12.16.2007

Nursery Rhymes we didn't have as kids........

[]

Mary had a little pig,

She kept it fat and plastered;

And when the price of pork went up,

She shot the little bastard.

********************

[]

Mary had a little lamb.

Her father shot it dead.

Now it goes to school with her,

Between two hunks of bread.

********************

[]

Jack and Jill went up the hill

To have a little fun.

Stupid Jill forgot the pill

And now they have a son.

********************

[]

Simple Simon met a pie man going to the fair.

Said Simple Simon to the pie man,

'What have you got there?'

Said the pie man unto Simon,

'Pies, you dumb ass'

********************

[]

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.

All the kings' horses,

And all the kings' men.

Had scrambled eggs,

For breakfast again.

********************

[]

Hey diddle, diddle, the cat took a piddle,

All over the bedside clock.

The little dog laughed to see such fun.

Then died of electric shock.

********************

[]

Georgie Porgy pudding and pie,

Kissed the girls and made them cry.

And when the boys came out to play,

He kissed them too 'cause he was gay.

********************

6 truths of life:

1) You cannot touch all of your teeth with your tongue.

2) All idiots, after reading thr first truth, try it.

3) The first truth is a lie.

4) You're smiling now cause you are a idiot.

5) You will soon forward this to another idiot.

6) Theres still a stupid smile on your face.

12.05.2007





Some very funny and unPC pic's thanks to my little sis... I died laughing and will be going to hell....
Nov 7 2007 11:04 AM

A Mother passing by her son's bedroom was astonished to see that his bed was nicely made and everything was picked up.

Then she saw an envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow that was addressed to "Mom" With the worst premonition she opened the envelope with trembling hands and read the letter.


Dear Mom,:

It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with Dad and you. I have been finding real passion with Stacy and she is so nice. But I knew you would not approve of her because of all her piercings, tattoos, tight motorcycle clothes and the fact that she is much older than I am. But it's not only the passion...Mom she's pregnant. Stacy said that we will be very happy. She owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. We share a dream of having many more children.

Stacy has opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn't really hurt anyone.We'll be growing it for ourselves and trading it with the other people that live nearby for cocaine and ecstasy. In the meantime we will pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so Stacy can get better. She deserves it. Don't worry Mom. I'm 15 and I know how to take care of myself. Someday I'm sure that we will be back to visit so that you can get to know your grandchildren.

Love,
Your Son Jon


P.S. Mom, none of the above is true. I'm over at Tommy's house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than the report card that's in my center desk drawer.

I love you.
Call me when it's safe to come home.


And how bad did Jon feel when he got the call his mom had died of a heart attack before she could finish his "letter"?
An atheist was taking a walk through the woods.

"What majestic trees! What powerful rivers! What beautiful animals!" he said to himself.


As he was walking alongside the river he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him.

He turned to look and saw a 7 foot grizzly bear charge towards him.

He ran as fast as he could up the path. He looked over his shoulder and saw that the bear was closing in on him.

He looked over his shoulder again and the bear was even closer.

He tripped and fell on the ground.

He rolled over to pick himself up but saw the bear right on top of him, reaching for him with his left paw and raising his right paw to strike him.

At that instant the atheist cried out to the Lord.

Time stopped, the bear froze, the forest was silent. A bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out of the sky, "You deny my existence for all of these years, teach others I don't exist, and even credit creation to a cosmic accident. Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer?"

The atheist looked directly into the light, "It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps could you make the BEAR a Christian?"

"Very well," said the voice.

The light went out.

The sounds of the forest resumed. And then the bear dropped his right paw, brought both paws together and bowed his head and spoke:

"Lord, bless this food, which I am about to receive through Christ our Lord, Amen."



This one IS for Pinkee... hehehe

12.04.2007

LiveLeak.com - "Father of Reaganomics" Predicts Police State in 08?

LiveLeak.com - "Father of Reaganomics" Predicts Police State in 08?: "'Father of Reaganomics' Predicts Police State in 08? Paul Craig Roberts, a Republican who worked in the Reagan administration, is predicting a 9-11 type of attack before the 2008 elections. If that occurs, Bush can declare martial law and begin arresting those who disagree with his foreign policy (based on Executive Orders recently issued by the Bush Administration that grant the president these powers and more.) Wild stuff."

Bush is insane and we are blind. Open your eyes and pass the word...

12.03.2007

A woman pregnant with triplets was walking down the street when a
masked robber ran out of a bank and shot her three times in the stomach.
Luckily the babies were OK. The surgeon decided to leave the bullets in
because it was too risky to operate. She gave birth to two healthy
daughters and a healthy son. All was fine for 16 years, and then one
daughter walked into the room in tears. 'What's wrong?' asked the
mother. 'I was taking a tinkle and this bullet came out,' replied the
daughter. The mother told her it was okay and explained what happened 16
years ago.

About a week later the second daughter walked into the room in tears.
'Mom, I was taking a tinkle and this bullet came out.' Again the Mother
told her not to worry and explained what happened 16 years ago.

A week later her son walked into the room in tears. 'It's okay' said
the Mom, 'I know what happened. You were taking a tinkle and a bullet
came out.'

'No,' said the boy, 'I was playing with myself and I shot the dog.'

I KNOW YOU SMILED!!!!!

11.02.2007


Duluth residents appear to have another choice in the upcoming mayoral race - that is, if they're willing to vote for a 30-year-old blue felt puppet. Mr. nice...

For a state that has had a wrestler for Governor and a self proclaimed vampire running for office, I think Mr. Nice may have a chance!
Since all my friends and relatives are "weird" I guess I'll never be an uncle again! How about we neuter retired horny game show hosts also?
Bad jokes from sis...

