Blue Eyed Pup

Blue Eyed Pup, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

I saw this pup at Corgi Fun Day. It is a Cardigan Welsh Corgi, the ones that have a tail (I have a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, no tail). I would name this dog Frank, even if it was a girl. No, I did not Photoshop the dog's eye color, but slightly desaturated the other colors to bring out the intesnity of its eyes.

Ferris Wheel

Ferris Wheel, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

Went this last weekend to a church festival in Costa Mesa, CA, at St. John the Baptist Church. I love such things but was quite disappointed to see that the company operating the rides had indistinguishable carnies - these looked like average folks hired from a temp agency. Give me the true salt of the earth, the itinerant carnies!

Irish Fan

Irish Fan, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

I went over to Costa Mesa this afternoon to check out the fiesta for St. John the Baptist Church. While there, I got into conversation with this Notre Dame fan, who was waiting for The Fenians to start playing. He had a date - his 98-year-old mother.

You meet the nicest people at church festivals.

La Lune

La Lune, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

Tonight was a full moon and it is also the 13th birthday of my precious daughter. She's a teenager now and for some reason, I wanted to capture the moon for her, so I did.

Vicky

Vicky, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

I went and had my nails done today. Vicky is the woman who always does my nails and I thought she looked very glamorous tonight, so I told her I wanted her picture. A sweet Vietnamese lady.

It's Been a Year

MJ Memorial_164, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

Today is the first anniversary of Michael Jackson's death. Farrah Fawcett's, too, if you remember.

Here is a shot I took at the big memorial they had for him outside of the Staples Center last year.

Angry Man on Television

Angry Man on Television, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

The series "Treme" closed for Season One and now I don't know what I am going to watch on TV.

At the Barber Shop

At the Barber Shop, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

Need a trim? No line . . .

Eastern State Penitentiary. July 8, 2008.

Boy at Cemetery

Boy at Cemetery, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

I am ill today with a bit o' plague that seems to have been hitting the families in my area. Last night was rough so today I am having an official "I'm-sick-and-ain't-gonna-work" day. Besides, I have to stay healthy for the chilluns.

Speaking of fraility, how fragile is Obama's ego that the article is not even on the newsstands yet in "The Rolling Stone" and McChrystal is fired, but two months have to go by before POTUS will meet with the CEO of BP?

Death of a Nurse in Iconic Photo

In keeping with my "Summer of Photography" - where my blog becomes a photo blog and any commentary on the shot going on in the Gulf, Los Angeles, at the World Cup, or in the Diocese of Orange gets relegated to one of my pictures - I offer this sad news.

The nurse whose celebratory V-J Day kiss with an exuberant sailor in Times Square was immortalized in an iconic photograph has died.

Edith Shain was 91 and passed away without ever really knowing for sure who planted the kiss on her while photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt captured the epic moment with his camera .

The picture is a perfect capture of the unbridled joy that can only come with the end of a war. Nurse Edith spent her later years honoring WWII veterans.

Coney Island Couple

Coney Island Couple, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

I always hated changing at the beach. The sand gets everywhere and you have to drive home with wet towels that smell like low tide. Plus, staring at the water is boring to me.

Coney Island. July 2008.

Not Feeling Well?

Not Feeling Well?, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

People rarely look around at their environment before they sit down.

By the way, this was taken in July 2008. The fine gentleman in the picture - my younger brother - had lap band surgery and has successfully lost a lot of weight. I am very proud of him. Alas, it did nothing for his hair and so now he simply shaves his head and declares himself to be a member of N.A.M.B.L.A. - North American Marlon Brando Lookalike Association.

Arnold and Ice Water

Arnold and Ice Water, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

If I get bored, I start playing with the camera on my iPhone. Today I found that if you take a picture with the ShakeIt app, and then use the same image to take it again (yes, it can be done), you get more of a retro, Holga-ish effect.

It's summertime and I am thirsty.

Summer Solstice

Hot Summer Day I, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

This remains one of my favorite pictures of my son. Here he is on a hot summer day in his "au naturel" state. It is July 2003 and he is nearly three years old.

Happy Summer Solstice, you heathens!

Happy Fathers Day

Koretzky-Martin-Florida1956-009, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

Here's to you, Francis Xavier Martin, and the great Dad that you were!

