Tiger Cubs

'Up with your hands!' yelled a savage voice.

A handsome, tough-looking boy of nine had popped up from behind the table and was menacing him with a toy automatic pistol, while his small sister, about two years younger, made the same gesture with a fragment of wood. Both of them were dressed in the blue shorts, grey shirts, and red neckerchiefs which were the uniform of the Spies. Winston raised his hands above his head, but with an uneasy feeling, so vicious was the boy's demeanour, that it was not altogether a game.

'You're a traitor!' yelled the boy. 'You're a thought-criminal! You're a Eurasian spy! I'll shoot you, I'll vaporize you, I'll send you to the salt mines!'

Suddenly they were both leaping round him, shouting 'Traitor!' and 'Thought-criminal!' the little girl imitating her brother in every movement. It was somehow slightly frightening, like the gambolling of tiger cubs which will soon grow up into man-eaters. There was a sort of calculating ferocity in the boy's eye, a quite evident desire to hit or kick Winston and a consciousness of being very nearly big enough to do so. It was a good job it was not a real pistol he was holding, Winston thought.

Mrs Parsons' eyes flitted nervously from Winston to the children, and back again. In the better light of the living-room he noticed with interest that there actually was dust in the creases of her face.

'They do get so noisy,' she said. 'They're disappointed because they couldn't go to see the hanging, that's what it is. I'm too busy to take them. and Tom won't be back from work in time.'

'Why can't we go and see the hanging?' roared the boy in his huge voice.

'Want to see the hanging! Want to see the hanging!' chanted the little girl, still capering round.

Some Eurasian prisoners, guilty of war crimes, were to be hanged in the Park that evening, Winston remembered. This happened about once a month, and was a popular spectacle. Children always clamoured to be taken to see it.

Too Many to the Head

How many fingers am I holding up?

A study commissioned by the National Football League reports that Alzheimer’s disease or similar memory-related diseases appear to have been diagnosed in the league’s former players vastly more often than in the national population — including a rate of 19 times the normal rate for men ages 30 through 49.

I don't know what it is now, but several years ago, while handling the divorce of an NFL player, the minimum mandatory annual salary in a contract was $760,000. Big risks for big money. And football, unlike golf, is not a sport that you can play forever . . . there's a reason there are no "seniors" games in the sport.

Anyone makes a crack about how this explains John Madden and I'll kick your arse. We love John and miss him sorely this season!

Pray for Samoa

A powerful tsunami generated by an undersea earthquake killed more than two dozen people and wiped out several villages in the tropical islands of American Samoa and Samoa early on Tuesday there, according to officials and local residents who were working to assess the damage.

As regular readers of this blog know, my church has a large Samoan contingent and I feel close to them. Unfortunately, I read that communication lines are down and think that as they are restored, we will be learning about much more damage.

Samoa is not a wealthy country by any stretch, but its people are good and rich in spirit. Help them out, as best you can.

The picture above was taken by my friend, Fr. John Moneypenny, during his visit in August to Samoa as a guest of our Samoan community. Look at the baby - that's who you are helping.

Catholic Relief Services

I Love It When They Eat Their Own

A New York court on Tuesday dismissed Dan Rather's $70 million breach of contract lawsuit against CBS Corp., noting that the network continued to pay the anchor $6 million a year even after he left the evening news broadcast.

Rather sued CBS and its top executives in 2007, claiming he had been removed from his "CBS Evening News" anchor post over a report that examined President George W. Bush's military service.

The dispute began with a piece Rather narrated for the now-defunct "60 Minutes II," in which he reported that Bush got preferential treatment during his Vietnam War-era service in the Texas Air National Guard.

Rather cited new documents CBS had obtained, but the authenticity of the documents later came under attack.

Dan . . . go quietly into that good night. And go in consideration of the fact that CBS continued to pay your $6 million each year under the terms of your contract.

Va te faire foutre, Whoopi!

I always like when people cuss and then say, "Oh, excuse my French." Interestingly enough, I never learned some of those words in Miss Kunzig's French class back at Cardinal Spellman High School. Mais, to protect the sensitivities of folks, I sometimes try to limit my cussing to foreign languages.

It wasn't "rape-rape?!" Whoopi, cul de merde, you feed a 13-year-old a fuckin' quaalude and champagne and then claim you "don;t have all the facts?" God, I hate these skanks.

"The world sees 13-year-olds differently?" That's an excuse?!?! Hey, dumbshit Goldberg, a 12-year-old died in Yemen giving birth because she was legitimately married - according to Shari'a law - to a 24-year-old. So that's okay because it's "their culture?"

Some cultures are evil and wrong. And the culture of Hollywood seems to fast approach that.

Rest in Peace, Derrion Albert

By the way, he was killed last Thursday. Statement of remorse coming from White House in 1 . . . 2. . . 3 . . .

Faster. Higher. Stranger.

To sweeten the pot, Obama has redesigned the Olympics brand to better reflect his image. Not only will the Olympics rings be replaced with Obama's ubiquitous campaign iconography, several new sporting events will be added to provide a more "Chicago" feel.

Track and field events will include Bail Jumping, Legal Hurdles, Blame Throwing and the always popular Graftathalon. Secondary competitions include such Chicago favorites as Freestyle Corruption, Under-the-Table Tennis, Greco-Roman Racketeering and Fencing. (Due to the recent ineligibility of ACORN, Ballot Boxing and Synchronized Vote Fraud have been cut from the program.)

The last great Olympic moment was at the 1980 Winter Games . . . U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A! And Michael "Bong a Gong" Phelps.

In the comments to the satirical piece above (some people just won't pick up on that and the next thing you know, it comes to me in a spam email), two people suggested Olympic mascots, should the Klingon War Bride succeed in "taking no prisoners" and securing the games for the city: "Chalkie," the victim outline at homicide scenes, or "Acorn," the loveable nut.

