The Showcase #23

Back in February, the Showcase made its return. And now, we're proud to host the 23rd edition of the second incarnation of The Showcase.

And, we've received some blogs of interest this week. Three of them, it turns out, were already on my BlogRoll. But the others have now been added. We have a good group of new blogs this week. Let me tell you about then.


The Submissions

The first submission was AAFFLLAACCKK, a blog that's the brainchild of firstbrokenangel. The post submitted was  KNEW I WAS GOING TO HAVE TO WRITE ABOUT THIS - GITMO. firstbrokenangel is a blog-child of Harvey (Bad Example), who's listed as an author on the site, but hasn't posted. It can be called a right-wing blog, as you might expect, but not all posts are political, but more current events. And you'll find the occasional slice-of-life post from her. But no pictures; the few in the sidebar are hot-linking Harvey. Comments and TrackBacks by HaloScan.

Next came Diary of a Fat Boy, which is, technically four months old, and about 100 lbs overweight. It's his struggle to get his weight under control, and to not take month-long blogging hiatuses. His submission for the Showcase was  Pokerati Pimped My Blog! which, I hope, isn't part of the exercise program. Chuck is from Texas, and it shows. He's overweight and likes poker, wrestling, and semi-naked chicks. A red-blooded American male. But he doesn't accept TrackBacks.

bRight & Early submitted a post on John Roberts. Blogger Jim Lynch's two-month-old political blog is another right-wing entry. A clean-looking, easy to read blog with the "bright & early" theme. Jim's one of the bloggers participating in Blogathon 2005. Was on my BlogRoll already.

The fourth submission, CHOWZ WORLD, offered a review of "Over There." Another right-wing entry, it's a clean site, Blogger-hosted and accepts comments and TrackBacks (via HaloScan), but no pictures. Chow is based in St. Louis and comments on events, with no personal posts so far. Commentary is supported by links. Again, was on my BlogRoll already.

The Gunn Nutt was the next submission. Blogger-based, GunnNutt submitted a post based on an e-mail from a Marine who asked him about himself. He didn't say a lot about himself, but more about other military blogs (MilBlogs) he reads. GunnNutt says "I have met (in the virtual sense) so many incredible people thru blogs over the last year or so and the ones that impress me the most are, or were, in the military." GunnNutt uses the occasional picture to supplement the posts, and does it well. No word on if military service is in GunnNutt's background. Front page comments and TrackBacks are by HaloScan, but individual pages use Blogger default commenting, and no TrackBacks.

Submission number six was the Kira Zalan Blog. That's a blog by Kira Zalan, a freelance journalist in Washington, DC. But you knew that, didn't you? The submission concerned the Kelo ruling and David Souter. Another right-wing political blog, it's clean, and easy-to-read. I really like the look and layout. WordPress-driven, it, of course, accepts comments and TrackBacks.

Dawson of The Dawson Zone is another political blog, but this time, we have a left-wing entry. Dawson submitted Physical Fitness Of Todays Youth, a rant about young people, video games, and physical fitness, and offers much-needed advice for parents. Oh, and Dawson likes baseball, too. Another Blogger-based entry, the Dawson Zone is clean and easy to read. In a different approach, he doesn't accept comments, but does accept TrackBacks.

UPDATE: The Dawson Zone appears to be gone! Vanished! It's passed on! This blog is no more! It has ceased to be! It's expired and gone to meet its maker! It's a stiff! Bereft of life, it rests in peace! Its metabolic processes are now history! It's off the twig! It's kicked the bucket, it's shuffled off this mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the bleedin' choir invisibile!! IT IS AN EX-BLOG!!

Was it something I said?

The eighth entry was Right Wing Nation, submitted by rightwingprof. You guessed it, it's a right-wing political blog. His entry, Note to the Appeaseniks, is both a chastisement of opponents of the war and a call for inclusion in the Republican party. Red, white, and blue in appearance, the blog by it's very appearance tells you about it's political leanings. Right Wing Nation accepts comments and TrackBacks.

The final submission was Soldiers' Angel - Holly Aho, a human interest blog that focuses on support of out soldiers. The post submitted was Visiting at the VA Hospital Again. A clean, easy to read blog, it displays slightly better in Internet Explorer than Firefox, but resolves well in both. Politically, it leans right. Holly accepts comments and TrackBacks. It's been on my BlogRoll almost since it launched.

