, November 14, 2002
Ken Hamblin has some words to say about our flag. And if you think all I know today is what I read of others' material, YOU'RE RIGHT!!! Yourish linked a beautiful but heart-rending item yesterday. The father of the murdered mother and children at Kibbutz Metzer gave the most poetic eulogy for his loved ones that I have ever heard. His words made the horrible event in far away Israel seem really up close and personal. The world should know every story behind these senseless killings. Perhaps then the obfuscations in the media would get into focus better. For every headline we see, there is a family tragedy that we don't hear about. Please read this. Wednesday, November 13, 2002
SHADOW WOLVES Some of you may have assumed by now that I am quite the Native American aficionado. History, customs, religion, and anything factual regarding our indigenous Americans has fascinated me most of my life. Thanks to the Nicolas Cage movie, Wind Talkers, millions of people now know one of the best kept secrets of WW2. The Navajo Code Talkers were really secret stuff for at least a decade or more after WW2. Their code was never broken by the enemy and the government wanted to keep it classified in case it was needed again. Lots of material on the web about them now. Credit finally being given to the Navajo Marines and the USMC for creating the team. Recently, another contribution of the Native People made the news: The Shadow Wolves. You probably saw media reports on them this week. Apparently this has been kept relatively quiet too since, although formed in 1972, this week was the first I saw of the group on TV. An informative piece straight from the Res gives some background and tells how their tracking skills are being sought by other countries. CA BASHING ANYONE? Received this from a Freeper friend. What a springboard!!! Suggestions run the gamut - some of them even seem sane. Days like this I wish I had a Comments program. But you can always tell me what you think at indigoinsights@hotmail.com and I'd love to hear from you. One of these days maybe I'll figure out how to make that permanent on this page! Long story about why I'm so cyber-retarded. Ah, but that's another blog! And BTW - above two items (Shadow Wolves and CA Bashing) were published Wednesday morning at my house. The following items, actually were sent on Tuesday. Tuesday, November 12, 2002
FISHING? If I didn't know what an honest, forthright, upfront guy the Possum Man is, I'd think he was fishing for "strokes"!! Three Readers? Pshaw! Anyhow, PM, thanks for the Reagan quote. I'm adding it to my favorites, if it's ok with you. (or maybe even if it's not! LOL) TORNADO VICTIMS Comfort and prayers to all the suffering folks whose lives were turned upside down yesterday. Anyone who has been through the ravages of a tornado, as have I, knows what havoc has been created in your lives. May God help in your healing and rebuilding. Friday, November 08, 2002
HODGEPODGE FOR FRIDAY Any normal thinker (whatever that is anymore) would ask "Why?" a parent would kill his own son. The answer springs to mind: Evil. Hey! It's out there people and no amount of sweet charity is going to eradicate it. When the latest murder of the "rap artist" made the news several days ago, I thought what would have happened to the genealogy of music if that trend had begun in the 1940s. Bing Crosby may have killed Frank Sinatra for selling more records? Sinatra would have put out a hit on Perry Como if Como's numbers had surpassed his own? Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman could have made the Hatfields and McCoys seem mild. And then came that upstart Tony Bennett. Well, you get the drift. I won't bore the musically apathetic with the 50s, 60s, 70s, etc. Thankfully, the musicians who launched America's love affair with the Top Forty were not evil people. Had they been, my life would have certainly taken a different turn. Music would not have been a motivating force for me if today's "artists" had been providing it. Given the choices of "The world must send a message to Saddam that his misbehavior will not be tolerated." and "The United Nations must not become a symbol of unprovoked aggression." how would you vote Thursday, November 07, 2002
