Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Carolina Day – A Day To Thank The Patriots You Drink Your Tea With Ice

Prefer your tea with ice? You’re Iced Tea with a twist of lemon or a sprig of mint instead of hot and with milk? Then today is the day you need to thank the brave Patriot’s that manned the half finished unnamed fort on Sullivan’s Island, SC over 200 years ago.

Today, we celebrate Carolina Day.

On June 28, 1776, the Patriot forces defeated the British at a half completed fort built out of palmetto trees and sand on a barrier island, giving this newborn country a badly needed boost with one of the first major victories in the American Revolution. Six days later, on July 4, 1776, the First Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence.

It is said that the victory at Fort Moultrie, named for Col. William Moultrie, commander that faithful day, is what pushed the Congress to act. Today at 7:30pm, we honor this man and all the solders that day with the unveiling of an iron fence around Gen. Moultrie’s grave on Fort Moultrie.

In honor of all of the brave men who gave their life for our freedom, stop for a moment and think about the incredible gift they gave you. Stop and think about the freedom that you have, the freedom to have life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Stop and think about all that they sacrificed to give this to you. Stop and think about the Declaration of Independence that was signed, that our country fought for. Stop and say a prayer for their souls, that they are sitting with the Lord.

Now stop and think about what you have, about the freedom that you have. Who gave you that freedom? Yes, The Declaration of Independence gives you that – but who paid the price? Who is paying the price at this moment? Then stop and think about the men and women who fight for you 24/7/365 so that you keep that freedom all day, every day, right now. If you value your freedom, say a prayer for them now or, if you don’t pray, then just keep them in your heart.

God Bless Our Men & Women, Past, Present and Future.

*Gen Moultrie was promoted after the war to Major General and later served 2 terms as the Governor of SC.

**Sullivan’s Island is a barrier island located just off of Charleston, SC.

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Lindsey Found Time To Address My Concerns!

NOTE: My comments are italized. Senator Grahams quotes are in bold.

Actually, he found the time to send me a 4 page letter explaining his stance on immigration AFTER I e-mailed him and told him that as far as I was concerned, voting for amnesty had cost him my vote. (Along with my husbands vote too.) I'll give him this much, he did not ignore my e-mail and/or just eighty-six it. He took the time to answer, though I am sure it is a form letter. Now we just need to get rid of the RINO on his back.

The letter starts out very polite and thanks me for expressing my concern and agrees that the current immigration laws are not working. (hello? They might if they were enforced.)He then goes into a brief rundown of my views on immigration reform and how the Senate began to address these issues.

Border Security

The first issue to address in immigration reform must be border security. (Ya think?) Among the major provisions, it authorizes the hiring of an additional 14,000 Border Patrol agents over the next five years. It also calls for the construction of at least 370 miles of triple-layer fencing and 500 miles of vehicle barriers to be placed in high-traffic border crossing areas where people can literally walk into the United States. He then goes on to state that 'virtual fences' would be used in remote locations and that the 'Catch and Release' program would end. because the Senate bill authorizes the construction of 20 new detention facilities capable of housing 20,000 detainees, we will be able to detain, house, and eventually deport them back to their home country when they are apprehended. (Ok, bucko, I told you in the e-mail, we need a triple layer border ALL THE WAY ACROSS with a couple of gates for people who can cross LEGALLY. And, oh great, lets spend even more of my hard earned money on detention centers. Use that money to build a wall.)

Employee Verification and Employer Enforcement

We have been too lax in enforcement of our well-intentioned but inadequate and confusing employment laws. (Again, Ya Think? Gee, maybe if we fine a company $50,000 per illegal alien per day found to be working at a company, I'll bet this problem would slow down a lot!) We must provide the tools they (employers) need too not only comply with the law, but also to stay in business. Creating a workable employee verification system will also free up the enforcement officers to go after the unscrupulous businesses who knowingly violate our employment laws. (Alright, I actually agree with this section. We do need a database of some sort to keep up with legal status of immigrants.)

Undocumented Workers

(Here we go, they are ILLEGAL ALIENS! What part of this do you not understand Lindsey?)Like President Bush, I don't think we are capable of, nor have the national will to, deport 11 million people. Further, an immediate roundup and deportation of this workforce would have negative consequences for our economy, potentially sending it into a tailspin. (My butt! Yes, we can deport them. They broke the law when they came here illegally. Any about all those jobs - why can't able-bodied people between the ages of 18 and 60 that receive welfare take those jobs. Anyone on welfare that is able to work gets a job and/or training and is weaned off of welfare.) Graham then goes into how illegal aliens are brought out of the shadows and must pay fines, attend classes, blah, blah, blah. He also says the program is not amnesty. Amnesty is what President Carter gave to Vietnam draft dodgers who fled to Canada. (There are so many ways I can go here, I need a road map to pick which way!)

Lindsey then concludes with a summary of the above and thanks me for taking time to contact him. I am going to spend the next few nights drafting a reply that is not quite so snarky. :)

Let me know your opinion and/or thoughts as to what I should say in my reply.

A Fast Way To NOT Get My Vote!

Today is the Republican Primary Runoff in South Carolina. One race in particular is of importance to me – SC House Seat 119 – my district. The two candidates, Greg Hart and Susan Piper. Both are very straight talking conservatives. The choice was going to be pretty tough – I liked them both.

TILL LAST NIGHT.

I retrieved my mail and started sorting thru it. A bill (yuk), a sale paper (good bathroom reading) , a post card from Greg Hart asking me go out and vote Tuesday, and a rolled up piece of paper secured so tightly around the middle with a rubber band that I had to cut it off. This piece of garbage in my mailbox was from Susan Piper telling me that everything Greg Hart has said is a lie. Does this mean that everything she has said is a lie? I mean, they have been saying the same things for weeks now. And why is she putting balled up pieces of paper in my mailbox?

Anyhow, Mr. Hart received my vote, my husbands and the votes of 4 of my neighbors. Never underestimate the power of a junky mailbox!

Thursday, June 08, 2006

Burning For Eternity!

Our troups have done a wonderful job! I believe I'll raise my glass in their honor this evening. Fine Job!

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

It is Suddenly a Meme!

Folly Pundit is running with a Meme for locals, 3 things I love about Charleston. What the heck, I'm in.

3 Things I Love About Charleston:

1. Watching the surfers at the Folly Beach Washout - Oh, to be young again!

2. Picnics at White Point Garden by the Battery.

3. Hotdogs and beer at The Joe when the Riverdogs are in town.

The Charleston 22 - Updated

The "Charleston 22" went to their first hearing yesterday. 4 of the 22 pleaded guilty to gambling charges and received a $100.00 fine. The remaining 18 entered not guilty pleas and asked for a jury trial. (I heard on the radio this morning that in almost 200 years, only ONE person has ever been convicted of gambing in this state - am looking for proof.)

