How Not To "Not Work"

I heard of a poll asking people how many hours of ACTUAL work their employers expected of them in an 8 hour workday. The answers varied from 5 to 7-1/2 hours. When the same pollsters went to the employers the majority answered with "8 hours".

There seems to be a disconnect here.

Perhaps this disconnect is the reason the ex-sales coordinator, Emmalee Bauer (no relation to Jack could be found through Google search), 25, of Elkhart, Iowa was fired from her job at the Sheraton hotel company in Des Moines, Iowa.

She kept a handwritten journal while on the job and when told to quit writing in it while she was supposed to be working she turned to another option. Her company owned computer.

She typed 300 single-spaced pages worth of journaling on it.

After being fired she applied for unemployment benefits and was denied because of her writings. The journal was shown to Administrative Law Judge Susan Ackerman who said her writings showed a refusal to work and "amusement at getting away with it."

Some examples:

"This typing thing seems to be doing the trick. It just looks like I am hard at work on something very important."

and

"I am only here for the money and, lately, for the printer access. I haven't really accomplished anything in a long while ... and I am still getting paid more than I ever have at a job before, with less to do than I have ever had before. It's actually quite nice when I think of it that way. I can shop online, play games and read message boards and still get paid for it."

~~~~~
prying1 sez:
If you are going to journal at work stick to fiction.

and an extra loud Whoo!Hooo! for Susan Ackerman. Way to go Susan, Your Honor!!!
~~~~~
Thomas S. Brock of Brocklog.net thinks that at this point in time Emmalee Bauer is searching for an agent and the Journal in it's entirety will soon be available in print for those interested enough to purchase it.
~~~~~

UPDATE: I received a comment that I thought I'd bring up to the posting. This exact same comment was left on Thomas S. Brock's posting that was linked above. Mr. Brock replied in his comment section with the same question I had. "What’s your relation to this whole thing? Were you a co-worker or friend of Ms. Bauer?"

After seeing the comment on Mr. Brock's site I dug around a bit and also found the same cut and paste comment from Brodie elsewhere. I think Brodie either feels righteous indignation over the way the MSM has presented this story or has a personal interest in affecting peoples attitude towards Ms Emmalee Bauer.

Let the reader decide...

Brodie comment follows:
If you only knew!!!! She was granted unemployment the first time around. The manager at the Sheraton then found the journal and used that in the appeal. She was told she was let go because she "didnt fit in??" There was even a witness there. Just because you write your thoughts....doesnt mean those are your actions! She was never once written up for any misconduct and always did her job and sometimes even some of the managers own duties. If you still dont think something is wrong at this place, (The Sheraton Four Points in Des Moines) then ask your self why they never hired another Sales Coordinator and why the other 3 of the original sales team have resigned? Hmmm...wonder if maybe there was some other agenda going on at that place??????????? Let the truth be told! Also, the Des Moines Register seemed to like just taking exerpts from the document and using them to fit their angle for a hot story. Maybe it would be different if they added the truth, which would include a few complete sentences giving the entire context of the statements. This PERSONAL journal was done mostly off company time and to my knowledge was just simply that, personal thoughts to vent the frustrations of a HOSTILE work environment. Just because she felt something and put it in a journal, doesn't mean she acted upon it or didn't complete daily job duties. And just to reiterate, take a look back in my comments to see what has really happened at this hotel!
Sincerely,
Someone Who Knows The Truth ! - - - Brodie - - -

~~~~~
Links to the story:
Conservative Voice -The Iowa woman fired for journaling at work
Mens News Daily - Employee Fired For Journaling At Work

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Ms. Hillary Is In the Running For President.

Senator Hillary Clinton, D-NY, threw her $14 million dollar campaign treasury in the ring in an attempt to get her old job back. You know the job. The one her hubby Bill obstensibly held while she did all the work of downsizing the military and raising taxes...

Just hours later Senator Brownback, R-KS, announced he is going for the Republican nomination. Timewise both are very slow. Last week the announcement was made by Cary Cartter, Common Sense Independent, that he would step up to the plate, take abuse from the MSM and run for the presidency in order to bring this country back on track.

