Friday, December 28, 2007

Cold in L.A. California?
Time To Use the Fireplace

Once in awhile it gets cold in L.A. This is how I handled it this year.


The temperature has been dropping into the 50's at night and this house seems to get even colder than it is outside at times. Well I figured it was just about time to do one of my husbandly duties. Something Wifeypoo will forever leave for me to do in spite of the Romantic Implications the Disney cartoon gives to the job.

Clean out the fireplace.


Now I know that this is something I should have done at the beginning of spring after the last time it was used and I would have done it too except the timing just didn't seem right to me somehow. Besides I wasn't sure, at the time, WHEN would be the VERY last time it would be used.

Plus I have the enviable ability to put things off and since I like people to envy me I figured this was just one more way to accomplish just that.

So! Now the timing was right.

Break out the SHOP-VAC!

Drag it into the house. (Sure glad it has wheels! It must weigh 8 pounds!) Junk drawer for extension cord. Move the screen aside, tilt the grate up and back, plug in the SHOP-VAC.

Contact!

Switch on!


(Whirring sound starts here!)

Suck up the ashes!


Wonder if Tim Allen could soup this baby up? - Whoa! - Don't think he'd need to. Look at this machine just suck the bricks clean!

Sure am glad that that last year I didn't use any wood with nails in it. When I cleaned it out last fall I had to deal with nails clogging the hose. This is great. Cinderella should have one of these pig machines. Then she wouldn't have to complain about working so hard and maybe even her evil and wicked step-sisters would be envious enough to do it for her. This is almost like fun. The corners need a bit more work than the middle. I should have done this last spring but then people would have said I don't have the enviable ability to put things off. I am raising a bit of ashes though. Not enough to worry about. 99.99% is going down the tube. But it is getting hard to breath with my head stuck in the fireplace. Maybe I should take a bit of a break.

OH NO!!!

What the???

I forgot to put the filter in the stupid shop-vac the last time I cleaned it!

Scheesh! What-a-mess!!!

Wow!

Good thing Wifeypoo and I have a deal.

I clean out the fireplace and she cleans the rest of the house...



Epilogue

Most of this story is true. I did stray a bit from reality while my head was stuck in the fireplace and I imagined the filter being off the shop-vac. At this point I looked behind me, was relieved to see all was OK and carried on with the work. The last sentence was what I imagined I would say to Wifeypoo.

We all know how that would have gone over.

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Update - I should have and forgot to mention that this posting is a result of my visit to a special blogsite and a posting that got me going to tell this story - Thanks to Chris at - Book Hunter's Holiday -

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Who then was this Gustave Dore?

The Terrible Gustave Dore by Hellmut Lehmann-Haupt - Apparently only two printings. - Marchbanks Press, NY, NY, 1943 & Greenwood Press, Westport, Conn, 1976 -

"Originated as a lecture given before the Groller Club in New York City on December 14, 1939" -


On the first page the author, Hellmut Lehmann-Haupt asks the question, "Who then was this Gustave Dore?" He goes on to ask, "What sort of life did he live? Was he a happy man and his life a rich one? What were his ambitions, his hopes and fears? What caused his early death?"

These are questions Helmut asked and sought answers for. He had grown up seeing and admiring pictures by Gustave in the Bible and Perrault Fairy tales long before he could read.


Dante and the Lion


Hellmut says in the paragraph after his questions, "On the following pages I have tried to answer these questions. My search has brought me close to Gustave Dore. He has become a friend. Perhaps you too will discover a friend in him."

25 Illustrations, some full page and some in text are scattered through the book plus there is a sample of his handwriting. A very good biography. - Quite a good book. -

- prying1 -



The above picture is just a portion of the work. I had to crop it for this posting.

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A few copies are available and can be found through Bookfinder.com.

Hat Tip to WorldCat.org for their resources.
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The Virgin of Waikiki by Don Blanding

Here is a review of the poem/book "The Virgin of Waikiki" - A Torrid Tragedy of the Tropics by Don Blanding.


Don Blanding is well known for his tropical poetry and this little volume is a good example of his humorous verse writing abilities.

A nearing 40's spinster is the 'hot' topic of this steamy tropical ballad.

From the DJ:
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Every Author has his flippant moments, and it was such a mood that the Virgin of Waikiki was created. As the author explains "A tragedy as Poignant as Virgin Annie's could only be treated frivolously, thus sparing the heart strings of the reader".

Those who seek may find a Moral in this tale - - We say "may".
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Quite a fun read until the "tragedy" part at the end. Can't say any more without spoiling it.



The forward by H.M.S. (Henry M. Snyder) says:

"At a recent dinner of the Wampus Club in Los Angeles, the author, Don Blanding of Honolulu was called upon to contribute to the entertainment. In responding he read his original poem, The Virgin of Waikiki.

It was felt that a number of appreciative souls who were not present at the reading of the poem were deserving of the pleasure which this rare and piquant piece affords to Epicurean literary tastes. For the benefit of this small circle of the cognoscenti an edition was privately printed "upon the altar of fellowship." This edition was quickly exhausted as was also a second printing. The present edition with illustrations by A. B. Butler, Jr. is the publisher's response to what seems to be a steadily growing demand for further copies.

What Lady Lou did for Alaska; what Kipling's Mandalay did for India, perhaps, indeed, this rollicking epic ballad of Virgin Annie may do for Hawaii."


In the back of the 1933, Henry M. Snyder edition there is a yellow envelope pasted in.

It has printed on it, "For sundry reasons the astonishing consummation of the ballad must be withheld, temporarily only -we hope- from further enjoyment of the reader." and two drawings of little angels (one obviously Hawaiian) with ukuleles.

It is my guess that the envelope was pasted in because the printery, Country Life Press, Garden City New York, discovered too late the omission of the copy and they had the unused envelopes on hand. - The DJ appears to be of the same material as the envelopes. I wonder if they had both bits of stock on the shelf and were glad to get rid of them. (8-P

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Friday, December 21, 2007

WorldCat Network

The Bookshop Blog posted an article titled, "The fine art of Book Pricing."

Quite a good read for any bookseller and it has a few tips for books that are "one of a kind". - I've come across a few that I just can't find through Google or Yahoo. Just a couple days ago I found I own "Hooray for a Roue'" by H.R. Washburne. Could only find a single reference that was really a dead link from some joker of a booksales site that had the title listed but no book for sale.

Well that told me that someone else out there had at least heard of the book. I wasn't holding a figment of my imagination. I saw the title on the internet so I knew it must exist. It is book of poetry that I will soon be listing. Unless I misplace it in one of my stacks...

I started working on the author's name and in my search I came across WorldCat.org.

I was too slow in getting this resource I've found over to the good folks at The Bookshop Blog for them to post it in the article so I left the following in their comments.


Here is another Handy Dandy Book Resource I found just recently.

http://worldcat.org/

They have a toolbar search engine you can load on to the top of your browser page. Just type in the tile or author and it takes you to the page you want. - Lists Libraries that carry the book and tabs can (hopefully) take you to other info that is helpful.

Sign up and in your profile you can link to your website and blogsite. Create lists of books you like and check out profiles of other people with similar tastes. That is if they don’t have their profile private which you can do too if you prefer the anonymity.

As occasion and time permits you can add to their site the table of contents and/or a short synopsis/review of a book which might (or might not) get people to check your profile and go to your website.

I’ve seen some books where they give the printing history which can be very helpful too.

So far I’ve found it helpful and have found a couple books listed that it was difficult and/or impossible to find on Google or Yahoo.

Hope to see you there.



WorldCat has a lot of growing to do and needs a bit of help in doing so. It is a good resource and those who love books can make it even better. I encourage book sellers and book buyers to visit, Sign up, try the toolbar, and join the fun.


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The Angel and The Star By Ralph Connor

Came across a little book that I thought I'd share. The Angel and the Star by Ralph Connor and Illustrated by Cyrus Cincinnatto Cuneo - Copyright 1908 - Fleming H. Revell Company.


