Saturday Night 70's Disco; Tina Charles

Dance little Lady Dance:

Oh, the memories - and my sweat towel(ask me about it sometime)as I await the end of the pain - - so I can boogie again, albeit alone.

And so it goes.
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Cool Caturday

And so it goes.
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Kidney Stone Zombie Has Left the Building, er Body.

At 1:30 a.m. this morning a stinging siren went off within my penis which rudely awakened me from a deep sleep (induced by a painkiller) and sent me muffling screams to the bathroom. As I stood there, entire body trembling and writhing, stifling more screams I passed a blood clot, and then, the stone. I didn't care that I didn't capture the bugger; after a whole week of pain I was just grateful to say goodbye.

OK, so I'm a bad mother. Bite me! Please do not send baby gifts. Instead, invite me to visit as I heal from this traumatic experience. (Back of the hand on forehead)

For reasons unknown I woke this morning with this song swirling in my head, so I thought it was some kind of message, so enjoy:

While sore, hopefully there is a night of rest before me, It will be very welcomed indeed.

Again, thanks for your comments, suggestions, and prayers. I appreciate you all.

And so it goes.
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Anger Management

NOTE: Spew Alert*******
I am still in some pain, but when I checked email just now and found this, I almost fell off my chair laughing. Did I mention that laughing makes the pain worse. This was worth it. Anyway - I share:

When you occasionally have a really bad day, and you just need to take it out on someone, don't take it out on someone you know, take it out on someone you don't know.

I was sitting at my desk when I remembered a phone call I'd forgotten to make.

I found the number and dialed it.

A man answered, saying 'Hello.'

I politely said, 'this is Chris. Could I please speak with Robyn Carter?'

Suddenly a manic voice yelled out in my ear 'Get the right f*** ing number!' and the phone was slammed down on me.

I couldn't believe that anyone could be so rude. When I tracked down Robyn's correct number to call her, I found that I had accidentally transposed the last two digits.
After hanging up with her, I decided to call the 'wrong' number again.

When the same guy answered the phone, I yelled 'You're an asshole!' and hung up. I wrote his number down with the word 'asshole' next to it, and put it in my desk drawer. Every couple of weeks, when I was paying bills or had a really bad day, I'd call him up and yell, 'You're an asshole!'

It always cheered me up.

When Caller ID was introduced, I thought my therapeutic asshole calling would have to stop.

So, I called his number and said, 'Hi, this is John Smith from the telephone company. I'm calling to see if you're familiar with our Caller ID Program?'

He yelled 'NO!' and slammed down the phone. I quickly called him back and said, 'That's because you're an asshole!' and hung up.

One day I was getting ready to pull into a parking spot at the store. Some guy in a black BMW cut me off and pulled into the spot I had patiently waited for. I hit the horn and yelled that I'd been waiting for that spot, but the idiot ignored me. I noticed a ' For Sale ' sign in his back window, so I wrote down his number.

A couple of days later, right after calling the first asshole (I h ad his number on speed dial), I thought that I'd better call the BMW asshole, too.

I said, 'Is this the man with the black BMW for sale?'

He said, 'Yes, it is..'

I asked, 'Can you tell me where I can see it?'

He said, 'Yes, I live at 34 Oaktree Blvd, in Fairfax. It's a yellow ranch, and the car's parked right out in front.'

I asked, 'What's your name?' He said, 'My name is Don Hansen.' I asked, 'When's a good time to catch you, Don?' He said, 'I'm home every evening after five.'

I said, 'Listen, Don, can I tell you something?'

He said, 'Yes?'

I said, 'Don, you're an asshole !'

Then I hung up, and added his number to my speed dial, too. Now, when I had a problem, I had two assholes to call.

Then I came up with an idea.

I called Asshole #1. He said, 'Hello.'
I said, 'You're an asshole!'

(But I didn't hang up.)

He asked, 'Are you still there?'

I said, 'Yeah.' He screamed, 'Stop calling me!'

I said, 'Make me.'

He asked, 'Who are you?' I said, 'My name is Don Hansen.'

He said, 'Yeah? Where do you live?'

I said, 'Asshole, I live at 34 Oaktree Blvd , in Fairfax , a yellow ranch, I have a black Beamer parked in front.'

He said, 'I'm coming over right now, Don. And you had better start saying your prayers.' I said, 'Yeah, like I'm really scared, asshole,' and hung up.

Then I called Asshole No. 2.

He said, 'Hello?' I said, 'Hello, asshole .' He yelled, 'If I ever find out who you are...' I said, 'You'll what?'

He exclaimed, 'I'll kick your ass,' I answered, 'Well, asshole, here's your chance. I'm coming over right now.''

Then I hung up and immediately called the police, saying that I lived at 34 Oaktree Blvd , in Fairfax, and that my gay lover was on his way over to kill me.

Then I called Channel 9 News about the gang war going down in Oaktree Blvd in Fairfax.

I quickly got into my car and headed over to Fairfax I got there just in time to watch two assholes beating the crap out of each other in front of six cop cars, an overhead news helicopter and surrounded by a news crew.

NOW I feel much better.

Anger management works...

I hope you thought it as funny as I did. I have no idea if it's true, but given our current frantic, spittle-flecked angry society, all bets are off.

I am ready to pass this thing, have it baptized, put it up for adoption, and get on with my life.

And so it goes.

Katrina's Children Face Lifelong Health Issues

Just another legacy of the Bush mis-administration; along with Afghanistan and Iraq. Apparently, the killing of our Military and innocent Iraqis wasn’t enough; he, through FEMA, goes on the kill our children in three or four states. This from the AP via Raw Story:

Children who lived in Katrina trailers may face lifelong ailments from formaldehyde fumes.

JOHN MORENO GONZALES
AP News

May 27, 2008 18:08 EST

The anguish of Hurricane Katrina should have ended for Gina Bouffanie and her daughter when they left their FEMA trailer. But with each hospital visit and each labored breath her child takes, the young mother fears it has just begun.