Jukebox at Johnny Rockets

Jukebox at Johnny Rockets, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

I am in the mood now to go and walk my doggies while listening to my iPod. Maybe a little Meatloaf . . .

Tired Cardigan Corgi Pups

Tired Cardigan Corgi Pups, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

I went today to the annual Corgi Fun Day, put on by the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of Southern California. These are Cardigan Welsh Corgi pups who have pooped out.

Taken with my iPhone and post-processed using Photoshop Mobile app for the iPhone.

Tattoo Back

Tattoo Back, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

I went last night to hear my favorite local band, Cheap Date, perform an acoustic set. The setting was lovely - under open sky on the patio at Original Mike's.

One of the band members, Ellen Hirota, is a lovely woman and I think her tattoo is gorgeous. I asked her to turn around and look over her shoulder. She did not turn her head completely, but thinking about the shot now, maybe getting her in profile is better. I like the detail on the back of her blouse.

Jumping the Wave

Jumping the Wave, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

Summertime, and living's easy . . .

Jaguar

Jaguar, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

I don't know if he was having the best of days. A lot of us aren't these days.

Crumby Sparrow

Crumby Sparrow, originally uploaded by Stephanie Richer.

Birds are said to be psychopomps, a Greek word that designates an entity whose responsibility it is to accompany souls to the nether world. They are also said to bring back messages as well.

This week my kids ended their school year, and driving back from the school's last Mass, I thought about how much my late mother would have wanted to be there. Both of my kids made Honor Roll for their respective grades. My daughter was elected president of the Student Council for next year and had the highest GPA for her grade (7th). Mom would have been verklempt hearing that.

Cruella de Ville is Surprised

Cruella de Ville is Surprised, originally uploaded by Stephanie Richer.

I was at the Happiest Place on Earth today and ran into Cruella. The cast member playing her was doing a very good job, treating the children with thinly disguised disdain and telling them how she simply "loves puppies to death."

If I did not have a mortgage and other bills, I could happily work at Disneyland.

You know who I did not see? The Mad Hatter! I wonder if they plan on having him as a character strolling about.

Change in Direction

It is summertime and frankly, I want to spend a little less time in front of my computer. So this blog is going to change, somehwat. I will be showcasing more of my photography and accompanying each my own personal thoughts.

Please remember that all my photos are copyrighted and if you would like to use them, contact me.

Excuse Me, Could You Kill My Husband? Closing a Loophole in the California Family Code | Richer Law

Excuse Me, Could You Kill My Husband? Closing a Loophole in the California Family Code Richer Law

Lost in Simile

The Dems, as I recall, not too long ago were bitching about Tea Partiers using signs and pictures that compared Obama to Hitler, or at least Josef Stalin. "Unfair hyperbole!" they cried.

Then what about this?

British families of 9/11 victims described Barack Obama as ‘cruel’ yesterday for comparing the terrorist outrage to the BP oil spill.

The U.S. president said there were ‘echoes’ between the Gulf of Mexico disaster and the Al Qaeda suicide attacks which killed 2,995 people, including 67 Britons.

He said that just as the events of September 11, 2001, had profoundly shaped ‘our view of our vulnerabilities and our foreign policy’, so the oil disaster would shape thinking on the environment and energy for years to come.

Those who lost loved ones when terrorists flew hijacked planes into the Twin Towers of New York’s World Trade Centre said Mr Obama’s remarks were yet another attempt to slur the UK.

I don't think he is trying to slur the UK, but I do think trying to compare the oil spill to the attacks on 9-11 shows not simply an amazing lack of sensitivity, but evidences a lack of understanding of history and what actually happened on that day. Negligence and ineptitude is dirtying our beaches now. Caclulated evil prevailed on 9-11.

Blasphemy

I like satire as much as the next guy but this crosses the line. I understand the point behind it, but the scene of the men lined up at the altar rail to receive "communion" in the form of pizza slices is distasteful.

Update: Hyundai has pulled the ad due to the amount of complaints coming in.

But let's face it, anti-Catholicism is considered fun and edgy, even when those slant-eyed gooks do it. Oh, I'm sorry, I meant no offense.

Drunk or Sober?

You decide! Either way, I'd press charges for assault and battery.