The polls are not in yet so it is not known the impact Ms. Clinton's and Mr. Brownback's announcement will have on Cary Cartter's bid.

~~~~~

prying1 sez:
Now I don't know about you but I think that 14 million dollars is a lot of 'owing favors to folks' that down the road could cause problems for the 'little guy'. Especially knowing the social circles Hillary hangs with. Or should I say, hangs around her. Some say that hanging is the right term to use concerning the whole bunch of 'em. Personally I always prefered 'tar and feathering'. Much more entertaining.

Speaking of 'ENTERTAINING' here is something that is anything but.

Click here and listen carefully BEFORE you vote in the next Presidential Election. Do you want FOUR YEARS of this???

Thanks to Radioblogger for the above sound clip.

Four years of that???? - - - - Shhudddderrrrrr - - - -

~~~~~~~~
http://www.nysun.com/article/47053
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Write In Cary Cartter For President

Working Stiff and Blogger Extraordinaire Cary Cartter is running for President of the United States.

"Who is Cary Cartter and what does he know about being president?", you ask.

I'll start the answer by stating what Cary Cartter IS NOT.

• A Career Politician
  
• Indebted To Any Special Interests
  
• An Open Borders Advocate
  
• A Political Correctness Junkie
  
• A Dude That Rolls Over When Confronted With Adversity

~~~~~~

Cary Cartter is a working, family man that lives in Phoenix, Arizona. A churchgoing Christian who is a member of his church's praise and worship team. Vocals and bass guitar. A new father who wants to see his daughter raised in a country that helps the deserving downtrodden and stands firm against it's enemies. He has served in the United States Marines and has learned the meaning of Semper Fi.

Now. On to WHAT Cary Cartter is.

• A Man That Prefers Truth Over Subterfuge
  
• A Man With Intestinal Fortitude
  
• A Man That Knows To Delegate To Capable People
  
• A Man That Recognises He Has Faults And Works To Overcome Them
  
• A Man Who Loves his Country
  
• A Man That Will Work To Preserve Our Nation While Looking Forward To New Innovations, Technology, Research and Inventions This Country Is So Well Known For.
  

~~~~~

Cary's Own Words:
I promise a common sense approach to running this country - and ONLY this country. I will not allow any other country, or even the loudest public opinion, to determine the course of action this country needs to take to regain the respect and admiration of the world. Heck, we are the strongest standing military - we will start acting like it again.

and

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.

Sounds good to me. - Paul - prying1 -

~~~~~

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Google China, Hugh Hewitt and YOU

On yesterday's (18 JAN 07) Hugh Hewitt Radio Show the subject of Googles dealings with China came up.

Prior to talking about Google in such a way that it could be taken for an advertisement Hugh had stated that he owned Google stock. "Full Disclosure" he called it. A bit later a listener called in and chastised Hugh because he owns stock in Google. Wasn't Hugh aware of the China/Google deal.

For those who missed The "Google-China" deal here is a bit from the NYT dated 23 APR 06
To obey China's censorship laws, Google's representatives explained, the company had agreed to purge its search results of any Web sites disapproved of by the Chinese government, including Web sites promoting Falun Gong, a government-banned spiritual movement; sites promoting free speech in China; or any mention of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre.

Hugh defended himself quite eloquently (as usual for him) but one thing he missed. Hugh's site is not blocked in Google China. Nor is Generalissimo Duane's.

Go to Google China and type in - prying1 -

HALLELUJAH! I HAVE NOT BEEN PURGED!

You can do the same with your own name. Most likely you will see your blog or website come up. Through Google.cn I visited AubreyJ and left a comment - 'FTGF' brings up Navy Town U.S.A. - The Rosemead Herald is accessible through Google China.

Jesus Christ gets 50,000,000 hits. - Point is, More info gets through to China than is filtered.

Check your own name and blogsite. Don't be surprised if you have not been purged.

Click here for Google China

China will have to change as time passes. The leaders know it but are slow to embrace it.

~~~~~~

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Wednesday Heroes Roy Velez and His Two Sons, Jose and Andrew

The following posting is from the Wednesday Hero Blogroll - Please click the link on the bottom of the page to join in honoring the brave men and women of our military.

~~~~~~

This Weeks Heroes Were Suggested By CavMom

This week I have three people to talk about. Roy Velez and his two sons, Jose and Andrew. One who was lost in Iraq and another who lost his life in Afghanistan.

It happens almost daily. A stranger reaches out to comfort Roy Velez, unintended symbol of unspeakable loss and grief.

Today it's a woman who approaches as he's halfway through breakfast at Montelongo's Mexican restaurant.

"My brother told me about you and your sons," she says, extending her hand.

He takes her small hand between his - this sturdy man who has buried two boys who went off to war - and listens gently as her own story of sorrow spills forth. Her 8-year-old daughter, a traffic accident, her son at the wheel.

As waiters bustle about with trays of huevos rancheros and barbacoa plates, Mr. Velez does what he does best: offers up a soft prayer to help this mother endure her emptiness.

Strangers learn about Mr. Velez from newspapers and TV. They come to him to share their gratitude or their grief. They come to thank him and console him, tearfully, for his family's sacrifice.

This is how Mr. Velez chooses to live after losing two sons in two years, not riven with anger or paralyzed with sadness. But as someone ready for those who might slip into the darkness of despair.

For his strength for others, compassion and grace - and for serving as inspiration for anyone who knows his story - Mr. Velez is the 2006 Dallas Morning News Texan of the Year.
Because this story is so long, I've linked to the article which you can read in it's entirety.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Have Every Right To Dream Heroic Dreams.
Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. If you would like to participate in honoring the brave men and women who serve this great country, you can find out how by clicking here.


