Baby It's Cold Outside

Have you seen or been a part of what the weather has been doing this year?

We are talking serious cold.


I want to be a California Cow!!!!!!!!!!!!!


What about your pets? Are you taking care of them?

Today in my ongoing attempt to inform my readers I thought I would share the following information with you:


How to Keep Your Critters Cozy

ASK A SPECIALIST: HOW CAN I KEEP MY PET SAFE IN THE DIPPING OUTDOOR TEMPERATURES?

Answer by: Clell Bagley, Utah State University Extension veterinarian

Chilling winter temperatures can be harmful and even deadly for domestic animals. To keep pets safe this time of year, watch their behavior closely and be mindful of their physical needs. Consider these tips.

Watch pets’ behavior. If they are shivering, alternately lifting feet or their body is in a hunched position, they are cold and need to be housed where it is warm. Even if they are frolicking or stretched comfortably in the sun, be aware that winter conditions can quickly change and become dangerous to pets. During severe winter storms or cold periods, observe and check on outside pets often. Bring them into a garage or other partially heated room if necessary for a period of time. Check the area closely, however, so that dangerous items are out of their reach.

Be mindful of the tolerance level of your pet. Each breed acclimates differently to winter weather. Husky and Samoyed dogs have a thick undercoat that keeps them warm in severe weather. Labradors have a much shorter coat, but it is well designed for both cold and water. These dogs also form an extra thick layer of fat that acts as insulation. Even on the coldest days, they will still jump into open water for a swim. However, all animals can run into danger with the combination of cold temperatures and wetness, and owners should be watchful of this.

Decide early if your pet will be kept indoors or outdoors. Since acclimation is the key to their comfort, you should decide in the fall where they will be kept. If they are exposed to cold weather as the temperatures change in the fall, their body will respond with increased haircoat growth and additional body fat. The worst scenario for these animals is to be kept indoors during the fall, then get sent outdoors full time when it becomes bitter cold. Their bodies need time to acclimate. The opposite of this is also true. It is almost as bad for owners to get pets acclimated to the cold, then suddenly bring them inside a 75 degree home full time. Drastic changes can be a hardship for animals. Some short-haired, thin-skinned animals are not suited for outdoor winter living, no matter how much acclimation is provided. They should be kept indoors since these animals usually adapt much better to hot weather.

Keep cats safe. Cats are best kept indoors in winter. However, if they need to be kept outside, provide a bed for them where they are protected from wind, rain, snow and other animals. Most cats can acclimate well to the outdoors if they are provided with some form of protection. Also be aware of two hazards for cats in the winter: antifreeze and car radiator fans. Most antifreeze used in car radiators is toxic to animals if ingested. It also has a sweet taste, so if it drips onto the garage floor, cats will readily drink it and can be fatally poisoned. The car radiator fan is a hazard since cats will often climb up into the auto motor-mount area and stay there, enjoying the warmth. The cat may be injured if it is sitting by the radiator fan when the car is started.

Be mindful of indoor dogs’ needs. Provide a sweater for indoor dogs when they go outdoors for long periods of time. When temperatures are cold, consider setting a timer as a reminder to let them back inside if you are not with them. Periodic outdoor exercise is beneficial to dogs, but be aware of their behavior to determine the time and distance they can endure in cold weather conditions. Protect your dog with a fence or by keeping it on a leash.

Keep outdoor dogs safe. Provide some type of housing to protect outdoor dogs from rain, snow and cold. An insulated dog house is beneficial in very cold weather, but it must be constructed so the dog cannot chew through to the insulation and ingest it. The dog house should be large enough to allow the dog comfort as it gets in and out and as it lays or sits in the house. It should also be small enough that it is warmed by the dog’s body heat. There must be an adequate bedding of straw, sawdust, shavings or blankets to provide insulation from the undersurface, since cement acts as a conductor and draws body heat away. The doorway should be covered with a flap of thick fabric or plastic to allow the dog to enter and exit while still keeping the wind out. The entrance should be turned away from prevailing wind. Check the house often for dryness, as the dog may carry water in on its haircoat and soak the inside of the house. If the dog is not using the house, it may be a signal that something is wrong.

Regularly provide water, and be sure it does not get frozen solid. Keep electrical cords where dogs cannot get to them, since they can easily chew through the cords and become electrocuted. It is generally best not to use a light or heat lamp to warm the dog house, due to risk of fire or electrocution.

Outdoor dogs need extra energy in the winter. One way to provide this is by adding one to two tablespoons of fat to a balanced dog food diet each day. Bacon fat drippings are especially good since they contain the essential fatty acids needed for skin health. Be aware, however, that some dogs may have food allergies. During the winter, a small amount of extra fat cover is an important insulator and the extra energy is needed to maintain body heat in the cold.






It's not just about dogs and cats, I want a warm barn and some food!!


That's my information highway for today! Thanx to Maria for passing me the information to share.

Come back tomorrow for a little ray of sunlight in your day!!

No Good News Here

Sad news in case you missed it:

Kentucky Derby Champ Barbaro Euthanized

Horse's Co-Owner Says It Was 'Right Thing to Do'

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. (Jan. 29) - Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro was euthanized Monday after complications from his gruesome breakdown at last year's Preakness, ending an eight-month ordeal that prompted an outpouring of support across the country.


At least the doctors and owners and Barbaro all gave a valiant effort!






New Orleans mayor: No will to rebuild

Nagin says city isn't getting enough money; state has held federal funds

NEW ORLEANS - Mayor Ray Nagin told a Senate committee Monday he doesn't see the will to fix his hurricane-battered city when compared with the billions spent on the war in Iraq.

"I think it's more class than anything, but there's racial issues associated with it also," Nagin said.

State holding back
As of Jan. 18, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has agreed to pay for $334 million for infrastructure repairs in New Orleans, but the state only has forwarded $145 million to the city so far.

State officials have said city leaders failed to provide required documentation, which Nagin called cumbersome.

"I strongly urge you to return responsibility and accountability to the local government," he said.

Yeah Ray, the most corrupt city in the United States and the money should be turned over to the local government.

He doesn't see the will to fix his hurricane-battered city when compared with the billions spent on the war in Iraq. That's like comparing apples to oranges!

"I think it's more class than anything, but there's racial issues associated with it also," Nagin said. Right let's play that card. Besides the fact that the city is below sea level and should be moved inland and the fact that the insurance companies and the city and state governments should bear the burden rather than the United States Government (the rest of us), now according to Ray there are racial issues associated with it.

Right, "show me the money!!!!!!!"






Church Hosts 'Porn and Pancakes' Event

ONTARIO, N.Y. - It's not your typical church breakfast. An event billed as "Porn and Pancakes" is being hosted by a church in rural upstate New York.

The breakfast discussion on the pornography industry in America is planned next month at the Living Word Assembly of God Church in the town of Ontario, about ten miles east of Rochester.

A billboard advertisement near the church shows the words "Porn and Pancakes" written in syrup on a stack of flapjacks.

Organizers told a Rochester TV station that the event on February 10th will be an honest discussion about pornography and its impact on society. The discussion will be led by Triple-X Church, a group of youth ministers who travel the country talking about porn and the porn industry.

The pastor of the Wayne County church and churches from Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse have asked about hosting "Porn and Pancakes" events.

Oh yes, a little more maple syrup spread here. Yes, yes, write on me with blueberry syrup.

Say hallelujah and smear on the butter.





Priest suspected in attack is suspended

Las Vegas man is ‘on the lam,’ police say

LAS VEGAS - A Catholic priest wanted for questioning in connection with the assault of a woman at a church has been suspended by the Diocese of Las Vegas.

The Rev. George Chaanine of Our Lady of Las Vegas was placed on administrative leave, meaning he cannot act in any capacity as a priest, said diocese spokeswoman Rachel Wilkinson.

Police said a church employee accused Chaanine of striking her Friday afternoon after he made sexual advances on her and she resisted inside a building on the church’s campus. No sexual assault is alleged.

You gotta love the Catholic Church - when a priest attacks a woman he gets suspended, however all the priests over the years that molested young boys got transferred!!!!