One day, two rednecks named Bubba and Earl were driving down the road,
drinking a couple of Buds. The passenger, Bubba, said "Lookey thar up
ahead
Earl, it's a po-leece roadblock! We're gonna get busted fer drinkin'
these
here beers!"

"Don't worry Bubba," Earl said. "We'll just pull over and finish
drinkin'
these beers, peel off the label and stick it on our foreheads, then
throw
the bottles under the seat."

"What fer?" asked Bubba.

"Just let me do the talkin', okay?" said Earl. They finished their
beers,
threw the empty bottles under the seat and slapped the labels on their
foreheads.

When they reached the roadblock, the sheriff said, "Have you boys been
drinking?"

"No sir," said Earl, "we're on the patch."

10.29.2007

He's not undead, just unsober... | Oddly Enough | Reuters

He's not undead, just unsober... | Oddly Enough | Reuters: "Passengers on a German train mistook a Halloween reveler dressed up as a gore-covered zombie for a murder victim and called the police."

10.26.2007

Homeland Security trumps God

Homeland Security trumps God: "Caught between immigration regulations and church rules, a British nun is forced to leave the Twin Cities as the Department of Homeland Security cracks down on religious visas."

The nun a terrorist, the nun is a terrorist, your a terrorist I'm a terrorist don't you want to be a terrorist too. The biggest terrorist in the world is George Bush... go figure!

10.21.2007

Colbert for President! (for real) - Indecision 2008

Colbert for President! (for real) - Indecision 2008: "He has to win! He is Stephen T. Colbert in other words he is STC!!! Sexually Transmitted Courage!!!!!!"

It's about time we had someone calling the shots with a sense of humor, a working knowledge of the English language, and an accurate recollection of American history. If only we can get Colbert to take this seriously, we may stand a chance of getting this country back on its feet and moving in the right direction after 7 years of incalculable stupidity! PUT COLBERT ON THE BALLOT IN EVERY STATE!! It's a grass roots movement! It's a mission from God! It's FATE- so don't shirk your duty, Stephen! YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU!!!

Does he stand a chance of getting even that one convention delegate that he wants? I don't know but it will be fun too watch!

10.19.2007


VinylDisc hybrid plays on turntables or optical drives - Boing Boing: "German manufacturers Optimal Media Production claim that their new VinylDisc is a hybrid CD/vinyl album that will play in an optical drive or on a turntable: 'The VinylDisc is a combination audio CD and special record. It consists of two attached layers. The silver layer contains digital audio information, while the black upper layer can be played on every record player.'"

This is the best of both worlds! I can finally pull that old record player from the garage (see honey I told you there was a reason to keep it!). You can get the classic hiss and pops and flip it over to get the clear but somehow lacking digital fixed sound!

10.18.2007

Digg - Call 202.224.6472. Ask for Retroactive Immunity for your Illegal Acts

Digg - Call 202.224.6472. Ask for Retroactive Immunity for your Illegal Acts: "Call 202.224.6472. Ask for Retroactive Immunity for your Illegal Acts That’s Senator Jay Rockefeller’s office. He’s the author of the abomination that gives telephone companies retroactive immunity for their lawbreaking warrantless surveillance program. They’ll just hang up on you, but you’ll have made your point. Be polite, even though Rockefeller is a a bought-and-paid-for shill. If you converse post in comments."

10.16.2007





This post can be called Brothers and Sisters! While no blood relations these are members of our family. Shawn and Nikki, our best friends who happen to be dating right now... My oldest friend who is more like a sister, Michelle and me. I have known Michelle since she was three years old, so around thirty-three years! (hope she does not mind that I just gave her age away?) Michelle's husband Mark and Michelle and Carrie! Michelle and I have just reconnected after twenty some years, she has brought up alot of forgotten memories most good but a few that I had worked hard to forget. On Sunday we watched the Vikes do some bear hunting;)

Forget the bloody mary, just give me the blood | Oddly Enough | Reuters

Forget the bloody mary, just give me the blood | Oddly Enough | Reuters: "HONG KONG (Reuters) - A Hong Kong man who knocked back two vials of blood after a drinking binge has been jailed for two months, a newspaper reported Tuesday."

No, no I'm not a Vampire I was just drunk!

Death sentence for leaving 5-year-old to be eaten by gators -- OrlandoSentinel.com

Death sentence for leaving 5-year-old to be eaten by gators -- OrlandoSentinel.com: "MIAMI - A judge sentenced a man to death Monday, nearly nine years after he left a 5-year-old girl to be eaten alive by alligators in the Everglades and tried to kill her mother."

A fitting punishment/death would to leave him chained in an alligator pit... I'm not a supporter of the death sentence but their are extreme cases in which redemption does not seem possible (like this one) that a quick death would save heart ache and pain (not to mention taxpayer $$$) for all.

10.07.2007

Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID) has refused to leave office, even after a judge in Minnesota left Craig's sex-sting guilty plea intact. Craig says he will fight to clear his name and retain his seat in the Senate. In Idaho, residents have mixed reactions about the drama surrounding their senator.

The crowded airport bathroom where Sen. Larry Craig was arrested is about to become an even less-inviting place for a rendezvous.

Airport officials plan to put in new stall dividers just 2 to 3 inches above the floor, instead of as much as a foot now. The new dividers will go in two bathrooms where the airport has had complaints about sex, including the one where Craig was arrested.



The one good thing of all this, is that the next time I go to the MSP airport bathroom I don't have to worry about guys with wide stances! They all will be just hanging out in the sink area now!(So much for washing my hands after going to the bathroom)

Next time a gentleman offers his hand, keep this in mind: One-third of men don't wash their hands after using the restroom.

