Spider Life

2003-04-28T21:16:00.000-04:00

What an awful thing to have your child grow up accustomed to seeing his nation's flag being burned. The news shows show it. It's burned not only by citizens of countries that hate us but even those who are supposedly our allies. It's not all that uncommon here, wonder if those idiots know that this is one of the few places on Earth where they can pull off that shit. (BTW, I do not support banning the burning of the flag..as much as I abhor it, I support the right to this free expression) Everyone seems to do it; it's very much in vogue. To those people, the flag was a symbol of our govenment. To me, it was a symbol of my people...of me. I was shocked the first time I saw it, during the Vietnam war protests. I was a little girl, and I hated what they were doing to the flag I saluted every morning in school. Doesn't affect my son at all, he's used to it. It's a bit sad.

2003-04-28T20:33:00.000-04:00

Here's another beauty from one of the 606 football message boards:

re: Beckham to America!!! .... - 28 Apr 2003 19:03
America doesn't even know what football is. They'd say it is rugby with shoulder pads and crash helmets. Why is it that America is about the only place on Earth that doesn't appreciate the beautiful game? This says a lot about the USA - ignorant and tasteless, come to mind. [reply]

talk about ignorant and tasteless, huh? (hell, I'll throw in snobbish for good measure) What a way to reply to what was an attempt at an intelligent discussion.

2003-04-26T21:12:00.000-04:00

Mentioned earlier that one of the things I enjoy about British Football is the way the fans support their teams, particularly their songs. Each club (team) has particular songs that their supporters (fans) sing. One example is the "Greasy Chip Butty" song sung by the Sheffield United (the Blades) fans. As far as I can understand, a greasy chip butty is a french, er, freedom, fry sandwich. I don't understand what all of the words refer to, but I can just imagine thousands of people singing this song in a stadium. Must be really awesome!

I've been enjoying the banter on the 606 division 1 message board . I lurk (just read, not participate) because I honestly don't know alot about the clubs and their history..the club supporters that post there don't need to put up with my ignorance. There are some really good fans there - some of them pretty damn funny, but I came across one thread that made me sad. The topic was songs being played (rather than sung) during the games and how annoying that was. Almost from the start, there was American bashing. Since we play songs at games rather than sing songs we were found lacking. Okay, it is not a tradition we have; I wish it were, but it is not. Other negative comments were thrown in as added extras...not even related to football. Oh well. I have been saving up for a trip to London next spring; I want to take my 12 year old boy. Our priority is to go see a football game in person...we're not scheduling the trip till the 2003-2004 fixtures (schedules) are published. Now I'm concerned whether it is safe to go to a game. Not only because there'll just be the two of us (at 5'3" I'm not very imposing), but I now worry because we're Americans. I thought it would be alright, but now I'm not sure.

Another interesting thing about a message board is how a few posters (people who post opinions on the message board) can sway your feelings about a club you've never seen and had no opinions about prior to reading the posts. I find myself disliking the Leicester City (the foxes) club intensely, and hoping that Sheffield United club or Nottingham Forest gain promotion to the premier league through the playoffs. I'm sure that Leicester City is a great club, it must be since it's gained promotion, but I won't be inclined to cheer for it. (I'm also hoping that I've been able to straighten out the mess I made of trying to install my cable wiring so I can also have satellite by the time the new season starts in August; we'll be able to watch the premiere league games on Fox Sports World once we get satellite.)

There are only 10 professional soccer teams in the US; the nearest team is about a 14 hour drive from where I live (or an expensive 2+ hour flight). We have a professional basketball team (I'm not a basketball fan), and an arena football (I love arena football!) team close by. There is a hockey team about 2+ hours drive away, and our minor league hockey league went bust about 2 years ago (I miss them!) I'm a single Mom on a definite budget, so we can't go to the big budget games. It is pretty difficult to become an avid fan of one team, much less stay one. Have to stay satisfied by watching whichever game the networks choose to play.

2003-04-25T17:46:00.000-04:00

Been spending alot of time watching the National Hockey League playoffs. Last night's game was a 5 OT match. I really enjoy hockey. It's a fast, physical contest...guess it provides everything short-attention span people love.

I've also been listening to soccer/football on-line broadcasts from BBC-Five-Live. They won't broadcast Premium league games over the internet, but you can usually listen to the last 30-45 mins if you keep trying to connect to the online show. I've decided to visit London next year. Hell, I've always wanted to visit...so, I'm going to take a long weekend and go. I'm planning to arrange it around a football match so that I'll be able to see one in person. I really love the way that the football fans sing at the matches!! We usually just chant or heckle..well, at least, I heckle.

2003-04-25T11:06:00.000-04:00

Just a quick note. Amnesty Intl says that more blacks than whites have been executed in the USA. Then it goes on to pull out the race card. I don't think it is a racial issue, rather, a financial one. If you can afford to pay for a good lawyer, you'll be more likely to get off.

2003-04-25T11:00:00.000-04:00

How much longer will we stand aside and let this happen? If we do not want to live up to the label of hypocrisy, we need to try to help. And, horrors are not just being inflicted on Zimbabweans. There are other African countries that are also suffering. Although there is a firm commitment by other African governments that Africa should take care of their own...it's not working.

I read an article yesterday that says that 11% of British consumers would boycott American items because of the Iraq operation....wonder how many of them will boycott British goods?