There have been lots of letters to the editor and this has been discussed on tv and radio. In fact, the SC Organization of Poker Enthusiasts has a great round-up.

See also: Free The Charleston 22

Top Ten Reasons

I meant to post this last week - better late than never.

Sen. Jim Demint (SC-R) has his "Top Ten Reasons To Oppose The Senate Immigration Bill" up on his web site. Here's as taste:

May 25th, 2006 - Washington D.C. - Today, Senator Jim DeMint (R-S.C) announced his intention to vote against the Senate immigration compromise that would grant amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants. Senator DeMint also released his “Top Ten Reasons to Oppose the Senate Amnesty Bill”.

“We will never solve the problem of illegal immigration by rewarding those who break our laws,” said Senator DeMint. “We must stop illegal immigration by securing the border and creating a temporary worker program that does not reward illegal behavior with a clear path to citizenship and voting rights.”

“This bill fails to do that. Instead, it guarantees amnesty with only the promise of border security and enforcement. We tried the same formula in 1986, and it only made the problem worse. This puts those here illegally in front of those waiting to enter the right way, and that’s the wrong message for a nation of laws to send.”


Go check out the Top Ten.

Unfortunately, SC's Senior Senator, Lindsey Graham (RINO), thinks the Immigration Bill is a wonderful thing. “The support shown today in the Senate is consistent with the American people’s desire to find a comprehensive solution to our immigration problems,” said Graham. I am pretty sure Graham has not been reading the local papers, listening to talk radio, or even reading his email; otherwise he would know that the good people of SC do not support this waste of paper.

I guess he doesn't realize that the voters sent him to Washington to work FOR the citizens of SC, not AGAINST us! We will remember this Lindsey.

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

It's Almost Here!

Dave Barry gives the best hurricane advice yet!

Yes, I'm Still Here

Life has a tendancy to get a tad busy occasionally. Since Friday, I have been to the beach twice, a family reunion, a Memorial Day Observance at the cemetary, and to the Circus. It's nice to get back to work so I can relax!

The Spoleto Festival is going on now, so chance are slim that things will slow down for the next few weeks.

I've got 3 post in draft mode - hope to have them up this afternoon. For now, it's back to work. I've got 14 motherboards that have to be replaced.

Did I say I was glad to be back at work?

PS - Lil GeeChee Girl also had her Dance Recital about a week ago. She is the 4th child from the right. Aren't they beautiful!

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Lt. Gov. In Plane Crash

052305 – 8pm: At approximately 6:20pm today, Lt Gov. of SC, Andre Bauer and a passenger were in a single engine plane crash in Blacksburg, SC. Initial reports are that the Lt. Gov. and passenger were conscious as they were medivaced to local hospitals.

10pm Update: The Lt. Gov. was piloting a Moonie 231 Single Engine Plane. The engine had just been overhauled. Bauer is in a Greenville hospital with arm and leg injuries and is said to be in good condition. His passenger is in a Spartanburg hospital with minor injuries.

052406 8am Update: Passenger John Leonhardt, age 70, is said to be in fair condition. Bauer has an injured arm and a broken ankle. More info from the local paper.

Free The Charleston 22!

Last month, state police entered a private residence with guns drawn. Were they looking for a fugitive from justice? A murderer? A sexual predator? No. They were looking for an illegal poker game.

Yes, you read that right.

The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) broke into a 73 year old woman’s home to raid a friendly neighborhood poker game. $20.00 to enter the game, winner takes all. SLED confiscated the money on the table, the money in pockets, wallets and purses. They confiscated the cards and card tables. Well, I feel so much safer now that these evil criminals are off our streets.

In SC, it is illegal to play any game that involves dice or cards. This means that not only are poker and blackjack illegal, but also monopoly, trivial pursuit and solitaire. When I play Go Fish with the Lil GeeCheeGirl, I am breaking the law. Of course, it is not illegal to go to the corner store and buy a ticket for the SC Education Lottery. That is government sanctioned gambling.

Here in the south we take pride in our past – good and bad. But there comes a time when archaic laws need to be updated or just plain thrown out.

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Gee, I'm More Normal Than I Thought!

You Are 50% Weird

Normal enough to know that you're weird...
But too damn weird to do anything about it!

Friday, May 19, 2006

Gullah Phrase Of The Week

T'engk'Gawd I iz mek fuh bighouse.

Thank God I am going to the house. (My house that is, see you Monday!)

So I Left For A While – Sue Me!

First off, let me say,

I’m Sorry.

I should have alerted the 7 people who read this blog that I was taking a sudden vacation. It was very rude of me to just up and leave. My Granny, who passed away 14 years ago, told me that it was tacky to just drop out like this – sorry Granny.

*FYI – All Southerners talk to the deceased, and yes, the deceased talk back. It’s a genetic thing.

I really just needed a break. I have a great husband, an amazing 4 yr old daughter, a 60 year old, 3 bedroom home that needs constant upkeep, a fulltime computer job, a 10 yr old car that thinks it should die (not), etc., etc.

I am also Depressed.

I have been depressed since I was 12 years old. Unfortunately, I and my family did not figure this out till I sliced both my wrist open in September of 1998. Thank you God that I am crappy with a blade!

When the depression gets bad, I have this tendency to withdrawal from society, which is what I have done. In order to get my life back, I occasionally take a break. This time away gave me time to think. It gave me time to spend time with my husband. It gave me time to spend some real time with my daughter.

Yes, I am on meds and I am in constant contact with my MD. I am only going to blog during the week – weekends are reserved for family ONLY! You should see my calendar from now to August – cookouts, beach, baseball! Yep, life is definitely better with family!

I’m Taking My Ball And Going Home!

Everyone who has a blog has the right to set their own rules. However, when the owner of a site resorts to hate filled name calling instead of trying to support their arguments, you just know there will be trouble ahead.

Earlier this week, Polipundit issued an ultimatum to the guest bloggers – agree with me or get out. So much for debating the pros and/or cons of an issue. I believe this is called ‘Autocracy’.

Ultimately, I believe that this is going to work out great for all concerned. This is a great opportunity for Lorie, DJ, Alex and Jayson to start their own Group Blog. I predict and instant hit! In the meantime, go and catch up with Lorie and DJ.

