Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Above the law

Greenfield, Massachusetts I almost thought better of it and not post this story but the truth must be told and I'm sick of hypocrites in the government! Some smug little metermaids are out there handing out tickets to driver's whose meters have run out and all the while they're parked at an expired meter! I only have proof of this happening twice - today and yesterday - but I'm sure it had to have happened many times before.

The parking meters take quarters and run, I believe, twenty-five cents per hour. I first called the number on the car to inquire on the cost of a ticket and comment on how appalled I was but the number, 413-773-5411, is the police station's. Hey, I've seen Unlawful Entry - I know not to piss those people off. So, instead, I called the Town Hall (413-772-1568) to confirm the price of a parking ticket and the pleasant voice who answered the phone told me parking tickets were $5.00 a pop. I'll give the Parking Enforment Officer the benefit of the doubt and submit that they've only ripped the City of Greenfield off by $10.50 - $5.00 per ticket that could have be issued and 25-cents for both days the meter was expired!

These pictures are from yesterday in front of the Second Congregational Chruch on Court Square in Greenfield. Behind the church is a police parking lot which I should have driven to and checked if there were any open spots.

Now, if I lived in Greenfield, I'd either be at the coming mayoral debate or be submitting a question (letters@recorder.com) for the debate that would demand a resolution to this!

I'm sure some of you will disagree with me. You'll say police officers shouldn't have to pay for parking. I'll ask you why? And if they shouldn't, why should they park at a metered spot that is taking money from the town/city? Comments are open, have at it. That's the metermaid.

Monday, May 29, 2006

Memorial Day

Not so good, took it from across the street. Full display.

Turners Falls, Massachusetts

This display has been up for a while now, but today is a day to understand and appreciate it's true meaning.

UPDATE: Also, visit Wuzzadem for a couple of links remembering some soldiers.

Have a good day.

Sunday, May 28, 2006

Weekend News Wrap-up

[ WIRED ] Why We Published the AT&T Docs I've been keeping close tabs on this story. This is just another installment. Here is similar story, but with a techie diagram showing how they're doing it. If you ever call me, it isn't (only) the tourettes that makes me yell out those odd things. I'm just shouting out the "keywords" that were in Enemy of the State. If you haven't yet, you need to watch that movie. It's so absurd that it is believable, given the circumstances with which we now live. [ ARTICBEACON ] New World Order Senior Citizens RV Brigade Spying On Their Fellow Americans I don't know how true this is but it gives me shivers thinking about the Good Sam Club up to the Franklin Country Fairgrounds. I passed by there on Friday while on my way home. Old folks were sitting in front of their RVs in lawn chairs. Just sitting! To my knowledge, fires aren't allowed and there aren't any decent places to fish that are close by. Seriously, what the hell is the point?! [ NYPOST ] McGreevey's Gay Road Thrill No comment for the story, we should all be happy on the road. I just wanted an NJ story to Danzition to where I complain about the smell of that state! Man, I've drive the family though New Jersey probably four or five times now on various family trips, the smell just doesn't get any better. The Garden state should lay off the fertilizer, if you get my drift. They're also in debate over what the office dirt should be. [ CNN Money ] Big Oil cleared by FTC for price fixing ...because record profits are meaningless. It's funny, before the inquiry, gas in the Franklin Country area peaked out at $3.03 or 05 / gallon. After the probe, it dropped back to around $2.88. It's not yet time to replace the car with a bicycle but it's pretty darn close. Maybe I'll pick up one of those tandem bikes and have a child seat attached, we'll "bike pool" to work and school. [ YAHOO ] Ice cream, cakes banned for pope visit to Wadowice "Cakes and ice cream can easily go off in summer temperatures and can pose a danger to health." I assume they must mean spoil, unless the cakes and ice cream are really improvised explosive devices. I'll be traveling to Cape Cod in a few weeks, while there I will demand a ban on all Pepsi products. [ CNN Money ] Bringing baby to work: Disrupting or not Don't let me wife's employer see this. [ REUTERS ] U.S. man seeks $1.6 mln in dead dog suit When I panhandle, I tend not to wear suits. [ FOXNEWS ] 'Dr. 90210' and Passenger Restrain 80-Year-Old on Flight This guy is a major ass, good to know he can take of 80 year olds. I'll speed dial him if my Grandmother ever gets lippy! If you've ever watched, or were made to watch by your loving, beautiful, sex spouse, you'll know what I mean. The jackass does his little karate in the middle of the street in front of his house, lifts weights before surgery and is just an all around creep. Oh, and his wife is off in la-la land to boot. I haven't seen this yet, but the article says that Dr. Rey also appears as himself on a Carl's Jr. commercial in which he advises a chicken to undergo breast augmentation surgery. I'll never eat at a Carl's Jr. Ever! (There aren't any in Franklin County but that's not the point.) [ DECATURDAILY ] Couple caught with stolen sex toy, police say "a 'king size' rubber sex toy resembling a part of the male anatomy." Um, the foot? No, too obvious. The hand? Damn, what could they be talking about? Oh, I know. It’s the nose! As a connoisseur of adult entertainment, a 9-inch toy isn't "king size." I'm available for expert testimony, guys. Just send me the coach bus business-class plane tickets and I'm there. On a side note to this, I know druggies aren't that bright to begin with but, seriously, leave the paraphernalia at HOME when you're out joyriding. You don't need the scale, you're not going to have an epiphanic moment and shout out, "Dear God, how much does that [insert something witty here] weigh! I must know!" I love watching COPS when they pull over some jackass for speeding and they find a little baggy under the passenger's seat. Of course, the white powder turns out to be asscrack. BAM! Instant one-way pass to lockup! Just a little PSA, leave the paraphernalia at home. [ NYPOST ] Hill Drive of '55 There goes my vote for Billy's wife if she decided to run for President in 2008, not like it would have been counted anyhow.

