What’s Up? 07/05/10

Tags

Al Qaeda, America, Amerigo Vesppuci, BP, coleslaw, Condiments, corn salsa, government, neuroscience, Obama, oil companies, psychology, psychopaths, Salads, terrorism, vegetables, Wall Street, willpower

Oh it was a scrumptious July 4! The Contrarian, bless his dear heart, taped both the semi and finals of Wimbledon, and we watched it on Friday and Sunday nights. My hero won!

Well, as you know, I have several, but pound for pound, if I could transpose Johnny Depp’s head onto Rafa’s body, I’d be in some kinda heaven. Not that Rafa or Johnny have to complain about their opposite features, but together, I don’t think a woman could live without swooning.

A beautiful two matches, and a chance to hear a little from an old favorite, Bjorn Borg as well. On the the Open where Rafa will have a tougher time with the speed of those cement like courts.

I would have liked a Federer-Nadal final cuz I always like to see Neanderthal boy lose, to my sexy Spaniard.

Well, okay, digging head from the clouds and returning to the mundane world of reality. Sigh…

Yesterday we have grilled steaks and pasta salad. The crowning glory was a corn salsa I threw together. It was simply divine. I’ll give you the basics:

Corn Salsa

the corn from 3 ears, cut off and sauteed in some olive oil until charred a bit

Throw in a bowl and add:

1 jalapeno, finely diced (or other hot pepper as you like)

1 rib of celery finally chopped

1/2 cup finely chopped red pepper

1/2 cup red onion (or scallions if you prefer)

1/4 cup chopped Italian flat leave parsley or cilantro as you like

juice of one lime

salt and pepper

Drizzle of olive oil to coat

Mix and eat. Great at room temperature.

(feel free to substitute other veggies like carrots, zucchini, radishes, whatever)

 

It would be best if you not miss out on Vodka’s take on the news. I  promise you, it’s always unique. Strip clubs seem to be taking a beating on many fronts (and backs). BP refused their claim of lost wages due to loss of customers along the Gulf coast. And then there is Michael Steele’s attempt to woo GOP’ers into contributions by showing them some free jiggles. It’s a tough economy so it seems.

Speaking of limes, I thought you might like this refreshing new take on coleslaw, which can get soooo mundane sometimes. It’s all cilantro-y and chili peppery and, sounds perfect for those summer grilling adventures. Easy side to make with some real inventiveness. Thanks to Epicurious!

Okay, so this is long, and depressing, but frankly, my little cutsie blurbs do not lead to your being critically informed. This post does. The link was broken so I’ve sent you to the main site, and go to Government Isn’t the Problem, by Evert Cilliers (aka Adam Ash), dated today. Read it, all of it.

Perhaps no brain is as fascinating to me as the sociopath or psychopath as they used to be called. Neuroscientist Jim Fallon, has been looking at them from a genetic point of view. This is the third of three parts and the other two can be accessed though links part way through part 3. A really interesting look. Are we victims of people who have no choice?

Think you know how America got it’s name? Maybe you do, and maybe you don’t. Follow the link and find out.

We are all victims of our urges. None of us are successful all of the time in invoking will power to subdue them. Scientific American gives us so real advice on how we might do better, whether it be avoiding chocolate to excess, beer, or shoes.

All is not gloom and doom. Elizabeth Kaeton has a doozy of a post on Queen Liz’s latest letter to us in Merika. Seems, our revolution has been revoked, and we are back in. Be grateful that I gave you a toy to play with. This will not happen often, since I’m about serious business here most days.

And that is enough for now. Have a great day. It’s crappy rain here, and for the foreseeable future into infinity. Iowa is startin’ to be a real drag. House smells like wet fur. I’m tempted to make them all stay out anyway. I need to nap.

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.

Is God Just Pissed or What?

Tags

Bush, Carribbean, embroidery, environment, Gardening, Iowa, Iraq, John McCain, Media, oceans, pasta, pesto, Pork, quilting, satire, vegetables, witchcraft, Women's history

Called “The Advanced Guard (the Ambush),” this piece was done by Frederic Remington in 1890. It is located at the Art Institute of Chicago. Two thoughts come to mind. I feel ambushed by the gush of water we have endured for the past twenty-four hours. I feel like I’m living on a floating flotsam of land on a sea of muck, and two, when did I start cheering for the Indians when I see pictures or movies involving Native Peoples and the Cavalry?

Oh what a holy mess. It poured buckets ALL night and the water is literally running downhill in rivers. I’m sure that we could force ourselves out if it were necessary but of course it is not, so we aren’t. We have gone from piles of snow to cold and rain for now close to six straight months with hardly a break of decent weather. It’s depressing. I fear for the garden at this point. The fact that we have a whopping two days without rain and temps in the low 80’s may save us, but I’m not sure.

The dogs are grumpy, and are stubbornly laying outside now, determined to be outside after spending way too much time indoors. My floors take a beating on days like this as 24 paws trip over the floors leaving their lovely impressions in dirty wet prints. And dogs just smell when they are wet, like old wet soggy leather. I need to make a dessert but frankly cannot get up the emotional gusto for the job. We are having hamburgers and home fries for dinner. Maybe some coleslaw, if I get up that energy! LOL. I just want to b**ch out the world today.

I’m convinced the world is nutso anyway. Dunkin Donuts cancels an ad because some wingnut on Fox Nonews thinks Rachel Ray’s scarf looks similar to the kind worn by Yasar Arafat? I mean who care what Foxthinks about anything? Has America gone mad? A Catholic priest rants like the worst kind of Telepreacher, embarrassing not only every sane Catholic but religion in general? Religion is looking awfully bad these days, no matter what type you practice. I think America is bipolar if you get my drift. I would move to a sane country if I could. I’m sick and embarrassed to be a member of this country right now. Well, let’s get to the news, it can’t be worse can it?

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Frankly the only pestos I’ve ever made were basil. I have made that several times when I had enough homegrown basil to make a big batch and freeze. This recipe from 101 Cookbooks is broccoli pesto and I thought it was a nice spring/summer type meal that can be made up quickly but elegantly as well.