What would you suggest? Given Obama's "trademark" and the curse of the Cubs, I nominate "Goatse."

I know someone will get this and laugh, although I may find myself surprised by who it is . . . except Eddie.

Honor Thy Mother and Father

I found a cool site called "My Parents Were Awesome."

Before the fanny packs and Andrea Bocelli concerts, your parents (and grandparents) were once free-wheeling, fashion-forward, and super awesome.

It is simply a collection of old photographs of parents - or one parent - put up by people who thought their parents were awesome. I love photography, and looking at some of thse snapshots make me want to know more about the people. Check it out.

Bill Was Right!

A right-wing conspiracy caused Congress to drop federal funding for the embattled community group ACORN, chief organizer Bertha Lewis told supporters last week.

"They [Congress] did it because Fox News and the right-wing smear machine told them to do it," she wrote.

Excuse me . . . deep breath . . . ah HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!

In related news . . .

Former ACORN bigwig Dale Rathke racked up a $157,000 American Express bill that he couldn't repay around the time he was caught embezzling from the group founded by his brother Wade, The Post has learned.

Dale, who was in charge of ACORN's financial arm, continued to make $46,000 a year on the community-activity group's payroll until 2008.

I love it when they eat their own.

For the Freudian on Your Christmas Shopping List

The perfect gift for your-son-the-premed-student-who-is-going-to-be-a-brilliant-surgeon-unless-some tramp-ruins-his-life.

Also, possibly good for vocations.

Sometimes I feel like Dennis Miller and I'm cracking myself up. If you still don't get it, go here.

Friends Helping Friends

The Obama Administration plans to give $400,000 in funding to a Libyan charity run by the Gadhafi family, and U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) wants the grant withdrawn.

The money would be divided between two foundations run by the family of Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi. A $200,000 share is set to go to the Gadhafi Development Foundation, which is run by Gadhafi's son, Saif, and another $200,000 are to go to Wa Attassimou, an organization run by Muammar Gadhafi's daughter, Aisha.

You say Gahdafi, I say Qaddafi.

Gahdafi. Qaddafi. ToMAYto. TOEmahto.

Oh hell, if you think my singing seems inappropriate, go back up to the top and read this story.

"Just weeks after the Gadhafi family celebrated the return of a terrorist responsible for the murders of 189 Americans, the U.S. taxpayer should not be asked to reward them with $400,000," Kirk wrote to the president.

Representative Kirk, c'mon - just think of it when you buy your neighbor kid's wrapping paper for his school fundraiser and in return, your neighbor buys your kid's frozen cookie dough, 'mkay?

And Lockerbie was soooo yesterday. Why, some of those people killed would likely be dead today on their own, so stop making it such a big deal.

Ooooo . . . Snap!

The members of the United Nations are "chiding" and "rebuking" Iran for its presumed nuclear weapon program.

That oughta stop 'em.

Within His Pay Grade

President Barack Obama will travel to Denmark to support Chicago's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics, projecting the highest-ever White House profile in lobbying for the international event.

Valerie Jarrett, a senior adviser to the president, told The Associated Press Monday morning that Obama will leave Thursday and join his wife, Michelle, in Copenhagen, where they'll make the pitch to the International Olympic Committee. Obama would be the first U.S. president to actually appeal in person to the International Olympic Committee for an Olympics event.

You will recall that during the campaign, Obama was asked about when the unborn can be considered human and he answered that it was not within his pay grade to answer that. I read yesterday that he thinks children should have a longer school day and ear, effectively doing away with summer vacation - notwithstanding the fact that the regulation of schools in that manner is a state deision. And now he will travel overseas - carbon footprint be damned! - to pitch personally for the Olympics to come to Chicago.

Any minute now I am expecting him at my house, to advise me on what to wear and maybe how to lose a few pounds. I fear turning on the late night TV and seeing an Obamamercial, just a little sideline he has in his spare time.

Oh! But meanwhile . . .

The military general credited for capturing Saddam Hussein and killing the leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq says he has only spoken to President Obama once since taking command of Afghanistan.

“I’ve talked to the president, since I’ve been here, once on a VTC [video teleconference],” General Stanley McChrystal told CBS reporter David Martin in a television interview that aired Sunday.

“You’ve talked to him once in 70 days?” Mr. Martin followed up.

“That is correct,” the general replied.

Yom Kippur

It is sundown now, here on the West Coast, and the Day of Atonement has begun. To all of my Jewish friends and readers, may you and your family be sealed in the Book for Life for peace and blesings ahead, and may you have an easy fast.

The picture above was taken last year, when I made a trip to New York to say goodbye to my mother as she was dying. On one day, my brother and I drove up High Point in New Jersey. There, I found a rabbi and his family, blessing the four directions and blowing the shofar to remind the people that God is One and He reigns.

Conspiracy Requires Secrecy, Bill

Bill Clinton says a vast, right-wing conspiracy that once targeted him is now focusing on President Barack Obama.

The ex-president made the comment in a television interview when he was asked about one of the signature moments of the Monica Lewinsky affair over a decade ago. Back then, first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton used the term "vast, right-wing conspiracy" to describe how her husband's political enemies were out to destroy his presidency.

What conspiracy? It's true! The right wing - a.k.a. conservatives - do not like Barack Obama and yes, would indeed like to see him and his policies removed from the White House.

Duh!

Not Evil Just Wrong

I hate hypocrisy like this and so I shall lend a hand to Mr. McAleer.

Not Evil Just Wrong is the film Al Gore and Hollywood don't want you to see. It reveals the true human cost of Global Warming hysteria.

Not Evil Just Wrong shows how Global Warming alarmism and the tax increases that go along with it are going to increase costs for working families during one of the worst recessions in living memory.