So, here is a super biggy that is over and above this list. If you have any Bayer products, I recommend ditching them. I totally purged anything made by them and will not buy anything from them in the future. I didn't see this reported in my local paper, the Recorder, and I missed the television broadcast. Luckily, I stumbled on the copy Yikers.com had of the MSNBC report about Bayer Purposely Deployed Medicine With HIV In It. (Give it a second to open, the site takes a bandwidth beating from time to time and may be a tad bogged.) Elsewhere, did you hear about the FBI raid on the congressman? Everyone needs to repeat 6th grade civics. When I'm president, in 15 to 20 years, things will be different. Believe it. Movie news, two movies I've wanted to see opened this week: X-Men 3: The Last Stand and An inconvenient Truth, Al Gore's documentary. (I dig documentaries and can't wait to spend tomorrow in front of the tube watching the History Channel.) Once I see the movies, I'll post some reviews. MisterOrange did a review of X3; you can check it out while you're waiting on me. Finally, tomorrow is Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time to remember the U.S. men and woman who lost their lives serving their country. Originally known as Decoration Day, it was established in 1868 to commemorate the dead from the Civil War. Over the years it came to serve as a day to remember all U.S. men and women killed or missing in action in all wars. Much love.

Friday, May 26, 2006

This week in God

Part eighteen of the fifty-two forty-nine part series of my continued coverage of the Faith Baptist Church in Greenfield. They update their sign weekly, usually by Thursday. Enjoy! Silver Street, Greenfield, Ma. Faith Baptist Church

GOD WANTS FULL CUSTODY NOT JUST WEEKEND VISITS!!

Then he best be payin' his back childs suppo't! He ain't even come 'round to see his childrens, says he off runnin' da world. Baah. Cross post from This week in God :: Read / Post Comments.

Thursday, May 25, 2006

How have we come to this pass?

