Status report
So, I didn't get as much done as I would have liked. I got the patio cleaned up, and I got some of the dining room put together. I got my room kinda organized a little. Hung a couple more pictures. I need to hang pictures on the brick walls, which is going to take a masonry drill bit and some serious screws. And measurement - I wno't be able to eyeball these.

I think that I'll be making the downstairs powder room into my "Continental Airlines" memorabilia room. There's no other place to really put all of those things. Bleh. I still have all of these prints that need to be framed up and hung up and ...

Had lunch today with Foghorn Leghorn. He's one nosy piece of work. He asks how I'm doing at work. I said "going fine." Then, he asks about specific loans I'm working on, what I have closing, practically what I have in gross commissions coming in. Uh .. none of your beeswax?

He's also someone who can be counted on to divulge and gossip about everything mentioned, whether casual or detailed.

I have to remember to run the clocks forward tonight. Bleh.

Garage first?
I have to get to work here - cleaning the garage, organizing the dining room, getting things into the old clothes hamper to get off to the church garage sale - I would like to get the downstairs all put together, except for hanging the curios, for which I'll need some help. And, I'd like to get the garage put together so that Bram can more easily park in there.

I've got the "Incredibles" on the TV - it sounds awesome, and it looks awesome.

Where to start with this project of cleaning up the house? I think that the dining room, maybe. I have all of these cookbooks, which need to be .. sold. Or something.

So, red in the dining room - should I put the red framed Continental airlines poster in there? I think so.

Or, I could put the curio there. Hmm.

These curio cases are causing me the most difficulty so far. Where to put them? I'm not happy with the unfinished condition of the smaller one. BLEH.

However, it's nearly time to pull the excess stuff out of the dining room and put it somewhere else while I re-glue up the buffet shelves. Then, the dishes can go into the buffet and ... it will look like a dining room again.

And then ...

Okay, I'm off to do some more organizing and cleaning.

all in a jumble

So, I'm trying to move software and data from the old desktop computer to the laptop computer, which will be the only computer I have at home and the computer I use at work.

In other words, the only computer. The old desktop computer will only have tax and financial software on it, and will live here at the office but not be my day to day computer.

TO that end, today, I resynched my new Treo with the old computer, on which all of the data was stored and now I'm resynching the Treo with the new computer.

The fun part of that seems to be that ALL of the versamail is being copied to the laptop from the Treo. It's taking forever. And, I'm trying to get NeatReceipts installed, which is also fighting me tooth and nail; trying to get the data moved over is presenting some challenges.

Chris Price died back on Monday - untreated/undiagnosed diabetes. Wow.

The cube is MOSTLY organized here. I have big stacks of paper that need to be filed, handled and dealt with, but it's MOSTLY organized. All of the office supplies are stacked into the cabinet of there (points) and all of the drawers are full as a tick.

A night at home alone.

I'm teaching myself a lot about my Palm device. Somehow today, I added 1168 email messages to it by synchronizing it with my Outlook. BLEH. I don't even think so. I'm going to discontinue using Sprint's Business Connection, and focus on using Versamail. I also deleted some other software that I just don't use over on the Treo.

Right now, I've deleted the 1168 messages, and I'm emptying the "trash," to clear the memory out. The poor thing had almost no memory left!

Now, I'm re-adding some of the software that I do use, and cleaning things up.

If only other elements of life were as easy to study, learn and use.

Got the newest light bill for the old house today. The last 22 days - $90. Before then, it was always more than $300. The pool seems to have made the difference.

That suggests that my light bill is/has dropped substantially. That's awesome! I need the relief. The $900 light bills last year were killing me.

Okay, so now I've watched all of the "24" season one DVDs. And, eh. Whatever.

It's nearly 10:00, and I'm thinking that going to bed early may be an outstanding idea. Perhaps I'll do just that.

So let me get this straight -- according to conservatives, lying about a blow job was an impeachable offense, but lying about outing a CIA agent focused on the Iranian nuclear program is much ado about nothing? Okay, got it.

Chewing gum

Years ago, my best friend Scott had an unexpected call from our mutual friend Richard.

Richard had been seeing some new guy, and he'd dropped off the face of the earth for a few months. He and Scott worked together on the same floor (as I recall, this was years ago) and yet, Scott hadn't seen hide nor hair of Richard in some time.