"It's just the sickness. I can't get rid of it. It just keeps coming back," said Bouffanie, 27, who was pregnant with her now 15-month-old daughter, Lexi, while living in the trailer. "I'm just like, `Oh God, I wish like this would stop.' If I had known it would get her sick, I wouldn't have stayed in the trailer for so long."

The girl, diagnosed with severe asthma, must inhale medicine from a breathing device.

Doctors cannot conclusively link her asthma to the trailer. But they fear she is among tens of thousands of youngsters who may face lifelong health problems because the temporary housing supplied by the Federal Emergency Management Agency contained formaldehyde fumes up to five times the safe level.

The chemical, used in interior glue, was detected in many of the 143,000 trailers sent to the Gulf Coast in 2006. But a push to get residents out of them, spearheaded by FEMA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, did not begin until this past February.

Members of Congress and CDC insiders say the agencies' delay in recognizing the danger is being compounded by studies that will be virtually useless and the lack of a plan to treat children as they grow.

"It's tragic that when people most need the protection, they are actually going from one disaster to a health disaster that might be considered worse," said Christopher De Rosa, assistant director for toxicology and risk assessment at the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, an arm of the CDC. "Given the longer-term implications of exposure that went on for a significant period of time, people should be followed through time for possible effects."

Formaldehyde is classified as a probable carcinogen, or cancer-causing substance, by the Environmental Protection Agency. There is no way to measure formaldelhyde in the bloodstream. Respiratory problems are an early sign of exposure.

Young children are at particular risk. Thousands who lived in trailers will be in the prime of life in the 10 to 15 years doctors believe it takes cancer to develop.

FEMA and CDC reports so far have drawn criticism.

A CDC study released May 8 examined records of 144 Mississippi children, some of whom lived in trailers and others who did not. But the study was confined to children who had at least one doctor's visit for respiratory illness before Katrina. It was largely inconclusive, finding children who went to doctors before the August 2005 storm were still visiting them two years after.

Incompetence. Thy name is Bush.

Read the rest HERE.

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Kidney Stone Zombie Update

The blood has begun to flow, the pain has subsided...the journey has begun.

Wish me luck.

I wonder if I can survive another sleepless night, maybe I can. I've already gone through this pain, lack of sleep, little food, and I am still here.

Oh, and no, getting drunk last night wasn't in the cards. The pain was so intense I whimpered as I crawled off to bed.

I hope this is all over by morning. Please God!

And so it goes - we pray.
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The Kidney Stone Zombie Chronicles

This will be short.
No let up re: the pain.
Knocking back water as usual.
Two nights with only 3 and 4 hours of actual sleep, respectively.
Working, though I don't know where I get the strength.
Walking, even jumping, to get the damned thing moving.
Planning to get drunk tonight in hopes of getting some quality rest.
Just watched COSMOS which always has a relaxing effect on me.
I work again tomorrow, so I am praying for a few things to happen over night; the stone to move south, or blood in the urine (a signal it's on the way); in which case the kidney pain will subside.
Even with the pain to come I would welcome that relief.

Thanks for all the prayers and suggestions.
So tired and nauseous thanks to the intense pain.
Oy, I am such a wimp.

And so it goes.
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Memorials, Mondays, Much Pain…

Update: Kidney stone has yet to begin its journey south. I was awakened at 3 a.m. with pain almost unbearable; so little sleep came my way. Drinking lots of water, as usual, and walking as much as possible helps keep things moving, if you get my drift.

It took 40 minutes to drive the seven miles home from work this evening. The end of a holiday weekend and the tourists chose to leave at the same time – always the case.

While slipping out of my work drag and into a dry martini, I turned on the TV and was pleasantly surprised to find myself facing William Wyler’s “The Best Years of Our Lives” – which I haven’t seen in many years. Magnificent filmmaking. Every shot is a gem. It was just what I needed this evening. I studied this film in detail when I was at NYU, and watching it today took my mind off the pain, brought back many memories and made me cry for someone other than myself.

After supper I downed a painkiller, which should be kicking in any time now. I pray it will get me through the night without disruption. We shall see. If I don’t see blood in my urine soon, I might go mad. Well, more than I am already. OK?

I don’t know how I am still standing. Well, I guess since I can’t sit, or lie down, standing would be the only option.

And so it goes.

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London Police Project Targets Homophobia, Domestic Violence, Hate Crimes.

This story is a welcomed breath of fresh air.

On the morning of 21 May 2008, the Metropolitan Police Service carried out raids across London to tackle domestic, homophobic and race hate crimes.

Operation Athena is running to mark the International Day Against Homophobia and is designed to put the focus on the offenders, and bring them to justice.

Police will be proactively targeting dangerous and prolific offenders across the 32 boroughs, as well as carrying out high visibility patrols, and working with Safer Neighbourhoods teams to encourage victims to come forward and report to us, or through a third party.

Community Safety Units continue to investigate complaints of domestic violence, hate crime and vulnerable adult abuse. With our partners we are able to provide victim support and crime prevention advice.

Hate and faith crime includes racist, homophobic and disability motivated crime, as well as crimes against the vulnerable or elderly by members of their own family or carers.

Detective Superintendent Gerry Campbell, heading Operation Athena, said:

"Athena is now in its eighth year, and we remain committed to improving our service to victims of domestic violence, homophobic and race hate crime, and identifying, taking on, arresting and prosecuting perpetrators of this violence.

"We have community safety units in every London borough who are dedicated to the investigation of these crimes, and 213 LGBT liaison officers."

A far cry from what usually happens in this country, you know, “gay panic” - “self defense” - “just don’t like gay people”- "he came on to me" etc. And that’s only if the police choose to investigate. Read the rest HERE.

Another Day, Another Kidney Stone.

Only just got in from work. Yeah, I know...it's like I'm losing my mind.