Example:

Judge: Men Can Seek Damages From Church

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Three men who claim childhood sexual abuse by priests can pursue damages from the Vatican in a negligence lawsuit, a federal judge ruled Thursday.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge John G. Heyburn II lets the men pursue their claim that top church officials should have warned the public or local authorities of known or suspected sexual abuse of children by priests in the Archdiocese of Louisville.

Vatican officials declined to comment.


Another example:

Agreement in Ore. Priest Abuse Case

EUGENE, Ore. - About 150 people who claimed they were molested by priests have agreed to settle their lawsuits against the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Portland for an undisclosed amount.

Portland was the first archdiocese in the nation to seek protection from creditors when it went to federal bankruptcy court to head off massive lawsuits claiming sexual abuse by the late Rev. Maurice Grammond, who worked in several parishes. Other priests also were accused of abuse.

Roman Catholic dioceses in the United States have paid an estimated $1.5 billion to handle claims of sex abuse by priests.

Other large settlements include $100 million paid to 87 people last year by the Diocese of Orange in Orange County, Calif., $85 million paid to 552 people in 2003 by the Archdiocese of Boston and $60 million that the Archdiocese of Los Angeles said earlier this month it would pay to 45 people.

This kinda puts a new spin on the Father Flannagan "boys' town," don't you think?


That's a wrap for today. Return tomorrow for something!!!

Wake Up America - Part 2

A continuation of Sunday's post.

Now Senator John Ensign has risen to the occasion and is willing to help, but the senator from the great State of Nevada needs your help!!

OK, all my readers out there, it is time to let your voice be heard on this matter. This issue affects all of us no matter your age.

After my January 11th post about the total lack of regard to the American citizens, I received e-mails, phone calls and face-to-face questions as to what can we do to stop this travesty.

After all those questions from you about what we the legal American citizen could do, I asked my friend Maria if she would prepare three form letters that would simply require you to fill in the blanks and then forward to President Bush and your Senators and your Congressmen from your home state.

Maria put together the letters. They are direct, to the point, and written so any politician should have no trouble understanding.

I am as guilty as anyone of saying and thinking my voice won't be heard because politicians don't care what I think.

The truth is, maybe some politicians won't listen but maybe some will. In either case, this issue is too important to just do nothing.

As Clint Eastwood said in one of his Dirty Harry movies: "You've got to ask yourself a question: Do I feel lucky?....Well, do ya?"

Will you be lucky and this will not affect the Social Security System?

Well, I don't feel lucky and am encouraging you not to just feel lucky either.

The time has come for us to Act rather than React.

This is a non-partisan issue - it is an American Citizen issue!

Speak up America, it's time your voice is heard!!!!

It's time to let your voice be heard on this important issue simply by filling in the blanks and sending out the letters.

This blog is not set up for easy access to give you the forms so if you will simply email wagslv@aol.com I will email the form letters to you.

Then forward the letters to your President, Senators and Congressmen and they will see we are not going to be silent any longer.

Please forward the following link to everyone on your mailing list so we can enlist their help as well!!

http://wags-blog.blogspot.com/

Wake Up America - Part 1

In my January 11th post I alerted my readers about the Social Security travesty that we, the legal American citizens, knew nothing about.

It appears Senator John Ensign from the great State of Nevada read it, agrees, and is taking action.


Ensign aims to derail U.S.-Mexico agreement

Senator says it will cost Americans hundreds of millions of dollars

WASHINGTON -- Sen. John Ensign is trying to derail an agreement between the United States and Mexico, which he claims will cost American taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars in Social Security benefits.

On the first day of the new session of Congress, the Nevada Republican introduced a bill that would require the Senate and House to vote on the 2004 U.S.-Mexican Totalization Agreement.

"I believe this is a flawed agreement," Ensign said. "Usually, Congress does nothing, and these agreements go into effect. I want Congress to vote on this."

Under current law, undocumented workers from foreign countries cannot qualify for U.S. Social Security benefits.

But Ensign said the agreement could make the U.S. Social Security system susceptible to rampant fraud if Congress passes immigration reform legislation that stalled last year.

"That legislation would give amnesty to illegal immigrants who commit identity theft to get jobs here," Ensign said.

U.S. Commissioner of Social Security Jo Anne Barnhart signed the agreement on June 29, 2004, but it has not been signed by President Bush.

The agreement remains with the Social Security Administration, which is waiting for a response from the Mexican government regarding documents of mutual understanding.

After clearing the Social Security Administration, the agreement still must be approved by the State Department before advancing to the White House.

If the president signs the agreement, Congress would have 60 legislative days to reject it. If neither the House nor the Senate acts, the agreement would go into effect.

The Social Security Administration claims the agreement would save U.S. workers and their employers about $140 million in Mexican social security and health insurance taxes over the first five years of the agreement.

Overall, the United States has totalization agreements with 21 countries and Social Security Administration spokesman Mark Hinkle estimated these pacts save American workers about $800 million annually.

On the other hand, Hinkle said he does not know how much the totalization agreements cost the United States.

Ensign argues the cost of the U.S.-Mexico Totalization Agreement for American taxpayers could be much higher because there are many more Mexican workers receiving U.S. Social Security benefits than Americans receiving social security benefits from Mexico.

For the first five years of the agreement, Ensign said, the United States would be paying about $525 million to Mexican workers in Social Security benefits.

Even including the payments of $140 million from Mexico, the United States stands to lose about $385 million from the Social Security Trust Fund, Ensign said.

The senator added the U.S. Social Security payments to Mexican workers could rise to $650 million per year by 2050, which one of Ensign's staffers described as a "conservative estimate."

Ensign said his bill is an effort to raise the profile of the agreement in hopes of persuading the president not to sign it.

In addition, Ensign said, the Mexican government does not have a reliable system to track births, deaths and marriages which help determine how much a worker or a worker's dependents should receive in Social Security benefits.

Once a foreign worker qualifies for Social Security, that worker and his dependents are eligible for all the program's benefits, Hinkle said.

Tax revenues that fund Social Security are projected to fall below the program's costs by 2017, according to the Social Security Administration. But other estimates have indicated the Social Security Trust Fund will remain solvent until at least 2042.

Ensign complained that Mexican workers can qualify for U.S. Social Security benefits after working in America for only a year and a half. On the other hand, it takes American workers 10 years to become vested in U.S. Social Security benefits, he said.

Ensign said he also was troubled that it took a Freedom of Information request to disclose contents of the 2004 agreement.

So far, Ensign's bill this year has drawn tepid support. There are nine co-sponsors, all Republican: Sens. Christopher Bond of Missouri, Norm Coleman of Minnesota, Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina, Mike Enzi of Wyoming, James Inhofe of Oklahoma, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Pat Roberts of Kansas, Jeff Sessions of Alabama and Craig Thomas of Wyoming.

Spokesmen for other members of the Nevada congressional delegation said they have received some calls about the totalization agreement, but nothing overwhelming.

Ensign says Congress is abdicating its duty by allowing totalization agreements to pass without voting on them. Currently, either the House or Senate can block a totalization agreement by voting against it, but that rarely occurs.

It is obvious the senator from the great state of Nevada will need help with this!

You can help and I ask you to return tomorrow for part 2 to see how!! Please forward the following link to everyone on your mailing list so we can enlist their help as well!!

http://wags-blog.blogspot.com/

Five Days a Week

The nice thing about having your own blog is you can put anything on here no matter how bad it is!

So in keeping with that theme, I humbly submit the following.


Five Days A Week

By Wag


The alarm goes off and I jump up to embrace the day,

Off to work I go for there are bills to pay.

Not long after the house is out of sight,

One quickly learns some of the people out there are really uptight.

You see the cars darting and dodging everywhere,

Drivers yelling and screaming even sticking their finger in the air.

Women putting on makeup using the visor mirror and light,

While jamming traffic because they are in the left lane not the right.

Let's not forget the guy who is stupid and must really be brave,

As he drives along looking in the mirror while he proceeds to shave.

What about the ones driving with a muffin in one hand and the other a Starbucks,

All the while weaving in out recklessly between all the cars and trucks.

Oh yeah and there are ones with a bowl and a spoon eating Corn Flakes,

I'm telling you for Las Vegas driving nerves of steel is what it takes.

I've watched all this and from the drivers I've seen no smiles,

Hard to believe that I've only gone four miles.

Let's not forget the ladies headed to the mall,

To them there is no other car on the road, not one at all.