Today was a parent appreciation day at my son’s preschool. Well, the actual party was at the main building across town not at the actual school building. My wife took my son and after I got ready for work, I’d head out after them; I pulled into the parking lot around ten past nine. Old people park MUCH worse!Admittedly, I did pull into the parking spot a little crooked and my rear tire was an inch or two over the line but the following events were totally uncalled for! As I exited Big Red, that’s my car, a man in the pickup truck behind me also got out. “Hey!” he shouted at me. “Can you see that your car is crooked?! You parked on the line!” I turned back, looked at the car then at the old man. I was in no mood to deal with him. “And? It’s no big deal. I’m only going to be here for a minute.” I turn from him and started walking again. “You’ll be lucky if your car isn’t smashed up when you get back!” I assumed he said that because the old man needed to get the last word in. My wife can attest to the fact that I, too, like to get the last word in but I had not time to dispense any geriatric justice at the moment so I shrugged him off and set off to find my son. After the brief visit – I walked in, looked around, hugged my son and wished him a good day – I started back to my car. To my surprise, the old man was still out there in his truck. Who the hell was this guy?! I still don’t know for sure, the old man never identified himself as anything other then an asshole. (A couple of co-workers believe he may be a security guard but like I said he never identified himself.) He hopped up and out of the truck like one of his many fleas decided it would be a good time to take a bite out of him. He was out of the truck, walking near the dumpster and stood in front of a pool cue-type pole. He was only an arms length from the possible weapon and obviously unstable. I had a sinking feeling at any moment this situation could head to the crapper. Honestly, this unprovoked aggression was pretty threatening. I’m glad my son was inside and didn’t have to witness this. “You know, old folks come in and out of here all the time and would have a problem parking in spots like that.” He was still close to the pole but starting walking to me. “Are you serious?” I said as I fumbled with my keys to unlock the door. Before I got in, I added, “If they can’t park in a space they can park next to you and the dumpster!” Damn, did my voice just crack? I hopped in, started the engine and attempted to put it in reverse. In the rear view I can see the old man right at my bumper! What the hell is with this guy?! He wanted me to hit him; he wanted the drama! I threw it in drive and cranked the wheel, there was just enough room to make the turn. The Laughing Man seemed appropriateBefore I left the lot, I pulled out my handy, dandy camera once more and took a picture of the man as well as his truck. Unfortunately, the truck lacked a front plate and the guy looked like a bank robber - big black sunglasses and a truckers cap pulled down. As I pulled out the camera and aimed it at him, he started flailing his arms and yelling, “Yeah! Yeah! Go ahead! Take your picture! Take it! I have your plate numbers! I have your plate numbers! I have ‘em!” I took the photo so I could have something to identify this (kind of photogenic) old man in the event he sabotaged Big Red. Once I made it to work, I gave her a good once over and, thankfully, couldn’t find anything wrong with her. I don’t think I’ll be going back there for a long while. I could just imagine what could have happened… Sure, the old man looked pot-bellied and out of shape but given my luck, he’d remove his shirt to reveal a chiseled body, rippled with muscles upon muscles. I can see the headlines now, “Elderly man slays area super genius.” It would be subtitled with “Experts warn against Viagra use as psychotic episodes on the rise.” Can’t we all just get a long?
How have we come to this pass? How can I get to my car? Climb in, turn the ignition Pull onto the highway Where I am free Some crazy bastard wants to hit me He's waving me over so he can hit me And who the hell is he? I can't believe this is happening That crazy bastard wants to hit me ~ They Might Be Giants

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Taylor Hicks did it!

So, I was right! I called it America! Taylor Hicks is the American Idol! I'll be waiting for his album to drop. Hopefully it will be as good as Kelly's. Most disturbing things from tonight’s two-hour finale: #1 it was two friggin’ hours; #2 Prince; and #3 more people voted on American Idol than in any Presidency! Diebold doesn’t certify the votes, so I’m confident mostly all of them are legit and screw the ones that aren’t! I think both contestants have a place in the music industry. Katherine is… damn, she has a nice smile! But in my opinion the right person won! Congrats! UPDATE: (I know, I know. I didn't do a post for the winners of Survivor or the Amazing race, the results were included in the weekend news wrap up instead. The reason for that most likely you'll never hear of the Hippies or of Aras again... until they show up on the Surreal Life, that is. American Idol is different, soon you'll hear their singles on the radio. That's all.)

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Leo Laporte is going to be the next American Idol!!

America, this is your next American Idol! Pics from www.graveline.com Did everyone catch the final performances tonight on American Idol? Leo Laporte rocked my socks! That dude has some pipes to him, don't you think?! So first off, he sang Down in the City. Ok, ok, dawg. Not bad, it was 'ight. Next he belted out Leave on. Maybe you pushed a little too hard with your first song, your voice man not quite there. But hot damn, did you ever pull it all together with Do I make you proud! Welcome to America baby! You are the next American Idol!!
...
...
What do you mean?
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No way.
Leo! That's not you?! I feel betrayed, disillusioned and heart broken! Apparently that was some dude by the name of Taylor Hicks and you were all ready to take the credit! Oh, the shame!
Guilty as charged!Pics from www.graveline.com

Good luck, Taylor and may the force be with you. (Katherine is damn hot, though.)

Not the purple coat, the camera wasn't ready for that dazzle.

In memory of Erma B. Wright

It was one year ago today that my Great Grandmother passed away. I drove out to Leyden after work today and paid my respects. Her service was held on the 26th last year, the skies were gray and there was a misty rain falling. I was a pallbearer at her funeral. I had never been a pallbearer before and haven't since, luckily no one close to me has passed away. It was a surreal experience, I was there yet oddly removed. The fond stories told at her funeral revealed to me how little I knew of her. She led a full life and passed away at 88 years of age. Mrs. Wright taught and also drove school bus at the Roberts School in Shelburne for many years. Early in life, she worked at the family paint store, the James Black Paint Store on Bank Row in Greenfield. She was also a model at the former Rosen’s Store in Greenfield. But I didn't know her as anything other than my Great Grandmother and I loved her. I remember in the winter when my mother would bring my brother and I to her house to slide in the cow pasture behind her house, in the summer watching humming birds fly near her flowers, putting horse chestnuts in the vice in her garage, and playing with all the magnets on her refridgerator. One of my fondest memories, though, is when she first held my son, her great great grandson, in her arms. As I lead her to her final resting place, the downpour of rain came and hid the tears. Today in the Recorder was a poem written by my Grandmother, her daughter, in rememberance of the one year anniversary of her passing. Here is that poem.
Our lives go on without you
But nothing is the same
We have to hide our heartache
When someone speaks your name
Sad are the hearts that love you
Silent the tears that fall
Living our lives without you
Is the hardest part of all
The special years will not return
When we were all together
But with the love within our hearts
You will walk with us forever
Forever loved
We love you and miss you,
Your loving family
Peg