Here's the update, and it ain't pretty:

Even with painkillers the discomfort morphed into heavy duty near-scream levels this evening, so clearly something is moving and there's dirty work afoot.

I'm still standing, but since sitting or lying down in any position offers no relief, that doesn't count for much. As I type this I am trying to enjoy a gin and tonic in the hope that Mr. Sandman will comfort me and bring me rest and a dream tonight. God knows I need both.

Truthfully, I am most annoyed that this situation caused me to miss an evening with a dear friend that would have included catch-up conversation, much laughter, good food, and a Bombay Sapphire Gin Martini. Though, not necessarily in that order.

Yes, there will be other times, but I think we both could have used a good hug and all the rest written above.

The summer season has arrived at the beach, so remove your seatbelts, take off your watches, and enjoy the bumpy rides. All of them!

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Caturday: Bad Day Edition

I'm off to work now.

And so it goes.
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Cape Codder: Black Bunny Mesmerizes Provincetown

While I'm afraid to lie down, I found this little story that's just perfect for the Memorial Day weekend.

PROVINCETOWN — It’s just like the movie “Born Free,” but rather than a lion returning to the wilds of Africa, Provincetown’s version of animal liberation revolves around a cute little black rabbit.

A domesticated flop-eared rabbit has made a home in a far northwest corner in the town’s cemetery near Alden Street where alfalfa grows in abundance. Buildings and grounds employees who maintain the cemetery say that the bunny first began to appear in 2000, when they theorize a storm blew over a hutch allowing the little fellow to escape. Miraculously, the rabbit has survived harsh winters and coyotes and has been embraced by the wild cottontail population.

The “Black Bunny” has quickly become somewhat of a legend in Provincetown, in a community that loves tall tales and offbeat heroic figures. Not since Ohio the Cat was catnapped in 2005 has the town rallied around an animal, anointing it as a local folk hero.

And now the Black Bunny’s image is the latest in fashion. Liz Claricoates is launching a line of T-shirts with its image this Memorial Day weekend to pay homage to a critter that she says embodies what it means to be from Provincetown.

“It’s very much like the people that move to Provincetown to reinvent themselves,” said Claricoates, who lives with her partner Vanessa Downing on Alden Street close to the cemetery. “Here’s this rabbit that somehow escaped captivity to live wild and free. It’s a very Provincetown story. This rabbit really represents the spirit of the town.”

Townspeople now check on the bunny, which only makes sporadic appearances, sometimes disappearing for months. Some town workers have seen the rabbit lying on its back sunning itself. Others have seen it cozied up to old crooked tombstones of long gone town residents. It has become apparent by how the wild cottontails interact with the black bunny that while different and twice their size, they have accepted it as one of their own, said Claricoates. Not only has the rabbit been accepted, but apparently has a paramour as last spring the black bunny was reportedly seen surrounded by a litter of bunnies, black in color.

“You know, you project this story on the rabbit,” said Claricoates. “It might sound silly, but it’s become a spiritual thing for a lot of people. They make a pilgrimage to see the bunny. It’s a reminder of why we live here.”

Black Bunny T-shirts will be sold at City Video, 192 Commercial St., Provincetown, beginning this weekend.

Cape Codder

The painkiller is beginning to take hold. Praise God!

And so it goes.
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Pain!!!

Woke up this morning with the most excruciating pain in the mid-back area.
I've had this pain before; I recognize what's coming. It was agony getting out of bed.

I'm about to become a mother, or as close to one as a man can get, though not looking forward to the blessed event.

I am preparing to give birth to yet another kidney stone. Ouch doesn't do it justice. If you've had one you know what I'm describing here. If you haven't, consider yourself fortunate, indeed.

Oh well, at least I don't have to work until tomorrow afternoon.

I would appreciate any prayers you're willing to offer during what will be a long, painful journey.

And so it goes.
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Hillary: It's Only a Flesh Wound!

A take on the current state of the Democratic frontrunners, ala Monty Python. Funny!

This silly season is more fun than I ever imagined. Although she's lost me, I am proud of her stamina and determination. Also, I've enjoyed listening to the change in her rhetoric.

And so it goes, I am so easily entertained.
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75,000+: Amazing

I have never seen the likes of this in my entire life. Reportedly, 75 to 80 thousand people attended.
Will we really come together? Are we ready for such change? Or, will the racism expressed by ignorant knuckle-draggers like those in West Virginia ("no white man will take orders from a black man") prevail?
Anyway, like they say; one picture is worth....you know the rest.

Want some more goose bumps? There's more pictures HERE.

Enjoy.

And so it goes.
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Revelations Are Painful, but Healing

I’m a little rattled at the moment. Having just completed a telephone conversation with my sister in NOLA that included many (perhaps too many) revelations from childhood. Not that I hadn’t suspected some of what finally came to light, but this was chilling, revealing and damning information that will take time to sort out, digest; partially explaining why, practically my whole life, no, my entire life, I was always kept out of the loop on issues regarding the family. So many lies.

If this makes any sense I am stunned and relieved at the same time; exhausted and elated at the same time.

Her pain and anguish – not to mention her desire to keep these secrets to herself – was almost unbearable, yet these horrible secrets came out; at least most of them.

I now understand the low self-esteem and the reluctance to pursue her dreams; why she did some of the many destructive things that caused even more pain; and why, for some reason she trusted me more than anyone else in the family.

I asked her why this was so and she responded “because you never judged me and you always told me to do whatever I wanted to do while everyone was telling me otherwise.”

She is a brilliant artist.

I really need to sleep on this and pray that her heart is finally healing having released some of the suppressed, horrid memories of the past 55 years.

It has begun to rain again, which seems appropriate at the moment.

And so it goes.

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McCain's YouTube Problems

Robert Greenwald has released a new video on YouTube that, while only 3.17 minutes in length, and using archival footage of McSame's own words, pretty much hands (Mr. Straight Talk) his ass on a platter. Anyone who believes anything this guys says after viewing this clip has to be dumber than a box of rocks. I'm just sayin'. See, now I've gone and insulted a box of rocks!