~~~~~~~

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Starbucks and the Marines Email Is False

I got an email from a good friend this morning as follows:

FW: STARBUCKS DENIES COFFEE TO MARINES

Recently Marines in Iraq wrote to Starbucks because they wanted to let them know how much they liked their coffees and to request that they send some of it to the troops there. Starbucks replied, telling the Marines thank you for their support of their business, but that Starbucks does not support the war, nor anyone in it, and that they would not send the troops their brand of coffee.

So as not to offend Starbucks, maybe we should not support them by buying any of their products! As a war vet writing to fellow patriots, I feel we should get this out in the open. I know this war might not be very popular with some folks, but that doesn't mean we don't support the boys on the ground fighting street-to-street and house-to-house for what they and I believe is right. If you feel the same as I do then pass this along, or you can discard it an d no one will never know.

Thanks very much for your support. I know you'll all be there again when I deploy once more.

"Semper Fidelis."
Sgt Howard C. Wright
1st Force Recon Co
1st Plt PLT

PLEASE DON'T DELETE THIS. ALLOW IT TO BE PASSED TO ALL IN MEMORY OF ALL THE TROOPS WHO HAVE DIED SO THAT WE MAY HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE TO SUPPORT THEM OR NOT!!!

So I Snopes it. Is Snopes a verb yet? Google is. Snopes should be.

Snopes answer concerning this. - FALSE -

Reply to my friend was:

Please send this link back upline to those who received and sent it previously. - Personally I don't care for Starbucks because the stuff they sell is WAYYYYY overpriced and I like to drink coffee black. Why should I pay extra for that? - But it is not fair to them to have people boycott their goods for false reasons. Snopes.com says the rumor is false and backs it up with the real story...
- Paul - prying1 -

Rumor is false and was corrected by Sgt Howard C. Wright - Check Snopes.com's version of events.
or Google/Yahoo search the following words and it will come out as the top hit
- Snopes.com Starbucks Marines Howard C. Wright -

So tonight I get home and check my emails. A friend of a friend from upline (or downline - by this time I don't know which to call it) had emailed back with the simple statement:

Starbuck’s coffee blows anyway!

DANA LEWIS-CITRMS
INDEPENDENT ASSOCIATE
PRE-PAID LEGAL SERVICES, INC.
(310) 542-0992 OFFICE
(310) 999-8640 CELL

After my tears from laughing cleared and I could see again I replied:

Re: Starbuck’s coffee blows anyway!

To quote Glumfeather in the Chronicles of Narnia series, "Too True! Too True!

First time I ever had the stuff was in a Starbucks coffee shop attached to the movie theatres in Galleria Redondo Beach CA. (Artesia and Hawthorne). - The stuff was atrocious and I have the tastebuds of a barbarian. Since then I have had some of the super sweet crap they try to pass off as coffee (Others bought it to convince me I am wrong- I refuse to spend money there but can't stop my wife and daughter...) and I still insist the stuff is overpriced, and has to have flavors added to make it semi-palatable.

Give me any name brand, Folgers, Maxwell, Taster's Choice, hells bells even Postum!


Thanks for the return email on this one. We are not alone. I'm sure there are others....

Paul - prying1 -

So! How do you feel about it. That is, You who have read up to this point. Leave a comment and I'll update this posting with it along with a link to your website/blog (if so desired).