Scott finally got on the company phone system and called Richard at his desk, just to make sure that he (Richard) hadn't been fired in one of Frank Lorenzo's frequent temper tantrums.

"Oh, yes - I'm still here .. I've just been seeing this new guy, and he's SO wonderful. I'm really enjoying spending time with him."

Scott's outstanding reply was "Well, I enjoy chewing gum, too, but I take it out of my mouth from time to time to call my friends."

Richard was undaunted in his single minded pursuit of the new relationship. Months later, when the newness wore off, Richard began to again circulate with his friends, and to interject his new boyfriend into those friends.

It's irrelevant, but fun that Richard's boyfriend, with whom he was so smitten, cheated on him after Richard bought him a car, and housed him for two years for free. The boyfriend took off for Phoenix to be with the new boyfriend WITH the car. It was a mess.

Once the relationship was over, I was called upon by Richard to be his social structure, constant companion and back-shaver. Until the new boyfriend came along a few years later.

This morning, a lad who's been half heartedly pursuing me for a week or so mentioned that I was cynical. Ayup (that was with a Maine accent, by the way) I am.

It's nearly impossible to avoid interpreting someone's dropping you like a fresh dog turd for a new love interest as anything else than a judgment on your value to that person. Regardless of what's said, regardless of the intimacy, the companionship, and the interaction, what you're worth to that person is a big fat ZERO when the new relationship comes onboard.

That's Z-E-R-O. A nullity. Non-existent.

Back to the cynical comment from earlier today, yes, I am. And, I don't take friends back anymore when they've defined me as meaning nothing to them at all.

In the not so distant past, one of my very good friends began dating a new man. Never once did he slow or stop the flow of communication, and never once did our normal social interactions diminish. So, it's clear to me that it's not what everyone does, and it seems that my judgment of what is being communicated by being dropped like a dog turd has validity. It's a matter of personal choice on the part of the newly in love, and I don't have to accept it.

Scanning sensors

I've been scanning since 1500 when Bram and I got home. Scanning 2006 receipts now. All the register/POS receipts are scanned, now I'm scanning stuff that was mailed to me. I have a big stack left, but compared to what I started with, I guess it's pretty good.

Took Jackie to Petco for shots today. She was a bit nervous when they tried to draw her blood for the heartworm test - she projectile pooped. The vet pointed out that she has a melanoma on her front leg, which will need to be looked at right away. She was SO happy to be going out in the car, and to be walking around Petco. She's going back for grooming on Tuesday morning. I guess I'll have to find a vet next week for her also.

Went and got my cashier's check today for the closing next week. Paid off my two credit cards today. Now, if I can get all of this stuff scanned, life will be pretty good.

Bram and I rode around a bit today, had lunch, picked up the mail, tried to pick up the clocks. That will be Monday morning, now. Talked to a client about paying for their taxes - the next two weeks should be i-n-s-a-n-e with book keeping and tax work. Oof. I think I'll have to call that woman who says that she can do tax work/book keeping work, and see about getting her started on Monday. I just can't wait any longer.

Now, it's 21:00, and I'm still scanning. The pile is getting smaller, which is good. It's still another three hours' worth of work, though.

So, I'm going to watch the old movie "Chinatown" and then go to bed.

the last day of non-homeownership?

I dunno. it's possible.

My purchase is set to close tomorrow afternoon. I'm waiting with abated breath to see if that's actually going to happen here.

Spent some time today paying bills to get ready for the move. Now, I'm sitting here at work - not working, just waiting for enlightenment on my loan. I am thinking of moving some cables around under my desk to make things better here.

Once the documents are sent to the title company, we can have our closing. Then, comes the challenge of actually getting things moved. The lost boyz want to start moving on Sunday. I want to move on Saturday. A compromise much be reached.

I'm working on a proposal for here at the office. I need to get that done and out today.

So, is sitting here waiting to hear something the same as worrying? I think so. Maybe I should dig up some more work to do. Can't find JII - he's not answering hails.

It's nearly 11:00 a.m., and we're still waiting for word back on my loan approval. My source of the down payment, if it were required, has fallen through, and I have to find another. By today. No pressure.

I'm contemplating calling my father. I'd prefer to not. I'd prefer to not have my family's involvement in anything in the future. "The weather here is great, thanks! No, I didn't see "Desperate Housewives."