Thank you, Robert Greenwald.

Now, go on over to YouTube and rate the video. Just double click on the image above and it will take you to the page.

Silly season isn't even in full swing and it's getting to be fun already.

Saturday Seventies Disco

Double Exposure 1976 - Ten Percent.

The quality of the video is likely due to the fact that this clip is over 30 years old.

What memories.

Sen. Ted Kennedy Hospitalized

Senator John Kerry released the following:

BOSTON, MA- Senator John Kerry today released the following statement in regards to Senator Edward Kennedy. Senator Kerry is currently at Massachusetts General Hospital with Senator Kennedy and members of the Kennedy family.

"Ted Kennedy is beloved and respected on both sides of the aisle in the Senate in which he's been a giant for close to half a century, a legend in Massachusetts, and a dear friend to me and Teresa. He's also been a fighter who has overcome adversity again and again with courage, grit, and determination. Teresa and I are praying for Teddy, Vicki and all of his family and we know that everyone in Massachusetts and people throughout the nation pray for a full and speedy recovery for a man whose life's work has touched millions upon millions of lives."

Early reports suggested Kennedy was suffering a stroke. We'll have to wait and see.

And so it goes.
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Drag Queen Robs Burger King! Only in NOLA...

NEW ORLEANS -- A New Orleans Burger King recently got a visit from a drag queen with a gun, New Orleans television station WDSU reported. Security cameras showed the man, wearing a dress with a revealing bust line and hair barrettes, climbed through the takeout window at a Burger King on May 11. He held the employees at gunpoint, demanded money, exited through the same drive-through window and drove away.

Since he comes through the take out window, he's in bare feet prompting the WDSU reporter to ask the all important question; "was he wearing pumps or men's shoes?"

Read the rest of the story and view the video HERE

Beware of drag queens packing heat... I'm just sayin'.

And people think drag queens are sissies. Ha!

Happy Caturday!

Love the face.
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What Makes a Man a Man?

Charles Aznavour singing one one of my favourite, and one of his most controversial songs. Enjoy this classic song on video.

This is the English version of Aznavour's hit about the tragic existence of a drag queen, "Comme ils disent." From his Carnegie Hall concert.

I can't believe I found this on YouTube, but I guess I shouldn't be too surprised.

I fell in love with him the first time I saw his album cover. He is one the most beautiful and talented men on this good earth. I have loved him since I was a kid.

Did you know that at one time he was Piaf's Lover??

Never mind.
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You Are Beer!

You don't need to get totally wasted when you hit the bars. More of a social drinker, you just like to have fun with your friends. And as long as the beer keeps flowing, you're a happy camper. But don't mix things up: "Beer Before Liquor, Never Been Sicker!"

What Alcoholic Drink Are You?

That's curious, since I rarely "hit the bars" (except Sunday evenings with friends to enjoy a bit of Prime Rib) and really enjoy a glass of Merlot. I will occasionally have a beer in Summer, but I have to be in just the right mood and environment, like say, at a cookout.

And, I had no idea what "beer goggles" were. I had to go to Wiki to find out. Jeez.

Oh well, there you have it.

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Wingnut Heads Explode!

California court rules marriage ban unconstitutional. Plug your ears, the screeching will commence shortly:

…[W]e conclude that the purpose underlying differential treatment of opposite-sex and same-sex couples embodied in California’s current marriage statutes – the interest in retaining the traditional and well-established definition of marriage — cannot properly be viewed as a compelling state interest for purposes of the equal protection clause, or as necessary to serve such an interest.

A number of factors lead us to this conclusion. First, the exclusion of same-sex couples from the designation of marriage clearly is not necessary in order to afford full protection to all of the rights and benefits that currently are enjoyed by married opposite-sex couples; permitting same-sex couples access to the designation of marriage will not deprive opposite-sex couples of any rights and will not alter the legal framework of the institution of marriage, because same-sex couples who choose to marry will be subject to the same obligations and duties that currently are imposed on married opposite-sex couples. Second, retaining the traditional definition of marriage and affording same-sex couples only a separate and differently named family relationship will, as a realistic matter, impose appreciable harm on same-sex couples and their children, because denying such couples access to the familiar and highly favored designation of marriage is likely to cast doubt on whether the official family relationship of same-sex couples enjoys dignity equal to that of opposite-sex couples. Third, because of the widespread disparagement that gay individuals historically have faced, it is all the more probable that excluding same-sex couples from the legal institution of marriage is likely to be viewed as reflecting an official view that their committed relationships are of lesser stature than the comparable relationships of opposite-sex couples. Finally, retaining the designation of marriage exclusively for opposite-sex couples and providing only a separate and distinct designation for same-sex couples may well have the effect of perpetuating a more general premise – now emphatically rejected by this state — that gay individuals and same-sex couples are in some respects “second-class citizens” who may, under the law, be treated differently from, and less favorably than, heterosexual individuals or opposite-sex couples. Under these circumstances, we cannot find that retention of the traditional definition of marriage constitutes a compelling state interest. Accordingly, we conclude that to the extent the current California statutory provisions limit marriage to opposite-sex couples, these statutes are unconstitutional.

Following the Court's decision the Governator released the following statement:

I respect the Court’s decision and as Governor, I will uphold its ruling. Also, as I have said in the past, I will not support an amendment to the constitution that would overturn this state Supreme Court ruling.

This is going to get interesting since the California decision does not require couples to be residents of the state, which is the case in Massachusetts. It looks like courts in states with laws banning same gender marriage are bound to be challenged.

And so it goes.
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The Bush - Nazi Connection.