His repeated, "Who are you?" remind me of those loony Scientologists who badger anyone criticizing them with repeated, "What are your crimes?"

The Difference Between a Photograph and a Snapshot

This is a photograph of people taking snapshots.

Mind you, there is nothing wrong with snapshots. I love photographing the Grand Canyon but at the end of the day, putting Uncle Vern in front of it does add something. Especially if you can capture that moment when he takes one step backwards too many.

Flag Day

Because traditions separate us from the rest of the animal kingdowm and evidence the spark of the Divine in mankind.

Drone

I have to admit, I sort of like the background buzz of the vuvuzela.

Being There

A South Carolina lawmaker on Sunday suggested that new Democratic Senate nominee Alvin Greene may be intellectually incapable of participating in the general election race.

"When I asked him whether they had checked his mental health status, he seemed to suggest that doing so brought about racist implications and other things. He kind of ducked the issue," said Rutherford.

How is that answer different than one from any other Democrat? Maybe they are all unfit for service.

Now they are alleging that he is a Republican plant. Whether he is or not does not overcome the fact that the people of South Carolina voted him in. What does that say about them?

World Cup at the Olde Ship

World Cup_54, originally uploaded by Stephanie Richer.

I braved the crowds and went to the Olde Ship in Santa Ana, CA to watch England and the USA fight against each other. It was nuts! I have never see the Ship that crowded.

When I got there, they were not letting anyone else in because they were already at capacity. One the managers saw me and said, "I don't see you - get inside, NOW!" and waved me in.

Snake Lady

I am still in a photography state of mind.

This was taken in July 2009 in Buena Park, CA . What can I say, she's an old school biker with a special place in her heart for serpents. You have to leave the house more often if you are not meeting people like this.

Recently, my friend asked me for a number of pictures to use for a meditation spot at the annual priest retreat for the Diocese of Orange. He sent me a picture of a cross that was made from the pictures that I and a mutual friend with a penchant for photography gave him. I was disappointed. I know my friend was not the decision-maker for it, but whoever chose the photographs overlooked various shots of people that I had provided and used pictures of diocesan priests at various functions. That, I thought, is missing the point. Meditating in front of that seems egotistical, an exercise in self-love.

I mean, what sense does it make to use a picture for mediation of the guy you just sat across at the breakfast table at the La Quinta coffee shop, scarfing his eggs over easy, only now he's dressed in vestments and cleaned up? How about a picture of people - old, young, various races, ethnic groups, etc. - to remind you, Father, of those whom you serve. You see, you haven't met them yet, and some might be crazy old ladies who like Harleys and vipers, but she is the Body of Christ.

Portrait of a Priest

I was looking at one of my favorite photo books by Annie Leibovitz and noticed pictures that she had taken of Susan Sontag's handwritten notes, scribbled on legal pads, for her book, The Volcano Lover. It occurred to me, it was not simply a picture of notes but a protrait of Susan Sontag, capturing who she was, that is, a writer.

Portraits do not need faces.

It occurred to me that I had recently taken a picture that is a portrait without the person's face. In this case, it is a priest friend of mine. I have always admired how long and delicate his fingers are, so I like this shot.

My Child

I think my children are best photographed when they don't know the camera is being focused on them.

Altar Boys

I am tired of words for awhile, so I will let my photography tell some stories.

Taken at St. John the Baptist Church in Costa Mesa, CA.

Obscure Music Friday

Song: Before the Beginning

Artist: The Osmonds

Why This Is Truly Obscure: when I was a camper at Camp Marydell in Nyack, NY (an all-girls Catholic summer camp), I remember one gal, Debbie Terraciano, was nuts about The Osmonds and had this album. Believe it or not, it's a Mormon-themed album that the Osmonds did in homage to their religion. It's part of an album called The Plan, which is about the struggle between the two brothers (by LDS tenets), Jesus and Satan.

Dogs

Cultural Jihad

This video explains very well my opposition to the mosque planned for Ground Zero, as well as supports my contention that we need not fear planes flying into buildings anymore because it has become a cultural jihad that complacency and intimidation will allow it to succeed.

Lan astaslem.

Taliban Barbarians

Where is the condemnation by the United Nations for this?

Taliban militants have executed a seven-year-old boy they accused of being a spy, it emerged today.

