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March 28, 2024

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Friday, January 28, 2022

Open Thread – Troll of the Week Award!

For the most part, dealing with internet trolls is mildly distasteful, but it’s pretty easy to get rid of them, and with a click of the mouse I imagine them hurtling through space and landing in the mudflats.  >splat!<   But there are a couple trolls who are quite persistent and I’m not sure if they’re actually aware that their posts never get up on the blog, and don’t generally get read at all.  But no matter to me.

However, there was one trollish retort that I couldn’t bring myself to delete.  I’ve had it in my spam queue for a week now, and it always gives me a chuckle when I need it.  So fond am I, in fact, of this little gem that it finally struck me that I simply must share.

Remember when I posted this picture on an open thread last week?

brain

I said it was some kind of fungus, and that I’d found it just sitting there on the trail all by itself, and that it sort of looked like a brain.  There were several witty comments about finally finding “Sarah’s brain,” and then…. this one:

That fugus is smarter then you.

A double whammy!  I started laughing and Spouse asked me what was so funny.

Now, Spouse and I tease each other and say, “That fugus is smarter then you!” pronouncing fugus like ‘fyoo-gus’, and making sure to say then and not than.

I’ll delete it some day, but for now, the spam queue always contains at least one item.  So, thank you Al from Texas, for a bright spot in my day, and congratulations for being The Mudflats’ Troll of the Week!

 

Comments

comments

Comments
262 Responses to “Open Thread – Troll of the Week Award!”
  1. the problem child says:

    @ samper — ((((hugs)))) Definitely did not mean to imply anything about pathetic. We’ve all got hairshirts sometimes.

  2. Lainey says:

    I think you should have an ‘Al of the Week’ troll award with the best one published for all the world to see…proof of the unreasonable, ignorant.

  3. samper says:

    And it had NOTHING to do with all the rum last night, either!

  4. samper says:

    Wow… I’m pretty pathetic, then! 🙂

  5. the problem child says:

    @samper “hairshirt” is metaphoric shorthand for “self-torture, self-blame, taking too much credit for doing wrong, when in reality you are doing the best you can”. Hairshirts were a very uncomfortable shirt which penitents would wear to remind themselves that they were sinners. A very medieval x-tian concept, like self-flagellation.

  6. samper says:

    One more for the secret shopping: spiesindisguise dot com (age compliance).

    Thanks MinNJ!! XOXO

    Just let’s make sure the rural villages and Eagle are taken care of BEFORE winter. 🙂

  7. Alaska Pi says:

    I almost feel sorry for poor ole Al…
    Guess would be that when the slithy toves gyre and gimble (?) in the wabe, he’s right there calling them slimy toads, and totally missing what’s going on… then- also, too.

  8. Snoskred says:

    Martha Unalaska Yard Sign wrote :

    I think the whole Red Shirt thing set us on our heels.

    I actually think that for those of us who spent a lot of time watching the testimony, it has been a long couple of weeks. It is emotionally exhausting to sit there and witness all of that hate and love pouring out. Not to mention some of the upsetting stories of discrimination.

    I know I hit my limit of hate on Wednesday night when there were too many red shirts in a row – and there were things going on here which were stressing me out too which did not help.

    Today is Sunday, so everyone should put down the keyboards and get outside for a bit. 🙂 take a break, we all deserve it.

  9. Martha Unalaska Yard Sign says:

    What a goofy night! I think the whole Red Shirt thing set us on our heels. We were just all over the place tonight – and yet, it all made sense to be nonsensical. All of their intolerance sparked tolerance and confusion in us, much of which benefited us as a collective mentality but we also we wore AKM out as the keeper of our zoo of wounded and stricken hearts.

    Tomorrow/tonight is solstice (does that give away where I live even more than my blog name?) and spirits run high as does the sun. We are touched with madness, but a good madness it is! I jumped in because it’s not all about the Twit Sarah – who is a verboten name in my house this last week. I jumped in because it’s high summer and I realized that I wouldn’t exactly know which direction to take next without ya all next to me! AKM – you rock and shine like the solstice eve.

  10. drew from lil ol texas says:

    good job Al!

    just what we need,

    another dumb ass from texas!

  11. califpat says:

    @Marthe Unalaska: I did not comment but I read all the wonderful love of caring for loved ones and feeling of guilt that you have not done enough back and forth. I commend all of you. You are truly wonderful and your loved ones who seem to not remember who you are, somewhere in themselves are aware and grateful to have you. I am very proud to be acquainted with such a wonderful family as Mudflats. I I love you Mudpups.

  12. Canadian Neighbour says:

    Martha Unalaska Yard Sign

    Homemakeover Cryfest — watch it all the time. One of my fav’s. My cousin usually calls me about 8 to 10 minutes in, hears me say hello, all she says it, yup you’re watching. Then hangs up. Always make sure a box of tissue is close at hand! There are some commercials that can do it!!

    Be proud that you are helping by contributing to your Sister in the care of your mother. That’s a huge thing too as it too can be a strain. For you to uproot, they know and understand that it could cause strain on you and your family which wouldn’t necessarily help. I’m sure she would be appreciative if you are able to periodically provide a break for her and her family to get away. That’s like gold!! Should circumstances change, you’ll be in a better position to step in.

    My last employment, my boss was one of 13. Their mother took sick and she moved in with one of the daughters. My boss would care for her a day every two weeks. Once in a while she would do a weekend. She too contributed financially. The other 11, couldn’t see them for their dust. I shook my head in disbelief. It came to a point the one sister could not care for her any longer as she was divorced and had 2 kids in an apartment. They could have collectively put a down payment on a small house for her to help with space and the kids as it would have been paying a mortgage instead of rent. They did put the mother in a nursing home. Between them, they could afford it but it still blew me away out of 13!!!

    As to back — it’s from the lifting, bending, rolling, those things you find a method that works for you that becomes repetitious. Then when you need to change your methods when there’s a downgrade, the body alerts you to take a hike!! Ain’t doing it!! You keep pushing through it. When my cousin was able to take her for a weekend, I would be planning out what I wanted to do with this free time which quite often included going to look at pieces of equipment to see if they would work. Two of those gold weekends — she would pick her up Friday afternoon & return on Sunday. Twice on a Thursday I would blow my back, whether sleeping wrong I don’t know, but walking or getting up – I thought I was 105!! Crap! Oh mannnn! I only did it on my time!!! How considerate LOL.

    So, as above — there is no guilt to be had. Sis understands and knows but she also knows that you’re there when she needs you & when she does, you’ll be there in a heartbeat. Big difference to what I wrote above re my boss’ family – that’s not in your DNA!!

  13. Wow, love fest going on and I missed it, just came home from a party, met a diver and her husband she is from England, her husband from California, I started saying I read this blogs from Alaska and , theres this lady, she signs as UK Lady ( i’m feeling a connection here) and the woman goes I loove Alaska.. you been there?…. oooh yes a month and a half… oh you know they have this horrible governor….her face goes blank, she has no idea what i’m talking about but she looks at her husband and tells me in a conspiratorial manner… I’m afraid to go back, because I feel I wont be able to leave that place!…. I realized SP is inconsequential to them and I remember the photos taken by celtic Diva and AKM, the photos Hope took on her trip to Eagle and i smile in agreement, Alaska is a wondrous place! Once again i understand the words of Gustavo Adolfo Becquer: “I don’t know if the world lives within or outside of us, but I know I know people who I have never Met”.

    Yeah, there was wine.

    .

  14. MinNJ says:

    samper

    *looking at you seriously*
    We (as a community) are concerned about YOU.

    The Gino can take care of herself. And we (as a community) are not worried about how or where she lives, in that she might be suffering or any of her children.

    We are concerned about YOU. And care about YOU. And want the best for YOU. I ask on behalf of the community here that you care for YOU and know that YOUR health and concerns in their best outcome are what we want for YOU.

    The Governess will find a way to betray even her most loyal, but not her paid GOP, personnel, and we all know that she can’t keep the lie going and will lose the country, as a whole. The 20%ers will always be with her, and the SS and FBI and the IRS (hopefully) will always be on alert because of her hateful swill.

    You’re alright, and we’ll get thought this. All of us, in one way or another. We’re OK and you will be, too. You are a delightful and ingenious survivor, and so stop the crap. You’re stronger than you think.

  15. samper says:

    Hey, you guys!

    It’s FATHER’S DAY here on the East Coast time zone (1:38AM)!

    How do you suppose LEVI might mark the day?

    Do you think Bristol – Goddess of all things PURE – will “ALLOW” him to take his son(S) for the day?

    Or… do you think SP in all her witchiness will ensure this “FIRST” ((Trig, cough, cough)) Father’s Day for Levi is riddled with trauma?

    I happen to think that Bristol ((cough, Sarah)) will make it the usual impossible endeavor for Levi to enjoy his first ((cough, Trig)) Father’s Day WITHOUT RESTRICTION OF ANY KIND.

    Talk amongst yourselves.

    PS: I’m really lousy at gracious exits, aren’t I? UGH, I’m PATHETIC!

  16. samper says:

    Martha: It is NEVER the user’s fault! It is ALWAYS the keyboard’s fault.

    Never forget this!

  17. samper says:

    Martha, Honey!

    You folks are good to go! You have family, love, a business that is still in the black.

    You will, by far, outlive your parents and they will rest easily now and in the afterlife for all of your love and good deeds as their child. They will not outlive you. It’s against nature.

    You also offer a great lesson to ME. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart.

    But it’s not about “material world” for us. It’s about basics. A roof, not a palace. A hot dog, not a steak. But, God knows, the kitties must be kept comfy in their “wet food” because “dry” is just a filler when Mommy is gone.

    We don’t want luxury at this point. We had it at one time and it was great. But we aren’t idiots, we aren’t proud, we aren’t elite. We’ve always WORKED, worked HARD and invested WISELY… at the time.

    We are both firm believers that we have to EARN what we have and enjoy. And we did just that. We EARNED what we have/had and it’s in jeopardy through no fault of our own.

    We just want our life long work to COUNT. For SOMETHING.

    Right now, BF is essentially moving from 56YO to 18YO by having to move back in with his folks.

    I should clarify… his folks have quite a nice guest house and a “main” house set on over an acre of lakefront, MI property… it’s not a slum and he won’t be bloggin’ in their basement in his jammies. It’s not horrible by any means, but, he (also too) had a couple of country acres, a beautiful home, boat, etc. that he is LOSING.

    Thanks, Red Shirts!

    I just have a house in the suburbs, plus an acre near his home that was to be built upon. Nowhere near what he has in property and assets, though.

    Right now, the bean counters (somewhere) don’t think our cumulative 60+ years of toil might account for ANYTHING. Kind of a tough pill to swallow.

    All my woe aside, though, I am critically worried about your rural villages. Will they have enough heat and food without having to choose between the two this winter?

    Will the bambinos have milk?

    Will there be hot water for bathing those grimy 🙂 little ones?

    Will the GOV make sure they are provided for?

    There is only a few building months available for the folks in Eagle. How are THEY doing? Can they make things right (with those NASTY fed (no caps) building codes? Will they see their homes providing the appropriate shelter come winter?

    Will the GOV make sure they are provided for?

  18. MinNJ says:

    Canadian Neighbour
    I get it. I hope you don’t find it insulting that I think that you’re amazing. Please take care of yourself, for you matter in this. If she doesn’t have you…please, take care. And I do mean that. My love, precious girl, always.

  19. Lainey says:

    re:fungus brain
    they all use the ‘nanner nanner nanner’ factor for any defense…and misspellings are the norm…isn’t that b/c they don’t believe in higher education?…b/c it’s not free after high school (if they make it that far)…wanting the get rich quick path and don’t believe in working their way up, thanking ppl along the way…I don’t know what these ppl believe anymore. I think they just want to argue no matter what! it’s a no-win.

  20. Martha Unalaska Yard Sign says:

    me not my. It was the keyboard’s fault!

  21. Martha Unalaska Yard Sign says:

    @ Canadian Neighbour

    PM me from the forum to send my your mailing address!

  22. Canadian Neighbour says:

    Samper,
    We do do the oatmeal too as a few brands I use are the best for iron!! Those days it saves crushing iron pills!! Trade-offs!

    MinNJ
    Reading that the insurance was there for your Mom — that’s a huge relief to read. I get ill over the what I call horror stories.

    As many people that have told me to consider a home for her, they then wish they never said it to me. My vicious streak escapes!! With Alzheimer’s – if anything happens, she had no ability to tell me as she wouldn’t remember. Now, she wouldn’t be able to verbalize it either. Our senior homes are probably the one issue of healthcare that I think is bad as to place her in one that I found acceptible, it was cheaper for me to leave my job.

    We do what we gotta do!! I have no regrets — her two sisters do but I don’t!! They believe they have entitlement on advice etc. NOT!! I may be the shortest in all the family, but my mouth is more cutting. So be it!! I still like myself.

    I agree with you on driving. Helps to clear the head and a few cobwebs too. Actually my addictive brain dump is jigsaw puzzles. Don’t need the brain for concentration. Only the eyes.

    As to the Why Me? I say quite often ” Okay, I’ve done my time, now it’s time to spread the wealth around. It’s not fair to the others for me to have it all”
    I’m willing to share!

    It is strange when you give thought, how people who are alike, manage to come to the same place!! Hmmmm.

    Be well tomorrow and all the days after that.

  23. MinNJ says:

    samper
    I have a chronic illness and would need to take things at a much slower pace. And you seem to be dramatic; travelling is dramatic enough for me.

    Slow down, cool off, and enjoy. That’s my motto. I’ve been to western Europe twice for a total of 4 1/2 months, and I enjoyed and learned so much. Take it in.

  24. samper says:

    Oh! Wait! I get it!

    I’m not a desirable traveling companion because I will tell stupid tourists to shut their mouths when in church!

    Touchee’!

    I agree!

    I am usually an embarrassment to my usual companion (who didn’t accompany me to Rome). He doesn’t relish in my… um… shall we say “candor” with others when I am vocal in my discord with their behavior. IOW: BF prefers me to shuddup and siddown rather than cause a scene. 🙂

    Most wouldn’t have my audacity, especially as a female alone, but when I spend THOUSANDS to see the works of Michaelangelo on the ceiling of the most important church in the world, I tend to get a little miffed when folks are speaking in tones that would drown out Def Leopard Live.

    And pushing me around to get “the” photo op.

    Just sayin’!

    BTW: BF won’t go to Greece with me, either. His idea of “vacation” is not “shlepping around a bunch of old rocks” (referring to Parthenon, Temple of Zeus, etc.).

    He’d rather be on a beach. Sure… Greece has them, but they are so INCONVENIENT to where we are staying.

    Poor dear soul!

    Gotta love him, though!

  25. Martha Unalaska Yard Sign says:

    No samper,

    One can only cry so much over others! We’d never get anything else done, and our own lives are full of opportunity to do plenty in our own way, and for those who walk next to us or with us. Dammit – you’re right – it makes no sense when all that we work for in the material world falls apart around our ears for no good reason. I’m concerned that Alaska’s recession is slower in coming (it’s always delayed up here) but will also hit very many people hard. We are already noticing this in small ways in our business and our clients. People are nervous, worried – and having things spin out of control, beyond your control to begin with – is very difficult esp. when you don’t have those tons of years ahead of you to recover financially. You just hang in there!

    Sometimes we joke that if it all hits our family and business, that we will be FREE to live a different kind of life without all of the material commitments and trappings. As long as it happens AFTER my parents live out their lives, I will just figure it out and deal. If it happens BEFORE, while we need to be helping, then I’m going to be really pissed.

  26. samper says:

    What’s a “hair shirt” and why am I undesirable as a travel comapanion?

  27. samper says:

    Martha: I used to watch Extreme Home Cry Over faithfully. It used to be that I would be enraptured with makeover tips for my own home … cool ways to make something out of nothing and that sort of thing.

    I’d have a “moment” at the end where I would log onto sears dot com and see if I could support the effort by buying a $50 cordless drill or something, while sobbing.