Did I mention all those people that are always a lane jumper,

They force you to slam on the brakes so as not to hit their bumper.

Then there are those who make a habit of going through intersections when the light is red,

They don't care that they may hit you and you will be dead.

These drivers are normal people I'm talking about,

Not like the partiers that all night have been out.

Add to the mix those drivers full of drugs or liquor,

They are all over the road and driving much quicker.

All these drivers are so bad you just want to scream for a cop,

But they are nowhere in sight unless you are at a doughnut shop.

With all the crazy drivers maybe it's time I take a prozac,

Otherwise from my destination I might never get back.

Each daily drive I just try to keep out of these fools' way,

With hopes of returning home safe at the end of my day.

So if one day should I disappear without a trace,

It will probably be because someone took my space.

Well that's my story and I think it has reached its peak,

I just wanted to share what I see five days a week.




My feeble attempt to entertain you!

Stay tuned to this blog for an important follow up to my post of January 11th, 2007 regarding Illegals drawing Social Security. And, yes, there is something you can do so stay tuned!!

Until tomorrow...


"Good night, Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are."

Woof Woof

German hero:

Dog shot while leaping at mugger

German shepherd defended Bay Area owner; 'Buffy' may lose a leg

OAKLAND, Calif. - A dog named Buffy was seriously wounded after being shot defending her owner during a robbery.

The German shepherd leapt into action after Will Bartley arrived at his Oakland home after work, and the dog ran out to greet him. At about the same time, a gunman approached and demanded Bartley’s wallet.

As Bartley complied, Buffy lunged at the mugger, who opened fire on the dog. Bartley wasn’t hurt, but doctors say there’s a 50-50 chance that Buffy could lose one of her legs.

It’s not clear if Buffy bit the gunman before he fled.

Good story - protected master, bad story - got shot, maybe happy ending. Let's hope so!





Who's your mama?

Dog with eight puppies helps out a dozen more

Surrogate canine feeds motherless litter of Newfoundland-Saint Bernards

BUFFALO, N.Y. - A western New York family had a crisis on its hands when their dog died after giving birth to 14 puppies.

A dozen of the Newfoundland-Saint Bernard puppies survived — but they needed milk, and fast.

Luckily, the Pufpaff family found a surrogate. A friend’s dog who just had puppies was pressed into service.

Laura Pufpaff says within hours, the motherless pups went from near death to completely healthy.

The friend’s dog is now mothering 20 puppies — her own eight plus the 12 orphans.

Family and friends are pitching in to help. Things can get crazy at feeding time, when laundry baskets are used to lug the pups around.

The people think it is crazy at feeding time, how about the mother dog? That's a lot of milk!!!





Party time:

Are pooches headed for Washington’s pubs?

State lawmaker proposes allowing man’s best friend to be drinking buddy

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Dogs could sidle up to their human companions downing their favorite microbrews in Washington state bars under legislation proposed by a Seattle Democrat.

Sen. Ken Jacobsen said he got the idea while at a downtown Olympia pub and saw dogs waiting outside in the cold and rain.

“There’s all sorts of places you can bring animals now,” said Jacobsen, who doesn’t own a dog. “You can take dogs into hotels. My God, some people are carrying dogs in their purses. Why can’t we have them in the bars?”

The bill would allow bars and restaurants with liquor licenses to welcome dogs, as long as they accompany their owners and remain leashed. Establishments wouldn’t be required to allow dogs, except for service animals.

A slightly different law that went into effect in Florida last summer allows restaurants, approved by local governments, to permit dogs to eat with their owners outside.

“Animals don’t use the toilet and they shed and they sometimes drool, and those are potential issues with food,” said Joe Graham, public health adviser for the Washington state Department of Health.

What a great idea!!

I hate to tell Joe, but I have seen people in bars that don’t use the toilet and they shed and they sometimes drool, so what's the difference?





Speaking of dogs and booze:

Pet Shop Owner Creates Beer for Dogs

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - After a long day hunting, there's nothing like wrapping your paw around a cold bottle of beer. So Terrie Berenden, a pet shop owner in the southern Dutch town of Zelhem, created a beer for her Weimaraners made from beef extract and malt.

"Once a year we go to Austria to hunt with our dogs, and at the end of the day we sit on the verandah and drink a beer. So we thought, my dog also has earned it," she said.

Berenden consigned a local brewery to make and bottle the nonalcoholic beer, branded as Kwispelbier. It was introduced to the market and advertised it as "a beer for your best friend."

"Kwispel" is the Dutch word for wagging a tail.

The beer is fit for human consumption, Berenden said. But at the equivalent of $2.14 a bottle, it's about four times more expensive than a Heineken.

But at $2 a bottle, it's about four times more expensive than a Heineken!

My dog Zoe' drinks so much Kwispelbier that I am considering sending her to DAA.

Here she is looking for her brew:



Here she is after several brews and she has captured a duck as it was headed south for the winter:




And that's a wrap for Friday! Visit again on Saturday to see if there is anything of interest!!

Does the Word 'Stupid' Work?

Hey, we made it to Thursday. Let's see what twisted tale I have for you today.


Hide in plain sight?

Man With 500 Parrots in a Car Arrested

ALMATY - Kazakh border guards arrested a man trying to smuggle 500 parrots in his car from neighboring Uzbekistan, media reported on Tuesday. "Border guards discovered a live cargo of 500 parrots in his car. It was unclear how the parrots fit into the Kazakh man's Audi.

Those Audis advertise head and leg room, but 500 parrots and no one would notice!! Stupid award for sure!!





I have found a new airline I will fly whenever it is available:

Toddler's Temper Ousts Family From Plane

ORLANDO, Fla. - AirTran Airways on Tuesday defended its decision to remove a Massachusetts couple from a flight after their crying 3-year-old daughter refused to take her seat before takeoff.

AirTran officials said they followed Federal Aviation Administration rules that children age 2 and above must have their own seat and be wearing a seat belt upon takeoff.

"The flight was already delayed 15 minutes and in fairness to the other 112 passengers on the plane, the crew made an operational decision to remove the family," AirTran spokeswoman Judy Graham-Weaver said.

Julie and Gerry Kulesza, who were headed home to Boston on Jan. 14 from Fort Myers, said they just needed a little more time to calm their daughter, Elly. "We weren't given an opportunity to hold her, console her or anything," Julie Kulesza said in a telephone interview Tuesday.


One look tells you this kid is never disciplined by her parents.

The Kuleszas said they told a flight attendant they had paid for their daughter's seat, but asked whether she could sit in her mother's lap. The request was denied.

She was removed because "she was climbing under the seat and hitting the parents and wouldn't get in her seat" during boarding, Graham-Weaver said.

The Orlando-based carrier reimbursed the family $595.80, the cost of the three tickets, and the Kuleszas flew home the next day. They also were offered three roundtrip tickets anywhere the airline flies, Graham-Weaver said.

The father said his family would never fly AirTran again.

This is good news for all of us that have a choice to fly AirTran!


Take a close look at the picture and tell me this guy gets to say anything. I'll bet his ol' lady never shuts up.

I think you know what name is used to describe the Mom / Wife!! Close, but not witch. You have to change the first letter!

And the Mom says "We weren't given an opportunity to hold her, console her or anything." Maybe that is because she was climbing under the seat and hitting the parents. 15 minutes worth no less.

Had Dr. Spock been on that plane I wonder if he would have said you should not spank a child.






Boy's Screaming Killed Chickens, Court Rules

BEIJING - Hundreds of chickens have been found dead in east China -- and a court has ruled that the cause of death was the screaming of a four-year-old boy who in turn had been scared by a barking dog.

The bizarre sequence of events began when the boy arrived at a village home in the eastern province of Jiangsu in the summer with his father who was delivering bottles of gas.

A villager was quoted as saying the little boy bent over the henhouse window, screaming for a long time, after being scared by the dog.

"One neighbor told police that he had heard the boy's crying that afternoon and another villager confirmed the boy screaming by the henhouse window.

A court ruled the boy's screaming was "the only unexpected abnormal sound" and that 443 chickens trampled each other to death in fear.

The boy's father was ordered to pay 1,800 yuan, or $230, in compensation to the owner of the chickens.

