Lil Bits of Rancor or Not 9/26/08

Tags

Christianity, Democrats, economy, evolution, foreign affairs, Iraq, John McCain, lobbyists, muffins, paleontology, Politics, religion, Republicans, Saints, Sarah Palin, Spain, Zoology

Last week, we reported on the gaffe of McCain in not recalling whom the prime minister of Spain was. Apparently the McCain caretakers are so frightened of these continuing problems with memory that McCain continues to exhibit, that they are willing to go to any expense to avoid making that admission. So, McCain, we are told, knew exactly what he was saying and knew exactly who Zapatero is. That claim makes matters ever so much worse to many. Is McCain willing to trash an ally to win an election? You betcha he is. Read this Huffinton Post report from AlterNet.

Recipe time. This one is Chocolate Chip Muffins. And according to Baking Delights  it’s the best recipe in the universe. That takes in substantial territory so I’m expecting a lot from this recipe. Hope you find it delicious as well.

Break the Terror  brings us this story. It’s not a new concept, but they flesh it out nicely. Remember that in the past few days McCain in his feeble way has attempted to tie Obama to Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac and an enabler of sorts? I just don’t get these folks, since Rick Davis, his main man was paid nearly 2 million in fees for lobbying for deregulation so they could do their thing unregulated as it were. McCain is either so totally unaware of what’s going on in his own campaign, or he is one of the more serial liars of all time.

By any chance did you feel older the other morning when you woke up? I know I did, and now I know why. It seems scientists are busy doing science things and think that life arose on earth some 80 million years earlier than previously thought. Creationists are scurrying to revise their assessments no doubt.

I don’t claim any expertise about the economy (gosh I hate being grouped with John McCain) but I’m told that if there is one article about this banking mess you should read it is this one. Sebastian Mallaby writes an op ed for the Washington Post. Ezra Klein  gave us the word on this.

History News Network has I think a worthwhile article on American politics and how we have come to this juncture. A distinct thread of anti-intellectualism runs through the heart of this country, and we are consistently drawn to the “guy just like us” who is never just like us of course. This is exactly when we most need someone who is extraordinary to help us through crisis after crisis. Will we again opt for ordinary? Why does the Republican Party continue to be able to co-op so many people with an message is that is false? Just some of the questions answered here.

Well, I bet you didn’t know this: Chimps prefer their food cooked. I don’t recall jane Goodall ever talking about watching her chimps around the campfire cooking on a spit. Wonder why she omitted that? Well, Live Science says it’s true. So it must be. Also Neanderthals seem to have eaten both seals and dolphins. I guess they were not politically correct. Such folks would be shunned today as rather grotesque wouldn’t you say?

McCain caught in another lie, and boy are they adding up. He said that Rick Davis, his campaign manager hadn’t worked for Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae for “years.” Turns out Davis was paid by both until last MONTH. So it seems McCain will either be calling Davis a liar and firing him, or biting the bullet again with another lie. So says Steve Benen at The Political Animal.

Laila at Raising Yousuf and Noor  tells us exactly what it can be like to be Muslim in America. This is exactly the type of hatred engendered, I submit, but the hate filled campaign of a John McCain. I visited a web site earlier today (I won’t mention the vile place) in which Obama and Biden were referred to as Obama bin Biden. This is what John McCain brings to America. It is a shame.

If miracles are your thing, slip by rogueclassicism  and read about San Gennero’s Blood which liquifies at certain times of the year, well, miraculously it seems. Examinations have concluded that the phials indeed contain blood and there is no final explanation of why it liquefies on certain days of the year.

John McCain seems to have painted himself in a corner. In an obvious attempt to stop all the talk about how the polls are going against him, he came up with the grandstand play to capture attention. Problem is, nobody is buying it. Universally it’s being met as a political ploy, one that is not working as several in Congress say that his parachute jump into the middle of negotiations and the president’s “meeting” have wasted time and stalled negotiations. See what the American Prospect  has to say on the subject. Johnny can claim he is putting country above politics, but the obvious conclusion is that he put his political future first. Not exactly the first time he has done that.