    The show, however, has turned into a cry fest, with very little to do with actual home renovation and MUCH to do about bringing the plight of others to the forefront.

    I can only do that for so long before I have to turn it off.

    Detroit has our own extraordinary woe that has hit my (mine?) and my BF’s households right in the gut. We are mid-life (me 46, he 56, we’re together 12 years now), laid off, he’s losing his home AND business, I’m barely holding on to my own home, etc.

    It’s like… where the heck is OUR makeover? HA HA! I KNOW! Many have it much worse, but it’s really hard to rationalize that when a 56-YO man is moving back in with mom & dad and on a Saturday night, I have no date to accommodate the moving schedule!

    FWIW: I logged in EVERY SINGLE DAY to win that stupid house in FL. HGTV has YET to show up on my doorstep with keys to same.

    I’m moving to Food Network. There is ALOT of comfort in FOOD!

    Am I wrong, ladies?

  28. MinNJ says:

    samper
    I will never travel with you ever. And I mean that. LOL you goof.

  29. the problem child says:

    Enough with the hair shirts! I love you all! And Canadian Neighbour, your choice to be caregiver is amazing. I hope, though, that you are taking full advantage of everything that our amazing “socialist” medicare system has to offer. Don’t burn out, sweetie! (My wonderful grandmama took care of her very senile momma (alone) until the bitter end. I fear it has taken years off her own life.)

  30. MinNJ says:

    MarthaUYS
    Yes, I was a teacher some time ago. It just came back to me (remembering my all-black cocky football team, who were all huge. Scary, but fun and enormously gratifying in East Orange, NJ) Ain’t life grand!?!?

    I’m not sure it worked for samper, but here’s hoping.

    Also, I’m 61 and have seen both my parents to their deaths. It makes a difference to be older and have seen some very personal, dying circumstances.

  31. samper says:

    MinNJ: You, Sir/Madam, are WAY too kind. I was thoughtless and take full responsibility.

    Same for you, Miss Martha Smarty Pants! 🙂

  32. samper says:

    bubbles: My HUGEST disappointment in Rome was the stinkin’ GRAFFITI everywhere… even on CHURCHES! I was absolutely stunned that aquaducts that are centuries old had been spray painted with lame rhetoric (my driver translated).

    You KNOW the tourists weren’t doing that crap. It was the Italian teens! What tourist brings a can of spray paint along and shleps WAY off the beaten path to do such a thing? NONE!

    I want to go back to see Trastevere and the Castle, but I would DRIVE in to see them… I don’t think I could take that chaos again. I even told my mom that I don’t have to do Rome again, even though she’d go back in a heartbeat.

    She was stunned. What? NOT go back? No, Mom, it’s chaotic, dirty and the folks there are rude. Still, all in all, glad I did it, because had I not, I wouldn’t be a “Good Catholic”, now would I?

    JK… I’ve always wanted to do Rome. Didn’t do it for my place in Heaven. I’m kind of banking on the fact that my deeds will take care of the whole Heaven thing.

    But now it’s DONE. Except, of course for Trastevere and the Castle!

    The #1 thing repeated in my diary: Crowds, Tourist Congestion, Rude Tourists (specific continent), rude Italian teens, etc.

    I can’t even tell you how all that really took away from my visits (2) to the Vatican. I could never do that again. Ever. And it’s sad, because I’m a Catholic, who was there during Holy Week 2008. I was REALLY looking for a meaningful experience and just got a Disney experience.

    In the Sistine Chapel (the MOST important Church in the world!), they had priests standing around doing nothing but “shushing” folks and they CONTINUED to blather on in stadium voices (worse than “outside” voices”).

    I was appalled. Couldn’t stand it. Felt stifled. Felt congested and angry. IN THE FRICKIN’ SISTINE CHAPEL!!!! Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned…

    Made remarks to violators in the Sistine as well as in the Panthenon, where a Mass was taking place. I wasn’t popular there at all.

    I’m not shy, either! 🙂

    God, I can’t stay away from you guys! I’m even lame in bowing out gracefully for an egregious remark!

  33. Martha Unalaska Yard Sign says:

    Thank you – we needed an intervention!

  34. Martha Unalaska Yard Sign says:

    @ MinNJ

    Well spoken and well slapped! Hee hee. Were you a teacher?

  35. MinNJ says:

    You are all wonderful, and I don’t know why you don’t see this!

    samper
    Having dealt with two dying people, your list was inspiriational. Really. Get over it. You don’t even know who you touched with this, and I think you touched a lot of pple. One thing is good for another, another is good for one. Truly great list.

    MarthaUsy
    Verbiage is the correct word. Get over it. You spelled it correctly and are a marvelous and caring person from what I can see of what you have said here.

    It is a delight to know you both; please get over this ‘guilt’ of which you speak and come back to us as we know and love you. In otherwords, stop it right now. And I mean it.

  36. Martha Unalaska Yard Sign says:

    @ MinNJ

    Your words and story made their way into my heart, too also!

  37. Martha Unalaska Yard Sign says:

    @ samper

    We’ve ALL done it – it comes with the territory! It’s the quick typing and quick thinking. If we were slower, didn’t care to comment while it was fresh and relevant… well… we’d be RED SHIRTS! Don’t forget the pushing off the cliff thing I’ve made you all promise to do. I don’t mind being forgiven for typos and for popping off before thinking – but please, please – I don’t wanna live a day if I had to live over at a place like Dorks for Queen Dork because I couldn’t hold a coherent thought or be a tolerant person.

  38. MinNJ says:

    MarthaUSY
    You just did spell verbiage. Correctly. Thank you.

  39. MinNJ says:

    I am referring to your list at 5:05. It is so thoughtful. Thank you.

  40. samper says:

    Martha: I’m Catholic, too… hence my overwhelming “guilt” and remorse for my comment.

    Thank you for your kind words.

    However, the fact that I could even do that makes me sick. I don’t want to be so callous again with you fine folks.

  41. Martha Unalaska Yard Sign says:

    OK, so I can’t spell verbiage!

  42. Martha Unalaska Yard Sign says:

    @ samper

    I’m back – for a bit. Was going to check in on Shannyn’s show live blogging, but not until I gently slap you first!

    “I made a major error in verbiage that was hurtful. I’m having a very difficult time getting over that.”

    Your post and verbage hurt NO ONE and actually made me feel a lot lighter! You aren’t feeling GUILTY are you? LOL!

  43. MinNJ says:

    samper
    Your list was brilliant. Truly, I will refer to it for many days. You are amazing in your truthfulness, and I honor that. Thank you.

  44. samper says:

    Only posting one more time because I promised. These ought to keep “all ya’all” busy for a few minutes.

    How it works: You sign up. Then, they will email you when opportunities arise, according to location.

    Perhaps ALL of these won’t have offerings in your area. All I know is that I’ve shopped for them here in Detroit, they are honest, pay when they say they will (a month or so after shop), and are reputable as far as I have used them.

    You MUST have a PayPal account set up (easy at paypal dot com) to get paid from 99% of these companies. One (not sure which) actually issues a paper check. NEANDRATHALS!

    Be patient. Here in Detroit, I get no fewer than 10 offers per day, but it might not be as lucrative where you are. I get LOTS for the optical and cig/alcohol (age/ID compliance) ones, though, so those don’t even count because I don’t qualify.

    For example, the steakhouse ones (gamefilm) come around once a month, but when they come around, probably 10 or more states with various locations in each one will be posted.

    Apply via links in the emails. They ALL work the same and MOST use the same “Sassie Shop” system for tracking and doing shops. I use the same login and password for all of them to make it easier.

    If you get it, they will send you an “ACCEPTED” email. DO NOT SHOP IT just because you applied. Wait for confirmation of assignment! Some ask that you confirm reciept of their email, so check your email often (guessing this isn’t a problem for those of you blogging – You must be checking email frequently as well! 🙂 )

    You can also log into their systems and check out the “JOB BOARD”. I’ve caught MANY jobs by being pro-active and checking the board before the emails are sent.

    BEWARE: They will send opportunites to zillions all at once. JUMP ON THEM FAST!

    intelli-shop dot com (computer store, fancy jewelry, etc. Pays best, but more detailed) NO INVESTMENT or buy a $25 (min) item and return it after an hour or so (computer store only, usually. Last week, I bought a $30 keyboard, returned it 2 hours later and was no worse for the wear… schedule these among your usual errands. Try to use cash so you aren’t stuck waiting for the return to go through.)

    shoppersview dot com (banks, storage companies, etc.) Pays good, easy. I have four scheduled for Thursday… might take me 1/2 a day and I’ll earn $60 for doing storage locations (you know, the “self store it” places… you essentially act like you want to rent a garage from them). NO INVESTMENT!

    kernscheduling dot com (they are a scheduler, not sure what route I get their emails from, but their site might tell you. THEY ARE DOING THE OPTICAL ONES and I think the ALCOHOL/CIG ones. ALSO: VERY easy recorded phone shops! ) If you are so inclined and eligible for these shops, please keep me in mind as a referral, so we can both make an extra few bucks. I think AKM can email if you need to reach me on this.

    AKM, would you help a gal out?

    trendsource dot com

    ssnat dot com (specialty stores like Crate & Barrel Kids and Pottery Barn) Minimal (reimbursed) expense… like a $10 purchase of candles or something and they pay it back with your shop fee. YOU keep the candles!

    iccds dot com (most recently, go to Pro ball game, outside (no ticket required, they even reimburse for parking!), and check out the Pepsi/Coke challenge). Also, grocery shops (buy $20 in groceries and they pay you for the groceries PLUS a $10 shop fee!).

    gamefilm-consultants dot com (steakhouse, fast food, etc. Have done MANY Lonestar and MANY fast food, including Rally’s).

    If anyone wants the other fast food address, I’d have to hunt for it. Just post here and I’ll act on it. However, it’s not lucrative.

    Otherwise, I have no business posting here anymore. I made a major error in verbiage that was hurtful. I’m having a very difficult time getting over that.

    Love and extraordinary peace to all.

    XOXO

  45. InJuneau says:

    Martha Unalaska Yard Sign–Just call me a Caribou Leaf Salve “pusher” – LOL!

    Ooo, I LOVE that stuff; spouse seems to be allergic to it though 🙁

  46. MinNJ says:

    Canadian Neighbour

    I could not sympathize with you more. My mother eventually died of kidney and heart failure, dialysis here at home for several years after a few years in trips to the hospital three times a week. The nurses were so wonderful and so in tune with how she was doing. Fortunately, her insurance from my father took care of most of this for us. It was heartbreaking at every turn, and the hospital stays were nightmares; I had to get her blankets and food, and I could never trust that she got the basics. ARGH. She was down to 89 lbs. …it seems crazy now, and I was down to 105 but I just kept going and going and going…

    My father died of a brain tumor. After his last surgery and when he was in the ICU, he turned to me and asked, “Did they get it all?” And I said, “Yes, they did,” which was untrue. I lied, and he died three months later. Why did he look at me for this answer? My mother and brother were there, why me? We only had minutes to speak with him, and I had to drive to Boston later. Some drives are healing for the time that you have alone to think and terrible at the same time.

    For all of those who are missing their fathers for whatever reason, may you enjoy peace and satisfaction in your life, and love in the now.

    Prayers of peace, blessing, and hope.

  47. Martha Unalaska Yard Sign says:

    Samper – LOL! I was delayed a bit in leaving so just read your posts. Gosh, you and I are two peas in a pod – DON’T watch Extreme Home Cry Over this weekend or you’ll have sore eyes!

    Thankfully for me, (a gift from both parents) I have ability to read intent and not just words. In no way did I take that literally nor even thought of it until you came back to correct. I knew exactly what you were telling me, and it warms my heart that you said it out loud. When we stay quiet, sometimes we don’t examine things as well as we should and we do get wrapped up in guilt. As my mother always says, guilt is the ugliest and most wasteful emotion. Now, my dad was raised Catholic so he wouldn’t say that out loud, but I know he has the same attitude!

    I read/hear about many families who have only one sibling who offers to be a caretaker and the rest “take off” to parts unknown! Or… trash the caretaker while doing nothing themselves. I am fortunate that my two sisters and I all have different things to contribute – none are the same and not even necessarily the ones we would prefer most to be able to contribute – but thank goodness we all have the opportunity and ability to do our part.

    So many good people here…

    If I ever go insane and become a red shirt, will someone here give me a big push off of one of our many steep cliffs and put me out of my misery? Thank you.

  48. samper says:

    OMFG! I retract #2 above!!!! I’m crying over that! 🙁

    In absolutely NO WAY WHATSOEVER would I imply or say outloud or even THINK that your financial solvency is your ONLY contribution to your parents.

    DAMN ME ALL TO HELL! Never would that be my meaning!

    In my rush, I worded it grossly wrong.

    What I MEAN is: If you are financially insolvent, that doesn’t serve the greater good of your family. To pull up stakes and go for an unknown while leaving a thriving business behind is NOT beneficial in the long run to the family. And in their clearer days, your parents wouldn’t advocate that.

    Your suffering financially will not ease their issues. HOWEVER, if you had nothing to give monetarily, it would NOT negate what you can give in other arenas, such as love, support, encouragement, time, etc.

    I do NOT MEAN: that you have nothing to offer but $$$.

    My God, I can’t believe I even wrote that without proofing it!!!!!

    I have no business at all on this blog. I just make things WORSE when all I want to do is comfort the sad and suffering.

  49. samper says:

    MARTHA: Do NOT feel guilty!!! NEVER for a MOMENT should you do so!

    1. Your parents would NOT want to “burden” you with their care.

    2. You are NO GOOD to your parents if you are not financially solvent.

    3. Your parents KNOW, deep down inside, that you must maintain a household and family. They DO NOT want to make that a burden to you while you “take care of” them.

    4. You are FORTUNATE and BLESSED to have a thriving business that enables you to contribute to overall care for your folks. Do NOT minimize your contribution. It is there in spirit, love, and dollars.

    5. Visit when you are able and make it COUNT. That is more important than day to day effort in a haze of “what’s next?”

    6. You will be NO GOOD to your spouse, children, and others if you are exhausted and “guilty” in this situation.

    7. Your parents love you and know you are a good child to them. They know it even if they don’t know their own names.

    8. And they love you back ENORMOUSLY.

    9. EVEN THOUGH you must care for your own family and other resources in order to be good “for the greater good”.

    10. They know. They understand. You are doing your best. You have NOTHING to be guilty of.

    Now, go buy a ticket to visit for a few days… Give the usual caregivers a break, kiss your folks, make sure they know you are there and love them.

    If we can raise $$ for Linda, we can help you, too.

    Just DON’T feel GUILTY. It’s a wasted emotion when there is so much positive outweighing it.

    XO

    Samper.

  50. samper says:

    Oatmeal: Pre-Mushed for YOUR convenience!

    🙂 XOXO!

  51. samper says:

    Canadian Neighbor: SOOOOOOO glad to see your wonderful and healthy outlook. My very best to you and mom. Not a fan of the oatmeal, eh? 🙂

    Rest: I’m looking up the sites I frequent now… Back in a few…

    I can’t listen to Shannyn at the same time… Live Blogging would be a HUGE help to “hear” what she’s sayin’.

  52. Martha Unalaska Yard Sign says:

    @ Canadian Neighbour

    Wow! Wow! I ditto everything that everyone here has said to you in thanks of your generous heart and commitment to your mother. I’m cheating on the ditto part because I have to leave in a few minutes, and did not want to depart without acknowledgment of your fantastic spirit! You guys can make me cry at my computer (pretty often I may add). Usually I cry at the TV, when hubby drags me down to watch the latest Extreme Home Makeover (I call it Extreme Home Cry Over). Now I don’t have any cry free zones in my home because of the wonderful people who I share keyboard strokes with.