I think AirTran oughta fly this kid to Massachusetts to visit the Kulesza family in the previous story.

It somehow seems fitting to me. Poetic justice, I think, is the proper phrase!

Oh yeah, they need to send the dog that scared him too just to make sure he does it again!!!





Sorry for the glitch in Wednesday's post as I'm sure you were all disappointed in not seeing a post due to the technical difficulties.

Return tomorrow for much more of a lot less!!

Postponed

Due to technical difficulties, today's post is postponed until tomorrow.

Thank you for checking in. See you tomorrow.

Visit and 24

Hello people, glad you joined me today.

Today's post will be brief and after yesterday's post I'm surprised you came back.

While I normally like to fill the page for your pleasure, today I am cutting it short.

You see there are a couple of reasons:

I write the blog the night before it posts so this will be written Monday night.

First and foremost, my oldest son Stacey is in town for training and is visiting us tonight while here.

The second reason is that tonight is 24.

Bauer Power.

That's right, Jack's back and an atomic device has been set off in Valencia.

Though Jack Bauer was through because he just couldn't do it any more, when he saw the mushroom cloud his sense of duty has taken over and Jack is back.

It appears there may be as many as four more of the atomic devices out there and Jack has to find them.

Hence I have to shorten Tuesday's post because I have to be there for Jack in his quest to find and destroy and kill a lot of people good along the way.

Read that right, not kill good people but kill good.

Jack kills good!!!!!

With that I will invite you to join me tomorrow for much about nothing.

State Preamble

Another educational post for you today.


Do you know the Preamble for your state? - interesting - important commentary at the end.


Alabama 1901, Preamble. We the people of the State of Alabama , invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution.

Alaska 1956, Preamble. We, the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.

Arizona 1911, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...

Arkansas 1874, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...

California 1879, Preamble. We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom.

Colorado 1876, Preamble. We, the people of Colorado , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe.

Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.

Delaware 1897, Preamble. Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences.

Florida 1885, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Florida , grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...

Georgia 1777, Preamble. We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...

Hawaii 1959, Preamble. We, the people of Hawaii, Grateful for Divine Guidance. Establish this Constitution.

Idaho 1889, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.

Illinois 1870, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

Indiana 1851, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.

Iowa 1857, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings establish this Constitution.

Kansas 1859, Preamble. We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.

Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties...

Louisiana 1921, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.

Maine 1820, Preamble. We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity ... And imploring His aid and direction.

Maryland 1776, Preamble. We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...

Massachusetts 1780, Preamble. We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe. In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction.

Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom establish this Constitution.

Minnesota, 1857, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings.

Mississippi 1890, Preamble. We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Al mighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.

Missouri 1845, Preamble. We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness. Establish this Constitution..

Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the Blessings of liberty establish this Constitution.

Nebraska 1875, Preamble. We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom. Establish this Constitution.

Nevada 1864, Preamble. We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom establish this Constitution.

New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V . Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.

New Jersey 1844, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

New Mexico 1911, Preamble. We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty.

New York 1846, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.

North Carolina 1868, Preamble. We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those.

North Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...

Ohio 1852, Preamble. We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common..

Oklahoma 1907, Preamble. Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty ... establish this..

Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I. Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences.

Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble. We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance..

Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing...

South Carolina, 1778, Preamble. We, the people of the State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

South Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties...

Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...

Texas 1845, Preamble. We the People of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.

Utah 1896, Preamble. Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.

Vermont 1777, Preamble. Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man.

Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, X VI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other.

Washington 1889, Preamble. We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution.

West Virginia 1872, Preamble. Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God.

Wisconsin 1848, Preamble. We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility.

Wyoming 1890, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties. establish this Constitution.



After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts are wrong!



Why is the majority silent?



Come back again for a lot of nothing much!!!!

For the Love of Dogs

You're traveling to another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound...but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land, whose boundaries are only that of the imagination...you're entering Wag's blog.

In my never-ending quest to add a little variety into my daily blog I submit the following for your perusal.



This is Annie, she is an Australian Shepherd.



Her Mom, Maria, forwarded the following inner strength story to me and I thought you might enjoy it as well.



INNER STRENGTH

If you can start the day without caffeine or pep pills,

If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,

If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,

If you can eat the same food everyday and be grateful for it,

If you can understand when loved ones are too busy to give you time,

If you can overlook when people take things out on you when, through no fault of yours, something goes wrong,

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,

If you can face the world without lies and deceit,

If you can conquer tension without medical help,

If you can relax without liquor,

If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,


Then you are probably a dog.


Maybe we could all learn from dogs!!!






Night Shift

By Wag

For anyone that has dogs this story they will understand.

For those that don't, this story may be bland.

To some the way we cater to our dogs may sound sappy,

But to a true dog lover there's nothing better than seeing them happy.

This is about how dogs have come to manipulate the world we know,

Simply because to the park they want to go.

They bring you a brush and want you to comb their hair,

They want to be looking good because all their friends will be there.

Dogs can't talk but with loving eyes they can communicate,

Every night when they say let's go to the park and not be late.

They act like they are not trying to get you to hasten,

But back and forth they keep pacin'.

The sun is setting and it's getting dark,

Then the look of have you noticed it's time to leave for the park.

They know the trip there is not too far,

They just can't wait to jump into the car.

Even though we fill their bowl and give them great eats,

The dogs know Vicki will be at the park with two suitcases filled with treats.

Some of the dogs like to walk, some like to run,

But one thing is for sure they all seem to have fun.

All the new dogs that come by, the regular dogs like to greet,

For some reason they smell each others behinds, not their feet.

It's for sure the owners don't like it that way,

But that's how dogs socialize so what can you say.

Every night the adults solve the world problems with their roundtable chat,

Don't tell the dogs, but I think the adults really like that.

You can count on Wednesdays for a larger crowd to meet,

Everyone knows that day Pat brings homemade cookies for the humans to eat.

So when it's cold at the park we keep the fire burning bright,

Because for the people and dogs their trip to the park is the day's end delight.

No matter if it is hot, cold, windy, raining or even if the snow should into the park drift,

We will still take them to Mountain Crest Park for the night shift!





That's the best I have for today.

If you are brave, return tomorrow just to see if anything good is on here!!

Life's Stupid Mysteries

Oops!!

Chimp's Surprise Baby Is a Mystery

SHREVEPORT, Louisiana - In a mysterious bit of monkey business, a female at a chimpanzee sanctuary has given birth, despite the fact that the facility's entire male chimp population has had vasectomies.

Now managers at Chimp Haven are planning a paternity test for the seven males who lived in a group with Teresa, a wild-born chimpanzee in her late 40s who had the baby girl last week.

Workers have started collecting hair samples from the chimps for testing. Once they identify the father, it is back to the operating room for him.

Should those tests turn up negative, paternity tests will be ordered for the male employees as well! Once they identify the worker, it is into the operating room for him!!





Duh!

Driver Follows Navigation System, Crashes

BERLIN - A 46-year-old German motorist driving along a busy road suddenly veered to the left and ended up stuck on a railway track -- because his satellite navigation system told him to, police said Sunday.

The motorist was heading into the north German city of Bremen "when the friendly voice from his satnav told him to turn left," a spokesman said.

"He did what he was ordered to do and turned his Audi left up over the curb and onto the track of a local streetcar line. He tried to back up off the track but got completely stuck."

The police spokesman said about a dozen trams were held up until a tow truck arrived to clear the car off the track.

Several German motorists have crashed their cars in recent months, later telling police they were only obeying orders from their satnavs.

How many times have I said it - people don't know how to think any longer.

I suspect since the voice on the navigation system is a female voice that it is just like listening to his wife, so as all good husbands do, they follow those instructions to a T.

Wait til he gets home and tells the wife he wrecked the car and she tells him to jump off a cliff!!!






How stupid is this?

Woman Tells Cop She Bought 'Bad Crack'

HAWTHORNE, Fla. - A North Carolina woman was arrested after complaining to a police officer that the crack cocaine she had just purchased wasn't very good, authorities said.

Eloise D. Reaves, 50, approached the Putnam County sheriff's deputy at a convenience store Friday, telling him that another man had sold her "bad crack" that contained wax and cocaine.

She pulled an alleged crack rock out of her mouth and placed it on the deputy's car for inspection, the Palatka Daily News reported for Tuesday editions.