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Weekend News Wrap-up

[ YAHOO ] Report: 48 Million Refuse to Buckle Up I'm #26,899,012 on that list. [ WCVB ] Residents Continue Bailing Out Another record rain. Last year in Greenfield, the Wedgewood Gardens trailer park was washed away. At least with this situation Oven Mitt isn't off campaigning. [ BLOTTER/ABCNEWS ] Federal Source to ABC News: We Know Who You're Calling Will the real Deep Throat please stand up? In a related turn of events, did USA today lie about BellSouth's involvement with the NSA database? 5 days after the original story broke, Bellsouth is claiming foul. Oh dear, dear, dear. [ DAILYMAIL ] Wife 'didn't realise husband was a woman' This brings up all sorts of questions in my own life. Hmmm... Oh, honey! On the other hand, 17 years isn’t too shabby for a marriage these days. [ PRESSDEMOCRAT ] Suspension brews a bitter taste Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale... hmm. I might rent me up some of that tonight! [ UPI ] 'Bush speak' a sophisticated 'deception' Basically, they're saying that the Bush administration is a bunch of liars. [ WESTPRESS ] Bin Fan Mark takes the Mickey When my digital obsession reaches this point, I here by give my wife the authority to have me committed. [ 1010WINS ] Seat Belt, Bra Save Woman From Gunshot No mention on type of bra. I search several sources but could not find any pictures. Use your imaginations, perverts. [ NEWSCOURIER ] White fired after porn found on computer Apparently this teacher has a rap sheet a mile long. [ TENNESSEAN ] Stolen identity was sex offender, agent says For all I know this story could be a plant to give the Bushies just that much more leverage in the whole Illegal Immigration situation.
In other news, the winners of this seasons's Amazing Race were revealed this week and it was the Hippies! Way to go, guys! Much love.

Saturday, May 20, 2006

The Da Vinci Code Review

My wife and I just got back from the 7:30pm showing of The Da Vinci Code. We went to the Cinemark theater at the Hampshire mall to watch the movie, I'm glad we got there when we did because the admission line was already to the doors and steadily grew as we picked up the tickets bought online. I enjoyed the movie; I think it might actually be worth watching again [once it's released on DVD]. There were a few times the movie seemed the drag and then there were times it seemed a little forced but it was very entertaining for me, as someone who has not read the book. The movie stars Tom Hanks (Robert Langdon; a scholar of religious symbols) and Audrey Tautou (Sophie Neveu; a cryptologist and museum curator's granddaughter). While promoting his latest book, Robert is asked to help with a murder of a friend - the museum curator. Before he died, he was left clues for Robert and Sophie to unravel who killed him and why. The puzzles are pieced together, clues found through Da Vinci's worked are put together and eventually they seek out histories greatest treasure, the Holy Grail itself. In a nutshell, the premise of the story is that the Grail is not a chalice but the child fathered by Jesus with Mary Magdalene. They have a scene that goes in-depth on that theory; I found that to be pretty interesting. Over the ages there has been a secret society protecting the identity of the descendants of Jesus because if the Christ were deemed to be mortal and not the son of God, the church would be ruined. To prevent the secret from surfacing the Christian Church, or at least a secret council of it, would kill and has killed. I don't want to give much away, watch the movie. When the movie finished, I heard many of my fellow movie go-ers announce that the book was better. Of course the book was better, jackass. Most books are. With a book, it's your vision or interpretation of the words; with a movie, it's the director's. If the two don't match, you'll be in the situation I was in tonight and have to listen to a bunch of 15 year old girls complain that the movie was not as good as the book. Bottom line: I liked the movie. I laughed a few times and was on the edge of my seat a few times, also. I left the theater satisfied and that's all you can really ask from a movie.

Friday, May 19, 2006

This week in God

Part seventeen, part trois, of the fifty-two forty-nine part series. There can be no question, that I love you guys! For your viewing pleasure, another entry to this week in God! During a trip to Greenfield to exchange my hefty pouch of gold dubloons for a few liters of petrol, I passed by a house on Lincoln Street with an odd sign. Having an inquiring mind, I slowed and read the block lettering. I should have stomach problems in the morning and call out of work more often! There is a lot of world out there and a lot of weirdos doing weird things.