A well written Christmas story giving personality and dialog to the descriptions found in Luke. It is divided into two sections. The first called,

"The Angel" and the second, (you guessed it!) The Star.

The first section is the story as told from the shepherd's point of view and the second of the Magi as they travel through Jerusalem and on to Bethlehem.

Throughout the book there are nine color illustrations in line with the stories. (1908 Fleming H. Revell Company hardcover - Can't speak for all editions)

Paintings reproduced through the letterpress process have been bound in with the pages. The pictures are by Cyrus Cincinnatto Cuneo (1879 - 1916), whose work has drawn over $30,000 at auction, and they add quite a bit of character to this little volume.




A few copies are available online for reasonable prices. If you decide to purchase a copy you may want to write to the sellers in advance and make sure that the issue they are selling has all 9 pictures in it. There was both an American and Canadian printing and I have only the American one in hand.

I hope to post a few pics a bit later. Time for me to go to work...

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Friday, December 07, 2007

2008 Messiah Concert
in Temecula / Murrieta CA

For your consideration

In Murrieta California

- Sunday - December Seventh - 2007, at 4:00PM (Sharp)-
*** Get there early for a good seat. (See below)

The
RANCHO MUSIC ASSOCIATION
presents

Handel's Messiah

with 60-70 Voice Chorus
Symphonic Orchestra and Inspiring Vocal Soloists!

Hosted by

Temecula United Methodist Church
42690 Margarita Rd.
Temecula, CA 92592


FREE ADMISSION

A freewill offering will be taken.


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My wife and I will be in the chorus. She sings soprano and I sing bass so we stand on opposite ends of the platform.

***Get there EARLY if you can make it. Otherwise you might be shunted to a room with a big screen TV and speakers. Not quite the same as being in the Auditorium Proper.

This is an annual program so consider it for next year if you cannot make it this time. Please consider too, donating to catch any left over expenses and for next years program. Thanks!

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Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Summary of the 2007 Messiah Concert in Temecula/Murrieta

Each year dozens of people that love to sing spend time practicing in small groups, join together for one group practice and then put on a concert that is enjoyable, uplifting, delightful and a whole slew of positive adjectives.

This has happened in Temecula/Murrieta California for untold years now and is a free event. This year the organizers refused to take an offering. I did not hear the reason why but I think it may be because they feel that they are giving to God freely that which He deserves. - That is, music honoring Him.

Thanks to Madge and Chuck Griffing for their labor to bring each year's concert to fruition.

Handel's Messiah is one classical music piece that is enjoyed by people of all faiths although Christians versed in scriptures of both Testaments seem to be the majority of audiences. Perhaps because it is most often played in churches.

This year a thanks goes to Calvary Chapel, Murrieta, CA for offering the use of their facilities. Wonderful building with great acoustics. Wonderful building for worshiping and praising God. Which is what the musicians and singers did on the first Sunday of December.

The entire oratorio now names, Handel's Messiah was written in just 24 days. This is most impressive if one looks at it in it's entirety. The singers, bass, tenor, alto, Soprano (Sopranos deserve a capital letter!) are often individually singing different pieces of music from the rest of the group. The instruments have their own sheets of music that would only confuse most of the singers if the pages were mixed up.

Altogether, if the notes were placed on their sides and laid end to end it would only stretch halfway to heaven. - However! Standing up straight and in the jiggly lines Handel wrote them in they reach all the way!!!

A remarkable feat is what I say.

Regarding this years event
prying1 sez:


The concert went well this year except for an occasional misunderstanding of directions from the conductor.

At certain points in time the conductor would motion for a soloist to rise and step forward. Some of the singers rose too. That would get other singers to rise thinking they had missed the signal. Then those that rose in error would realize their mistake and sit back down. Those that followed the standing process then followed the sitting process. At this point the ones that didn't join in at first would now stand and sit.

Needless to say it resembled a wave at a baseball game...

That aside the music was wonderful and please plan on attending next year. - The first Sunday in December.

I'll remind you.

Hopefully the three young girls that sang The appearance of the Angel to the shepherds will be there next year. Such angelic voices! One of the highlights of the show.

Speaking of highlights I heard (this is hearsay) that some of the more youthful musicians were recruited from local High Schools and this affords them an opportunity to join in with more experienced musicians. - It sure didn't sound like any High school band I've ever heard. - I'm sure they were as thrilled playing the music as I was listening.

For many it is the start of the Christmas Season. For me Christmas Season really seems to start when the practices start. The Performance kicks it into gear and fires up the afterburners.

Bring on the fat man in the funny suit. I'm ready for him.


A special thanks to Gawfer, Political Pistachio and their families for attending this year. It was great meeting you all and I only wish we had more time to spend together.

Perhaps next year we can get you to join in the choir!
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Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Can a City Stop you From Web Linking to Their Site?

Please copy this posting and put it up on your blog. Please don't consider this a left or right posting. It concerns all bloggers. - It will only cost you a few minutes time. Spread the word and have your friends post it too! Originally from Publius Forum


-By Warner Todd Huston

Here is an interesting question: Can a city stop a private citizen from putting a link on their website to a city website?

The question arises over a Sheboygan, Wisconsin case where a woman who is often critical of the town mayor was ordered by the city to remove a city website link from her own pages. Yes, you heard me correctly… ORDERED to remove that link. The Sheboygan Press posted the story a week or so ago and it got me thinking about the abuse of power indulged in by this small Wisconsin town.

In a move initiated by Perez, City Attorney Steve McLean sent a cease-and-desist letter earlier this month to Jeni Reisinger, who was among the leaders of a mayoral recall effort last year, officials acknowledged Friday.

The letter, dated Oct. 19, states, "maintenance of this link could be construed as having been authorized or endorsed by the city and/or its police department" and should be removed “until such time as the city were to authorize such a link."


This has to be a joke, right? A city attorney who has the gall to attempt to force a private citizen to remove a link to public city website should be summarily removed from his position. Further, if he was put up to this outrageous action by Mayor Juan Perez, then this mayor should similarly be removed.

Of course, this city government is being run by a bunch of bumbling nitwits, here. Of that none can deny. But, the situation is galling none-the-less. If this city can prevent people from linking to a public service, then what else can they strong-arm the public over? Can the city decide that, forthwith, all people critical of office holders should receive a “cease and desist” letter? Maybe no one should even be "allowed" to run against them for office from this point onward? The arrogance of this is shocking, to say the least.

The next thing you know, every city will look like the mob infested city of Chicago, run by the criminal enterprise we call the Daley family!

In any case, if the City of Sheboygan is so afraid of people visiting their webpages then why have them at all? Now, if you’d like to go to their sites and ask a few questions, you can see them here:

The officious Sheyboygan Police are here –
http://www.sheboyganpolice.com/main.html

Give a shout out and a Sieg Heil to Mayor Juan Perez here — http://ci.sheboygan.wi.us/Mayor/MayorHome.html

Perez’ henchman, attorney Stephen G. McLean, can be visited here–
http://ci.sheboygan.wi.us/Attorney/AttorneyHome.html

Now, I hope every blogger adds these links to their websites. Let’s see if the "people's city" city of Sheboygan, Wisconsin can get all of us to stop linking to a public website?




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Saturday, November 10, 2007

War On Global Warming A Success!

(From ACK News Service) June 23, 2012 - Today, Gene Poole, AlGore's right hand person, announced that the war on global warming has been won. Said Mr. Poole through his secretary, Helen Back:


"We've finally managed to get a controlling hold on greenhouse gases. The earth is now cooling and doing so faster than we anticipated. In fact so much so that large sections of the jungles in South America, Africa and Asia are dying off for lack of carbon dioxide. The growth of the ice packs and glaciers is not helping either. We are now directing our efforts at getting people to leave a larger carbon footprint. Mr AlGore is doing his part by leaving all the lights on in all his mansions 24 hours a day. We politely request everyone on earth do the same. Oh! And if you must fly please do so in a private jet. Thank you.