The deputy told Reaves that she would be arrested if the crack tested positive for cocaine.

She was charged with possession of cocaine and bonded out for $1,504.

This idiot is 50 years old and still that stupid.

Change the time on the doomsday clock one more time!!






99 bottles of beer 99 bottles of beer

Man Keeps Drinking Beer During Arrest

MANCHESTER, N.H. - Police say a man they pulled over for driving drunk continued to swig his beer during his arrest. Patrick Allain, 35, faces numerous charges after his arrest Monday night, the fourth time he's been arrested for driving while intoxicated. Police say he hit two other cars and initially refused to stop when officers tried to pull him over.

When he finally stopped, Allain allegedly continued to drink a 40-ounce bottle of beer, telling officers, "You can charge me with whatever you want. It's not going to stop me from drinking and driving."

Now here's a clear case of where the cops should have just shot him dead and claimed the beer bottle looked like a weapon!!!

I bet that would stop him from drinking and driving!!





Speaking of stupid people:

Is it just me or does it bother you when you are trying to enter a restaurant and a group is leaving and they stand right in front of the door to talk about dinner and say their good-byes to each other?

Is it just me or does it bother you when you are on an escalator going up or down and there is a person in front of you that stops to look where they are going to go as soon as they step off leaving you no where to step?

Is it just me or does it bother you when you are in an elevator and you arrive at your floor and people rush on before you can get off? Especially the ground floor where everyone knows people will for sure be getting off.

I was just wondering!!!


These are my gems for today.

Be at peace today armed with the knowledge that tomorrow may be a better blog!!!!!

History and A Great Son

Today let's start off with a little World War II history.

This is from Col. D.G.Swinford, USMC, Ret., and history buff. You would really have to dig to get this kind of ringside seat to history.

1. The first German serviceman killed in WW2 was killed by the Japanese (China, 1937) . . . the first American serviceman killed was killed by the Russians (Finland 1940) . . . the highest ranking American killed was Lt. Gen. Lesley McNair, killed by the US Army Air Corps. So much for allies.

2. The youngest US serviceman was 12 year old Calvin Graham, USN. He was wounded and given a Dishonorable Discharge for lying about his age. (His benefits were later restored by act of Congress.)

3. At the time of Pearl Harbor, the top US Navy command was Called CINCUS (pronounced "sink us"); the shoulder patch of the US Army's 45th Infantry division was the Swastika; and Hitler's private train was named "Amerika." All three were soon changed for PR purposes.

4. More US servicemen died in the Air Corps than the Marine Corps. While completing the required 30 flying missions, your chance of being killed was 71%.

5. Generally speaking, there was no such thing as an average fighter pilot. You were either an ace or a target. For instance, Japanese ace Hiroyoshi Nishizawa shot down over 80 planes. He died while a passenger on a cargo plane.

6. It was a common practice on fighter planes to load every 5th round with a tracer round to aid in aiming. This was a mistake. Tracers had different ballistics so (at long range) if your tracers were hitting the target 80% of your rounds were missing. Worse yet tracers instantly told your enemy he was under fire and from which direction. Worst of all was the practice of loading a string of tracers at the end of the belt to tell you that you were out of ammo. This was definitely not something you wanted to tell the enemy. Units that stopped using tracers saw their success rate nearly double and their loss rate go down.

YOU'VE GOT TO LOVE THIS ONE....

7. When allied armies reached the Rhine, the first thing men did was pee in it. This was pretty universal from the lowest private to Winston Churchill (who made a big show of it) and Gen. Patton (who had himself photographed in the act).

8. German Me-264 bombers were capable of bombing New York City, but they didn't consider it worth the effort.

9. German submarine U-120 was sunk by a malfunctioning toilet.

10. Among the first "Germans" captured at Normandy were several Koreans. They had been forced to fight for the Japanese Army until they were captured by the Russians, and then forced to fight for the Russian Army until they were captured by the Germans, and then forced to fight for the German Army until they were captured by the US Army.

AND I SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST....

11. Following a massive naval bombardment, 35,000 US and Canadian troops stormed ashore at Kiska, in the Aleutian Islands. 21 troops were killed in the firefight. It would have been worse if there had been any Japanese on the island.




And now I would like to close with a comment that I doubt many of you saw that was left on my January 12th post.

Daddio,

You mustn’t stop the blog, oh no, you are having too much fun,

Your ideas aren't getting dull; in fact they stay as bright as the sun.

I might not read it EVERY day, but I read it when it counts,

And with every new addition, my happiness only mounts.

You spend long hours day and night trying to please the peeps,

With stories that grab our attention, instead of giving us the creeps!

I’m thankful to have a dad like you, so thoughtful and so cool,

You’re the best chef in the kitchen, you’re always handy with a tool.

You work so hard to entertain, and let’s not forget delight,

The bulb in your brain is not getting dark, it seems to be staying bright.

You were given some blog books for x-mas, but I say no help is required,

Because you are a pro at this writing thing, your words I have always admired.

Sometimes we need a place to go, an escape from the stress of the day,

Your blog provides us with that place, we are thankful in every way.

You might never get the hits you hope for, but you do indeed get some hits,

So keep on writing swell father of mine, because a Wagner never quits!


This is from my son, Tyler, the greatest son a dad could ask for.

Though my body grows old Ty, you keep me feeling young.

Thank you Tyler, love you.

That's the name of that tune! Return tomorrow for more of what you least expect!!!

Cultured Ramblings

You know, sometimes there are things that just plain bug you.

Here's one that really bugs me:


First off, I admit I'm not cultured.

cul·tured (kŭl'cherd)
adj.

(Educated, polished, and refined; cultivated)


Years ago, while dining with Vicki (the wife now, the date then) she asked if I wanted an appetizer before dinner.

Well, of course I said no because I didn't know what an appetizer was.

I felt embarrassed because Vicki was cultured and I was not, so I went home that night and opened a dictionary to find out what an appetizer was.


ap·pe·tiz·er (ăp'ĭ-tī'zer)
n.
(A food or drink served usually before a meal to stimulate the appetite.)


Wow, now I was armed and dangerous - I knew what an appetizer was!!

Once I learned that, for years I have ordered appetizers and have thoroughly enjoyed them prior to my meal arriving.

These days there seems to be a new trend developing in the restaurant business.

The last several times I have dined out, when ordering an appetizer and anticipating having that appetizer to stimulate my appetite prior to the meal, I have been disappointed.

Why? Well, I'll tell you. I don't even have the first bite of the appetizer and here they come with the meal.

Now I may not be cultured, but I know that is not how it is supposed to work.

It appears the restaurants have taken the approach of hit um up and move them out.

To me, I like to eat the beef not be treated like beef. I just want time to stimulate my appetite prior to my meal arriving!!

I ask you, is that too much to ask?

I have started having the same problem with having time for soup or salad prior to the meal!!



Speaking of not being cultured and eating, I remember another time Vicki and I were dating, and wanting to impress her, we dined at an upscale restaurant.

We were greeted and seated at a table, and I looked down at the table setting and saw I had three forks on the left, a small one, then a large one, then a small one. In the center it had a plate with a bowl on top, then moving to the right of that there was a dull knife I knew would not cut a steak, a small spoon and then a larger spoon.

Then, in addition to all that crowding the table, above the forks was a small round dish with a funny looking tiny knife with no blade so cutting anything would be impossible. Then above the dull knife and two spoons there were three goblet looking glasses.

I immediately started apologizing to Vicki for taking her to a place that obviously couldn't be that good.

'Why?' she asked.

Well, first the service will be bad because they have three glasses for water so they won't check back; second they have a dull knife and I am ordering beef; and third they have one big fork which is OK but those little ones for backup are too small, not to mention that little spoon is awful short for an ice tea glass so they must use short glasses for the ice tea!

When Vicki stopped laughing and because she didn't want me to think she would not like the restaurant, she gave me this explanation.

"I'll bet the small fork on the left is for salad, the large one in the middle is for the main course, and the next small fork is for dessert, and I would assume the small plate and small knife are for bread and butter."

She continued, "The dull knife must mean the meat here is tender, the small spoon is for hot tea and the big spoon is for soup, the larger goblet is for water, the next smaller for red wine and the smallest for white wine."