Not only that, if he tells you he washed his hands, he may not be telling the truth.

This is revealed in results of the latest Hand Washing Survey, released Monday at a scientific meeting in Chicago by the American Society for Microbiology and the Soap and Detergent Association. The survey found that although 89% of men claim in a telephone poll to wash their hands every time they use a public bathroom, only 66% were seen doing so.

10.02.2007





Carrie, Nikki and I went to the Renaissance Festival this last Sunday, we should have brought a boat. Heavy rain was sporadic all day long, it was fun. Can you say turkey drumsticks... yum!

10.01.2007

Blogthings - How Evil Are You?

Blogthings - How Evil Are You?




You Are 44% Evil



You are evil, but you haven't yet mastered the dark side.

Fear not though - you are on your way to world domination.

9.30.2007

Report: 007’s Miss Moneypenny dies - Movies - MSNBC.com

007’s definitive Miss Moneypenny dies

Report: 007’s Miss Moneypenny dies - Movies - MSNBC.com: "Lois Maxwell, the Canadian-born actress who was to many fans the definitive Miss Moneypenny in James Bond films, has died in Western Australia aged 80, the British Broadcasting Corp. reported Sunday. It said Maxwell, the demur foil to Bond’s suave rake in 14 films from 1962’s “Dr. No” to 1985’s “A View to a Kill,”"

9.29.2007

The Sun Online - Film First: Quentin wants to direct porno

The Sun Online - Film First: Quentin wants to direct porno: "CULT filmmaker QUENTIN TARANTINO has admitted he would love to direct a PORN FILM. And it would feature lots of 'kind of kinky sex' - because that's what turns him on. The Pulp Fiction director is a big fan of 1970's European soft-core sex films and says he can't wait to make a modern day version. He says: 'If I actually do an erotic movie, I'm going to have to reveal what I find sexy, what turns me on."

Thats going to be a little scary, finding out what turns a brilliant but very demented (in a good way?) person on. Thigh high high heal boots and whips of licorice are my bets!

The Sun Online - News: Sister locked up and forgotten

The Sun Online - News: Sister locked up and forgotten: "Sister locked up and forgotten"

A WOMAN was locked up and “lost” for 70 years after being wrongly accused of stealing 13p.

Jean Gambell, 85, was “certified” indefinitely in 1937 over claims she had taken the cash while cleaning at a doctor’s surgery.

The money was found — but Jean still spent 70 years in a maze of care institutions.



To be "LOST" for seventy years... Yes this happened in England, there is something about Europe where old people are lost/forgotten. If you look at past posts there are a few about dead people remaining in there homes/apartments for years with no one the wiser!

9.27.2007

Her dad was a drunk
Her mom was an addict
Her parents kept her
Locked in an attic
Her only friend
was a little toy bear
It was old and worn out
And had patches of hair
She always talked to it
When no one's around
She lays there and hugs it
Not a peep of sound
Until her parents
unlock the door
Some more and more pain
She'll have to endore
A bruise on her leg
A scar on her face
Why would she be
In such a horrible place?
But she grabs her bear
And softly crys
She loves her parents
But they want her to die
She sits in the corner
Quiet but thinking,
"Please God, why is
My life always sinking?"
Such a bad life
For a sad little kid
She'd get beaten and beaten
For anything she did
Then one night
Her mom came home high
And the poor child was beaten
As hours went by
Then her mom suddenly
Grabbed for a blade
It was sharp and pointy
One that she made
She thrusted the blade
Right in her chest,
"You deserve to die
You worthless piece of shit!"
The mom walked out
Leaving the girl slowly dying
She grabbed her bear
And again started crying
Police showed up
At the small little house
Then quickly barged in
Everything quiet as a mouse
One officer slowly
Opened a door
To find the little girl
Lying dead on the floor
It must have been bad
To go through so much harm
But at least she died
With her best friend in her arms
A child dies every day from child abuse.


9.22.2007

kare11.com :: KARE 11 TV - Unable to move, Minnesota man stranded five nights in the woods

kare11.com :: KARE 11 TV - Unable to move, Minnesota man stranded five nights in the woods: "Unable to move, Minnesota man stranded five nights in the woods"

After falling 20 feet from his bear hunting stand near Remer, the 62-year-old retiree, who lives alone, spent five nights and four days on the ground, immobilized by a broken hip and fractured pelvis.

"I'm not going to be found anytime soon," he thought. No food, no water, and wearing only light clothing, Larry stuffed his jacket and covered his legs with grass and leaves to fight hypothermia as northern Minnesota temperatures dipped below freezing.

Now that's one tough man...

9.20.2007


For us in Minnesota, when you walk out of the house and find your car encased in ice it's a royal pain. But this.... it makes me feel good because it's not my car or street! Pic's are from Versoix, Switzerland. Lake effect ice.

9.19.2007

Tomorrow you'll pay a buccaneer for corn? | Oddly Enough | Reuters

Tomorrow you'll pay a buccaneer for corn? | Oddly Enough | Reuters: "Put a parrot on your shoulder, strap on a peg leg, hit the rum and start bellowing 'Shiver me Timbers' -- Wednesday is International Talk Like A Pirate Day."

AARRRGGGGHHH...... You land lubbers!

US soldier who paid to be shot to avoid Iraq pleads guilty - International Herald Tribune

US soldier who paid to be shot to avoid Iraq pleads guilty - International Herald Tribune: "US soldier who paid to be shot to avoid Iraq pleads guilty"

NEW YORK: A U.S. soldier pleaded guilty Tuesday to filing a false police report after admitting he paid someone to shoot him in the leg to avoid another tour of duty in Iraq.