Ileane Left, spokesperson for 'No More Carbon', an environmentalist group, said, "We didn't know that all life on Mother Earth is carbon based. I blame it on our school system for not teaching us that. Sorry for the damage we've done. But no, we are not giving back the donations we've collected. We will need that money to rent private jets."

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Friday, November 09, 2007

From a Tuned Harp by Winifred R. Myers'
(near) Lost Poetry Corner

I found a couple other copies of this book online so it is not quite "Lost Poetry" but it is close. - At this point in time there is a copy on eBay for .99¢ but the shipping is where the seller makes up for the low price. Looks like a clean copy though... A couple others can be found through BookFinder.com

Anyway - Here is some of the lowdown on the book:
Title: From a Tuned Harp -
Author: Myers, Winifred R. -
Publisher: Wagon and Star Press - Dion O'Donnol - W. Los Angeles, CA - Copyright: 1951 - 44 pages (no index) - 31 poems total -

To the best of my knowledge this is a single printing item. Unless the print on demand folks get hold of it and jack the price of a NEW COPY up to a kazillion dollars... (When buying books online do some research!!! Know what you want and why. Is it for reading, collecting or a gift copy. The difference between collectible and readers copy can be big bucks but so is resale value...- Email the seller! Don't be shy to ask questions or to ask for pictures.)

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And follows a couple sample poems. I will say, of the poems I read I liked these two best so use your own judgment if you want this volume on your bookshelf...


Oven Altar

If by some recipe, I'd bake
A perfectly heavenly sort of cake,
I'd never feel
That I could kneel
And offer it to God!
God dispenses-mortals take-
They should give gratitude, not cake!

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and
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Retreat

A tiny terraced garden on a lovely, lonely hill-
Below a river singing,
Above a bird awinging, Beyond, a bell, sweet, ringing;
Peace, my heart be still.

I hear the sleepy birds give their last twilight trill-
Here purple dusk comes clinging,
A sweet perfume bringing,
O'er all a frail moon swinging;
Rest, my heart, lie still!




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Thursday, November 08, 2007

Schwarzenegger Gives California Tax Dollars to Lawyers

The headline where I got this story from says, "California, other states sue U.S. on car emissions" - It is a Reuters story by Adam Tanner. Whoever he is. I think my title is more accurate. Here is a bit from the story as Reuters say's it:


California sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday, demanding a quick federal decision that would allow the nation's most populous state to limit greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles.

"California is ready to implement the nation's cleanest standards for vehicle emissions, but we cannot do that until the federal government grants a waiver allowing us to enforce those standards," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said.

The long-threatened legal action follows a 2005 California law requiring new vehicles to meet tighter standards for emissions, starting with 2009 models introduced next year.

California needs a waiver from the federal government because it is seeking to impose stricter standards than those imposed under federal law. The legal filing asks the court to force a EPA decision on the matter.

If the EPA denies the waiver, "we sue again, and sue again, and sue again until we get it," Schwarzenegger told reporters.


prying1 sez: "Me! Me! Me! Let me answer the Governator!"

Oh well. Guess Stephen L. Johnson, the Administrator of the EPA can't hear me in Washington since I'm way out here on the Left coast...

Here is my answer anyway.

I'd first of all like the people of California to recognize that their governor is acting outside of his field. He has been listening to people that have only told him one side of the issue. There is a multitude of Real Scientists, not the social engineering types or those dependent on government grants who disagree with the so called global warming issue. He needs to throw their voices into the mix before he spends your taxpayer dollars on lawyers.

The waiver is denied because those money grubbing, so called environmentalists (Let's do a study on where they get their pocket change) are attempting to pass rules that the automotive industry is not quite ready to meet. They will then demand the automotive industry pay fines for not meeting the said requirements. Then they will take the money and buy fancy cars that pollute. Fancy cars that the normal Californian cannot afford because of high taxes.

To hell with them. Let them go out and get a real job. The lawyers can go chase ambulances and the environmentalists can go plant a tree and hug it.

Thank you.


Nuff said!

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Monday, November 05, 2007

Chili Cookoff 2007!

On October 31st our church holds a 'Harvest Party' as an alternative to children getting hopped up on sugar handed out by strangers while everyone is wearing outlandish costumes. We still have outlandish costumes but eschew demonic types and pass out enough sugar products to keep the kids hopped up for a month if they learn about being frugal which I doubt they do...

At least they are not getting it from strangers

Every year for this event we have a Chili Cook-Off for those egotistical enough to think they are best at at least one thing in life. I'm one of those...

I mentioned on a bulletin board I got the third prize ribbon (yellow) this year and a request was made for the recipe.

Here it is.



OK - prying1's famous 3rd place chili -

(lower case letters in the title to keep me humble even though third place does that nicely)


Cooked in a crock pot on the lower setting all day.

Figure 45 mins. to an hour prep time unless you get the stuff ready and set out the night before. (Meat can be cooked the night before but ATTN MEN: put it COVERED in the fridge overnight if you do cook it in advance!)

I cooked two pounds of hamburger meat (my daughter caught me checking the ingredients on a couple cans of dog food and told me not to take the short cut. I was cooking for the church contest and not for a fire station...)

I threw some garlic powder (crushed garlic cloves will work), chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, 1 chopped medium onion, and about a dozen chopped mushrooms in with the meat as it was cooking and stirred it around once in a while.

While it cooked I turned on the crock pot, (after I washed it of course. It had been sitting in the cupboard for a while...) took two cans of whole peeled tomatoes and smushed them up in the crock pot (watch for squirting juice - do not wear your Sunday clothes) then I added the beans.

4 types of beans. In this batch I used 2 DRAINED cans each (This is a BIG crock pot - you might have to adjust down a bit)
Kidney Beans - Pinto Beans - Black Beans - White beans - (Integration is the key especially if you have a multicultural/multiracial group you are feeding) - Black eye peas or other types of favorite DRAINED canned beans can be substituted or added. - I stirred as I added them in haphazard order so they would be mixed up real well. - As an alternative you can use dried beans but only if you soak them overnight and drain the water. Do not try to cook the dried beans without soaking. I know this from experience. It makes for crunchy chili. Something the judges abhor. I learned this the same way I learned to cook and DRAIN the meat first before putting it in the pot. (a slice of bread or two can soak off excess grease)

It is easy to overflow the pot and we still have the burger meat to contend with so watch the level and stop before it gets too high.

I added more of the same spices into the crock pot as the above ingredients added to the meat but this time dolloped in some liquid smoke (go easy with it) and Worcestershire sauce. OH! I found a can of chopped olives and threw that in too. - Some green bell pepper would have added color but I didn't have any handy.

At this point I drained the meat concoction. (Does that sound appetizing? Perhaps I should do a thesaurus search for a better word than concoction?)

Pour the meat in while stirring to mix it up. - Get clean spoon and taste a bite - Add more of whatever spice it needs. I added some tomato sauce because it wasn't red enough. - DON'T add salt. There should be plenty in the canned beans. - At this point the flavors would not have melded and it will not taste finished. Just make sure it has flavor and doesn't taste like just plain cold beans. - Don't double dip! Wash the spoon if you need another taste.

Slap on lid. Go to Work. Remember to come home and don't stop off to 'relax' for too long. Drive carefully so you don't get dragged off to jail only to come home 3 days after it is finished. If that happens even on the low setting the beans will get mushy...

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Sorry I can't give the measurements on the spices. Just keep pouring the stuff in and stop before it is too much.

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Sunday, October 28, 2007

Lost Poetry Corner - Land of the Lakes by Alice Bowerson Grinnell

Came across a poetry book, Land of the Lakes by Alice Bowerson Grinnell, and could find no reference to it through Google. - Lost poetry - to which I dedicate this corner of my blog.

