Sign, sign everywhere a sign...

Here is a great blog featuring nutty signs from around the world. Good clean fun for the kids...

http://sillysigns.blogspot.com/

An ode to spam...

Not the tasty meat-like stuff in a can, but the junk that fills up your inbox no matter how much protection you have in place. It would be one thing if they sent you some useful information on products that you might actually purchase. Instead I get stuff like this:

1. Prescription Drugs - Best Prices Online!!! - Is there anyone who has actually bought their prescription drugs from a spammer?

2. Hot Stock Tip - Yes, random spammers are who I trust to invest my hard-earned money.

3. Natural Penile/Breast Enlargement - I think my breasts are just fine - thank you very much!!

4. Mutual Business Arrangement - Some guy in the Middle East dies leaving millions pining away in some asian bank. Let me see, a guy from the Middle East with NO relatives!? No relatives in the land of multiple wives, children and massively large extended families!? And all I have to do is give you my personal information to make millions? I'm in!!

AND THIS JUST IN FROM SOMEONE CALLED TYLER FOUNTAIN:

WHAT A GREAT IDEA!

We provide a concept that will allow anyone with sufficient life experience to obtain a fully verifiable university diploma. Bachelor, Master or even a Doctorate. Think of it, within a month you too could be a college graduate.

Many people share the same frustration, they are all doing the work of the person that has the degree, and the person that has the degree is getting all the money. Don't you think that it is time you were paid fair compensation for the level of work you are already doing?This is your chance to finally make the right move and receive your due benefits.

If you are like most people, you are more than qualified with your experience, but you are lacking that prestigious piece of paper known as a diploma that is often the passport to success.Go Here TODAY, to fill out an online application form AND GIVE YOUR LIFE A CHANCE!http://www.h8su.com/mba.asp

I'm waiting for my PhD right now. Though you can start calling me Dr. Harrison right away!

Parenting 101...

I'm sure you heard about the zombie party murders in Seattle. This was a tragic crime where some nutcase shows up armed to the teeth and starts shooting people for no apparent reason before taking his own life. Six people were killed and two wounded. Among the dead was a 14-year old girl.

As horribly tragic as this was, what really struck me was this one line in the Seattle paper:

"(The Parents) said they allowed their 14-year-old daughter, to go to raves as long she came home by her 3 a.m. curfew. "

The shooting started at 7 a.m.! Its bad enough that it is 4 hours past curfew and your daughter is not home. But what amazes me is who would ever allow a 14-year old to be at a rave where drugs, alcohol and older predatory boys might be present? And who would give a 14-year old girl a 3 a.m. curfew in the first place!? I think my curfew was dark until about16!

I can't imagine the pain that the family is experiencing. But this is a tragedy that should have never happened.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/264580_shootfolo28.html

Hard Times For Lefist Media Types...

Low ratings and declining circulation. You can blame it on the Internet, talk radio or the proliferation of cable networks, but I believe Americans are just plain sick and tired of hearing Demi-rat talking points delivered as news. Most of us love this country and support are leaders and military. Maybe some of these guys will figure it out before they all go out of business.

GALLUP POLLING DROPS CNN AFTER 'LOW RATINGS'; FULL MEMO REVEALED - March 21, 2006
'Washington Post' To Cut 80 Newsroom Jobs, Sources Say - 03/10/2006
Gannett January ad revenue slips - 02/15/2006
E.W. Scripps Reports 4Q Loss of $603,000 - 02/02/2006
Knight Ridder profit declines 22% - 01/31/2006
TIMES BOMBS ("paper of record" 2001-04 daily circulation off 19%) - 01/11/2006
TIMES' 4Q PROFIT OFF (attributes costs of 500 job cuts) - 12/22/2005
Gannett Nov. Revenue Drops 2.1% (Other MSM sinking, too) - 12/08/2005
L.A. Times Drags on Tribune Revenue (200 *more* layoffs expected) - 12/02/2005
Newspaper circulation down. Sanfrancisco Chronicle down 17% - 11/08/2005
Newspaper Circulation Continues to Decline (NY Daily News DOWN 1.5% - May 2005) - 10/24/2005
Bored readers cutting off Globe’s circulation - 10/20/2005
Time Inc. Gets A U.S. Subpoena About Circulation - 09/24/2005
Denver papers use liberal rules to boost circulation - 08/08/2005
Advertisers Sue 'Minneapolis Star Tribune' Over Circulation Inflation - 06/29/2005
Arrests made in Newsday circulation scandal - 06/16/2005
Los Angeles Times Reports March Circulation (Down, down, down) - 05/02/2005
Belo Begins Refunding Advertisers Over Inflated Circulation Figures (Texas) - 05/02/2005
Why Can’t the Washington Post Keep Circulation Up? - 07/23/2004
Newsday, Hoy publishers retire amid circulation scandal - 07/19/04
Publishers Seek Scapegoats for Circulation Woes - 07/05/2004
Tribune Company (LA Times parent) Admits Inflated Circulation Numbers At Two Papers - 06/23/2004

Paging General Robert E Muhammed...