This is hardly an uplifting story. It doesn’t take a big brain to conclude that global warming and pollution not only affect the air, but also our oceans. And the sad facts are that more and more “dead zones” are showing up in our seas and oceans around the world. The die off in marine life is horrid, and its not all caused by global warming either. Excessive fishing is totally changing the landscape under the waves, perhaps forever as we kill off one species after another in our greed to have it all.

I doubt that most people have any sympathy for Scotty McClellan. His allegations are undoubtedly true, and many have been saying the same for years. The problem is that Scotty’s new found attack of shame and the need to do the right thing, are well, just a tad late. But one has to admire the usual Bushite machine’s smearing of his name. It’s all been said and done before. In fact they even use the same tired excuses. In fact McClellan himself used the same excuses to smear other tell-all confessions, namely those of Richard Clarke. It is like a memo was sent out, giving the standard “talking points.”

Do you know what a nanologist is? Bet not. Feeling stitchy can tell you as well as show you some lovely stitched ones. Enjoy this little aside into embroidery fun. Your kids will love them, and weird old ladies probably will too! LOL.

Gardening Tips and Ideas has about four short reviews of new gardening books. I don’t indulge because I end up just looking at the pictures, and they generally seem awfully expensive. But many are addicted to cookbooks and gardening and crafting ones, so if you are, slip over and see if anything inspires you.

Here is a book many will be happy to spend some bucks on. Gracious Acres brings us the story of a small town guy who snapped pictures of life in Ridgeway Iowa for 60 years and never could even afford to print them. They finally have been and are collected in a book called, “Sunday Afternoon on the Porch” and are published by Iowa University Press. Make sure you take a look.

History of American Women continues to bring us stories of women charged with witchcraft in our colonial history. Today she focuses onSarah Averill Wildes. She was accused first by the sister of her husband’s first wife, then deceased. Eventually she was arrested in a sweep that included eight others and that spread from Salem to outlying towns. She was tried, convicted and then hung on July 19, 1896.

The Iowa Independenthas another profile of a Democrat running for that 4th district House seat currently held by Republican Latham. Read about Becky Greenwald and her rather impressive endorsements as she runs to win the nomination.

Inspired by Antique Quilts has some links to her favorite antique quilt makers. They are definitely not cheap but oh they are beautiful. It is delightful just to look at them. Do so if you need a visual pick-me-up today.

Jeannelle at Midlife by Farmlight has a uplifting story about how her son’s football team went to Parkersburg to help out in the tornado relief effort. The additional rain last night I’m sure did nothing to help matters a  bit. My thoughts continue to be with those people ravaged by the tornado and it’s aftermath. I cannot fathom the sense of loss people must be feeling and the strange out-of-body feeling it must engender.

Once Upon a Feast has a presto pasta roundup of recipes from around the net. If you can’t find one you like out of this array, then you don’t know pasta! LOL. I found more than a few that I would like to try. Pictures of each are a bonus along with the links to all the recipes.

McCain has made a point of appearinig to promote policies designed to stem global warming and aid our worn environment. Course, as many  of us suspected, it more talk than anything else. He misses the votes in Congress when they come up and fails to support the best bills, instead favoring those that are more in line with the Bushite desires. The Mav is a skunk it seems smelling up the biosphere with the usual rhetoric sans action.

I don’t know about you, but the Contrarian and I never miss an episode of either the Daily Show or The Cobert Report. We get some of the finest biting commentary on the news from them, something not available in the mainstream. It continues to amaze me how very influential they are becoming, and Steven’s “Cobert Nation” seems willing and able to do just about anything asked of them. The Salon offers a great little post on the influence of the satirists on politics.

Do you shuffle when you walk? Why if so, you are but doing as our ancestors may have done. Researchers claim that it is possible that bipedalism began with a shuffling motion designed to conserve metabolic energy. Okay, makes sense to me. Read about it at Science Digest.

This is an atypical recipe for me, but one I think I will give a go to. It’s called Pork Mango Picadillo and is a Caribbean treat. I think it would make a fine addition to any “international” dinner plan. Sounds great to me. Since it’s from Simply Recipes, you know it will be a fantastic one.

John McCain has made claims that while he disagrees a good deal about how the war in Iraq was prosecuted, he sees no alternative now since we are there, than to finish the job. But do his earlier pronouncements equal this new stance? The Nation in a well researched report, suggests the answer is a resounding NO, and that McCain has supported and echoed the Administration line from start to well, finished it still is not. Read about what he ACTUALLY SAID throughout the war years and make up your own mind.

I must say this little post just made me laugh. Bush doesn’t intend to read Scotty’s book! Is this a joke? Does he read any book? Too too funny and just the knee slapper I needed today.

Veggie Gardening Tips has some ideas about growing heirloom tomatoes. I’ve done a lot of this, mostly growing from seed. They have done okay for the most part, but remember, most of these plants are very much more susceptible to disease, and if you put up a lot like I do, you learn to appreciate the nice round blemish free tomatoes from the more modern hybrids. But for pure pleasure eating, the heirlooms are wonderful.

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“There’s an old saying about those who forget history. I don’t remember it, but it’s good.” Stephen Colbert

“Life is a moderately good play with a badly written third act.” Truman Capote

“I’m living so far beyond my income that we may almost be said to be living apart.” e.e. cummings

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Just dumb things said:

I think the team that wins Game 5 will win the series. Unless we lose Game 5.”
– Charles Barkley, NBA Basketball Player

“China is a big country, inhabited by many Chinese.”
– Charles De Gaulle, former French President

“Most lies about blondes are false.”
– Cincinnati Times-Star, headline

“If you give a person a fish, they’ll fish for a day. But if you train a person to fish, they’ll fish for a lifetime.”
– Dan Quayle, former U.S. Vice President

It’s time for the human race to enter the solar system!”
– Dan Quayle, former U.S. Vice President on the concept of a manned mission to Mars

“I love California, I practically grew up in Phoenix.”
– Dan Quayle, former U.S. Vice President

“Sit by the homely girl, you’ll look better by comparison.”
– Debra Maffett, Miss America 1983

“We don’t like their sound. Groups of guitars are on the way out.”
– Decca Records Rejecting the Beatles, in 1962

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John McCain repeated his assertion that Barack Obama should visit Iraq to really learn about the country. When asked for how long, Senator McCain replied a three- or four-year tour of duty should take care of it.