I bought the coolest red leather collar for Jackie last night. Also going to get her some new bowls, and already got E2 lined up to come up and groom Jackie to within an inch of her life so she can move back inside.

I guess I am a morning person. I popped awake just as the alarm began to announce that it was Monday. I've been outside, played with Jackie (who's VERY bouncy,) petted Barney (who's still wagging his tail, but can't get up. He'll be gone today.)

Emptied the trash. Took out the recycling. Cleaning up the dishes.

My BG monitor has either quit working, or it's complying with my desire not to deal with it today. It's almost four years old, so I guess it's okay that it's in need of replacement.

My soas muscle is whacked again. It's not as bad as it's been the past few weeks, but it's not good.

Going in to the office for a short while. Then, I'm coming back here to work on financial records and getting more stuff ready to move.

So, Brian (I love Brian) logs in this morning after a weekend long absence, and tells me he had a date. Bastard. Then, he tells me he had "good sex."

Now, what IS this "good sex" thing? I've now had three different friends mention that they long for/have had "good sex." What IS it?

I feel so out of touch. It's like me and modern music. I just don't understand it, nor do I have any association with it.

Barney is almost gone. Bram went out and checked him out (as best as a human paramedic can) and thinks that he may be alive in the morning, but that he has very little life left.

John's agreed to take him to be put down in the morning if he's still alive.

Good lord, I hope the curtain calls come to a close very soon. By that, I mean to say that I hope that this is last of Twitch dropping by at 3:30 in the morning, drunk (or anyone else for that matter,) the last of Psycho Judy calling me endlessly about stupid, repetitive things, the last of emotional manipulation by people who want me to carry their water, the last of people who can't be counted on....

I'm just about to pop with all of this.

I'm thinking about flying Nick down here from Ohio to help me move. There is, at best, a very limited expectation of assistance with this move. I am unable to provide the kind of certainty of exactly when and how this move will occur, and I have to make a hueristic evaluation of the likelihood of assistance actually coming together - and I'm looking for other capitve resources.

My father offered, but I can't see a.) having an 80 year old man help me move, and b.) seeing what I look like in a straight jacket.

I still have some things to get into place to have the move happen. I won't have those things fully in place until Tuesday.

Chuck just sent me pictures of our trip to Vancouver. We've been back for eight months, and .. the pictures are here. Jesus, I was heavier. He looked so great. All Chuck.

I have weighed the options about any new activity with the newly arrived, interesting/interested married man and have concluded that it's a no go. No more unavailable men. Zero tolerance.

Talked to my sister today, as it was her birthday. She started off by cheerfully criticizing me, as she does with every phone call, because I was in the car. I have a one hour drive to church each Sunday morning, and it's an ideal time to knock out social phone calls. However, since I'm driving in the car, it's not enough for her - she thinks I should sit in a chair and talk to her without any other activity at all. So, we get a comment. Every call.

Then, after some pleasantries, she asks me what's going on with this house. I stupidly answer rather than saying "I'll let you know what my new address is, other than that, you don't need to know."

She let me know, with a cheery lilt in her voice that no one in the family was going to help me with the housing situation, and that she had no idea how I could expect to make this house purchase happen.

She seems to love (in my interpretation) telling me that I'm a loser.

And I'm just over it.

Perhaps it would be a great idea to tell them nothing. I've said it before of myself, why can I not do that? I tell my father as little as I can, why can't I just talk about the weather, or mutually agreeable politics?

Watching more of the first season of "24." It's a terrific show.

Almost time to go to bed.

Barney the Dog 1992-2007

Barney the dog has been declining swiftly over the last few days. Bram's noted that his impending demise is neatly coordinating with having to leave this house, and that the whole time, it has been intended that he not go to the new place.

Yesterday, Barney was almost unable to get around. He no longer looked happy, curious and interested - he just looked sad and disconnected. This morning, he was lying next to Jackie's food dish, and couldn't get up. Only his one front leg was reaching, as he was trying to do something - anything. He just looks like he won't be with me when I get back from church in a few hours.

I've had dogs now since 1982; Barney has been the constant through most of that. He's been at loggerheads with me since he was just over a year old; he has shat in every room of every place I've lived, has peed incessantly in every corner, and has peed after having caught my attention to make sure I knew he was doing it. He's been a pig, knocking people out of the way to get attention, and he's cost many thousands of dollars in damaged property.

