Indigo Insights |
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Musings of the Chronologically Challenged™ Fourth Generation 
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Friday, January 31, 2003
AXIS OF WEEVIL Quick, quick! Before it disappears. Run over to Possumblog and see who's a brand spanking new Weevilette!!! Can't believe I joked my way into it!!!! LOL And how thoughtful of Possum Man to put me between Acidman and Chuck. That should keep me subdued!!! Joke or not, I truly am honored, PM. MANDELA Just like yesterday, I'm taking the easy way out. I feel duty-bound to bash Mandela, but Rachel Lucas already posted my very thoughts in her more succinct journalistic style. Read "Do People Still Take Mandela Seriously" (Jan 30) and don't miss the Comments. Thanks with apologies, Rachel. My get-up-and-go got up and went this morning. Wednesday, January 29, 2003
SOTU Francesca of Yorkie Blog expressed my feelings exactly when she said "I am hardly qualified to do a complete deconstruction of the President's State of the Union address, so I will leave that to the legions of others who will do a better job than I." Then she went on to negate that opening comment by posting probably the most discerning and accurate commentary I read all day. Ergo, since she has so eloquently and concisely laid out both our takes on the SOTU, I'll just highly recommend that Indigo readers bolt over to Francesca's blog and read the whole thing. SOUTHERN CHUCK And while I was thinking Serious Southern, I popped over to Chuck's Tales to refresh my memory on one of his classics. Bubba described Chuck best some time back when he called him the contemporary Lewis Grizzard - or some such famous Southern author of equal fame. If you're ever trying to remember one (as I was today) the Chuck Tales link is on 'redneckin'. Go see. MAIL BOX -- from Dustin of Topsail Beach, NC Like an old friend, this favorite has come home again. I don't know the state of origin, and it really doesn't matter, because it exemplifies once again the forging of the common bond among all us Southerners. Just read it and relate. Thanks Dustin. This classic was lost to me during the last "crash". BLESS YOUR HEART Someone once noted that a Southerner can get away with the most awful kind of insult just as long as it's prefaced with the words, "Bless her heart" or "Bless his heart." As in, "Bless his heart, if they put his brain on the head of a pin, it'd roll around like a BB on a six lane highway." Or, "Bless her heart, she's so bucktoothed, she could eat an apple through a picket fence." There are also the sneakier ones: "You know, it's amazing that even though she had that baby 7 months after they were married, bless her heart, it weighed 10 pounds." As long as the heart is sufficiently blessed, the insult can't be all that bad. I was thinking about this the other day when a friend was telling about her new Northern friend who was upset because her toddler is just beginning to talk and he has a Southern accent. My friend, who is very kind and, bless her heart, cannot do a thing about those thighs of hers, was justifiably miffed about this. After all, this woman had CHOSEN to move to the South a couple of years ago. "Can you believe it?" said her friend. "A child of mine is going to be taaaallllkkin liiiike thiiiissss." Now, don't get me wrong. Some of my dearest friends are from the North, bless their hearts. I welcome their perspective, their friendships and their recipes for authentic Northern Italian food. I've even gotten past their endless complaints that you can't find good bread down here. And the heathens, bless their hearts, don't like cornbread! The ones that really gore my ox are the native Southerners who have begun to act almost embarrassed about their speech. We've already lost too much. I was raised to swanee, not swear, but you hardly ever hear anyone say that anymore, I swanee you don't. And I've caught myself thinking twice before saying something is "right much;" "right close" or "right good" because non-natives think this is right funny indeed. Bless their hearts! I have a friend from Bawston who thinks it's hilarious when I say I've got to "carry" my daughter to the doctor or "cut off" the light. She also gets a giggle every time I am "fixing" to do something. And, bless their hearts, they don't know where "over yonder" is, or what "I reckon" means. My personal favorite was my aunt saying, "Bless her heart, she can't help being ugly, but she could've stayed home." To those of you who're still a little embarrassed by your Southerness: Take two tent revivals and a dose of sausage gravy and call me in the morning. Bless your heart! And to those of you who are still having a hard time understanding all this Suthen stuff, bless your hearts, I hear they are fixin to have classes on Suthenese as a second language! Bye Ya'll Tuesday, January 28, 2003
RACHEL ON CLOONEY For a witty take on Clooney from Rachel, check out "I Talk With Clooney", linking on the "meglomanical jackass" highlighted in her post. Then for a WWJD explanation, see Joseph Farrah's "Between the Lines." Seriously ya'll, these are worth a read. LOONEY CLOONEY "George Clooney's mocking of Charlton Heston's fatal disease has largely been ignored by the press, which may be the result of Heston's status as the president of the National Rifle Association (NRA), an organization many in the media loathe." When asked if the remark went over the line, Clooney answered: "I don't care. Charlton Heston is the head of the NRA; he deserves whatever anyone says about him." As stated in a previous post here, no more of my hard-earned Social Security dollars will be going for admission to any of this nitwit's movies. Oh Yeah! He's a hunk and a sex symbol for millions of American women, but it may behoove them to remember the AMERICAN part of their identity. And, as my Granny always said, "Pretty is as pretty does." This quotation was later plagiarized by Forest Gump, you may recall. NEALZ NOTEWORTHY NUZE "There’s an ongoing black boycott in Cincinnati. Evidently it’s causing black workers to lose their jobs. Par for the course. Now you can look for Jesse Jackson to step in and demand that white businesses hire more blacks to make up for the black unemployment that is being caused by a black boycott of white businesses." See it here. "Last Monday I couldn't get an edge in wordwise .. and left. Donahue called it a "hissy fit." Well, this Friday, January 31st, there's no escape. It's Phil Donahue, Neal Boortz, the studio audience ..... no one else ... and no way out." 8:00 pm Eastern on MSNBC Monday, January 27, 2003