New York Governor David Patterson has announced that the state will begin to back same-sex marriages from elsewhere. Rudy Giuliani immediately countered with the argument that marriage should be between a man and a woman, and then another woman, and then the other woman.— Janice Hough, Palo Alto, Calif.

NASA says the toilet on the international space station is clogged. Until now, what’s always been the worst problem for restroom facilities in zero gravity? Remembering to keep the lid down. – Alan Ray, Stockton, Calif.

Living Large in Rural Iowa

Tags

Barack Obama, Catholicism, church/state, Civil War, courts, creationism, fundamentalism, Gardening, gay rights, History, immigration, Jam/jelly, John McCain, justice, mulches, quilting, salad, vegetables, Veterans, weeds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This piece is simply called Goddess, and is from the Cypro-Archaic period mid 6th Century B.C. It can be viewed at the Louvre.

It’s a bit on the soggy side today but they say the rain will be moving off soon. It is however chilly again, and that is getting most depressing. It seems it’s never to be warm and stay that way.  We have tantalizing glimpses of summer then the cold returns. I am having digestive “issues” and so have decided to beg off the cleaning duties today, as I’m rather out of sorts. The Contrarian has risen to the occasion as he usually does and is doing the cooking today.  I’m putting up this blog which helps keep me occupied and away from my troubles. A bland diet for a few days should put things in order again. We are doing our standard holiday fare for Monday, ribs, potato salad and pea salad.

Nothing is happening in the garden so far, but the Contrarianis his usual impatient self in that regard. Each day he goes for a tour and reports that the corn is not up yet. Of course it was just planted Monday or Tuesday, and he grew up on a farm so he knows better. This does not dissuade him from his daily progress reports however. So far our plants have not been eaten. I found a dead baby rabbit in the bathroom a couple of days ago, thanks no doubt to Spencer the killer cat. That was the same day I was chasing him through the house with his latest dead bird, this time a goldfinch. He specializes in wrens usually.

On to the news of the day:

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We in this country, with the blessings of our dear Supreme Court, continue to murder in the name of law, and we call it fair punishment for crimes committed. The death penalty is a cause near and dear to my heart, having been a criminal defense attorney for more than 20 years. I know at first hand the incredible injustice of the “justice” system. I know of the miscarriages that occur, and know first hand of at least two cases in which innocents were convicted. One was later released after serving four or five years. The other is presumably still there having now served more than 25 by my recall. Even when the system corrects an error and releases an innocent, is this justice? Read about how prisoners newly released try to cope with their new found freedom at Alternet‘s exemplary post by Liliana Segura.

Meanwhile, some states continue to pursue a course of public education designed to move American students farther down the competitive ladder in science. Louisiana in its infinite lack of wisdom has passed state legislation that allows the teaching of non-science in the guise of “supplemental materials.”  These bills are called “academic freedom” bills and are being offered mostly in the deep south bible belt where backwards thinking is still all too common. They are pushed by reactionary right religious organizations who are determined that Christianity will be taught one way or another. Apparently they do not feel that they can teach Christian principles themselves in their respective churches.

John McCain has no integrity, none. Yesterday he lambasted Obama  claiming he knows zero about veterans rights since he hasn’t served. You can read his entire rant at Blue Girl, Red State. It’s an embarrassing loss of cool once again, as McCain tries to justify his refusal to vote for Webb’s new GI Bill. Of course as she points out in a earlier post, some of the folks that are on his bill aren’t veterans either, but that of course is not mentioned. Worse yet, McCain skipped completely the latest war funding vote because he decided to spend the day with the Governor of California. And that would be Arnold who admittedly went AWOL from his duties in Austria to compete in a bodybuilding meet. Seems old old Mac has trouble remembering things these days. This subject is huge on the internet blogging world today. Think Progress has some more details that might be of interest.

I sadly don’t often have the opportunity to praise my Church. Today I can. Both the archdiocese and the Sisters of Mercy are on record in Iowa calling for immigration reformafter the ugly raid in Pottsville. Calling the policies of the Governmentboth disastrous and inhumane, the Sisters call for changes that insure that dignity and human rights are respected.

If you are interested in learning a bit about yawning, slip by C’est La Vie and Josie will give you the ins and outs. It’s an annoying thing to endure some times, especially when you are trying to watch something really good on TV and keep being distracted by uncontrolled yawning. And it’s contagious as well, as we all know.

I don’t know about you but I love beets. I can’t eat a lot because of their high sugar content, but this recipe looked so good. I don’t like the bleeding idea in this recipe, but if you grow the golden ones, it would be absolutely perfect. In any case, its a great little summer salad. Coconut & Lime brings us Beet Potato Salad.

History News Network offers us a fine piece on the question of the Confederacy’s treasury which has long been the topic of speculation. Did it exist, how much did it contain, and more importantly, where is it? There were supposed to be some 35 kegs of Mexican silver that have never been accounted for. Read this fascinating account and decide what you think.

A pear jelly recipe is offered at Homemade Jam and Jelly blog. I really enjoy making jelly and jam and I find it quite easy to do, and frankly, I have to because I can control what type of sugar is used. I’ll file it away with my others choice jam and jelly recipes. This year I’m planning on making crab apple jelly if our huge tree produces a good set of fruit. They say apples are setting very well this year in Iowa.

Have you heard? McCain has renounced his friends and spiritual advisors, Hagee and Parlsey. His minions are across the landscape claiming that it didn’t take Mac 20 years to do so either. But of course that begs the question. Mac actively  sought the endorsement of Hagee. And Hagee’s pronouncements in all their vulgar ugliness existed well before. So does McCain have no vetting process? Inside-Out the Beltway has another great piece on the subject. Given that McCain has shown us again and again that he has no ability to assess the integrity of those he takes on board  his campaign, why should anyone trust him with the government? Simple answer: NOBODY.

Inspired by antique quilts has a look at a new quilting book. I don’t buy these because I simply don’t have that kind of disposable income, and you can get most patterns free on the web. But I sure like to look at the lovely pictures which do give you ideas as well as that ubiquitous inspiration.

The reason why I love the National Reviewis that they are wingnuts of the first order. The degree of their attack shows the degree of their fear that all will be lost this November. Given this post, I would guess they have given up.  Rich Lowry offers us a complete article claiming that Obama is gay-marriage’s best friend based on one word, and that word is “respect.” Obama said that he “‘respected’ the decision of the California Supreme Court.” With that alone, Lowry concocts an entire post of conjecture, supposition, and innuendo. Too funny for words. I’m still waiting for somebody to explain to me what marriage has to be protected from. Any takers?