Update: I am not through this post endorsing the boycotting of Starbucks in any way shape or form. If any man woman or child enjoys the stuff I wish them Godspeed. I even buy Starbucks Gift Cards for those that frequent the place. Well. My wife gets them but I so sign the accompanying card...
~~~~~~

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What Controversy Over the Dead Sea Scrolls? San Diego Museum Doesn't Want Opposing Views

A little over a week ago I posted about the Dead Sea Scrolls coming to San Diego.

Two reasons why I posted were, I've always been fascinated by the scrolls and I know a few folks that visit regularly live in So Cal..

You might say it was a public service announcement.

Then, seven days later, I received a comment from 'Charles' making statements about and asking valid questions concerning the upcoming exhibit and the lectures involved with it.

Controversy? What controversy? It's just a bunch of old papers, right? Well! OK. Papyrus and animal hides. Slap 'em into cases with bullet proof glass (See National Treasure) and let people file by to look at 'em. What's the problem?

Well. It seems the people running the show are from the 'old school'. This group supports the Qumran-Essene theory of Scroll origins which basically stated is the town close to the caves where the scrolls were found (Khirbet Qumran) housed the people (Essenes) that wrote the scrolls.

In the 1980's and 90's this view was challenged.

Some say that many of the scrolls do not match up to Essene teachings.

As a result...

During the 1990s, another theory expressed "that the authors of the scrolls were "Essene-Like" or a splinter Essene group rather than simply Essenes as such. This modification of the Essene theory takes into account some significant differences between the world view expressed in some of the scrolls and the Essenes as described by the classical authors. Together, the two theories may be called the "Qumran-sectarian theory". (Wikipedia)

Other theories concerning the origins of the scrolls are:

• It was a Sadducee community in Qumram.
  
• The scrolls came from several libraries in Jerusalem and were hidden in 68-70 AD during the Roman Seige.
  
• The scrolls were part of the actual library of the Temple in Jerusalem
  
• A Christian connection (that prying1 sees as wishful thinking) that one scrap is from the book of Mark or that James the Just and Paul of Tarsus are described on scraps in some way.

Apparently the recommended reading list and stated lecturers do not touch upon the debates concerning the origins of the scrolls themselves. That is, the Qumran-Essene theory versus the newer theories. For years there was a clique of scholars that had control over the scrolls until they were forced to release them for others to study. It appears that the same clique is running the Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibition at San Diego Natural History Museum as at the Seattle Exhibition last year and others in previous years.

For example the book, Who Wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls?: The Search for the Secret of Qumran by Dr. Norman Golb could easily be listed but it is not. Dr. Golb's and numerous other author's evidence contrary to the Qumran-Essene theory has not appeared at any 'official' showing of the scrolls.

prying1 sez: In the United States people love debate. Especially if pies are thrown at the end. Just kidding about the pies but I'm not kidding about the debate. The San Diego Museum and the Associations sponsoring the showing of the scrolls are seeking monetary gain (and rightly so - They need and deserve pay for the work being done concerning the scrolls. The scrolls don't preserve and translate themselves.) along with their desire to 'entertain' and 'teach the public'. If they were smart they would play on this controversy. I'm not saying that they should advertise it like a wrestling smackdown but it could be played up and have two opponents meet to present their views. Perhaps two panels to meet and confer in a public setting with or without tickets.

I'm certain it would selland increase interest in the showing. Looking at the lecture schedule it looks like there are plenty of nights available to toss this subject in.

I am in no way a scholar although I'm not stupid either. Seems to me the ones "holding on to the knowledge" are simply trying to make
themselves appear more important than they really are. To me that is
sad.

I thought that when they finally released the scrolls in the 90's that they might
have figured that out for themselves. Living in an ivory tower does
not make a person smarter than others or more right than another. - -
- - If they are afraid of debate they are simply afraid of being
proven wrong.

Truth is. (please note period at the end of that statement) I like to
use the word immutable as a qualifying word for 'truth'.

So if they are right or wrong they should learn the truth and move on.

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Spc. Jordan William HessWednesday Hero

This Weeks Hero Was Submitted by Beth

Spc. Jordan William Hess
27 years old from Marysville, Washington
Company C, 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment
December 5, 2006


"Specialist Hess died of wounds received on a battlefield upon which no markers or memorials exist, yet his name will be etched upon the small part of each of our hearts that has hardened to stone by the realization of his passing. I will take Specialist Jordan Hess’ name to my own grave, in the hope that I can somehow preserve the honorable life that he led,” said Capt. Ian Lauer, commander of Company C.

Spc. Hess was a study in contrasts who loved a challenge. He had a warrior's spirit and was thrilled at the chance to serve his county, his parents said from their home in Marysville. He also was content to look for his muse in various forms of art, including glass-blowing, photography and poetry. It was this balance that people will remember most about the 26-year-old who was critically injured Nov. 11 in Ta'Meem, Iraq, when an IED detonated near his combat patrol.

A three-year veteran in the U.S. Army, Hess spent more than a year in Korea as well as time in Germany, always looking for an overseas assignment, Bill and Tammy Hess said. They knew their son was on his way to Kuwait the last time they spoke with him in October, and they suspected he had been deployed to Iraq as part of a tank unit when they didn’t hear from him for several weeks. After his injury, Hess was flown back to the United States and treated for several weeks at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. His parents, as well as his six brothers and one sister, were flown there to be with him.

"None of us wanted to see him hurt like that," Bill Hess said. "But one of the greatest blessings in my life was that we were able to say goodbye."

Hess was an avid wrestler from the time he was young, and news of his death circulated at Lake Stevens High School, where he attended until 1999. "He was a strong-willed, independent young man with a unique sense of humor," the Lake Stevens wrestling coaches said in a statement. "The Lake Stevens wrestling community today feels a strong sense of loss."

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Have Every Right To Dream Heroic Dreams.
Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. If you would like to participate in honoring the brave men and women who serve this great country, you can find out how by clicking here.