Conclusion

Those are the nine submissions this week for The Showcase. Like I said earlier, I already had three of them on my BlogRoll. But I have happily added the others. Give then all a look. They're worth a read.

Hey, how about you? Do you have a new (three months old or less) blog? Let the world know about it via The Showcase. Use the handy-dandy form from Conservative Cat.

And, if you'd like to host The Showcase, let them know here. You don't want me to do it again, do you? Yeah, I thought not.

Catfish Fall To Greenville

From the Columbus Catfish:

Late Catfish Rally Falls Short in 3-2 Loss to Greenville
Fish Strand Tying and Go-Ahead Runs on Base in Ninth; Series Evened at One Game

GREENVILLE, SC—Despite just one hit in the first eight innings, the Catfish rallied with three hits to trail by just a run in the top of the ninth in Greenville, falling a run short tonight in a 3-2 loss to the Bombers at Greenville Municipal Stadium. 3B Blake DeWitt broke up a no-hitter by RHP Gary Galvez with a leadoff double in the seventh, but Galvez dominated to earn his eight win, retiring the first 15 Catfish hitters. CF Ryan Russ had a two-run single in the ninth to bring the Catfish to within one, but a sliding catch by Greenville SS Christian Lara with runners on first and second in the ninth preserved the Greenville victory. Both teams have won a 3-2 game in the series, with the Catfish falling back to .500 at 17-17 in the second half (45-58 overall), and Greenville improving to 17-18 in the second half (52-51 overall).

RHP Brandon Weeden struck out seven in four innings tonight, but he also walked four and gave up the first run (unearned) to the Bombers on a wild pitch in the third inning. In the sixth inning against Catfish RHP Steve Nelson, the Bombers scored another unearned run after a Logan Sorensen RBI double.  In the ninth inning, Greenville's Jeff Natale drove in a run with a sac fly to make it 3-0 Bombers. The Fish didn't have a baserunner until the sixth, and didn't have a hit until the seventh against Galvez, who departed after 6.2 innings, allowing just one hit and striking out seven.

In the ninth against closer RHP Mike James, the Catfish rallied when Russ's two-run single drove home both DeWitt and C Chris Westervelt. With two on and two out, Lara's catch ended the game with the Fish stranding the tying run at second and go-ahead run at third. Tomorrow LHP Scott Elbert (6-5, 3.00 ERA) starts against RHP Henry Cabrera for Greenville at 7:05 PM at Greenville Municipal Stadium.

Headline News: 7/31/2005

[Warning: Harry Potter spoiler on last item]

From CNN:
Genetic flaw leaves felines without sweet tooth
Origin of "Sour Puss" explained

From CNN:
Report: Mobile sales head for 1billion
Beth visits Colonial Mall

From CNN:
'Matty the Horse' among 20 indicted
Mr. Ed is an unindicted co-conspirator

From WKMG:
Rip-current rescues top 2,000
Lifeguard thanks really stupid swimmers for allowing record to be set

From KOAT:
Governor targets child obesity
Fat asses should make an easy target

From CNN:
Cardinal: Chavez needs 'exorcism'
Chavez: Fat Cardinal needs exercise

From CNN:
Zimbabwe: Land is for blacks only
U.N. yet to criticize "Apartheid 2005"

From AJC:
Boy who vanished at Yankees game is found
Was traded to Dodgers

From MSNBC:
Democrat warns against Bolton appointment
Threaten to pout, hold breath until they turn blue

From MSNBC:
Chinese pirates rewrite, hawk Harry Potter
Albus Dumbledore lives, Severus Snape elected President of the United States

Brunch: 7/31/2005

Try one of these specials with your weekend brunch:

• Mamamontezz's Mental Rumpus Room says there's no suicide watch. [via NIF]


• Beth (MY VRWC) wonders where it all ends. Or if it does.


• Ghost of a Flea looks at the threat to Canada.


• Laurence Simon (Is Full Of Crap) finds Tom Snyder working without a Net.


• Six Meat Buffet offers reparations.


• Cao looks at the love the left shows.