And something new from the Demi-rats.

It seems the faxes went out from Demi-rat headquarters to all their leftist media allies: "As we reach the 3rd anniversary of the Iraq invasion, let's claim that there is a civil war brewing. Let's forget the fact that the Kurdish region is prospering and peaceful, along with large parts of the country. And ignore the fact that both Iran and Syria have a vested interest in not having a stable, democractic neighbor next door. Or that radical Islamic nuts are trying their best to destroy freedom for the Iraqi people."

You don't need to read the articles. They are all boilerplate Demi-rat talking points. Simply look at the headlines:

Civil war fears grip Iraq on 3rd anniversary - Reuters via Yahoo

Iraq risks civil war three years after invasion - AFP via Yahoo

Myriad factors are moving Iraq toward civil war - Dallas Morning News via Contra Costa Times

Allawi Says Iraq in Middle of Civil War - AP via Yahoo

Debate rages on civil war in Iraq - Fort Wayne Journal

Is Iraq In Civil War? - CBS News - The noted beacon of truth and integrity in news [/sarcasm]

No wonder ratings and readership continues to plummet at all the old media outlets.

Do what the media is suppose to do investigate and report.

We all get it. You hate Bush and desire him to fail in whatever he does. The sad part is if we ultimately fail (which will not happen under present and similar conservative leadership), it would mean the end of a free media. That is the irony for me. If the left had their way they would submit to the Islamic facists and lose the very rights they claim they cherish. Their hatred of Bush blinds them to the ultimate cost of us NOT winning the WOT.

With all the negative news the old media always reports, it must be really depressing being a liberal. No wonder they are so angry.

The Internet Age...

I post this without comment:

http://www.augmentlauren.com/

Religion of Peace?

It seems in our nation building in Afghanistan someone forgot to mention one of the most important of our freedoms, religion.

An Afghan is facing the death penalty for of all things - converting to Christianity. It appears that the ROP doesn't have the confidence to debate the merits of its religion. Instead through fear and intimidation they force people to miss out on the freedom found in Christ.

If you believe that your religion is indeed the truth, you shouldn't be afraid of anyone questioning or challenging those beliefs.

You can read Abdul Rahman's sad story here:
http://www.voanews.com/english/2006-03-18-voa7.cfm

A prayer for his release and safety would be very helpful and appreciated.

Mystery of Life #4

Mystery of life #4 is something that has puzzled me for most of my adult life. For a few years I had forgotten about it. But being single again, I am confronted by it as I interact in the "singles scene".

Whenever I would go out it seems I only meet women who are in their early 20s or in their 40s. It is very rare to meet any women from about 25 to 35. Where do they all go?

Don't get me wrong. 21 year old women are gorgeous. But generally they want to introduce you to their mother. Which can be pretty tough on ones' self-confidence.

Of course the answer is pretty easy. They are involved in their careers, dating, getting married, having/raising kids etc. They then emerge back on the scene divorced 40ish single moms who hate men - I'm kidding of course.

January's Hot 5...

These are my favorite women for the month of January...

1. Alessandra Ambrosio - A supermodel that never seems to take a bad photo and at the same time looks like she might be your best friend next door.

2. Kate Beckinsale - Maybe its the English accent or the eyes, but Kate rocks! Dress her up in 40s era nurse outfit, black leather with vampire teeth, or even a 17th century gown and she always looks good.

3. Josie Maran - She was "LuLu" the French model in "Little Black Book". The actress/model is one of the newest additions to my top 5.

4. Audrey Hepburn - Yes, she is no longer with us. But she will always be one of my favorites. What a wonderful actress and a very beautiful woman.

5. Natalie Portman - Natalie just keeps getting better. In some ways, she reminds me of Audrey. One of the prettiest faces in Hollywood IMHO.

Honorable Mention: Jessica Alba, Tyra Banks, Kona Carmack, Rachael Leigh Cook, Elisha Cuthbert, Eliza Dushku, Jennifer Ellison, Keira Knightley, Eva Longoria, Vanessa Marcil, Kelly Monaco, Patricia Velasquez, Mayra Veronica

Run Hillary Run...