Welcome To My Garden




This is some of what I have been doing during my ‘off’ time. Playing in the dirt can be very therapeutic! I’ve planted tomatoes (3 kinds), bell peppers (green and red), banana peppers, okra, cantaloupe, cucumbers, squash, eggplant and some dill (in the pot in the corner).

Now, considering I have a total of 8 tomato plants, I have to be creative with how I use them. 8 plants, treated well, produce A LOT of tomatoes. This recipe is one of my all time favorites. I have about 10 green tomatoes on my plants right now. I sure hope they are big enough by the weekend! I love Fried Green Tomatoes for Sunday breakfast!

Fried Green Tomatoes

Two large, firm, green tomatoes freshly picked from the vine
1 cup corn meal
½ cup flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Bacon grease
Cast Iron Frying Pan

Mix all dry ingredients together in a large Ziploc bag. Slice tomatoes in approximately ¼ inch slices. Sprinkle tomato slices with a bit of water. Put tomatoes in Ziploc bag and shake well. Be sure the slices are thoroughly coated. Remove slices one at a time and put in hot bacon grease. Fry about 1 ½ minutes on each side – till golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Enjoy!

Getting Ready For Hurricane Season!

Here on the coast, we take storm season very seriously. As seen last year in the gulf, if you are not prepared, you will be sh*t out of luck. It is up to each individual/family to be ready for the worst. So, since it is just 12 days to the beginning of hurricane season, I am posting a check list to help any newcomers to the area get prepared.

/SATIRE ON/

GETTING READY FOR HURRICANE SEASON!
Any day now, you're going to turn on the TV and see a weather person
pointing to some radar blob out in the Atlantic Ocean and making two basic meteorological points:

(1) There is no need to panic.

(2) We could all be killed.

Yes, hurricane season is an exciting time to be in South Carolina. If you’re new to the area, you're probably wondering what you need to do to prepare for the possibility that we'll get hit by "the big one." Based on our experiences, we recommend that you follow this simple three-step hurricane preparedness plan:

STEP 1.

Buy enough food and bottled water to last your family for at least three days

STEP 2.

Put these supplies into your car.

STEP 3.

Drive to Nebraska and remain there until Halloween. Unfortunately,
statistics show that most people will not follow this sensible plan. Most people will foolishly stay here in South Carolina. We'll start with one of the most important hurricane preparedness items:

HOMEOWNERS' INSURANCE:

If you own a home, you must have hurricane insurance. Fortunately, this
insurance is cheap and easy to get, as long as your home meets two basic requirements:

(1) It is reasonably well-built, and

(2) It is located in Nebraska.

Unfortunately, if your home is located in South Carolina, or any other area that might actually be hit by a hurricane, most insurance companies would prefer not to sell you hurricane insurance, because then they might be required to pay YOU money, and that is certainly not why they got into the insurance business in the first place. So you'll have to scrounge around for an insurance company, which will charge you an annual premium roughly equal to the replacement value of your house. At any moment, this company can drop you like used dental floss. Since Hurricane Georges, I have had an estimated 27 different home-insurance companies. This week, I'm covered by the Bob and Big Stan Insurance Company, under a policy which states that, in addition to my premium, Bob and Big Stan are entitled, on demand, to my kidneys.

SHUTTERS:
Your house should have hurricane shutters on all the windows, all the doors, and -- if it's a major hurricane -- all the toilets. There are several types of shutters, with advantages and disadvantages:

Plywood shutters: The advantage is that, because you make them yourself, they're cheap. The disadvantage is that, because you make them yourself, they will fall off.

Sheet-metal shutters: The advantage is that these work well, once you get them all up. The disadvantage is that once you get them all up, your hands will be useless bleeding stumps, and it will be December.

Roll-down shutters: The advantages are that they're very easy to use, and will definitely protect your house. The disadvantage is that you will have to sell your house to pay for them.

Hurricane-proof windows: These are the newest wrinkle in hurricane
protection: They look like ordinary windows, but they can withstand
hurricane winds! You can be sure of this, because the salesman says so. He lives in Nebraska.

Hurricane Proofing Your Property:

As the hurricane approaches, check your yard for movable objects like
barbecue grills, planters, patio furniture, visiting relatives, etc.. You should, as a precaution, throw these items into your swimming pool (if you don't have a swimming pool, you should have one built immediately). Otherwise, the hurricane winds will turn these objects into deadly missiles.

EVACUATION ROUTE:

If you live in a low-lying area, you should have an evacuation route planned out. (To determine whether you live in a low-lying area, look at your driver's license; if it says "South Carolina," you live in a low-lying area).

The purpose of having an evacuation route is to avoid being trapped in your home when a major storm hits. Instead, you will be trapped in a gigantic traffic jam several miles from your home, along with two hundred thousand other evacuees. So, as a bonus, you will not be lonely.

HURRICANE SUPPLIES:

If you don't evacuate, you will need a mess of supplies. Do not buy them now! South Carolina tradition requires that you wait until the last possible minute, then go to the supermarket and get into vicious fights with strangers over who gets the last can of SPAM.

In addition to food and water, you will need the following supplies:
*23 flashlights, at least $167 worth of batteries that turn out, when the power goes off, to be the wrong size for the flashlights.
*Bleach. (No, I don't know what the bleach is for. NOBODY knows what the bleach is for, but it's traditional, so GET some!)
*A 55-gallon drum of underarm deodorant.
*A big knife that you can strap to your leg. (This will be useless in a
hurricane, but it looks cool.)
*A large quantity of raw chicken, to placate the alligators. (Ask anybody who went through Camille; after the hurricane, there WILL be irate alligators.)
*$35,000 in cash or diamonds so that, after the hurricane passes, you can buy a generator from a man with no discernible teeth.

Of course these are just basic precautions. As the hurricane draws near, it is vitally important that you keep abreast of the situation by turning on your television and watching TV reporters in rain slickers stand right next to the ocean and tell you over and over how vitally important it is for everybody to stay away from the ocean.

/SATIRE OFF/

*I don’t know where this originated; I usually get it in an email every year about this time. Soon I will be posting a ‘real’ hurricane preparedness document. Lets all pray that no one will need it this year.

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

My Heart Is Broken

I know I am suppose to be blogging. I know that I am behind schedule. Sometimes life interrupts and you have to stop. That is what has happened to me. I meet a girl named Elena this week. She has changed my life. Her family has changed my life. Her father has made me think about what is important. What is important is being with your family, telling them that you love them, spending time with them, talking to them, listening to them.

God Bless You Elena. Thank you for Blessing Us.