Oh and in case you missed it, Sarah Palin has unilaterally declared “victory in Iraq.” In her illogical laden but cute squeaky voice, Sarah has said that iraq and the surge are the pattern we must use in Afghanistan now. It will be difficult she  says, because of that pesky “terrain, even” in Afghanistan. What a monumental joke this woman is. She offends me on more levels than I can count. She makes women, and small town people look like idiots, and I’m seriously pissed.

Questioning Inevitability

Tags

American History, biology, Crafts, crochet, economy, energy, Flowers, Gardening, muffins, Native Americans, Oil, pasta, Raisin Bread, Sauces, vegetables, Women's history

The artist is Sebastiao Salgado. The print was done in 2004, and is called “Agashya, Mt. Sabyinyo, Rwanda.”  I thank Senor Salgado for taking this nice photo of the Contrarian and me. Just a nice stroll in the Meadow!

Another week has slid by so fast that I realize that June is quickly going by. I hardly feel that I have had a chance to enjoy it at all. It seems we are still trying to get organized. The Contrarian has done a lot of weeding in the garden, both by hand and by the little weed tiller. My lettuce is going great guns and we will probably be able to harvest some soon for salads. I’ve got the house all spiffy clean and feel rather satisfied with myself. I’ve ordered a beef brisket from the meat locker in Walker to pick up next week. I think it will be a fun 4th of July meal to make. I’m tired of the usual fare of ribs or steaks.

We are getting some sun, but it’s sporadic, and we may get some rain this afternoon. I surely hope not, we are down to mostly mud now in a few places. We can move the vehicles around with ease now. The Contrarian has weed eaten around the house pretty good and it’s at least looking a bit more lived in.

 I have to seriously think about painting the office now. I think perhaps I’ll do some tomorrow. The Contrariansincerely wants little to do with the process, and that’s fine. If he takes over, he will do it all, since he can’t stand painting, so he wants to do it all at one time. I am happy to do a bit a day until it’s done. We often find that some chores are not things we can do together, since we work quite differently. If we try to do it together, we end up snapping at each other, which is senseless to me.

Doing this craft, recipe, history etc blog post is ever so much more stressful for some reason. The feeds seem so reluctant to come up and it seems forever before I’m done. I don’t know the reason, I can only surmise that the blogging platforms that I and so many use are just not as receptive as dot com sites for whatever reason. Perhaps it’s just the pictures that are so much more prevalent on crafty blogs. I dunno, but I just go nuts sometimes wasting time, waiting!!!!

Anyway, let’s see what is what today:

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We open with A Mingling of Tastes which has an interesting side dish or main vegetarian dish, Smoky Lentils with Roasted Sweet Potatoes. I like lentils, and like lentil soup. I love Egyptian food which features lentils in many varieties with lots of different spices. This is not the type of summer dish I would make, but it would be fine in the fall or winter.

Martin’s American History Blog focuses on the industrial revolution of the 19th Century. I guess we are in some kind of new one now, though I’m not sure I can yet define what it is. A technological revolution? A world market revolution? Perhaps we should spend some time looking backward to discover how to better handle what we are going through now.

We have a cute new pattern for crochet from Sandi’s Crochet Blog. I think her patterns are so nice, and they are so easy to follow as well. She suggests that this pattern works well for a washcloth. I like making these simple and quick items for home use. They can be used, and do up in a one or two sessions quite easily.

Well this is a surprise. It seems that a major Revolutionary War relic has been located. An entire ship found in Lake Ontario! It was a British ship, called the HMS Ontario and was a 22-gun warship sunk by American forces. Read all about the find and the excitement is has engendered at American Revolution Blog.

From As the Garden Grows, we get a wonderful list of annuals and perennials that attract butterflies. We love all the hummingbirds and butterflies that come around to feed on nectar from our flowers. This is a rather extensive list, and one that is worth copying for a hard copy file for later use this fall and next spring when planting is more appropriate. Some are herbs, so you get a bonus!