And, I have not been able to bring myself to end his life for being a bowel and bladder terrorist.

Barney has caused me great wonder and reflection - do dogs use mental law? Do they have an emotional component that brings them what they expect?

I think so. Barney was the runt of his litter, he has always expected to be pushed aside and ignored, and his behavior, while designed to attract attention has had the opposite effect, pushing away those whom he wanted and causing his reality to be that which he conceived.

I know that we tent to map human tendencies and qualities onto animals, especially onto pets. However, if we're all one - made from the same God stuff (or cosmos stuff, or flowing energy stuff, or however you want to look at it) does that not mean that Barney is just as much a part of God as I am? Is it not arrogance to consider that I, a human, have a special relationship with the impersonal God stuff that flows through and makes up everything?

My other dog, Jackie, uses mental law - I've seen her do it. When she gets the results she has put into action, she's so pleased. I think she knows that the time after Barney's death will be very special for her, and she seems not to be disturbed by his frailty, and today, by his imminent passing. She's more bouncy and excited than she's been in many years.

I'm sad for Barney's leaving this world, even at a time when I will be experiencing great freedom from it. He's been a part of who I was - a little doofus who rebelled against a world he pre-judged was out to get him. Perhaps it's a sign of my increasing confidence and maturity that he's leaving.

Thank you Barney, for sharing your time on this reality plane with me. You will be remembered always.

Packapalooza and moving

A successful day at packing. About 90% packed up. Only those things in the kitchen, bathrooms and the ever important home theater that remain to be boxed or stacked up. Plus, clothing, which can go into the back seat of the car for a quick trip.

Barney has nearly completely fallen apart physically. He's barely able to walk, he's started drooling, and he's in obvious discomfort, as opposed to his previous interest, curiousity and openess. John has agreed to take him to the SPCA on Monday to be put down.

Had Babs over today to help pack - she hadn't been here in about six months. I was very glad to have her help.

Tomorrow, after church, it's clean-up packing. The last few things to be ready to put everything on the truck. Which truck I haven't yet arranged for....

So many things to be done yet. Call all the utility companies, all the mail forwarding and address changes. Oof.

I think I'll be spending substantially all of this week doing this. Wow. Amazing how much time this is going to take. Amazing that I've been in this house for almost 11 months. Today, as Babs was here, I was reflecting on how much I've done, spent and generated in getting this house to a position that it's just as liveable as it is now.

As we sat here in the living room today eating lunch, we could hear the squirrels in the ceiling over my bathroom. Craziness.

Rescue Rangers

I'm writing this as I listen to more of Bryan's head banging music at work. Lovely.

This morning, another piece hit me in the head - standing out in front of my house (at the age of five) with no options, no facilities, no resources - my father pulled up, like a white knight (in a red Plymouth) and I was carried off.

Since then, I think I keep looking outside myself to find rescue. And, I seem to have believed that rescuing someone was a great way to show them my affection and be accepted.

I've had some rescue ranger experiences, and I've had some that were, but didn't feel or look so much like it. Jackie, for instance, was a rescue - literally from the streets. Barney was a rescue from a certain death as a litter runt. Blah, blah.

So, in trying to buy this house, I've been waiting for someone to whisk up in a red Plymouth and handle it. And, at the same time, I've been expected to handle all of it by myself. Today, I resolved to handle what there was in my power to handle and to cast aside the rest.

This has led to some very interesting conversations and realizations.

I must say that I'm not sure exactly how this is going to be resolved. However, I've declared an end to being the Rescue Ranger. People can ask me where to go to get rescued, but they won't be able to count on me to do it for them, outside of the stuff that's normal - flat tires, missed airplanes and that sort of thing.

No more "I'm out in the car - and I want you to look up such and such on the computer." No more "my life sucks - how do I fix it" and then the exact behavior over and over.

Nope. I've started getting very direct with people this week, telling them what doesn't work about their behavior. I'm going totally Lisa with it. For those of you who don't know Lisa, that would go like this .. "Oh, thanks for the offer. However, you never keep your word, so I'm going to make other arrangements." Or, "why would you tell me something like that when we both know that you're just saying it to feel good right now, and when it comes down to the doing of it, you won't come through?" Or "The reason I don't want to spend time with you or talk to you on the phone is because you only require someone to occupy space; you only require some mannequin to be there to talk AT, and it's not about me at all. Just you."