If you would like to see a broader discussion of gay marriage visit On Faith wherein this issue is debated and you of course can add your two cents. The usual suspects are panelists. The comments are great, ranging from the outrageously idiotic to the intelligent and well thought out.  

Don’t know if you heard or not but Johnny Mac has invited some folks to his house for barbecue this weekend. Some of those invited are supposed to be on the short list for consideration of VEEP. One of those is the kid Jindal who is a whopping  37 years old and about as right wing as you can get. I mean he is a wingnut. American Prospect has a very thorough vetting on him today. Don’t miss it. I think he would be a grand choice, one we can all get behind to campaign against.

Tip Junkie has amassed a bunch of tutorials for you. There are ones to create a diaper cake for those baby showers, one to make soap, and about six or more others. Take a look and see if there is anything there that peaks your artistic interests.

The best mulch is a living mulch. That’s what I always say. Well, I guess i don’t always say it, but I have learned to plant in patterns that make the plants kind of help cover the area which does help the weeds to be kept at a minimum. Veggie Gardening Tips has plenty of advice as to how to do this technically speaking. Take a look and save your aching back.

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“The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they’re going to have some pretty annoying virtues.”  Elizabeth Taylor

“It has been said that man is a rational animal. All my life I have been searching for evidence which could support this.” Bertrand Russell

“A wise man can see more from the bottom of a well than a fool can from a mountain top .”  Unknown

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More of those bumper stickers:

CAUTION: This car will be left behind during rapture

Coffee, Chocolate, Men. Some things are just better rich.

Consciousness: that annoying time between naps.

Conserve toilet paper – use both sides.

Constipated People Don’t Give A Shit.

Death is God’s way of telling you not to be such a wise guy.

Despite The Cost Of Living, Have You Noticed How It Remains So Popular?

Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup.

Do they ever shut up on your planet.

Eagles may soar, but weasels don’t get sucked into jet engines.

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John McCain is going to be the Republican nominee for president, so he is now auditioning candidates for vice president. And they’re visiting at his home in Arizona, which I believe is called the Lazy Artery. Wait, I believe it’s a ranch. I think it is the Double Hernia, or maybe it is called the Rancho Prostateo. David Letterman

A California biotechnology company is auctioning off five opportunities to clone your family dog, with the bidding starting at $100,000. The first bid came in from the parents of a boy named Timmy who want enough cloned copies of their collie that they never have to worry about Timmy falling down a well again.

It’s not Cannes, but the city of Dammam in Saudi Arabia is holding that country’s first-ever film festival. The most popular movies at the Saudi festival are “Sand By Me,” “Like Oil For Chocolate” and “Sheiks and the City.” – Paul Seaburn, Spring, Texas

Mind Flipping Incongruities

Tags

1st Amendment, American History, astronomy, Barack Obama, breakfast, Bush, environment, Gardening, gay rights, Israel, John McCain, Military, Palestine, religion, Sauces, SCOTUS, seafood, tex-mex, vegetables, Women's history

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This lovely painting is by Pierre Auguste Renoir and is called “Near the Lake.” It was done in 1879/80 and is from the Art Institute of Chicago.

It’s a rather gloomy Tuesday, with the sun long gone it seems. It did peek out a bit earlier this morning, but that it appears is all we are likely to get today. Rain is again in the offing for later. Like we have room for any more. I cleaned the fridge today. That started out as a much easier job than it finished out being. I did a lot of cleaning around the seals in the door which had gotten a bit gunky, if you get my drift. Anyway, it’s done now. I haven’t cleaned behind yet. The Contrarian didn’t sleep well last night so he went back to bed when I got up. So that is my excuse, and I’m sticking to it.

On with the news:

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I think I featured a crab cake recipe recently, but I found this one with a fabulous sauce that I just couldn’t resist. So take a look and see if you like Crab Cakes with Green Mango Salsa. A Mingling of Tastes brings you this lovely one.

Another Bushite in trouble. Scott Bloch, self described “devout” Catholic and hater of all things gay, is in some deep trouble with the FBI which has raided his office and home looking for evidence that he has obstructed the investigation of his own misconduct at head of the Office of Special Counsel. Bloch as far back as 1971 has opposed the anti-war movement and women’s rights as well, making him an all-purpose hater of various minorities, and a lover of war. That of course made him just right for the neo-cons of the Bush Administration. The investigation has to do with his alleged treatment of employees.

As many of you may know, John McCain recently gave a speech on the environment in an attempt to establish his creds with voters. According to Alternet, and reporter John Nichols, McCain is full of hot air. It seems much of what he touts as new environmental policy is old science, much of which is now outdated by newer stuff. Experts say his new policy is arranged more to get votes than it is to make any real difference on the planet. See what you think.

I admit that there are a huge number of vice presidents that I don’t know anything at all about. This suggests of course, that most VP’s are not particularly noteworthy. American Presidents Blog has some nice trivia about a few of them and a link to more information.

We all have faced the problem of plants that start out wonderful, then suddenly start wilting and just going ugly. Disease strikes quickly and seemingly without warning. Sally’s Gardening Tips has some great ideas for you to help avoid losing your precious flowers and vegetables to disease.

Gardening Tips ‘n Ideas has found the most interesting little site. It’s about landscaping on a miniature scale, someone like bonsai. The site is called Little Landscapes and it has plenty of pictures and instructions. This looks like so much fun and would be a wonderful project to push away those winter doldrums. (They sell a lot of the “accessories” but I do think you could be creative at any craft store.) They are so cute you just have to want one for yourself.

Seal tries sex with a penguin. Yep. You read that correctly. You do not need glasses. Go to Live Scienceand read all about this phenomenon that was actually caught on film. The picture is not very good, lol, but my goodness, what is the world coming to?

Wow, this recipe caught my eye. Corn Cakes! What a delightful idea for a brunch addition. It’s easy and I think would just be lovely to fix on a late spring Sunday morning for eating on the patio. Midwest Neurotica offers us this fine fare.