In her book was this poem that I thought apropos for today:



Wake Up America


Wake up America, to the crisis of today.
Hold aloft the torch of peace to a world that's lost its way.
How can justice be so blind that cruel wars can reign,
That tyrants terrorize mankind for power and greedy gain?
We who are so strong and free must lend a helping hand
To end destruction o'er the sea, that freedom's cause may stand.

Wake up America; be patriots one and all.
Marching on in unison, we shall never fall.
Search for traitors everywhere they may chance to be;
Keep Old Glory in the air to boast our liberty.
Shut for joy around the world, until the mountains quake;
Be alert America; wake up for freedom's sake.

Wake up America, build armoured ships and planes.
May our youth be clean and strong; may valor never wane.
Aggressors we shall never be within a foreign land,
But if invaders cross the sea we'll fight for Uncle Sam.
Wake up, America, that you may ever stay
The hallowed shrine of liberty the whole world knows today.



Land of the Lakes by Alice Bowerson Grinnell - Exposition Press, New York, N.Y. 1941 -

The last page of the book has a closing letter from Alice dated Dec 6, 1940 -
One year and one day later Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese (7th December 1941).
One year and two days later the U.S. declared war on Japan (8th December 1941).
Italy and Germany then declared war against the U.S (Dec 11, 1941).


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Sunday, October 21, 2007

Limbaugh's Letter and Funny Comments.

My regular readers know I value Warner Todd Huston's postings. - Not that we think 100% alike but rather there is a kinship of spirit, An esprit de corp that I feel with the guy. - It may or may not be reciprocated. Doesn't matter. I feel it and, as a person that knows 'feelings' can be dangerous bedfellows (they are subject to change) I'll still go ahead and run with it.

Well, Warner's posting on ABC Tries To Credit Democrats for Rush’s $2 Million Ebay Letter! led me to a nonsensical ABC Blog posting that has quite a few comical comments.

ABC's last line in their article, "The bidding ends at 1:00p.m. No mater what, Democrats are going to make a ton of money for a charity off their political vitriol." brought quite a bit of ridicule in comments from those not only on the right side of politics but even a few from the left that recognize truth when they don't hear it.

Some of my favorites:


Remember - the DEMOCRATS did NOT intend for this letter to ever raise money for any charitable purpose. And y**t is going to be in possession of a hard copy of evidence that proves why Congress has an historically low approval rating, if this is how they choose to spend their time. Bravo, Mr. Limbaugh. Harry Reid, on the other hand, can kma

Posted by: DisdainLady
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Rush called civilians who PRETENDED to be soldiers the "phoney soldiers". You know this. Why must you continue to lie?

And the Democrats did NOT put this up for auction, it was 100% Rush's idea.

STOP YOUR LIES!!!!!

Posted by: Emma Morrow
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"I don't know what we could do ..."

WHO IS "WE" Senator Reid? Or do you have a mouse in your pocket?

Posted by: Mike M.
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Would this charity be recieving four million dollars if Harry hadn't written the letter? NO

Posted by: Alan Coulter
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I am shocked, SHOCKED, that a rich guy like Rush Limbaugh thinks he can buy his way out of a jam.

BTW, real manly of Limbaugh to hide behind a charity.

The only people fooled are the ones that are already fooled by right wing propaganda. The fanatical minority of America, thank goodness.

Posted by: Reality
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Silly Statements by Left Wing Wackos

RUSH is a Drug Addict for ex.. \

RUSH doesn't vote in congress. But Dem Patrick Kennedy does. A Drug Addict Congressman should be your concern.

Posted by: Buzz
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Hey, ABC why don't you send Dan Rather (Biased) out to investigate the truth about this letter....and the charitable funds that the Dem's and Dingy Reid are donating...


smearjay

Posted by: Mike Jones
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Did ya notice that Limbaugh thinks he can fix this situation where he insulted soldiers, by throwing a bunch of money at it?

Gee, Rush. I though only 'libs' threw a bunch of money at something hoping to fix it.

Posted by: Reality (prying1 here - It is his money Mr. 'reality' - not yours nor my tax money!)
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"The bidding ends at 1:00p.m. No mater what, Democrats are going to make a ton of money for a charity off their political vitriol."

Tell me again how FOX news is biased?

Posted by: Franklancer
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I'm not even a conservative Republican, yet I agree with the majority here (who appear to be). By any standard, this is a stupid use of wit.

Posted by: Jonathan
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Ordinarily, there are more liberal posters on this website.. Moveon.org must have given all it's staffers the day off to celebrate Chairman Ho Chi Minh's Birthday.... Or maybe they are all working the phones raising money for Hillary....


smearjay

Posted by: Mike Jones
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this story was edited after it hit drudge. the first draft did not include the line about rush putting it on ebay himself. drudge should have the old cached page up on his site soon.

Posted by: dcringo
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Come on Harry Reid, pony up some charity money to match Rush Limbaugh's donation. I know you just made some money on that "crooked land deal" you just did... Do it for the Children...Do it for the children... (classic libera line...)

smearjay

Posted by: Mike Jones
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ABC has been modifying the article. Its different now then when it was released earlier.


Posted by: Jeb
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Nevadians! Please recall Reid!

Posted by: SEC
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I stopped being a Democrat the minute Bill Clinton shook his finger at the camera stating that he did not have sex with "that" woman. The main reason was that the media was obviously not reporting, what so many people, including myself now know, the real truth. In this case, it is so brazenly obvious that the Senate Democrats are not only lying to the public on the senate floor on national TV... but, they are making &$^*# out of themselves expecting that smart people will believe it. Does Harry Reid actually believe that anyone believes his dribble? His sole purpose was to garner support to remove Rush from the airwaves, much like what was done to Imus, period. To believe that Harry Reid, et al care about the troops is to believe in the tooth fairy.

Ask yourself, if the Senate Majority Leader is so willing to lie with a bold face on national TV about a private citizen...that doesn't scare you as to what they might do with the Presidency? One of their own major camgaign donors, if you remember, stated that Hillary lies with such ease that it is down right scary. Anyone remember who was recently praising Hugo Chavez...and how easily he came to power?...and what he has done the civil liberties of private Venezuelans? I am just amazed that anyone with half a brain can take Senator Reid seriously...much less report it as such.

Posted by: Dakota
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And my own -
What is sad is that the author of this posting thinks the people that would read it are ignorant of the facts. - Listen up MSM - You don't have a monopoly on the news anymore.

What was left out of this article is so telling. What happened to the 5 w's? You missed a bit.

WHO were the 'phony Soldiers' Rush was talking about. - They were not the people your organization portrayed them to be.

WHAT was in the letter the democrats signed about? What did it say? - A simple link to the auction would allow people to read it for themselves.

WHY did Reid send the letter? Was it just tit-for-tat as this article leads one to believe?

WHERE is the ridicule for Harry Reid in this article? His statement, "But without qualification Mark May, the owner of the network that has Rush Limbaugh, and Rush Limbaugh should know that this letter that they're auctioning is going to be something that raises money for a worthwhile cause." is ridiculous!

They didn't know this? Does Harry Reid actually think that when they set up the auction they didn't know where the funds were going? It took his statement to inform them? - Or perhaps you believe they didn't know it until Harry Reid told them...

And what is this nonsense of trying to belittle the high bidder? How the Washington Post views her has as much a hold on reality as does this article.

Sad, sad, sad!

Posted by: prying1

Then I later posted

I just discovered that a couple points I made in my previous comment (see above) were factually wrong. I stated, "WHAT was in the letter the democrats signed about? What did it say? - A simple link to the auction would allow people to read it for themselves."

I have since found that you did indeed link to the auction (Paragraph 5) and the letter (Paragraph 10).

I apologize for not clicking the links which led to the auction and letter prior to my statement. I should have checked my facts before rushing to judgment. - Sorry again.
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See how easy that was?

Your turn.


So much more! - The comments really pulled ABC not only onto the carpet but the bigwigs must have slid under the rug to hide.