~~~~~

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Some Blogging Without the Flogging

Ok - It has been a few days since I've posted. Been pretty busy and plus all the news is...

Let's just say, "Typical".

Well. I could comment on Hillary, Pelosi and Cindy Sheehan but then I'd be accused of attacking them and of being insecure in my masculinity when confronted by 'strong women'.

Heaven forbid that should happen.

I did hear that the U.N. voted to outlaw war but it didn't work out the way they wanted it to. Half a dozen third world nations have initiated hostilities against one another each seeking the U.N. commission of enforcing the law.

"There will be big bucks involved in this racket." said one un-named but reliable dictator. "Whoever is chosen to lead the U.N. army into places where there is chaos and confusion will get the spoils from sacking, plundering and pillaging. I want that loot!!!".

His sentiments were echoed by the toadies he had surrounding him.

I noticed that recently that my thinking hasn't been as sharp as it was in my younger years so I finally broke down and bought some of those memory pills through a spam email offer. I don't think they work very well though. I keep forgetting to take them.

~~~~~

My boss and his wife said, "Hey! We didn't get ptomaine over the holidays. Let's take a vacation on a cruise ship." - - -

They made it back ok but still I have to wonder why anyone would want to take the chance....

I mean. Stuck out in the ocean and the only doc around is either another passenger that ate the shrimp too or the ship's doctor that lost his license because he was always too drunk to write prescription's legible enough for pharmacists to read...

Me. I'll stick to dry land. Unless I get to fish and those cruise ship decks are too high off the water for that.

~~~~~
I got tagged the other day by Doug of Political Pistachio - Hopefully I can answer on Saturday when I get a bit of time.

~~~~~

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Your Name On Credit Card Apps = Trouble!

This has been around before. In fact the original postings for the hattips are from posts dating back to April 06. But this is something that can never be said enough. Your good name and credit rating are in JEOPARDY!

Rob of Cockeyed.com TORE UP A CREDIT CARD APP THAT CAME IN THE MAIL WITH HIS NAME AND ADDRESS ON IT. Taped it together. Changed the address and used a cell phone number on it.
Click here to see what happened after he mailed it in.

Be sure to click on the link at the bottom of the page that says: Page Two of My Torn-Up Credit Card Application -

prying1 sez: If you cannot afford a shredder then at least tear the name/address in half and dispose of the pieces separately. Sometimes I take half to work to dump it. - I know. I should do it all the time. So should you...

Hat tip to Fraud, Phishing and Financial Misdeeds who hat tips I'm thinking of the "O" Word. Both of these people are well worth cultivating as friends. I have and I know it is one thing I have done right in this world.

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This Is How To Run A War! - Somali Government Whoops On Islamic Militia -

Somalia has decided that utilizing political correctness in dealing with murderers and terrorists doesn't work.

The UN-backed Somali government is closing in on a fortified town occupied by remnants of the Islamic militia that formerly controlled much of the country, a government official said Friday.

Government troops, supported by soldiers from neighbouring Ethiopia, are preparing to attack Ras Kamboni on the southern tip of Somalia, where fighters for the Council of Islamic Courts have dug in, Defence Minister Col. Barre (Hirale) Aden Shire said.

"Today we will launch a massive assault on the Islamic courts
militias," he said. "They have dug huge trenches around Ras Kamboni but have only two options: to drown in the sea or to fight and die."

Meanwhile, the U.S. navy is patrolling the Indian Ocean near the town to prevent the militia from escaping, the Associated Press reported.

Government and Ethiopian forces have been fighting the militia since Ethiopia declared war on the Islamic militants on Dec. 24. The militia has been driven from the capital, Mogadishu, and much of the area they occupied in southern Somalia.

The militants want to rule Somalia according to Islamic law.

From CBC.ca report - More Here -

Would that the U.S. follow suit in dealing with Islamofascists...