David Brooks who has to some extent lost his ultra conservative credentials among the ultra conservatives at least, has a thought provoking essay on religion, brain research and spirituality. I think his ideas are correct actually. I think he correctly zeroes in that the next major argument is not going to be God versus science, but true spirituality versus religious institutions. Read his post and see what you think.

Pauline Bonaparte is the subject of Scandalous Women‘s latest foray in the wonderful world of women and history. Be sure not to miss it, and don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance at a free book.

Maybe you don’t think finding a single carbon monoxide molecule from a galaxy 11 billion light years away is important, but scientists seem to think it’s pretty darn exciting. The trick is that this  allows them to learn the temperature of the galaxy when the Universe was only 20% of its present age, and that’s a might long time ago. The universe is estimated to be about 14-15 billion years old. So do the math. In fact, predictions of the temperature were 9.3K. Actual results from the test turned out to be 9.1K with a wiggle room of 0.7, so the predictions were very accurate.

As we have previously reported, McCain has jumped on the conservative bandwagon with both feet, determined to resurrect himself among those he derided in 2000 as divisive elements in political discourse. He is now touting that judicial activism must be opposed. Of course, there is no such thing, it simply is code for GOP/religious right rhetoric that we don’t like the decisions coming from the courts and want to them rule as we prefer. Paul Waldman has an excellent post at American Prospect that you really should read. It turns out that if anybody can be called activist, its conservative judges, not the so-called liberal ones.

If you are not sure where exactly Barack Obama stands on the issue of Israel and Palestine, then two posts should help you, both are first hand interviews with Obama and not their personal conclusions about what they have read. Read Martin Peretz, editor-in-chief of The New Republictake on OBama and Israel, as well as Jeffrey Goldberg‘s interview from The Atlantic. And you can also drop by Urantian Sojourn and get Saitia’s take on the issue as well. (It’s a main site link again. Sorry, but I’m still having trouble with their website)

As a long time resident of Michigan for the better/worse parts of my life, I am very familiar with this story. Dow Chemical has been a major Michigan polluter for, well, nearly as long as I have been alive. It has continuously tried to avoid responsibility for its dirty practices. Today, a member of the EPA claims she was forced to resign by the Bushites because she was leaning hard on Dow to, as usual, clean up its act. Read a long and thorough account of Dow historically in Michigan and up to today’s news. Remember, when you see companies who have no consumer business, doing ads on TV about how environmentally good they are, you can be sure they are getting leaned on for being dirty.

Since the Pentagon was forced to release all that information on its attempts to seed the media with pentagon friendly “analysts,” the dirt just continues to build up. I mean the documents are so damning that some somebodies are going to pay a huge price. I assume congressional hearings will be in the offing quite soon. I mean you just have to read this stuff to be amazed at how our Constitution has been ripped to shreds by Bush/Cheney. Thanks to Think Progress for the excerpts.

I’d never heard of St. Sunniva, patron saint of Norway. Melisende has a lovely little bio of her at Women of History. Stop by and learn who she was.

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“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy and Jill a rich widow.” Evan Esar

“Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.” Paul Gauguin

“He’s simply got the instinct for being unhappy highly developed.” Saki

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Best pickup lines? or the worst?

If you were a booger I’d pick you first.

Baby did you fart, ’cause you blow me away!

Is there an airport nearby or is that my heart taking off?

Are my undies showing? Answer: “No.” You: “Would you like them to?

Aren’t you the tiger on the Frosted Flakes box? Cuz you look “Grrrreat!”

Baby, you’re the next contestant in the game of love.

Can I get a picture of you so I can show Santa what I want for Christmas?

Don’t walk into that building — the sprinklers might go off!

Excuse me, do I need to buy a ticket for your fantastic voyage?

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But if you look at this historically, it’s not that difficult to believe that Hillary would still be campaigning. Listen to this. Once a year, in his basement, Al Gore gives a State of the Union address. David Letterman

From The Onion:

Number Of Acceptable Things
Candidates Can Say Now Down To Four

NEW YORK—After Sen. Barack Obama’s comments last week about what he typically eats for dinner were criticized by Sen. Hillary Clinton as being offensive to both herself and the American voters, the number of acceptable phrases presidential candidates can now say are officially down to four. “At the beginning of 2007 there were 38 things candidates could mention in public that wouldn’t be considered damaging to their campaigns, but now they are mostly limited to ‘Thank you all for coming,’ and ‘God bless America,’” ABC News chief Washington correspondent George Stephanopoulos said on Sunday’s episode of This Week. “There would still be five phrases available to the candidates if the Obama camp hadn’t accused Clinton of saying ‘Glad to be here’ with a little tinge of sarcasm during a stump speech in North Carolina.” As of press time, the two additional phrases still considered appropriate for candidates are the often-quoted “These pancakes are great,” and “Death to the infidels.”

Nothing to Do But Laugh

Tags

Crafts, evolution, Gardening, gay rights, geology, Greece, immigration, Individual Rights, marriage, pasta, poverty, Rome, science, torture, vegetables

Done by Umberto Boccioni in 1911, this piece is entitled “The Laugh” and can be found at MoMA. Given that the rains have returned in force and undone all the slow seepage we have so painstakingly watched for the past several days, I figured there is not much else one can do.

We have a good lead on a nice Bronco, problem is, that now, with these additional rains, we can hardly expect to get out to see it. The Contrarian and I laughed about telling the dude to drive it to us, and then to the bank and we would drive him home and drop him off. I doubt anything but a 4×4 can get back here for another couple of days, and we have no idea how much rain is yet to come. This is just the worst winter and spring I’ve ever seen here. I hope the guy has some patience, but he wants to sell, and won’t wait surely if another offer comes his way.

Spring cleaning is proceeding just wonderfully however. I’d say half of the room is done. Mostly its pulling tables from walls and getting the dust trapped against baseboards. Yes I know, I should do this regularly. I do not of course. You have no idea, if you don’t heat with wood how incredibly dirty it is. Cobwebs are created literally within a month, everywhere. I figure three more days and it will be done. Then I may try to get busy on the painting. But I really don’t want to stop the cleaning now. I’m in a good comfortable rhythm and I want to do a good job with the kitchen, tearing the cabinets apart and reordering the entire thing.