I did not save previous timestamps of the article. More than one commenter said it was being changed as time passed. They may have or may not have added the links I mentioned in the second comment. I do think a link vanished at one point but... I'll give them the benefit of the doubt unless someone wants to prove to me one way or another.

Long live capitalism and conservatism! The MSM is dead!

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UPDATE
The following was placed in the comments and I felt it needed to be brought to the surface:

I have just received an anonymous e-mail with a link to a site, I Call BS, that purports to have a secret recording of Harry Reid's Secretary from this morning. You can listen to the mp3 and judge for yourself. It seems authentic to me.

Some one should tell Rush.
M. Simon | Homepage | 10.21.07 - 7:56 am | #


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Thursday, October 18, 2007

Fairness Doctrine Stinks!

Was reminded today that the fairness doctrine is being bandied about as a viable solution to the woes of leftdom.

Did a Google search of the news on it to see what's up. You know. To get both sides of the issue.

Found one piece from "The Vanguard - a Student Run Newspaper" (Portland State) - Jesse Thiessen wrote a piece and titled it,


"Let 'em say what they want"
with the subtitle,
"Reinstatement of the Fairness Doctrine would regulate radio broadcasting to death"

First I would like to comment that the article was well thought out and written. The last student newspaper article I read had mis-spellings and poor use of punctuation. But that was a different (read IVY LEAGUE) school. - Rest assured I'm not an English major but nothing jumped out at me as I read the article. Except that Jesse Thiessen has common sense. Plus he did a bit of research to write the piece.

If he desires a job in any writing capacity I think he should find little trouble getting it. Unless he gets blackballed...

If you have not clicked on the link above yet here is a SECOND CHANCE to do so.


I had to leave a comment and then bring it here so it will be in my 'journal'. - I'm sure Jessie would appreciate your leaving a comment attached to his article. Pro or con, Let him know how you feel. -

prying1's comment and feelings about the Fairness Doctrine:


Good article. But I agree with you on so many points so perhaps I'm just a bit biased.

Well! Perhaps a bit more than 'a bit'.

One thing not mentioned is "Air America".

The left tried to 'entertain' the citizens of this great land and failed miserably. Perhaps people can hear comparisons of Bush and Hitler only so many times before switching to the sappy, love song stations. I tried to listen to their hosts reflecting their points of view and found them boring at best.

If the left really wanted to hear opinions they agreed with they could have and should have listened to their own. They didn't, Air America failed and now they want the rest of the U.S.A. to suffer as a result?

The term 'rectal apertures' comes to mind...




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Saturday, October 06, 2007

Who Says Nothing Exciting

Happens in Libraries

Bit of a disagreement in the reading world going on right now. Sony wants people to believe that the new Sony Reader is:


Sexier than a Librarian


Some people aren't buying it.

The reader that is.

Sony managed to tick off a segment of the population that they will depend on to sell their machine. Both librarians and those who love them.

In other Library News, Wyoming is having a campaign to promote their libraries that among it has billboards of
a truck rolling through the prairies towing a Trojan Horse, The Eiffel Tower as a windmill, and the Space Shuttle attached to a silo.


They also have this eye catching bumpersticker to promote their ChiltonLibrary auto repair database:

The Wyoming Libraries Campaign

Which advertising campaign do you prefer?
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Hat Tip to Anirvan at BookFinder.com Journal
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Friday, October 05, 2007

Environmentalists At It Again??? Wolves This Time

To tell you the truth I don't know everything there is to know about this. I may be missing something but I think not...

An online bulletin board I frequent had this posting:



WOLVES

Did anyone see this on TV?

If not maybe it's just here in NY, the commercial says that 600 Wolves will be killed very soon.

Check it out I glanced at it really quick but wanted to post this so maybe everyone will check it out. I think you can send an email to try and stop the Wolves from being killed.

In case I screw the link up it's

www.callofftheguns.org

Thanks *****
Call Off the Guns dot org


SO I go there and see that Old Bush Baby is at it again. Now the President that was never legally elected (twice) wants to slaughter wolves so that elk hunters can have more elk to massacre. Bunch of gun nuts every one of 'em.


Bush Administration Takes Aim at Wolves

A Bush Administration proposal would allow the slaughter of nearly 600 gray wolves in Greater Yellowstone and Central Idaho – while they're still on the endangered species list. Both Wyoming and Idaho are planning to use aerial gunning, as well as baiting and trapping, to exterminate wolves as early as this winter.



SO I DIG A LITTLE DEEPER...

First I notice there are no dates, no House or Senate numbers. Nothing leading the visitor to any outside news source. There is a "send a message" button so I click on it.

BINGO! A number to Google.

The next page has a form filled out with the subject line, "Protect Gray Wolves! (RIN 1018-AV39)"

So I Google RIN 1018-AV39 and find 246 hits, Some from Foreign Countries (Why would they be writing to our EPA?) and the second hit is for EPA.GOV -

Federal Register Environmental Documents


And the fourth hit is this

Federal Register: July 6, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 129

Going through the gobbledygook I find this piece of info I can understand:



We also propose to modify the 2005 special rule to allow private citizens in States or on Tribal lands with approved post-delisting wolf management plans to take wolves that are in the act of attacking their stock animals or dogs. All other provisions of the 2005 special rule, including the process to obtain Service approval and the conditions for reporting all wolf take, would remain unchanged.



So? Are the "Get People Riled Up Against Bush So We Can Hit 'Em Up For Money" groups at it again? I've no doubt that the email addresses collected by the NRDC ACTION FUND will have a "GIVE US MONEY" message in them ten seconds after the sucker fills out the spaces and pushes the 'Send This Message' button. Then try to get them to stop sending messages or from selling the address to their buddies...

I know I'm a skeptic but one thing I'm not skeptical about is most of funds the NRDC ACTION FUND receives will go into deep pockets. And wolves don't have pockets.

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Monday, September 24, 2007

Blog Hijacked? Here's the Story!

Click here - Bold Interactive.com has the scoop! -
Buddy of mine (Cary Cartter - Write in presidential candidate) emailed me to let me know he was being redirected when he went to visit my website. I figured it was his browser's cookies and cache but it went much deeper than that.

Originally it seemed to be Blogmad.net was at fault but a company that was utilized by Blogmad has been taken over by nasty people at a place called Adbazz.


- Bold Interactive.com reports:

Some business owners got a shocking surprise today when their websites were being redirected to an Adbaaz.com URL. Former customers of Websourced (also known as Keyword Ranking and Marketsmart Interactive) are being redirected to this URL if an old tracking code still exists on their sites.

Websourced eventually abandoned the project but this code has remained on many of client’s web sites with no adverse affect until now.



Find the code (See boldinteractive.com's posting - Click on the link above) delete the code and you will get your website back. - Good luck! - I deleted my blogmad source code but that didn't quite do it. Off to find the problem and really fix it so you can read this.

Update: I found another little bit of Blogmad code on my sidebar. Cleared it out and no more redirect. Hooray!

Wrote to blogmad.net to direct their attention to the Bold Interactive posting (liinked above) and was told the address I have is no longer used or read. Have to go to the site and take a ticket on their complaint page. Went to their site and SHAZAMMMM! A redirect to adbazz.com - So it goes.
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Friday, September 21, 2007

MoveOn.org, Democrats and Micromanaging the War

While reading a Publius Forum article on the senate vote to condemn the MooooveOn's advert against General Petraus I noticed that Presidential candidate Barack Hussein Obama (D-IL) abstained from voting. I was wondering if he was there and passed on voting or if he was not on the floor. Apparently he was in Washington. - MSNBC reported, "But curiously absent from the vote was Senator Barack Obama of Illinois, also a Democratic candidate for president, who had canceled a campaign appearance in South Carolina so he could be in Washington for votes." - Thats all I found. Doesn't really say he was on the floor or not.

If he wasn't there for whatever reason I'd like to know what he would have voted and if he was there I'd like to hear his excuse for abstaining.