Lincoln Street, Greenfield, Massachusetts

FRONT YE DO ERR, NOT KNOWING THE SCRIPTURES... - MATTHEW 22:29 OF A TRUTH... GOD IS NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS ACTS 10:34 BACK SEEK YE OUT OF THE BOOK OF THE LORD, AND READ - ISAIAH 34:16 ...OBTAIN THE SALVATION WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS 2 TIMOTHY 2:10

Cross post from This week in God :: Read / Post Comments.

Tericka Dye/Rikki Andersin madness!

I've now received over 300 visitors from the keyword of Tericka Dye or Rikki Andersin, you know that teacher who was once an adult film star! Oh, boy. Apparently people are coming here and looking for pictures of Tericka Dye or pictures of Rikki Andersin. When I search google, TEiN shows up pretty early on the search results. I feel bad that visitors are wasting time coming here only to find that I have no pictures of this lady. I tell ya what: if you promise not to tell my web host (or my wife), I'll post a naughty picture of the adult film star. Ok? Great! Ok, here is the picture. Enjoy yourself, perverts!

This week in God

Part seventeen, part deux, of the fifty-two forty-nine part series. A special treat for you, my readers. Since the Faith Baptist Church in Greenfield used their sign to annouce an event, I was on the look out for something hold you over until the next week. Lucky for me, I found the North Congregation Church in North Amherst. Check out the Top 10 list they have on their website, it's a hoot. North Pleasant Street, North Amherst, Massachusetts

PEACE TAKES MORE THAN ENDING WAR!

Cross post from This week in God :: Read / Post Comments.

Thursday, May 18, 2006

Here I come to save the day!

Beacon St, Greenfield, Massachusetts As I normally do, I was out on my lunch break looking for moments to capture with my camera. My Mikey senses started tingling as I approached the Greenfield Middle School. I peer out the passenger side window and just happened to notice a helicopter. Quickly, I made my way down to the parking lot behind the church which was next to the helipad at the school; I made it just in time to watch as a patient was loaded into the 'copter and then whisked away. The whole thing was done and over with in less than 5 minutes! Wow!

This week in God

Part seventeen of the fifty-two forty-nine part series of my continued coverage of the Faith Baptist Church in Greenfield. They update their sign weekly, usually by Thursday. Enjoy! Silver Street, Greenfield, Ma. Faith Baptist Church

SATURDAY NIGHT ALIVE MAY 20 630PM RELEVANT TO TODAY'S YOUTH!

Nothing funny today, sorry. They used their announcment board for an actual announcement. They just had one of these back on March 25th. With the first, "all were welcome". This one proclaims to be "relevant to today's youth". I'm not sure how or in what respect. I'd check it out and have an actual report from one of these things but I get the creeps when I walk into churches. Cross post from This week in God :: Read / Post Comments.

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Knock, Knock..

Fairview Street, Greenfield, Massachusetts Apparently, dogs now want privacy to do their business.

Monday, May 15, 2006

Here’s to you, Mister Six Flag’s man!

Greenfield, Massachusetts Yesterday, as some might have known, was Mother's day. I took my wife and son out to lunch at Friendly's on the Mohawk Trail. The place was packed but service wasn't bad, no worse than usual anyway. It took about ten minutes before we were seated; I was getting antsy just standing there in line.

"Hey, lets go to Reggie's. I bet they're slow!" I inquired. If you're a Seinfield fan, you'd understand that Reggie's is the bizarro coffee shop to Monk's. It also has very little business. I now refer to the Bickford's Family Restaurant in Greenfield as Reggie's. The only real reason is because it makes me smile.

So we've finally been seated and the first round of drinks arrive. Many local restaurants cringe when they see me coming as I demand a minimum of three refills per dinner - any less and the tip suffers! The appetizers quickly followed suit.

"Oh no honey, you have the last mozzarella stick," my wife said as she pushed the little plate to me. While I was chomping away on the last stick, the little red devil that sits on my shoulder whispered in my ear and told me to look behind me. Nonchalantly, I turned and witnessed the Six flags guy drinking a coffee! I was able to snap off a quick pic then the battery promptly died.

I have the sound effects enabled on my camera, so when the picture snapped it made a noise. This roused the old man up out of his seat and he began to do that weird dance but soon the fun time was over and he boarded his magical six flags bus. He left Friendly's that day to parts unknown. Farewell, Six flags man! Farewell!

Let this be a lesson to you, always bring your camera and fresh batteries!