2003-04-11T15:31:00.000-04:00

well, well, well. Seems the Anti-War sops have decided to re-channel their efforts; they'll still protest but guess since the war is about over, they're going to choose something else to protest over. Actually, they haven't decided it. The groups that have been organizing the anti-war rallies have decided to redirect the focus of the group. How about that. SHOCK!! You mean that the Anti-war rallies aren't grass roots events? Uh Uh. Funny how a couple of weeks ago the Guardian sneeringly implied that the pro-America rallies were being organized by ClearChannel entertainment which has a nebulous relationship with some of the Republicans. But, actually reported about the groups organizing the Anti-War movements quite benevolently. I wonder why they didn't do the same thing for the pro-America movement. I wonder how many of the anti-War protesters are Jewish...and if they knew that one of the organizing groups of the Anti-War is the Free Palestine organization? Wonder if they know that the Anti-War groups are making plans to use, er, redirect, the peace movements to other topics of their choice? Wonder if they know they are being used and by whom?

2003-04-11T14:02:00.000-04:00

A listen to a local conservative radio talk show has re-affirmed my belief in myself as a liberal. I have been worried the last month that I've joined the unreasonable legion of conservative, business worshipping, born againers. About the only topic I agreed with on that radio station was that the Iraqi people now have a chance to live as they wish to (I don't believe USA is going to stay; we don't really want to run another country). Pretty much disagreed with everything else...at one point actually shouting at the radio during one of the host's stretched 'facts'. I am so relieved I'm getting back to 'normal'!!

2003-04-10T12:01:00.000-04:00

Grubby, Greedy, Stupid, Blustering, Spineless. What a great show of standing against the Americans & Brits, eh? I hope we don't forget.

2003-04-10T09:38:00.000-04:00

Wow, this is a disgusting piece of 'objective' journalism. Let's see, according to this, the Americans took over the taking down of Saddam's statue. We weren't helping the Iraqis do something they started, we pushed them aside and did it ourselves. We took over. Reading this, it sounds as if this was orchestrated by the Americans. It is absolutely amazing how someone can be so damned convinced in his point of view that he twists facts to accomodate it; wonder if Brian Whitaker ~ 'journalist' extraordinaire ~ has been taking lessons from Baghdad Bob?

2003-04-09T13:20:00.000-04:00

Don't be heartened (or dismayed) by the videos of Iraqi's cheering Saddam's fall. The Iraqi people have been indoctrinated by Saddam's brutal regime to cheer the one in power; after decades of terror, this is how they have survived. Most of the fighting should soon be over, but we shouldn't be celebrating yet. The most difficult part is coming up: giving the Iraqis the power to rule themselves. Democracy is the aim, but, really it doesn't matter exactly what type of government as long as it respects their people and their neighbours. I'm a bit concerned that Bush & Rumsy are going to go on to their next project and leave Iraq in the lurch. It's going to take some time and a real commitment to rebuilding. Judging from Afghanistan, our government doesn't seem to have much of either. The UN isn't doing such a great job in Africa, either. Will the Arab nations step up and help their own? I somehow don't think they will.

Oh, for the anti-war ducks: do you really think the Iraqi people were better off living like this? How could you feel good, knowing you were supporting this? Oh, and don't "UN SANCTIONS" me. UN sanctions allowed 12 years of this crap to go on.

2003-04-09T11:00:00.000-04:00

Now that we've at least reached the half-way point of our mission to save the Iraqi people, it's time that the Coalition of the Caring look for their next mission. If, based on past statements, we are interested in helping oppressed, tortured, people free themselves I suggest we go to Africa. Millions of Africans are starving. Tens of thousands are dying of diseases...most treatable. Thousands are caught in brutal civil wars where they find themselves mutilated, raped, enslaved. For the most part, Democracy is just a word in a dictionary rather than a reality. Tyrants abound. Surely, they deserve to be rescued, too, huh? And, if easing unbelievable suffering isn't enough of a reason, oil and diamonds are found in that region. There are also many African muslims. Wouldn't this be a wonderful opportunity for the Arab nations to show that they also care about their own...instead of waiting until the heathen westerners step in.

2003-04-05T21:36:00.000-05:00

Was flying around the internet and found some new radio stations. Hallam FM airs from Sheffield, England. I can't stand the music (sorry) but the DJs' and callers' accents make my heart race and my brow sweat (this is good); incredibly sexy accent...makes me flutter. (Have to confess: they're playing something right now called "NY Sushi Sessions" which is awesome! Never heard this stuff before, but, DAMN!). Another station I've found is Liquid London. This music is more to my taste, but I keep going back to Hallam.

2003-04-04T17:13:00.000-05:00

I don't quite understand this. Old Europe including their Russian friends are demanding....demanding that the UN play the major role in rebuilding Iraq?!?!? Now that they can't do business with the old Iraq's thug government...they want to make sure they get a piece of the pie? What a load of shit! They don't have the courage to do what was needed, but they want to share in the decision making in the end? They did everything they could to make sure that we had to carry the burden ourselves. Our people are dying, but they want to benefit? Politically, we are struggling; my hero Tony Blair has risked everything.... everything on this. We are footing the bill for this action, our global standing has suffered, but THEY want to make sure they get decision making power/control? How on earth can people think this is right? Two year olds think like this, not grown ups. I just don't understand this stuff...I just don't.

2003-04-04T11:48:00.000-05:00

Wonderful news about Jessica Lynch's rescue. I had been watching the news and developing story of her rescue. It is amazing how different details, sometimes conflicting, emerge from news brief to news brief. At first she had been shot at least once, then she was shot and stabbed, now it turns out that she was neither shot or stabbed. Don't get me wrong, I'm ecstatic that she was not shot or stabbed. I just have to wonder what other news is being reported incorrectly.