    I am only able to help with my aging mother w/ emphysema and limited mobility (although sharp as a tack) long distance – it’s middle sis womanwithsardinecan who lives with and cares for her daily. I often think that I should leave Alaska for awhile to help both of my ailing parents, but leaving our business behind and relocating to an economically depressed location to be near one or both would not allow me to help them financially which is our contribution now. I guess we do what we can – whatever our part, and it all helps. But I still have major guilt attacks – have for years.

    I didn’t read exactly what you did to your back, but if it’s an injury / inflammation problem, PM me in the forum with your mailing address and I can send you a local Tlingit woman’s super secret salve which works wonders for 90% of people who try it. My mother loves it so much, has ever since I found it a few years ago, that it’s all that she requests for Mother’s Day, birthdays, Christmas and any other holiday she can think of. Womanwithsardine can loves it, too – and now she has her hubby addicted to it’s pain relieving / anti-inflammatory properties. Just call me a Caribou Leaf Salve “pusher” – LOL!

    Mail between AK and Canada can take awhile, I know – so PM me as soon as you can and I’ll track down a can early next week (no way can you have MINE – hee hee) and I’ll get it in the mail right away!

  53. MinNJ says:

    My hovels were in Cambridge/Boston/Somerville, MA, but I’m sure they shared the same trappings as all good hovels do: artists everywhere, some random professors who were divorcing, musicians, and inspiring poets; a grand mix. I miss it, but not the groveling poverty that accompanied the experience.

  54. crystalwolf aka caligrl says:

    Isabella Says:
    June 20th, 2009 at 4:33 PM

    CALI, rally the troops lets have a PARTY!!!!
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Shannyn Moore AKM live blogging in 8 mins! 8)
    Grab adult bev…be THERE!!!!!
    http://radiotime.com/station/s_31918/Smart_Radio_700.aspx

  55. Canadian Neighbour says:

    Bubbles, Samper & GAPeach,

    Thank you for your thoughts & wishes.

    Please know Samper, I deprieve her of nothing!! She’s been non-verbal for about a year. Quit chewing food so I have 3 small food processors on my counter to what I call pulverize everything. It may take an hour or more to feed her sometimes, but it’s not like I have an appointment!!! She loved fish & chips and Shepherd’s Pie before so she still gets things like that. You fork mush the fish and the potato out of the chips. Still eats regular cereal which is crushed in the processor — better than alot of the foods made like mushy stuff.

    She has always been a frail tiny person under 100 lbs., but she actually eats more than I do. Shepherd’s pie is 2 lbs. – 2 dinners for her!! I’ve become the queen of take out prepped food!! For a family of 2 you don’t cook twice!! She has lost more weight. I’m the one that’s packed on about 30 this past year!! I watch Biggest Loser and all I can say re the exercise is “Not in my lifetime”. New nurses always say she’s not eating enough — really, come watch. They never believe even when they see it!!

    She wouldn’t get the care and attention in a nursing setting. She wouldn’t get enough food or the time for them to feed her, changings, etc. “I didn’t blink” at leaving my job as much as many said ‘You can’t’. Really!! I need your permission WHY??

    I’ve used the pit-bull thing longer that ‘you know who’ has!! I just don’t wear lipstick!! Everybody should own one!!! She’s only an appetizer to me!!!

  56. bubbles says:

    p.s. samper– my daughter and her husband spent last night at the venetian hotel in vegas. although they are married they never had a WEDDING so they are thinking about having a wedding there. my daughter went to school in rome for her junior year and later taught art history to american high school kids for a summer in rome, and florence and venice. she says the hotel is a lot nicer than the real thing.

  57. samper says:

    There seems to be an amount of interest in my secret shopping thing.

    I have to run to the store REAL QUICK for mixer and smokes. It’s Saturday. Give me a break! Drinkin’ and Smokin’ is all I got right now while BF and his buddy load up the van with yet more crap he has to move from his house to his folks’ guest house because the bank be takin’ his house and pub because of the damned economy MR. SHRUB created.

    A 56 year old man, worth $1M a year ago, moving in with his folks… go figure! The booze keeps me from crying. Or laughing too much. It keeps me EVEN! 🙂

    When I come back, I will post HERE in “code”, aka secretshop dot com, the places I most frequently shop for. I do this so I don’t end up in the abyss for posting links. I don’t want to get into all that forum stuff tonite. Maybe tomorrow.

    It’ll take me… maybe 1/2 hour to get to the store, look up the addresses, and offer my worldly insight for all to share. Man, you guys are LUCKY!

    Really, you guys… if you have some extra time on your hands, $15 here and there can really add up. Even making $50K/year, I did this and made $300 in one month on a special bank campaign.

    It bought me a new chest freezer. With NO suffering.

    As will part of this month’s earnings go to support our great friend, Linda! Donate to Celtic Diva, if you can!!!!

    Back in a few! 🙂 XOXOXO

  58. bubbles says:

    uh huh i hear you samper. when i went to rome in november 2001 the italians were very sympathetic and sweet. when i went back a few years later they were not so nice. i had to get some of them straightened out but good. i am not one to bite my tongue.. i have family there or i would never go back and spend one damn american dime in that decaying swamp.

  59. samper says:

    Bubbles: Actually, the Americans I met in Rome were FAR nicer than tourists from “other” countries. I won’t be UN-PC by naming a particular nation, but they are not Europe, South America, North America, Africa, Antartica, or Arctica.

    But the Italian teens? UGH! Every moment is a fashion statement with them (stilettos on cobblestone? Are you KIDDING me?), and they literally moved me off my table (supposedly “politely”) at McD’s by honing in en masse.

    Didn’t make Trastevere, and oh so disappointed about it!!!!

    Also, want to see the Castle. MUST go back, but NOT to the city. WAY too chaotic, even for this Detroit gal.

    Do they have NO RESPECT for lane lines and red lights?

  60. bubbles says:

    minnj~~~~i know what you mean. injuneau and martha and austin got me learning about aquifers. samper got me thinking about a few dollars here and there wouldn’t hurt. a little traveling money. don’t you know. you and me probably lived in the same hovels. i knew about borax and roaches too.[heehee]..b

  61. samper says:

    GA peach: Honey, Child (that’s what they say down there, right? 🙂 ), I don’t know nuthin’ ’bout no forum.

    What do I gotta do to do “forum”?

    Almost sounds dirty like that, eh? 🙂

  62. GA Peach a/k/a Lance the Boil aka Crust Scramble says:

    Canadian Neighbour, bless you. Caretaking is the hardest labor of love. Today we celebrated my Aunt Sally’s 89 and 1/2 years of life. My cousin lovingly made huge sacrifices to keep her at home. Y’all are a special breed.

  63. samper says:

    CanadianNeighbor: I feel your frustration and pain. In the early stages for my grandparents, I was the only one in the state to take care of the affairs. Eventually, they (Mom’s side) were moved to CA, where Mom and Aunt could take care of them. Before that, though, the burden was on a 25 year old GRANDdaughter.

    On Dad’s side, we lost both his parents to the disease and it was very painful to watch.

    Mom’s folks lived it out in CA (I’m in MI), but Dad’s folks suffered locally, much more “in my face”, if you will. Much more dramatic, much more “here & now, day to day”.

    I called Mom daily for updates, but it’s not like ‘being there’. I was “removed” from the CA scene, somewhat. And mom sugar-coated things, thinking if I can’t see what’s going on, no need to describe it in detail.

    The only solace with Dad’s folks came with knowing they knew us, but just couldn’t connect that with themselves.

    Granny would always greet me with “Hello, DEAR! It’s SO nice to see you!” But she couldn’t place my name, relationship to her, who my father or her son was, or anything else. She just knew I was a friendly and well-known face. And that was good enough and almost great for her, among the strangers that cared for her.

    And she could carry on a somewhat conversation, based on her memory of what is “appropriate” (“Oh, the flowers are lovely this spring, aren’t they?”).

    Grandpa (Dad’s side) also knew we were friendly faces, but he was far worse off than Granny (many years earlier, as well, not both at the same time, like Mom’s folks).

    He was to the point of just being able to purse his lips saying he wanted a refreshing menthol cigarette (which we NEVER denied in his last days… what’s the point of deprivation, even if the nurses didn’t “like” it?).

    We started this pursing thing with food (jello), kisses, toothbrushing, shaving, etc., but figured out it was the CIGARETTE he wanted. You could see him smile in his eyes when we finally caught on! He was a life long smoker (and believe it or not, had no “SMOKER’S SYMPTOMS”). All he wanted was a drag or two.

    We caught HELL from the nursing home for bringing in smokes for Grandpa. But we would bring battery operated fans, close the doors, open the windows (even in winter!) (It was kind of like smoking pot in the dorms in college! 🙂 ), and hold it for him (being VERY careful) so he could “enjoy” the ONE thing he could communicate to us that he wanted.

    We had NO PROBLEM at all giving him exactly what he wanted. NO MATTER WHAT the stupid, mean, bit*&y nurses said (and he, as was Granny, was in the best place $$ could buy. Not a dump by any means.)

    He was sadly at his end. Why would we deprive him ANYTHING as simple as a cigarette?

    Please don’t deprive your mom of an indulgence, no matter how you think it might be “bad” for her. Nothing is or could be worse than her already assigned disease. If she has a vice, let her indulge. It won’t kill her.

    My prayers will include your family always.
    Samper

  64. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    Samper, I did a few secret shopper deals, and yep ya gotta know which ones to go for. I’d be good at the restruant ones, lol, the hubby get embarressed with what I point out. We just ate at a nice Italian place where the “incredibly” salty, it burned my tongue, I didn’t send it back, I hate to think of what staff do to people who do that, so I ate the veggies and less than half the salmon and pasta. I mentioned to the waiter that it was really salty when he took our plates, I just wanted to let him know my opinion and dissatisfaction. As we went to pay he said my meal was free and that I was completely correct. That I should have said something, well heck, this was a very popular place, my first time there and I thought perhaps it was normal, I’d just wanted to give my .02 as a customer.

    They may have thought I was a secret shopper, lol, cuz when I ordered I’d asked how fresh the salmon was and where it came from, he couldn’t tell me, lol, but I ordered it anyway, yuck.

    which company is good for restaurant shoppers…..we hardly ever go out cuz it seems you can make better meals at home and it’s expensive to eat out! I am constantly disappointed in service or quality, maybe I’m a magnet, lol, or just expect more than most. I once had a friggin metal washer in my french bread and the waiter only apologized and gave me a new piece, bad business.

  65. MinNJ says:

    Samper
    You are incredibly clever! My hat is off to you…and I wish you much joy on your upcoming adventure. I don’t know how you make much money doing this, but I’m sure that you do. (Anything to do with making money has never been my strong suit.)

    The things that I have learned here: Borax I knew for cockroaches from the hovels that I have lived in, but never knew for weeds ; secret shopping for travel money and more…I hope this never ends!

  66. GA Peach a/k/a Lance the Boil aka Crust Scramble says:

    @samper

    If you know anyone who could do the eye/cig/booze shops, let me know!

    ————
    Me, me, me! (waving hand madly in air). Can we PM on the forum?

  67. bubbles says:

    samper! i know just one you mean. you are not kidding the place is filled with obnoxious italian teenagers and even more obnoxious americans. when i am in rome i make it a pit stop for bathroom break. my favorite restaurants are the taverna de’ mercanti in trastevere and a little place[forgot the name] on the via furnaci near the vatican. ye gads!! i am starving…b

  68. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    I was curious about who this person was that Scarah met about geothermal projects in AK………first place I found info sounded rather impressive at first, until I got to this little tidbit, which I may or may not be making too much out of, he “may” be benefiting tar sands crap by getting “more” out of whatever they’re doing.

    Now, the company is branching out into related fields. In the early 1990s, Ormat developed a technology for producing oil from shale. But with oil prices low at the time, the Israeli government was unwilling to back an ambitious project to develop the country’s huge shale reserves.

    Ormat is an Israeli husband wife team who has developed a turbine to produce electricity off of steam and heat. Not real sure about that “tidy profit” big business they’re into.

    http://www.export.gov.il/Eng/_Articles/Article.asp?ArticleID=4700&CategoryID=818

    Why the excitement? Much of Ormat’s success owes to a breakthrough turbine design developed by the Bronickis that permits renewable energy sources such as geothermal or solar-heated steam to be converted into electricity more efficiently. After decades of selling turbines alone, Ormat in the mid 1990s started building geothermal plants of its own around the world that use its super-efficient turbine technology.

    The company now operates 11 plants in five countries, including facilities in California, Nevada, and Hawaii, that collectively produce some 360 megawatts of power—enough to power a city of about 500,000 people. Ormat sells the power generated at these plants to local utilities and books a tidy profit. Net earnings in 2005 reached $15.2 million, or 5.9% of revenues—and topped 12.25% of revenues in this year’s first half.

    “Now, Ormat has adapted the technology for use in the tar sands of Canada’s Alberta province, where it’s being used in a project run by Opti Canada set to begin production this year. Ormat has a 7.6% stake in the publicly traded Canadian company.”

  69. bubbles says:

    samper thank you. i am going to pass this info to a young lady i know. she is going to college and working full time. this might be something she can do and do it when it is convenient for her. you are one of the best…b

  70. samper says:

    Aussie: LOL! What is BK?? CLASSIC! 🙂

    The MOST hysterical thing I ever saw was a McD’s only feet away from the Spanish Steps in Piazza Spagna in Rome. It was SOOOOOOO out of place, I took photos!

    Ancient Rome… McD’s…Then more Ancient (or maybe just really old) Rome.

    That said, it was touted on Food Network as the most unique McD’s in the world.

    And it IS! I ducked in during a quick rain shower and they have ancient statues, a gelataria, and an awesome layout on several levels. Food isn’t quite like AMERICAN McD’s, though… more an acquired taste. Even the ketchup was “off” and you had to PAY for it!

    Too bad it was overrun with obnoxious Italian teens who should have been in school. I could have actually enjoyed it as the only place to duck into during the rain.

  71. bubbles says:

    canadian neighbor, i just read the comment exchange between you and isabella about your mother’s condition. my friend, you have my deepest and sincerest prayers for you. your task is not an easy one, i know. my own dear mother suffered in the same way. it has been many years since she left me. sometimes i wake in the night wondering if i did all that i could and then, i recall mr. vanella the funeral director hugging me and saying how beautifully kept and cared for mama was and that he had kept her casket open so all could see how lovely she was[ i am sobbing so will stop]. take of mama. you will be blessed in ways you can’t imagine now….with all my love….bubbles

  72. MinNJ says:

    (yak, I need an editor.)

    I took care of my mother until her death; my brother was not very helpful, and I was working, as well. I developed a chronic illness from which I have never recovered. Some caregivers do not outlast their charges. Please be very careful with yourself…when we’re healthy and relatively young, we think we can do it all, and it just isn’t true. Please take care.

  73. samper says:

    HonestyInGov: Sorry! Was just trying to go on memory in a hurry (while enjoying my lightening fast new cool $3.99 keyboard!). 🙂

    Bubbles: Secret shopping is pretty lucrative. I’ve been doing it for years. It’s funding a good portion of my trip to Greece in September (don’t judge… I bought the non-refundable ticket when I was very well employed!) :-).

    I go to banks, storage facilities, computer stores, etc. and pretend to be a potential customer. Usually within a few miles from the house. Pays about $15-$20 per visit. No math. Just log in, report your observations (“Were there smudges or dirt on the windows?”) and collect your cash about a month later. You might have to upload a photo of a business card or receipt or something. I’ve raised almost all of my “carrying around” cash for Greece in June alone.

    While I’ve been a “shopper” for the computer store, I just nabbed a monthly gig for $50 per month to go in, do a few price audits, take a few photos, and report.

    SS helps while unemployed to the tune of about $400/month, but I’m picky on who I’ll work for and what I’m willing to invest.

    Some shops ask that you buy something to evaluate cashiers and such. If the requirement is low, I’ll take it (they reimburse you), but they also have some that want you to buy and return whole home theatre systems (too much work at whatever payment and while credit card companies are HAPPY to take your money immediately, they are SLLLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWW on the returning of it once you’ve taken the merchandise back to the store).