The child was abducted from his home and taken to a neighbouring village where he was put on trial. His captors found him guilty of working for the government.

The child was then hanged in public in the village of Heratiyan, in the southern Sangin district of Helmand province.

If I try to imagine the terror that child experienced, I become nauseated.

The first person who says we have to "understand" why they did this by considering cultural diversity will have their ass kicked by me.

Heir to Mohammed

In an hour-long speech, the heir to the throne argued that man's destruction of the world was contrary to the scriptures of all religions - but particularly those of Islam.

He said the current 'division' between man and nature had been caused not just by industrialisation, but also by our attitude to the environment - which goes against the grain of 'sacred traditions'

He added: 'The inconvenient truth is that we share this planet with the rest of creation for a very good reason - and that is, we cannot exist on our own without the intricately balanced web of life around us.

'Islam has always taught this and to ignore that lesson is to default on our contract with creation.'

Snail darts . . . good. Jews and Christians . . . myeh, not so good.

If I were a devout Anglican, I might just worry about this fellow succeeding his mother to become head of the Church of England, which when I last checked was a Christian institute. Of course, one might point out to this inbred tool that should he read Genesis - here, for his convenience I will remind him it is the first book of the Old Testament, so it is really easy to find - the same lesson is reflected in Scripture there.

Japanese Street Magician Does iPad Magic

Red Rosie Threat

How about we seize the White House, you whale?

But Who Decides What Is Fair?

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday urged the wealthy across the Americas to pay their "fair share" of taxes in order to eliminate poverty and promote economic opportunity for all.

In a policy speech in the Ecuadoran capital, Clinton said her appeal to overhaul tax systems did not amount to "class warfare" and was instead a recognition that the "winner-take-all-approach" was a drag on progress.

And at that point, someone stood up, yelled "Viva la libertad!" and shot her.

Oh wait . . . that only happened in my dream.

Do you have to claim mordida as income? And if it is, doesn't that make it tax-deductible to the person who paid it?

California Primaries

Happy to see Meg Whitman and Carly Fiorina heading off for the fight against Jerry "Moonbeam" Bronw and Barbara "I'll Call You Whatever I Want, Bitch" Boxer.

Sad to see John Eastman lose to Steve Cooley, though, in the GOP race for Attorney General.

Sandra Hutchens will remain our sheriff here in the OC, which means I lost my hopes for a concealed weapons permit from Bill Hunt.

But Prop 14 passed and I don't like it. It allows for open primaries, which in itself would be a mess because both parties are going to have to campaign not just for their own candidates but who on the other side they think would be the losing candidate to face. But get this - under Prop 14 only the top two vote-getters in a primary election -- regardless of their political party -- will advance to a November runoff, versus the top of each party going. This is not new to California. We had something like this pass back in 1996, only to have the Supreme Court overturn it. Let's hope that happens again.

Oh, and both Orly Taitz and Steve Rocco lost. I voted for them because I lurve crazies.

Mets Jerk

I'd like to think a dick like this could not be a Yankees fan. My question is how did he manage to leave the stadium without getting his ass kicked?

Mom Got Custody!

Stories like this make me seethe. And it is gratifying to see a witch like this woman get her ass in the pokey.

[Lauren] Lippe often went nuclear, launching foul-mouthed tirades at Ted Rubin in front of the girls -- calling him a "deadbeat," "loser," "scumbag" and "f - - - ing asshole."

"We all hope you die from cancer," she once blared at him, the court papers said, with both daughters in her arms.

Lippe even had the nerve to smirk in court when an emotional Rubin described the agony of missing out on Hanukkah with his children. Ross said Rubin was relegated to visit at the end of his ex's driveway, where he lit a menorah with his daughters in his truck and watched them open presents from their grandparents.

The judge was also annoyed that Lippe had punished the children for wanting to spend quality time with their dad.

But Beeyotch played the ultimate card - accusing her ex-husband of sexual molestation falsely. And now she gets to wear an orange jumpsuit. I think it is hysterical that she is appealing because she is "concerned" over the effect this will have on her daughters, seeing their Mom go to jail (daughters are teens now).