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Weekend News Wrap-up

[ REUTERS ] Blaine fails to break underwater record in New York What will happen to the school of Blainetology now?! Check out this guy's song, too. It's great. [ PHYSORG ] Flying robot attack 'unstoppable': experts In a future time Children will work together To build a giant cyborg Robot Parade Wave the flags that the robots made Robot Parade Robots obey what the children say ~They Might Be Giants [ CNN ] Bush nominates Hayden as CIA chief Again, I was over looked on this position. I hope the government is like most employers I've applied to and keep the application on file for 30 days; I expect a high turn over in the position. [ CNN ] Report: Whirlwind lifts girl 25 feet Yikes! [ LOCAL6 ] Teacher With Porn Past Hopes For Bible-Belt Forgiveness Schoolteacher Tericka Dye was recently fired because of her work in adult films several years ago. Her porn name was Rikki Andersin. Rumor has it that Dye's past came to light because she is currently divorcing and fighting with her ex over child custody. She claims it was a one time thing, but with my awe inspiring research ability I've found at least nine video releases with scenes from her. I'm not sure all the scenes could be filmed in one day. But who knows.. Maybe she should move to West Boca Raton, Florida. [ KSDK ] Store Owner Survives Being Shot In Head During Robbery As he was being wheeled out on the stretcher, he could be heard muttering, "I wasn't even supposed to be here today!" And in a Tony Danza style transition, Clerks 2 is due to be released July 21st. Mark your calendars. [ NCBUY ] Teacher Says She Was Fired Over in Vitro This is why the Da Vinci Code seems so believable - they're all a bunch of nuts! In the real world we know it, like the bible and other "religious" books, is indeed a work of fiction. Speaking of the insanity of Christianity, in Anacoco, Louisiana, a couple of boys were kicked out of the boy scouts for claiming to be Wiccan. Then there was the old man who used the bible to convince a minor to have sex. Crazy shit seems to spew from that nonsensical book. [ SKY ] Fish Drags Man To Death I could envision either one of my brothers or my grandmother's husband going out like this. Eerie. Again, in a Tony Danza style transition, I took my son fishing on Saturday and he caught two pretty nice sized bluegills at Highland Pond in Greenfield. A couple of weeks back, I took him down to the Connecticut river to practice casting his pole he received for his 3rd birthday. [ MSNBC ] Bush: Brother Jeb would be ‘great president’ HELL TO THE NO. [ USATODAY ] NSA has massive database of Americans' phone calls And we've made it to the number ten story and it's a biggie. The article has a nice little time line if you scroll down. I don't understand. I suppose the problem is that, I believe, the Bush administration never had 9th grade civics because when they were younger schools stopped teaching at grade 8. They just missed out. They also must have been sleeping through the Nixon era.
In other news, TERRY LOST! I haven't been this disappointed in Survivor since the whole Rupert debacle! Oh well, at least Aras won over Danielle. But still, TERRY WAS THE FRIGGIN' MAN! That was just wrong Danielle! WRONG! Also, Bush received a letter from his pen pal Ahmadinejad. I hear it was like 18 pages or something. I expect Bush's reply didn't quite make a full page, even though it was double-spaced and in really large font. On Tuesday of last week, I read somewhere that banks now offer a 50-year mortgage. They've apparently also been offering 40-year mortgages. As if home ownership isn't daunting enough, now some people really will be paying for the rest of their lives. Much love.

Friday, May 12, 2006

Even Uncle Sam is a dirty old Uncle!

[ NYTIMES ] Army Acts to Curb Abuses of Injured Recruits (I prefer Michael Moore's layout of the story better.)
04/2002.  This is me in my PT uniform.  For some reason the Army word is white in the pic but actually dark grey.Read the story and know that it is true. Although I'm not proud to admit it, I was once in the Physical Training and Rehabilitation Program at Fort Jackson, S.C during my brief stint in the Army. I've seen this; I've experienced this. I have "weak knees". If I turn too quickly, run too hard or sometimes even just walk, my right knee buckles and I go down in a pile of writhing agony. The first time it happened was when I was working at Big Y in 1996. Looking back, I should have told a manager about it and had it looked at on their dime but I never did. During my couple of days of reception at Fort Jackson, my knee gave me problems again. We were practicing for some ceremony and, of course, some of the kids were screwing around. Since we had already done the initial physical testing, the drill corporals (as we called them) we allowed to "smoke" us. The entire auditorium was smoked. They told us to stand then sit quickly. It was too much stress and I went down hard. I was sentenced to FTC, the Fitness Training Company. (If you check out the link, let it be known that -I- didn't have an arcade while I was there.) When I was put into the program, the sol that slept on the lower bunk had been in there for six, working on seven, months. Sol? Yeah, that's what our bitchy drill sergeant, Staff Sergeant Huff, referred to us as because we weren't considered real soldiers in her book. He was there for an injury he received during blue phase of basic. He was there for the entire duration of my enlistment, also. Hell, for all I know, he could still be the inhabitant of that bottom bunk! I was there for a little over two months then I was discharged with a one-way bus ticket home. My knee problem never allowed me to meet the running requirement, I'm sure if I pushed I could have made it but I knew better. Being in the Army or the armed forces in general are life long dreams for some people. A few of my buddies tried to push themselves too far and they received some pretty harsh injuries. I could tell a few stories but I don't feel this site would be an appropriate venue. My experience in the army gave me what I was looking for, even though I didn't get to experience it more. I grew on the inside. I'm not sorry that I enlisted, but I'm sure as hell glad that I made it out.