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While seeking the answer as to whether our illustrious Presidential wannabe was there and was showing the world that he is truly wishy-washy I came across a bit that shows once again that some lefties refuse to learn from history. Or do they??? - Perhaps it is history that they utilize to form and shape their tactics. Micromanaging the Vietnam war worked real well for the lefties.

CBS News dot com has this in an article labeled "MoveOn Unfazed By Furor Over Ad" -


And it (Moveon) turned its criticism squarely back on the Senate, accusing it of "spending time cracking down on a newspaper ad" after failing on Wednesday to pass a bill lengthening the home leaves of U.S. troops fighting in Iraq, a bipartisan measure that some regarded as pressuring Bush into limiting the redeployment of U.S. forces.



OK folks! - Which one of the MoveOn folks is the military expert that wants to micromanage the war?

AND (worse yet)

Who are the Democrat Senators that want MoveOn to run the war?

Here is the list thanks to Warner Todd Huston Of Publius Forum...

The following voted in favor of MoveOn

Akaka (D-HI)
Binghaman (D-NM)
Boxer (D-CA)
Brown (D-OH)
Byrd (D-WV)
Clinton (D-NY)
Dodd (D-CT)
Durbin (D-IL)
Feingold (D-WI)
Harkin (D-IA)
Inouye (D-HI)
Kennedy (D-MA)
Kerry (D-MA)
Lautenberg (D-NJ)
Levin (D-MI)
Menendez (D-WA)
Murray (D-WA)
Reed (D-RI)
Reid (D-NV)
Rockefeller (D-WV)
Sanders (I-VT)
Schumer (D-NY)
Stabenow (D-MI)
Whitehouse (D-RI)
Wyden (D-OR)

As for me and my State, I had Barbara "Thick as a brick" Boxer in favor of MoveOn running the war and Dianne "Look over there" Feinstein against.

How did your state do? What lame excuses have you heard from those who voted for MoveOn usurping the Commander-in-Chief's power?


Update: While it is yet unclear as to whether Barack Hussein Obama (D-IL) actually was on the floor or not we now have a statement from the Schlickmeister Jr. himself concerning his non-vote.

From firstread.msnbc.msn.com we have:

From NBC's Mark Murray
Obama's presidential campaign gives First Read this statement from Obama about not voting today on the Senate measure condemning the MoveOn.org print ad criticizing Gen. David Petraeus.

"The focus of the United States Senate should be on ending this war, not on criticizing newspaper advertisements," Obama says. "This amendment was a stunt designed only to score cheap political points while what we should be doing is focusing on the deadly serious challenge we face in Iraq. It's precisely this kind of political game-playing that makes most Americans cynical about Washington's ability to solve America's problems. By not casting a vote, I registered my protest against this empty politics. I registered my views on the ad itself the day it appeared.

Obama goes on to say, "All of us respect the service of General Petraeus and all of our brave men and women in uniform. The way to honor that service is to give them a mission that is responsible, not to vote on amendments like the Cornyn amendment while we continue to pursue the wrong policy in Iraq."


prying1 sez: Is this a pullout statement? Looks like it.

My interpretation of his statement is, "Let's leave the Iraqis to be savaged by their neighboring terrorist nations and leave a hole in the middle east for terrorists to thrive." Responsible mission = sit at home and hope they go away...

If only Bush would talk to the terrorists and try to understand them.

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Saturday, September 15, 2007

Being Five Is Up For Awards!

Maybe you have never heard of Being Five. Maybe you have but forgot about visiting as often as you used to. Maybe I am using 'maybe' too much in my opening paragraph. Maybe not.

Here is a sample of the funniest 'Kid Friendly' comic strip in the universe.




Left click on the strip to go to the Being Five website.

The news is that Being Five is up for TWO!! Count them, TWO!! awards at the Bloggers Choice Awards.

The Best Humor Blog

and

The Best Blog About Blogging

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Good humor (not the ice cream) should be rewarded and anyone who causes you to laugh should be paid. After all, Proverbs 17:22 says:
"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."


George Sfarnas, who writes the Being Five Comic Strip should be getting the wages of a doctor but here is a chance for you to pay your bill without cash. George is using the barter system and instead of chickens and turnips you can pay him with votes.

You will have to take a few moments to register on the site but it is quick and painless. Just like Mr. Sfarnas' humor (other than an occasional groan). Take the time to click on the links above and VOTE for GEORGIE!




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Monday, September 10, 2007

Why Cary Cartter??? - (Reprise for those tuning in late)

I received this from the Cary Cartter - Write in Candidate Campaign - Jump on i with your comments and feel free to send Cary your questions.



Make A Difference - Vote For Common Sense - Write In Cary Cartter for President in 2008

Monday Campaign Notes - 9/10/2007

Some readers may not have realized that I have actually been running a word-of-mouth campaign since January 6, 2007. There have been some recent entries into the race for President, and there have been a lot of developments since then. I though it might be a good idea to go over some of the reasons I am running for President.

Other readers, having been with me and supporting me from the beginning, may recognize these words, since they were in my original post declaring my candidacy.

I can hear you wondering, "Cary, what do you know about running the country?"

I know enough not to let armed invaders get away without some ventilated clothing.

I know enough not to let non-citizens claim rights under our constitution.

I know enough not to allow illegal immigrants to benefit from the hard work of the American citizens and legal immigrants.

I know enough to actually assign jobs to people trained in the area, and then get the h3ll out of their way while they do the job to the best of their ability.

I know enough that unless this country gets a leader with the intestinal fortitude to actually lead this country instead of letting other country's public opinion dictate the leaders' actions, this country won't exist for very long.

I promise to look after THIS country's best interests first. Yes, there will be some hard rows ahead, but what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger.

Now, this is not a full listing of my stand. I have many entries over the last few months (for example, here, here, here, here, and most of all here)

As I said, this is a word-of-mouth campaign. I need everyone who reads this to help me get the word out. Tell everyone you know to "Write In Cary Cartter for President in 2008!"

But, this campaign needs help. Lots of help. Each state where I will be a write-in candidate needs me to file with them the names of electors from that state. The electors will travel to the electoral college after the November 2008 election, and cast their vote for me as the candidate. Travel is reimbursed, if that makes a difference. Then there are the states that don't accept write-in candidates for the office of President. My name needs to appear on the ballot on those states. I will need, besides electors, people willing to circulate and file petitions for my name to appear on the ballot.

All of these positions would be on a volunteer basis. As mentioned, travel to the electoral college would be reimbursed.

This campaign is running on word of mouth and no expenditures - and no contributions are being solicited. If enough volunteers can get together and cause a grass-roots swelling happen, then Cary Cartter can be elected President of the United States in November 2008.

If you feel you are Out of Voting Choices, then choose to Make a Difference - write in Cary Cartter for President in November 2008. Please help me get the word out.

If you would like to know more about my platform, please visit my blog. If you have any questions you would like to see addressed, or if you would like to help spread the word about my campaign, you can e-mail me here.

Tag:




target="_blank"

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Thursday, September 06, 2007

The Hoosier Schoolmaster by Edward Eggleston

Once again I'm posting on a book that can be had for relatively cheap. I've found a few on Amazon and eBay plus going through Bookfinder.com Author: - Edward Eggleston - Title: - The Hoosier Schoolmaster - there are a few copies at various booksellers.

My copy is not for sale today but it might be someday. It seems like a keeper but someyear I might decide to release it to the wild. Space will be the issue at that date... - Addendum to this line. - I started this posting before I finished the book. I've finished reading it tonight... It is staying in my personal library and my daughter will have to deal with it after Jesus takes me home. -

One thing I will suggest is writing to the book seller in advance of purchase and making sure you get the "revised" edition (1892 and 'perhaps' after) with the authors footnotes. (More on that later. Plus it might be cheaper than a "First Edition".) - The story can also be had for free at Project Gutenberg but you will have to suffer through reading it on your computer screen or printing it out, which could be more expensive than buying it used (depending on your printer).