Who else here is tried of celebutards telling us how greedy we are with earth's resources while consuming most of it?

Woman in Hollywood

Woman in Hollywood, originally uploaded by Stephanie Richer.

She was just off the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, in Los Angeles, California.

Patrick and Jay

Patrick and Jay, originally uploaded by Stephanie Richer.

I walked past it, but my 9-year-old pulled me back to show me this star.

Iran Timetable

President Barack Obama is offering Iran "a serious, meaningful dialogue" over its disputed nuclear program, while warning Tehran of grave consequences from a united global front.

I am trying to figure this out. War with Iran by 2011? Gitmo doesn't close because it will be in use.

Or will "menaingful discussion" continue indefinitely? Nothing happens and Obama claims he "kept the peace."

Nurse

Oh. My. God.

No, this is a very good thing. Congratulations, Rita, on your outstanding achievement! I see a brilliant future of professionalism, care for your fellow humanity, and ugly white shoes.

Now, please go and find a job with a cosmetic surgeon so you can get me a discount . . .

When are we going to get together for the obligatory champagne?

I'm Holing Up

Obama to Usher In New World Order at G-20

See? You can't make these headlines up. Silly evangelicals, indeed!

A Life Sentence Ended

Susan Atkins died in prison. Now it is time for God to show His Mercy. Susan has got a far better chance with that than Sharon Tate and her unborn son had with Susan.

Obscure Music Friday

Song: N.W.O.

Artist: Ministry

Why I Am Listening to This: this past week I watched demagogues and mad men address the United Nations - ha, the United Nations, my ass - except or one, Benjamin Netanyahu, who asked the question, "Have you no shame?" The title, "N.W.O." stands for "New World Order" and was written as a ptotest against Bush Sr. I say to Minstry, screw you, I am taking your song and railing against the new world, one world order that Obama wants to see implemented, with himself as head. Anything is possible now. Zelaya says Israeli mercenaries are out to kill him with mind-altering gases and Obama pulls the visas of Honduran diplomats for ousting him. Qaddafi in 2002 took full credit for the bombing over Lockerbie, and the killer is released and the delegates sit there for 96 minutes to listen to him ramble. The media wants to make sacrifices of Giles and O'Keefe. Public school kids in New Jersey are taught songs to honor the "accomplishments" of a man who has been in office only 9 months. Unemployment benefits are extended while Michelle O jumps into a limo to travel two blocks for organic Tuscan kale.

Yup, it's a new world order and I am absconding with this song to be the soundtrack to my own anger. If Ministry doesn't like that, f**k them.

Disconnect

Barbie she's not. Meet Gwen Thompson, the newest addition to the American Girl canon of dolls -- the wildly suc cessful, extremely expensive brand of faux children that are sold out of a four-story town house in the heart of Fifth Avenue.

She is homeless. A homeless doll.

In the history books that come with every American Girl doll -- bringing to life these little monsters until impressionable little ones believe they are actual people -- you learn that Gwen's father walked out on the family. Her mother lost her job.

As the little kiddies learn to read about this doll as if she's a human being, one learns that, as fall turned into winter, Gwen's mom lost her grip.

Mother and daughter started bedding down in a car.

For $95 -- more than your average homeless person would dream of spending on a rather mediocre baby substitute -- Gwen Thompson can be yours.

I think this teaches little girls a lesson - that men are evil and leave their womenfolk and women are helpless and have nervous breakdowns. A $95 lesson.

Mackie O

Here, Mrs. O gives a preview of her holiday "Evil Elf" look.

I guess my sense of decorum and fashion is so very wrong . . .

There is a website called "Mrs. O" whose sole meaning in this world is to follow - slavishly and adoringly - the fashion of Michelle Obama.

Comments on today's picture (see above) include:

Quelle beautee.....Toujours tres belle. I noticed like always she sometimes coordinates her outfit to match her husband. He is weraing a red tie, and FLOTUS strikingly beautiful in red. I can't hardly wait for the remaining week.....

(Sigh) I should ever look so good. And smart and funny too. SO proud of her!

I actually gasped when I saw her walk in with the President. Mrs. O is lookin' fierce in this color - it's like crimson tide... It expresses her assertiveness and sends all the right messages... bold but not brash, strong but not aggressive or burly and truly feminine chic...Ravishing!

Personal note: Eddie, forgive me for the nausea and convulsive fit I fear this will cause in you.

"Hello, Is This Thing On?"

The lawsuit accuses James O'Keefe and Hannah Giles of violating Maryland law that requires two-party consent for electronic surveillance.

I have been trying to find out more information about this law, which I understand to be a anti-wire tap statute. Such a distinction is important since it may be interpreted to meean taping that intercepts a communication between two parties is illegal, but what happens if one of the those parties is the eprson doing the taping. There is also a question, in my mind, as to the expectation of privacy ACORN can claim, as they were operating a public storefront services center. So I continue to look for a legal analysis and not simply a media take on the situation.

Note to terrorist cells: if this suit prevails, Maryland is where you wnat to base your operations, since you can rest assured folks taping your conversations about blowing up buildings will be prosecuted.

The real story here, however, is that is is somewhat frightening to see how many media outlets are jumping on the bandwagon of, "Yar! Yar! Those two kids can't escape justice! Throw the book at them!" Of course. This is embarassing to them and exposes a shady operation with ties to a popular president.

If there is a defense fund, I'll throw my $5 in.

More to the Story

A U.S. Census worker found hanged from a tree near a Kentucky cemetery had the word "fed" scrawled on his chest, a law enforcement official said Wednesday, and the FBI is investigating whether he was a victim of anti-government sentiment.

I think this is going to blossom into a bigger story, and it chills me.