He should have stuck to his story, now three people are going to jail. I'm not sure how I feel about someone dodging their military duty... I spent three years in the army but was never in a war, but this war should never had happened. Afghanistan I understood but the war in Iraq was nothing more than The Bush & Co. flexing their collective hard on's.

9.17.2007


Loo is latest US tourist attraction - Travel - smh.com.au: "'People have been going inside, taking pictures of the stall, taking pictures outside the bathroom door - man, it's crazy,' airport shoe shiner Gee Butler told the Idaho Statesman."

9.05.2007

Airline sacrifices goats to appease sky god | Oddly Enough | Reuters

Airline sacrifices goats to appease sky god | Oddly Enough | Reuters: "Airline sacrifices goats to appease sky god"

The goats were sacrificed in front of the troublesome aircraft Sunday at Nepal's only international airport in Kathmandu in accordance with Hindu traditions, an official said.

I hope this does not become a common thing, can you imagine what a plumber would sacrifice to fix a clogged sewer? Or the Mustang Ranch, if the girls had feminine problems?

9.04.2007


Feast Like a Cannibal at the Human Banquet | Inventor Spot: "Feast Like a Cannibal at the Human Banquet"

Here's how the Cannibal Banquet works... a pinata-like "body" is carefully crafted, then stuffed with edible goodies in a red sauce. More "sauce" is somehow embedded into the outside covering - "skin" as it were - of the body so that it will appear to bleed when cut into. By this time, most of us would have lost our appetites, but I digress.

8.29.2007

Trapped miners survive on coal, urine diet | Oddly Enough | Reuters: "Trapped miners survive on coal, urine diet"

BEIJING (Reuters) - Two Chinese brothers who tunneled their way out of a coal mine collapse after being trapped for nearly six days survived by eating coal and drinking urine, a local newspaper reported Tuesday.

A diet of coal and urine, I wonder if they lost much weight? And on another front...

20 million risky condoms recalled

The condoms did not meet several standard tests for strength, pressure and lubrication, said Mngadi. The SABS Web site alerted the public, saying the faulty condoms were distributed by brand names including Ultramour, Randy Rat and Positions.

8.21.2007

Virus Could Help Drive Obesity - Forbes.com: "Virus Could Help Drive Obesity 08.21.07, 12:00 AM ET TUESDAY, Aug. 21 (HealthDay News) -- New research is bolstering the theory that obesity may stem, a least in part, from a common virus -- one that helps create new, heftier fat cells."

No I'm not fat I'm sick... and/or big boned!

wcco.com - A Minnesota Mystery: The Kensington Runestone

wcco.com - A Minnesota Mystery: The Kensington Runestone: "Wolter and Nielsen's authored the book 'The Kensington Runestone: Compelling New Evidence.' Wolter is currently writing another book on the Runestone."

"If it's the Templars that were under religious persecution at the time, that would be a pretty good reason to come over here," Wolter figured.

"I'm sure a lot of people are going to roll their eyes and say oh it's the Davinci Code and if they do they do. This is the evidence. This is who was there. This is what the grave slabs tell us. It is what it is," he said.

I think we have the makings of Dan Brown's next book... or maybe my next book???

8.20.2007

Man Rides Mule From Minnesota to Wyoming - washingtonpost.com

Man Rides Mule From Minnesota to Wyoming - washingtonpost.com: "'I could probably get a job and stay here, but I'm not willing to part with my mule,' Maday said. 'He's my best friend and I'm not getting rid of him for nothing.' ___"

Man Rides Mule From Minnesota to Wyoming - washingtonpost.com

Man Rides Mule From Minnesota to Wyoming - washingtonpost.com: "'I could probably get a job and stay here, but I'm not willing to part with my mule,' Maday said. 'He's my best friend and I'm not getting rid of him for nothing.'"

United Press International - NewsTrack - Science - Internet addiction more serious than OCD

United Press International - NewsTrack - Science - Internet addiction more serious than OCD: "Internet addiction more serious than OCD TEL AVIV, Israel, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Internet addiction should be grouped with extreme addictive disorders such as gambling, sex addiction and kleptomania, an Israeli psychiatrist said."

8.17.2007

Russians offered day off, prizes to procreate - Focus on Russia - MSNBC.com

Russians offered day off, prizes to procreate - Focus on Russia - MSNBC.com: "Sept. 12 the Day of Conception and for the third year running is giving couples time off from work to procreate. The hope is for a brood of babies exactly nine months later on Russia’s national day. Couples who “give birth to a patriot” during the June 12 festivities win money, cars, refrigerators and other prizes."

This sounds like a great ideal, I think the USA needs to implement this also, we don't want to fall behind the Russians now do we? Let's see nine months back from July 4th is....

8.16.2007

Remains of Vera Peck identified

Remains of Vera Peck identified: "With the remains of 10 bridge collapse victims now identified, the list of the missing is at three: construction worker Greg Jolstad, 45, of Mora; Christine Sacorafas, 45, of White Bear Lake; and Scott Sathers, 29, of Maple Grove."

As terrible as it is that most likely 13 people where killed in the 35w bridge collapse it is a miracle, in that a bridge that carries a well over 100,000 cars a day, only these few where killed and several critically injured. Every day I think of those who where on that bridge and say "what if..." it just as easily could have been myself , a friend or family member.

Fake dentist's 29-year career? | Oddly Enough | Reuters

Fake dentist's 29-year career? | Oddly Enough | Reuters: "KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysian police have arrested a man who practiced as a dentist for 29 years although he had no medical training and treated patients at his home in a cast-off examining chair."