Boy this recipe sure brought back some memories. Raisin Bread! Doesn’t that sound wonderful? I remember it so well from my childhood. I can’t eat a lot, because of the concentrated sugar in the dried fruit, but a slice or two, once in a while can’t hurt, and I adore her idea of using it for chicken salad sandwiches. Take a peek, it’s not hard to make. We got this recipe from Baking Delights. Remember if you have a heavy duty mixer, you can use the dough hook to do the kneeding for you! The entire process takes less than 30 minutes to get to the oven.

Oh the minute I saw this, I said, whoohoo, I’m making this! It’s a great little condiment spread for hamburgers. Hamburgers are one of my favorite meals, and truth be told, we have them usually twice a month on Friday or Saturday. I know this will be a hit with the Contrarian as well. I will of course half this recipe for the two of us. I’m thinking what other things would this be good on? Maybe some of that brisket with lots of barbecue sauce as well? Oh I think I may be on to something here. Coconut & Lime, a huge kiss from me for Chipotle Cheese Sauce. I guess it would go okay with the traditional celery sticks too.

It won’t be long before summer squash comes into it’s own. Not here of course, we have to replant, our first planting rotted out and never came up. So, under the theory that there are never too many recipes for zucchini, I found this nice one from Epicurious which makes a lovely side dish. HerbedSummer Squash and Potato Torte with Parmesan sounds like a winner to me.

We watched the Robin Williams movie “RV” the other night, and I thought it was hilarious, if quite predictable. You might enjoy Garrison Keillor‘s take on the wonderful (for some) adventure of traveling with a home behind you. Things are changing what with gas prices. This may be a relic of the past soon.

Today’s edition of History of American Women focuses on the Indian tribes of South Carolina.I am really enjoying her series here of the various tribes that were prevalent during the colonial period. and beyond. It is without question, an area of our history that most of us have not had the benefit of very much information about. I’m sure it’s better today than it was in my time in high school, but I’m sure it still neglects a lot as well. A great chance to improve our understanding of those who greeted us when we first arrived on the shores of “America.”

Oil and it’s price has become a hot button issue. It’s hard to know whom to believe, since it seems everyone has a reason to fashion an answer to support a previous opinion. Live Science has an article which may come from a more scientific point of view, and thus may actually shed some light on the true causes of the prices were are swearing at these days.

I am growing to just love these pasta roundupseach week. What interesting and tantalizing recipes I continue to find. I made the Pastitsio one earlier in the week. After a questionable start, the Contrarian gave it a thumbs up. He was utterly taken aback by cinnamon in a meat dish at first. After he got over the shock, he actually liked it. I personally didn’t think it tasted much of cinnamon so much as had the aroma. So, make sure you peruse through the offerings and find something truly delectable for dinner tonight. Once Upon a Feast is our supplier of these weekly gems.

There are many who think that a lot of science is just a waste of money. There have even been a Congress person or two and a network or two that have made it their business to inform you of scientific studies they found ludicrous and wasteful. And some may in fact be. But here’s food for thought. Scientists have long pondered exactly how pattern emerges in nature. The stripes on a zebra for instance, or the intricate pattern of a butterfly. They may be closer to an answer of figuring out how cells move around and differentiate in such a way as to form the patterns of say a spiral sea shell. And guess what? The answers may help scientists in understanding how cancer cells metastasize. So, before you decry the expenditure of funds on silly science, think again: It may some day save your life.

We are truly blessed this week. Scandalous Women has another entry for us! This one is about Elizabeth Chudleigh. Never heard of her? Neither had I frankly. But I know who she is now. And mercy me, she was scandalous, and that’s enough to peak your interest no doubt. Here’s a hint: She was the Duchess of Kingston and she was tried for bigamy in the 18th century. My oh my, that’s a new one on me. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a woman being charged with that crime before.

For reasons unknown to me, there often seems a serendipitous thing going on around here. Today it seems to be Zucchini. Another recipe, this time from Simply Recipes. I think this is another definite keeper. Zucchini Muffins is both easy, tasty sounding, and something that will freeze well for use during the interminable winters of Iowa.