Does anyone else think that if Hillary runs for president the Republicans will win in the largest landslide in the history of the United States? She may very well cause the destruction of her party.

Oh well, no loss there. Maybe another party will emerge made up of people with integrity and some sort of vision for the future instead of "Bush lied"!

Oops, I shouldn't have typed that. She may still have my FBI file...

I think its time to bring back the Free Soil Party. Since slavery isn't an issue anymore, maybe they could focus on the abolition of reality TV.

I Hit The Jackpot!!!

Just received this in my email. Woohoo!!!!

FROM: MR. CHEUNG PUI

Dear Friend,

Let me start by introducing myself. I am Mr. Cheung Pui director of operations of the Hang Seng Bank Ltd. I have an obscured business suggestion for you. Before the U.S andIraqi war our client Major Fadi Basem who was with the Iraqi forces and also business man made a numbered fixed deposit for 18 calendar months, with a value of Twenty Four millionFive Hundred Thousand United State Dollars only in my branch. Upon maturity several notice was sent to him, even during the war early this year. Again after the war another notification was sent and still no response came from him. We later find out that the Major and his family had been killed during the war in bomb blast that hit their home. After further investigation it was also discovered that Major Fadibasem did not declare any next of kin in his official papers including the paper work of his bank deposit. And he also confided in me the last time he was at my office that no one except me knew of his deposit in my bank. So Twenty Four Million Five Hundred Thousand United State Dollar is still lying in my bank and no one will ever come forward to claim it. What bothers me most is that according to the laws of my country at the expiration 4 years the funds will revert to the ownership of the Hong Kong Government if nobody applies to claim the funds. Against this backdrop, my suggestion to you is that I will like you as a foreigner to stand as the next of kin to Major Fadi Basem so that you will be able to receive his funds.

WHAT IS TO BE DONE:I want you to know that I have had everything planned out so that we shall come out successful. I have contacted an attorney that will prepare the necessary document that will back you up as the next of kin for you to provide me with your Full Names and Address so that the attorney can commence his job. After you have been made the next of kin,the attorney will also fill in for claims on your behalf and secure the necessary approval and letter of probate in your favor for the move of the funds to an account that will be provided by you. There is no risk involved at all in the matter as we are going adopt a legalized method and the attorney will prepare all the necessary documents.

Please endeavour to observe utmost discretion in all matters concerning this issue. Once the funds have been transferred to your nominated bank account we shall share in the ratio of 70% for me, 30% for you . Should you be interested please send me your full names and current residential address and I will prefer you to reach me on the email address below. And finally after that I shall provide you with more details of this operation.Your earliest response to this letter will be appreciated.

Kind Regards,

Mr. Cheung Pui

I don't think Mr. Pui will be hearing from me any time soon...

Mystery of Life #3

I must confess I love women. I think they are God's greatest creation. I think the female body is perfect exactly the way God made it.

But somehow during the last couple of decades I've noticed a major shift among the fairer sex. Most prevelant among the younger generation, there is an obsession with adding things to their bodies like tattoos, piercings and implants. Let me take them one at a time.

Tattoos - There was a time when only dusty old sailors off on a drunken port visits would ever be caught with a tattoo. But now you see teenagers sporting them all over their bodies - lower back, neck, shoulder, ankle and anywhere else you can imagine. These aren't small delicate designs but elaborate kanji or mythical animals. The best answer I've ever gotten when I've asked why someone did it was that it was "cool".

I see tattoos and I just don't get it. Especially those that are placed in an area that is always visible. Maybe its age or upbringing, but tattoos remind me of graffiti. You rarely see any that is better looking than a clean wall.

Piercings - I remember when just getting an ear pierced once was a big ordeal. But not anymore. Multiple studs in each ear, belly button, tongue, upper lip, lower lip, nose - the more the merrier! There seems to be an "arms race" to see who can have the most!

Less is always best in my humble opinion. Is this just extreme insecurity or overcompensation for some perceived imperfection? I really would like to know.

Implants (plastic surgery) - Before I get the angry emails and comments, I have no problem with surgery to correct an abnormality. Even a +/- adjustment to correct posture or to make finding clothes that fit much easier. I'm talking about the "double D" jobs that 18 year olds are getting these days. Before they have even fully matured, they are going under the knife. That's just nuts.

For several years, I worked for a company that was a licensee of Playboy. One of the jobs I had was selecting Playmate photographs for our products. I was amazed at how many women had destroyed their bodies to try and make themselves look "perfect". In fact, I purposely looked and selected as many natural looking ones as I could find and get away with using.

I hope someday this trend reverses. I would love to just see women without all the add-ons.