MILITARY APPRECIATION In perusing the blogs to keep my finger on the pulse of Blogger World, I learned from Misha, the "Nice Doggie" man, that November is National Military Appreciation Month. Please visit this site and say "thank you" to our military, if you're appreciative. Some of the commenters expressed uncertainties about how to handle a direct contact with military personnel. What would be appropriate? Rushing into the debate to get my two cents in, I posted the following: Posted by Indigo at November 7, 2002 10:44 AM -- To hug or not to hug? Depends on who YOU are. A handshake may be more appropriate. I'm a grandmother and Saturday night before Mother's Day, I was treated to a lovely dinner at Outback. At the large round table next to ours were about 10 USMC Special Ops. Mean and lean and BEAUTIFUL. They had obviously just returned from the Afghan war zone and were enjoying a celebratory night out. After much toasting and congratulating each other, they settled in to enjoy a raucous and delicious meal. Our party ended before theirs did, and when I arose from the table, I took one step toward the Marines' table and announced: "If anyone will not be getting a Mother's Day hug tomorrow, here's your chance." As a unit, they jumped from their chairs and queued up!! Some of the biggest grins and tightest hugs I have ever received!!! Wednesday, November 06, 2002
AMUSEMENT ONLY Everybody has said everything about every aspect of yesterday's election. Nothing new for me to add. But if you'd like a little entertainment, see this. OH MAN!!! Tuesday, November 05, 2002
COLOR ME NUTS (Subtitled: Stick to what you do best - singing) Babs gives liberals a bad name! ( An excerpt from the November 4 New York Post "Page Six" ite by Richard Johnson with Paula Froelich and Chris Wilson, which Brit Hume highlighted on his FNC show: ) Barbra Streisand, the New York Post's "Page Six" column asserted on Monday, "is privately saying that Senator Paul Wellstone's plane crash was 'no accident.'" Meanwhile, Streisand's Web site urges her fans to vote, warning that if Republicans win "there will not be any check on the power of the right wing. The result would be devastating for reproductive choice, the environment, civil liberties, Social Security and health care." In short, "Republicans are about protecting the corporations while Democrats are about protecting people." And this week's Late Show "Top Ten" contest: "Top Ten Signs Barbra Streisand Has Gone Nuts." She's quoted bogus Shakespearean passages, misspelled the name of Rep. Dick Gephardt, and issued a position paper identifying Saddam Hussein as the "president of Iran." Now liberal activist Barbra Streisand is privately saying that Sen. Paul Wellstone's plane crash was "no accident." "I was shocked but, knowing a bit about her, not surprised by her statement," a witness told The Post's Braden Keil. "She said there's more to this than meets the eye."... Streisand expressed her paranoid conspiracy theory to an audience of interior designers bidding on the chance to decorate a planned addition to her Malibu estate. The singer, who recently sold her triplex on Central Park West for half of what she originally asked three years ago, gave up looking for another apartment in New York and is sending her furniture out west, where she is building a separate building to house the antique items. In a letter to the five candidates bidding for the job, she tells the prospects she won't have time to discuss anything until after the election. "She then says they better be voting Democratic and goes into a long political missive about reproductive choice, the Supreme Court, the environment and the power of the right wing," adds the source. Babs' Web site -- which hawks everything from soup mugs to golf balls -- consists largely of her political statements, with a big section defending her screw-ups. Last year, her site urged fans to be more energy-efficient even while she criss-crossed the country on fossil fuel-sucking private jets, roamed the roads in gas-guzzling limos and SUVs, and vacationed on big power boats. Streisand also urged her fellow Americans to set air conditioners at 78 degrees. One source told Keil that Babs kept the 16 rooms in her unoccupied Central Park West triplex as cold as a meat locker. And don't forget the time Streisand urged everyone to conserve energy by hanging laundry outside on lines, rather than use electric clothes dryers. But when asked if Streisand herself was using a backyard clothesline, her spokesman said: "She never meant that it necessarily applied to her." > END of Excerpt < One would think the Democrats would ask Barbra to just shut up, as many Republicans have asked Jerry Falwell. Friday, November 01, 2002
TWO HANDS CLAPPING Just popped in on Yorkieblog and urge anyone who may see "Insights" first, please check out Francesca's "personal and controversial" (her description) words of spiritual wisdom. She pretty much says exactly how I feel about the subject explored, only with much more passion and conviction than I could ever muster. Here's a BIG AMEN and an encouraging YOU GO GIRL to my newly found soul-sister! And since I'm already on the soapbox, may I also recommend this site from Urban Legends, in case you missed the Golden Corral God omission, and this one from possibly the only Brit in the UK with positive words for America. Thursday, October 31, 2002