Tip Junkie is featuring a whole slew of crafters of varied types this week. I’ve given you the main site so you can scroll down and see if anything interests you. Most  of the items are for sale, with links to the site of the seller and probably her Etsy shop as well. Of course, just looking is fine too, and you might get inspired to think of something you would like to make yourself. I find these sites enticing to say the least. I’m trying to figure out how to carve a bit more time for crafts out of my schedule. Top priority right now is to start getting my recipe’s in order in my big 3-ring binder. Then again, I may have to add more binders! LOL.

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Famous, or not so famous last words:

I think it’s trying to communicate…

“Na, I don’t think we need to go to the hospital.”

“This ‘telephone’ has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us.” — Western Union internal memo, 1876.

“We don’t like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out.” — Decca Recording Co. rejecting the Beatles, 1962.

“Drill for oil? You mean drill into the ground to try and find oil? You’re crazy.” — Drillers whom Edwin L. Drake tried to enlist in his project to drill for oil in 1859.

“No flying machine will ever fly from New York to Paris.” — Orville Wright.

I wonder where the mother bear is.

“I eat guys like you for breakfast!” — Jeffrey Dahmer

I’m sure this isn’t the poisonous kind.

If you like every entry, your nuts!

Tags

Barack Obama, breakfast, cake, crochet, Easter, Gardening, Greece, muffins, paleontology, pasta, quilting, Women's history, Women's issues, world history

Today we feature the “Seated Statue of Hetshepsut.” She was I believe co-ruler during the 18 Dynasty, New Kingdom 1473-1458. This statue can be found at the MMA in NYC.

I have been to the MMA, and as I recall, there are at least 32 rooms devoted to Egyptian art. One room contains a compete temple surrounded by a moat. I remain conflicted at the Egyptian artifacts located throughout the world that belong in my opinion to the Egyptians, and were taken from them in years gone by when they could not control this practice. This of course is not limited to the Egyptians but occurred in many ancient lands that had very ancient civilizations, plundered mostly by Europeans in the 1800’s. Part of me is happy to have the opportunity to view these pieces, part of me feels we hold them illegally.

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Speaking of antiquity, N.S. Gills, Ancient History Blog has a nice little piece on Grecian pottery. Known as black-figure pottery, it gave way eventually to red-figure pottery by the mid 6th century B.C.E. Examples are linked to the post so you can enjoy some really lovely art work.

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If you would like to crochet a handbag, trip on over to Sandi’s Crochet Blog. I don’t think it’s sturdy enough looking for my taste, but for occasions when you only need to take a few things, this might be the kind of fashion accessory that fits the bill. Take a look and decide.

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One of the things that I like to do for you, my dear small group of readers, is alert you to reference sites that may be helpful to you, or simply allow you to browse at leisure as your interest dictates. American Presidents Blog has some wonderful new sites for you. The first deals with presidents, from Johnson to McKinley, the second is called the Authentic History Center. Scroll down, and he has about 3 entries for “directories” regarding the presidents. If you have kids, these sites might be invaluable for those research needs! If you have kids at college, they might also find them useful.

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Just wanted to apologize for the referral to Hey it’s Free, and the March Madness game she had set up. I never did get registered, the site went to Yahoo and it was impossible to figure it out for the most part. The fact that few people got signed up tells you that as well. I left a rather nasty little comment. I ‘ll check our her links a bit more thoroughly next time before I refer you to her.

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As the Garden Grows has an excellent idea for you–an outdoor sink. As she/he points out, gardening is messy and dirty. It’s a pain to have to tiptoe through the house attempting to not sluff off dust and dirt as you proceed to the bath to wash off. I think you can set this up with relative ease and also recycle the used water in the garden. She shows you a commercial one you can buy, I think you can make one way cheaper. In any case, I can’t get the site downloaded so I hope you find something useful!