    Many companies I work for are looking for families that need eye exams/glasses or who are willing to shop for expensive sunglasses (keep the glasses and get a VERY healthy shopping fee, but they don’t pay for the exams/glasses and you can’t return them) and those who are between 21 and 27 to do liquor or cigarette buys (to see if merchants are obeying ID laws). These pay around $20, I think.

    I get several of these email shops per day and just delete them without verifying the actual details anymore because I don’t qualify.

    If you know anyone who could do the eye/cig/booze shops, let me know! There are referral bonuses we can all earn! They are all over the country and sporadic, but frequent.

    I’ve also done TONS of steakhouse shops. They reimburse you for a meal for two (including 1 adult drink each!) once you report in on the service. This is nice for a free night out with a gal pal or BF or DH. They pay for up to like a $40 bill at the national steak chains. It’s not a “money maker”, but it’s a free night out for steak.

    Olive Garden, BTW, doesn’t seem to care what customers think of their service. Never once saw a secret shop for OG. Keep in mind these are detailed, targeted reports, not just “comment cards” you might pick up at the register.

    I’ve also done TONS of fast food (Dunkin’ Donuts, McD’s, Arby’s, etc.). Again, they pay your meal, but only like $7 for the report. Not lucrative enough and I got sick to death of tasting all that take out food! I’d have to hunt for that company… haven’t used them in years.

    And THAT, Ladies and Gentlemen is how I’m going to donate a few bucks to our great friend Linda, who DESERVES to have her request fulfilled so she can sock it to ’em.

    And I swear to all that is holy in any land on this earth that if she gets NOTHING but a bunch of emails that Palin has whited out and written “REDACTED” in place of the message, I will FIND a way to AK and will sit on her front porch (I guess in Juneau, that’s public, right?) until Linda gets what she is looking for after $6K or so.

    Blecccchhhh! I hate that Palin Slut.

  74. Canadian Neighbour says:

    Isabella,
    I’ve been doing this since Nov 2003. She hasn’t recognized me since about mid 2005. I have a homecare person come in twice a week for 3 hours each time. There is an odd time when my cousin visits that she is able to watch her for a couple of hours. She used to take her for a periodic weekend but that became no long possible about 18 months ago as she is bedridden.

    I’m single, no siblings, no kids! Called Tag — I’m It!!!

    Would I ever do it again — In a heartbeat!!!

  75. Isabella says:

    Canadian Neighbour, my deepest regards with wishes your mother finds peace. Do you have support for yourself? Your life sounds very trying.

    Does your mom recognize herself or your family?

  76. MinNJ says:

    Oh, that Ripley! Sipping the good stuff, eh? Languishing on her chaise? We have stuff like that here in Jersey, yes, we do, ma’am, yes, we do.

  77. MinNJ says:

    The Obama girls were enrolled in the University of Chicago’s Laboratory Schools since beginning their education. Their spot was highly sought after upon their leaving for Washington. The choice of the Sidwell Friends School in Washington was not surprising, as it has an exceptional reputation for freedom of thought and academic standards. These educational experiences and the emphasis on educational development are worlds apart from the background of the Palin children, unfortunately.

    Everyone makes mistakes, errors in judgment, and is just plain stupid from time to time. The press will do what they do, albeit in a cynical and imperfect way. How it might be presented to them is, indeed, telling of the nature of the parents and their mastery of the press and interest in the protection of their children.

    As the Obama girls are very young (and I find quite dear,) the comparison is very speculative on many levels. I sincerely hope the very best for both of them in every possible way. Being in such a big spotlight in such a harsh environment cannot be easy; but I trust in their parent’s judgment to give them the best possible childhood that they can afford them, in love as well as money.

    I cannot say the same for the Palins, as has been shown repeatedly to us. And it is saddening, as is GINO herself, to me. Must be all the rain…

  78. Aussie Blue Sky says:

    bubbles Says:
    June 20th, 2009 at 2:00 PM
    there are a lot of olive garden restaurants in new york. there many more really good really family owned italian joints in the city. i am always amazed people who can choose the best always settle for the mediocre.people will fly thousands of miles to this mega city and look for the same idiotic chain restaurant they can find in their local mall.unbelievable but it is true…b
    —————————————————–
    I’ll never forget the American girl who rushed up to us and demanded, “Is there a Burger King around here?” – on the Champs Élysées!

    I replied, “Qu’est-ce que c’est, Burger King?”

    She gave us a contemptuous look and rushed off. Twenty years later we still laugh about it.

  79. Isabella says:

    I think the restraunt is still there, in Homer, Fat Olives…it use to be amazing.

    Evan, who cooked, created menus went off on his own for a place on, the spit giving his portion of Fat Olive’s to partners. They ruined it with cheap ingredients and lowly service.

    When it was in its prime, OMIGod, unbeleivable!!! The salads, Stombolis, we would eat there three times a week.

  80. Isabella says:

    Thanks for info on Olive Garden. Would b e worth a few Emails to alert them that THANKS TO PALIN we now know which party they support and will not be patronizing their establishments.

    Never mix politics or religion with business.

  81. Aussie Blue Sky says:

    I was just beginning a blog post about Linda’s email challenge when I noticed that over the last few days my old post about Doogan the Dirtbag has been getting a lot of google traffic. I wonder if he’s upset someone else badly lately. Whether he has or not, he’s getting a lot of publicity for his previous dirty deeds.

  82. bubbles says:

    there are a lot of olive garden restaurants in new york. there many more really good really family owned italian joints in the city. i am always amazed people who can choose the best always settle for the mediocre.people will fly thousands of miles to this mega city and look for the same idiotic chain restaurant they can find in their local mall.unbelievable but it is true…b

  83. bubbles says:

    hey minnj~~~ i don’t know about you, but i could use a day of sunshine. trying to send some love and rain to california mudpups but the wind is blowing in the wrong direction. still you and me and ripley[who is sipping on bluebery pinot noir] can still do our boogie woogie rain dance and hope for the best. last time i did the dance noah got his feet wet. love …

  84. austintx says:

    Buy local.

  85. crystalwolf aka caligrl says:

    ea Says:
    June 20th, 2009 at 1:27 PM

    Hey guys, whether or not they are advertising on Letterman, Olive Garden should NOT be receiving any hard earned dollars from us. They, and their parent company Darden Restaurants, are HUGE rightwing supporters. Dining there is like making a donation to the GOP. Every bite is like a putting a nickel in GINO’s grubby little fist.

    Now you know, so please get your salad-and-breadsticks* elsewhere.

    (*not to mention that my husband worked at one as a teenager and the waitstaff dishes out that salad WITH THEIR BARE DIRTY HANDS. Ugh.)
    ~~~~~~~~~
    Bea,
    Thanks for that! I certainly don’t want to get any $ to GOP or GINO! Not to mention dirty hands. 🙁

  86. Terpsichore says:

    161 honestyinGov Says:
    June 20th, 2009 at 12:52 PM
    158 samper Says:
    June 20th, 2009 at 12:13 PM

    Someone (Honesty in Gov ???) said that if the Obama girls get knocked up while in HS, that they, also too, will be lambasted by the media. I disagree.
    ———————————
    Not sure who mentioned that , BUT it was definitly NOT me. I remember someone saying that though… but also saying “It’s not going to happen ‘.. etc.

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

    I think y’all must mean me, and I’ll go ahead and stick to my guns that the media that made the biggest stories of Bristol’s situation would make the biggest stories about an Obama daughter’s situation.

    However, I agree with previous commenters that the way the Obama family would handle the situation would be far different (and in my opinion more NORMAL) and most likely, the situation would never happen at all because of real family values and good parenting, and instilling in them the value of education, and in working to see they develop proper self-esteem, and just simply by keeping them busy, and by instilling in them a curiosity and a wonder about the world and a desire to see and experience it – all those things are the kinds of things that help keep girls from getting pregnant before they want to be.

    Apples and oranges – SP and JZ can shout to high heaven that her kids were not treated the same way as Obama’s kids, but since we don’t have the same situation to compare it to, the comparison is meaningless and speculation at best.

  87. Bea says:

    Hey guys, whether or not they are advertising on Letterman, Olive Garden should NOT be receiving any hard earned dollars from us. They, and their parent company Darden Restaurants, are HUGE rightwing supporters. Dining there is like making a donation to the GOP. Every bite is like a putting a nickel in GINO’s grubby little fist.

    Now you know, so please get your salad-and-breadsticks* elsewhere.

    (*not to mention that my husband worked at one as a teenager and the waitstaff dishes out that salad WITH THEIR BARE DIRTY HANDS. Ugh.)

  88. bubbles says:

    blueberry pinot noir! oh boy. now that sounds like something i could enjoy just now. ripley you are making want to go find some. too lazy to get dressed. still padding around the house looking for something to eat. as though, somehow, the next time i go in the kitchen there will be a feast waiting for me. daughter just called. she and hubby just finished having the buffet at the wynd[sp?]. PRIME RIB, sushi, bacon ,sausages. eggs. i am starting to sound like a hobbit. also,too, am hungry….love b

  89. austintx says:

    Here is Rachel beatin’ Ensign GOOD.
    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/#31454849

  90. London Bridges says:

    Here is a Palin-Letterman cartoon:
    http://tinyurl.com/my7h83

  91. honestyinGov says:

    I had mentioned earlier about the story about Bob Lynn and seeing the ‘ Digg’ story about it that speaks about Palin not funding the rape kits while in Wasilla as Mayor. This story link about Ensign..

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/19/ensign-mistress-husband-p_n_217874.html

    ALSO has the “Huffpost Stories Surging Right Now “.
    It seems to be getting noticed… for some reason…not sure Why..? Huffpost does not have another story related to it posted presently but ‘Digg ‘ it if you have an account or are signed up. Get the word out. Many small icebergs floating out there right now.
    Too bad N.O.W. won’t read it. I saw someone comment that their webpage does not have a ‘Contact link ‘ with their Homepage. Phone calls would work. Tell them to open their eyes… and read the story. Palin defending Women… geesh !

  92. Ripley in CT says:

    AustinTX and Bubbles:

    *waving*

    And, I’d love to try me some of that Samurai Elixir. I’m currently nursing a bottle of Blueberry Pinot Noir. Just lovely. But, Vodka, especially GOOD vodka, is certainly not something I would pour out!

  93. nswfm CA says:

    Sarah Palin is her very own growth industry
    “This is more than just a family. It’s an industry.
    — Dale McFeatters writes for Scripps Howard News Service.”
    http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jun/20/sarah-palin-is-her-very-own-growth-industry/?printer=1/

    He’s in a lot of papers today, has made an error or two, but she’s a laughingstock.

  94. MinNJ says:

    lilybart: I noticed the tan thingy you mentioned in the NY photos of her changing into her sneakers. I can’t imagine what she was thinking, but I never can, really.

  95. MinNJ says:

    bubbles: waving hello (glub, glub) and seriously wanting our rain to go to So. Cali. Please! My clothes get damp two minutes after taking them out of the dryer, and the chimney wall is starting to leak again. Gah!

  96. lilybart says:

    Ok, on Miss Wasilla’s twit page, she links to photos of a bill signing. Had to look. the coast guard guys are in full dress uniform and she is wearing a wrinkly white linen skirt and SANDALS. Casual sandals. But the funny thing….

    Her spray-on tan stops at her ankles.

  97. pvazwindy says:

    here is the boogie woogie rain dance****************http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QQzbCmlZM4

  98. honestyinGov says:

    158 samper Says:
    June 20th, 2009 at 12:13 PM

    Someone (Honesty in Gov ???) said that if the Obama girls get knocked up while in HS, that they, also too, will be lambasted by the media. I disagree.
    ———————————
    Not sure who mentioned that , BUT it was definitly NOT me. I remember someone saying that though… but also saying “It’s not going to happen ‘.. etc.

  99. bubbles says:

    austintx thanks for the link. god. what kind of hell will we leave our children if we dont get our act together and be for real and help this president set us on the right road.

  100. bubbles says:

    samper i just read your post. love it. you are absolutely right about the obamas and their sweet girls. how do you like being a secret shopper? is it a lot of work or fun? do they give a salary? do you have to be good with math? hope you get a good job that you love sooner than soon…b

  101. samper says:

    Bears repeating: Check out whitehouse dot gov to see Little (getting MASSIVELY HUGER by the day) Bo’s official “Baseball Card” photo and summary. Download the PDF to read the back. God, that doggie is a cutie pie! No wonder the girls (and the Coolest Pres and First Lady EVER) love him! His goal: “Making friends with other Dognitaries!” How cute is HE? 🙂

    PO was very cool at the radio/tv dinner (also, too, swatting that fly and THEN making sure HE picked it up for disposal (with a tissue) and not leaving it for “lowly staff”, but I digress). I think the link is on page one here for those who might have missed it. Sorry… no time to go back and give all credit where credit is due. It is IMPLIED. 🙂

    Someone (Honesty in Gov ???) said that if the Obama girls get knocked up while in HS, that they, also too, will be lambasted by the media. I disagree.

    The President and First Lady will NOT trot them out to announce this on a national and public stage and force “the cutest boy available” to pretend they are getting married. They will quietly deal with it as a private family, as well they should.

    Of course, word will get out, but it won’t be the three-ring circus of hypocrisy we see with the Palins.

    Family Values!
    Drop Out, Unwed, Pregnant Teen! LOOK, Everyone! My daughter is PREGNANT! She’s Single, 17, Unemployed and NOT a HS Graduate! Isn’t that a “BLESSING”????
    Said Teen PROMOTES ABSTINENCE!

    No, it’ll be more like “Our daughter is making us grandparents well before our time and well before we are prepared to be. That said, we are hopeful for a healthy and safe delivery of our first grandchild, whom we already love with all our hearts. Please respect the family’s privacy during this delicate situation.”

    And that will be the end of it until the obligatory photo op of the little guy/gal, which they won’t be able to avoid. But that will be it.

    Just like with Bo. One day of Welcoming and then closed doors. Besides his Baseball Card, Bo has only been seen on the Brian Williams special and the official Welcome Home photo op (with the lei, romping on the lawn, etc.). Compare the li’l pup with the lei to the big doggie on the Baseball Card! Wow!

    A president/former president can keep the press at bay far easier than a hillbilly from Wasilla, who “did”, but didn’t “act” like she wanted same.

    PO will probably find a “funny” way to approach this while also being very stern about the privacy of his children. He would NEVER throw them to the wolves on TV to brag about how great unwed teen motherhood is and then walk in with the talking points, UNINVITED. He wouldn’t throw them out there, period. And he wouldn’t force the responsible young man to engage in the public, either.

    Nor would he encourage the grossly hypocritical behavior of the daughter becoming an abstinence spokesperson for a Slutty Teen Fashion company only a few months after giving birth. THIS is what makes Bristol different from The Obama Children.

    Nope… It’d be WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY different.

    That said, how are either one of them going to get to have sex with tons of Secret Service just waiting in the wings? It’s almost an impossibility! And I betcha the SS will be under strict demand that they not be caught drinking without the parents around, also too. (cite: Bush twins getting all drunk in public).

    A glass of champagne for a “real” event when they’re 18 and with their parents isn’t really a Federal offense. Unless SP and the feds (no caps, dontcha know) go racing after it.

    I don’t begrudge them that one little bit. Heck, my parents, when they were PRESENT, let us have wine with dinner for things like our 16th birthdays. In moderation. With them right there. Without our having keys to a car. With their watchful eye on our physical and emotional reactions and behavior (“I love you, Man!”) . Frankly, no big deal, 30 years ago, but they also too didn’t let us run rampant with the juice.

    In a nutshell: Obama Children DO NOT EQUAL IN ANY WAY THE PALIN KIDS.

    OK… I’ve rambled. Most of you won’t even read this because it’s long, blathering and pollyanna.