Thursday, May 11, 2006

This week in God

Part sixteen of the fifty-two forty-nine part series of my continued coverage of the Faith Baptist Church in Greenfield. They update their sign weekly, usually by Thursday. Enjoy! Silver Street, Greenfield, Ma. Faith Baptist Church

JOY IS PEACE DANCING PEACE IS JOY RESTING!

The exclamation points are getting a tad annoying. Cross post from This week in God :: Read / Post Comments.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Hey, did you hear something?

South Prospect Street, Millers Falls, Ma. I don't understand some people. You tell them, "Don't touch that, it's hot!" What do they do? They grab right ahold of it! "I needed to see how hot," they'll respond as you scold them. I feel like I've had an encounter with such a person today. I'm trying to grow grass in the front of my house. Everything and everyone seems to be against this endeavor. First, several down pours have washed away my top soil and seeds. I threw down more soil and sprinkled more seeds. Second, there have been birds pecking away, eating my precious seeds. Now, today, when I came home from work some jackass DROVE on my already embattled seedlings! The thing that really gets me is that I strategically placed several large rocks to ward off the very scenario that had unfolded. I carefully examined each one, maybe the fool who'd run them over hadn't made it very far due to the damage my precious rocks inflicted on their vehicle. Unfortunately, the rocks had no scrapes or visible movement. The rocks, apparently, are worthless. I don't know who you were but thank you for being an asshole, come again.

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

It's because they felt left out...

Veteran's Mall, Main Street, Greenfield, Massachusetts If you live in Greenfield, Massachusetts you've probably had an encounter or two with these little forest caterpillars. According to the article in today's Recorder by Patrick O'Connor and Richie Davis this population boost is odd and almost unprecedented. I, of course, understand what is going on. These little fellas are feeling felt out because I didn't capture their antics in my post titled Close-up insect pictures. In my defense, I'm not sure you're considered an insect until you pupate and become moths but you have my attention. Presented for your viewing pleasure, Greenfield's caterpillar INVASION!

Monday, May 08, 2006

A Moment in Science: Peeps vs Microwave

The background Through the rumor mill, I've heard that Peeps, much like real chicks and bunnies, love spending time in the microwave! I've also heard that once in the microwave they can grow to several times their original size, unless you're looking at them through your rear view mirror but that's just silly talk. Look to your right, now look to your left.  One of those Peeps probably won't make it to graduation.I had a four-pack of the rabbit Peeps that somehow had avoided being eaten since Easter. They looked a little depressed behind their wrapper. Imagine spending your life in a fixed position, watching the world go on around you but unable to break free. How sad. Google brings up about 26,700 results for the daring feat that I will now perform! The hypothesis A Peep in the microwave would be awesome. The materials A supply of Peeps, Rabbit flavored A microwave safe dish A microwave On standby, you should have a couple of graham crackers and a chocolate bar. The procedure Are we going for a ride? I decided on using a glass dish instead of a paperplate. I don't pollute because I give a hoot. It looks so happy to be free! I hit my 3-minute express cook button and excitedly watched the action. The results Almost immediately the Peep grew. I quickly popped the door open. The growing stopped and the creature rapidly deflated.

Starting to deflate. It smells like a campfire marshmallow. I suppose the results would have been the same for any marshmallow. They're all the same when it comes down to it.

That's all there is, there isn't anymore. Peace.