>^..^< PUSSYFOOTIN' >^..^< Thanks to the Possum Man for this link. I may have missed it in all the post-Super Bowl euphoria if not for Uncle Terry. It's a lengthy essay, but please try to read this latest from the journalistic genius, Bill Whittle. Bookmark his site and check back once in a while. You'll always be enriched. >^..^< Hey Acidman!!! Be careful what you wish for. Congratulations on your initiation into the Axis of Weevil! SUPER BOWL - NC STYLE Those folks in Greenville, NC, really know how to throw a Super Bowl Party!!! #1GD out-did herself with several delectable offerings; notably exotic dips and assorted fruits with chocolate fondue. Think of a finger-food and it was there, along with a couple of dishes that needed utensils - such as Bogue Banks Clam Chowder (indigenous to NC only) requiring a spoon, and some kind of Mexican "pie" requiring a fork. Shrimp, chicken wings, pizza, and desserts rounded out the smorgasbord. Everything was HOME MADE except what came out of a chip bag. Invitation-only guests were instructed to come dressed in the colors of the team they hoped would win. The only thing I had red was a hairbow, socks, and earrings, but I was admitted. Thank goodness! After that long drive! The guests who came dressed in black left after the game with their moods matching their attire! (sorry about that #2GS!) The hostesses (my daughter, KC, and a friend, also KC!) had visited Tampa the week after the play-offs and brought back some special Super Bowl Party items, including shirts and hats emblazoned with "2002 South Division Champions - Tampa Bay Buccaneers", which they wore for the party. Red lights and a pirate on the hats could be switched "on" when Tampa made a touchdown. KC finally said it was too much trouble to keep turning her hat on and off, and just left it on! Door prizes were items from the Tampa shopping trip and I won a large South Division Champs mug. Big-screen TV and other strategically placed sets, plus surround sound speakers, made the home a mini-stadium!! The "crowd noise" from the homogenous group (including young, old, babies, and dogs) gave the mini-stadium a chaotic ambience too! I'm just going to skip right over the half-time (cough) "entertainment". My Kingdom for a marching band and some majorettes!!! Oh well! Anyhow, it was a wonderful party and worth the drive. Many thanks to all who made it possible. AND CONGRATS TAMPA BAY!!! And then there was this - OAKLAND, Calif. — Rowdy crowds took to the streets after the Oakland Raiders' Super Bowl defeat and left parts of the city strewn with broken glass, charred hulks of burned cars and a fast-food restaurant with nearly every window broken. "Rowdy Crowds"? Wonder what it takes to be called a riot in Oakland? Saturday, January 25, 2003
HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY! Redneckin is coming up on the one-year mark and has a lot to show for it. Indigo, by contrast, is also at the one-year mark and finally got Comments installed yesterday! LOL Friday, January 24, 2003
DANIEL PEARL REMEMBERED I haven't surfed the entire web today, but Meryl's remembering Daniel Pearl is the only mention I've seen. Thanks for the old links too, Meryl. I missed them at the time. It appears "This is what I wrote" expired, but I read all the others and, as always, learned from you. AXIS OF WEASELS Too funny not to 'borrow' from Scrappleface, a la James Taranto who amended "Just in case it's not absolutely clear, this is a satire. Rumsfeld issued no such apology." NO MORE FUN FUNERALS One day last year, #2GS paid me a visit just to tell this story. He had been to the funeral of his GF's grandmother. It was his first Catholic funeral, so it was the only Catholic funeral experience he had to draw from. Quite the showman, he gave the following animated narrative. "You would not believe what happened at the funeral," says he. "The service was different than I have ever attended. But it was after the services that things really got wild. There was this guy running around with a microphone like Phil Donohue. He just shoved the mic in someone's face and that person would say something about Grandma. That wasn't going too badly until he extended the mic to one of Grandma's sons. The son took the mic and took the floor and told this story." #2GS picked up a "prop" to use as a microphone, and ran around the room gesticulately and emoting as the "son". "Grandma was a wonderful Southern lady who set the standard for manners and etiquette for our entire family. She always had time for anyone, but especially her grandchildren. They idolized her. I remember when my kids were just starting to school and they were bringing home new vocabulary words every day or so. I had several talks with them about unacceptable words and, of course, they gave the 'but so-and-so says it' excuse. I pointed out to them that many words they may hear would not be acceptable in our home. A good idea would be not to use any language that they had not heard Grandma say. "A couple of weeks later, Mom, my 3 kids, and I were going someplace together. Mom was driving and the kids were playing in the back. As we rounded a long curve, we could see a road work crew ahead and the corresponding long line of waiting vehicles. Mom, perturbed at the unexpected stop and the anticipated delay, says, "And what's all this shit??" "Well," says #2GS, "that brought the place down. Everyone in the church was in hysterics except the priest. He didn't think the story was funny at all!" So today, when I heard about this development, I could think of one story that, if typical, may have had a bearing on the hierarchy's decision. Thursday, January 23, 2003
QUOTABLES "There is no such thing as a good tax." -- Winston Churchill "The main accomplishment of almost all organized protests is to annoy people who are not in them." -- Dave Barry "I'm always relieved when someone is delivering a eulogy and I realize I'm listening to it." -- George Carlin "The U.S. Census Bureau has announced that Hispanics have now officially passed African Americans as the largest minority group in the United States. In fact, today Al Sharpton changed his name to Alberto Sanchez." -- Jay Leno "It was five years ago today that President Clinton said, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman." That was five years ago – or, as we call it, the golden age of comedy!" -- David Letterman >^..^< PUSSYFOOTIN' >^..^< There are Angels watching over you, but probably out of morbid curiosity! >^..