When I heard this today:

"Some seem to believe we should negotiate with terrorists and radicals, as if some ingenious argument will persuade them they have been wrong all along," said Bush, in what White House aides privately acknowledged was a reference to calls by Obama and other Democrats for the U.S. president to sit down for talks with leaders like Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

I was immediately reminded of this piece regarding Dubya’s Granddaddy, Prescott Bush, and his connections to the Nazis. But you won’t hear or read about in the American press. From the Guardian:

How Bush's grandfather helped Hitler's rise to power.

Rumours of a link between the US first family and the Nazi war machine have circulated for decades. Now the Guardian can reveal how repercussions of events that culminated in action under the Trading with the Enemy Act are still being felt by today's president.

George Bush's grandfather, the late US senator Prescott Bush, was a director and shareholder of companies that profited from their involvement with the financial backers of Nazi Germany.

The Guardian has obtained confirmation from newly discovered files in the US National Archives that a firm of which Prescott Bush was a director was involved with the financial architects of Nazism.

His business dealings, which continued until his company's assets were seized in 1942 under the Trading with the Enemy Act, has led more than 60 years later to a civil action for damages being brought in Germany against the Bush family by two former slave labourers at Auschwitz and to a hum of pre-election controversy.

The evidence has also prompted one former US Nazi war crimes prosecutor to argue that the late senator's action should have been grounds for prosecution for giving aid and comfort to the enemy.

The debate over Prescott Bush's behaviour has been bubbling under the surface for some time. There has been a steady internet chatter about the "Bush/Nazi" connection, much of it inaccurate and unfair. But the new documents, many of which were only declassified last year, show that even after America had entered the war and when there was already significant information about the Nazis' plans and policies, he worked for and profited from companies closely involved with the very German businesses that financed Hitler's rise to power. It has also been suggested that the money he made from these dealings helped to establish the Bush family fortune and set up its political dynasty.

Remarkably, little of Bush's dealings with Germany have received public scrutiny, partly because of the secret status of the documentation involving him. But now the multibillion dollar legal action for damages by two Holocaust survivors against the Bush family, and the imminent publication of three books on the subject are threatening to make Prescott Bush's business history an uncomfortable issue for his grandson, George W, as he seeks re-election.

While there is no suggestion that Prescott Bush was sympathetic to the Nazi cause, the documents reveal that the firm he worked for, Brown Brothers Harriman (BBH), acted as a US base for the German industrialist, Fritz Thyssen, who helped finance Hitler in the 1930s before falling out with him at the end of the decade. The Guardian has seen evidence that shows Bush was the director of the New York-based Union Banking Corporation (UBC) that represented Thyssen's US interests and he continued to work for the bank after America entered the war.

Tantalizing

Bush was also on the board of at least one of the companies that formed part of a multinational network of front companies to allow Thyssen to move assets around the world.

Thyssen owned the largest steel and coal company in Germany and grew rich from Hitler's efforts to re-arm between the two world wars. One of the pillars in Thyssen's international corporate web, UBC, worked exclusively for, and was owned by, a Thyssen-controlled bank in the Netherlands. More tantalising are Bush's links to the Consolidated Silesian Steel Company (CSSC), based in mineral rich Silesia on the German-Polish border. During the war, the company made use of Nazi slave labour from the concentration camps, including Auschwitz. The ownership of CSSC changed hands several times in the 1930s, but documents from the US National Archive declassified last year link Bush to CSSC, although it is not clear if he and UBC were still involved in the company when Thyssen's American assets were seized in 1942.

Three sets of archives spell out Prescott Bush's involvement. All three are readily available, thanks to the efficient US archive system and a helpful and dedicated staff at both the Library of Congress in Washington and the National Archives at the University of Maryland.

The first set of files, the Harriman papers in the Library of Congress, show that Prescott Bush was a director and shareholder of a number of companies involved with Thyssen.

For the rest of this story go HERE.

For more on Prescott Bush, go HERE.

I heard that what Bush did today amounts to Political Treason, and I thought to myself, well, so what's new?

This question remains; why has he not been impeached?

Yes, I know. And so it goes.
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Obama + Edwards?

Watching the live CNN telecast of John Edwards' speech as he endorsed Barak Obama in Grand Rapids Michigan, I couldn't help but think that they would make a great team to run this country.

I don't believe that an Obama + Clinton team would work out well. Hubby Bill, would always be around and the Clinton baggage would follow them.

Edwards' speech moved me in ways I have not been moved in 40 years. There is hope here, and from where I stand, hope is in short supply in this country.

I love it! Again, I am witnessing history in the making. Amazing...

And so it goes.
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Quote of the Day

Lifted from TTS.

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” — Dr. Seuss

This was suggested by my NYC doctor when I was diagnosed with an ulcer. I was twenty years old at the time. See, I used to keep my feelings bottled up and didn't want to upset the cart, or hurt feelings. I internalized every hurt myself and paid the price.

In fact, The good doctor hit me hard with this parting comment: Keep internalizing and putting your feelings after everyone else's and eventually you will get used to 6 months of baby food.

After that first 6 months of baby food I was a changed man.

I haven't eaten baby food since 1966.

And so it goes.

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O. M. G. - The Jenna Bush Wedding Souvenirs

These people have no shame. Just so sad.

And so it goes.
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Just Another Day at the Beach? Um, No!

It’s been an interesting, exciting 24 hours. Beginning with our group get together last evening where, with three of our number absent likely due to Mother’s Day visits, the buzz was about the upcoming storm. Would it hit us directly, would there be high winds and flooding in low lying areas on the peninsula - all this and more was discussed by just about everyone around us.

Mind you, the Parrot is little more than a block from the the boardwalk and the Atlantic. Someone at the next table offered that nothing was being mentioned about the storm on the local TV stations, so that meant it wouldn’t amount to anything important.

Dinner was delicious; our waiter Richard was in rare form, our other regular waiters - David and Mathew - came by to chat and the conversations were funny and spirited; we laughed a lot.

By the time we went our separate ways the wind had kicked up and big droplets of rain began to fall as I pulled into the driveway. I made it inside seconds before the heavens opened up, as did the wind so that the rain was falling almost horizontally.