Sunday, February 26, 2006

As Usual, I Am Behind Schedule!

It's 12:16am Sunday morning and I am bleaching my kitchen floor. I have 7 people coming for dinner Sunday at 1:30pm. I have 2 chuck roasts marinating and everything else ready to go. Since Friday morning, I have dealt with angry customers at work, a sick Lil GeeChee Girl (she feels better now), a home computer that was suddenly attacked with 57 different virus's, a side job that took much longer than expected, the normal routine of taking care of a family and now doing massive spring cleaning (I have washed the baseboards!). I have lots to say, unfortunately, it will have to wait till Sunday night. See You Then!

PS - In the meantime, check out the pic of Lil GeeChee Girl (in the blue dress) at a "Cinderella Party". They got to dress up, have a fashion show, and enjoy 'high tea'. She is such a girl!

Thursday, February 23, 2006

2nd Lt. Almar Fitzgerald - Go With God


Almar Fitzgerald, Class of 2004
The Citadel
The Military College of SC

Killed In Action, February 2006
Iraq

Thank You Sir for your sacrifice for our freedom. We will never forget you.

We Have A Guest In Town!

Ah, you can tell it is an election year here in SC. Every where you turn, you bump into some smooth talker telling you how he/she is going to make life better. Wait, are they Politicians or Yankees? ")

Thursday at 11am, Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney will be speaking at The Citadel. I plan to take my lunch hour then and go see what the man has to say. I'll report back tomorrow afternoon.

*The following is the press release from The Citadel regarding the speech Thursday morning.

Mass. Governor to address Corps of Cadets

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney will give a Greater Issues address at 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 23, at McAlister Field House on The Citadel campus. The speech is free and open to the public.

Romney is probably best known for his work with the 2002 Winter Olympics. With the games mired in controversy and facing financial crisis, he was asked to take over. As president and CEO of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee, he erased a $379 million operating deficit, organized 23,000 volunteers, galvanized community spirit, oversaw an unprecedented security mobilization to ensure public safety and led one of the most successful Olympics in the countryÂ’s history.

Following the success of the Winter Games, Romney was elected governor of Massachusetts. There, he was faced with another desperate situation. Without raising taxes or increasing debt, Romney closed a $3 billion budget deficit his first year in office and has successfully balanced the budget every year. By eliminating waste, streamlining the government and enacting comprehensive economic reforms to help spur growth in Massachusetts, Romney restored stability in Massachusetts.

The Greater Issues Series was founded in 1954 to engage cadetsÂ’ interest and knowledge in important topics of the day. Since it was established, the series has brought presidents, heads of state, scholars, diplomats, journalists and distinguished business and military leaders to Charleston and The Citadel. The Greater Issues series is made possible by a grant from The Mills B. Lane Memorial Foundation.

Thursday, February 16, 2006

Gullah Phrase

som's pusson disso chupid own puter.

Translation:

Some people just too stupid to own computers!

Can you tell I had a bad day at work?

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines Day everyone! Go hug your wife, husband, kids, parents, friends and let them know how much you love them. Do it every day. Life is precious, yet short. Don't miss a moment!

Sunday, February 12, 2006

My Favorite Memory

I was about 10 years old. My Mom, my Granny, myself, and my brother (he was 5 at the time) lived in a very rough area of North Charleston, SC. It was very common for me to be brought home by a neighbor because I had been in a fight or because someone was trying to fight me (or something worse). My Mom worked 3 jobs and went to school - working on her Bachelors of Science (she now has a Masters). She had just recently passed her GED and earned her Associates in Science. My Granny also worked part time and kept an eye on us.

Since Mom was working and going to school, I was basically in charge. I cooked, I cleaned, I got GeeChee Bubba ready every day and sent him to school. (I also fought for him but that is a story for another time!)

My Mom did not have a lot of time to spend with us, the time she spent with us was very special. At 10 years old, I wasn't a child, yet, not a teenager. I was that awful being that no one can explain, that person that is now called the horrible name 'tween'.

Barbies meant nothing, boys and makeup also meant nothing. Climbing trees suddenly seemed wrong, yet that is what I wanted to do! I was nothing more than a very tall, skinny kid who liked books and had no place in the world.

My Ma saw that something was wrong with her girl, with her oldest, with her soul. She saw that her child was no longer a child, yet not a woman, a person in conflict.

My Mom did the greatest thing a Mom could do, she gave herself.

Suddenly, my Ma demanded my presence after church on a Sunday. I was rather confused, what did I do now? I joined her (relucntantly), in her bedroom. She asked me to sit on her bed beside her and watch TV. I was shocked! She was usually studying, we were told to leave her alone. What was wrong with this picture?

It was 3:00 pm on a Sunday afternoon when I meet King Authur and The Knights of the Round Table on PBS.

I spent the winter and spring learning the wonderful tale. Every Sunday, whether she was at work, studying, whatever, she would stop what she was doing and spend one hour with me, King Authur, Merlin, Morgan Le Faye, Lancelot, Gwain, we would all become one world! I would no longer be alone, I would no longer be the tall, skinny, pale kid who lived in the library. I became that world, along with my Ma.

Thank you Mom. I Love You. I have loved you from the beginning. I will love you till the end. I love you Mom. I pray every day that I can give my child the same type of memory.

Friday, February 10, 2006

Where Are The Parents?

Robert Bailey was a smart, handsome young man of 11 who was well loved by his family, friends and school mates. He was always smiling. He was a smart, happy young man who made people smile just being in his presence. His Mom & Dad, along with their 5 children, had moved to a good neighborhood to get away from the drugs and violence that plagued their former neighborhood. They wanted a better life for the family. Life was good.

On the evening of January 21st, Robert was watching the Disney Channel with his 4 year old sister in the living room. He heard a commotion coming from the back yard and went to his back door to see what was going on. Seconds later, he was shot in the chest. His parents ran to his aid but there was nothing anyone could do. A week later, a 16 year old was arrested and charged with murder and a 15 year old was arrested for withholding information.

Read the following story from today's (02/10/06) edition of Charlestons Post & Courier. I am posting it here rather than linking to it because the P&C charges to read their archives, which this will become on 02/11/06. My comments are in italics.

For nearly three weeks, some North Charleston residents have expressed amazement that it was a stray bullet that killed 11-year-old Robert Bailey.

In testimony Thursday, a North Charleston police detective said the shot that tore through a fence and a back-door window wasn't an accident at all.

The two shots allegedly fired by Tehran Frazier, 16, were an attempt to scare the boy, Detective Keith Elmore said.