^< Long overdue to link this. Been meaning to since Jan 10. Sorry, Scott. I've kinda been in a fugue - for about 15 years, actually. A GOOD THING Sounds like Acidman's memorial bash was a great success. That was a wonderful thing they did, IMO. Celebrating a life, rather than mourning it. BY POPULAR DEMAND The apex of grandparenting is to live long enough to glean wisdom from your grandchildren. Fortunately for me, mine are very wise. If you don’t believe it, ask them. Kidding aside, how gratifying to be reminded by #1GS and #1GD that I am behind in my blogging. Adult grandkids are the bomb! APOLOGY IN ADVANCE From SOMEONE’s blog and comments of a few days ago, I noted the following, just for my own files. Now I find myself wanting to post this information for said grandchildren’s edification (plus the other 3 readers of this page) but I don’t know where to link it. If the originator will email me (indigoinsights@hotmail.com), I will do the proper public bootlicking and groveling and ask for forgiveness. So thanks to SOMEONE, here’s this: SOMEONE said “How about a list of Hollyweird entertainers and pop stars who AREN'T Commie bastards?” Chuck Norris Bruce Willis Emma Caulfield (Anya Emerson on Buffy The Vampire Slayer) identifies herself as Republican Buddy Ebsen, a.k.a. Jed Clampett, is an "Outspoken Republican", who once helped defeat co-star Nancy Kulp in a congressional race... Andy Garcia Charlie Korsmo, currently serving as a Deputy Domestic Policy Analyst for the House Republican Policy Committee of the U. S. House of Representatives NBA star Karl Malone, according to IMDB, is a staunch Republican and member of the National Rifle Association. Rick Schroder...you know...Silver Spoons...oh, yeah...and some show called NYPD Blue...;) Ben Stein Fred Dalton Thompson Noble Willingham Lisa Kennedy Montgomery, a.k.a. Kennedy from MTV, experienced Hollywood tolerance first hand... Dwayne Johnson, A.K.A. The Rock! If I can find anymore, I'll post them...:) Posted by Darth Monkeybone at January 21, 2003 12:25 PM Clint Eastwood, "make my day scumbag." Oh yeah - Bo Derek too - she's a frequent speaker at conservative events. Bruce Willis I think would be on your list. Did anyone mention James Woods? "Want to support someone in the entertainment industry who shares these ideals? Joan Rivers, Harvey Keitel, Howard Stern, and Robert De Niro all carry weapons, and also believe that freedom is something to be defended." Dennis Miller is like Chris Rock. A closeted conservative. you forgot Mel Gibson Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond) for speaking out on pro-life issues and cracking on Babs. Drew Carey Kelsey Grammer James Woods Dave Smalley (a pal of mine who is in the bands Down By Law, Dag Nasty) Charlton Heston Tom Selleck Arnold Schwarzenegger L.L. Cool J Charles Barkley Sunday, January 19, 2003
Jan 19, 1807 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GENERAL LEE It’s hardly thought to be worth mentioning these days, but January 19 should be a holiday for the quintessential Southern Gentleman, Robert E. Lee. And not just in the South either. General Lee’s character and admirable demeanor transcended the North/South division. He was nationally and internationally revered for over a hundred years – until it became “uncool” to admire anything Southern unless it was the Civil Rights Movement. The two chapters of our history are not incongruous or discordant to me. I hold in esteem and venerate every American who lived his/her life with honor and in accordance with their beliefs. But I digress. "When the future historian shall come to survey the character of Lee he will find it rising like a huge mountain above the undulating plane of humanity, and he must lift his eyes high toward heaven to catch its summit. He possessed every virtue of other great commanders without their vices. He was a foe without hate; a friend without treachery; a soldier without cruelty; a victor without oppression; and a victim without murmuring. He was a public officer without vices; a private citizen without wrong; a neighbor without reproach; a Christian without hypocrisy and a man without guile. He was a Caesar without his ambition; Frederick without his tyranny; Napoleon without his selfishness; and Washington without his reward. He was obedient to authority as a servant, and royal in authority as a true king. He was gentle as a woman in life; modest and pure as a virgin in thought; watchful as a Roman vestal in duty; submissive to law as Socrates; and grand in battle as Achilles." The Lees of Virginia founded an honorable dynasty, the qualities of which were instilled in their descendents and Southerners in general. “The Robert E. Lee Memorial Association is dedicated to preservation, research and education. ( Link here and click on “History” oval on right side of page.) The Association interprets to the public Stratford Hall and the plantation life of the Lee Family, whose ideals and leadership helped shape democracy in the United States. Built during the late 1730s by Thomas Lee, Stratford is a working farm encompassing 1700 acres along the Potomac River 60 miles northeast of Richmond, Virginia. It was the boyhood home of Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee -- the only brothers to sign the Declaration of Independence -- and birthplace of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Historic buildings and grounds serve as articulate and instructive examples of life at the very top of early American society. “Stratford Hall is one of the great houses of American history. Its magnificent setting on a high bluff above the Potomac River and its bold architectural style set it apart from any other colonial house, but its highest distinction is the family of patriots who lived there.” Raise your hand if you know the name of General Lee’s horse. Yes, his horse. Would you believe that some really heated arguments have arisen about this? Have you ever witnessed such a debate? How much money was bet? Whether a debater thinks Horse X or Horse Y, he or she is convinced that their answer will win the bet. For the truth, check this out. While you’re time traveling and remembering General Lee, you may want to link here and listen to his favorite song. SOUTHERNERS! God Bless Us Every One. Thursday, January 16, 2003
REVISED REVISIONIST HISTORY? All the flap about Martin Scorcese's movie, "Gangs of New York", and if anyone has picked up on the irony of his lambasting Lincoln, it has escaped me. I have not seen the movie, nor am I likely to until it's available on video. The only information I have seen/heard about "Gangs", or Scorcese, has been through the media and the internet. From these sources, however, it seems poor Martin is being taken to task and severely castigated for his frank interpretation of some of our nation's "historical" events. Case in point: Abraham Lincoln. Scorcese must have researched some of the same older history books that I have read over the past 50 years, because he alludes to the possibility that Lincoln's motives for the Civil War were not necessarily as pure as later history writers portrayed in text books published in northern states. Like FDR, Woodrow Wilson, and Bush I, however, Lincoln's critics were squelched by victory. It is interesting to note, though, that The War Between the States was identified as "Mr. Lincoln's war" in the Congressional Record of the war years. Input from anyone who has actually been to see the movie would really be appreciated. E-mail me here and give your review. (if link will not work, please type in indigoinsights@hotmail.com ) MORE HISTORY From RWN for my paltry readership to enjoy. Winston Churchill Addresses A Joint Session Of Congress on December 26, 1941: Winston Churchill was a titan among men. Before the United States and the Russians got into WW2, only Winston Churchill's leadership and the bravery of Britain's people saved Europe from being trampled under a Nazi boot. Nineteen days after Pearl Harbor, Churchill spoke before Congress to talk of the war that had now engulfed both our nations. The US was mobilizing but the Japanese had struck us a terrible blow at Pearl Harbor and much like today, we were years away from seeing the end of war. This is not one of Churchill's most famous speeches, but it's good and much of it is still relevant to 'war on terrorism' today. QUOTABLES "A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on." -- Winston Churchill "Never miss a good chance to shut up." -- Will Rogers "The most destructive force in the universe is gossip." -- Dave Barry "Why was brown excluded from the rainbow? And where did Indigo come from? I was taught there were three primary colors and three secondary colors. WHERE DID INDIGO COME FROM?" -- George Carlin "Others are asking the same, George!" -- Indigo Wednesday, January 15, 2003