I had a client where this happened, where Mom accused him of actual sexual acts with the child. And she was lying. And she lost. And my client for the last couple of years has had sole custody of the child. BTW, the child recently earned his brown belt, I believe, in Tae Kwan Do, on his way to black belt. He is doing wonderfully academically and is cheerful and outgoing - hardly the picture of an abused child. As for Mom? Dunno. Since the end of last year, she has ceased any communication with the child (she did have visitation). Sour grapes, I guess.

Primary Day in California

John Eastman for Attorney General. That is all.

Criticism or Strategy?

It's the easiest thing in the world to start looking around for someone to blame.

-- Barack Obama's remarks to Kalamazoo's Central High School graduation yesterday.

And now for your viewing pleasure - try not to laugh too hard.

Kaffir Au Lait

Sheikh Al Obeikan, an adviser to the royal court and consultant to the Ministry of Justice, set off a firestorm of controversy recently when he said on TV that women who come into regular contact with men who aren't related to them ought to give them their breast milk so they will be considered relatives.

"The man should take the milk, but not directly from the breast of the woman," Al Obeikan said, according to Gulf News. "He should drink it and then becomes a relative of the family, a fact that allows him to come in contact with the women without breaking Islam's rules about mixing."

But his remarks were followed by an announcement by another high-profile sheik, Abi Ishaq Al Huwaini, who said that men should suckle the breast milk directly from a woman's breast.

Shortly after the two sheiks weighed in on the matter, a bus driver in the country's Eastern Region reportedly told one of the female teachers whom he drives regularly that he wanted to suckle milk from her breast. The teacher has threaten to file a lawsuit against him.

It really is hard to take this Islam thing seriously. Somewhere, I am sure, there is a ordinary Muslim, who doesn't want to see anyone killed in the name of Allah, who is embarrassed as hell by this. Bet he converts.

I wonder if Hallmark has a greeting card for this? "Welcome to the family!"

It's a Matter of Choice

We do not know how often such decisions come up in Catholic hospitals. Nor do we know if any go the other way -- that is, the beliefs of the Olmsteds of the Church prevail and discharge is followed by a funeral. What we do know is that Catholic hospitals, charged with abiding by the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, pose a real danger to women's health and lives.

Then go to a different hospital. This woman happened to be in Phoenix which, last time I checked, was a major metropolitan area with several hospitals.

In the article, she decribes how the Bishop had no sympathy for the "dying" woman. The woman was 11 weeks pregnant. Let me introduce you to the math of pregnancy. Week One starts on the first day of the last menstruation of the woman. So this child was probably about nine weeks into its actual development. Thus, it is about two inches in length and weighs about 1/3 of an ounce.

Remarkably, no stories have emerged about this woman "dying" - rather, they mention the potential complications that could arise because of her condition if she carried the child to full term. And there was enough time to convene a meeting of ethicists to discuss her case and determine their "duty" under the moral code imposed by the Catholic Church - in their jobs that they all took voluntarily - was to terminate the pregnancy.

And so Sister got excommunicated. And demoted. Bet she's more pissed about the former than the latter.

Brilliant

Every Village Has an Idiot

Idiot # 1:

A Southern California Congresswoman is accusing white supremacist groups of fueling Arizona's tough new illegal immigration law.

Democrat Linda Sanchez told a local party meeting in Whittier this week that legislators in Arizona and other states are being approached by organizations that are fronts for white supremacists.

Sanchez said these groups actually write laws like Arizona's and want to create a system in which minorities can be legally discriminated.

Idiot # 2:

"The (Catholic church) wants us to believe that illegals swarming into our country deserve benefits and special treatment," Rohrabacher told the Daily Breeze. "The Catholic church should sell its many, many assets in this state and give these people food and health care, and educate them." The congressman specifically singled out Los Angeles Archbishop, Cardinal Roger Mahony, the Breeze reported. The cardinal, Rohrabacher told the newspaper, is "pointing his fingers and acting holier than thou, when his church is not providing the services that it could."

Two politicians on two ends of the spectrum - one Liberal, one Conservative - and both a bunch of schmucks.

A common evidentiary objection that is heard in the courtroom is "Objection - lacks foundation." In both cases, I would say the same. Linda Sanchez has no credible foundation to back her claim other than she "read it on a blog." Dana Rohrabacher needs to stop listening to Wiley Drake and realize that the Catholic church is still the largest provider of charity worldwide.