~~~~~~~

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Wednesday Hero Sgt. Brent Dunkleberger

This weeks hero was submitted by Jimbailoni

Sgt. Brent Dunkleberger
29 years old from New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania
1st Calvary Division, 4th Brigade Combat Team
December 11, 2006


Sgt. Dunkleberger was on his second tour of duty in Iraq when he was killed by an RPG when his convoy was attacked while on a security mission.

"We can't put into words right now the grief we feel, but we can put into words how proud we are of Brent. He chose to serve our country and give his life for what he believed in," said William Dunkleberger, Brent's father. "we thank the community for the outpouring of support and ask everyone to continue to pray for us. We also ask the media to respect our privacy during this very difficult time."

Sgt. Dunkleberger graduated high school in 1996 and enlisted in the United States Army in 2003 and became a tank driver for the 1st Calvary Division, 4th Brigade Combat Team.

He is survived by his wife and four children.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Have Every Right To Dream Heroic Dreams.
Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. If you would like to participate in honoring the brave men and women who serve this great country, you can find out how by clicking here.


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Dead Sea Scrolls Coming To San Diego

Coming to San Diego, June 29–December 31, 2007!

While the scrolls have been exhibited in the U.S. before, Dead Sea Scrolls will be the most comprehensive exhibition of the scrolls ever assembled, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Dead Sea Scrolls was created by the San Diego Natural History Museum for the Museum specifically, and will not travel to any other venue.

To ensure preservation of the 2000-year-old parchment, the IAA only allows scrolls to be exhibited for a three-month period. The Museum has been granted the unusual opportunity for a six-month exhibition with 12 scrolls displayed for the first three months, replaced by another set of 12 for the last three months.

San Diego Natural History Museum Website has all the info. The left hand panel on their website has a link to ticket information and lecture tours.

For those who don't know about the Dead Sea Scrolls - Wikipedia has a good article on it. -

For those interested in Dead Sea Scroll trivia Centuryone.com has 25 Fascinating Facts About the Dead Sea Scrolls

~~~~~~
UPDATE: Quite an interesting little conrovery over the Dead Sea Scrolls. - Well to me it is interesting. - Are the 'powers that be' more interested in truth or control?I've posted on it here.
~~~~~~

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Nice Start For A New Year

Wife and I ended up the last year by scrubbing the house and throwing an open party for the folks at church. Could not have done it without my dear daughter coming for a Christmas visit. We made her work so hard she was glad to fly back home. Took her to LAX airport this morning.

Traffic to and from LAX was light I think because, "Who wants to fly on New Years Day?" - Everyone wants to watch the parade and football games. A lot more enjoyable than sitting cramped in a metal tube breathing semi-recycled air.

Doug at Political Pistachio posted on today's eve, (Yesterday to those of you in Rio Linda)

Let's face it, my dear friends, Hell is paved with good intentions. Resolutions, I suppose, mean well, but they usually last as long as Saddam on a short rope. Rather than making a bunch of resolutions we don't plan of keeping, how about we use some common sense this year, be friendly to our neighbors even though the branches of their annoying tree are hanging over the fence and we have to trim them every week, let in a few folks on the roadway even though a dozen more cars will squeeze in behind them, and turn away from our bad habits even though they will haunt us until we give in.

So today, while zipping through LAX...

Wait. Maybe I better explain a bit.

The majority of my life I have lived near LAX. I love the place. Not enough to work there but that is neither here nor there. Friends and I used to ride our bicycles through the place late at night.

When I say through I mean THROUGH.

We would go up and down the walkways that led to the plane terminals. Take our bikes on elevators and escalators. There are underground walkways almost like hidden passageways that lead from one outer terminal to the next. Doors that lead to the underbelly of the airport and out to the runways. We would ride around the planes as they were being loaded and unloaded. Only once did anyone try to stop us. Some employees would just smile and wave as we would zip by. We owned the place.

Unlike today security was lax at LAX in the '60's/early '70's. - Nuff said about that. These days I just settle for driving through the loop.

Well Political Pistachio's line, "let in a few folks on the roadway even though a dozen more cars will squeeze in behind them." I took to heart today. Well at times I did. There were jerks trying to cut across four lanes of busy roadway to get to a shortcut and I would yell at them. My wife and daughter thought I had road rage but as I explained to them that if it were really road rage I would hit 'em.

At one point nearing the exit of the LAX airport I knew the lane to the left of me was to become a "left turn only/airport return" lane and my lane would become a fork to either go straight or turn left for an airport return/north on Sepulveda Blvd exit...