IN-BOX -- Bob, Kinston, NC "Back Then" "Hey Dad," My Son asked the other day, "what was your favorite fast food when you were growing up?" "We didn't have fast food when I was growing up." "C'mon, seriously. Where did you eat?" "We ate at home," I explained. "My Mom cooked every day and when Dad got home from work, we all sat down together at the table, and if I didn't like what she put on my plate, I had to sit there until I did like it." By this time, my Son was laughing so hard I was afraid he was going to suffer some serious internal damage, so I didn't tell him the part about how I had to get my Father's permission to leave the table. Here are some other things I would have told him about my childhood if I had figured his system could handle it. > My parents never: wore Levi's, set foot on a golf course, traveled out of the country, flew in a plane or had a credit card. In their later years they had something called a "revolving charge card" but they never actually used it. It was only good at Sears-Roebuck. Or maybe it was Sears and Roebuck. Either way, there is no Roebuck anymore. > My parents never drove me to soccer practice. This was because soccer back then was just for the girls. We actually did walk to school. By the time you were in the 6th grade it was not cool to ride the bus unless you lived more than 4 or 5 miles from the school, even when it was raining or there was ice or snow on the ground. Outdoor sports consisted of stickball, snowball fights, building forts, making snowmen and sliding down hills on a piece of cardboard. No skate boards, roller blades, or trail bikes. > We didn't have a television in our house until I was 12. It was, of course, black and white, but you could buy a piece of special colored plastic to cover the screen. The top third was blue, like the sky, and the bottom third was green, like grass. The middle third was red. It was perfect for programs that had scenes of fire trucks riding across someone's lawn on a sunny day. > I was 13 before I tasted my first pizza. It was a Sam's Pizza at the East end of Fruit Street in Milford. My friend, Steve took me there to try what he called "pizza pie." When I bit into it, I burned the roof of my mouth and the cheese slid off, swung down and plastered itself against my chin. It's still the best pizza I ever had. > Pizzas were not delivered to your house back then, but the milk was. I looked forward to winter because the cream in the milk was on top of the bottle and it would freeze and push the cap off. Of course, we kids would get up first to get the milk and eat the frozen cream before our mother could catch us. > I never had a telephone in my room. Actually the only phone in the house was in the hallway and it was on a party line. Before you could make a call, you had to listen in to make sure someone else wasn't already using the line. If the line was not in use, an Operator would come on and ask "number please?" and you would give her the number you wanted to call. > There was no such thing as a computer or a hand held calculator. We were required to memorize the "times tables." Believe it or not, we were tested each week on our ability to perform mathematics with nothing but a pencil and paper. We took a spelling test every day. There was no such thing as a "social promotion." If you flunked a class, you repeated that grade the following year. Nobody was concerned about your "self esteem." We had to actually do something praiseworthy before we were praised. We learned that you had to earn respect. > All newspapers were delivered by boys and most all boys delivered newspapers. I delivered the "Milford Daily News" six days a week. It cost seven cents a paper, of which I got to keep 2 cents. On Saturday, I had to collect the 42 cents from my customers. My favorite customers were the ones who gave me 50 cents and told me to keep the change. My least favorite customers were the ones who seemed to never be home on collection day. > Movie stars kissed with their mouths shut on screen. Touching someone else's tongue with yours was called French kissing and they just didn't do that in the movies back then. I had no idea what they did in French movies. French movies were considered dirty and we weren't allowed to see them. > You never saw the Lone Ranger, Roy Rogers or anyone else actually kill someone. The heroes back then would just shoot the gun out of the bad guy's hand. There was no blood and violence. > When you were sick, the doctor actually came to your house. No, I am not making this up. Drugs were something you purchased at a pharmacy in order to cure an illness. > If we dared to "sass" our parents, or any other grown-up, we immediately found out what soap tasted like. For more serious infractions, we learned about something called a "this hurts me more than it hurts you." I never did quite understand that one..... In those days, parents were expected to discipline their kids. There was no interference from the government. "Social Services" or "Family Services" had not been invented. (the Ninth and Tenth Amendments to the Constitution were still observed in those days.) > I must be getting old because I find myself reflecting back more and more and thinking I liked it a lot better back then. > If you grew up in a generation before there was fast food, you may want to share some of these memories with your kids or grandchildren. Just don't blame me if they wet themselves laughing. Growing up today sure ain't what it used to be like in my day. > Back then. (Indigo's note: In case you may put more credence in my words than the unknown author above, let me say this guy's not kidding. I can attest to the veracity of his nostalgia, and personally experienced every point he raises, except the "number please" operator. We had a dial-up phone, but it was in the hall. In fact, if I had any experience at the art, I'd like to Fisk this one!) Tuesday, January 14, 2003