I had web work to do, so I quickly booted as the storm raged outside. There was no thunder or lightening, which I thought was strange, but the rain pelting my windows and walls was very relaxing so I got the work done in no time and uploaded the changes to the web. I was afraid of losing power and this client wanted the changes up by today.

Let me explain, whenever there are high winds and heavy rains, there’s sure to be a power outage – and there was - but I was fast asleep when it happened. I told you the sound of rain relaxes me.

As I left for work this morning the sustained winds were 35-40 mph gusting up to 55 mph, yes that’s hurricane speed. Turns out we’re in the middle of a nor’easter and it caused panic around here. This morning over 6,000 home were without power, trees were down everywhere, including on my road where I was fortunate to have a neighbor (also trying to get to work) help me move the tree off the roadway. He was a very cute Godsend. Unfortunately, during the lifting of the tree, my back blew out. I heard it and felt it. It’s gotten worse throughout the day. I'll see the Chiropractor on Wednesday. Ouch!

By the time I arrived at work and turned on the local radio station, everything began to hit the fan. Stoplights blew out or lost power. Lewes was deserted since their power had been out all night. Downtown Rehoboth was locked up as well. The Coastal highway was closed in both directions by noon due to water, sand, and fish on the roadway. Yes, it’s that low. Rehoboth Bay tops it’s banks and the Atlantic tops the dunes and they meet somewhere in the middle of the road.

From the UPS deliveryman I learned that traffic lights were still out but the intersections were now being controlled by State Troopers, so things were no longer so chaotic, at least on the main roads. The Coast Guard was evacuating people stranded in their homes on Rehoboth Bay. Many had water up to their porches.

The local radio station, usually a right-wing mouthpiece, devoted the entire broadcast day to the storm reporting on everything from downed power lines, accidents, emergencies, and evacuations related to the local area. It was a real challenge and they came through for the people.

My drive home was another challenge. In places the highway was submerged and dangerous to drive through and the winds were still gusting to 65 mph blowing vehicles all over, even in one instance, off the road entirely.

As I turned onto my road I was apprehensive about getting home. On the bright side, the tree I moved was gone completely; on the bad side the lowest part of the road flooded from a stream and pond, again, meeting in the middle. I got out of the car to check the depth and found that I could make it by driving slow and carefully.

While there are trees and branches down all over the place, I had power. Praise God from whom all blessing flow.

Dinner is on the stove, slipped out of my wet clothes, taken a hot shower, and I am ready to come down from this crazy weather kind of day.

The weather critters this evening are calling for sun and temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s tomorrow. Uh huh, we’ll see.

And so it goes.

404: Candidacy Not Found

Yup, it's that time. (Double click image to embiggen.)

Original found at Le Monde.

And so it goes.
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Caturday

Not in a good place today.
And so it goes.
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Statue of Harvey Milk will be Unveiled in SF

OK, so I cried. I always do...Sue me.

San Francisco City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco CA - enter on Polk Street side May 22, 2008.

Mayor Gavin Newsom, The Harvey Milk City Hall Memorial Committee, The Bob Ross Foundation, The San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Pride Celebration Committee, and The San Francisco Arts Commission invite you to a reception and an unveiling Ceremony for The Harvey Milk City Hall Memorial Sculpture by The Daub Firmin and Hendrickson Sculpture group on May 22, 2008 in City Hall, which would have been Milk’s 78th Birthday. The reception is a free public event and doors open at 6 PM with the Ceremony beginning at 7PM. It will feature remarks by colleagues of Milk’s, local dignitaries and performances by Connie Champagne and the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus.

Food and beverage will be provided.

Background - In 2001 The Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution calling for the establishment of a sculpture in remembrance of Supervisor Harvey Milk who became a symbol to the world for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender civil rights. Milk was one of the first openly gay elected officials in the Nation. Milk and (pro-gay) Mayor George Moscone were assassinated in their City Hall offices by a homophobic political opponent on November 27, 1978.

In 2003 a campaign began to raise funds for the commission of the sculpture and The Harvey Milk City Hall Memorial Committee was formed as a non-profit organization to foster the project. It took four years to complete the funding and in fall of 2006 the Milk City Hall Memorial Committee, in concert with a large gift from The Bob Ross Foundation and in partnership with The San Francisco Arts Commission, launched a national competition to find an artist.

In January 2007 a panel of community leaders and arts professionals selected three finalists. Maquettes of their designs were displayed for community comment in City Hall and the panel, with overwhelming public support, chose Daub, Firmin, and Hendrickson Sculpture Group as the winning team.

In April of 2008 The San Francisco Arts Commission formally approved the placement of the sculpture in the Ceremonial Rotunda in City Hall where it will be unveiled on May 22, 2008.

Harvey Milk's last words.

I can't wait to see the film. The posters of Sean Penn as Harvey look amazing. Another bit of our history

And so it goes.
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Friday Morning

It’s chilly, gray, and rainy this morning. It was promising to be a rather gloomy day.

Then I heard some singing and when I looked out the window there, in the gray and mist was a beautiful bright red cardinal staring at the window as if singing to me to cheer up.

I did immediately and he continues to serenade me as I write.

Following breakfast I think a walk in the rain will be in order.

And so it goes.
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A Flashback: Dr. Buzzard and the Original Savannah Band

OK, so you know where I've been spending time this evening. Sue me. I struck GOLD!
I've found a video of my favourite band of seventies disco. Dr. Buzzard and the original Savannah Band. I had no idea this video existed. It was one of my favourite songs/bands to dance to (along with the Tramps) back in the day. This tune goes back to 1976 and is from their first album (yes, it was a vinyl album - five or six years before CDs) and hearing it takes me back to a wonderful and happy time. Before AIDS changed the world forever.

Hard to imagine that this tune is 32 years old.
So many friends are dead.
All of the dance clubs are gone.
I was privileged to be a part of those times and this great music.