    But I gotta say this: I can’t stop typing! We have a computer joint nearby called “Micro Center” (add dot com and you’re there). I had to do a pricing audit for them (I’m unemployed, but do alot of “secret shopping” and audits to fill the days) and ran across 108 key keyboards (includes calculator pad, a MUST have for me) for … get this! … $3.99!!!!

    Picked one up and it’s AMAZING how great it is to type when a keyboard isn’t full of ashes, adult beverages and crumbs from late night snacks! And all this without having to hit the spacebar 5 times to make it “take”!

    I’ve had fancy keyboards in the past with lots of bells & whistles that I never used (I have toolbars and such for that stuff). So the cheapies are great. This one has a “perfect” pressure point (you know what I mean… fast and comfy typing) and would do all of you who spew coffee on your own keyboards a world of good. Inland is the brand.

    Sometimes, we forget the little things…

  102. Canadian Neighbour says:

    Isabella,
    Homecare mom with adv’d alzheimer’s & no mobility. From assisting her to stand progressed to lifting her. You do what ya gotta do!!

  103. Isabella says:

    Canadian Neighbour, oh no, what happened to your back?

  104. Canadian Neighbour says:

    The other issue is, not only is Guiliana totally silent, he was the Mayor for NYC. He’s been on Dave’s show a number of times. Guiliana could easily have communicated with Letterman.

    Makes you wonder why the MSM never mentioned that they ‘tried to reach Guiliani for a comment’.

  105. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    a heads up on using the Borax to kill weeds………I guess it would be okay in areas you don’t want “anything” to grow but not if you plan on anything growing there later, I read that it stays in the soil for years.

    I think Iowa was doing some studies on it with creeping charlie.

  106. Isabella says:

    trisha “If Todd said that Willow was the only child a the game and in the photos—-where are the photos? Although, I am sure that they are working furiously to photoshop Willow in the official photos”

    I agree that if there were photos, Rudy, would be posting them.

  107. trisha says:

    That fugus is smarter then you.

    This is HILARIOUS. This represents the average I.Q. of a Palin fan.

  108. trisha says:

    Isn’t there someone who can bring up the question—Where’s Willow?

    If Todd said that Willow was the only child a the game and in the photos—-where are the photos? Although, I am sure that they are working furiously to photoshop Willow in the official photos.

  109. Canadian Neighbour says:

    Isabella Says:
    Canadian Neighbour “Now if I only had a bathtub!!! (Removed and replaced by roll-in shower for wheelchair access)”
    Have you seen these?
    http://www.sbwalkinbathtubscolorado.com/universal-disabledbathtubs-large-picture.html
    ———–
    I considered it when I was planning to renovate the bathroom but funding would not allow for it and the more thought I gave to it, I decided it would not work anyways knowing things would progress downhill. I still refer to wheelchair access for easier identification but we passed that sometime back as it progressed to a portable lift partly due to damage to my back because of the lifting. The ability to keep in place sitting also became a huge issue.

    Thanks for taking the time to look!!

  110. austintx says:

    bubbles – Here is the aquifer that is under us in Central Texas.
    http://www.edwardsaquifer.net/

  111. bubbles says:

    nswfm~~~ i am doing a boogie woogie rain dance for you. my daughter is driving from santa babara to ohio as we speak. when she phoned, just before leaving california, she said she was worried about friends of ours who live in the foothills or those near painted cave. you remember the devastation two months ago. so hoping for rain for you. stay well..b

  112. nswfm CA says:

    All of you with excess rain, please send some gentle rains to California. The state provides a huge amount of the country’s food. Food grows where water flows, but right now, big time drought. This winter, we’ll probably be flooded….El Nino and fire areas are a bad mix.

  113. Isabella says:

    Is there an American Girl outlet store in Callifornia?

  114. Isabella says:

    These Boraxo hints are awesome!!!

  115. bubbles says:

    hey austin,~~~~ injuneau and martha got me doing homework. 3o’clock this morning i was reading about aquifers[ the ogalla aquifer] and thinking about roman aqueducts and how we have to manage our water resources as well as gas oil,diamonds, gold and eveyrthing underground: on the ground, above ground and the moneys gained from these resources should be shared with the people as it is in alaska. that is why i believe sarah palin was brought to prominent attention. if we are wise we will look beyond her and see that we should and perhaps shall own the rights to the riches in our country. we wont have to worry about how to pay for social security, healthcare, education,et.al.

  116. mlaiuppa says:

    I’ve heard we’ll all be having a soggy June, but I’ve yet to see it. It’s overcast today, just starting to clear a little. But moisture is not rain and we really need rain.

    Can anyone send us some? So. Cal. Drop it anyplace.

  117. mlaiuppa says:

    You can use Boraxo to get rid of roaches too. The main ingredient is boric acid.

  118. samper says:

    Paula: GROAN! 🙂

  119. Isabella says:

    Canadian Neighbour “Now if I only had a bathtub!!! (Removed and replaced by roll-in shower for wheelchair access)”

    Have you seen these?

    http://www.sbwalkinbathtubscolorado.com/universal-disabledbathtubs-large-picture.html

  120. mlaiuppa says:

    Here’s John Hodgman at the dinner. If there was any doubt about Democrats sense of humor, this removes them. Obama can not only take a joke but he joins right in.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/19/john-hodgman-radio-and-tv_n_218349.html

  121. honestyinGov says:

    Someone here last night (Gramian maybe.. ) on the open thread posted a Huffpo link to some confirmed info that proved that Sarah made or did not make funding available for the ‘rape kits’ as Mayor.

    http://digg.com/d1uJIy

    The one Bob Lynn article on Huffpo has above it four articles or stories ‘that are Surging’. It might be a good idea to go to the link and ‘ Digg ‘ it so it gets noticed even more and gets some buzz.

    The original story post was from Sept.8. 2008. Some people may not be aware this proof was out there. Not all of us were watching GINO as closely back then. There was so much stuff going on. Couldn’t hurt to ‘Digg’ it though.
    Can you do that a couple of times a day….use the cons tactics.

  122. austintx says:

    135 bubbles Says:
    June 20th, 2009 at 10:44 AM
    austintx~~~don’t be making me and ripley want to drink that stuff. it does look like it might be interesting to try a sip or two or three…b
    ****************************************************
    Look’s deadly , don’t it ??

  123. bubbles says:

    austintx~~~don’t be making me and ripley want to drink that stuff. it does look like it might be interesting to try a sip or two or three…b

  124. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    Mods or AKM…….could ya please grab my #108 from the tubes? I went and put 2 links in it. It’s a rather important one.

  125. bubbles says:

    ripley~~~~~~~~~~~~samurai! that stuff looks serious. gotta get some of that. my sister- friend likes vodka very,VERY much. i am treating her this week to a mani-pedi and dinner. i hope to find it try it out on her. baby, you know i can’t drink much but i like to pretend i am drinking so i sip slowly and drink lots of water alongside. still i feel a little tipsy after one or two. that’s good enough…love b

  126. justafarmer says:

    borax is also good for keeping ants out of the house. find where they are entering and pour a barrier; they won’t cross it.

  127. bubbles says:

    paula, you rock! i go find you sometime just to look at your pics. i let myself get lost in your world until i feel peaceful again. you have created something very beautiful and like akm you share with us. bless you paula and your home and all within its’ walls….love b

  128. austintx says:

    126 Ripley in CT Says:
    And here I thought Vodka was life’s most precious ingredient…..
    ************************************************
    Ever tried this one ??
    http://www.thedieline.com/.a/6a00d8345250f069e20115711d09cb970b-550wi

  129. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    Scarah bess hitch her wagon on alternative energy, now that it’s “the politically correct thing to do”…..but let’s not forget…..

    The Chena Hot Springs Geothermal “state funding” was zeroed out of the budget in 2007, thanks to Scarahs red veto pen, which actually slowed up progress on a very exciting energy idea. Not very progressin of her for the state of AK.

    if you’d like to read about Chena Hot Springs it’s fascinating and a great idea!

    http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/earth/4245896.html?page=1

    from her twitter:

    “Met w/Ormat CEO to explore geothermal potential on Mt Spurr’s leased lands. Promising plans for alternative sources turning into electricity”

  130. Paula says:

    There was a communist named Rudolph. One day he looked out the window and said, “It looks like a storm is coming.” “No it isn’t,” said his wife. “Besides, how would you know?” “Because,” he responded, “Rudolph the Red knows rain, dear.”

  131. MonaLisa IS MY NAME! says:

    Thanks, Isabella.

    Unfortunately, I now notice my (either typo or word omission) where I wrote, “Not only did the Palin’s express no outrage, but one month later Governor Palin appeared as a guest on SNL.”

    It takes only one rogue apostrophe…. 🙁

  132. Ripley in CT says:

    94Isabella-11:12 AM Jun 17th from web
    I join Auto Dealers today for kids’ safety seat law/promo. NOTHING more important than safety of our babies: Life’s most precious ingredient.
    ____________________________________________________________________

    And here I thought Vodka was life’s most precious ingredient…..

  133. austintx says:

    re: Pride Parade – Letterman should do a “Man in the Street” video segment and interview anyone dressed as sarah. No doubt in my mind that would be off the charts FUNNY !!

  134. crystalwolf aka caligrl says:

    NMJ Says:
    June 20th, 2009 at 9:52 AM

    Here’s a chuckle…I don’t know if anyone reported this, but on Letterman last night he said this in his opening remarks about Gay Pride Week:

    I love the Gay Pride Week…where else can you see 300 guys dressed up like Sarah Palin?

    And yes, that’s verbatim!
    ~~~~~~~~~~~
    He’s been hitting on her at least one remark everynight 🙂
    Go Dave go!

  135. Paula says:

    Canadian Neighbor-
    The former owner of our home was in a wheelchair so we have a huge walk (or roll) in shower, but also a bathtub, too. We never use the tub for bathing, instead I hung a shower curtain and hide the cat box in there!

    Our weather continues… rain Sunday and Monday, cloudy T& W and yep, more rain next weekend. UGH.

    It’s so damp even my kitchen wall clock is cloudy. We’ll be growing mold of our own soon -I already have trolls growing in my garden (disguised as mushrooms, the scamps).

  136. Canadian Neighbour says:

    Paula – Thank you. A visit to my grocery store is in my very near future like this afternoon!!! Like the hard water suggestion too. Now if I only had a bathtub!!! (Removed and replaced by roll-in shower for wheelchair access)

  137. Paula says:

    NMJ: love the Gay Pride Week…where else can you see 300 guys dressed up like Sarah Palin?
    ———–
    Dave will eat her alive one nibble at a time.

    AKJah- I don’t even know what Pushky is… but give it a try. Fair warning, what doesn’t kill it could make it stronger (sunflowers LIKE Borax).

  138. AKjah says:

    Will borax work on Pushky?

  139. HistoryGoddess says:

    Not to sound too pollyanna, but is there ANY person/news source who could ask her point blank if Willow was even at the game AND not accept a non-answer? She seems to avoid the “gotcha” media. Does that Ear hear anything other than rumors? I am assuming neither she nor her office would answer an e-mail about this? Poor kids. I am merely curious and I hate lying. Her daughter knows the truth, however, and if she wasn’t even there and was told to keep quiet…. Nice role modeling.

    BTW, the gov is from the Valley. Is she signed up to speak for those “real American” values? Wouldn’t that be “bold” like Mike Reagan taught her? Are the red shoes and toenails “code?”

  140. EyeOnYou says:

    Canadian Neighbour Says:
    June 20th, 2009 at 9:33 AM
    If in fact Willow HAD been at the game, we would have heard Guiliani dancing in the media confirming it as he’s never met a camera he doesn’t like.

    He’s been totally silent.

    ____________

    Which is especially odd when you consider that Todd in his statement claimed that Willow was in the pictures with the Giuliani’s.

    Willow was the only one at the Yankees game and the only Palin child included in the photo opportunities with the Giulianis, as was obvious.

  141. honestyinGov says:

    94 Isabella Says:
    June 20th, 2009 at 8:54 AM
    honestyinGov “BTW…. for those of you connected to the ” Big Twit ‘… has she said a peep ..?”
    Last few days she won’t shut up.
    ————————————
    What..? No comments about President Obama and how she disagrees with Him On National matters…? She… or Meg must not be doing their Job.
    Hasn’t she read any ‘papers ‘ recently…. since the Katie interview…?

    The other topic : The Beg-a-Thon.
    I jumped over there yesterday just to see what the big fuss might be. It seemed EVERYBODY on the thread was in agreement on ONE thing. They were all going to be contacting Greta… because they needed …..HELP !!!!!
    All of them were emailing her or twittering her every HOUR… constantly. Over… and over… and over… etc…
    I’m sure after the first hour or so she just turned off her Blackberry or whatever she uses…. and went off to find a Scientology Meeting somewhere to decompress. What a ‘Family’… she has decided to join.
    Greta, John Ziegler, Sarah, the seaof pee’ers… An updated 2009 version of ” All in the Family”. Archie Bunker (the character ) would be so proud… he lives on in History.

  142. NMJ says:

    Here’s a chuckle…I don’t know if anyone reported this, but on Letterman last night he said this in his opening remarks about Gay Pride Week:

    I love the Gay Pride Week…where else can you see 300 guys dressed up like Sarah Palin?

    And yes, that’s verbatim!

  143. Paula says:

    Canadian Neighbour Says:
    June 20th, 2009 at 9:39 AM
    Paula,
    Do you mix the Borax or do you just sprinkle it dry on the weeds?

    A thought — you mention it’s non-toxic but how effective might it be on a few hundred red attired fungi – Just a thought!!!!
    ____________________________________
    From an organic website:

    A quarter of a cup of borax dissolved into a gallon of water.

    Spray a good coating on the plants you are trying to get rid of.

    Assure that you don’t get it ON plants you want to keep as it does a very nice job of killing almost anything (except Sunflowers, which like to feed on it).

    Because it is organic (boron, sodium, oxygen & water) it is much better for the yard, planet and is cheaper! The stuff works & has lots of other used as well, they give you a list on ten other uses here:

    http://www.essortment.com/home/usesforborax_swox.htm

  144. Paula says:

    sauerkraut Says:
    June 20th, 2009 at 9:03 AM
    Paula, there are two Olive Garden places in the Harrisburg area, both of which use work release inmates to prepare food. Can you say… dirty hands? Spit in the food?

    Yep, it’s exactly like it sounds. Both places have faced extra inspections because people complained about the work release inmates preparing food with dirty hands and about spitting in the food.

    I like Italian food. Love it. And every year I get some gift certificates for Olive Garden. It’s not Italian food and it’s not a place I go to eat. So, the gift certificates sit in a drawer unused.
    __________
    Hmmmmm, hadn’t heard that, we have been to the Lancaster one and once to the Williamsport one. If we’re going for dinner we eat at Frankos, an Italian Rest in Williamsport that’s run by an Italian family -all hand crafted pastas, etc. If your ever in the area be sure to make reservations (you need them) and eat at Frankos -close to the Community Arts Center and historic Genetti Hotel.

    When it’s girls day shopping, we do Olive Garden, salad and wine and plenty left over for shopping.

    Recently watched the movie “Waiting” and have been kind of against eating out ever since. Food at home is almost always better anyway, too many crap restaurants.

  145. Canadian Neighbour says:

    Paula,
    Do you mix the Borax or do you just sprinkle it dry on the weeds?

    A thought — you mention it’s non-toxic but how effective might it be on a few hundred red attired fungi – Just a thought!!!!

  146. ThirtyFiveUp says:

    PZ Myers at:
    http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/molly.php

    has a favorite commenter of the month which is voted upon by the readers.
    You could have an Order of the Brian&Brenda some day for the commenters people love to read. OB Very Nice.

    And, he has a dungeon for trolls at:
    http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/plonk.php

    Must admit that this troll is choice.

  147. Canadian Neighbour says:

    If in fact Willow HAD been at the game, we would have heard Guiliani dancing in the media confirming it as he’s never met a camera he doesn’t like.

    He’s been totally silent.