Since we were on a date I didn't want to burst her bubble by explaining most people take the same size bites when eating a salad or a steak so there was no need for the first small fork, that the same big one would do.

I like ice cream for dessert and it would look silly eating ice cream with the other small fork so no need for it, leaving one big fork to eat with.

As for the small knife with the butter I could just use the big dull knife for my butter as there is no way they would have a steak that would cut.

The bread plate could go too as everyone knows you put the bread on your plate so it sops up the juices from the steak.

The small spoon could also go because if the tea isn't over ice it isn't any good. It was 110 degrees outside and soup is out of the question so get rid of that spoon.

As for the three glasses, unless you are bringing a decent sized glass with my ice tea just fill them all with ice tea.

Once past all that they brought out a big thick juicy steak that looked just delicious.

The waiter asked us if we needed anything else. Vicki said no and I asked if they had a bottle of catsup.

That waiter was so rude. First he gave me a blank stare like he couldn't hear, so I raised my voice and again asked for a bottle of catsup. Then, in a snit, he spun around on his heels and left in a rush.

The next thing I knew this guy wearing an apron and a funny looking white hat approached the table demanding to know who wanted catsup.

After I told him I did, he proceed to tell me he was such a good cook no one dared to even think about putting catsup on one of his steaks and they didn't have any in the restaurant.

I suggested he run to the grocery store and stock up and told him not to expect a tip and then he stormed off.

I figured since I mentioned the tip we would never get anything else we asked for so when I couldn't cut the steak with the dull knife, I picked it up with my hands and ate it which was OK because it made it easier to chew the bone.

Vicki must not have liked that place either because from then on whenever I ask her where she would like to go for dinner she either picked Wendy's or Burger King which was OK by me because they had catsup!


Oh I got a little off track, I have been rambling again.

Anyway does that appetizer thing ever happen to you?

Come back tomorrow for something that I'm sure will be here!!!!

Going and Gone

How quickly people turn on you:

Vacuum Maker Hailed as Savior Quits Gulf Town


LONG BEACH, Miss., — Ten days after Hurricane Katrina tore through town, the Oreck Corporation reopened the storm-damaged plant where it assembled its widely advertised vacuum cleaners. It hauled in generators to make electricity, imported trailers to house its workers and was hailed as a local hero for putting people back to work so fast.

But now, 16 months later, Oreck — which had employed almost 500 people at the factory — is throwing in the towel and moving its manufacturing to Tennessee.

Thomas Oreck, the company president, said Oreck was reeling from sharp increases in insurance costs, and a smaller Gulf Coast work force.

The company says it cannot get enough insurance to cover its plant here, and cannot hire enough skilled workers to replace those who never returned after the storm, mostly because they had nowhere to live.

The move has caused an uproar in Mississippi, where the company has been criticized in the local newspaper and by government officials, including Senator Trent Lott. State officials say Oreck is the only major business they know of that has decided to leave the state in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. But they concede that the problems Mr. Oreck described are hurting other businesses.

Mayor William D. G. Skellie Jr. deals with the effects on the ground in Long Beach, which he said lost 40 percent of its businesses in the storm. Stores are not reopening in part because they cannot get insurance, he said; just three gap-toothed blocks remain of the commercial strip that was once at least twice as long, running from the railroad tracks down to the beach.

“We bent over backwards to work with them,” said Richard Bennett, chairman of the development commission and an alderman here. “For them to pull up and leave is very dispiriting, to say the least, at the time when we need it most.”

Some say it might have been better had the company not reopened at all. “I think it would have been easier on everybody if they had stayed closed rather than put everyone through this and use them up while they got their deal done," Mayor. Skellie said. “It’s a bigger punch in the nose.”

I find it quite funny the politicians who have no idea what it takes to run a profitable business are the first to criticize businesses!!

But then the politicians get a paycheck no matter what.

Lets review: Ten days after Hurricane Katrina tore through town, the Oreck Corporation reopened the storm-damaged plant.

It hauled in generators to make electricity, imported trailers to house its workers.

Now, 16 months later, Oreck cannot get enough insurance to cover its plant, and cannot hire enough skilled workers to replace those who never returned after the storm, but they should stay open just because the politicians say so!!

Oh, let us not forget in the words of the Mayor "I think it would have been easier on everybody if they had stayed closed rather than put everyone through this and use them up while they got their deal done."

Sure Mayor, 16 months of employment plus from now til October when the plant closes and not to mention the taxes they have paid, yeah it certainly would have been better not to reopen.

Why is it nowadays people think a successful business has an obligation to lose money and eventually close their doors before it's OK to change the way they do business?

I wonder why as an encouragement to stay and employ people the politicians didn't offer to suspend tax collection for two years to keep the plant there?

If the plant leaves, you collect no taxes and townsfolk lose employment. If the plant stays and you waive taxes, you have people employed that pay taxes.

Seems simple to me, but then what do I know?





On a sad note, Tuesday the racing world lost a great racer/ broadcaster and the world lost a good man:

NASCAR Champion Parsons Dies at 65

Broadcaster Loses Battle With Lung Cancer


Benny Parsons, a taxi driver who became a NASCAR champion in 1973, died Tuesday from lung-cancer complications.

Parsons began broadcasting in the 1980s as a pit reporter for ESPN and TBS, when he was still racing a partial schedule. He moved into the booth for good in 1989 for ESPN and won a Cable ACE Award for best sports analyst in his first season in the booth. He also created the popular ESPN segment "Buffet Benny" on food available at race tracks.

"Benny was a beloved and widely respected member of the NASCAR community, and of the NBC Sports family," NBC Sports chairman Dick Ebersol said.

"He was a great driver and a terrific broadcaster, but above anything else he was a kind and generous human being," he said. "His character and spirit will define how he is remembered by all of us."


This is a loss for sure. Anyone that ever watched him race, watched him on TV, or listened to him on the radio will miss him!




That's all I have for you today, but glad you stopped by. Come back again tomorrow and see more ravings of a mad man!!!!!!

Hard to Believe

Las Vegas the most popular convention city of the world

Poop scoopers dig clients out of deep doo-doo

Professionals share secrets of pet projects



To shovel or to rake pooch poop, that was the question.

It's not exactly the life and death argument that Hamlet faced, and it certainly doesn't reach the epic ferocity of "tastes great" versus "less filling." But if you don't take poop scooping seriously, then you probably never have had to scoop poop for a living.

About 50 professional turd herders descended on Las Vegas this weekend for the APAWS -- Association of Professional Animal Waste Specialists -- annual convention, where various techniques for removing pet waste from clients' yards were discussed, debated and laughed at.

Reminds me of a Cheech and Chong movie, "look at this man what is it?, hum looks like dog chit to me, wo smell it, um smells like dog chit to me, taste it, huh? taste it ugg taste like dog chit to me, well it must be dog chit then!!

From Porn conventions to Poop conventions what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!!!!





Speaking of crap:

Jackson Resolves $100,000 Tab at Pharmacy


LOS ANGELES - Michael Jackson has amicably resolved a lawsuit filed by a Beverly Hills pharmacy that claimed the singer owed more than $100,000 for prescription drugs during the past two years, his spokeswoman said Friday.

Is it just me or does that seem like a lot of prescription drugs for two years?

If that were you or me, we would be investigated!!





Moms Enter Pleas in Middle-School Brawl

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - One mother pleaded no contest and another pleaded not guilty on Thursday in a mother-daughter brawl at a middle school.

Authorities said Ana Rivera, 44, who pleaded not guilty on a simple assault charge, drove her suspended 13-year-old daughter to Woonsocket Middle School on Monday so she could fight another 13-year-old girl.

Both students' mothers, two other girls and a teacher were eventually involved in the fracas.

The second mother, 34-year-old Maribel Santiago, pleaded no contest to simple assault.

She said she went to the school to pick up her daughter because of recent threats. Authorities said she hit a school official who tried to break up the fight.

"I believe they are making a big deal out of a simple thing," Santiago said outside court. She said that with the plea "at least my record is going to be clean."


This has to be the quote of the day "I believe they are making a big deal out of a simple thing."

My daughter can beat your honor student's A#%!!!

"When it comes to the human brain, we're not equipped."