"(Frazier) saw someone looking out the window and thought they would call the cops," Elmore said. "He wanted to scare him off."

Robert had been watching television with his sister Jan. 21 when he heard a gunshot and walked to the back-door window of his home in the NorthPointe neighborhood off Dorchester Road to see what the commotion was about.

More details emerged Thursday during a detention hearing in Charleston County Family Court to determine if Frazier's 15-year-old friend, who is charged with withholding information from police, should be released from jail.

Judge R. Wright Turbeville ruled there was probable cause to charge the teenager, who must remain in the juvenile detention center for at least 10 more days.

Under oath, Elmore provided a detailed description of the information provided by the 15-year-old that led to Frazier's murder charge Feb. 1.

Roberts mother, Cassandra Bailey, and family members of the 15-year-old listened.

"To tell you the truth, I don't know what to think," Bailey said several hours after the hearing. "There are a bunch of different stories out there right now."

According to what the 15-year-old told Elmore, here's how events unfolded:

The 15-year-old, whose name wasn't released because he is a juvenile, was seen rolling a marijuana joint on Jan. 31 with two other teenagers at the Trailwood Mobile Home Park. Why is a 15 yr old smoking pot? Where are the parents? Elmore caught the 15-year-old, drove him to the station, and asked him about the homicide.

The 15-year-old told Elmore he had information about Roberts death.

Initially, the teenager provided a different story and the name of another person as the shooter. After further questioning, the 15-year-old told Elmore that he wanted to speak with a family member.

Elmore questioned the truthfulness of the teenagers story when his mother arrived at the station.

When his mother told him to tell the truth, the teen admitted he had lied, Elmore said.

He told Elmore that Frazier was the shooter. He said Frazier had robbed him of $6 on a dirt path behind Roberts house, although Elmore continues to question whether the robbery actually occurred.

After the robbery, Frazier fired a shot into the ground.

Seconds later the teenagers saw someone looking out the window. Frazier fired two shots in Roberts direction. One shot tore through a fence and window and struck the boy. Unaware that someone had been shot, the teens ran several hundred yards on the path toward their homes in the Trailwood Mobile Home Park.

They stopped at the end of the path, slapped hands and talked about Frazier's new handgun before they walked to their separate homes. The kid slaps hands with the person who 'robbed him'?

The 15-year-old said he realized what had happened when his mother turned on the television news.

"I know who did that," Elmore said the 15-year-old told his mother. His mother told him "to be quiet and mind his own business," Elmore said. Well, I guess I can see what type of Mom she is? Instead of asking what happened and offering to help, to call a lawyer (you can get one for free), she tells him to be quiet.

After Elmore provided information in court, the lawyer for the teenager addressed the judge.

Peter David Brown argued for the teenagers release. He said the 15-year-old first lied to police because he was afraid he or his family could be killed.

"He is on a second- and fifth-grade level in some areas," Brown said. "He needed his mother's advice." Ok, obviously, the Mom's advice was crappy. Also, he's 15 and on a 2nd to 5th grade level. Who's fault is that? Yes, SC has the worst schools in the nation but you CAN excel if you try and have FAMILY SUPPORT. Where was the Mom? Hell, where is the Dad? Notice that he is not mentioned anywhere.

Turbeville also listened to Shawn Barfield, a lawyer in the Family Court division of the solicitor's office, before he ordered the 15-year-old to remain in the juvenile detention center.

Meanwhile, detectives said they likely won't return to a retention pond in the mobile home park to search for a gun unless they receive another tip. No gun was found when detectives searched the murky water Feb. 3.

Elmore said they searched the pond after the 15-year-old told police during his initial story that the gun was thrown into the pond. The teenager later changed that story and has been unable to provide a location for the gun.

North Charleston police continue to search for the gun used to kill 11-year-old Robert Bailey. Anyone with information about the gun can call Crime Stoppers at 554-1111.

Reach John Chambliss at 937-5573 or jchambliss@postandcourier.com.


God rest your soul Robert. You will be missed. The citizens of Charleston will seek justice for you. And in your honor, may all parents pay more attention to their children.

This Is Beautiful

Its people like this that give me hope for the world.

Hattip: Betsy' Page

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

Update:Breastfeeding Legislation Made It!

WooHoo! SC 'just' might be making it into the 20th Century! My friend Lynn, thru massive time and effort, has accomplished something that should have happened years ago. She pushed thru legislation stating that IT IS NOT A CRIME TO BREASTFEED IN PUBLIC in the judicary committee. Thank You Lord. And thank you Lynn!

In case you did not know, a woman breastfeeding her child in public in SC at this moment in time runs the risk of being arrested for 'indecent exposure' in this state. Yes, you read that right. In this day in age, when we are trying to protect our children, raise them right, a mother can be fined for feeding her child.

Next step, in front of the full House!

Big Moment In The GeeChee House

This evening, a major event took place in the Lil GeeChee Girls Life. She started her first 'tying her own shoe lesson'. Now, for those of you who are asking, "why is she, at the age of 4 1/2, just learning, the answer is simple. Lil GeeChee Girl is a righty, GeeChee Hubby is a righty and GeeChee Girl (me) is a lefty. If I tried to teach her, she'd be in college before she figured it out! The only reason I can tie my own shoes is the fact that my mommy (Head GeeChee Girl), had my uncle teach me (also a lefty). PS - He also taught me how to use right handed sissors with my left hand.

Anyway, Hubby and I finally decided that he needed to sit down with the girl and give a lesson. I discovered rather quickly that this would work much better if I wasn't in the room. This is what happened:








Success!

Don't Forget The Past, Learn From It

38 Years ago today, the Orangeburg Massacre took place. I was 3 years old, a week away from turning 4. I do not remember this time in history. I only know what I have been told, what I have read and what I have researched. I do know that it was a wake up call for the citizens of South Carolina.

On February 8, 1968, 3 college students were murdered (not killed as the newspapers tell you) and 27 others were injured. Why you ask?

On February 8, 1968, the students of South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC peacefully protested the segregation they faced at All Star Bowling Alley. The local bowling alley would not allow blacks in to enjoy a night out. State troopers opened fired on the protest. At the time, they said students threw bricks and fired shots at them, but no guns were ever found. Samuel Hammond, Delano Middleton and Henry Smith were killed. God rest their souls.

These young people were protesting peacefully for what they believed in - A right, if I remember my history class, that is protected by the First Amendment. The Constitution of the United States says that we have the right to free speech - just what Samuel Hammond, Delano Middleton and Henry Smith died for.