Those news briefs whose details change almost hourly. I appreciate having the embedded reporters and having the news available (I'm now down to sleeping 4 hours a night). But the (at least) hourly reports give us news before it is confirmed. That leads to contradiction...retractions...overreaction. It is affecting our credibility...hell, even I am having trouble believing what I am hearing. Unfortunately, this news is somehow being attributed to the military; when the military does not not want to confirm something immediately, it is viewed as being evasive and non-cooperative. If it takes the government a day to confirm or deny something, it is much too long and too late because the viewers have already accepted one of the earlier versions as God's honest truth. Saddam has this part right, at the very least. He gives his people a day to create whatever news he is going to have broadcasted. It's mainly fantasy, but at least his people are not contradicting each other and the official story is consistent...it may not be true, but it is consistent.

One more thought: I caught Peter Arnett's little act the other day. I don't quite understand what he thinks was objective about his interivew, but that is just my opinion; I did think it quite amusing that he thought the US military should have been following his reporting in order to better plan the war. Did he really think that Iraqi TV is not an Iraqi government tool? Did he actually think it was a legitimate news venue? Why did he choose to fall into the Iraqi propaganda machine? Al Jazeera would have been delighted to have him on. I don't think the reaction to his 'objectivity' would have been so visceral if he had not chosen to go on Iraqi TV. I know that that is what bothered me the most. Glad to see that the Daily Mirror is interested in unbiased news.

2003-04-04T10:09:00.000-05:00

Oh, for heaven's sake. Give it up already. The coalition is doing what you are pretending to be the most important: saving Iraqi lives. You do have the right to voice your feelings (unlike those you pretend to care for). What do you hope to prove? Will the US ambassador look out the window, see your foolish faces and say: "Oh my God, they are right. We'll leave Iraq and the Iraqi people to Saddam's tender mercy. We'll go immediately" Perhaps then the anti-war demonstrators will fly into Baghdad Airport and hold demonstrations in front of one of Saddam's palaces, in support of the Iraqi people. That'll work, huh?

2003-04-01T21:51:00.000-05:00

Muslims should not kill another Muslim. I've heard that many times in the countless hours I've spent watching the Iraq coverage. Invariably the words have come from someone opposed to the Iraq 'Invasion'. What I don't hear are those same people condemning Saddam. Not one is asking how many Muslims were killed during the Iran-Iraq War. Not one is asking how many Muslims were killed by Muslims in the invasion of Kuwait. Not one is mentioning how many Iraqi Muslims have been killed during Saddam's tyranny...at the hands of fellow Iraqi Muslims. Perhaps when I hear this brought out in the forefront, perhaps when I hear that Iraqi Muslims should not be tortured, killed, starved to solidify Saddam's position, perhaps when I hear that Saddam is a monster that should be removed and that fellow Muslim nations will be willing to do the dirty work. Perhaps then I will listen without cynicism. No one cares about the Iraqi people...not the anti-war blusterers...not even fellow Muslims. They are all willing to let Saddam continue his reign of terror. He could have stopped it, you know. If he had done what he vowed to do and disarm. Yet he was willing to let his people die for lack of medical care while he built palaces and bought forbidden weapons from companies all too willing to sell.

My enemy's enemy is my friend. We are accused of making Saddam. Of supporting him during the Iraq-Iran war. Does anyone remember why? I doubt it. What about those who supply and support him during more recent history? Should they not be accused of helping keep him in power? My enemy's enemy is my friend. We are accused of helping create Bin Laden. It was the cold war and we were trying to keep the Soviets out of power in Afghanistan. Would the Afghanis have been able to do this without our aid? Possibly. Bin Laden was created when Saudi Arabia offended Bin Laden by offering America bases. Never mind that it was to keep Iraq out of Kuwait...and eventually Saudi Arabia. Bin Laden has a grudge against the Saudi government...so he redirects his anger towards America.

No matter what the trouble, the Palestinian issue is always thrown in as the root of the problem. I just wonder what type of problems they would have if Saddam were their neighbour? Would he treat them with respect? I dunno. The memory of 5,000 Kurds being gassed in their village makes me doubt that.

2003-04-01T17:33:00.000-05:00

I wonder how some western countries would react to terrorism on their soil. If fundamentalist Islamics (pic ~ politically incorrect) decide to attack some of the European countries, how would the people, and government react? Would they bend over, grab their ankles, and let the terrorists have a go at it? I know what America would do. I know, at least I think I do, what England would do. But, what would the French do? The Germans? Would they say , "Hey, we turned our backs on the Americans for you!" Would they say "Please don't hurt us, we're the good Western people". Or, would they get angry and fight back? Do they think they are safe because they preferred to make money off of the Iraqis instead of trying to better their future? Sooner or later, they will be targeted. Wonder if they'll ask for our help?

2003-04-01T08:30:00.000-05:00

Back watching the news channels again. I saw the Iraqi information minister giving a briefing. He said that British paratroopers had jumped in North Iraq and most of the members were lost...that very few escaped. He also said that the Brits were pushed into doing this by the Americans...that the Americans used them as an experiment. He's trying to reach the many anti-war British civilians, trying to convince British public opinion that we are using their soldiers for fodder? The British forces are highly trained, professional men...not civilians being pushed into the front line (I don't recall his mentioning his forces using civilians as shields). As heinous as we may seem to some, would people actually believe that Americans would throw away the lives of highly trained, valuable allies? Does the Iraqi information minister think that the British people are as weak minded as those he is used to lying to?

2003-03-31T22:47:00.000-05:00

Bought some old "Greatest Hits" tunes this evening at Best Buy. Dean Martin (Lord, his voice makes my knees weak), Janis Joplin, BB King - each cd for under US $10.00. Although I primarily like Punk or thrash, I enjoy different sounds...every now and then. I'm also looking for some good Celtic music and some more Jonny Lang.