Gilbert Acciardo, a retired Kentucky state trooper who directs an after-school program at the elementary school where Sparkman was a frequent substitute teacher, said he had warned Sparkman to be careful when he did his Census work.

"I told him on more than one occasion, based on my years in the state police, 'Mr. Sparkman, when you go into those counties, be careful because people are going to perceive you different than they do elsewhere,'" Acciardo said.

"Even though he was with the Census Bureau, sometimes people can view someone with any government agency as 'the government.' I just was afraid that he might meet the wrong character along the way up there," Acciardo said.

BGM ISO NWA

This appeared as a Google ad. I suddenly hear a rap version of Dean Martin singing, "Everybody, loves somebody, sometime . . ."

The variety of the human condition never fails to amaze me.

I Dun Get It

After reading the transcript of Obama's speech to the United Nations, why do evangelical Christians believe the One World Order of the anti-Christ would be established by the Catholic Church?

White Lies

Since 2000, Mugabe's controversial land reform program has driven more than 4,000 commercial farmers off their land, destroying Zimbabwe's once prosperous agricultural sector.

"When the land reform program began, we decided we were not going to have a confrontational attitude; that we would actually go along with this program because it was the only way that this whole thing would be sorted out. So I voluntarily gave away my own farm and moved onto my father-in-law's farm," Lock said.

That was in 2002. A year later the government came knocking on his door again, he said, demanding more land.

Lock told CNN he eventually gave up 70 percent of his father-in-law's farm, which he then owned. Now an army general is demanding Lock's remaining 30 percent.

What is the common attribute of Zimbabwe's farmers? They're White. This is all about the government taking the land at gunpoint and giving it to landless Blacks, regardless of whether it will be farmed.

But this is not a lesson in racism. It's a lesson to teach you don't make any compromises with a socialist government because appeasement does not work.

[Obama] had pledged $73-million (R565m) in additional support for Zimbabwe's people after meeting Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai in June, and the US would continue to explore ways to help further "without empowering the forces of repression".

Asked what he thought of African leaders who wanted to change their country's constitution to remain president for longer, Obama echoed what he had told the Ghanaian parliament in July: "Africa doesn't need strongmen; it needs strong institutions."

So, what was his answer again?

$5 says he shakes Mugabe's hand at the United Nations this week!

Dress Code

Jen over at Demure Thoughts has it right - this is NOT what one wears when attending a service where your husband is awarding the Medal of Honor posthumously to the parents of a dead soldier.

]You know, 'cause, like, it's somber and shit . . .

Oy! A Laugh You Should Have!

My husband read about this very funny web site in Forves magazine - Old Jews Telling Jokes. Got schmaltz?

Guy goes into a clothing store, tries on a new pair of pants. Tailor asks how they fit.

Man says, “Well, they kinda remind me of Trinity Church.”

Tailor says, “Trinity Church? How could pants remind you of Trinity Church?”

Man says, “Well, you know the ballroom in Trinity Church?”

Tailor thinks for a moment. Then he says, “There’s no ballroom in Trinity Church!”

Man says, “Same as these pants.”

4th Annual Ed Thaete Golf Classic

Tom Linnert, who with his wife Connie arranges all of this.

Fr. John got an award for "low gross" - he doesn't know what that means, but he'll take it as this is the 4th annual golf classic and he has played golf only 4 times in his life . . . do the math.

Jay White demonstrates his style on the tee.

My husband, Mark, on the 9th hole fairway - it was lovely to spend the day together!

The man, the legend - Ed Thaete

Once again, the good folk at St. Joseph's Church in Santa Ana, CA gathered at Willowick Golf Course for the 4th annual Ed Thaete Golf Classic. Gorgeous weather yesterday and really, who wouldn't want to skip a day of work for this?

The origins are this: everyone loves Ed Thaete, our chief sacristan, who is a remarkable man but a very humble one. Not the kind to put his name on anything. Tom Linnert, who is one the sweetest guys in the world, convinced Ed that if this outing was named after him, people would come, and funds would be raised. So please - it's not a "memorial" anything, as Ed was out there on the links yesterday, as he is every Friday (retirement has its benefits).

The golf tournament serves to raise money for church restoration, although this year I understand a portion will be going to our school, as well.

Tradition is that we start after Jay White, one of our parishioners, sings the National Anthem. Jay is developmentally challenged, but I only wish I had a tenth of the heart and love of life that he has!

Listen, there's a lot of things out there in the world that serve to get your blood prssure up and wear you down. Every once in awhile, it's a great thing to get together with quality people and enjoy the goodness of God in each other. This golf day is such a time. If you're in the area next September, join us for the 5th annual classic.

Let's Clean House

In his testimony, Monsignor Loomis said he told Cardinal Mahony in a memo that he was going to report the new accusations against Mr. Baker to police. Monsignor Loomis said Cardinal Mahony initially supported the idea but later told him through a secretary not to do so until the Vatican approved Mr. Baker’s defrocking.

John Manly, the plaintiff lawyer, said the archdiocese did not report abuse claims to the police until 2002, although Mr. Baker was defrocked in December 2000.

Monsignor Loomis later testified that he had wanted to report the new accusations to parishioners in parishes where Mr. Baker had worked but had been told by Cardinal Mahony not to do so. Monsignor Loomis said that the order upset him deeply and that he would have resigned if his term was not about to end.

“I wanted to follow our regular policy and inform the parishes where Father Baker had been assigned. And I was instructed that we were not going to do that because the lawsuit was still under the process of settlement,” Monsignor Loomis said, according to the transcript.

“I was very upset that we were not going to follow through with our ordinary way of
doing it.”

Why is Mahoney still in his position? Clerical robes? I think an orange jumpsuit would be a better fit.

No News for You!