On to the news of the day:

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When you have a moment, drop by (Mis)Adventures of a Crafty Wifey and see her extraordinarily creative jewelry. I think she has an Etsy store as well. Her work is quite eclectic and you just never know what to expect. Today, she decided to do something unusual with the flies that were tormenting her!

Okay, so maybe I am to blame for this lousy spring we are having. May is the month named after the Greek goddess Maia.I know I forgot to pay whatever homage is required. Should I burn something like a chicken or check some entrails or something. I’ve offended the Goddesssss! Whatever is needed, I’m willing to do. I want to get outside and plant and well just walk without getting my feet wet. Oh and some fine Roman victories occurred over the millenia too today, or yesterday I guess. So if you’re Italian, give a cheer for the victories over Sabines, Samnites, and Macedonians and others. Or just visit Ancient History Blog and follow more links to interesting information.

I personally detest the idea of building a wall in some asinine attempt to close off Mexico from the US. First of all, it will not work as any common sense examination of the issue shows, and secondly, IT WILL NOT WORK. Oh, and it violates tons of state laws, disturbs eco-systems, and IT WILL NOT WORK. Read more at Alternet‘s “Immigration: Do Fences make good neightbors?”

C’est La Vie reminds us of a sad statistic- Poverty and its impact on children. Canada doesn’t do a good job of carrying for children, but the US is even worse. Of course, that would be nothing new. How can we allow this? We are the richest of the rich and we let this go on. How our legislators and government can look people in the eye is beyond me. The shame is profound.

I do a lot of container gardening, mostly because I want to sit outside and be utterly surrounded by beauty. I take all my houseplants out, and arrange them, add some herbs in a container or two, a couple of hanging baskets and the rest filled with impatiens, those wonderful cascading petunias, and any and all sorts of things like lobelia. Everything sits amongst some hostas that hide in corners that don’t get much sun. Sally’s Gardening Tips has some ideas for you. Take a look.

Anybody gotten any asparagus yet? I’m sure wanting some fresh from the garden. We don’t get much, because we never kept up well with the initial planting but we do get some. Epicurious has a wonderful spring idea for you that sounds decadent to say the least. Asparagus Ravioli with Parmesan Sauce has simply got to be amazing.

Some new offers from Free Sample Forager. Today’s include a free download of a Star Wars novel, Yomommy Yogurt, Planet Heroes free DVD, and a free Comic book. Enjoy.

I’m sure you think you know why Teddy Roosevelt didn’t win the Republican nod in 1912. Newer research suggests that you might not have known at all. As we hurdle toward a Democratic convention that may prove to be more than we expected, read about how Roosevelt and Taft met heads on in a battle for the GOP nomination. Lewis Gould, (Four Hats in the Ring: The 1912 Election and the Birth of Modern American Politics) tells you all about it.

Oh, gee, another thing I can begin to obsess about. It seems that our recent shimmy shake here in the good old Midwest was not an anomaly, not something to regard as a freakish event, unlikely to happen again. No, no, you should be scared, very scared, in fact California is looking good right about now. We are on some fault line called the “New Madrid” line. I knew it was a mistake when the Spanish sailed for America. Does hopping up and down help? Or does that only work for elevators?

It appears that the marriage issue will be back on the ballot this year in California. I have not kept track of this, so I don’t know what is likely to happen. The National Reviewof course, thinks it’s just super. The Catholic wingnuts (insert right wing nutso minority) also thinks its super. I think it’s utterly horrid and mean. Nobody, not one of these dolts has yet to explain in claiming that they are protecting marriage, has told me what they are protecting it from? Not one. Seems that given that 50% of all marriages end in divorce, that it’s pretty much on life support now. I remain a supporter that anyone who wants to be married should be able to and receive all the attendant civil rights that so attach. I’m not threatened by homosexuals. I don’t think they intend to force me to divorce and marry a woman. Most importantly, I don’t try to speak for God, and since I don’t think the Bible is God speaking directly, I don’t place any real emphasis on those few passages that the wingnut religious use to claim to speak for God. So there.

More news on the torture front. The Bushites have finally released a few documents, but not many and continue to stonewall a good deal. The are trying to ride this out until after the elections I presume. They cannot keep it up for long. More and more, people are starting to predict that when all is said and done, a bunch are heading off for prison numbers. Read today’s editorial in the NYTimes and see if you agree. More and more we hear the sounds of impeachment in the air. I’m thinking it’s a tad too late for that.

The Contrarian caught this yesterday, and frankly I’m rather surprised there has been so little media coverage about it. It seems that West Coast Dock workers went on a one-day strike to protest the Iraq war. Ten thousand participated and that is quite a statement I would say. I echo Tom Cat at Politics Plus. Hats off to the Union.

Remember when Democrats stood up and refused Bushes amnesty for the Telecoms in his latest greatest eavesdropping law? Well that seems on the verge of being upset as some Dems are apparently secretly trying to pretty much give Dubya what he wants. Jay Rockefeller is implicated in this latest heist of the FICA bill. Read Glenn Greenwald’s excellent and thorough report on what is cooking behind closed doors.  

It can only be weeks away before we can somehow convert this to human beings. I mean the desire to do so on the part of any rational woman is so clear. Surely modern science can make the connection and for a change, the shoe, errr, fetus can be on the other foot, errr womb, or well, someplace. Male pregnancy is getting a long look see in seahorses. Now we just have to find some men with brood pouches and we are all set.  

Another good article on Cufi master, Pastor John Hagee and his Armaggedon scenario.Turns out it’s not just the Jews who are scheduled to die in the conflagration that Hagee prays for daily. It turns out that most of America goes as well. Course, he and his minions are all safe by then in the Rapture, watching us burn into crisps while they praise God. Old Mac it seems cannot get this at all because of senility, or perhaps he really agrees with it as well. In either case, you are aware of the type of endorsement that McCain both sought and continues to hold dear.

Have you heard the name Sami Al Hajj?Nope I didn’t think so. Mr. Al Hajj is a cameraman for Al Jazeera. He has been in Guantanamo Bay for six years. He has been released, with no charges. I always ask this same question: How to do Dubya and his band of thugs sleep at night? They do not of course ever answer me. I don’t think they have feelings like the rest of us. And who exactly are the terrorists? I’m getting more confused daily.