Can't Improve Greatness...

Mark Steyn has become my favorite writer. Only he can pen such lines as this:

"You can be a hippie-dippy hey-man-I-love-everybody-whatever-your-bag-is-cool backpacking Dutch stoner, and they'll blow you up with as much enthusiasm as if you were Dick Cheney."

Read some of his work:

Mark Steyn

Where is the outrage?

So let me get this straight. America was attacked by suicidal maniacs who willingly flew airplanes full of innocent passengers into large buildings full of innocent people, killing 3,000 Americans. Their "brothers in arms" have walked into crowded markets full of their own people and set off explosions. They have gleefully cut off people's heads and broadcast these murders on the Internet. They create torture shops where they do all sorts of unspeakable atrocities to anyone who might not agree with their fanaticism. And America is the bad guy?

Dick Durbin, who unfortunately for the fine people of Illinois, is their Senator. If the rantings from Howard Dean and the rest of the nuts on the left wasn't bad enough, Dick shot over the line. Dick accuses our military of committing genocide, comparing their actions to Stalin, Hitler and Pol Pot. I don't recall Hitler playing any Christina Aguilera music as he marched several million Jews off to the gas chamber. Actually, I don't recall the Germans supplying the Jews with three culturally sensitive meals, a holy book and prayer time every day either.

Now I could understand the outrage if we were playing country music or something by either of the Simpson chicks. That would be torture. But nothing that our military is doing at Gitmo is remotely similar to the genocide perpetrated by Hitler, Stalin or Pol Pot.

We are at war with an enemy that does not care about life. Their own or anyone else. This is the most fanatical enemy we have faced in our great history. They don't respect the rules of war, nor do they fear God's judgment. In fact, in their twisted religious world, they are rewarded by their martyrdom, especially where "infidels" are included in the body count. You cannot reason or appease them! They understand force and power and will take advantage of every perceived weakness - like the spineless words and activities of the modern Democratic party.

Its time for the Democrats, and Dick, to take a chill pill. If you can't say anything nice about this great country, shut up! Please, for the sake of the children, SHUT UP!!!!!!!!

Mystery of Life #2...

So you own a retail store situated in a strip center. There are several stores next to you including a sub shop, a yogurt place, maybe even a wireless shop and a dry cleaner. Your shop may only have three or four parking spaces out front, but there is a parking lot full of spaces available to all just beyond the row at your front door. You want to be a good neighbor to your retail friends, so you don't place any reserved parking signs. Who needs them right? There are plenty of spaces. Why would anyone park in front of your store and go somewhere else?

Just as you complete that thought, a Lexus pulls up and out piles mom and kids. Expecting to finally have some customers you hurriedly hide your lunch under the counter. But wait, they aren't coming in. Instead they head to the sub shop for lunch.

Then, a SUV pulls up. A businessman jumps out. You hang up the phone and prepare to greet him. D'oh! He's there to pick up dry cleaning next door.

You have free time to contemplate: Mystery of life #2 - Why people insist on parking in front of stores that they aren't visiting?

Even though the parking lot is full of spaces, they prefer to take a spot in front of your store and then have the audacity to visit another retailer. The courteous thing would be to park somewhere else. After all, the actual walking distance is probably less anyway.

Mystery of Life #2a - Why do people insist on arriving at a store at closing time?

You work in retail sales. You've been at the store for 11 hours and have seen only one person, the postman, all day. Its closing time and you're shutting down, eager to see the family. You will spend the next 30 minutes driving home, but its worth it just to get the heck out of the store.

Its 1 minute to closing and you are gathering your belongings only to see a family walk in. Now if these were serious shoppers, people who were ready to purchase that night, you would gladly stay all night. After all, you are a professional and this is your business. But no. These people just finished dinner and a movie. They could have come in at 6 or 7 and you would have gladly helped them even if they weren't ready to buy just yet. But its now 30 minutes after closing and these people clearly are not serious, but simply wasting time - your time.

Both of these examples are played out every day in retailers everywhere. Next time you are out shopping, take a moment to show a little respect to those hard working individuals who are managers and sales associates in retail. They are people too.

Sore Losers...

This is the most pathetic thing I've seen in a while. There is a website that has compiled hundreds of photos of disgruntled liberals holding up signs apologizing to the world for the reelection of George Bush. They have also published a book - I can't imagine why anyone would spend money on such nonsense, but then again being a liberal and having common sense does not usually go together.

http://www.sorryeverybody.com/

A more accurate title would be www.SoreLosers.com - unfortunately that is already owned by an apparel company.