Also found a couple of WWII Documentary collections: one on the European theatre, the other on the Pacific Campaign, these were also each under $10.00. (I know it is crass & crude to mention the cost of something, but I thought it was quite a good bargin and I'm bragging about my successful hunt) Now, this last purchase is understandable, I have close to 200 military history/fiction books in my 'library.' (once again with the braggn') Sorry for the stereotypical materialistic American poop; just received my tax return and am putting it to good use --- making me happy.

Haven't seen or heard the news this evening, I think it's kinda nice, I can do without it for a few hours.

2003-03-31T16:09:00.000-05:00

I'm back. Took a break this weekend. Actually spent the most of two days trying to hook up some electronic equipment at my home. Wasn't till midday Saturday that I realized I had purchased the wrong equipment. Damn.

I agree with this one. Some of the things that Bush and Rumsy say make me wince and wonder how on earth they were voted in. Actually, I still think Al Gore won the presidency. It was a bit too convenient that Bush's lil bro was the governor of the state that gave DUBYA the win. (note that I said 'gave'; the voting irregularities in Florida were interesting that year). But, you know, they are behaving exactly like the long held image that the global community has of Americans: arrogant, brash, heavy handed, etc. One thing about Americans, though, if something doesn't work the way it is supposed to, we get tired of waiting for others to fix it and go and do the job ourselves.

Perhaps if the global community will make its mind up whether we should mind our own business or try to save the world. Either....or, make up your minds. I'm pretty damned tired of being everyone's "anti".

2003-03-27T19:05:00.000-05:00

The first part of this is bullshit.
1. In most places here, you need a permit to demonstrate (doesn't matter what it is about)
2. Leave ClearChannel alone, you mean Guardian brutes. The company didn't organize the rallies, the hosts did; it just profits from them.
3. Dixie Chicks? What a surprise, pandering (hey, this is my word today!) to an audience that was anti-war anyway; takes balls to do that, huh? Did she think ignorant red necks wouldn't find out?
4. Never could understand the t-shirt deal

The second part of the article worries me. Unbelieveably, I'm a liberal Democrat who happens to find herself supporting a mainly conservative issue. I think it has to do with the tremendous pride and faith I have in America...don't confuse that with trust in her politicians. I don't believe we are always right (well, I always am), and would really prefer us to disengage from the global scene somewhat. I am just damned tired of being condemned for not getting involved and condemned for getting involved.

2003-03-27T14:02:00.000-05:00

A quick question: the Geneva Convention is to be followed by nations in conflict, right? Are there any such guidelines for media? Al-Jazeera says that they reserved the right to broadcast material based on "newsworthiness and relevance". Are there any guidelines for media in regards to human dignity and objectivity?

Now that I'm on media, I'm going to add a second question. Are we to expect objectivity from the media? I expect facts, and know that facts can be coloured by the way they are enveloped by words. For example, there is a cat crossing the road. I could say "The decrepit cat slunk across the road, looking for another victim." Or I could say "The exhilirated cat raced across the road, anticipating a reunion with its human." Okay, the sentences aren't so great but hopefully the differences are visible. I'm increasingly finding a great deal of news that has abandoned all hopes of objectivity.

I've been thinking about this because I came across an article about pro-America rallies being organized by some radio talk show hosts around the country. Nothing wrong about that; talk show hosts have an audience who listen to them because they generally have the same views...otherwise they wouldn't listen. However, this article, rather than focusing on the support rallies, focuses on the company that owns the radio stations. ClearChannel is a very large corporation that owns many radio stations...of all types. There are Rock stations, Country stations, talk stations. Each is successful because it provides its customers (the listeners) with what they want to hear. Radio stations subsist on ratings, which equal money. I highly doubt that ClearChannel is willing to risk ratings by instructing radio hosts to organize rallies; at worst, ClearChannel might view it as an opportunity to promote their station. To insinuate that the rallies are being organized because the company has some nebulous connection to the Republicans is a pathetic attempt to colour the facts. Are journalists supposed to inform, or impose their opinions on others by disguising them as news?

2003-03-27T12:24:00.000-05:00

I was looking for some information on how many Iraqi citizens Saddam, his whelp, his thugs, torture...kill...maim each year. I have found individual stories, but not quantitative data. I know that the data exists, I just have to find it. I'm interested because I would like to compare those figures to the civilian casualties during this war. I figure that since most people are rational, and objective, they would be able to calculate how many Iraqi lives the Coalition will have actually saved. Then, we would be seen as a people who actually do care about the Iraqi citizens...much more than those eager to allow Saddam to continue. I'm sure that the media will do their best to point this out.

While looking for that data, I found this Amnesty International gem. I'm not sure what type of legal binding it has (does it have any?), but it is an interesting set of 'rules.' I didn't specifically see anything in there about not using women and children as human shields, or placing military targets within cities. Does setting up a paramilitary group in a hospital count? Maybe those don't count. I'm absolutely certain that if they did, the saintly moral opposition to the war would surely denounce the Iraqi government and demand it be held responsible for placing their beloved people in danger. Course, it would be more in keeping with the current fad just to denounce the Americans.

Not one person I have spoken to wants Iraqi civilians to be hurt. Not one. I just don't understand those who say they oppose the war because it is immoral are quite willing to live with the consequences of Saddam.

2003-03-27T08:34:00.000-05:00

Woke up feeling beautiful today. Haven't the faintest idea why.

2003-03-26T15:23:00.000-05:00

Seems everyone but the Iraqis is making money from this! As to the Iraqi TV station being a ' civilian object' , I disagree. It is an enterprise owned by the government, not by the public. It is a communication tool for the government. The coalition has gone after other means of communication. Why not this one?