Today, we have people dying for what they believe in. We have people protesting for what they believe in. I have no problem with that. I totally and fully support anyone and everyone who expresses their beliefs peacefully. Everyone in this country has that right, any one in this world has that right as far as I am concerned.

We also have people telling us that we can not voice our opinion because it offends others. Fine, you have the right to say that. You do not, however; have the right to kill people, to destroy property because someone does not believe as you. This I have a problem with and I believe that the brave young people who gave their lives in Orangeburg would be speechless at what is happening now. What if Samuel Hammond, Delano Middleton and Henry Smith had stayed home, what if they had not voiced their opinion. They gave their lives to make a difference. These young men gave their lives for freedom of speech, freedom of expression, they fought for what they believed in (in what I believe in). They fought PEACEFULLY. They were murdered by people not any different than the radicals today, people who are FRIGHTENED, people who are frightened by change. People who believe that oppression, control, destruction, pain are the only way of life. People who believe that the only way to remain in control, to remain in power is to destroy.

God Bless Samuel Hammond, Delano Middleton and Henry Smith. God Bless them for their strength and their courage. May we be more like them, may the world be more like them.

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
George Santayana, The Life of Reason, Volume 1, 1905

Homeland Security - Democrat, Republican Or Southern Republican?

Here is a little test that will help you decide.

Question: How do you tell the difference between Democrats, Republicans And Southern Republicans? The answer can be found by posing the following question:

You're walking down a deserted street with your wife and two small children. Suddenly, an Islamic Terrorist with a huge knife comes around the corner, locks eyes with you, screams obscenities, praises Allah, raises the knife, and charges at you. You are carrying a Glock cal .40, and you are an expert shot. You have mere seconds before he reaches you and your family. What do you do?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Democrat's Answer:
Well, that's not enough information to answer the question! Does the man look poor! Or oppressed? Have I ever done anything to him that would inspire him to attack? Could we run away? What does my wife think? What about the kids? Could I possibly swing the gun like a club and knock the knife out of his hand? What does the law say about this situation? Does the Glock have appropriate safety built into it? Why am I carrying a loaded gun anyway, and what kind of message does this send to society and to my children? Is it possible he'd be happy with just killing me? Does he definitely want to kill me, or would he be content just to wound me? If I were to grab his knees and hold on, could my family get away while he was stabbing me? Should I call 9-1-1? Why is this street so deserted? We need to raise taxes, have a paint and weed day and make this happier, healthier street that would discourage such behavior. This is all so confusing! I need to debate this with some friends for few days and try to come to a consensus.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Republican's Answer:
BANG!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Southern Republican's Answer:
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! click.....(sounds of reloading).
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! click

Daughter: "Nice grouping, Daddy! Were those the Winchester Silver Tips or Hollow Points?"

Monday, February 06, 2006

GeeChee Phrase

Muslims shout det duh fen of freedum of e'mouth should'uh 'top 'stroy an eesult oddutor hankuh agos ef dey wantuh deestunt.

Translation:

Muslims shouting death to defenders of freedom of speech should have stopped destroying and insulting others long ago if they want respect.

What's The Difference?

Found this on Fark:

Boston Globe, 1999: "Christians need to stop whining about taxpayer dollars paying to cover the Virgin Mary with elephant crap--it's free speech." 2006: "We need to be sensitive to Muslims offended by political cartoons"

Sunday, February 05, 2006

I'm A Stones Fan But...

Dear Lord, Mick and the guys need to seriously think about doing a public service annoucement regarding the effects of drug & alcohol abuse! They look like hell! Ofcourse, there might be something to drugs as Keith has been preserved (badly). He will probably live thru nuclear war with Cher and the roaches!

Something Strange Is Going On

I'm not sure what happened. The post regarding 'Muslim Unity's' comments has disappeared. Am investigating.

Super Bowl Cooking



Ok, I'm not an artist. This is the first time I have ever decorated cookies like this. All that counts is that they taste good. They are ginger bread cookies with vanilla icing. The Boston Butt is on the smoker, baked beans in the oven, cole slaw, pickle tray, deviled eggs in the fridge, beer in the cooler. Yeah , we are just about ready!

Friday, February 03, 2006

Hey RoP, I'm Not Scared Of You!

*Scroll For Updates.
Listen up, religion of peace, you do not run the world. You do not tell the press what they can and can not publish. Got a problem with that, them come on cause I've about had enough!

(Click to enlarge Cartoon.)








Check out Michelle Malkin and LGF for more about the ridiculous 'Cartoon War'.

UPDATE #1: The State Department weighs in:

The United States blasted the publication by European newspapers of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed as unacceptable incitement to religious or ethnic hatred.
"These cartoons are indeed offensive to the beliefs of Muslims," State Department spokesman Justin Higgins said when queried about the furore sparked by the cartoons which first appeared in a Danish newspaper.

"We all fully recognize and respect freedom of the press and expression but it must be coupled with press responsibility," Higgins told AFP.

"Inciting religious or ethnic hatreds in this manner is not acceptable. We call for tolerance and respect for all communities and for their religious beliefs and practices."


Not sure who the State Department is speaking for, its sure not me!

UPDATE #2:
British Muslim Protesting the Muhammad Cartoons.


Sure, this makes sense. A Muslim exercising his Freedom of Speech to call for the beheading of someone else who is exercising his Freedom of Speech.

Hattip To Michelle Malkin

UPDATE #3: Support The Danes!

Hattip To Sister Toldja

Recoil

My brother, 'GeeChee Bubba', emailed me this. I love it!

December 09, 2005 (CNN) while interviewing an anonymous US Special Forces
Soldier, A Reuters News agent asked the soldier what he felt when sniping members of
Al Qaeda in Afghanistan.

The soldier shrugged and replied, "Recoil".

MIA

Sorry I've been gone so long. My head cold turned in to pneumonia AGAIN! I am feeling much better now and hope to get caught up (yeah right!).

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Well, That Didn't Take Long

I think alot of us saw this coming.

Lindsay Says To Bring It On!

My Senator, Lindsay 'Gang of 14' Graham gets it right on occassion. Today is such and occassion. Graham had this to say today during the Senate Judiciary Committee Meeting:

Let me tell you another thing that's not good for the country. [Reading from a news article:] "With little chance of stopping Judge Alito's confirmation to the Supreme Court, Senate Democratic leaders urged their members to vote against him in an effort to lay the groundwork for making a campaign issue of his decisions on the court."
I'll just tell you right now. We welcome that debate. We'll clean your clock.

I mean, Judge Alito is closer to the mainstream of America than Citizens (sic) for an American Way.