I'm not sure how the dental care is in Malaysia, but it seems he was providing a service that was needed. Hell, the closest thing to a dentist that was available in the olden times was your barber (they used the same chair so why not?)!

8.15.2007

Biker fails to notice missing leg | Oddly Enough | Reuters

Biker fails to notice missing leg | Oddly Enough | Reuters: "A Japanese biker failed to notice his leg had been severed below the knee when he hit a safety barrier,"

Hey dude, I think you dropped something!

8.10.2007

Last night I had posted a "press release" from a quack "church" in Topeka, KS that they planned on picketing the funerals of those killed in the 35W bridge collapse here in Minneapolis. After sleeping on it and some thought I have pulled the post. This "church" does not need or deserve any media attention no matter how small. The group is vile and will receive their just reward in death.

8.07.2007

Police seek 'professionals' who removed St. Paul man's testicles

Police seek 'professionals' who removed St. Paul man's testicles: "A St. Paul man, complaining of chronic pain, wanted to have his testicles removed. When conventional medical staff refused to do the job, he hired other 'professionals' to take off his testicles, according to a search warrant affidavit filed Monday in Ramsey County District Court."

How much pain must you be in to have someone hack your balls off???

8.06.2007

No more crispy duck served at toilets | Oddly Enough | Reuters

No more crispy duck served at toilets | Oddly Enough | Reuters: "No more crispy duck served at toilets
Mon Aug 6, 2007 11:20AM EDT

BEIJING (Reuters) - Food stalls attached to Beijing's public toilets will be removed in good time for next year's Olympics, state media said Saturday."

mmmmmmm... finger licking good, Oh my god please don't try to sell me food or drink while I'm in the toilet, unless it's a beer and your in a bikini. (ok not even then!). My favorite bar has installed video monitors above the urinals that play commercials, thank you! I was getting really tired of staring at that little piece of tile that someone drew some graffiti on when the Twins last won the world series.

8.03.2007









Here are a few pictures from the 35W Bridge collapse site that you will not see anywhere else... my source is a close friend who has unique access.
To all of the Heroes who came out of the woodwork, I would like to give you a belated... THANK YOU!

The shock has started to wear off and people are angry about what happened and are pointing the finger at anyone who could possibly be blamed. As a hard core Dem I find myself in the strange position of defending Bush from those who are now blaming him (see here). Don't get me wrong I don't agree with everything written in the article but it does have a few good points and examples. Every past and present state and federal politician needs to look at their record and decide if they did enough. You as the citizen who elects them needs to look at their records and let your voices be heard. What ever happened here in Minneapolis at the 35W bridge (and in New Orleans) did not just happen in the last four, eight or even twelve years it has been decades of neglect, poor planning and lack of funds that is at fault.

Some 35W collapse photo's that you might not have seen. These are up close and in the wreckage. http://www.conphoto.net/collapse.html

This weekend is usually one of my favorite weekends of the summer. (At least it has been for the last 15 yrs since I moved out of uptown.) This weekend is the Uptown Art Fair combined with two other major art fairs and the Fringe Festival. It is a weekend for every man/woman to get out and appreciate art in all it's forms. This year in the back of my (and I would bet most everyones) mind will be those who have been lost, hurt or are unknown.

edited:8/3/07 10:15pm for grammar (I should not write when I'm tired)

MnDOT feared cracking in bridge but opted against making the repairs

MnDOT feared cracking in bridge but opted against making the repairs: "Fears about bridge safety fueled emotional debate within the agency, according to a construction industry source. But on the I-35W bridge, transportation officials opted against making the repairs."

So the finger pointing has begun. If this turn out to be the cause someone will have to be the sacrificial lamb.

8.02.2007

The networks suck!

Having watched the tragic 35W disaster unfold on local news, this morning and late last night I watched as the national news media made it out to be the end of the world! Nightline on their opening video moved Minneapolis/St. Paul around 100 miles north! While the local media really did a great job, all the stations as far as I saw pushed the good Samaritans that turned out to help. The national media hyped shocking photos, videos and half truths turning it into a an even more shocking news event to make money by keeping you riveted to your seat.

Yes it is shocking and wrenches my heart for those who have been hurt or killed. Carrie all night long kept saying that she wanted to go down and help and I also wanted to do what I could, but the mayor has asked everyone to stay away and give it time. If you want to help give blood or $$$ to the Red Cross. A friend of mine did head down there (of course he lives four blocks away so...) this morning and says it's like a zoo. Thousands of people are headed to all locations along the river, (blocking traffic and pulling stretched resources from where they are needed) with cameras in hand hoping to take pic's. People the wreckage will be their for months to come, just wait, damn it. Give the workers the space they ask for to do their work.

Nuff said
Update on Bridge Collapse:

Not much yet, but on CNN.com homepage there is a video from a security camera of the collapse.

8.01.2007


Looking north at construction of the Interstate Hwy 35W bridge built in 1967.


I-35W bridge collapses; at least 6 dead: "Star Tribune staff

Kent Kobersteen, Minneapolis Tribune

The Interstate Hwy. 35W bridge over the Mississippi River collapsed during the evening rush hour Wednesday, dumping an estimated 50 vehicles into the water and onto the land below, creating a horrific scene of damage, fire, smoke, injuries, frantic rescuers and bloody, terrified motorists"

My prayers go out to everyone... I had a scary wait as Carrie was over an hour late getting home due to the traffic snarl caused by this. I was not too worried because Carrie does not take the freeway but little did I know she was taking a co-worker home tonight and was just a mile or two away on Hi-way 94. I have crossed over this bridge at least a thousand times in my 39 yrs in Minneapolis. I once lived three blocks from the bridge!