Figure this one out. a 2006 copy for $134.33 and on Alibris there is an 1899 copy available for $3.95 Plus S&H - I wrote to the $134.33 seller and asked, "Why so much? Typo???" - No reply!!! - Beware of rectal apertures! They will rob you!!! -


The Hoosier Schoolmaster by Edward Eggleston - (my copy) 1899, Grosset and Dunlap NY - HB/no DJ - 281 pages - w/ B&W Illustrations (with Character Sketches by F. Opper and other Illustrations by W.E.B. Starkweather) - Missing flyleaf which might have had some interesting names to Google...



"Want to be a schoolmaster, do you? You? Well, what would you do in Flat Crick deestrick, I'd like to know? Why, the boys have driv off the last two, and licked the one afore them like blazes. You might teach a summer school, when nothin' but children come. But I 'low it takes a right smart man to be schoolmaster in Flat Crick in the winter. They'd pitch you out of doors, sonny, neck and heels, afore Christmas."

So starts a fascinating story of a young man whose decision to be a schoolmaster of a rural district in 1851 Indiana seems to be doomed before he is even hired.

Written in the dialect of Middle America of the time it is filled with many of the characters, personalities, emotions and complexities of life mankind has known since Adam's fall. Plus it is a good story.

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Going through a few online bookseller's sites I came across one whose advice I did not agree with. I saw a few of the more experienced sellers telling a newbie seller that had recently 'inherited' a lot of books (2500 or so) to dump all the 'Book of the Month Club' books and and only hold onto those books that had a higher value. - One said only keep those that could be sold for at least seven dollars while another said they would not sell their time so cheaply and held onto only ten dollar and up books...

To those so called 'sellers' I say, "Shame on you!!!"

What is selling if it is not giving value to someone that is willing to pay for it. I've sold three books in one eBay auction that could have been purchased for $1.00 each (Plus S&H) and got my ten dollars. Difference is: 1.) Buyer was willing to pay more for the convenience of one transaction instead of three and 2.) I advertised I would pay the S&H (my cost $2.50 or so - Media Mail - U.S. only). Nothing tacked on unless they wanted insurance or faster shipping method (book rate is real slow). A bonus in a sense because a lot of book buyers hate the shipping costs and a lot of sellers jack up the shipping to cover 'costs'...

So three or four of those BOMC books can and will bring in the $10.00 with the proper salesmanship applied. With BOMC listings I 'might' mention that they are getting more popular with budget minded book collectors. This is because it is one way to 'possibly' get an older, earlier edition, depending on the date of publication of course, for considerably less. In fact I've seen the BOMC embossed dot on stated "First Editions". (on the back cover the BOMC might emboss or indent a large period near the bottom to identify it as having been sold by/through the BOMC - This is generally done when the copies are not newly printed with BOMC on the copyright page.)

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But I digress.

Back to The Hoosier Schoolmaster.

This book has gone through several printings. It was popular up to the 1950's. The author originally printed a major part of the the story through his newspaper as a serial. He was encouraged to expand it a bit and make a book out of it. Since then it was printed in England (no residuals to the author) translated into other languages (Still no residuals) and republished several times.

That is when you know that the book you hold is a good one. - The majority of books are never republished. Supply and demand is the only reason for a book to be republished. Except perhaps for 'Professors' who demand their students purchase books they authored as a class requirement. - Even then I guess supply and demand is still in force.

Have I digressed again?

The characters in this first work by Edward Eggleston are not unforgettable. He had a way of bringing out their hopes, fears, and loves be they selfish or other-centric. Be they good or evil. Be they sane or... Well some of the demented ones still had hopes, fears and/or loves (see 'selfish' listed above). And some of those we will find outside of the 'poor house'.

Eggleston, in the revised edition, took many of the words and sayings of 1850's Indiana and broke them down with an etymological explanation which I found fascinating. As I've stated before I love words and the English language. Through the footnotes Added in the revised edition you can learn quite a bit. Some might find them distracting and if so can read the book while ignoring the footnotes then perhaps through a second reading check them out. Well worth having the revised edition because of this feature.

Plus the revised has the "Preface to the Library Edition" which helps explain the goings on during the 21 years from original publication. One of the things he says in this is that people remember him for this, his first novel, and don't know or care that he feels he has done better since. (Bookfinder.com - the author only - Edward Eggleston - )

I am going to keep my eyes open for more of his works in my collection and will report to you if I find something worth posting on.

I hope I do.

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This story was made into 3 movies which were all apparently unsatisfactory to those who read the book.
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Saturday, September 01, 2007

Ray Stevens and 'The Mississippi Squirrel Revival'

Thanks to Web Loafer of Sanity's Bluff for this one:






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Don't You Just Hate It?

True Story:


Wifeypoo & I are having an argument. It ends though when we figure out that we've been agreeing with each other from the beginning. We were just using different words to express the same thing.

Hey!!! We were both right.

It's so satisfying to end an argument that way.

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I love the English language.
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- While posting this I discovered that typing "ARGUEMANT" gets the squiggly red line underneath that shows it is mis-spelled.

So I've mis-spelled the word and know I've been doing so for years. Google search pulls up a number 23 for the hits (prying1 "arguement") But I know some of those are duplicated and some are from pages where other people mis-spelled it but my name was involved because I was a commenter or innocent bystander.

Only ten times tops! Don't believe me? I'd like to argue all day over it but I don't want to start an arguement. Oops! - That's eleven.

Dictionary.com expects me to change my evil ways and spell it "ARGUMENT".

Now! Should I continue mis-spelling it or straighten up my act?

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I vote for cleaning up my act.
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Which brings me up to the quote of the day:
- from Who Was She - a short story written by Bayard Taylor

...if confession were not good for the soul, though harder than sin to some people, of whom I am one....




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Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Gus the Great

Tim Stanley got on me for not posting. OK Tim! Here it is.

A book review of Gus the Great by Thomas W. Duncan - 1947 (first editions will be 'stated' This was reprinted and became a BOMC.) J. B. Lippincott Company

One thing people should think about when faced with a decision of purchasing a used book. - Am I purchasing this as/for a collector's copy? Never to be read but to sit on a shelf. A shrine of sorts. To be adored as such. - OR - Am I purchasing this for enjoyment to be read, handled, perhaps smudged a bit more than it already was before I picked it up?

Ok. That's two things. To quote someone else that once made a mistake, "So sue me!".

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I would suggest purchasing Gus the Great for the second reason. It will never attain much value as a collectible issue even in it's first state with a fine, fine, super fine book jacket and signed by the author.

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- (From bookfinder.com - First edition. Fine in near fine dust jacket with the original price on front flap. Signed by the author "For.. friend of long standing, Thomas W. Duncan." $35.00) -

- (Another DREAMER from the UK lists their copy as: - Good condition Publisher: Lippincott Date of Publication: 1947 Binding: Hard Cover Condition: Good/No Dust Wrapper; $116.63/£49.95)

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- RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY BOOKS ONLINE!!! -

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My copy is not for sale...

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So I just purchased a library. I'm looking to sell 95% of the books. And now I'm posting on a ratty covered book that I can find on eBay for less than 5 bucks (shipping included) or could hopefully come across in a thrift store for a dollar.

Whyzat???

Because I enjoyed reading it and think that others might also.

I hated doing book reports in school but now I find myself doing the same of my own volition. - For what it is worth. Here it is.


This book starts out with a fat man, one that had recently been fast losing weight, (Wattles exquisitely described as author paints pictures with words in an artistic manner. - Much painted in this book is prettier than this picture...) CAREFULLY approaching a piece of land described in the first sentence as having "elephants buried on it". Yet this is not Africa. It is in the middle of the U.S.A..

We learn that this is Gus. "Augustus Howard Burgoyne", who was named after two men, one of which was definitely his father.