And so it goes.
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The Netherlands: Crowded? Not at All...

This is a wonderful essay about Holland (I mean the Netherlands - never mind) by TTS that needs to be shared. Here is a teaser:

The Dutch are a surprising people. They live - all 16½ million of them - on 41,528 square kilometres, little more than half the size of Scotland. The Netherlands is thus one of the world’s most densely populated countries. But the Dutch have turned their crowded country into such a success that the world’s planners and architects flock here to find out how.

The Netherlands is best known for its tulips, windmills and clogs. And for its low altitude and vulnerability to flooding. Less well known is that it is the world’s eighth largest exporter of goods and capital and the world’s third largest exporter of food. Equally little known is that Dutch people have won 15 Nobel prizes: for chemistry, physics, medicine, economics and peace.

The Dutch are major players in fields like science, the economy, the arts and sports - and their country is a beacon of forward-thinking social and cultural policy.

Bridge builders The Netherlands lies on the delta of three major rivers: the Rhine, Maas and Scheldt. It owes its existence to feats of hydraulic engineering.

The Dutch are proud of their conquest of water. Their struggle to keep dry has helped them develop a can-do attitude. And since controlling water requires many parties to meet and plan together, it has forced them to learn how to work as a team. That is why their European partners and the broader international community regard the Dutch as bridge builders and often ask them to serve as such.
The country The Netherlands is a kingdom. Its full name is the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It consists of the Netherlands itself and six islands in the Caribbean Sea: Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles.

The Netherlands is also sometimes called “Holland”. The word features in the names of the two western coastal provinces, North and South Holland, which have played a dominant role in the country’s history. Thanks to their location on the estuaries of two major West European rivers, the Rhine and the Maas, these two provinces are still very important for the economy.

With Rotterdam the biggest port in the world, the Netherlands is an important gateway to Europe. And not only by water: Amsterdam Schiphol is one of Europe’s biggest airports.

I have visited twice and would live there for the rest of my life if I could. I love the county and its people more than any other nation in Europe.

Click here to read the rest of this informative essay.

Now plan a visit, you will not be disappointed.

And so it goes.
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Pray for Burma

I will not call it Myanmar. Tonight reports are sketchy but most international aid services are saying that the death toll will likely exceed 80,000 fatalities.

Please offer prayers for the dead, the wounded, the living, and those close to death.

The government said that the country was warned about the cyclone via TELEVISION! The problem is that most of the country doesn't have television, or even reliable electric power, so how were they to know what was about to change their world completely? They never saw it coming.

And though this is very hard to write; pray for the rogue government that they will ultimately do the right thing and open their borders to all who want to help.

Sadly, and so it goes.
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Sunday: A Soaring Beginning; a Crash and Burn Ending

What happened?

I am not sure.

Wish I could “go to the video tape”…but no.

I’ve been trying to sort it out for the last two days.

Too much alcohol was involved, and not by me. This was the second time this kind of outburst had surfaced.

Perhaps when enough alcohol is consumed one’s true feelings surface. Ugly, hurtful words spoken – or screamed - in my direction. Friends don’t do that unless there is some underlying unresolved issue that has to be addressed and sorted out. I attempted to place blame on the booze. However…Something died.

As we all know words and phrases mean different things to different people.

For example, my best friend used to get very upset when I would call her a survivor. She was thinking in terms of survival of the Holocaust (she lost many family members in various camps) and until she decided call me on this she always felt hurt whenever I used the phrase. When she finally told me she didn’t appreciate being compared to those who survived the Holocaust, I finally understood the connection. What I was really saying by using the “you’re a survivor” phrase was that she was strong, committed and had endured, triumphed over so many horrible life situations that many other women wouldn’t if they faced the same circumstance. Then and only then, did she comprehend my meaning – and she knows me better than any other person alive.

That the word “survivor” meant something totally different to her had been lost on me and it meant a lot to our friendship when I finally internalized her translation and she understood mine.

Anyway, as for the Sunday crash and burn I remain at a loss.

It all happened so fast, I have more to sort out and decipher. I will post more if and when I find some thread.

I’d like to think that it was all a terrible misunderstanding, but my gut tells me otherwise. This scene played out in front of our entire table and I can only imagine what the others thought, if anything. Other than shock, that is.

I am done. It has been a rough day and an exhausting two days. So, I am going to have supper, a cocktail, and then watch COSMOS.

And so it goes.

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Engineer's Guide to Cats.

I kid you not, a friend sent a link to this YouTube video and it is priceless...especially if you are a cat lover. I laughed a lot. Hope you enjoy the video, too.

This video has been viewed over 1.6 Million times. Amazing.

And so it goes.
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NOLA: There is Always Hope

This broke my heart and gave me a thrill at the same time. From Ray In NOLA:

The weekend after Ashley died, one of my oldest friends Dr. Sarah came in town for a visit, and I took her down to see the Lower Ninth Ward since she hadn't been here since the storm. We drove past a few houses I'd gutted before, and saw the usual lack of progress. We drove by Robert Green's trailer on Tennessee Street and I told her the story of how he lost a young granddaughter off his roof during the flood and found his dead mother months after the storm.

And then we drove by the house on Gordon Street.

I blogged about gutting this house with the Mardi Gras Service Corps back in November '06. It was a lonely block. One house had some renovations going on that seemed to be going slowly, and a few houses were gutted and the lawns were being kept up, but the block didn't seem to have a lot of hope, and the house itself was a mess. Lots of termite damage, some tree damage to the roof joists and the back frame of the house. A sign on the front said "For Sale By Owner: Mr. Henry" with a phone number.

There was also a light switch in the back bedroom that had a Disney character floating under some balloons which got me all choked up when I ripped the moldy sheetrock down around it.