  148. Paula says:

    s-Kraut- I pulled this off Gryphen’s site… it’s Maher’s show from last night. I usually do not watch it because he seems to be a bit of a misogynist, but here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtUAHPYYzeM
    ________
    I LOVE Maher. He’s the only person on TV (besides KO) who just says it like it is. But Maher can go one step beyond because he’s not on a reg network.

    I wish Maher was on every single day!

  149. sauerkraut says:

    Forever Anon @ 105 – I watched a bunch of video of the Palin’s from that game as well as a number of pictures (all over the internet) but have yet to see one thing which conclusively shows Willow was even at that game. On some blogs, people point to a person next to Palin or in front of Palin but when I find an item which fully shows that subject person, it becomes clear that it’s not a Palin daughter.

    Sarah Palin and her cloister know that Willow wasn’t at the game but they will not confirm or deny her presence because that piece of truth will expose them for the jacka**es that they really are.

  150. HistoryGoddess says:

    OK. So earlier I recommended watching the Palin Madness video at see4what. It makes fun of this side of the blog world, but it is cute. Haunted me, though, why it seemed so familiar. It used Reefer Madness clips! I know some may not want to go there, so here is another way
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdfHBwNrN2w

    While I was getting the link on YouTube, I watched some of the MarkDayComedy clips. One is on Sarah Palin Makeover. It is from October 2008, but damn if it isn’t just as funny today!

  151. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    this is CREEPY!

    Okay, I have no clue why I hadn’t heard of this whack job in my state but I haven’t until today, I don’t get a paper and do miss out on a lot to newscasts, the hubby can’t stand them, he’d rather watch old episodes of Seinfeld.

    Anyway, this racist nut just had his “lawsuit” against Prez Obama dropped, which I’m sure ticked him off.

    To find out how far out there he is read his comment posted on this blog of a retired reporter, it’s the 1st comment, and get this he is a minister, has a church and has plans to do harm. We have to realize we have these crazies living amongst us. Now I understand one portion of Obama’s jokes, he used a word I’d never heard before, this nut job describes what it means.

    http://rturner229.blogspot.com/2008/11/lindstedt-freed.html

    this is how I came across the blog post…….(it opens with the lawsuit being dropped)

    http://rturner229.blogspot.com/search?q=Martin+Lindstedt

  152. Paula says:

    102 sauerkraut Says:
    June 20th, 2009 at 9:15 AM
    Paula – I feel your rain… errr, pain. Rained for about 6 hours overnight. Poured, really. Cannot get to the store because the stream has over-run the road. I know from personal experience that just a few inches of swift water will move a large vehicle sideways. There are fungi all over the place out back due to rot. And mold and mildew is everywhere as well. Pressure sprayed the deck just 2 weeks ago and already it is turning green.

    I say the same about this rain as thinking Alaskans say about Sarah Palin: enough already!!
    ————–
    Doesn’t look -at this point, like we’ll get water at the house, but if it keeps up like this I have a feeling we’ll be living on an Island, literally, again. My dogs think it’s the bomb when it floods, they love to swim, no street to cross… makes a big damned mess for me, but they don’t care about mud and muck at all.

  153. sauerkraut says:

    For those of you who are really interested in what goes on in Iran, here’s the best place to go: Tehran Bureau. While it’s not actually located in Iran, much of the news twittered in from Iran lands here where it is then compiled and issued in a comprehensive and comprehensible format.

    I also blogged about the site: http://run4chocolate.wordpress.com/2009/06/20/kelly-golnoush-niknejad-sets-up-tehran-bureau-for-information-on-iran/

  154. A comment I made got caught on moderation, All I want to know is if Willow wore an Artic Cat jacket to the Yankee Stadium.

  155. crystalwolf aka caligrl says:

    Wasn’t GINO & Co in Texas last week????

  156. Paula says:

    He is an ass.

    81 Canadian Neighbour Says:
    June 20th, 2009 at 8:27 AM
    Paula,
    Thanks for your offer. I respectly decline at the present time. I may reconsider at a later time!! I like some rain but prefer not to float away!

    We haven’t had much so this afternoon when it stops, I’ll be able to do the weeding on my walkway which is brick — poorly installed brick from previous owners. I’ve used weed ki|ler and everything else I could think of on the weeds –they’re winning!!!
    ____________
    On weeds- Borax, comes in a powder in the laundry section. Kills weeds wonderfully and is not toxic like those chemical bottles.

    Rain, stopped for 2 hours, and now a thunder storm. UGH.

  157. sauerkraut says:

    Paula – I feel your rain… errr, pain. Rained for about 6 hours overnight. Poured, really. Cannot get to the store because the stream has over-run the road. I know from personal experience that just a few inches of swift water will move a large vehicle sideways. There are fungi all over the place out back due to rot. And mold and mildew is everywhere as well. Pressure sprayed the deck just 2 weeks ago and already it is turning green.

    I say the same about this rain as thinking Alaskans say about Sarah Palin: enough already!!

  158. Terpsichore says:

    Ooops! Nope, one more comment before I do some real work –

    Amidst all the news from Iran, I am getting especially angered at Rush Limbaugh’s new catch-phrase “the State-run media”.

    That’s a huge insult to our news industry. Hey, it ain’t perfect, there IS bias in most of it, but it is NOT run by the State! Obama is not in control of the media now any more than Bush was in control of it before the Nov. 4 election. If anyone is running the media, it is the CEOs of the broadcasting comporations and news businesses.

    So is Limbaugh suggesting Rupert Murdoch is some sort of Democratic stooge for the Obama administration? I think Mr. Murdoch would have something to say to El Rushbo on that, and should demand an apology … and/or organize a protest to have Limbaugh fired.

    Oh wait, Rupert Murdoch does actually have the power to fire people who say stuff he doesn’t agree with, if he wants to.

    My head is spinning.

    In any case, my point is we should be celebrating our Freedom of the Press, not denegrating it, Mr, Limbaugh. The fact that we are even allowed to have a petty feud about a joke made on late-night TV, the fact that Bill Maher can openly criticize some of Obama’s policies, the fact that we can make jokes about a sitting President and not be harrassed or thrown in jail, is proof that our 1st Amendment is an amazing thing, and worth defending.

    If I were to write to him, I might say: “Mr. Limbaugh, as imperfect as our chiefly for-profit news system is, your use of the term “State-run Media” in America is insulting not only to American news businesses but demonstrates great disregard for the people of Iran and other countries who are suffering under the totalitarian effects of a TRULY State-run media.”

    Maybe after doing some real work I’ll pop him off an e-mail.

    Feel free to “plagiarize” me if you want to write letters and/or e-mails yourself, but please promise you’ll do a more sensable and better grammatical job of it that Sarah Palin does in her speeches

  159. bubbles says:

    samper. great post and amen to everything you said…b

  160. sauerkraut says:

    samper @ 57

    I pulled this off Gryphen’s site… it’s Maher’s show from last night. I usually do not watch it because he seems to be a bit of a misogynist, but here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtUAHPYYzeM

  161. sauerkraut says:

    Paula, there are two Olive Garden places in the Harrisburg area, both of which use work release inmates to prepare food. Can you say… dirty hands? Spit in the food?

    Yep, it’s exactly like it sounds. Both places have faced extra inspections because people complained about the work release inmates preparing food with dirty hands and about spitting in the food.

    I like Italian food. Love it. And every year I get some gift certificates for Olive Garden. It’s not Italian food and it’s not a place I go to eat. So, the gift certificates sit in a drawer unused.

  162. zyggy says:

    LOL, that is so funny, and I’m glad you gave it a whole thread. Had it been posted as a comment, it still would be funny, but far funnier like this. Thank you for sharing.

  163. Professor Geezer says:

    Since a troll is the headline on this thread, perhaps what I should add that what’s posted on the link I shared above could be a “troll…” Dunno.

  164. Canadian Neighbour says:

    austintx Says:
    Well – Here is a version of SLAPP for you. Incredible.
    http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/local_news/local_wavy_gloucester_county_petitioners
    ——
    What a co-incidence — the link you provided is an article dated June 17th.
    The article of Lynn’s comments in ADN is dated June 18th

  165. Isabella says:

    honestyinGov “BTW…. for those of you connected to the ” Big Twit ‘… has she said a peep ..?”

    Last few days she won’t shut up.

    Back in Juneau where there’s never drought… Met w/Coast Guard Admiral Brooks & team incl Kids Don’t Float efforts. I’ll sign bills to …
    about 14 hours ago from TwitterBerry
    Great AKn & former LG Red Boucher passed away today at 88. Grateful for his yrs of service. Todd & I offer thoughts, prayers for his family.
    about 17 hours ago from TwitterBerry
    Congrats to Kate & Abbey – July & Aug brides-to-be in the ANC office. God bless you & your future marriages!
    about 19 hours ago from web
    Wrapped up energy mtgs in Anchorage yesterday so heading to Juneau; will work w/ Coast Guard today on memos of cooperative efforts, sign MOA
    8:30 AM Jun 19th from TwitterBerry
    Met w/Ormat CEO to explore geothermal potential on Mt Spurr’s leased lands. Promising plans for alternative sources turning into electricity
    4:25 PM Jun 18th from TwitterBerry
    As N.Korea continues threatening actions, US must strengthen security measures, fund vital & necessary programs.
    4:12 PM Jun 18th from TwitterBerry
    Looking forward to meeting w/fed coordinators for AK gas transportation projects, Drue Pearce & Adm. Barrett, in Anchorage office today.
    2:07 PM Jun 18th from TwitterBerry
    Headed to Ft. Rich for great event honoring Army’s non-commissioned officers & to present proc, sign SJR 17 naming 2009 as “Yr of the NCO.”
    11:01 AM Jun 18th from TwitterBerry
    One day in & Attorney Gen. Sullivan already fighting for AK’s interests, seeking off-shore oil, gas development
    8:18 PM Jun 17th from web
    Lots of happy construction workers just kicked off Goose Creek prison project – loved all the hard hats and steel toed boots on the ground.
    5:25 PM Jun 17th from TwitterBerry
    Just spoke w/Marc Hoffmeister & Operation Denali climbing team – they called from the mountain’s summit! So proud of their courage & spirit!
    11:12 AM Jun 17th from web
    I join Auto Dealers today for kids’ safety seat law/promo. NOTHING more important than safety of our babies: Life’s most precious ingredient
    9:51 AM Jun 17th from TwitterBerry
    1st Cabinet mtg for Attny Gen Sullivan. Justice swears him in, Anchorage Gov’s Office. Cabinet agenda inc AGIA update, pertains to all depts
    9:30 AM Jun 17th from TwitterBerry
    Great comments re safe offshore drilling by Lt Gov Parnell published today, asks Interior Dept to use tools in hand to meet court’s concerns
    6:43 AM Jun 17th from TwitterBerry
    New prison construction begins @ Point Mackenzie, groundbreaking today. Depts of Labor & Corrections to speak on jobs & rehab assoc w/it.
    6:26 AM Jun 17th from TwitterBerry
    More info on AK’s new AG nom!
    3:12 PM Jun 16th from TwitterBerry
    Just announced Daniel S. Sullivan as AK’s attorney general. He’s accomplished & committed to AK, & I’m confident he’ll serve AKns well.
    1:49 PM Jun 16th from TwitterBerry
    Great read in Petroleum News re: ACES formula working as intended to benefit AK, while treating Industry fairly.
    11:26 AM Jun 16th from TwitterBerry
    Link to info on court’s ruling re: Exxon to pay interest to AKns so adversely affected 20 yrs ago.
    9:29 AM Jun 16th from TwitterBerry
    Forthcoming report to be attached re: Exxon required to pay interest on earlier judgment; a win for AKns concerned about safe development
    8:24 AM Jun 16th from TwitterBerry

  166. Isabella says:

    Greta SNUBBED the beggathon….lol, even that AMBULANCE CHASER knows what a major FRAUD Palin is.

  167. Terpsichore says:

    More on that nut Zeigler before I have to do some schoolwork:

    He is still trying to convinced people that Gov. Sarah Palin was and still is being treated differently in the news media without showing a shread of evidence for that ‘media bias’. Her comparison of coverage of her children with Pres. Obama’s children before and after the campaign is largely irrelevant because it’s comparing apples to oranges – Her older children had some drama in their lives, and that’s what the media thrives on – a juicy story. The Obama girls are younger and the most exciting thing to report on them so far (to steal a line from John Oliver/Daily Show) is that Malia has a Jonas Brothers Trapper Keeper in her locker at school.

    If, in the future, either one gets pregnant out of wedlock, you can bet your sweet bippy that the media will be just as intrusive, coverage as pervasive, and the blog comments just as nasty as they were about Bristol’s situation.

  168. honestyinGov says:

    BTW…. for those of you connected to the ” Big Twit ‘… has she said a peep ..?

    She has been silent for days now. It’s the weekend. There is no ‘official haircut’ (off to the barbershop) going on or a Hockey game that needs a score update that the World needs to know about..?

    Maybe Her and the Family will spend some ‘ quality time ‘ together opening some letters and packages. Meg could stop by to help…. also too.

  169. Isabella says:

    Enjay in Eastern MT, you all really stepped up!!! Congratulations on representing the educated point of view on this mess and how greedy Palin is.

  170. Enjay in Eastern MT says:

    this was my comment sent to Olive Garden:

    I am glad to see Olive Garden will retain its ads on Letterman. The joke was in poor taste – as late night comedians often are, however that is the “nature of the beast”. Unfortunately, Gov. Palin (and husband) are the one that made “one line of a top ten” into a 3+ day news item – blowing it into “promotion” of sex with a minor, or Letterman having pedophile tendencies, etc. He sincerely “publicly apologized” for the comment – it was very poorly acknowledged by Palin.

    I have yet to hear an apology from the VP candidate Palin whom not only supported but encouraged acts of “hate” violence during the campaign, and is now silent during current “sexual orientation non-discrimination ordinance” (gays & lesbians) in Anchorage.

    This country is facing a million other crisis issues than one line in a “top ten monologue”

    Thank you

  171. sauerkraut says:

    You could always change the wording so that the comment becomes self-directing. e.g. “That fungus is smarter than me or any other Sarah Palin supporter.”

  172. Terpsichore says:

    71 samper Says:
    June 20th, 2009 at 7:44 AM
    Don’t they even GET:

    It wouldn’t even be mildly humorous to Dave’s audience if it referenced Willow, especially for folks who “know” the Palins. It doesn’t even make sense that the joke would be about Willow.
    * ** * ** * ** * ** *

    Exactly. I think I wrote similar earlier on another thread, the joke is only funny – and not very funny IMO – if it refers to someone who has already been ‘knocked up’. So Dave MUST have thought the joke was referring to Bristol or he would not have told it – not because it would be completely tasteless, but because he’s a comedian, and comedians who make comments that are simply mean rather than funny don’t last long as comedians … well, at least not ones with TV audiences in the millions with a sustained career of over 30 years.

    Palin publicly accepted his apology, you’d think that would be the end of it. She’s had the decency to shut her trap about it (I hope not just temporarily) but unfortunately her supporters are the ones fanning the flames now.

    I listened to part of a radio nterview with John Ziegler from a Canadian station over on Gryphen;s blog, and JZ fairly quickly become a raving lunatic.

    His memes and MOs:

    1) Oh yes DL knew exactly that the joke was about Willow. Zeigler even plagiarized SP’s line about people who believe otherwise are being ‘naive’.

    2) When asked questions he can’t actually answer intelligently, he reverts to attack “How would you like it if someone said that about your daughter?”

    That is a hard one to come back with on the spur of the moment, but my answer would be “I wouldn’t LIKE it, and I would want an apology, but if the joke was referring to my now-adult 18-year-old daughter who is a spokesperson in her own right on an issue that directly relates to sex, then I also think it’s not so much MY place to ask for the apology as it would be for my adult spokesperson daughter to ask for the apology. But in any case, Mr. Letterman apologized to both Bristol and Willow, and to Gov. Palin. If that apology was accepted, it is none of our business any more. Fiurthermore, in a long career of similar kinds of jokes, some of which I do not find in good taste, I still do not believe by any stretch of the imagination that this incident is worth Mr. Letterman being fired over. Even if it were my daughter he used as the lynchpin in a tasteless joke.