Good news for a lot of women in California:

Here's a "Perky" story:

Ban on Silicone Breast Implants Lifted

WASHINGTON - The government ended a 14-year virtual ban on silicone-gel breast implants Friday despite lingering safety concerns, making the devices available to tens of thousands of women who have clamored for them.

Proponents say silicone-gel implants look and feel more natural than do those filled with saline, or salt water. Breast implants have grown in popularity for augmentation, despite a history of lawsuits. Last year, 291,000 women had their breasts surgically enlarged in the United States, a 37 percent increase since 2000.

291,000 - Is it real or is it Memorex?

The rupture issue persists: The implants do not last a lifetime, and eventually they must be removed or replaced, according to the FDA. A 2000 Institute of Medicine report found rupture rates as high as 77 percent.

Wow 77% must like it rough!!

Makeum big makeum bold makeum something everyone wants to hold!!!

Now that was a very uplifting story!




Buy stock in this company:

German Sex Educators Plan Spray-On Condom

BERLIN - German sex educators plan to launch a spray-on condom tailor-made for all sizes.

Jan Vinzenz Krause from the Institute for Condom Consultancy, a Singen-based practice that offers advice on condom use, said the product aimed to help people enjoy better and safer sex lives.

"We're trying to develop the perfect condom for men that's suited to every size of penis," he said. "We're very serious."

Krause's team (spraykondom.de) is developing a type of spray can into which the man inserts his penis first. At the push of a button it is then coated in a rubber condom.

"It works by spraying on latex from nozzles on all sides," he said. "We call it the '360 degree procedure' -- once round and from top to bottom. It's a bit like a car wash."

Krause said the plan is to make the product ready for use in about five seconds. He said it would function more effectively as a contraceptive because it would fit better and not slip.

However, before the new condom can be sold in shops, the firm must ensure that the latex is evenly spread when sprayed, as well as optimize the vulcanization process.

Krause hopes the high tech condom, which will be available in different strengths and colors, will on the market by 2008.

He said the spray can would likely cost some 20 euros ($26) as a one-off purchase. The latex cartridges -- sufficient for up to 20 applications -- would cost roughly 10 euros, he said.

Maybe it will be marketed by the "Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company!!!"

Oh, time out, have you used your spray today?

Everyone will want to optimize the vulcanization process.

A spray a day keeps the baby away!!

When using the product just remember the immortal words of Johnny Cockran "If the glove doesn't fit you must a quit!!!!"

That's Wag's world for today.

Come back for a visit tomorrow and remember just like at Motel 6 I'll leave the light on for you.

Martin Luther King

Today is Martin Luther King Day!



Martin Luther King
The Nobel Peace Prize 1964


Biography
Martin Luther King, Jr., (January 15, 1929-April 4, 1968) was born Michael Luther King, Jr., but later had his name changed to Martin. His grandfather began the family's long tenure as pastors of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, serving from 1914 to 1931; his father has served from then until the present, and from 1960 until his death Martin Luther acted as co-pastor. Martin Luther attended segregated public schools in Georgia, graduating from high school at the age of fifteen; he received the B. A. degree in 1948 from Morehouse College, a distinguished Negro institution of Atlanta from which both his father and grandfather had been graduated. After three years of theological study at Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania where he was elected president of a predominantly white senior class, he was awarded the B.D. in 1951. With a fellowship won at Crozer, he enrolled in graduate studies at Boston University, completing his residence for the doctorate in 1953 and receiving the degree in 1955. In Boston he met and married Coretta Scott, a young woman of uncommon intellectual and artistic attainments. Two sons and two daughters were born into the family.

In 1954, Martin Luther King accepted the pastorale of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. Always a strong worker for civil rights for members of his race, King was, by this time, a member of the executive committee of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the leading organization of its kind in the nation. He was ready, then, early in December, 1955, to accept the leadership of the first great Negro nonviolent demonstration of contemporary times in the United States, the bus boycott described by Gunnar Jahn in his presentation speech in honor of the laureate. The boycott lasted 382 days. On December 21, 1956, after the Supreme Court of the United States had declared unconstitutional the laws requiring segregation on buses, Negroes and whites rode the buses as equals. During these days of boycott, King was arrested, his home was bombed, he was subjected to personal abuse, but at the same time he emerged as a Negro leader of the first rank.

In 1957 he was elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization formed to provide new leadership for the now burgeoning civil rights movement. The ideals for this organization he took from Christianity; its operational techniques from Gandhi. In the eleven-year period between 1957 and 1968, King traveled over six million miles and spoke over twenty-five hundred times, appearing wherever there was injustice, protest, and action; and meanwhile he wrote five books as well as numerous articles. In these years, he led a massive protest in Birmingham, Alabama, that caught the attention of the entire world, providing what he called a coalition of conscience. and inspiring his "Letter from a Birmingham Jail", a manifesto of the Negro revolution; he planned the drives in Alabama for the registration of Negroes as voters; he directed the peaceful march on Washington, D.C., of 250,000 people to whom he delivered his address, "l Have a Dream", he conferred with President John F. Kennedy and campaigned for President Lyndon B. Johnson; he was arrested upwards of twenty times and assaulted at least four times; he was awarded five honorary degrees; was named Man of the Year by Time magazine in 1963; and became not only the symbolic leader of American blacks but also a world figure.

At the age of thirty-five, Martin Luther King, Jr., was the youngest man to have received the Nobel Peace Prize. When notified of his selection, he announced that he would turn over the prize money of $54,123 to the furtherance of the civil rights movement.

On the evening of April 4, 1968, while standing on the balcony of his motel room in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was to lead a protest march in sympathy with striking garbage workers of that city, he was assassinated.



Have a good day and check back tomorrow for who knows what!!!

Sunday Mumble

A sad note to start the day:

Missouri 'Secret Santa' Dies of Cancer


KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Jan. 13) - Larry Stewart, a millionaire who became known as Secret Santa for his habit of roaming the streets each December and anonymously handing money to people, died Friday. He was 58.

Stewart, who spent 26 years giving a total $1.3 million, gained international attention in November when he revealed himself as Secret Santa. He was diagnosed in April with cancer, and said he wanted to use his celebrity to inspire other people to take random kindness seriously.

"That's what we're here for," Stewart said in a November interview, "to help other people out."

The good sometimes die too young!!!!



And then there are idiots!!!!


Hard-Luck Lottery Winner Says He's Broke

Whittaker won a nearly $315 million on Christmas 2002, then the largest undivided lottery prize in U.S. history. He took his winnings in a lump sum of $113 million after taxes.

Since then, he has faced his granddaughter's death by drug overdose; he has been sued for bouncing checks at Atlantic City, N.J., casinos; he has been ordered to undergo rehab after being arrested on drunken driving charges; his vehicles and business have been burglarized; and he has been sued by the father of an 18-year-old boy, a friend of his granddaughter's, who was found dead in Whittaker's house.

Wow, doesn't that story make you sad? Sad some fool like him won instead of any of us!!!



Speaking of lotteries,

if my lotto ticket comes in maybe I can make an offer:

Tiny Country Off British Coast for Sale



For $975 million, you can buy the principality of Sealand, which has its own passport and currency. The country, basically an old artillery platform, is recognized by some nations, but not by its closest neighbor -- Britain. Sealand, has eight rooms in each of its two towers


I could then make my title King!!!



Moving right along...


Have you ever wondered if our prisons are too nice?

Man Stages Robbery to Get Back in Prison

"He said he wanted to rob a federal bank because he wanted to go back to a federal penitentiary. Apparently he robbed a bank in Fresno, California, 10 years ago, was sentenced to 70 months in a federal penitentiary in Phoenix and he enjoyed his time there."

Villegas told police he was a roofer in Texas for five years after he was released from prison, but had grown tired of the work.

Talk about a need for prison reform! Bring back nice places like Alcatraz. Chain gangs are not a bad idea either and no cable TV!!!



In closing today I will leave you with this:

Women never forget anything. Men on the other hand, well, that's why there is instant replay on sports programs!!

The new season of 24 starts tonight - Jack's back and Jack kills good!!!!!!!!

And that's the end of that chapter.

Fire and Brimstone

Today's post is all over the page:

I don't know how many of you saw the news about the houses in Malibu, California, that burned. One of them belonged to Suzanne Somers.