Sunday, May 07, 2006

Weekend News Wrap-up

[ TBO ] Intruder Fondles Sleeping Woman This is exactly what I worry about every night! Some spanish man, creeping into my bedroom through an open window. I awake with a gentle caress, a sweet nothing whispered into my ear. Damn it, Rickey, you can be my hero! Return my calls! [ DAILY KOS ] Re-Improved Colbert transcript (now with complete text of Colbert-Thomas video!) If you missed that whole White House correspondents' dinner, you thankfully missed a lot of crap but you also missed out on the ballsiest thing I've ever seen. This has links to the video, watch it. Be amazed. The truthiness of Stephen Colbert will astound. You probably only heard about the Dubya's double. [ COURIERJOURNAL ] Supreme Court backs ex-Playmate's effort I used to watch this show on E! called the Anna Nicole show. You know, "Anna, Anna, Fabulous Anna, Anna Nicole. Your so outrageous." I felt sorry for the over weight, blemished beauty but now after Trim Spa... I don't care so much. [ PHILLY ] Bird-flu TV movie has a scary vision I work for an insurance company that handles all sorts of policies. Last week, I actually took a call from a secretary of a company stating their "CEO of the company wants to make sure that their policy would cover them in wake of an outbreak." Confidentiality prevents me from naming specifics but I can't believe the stupidity out there. Give me a break, the Bird flu?! Maybe you should all do your part! [ FOXNEWS ] Cash-Strapped Puerto Rico Forced to Close Schools, Government Offices We like to keep our territories beneath us, that’s how we roll round here. Too bad they don't have a social security trust fund to borrow against or maybe they should try to cut the taxes of the wealthy, it's working for us! With our current $9 trillion or so of debt, the Bushies are even trying to push for tax cuts! Come on Puerto Rico, get with the program! [ DENVERPOST ] "666" sense: Date marked with caution "The bottom line is that our intelligence unit is familiar with 666 and its significance." That's great. This will also be the day I announce my big news. It's huge! [ ABCNEWS ] Non-Diet Sodas Won't Be Sold to Schools The smart kids, the ones who can identify Kentucky and Iraq on a globe, don't buy soda at school anyway. They know it is much more cost effective to buy a two-liter or two and a bag of ice before school, store said purchases together and enjoy crisp, cold and delicious soda all day long. It's like as soon as kids walk out of high school they forget about what it was like being a kid. [ CANADA ] Black bear has a very sweet tooth When my wife sees me reach for my camera, sometime she's supportive "Go for it, honey!" and other times "Don't even think about it!" I'm sure in this case she'd douse me with honey and enthusiastically urge me to get the shot. [ MSNBC ] Reluctant juror no longer forced to sit on bench I like jury duty; I don't see what the big deal is. [ WTAE ] Man Allegedly Attacks Quizno's Cup Mascot Should have sent those freaky hamster-things out there! No one would mess with those things!
In other news, the scapegoat Moussaoui has been sentenced to life in prison. Also, I hope you didn't miss free comic book day yesterday. It was one for the history books! Finally, I hope this isn't a spoiler but Barbaro won the 2006 Kentucky Derby. In site related news, I was going to update the complete layout today but hit a little snag. The about page is up now; still working on the rest. Lots of love.

Saturday, May 06, 2006

Close-up insect pictures

I like to take pictures of things, lots of pictures of lots of things. My motto is to shoot everything and sort it out later. Before digital, I'd waste rolls and rolls of film on my treasured shots. Now I bring my Kodak EasyShare CX7530 everywhere I go. I blame Rob Cockerham and his site, Cockeyed.com, for this addiction of mine. Anyway, I usually shoot in Portrait or Landscape mode but over the past week I tried out the Close-up mode to capture these insect pictures shown below. Backyard Ants Ants love my back yard and also apparently this baked, not fried, corn chip. It's kind of inspiring, all those ants working together toward a common goal.

Butterfinger Ants I took the bite-sized butterfinger that my son gets in his LUNCHABLES® Pizza kit and placed it on the window cill. It took about thirty seconds before this little creep came trying to snag a free meal.

The but we weren't even doing anything flies As if I were a parent walking into teenage girls room who had her boyfriend over so they could "study" together, the rear fly dismounted the other fly as I approached. As the picture snapped, they both flew away - before I could lecture them on responsibility!

The sleeping moth On my way into work on Friday I spotted this sleeping beauty on the door to my building. It's tree bark like camouflage pattern may have fooled a predatory bird or two, but I scooped it right up and ate that sucker!

Friday, May 05, 2006

This week in God

Part fifteen of the fifty-two forty-nine part series of my continued coverage of the Faith Baptist Church in Greenfield. They update their sign weekly, usually by Thursday. Enjoy! Silver Street, Greenfield, Ma. Faith Baptist Church

YOU CAN'T DIRECT THE WIND BUT YOU CAN ADJUST YOUR SAILS!

It rained most of the week but it finally cleared up on Thursday, when I decided not to bring my camera as I thought it would continue to rain. My bad. Cross post from This week in God :: Read / Post Comments.