    We can defend our daughters and our families without having to threaten everyone who tells a joke or says something we don’t like (or has a different opinion than we do).

  173. HistoryGoddess says:

    The Olive Garden statement sounds a tad like a “walk back.” I don’t feel bad for writing since I know that they got a lot of feedback from the other side. I don’t want OG to think that group speaks for me. My e-mail, along with others, left an “out’ for OG in the form of “if this isn’t true…”.

    When I hear back from them (hopefully with the statement that this is absolutely not true and was a huge mistake…blah, blah), I will write back thanking them for their wise choice.

    Then, off for more all you can eat salad and bread sticks with the girls.

    from the Politico article
    “We apologize that Mr. Letterman’s mistake, which was not consistent with our standards and values, left you with a bad impression of Olive Garden,” wrote Sherri Bruen, the company’s guest relations manager…

    Olive Garden’s manager of media relations, who asked not to be quoted on the record, confirmed to POLITICO Thursday that the emails were sent by the restaurant chain, and also confirmed that the company would be pulling its remaining television spots on the program for the rest of the year when asked that question.

    But in a statement released later in the day, Olive Garden Director of Media Relations Rich Jeffers disputed POLITICO’s report as “erroneous.”

    “No authorized spokesperson for the company confirmed the information in his report,” Jeffers said. “The Olive Garden media schedule is planned months in advance. The schedule for the Late Show with David Letterman was completed earlier this month. We take all guest concerns seriously. And, as always, we will factor those concerns in as we plan our advertising schedule in the future.”wrote Sherri Bruen, the company’s guest relations manager.

    Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0609/23889.html#ixzz0IzJtEPcq&C

  174. austintx says:

    Well – Here is a version of SLAPP for you. Incredible.
    http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/local_news/local_wavy_gloucester_county_petitioners_penalized_2000_20090617

  175. mlaiuppa says:

    Both Olive Garden and Embassy Suites have said that they didn’t cancel their advertising but that their ad cycle had concluded it’s contract. Could be saving face. Doesn’t matter. Looks like they see they backed the wrong horse and are scrambling to get out of it.

  176. mlaiuppa says:

    Okay. Here’s my entry for Letterman’s top ten lame transformers:

    No matter which way she transforms she still has on her red naughty monkey shoes.

  177. Canadian Neighbour says:

    Paula,
    Thanks for your offer. I respectly decline at the present time. I may reconsider at a later time!! I like some rain but prefer not to float away!

    We haven’t had much so this afternoon when it stops, I’ll be able to do the weeding on my walkway which is brick — poorly installed brick from previous owners. I’ve used weed ki|ler and everything else I could think of on the weeds –they’re winning!!!

    Not helping the matter is this:
    That’s because the provincial ban on cosmetic pesticide use, in effect as of April 22, will now provide for maximum fines of up to $20,000 for individuals for a first offence and up to $50,000 or a year in jail for subsequent offences. Horticultural vinegar or corn gluten will now be among the choice pest- and weed-control options for Town maintenance.

    That sounds like it will work real well – right!! Now we’ll have to carry weed ki|ler in a brown paper bag!!!!!

    My reward will be the Tropical Smoothie — yum! Our local strawberries should be at markets possibly this week so will be trying the other one then – nummm!!

  178. Isabella says:

    honestyinGov “People are saying you are making a big fuss (creating headlines )about this because you haven’t worked in 2 years..?”

    He is an ass.

  179. Isabella says:

    MonaLisa IS MY NAME! “My letter to Olive Garden, (sent before I knew they’d denied canceling their ads (GRR!!)”

    Excellent letter. You certainly made an impact. One person taking the effort to write is comparison to 10,000 others who feel the same, who did not.

    In corporate world, your voice will resonate. Even if Olive Garden, retracted you still have gave them concern. Nice job!!!

  180. honestyinGov says:

    In case someone missed it, Phil Munger yesterday had the audio clip of an interview that John Zeigler had with some Vancouver DJ’s about Letterman. It really shows the way a ‘twisted mind ‘ thinks. He DEFINITELY didn’t take kindly to the question when posed to him..” People are saying you are making a big fuss (creating headlines )about this because you haven’t worked in 2 years..?”
    W o W !! it’s all downhill for John after that.

    His rantings and his own self-analysis after that seemed pretty spot-on though. I thought he described himself pretty well.

    Mixed in with the protesters …. he would have fit right in. The perfect person to be THEIR spokesperson.
    BTW : Kudos to those Canadian DJ’s. They were cool and calm and very professional and didn’t get flustered when John when into his ” O’Reilly Rant”. John has not perfected it though. He was NOT very good at it.

  181. Diane says:

    More commonly misused words
    republican=intelligent

    What do we think will be the next Palin outrage?
    Has Palin been asked what she thinks of Prop 64? Have the contents of the pipeline deal with Exxon been given to the public yet?

  182. mlaiuppa says:

    Trolls tend to be not only grammatically challenged but also have difficulties with spelnig.

  183. austintx says:

    Yesterday morning, RNC Chairman Michael Steele called President Obama a “Liar”.
    http://thinkprogress.org/2009/06/20/steele-calls-obama-liar/

  184. asiangrrlMN says:

    Very funny. I got caught in moderation, probably because of a link. I love punny trolls!

  185. asiangrrlMN says:

    Oh my goodness. That is brilliant. I would think it’s a spoof-troll if I didn’t know better. Oh, how it does my heart good to see a punny troll “slam” like that.

    Supposedly, Olive Garden’s contract with Letterman expired and they just decided not to re-up it.

    http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/entertainment/2009/6/19/olive_garden_thrust_in_middle_of.htm

    Whatever.

  186. honestyinGov says:

    Anybody think ‘Al from Texas’ is part of the Dobson Clan…?

    Probably.

  187. samper says:

    Don’t they even GET:

    It wouldn’t even be mildly humorous to Dave’s audience if it referenced Willow, especially for folks who “know” the Palins. It doesn’t even make sense that the joke would be about Willow.

    Now, if he was talking about the slutty way “a daughter” was ALLOWED to dress for the events in NY, I could see the connection to Willow. What would Palin expect when she lets her 14 YO daughter show up to a public and meaningful charitable event (autism) with THAT outfit on? KNOWING there would be cameras all over the place?!?!

    Injecting the word “rape” into a 5 second joke, to be forgotten in 2 seconds by all who watched in the first place, is hysterical and unwarranted. Not to mention bordering on slander.

    That to issue press releases to keep this 5 second joke in the media for over a week just makes the whole thing WORSE and not better?

    That Bristol has put her OWN DAMN SELF out there in the public (never mind Mommy Dearest putting her out there before she turned 18) to be ridiculed as any other public figure, and she is a supposed ADULT?

    Frickin’ LUNATICS in that household!!!!

  188. BahstinBoyo aka Wrangler Tractor Palin says:

    More commonly misused words…

    then vs than
    your vs you’re
    woman vs women
    can’t vs won’t
    troll vs imbecile
    tongue-in-cheek vs tongue-in-check

    … butt (pun intended) I digress!

  189. oregonbird says:

    Coffee, BEFORE I look at news. Not only do I see that Ensign will continue to speak… and speak… and speak… but it turns out that Palin is once again a central figure in the on-going Protection For Government Employees non-controversy… because who would deny those fluffy little bunnies protection from us bad cits?

    “Lynn (R-AL) said his bill would provide for complaints against the governor and all others who work in the state’s executive branch. “Talk about the complaint, and it”s dismissed. ”

    More necessary protection for our politicians and their minions. This bill specifically tailored for a governor who demanded during stump speeches that she be held accountable by the people of Alaska, and who promised that her administration, unlike the corrupt administration before, would be completely transparent.

    Let’s see… legislators and government employees can run over women in crosswalks without stopping, and brag about it in the media. They have access to gold standard medicine — in fact, it is possible for government employees with the highest medical access to continue to live and work into their nineties. Members of the legislative branch can commit mayhem upon lovers, defraud political committees to pay for a mistress, attain a senate seat through pay-for-play, and refuse to obey a subpoena without fear of imprisonment. They can lay out criminal activities in speeches and statements that are captured for posterity by the media, and be certain that no investigation or legal reprisal will follow. Gay government employees can offer their partners hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of benefits denied to partners of ordinary citizens. Park any darn place they feel like.

    And yet, they are still at risk from the general public. Their constituents. I’d say that a bill to prevent any possibly effective mention of malfeasance was long overdue, wouldn’t you? Let’s get those loopholes closed.

    Now… Michael Steele. Let’s come at him sideways. Through Senator Ensign.

    Usual good Xian GOP boy, paid handsomely for the time he spent with an employee’s wife. I’m seriously hoping the job and salary her son received for “consultation” was NOT payment for the son’s time. I really, really hope. Mostly because I’ve seen the senator.

    Story time, with numbers. Ensign’s mistress, Mrs. Hampton, worked for his Battleborn Action Committee; during the affair her salary was doubled to $2,800 per month. Her campaign committee salary during the same period was adjusted from $500 to $1,000. Her 19-year old son (whom I pray remains as chaste to Republican senatorial wide-stance lures as a newborn babe) went to work for Ensign — as a consultant, no less. Young Mr. Hampton pulled in $5,400 over a seven-month period that ended — abruptly — in August 2008. (So far there’s no news on Mrs. Hampton’s husband’s salary… I’d give odds against it having remained steady.) Reported length of time the senator bought himself a little slice of heaven: Sep 2007 — Aug 2008.

    If we remember back — back even before Bristol found a new purpose in life under the patronage of Candies — the RNC began looking over its books, after they’d spent a few months in Michael Steele’s chillin’ hands. Ensign was head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which provides support to re-elect Republicans to seats. Interesting?

    That’s water the RNC dips its toes into, isn’t it? Is all this information on the books being examined — the monies taken out of tax payers’ money, and GOP/RNC doners — monies paid out by all these committees that employed each member of Senator Ensign’s personal nookie family?

    Our tax dollars at work — or possibly/probably GOP/RNC doner funds — have provided a Republican senator with nearly a year’s worth of whoopie for just $33,500. I’d call that a bargain. Although quite frankly (having seen Senator Ensign) I’m absolutely certain there were gifts. Pretty darn good gifts, too.

    So, while the senator was losing Republican seats left, right and center, he was also defrauding his party of, say, more than $35,000. Oh, and the whole ethical, hypocritical, anti-family values fiasco. Oh, and the public statement that the only reason he came clean (I Love Xians!) was that his ex-mistress and ex- male employees (who-didn’t-put-out-if-they-did-don’t-tell-me) were attempting to perpetrate a federal crime.

    Maybe we’ll just skip right past Ensign’s accusation that his ex-flame and her husband were extorting money. Since he never filed a report, and even now, there is No Official Investigation into extortion. Since the story changed a day later. Those two reunited lovebirds (the married ones) were planning on going on national media and telling the tale. The smutty hooligans. Of course, that’s news to every media outlet in the US. Except… FOX?

    So, the books were being examined, the jig was up, we get an official “no comment” from all the boys and girls with an ‘R’ etched into each of their thirty silver pieces, we will now praise Ensign for his honesty and get back to learning new recipes for pigeon flambe et trottoir.

    WAIT! Isn’t this JUST the sort of thing Michael Steele, as head of the RNC, is supposed to handle? They are his books, aren’t they? Hit us with your best hippity-hoppity whack, Mike!

  190. Paula says:

    Who’s the winner?
    Sarah Palin

    26.89%

    Lisa Murkowski

    73.11%

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/karin-tanabe/political-fashion-smackdo_b_216584.html

    ______________________

    Too fun!

    “While clearly the crowd favorite, will Palin be disqualified for her fancy footwear?”

  191. mae lewis says:

    If there is a fugus-amugus award, I nominate the Michael Patrick Leahy at FireDavidLetterman.com for brilliance in comedy writing. He is listing sponsors who have now dropped Letterman, despite the fact that Embassy Suites and Hilton Hotels are not advertisers, and Olive Garden says that they are not dropping Dave.

    I thought that he and John Zeigler were taking their big protest to someplace Texas today, because the whole world really is watching something going on midway between Dallas and Houston.

    And, this really made them mad! Dave told another joke about Sarah on Friday! How dare he??? They really thought that 15 people would silence Dave for a while. I guess that they don’t watch the show. If someone tries to muzzle Dave, cancels appearing on his show or says something really stupid, they are going to be on the show as a joke, night after night.

  192. Paula says:

    Canadian Neighbour Says:
    June 20th, 2009 at 6:48 AM
    Justovertheriver,
    a very rainy morning down here in southwestern ON
    ——-
    Our flowers & gardens are in need of some rain, so I actually don’t mind.
    ———–
    We have had unending rain for weeks and weeks and weeks. How many gallons do you need?

    see pictures of my wet lakefilled yard here http://palinaroundwithpoohpooh.blogspot.com/

  193. Quince Squibb Underpinnings says:

    A delicate fungal brain stem
    Drew out spell-check deprived little men
    Perhaps troll brains confound
    any word that’s compound?
    And one-syllable ones such as “then”

  194. MonaLisa IS MY NAME! says:

    My letter to Olive Garden, (sent before I knew they’d denied canceling their ads (GRR!!) 🙁

    “I was sorely disappointed today to learn that Olive Garden decided to pull advertising from David Letterman’s show. The manufactured ‘outrage’ expressed by a very small yet exceedingly vocal group of Governor Sarah Palin’s supporters was clearly a manipulative political ploy, designed solely to garner media attention and sympathy-funds for the Governor.

    Dave’s joke, “One awkward moment for Sarah Palin at the Yankee game… during the seventh inning, her daughter was knocked up by Alex Rodriguez.” was clearly in reference to the national abstinence spokeswoman and famously ‘knocked up’ Bristol Palin, NOT then-14 year old Willow Palin.

    Yet the escalated response from the Palin’s included, ” “Any ‘jokes’ about raping my 14-year-old are despicable….”

    Worse jokes were told about the Palin family last fall, including a blatantly offensive one implying incest on Saturday Night Live. Not only did the Palin’s express no outrage, but one month later Governor Palin appeared as a guest on SNL.

    My family regularly frequents Olive Garden 2-3 times per month; sadly, we will do so no longer.

    Should I see your ads resume on Letterman, I’ll reconsider this decision.

    Sincerely,

    MonaLisa IS MY NAME!
    MyTown, CT”

  195. C. Rock says:

    Samper

    Haven’t been to an Olive Garden in years, but will add my 2-cents that now it won’t even be CONSIDERED as a dining option unless they, also, too, have the graciousness to accept the explanation and further apology of Mr. Letterman.

    I just put my 2-cents in also. I gave them hell. Go get them Mudpups.

    https://www.olivegarden.com/company/contact_us/Default.asp?

  196. austintx says:

    Gov. Rick Perry’s hair has it’s own twitter account…….
    http://twitter.com/GovPerrysHair

  197. Enjay in Eastern MT says:

    Olive Garden denies cancel of Letterment Ads

    The Olive Garden restaurant chain is denying that it canceled all of its scheduled ads on CBS late night comic David Letterman’s “Late Show” in response to a crude joke Letterman told about Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s daughter and instead contends that its ad schedule concluded.

    read more @ http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0609/23889.html

  198. rebekkah says:

    Mudflat Dictionary: Fugus (fy’oogus). A small fungal plant that resembles someone’s (one not to be mentioned) brain.

  199. Canadian Neighbour says:

    Justovertheriver,
    a very rainy morning down here in southwestern ON
    ——-
    Our flowers & gardens are in need of some rain, so I actually don’t mind.