And maybe the biggest jackass of them all is the media for reporting their bilge as if it were verified facts. I am really tired of people talking about things without anything to support what they are saying.

Maya Tzertzsa Gorit*

* Bad transliteration for "my heart is burning . . ." Russians love a good bit of melodrama.

WTC Protest

If I told you there were 5,000 people demonstrating at Ground Zero yesterday against the plans to build the Cordoba House, which will be a multi-story mosque near the site of the 9/11 tragedy, one that is backed by an iman with ties to terror organizations, why, you might expect some media coverage, eh?

Cue the crickets . . .

Thankfully, the blogosphere will tell the story that the media seems to be too afraid to pick up, in their dhimmitude. And then read here, too. And another. By the way, looking at these pictures, it is funny to hear that the media said there were "a couple of hundred" people there - okay, maybe they're bad at numbers. Real bad.

Gateway Drug

Cleveland County Deputies Steve Lucas and Jacob Wheeler said when Vaughn Ray Jones Jr. first went through the courthouse security checkpoint on Tuesday he put his belongings in a tray, including a bag of marijuana. When the deputies tried to arrest the 28-year-old, he ran off and got away.

But on Wednesday, Jones returned at almost the same time to the checkpoint. This time Jones was wearing a hat in an apparent attempt at disguise. Deputies handcuffed Jones and took him into custody.

"I guess he thought there would be different people here. It wasn't a very good disguise, to put a hat on."

Not content to be simply an asshat, but a dumbasshat.

Tootsie Role

Last night was game 1 of the NBA Finals, and as you probably know the LA Lakers beat the Boston Celtics at home. You also probably guessed that the Staples Center would be filled with big Hollywood stars, because they’re such hardcore basketball fans. Big stars like Dustin Hoffman and Jason Bateman, seen here making out as a joke, LOL. Man, look at them go, haha. This is a classic gag. I can’t even count all the times I’ve made out with another guy as a joke.

Oh wait. Yes I can.

Zero. It’s zero. The answer is, “zero times”.

Maybe they're just rehearsing. In public.

Souvenir from the Jersey Shore

"Like everyone on the set has to take (herpes medication) Valtrex."

"We hand it out like M&Ms," Salsano said. "'Hey kids, it's time for Valtrex!' It's like a herpes nest. They're all in there mixing it up."

Awe, Black People Don't Read Anyway

And evidently, they're deaf, too . . .

A graduation card sold at local stores has been pulled from shelves after a civil rights group raised concerns about the content. The group claims the card's micro-speaker plays a greeting that's racist.

It is a graduation greeting from Hallmark that says, "Hey world, we are officially putting you on notice."

Members of the Los Angeles NAACP did take notice. As characters known as "Hoops" and "Yoyo" banter on, African American leaders hear offensive language.

"And you black holes, you are so ominous. Watch your back," the card vocalizes.

"That was very demeaning to African American women. When it made reference to African American women as whores and at the end, it says 'watch your back,'" said Leon Jenkins of the Los Angeles NAACP.

"You hear the 'r' in there. 'Whores,' not, 'holes.' The 'r' is in there," said Minnie Hatley of the Los Angeles NAACP.

"It sounds like a group of children laughing and joking about blackness, again," said another NAACP member.

I have to weep for Black youth if these idiots are their leaders. I could only listen to a few secodns of that fool talking about how this card is "demeaning to African-American women" before I have to turn it off in disgust. Congratulations to the NAACP for keeping their folk on the plantation of ignorance.

What's more discouraging is that Hallmark is actually taking the cards of the shelf.

The Wizard is Gone

Rest in peace, Coach.

Learn From Europe

Sharif Don't Like Him

Israel's deadly raid in international waters on an aid flotilla en route to break the siege on Gaza - and Obama's tepid response, in comparison to the condemnation of other world leaders - cemented perceptions for many of unconditional U.S. support for Israel . Some Arab commentators and bloggers said Obama no longer deserves his Nobel Peace Prize.

First, let me say that he never deserved his Nobel Peace Prize. And the more Obama shows himself to be an inept buffoon, the less respect I have for the Swedes who I thought were smarter than that.