But down the street was an uninhabitable Baptist church with a FEMA trailer outside it, and that Sunday while we were gutting, three carloads of older black folks in their Sunday best, the women all wearing their crowns, all showed up, went into the trailer, worshipped, then came out and hugged each other and shook hands and drove off. So I always had kind of a fondness for this block. It seemed hopeless on the face of it, but maybe not so hopeless if you squinted just right and held your head at the right angle while you looked at it.

In November of '07 I blogged about my tour of despair, of all the houses I had gutted which hadn't been touched since I left them, and I took pictures of this house on Gordon Street, the last one in that post, and wondered if there wasn't some sign of progress.

Go over to Ray's Place to see the pictures and read the rest of his post.

And so it goes.
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When The Empire Strikes Barak!

And all I was looking for was a catchy video from the first trilogy and I find this, and it's really funny:

Whoever put this together is a wizard of computer animation and photoshop.

And so it goes.
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Recession: Down This Road Again

It's been a cloudy though otherwise delightful spring day here, so I did some cooking for the week ahead, performed a few household chores then, after checking and responding to emails, decided to spend some time learning more about dealing with limited funds and surviving the "R" that is engulfing us here in the US.

Searching for sites offering sage advice on how to survive yet another Recession – yeah I know, Chimpy McFlightsuit has been denying it for months as he has virtually everything over the past 7+ years until yesterday finally admitting that “the economy is going through tough times” CHECK PLEASE! Mission Accomplished, my a**– and I came upon a few good ones.

Frugality is a good thing. A weekly budget is essential (and workable). An annual budget can cough up the big picture in a whole new light. But, I have never been able to spell out and follow to the letter any budget. And who among us can predict some unforeseen emergency or expenditure like my car getting hit in a parking lot two months ago? None of us.

I know how to be a frugal shopper, always have been, especially in the supermarket and via a few of these sites I’ve learned how to save even more. I do most of my cooking at home (without a proper stove w/oven – which I miss, but find I can live OK without) and usually dining out with friends once a week, or so. I am a fairly good cook and aside from the web I’ve gotten great and healthy recipes from other blogs. One in particular is in Holland. His recipes are healthy, heart-smart, and delicious. Perhaps we share similar tastes in foods. I love trying new recipes and fortunately, even if the original isn’t exactly the best, I find I can usually make a few changes to bring it to my liking. Then it gets stored in the recipe box. Yes, I still have one.

Anyhoo.

Having only scratched the surface I won’t bore you with the links at this point; I am taking notes and following links to more useful information. So far I have found none specifically targeting folks of a certain age, but there must be some out there.

However, there is one blog that is helpful in many ways, offering insights from her childhood as well the family’s past achievements in getting beyond the rough times. She leaves no doubt that one can come through a recession better for the experience.

Read it for yourself and let me know what you take away and use in your own life.

A little rock and roll with the recession.

Try it, you'll like it.

And so it goes.
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What JFK Would Say to Bush...

...If He Were Alive Today.

I found this at YouTube while searching for something totally different. Enjoy. And yes, we really need to take our country back.

And so it goes.
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Caturday Horror Show

Yeah, I know.

And so it goes.
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Fox News? More Like Faux Noise.

Recently I saw a bumper sticker that sent me into spasms of laughter, almost to the point of tears. It read:

"Fox News: Keeping You Stupid 24 Hours a Day."

OK, here's a good example...reporting on the Clinton Challenge to Obama to join her in a Lincoln/Douglass style debate, this is the graphic they used as background to the story.


So, what's wrong with this picture?

First of all, Stephen Douglass was WHITE! The image on screen is that of Fredrick Douglas who was BLACK and an abolitionist. There are many other differences, but you get the idea.

The stoopid, it burns.

And so the stoopid goes.
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WTF? A Principal Outs Teen Couple!

God, why does this bigot bitch still have a job? Forgive my stupidity here, I have been under the delusional impression that school principals and teachers were to be supportive of good students; all students. Not this:

(Memphis, Tennessee) A public high school principal who posted the names of two boys on a list of students believed to be couples, revealing their relationship to their parents as well as other students and teachers, violated the students’ constitutional right to freedom of association, the American Civil Liberties Union charged Tuesday.

In a letter to school board officials in Memphis, the ACLU demanded that the school reprimand the principal and take steps to ensure such actions never happen again.

In September of 2007, the principal at Hollis F. Price Middle College High told teachers she wanted the names of all student couples, “hetero and homo,” because she wanted to monitor them personally to prevent students from engaging in public displays of affection.

The two students now represented by the ACLU, Andrew and Nicholas (who have asked that their last names not be revealed), were two A students who had been seeing each other for a short time and were attempting to keep their relationship quiet and private.

The principal heard about them through another student, then wrote their names on a list she posted next to her desk, in full view of anyone who entered her office.

One of the boys’ mothers personally witnessed the list when she met with the principal a few days later.

“I couldn’t believe it when I went to meet with the principal and that list was right there by her desk where anyone could see it,” said Andrea, Andrew’s mother.

“African American people face enough obstacles to succeeding in this world and I want my son to have every opportunity he’s worked so hard for. Our schools should be helping our children do well, not tearing them down for something like this.”

Although the boys had never been observed by any school staff engaging in any sort of display of affection, the principal called Nicholas’s mother Nichole.

According to Nichole, the principal said things like “Did you know your son is gay?” repeatedly and went on to say that she didn’t like gay people and wouldn’t tolerate homosexuality at her school.

Both students say they’ve had to deal with verbal harassment from both teachers and students since word got out around the school about their principal’s actions.

According to Nicholas, he also suffered another consequence of the principal’s discrimination. He had submitted extensive paperwork and several recommendations from teachers for a school trip to New Orleans to assist in rebuilding efforts.

Having a long history of community service, he was considered a shoo-in to be selected to go before the incident, but then a teacher told Nicholas some faculty were afraid he might “embarrass the school” or engage in “inappropriate behavior.”

A few days later, another student who hadn’t even applied to go on the trip was selected in his place.

The rest is over at 365Gay.com if you care to read it.

And so it goes.
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