"I think it's important for the media, you know - not to do any media-bashing here - to recognize that right now, in this 24-hour news cycle, the easiest way to get on CNN is or Fox or any of the other stations, MSNBC is to say something rude and outrageous," Obama said on CNN's Sept. 20 "State of the Union." "If you're civil and polite and you're sensible and you don't exaggerate the-bad things about your opponent and you know, you might get on one of the Sunday shows. But you're not going to be on the loop. And, you know, part of what I'd like to see is all of us reward decency and civility in our political discourse."

In short, anything critical of Obama is "rude and outrageous." Excuse me, but this merely seems a request to the media to not air any discourse or disagreement with his worldview . . . else he will not give you, Mr. Netwprk, access to the White House and so in order to gain that for the sake of your existence, you had better be ready to cater to his wishes.

I am surprised Obama did not win an Emmy last night . . .

As of mid-August, Obama submitted to a total of 66 television interviews, dramatically outstripping his two predecessors, according to Martha Joynt Kumar, director of the White House Transition Project at Towson University in Maryland.

During the same period of their own presidencies, President George W. Bush gave 16 television interviews and President Bill Clinton gave just six.

Obama is also out-hustling his predecessors with the print media, giving 36 interviews with newspapers and magazines during his first seven months in office -- nearly doubling the numbers given by Bush and Clinton.

Sunday Games

Just two things to say:

Tom Brady is still gayer than gay (and no, that has nothing to do with homosexuality) and I am glad the Jets beat the Brady Bunch, and . . .

I WANT TO HAVE LAWRENCE TYNES' LOVE CHILD FOR KICKING THAT FIELD GOAL, ESPECIALLY AFTER THE COWGIRLS TRIED TO THROW HIM OFF HIS GAME WHEN THEY SIGNALED FOR A TIME OUT JUST BEFORE HIS FIRST ATTEMPT!

GO G-MEN!!!

By the way, in case you didn't know, I was born and raised in the Bronx. Mebbe I gotta bias, I dunno . . .

Gorod Geroi, Gorod Mostov

This is fascinating - go and look at these images, where the artist took photographs of Leningrad during its great seige of WII, and then superimposed parts of them onto modern photographs of the exact same spot in the city, creating seamless images.

Superb work and a wonderful pictorial history lesson. If you do not know about the блокада Ленинграда (the blockade of Leningrad), go and learn. The suffering was immense. It does not justify the barbarism the Russians showed the Germans at the end of the war, but it helps to understand it.

I took the title of this posting from a narration I recall in a film I saw about Leningrad, where the narrator said (in Russian): Leningrad . . . city of heroes, city of bridges . . .

"It Was a Dark and Stormy Night, Dan Brown"

Edinburgh professor of linguistics Geoffrey Pullum says “Brown's writing is not just bad; it is staggeringly, clumsily, thoughtlessly, almost ingeniously bad.” He picks out some excerpts for special criticism. The female lead in Angels and Demons learns of the death of her scientist father: “Genius, she thought. My father . . . Dad. Dead.” A member of the Vatican Guard in the same book becomes annoyed by something, and we learn that "his eyes went white, like a shark about to attack."

This article lists its selection for the 20 worst sentences written by author Dan Brown. Hemingway, he ain't. My favorite is this:

As a boy, Langdon had fallen down an abandoned well shaft and almost died treading water in the narrow space for hours before being rescued. Since then, he'd suffered a haunting phobia of enclosed spaces - elevators, subways, squash courts.

Squash courts! I dunno, maybe saunas are a better fit, or Japanese "econo" hotel rooms, or airplane bathrooms, or shower stalls . . .

All the News That's Fit to Revise

The president said he is "happy to look at" bills before Congress that would give struggling news organizations tax breaks if they were to restructure as nonprofit businesses.

Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) has introduced S. 673, the so-called "Newspaper Revitalization Act," that would give outlets tax deals if they were to restructure as 501(c)(3) corporations.

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs had played down the possibility of government assistance for news organizations, which have been hit by an economic downturn and dwindling ad revenue.

So if the newspapers - like The New York Times and The Washington Post - became non-profit organizations, then they would be eligible to apply for federal grant money and it really wouldn't be another private sector buy-out like the auto industry, so who's to complain?

Instead, the newspapers rely on government grants, which means the government can impose restrictions, which means the newspapers become the mouthpieces of the government, which they really are now but as a non-profit, it seems all the less sordid and fascist.

But on the other hand - does this mean buying a newspaper is a charitable contribution?

Dozhynki

Dozhynki_10, originally uploaded by Stephanie Richer.

Sorry, maybe I am biased, but Polish women - and Eastern European women in general - I think are gorgeous!

This was taken by me last night at the dożynki held at the Pope John Paul II Polish Center in Yorba Linda, California. My husband, my friend the Moneypenny, and I met some mutual friends and I got me some good soul food to warm my half-Polish heart. It was nice to sit in a place where everyone looked like me!

My Wild Saturday Night

Shot from my iPhone.

But man, did I eat! Kielbasa, pierogi, kapusta, and golabki, with a little sernik for dessert. Washed down with Zywiec beer. Nastroveye!

Mixed Messages

President Obama is extending greetings to Muslims celebrating Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy monthlong fasting time known as Ramadan.

The president on Saturday issued a statement saying he and his wife, Michelle, congratulate Muslims in the U.S. and around on the world on a "blessed day."

Obama said even at this festive occasion, Muslims remember the less fortunate, those suffering in poverty, hunger, conflict and disease.

Obama also used a Rosh Hashana message to renew his call for peace between Israel and its Arab neighbours.

Obama said the holy day should be an opportunity to heal old divisions and seek new understandings. He said he wants to bring lasting peace to Israel so future generations will have a safe existence.

So he extends congratulations to the Muslims but lets the Jews know they should "healing old divisions" and working to "new understandings" in the Middle East.