But now the Muslims are becoming disenchanted with Barack Hussein Obama. Yeah, they put a lot of hope into that middle name. A year and a half after elections and shari'a still is not implemented into the American jursiprudence system. Why, Obama let his Hollywood friends film Sex and the City 2 in Dubai! Worse than showing the bottom of your foot is letting Sarah Jessica Parker into your casbah.

Obscure Music Friday

Song: Big Ugly Wheels

Artist: The Beat Farmers

Why I Chose This Song: because recently I have been thinking of this woman who is overweight, opinionated, bigoted, and mean-spirited and this song came to mind.

As usual . . . rest in peace, Country Dick Montana. I will never forget the soul kiss we shared on stage in Long beach one night.

Cycling My Inner Georgia O'Keefe

Available now on Etsy.

Here's the monologue:

Ow, ow, ow, OW! Watch that f***in' curb! No, don't go over the cobblestones, you idiot! YOW! Man, can you find a bumpier road, chica?! Ow! I've been on this thing for an hour now - don't you have to pee or something? And when was the last time you washed this thing? A little Woolite and maybe that last UTI might not have happened . . .

Because Sir Paul Was Too Busy Sucking Up to Obama . . .

I am surprised that they have not already done a "charity" concert for Gaza.

Pre-Flight Jitters

Because some people just don't appreciate art . . .

On Wednesday, workers erected a 26-foot tall, seven-ton replica of Anubis, the Egyptian god of the dead, adjacent to the main terminal. The statue is here to promote the upcoming King Tut exhibit at the Denver Art Museum.

According to one web site, Anubis is the "jackal-god of mummification," and "assisted in the rites by which a dead man was admitted to the underworld."

"If it's the god of death, I wouldn't exactly be putting it in front of the airport," said passenger Keith Mears.

For Josh Meyers, it wasn't very reassuring either.

"I don't like flying to begin with," he said. "It's kind of weird, especially being at an airport. Bad voodoo."

They say it is bad luck to see a priest on an airline flight, based upon the old superstition that a cleric on a ship was bad luck. Me, I look for them. Listen, Fadduh, we gotta make this quick, 'cause we're going down fast, but I am really, really sorry for that incident last week, okay? I can get some absolution, like, NOW?!?!

Amber Not Alerted Or Protected

Authorities missed dozens of parole violations that would have sent registered sex offender John Albert Gardner III back to prison and kept him from raping and murdering two teenage girls in northern San Diego County, according to a report released Wednesday by the inspector general of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Among other violations, Gardner visited the grounds of a state prison in 2008, a felony that could have brought a life sentence as a third strike, the report said.

Also, a review of the data from the GPS device that Gardner was required to wear shows that on 158 occasions in a 13-month period he violated his parole by going near schools, leaving home after curfew or visiting a storage facility.

Amazingly, parole officers were not required to check GPS units - ankle bracelets - making you wonder why they bothered putting them on at all. This is all the more reason to allow more liberal policies for concealed weapons permits . . . or scrap that requirement all together. If I cannot rely on protection from authorities against the bad guys, I would prefer to have a fighting chance of my own.

What do you say now to the parents of those girls - "Whoa, our bad?"

Rage Against the Machine

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs was pushed Tuesday to back up his claim that Obama is enraged by the situation.

"I've seen rage from him. I have," Gibbs said at the daily briefing.

Asked to describe it, Gibbs pointed to the president's "clenched jaw" and his call to "plug the damn hole."

Girly man.

Waiting On My Ride

I did the top photograph of my friend, Vic Sansone, back in New York. I posted it on my Facebook page and my friend, John Kuntz, was inspired to do the bottom one. He calls it, "Waiting on My Ride." You can have long hair and tats, and Jesus will still come for you.

Isn't it cool? It's copyrighted, though, so ask permission to use.

Whatchu Talkin' About, Willis?

Pro-Evil

Grotesque “decorations” in the windows of the notoriously bizarre Northern Illinois Women’s Center abortuary in Rockford, featuring such things as rubber chickens hanging from nooses, a nun in a coffin, and posters taunting the pro-lifers who regularly keep vigil outside with mocking and hateful messages, has hit a new level of offensiveness.

A sign, located a few feet away from a door to the abortion mill marked “main entrance” has a picture of Jesus sticking up his middle finger at passers-by with the words “Even Jesus Hates You.”