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“I take my wife everywhere, but she keeps finding her way back.” Henny Youngman

“You know everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects.” Will Rogers

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More Bumper Stickers!

Buckle up… it makes it harder for the aliens to suck you out of your car.

There are 2 types of pedestrians, the quick and the dead.

All men are idiots, and I married their king.

Very funny Scotty; now beam down my clothes

We’re not old people we’re recycled teenagers!

IF THIS STICKER IS GETTING SMALLER, THE LIGHT IS PROBABLY GREEN

I love to give homemade gifts, which one of my kids do you want?

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Well, the claims made by Barack Obama’s pastor former pastor, I guess, are getting more and more bizarre. He now says the high price of gas is due to Dick Cheney and all his friends — O.K., he’s right on that one. Jay Leno

David Blaine, that street magician guy, was on the “Oprah” show, where he held his breath while he was underwater for 17 minutes. Underwater for 17 minutes without breathing — or as Dick Cheney calls it, “interrogation.” David Letterman

As Americans were asked in the latest CNN poll to name worst president in their history, Harry Truman came in with an impressive 65 percent, then followed Richard Nixon with 68 percent but the all-time record with a whopping 71 percent was Dick Cheney. – Eugene Cappuccio 

Are We Having Fun Yet?

Tags

American History, brain, chocolate, creationism, dessert, economy, embroidery, fruit, fundamentalists, Gardening, immigration, Iraq, limerick, McCain, Non-Believers, Obama, philosophy, quilting, Rome, science, vegetables, world history, Zoology

This photo is from the Library of Congress and depicts a sod house from Nebraska. Built by George Shields and his son in Keya Paha County in 1919. I guess it makes me think that my home is a tad more comfy than this one. Another good reason to remember that although life may give us some tough times, mostly they are not nearly as tough as they once were.

Welcome to my new platform. I think I’m liking it more and more. I was really surprised at just how much more I could do that I thought. I am told that WordPress has gone through a recent upgrade. I’m sure liking it. A few things were different but the forum here is excellent. You get answers very quickly. I’m sorry for those of you who either subscribe by e-mail or by feed. But hopefully it’s not too much inconvenience to change over.  I think this look is a bit more professional and easy to read. Hope you like it.

The plan to do an “International Blog” review is going to take a lot longer than I thought. It seems that many places around the globe restrict blogging. Repressive governments tend to do that. Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, so far have yielded very little. In fact most shut down in 2007, and there were reports that many bloggers have been jailed. I have three so far, Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine. I’ve had little success otherwise, even in places like Finland and Ireland. There aren’t a lot to choose from, and what is there tend to be quite specific. I don’t think you are all that interested in Irish local politics or a Finnish computer geek’s ramblings on software. So I’m not sure how this will go.

It’s getting late, and we have a lot to cover, so let’s get with it:

A Mingling of Tastes has some tasty brownies today. If you would like to get a bit tipsy, take a look. They include bourbon-soaked raisins! These look super chocolaty, and in my book there can never been too much chocolate.

How time flies when you are building bridges. Californians are no doubt celebrating that the Golden Gate Bridge was completed yesterday in 1937. I’m sure San Franciscans are thrilled. Read more at American History Blog.

In 121 C.E. Marcus Aurelius was born this day. He was known as the last of the “good emperors.” Read more about his life at the Ancient History Blog.

A story by the Christian Science Monitor is picked up by Alternet. It seems that Europe is beginning to close its doors to Iraqi refugees. This story is little reported on of course. We have created this incredible mess yet we are unwilling to accept very many at all. There is only so much that Europe can do. See how our war of choice has strained Sweden’s capacities to the maximum.

As you may already know, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright appeared onBill Moyers Journalthe other night. We haven’t seen it yet, but have it TIVO’d. You can read about it and join in on the discussion at the Moyers site. As always, the comments are often the best part. For an excellent commentary on Reverend Wright’s remarks read, The Jeremiad and Race in America, by Professor Andrew Murphy.

Blue Girl, Red State has a good post on the growing food crisis worldwide and how it affects the stability of those country’s governments. Most of Africa is affected as you might guess, but the problem is truly global as we are learning. I’m wondering how this will impact Iowa and the increasing prices for both corn and soybeans. How does this affect ethanol production? I wish I knew.

If you have ever bothered to check, fundamentalists spend an inordinate amount of time worrying about atheists. In fact, if an atheist believes in something, that’s a good reason not to, or so they believe. They often use this argument about evolution, which is just plain crazy. Anyway, Britannica Blog has a very interesting post inspired by a article in the New Yorker about the subject, and it was quite enlightening. Check it out if you wish.

If you would like to start organic gardening or are doing so, but happy to find a few more tips, Sally’s Gardening Tips is the place for you. I’m going to have to learn more about what this cornmeal gluten is and where you can find it. I believe Sally writes out of South Africa, so it may not be available in the states.

To be perfectly honest, I had no clue what a Lemon Crostata was, but I love lemon, so I waited impatiently for the site to download to see. Well it turns out to be a lemon tart with an Italian flair. I am adding it to my repertoire for sure. Thanks to Epicurious!

Feeling stitchy has a cute little embroidery you can buy the pattern for. It’s a solar system, with each little planet, the sun and all the various moons. I really thought it was cute and thought someone might like to give it a try. Frankly, I think with a little work, one doesn’t need any pattern at all. Talented folks can do it I’m sure.

I don’t particularly care for topiaries. I like my plants to look natural. But I must say that the ones featured at Gardening Tips ‘n Ideasare so spectacular that they are incredible art forms in and of themselves. I love the Panda best! Take a look for that reason alone. And backtrack her site and scroll down for another nice post about rocks and where to find them. Like us rural folks have a problem with that! LOL.

We are all pretty much multi-taskers these days. And I don’t believe that’s a good thing at all. In fact it’s not the way were we meant to function, I’m quite sure. You cannot stay “in the moment”  and truly focused when you’re trying to juggle five other things. And guess what? Research suggests that the human mind is incapable of holding more than 3 or 4 things in mind in what is known as conscious mind at one time. So learn the lesson, slow down, pay attention and stop fighting nature.

Mad Kane has captured my feelings on this perfectly. While John McCain decries the ads being run in N.Carolina about Obama, of course they go on, doing exactly what is most helpful to him. Her limerick hits the spot as usual. Enjoy.