We'll win that debate, but the judiciary will lose if we continue to do this
.

Now if Lindsay could just hang on to those b*lls he seems to be trying to grow!

Friday, January 20, 2006

Try Reading This Post Out Loud

GULLAH:

Lil GeeChee Girl is bress chillun. E is fuhr'ebbuh do'um sump'n' - dance, colluh, singeing. E is nuh one ef seddown an study - e b'leew in moobe.

Lil GeeChee Girl is berry shawpashunt. E head'um berry bex_vex whenever e cyan mus sump'n' e nebbuh done'um b'fo.

E is berry gal.

ENGLISH:

Lil GeeChee Girl is a blessed child. She is always doing something - dancing, coloring, singing. She is not one to sit and ponder - she believes in moving.

Lil GeeChee Girl is very impatient. She gets very angry when she cannot do something she never did before.

She is very feminine.

**Thanks PCD for such a great idea!

I Promise I am getting Caught Up! Really!

Ok, PCD requested that I post about Lil GeeChee Girl in Gullah like a week ago. Due to getting behind and being depressed (see previous post), I am behind. I am almost finished with my summary of Lil Girls personality and am getting ready to translate it into Gullah, just as soon as I can talk the subject into getting into bed!

PS - Thanks for the kind words regarding my friend. She was truely wonderful and I will always miss her but she is with the Lord, with her husband and no longer in pain. She will always be in my heart.

PSS - PCD, I haven't gotten a hold of a copy of the 'Gullah Bible' yet. Next paycheck, I'll be at B & N to pick it up. There was an article in the paper here when it came out. The reviews from the people on the islands (true GeeChees) are very good.

Back Shortly!

Thursday, January 19, 2006

I Miss My Friend

The past few weeks have been non-stop. I feel as if I can't get caught up. I realize now that I've got to stop and focus on what really matters. Everything that has been going on now seems so meaningless. I lost a good friend this week. I've known this woman for 20 years. I will never meet another person as loving and caring as she.

She was diagnosed with cancer 9 months ago. She was told from the beginning that there was not a lot that could be done. Being the strong woman that she was, she said lets get rid of it. She fought like hell. Five months ago, her husband of 43 years died of a heart attack during supper. Even with that, in her grief, she fought.

Monday night, she lost the fight.

The funeral is tomorrow morning. Tonight, I'm going thru pictures. We had some great times together!

She's with her husband. I know in my heart that he was at the gates of Heaven waiting for her with open arms. She is happy and no longer in pain. I am so grateful to God for that.

I am also grateful for the honor of having her as my friend. Thank you Lord for all the years I had with my friend.

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

A Monster Is Up For Parole - UPDATED!

The summer of 1973 was a summer of fear. Two young girls were at Folly Beach, SC, enjoying the sun, the sand, the surf. They were last seen on the beach enjoying life. I can remember my mother, who loves the beach, keeping me away from the beach, away from surfing, keeping me lose to home. Everyone was scared. The girls were found 3 weeks later, buried in the sand under a house. The only reason they were found was the screams of another victim, two other young girls that came very close to being hung from the rafters of a beach house. In the summer of 1973, there wasn't a death penalty in SC. Richard Valenti was sentenced to 2 life sentences for the murders of Shari Clark and Alexis Latimer, both 14 years old at the time of their death. After serving 10 years, Valenti was eligible for parole and has applied every two years since. Shari's mother, Janice Clark, has fought the hard fight to keep this worthless excuse for oxygen behind bars since the day she lost her daughter. Tomorrow, Jan 18, 2005, Valenti will appear before the parole board again. I am one of over 25,000 petition signatures requesting that this monster remain behind bars. Please say a prayer that this nightmare will not be released. And say a prayer for Janice Clark and what she lost.

UPDATE(Jan 18 at 12:45pm): Parole DENIED! WooHoo! On the bad side though, the families will have to go thru this again in 2 years. Life in prison should be just that! Unfortunately, when Valenti was sentenced, SC did not have a law stating that. Thank the Good Lord we do now.

Saturday, January 14, 2006

I Really Hate This Time Of Year!

I am working on our 2005 taxes. I am not happy. I wouldn't mind paying if my hard earned money was being used wisely. If I spend my money the way the government does, I go to jail!

I feel a headache coming on. Where is the bottle of wine?

Friday, January 13, 2006

Legislation To Bring SC Into The 21st Century

It is totally amazing to me that in the state of South Carolina, a woman CAN NOT breastfeed her child where she and her child are allowed to be. A mother in SC runs the risk of being fined for indecent exposure if she breast feeds her child outside of her home or outside of a public bathroom. This is just beyond stupid. How do you think children were fed before there was formula? Did your Grandmother or Great-Grandmother hide when she was feeding her children? Do you honestly believe that they stayed inside? I know for a fact that my Great-Grandma Liza held my Uncle Paul (God Rest His Soul) to her breast as she picked corn with her other children (all 13 of them)! I myself fed my daugther in the grocery store and know one knew as she and I were covered.

Ok, time to calm down.

I breast fed Lil GeeChee Girl the first 6 months of her life. Yes, it was difficult. Yes, it was painful at times. However, I am convinced that the nutrition and immunity she received helped her when she suffered from a 4 month long ear infection. Yes, the infection took a long time to heal and required surgery on one ear; however, she did not develop any other infections like her cousin did. Her cousin, who was not breast fed, developed a severe ear infection (it started just like Lil GeeChee Girls) that spread. Lil Cousin went to the MD just like my girl, took similar meds as my girl, and was (and is) loved and was taken care of just as well as my baby. Lil Cousins infections became a massive blood infection that came very close to killing her. Lil Cousin spent 3 weeks in the hospital fighting for her life - and she wasn't but 7 months old. Lil Cousin recovered, but she fought colds, flu, etc., till she was 3 years old. Lil GeeChee Girl had surgery on her ear at 8 months, and has been the picture of health ever since (she's 4 1/2 now). It is a proven fact that breast milk builds immunity in babies, immunity that is so very important in the first year of life.

Let's move into the current century people! There is legislation moving through the SC House of Representative RIGHT NOW! Make Your Voice Heard! South Carolina is one of twelve states that currently does not have any legislation regarding breastfeeding. Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and West Virginia are the other eleven.

The bill, HR 4347, has been prefiled. It states:

To amend the code of laws of South Carolina, 1976, by adding section 20-7-97 so as to provide that a woman may breast-feed her child in any location where the mother is authorized to be, and to amend section 16-15-30, relating to the crime of indecent exposure, so as to provide that a woman who breast-feeds her child in public is not engaging in indecent exposure.