AND ANOTHER THING - - - From James Taranto, WSJ -- The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the American Friends Services Committee, a k a the Quakers, sponsored a project at the Baldwin School, a private girls' institution, of "soap, toothbrushes, and other personal-hygiene items" to be sent to the enemy. After parents objected, the Quakers agreed to send the items to poor people in Philadelphia instead of to Iraq. "Many of these items would fall into the hands of the Iraqi army," notes Steve Carter, father of a Baldwin fourth-grader. "You think American POWs will be brushing their teeth with toothpaste? No, but their captors will." But the antiwar movement is burgeoning in Toledo, Ohio, where, the Toledo Blade reports, "about 20 protesters for peace soldiered on" and demonstrated on Sunday. Wow, 20 people! The reader who sent this to us tells us the story appeared on page one of the Blade. We've never been to Toledo, but it must be the most boring place in the world if this is front-page news. Reuters reports that songstress Sheryl Crow donned a T-shirt saying "War is not the answer" at last night's American Music Awards. "I think war is based in greed and there are huge karmic retributions that will follow," Sheryl crowed. "I think war is never the answer to solving any problems. The best way to solve problems is to not have enemies." OK, that "karmic retribution" stuff is pretty daffy, and war often is the answer (much of Europe may be run by weenies, but that sure beats Nazis). Still, Crow has a point about the desirability of not having enemies. So let's kill them. (Indigo note: I LIKE JAMES!!) CONGRATS Was planning a blog moratorium today, but can't let January 14 go by without wishing Francesca Happy Anniversary. I know this little poem has appeared before, but it seems so perfect for Francesca's lovely marriage celebration, I'd like to post it again. How lucky I am, And how blessed I have been. You're more than my husband. You're also my friend. You are truly blessed, Francesca. NUMBER 1 GS While I'm here, may as well say hello to #1GS (that's Number One GrandSon for future reference!), since I told him if he would visit Indigo Insights sometime, he may see himself!!! OK kiddo. There you are! iluvu B Monday, January 13, 2003
MORE ON EDUCATION The following quotes came through the In-Box from Kevin and Jack, respectively. These are samples from Oregon Education.org - the entire list is here. "Every child in America entering school at the age of five is insane because he comes to school with certain allegiances toward our founding fathers, toward his parents, toward a belief in a supernatural being, toward the sovereignty of this nation as a separate entity...It's up to you teachers to make all of these sick children well by creating the international children of the future." - Dr. Chester M. Pierce, Professor of Education at Harvard addressing the Association for Childhood Education International, April, 1972. "We will need to recognize that the so-called "basic skills, which currently represent nearly the total effort in elementary schools, will be taught in one-quarter of the present school day. When this happens - and it's near - the teacher can rise to his true calling. More than a dispenser of information, the teacher will be a conveyor of values, a philosopher. We will be agents of change." -NEA President Catherine Barrett, 1973 "Parents give up their rights when they drop their kids off at public school" -Federal District Judge Melinda Harmon ruling against parents suing a Texas School district after their son was questioned by a child protection official without their knowledge, strip searched by a female worker looking for signs of paddling. (Wall St. Journal, 10-8-96) "...our schools have been scientifically designed to prevent overeducation from happening." - William Troy Harris, 1899 U.S. Commissioner of Education 1889-1906 "The juvenile sea squirt wanders through the ocean searching for a suitable rock or hunk of coral to cling to and make its home for life. When it finds its spot and takes root, it doesn't need its brain any more, so it eats it. It's rather like getting tenure." -Michael Scriven UNFREAKINREAL! Today the Fox News site features a page of "Angry Hillbillies, Book Banning, Curriculum Craziness". Once again California leads the nation! Some parents in Arcadia are distressed because Monday, Jan. 20, the day exams are scheduled to begin, is also Martin Luther King Day and school district officials have proposed that the King commemorative day be delayed one week until Jan 27. In predictable left coast political correctness, allusions of racism are surfacing. Before the screams get too loud, someone out there should point out that Dr. King's day usurped the commemorative day for The Father of Our Country, President George Washington. Washington's Day had to be combined with President Lincoln's Day to make a day available for King, since there was a federal limit on the number of recognized holidays. Maybe, just maybe, since white Americans magnanimously voted to move Washington over with Lincoln, black Americans - even Californians - could peacefully move King one week for this single year! But that was just the lead-off item. Continuing to read the page of ridiculous reporting, we are treated at the end by "The daily edition of Tongue Tied is here. For those who can't wait until the end of the week for a dose of PC wackiness, head over to the Tongue Tied Web site." Indigo strongly urges any of you who are not yet nauseated to run, don't walk. Sunday, January 12, 2003
EUREKA! Linking is much like the Bunny to me. It just goes on and on and on. This one was found during a visit to Michele and ASAP it must be added to my list. I especially liked this individual post. Hey Scott! Where have you been keeping yourself? Or have I been following the wrong bunny? HARMFUL TO HEALTH And probably all George Bush's fault. Let's give the media a few days to lay it at his feet. PROHIBITION ACT OF 2003 But some argue legislation could hinder development of life-saving treatments. IN-BOX -- John - New Jersey This is not a recommendation. It is not a book report. It is not MY review, obviously. I haven't read the book. But it is an intriguing candidate for reading. Maybe I'll order it. Just a FYI here. FOOTBALL FERVOR It's called "Sudden Death" because many's the time it has probably been the death of fans/viewers. Almost of me!!! At the end of the Titans' game last night, I ran over to Possum Man's to give him a big congrats, and I guess he wasn't as excited as I was because I had to leave an OT comment. His comment on the game was about 15 minutes later. But I didn't have to park my car! LOL Man! What a game that was. San Fran and Tampa are at half time right now. If the game could end at this point, it would be just fine! Saturday, January 11, 2003