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I like cornmeal and I like muffins and we put them together regularly for chili and other wintry fare. Coconut & Lime comes up with this blending and calls it Gingered Carrot Cornmeal Muffins. The picture looks yummy and, I bet they taste as good. Any ideas of what this would be good with?

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My downloading today is slower than, well yours for instance. I always check out the Pioneer Woman even though I cannot see hardly any of the pictures unless I wait 30 minutes or more for all her photos to download. If I did that I’d never get this blog done. Today she alludes at the bottom to a recipe on her other blog for carrot cake. I have got up the address, and may see the recipe if I can wait long enough. It’s called Sigrid’s Carrot Cake. Her link is to the main page, and so if I ever get that up, I fear I must then go to another page anyway. Sigh…..

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Let me just tell you that we checked with our Direct TV to see if the prices had come down on satellite internet. They don’t do it any more, referring us to another place. We checked with them as well as with Hughes Network. Both offer satellite internet, but alas at prices that are well outside our means. So we have no hope of anything but dial-up. I’m sorry that I cannot get up pages like I should to make sure what they claim is true. I do the best I can, but when 5 minutes goes by and I’m still barely anywhere, I know it’s hopeless. There are several sites I know I love, but I can’t use them because there are too many graphics and I just jam up and have to close everything and start over. Sorry.

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Geraniums seem to be a staple in most garden centers, at least they are in Iowa. They are sturdy little plants and always do well for me. I add one or two in containers at the front steps, framing my small little garden under the bay window, around the bird feeder. If you deadhead regularly, they do produce quite well throughout the summer. Find out more about them at Sally’s Gardening Tips.

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One of these days, I’ll have to post my stolen recipe for Cinnabun’s. Until then please partake of Epicurious’s delightful recipe from Gourmet, Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze.

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If you feel equal as a woman, in Iowa, think again. Wage disparity is still a problem. It has gotten better, but women in Iowa still make only 78c on the dollar that men here make. It is unsettling to find that this is still the case. It becomes even more unsettling when you learn that younger women do not see the problem. Read about the details at Essential Estrogen.

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Gardening Tips ‘n Ideas has a very interesting take on gardening and the season of Easter. Did you know that Jesus was the original gardener? She makes that claim and points to a number of passages in the bible that tell us how to care for our world. It’s thoughtful, and whimsical at the same time. Enjoy.

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I think I might have mentioned that I’m a sweets person in the morning. So coffee cake always sounds good to me. This recipe combines sweet with my favorite sweet thing, chocolate. I’m going to be making this one very soon, I suspect. Try Mocha Fudge Coffee Cake and sit back and grin at the morning tomorrow!

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HistoryMike has reviewed a couple of new books. Both deal with marginalized groups whose story is not well know, if known at all. One deals with freedom and liberty in Columbia, and the other about blacks in Spanish Florida. Read the reviews and then consider adding these two new finds to your to-read list for the summer.

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If it’s a new day, there undoubtedly are more blocks to look at, at inspired by antique quilts. I’m thinking that I want to alter my spring cleaning to put my craft room next on the list. It needs a thorough uncluttering and cleaning. Then I can get at some real quilting. She has got me so rev’ed up! I am not good on color, so she is certainly helping me a lot by showing me so many blocks and how she puts them together.

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Russell has a post about a blog that appears to be ending, and he is quite distressed. I’m heading over and taking a look. Perhaps you might like to as well, and give some encouragement to the blogger. We all need praise and recognition otherwise this time spent seems wasted. I am utterly grateful for a few very loyal people who leave me such kind and thoughtful comments most days.
Visit C’est La Vie, and leave a comment. It really is a very nice site!

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One of my eclectic interests in paleontology. That is the study of early man. Homo erectus and all that. So I was excited when I saw this post at Live Science: A fossil found in Kenya may be the oldest example of a bipedal “human” creature yet found. At 6 million years in the past, the thigh bones recovered show that the creature indeed did walk upright. Apparently you can learn more from the magazine “Science” which has a more detailed article. While not a direct ancestor of modern man, the find makes it clear that “man” and chimpanzees split prior to the 6 million year mark.