From here the book goes back in time. With a brief pause here and there, to the late 1800's, through the story of the birth, beginnings, early adolescence, young to old life of Gus.

Here is a likable, lovable man who never read, or if he did read never understood the 10 Commandments. Boisterous and influential. A leader who often drew people into situations that would cost them. The kind of person that if you met him you would like and want to be friends with but you would be smart to stay away from if it meant money out of your pocket. A con artist with a good heart.

From his low beginnings Gus rises to that position he dreamed of as a child. A successful circus owner. - Hence the elephants in the first sentence.

But what is success without scruples?

Often humorous and even more often than we like to admit to ourselves and others this book shows a side of life that includes us all. - Whether we want to admit it or not... - Somewhere in this book every person on the planet is brought forth and paraded for all to see. There is even a printer, as I am, in it. Actually two or three of 'em but I don't think all of 'em are like me.

I would suggest that those who enjoy fiction, romance and humor purchase the book. This books deals with the late 1800's to early 1900's America. A time frame that went from horse to auto, gas to electric, telephone, movies, and so many more changes.

YET! men's hearts remained the same...

Thomas W. Duncan worked hard on writing and this book shows it. - Going through the timeline you will ask questions and at the last sentence ALL will be answered. - Very well written and should be considered a classic.




prying1 rating: Four Thumbs Up (Don't ask about my rating system. I have not figured it out yet. When I do I'm sure 'Four Thumbs Up' will be very high up there. - Just get the book and read it at your convenience. Hopefully you will find it in a thrift shop and not have to pay shipping.






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Monday, August 27, 2007

Cary Cartter Encouraged To Keep up "Monday Campaign Note"

And I concur.

Heeeeeeeres Cary!


Make A Difference - Vote For Common Sense - Write In Cary Cartter for President in 2008

Monday Campaign Notes - 8/27/2007

It has been a while since I last issued a "Monday Campaign Note" - something that was mentioned to me yesterday while talking with Douglas Gibbs. On the bright side, I was able to spend almost an hour in conversation with someone who had the same Christian-based world-view that I do, which was most enjoyable. Thanks, Doug.

Oh, yeah - campaign stuff.

The reason for Doug's call is that he needed to bump me from my scheduled September 1, 2007 appearance on his Blog Talk Radio Show for a very interesting guest. I told him that anytime he has a guest that needs a slot that I was scheduled for, please feel free - I'm very flexible, and it is his show. But especially, if the guest is one that can maybe expose some more of the mindset that we are fighting against in this World War on Terror.

So, I've been rescheduled. Won't you give a listen and call in? Details are in the rescheduled link.

Immigration - what a tempest!

I received an e-mail from NumbersUSA regarding the current crop of Career Politicians and their cough"stance"cough on the flow of legal immigrant workers to be hired by US companies, in order to depress the level of wages these companies need to pay. After the illegal invader issue, this is going to be a hot button topic. At least, it should be. By increasing the numbers of legal immigrants that are being brought in to specifically fill jobs that otherwise would go to a citizen at a higher (read: more fair) pay rate, the overall level of wages will be depressed, causing our economy to continue to spiral downward toward the class split that the economists and liberal think is best for this nation.

I am not against legal immigration. I'm all for it. But not to flood the work market with lower-earning workers to bring the overall wage level down. That's just counter-productive. There is a fine line between paying a competitive wage and not finding enough workers for your business. I'm no expert, but I believe that if a business can pay a wage that will draw workers to it, even in competition with other, more highly skilled positions, then that business will be successful. A company that is more interested in paying it's owner or CEO more than Midas ever saw deserves to have labor problems, and even face the market truth of "Be Competitive or Be Forgotten." Actually, that's something I just made up. But it does have a ring of truth, doesn't it?

Now, if you've read this far, perhaps you are wondering just where I'm coming from. A little further down are links that will take you to my platform.

But, this campaign needs help. Lots of help. Each state where I will be a write-in candidate needs me to file with them the names of electors from that state. The electors will travel to the electoral college after the November 2008 election, and cast their vote for me as the candidate. Travel is reimbursed, if that makes a difference. Then there are the states that don't accept write-in candidates for the office of President. My name needs to appear on the ballot on those states. I will need, besides electors, people willing to circulate and file petitions for my name to appear on the ballot.

All of these positions would be on a volunteer basis. As mentioned, travel to the electoral college would be reimbursed.

This campaign is running on word of mouth and no expenditures - and no contributions are being solicited. If enough volunteers can get together and cause a grass-roots swelling happen, then Cary Cartter can be elected President of the United States in November 2008.

If you feel you are Out of Voting Choices, then choose to Make a Difference - write in Cary Cartter for President in November 2008. Please help me get the word out.

If you would like to know more about my platform, please visit my blog. If you have any questions you would like to see addressed, or if you would like to help spread the word about my campaign, you can e-mail me here.

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Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Acronym Finder and Salesmanship

Twice this week I had to use an online Acronym Finder because idiots assume every one reading their words (and initials for their words) will automatically know what they mean. (I prefer the one at FreeDictionary.Com - Extra buttons to switch to assorted searches. - dictionary. medical, law, idioms etc.)

Both times this was for ads for items these idiots want to sell.

Sad! Sad! Sad!

One was on eBay - 'NOS' - For a car part. No explanation and it fit nothing in context. What the heckll was that supposed to mean? NOS???

Had to look it up.

So I found it meant, "New Old Stock".

Well that fit what I was looking to sell so I used it on four different car parts I listed. - EXCEPT - I explained the acronym so that there was no question as to what I meant. I wrote in the description of my items:

"NOS (New old stock) in (timeworn) box NEVER attached to any vehicle"

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No misunderstanding there and after someone has visited my listing on eBay they are enlightened. Took me a few extra finger punches on the old keyboard and with cut and paste it showed up fine in all the ads...

Hopefully the next time some idiot comes along and 'ass u me s' visitors will understand their use of 'NOS' with no explanation a few of people that visited mn site will see the advert and give homage to prying1 for the lights dancing in their heads.

The other acronym I will post here if and when I get a reply from the seller...

Salesmanship!

Where has it gone?

I get phone calls from people reading off a paper in a monotone voice that is screaming, HANG UP ON ME!!! YOU DON'T WANT THE CRAP I'M SELLING!!!

I read adverts on auction and book selling sites that tell me nothing about the product other that it has no dust jacket or the dust jacket is tattered or is in very good condition.

What is the book about??? Absolutely nothing in regards to a synopsis.

I've gotten jerks at the gas station offering to pump gas for a quarter (like that is really work) and their attitude concerning life brings everyone with in a circular mile into a depression. I've told 'em "Find something to sell if you want to make money. And get a better attitude if you expect to sell anything."

They don't even realize that pumping gas could be considered a service and services are salable. But my giving them a quarter increases the cost of gas and people, myself included, are already ticked off about that. Who wants to pay more for gas?

Sad! Sad! Sad!

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Same book by two different booksellers:

1955 Very Good "Cloth. Fine/Very Good Price Clipped. First Edition 8vo-over 7 3/4-9 3/4 tall. 198p., repaired d.j. (price clipped), "
$14.49

and

Publisher: London, Hutchinson (1955)
London, Hutchinson (1955). Map on endsheets. 195 pages. Hardcover, very good, no dust jacket. - Account of two winters of famine, 1882 and 1883, among the Eskimoes of Angmagssalik, Greenland. The author lived with these people during the 1930s and collected 250 accounts.
$28.00

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One of these booksellers added some information about the book and is asking twice as much for the book as the other fellow. Without the DustJacket! (DJ) Whereas the cheaper book has one. - Which will sell first? - I think the one that took the few extra keystrokes not the one with the DJ.

Personally I've never read a book on salesmanship but I have read a few DJ's. The DJ blurbs tell me all I need to know. - I've owned a few but sold them to people that needed them. - Salesmanship may or may not be a natural talent. I don't know. I do know that people without common sense will never have it...

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