HAPPY SAMHAIN - - To all my Celtic friends, including those in Boston! I had a really neat Halloween story to tell, but it was vetoed by the Chairman of the Board of Possums. (LOL) Really enjoyed the stories shared by blogging buddies Yorkie-lady and Chuckie-baby. But these left me with an 'attitude' of "why bother?" - no way I can one-up-man-ship them. And for really scarey, Bubba wins hands down! And thinking ahead - - - If anyone on your Christmas list is into Native American (art, books, clothing, misc gifts), check out http://www.nativecircle.com/redearth.html John Two-Hawks' Red Earth store. Some great stuff - all price ranges - don't miss the knives. And if you don't need the gifts, just listen to the awesome flute music! Saturday, October 26, 2002
THE SOUTHERN WAY! This is just too good not to share. Attention: Axis of Weevil: We've got it going in NC too! Raleigh News and Observer Thursday, October 24, 2002 Whipped in name game By DENNIS ROGERS, Staff Writer Elizabeth Dole may have spent the past 40 years away from North Carolina, but her sweet-as-pie social skills, honed by generations of Southern ladies, were not dulled by her sojourn with the Yankees. What she did to Erskine Bowles at the beginning of Saturday night's debate was a rhetorical butt-whipping delivered by the reigning queen of the Steel Magnolia Sisterhood. Just call me Elizabeth, she purred from behind the innocent smile of a Columbus County water moccasin. Then she stuck a sterling silver butter knife between that Charlotte frat boy's ribs with her sweet offer to "make it Liddy, as you have in your ads." Call in the dogs and put out the fire, boys: This hunt's over. Bowles, who looked as if he'd been told his fly was open at a Presbyterian funeral, bravely soldiered on, but his heart wasn't in it. He knew he had fallen into the velvet trap that has ensnared many an unwary Southern male. It was a down-home diva moment. She's calling him "Erskine" rather than "Mr. Bowles," not because they have a first- name friendship, but to put him in his subordinate place. It is one step above calling him "Sonny Boy." It conjures up images of students and teachers. He's about one debate from calling her "Ma'am" and raising his hand to speak. Clearly, she's the Boss Hen in that roost. Not that he has a choice. If he'd started off calling her "Elizabeth," she would have politely called him "Mr. Bowles," which would have made him look as if he were being rude to an older Southern woman. That is a hanging social offense in the tangled web of Southern white-glove manners. For a Southern man to even be perceived as being disrespectful to an older woman is considered trashy. Nor could he have taken her up on her insincere offer to call her "Liddy." That immediately makes a connection with his nasty campaign ads that use her nickname. Everyone who has not been asleep for the past several months knows she actually hates being called "Liddy" by anyone other than childhood friends who have earned the privilege. Had he called her "Liddy" on live television, she would likely have crawled over that lectern and smacked him upside the head with a can of the industrial-strength hair spray she keeps close at all times. Even her own campaign staff goes to great lengths to refer her as "Mrs. Dole" and never as "Elizabeth" or, God forbid, "Liddy." She has him where she wants him now. He has become the diminutive "Erskine," while she is the dominant "Mrs. Dole." It is dangerous to play your opponent's game on her own court, especially when she's so good at it, but little Erskine is in trouble. He's got to go hard country, and I don't mean dropping his final "g's" like he's been doing to show he's a regular guy. He must resort to the Southern verbal nuke that has laid low many a victim, the devastating "Bless her heart." An example: "She has lived among Yankees so long she couldn't make a decent deviled egg with her mama's recipe in one hand and Southern Living in the other, bless her heart." It is either that or, come recess, little Erskine can go play jump rope with the girls. Columnist Dennis Rogers can be reached at 829-4750 or drogers@newsobserver.com. (Send any comments for Mrs. Dole to indigoinsights@hotmail.com. I will be delighted to forward them to her.) Saturday, October 19, 2002
NO BOYCOTT So I did watch the show. And I judge for myself that it in no way glorified prison inmates, but did give insight into the control the inmates are under. Music does have sounds that soothe the savage (!) and apparently is a good influence on those who qualify (stringent regulations) for the bands. Another media overkill, I'd say. I should be old enough to hold my knee down, but I half way succumbed to the advance hullabaloo surrounding this issue. Friday, October 18, 2002