BTW, I'm glad that someone (Amnesty) is saying that Iraq is doing a No-No by placing the military in civilian areas...thereby placing their citizens at risk. Too bad it's buried at the end of the article. Wonder how many peacies will pay any attention to that fact when they flip out over civilian casualties. Course, if Saddam had disarmed 12 years ago, the civilians would be either safe (or eliminated by his regime). Course, if the sans balls UN had kept Saddam to the original agreement, it wouldn't be happening either. Course, if the Europeans desperate for business hadn't started loosening (sometimes ignoring) sanctions, it wouldn't have happened either. Guess some don't think of that, huh?

2003-03-26T14:18:00.000-05:00

I really love reading about football. The descriptions have such a wonderful use of adjectives!

2003-03-26T11:16:00.000-05:00

sigh. spent an escapist day yesterday. Too busy at work to think...received 3 more Sharpe dvds in the mail yesterday so I decided to watch them and not think.

An interesting point about the Geneva Convention. Luckily for us that the Iraqis' acknowledged our missing as POW's, so that we could conveniently whip out the Geneva Convention. A pity the US didn't have the balls to do so for the ones held in Guantanamo and in Afganistan. You can't have a set of rules and apply them only when you want to; people who can think, will notice...those who hate us will note and delight in these inconsistencies. Doesn't the government know that not everyone is as stupid as they want us to be?

There is going to be a pro America rally nearby this weekend. Wonder why it's not called a pro-War rally....would that mean that the anti-war rallies should really be called anti-America rallies? I don't know if I will go. Oh, I haven't changed my mind; Saddam is frightening, but his whelp is terrifying. I still believe that he poses more of a threat to his neighbours than us and do not understand why they don't see it. Whether we are right or wrong, I don't know...only history will tell (depending on who writes that history, of course). I just know that we are there and this time it needs to be finished. Back to the rally, want to find out more about it. I might be interested if it is really a pro America thing and not a pro Bush-Rumsy-Republican-give huge tax breaks to the rich-deficit-conservative-born again thing.

2003-03-24T22:18:00.000-05:00

Saw this link on The Noble Pundit. It's good to see some of what I feel written down much better than I am able.

2003-03-24T21:36:00.000-05:00

someone found my blog via google using the keywords: "Sean Bean Wearing in a dress". Why on earth would someone want to see Sean Bean in a dress?

2003-03-24T21:30:00.000-05:00

Saw an interview on TV. A group of everyday Egyptians were being interviewed on their feelings towards Americans & America. One of the people said that Saddam was disarming. Then the man being interviewed visibily hesitated and added 'when they were being found'. I surmise that he meant Saddam was disarming when the weapons were found. Isn't there something wrong here? Wasn't Saddam suppposed to disarm everything, not only the weapons that were being found?

Another of the interviewees said that people in the area were afraid of the United States. Saddam went after Iran. Saddam went after Kuwait. Saddam was not disarming. But they were not afraid of Iraq? We're more of a threat than Saddam? After he busted the UN, what would make Saddam think that he was not invulnerable? I know I'm only looking at this from my point of view. I know it. But, Saddam would scare the shit out of me if he were my neighbour.

2003-03-24T14:35:00.000-05:00

A Red Cross Spokesperson said that putting POW's on TV may not automatically be considered a violation of the Geneva Convention. But, does making them perform for tv cameras count as a violation? Or, is this just a case of anti-American crap? I start to understand why Bush didn't want to sign on to the International War Crime Court. It seems that all that has to be said is "American" then it is condemned.

Ah, one of the moral three seems to have turned the other eye to gun sales to Iraq. Russia, France, Germany...the saintly ~humane~ trio, all have proved to be attached financially to Iraq. It seems as if their Iraqi interest seems to be financial as well.

2003-03-23T15:01:00.000-05:00

Okay, I've been watching tv. Right now US General Abizaid is giving a press conference. A chinese reporter asked him about innocent Iraqi citizens that may lose their lives. The General answered it quite politely, I thought. I don't get it, though. A reporter from china...CHINA?? That's the land of the cultural revolution, of Tiannamen Square. What the Fuck? Do they really think that by jumping on the Anti-American bandwagon we are all going to forget about their appalling human rights record...and that they actually care about the Iraqi people? Not even the Iraqi government cares about the Iraqi people. Actually, most people probably will forget, it seems to be the fad right now. But, geez.

2003-03-22T21:57:00.000-05:00

I wonder how many of these American anti-war protesters bothered to vote in the last election? Wonder how many will in the next one? We have a perfect opportunity to choose how we would like to have our government run our country and to dictate how we coexist with other countries. Problem is that we're too damn lazy to exercise our right to do so.

If the government is so damned concerned about the quality of life in other countries, then why the hell are we ignoring the suffering going on right now in Africa? Depotism is the main type of government there, and the people are truly suffering: many are starving, dying of diseases that are easily curable, and being killed by the thousands. Does no one care about them?

2003-03-21T20:43:00.001-05:00

2003-03-21T20:43:00.000-05:00

Been thinking alot lately. So many things going on that it is hard to concentrate. Those boys that lost their lives in the helicopter crash in Kuwait. The two marines that died in combat. It's going to be a tough one, I just hope that this is all over quickly. I did find it in bad taste that Chirac did not offer his condolences for the lost. But, I'm sure that he won't be considered arrogant...no, probably a man of conviction, eh? Says he will veto any other UN resolution on Iraq. I'm pretty confused. Does Chirac want to be seen as difficult, obstinate, arrogant? Perhaps he knows that that label is reserved for Americans.