Subtle, very subtle.

The Dating Game

I hope these fellers found love!

"I'm interested in most phases of data processing . . ."

To My Jewish Friends

L'shana tovah!

May you and your loved ones be inscribed in the Book of Life for a blessed year ahead.

Happy new year . . . now, go party like it's 5770!

Me, I Just Came from Costco . . .

. . . after stopping by on my way back to the office from court this morning.

No organic Tuscan kale, though.

Let's say you're preparing dinner and you realize with dismay that you don't have any certified organic Tuscan kale. What to do?

Here's how Michelle Obama handled this very predicament Thursday afternoon:

The Secret Service and the D.C. police brought in three dozen vehicles and shut down H Street, Vermont Avenue, two lanes of I Street and an entrance to the McPherson Square Metro station. They swept the area, in front of the Department of Veterans Affairs, with bomb-sniffing dogs and installed magnetometers in the middle of the street, put up barricades to keep pedestrians out, and took positions with binoculars atop trucks. Though the produce stand was only a block or so from the White House, the first lady hopped into her armored limousine and pulled into the market amid the wail of sirens.

Cowbells were rung. Somebody put a lei of marigolds around Obama's neck. The first lady picked up a straw basket and headed for the "Farm at Sunnyside" tent, where she loaded up with organic Asian pears, cherry tomatoes, multicolored potatoes, free-range eggs and, yes, two bunches of Tuscan kale. She left the produce with an aide, who paid the cashier as Obama made her way back to the limousine.

There's nothing like the simple pleasures of a farm stand to return us to our agrarian roots.

It's good to see the Obamas are simple folk, like you and me. Though I am curious to know, does the aide get reimbursed?

Although I will say this - why are most "farmers' markets" open on weekdays only, and even then, usually in the afternoon?

The Audacity of Hos

The DigiSpouse passed this long to me yesterday. Most of the time I cannot take Jon Stewart's smarminess, but this is brilliant satire.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
The Audacity of Hos
http://www.thedailyshow.com/
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Healthcare Protests

He Wants to Be Their Backdoor Man

"Even though I do not believe we can extend coverage to those who are here illegally, I also don't simply believe we can simply ignore the fact that our immigration system is broken," Mr. Obama said Wednesday evening in a speech to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. "That's why I strongly support making sure folks who are here legally have access to affordable, quality health insurance under this plan, just like everybody else.

Mr. Obama added, "If anything, this debate underscores the necessity of passing comprehensive immigration reform and resolving the issue of 12 million undocumented people living and working in this country once and for all."

Okay, technically, he did not lie and Rep. Wilson does not know what he's talking about. Health care will NOT be offered to illegal immgrants, because once he gives them amnesty, they no longer will be illegal, so quit yer bitchin' . . .

Betrayal!

"Betrayal! The U.S. sold us to Russia and stabbed us in the back," the Polish
tabloid Fakt declared on its front page.

As someone who is half-Polish, I don't want to hear anymore jokes about stupid Polacks, because unlike a lot of Americans, they seem to get it . . .

But they're just raaaaaaaaacists!

Putin had something to say:

I expect that after this correct and brave decision, others will follow, including the complete removal of all restrictions on the transfer of high technology to Russia . . .

Obscure Music Friday

Song: Sax and Violins

Artist: Talking Heads

Why I Like This Song: It's haunting and cool, and was used in the soundtrack for the movie Until the End of the Worls.

Move Over, Rover, and Let Jimmeh Take Over

I lurve the old Beatles . . .!

Where Was the Strangest Place You Ever Made Whoopie?

Remember The Newlywed Game? I was born in 1961, which meant I watched a lot of television while growing up. The Newlywed Game always cracked me up for the sly innuendos that even I could pick up as a kid. I grew up in New York, though, so I would think to myself, if they live in an apartment, where the heck are they gonna put that washer and dryer?

Alas, another innocence of my youth has changed . . .

The long-running game show, now on the GSN cable network, said Wednesday it will feature its first gay couple this season on a celebrity edition. George Takei, who played Mr. Sulu on "Star Trek," will appear with his partner, Brad Altman.

What will they win if they do?

Clothes Make the Woman

The design on a t-shirt I just ordered from Threadless entitled "Heartless."

Happy Mexican Independence Day

Patrias005, originally uploaded by Stephanie Richer.

The revolution to free themselves from Spanish rule was begun by that man in the background, Father Miguel Hidalgo. So, if you're a Mexican, go thank a priest.

At Least They Don't Play Into Stereotypes

The Best and Brightest of Fontucky in the 909

Hey, give ACORN credit - maybe they are advocating the establishment of illegal brothels using underage girls, but at least they are not discounting James O'Keefe, a 25-year-old White guy, as a credible pimp! No profiling there - in ACORN's worldview, anyone can work some girls and I call that progress!

I was watching the fourth undercover videotape and I just cracked up at the California ACORN worker - who, remarkably, both looks like and is a long-in-the-tooth ho' - make the statement, "Heidi Fleiss is my hero."

And Charlie Gibson!

ABC News anchor Charlie Gibson said he didn't even know what the scandal was about.

This, from the same man who made up "The Bush Doctrine" while interviewing Sarah Palin. He's a real newsman!

Cracker Jack

Responding to an audience question at a town hall at his presidential center in Atlanta, Carter said Tuesday that Wilson's outburst was also rooted in fears of a black president.

"I think it's based on racism," Carter said. "There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president."

Oops, "cracker" is a racist term . . . oh wait, no it's not, because I am a White female using it towards a White male. Never mind . . . so, can someone tell this peckerhead to STFU?

Isn't Annapolis ashamed by now to list him as an alumnus?