This is pretty difficult. I would like for some people in my life to step up and act in a manner consistent with what they say they want, but at the same time, I can't plan for that happening. And, I am unwilling to just absorb the falsehood of "Oh, I'll come do that with you."

Now, the world is getting back "uh, no .. you won't."

Heuristic? Yes. My choice? Yes. A big change? Definately.

Heurism defined - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heuristics

Monday, Monday .. rainy day version

Fun! Gave away about 1/3 of the sheet/book music to Rosita today. Rainy, nasty and wet were the operative words for the afternoon. Seems that the sheet music that I have left isn't really worth much. After calling the eBay consignment shop, their minimum price requirement has gone up to $50, which rather negates a bunch of the stuff I have to sell, I guess. I don't know.

Still a lot more packing to do. Kitchen, bedrooms, garage.

I'm finding so many things that I kept and moved into this house that I just don't think about, read, look at, whatever. It's just amazing how much CRAP I keep because it "feels" better than having nothing, or thinking that I have nothing.

Well, enough of that. I may be moving this stuff into the new place, but it's not staying.

I've fully decorated the new place in my mind. Well, as far as where the furniture and wall hangings are going to go. Paint colors have yet to be determined. I will need some drapes for the front two windows, and a blind and drapery rod for my bedroom (I'm not giving up on the red silk just yet, I don't think.)

I have decided that the front formal living room is going to have the small curio case - maybe another one curio case eventually. Glass front antique book case. Two black leather arm chairs. Big curio case. The two big Continental airlines posters. It's going to be the airline memorabilia room. In the great room, the piano, the stereo/home theater, and all the movie posters. The kitchen is going to have clear counters, I've decided. Only the coffee maker and the knife rack are going to be "out."

I had lunch today with John (Big John, not John too) at Baba Yega, and we sat right outside the patio. I was looking out the windows at the lavish riot of plants and thought "that's how I want my patio to look."

It's going to require some work, but I want to be able to look out through that patio window and see plants, leaves, flowers, flowing water ... yup.

The stairwell is two stories tall, and has three great walls for hanging "stuff." So, I've decided to finally have all of my 1938 20th Century Limited stuff framed, and hang the "trains," as my Dutch Auntie called them in the stairwell, and hang the other curio (the one with the 1938 20th Century stuff in it) at the top of the stairwell hallway. I'll get Matticia to put in some recessed cans that will highlight each of the framed, hanging prints and the curio.

Still waiting on the final word for loan approval. I am withholding shaking the money tree until I know what's what.

Thinking of going to bed, even though it's only 9:30. I have a headache, and am feeling like being horizontal.

The first day of Packapalooza

Bram went out last night and picked up a swarm of boxes. I've been through the kitchen once, and have pulled out all of the stuff that's going to the church garage sale; a few more things to put in there. Rosita and Lisa are coming over at 11ish, and I have to run pick up Babs.

My friend Brian, whom I've not met in person but talk to nearly every day and think of as a confidante, has been writing in his own blog about men and .. well, how they suck. He's posted some very witty, urbane, articulate thoughts of late, and they've been making me feel plagiaristic. Rather than steal his work, I just linked you to it for your enjoyment.

I'm feeling much better about the house thing. I talked to Rosita yesterday (finally) and felt like I was reminded about what was not working for me - I was focusing on the WRONG THING. Duh. This morning, I spent some time focusing on the RIGHT thing, which makes a huge difference.

I feel like playing Bugs Bunny cartoons. Both roomies had overnight guests .. so, I pop out of bed at 0600, and they're both still engaged in sexual gymnastics from the night before. Uh .. yeah. Maybe they'll be up in time for Packapalooza.

Naw. Well, the one has to be at work before 10. We'll see.

I think Sondra is coming by this morning to get her taxes did. I have to work on a thing for PJ, so I'll get to doing that instead of calling my dad, which was what I was THINKING of doing.

I'm actively engaging in refraining from contact with people that aren't such a good thing for me.

A note from my aunt Marie Antoinette Schwarts, follwed by a comment from me

My Fellow Americans: As you all know, the defeat of Iraq regime has been completed.
Since congress does not want to spend any more money on this war, our mission in Iraq is complete.

This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American forces from Iraq. This action will be complete within 30 days. It is now to begin the reckoning.

Before me, I have two lists. One list contains the names of countries which have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict.