Your comments, if any, are welcome at indigoinsights@hotmail.com. I have not yet acquired the thickness of skin nor the metallic testicles to install a "Comments" link!!! VH-1 = TEEN IDOLS It seems many of the observations/opinions I've been hearing on the VH-1 Prison Show are from those who probably have no teenage children, nor have ever watched VH-1 -- or both. I've seen comments such as "So what?", "Just don't watch the show.", "a frivolous subject", and other such inane comebacks. But millions of teenagers will be watching this show - even if you don't. It will not be "frivolous" to them. It will be the epitome of "cool", the "bomb", and super "jiggy" to see prison inmates attain national attention with head banging "music". This is not the first, and will certainly not be the last, of VH-1's poor taste television. As far as I know, however, it is the first featuring (glorifying?) murderers, rapists, and/or perhaps pedaphiles. And no, I'm not an ultra-conservative Republican whacko. Just a concerned adult familiar with the teenage mind set of our times. Teens find their idols/heroes in strange places -- preferably in areas that turn off adults (their parents). e.g., Charles Manson. Anyone notice how many teens wear t-shirts with his picture emblazoned? This is not a liberal/conservative issue, nor an Amendment issue. ANY parent of ANY political party should be uncomfortable with their children finding role models in prisons. Yes, it remains to be seen if the show has any redeeming qualities - such as the referenced "Scared Straight." I intend to watch the show to judge for myself, then decide whether a sponsor boycott would be appropriate for me. I hope all parents will do the same. Friday, October 11, 2002
A DEMOCRAT SPEAKS I really want to share this with the few bloggers who stop by, but so far no luck in getting it linked. Trying once more. Sunday, October 06, 2002
Received the following email this morning. Thought it worth sharing. HOW DID WE SURVIVE? Looking back, it's hard to believe that we have lived as long as we have. As children we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a pickup truck on a warm day was always a special treat. Our baby cribs were painted with bright colored lead based paint. We often chewed on the crib, ingesting the paint. We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors, or cabinets, and when we rode our bikes we had no helmets. We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle. We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then rode down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times we learned to solve the problem. We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. We played dodgeball and sometimes the ball would really hurt. We ate cupcakes, bread and butter, and drank sugar soda, but we were never overweight; we were always outside playing. Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Some students weren't as smart as others so they failed a grade and were held back to repeat the same grade. That generation produced some of the greatest risk-takers and problem solvers. We had freedom, failure, success, and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all. Wednesday, October 02, 2002
"GOOD HOUSEWIFE" ??? Yeah, right!!! Take it from one who burned her bra during the Korean War -- way ahead of the Nam burners -- this piece referred to by Possum Man via Snopes and Nate (Nice to meet you, Nate) is pure, unadulterated bovine scatology (thank you General Swartzkopf!). I did, in fact, take high school Home Economics in 1950. While there were no such "10-points" to becoming a good wife in my textbook, I don't doubt that such a page could have been in some textbook, somewhere. These would have been ten points that my mother would have attempted to teach me - but it was wishful thinking on her part that I would conform to the "10-points" of her bridal days!!! I adamantly protest and disagree with the idea that an entire generation of wives (mine!) were automatons whose remote controls were held by their husbands. Yes, there are wives even today who could be stereotyped as docile sheep also. Some of them are even friends of mine. But all the way back to Cleopatra there have been females who were self-reliant as well as sultry; independent thinkers as well as diplomats; iron-fists in velvet gloves, if you will. Whoever is responsible for this urban legend is obviously a mysogynistic, chauvanist pig, and I would suggest that he and his entire generation of males be thought of as ignorant gladiators. Or pitied because they never found an equal and interesting female partner. Whew! Feel better now. |