I wonder how many women seeking an abortion would see the sign "Even Jesus Hates You" and believe it to be directed at them? Why not simply place the sign that hung over the portal to Dante's Inferno, "Abandon hope, all ye who enter here?"

I have kept vigil outside of abortion clinics and while I have faced hostility, this amazes me in its blatant display of evil. More pictures, including the latest one, can be seen here.

I ask anyone out there who is pro-choice: can you support this?

Gobbledy Gook

This is an outstanding thing to watch and a good lesson in never to start talking about something on which you haven't any foundation.

Truly, the ignorance of Nancy Pelosi on matters of the Catholic faith is appalling. For those who may not be familar with the scriptural reference, she is trying to tie in the Gospel of John:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth.

No, it's not a "fill in the blank", Nancy. I don't know if I can say she was poorly catechized. For her sake, I hope she was because if not, what is emerging from her is nothing short of utter blasphemy.

Keeping Count

I love James O'Keefe.

Let Him Be

“I’m a big fan, he’s a great guy. So lay off him, he’s doing great,” the British songsmith said on Tuesday, ABC News reported.

Senility is a sad thing. Plus, you don't have to live with him as your President.

Hey, how's the ex, Peg Leg?

Birthday Spankings!

Y'all need to go over to Orthometer and wish someone a happy birthday . . .

(Proof that yes, you can be both a Catholic priest and bad ass. Who had any doubts?)

Michelle O

She is such a trendsetter . . .

Tundra Fever

Bwa ha ha ha ha ha ha!!

Great comment I read at SondraK's blog: "Who'da thunk that Hilary and Bill would outlast them?"

Now We Know Why Al Is Moving to Santa Barbara

Former Vice President Al Gore and his wife, Tipper, are separating after 40 years of marriage.

$5 says she just could not take his sanctimony any longer . . .

Mmmm, mmmm, mmmm . . . California divorce or Tennessee divorce? I'm licensed in both states!

Insurance Ain't Gonna Cover That

You KNOW you have a crappy infrastructure when a tropical storm creates a pothole of THAT size!

Play Ball

A mushrooming group of protesters against Arizona's immigration law grew to a few hundred at the entrance to Dodger Stadium on Monday evening as the L.A. team prepared to play the Diamondbacks.

Swelling the ranks of protesters were more than 100 members of the Service Employees International Union.

"The Dodgers have the largest Latino fan base in the league," said Mike Garcia, president of the SEIU United Service Workers West. "We have historically supported them since their move here in 1958. Now we are asking them to take a stand for us -- take a stand against this mean-spirited legislation."

I would love to know how mucha "few hundred" really was because really, wasn't this just an SEIU rally?

And they thought those cholos were going to turn around and boycott Los Doyers because the Diamondbacks were playing? Ah HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!

Move Over, Rover, and Let Dhimmi Take Over

The notion – uncritically swallowed by the lazy, ignorant and bigoted BBC and other western media – that the flotilla organisers are ‘peace activists’ is simply ludicrous. This research by the Danish Institute for International Studies details the part played by the IHH in Islamist terror in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Chechnya. According to the French magistrate Jean-Louis Bruguiere testifying at the Seattle trial of would-be al Qaeda Millenium bomber Ahmed Ressamin, the IHH had played ‘[a]n important role’ in the al Qaeda Millenium bomb plot targeting Los Angeles airport. It was also involved in weapons trafficking, and played in addition a key role in galvanizing anti-Western sentiment among Turkish Muslims in the lead-up to the 2003 war in Iraq. ‘Peace activists’ these people most certainly are not.

And this flotilla was but the latest jihadi attack, deploying the Islamists’ signature strategy of violence and media manipulation. Here from MEMRI (via Just Journalism) is a clip showing the hysteria against Israel being whipped up on board before the ships set sail, with the chanting of intifada songs about ‘Khaybar’ – the iconic slaughter of Jews by Muslims in the 7th century which is used as a rallying cry
to kill the Jews today -- and threats of ‘martyrdom’. This was not merely a propaganda stunt, but a terrorist attack.

Let's not let facts get in the way of a good story, shall we? Israel is a bad, bad country and deserves extermination. So sayeth the United Nations.

Did I ever mention that for the first US President who removes America from the United Nations - and tells them to vacate New York Citry - I would walk to Washington DC just to kiss his/her hand?