Watched CNN till 4 am last night. Which is pretty stupid seeing as I have to get up at 6:30 in the morning. I'm amazed at the coverage that the journalists are getting. Imagine being able to ride along with the troops. Imagine my surprise today when the Pentagon was being criticized for keeping the journalists. Seems that the Pentagon canceled a press conference; poor, poor, journalists. Boo FUCKING Hoo.

I don't buy newspapers any more. I get my news from online newspapers, they are updated frequently and have a broader range of stories to read. A few months ago I switched from cnn.com to The Guardian. Why is an American exclusively reading a Brit newspaper? First, I'm an incurable anglophile. I'm fascinated by the culture, and I find British men to be very sexy. (sorry, had to include that). I do love how Brits use the language, and I wonder if they realize how much of their own opinions they put into a news piece. I especially love reading about football and politics. I don't understand half of what is written on the former, and find the battles of the latter quite fascinating.

I'm not going to mention the anti-war jumpers on the bandwagon. I was a little girl during the Vietnam War and was very much affected by the protests. I couldn't understand them being against our soldiers. I could understand being against the government, but not the soldiers. I don't believe Bush should have jumped, and I wish that the people who voted for him realized that the president would have to have diplomacy as a quality. But we're there, and we need to carry out what has been started with the least loss (for BOTH sides) as possible. Protesting, boycotting, yada yada isn't going to do shit right now. If you're pissed, vote the Republican out of office.

2003-03-18T13:55:00.000-05:00

I'm a bit confused about the British legal system. This is a story about a woman murdered while jogging in a London park. I don't understand why the police have arrested two people in connection with the murder. Previous stories did not state that the police suspected more than one attacker. They call the two men Suspect A and Suspect B. They were arrested, released on bail, but the police are continuing their inquiries. Aren't they supposed to gather evidence first then arrest a suspect?

Just received my Sharpe books and Sean Bean pics from Ebay ~~~ WoooHOOO!!!

Not going to read the news for a bit; pretty damned depressing.

2003-03-17T21:02:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure I understand why I've read that the US action (as much as I disagree) is not legally valid. Unless I missed something, Saddam invaded Kuwait. He tried to bluff everyone into staying there. He lost. Aggressor governments, much less leaders, that lose wars aren't generally allowed to stay in office. But he was allowed to stay in. As part of the conditions to stay at the helm, Saddam was to disarm his country. He didn't. Economic sanctions were forced on his country until it disarmed. It did not. His people suffered...in the meantime he's doing shit like this. He's emasculated the UN with his casual disrespect; but, his biggest accomplishment so far is to have the gutless global community think of him as a victim. As for the saintly moral trio: see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil . Moral indeed.

2003-03-17T15:32:00.000-05:00

Today everyone is Irish! Well, not really, but we sure like to think so. I not Irish, never even had Irish in me, but here I am at work....wearing a kelly green mini-dress. It's been a muted sort of day this year, though. Some of us are managing to celebrate.

Y'all have a few beers for these guys!!!

2003-03-16T21:33:00.000-05:00

God, Bush is wrong about this. He's pressing ahead without listening to anyone who has a different opinion. He and his comrade Rumsy are scaring me. You know, I didn't vote for him. I might have voted for Colin Powell even though I'm not Republican. But I worry about people who push their own agenda....separate from what other people want. It just embodies the global opinion of America.

Oh, Saddam has to go and Iraq has to live up to the resolution. But everything screams at me that there has not been enough time. What is Bush doing...why is he doing this now? We've already waited 12 years; hell, the UN was just about ready to let Iraq not live up to its commitments. Is he trying to usher in the Second Coming? I'm not ready for that; so many people would suffer.

2003-03-16T11:16:00.000-05:00

Feeling a bit guilty 'bout not posting. I finished a major battle yesterday with my taxes. I use tax software but had trouble downloading the software. Then, of course, I didn't have all my papers and had to drive in to work to fetch them. Getting a refund back, and I spend the remainder of the day looking for stuff to blow it on. Decided on a 35" tv, home entertainment system and an easy chair. Haven't bought it yet, just did a little recon.

Watched this show on the tv last night called, um, can't remember the name. But it is about making over someone's look. It's originally a British TV series (of course) and looks to be interesting. Something someone said pissed me off, though. They were making over a 47 yr old woman and the 'stylist' said she must dress age appropriate. What the fuck is age appropriate? Do you reach a certain age and start pretending you aren't attractive and exciting? damn. I have absolutely no intention of dressing like my mother did. None whatsoever. How fucking insulting.

Wonder how many Americans know that quite a bit of our tv shows are cloned copies of British TV? I don't think we egocentric Yanks could handle it!

2003-03-15T01:07:00.000-05:00

I was little when the Vietnam War was going on. I remember watching the news, seeing the hurt soldiers, and the yelling crowds. I didn't understand why the hippies were so mad at the soldiers. I didn't understand. Children's play really does mirror what goes on around them. One of the games we used to play back then was the hippies against the soldiers. The soldier kids would stand at 'guard'. Then the hippie kids would pick flowers (actually dandelions) and tried to put them in the soldier kids' hair. The soldier kids would get mad and chase the hippie kids around. We really did play that. I won't tell what side I was on, except that I was the only girl on that side.

I've always loved war movies. Not because of the violence (although I do love things that go 'boom') but because of the strength of companionship and human spirit that a soldier has to have in order to survive...and to keep going. I never understood why the soldiers involved in that war were hated, not now nor 30 years ago. Do people really let their hate of a particular government affect their attitudes towards those who do not make the decisions but have to carry them out?

2003-03-14T20:37:00.000-05:00

I had a really busy day at work, so didn't get much of a chance to do any thinking. I'm a computer geek, of a sort. I build Lotus Notes and MS Access applications. I find out what type of information a group needs and build ways to enter, store, display and repot that information. I find it interesting work, since I'm one of those people who can sit in front of a computer for hours. It also involves problem solving, which I'm pretty good at.