I watched film of the fire and also saw the charred remains of the house and listened to Suzanne talk about what had happened.

There was one big thing I noticed missing, and another she didn't mention bothered me.

FEMA was not there, and Suzanne did not mention whether FEMA was going to furnish her a trailer while she rebuilds, or whether FEMA had issued her a free $2,000 credit card.

There was also no mention of Hollywood having a telethon to raise money to rebuild her house.

This disturbs me!!! Isn't this what we have come to expect? "They," whoever that is, owes us. And if They don't step up, we sue!!!





Speaking of Hollywood,

maybe it is just me, but if Oprah wanted to build a school to help girls, do you think maybe one in the country that gave her all the fame and fortune she has might be a good place to build one?



Speaking of Hollywood again,

I wonder if Brad, Angelina Jolie, and Madonna are aware that in the country that gave them all the fame and fortune there are thousands of kids in need of adoption.



Late Photo:

This just in from New Year's Eve - pictures of our police department getting braced for the throng of people that were partying that night!!








How many readers remember the movie Westside story?

In the movie, there is Tony running through an Italian neighborhood screaming 'MARIA! MARIA!' and only one woman came to the window.



James Brown's Body Still Not Buried

Kinda like when his song "Please, Please, Please" was over and they wrapped his cape around him and he would not leave the stage!!




Show me the money!!!!!!!!!!

Spy Coins


WASHINGTON - Money talks, but can it also follow your movements?

In a U.S. government warning high on the creepiness scale, the Defense Department cautioned its American contractors over what it described as a new espionage threat: Canadian coins with tiny radio frequency transmitters hidden inside.

Ah, who cares. The United States money is being replaced! By what, you ask? Well, read on:


Pizza chain sparks debate by accepting pesos

Hate mail follows promotion — management says it’s serving customers

DALLAS - A pizza chain has been hit with death threats and hate mail after offering to accept Mexican pesos, becoming another flashpoint in the nation’s debate over immigrants.

“This is the United States of America, not the United States of Mexico,” one e-mail read.

Little does the author of that email know. Soon the United States will be forced to

“Aceptamos pesos”



And in closing I have found a church that will bring the masses back to the pews.

One preacher's message: Have hotter sex.

Minister Joe Beam says good Christian marriages walk on the wild side

A pastor wrote in to give "Brother Beam" a big Amen.

"YES!" exclaimed a "Bible-thumping Baptist."

One woman said she buys into Beam to a point — she's still searching for the part of the Bible that says vibrators are OK.


Say hallelujah, we are outta here. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.

Be near and be here!!!!!

Ho Hum

Good morning world!!


Its 3 o'clock in the morning and here I sit in a fog.

Wondering what might interest the readers of my blog.

I sit at the screen all through the night.

Trying for my readers to entertain and delight.

I read the books and take the classes.

Trying to figure out what will garner the masses.

It shouldn't matter what I have to say.

Just give everyone something different to read every day.

Post it out there so people have a place to go.

Maybe a little break in routine over their morning cup of Joe.

But everyday I check the results and much to my chagrin.

The number of hits I hoped for just didn't come in.

I've learned from the blog a writer I'm not.

When I started this you didn't have to be or so I thought.

It started as a great idea in the month of May.

With visions of readers in the hundreds every day.

I have tried as hard as I may and as hard as might.

To make it not only good but just right.

For me the writing of the blog has for the most part been a treat.

Little did I know I would suffer such a defeat.

So one day if you open the blog and at a blank screen you do stare.

Just remember Wag tried but the blog is no longer there.




On another note:

The new Rocky movie is out and getting rave reviews.

I understand this time instead of running up the steps Rocky uses his walker to go to the top via the handicap ramp!

That's all for today! I have to go catch up with what's new with Rosie and the Donald, Rosie and Barbara WaWa, the Donald and Barbara WaWa.

Wow what a three way!!!!!!!!!!!!

How about a WWE steel cage match?


And that's the way it is at the gateway to the three day weekend!!

Put a smile on your face. Be nice to someone and put a smile on their face today!!!

Social Security

OK how many of you know about this?

All we have heard from both parties is how our social security system is going broke and we need reform.

Check out this reform:


Las Vegas Review Journal Editorial: Illegals drawing Social Security

And the federal government approves

Concerned about illegal aliens coming here and getting just as good a deal from our government "entitlement" programs as U.S. citizens? Have your friends and acquaintances, perhaps, gone so far as to suggest you may be a little "paranoid" on this score?

Well, they're right, and it turns out you were wrong all along.

Foreign nationals are not going to be able to come here illegally and get just as good a deal from our Social Security system as legal immigrants and American-born workers.

They're going to get a much better deal.

On June 29, 2004, the U.S. Commissioner of Social Security and the director general of the Mexican Social Security Institute reached an agreement. And if you haven't heard about it, you're not the only one.

It took three years of wrangling and a Freedom of Information Act request by the TREA Senior Citizens League, representing more than a million senior citizens, to get hold of this thing.

What the document reveals, according to Investor's Business Daily, is that the United States will allow illegal aliens to collect Social Security benefits if they have as little as 18 months of (illegal, by definition) U.S. employment history. In contrast, U.S. citizens must show 10 years -- 40 quarters -- of perfectly legal job history to collect benefits.

In a Jan. 4 editorial headlined "Hasta La Vista, Social Security," the daily reported the agreement will "further burden a system on the brink of collapse."

Despite the fact that it's illegal for employers to knowingly hire individuals who are in this country illegally, "The agreement, which awaits President Bush's signature, can take effect without Congress' approval," the paper reports. "All the Democratic Congress has to do is nothing.

It doesn't have to vote to approve it -- it has only 60 days to disapprove it, which isn't likely because they likely support allowing it to become law."

The agreement would drain more billions from a system that already lists a $14 trillion liability and assets of only $3.5 trillion, according to a 2003 report by the Center for Immigration Studies. And it's worth noting that virtually none of those $3.5 billion in "assets" consists of gold bars or even bundled greenbacks sitting in some vault.

Rather, $1.4 trillion exist in the form of IOUs from congressmen who have spent the money as it came in but promised to replace it in the "trust fund" when needed, whereas the remaining $2.1 trillion in "assets," the TREA League points out, are merely a bookkeeping entry representing "the present value of the taxes that current workers will pay for the rest of their working lives."

Yes, it helps to have a steady job if you want a mortgage. But try listing your next 20 or 30 years of anticipated earnings as an "asset."

These so-called "totalization" agreements are common -- the United States has them with 20 countries.

Their goal is to avoid double taxation when employers assign employees to work temporarily in another country.

But, "Totalization was not designed or intended to cover millions of illegals sneaking past the U.S. Border Patrol from what is a borderline Third World country," whose own pension plan comes nowhere near matching the value of America's, the Investors Business Daily points out.

Asked by Congress to assess the fiscal impact of the Mexican deal, the Government Accounting Office warns the agreement involves "highly uncertain" costs and would affect the long-term solvency of the Social Security Trust Fund if the SSA has underestimated the number of beneficiaries by more than 25 percent.

The review also notes that the SSA "assumes that the behavior of Mexican citizens would not change and does not recognize that an agreement would create an additional incentive for unauthorized workers to enter the United States."

This is like handing out free sandwiches to the homeless down in the park every day yet failing to budget for the fact that the number of people who show up for the free ham and cheese is likely grow over time.

Someone could develop a good conspiracy theory in which shadowy contrarians are working behind the scenes to speed up the schedule on which Medicare and Social Security will collapse.

The alternative theories, of course, are that the people running things in Washington are just insufferably arrogant and uncaring about what happens to us after they've retired -- and/or really, really dumb.

It's hard to say which is less reassuring.

Question 1 is, why does the U.S. Commissioner of Social Security have the authority to do something like this?

Question 2 is, why would any American citizen in their right mind agree to anything like this?

Question 3 is, why would President Bush sign this into law?

Question 4 is, why would the all Democratic Congress do nothing?

Question 5 is, why do illegal aliens receive more benefits than American Citizens?

Question 6 is, when will we speak up?

Wake up America.

It's time to be selfish and take care of us for a change!!!

To conquer The United States, another country has to do nothing but wait, we will destroy ourselves from within!!

Adios Retirement!!!!!