IN-BOX -- Maria and Tom - SLC, Utah I received a comment from my dearly beloved liberal friends in Salt Lake City on this quote posted Jan 8: "Well, folks, it's started – the presidential race. Democratic Senator John Edwards of North Carolina, who is also a personal injury attorney, has announced he's running for president in 2004. Good slogan, too: "Elect me and there will be one less lawyer." -- Jay Leno Says Maria and Tom: "How come everytime Edwards' name is mentioned it is followed by "personal injury attorney or "who made millions as a trial lawyer"? Why isn't Bill Frist noted as "having made millions from a medical corporation that recently settled a medicaid fraud suit with the government for over $175,000,000", or George W. Bush, who "turned a $600,000 investment in the Texas Rangers into a 16 million dollar fortune by being the son of the sitting president"? Me thinks it is the propagation of the right wing to further smear a man who actually took cases for the little people against the powerful corporations. If anyone would look at the cases he won instead of assuming they were another McDonald's coffee suit or tobacco class action, they would see he really has helped those seeking true justice. What everyone forgets is that it was the juries who awarded those big damages and they are you and me, not professional jurors. I oppose and fight trial lawyers for a living as an Insurance Adjuster for a large national insurer and am in favor of tort reform within reason, but to try and limit damages to the GOP planned $250K would be a travesty to the working people of this country who sometimes do need to have help in getting JUSTICE! And that's my two cents." Indigo's Response: "Add my 5 cents to your 2!!! I agree totally with your 2, other than your exception to the Leno comment. (It's a joke, son; a joke!) Leno is fairly level-handed in bashing. Just so happened that particular night Edwards' announcement set up a better joke. As to Edwards and Frist being described differently in regard to their millions", it seems to depend on who is reporting. i.e., why do commentators refer to Repubs as "conservative", but never put the "liberal" label on Dems? Just politics as usual, in my eyes. I, too, worked in insurance claims for seven years and totally agree on the need for tort reform. When liability has been assigned, claimants who will need life-long care SHOULD get large enough awards for that care. As you pointed out, cases such as McDonald's and the tobacco companies have left such negative impressions in the public's collective mind, some juries truly penalize the "poor slobs" and do not award what they deserve. Wrong. Wrong!! WRONG!!! but c'est la vie. A step in the right direction might be for DC politicians to be mindful of the welfare of ALL Americans, rather than what would be advantageous for either lawyers or doctors, or Democrats or Republicans. And that's MY nickel!" Friday, January 10, 2003
OPEN SEASON ON FAMILY DOGS I was wrong about being coherent. After reading about the horrible Tennessee incident over the last few days, outrage and anger have pretty much taken over reason and coherence in me. Thanks to Misha for the latest input on this tragedy. Follow the links from here to read the comments from across the nation. Then for a voice of reason, please read the editorial below by Gayle D. Calabrese from Tennessee. From: "Gayle Calabrese" To: The Tennessean Date: Thu, January 9, 2003 8:15 pm Subject: Cookville Corruption -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Are you aware of any way people can make contributions to the Smoaks family whose canine family member was killed by Officer Hall in Cookeville, TN? Because I was raised in TN as the daughter of a police officer, as well as mother of a police officer; - have raised various canine breeds throughout my life ; -am involved with different animal rescue groups; and known for writings about dogs,etc. I've had several people ask me about how we can help them with any possible litigation. Can you direct us to how to get contributions and/or letters/cards of support to the family? The favor of a reply is greatly appreciated. Thanking you in advance. Gayle D. Calabrese [ I have pasted below a copy of the editorial submitted to the Tennessean] ============================================ The senselessness of the recent killing of a dog belonging to a NC family by a Cookeville Policeman is obvious. My father was a retired police officer from Hamilton Co. TN. My son was on the Athens/Clarke Co. GA police department for 6 yrs+ before working with family services. The violations against this family are also violations against every honest, kind, decent, and honorable law enforcement officer and their families, least of all anyone who ever loved a dog, or was lucky enough to have one love them back. Judging from the video clip, it doesn't appear as if the other police officers who arrived first, could have stopped Officer Eric Hall from firing the gun.Officer Hall should be punished severely and never be allowed to work in law enforcement regardless of the findings on any report initiated by a jaded internal affairs investigation. Has Officer Hall ever seen a dog up close before? Clearly, Patton, the Smoak's furry family member killed by Officer Hall was just happy to get out of the car, as are all dogs on a family trip. There is nothing that can be seen as threatening to Officer Hall,or anyone else. The If the "Gucci Law" was in force in Tennessee then the officer could be charged with a felony. A defense attorney will have to get a jury from China, where dogs are eaten, if one is needed for any resulting case . No doubt that this hideous crime could have been worse if the trigger happy officer had encountered someone with a handicap that might have prevented them from being as co-operative as were the Smoaks, as actions most likely would have been viewed as erroneously as he viewed those of a playful, "freed" canine companion. Perhaps, it would be a good idea for police officers to borrow a medical service motto, "FIRST, do no harm." The image to the world provided by these crimes against the Smoak family sets the American South back to re-construction! What have our children learned regarding this killing of a family pet? Where is the explanation? Who takes the place of police officers as "safe" people for them? What can we tell our children? The majority of my family lives in Tennessee. Are we safe to drive there to visit? Clearly, our canine family members are not! -----Gayle Dover Calabrese HALLELUJAH!!! The linking mechanism is back in action! Maybe now I can put together a coherent blog. (or at least semi-coherent) Thanks to all of you who tried to TELL me what to do. The problem was that in order to follow your suggestions, I needed to understand them. Ah! That's always my rub! My Baby Girl came to visit yesterday and with a flick of her wrist, VOILA!, everything popped back into place. Undying gratitude to my BG. And to all from whom I "borrowed" material without link credit in the last few days, my humble apologies. Wednesday, January 08, 2003