Here is a Google map/diagram of the location. The bridge is just south of the blue 35W near the middle of the map. The white blob to the south west of the blue 35W is the Metrodome. The green arrow is near the center of downtown.

StarTribune photo gallery.

StarTribune diagram of bridge collapse.

update: They are now saying at least 60 injured with nine dead and with at least twenty more missing... rescue work has stopped for the night, tomorrow they start recovery. This will be a major traffic problem in the years too come being that there are few other express/freeway access points into Downtown Minneapolis. This is the same interstate that runs from Texas to Duluth, Mn. Life for all who live in the Twin Cities has changed to some degree.

Please, please please... somebody... anybody?

7.26.2007

Triumph of the squirrels

Triumph of the squirrels: Squirrels EAT a large DOG? "These are the behaviors that create a sputtering Donald Duck-like frenzy in people as they reach for their shotguns. But they should stop. They need a license ($20), they need to wait for the season opener (Sept. 15) and they need to remember that it's illegal in most cities to fire a gun. (Satisfy all the requirements, however, and Squirrels in Cream Sauce and other fine recipes are at (www.startribune.com/lifestyle.)"

That may be best. If these cute, smart-aleck, determined little rodents ever get organized, it could be our worst nightmare. According to a 2005 BBC report, a stray dog in the Russian village of Lazo was barking at squirrels in a tree when a number of them suddenly descended and attacked, killing the dog. The squirrels ran off, some toting pieces of flesh, the report said. The reason the squirrels snapped was the dearth of pine cones that year. They were hungry.

Squirrels take over the world in 2050!!!

7.25.2007

Hey big spender, $210,000 drinks bill | Oddly Enough | Reuters

Hey big spender, $210,000 drinks bill | Oddly Enough | Reuters: "LONDON (Reuters) - A Middle Eastern businessman spent over $210,000 in a five-hour, champagne- and vodka-fuelled spending spree in a London nightclub at the weekend.

Fraser Donaldson, a representative of Crystal, a club favored by Prince Harry, said in 20 years working in the industry it was the biggest bill he'd seen from one customer.

The unnamed big spender entered Crystal at midnight on Saturday with friends -- nine women and eight men -- and ordered a $50 bottle of white wine, a spokesman for the club said.

But before long he was ordering magnums of Dom Perignon at $1,400 each and then called for a Methuselah -- eight bottles in one -- of Cristal Champagne at $60,000 and the party spread.

The festivities ended with a 'night cap' consisting of a Methuselah of Belvedere vodka, which cost $2,800. 'He basically just said, 'keep the drinks flowing,'' the club spokesman said.

When the party left at 5 a.m., the bill was 81,471.50 pounds, which with tax and service added amounted to 105,805.28 pounds -- $218,000. It included the cost of six Coca-Colas.

Car chase ends, but not after suspect stops for cigs | LOCAL NEWS | Phoenix News| azfamily - KTVK| News for Phoenix, Arizona

Car chase ends, but not after suspect stops for cigs | LOCAL NEWS | Phoenix News| azfamily - KTVK| News for Phoenix, Arizona: "One guy was in a hurry today, dangerously weaving through traffic all over north central Phoenix. He really wanted to get away from police, but apparently he wanted a cigarette even more.

Your foot is not the best way to stop a truck but then again the alleged robber was in a hurry.

Jessi Singh was behind the counter when this still unidentified man came running into his store. He was running because police say he used a note to rob a Bank of America at 44th Street and Thomas at about 10 a.m.

Police followed the truck to an address on the 2100 block of East Yale, but before they could move in the suspect took off at high speed. Marked police units backed off and let the helicopter take over the pursuit and that's when the suspect did something very curious. He ran into an AM/PM for his nicotine fix.

“Pack of cigarettes, pack of cigarettes,” the alleged suspect said. “Quick, pack of cigarettes. Here here's 20 bucks. Give me a pack of cigarettes. Please, matches need some matches. Keep the change. Come on. Thank you.”

He was in there for only about 20seconds and took off with a squeal of the tires.

“Then I saw a helicopter and police cars an"

The suspect then returned to the area where police first spotted him and officers were able to knock out a tire with stop sticks.

That's when the suspect gave up and police arrested him, finding cash and an unopened pack of cigarettes inside the truck.


After all that he didn't even get to smoke a cig!


7.22.2007

Rolling Stone : The Worst President in History?

Rolling Stone : The Worst President in History?: "George W. Bush is in serious contention for the title of worst ever. In early 2004, an informal survey of 415 historians conducted by the nonpartisan History News Network found that eighty-one percent considered the Bush administration a 'failure.' Among those who called Bush a success, many gave the president high marks only for his ability to mobilize public support and get Congress to go along with what one historian called the administration's 'pursuit of disastrous policies.' In fact, roughly one in ten of those who called Bush a success was being facetious, rating him only as the best president since Bill Clinton -- a category in which Bush is the only contestant."

7.21.2007

Ok one last (and very funny) Harry Potter themed story. Here is the best (non)spoiler I have found... enjoy!

Harry Potter spoilers:

[From page 51 of the scanned pirate copy]

Harry and Ron stepped through the painting into the Gryffindor common room in some consternation. "I hope Hermione hasn't passed us completely," Ron said. "I can't believe she took summer classes."

"I would have if I could," Harry said, "but I didn't have the O.W.L.s to manage it. Remember, her last letter said she was going to go on to post-graduate work." They waved to familiar friends and began introducing themselves to the new students. Quite a lot of the younger students kept passing them and then looking back at Harry and stopping dead in surprise.