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This from the Contrarian: While both he and I tend to think it is not advisable to cancel America’s participation in the Summer Olympics because of the Chinese involvement in human rights issues in both Tibet and Darfur, a different issue arises when we talk about government visits to the event. Now according to news reports Bush is planning on attending, though the claim is now that he will do so as a completely private citizen. Thus he gives no stamp of approval on Chinese policy. The Contrarian asks: does this mean that Bush is paying his own way? Surely he can’t expect us taxpayers to foot the bill for his personal fun trip can he? I’m thinking I may ask this question a bit more loudly to my congress people. I just wrote my senators yesterday about another of those resolutions designed by the wacko religious right. I guess I shall have to send another today!

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We have talked about the Obama thing and Jeremiah Wright. A very fine article is offered for your perusal at Religion in American History. In the usual way of Fox and others of that ilk, Rev. Wright was soundbited to death. They have been most unfair. There is a great deal more you should know, and the writer of this post was in a position to know the complete picture. Read Dr. Jon Pahl, PhD, and get the full story.

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Rogueclassicism has two interesting posts today. One is about the a coin found in what is believed to be the second temple period. The other is about Jewish reaction to pagan statuary in the realm. The links are the same, and the posts are back to back. I have a long and abiding interest in the bible as both a spiritual document and a historical one. So I love these sites which help to expand our understanding of life in those times.

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Most of us were too young to remember at all, others of us were too young to be bothered by such adult intrigue. If you vaguely remember the Profumo affair but don’t exactly remember what it was all about, read on at Scandalous Women. She gives you all the juicy details, proving once again, that the Eliot Spitzer’s of the world are nothing especially new. What delightful delicious tattletelling fun! Cudos again for a finely researched post.

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I adore pasta. Heck I adore food. But pasta is comfort food. This Spring offering comes from Simply Recipes, and sounds so very good. If you don’t have real pesto, don’t bother buying that stuff in the store, wait, grow, and freeze this fall. You’ll be happier with the result for sure. So, file this away, or buy a heck of a lot of fresh basil at the supermarket. You will have to use frozen artichokes most likely, since I’ve never seen the baby artichokes offered in Iowa. I used to be able to buy them in Connecticut, but no luck here. Try Shrimp and Artichoke Pasta or miss out on a real treat.

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Another muffin recipe. I have more trouble collecting good links for crafting, but I sure never have problems finding recipes. I thought this one quite enticing and think I may add strawberries to my next grocery list. Strawberry and Cream Muffins sounds like the kind of thing one would eat leisurely on Sunday don’t you think?

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There is a rumor out there that someone is using the Internet to put up a picture of a naked woman. It’s creating quite a stir I tell you. Experts are confused and cannot quite figure out why so many hits have been recorded. There is of course nothing one can do with the photo except look. And that seems rather boring. If you think you can handle the scandal, then take the link, but I warn you (for real, I really mean this) you will see a naked woman. So I can really see no reason at all why you would want to go. Oh dear, the Contrarian has asked me to let him use the computer for a couple hours. He was reading over my shoulder, and….well, no, he wouldn’t be interested in THAT! Shame on you for even thinking that. I said Roseeeebud….I did not say Onnnnion….

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Okay, so you need some more inspiration. The Village Shop has a lovely quilt pattern for you to see. She also talks about a computer program EQ5? Anyway the quilt looks utterly beautiful, or the design page of it. She intends to give play by play instructions. It looks like stained glass to me, and I’m quite intrigued. That’s the second time today I’ve been intrigued. This could lead to something, but what I am not quite sure of.

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Here in the meadow, I mentioned to the Contrarian that we might consider clearing off the kitchen table to have Easter dinner on. That’s about as far as I can go. If you think your table deserves a more festive air, slip over to Uncommon Artistic Endeavors, and see what she has done. I’m embarrassed, I simple want to sit at the table instead of tv trays for a change! It’s lovely and simple, and a fine look for Easter.