POOR NORWEGIANS It looks like the only ethnic group not protected by PC lobbyists and the media are the Norwegians. Open season on them now, it seems. Check this out and watch for some old favorites that used to have "other groups" as the butt of the joke. Lots of oldie-goldies rewritten and updated with new dialect - less PC offensive, of course. MORE REVISIONIST HISTORY What possible difference could it make to anyone that the Civil War general Sen. Robert Byrd portrays in the Ted Turner upcoming television show was a very young man - when as we know, Sen. Byrd came from a dinasaur egg found in a West Virginia coal mine? How about HISTORICAL ACCURACY!!! sheeeeeeeeeeeeesh QUOTABLES ++ Well, folks, it's started – the presidential race. Democratic Senator John Edwards of North Carolina, who is also a personal injury attorney, has announced he's running for president in 2004. Good slogan, too: "Elect me and there will be one less lawyer." -- Jay Leno ++ For a limited time, Burger King announced today, they're selling their Whopper for 99 cents. Here's the amazing part – the kid working the register is still giving back the wrong change. "You gave me a dollar, right?" -- Jay Leno ++ Jail is a real tough place. They only get basic cable and the pool heater doesn't always work. -- David Letterman ++ Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment. -- Will Rogers ++ I don't have hobbies. I have interests. Hobbies cost money. Interests are free. -- George Carlin ++ If you have ten thousand regulations you destroy all respect for the law. -- Winston Churchill >^..^< PUSSYFOOTIN' >^..^< An exasperated caller to Dell Tech Support couldn't get her new Dell Computer to turn on. After ensuring the computer was plugged in, the technician asked her what happened when she pushed the power button. Her response, "I pushed and pushed on this foot pedal and nothing happens." The "foot pedal" turned out to be the computer's mouse. (Indigo note: I swear this was not I.) >^..^< Q: Do you know why New Yorkers are so depressed? A: Because the light at the end of the tunnel is New Jersey. Tuesday, January 07, 2003
UNLINKABLES (Reminder: Linking apparatus OOO) From MRC Cyber Alert: 5) Update: The author on whose book CBS based its movie about Enron revealed that the movie's producers removed references to the Clinton administration. Brian Cruver told the Houston Chronicle: "In the book, as far as connections to the Bush administration, to me it was a bipartisan corruption, and I have as much information in the book about connections to (Bill) Clinton as (George W.) Bush. But the movie has taken a more one-sided view of that." Indeed it did. IN-BOX - Susan of Arkansas A Republican and a Democrat were walking down the street when they came to a homeless person. The Republican gave the homeless person his business card and told him to come to his business for a job. He then took twenty dollars out of his pocket and gave it to the homeless person. The Democrat was very impressed, and when they came to another homeless person, he decided to help. He walked over to the homeless person and gave him directions to the welfare office. He then reached into the Republican's pocket and got out twenty dollars. He kept 15 for administrative fees and gave the homeless person five. Now you understand the difference between Republicans and Democrats. >^..^< PUSSYFOOTIN' >^..^< A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store, but couldn't find one big enough for her family. She asked a stock boy,"Do these turkeys get any bigger?" The stock boy replied, "No ma'am, they're dead." >^..^< If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments. - Anon >^..^< A man was in no shape to drive, so he wisely left his car parked and walked home. As he was walking unsteadily along, he was stopped by a policeman. "What are you doing out here at 2 A.M.?" asked the officer. "I'm going to a lecture." The man said. "And who is going to give a lecture at this hour?" the cop asked. "My wife," said the man. QUOTABLES ++ There are 2 theories to arguing with a woman... neither works. -- Will Rogers ++ No matter what happens, somebody will find a way to take it too seriously. -- Dave Barry ++ What's all the fuss about same-sex marriages? I've been the same sex all my life, and I was married for years. No problem. What's the big deal? -- George Carlin PROMISES, PROMISES As I type, there is an iron in the fire that will hopefully get Indigo Insights in more presentable order. Meanwhile, thanks to all for your patience. It's a jungle out here!!! Monday, January 06, 2003
E-MAIL? Thanks to those who inquired; I had not noticed that the e-mail address had also disappeared. Still no linking capability, but if you'd like to type in, the address is indigoinsights@hotmail.com. Sunday, January 05, 2003
HISTORY PROJECT The Rachel Lucas Quiet Heroes project (link to Piquant Rants at right and start looking for links) has evoked much retrospection. Some of my memories of the FDR years of WWII are as vivid today as if they were the Clinton years. Those were my growing up years, and the ones with the most impact in forming what would be me. Patriotism and love of country was not expounded upon, dissected, or discussed, per se, at our family dinner table. They were just there, palpable in the room. Dinner talk was either about the status of the war or a subject pertaining to the War Effort. On Sundays, Mother's talk was frequently another apology for there being no dessert! "But we all know who is getting our sugar: our fighting men. And they deserve it much more than we do.", she'd say. That was War Effort conversation. Other than shortages of pre-war "luxuries" (not complaints, just reminiscences of "remember when we had . . ."), Daddy's Victory Garden was another topic. He had not had his hands in the soil since he left the farm and joined the army at age 17. College was not an option with eleven brothers and sisters. Furthermore, the army had to be better than hard farm life. Or so he thought. At any rate, he was already married and aged out of the draft when the war began. He was quite proud of his Victory Garden. When Americans were asked to plant gardens to supplement the food supply, most people started digging in their back yards the next day. Innate patriotism. When it was suggested to American children that collecting scrap metal for melting down to make battleships, and saving pennies until there was a dime to buy a Victory Stamp, would help our nation win the war, we children went to work. Inherent love of country. News of the war came into our home every night via the radio that was as big as today's entertainment centers. Two or three times a week, the family would go to the movies (a dime for adults; a nickel for children under 12!) to see the latest "newsreels". These were pre-television visuals of actual combat and other foreign footage provided so the events heard about on radio could be seen. These films were made by some very brave photographers, canned in big metal containers, flown to the U.S., and copied for distribution to theaters all over the country. So as a child I heard about the battles, heroes, famous generals, and yes, even the Holocaust, usually before the events were in the next day's newspaper. Then, in a few days, I saw the movies. Years later when I was in high school, but still before details of WWII had made it into some text books, in history class one day I referred to Iwo Jima and the raising of the flag on Mount Suribachi to the astonishment of the teacher. He asked me where I learned about that. I told him by listening to the news of the war and viewing newsreels when I was growing up. Oddly enough (not Reuters odd, but odd nevertheless) other students had not heard of Mount Suribachi, even though they HAD heard that we won the war! It seems that many children growing up today are not really current on current events. During the Bosnian conflict, someone asked me "What's a Bosnia?" God's Truth! Saturday, January 04, 2003