After eight years, Harry was used to being stared at. The dark Lord Voldemort's attack on him as a baby left him a distinctive lightning bolt-shaped scar on his forehead, and the reputation of being the only person Voldemort couldn't kill outright did the rest, with some help from the reputation Harry had built for himself since. After discovering he was a wizard and could attend Hogwart's School of Wizardry, Harry had gotten wind of several of Voldemort's evil schemes and had thwarted them all. He had faced death, humiliation, basilisks, dragons, evil wizards, malicious spells, foul odors, the undead, and even the Inland Revenue and remained unscathed. Oddly enough, Voldemort's schemes seemed to be losing oomph, as if he could no longer pull together enough power to get a really good evil plan together. The last attempt had been to place Harry on a chain letter mailing list.

As more and more students kept staring at him, Harry began to realize that there was a different class of attention. He recognized the star-gazers, the well-wishers, the groupies, the jealous, and the envious, but he kept noticing female students looking at him in a funny way, almost as if they were hungry. One pretty blonde student even went so far as to lick her lips and use her hand to smooth out the front of her robe, although Harry hadn't noticed any wrinkles.

Ron noticed it as well. "Cor, Harry! You outta be able to get some serious schtank this year! And we're finally of legal age to learn Sex Magic, so you'll have an excuse and everything."

"But why are they staring at me? Why not both of us?" Harry asked, blushing furiously.

"Well, look at you. You've been playing tournament-class Quidditch for eight years, you're in fantastic shape, you've got the scar (chicks love scars, Harry), and Daniel Radcliffe turned out to be a hunk."

"What?"

"Look, there's Hermione!"

Hermione Granger was standing at the bottom of the steps to the girls' dormitories. Harry and Ron dashed towards her and then stopped dead. Hermione had changed over the summer. The difference was so great that Harry was forced to realize that he hadn't really been paying attention the last few years. The mass of curly brown hair was still there, but it was arranged in an artful way to frame her face and curl over her shoulders. Her face was more angular, with high cheekbones and clear milky skin. The prominent front teeth were still there, but they only served to push her lips forward in a very interesting manner, making her look as if she was always just about to eat a strawberry. Her robes had changed as well; they fit quite a bit better, for one, and the neckline seemed much more fascinating than before. She had a thin leather belt around her waist, from which hung several small silk pouches and which incidentally accentuated her lush curves. Heavily orchestrated music began playing. "Hi Harry, hi Ron!" she called, and went to hug them both.

"Um, cough, wow, Hermione, you're looking really, um, good," Ron blurted out. Harry just nodded and concentrated on trying to breathe normally.

She preened. "Thanks! I've been studying up on Sex Magic, it's dead easy. Did you get all the stuff on your list for this year?"

Both teens looked down and nodded. "Yes, " said Harry glumly. "We had to go to a different section of Dragon's Alley for it, some shop called Lord Chumley's Marital Accoutrements and Novelties for the Gentleman. I don't even know what half of this stuff does! And a couple of the items sort of look like wands, but I tried swishing them about and almost got arrested!"

"You'll see. The girls get a different list, I got everything at Victoria's Sorceries. I'll show you later, if you're good" she said, not noticing the way both Harry and Ron's eyes widened, "but you've both got to get to "Beginning Erotimancy". I'll see you after." She turned and walked up the stairs with a wiggle.

Ron looked at Harry. "We're in for it, aren't we?"

The two boys ran into Professor Winkledoof's class just on time. This class was all boys, for some reason, and Harry's heart fell as he spotted Draco Malfoy and his goons on the other side of the room. The professor, a short, stocky man with questionable hygiene, was busily making extremely detailed chalk drawings on the blackboard. The drawings appeared to be of some sort of intricate plumbing system, and resmebled slightly the more primitive sketchings Harry had seen in the boy's lavatory. There were several posters hanging about the walls, with mottoes like "Safe Spelling", and "Wrap It Before You Wave It". There was what appeared to be an inflatable witch, a small trampoline and a spool of thick rope over by the closet, and there was a large wooden trunk labeled "Toys" next to Professor Winkledoof's desk, which was almost invisible under the stacks of paintings and etchings. Harry and Ron looked down; at each student's place was a brass spigot maked "Lube", a soft towel, and a small parcel of square foil packages labeled "Lord Chumley's Preventatives - Ribbed". Some of the boys had apparantly already opened theirs and there was a spirited balloon fight going on in the back of the room.

Professor Winkledoof finished his drawing, turned to face the class, scratched himself, and began. "Right! Welcome to 'Beginning Erotimancy'! We'll jump right in to give you a taste, right? Wave yer wand over your goodies and say 'Phallus erectus'!"

Harry looked around to get an idea of what "goodies" was supposed to mean, and then, blushing, he followed instructions. "Phallus erectus!" he commanded. Instantly he felt a strange warmth, which turned into an abrupt and slightly painful swelling and tightening beneath his robes. At first he thought he had inadvertantly transformed part of himself into a snake, but talking to it had no effect. Next to him he could hear Ron waving his wand frantically and mumbling, "Please, dammit, c'mon, don't do this to me..." The boys around him were having varying degrees of success; Harry wasn't surprised to see Malfoy sitting tall in his chair with a smug expression.

Class ended early after an explosion came from the back of the room and Neville's high-pitched shrieks filled the air. "That explosion was a bit... premature, wasn't it Potter?" laughed Malfoy.

The next class was with Professor Snapes ("Aphrodisiacs and their Abuses") but they had more than a half-hour to spend so they went back to the Gryffindor rooms. Harry was still puzzling over what he had seen. "What were those diagrams on the board? You think he's trying to sneak into the pipes of Hogwarts to do some dastardly deed? Maybe there's underground caverns besides the Chamber of SecretsTM, that diagram looked kind of like the opening of a hidden cavern," Harry said. Ron looked at him with an odd expression.