Mine Evidently CHOSE to Be Born White

No One is Color Blind Anymore

Making an obvious reference to the Ku Klux Klan, Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., said Tuesday that people will be putting on "white hoods and white uniforms again and riding through the countryside" if emerging racist attitudes, which he says were subtly supported by Wilson, are not rebuked. He said Wilson must be disciplined as an example.

Excuse me a moment . . .

JUST SHUT THE F**K UP, WILL YOU?! THIS IS GETTING INCREASINGLY STUPID! WHILE YELLING OUT DURING THE SPEECH MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN THE MOST POLITE OF GESTURES, THAT ACT IS NOT F**KING TANTAMOUNT TO THE RETURN OF JIM CROW LAWS AND THE KLAN BURNING A F**KING CROSS ON YOUR S****Y FRONT LAWN!

I AM TIRED TO DEATH OF EVERYTHING BEING RACIST, RACIST, RACIST - BECAUSE IT'S NOT. I DON'T KNOW WHAT RACE REP. JOHNSON IS AND I DON'T GIVE A S**T - BUT I WILL SAY HE'S AN IDIOT. BECAUSE I AM WILLING TO BET HE'S NOT WORRIED ABOUT ANY DAMN KLAN MEMBER SHOWING UP, BUT IS USING THE OCCASION TO GET HIS NAME IN THE PAPER.

JAWS, the Remake

My children get it from my side of the family, honestly . . .

Filmed live at Norms Restaurant in Santa Ana, CA.

Dead Letter Office

In the 1990's, Bill Geerhart pretended to be a little boy asking for advice on whether he should stay in school and sent letters to famous serial killers . . . and they replied!

I am still cracked up over the fact that Richard Ramirez had personalized stationery. That's so classy. I wonder if he had business cards printed up, too.

Anyone Care?

Here, since it seems this sytory is being ignored largely by the media, perhaps because it is critical of Islamic culture.

A 12-year-old Yemeni child-bride died after struggling for three days in labor to give birth, a local human rights organization said.

Fawziya Abdullah Youssef died of severe bleeding on Friday while giving birth to a stillborn in the al-Zahra district hospital of Hodeida province, 140 miles west of the capital San'a.

Youssef was only 11 when her father married her to a 24-year-old man who works as a farmer in Saudi Arabia, Ahmed al-Quraishi, chairman of Siyaj human rights organization, said Saturday.

In February, parliament passed a law setting the minimum marriage age at 17. But some lawmakers are trying to kill the measure, calling it un-Islamic.

Child abuse evidently doesn't rank high in terms of importance in Yemeni culture. If you want to embrace "multi-culturalism" and "diversity," this is what you get. Makes you wonder how many schoolgirls you see trotting off to school in their hijabs here in America are secretly married.

May Fawziya and her dead child be received into Heaven by Our Blessed Mother.

Absolute Proof That Kanye West is a Dick

The Kids Are Alright

Nice to see the schoolchildren appreciate that ol' "circle of life."

A group of schoolchildren who reared a lamb from birth and named it Marcus has overridden objections by parents and rights activists and voted to send the animal to slaughter.

Marcus the six-month-old lamb has now been culled, the head teacher of the primary school in Kent confirmed on Monday, after the school's council -- a 14-member group of children aged 6 to 11 -- voted 13-1 to have him killed.

The decision has provoked fury among animal-loving celebrities, animal and human rights campaigners and the parents of some of the children, and led to threats against Lydd primary school and its teachers, according to a member of staff.

It's a lamb - albeit likely cuter than hell, it is still a food product and I am sure Marcus was dispatched nicely.

But opponents branded it heartless and cruel, with animal rights campaigners asking why Marcus could not have been used to teach the children about wool, and human rights campaigners worried about the emotional impact of Marcus's death on the children.

A popular talkshow host offered to buy the lamb and give it sanctuary and Facebook groups sprung up to rally support to keep Marcus alive.

Er, did they not hear - those heartless little bastards voted to slaughter Marcus.

Wait! Were they Muslim children? 'Cause that would be different, right?

Oh, sweet Jesus, a f***in' Facebook page . . . .

Fore! the Glory of God

Next Monday, September 21st, what you need to do is (a) take the afternoon off, and (b) tee up at St. Joseph Church's 4th Annual Ed Thaete Golf Classic.

All the cool kids will be there!

Happy Birthday, Patrick

Nine years ago today, on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, my son, Patrick Joseph Martin Richer, was born!

Happy birthday, Moe - you are so precious to me!

Carmelite Gazing for Tara

Tara over at Loved Sinner loves all things Carmelite, so when I had the chance to view these pictures of a Carmelite novice in Samoa taking her final vows and receiving her black veil, I asked the photorgapher, Fr. John Moneypenny - who spent two weeks there as a guest of Samoans from our parish - if I could post these. It is not everyday you can see a ceremony like this, much less in Samoa.

Roman Catholicism is the 2nd largest Christian denomination in Samoa (I am told Lutherans are the largest) and their devotion, as I have seen demonstrated at St. Joseph's, is very deep.

Tara - or rather, "Grandma" - I hope you like these!

Cheap Date Shots

My favorite local band is Cheap Date and here are additional shots of last Friday night's concert. Really, they are outstanding!

Nashi, Nashi

When I was an exchange student in the Soviet Union, back in 1980, I would hear old women look at beautiful young girls walk by, poke each other in the ribs with smiles, and say, "Nashi . . . nashi . . ." while gesturing toward the girls. Nashi means "ours" and it was a way of acknowledging the beauties they once were and how proud they were of the beauty that is inherent in Russian women.

I read about Alex Griffith and my first thought was nashi . . .

Alex -- originally named Sergey -- was abandoned by his parents shortly after he was born at the hospital in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk. He weighed less than 2 pounds and doctors said he had a mild case of cerebral palsy.

His condition improved slightly over the next 11 months, when Dwight and Jenny Griffith adopted him.