Well I never thought I’d write this, but the National Review actually has a rationally put together article today. It’s about the Ben Stein, Expelled docuidiocythat came out last week. He totally lambastes the movie and its makers as well as creationists in general for their nefarious ways. I’d never thought that creationists also share common ground with Islamic fundies. Both disbelieve evolution. This is actually a well documented and thoroughly informative post. Don’t miss it. Apparently the movie is facing a few lawsuits for of all things, plagiarism. Too funny.

Wow, did Niki’s Ventures ever find a site! It’s got hundreds of quilting applique patterns for you and all for free. There is a breakdown by subject matter for your convenience. I’m going to spend some time there as I’ve been itching to do an applique quilt for some time. Something springy with hearts and tulips and done in green and pink. This will be the place undoubtedly where I can find perfect patterns!

I am not the only one weary of John McCain’s assertions that he’s the straight talker maverick. He talks a good game, but doesn’t deliver as he has proven on his issues involving campaign financing, the use of K Street operatives in his campaign. and now we see plain old pork barrel nonsense in Arizona to help one of his big contributors. The sad thing is that all too much of the press is going easy on McCain since he buddies up to them with that good ole boy crap. They have been giving him a pass on Hagee all the while crucifying Obama over Wright. Somebody has got to speak up.

Paul Krugman also weighs in on McCain. McCain admitted not long ago that he was a bit light when it came to understanding things economic. Well of course, that didn’t play well anywhere, and suddenly we have Mac out there running his economic recovery package and claiming he has it all worked out and can take care of everything if given the chance. Yeah, right and pigs fly in Iowa and unicorns are prevalent in Georgia. McCain knows a big fat nothing about economics still and plenty of experts have said so. In reality, McCain’s policies show the same lack of knowledge, experience and responsibility as did Dubya’s.

I’m not an atheist by far, but I am an American, and I do view the Constitution as one of the better things we’ve contributed to the world. So I was sickened by this report of the treatment a US soldier got in Iraq by his commanding officers when he made his atheism known and tried to organize his own private atheist group. He’s suing, the Army is shutting up. Be afraid! Politics Plus has the story.

Speaking of faith or lack of it, the Salon adds this interesting piece. An interview with Ken Wilber, renowned philosopher, explores the issues of religion, new age fads, and ultimate reality. He has a lot of fans, Bill Clinton, Al Gore and Deepak Chopra all find him very enlightening. Take a look at the interview and see what you think.

Glenn Greenwald has three posts, all on varying aspects of McCain’s campaign.The first is about McCain’s fear mongering about the Middle East in an attempt to secure the Jewish vote. No doubt Lieberman is helping him there. The second is about McCain and the real story about torture, and the third is his new fear mongering about the Middle East and that “Hamas” wants Obama as president. Sorry I’m overloading on McCain today, but the news is the news, and I thought you should have an opportunity to read these.  The first post is about Karl Rove, and worth a look as well, the three McCain posts follow.

I guess I never much thought of birds as smelling creatures. But  I was wrong. (This comes a quite a shock to my system I can tell you.) Turns out they detect predators that way, and alter their behavior accordingly. This will no doubt change and improve studying the little creatures.

Simply Recipes has a nice recipe for Mustard Greens. They are my favorite by far, but I usually mix them with a bunch of collards. I’m linking you to the main site, because if you scroll down, you’ll find a super recipe for another Lemon Tart. I’m on a lemon kick obviously. This one is reputed to be superb. Note that she has some excellent links for more recipes too.

War has many victims. In Iraq the victims are both human, animal and well other things of value as well. One of the oldest libraries in the world was looted following the American invasion. American troops were ordered not to intervene. Read about how the library attempts to struggle on. It is another sickening tale laid at our doorstep. Read about it in The Nation.

The US History Site Blog has a little profile of U.S. Grant, born yesterday in 1822. I never knew Grant had once owned a slave. One in fact.

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“This is like deja vu all over again.” Yogi Berra

“What we anticipate seldom occurs; what we least expected generally happens.” Benjamin Disraeli

“In democracy it’s your vote that counts; In feudalism it’s your count that votes.” Mogens Jallberg

“Your theory is crazy, but it’s not crazy enough to be true.” Niels Bohr

You know you’re a dog person when:

You get birthday cards for each of your dogs from family, friends, and the vet. (Bonus if you keep them on the refrigerator for more than a month.)

Every gift you ever get has something to do with dogs

Kiss your dog more than 10 times per greeting

Onlookers grimace at the sight of you sharing your sandwich with your four-legged pal, bite for bite

Call long distance and talk with your dog

Your voice is recognized by your vet’s receptionist

Complete strangers call you on the phone to ask questions because they heard you were a” dog person”  From www.bored.com

The Kentucky Derby is Saturday. This annual tradition at Churchill Downs is like the Democratic presidential race. The participants behave as 3-year- olds and they always stink up the field.

Arby’s is buying Wendy’s for $2.34 billion. The assets are amazing. The new owners will obtain over 6,000 restaurants, 18,000 workers, and 1 packet of ketchup

The Baghdad Zoo has reopened to the public. Visitors to the park are most fascinated with the hyenas. They’re the only living things in this country who are laughing. – Alan Ray, Stockton, Calif

Tech support in the good old days?

Q: My Etch-A-Sketch has a distorted display. What should I do?
A: Pick it up and shake it.

Q: My Etch-A-Sketch has these funny little lines all over the screen.
A: Pick it up and shake it.

Q: How do I turn my Etch-A-Sketch off?
A: Pick it up and shake it. Set it down.

Q: My Etch-A-Sketch has lines that prevent me from doing my art project.
A: Pick it up and shake it.

Q: How do I delete a document from my Etch-A-Sketch?
A: Pick it up and shake it.

Q: What’s the shortcut for Undo?
A: Pick it up and shake it.

Q: How do I create a New Document window?
A: Pick it up and shake it.

Q: How do I set the background and foreground to the same color?
A: Pick it up and shake it.

Q: What is the proper procedure for rebooting my Etch-A-Sketch?
A: Pick it up and shake it.

Q: How do I delete a document on my Etch-A-Sketch?
A: Pick it up and shake it.

Q: How do I keep from losing my Etch-A-Sketch document?
A: Stop shaking it.