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If you are vegetable gardening in a smaller space, rather than those of us who have acres to play with, then for sure go over to Veggie Gardening Tips and learn to make the utmost of your limited space. Lots of useful tips here folks.

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I was born in 1950 and so this post by World History Blog caught my eye. A historical overview of the years 1950-59 in the US should bring back a number of memories for those of us alive at that time, and well, news of the “olden” times for those who are younger than that. It covers the gamut of American culture and has oodles of links I am told. Enjoy, and another reference for the kids! ( I checked it out and its just crammed with info and links)

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Farmer’s Almanac says:

It’s easier to separate the white from the yoke of an egg when it’s cold.

Can herbs be used to deter moths in your wool clothes? Yep!

Having trouble getting your peace lily to bloom?

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“My method is to take the utmost trouble to find the right thing to say, and then to say it with the utmost levity.” George Bernard Shaw

“Too much of a good thing is wonderful.” Mae West

“Operationally, God is beginning to resemble not a ruler but the last fading smile of a cosmic Cheshire cat.” Sir Julian Huxley

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Sunday is Easter. The Bush Administration actually has a corporate sponsor for the annual festivity on the White House lawn. This year the eggs will be laid by Bear Stearns. – Alan Ray, Stockton, Calif.

Aired Wednesday night on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson” on CBS: The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, is threatening to resign if the conflict with the Chinese doesn’t stop. Not only that, he also says he might refuse to be reincarnated again.

Aired Thursd23ay night on NBC: Osama bin Laden has released another tape. The title of his latest message is, “The response will be what you see, not what you hear.” Oh, what, is bin Laden the Riddler now? ~~Jay Leno

Citizens Arise! or Sit!

Tags

abstinence, crochet, muffins, potatoes, Saints, vegetables, Women's history

I’m feeling rather self-satisfied with myself today, and in truth, I have no good reason to. What I did, I should be doing all the time. But at least I did it today. What you ask? I e-mailed all my Congressmen and told them what I thought about certain issues. I’m feeling very responsible today. I told em to hang tough on the FISA bill and not let Bush’s scare tactics get them to absolve the telecoms from responsibility for spying on us. And I told my house representative to oppose that H.Res. 888, which wants define our nation as a “Christian” one. You may disagree with me. You can write to your congresspeople if you do.

It’s nasty outside. The lovely balmy yesterday turned to rain, then sleet, and then well nothing, but the wind is roaring and all the animals are cranky. They got very used to being outside yesterday, and very much resent the return to “usual” today. Bear got another pheasant yesterday, and we watched him carrying it hither and yon looking for just the right hiding place. I think Brandy discovered the last one and stole it. The pheasants are having a rough time, so much snow, so little food. We see a couple a dozen a day wandering. The corn field north of us melted enough that perhaps they can get a bit.

I’ve had a lot of fun the last couple of days, setting up this new blog. It occurs to me that I like setting them up a lot, and get bored quickly afterwards. I’m truly hoping I just hadn’t hit on the right format until now, and I’ll stick with this one. I love looking at blog directories and checking out new blogs. Of course the more I find, the harder it is to keep track of them. But, I’m determined to not be a slave to them this time, at least not to the point of updating them daily. I know which ones I want to read every day, the rest, hey, if they give up something good once a week, it’s a blessing.

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I think the world is divided into two groups, those that like sweets for breakfast and those who don’t. I’m a definite sweets lover. I love muffins in the morning and loved this recipe. I can hardly wait until I can shop again. I have almost no butter, so most baking is out. I made chocolate pudding this morning for a snack tonight. Anyway, skip over and get this chocolate chip muffin recipe at Abby Sweets.

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I am not the most patriotic person in the world, I believe in a global neighborhood and borderless living spaces, but I bet you didn’t know that the Star-spangled Banner was adopted as our national song this day in 1931.