  200. Marnie says:

    At least now you know it genus and species
    Fugus alaskae

  201. Isabella says:

    Who’s the winner?
    Sarah Palin

    26.89%

    Lisa Murkowski

    73.11%

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/karin-tanabe/political-fashion-smackdo_b_216584.html

  202. samper says:

    As Bill Maher said (paraphrasing): I need someone to tell me how to boycott an establishment I don’t frequent.

    Haven’t been to an Olive Garden in years, but will add my 2-cents that now it won’t even be CONSIDERED as a dining option unless they, also, too, have the graciousness to accept the explanation and further apology of Mr. Letterman.

    If there was ever a guy I would trust to babysit my kids, it’d be him. I truly think he doesn’t have a wayward bone in his body… just a sense of humor that takes real intelligence to fully understand.

  203. Say NO to Palin in Politics says:

    oh my……I hadn’t realized the Ensign “affair” had deepened to include much more scandal! Yowzer, the plot thickens. It should be a warning and concern for Scarah dear and all her antics being brought to the light of day, yessiree!

    Rachel Maddow covers the latest and a professional republican political annalist sums it up as disaster for Ensign, possibly chargable crimes and trouble for the repub party and Fox news involvement. poor dears, they keep gettin their armor all tarnished.

    Surely someone has written a book titled “Audacity and Hypocrisy of the Republican Party”. correct? (my apologizes to honest repubs)

    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/#31454849

  204. samper says:

    Not that Sarah: Didn’t I read you’re in MI? What area? I’m in Warren (Detroit).

  205. WitchyWoman says:

    Happy Summer Solstice everyone! I received a very funny e-card this morning poking fun at the Letterman/Palin dust-up. Looks like there is no stopping the joke backlash now. On a side note, Olive Garden never got my business – Celiac’s keeps me away. I doubt many of their customers even know about the controversy.

  206. JimLINY says:

    Put me on the list for a brain fungus t-shirt. In Black or navy.
    If the idea gets out there, it will catch on. I see legend in the making!

  207. Canadian Neighbour says:

    austintx Says:
    You mean we had a fungus among us

    Is that the same as ‘Fungus a Mungus’

    AKM – If we could put sound to your blog
    We’d hear in your best Keith Olbermann voice:

    ‘Congratulations Texas Al for being Mudflats’ Troll of the Weeeeeeek!!’

  208. not that sarah says:

    Sad, sad, sad little trolls….

    One has to wonder if the only people left in the conservative camp are the woefully uneducated puppets and the filthy rich without a conscience.

  209. Gramiam says:

    Samper, I couldn’t have said it better. Bravo!!

  210. samper says:

    Just caught up with the thread.

    HA HA HA HA!!!!!

    The republicans just can’t catch a break this cycle, can they? No win at the White House and no win on the field.

    LOSERS!!!! 🙂

  211. Gramiam says:

    What’s Al snortin’? Moose pellets?

  212. Wurzelhexli says:

    I did the same – even told them neither I, nor my business associates nor friends, would come there anymore…

  213. samper says:

    Here’s my take on Iran:

    The majority done got screwed! It’s obvious that the vote was not honorably counted, if I believe reports that they announced the winner hours before polls closed and they voted on PAPER (votes couldn’t possibly have been counted with such immediacy). Can’t remember where I heard that, though, so I can’t vouch for its accuracy.

    We live in an awesome democracy. Just look at MN and the fact that Coleman is taking his lame loss all the way to the Supreme Court.

    OK, it’s not ideal, but it’s the law of our land to allow the most justice possible, even if Coleman is an asshat who wants to appeal a losing case ad nauseum. Can’t believe they still haven’t seated Franken (unless I really missed something!). But our wheels of justice will eventually prove honorable. And just.

    Now, in Iran, they obviously don’t have a civil way to deal with what is going on. But it’s not up to us to change that or the situation for them. They have to do it themselves as a sovereign nation.

    If violent protest is the only way in their minds to have their voices heard, then unfortunately, they must engage. At least they have the passion to engage, no matter the consequences to themselves personally. Maybe we can liken it to the Civil Rights protesters in the ’60’s. Many hurt, many arrested for the cause. They knew the possibilities going in and went in anyway.

    I support their desire for a democracy that is not shrouded in chaotic corruption. But I also think they have to work it out for themselves.

    I do NOT think we should send in ANYONE to help resolve this issue. Not military, not vote counters, not diplomats, no one. We have enough trouble of our own on American soil and other countries are just going to have to manage things like their own democracy on their terms, with their resources, and with their own blood sweat and tears.

    Just like we did.

    And because we did, it doesn’t give us the right or obligation to go into a sovereign nation and demand they do things “our way”. We left England for our right to govern ourselves and would have abhorred the presence of another country coming in to tell us what to do and how to do it.

    While I would change my tune if crimes against humanity (holocaust, for example) were taking place, I don’t think it’s our place to establish, try to oversee, or otherwise interfere with the “democracy” of other lands. It’s just not our place or obligation. We can’t force our ways onto others. It’s not right, and we wouldn’t allow it here, either.

    I think we are wise and honorable to show our emotional support for those fighting the good fight. I don’t think it’s wise to get involved further than that, however.

    I’m changing out of my blue shirt into my green one right now! Many prayers and good thoughts are extended from my household to those with the passion for the cause. I hope they prevail on their own terms and not those of others. They can then hold the same kind of pride we do.

    🙂

  214. Gramiam says:

    #
    12
    Paula Says:
    June 20th, 2009 at 3:42 AM

    Boycott Olive Garden (contact them below)

    https://www.olivegarden.com/company/contact_us/Default.asp?
    **************************************************************************************
    Add my e-mail to the list. I even told them what Olive Garden would no longer receive my patronage. There are a damn sight more Progressives that Palinbots!!

  215. Wurzelhexli says:

    UK Lady: Nope. It’s true:

    Olive Garden yanks Letterman ads

    http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=415365&gt1=28103

  216. CO almost native says:

    Thanks, Paula-

    I emailed Olive Garden- and I’m going to check to see what other restaurants are owned by the company. I posted a Top Ten: I can clearly see Governor Palin from my house…not the best, but I’m still recovering from the coffee spew 🙂

  217. Ripley in CT says:

    Oh and this:

    For the Sarasites, there really IS an “i” in Team!

  218. Ripley in CT says:

    *giggling uncontrollably*

    I just love it when people do that to themselves!

  219. NY Dem says:

    Here’s a link (hope this goes through) to RollCallTV, where you can view videos and rosters, and read the history of the game.

    http://www.rollcall.com/sports/baseball.html

  220. Paula says:

    True or not it cannot hurt to send the emails, just to be sure we are watching them.

    I hope it’s NOT true, I love Olive Garden.

  221. NY Dem says:

    And Rep. Boccieri recently issued this challenge to president Obama:

    —————————————————

    President Obama still has not accepted U.S. Rep. John Boccieri’s challenge to a basketball game, and now the freshman congressman is getting ready to play hardball. Literally. He will join the Dems for the Annual Congressional Baseball Game to be played Wednesday at Nationals Park in DC.

    As for the basketball game with the president, Boccieri issued the challenge when he was aboard Air Force One with Obama. The president asked him if he had game, to which Boccieri replied, “I do my talking on the court, sir.”

    “He said he would like to do this,” Boccieri said. The gym is within the U.S. Department of Treasury, and Boccieri quipped, “If the president does not take us up (on the game), we will withdraw funding for maintenance of the basketball court.” 😉

  222. NY Dem says:

    Seeing it’s baseball season, here’s a tidbit I thought all might find interesting:

    On Wednesday, June 17, the Democrats snapped an 8-game winning streak as they beat the Republicans 15-10 in the Annual Congressional baseball Game !

    Congressman John Boccieri (D-Ohio) and a grad of St. Bonaventure University in my hometown, of Olean, Ny, was one of the stars. Here’s a story that appeared in today’s Buffalo, NY paper:

    Bonnie at the bat

    First Democrats took Congress in 2006. Then they took the White House last year.

    Then, the ultimate indignity for Republicans: The Democrats took the annual Roll Call Congressional Baseball Game, and a St. Bonaventure grad helped them do it.

    Rep. John Boccieri of Ohio donned his St. Bonaventure uniform for the game, which the Democrats won, 15-10. It was their first win over the Grand Old Party since 2000. News stories about the game reported that Boccieri “just wouldn’t stop stealing bases and sliding on his stomach.”

    And why not? Boccieri led the nation in stolen bases as a member of St. Bonaventure’s baseball team in 1990. Before Wednesday’s game, he was lobbying to be the leadoff hitter against the Republicans.

    “I think I can run on them,” Boccieri told the Daily Record of Wooster, Ohio.

    He’s a congressman; he’d better know how to run.

  223. CO almost native says:

    Bwa ha ha…worth the coffee spew on my keyboard. Al from Texas wins the Moose Nugget Award…

  224. Irishgirl says:

    Thanks four the laff Al. 🙂

  225. UK Lady says:

    austintx – no, oops! will go see, TA x

  226. EyeOnYou says:

    T-Shirt Idea: That Fugus is Smarter then You.

    http://yfrog.com/5hthatfugusissmarterthenyp

  227. UK Lady says:

    I thought the Olive Garden had said that information was not true?

    Am watching Iran on Al Jazeera by satellite, do you guys not get it?

    p.s To Al – you are an twot!

  228. austintx says:

    UK Lady – Thanks for link. Did you get pm I sent for UK Man ??

  229. HistoryGoddess says:

    Drat- sent the draft. The third sentence should have read, “Though the joke may have been in poor taste and misunderstood, both his explanation and apology showed grace.”

  230. Wurzelhexli says:

    Oooohhh… ericmiami, #19!
    Bad Boy! (You deserve some kind of an award for that! 😉 )

  231. The Right Reverend says:

    YES! A t-shirt would be great!

    Also, a Troll comment of the week contest, or maybe a short poem made up of some of the best troll comments.

    Or even, a real twist… a fake dialog using Sarah quotes and troll comments, as if they were arguing with each other.

    They are troll comments, after all. They’re meaningless, so they should be treated as a joke.

  232. HistoryGoddess says:

    oops- here is what I sent:

    Politico reported that your company will pull plans to advertise on the Letterman Show. I certainly hope this is NOT true. The joke was in poor taste and both his explanation and apology showed grace. The show is on late night, not prime time.

    While the article mentioned that the joke did not match the family values your company wants to promote, by not advertising on the show are you saying his audience is made up of “not the kind of people you want dining with you?” Isn’t that the point of advertising- reach customers?

    Unless I hear back that this is not true, we will not go to our Olive Garden in Olympia, WA. Granted, our monthly trip may not break you financially, but that is how I can register my protest for companies that cave to pressure from the far, fringe right.

  233. Wurzelhexli says:

    Oh, THANKS FOR MAKING MY DAY START SO NICELY!

    (I wonder why it is usually those rightwingnuts that cannot spell correctly… Hmmm… Must have something to do with the failed No Child Left Behind Po;icy… and maybe should be taken as a sign that ALL states should accept the stimulus money for ‘echakashiun’…)

  234. HistoryGoddess says:

    Here is what I sent to Olive Garden:

  235. EyeOnYou says:

    austintx ~ got my green on!

    UK Lady ~ Thanks for that link. I am also watching the live blogging on huffington post. They also have the tweets that can get out being continuously updated. They are coming in so fast you can’t keep up with them.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/13/iran-demonstrations-viole_n_215189.html

  236. BuffaloGal says:

    Owhole1 – You beat me to it ! I was just going to cast my vote for a “That Fugus is Smarter Then You” tshirt! And it should have the graphic of the brain fungus as well. No one would know what in the heck it meant so it would make a great conversation starter. (and, depending on the group you’re in , perhaps a bit of brouhaha as well ! )

  237. 0whole1 says:

    I would gladly pony up 15 or so bucks for a t-shirt that read “That fugus is smarter then you”.

  238. The Right Reverend says:

    Hey Al Troll from Texas:
    All your fugus are belong to us!

    Austintx: I will be wearing green.

  239. UK Lady says:

    This is a link to a live blog with what news can be got from Iran.

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/blog/2009/jun/20/iran-unrest

  240. 264 Crayons says:

    You can call me Al-po. Pretty darn funny those trolls!

  241. austintx says:

    18 EyeOnYou Says:
    June 20th, 2009 at 4:19 AM
    Okay I’d like to post this because we need to remember how lucky we are.
    ******************************************************
    Yes , we are very lucky. Wear something green today.
    http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/6/19/744656/-Tehran-Street-PhotosOn-the-Brink

  242. ericmiami says:

    Sarah posts on Mudflats, and you make fun of her spelling?

  243. EyeOnYou says:

    Okay I’d like to post this because we need to remember how lucky we are.

    A DAY OF DESTINY FOR IRAN
    Mass Rallies Planned, Violent Crackdown Expected

    “I Will Participate In The Demonstrations… Maybe They Will Turn Violent.
    Maybe I Will Be One Of The People Who Is Going To Get Killed…

    Poem for the Rooftops of Iran – June 19th, 2009:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKUZuv6_bus

    This video, with mostly subtitles, little to actually see, is, in my opinion so incredibly powerful.

  244. va_soccer_mom says:

    Ack! We needed a coffee-spewing alert on this one! Excuse me while I wipe off my Mac’s screen…

  245. Patience says:

    Trolls, them are dummer then you’ll ever no. hehehehe
    ****************
    Bwahahaha! Thats great Paula.
    There’s a gentleman in my area who knows a lot about musharooms. He’s locally known as the fun-guy.
    This the fu-guy.

  246. austintx says:

    Is there something in silicone that they are not telling us about………
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/19/keishla-villafane-petite-_n_218330.html

  247. Gardenslug says:

    There is a particularly malodorous fungus I recently met in the garden, it is called a “Stinkhorn Mushroom”. The reekage from this “fugus” is enough to make one’s head ache and make one want to hurl. It reminds me of those Anti-Prop 64 Protesters.

  248. Paula says:

    Top ten list contest. Get creative and lets see if we can get Palin BACK on the list!

    Top Ten Signs You’ve Encountered A Lame Transformer
    http://lateshow.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/top_ten/contest/index/php/20090620.phtml

  249. Paula says:

    Boycott Olive Garden (contact them below)

    https://www.olivegarden.com/company/contact_us/Default.asp?

  250. austintx says:

    You mean we had a fungus among us , and we didn’t even know it ??

  251. West Virginian says:

    Mac: I never liked Olive Garden. Now I know why!

  252. Paula says:

    On the oyster round up: My gov, Rendell from PA, has decided to use the stim money to fill up holes in the budegt. Obama admin just sent him a letter saying no can do, they will withhold massive amounts. Personnal income tax is going up 1/2 a percent.

    Gay Rights: Here’s hoping Obama will get a smack upside the head and take care of this himself.

    Trolls, them are dummer then you’ll ever no. hehehehe

  253. Kath the Scrappy from Seattle says:

    Giggle! Perhaps that ‘fyoo-gus’ was Al from Texas’ brain, which is why the troll can’t spell. AKM, nice catch!

  254. Mac says:

    It’s good to start the day off with a laugh!

    On another note, The Olive Garden is pulling their ads from David Letterman over this made-up Palin thing…

    http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=415365&gt1=28103

    They’ve lost one customer here in MA and they will be hearing about it.

  255. LiladyNY says:

    Closet Mudpup Says:
    June 20th, 2009 at 2:54 AM

    Sarasites really put the “A” in moron.

    LOLOLOL! I couldn’t have said it better myself!

  256. nonnie-g says:

    well it’s a sure bet he’ll NEVER get to borrow the Rethugs brain again…what a maroon

  257. Closet Mudpup says:

    Sarasites really put the “A” in moron.

  258. Justovertheriver says:

    I won’t thank Al because I’m not speaking to him; but I thank you and spouse, AKM, for a good laugh to start a very rainy morning down here in southwestern Ontario, Canada.

  259. Leota2 says:

    Ahhh Al . . . .
    Trolls are so cute when they try to be witty, and can’t spell–anything.

  260. EyeOnYou says:

    Thanks Al from Texas for the laugh. It truly is the best way to start the day!