It was so beautiful this evening when I left work! Nice cool breeze, no humidity (a shocker, there). It was just the perfect night to go to an outdoor concert, or to walk around town!! So, what does this social butterfly do on a beautiful Friday like this? I go grocery shopping and am getting ready to do my taxes. sigh! I really should get out more (okay, even out at all would be nice) but most of my friends are married with families and aren't interested in the same things I am interested in. I'm just past 40, but unattached men my age seem to be interested in women a bit younger. At any rate, I'm pretty independent and not motivated enough to look. I just haven't seen anything interesting enough.

2003-03-14T08:01:00.000-05:00

Listening is absolutely wonderful. But, too much listening will make people think you're not there.

2003-03-13T21:43:00.000-05:00

This animated clip is one of the funniest things I have ever watched. I have had it bookmarked for about 2 years, and am still fascinated by it. GONADS AND STRIFE!!!! WEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!

2003-03-13T20:41:00.000-05:00

I seem to get involved in long discussions with people. I am never shy to offer an opinion (only if asked) even though I know my opinion is not politically correct or will not be well received by the person who asked it. This, of course, gets me into hot water...and gets people upset. I have really never been able to figure out why, they did ask for my opinion.

One of my co-workers is a very religious, conservative (but not rabid) man. I am pretty much the opposite. We've gotten into many discussions on religion, and government and although we always walk away holding the same opinion we had before, it's always with a respect for someone who can back up their opinions by reason or fact. There was one day where we got into a long discussion about abortion. He is against abortion. I am personally against abortion but very adamantly pro-choice. Women have to have this right to control their lives; using it as a form of birth control is entirely a different matter and should be addressed in a way different than to take away the right of all. Back to the discussion. It was a very long emotional talk and we disagreed on just all points. We finally just agreed to disagree. But what made that discussion stand out was that at the end, we gave each other a hug.

Now, what I wonder is: are we very unique people, or does everyone have this capacity? The ability to disagree yet still respect each other's right to think differently? Is it there from birth but just wiped out by rhetoric? There was another person I had a discussion with. He was also Christian and conservative. (for heaven's sakes, I live in the south!) This one was about homosexuality. I think people should not be condemned for being different; he didn't think so. This discussion ended with him quoting phrases and shouting at me. We're still friendly, but very careful about not talking about volatile subjects. BTW, the first discussion I mentioned happened three years ago, and we are still the best of friends and we talk about everything.

If I could wish anything in the world it would be that most of our leaders (government, religious) were like the former rather than the latter. They seem to be so wrapped up in their 'positions' that they are willing to overlook facts that do not exactly fit in with their agendas. I would also wish for more diplomacy from the US leaders ... for God's sakes give Tony Blair a little backup!

Miracles do happen!! Welcome back, Elizabeth!!!

2003-03-13T11:28:00.000-05:00

There are no such things as smart bombs. Only kind of smart bomb is one where you can whip out a pic, and say bomb this. And that is all it'll bomb

2003-03-12T15:54:00.000-05:00

Snipe:
intr.v. sniped, snip·ing, snipes
To shoot at individuals from a concealed place.
To shoot snipe.
To make malicious, underhand remarks or attacks

I hate/love Ebay. I don't usually go there for the bargains, but for items that are not available in my area. I have the misfortunate knack of becoming interested in hobbies/items/furniture/celebs/you name it that are not mainstream...at least not here in Southern USA. I'm not sensible to like mission or colonial furniture. Oh no, I adore the 50's modern style. My mouth literally waters when I see a new auction for a gaudy, 50 year old TV Lamp. And, I can't tell you how much I've overpaid for Sean Bean memorabilia.

I'm becoming concerned, though with my new obsession with EBAY. It's not about the hunt for goodies anymore. It's about revenge. I had bid on an item when it first came up for auction. I really wanted this item, something about it really 'called' out to me. Throughout the week, I checked to make sure I was the top bidder. I had to signoff the computer about 8 mins before the auction ended, but I felt pretty good about 'having won' it. Much to my dismay, I found that about 1 min 37 seconds before the auction ended, someone outbid me. I had had no opportunity to raise my bid. This, folks, is called sniping.

My reaction was one of surprise, sadness, then a steady anger that is still there. So, whenever I see this particular buyer bidding on something, I raise the bid. Doesn't really matter whether or not I want it. I start a few hours before the auction ends...you know, just to worry them a bit. I raise the bid 5 or 6 bucks. I know that the buyer will try to counter. I may even go back and raise it again. In the end, the other buyer usually gets the item, but I have the satisfaction of knowing that the buyer paid way more than she (I'm guessing a she) intended to; I imagine the sellers are happy with me. Pretty scary, huh? (Don't worry, I'll probably keep it up just till I stop being angry about being sniped. Gonna take a while.)

2003-03-11T22:16:00.000-05:00

Okay, what the hell is a scrum?

I don't understand this either. What are those people in Washington doing? I am unhappy about the rushed decisions these men are making. I agree Sadaam has to go. I agree that he has played everyone. But I don't feel the inspection process is over. Why the hell not give them 6 more months...then finish it off like his Dad should have? If the overfluffed French have their way, Sadaam will be home free. He will know that the UN is gutless to stop him; of course, he's known that for the last 12 years. He's been playing those weak willed nations for pussies and not only getting away with it, but earning the sympathy and support of the nations that are doing business with Iraq (the US doesn't...but don't Russia and France have business dealings with Iraq?) .

If we had Gore (who, by the way, should have won the election) I sincerely doubt we would be behaving so unstably.