I could see it coming. I figured the car next to me had an unsupecting chump that would need to get over so I slowed down considerably to let him get in front of me.

Sure enough he turned on his signal and moved into my lane. I had done my duty as outlined in Doug's posting! I felt good about myself.

Then the guy, obviously filled with indecision, slightly swerved left, right, left, right and took the left turn anyway.

So much for "good intentions" Doug. I tried. At least the road ahead of me was clear and there was no other people to yell at for a while.

~~~~~

By the way. For those who have missed it or have not looked at my sidebar. Cary and TMBWitW Cartter had their baby. Click here for the story and pics.

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Saddam Hussein Hanged

Woke up this morn to some good news. Saddam Hussein was hanged before dawn yesterday for crimes against humanity.

The headline, "Switzerland frowns at Saddam's execution" did not surprise me.

Swiss foreign ministry stated, "For Switzerland the death penalty cannot be justified, even for the most serious of crimes. This fundamental position also applies for the case of Saddam Hussein,"


How sweet. Just like their chocolate...

Some other quotes I've found follow. (Italics mine)

"We took him to the gallows and he was saying some few slogans. He was very, very, very, broken," said Iraqi National Security Adviser Muwaffak al-Rubaie, one of the few witnesses.

Clutching a copy of the Koran, Saddam was led into the building. "You could see the fear in his face," al-Rubaie said.

What? He did not want to see Allah face to face and get his bevy of virgins?
~~~~~

From his Texas ranch, US President George Bush issued a prompt statement praising Saddam's trial. "Today, Saddam Hussein was executed after receiving a fair trial - the kind of justice he denied the victims of his brutal regime," Bush said.

No sense getting too verbose. This does say it all.
~~~~~

The Vatican described the execution as tragic, saying it could feed a spirit of vengeance.

The Vatican has lost it's sense of right and wrong. They, of all organizations, should know the Ten Commandments say, "Thou shalt not murder", not "Thou Shalt not kill." - This event could also feed a spirit of freedom!
~~~~~

British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said Saddam had been held to account.

"I welcome the fact that Saddam Hussein has been tried by an Iraqi court for at least some of the appalling crimes he committed against the Iraqi people."

Why bother with the rest of his crimes being tried. Some shyster lawyers would just be making a living off of him.
~~~~~

Among the Palestinians, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum condemned the execution, calling it a "political assassination" of a "prisoner of war" whose hanging was "in violation of international law."

What does Hamas know about International Law?
~~~~~

The Fatah movement also condemned the execution, according to the Palestine News Network. It also said that the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails had announced several days of mourning.

Let 'em go on a hunger strike too. Cost less to keep 'em.
~~~~~

The tribe of Saddam and the municipal council of his home town Tikrit demanded that the body would be taken to Tikrit in a US plane and under US protection so that he could be buried there.

Demanded??? What? So they can attack the plane and US personnel. Forget it.

Sheikh Ali al-Nada of the Tikrit-based al-Bayjat tribe and the town council said Saddam Hussein should be buried close to his two dead sons, Uday and Qusay.

How about we throw his remains in a wood chipper (feet first) and scatter the remains over Iran? Might get some Iranian bigwigs to thinking...

Playfuls.com - Violence, Condemnation, Jubilation As Saddam Is Hanged -
Cross posted at BloggerNews.Net

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Heroes of the Left!

This is really old news but it has a bit of an update.

Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, announced today that a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C. upheld the vast majority of a lower court award to Judicial Watch of nearly $900,000 in attorney's fees and costs in a lawsuit related to the Clinton fundraising scandals (Judicial Watch v. U.S. Department of Commerce, Appeal No. 05-5366) The fees were awarded on December 1, 2006, after a nearly decade-long court battle between Judicial Watch and the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The scandal involved a scheme by Clinton administration officials to sell seats on taxpayer-funded trade missions in exchange for campaign contributions to the 1996 Clinton-Gore campaign. When Judicial Watch began investigating the scandal, Clinton administration officials deliberately concealed and destroyed records regarding the trade missions to avoid releasing them to Judicial Watch. In fact, Ms. Nolanda Hill, a business partner and confidante of then Clinton Commerce Secretary Ron Brown, testified at a dramatic court hearing during the litigation that the Clinton White House "instructed" Brown "to delay the [Judicial Watch] case by withholding the production of documents prior to the 1996 elections, and to devise a way not to comply with the court’s orders."

Ms. Hill also testified that Brown, who was killed in a plane crash during a trade mission to Bosnia, admitted to her that Hillary Clinton conceived of the scheme to sell trade mission seats. Specifically, the court heard testimony on how Brown allegedly complained about being "Hillary’s [expletive] tour guide."

Full Story by Tom Fitton at:
The Conservative Voice.com

prying1 sez: Even facts like these will not deter the "Liberal, Progressive Left" from voting for Hillary Clinton nor will they back off on what a wonderful guy Impeached president Bill Clinton is. The left needs to wake up but as long as they "feel good" they will accept the old adage concerning polititians that, "They are all crooks", and continue voting for crooks.