This list is short. The United Kingdom, Spain, Bulgaria, Australia, and
Poland are some of the countries listed there.

The other list contains everyone not on the first list. Most of the world's nations are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of both lists later this evening.

Let me start by saying that effective immediately, foreign aid to those nations on List 2 ceases immediately and indefinitely. The money saved during the first year alone will pretty much pay for the costs of the Iraqi war.

The American people are no longer going to pour money into third world Hell-holes and watch those government leaders grow fat on corruption.

Need help with a famine? Wrestling with an epidemic? Call France.

In the future, together with Congress, I will work to redirect this money toward solving the vexing social problems we still have at home. On that note, a word to terrorist organizations. Screw with us and we will hunt you down and eliminate you and all your friends from the face of the earth.

Thirsting for a gutsy country to terrorize? Try France, or maybe China.

I am ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with France, Germany, and Russia. Thanks for all your help, comrades. We are retiring from NATO as well. Bon chance, mes amis.

I have instructed the Mayor of New York City to begin towing the many UN diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan with more than two unpaid parking tickets to sites where those vehicles will be stripped, shredded and crushed. I don't care about whatever treaty pertains to this.

You creeps have tens of thousands of unpaid tickets. Pay those tickets tomorrow or watch you're precious Benzes, Bimmers and limos be turned over to some of the finest chop shops in the world. I love New York!

A special note to our neighbors. Canada is on List 2. Since we are likely to be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to try not pissing us off for a change.

Mexico is also on List 2. President Fox and his entire corrupt government really need an attitude adjustment. I will have a couple extra tank and infantry divisions sitting around. Guess where I am going to put em? Yep, border security. So start doing something with your oil.

Oh, by the way, the United States is abrogating the NAFTA Treaty - starting now.

We are tired of the one-way highway. Immediately, we'll be drilling for oil in Alaska - which will take care of this country's oil needs for decades to come. If you're an environmentalist who opposes this decision, I refer you to List 2 above: pick a country and move there. They care.

It is time for America to focus on its own welfare and its own citizens. Some will accuse us of isolationism. I answer them by saying, "darn tootin."

Nearly a century of trying to help folks live a decent life around the world has only earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on the planet. It is time to eliminate hunger in America.

It is time to eliminate homelessness in America. It is time to eliminate World Cup
Soccer from America. To the nations on List 1, A final thought.

Thanks guys. We owe you and we won't forget.

To the nations on List 2, a final thought: You might want to learn to speak Arabic.

God bless America. Thank you and good night.

My reply (to my father..)

The first thing about this idea is - we give VERY little foreign aid to anyone. A myth, just like the welfare mothers in Cadillacs (that probably also upsets the writer.) The vast bulk of our foreign aid (in directly contributions or "loans" to buy stuff from us - giveaways) is to Israel and Egypt.

The idea that France or Germany bear reason to suffer because of our invading a sovereign nation without their help and assistance is ludicrous. Severing diplomatic ties over their unwillingness to support what now, in anyone's eyes, was an unjustified attack based on fabricated imaginings indicates that the writer of this screed has very little understanding about the legal relationships between countries. Severing diplomatic ties is, in essence, a declaration of war.

Next, the idea that the president can "instruct" the Mayor of New York to do ANYTHING is so patently absurd and contrary to the "Republican" core value of having local government make their own decisions, I don't even know where to go with it.

The cars that have accumulated these tickets have done so on the basis of diplomatic immunity. This international accommodation is well-set into law, and taking any action of this nature would be tantamount to our abrogating hundreds of years of international law, and would open up the entire question of diplomatic immunity, negatively affecting our own diplomats abroad, and hampering our efforts to accomplish ANYTHING.

Of course, these idiots would think that's just fine.

President Fox of Mexico has already had his replacement elected, although that election is contested. Apparently, the writer of this screed isn't up to date on foreign affairs, but that's no surprise.

How does NAFTA play into the refusal of other nations to participate in an unjustified attack on a sovereign member of the United Nations which was threatening no other country? Perhaps I'm daft, but NAFTA was a treated shoved down OUR throats by the conservative, free trade, globalize your job to Pakistan crowd - the same crowd that spawn the idiot who wrote this note.

Mexico, by the way, does do something with its oil already. They sell it to us. Nearly all of it.

And, Geo. 43 has BROKEN the Army. I doubt we could successfully invade Mexico at this point.