2003-03-11T16:54:00.000-05:00

This one's just priceless! In order to show displeasure with France's villainy (wait, I think we're supposed to be the villains) French fries ~pommes frites~pappas fritas~chips~ will no longer be offered at the Capital Hill cafeteria in Washington DC. Freedom fries will now take their place. Freedom fries. wow. I'm sure that every Frenchman is stinging from this great insult. Actually, they are probably thrilled that they've pissed us off so much that we would actually bother to change the name of a menu item; hell, they probably didn't want to have the high fat no nutritional value food named after them in the first place. You really want to piss them off? Start laughing anytime one of their diplomats starts to talk; it would bruise that ego that they have nourished at our expense.

I take a lot of comfort from the fact that the people we send to Congress would take the time out to make such a symbolic, futile gesture. Especially since there restaurants around the nation that had already done this a couple of weeks ago. What will be next, the Patriot Burger?

2003-03-11T13:54:00.000-05:00

Just finished reading a Sean Bean interview in the summer 2002 issue of The Trafford Magazine - a magazine put out by the Trafford Centre. He said that he had three daughters that he adores, but would like to have a son that he could take to football games. What the hell?!? He's been given the opportunity to raise 3 football fans but because they are daughters he won't? Damn! May he shoot only X chromosomes till he gets a clue.

Is this just a troglodyte remnant or a part of his culture? Are women expected to be too 'dainty' to enjoy a football match game, or perhaps too stupid? Female sports fans can be just as fanatic and obnoxious as male fans (anyone who's been with me to a hockey or arena football game can attest to that). I can curse, insult, shout, and high-five as good as anyone; hell, I'll even go with the ass slapping if I were with the right person. Been to rodeos, monster truck shows, football (American) games, ice hockey games, pro wrestling events, baseball games, and I have never once felt as if I was intruding on boys' territory. As a matter of fact, the guys sitting around me seemed happy to have me join in the cheering; it didn't seem as if I was ruining their boys' experience. They were quite quick filling me in on some detail(s) on the teams that I might not have known...they were happy to. Is it like this only in America? I have been wanting to visit the UK for years. I want to see a football match in person rather than on the television. Would my presence ruin the boys' experience? I sure hope it will.

As to Mr. Bean, he is still my favourite, but, damn.

2003-03-10T18:47:00.000-05:00

Watching the Essex Boys, a 1999 British Film directed by Terry Winsor. It's a good film that shows a side of society that many of us have never been introduced to. Sean Bean's portrayal of Jason Locke, a genuine nasty guy, is excellent and not 2 dimensional character. (link courtesy of Full of Beans)

2003-03-10T18:14:00.000-05:00

I've discovered that the only bad habits I have are the ones I am planning to keep.

2003-03-10T16:13:00.000-05:00

There's always a worry when you have to use a public bathroom (except for men). You have to decide whether you are going to hover above the seat or layer the seat with toilet tissue. If you're in a hurry and don't have time to mess with the thin tissue, you're pretty much forced to squat. Well, during lunchtime I had the urgent need to void my bladder (take a piss). Was in a hurry and decided to hover (quite ungracefully, I might add). Unfortunately, I was positioned too far forward and the liquid splashed up to my underwear. Damn. What on earth was I going to do? Did what I thought was the only reasonable thing and removed them. So, spent the day panty free. Ended up feeling quite frisky today!

2003-03-10T14:51:00.000-05:00

Way to go, BLADES!!!!

2003-03-09T23:49:00.000-05:00

Here's fourteen shillings on the drum
For those who'll volunteer to come
To list and fight the foe today
Over the hills and far away
(see the The Compleat Sean Bean for the background on this song)

Oh, how I hate crawling about the attic. My house has vaulted ceilings which look pretty cool, but they make the attic space almost unreachable. Was working on my satellite system. Actually don't have one yet...just doing the pre-wiring myself. I'm tired of paying an outrageous amount of money for cable. Figure I'll pay less and get more with satellite tv. Course, I probably won't be able to get any reception during storms but that is why God gave us DVD players.

Speaking of DVD's, just watched my Sharpe dvd's again. I get Region 1's for $10.76 (free shipping) at DeepDiscountDVD. An absolute joy to watch. Bernard Cornwell has another Sharpe book coming out this year...maybe we'll get treated to another series of Sharpe movies. And, if they do, I'll be able to watch...if I ever get around to finishing the satellite tv wiring.

Over the Hills and o'er the Main,
To Flanders, Portugal and Spain,
Queen Ann commands, and we'll obey,
Over the Hills and far away.

2003-03-09T03:41:00.000-05:00

Actually, I didn't vote for any of the Bushes

2003-03-09T01:49:00.000-05:00

An unsteady stream of consciousness or carefully constructed thought? Dunno, haven't decided yet what to do. Guess I'll do what I usually do and postpone my decision.

Spent most of the day trying to download most of my goodies back onto my pc. You see, about 2.5 wks ago my computer decided it would no longer connect to the internet. Can't have that. Had to use a restore disk. Problem was that I had alot of goodies that I didn't want to lose. So, I managed to get ahold of a cd rw, and carefully selected files I wanted to save. I thought I was pretty brilliant after successfully restoring my hard drive. Until I tried to copy my files from the cd rw; seems one of the disks burbled while saving and I was unable to access my crap. Oh well, I did spend a few lovely hours downloading media clips and pics of Sean Bean. I don't want to think of why I would want to do that...but I did.

Was about 80 deg F today. Really lovely weather. I spent it all inside. No, wait, I did go shopping for a new lawn mower. It'll soon be time to start mowing the lawn again. Actually the neighbours have already started the Spring ritual, but I like to leave them in suspense: "when is she going to mow the lawn?"