"You didn't get out much at the Dursley's, did you Harry?"

"No, you know that. What's that got to do with anything?"

"Nothing, nothing," Ron said hurridly, "only you might want to, you know, check out the library for some extra biology studying this term."

"Now you sound like Hermione."

"Yeah, and about Hermione. You know how she loves showing off how much she knows about magic, right? I'm thinking that..."

They said the password ("doggin bat!") and entered the common room. Hermione was sitting in one of the high-backed armchairs in front of the fire, studying an odd-looking device. "What sort of magic wand's that, then?" asked Ron.

Hermione smiled a cat smile. "A Hitachi," she said. "Why are you chaps back so early? Finish too soon?"

"No, but Neville did," Harry said. "Madam Pomfrey looked at him and shook her head, said something about cold compresses."

Ron cleared his throat. "Um, Hermione, I was wondering... I mean, it seems that Harry here is a bit, um, lacking, in certain basic instruction, and I was wondering if you could help him out. And me too, if you're not too tired." Hermione seemed delighted, and stood up with a flourish.

"I'd be happy to," she said. She looked closer at Harry, paying particular attention to the chest and arm muscles developed through years of Quidditch. "I'd be very happy to. The only person I had to study with over the summer was Colin, and he wears out too quickly." She reached into one of her pouches, grumbled, and then reached into a diferent one. "Shouldn't have been there... okay, this is the easiest one to master, it's called Attraction. With a small effort you can cast a spell on a person and make them think you're the sexiest thing they've ever seen." She threw a small handful of glittering dust in the air, waved her Hitachi through it and chanted, "Glamourus Meus!"

Suddenly, in Harry's eyes Hermione was stunning. She had already been attractive; now she was maddening. He could feel the snake tranformation in his robes again as he lurched towards her, determined to get her and... and... well, he didn't know exactly what yet, but whatever it was he was going to do it really hard. Hermione smiled at him. "See? Easy. And you turn it off with just a snap of the wand." She jerked her wand between them and down, but it had no effect. She looked at it and ducked around the back of the chair as Harry stepped forward. "Sorry, I'll try that again." She did; it didn't.

Hermione looked up with resigned good humor and held her arms out. Oh, well, something went wrong, and now she had to deal with a lust-crazed Harry Potter. No worries, she had hoped for that anyway, just on somewhat more equal terms. Maybe this way they could get the awkwardness out of the way and then they could... Behind Harry's quivering body she could hear that all the conversation in the room had stopped, and low moans could be heard. She stood up and peeked over the back of the chair.

Everyone in the room was looking at her like a starving dog looking at a steak, and they were all walking stiffly towards the chair. Even some of the figures in the paintings seemed to be trying to climb out of the frames. The fat woman painting slid aside and more boys (and a few girls) from the other Houses came in, followed by several professors. Through the window she could hear Hagrid's great booming voice, "Aragh! I've gone and raised the biggest beast of them all! C'mon, me lad, let's put you to good use!" Even the male owls in the room seemed alert and ready to swoop, and Ron's owl Pidwigeon was scrabbling at the bottom of her robes, trying to find a way in.

Frantically she tore through her pouches, only to find that all of her other powders had been replaced with sugar packets. Someone had sabotaged her spell! And now it looked as though she was going to suffer for it, unless her summer lessons could help her triumph over 65 males (and a few females). She took a deep breath, snapped her head to the side to crack her neck, and stepped forward...

7.18.2007

Digg - Harry Potter Leaker Forgets to Remove EXIF Data from Photos. [PIC]: "Harry Potter Leaker Forgets to Remove EXIF Data from Photos. [PIC]

The guy who took pictures of the stolen harry potter book and put them on the net forgot to remove the EXIF data which contains the serial number of his Canon camera which means he can be traced back."

Anyone want to buy a camera real cheap?

7.17.2007

So folks are these the last pages of Deathly Hallows (Last Harry Potter Book)?? I don't know but there are photos and more but then again there are dozens of people who say they have gotten hold of copies in advance, and they all contradict each other, go figure!

If you want the spoilers from the same source they are here!

7.16.2007

Harry potter...

A new report analyses the measures taken by UK Potter publisher Bloomsbury to keep Deathly Hallows unspoiled.
It is from Tuesday, however, when copies begin to be sent out to retailers, that the most crucial part of the security operation will come into effect.

The trucks Bloomsbury will use are fitted with satellite tracking systems costing up to £1,000 pounds, which will reveal whether any of the vehicles deviate from their intended route. The books are on sealed pallets fitted with alarms to prevent tampering.

A spokesman for Bloomsbury said: “we have a litigation specialist poised 24 hours a day, seven days a week to deal with any breaches. It is our intention to enforce the embargo vigorously and seek an immediate injunction if required.” While experts put the cost of all this at £10 million, the lengths to which publishers have gone are not surprising.

Went and saw the latest movie last night, I like it a lot. It was darker but not as dark as some have made it out to be. Now I enjoy Harry Potter but I have never read one of the books and I'm thinking that maybe I should read Half Blood Prince just so I'll know what the hell everyone is talking about when the rampage over Deathly Hallows happens. My Spoiler prediction is that Harry will not die, but will sacrifice his magic to defeat V... (he who should not be named because I don't know how to spell it and really don't care to look it up!) becoming a Muggle of sort?

7.03.2007





Our cabin and some of the fun things we did. Late night campfires, late night antics in the woods and an encounter with the headless horse woman!
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