First off, let me say many years ago I was one of those people who thought Democrats could do no wrong. I grew up in a yellow-dog democratic household. As I matured, I quickly realized that I supported more Conservative issues than I thought. I believed in having a strong military and very little government involvement in my life.

The final straw for me was the nomination of Bill Clinton. I met him while at a college competition in Little Rock. He spoke at the convention that was held in conjunction with the competition. He represented the worst of all in a politician - willing to say whatever and do whatever to get my vote - and had a complete absence of core beliefs. Even as a young Democrat, I was instantly turned off. And then the Democrats nominated him for the highest office. That was the beginning of the end. I could never continue supporting a party who would elect AND defend such a scoundrel. Not to mention the Democratic Party's complete absence of any ideas or core values.

I've traveled abroad and seen many great places, but there is no country on this planet I would rather call home. By the rate of immigration, both legal and illegal, it seems the world agrees.

I'm not going to sit around and pander to the rest of the world. They know that without the US, most would still be living under fascist or communist dictatorships. They might have found themselves losing the right to even express their opinions, if not for the US standing up to Islamic fascists terrorizing the planet today. When you are the biggest dog on the block, there will always be some who will be jealous.

I thought at the very least, the true liberals would embrace the idea of giving people who have suffered under totalitarian rule for hundreds of years the chance at freedom and self-determination would be something they could support. And a few have. But far too many operate under the same playbook - the US and the US Military is inherently evil. Therefore they hope for any setback and gloat every time a soldier is killed or wounded. That is just sick.

So just in case the world missed it, I'm glad George Bush was elected President! I am happy to say he got my vote. It was definitely time we got an honorable leader who believes in people, believes in freedom, and most importantly believes in God. The fact the he respects the White House and doesn't turn it into his own private brothel is an added bonus.

But for those crybabies who can't quite come to grips with the fact that MORE than half of the country actually has a brain and can use it, there is always France.

A Long Time Ago, In A Galaxy Far, Far Away...

It has been almost 30 years since I saw the very first Star Wars movie as a youngster. I was thrilled by the story and the special effects and eagerly awaited each of the sequels. And now I can go to my reward in peace. I have seen all six and feel that the circle is complete.

I'm not going to give away any secrets (not that the whole world doesn't know the plot anyway by now). Overall, I liked the movie. I learned along time ago to go in to movies like this with very low expectations. That way I am never disappointed and usually enjoy the experience.

What I liked about the movie - No annoying child actors (Anakin as a boy), Jar Jar or Ewok creatures. Fast pace kept the action coming, sometimes a bit too fast. And of course the special effects and set designs are always great!

What I didn't like - Padme's death - I knew it was coming, but I hated to see Natalie Portman go. Dreadful dialogue - but that's nothing new. If you weren't up to date with your online Stars Wars reading, you may have been lost in all the various things happening around the galaxy - I obviously was not caught up. Anakin's seduction to the dark side seemed far too easy. And the fact that the wisest Jedis in the galaxy (endowed with the power of the Force no less) couldn't figure it out seems a bit of a stretch. But hey, you must suspend disbelief, right?

I know a lot of writers are trying to find some liberal/conservative angle in the plot, but I'm not interested in pursuing that. I'm just glad its out. Now the big question. What will Lucas do next with this story?

And now something from Iraq...

If you are sick and tired of the old liberal media's anti-military reporting on the war, check out this site:

http://michaelyon.blogspot.com/

This reporter has been in Iraq for a while and posts regular detailed updates of both the good, bad and the amazing. A very well-done first-hand blog revealing what is really happening in Iraq. This will make you proud of everything we are accomplishing in that freedom-starved part of the world.

French Military History...

This is an oldy that keeps getting better. Search on Yahoo "French Military History" and the first entry is this charming little site:

http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/text/france.html

If you are a student of military history, or are simply amused at the lunacy that is modern-day French political/military rhetoric, this little site is for you.

Always good for a chuckle.

Mystery of Life #1...

Why in the wide, wide world of sports do Real Estate agents feel the need to publish their photos on their business cards and in ads?

I 'm sure this practice has a logical genesis somewhere back in time. And maybe for the more attractive or honest-looking agents there is a tangible benefit. But I can't for the life of me figure out why the entire industry embraces this practice, especially when so many of the photographs don't project, uh, the most favorable image possible.

I have had numerous business cards in my career and don't recall one having my photo, or even getting this option. And yes, there were a few sales positions along the way. Maybe I would have had greater success with my mug plastered there?

Unless you truly are a hottie, or the most handsome hunk in town, please earn my business through hard work and integrity. Send the mug shots to mom and dad.