LATEST CHUCK CLASSIC Another fantastically insightful story from Chuck (link at 'redneckin' in Reader's List at right) on January 2. Sandwiched in, I'm sure, between hunting trips. (those poor little Thumpers!) When I mentioned to Chuck what a great essay it was, he kicked the dirt and said he just knocked it off real quick and didn't even clean it up for publishing. It's amazing that what he can do "real quick" and not even "clean up" turns out to be another masterpiece, while a major effort from me that took an hour is so lame. Proving once again that "Some Cats Got It and Some Cats Ain't". POP A CORK! This new Dell from Hell (a little free advertising there, Dell!) has been so out of whack for the last few days, I haven't even wanted to sit here. Can't link to anything; Microsoft word gone, along with the archives -- which occasionally one may want to refer to; site meter inoperable; etc., etc., ad nauseam. So imagine my unmitigated joy and surprise when I noticed that My Perverted Hero (AKA Acidman) has very mellifluously added the insipid Indigo Insights to his blogroll. Gosh, A-Man, what a perfect occasion for a goblet of white zin!!! Thanks, dude. IN GOD WE TRUST In the event there is anyone left in North America who has not seen this - here it comes in all its Copy and Paste glory: (sorry; no links, remember) (from Urban Legends update) You may have heard in the news that a couple of Post Offices in TX have been forced to take down small posters that say "IN GOD WE TRUST". The law they say they are violating is something silly about electioneering posters. (is God running for office?) Anyway, I heard proposed on a radio station show, that we all write "IN GOD WE TRUST" on the back of all our mail. After all, that is our national motto, and on all the money we use to buy those stamps. I think it is a wonderful idea. We must take back our nation from all the people that think that anything that offends them should be removed. If you like this idea, please pass it on, and DO IT. (Indigo's Note: Urban Legends says this is true. Sounds like a neat idea to me. I may have to make some sticky labels!!!!) Friday, January 03, 2003
DEJA VU GORE (2 words: home state) > 1) Question of the night. Bill Clinton as the avatar of "fiscal discipline"? Filling in for Alan Murray on Thursday night as host of CNBC's 9pm EST (and re-run three hours later) Capital Report, NBC Newscorrespondent Andrea Mitchell asked just-announced Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards: "What is your view on deficit spending at this time given the softness of the economy. Do you think that some deficit spending is a good idea or do you think we need to return to the fiscal discipline that Bill Clinton espoused?" Edwards began his reply: "I strongly believe in fiscal discipline..." Espoused maybe, but certainly didn't pursue, as a Republican-controlled House guided rising spending which grew slower than Clinton wished as soaring revenues poured in. By the way, for his votes in 2001, the National Taxpayers Union gave the North Carolina Senator an "F" rating as a "Big Spender." I guess it takes a fiscally disciplined politician to know one. (Sorry about the C&Ping. Can't link today.) Thursday, January 02, 2003
CONGRATULATIONS! To Acidman on his new title of Most Intriguing Blogger of 2002. The operative word, of course, was "intriguing". After that was set as the criterion for vote casting, it was no contest! Wednesday, January 01, 2003
STILL FREE IN 2003? IN-BOX -- Steve of Greensboro, NC I am sending this e-mail so you will be aware that the FBI has introduced some new software that will enable them to keep track of every mouse click anyone may make on their computer. Sounds like more of our freedom going down the drain. To familiarize yourself with this new technology, go to this web site. FELIZ ANO NUEVO! In case you've seen "Happy New Year" 9, 473 times today, there's a change for you. Was going to use French, but I'm still PO'd at them. Anyhow, today was for smiling and happy and I'm determined no negativity for me - just in case the trend for the new year is affected by what happens on the first day. (Gonna have to stop listening to that 'root worker'!) So with mirth in mind, here are a couple of thingies I've been meaning to post. More about North Carolinians.... You know you're from North Carolina if - - **You describe the first cool snap (below 70 degrees) as good pinto-bean weather. **A carbonated soft drink isn't a soda, cola, or pop...it's a Coke, regardless of brand or flavor. Example: "What kinna coke you want?" **Fried Catfish is the other white meat. **You understand these jokes and forward them to your friends from NC. (and those who just wish they were) Quotables + In Los Angeles, there's a hotline for people in denial. So far no one has called. - George Carlin + The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers. - Dave Barry + The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back in your pocket. - Will Rogers IN-BOX - Bob of Kinston, NC Spelling Test After a long illness, a woman died and arrived at the Gates of Heaven. While she was waiting for Saint Peter to greet her, she peeked through the Gates and saw a beautiful banquet table. Sitting around were her parents and all the other people she had loved and who had died before her. They saw her and began calling greetings to her, "Hello! How are you! We've been waiting for you! Good to see you!" When Saint Peter came by, the woman said to him, "This is such a wonderful place! How do I get in?" "You have to spell a word", Saint Peter told her. "Which word?" the woman asked "Love," said St. Peter. The woman correctly spelled LOVE and Saint Peter opened the gates and welcomed her into Heaven. About three years later, Saint Peter came to the woman and asked her to watch the Gates of Heaven for him that day. While the woman was guarding the Gates of Heaven, her husband arrived. "I'm surprised to see you," the woman said. "How have you been?" "Oh, I've been doing pretty well since you died," her husband replied. "I married that beautiful young nurse who took care of you while you were ill, and then I won the lottery! I sold that little house you and I lived in and bought a big mansion. My wife and I traveled all around the world in our 75' yacht....... Yesterday, we were in Alcapulco and I went waterskiing. I fell, and the ski hit me on the head, and here I am. How do I get through the Gates?" "You have to spell a word," the woman told him. "Which word?" her husband asked. "Czechoslovakia." |