~~~~~~~~

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Baby Bell Update

Rick Bell of The Bamboo Bell blog is an American Teacher in China. he and his wife are home on leave. His wife is due to have a baby in April. Unfortunately there are complications in the pregnancy which will delay their return to China. Please note the lines in the right hand box "Prayer Request for a Little Bell" and use that for a reminder to lift Baby Bell up in prayer to the Living God.

Rick emailed an update on his wife's and their unborn baby's condition.

A quick rundown.

The good news is there are no chromosome problems.

The baby's blood is rh positive and Jennifer has developed antibodies against that.

This could go by without any problem, or it could mean the need for blood transfusions in the womb.

Jennifer will need to see a specialist on a weekly basis.

The hole in the baby's heart is still there.

It is a large hole, one the doctor says cannot heal on its own except by miracle.
It can be fixed- which means surgery at some point from birth to perhaps a year old - To be determined later.

And Housing/Work needs.

Logistically, we need to be in Cincinnati (Children's Hospital and family and church). We plan to be there in about two weeks. We need a home to rent and I will need to find work.

Rick has not asked but I'm sure they could use some donations. You can email him through his blogsite. - The Bamboo Bell -

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The Freedom Project

I for one like it when a man steps up and out. Especially after being down for a while.

Minuteman 76 at Freedom or Death has a project going where he plans to travel the country visiting disabled vets and blogging about it.

Minuteman 76 sez:

Put simply, the Freedom Project is my dream, goal in life, and primary focus. It’s not just about helping myself lead a better life, it’s also about helping other Disabled Veterans who slid into the same deep pit of hopelessness that I did. Due to PTSD, alcoholism, and debilitating full-body arthritis I became useless to others and myself. I couldn’t perform the only job I had skills for, suffered from extreme depression, and ruined relationships with friends, family, and significant others. I was content to drink myself to death and leave a path of physical and emotional destruction in my wake.

Then I woke up.

I sought help through the VA, quit drinking, am soon to quit smoking, and put my disability percentage under review. But all of that is nothing without a defined goal, a purpose, something to set my sights on.

Hence, the Freedom Project. I propose to travel the United States, living full-time in a 28’ RV trailer, meeting other Disabled Vets, getting their stories out, and showing the ones who feel hopeless that no matter what, you can turn your life around if you work hard enough and get support from those around you.

Read about his plans and see it if is something you might want to support. If not monetarily then through links and blogposts.

~~~~~~
Hat tip - To Cary Cartter - (Yes! That's two T's) of I'm Thinking of the O Word. -
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Wednesday Hero Blogroll - 27 Dec 06 -

The following post is written by Wednesday Hero Blogroll - Please note that the use of first person (I & I'll) does not mean me - Paul/prying1 - Thanks.

Every once and awhile I'll do a Wednesday Hero that doesn't profile a single soldier. Sometimes it's been two or three from the same unit, sometimes it's been an entire group of soldiers like the Navajo Code Talkers. I even did an organization once, Operation Iraqi Children. This weeks Wednesday Hero is one of those sometimes. This weeks Wednesday Heroes are the parents of soldiers.

These people sacrifice just as much, if not more, than the soldiers themselves. They, in many cases, are having their babies leave home for the first time in their lives. While most parents only have to adjust to them moving a few miles away or going off to college, these Blue Star Parents have to watch their children go off to a very dangerous situation and can only hope and pray that everything will turn out okay. I don't have children of my own, so I can't even imagine what that is like. We have a few Blue Star Parents in the blogroll, so to them, and every parent of a Hero, I tell you we all stand with and support you and your family.There's a site that everyone should check out if they haven't already. Blue Star Mothers Of America.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

We Have Every Right To Dream Heroic Dreams.

Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. If you would like to participate in honoring the brave men and women who serve this great country, you can find out how by clicking here.

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Merry Christmas To Both Sides of the Aisle.

I has to drag this out of hybernation from last year just in case some of you missed it.

For My Democratic Friends:

"Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2006, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. And without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee. By accepting these greetings you are accepting these terms. This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for herself or himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher."

For My Republican Friends:

Here's wishing all of You a

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

~~~~~~~~

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