Perhaps the writer of this lunacy should do a little fact-based research - our Alaskan oil is mostly sold to the Japanese and the Asian market; almost none of it comes here to the US. And, those reserves are quite depleted in Alaska. Those wells are under pressured and not producing as they were in the 1970s.

Nearly half a century of screwing with other people's governments, to ensure the fair and free market for our corporations that controlled those foreign marketplaces? I can understand why this has earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on the planet. We've actively overthrown the governments of Iraq, Iran, Egypt, most of Africa, Vietnam, the Philippines, ALL of South and Central America - TWICE, virtually run Germany and Japan until recently .. and "nearly half a century?" 1947 - 2007 IS a half century.

So, in addition to taking our plastic pail and shovel and leaving the sandbox, we should kick out World Cup Soccer, a sport that was recently introduced to the US by one of the largest liquor distributors in the US, who lives here in Houston, by the way. A sport that garners fewer attendees and fans than does high school football? What would that accomplish, other than to make us look like immature, ill-bred whiners?

This, in my mind, summarized what immature bullies the Conservatives (since Reagan) are. They are nothing more than spoiled children, who, when denied the candy that they want at the check-out, start screaming that they're abused and that everything's against them. So, they'll just sit on the floor and pout and scream, thinking that it will get them what they want.

They fail to see or consider that every adult in their controlled environment just leaves. And, they don't come back.

Sometimes, you just get lucky

God, the universe, fate, whatever it is that you believe in, always provides you with just what you need when you need it.

It just is frustrating that we can't see that we really DON'T need the winning lotto numbers, we need another brick upside the head to have us learn what we're ignoring or putting up with.

Sometimes, the brick hits you with a big SPLACK. And, if you're paying attention, you've just collected a damned lucky brick.

If you're lucky enough to collect that brick, you can finally put together some things that have been bothering you for years, holding you back, keeping you from being who you could be.

So, thanks to the big lucky brick. I've been clear for a long time that I won the brick lotto, it just takes a while to connect 49 years' worth of dots once you get the brick.

Gay Rights Activists Introduce Initiative that Would Require Children in Marriages

Feb 5, 2007 04:09 PM

KENNEWICK, Wash.- A new initiative is turning heads around the state as the gay-marriage debate heats up again.

Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed has accepted Iinitiative 957, a response by gay rights activists to a State Supreme Court ruling last summer.

The Washington Supreme Court ruled that the state could prevent gay and lesbian couples from marrying because the state has a legitimate interest in preserving marriage for procreation.

The Washington Defense of Marriage Alliance then filed the initiative.

I-957 has five clauses that would have to be met for a legal marriage.

It would allow only couples capable of having kids to marry, and that they file "proof of procreation" within three years of the marriage. If not, the marriage would be annulled.

Many people think the law is over the top.

Leaders at a Kennewick church with gay and lesbian members feel the same.

"There are many marriages that are not about having children. There are many couples who marry later in life, they marry for companionship, they marry because they want to create a family," said the Reverend Janet Pierce.

"They don't necessarily marry to have children," Pierce said.

I-957 would also force couples who married out of state to show the same proof of procreation or their marriage wouldn't be recognized, and it would become a criminal act for anyone in an unrecognized marriage to get marriage benefits.

To make it on the November ballot they need 224,800 signatures by July 6.

So, I think I've decided to:

Go big with Skype, and get a SkypeIN telephone number..

Get a Skype phone for use at the office, and a Skype/Analog phone for
use at home

I found a software program that has my Treo automatically forward
incoming calls to a pre-set telephone number when the Treo is in it's
cradle - I'll have it forward to the Skype In number. That will give
me clearer signal; one of my difficulties is the poor Sprint signal
when I'm in the office or at home.

I'll publish just one phone number, the Sprint number. If I'm at the
office, the incoming phone calls will come into the Skype line. At
home, same thing. I can make outbound calls from the Skype line.

At home, I can call TWC and tell them to either drop the price on the
phone service, or I can cut it off.

The Sprint minutes, now at 2500/month, could be dropped down to about
400, saving almost $100 a month. If I turn off the TWC digital phone
and cut the Sprint minutes in that fashion, I'd have saved about $140
a month.

I'll start encouraging people to move to Skype for telephony; it's
very big overseas. If both callers are on Skype, the calls are free.
Free free free.