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Since marrying and moving to the meadow with the Contrarian, I’ve not had much cause to think about feminism. When I was lawyering in Michigan, it was a bit more to the forefront in my life. Hillary’s campaign has awakening a renewed interest but my interest has turned more toward uncovering women’s history. There are many many wonderful biblical exegetes who are doing just that in terms of the bible. In terms of history itself, it transcends a number of disciplines. I thought this article on women warriors interesting and enlightening. Hope you do as well.

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Sandi’s Crochet Blog has a nice new pattern, from an older stitch called a knot stitch. She delivers it to you in the form of a square, suitable for an afghan or perhaps a table throw. I’m still working on the afghan, up 8 squares finished!

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Jokes! Jokes!

“They have debated so much that they are now debating about debating. Did you see this? A lot of this debate was about the power of words. Hillary said, ‘Actions speak louder than words,’ Then Obama said, ‘Words can speak as loud as actions.’ And then McCain said, ‘Speak louder!'” –Bill Maher

“This is exciting news. Southern Methodist University announced that they will be the home of George W. Bush’s presidential library. This will be the first presidential library to be made up entirely of small, shiny objects. In fact, I understand right now, they’re building a shelf for the book.” –Jay Leno

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I can be quite stubborn about some things. One thing I’m stubborn about is trying to grow things where they don’t naturally belong. Have you done that? Something that is really not in your zone? Well, of course, mostly this fails, but there are ways to kind of help marginal plants along. Sally’s Gardening Tips has some ideas for you.

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Have you noticed that I find a lot of recipes? LOL…that should tell you something. Well I love potatoes and so does the Contrarian, so we use a lot. We are OUT now, so its rice and pasta and a few noodles left. Sicilian-Style Potato Gratin sounds so good, I will soon be trying it. Oh goodness this looks so good.

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Good news from Essential Estrogen. Iowa becomes the 17th state to reject the federal monies attached to the abstinence only sex education. Some of you may have noticed that there are commercials running here touting a broad prevention campaign in Iowa. This, (the abstinence only funds) was in my opinion, just another Bush program to pander to the religious right. Iowa is on the right side of this issue in my opinion.

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I got this tip about a “quirky” website called “twenty words.” This is for writers and is an evolving team writing site, where each person can only add 20 words to the existing writing. Huh? Well go and look, and well, if you have a yen, give it a go. I am definitely going back and adding my 20 words to the sci-fi story. This sounds like fun!

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On this day:

0561~Pope Pelagius I dies.

1634~First tavern in Boston opened. (Samuel Cole)

1791~US Mint established

1845~Florida became a state (maybe we should have rethought that one)

1845~The Senate over rode a presidential veto for the first time (pity it can’t do it now)

1847~Alexander Graham Bell was born, inventor

1853~Vincent Van Gogh, painter, was born

1879~Belva Ann Bennett Lockwood became the first woman lawyer admitted to practice before SCOTUS

1921~Allen Ginsberg, beat generation poet, born.

1966~William Frawley, actor Fred Mertz, died

1992~Sandy Dennis, actor, died

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Do you shop til you drop? I don’t, in fact I rather dislike the entire process. I’m much happier ordering from the internet than braving the malls. I very seldom do. Ever wondered what this says about you? Are you masking mental issues, or just insufferably materialistic? Check out this nice article at Life Science.

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We Catholics take our saints quite seriously, and usually are quite misunderstood in any case. We do not worship them, we ask them to intercede on our behalf, much as you might ask a friend to intercede on your behalf with a person you didn’t know but they were intimately acquainted with. It appeared to some that JPII (John Paul II) was sidestepping the rigorous investigations a bit. A helpful post by Fr. James Martin, guest columnist for the NTTimes, reflects the new polices being put in place by Pope Benedict XVI. If you are Catholic, or wish to understand a bit about the practice, follow the link.

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“Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from a religious conviction.” ~~Blaise Pascal

“The only normal people are the ones you don’t know very well.” ~~ Joe Ancis

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Well I think it’s time to close shop for the day. Hope you day was warm and pleasant as could be. Hope you found something here that peaked your interest.

***Picture, from An Iowa Garden, March 02, 2008