Alex grew healthier throughout his childhood and became active in the Boy Scouts. In 2007, he set out to build a new playground at Hospital 20 as his service project to become an Eagle Scout, the highest earned rank of the Boy Scouts of America.

Alex devoted 2 ½ years to his Krasnoyarsk Playground Project. In addition to recruiting more than 500 volunteers in five countries, he raised more than $60,000 by soliciting help from local Rotary Clubs and joining forces with other Boy Scouts for candy sales, car washes and barbeque fundraisers. Alex oversaw every aspect of production, from designing and purchasing the playground to shipping equipment overseas.

The playground is painted red, white and blue and the entrance has two totem poles: a bear for Russia and an eagle for America.

Alex will find out in the next couple of months whether he has earned the status of Eagle Scout. In my opinion, however, he is already a hero.

Him and kids like him in the BSA . . . nashi, nashi.

Jungle Fever

Wilson clearly did not like being lectured and even rebuked by the brainy black president presiding over the majestic chamber.

I think Maureen Dowd likes Black brothers. She likes the dark meat. Now, that might completely lack any foundation on my part to say that, but hell, since she found racism in Wilson's outburst, which even the White House has denounced, and is purely speculative on her part, I figure I can make my statement.

Now, mind you, I don't really care if Dowd's got that "Shaft" thing going ("'cause he's a bad mother . . . shut yo' mouth!") and for all I know, she's entertaining the entire defense of the Pittsburgh Steelers on a nightly basis . . . oh hell, this seems to be the open season on people saying whatever the hell they want, so let me tell you, Dowd's also doing Pelosi. Oh yah, sure, she's a switch hitter.

And she kills puppies. With kittens.

God Save the Kid From the Queen

British singer Elton John, visiting Ukraine with his AIDS charity foundation, said on Saturday he wanted to adopt a 14-month-old boy from an orphanage in the east of the country.

"David and I have always talked about adoption," Elton John replied. "David always wanted to adopt a child and I always said 'no' because I am 62 and I think because of the traveling I do and the life I have, maybe it wouldn't be fair for the child."

"But having seen Lev today, I would love to adopt him. I don't know how we do that but he has stolen my heart. And he has stolen David's heart and it would be wonderful if we can have a home. I've changed my mind today," he said.

Oh, bad idea, bad idea . . . look, Elton John is talented and when I was in high school, I was one of his biggest fans. But he fell out of favor with me with the following:

Gay rights organisation Stonewall has apologised to the Scout Association after Sir Elton John took part in a dance routine by male strippers dressed as cub scouts.

The 52-year-old singer appeared on stage at the star-studded concert and introduced the dancers dressed in mock cub uniforms and caps.

As Sir Elton sang, the professional dancers, aged 18 and 19, stripped off down to skimpy shorts to the tune of "It's A Sin" by pop group the Pet Shop Boys.

Oh, sure, someone is going to say, "But that was 10 years ago!" What, like he's changed, or something? The guy is a fat old man with a bad temper and evidently a complete lack of judgment. Maybe a kid deserves better, that's all I'm saying.

Update! Elton John will not be able to adopt a 14-month-old Ukrainian child because the pop star is too old and isn't traditionally married, Ukraine's minister for family affairs said Monday.

Bet he wasn't that serious anyway . . .

Loser

Soy un perdedor . . . I'm a loser, baby, so why don't you kill me?

If anyone assumed that the election of Barack Obama precluded the need for Michael Moore, they clearly forgot to tell the man himself. The Oscar-winning American director rolled into the Venice film festival like a conquering hero with his latest work, Capitalism: A Love Story – a film that spotlights the causes behind last year's government bailout of the US banking system.

Moore admitted that he felt vindicated that George Bush had finally gone. "The American people are now thinking more like me," he said.

Yeah, them tired old term limits had nothing to do with it.

"Obama will rise or fall based on what we all do to support him because democracy is a participatory sport."

Alrighty then, thanks for reminding us what we need to do - work to remove that man from the White House.

Oh, and before someone turns me into the cops, the caption under the picture is not a call to kill Michael Moore. It's a lyric from Beck's song, "Loser." I am expecting Michael Moore to collapse from his gluttonous obesity and die from lack of care under socialized medicine.

Cut-n-Paste

Is anyone else having toruble pasting copied text into a blog posting on Blogger?

You're Judged by The Friends You Keep

The de facto ruler of Honduras said Saturday that Washington had pulled his U.S. visas as punishment for failing to reinstate President Manuel Zelaya, ousted more than two months ago.

So Obama, who was always critical of Bush for "interfering" in the sovreignty of other countries, is putting pressure on Honduras, who ousted a leftist - not by a military coup but by an arrest warrant issued by the Honduras Supreme Court . . . and who happens to be the buddy of guys like Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro.

Socialists stick together.

He's One of Them

The DigiHusband bought a Snuggie.

Do I worry?

Never Can Say Goodbye, No, No, No, No . . .

You can't make stuff like this up. Now, $25,000 seems a bit pricey . . . isn't taxidermy cheaper?

What does one blogger call Utah - "home of America's most powerful weirdos?" Oh, yeah . . .

Kevlar Kiddies!

Now here is something you do not see everyday - riot gear for your baby! The video of the product test for the bullet proof stroller is friggin' awesome.

A must for mobile baby protection, the Heavy weight bulllet proof stroller provides 100% protection against all modern ballistics including Armor Piercing rounds. It’s heavy enough to maintain stability even under a heavy barrage, and yet has light steering enabling the stroller to turn on a dime if required. For the smart urban baby.. this stroller is the ultimate in style, comfort and extreme combat protection.

You can laugh but you know what, if I was an executive being sent by my company to someplace like Mexico City, or Tel Aviv, I'd get one for my baby.