You can go to the following sites for more info. I will be posting more on this subject. It is a subject that needs to be talked about - talked about loudly!

http://www.scbac.org

Contact Your Legislature:

http://www.scstatehouse.net/html-pages/housemembersd.html

Posting In A Different Way!

PCD has requested that I do an entry in Gullah. I hadn't thought of doing that, what a concept! What subject would you like for me to talk about in Gullah? Post your ideas in the comments. All I ask is that you pick an easy topic. Any topic you pick, I will only be able to post a few sentences - I'm not real fluent in Gullah. The time limit is till Sunday night at 6 pm (est) to pick a subject. Later that night (after Lil GeeChee Girl goes to bed), I will write the post, then translate it into Gullah. I will have the the post (with English translation) up by Monday evening, say 6pm(est). Be creative!

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Ted (Let Her Drown) Kennedy

Is it just me, or is it really off the wall that Sen. Ted (let her drown) Kennedy is questioning Judge Alito's ethics?

Just thought I'd ask.

Friday, January 06, 2006

A True Hero

This Wonderful Man is a true American. He is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in and he speaks his mind.

From Mudville Gazzette, Greyhawk posted the following comments made to Congressmen John Murtha and Jim Moran at a “town hall” meeting in Virginia:

Yes sir my name is Mark Seavey and I just want to thank you for coming up here. Until about a month ago I was Sgt Mark Seavey infantry squad leader, I returned from Afghanistan. My question to you, (applause)

Like yourself I dropped out of college two years ago to volunteer to go to Afghanistan, and I went and I came back. If I didn't have a herniated disk now I would volunteer to go to Iraq in a second with my troops, three of which have already volunteered to go to Iraq. I keep hearing you say how you talk to the troops and the troops are demoralized, and I really resent that characterization. (applause) The morale of the troops that I talk to is phenomenal, which is why my troops are volunteering to go back, despite the hardships they had to endure in Afghanistan.

And Congressman Moran, 200 of your constituents just returned from Afghanistan. We never got a letter from you; we never got a visit from you. You didn't come to our homecoming. The only thing we got from any of our elected officials was one letter from the governor of this state thanking us for our service in Iraq, when we were in Afghanistan. That's reprehensible. I don't know who you two are talking to but the morale of the troops is very high.

Moran - who is one of the few congressmen supporting Charlie Rangel's call to restore the draft - responded quickly: That wasn't in the form of a question, it was in the form of a statement. But, uhh let's go over here. And he took the next question.


Moran is an idiot, just as those who believe that we should 'cut and run'. Our men and women are doing a wonderful job and they have earned and deserve our thanks and respect. In this day and age, I have a nightmare, I have it often. If we do not win this war on terror, my child will suffer. My daughter runs the risk of never reaching her goals, she runs the risk of being locked up because she is female, she runs the risk of being used, being abused, she runs the risk of being less than human. Do you want your son taught that he should believe in only one thing, and that all others are wrong, that they are evil, that they should die because they do not believe as you? Do you want you son to be taught that people who do not believe as he does deserve to die by his hand? Is this what we want for our children?

*Thanks Michelle Malkin For showing this!

The Book of Daniel - A Review

Ok, I watched the entire show. I was not impressed. This show was promoted as a comedy/drama. Obviously, the comedy and drama people left and went on vacation, leaving very ill informed people to try and write.

The acting was very dry. It seemed to me that the actors were rather stiff. Maybe they were worried about the dialog. They should be.

I am not Episcopalian, but I find this incredibility offensive. We have a pill popping Episcopalian Priest, his drug dealing daughter, a gay son (who the family is busy trying to hide from others), an adopted son focused on sex, an alcoholic wife, a brother-in-law who embezzes $3 million, a father who is an uptight Bishop who does not pay attention to his family, and his mother who has Alzhiemiers. There are just way too many story lines going on here. You need a score card to keep up!

Yes, every family has problems, lots of them. I personally can attest to that. I have always said that my childhood and teenage years would make a fabulous mini-series. However, being the southern woman that I am, I know that a person takes care of his/her problems with the help of family and friends. Not by hiding things, not by going behind peoples backs. Unfortunately, this program promotes the soap opera style of fixing problems: Lie and Hide. Is this what an Episcopalian Priest would actually do?

I am highly offended by the portrayal of the Catholic Church (DISCLAIMER: I'm Catholic.). As far as I am concerned, having Daniel call the local Catholic Priest to find his embellezing brother-in-law (he stole $3 million), the priest has a heavy 'yankee' accent, and deals are made in an Italian Restaurant. At the end the Catholic Priest shows up and says, "Sure, here's the money, as long as you use this construction company. No construction company, then the money has not been found". What, the Church is the Mafia?!?!?!?!?!

Ok, I know I said that I would be objective and I am sorry. I found myself talking to the tv, which I rarely do. This show is not a comedy (how can it be with all these problems?). This show is not a drama, there are too many stories going on - maybe it is a multi-personality drama. It is just sad.

GeeChee Words

Since I am so far behind on my GeeChee Word of the Week Series, I've decided to do a sentence this week.

"Somes pusson gi'we muhself cuss at Chris'mus. Is beritywell nows."

Translation: Some person gave me a curse at Christmas. I am very well now.

*I wanted to say that someone gave me an illness at Christmas, but I could not find the translation for the word 'illness'. Ofcourse, considering I had pnumonia, I consider that a curse! :)

Am working on a paper about the GeeChee Culture - hope to post it in the next week or so.

TV Viewing/Review

I don't really know how I feel yet about the new TV show, 'The Book of Daniel'. From what I have seen of the trailer, I'm not really impressed. I am going to do my best to not let my personal beliefs cloud my judgement tonight. I'll be back after the show to give a review.

Now for the fun part of the evening, getting Lil GeeChee Girl to take a bath!

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Lots Of Prayers Needed Tonight In W. Virginia



Send your thoughts and prayers to the good people of Tallmansville, WV. The families and friends of the miners need all of the love and support they can get right now. They have been sent into Hell, tortured, and are now fighting their way out. The least we can do is to reach out and hold them as they grieve, as we grieve with them.

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

A Real Life Hero

UPDATE TWO: Going to bed. Will try in the am.

UPDATE ONE: Am trying to link but there are tech difficulties. Sorry.

This is a person that should make you stand up and really look at yourself. What are you doing for your country? I love this man. I respect this man. I honor this man. Thank you Lance Cpl. Pascal R. Cisse for taking care of my family and myself. Thank you for you sacrifice.