• The Astute Blogger sees a threat in Iran.


• Jim Lynch (bRight & Early) is a movie star.


• Dr. Sanity says Islam is in denial.


• The Steel Deal looks at Russia's plan to boil water.


• The Jawa Reports doesn't like it, Over There.


• Riehl World View offers a bird's eye view.


• Drink This looks at NASCAR.


• Stop the ACLU! hopes for a trend.


• Knowledge Is Power has the most hillary post ever.


• Vince Aut Morire has an open letter to CAIR.

Space Cadet Basil

I heard some music on some commercial the other day and it reminded me of "The Right Stuff." You know that movie, right? About the beginnings of the U.S. space program? Sure you do. It's one of my favorites.

When the cable (and therefore, Internet) went out Friday night,  I grabbed the DVD and hit "play." It was great!

Perhaps one of the reasons I'm fascinated by it is, even though I'm old enought to remember them, I don't remember any of the Mercury space shots. Not any of them! And I wish I did.

But I do remember the Gemini flights. I can't say I recall each and every one, but I do remember sitting way too close to the television and seeing the Titan II rocket with the Gemini capsule on the top. I can picture that in my mind today.

Of course, I remember the Apollo program, from the Apollo 1 fire to the Apollo-Soyuz flight.

But Gemini, because it's the first space flight program that I remember, it holds a special place in my heart.

Gemini is the fogotten space program, in my mind. You don't see any movies about Gemini. There have been movies about the Mercury program and the Apollo program, but I don't recall any about Gemini.

Mercury was the first Americans in space. Apollo was Americans landing on the moon. Gemini was ... what?

Was it the first space walk? Not really. The Soviets beat us to that. Aleksei Leonov made the first space walk during the Voskhod II mission on March 18, 1965. But the Americans mastered the space walk, which was needed for going to the moon.

Sure, it was the first rendezvous and docking, but how exciting is that? It's big news, and they couldn't have gone to the moon without it, but it's not flashy. But it sure was important.

There's one thing about Gemini that I didn't know at the time, but Gemini was more advanced than Apollo. Betcha didn't know that, did ya?

You see, the Apollo program was designed to follow the Mercury program. But once Mercury started, they found out it was a lot harder than they thought. So they came up with another program. And the third American space program was actually the second to fly: Gemini.

They used information they learned from Mercury to design Gemini. And, because Apollo was already underway, they made some adaptations, but it was essentially older technology than Gemini.

In face, there was an effort by some in the space program to send Gemini to the moon! Heck, I was shocked when I learned that. But, it was a more advanced technology craft than Apollo, and could have done it, had it been it approved.

So, what's all this got to do with anything?

The Space Shuttle is old technology. It was designed in the 1970s, and the first one flew in 1981. And Discovery first flew in 1984.

The Shuttle fleet is old. Sure, they do upgrades and modifications, but the basic desgin and technology on which it is based is old.

After the Mercury and Apollo programs began, the need for anther program was discovered and they came up with Gemini. That's what we need today: rocket scientists that can come up with something brilliant that can do more than it was designed to do.

Maybe we need to go capture some more German rocket scientists.

Catfish 3, Greenville 2

From the Columbus Catfish:

Small Ball Guides Catfish to 3-2 Win Over Greenville
Three Catfish Pitchers Combine on Six-Hitter in Victory

GREENVILLE, SC—SS Dominique Laurin's sacrifice fly in the top of the ninth inning broke a 2-2 tie and gave the Catfish a 3-2 win against the Greenville Bombers in the first game of a four-game series.  RHP Dimas Reina, RHP Brian Akin, and LHP Wesley Wright combined to limit the top hitting team in the South Atlantic League to just six hits, with Wright earning his first win of the season.  C Gabriel Gutierrez went 3-4 for Columbus and had a single in the ninth inning to set up the game-winning run.  2B Brandon Carter had two hits and two RBI for the Catfish, who improve to 17-16 in the second half (45-57 overall) while Greenville falls to 16-18 (51-51 overall).

Reina gave up a solo HR to Greenville RF Chris Turner in the second inning, and the Catfish could not manage a run against Greenville RHP Jarrett Gardner in the first four innings.  In the fifth, singles by RF Ryan Carter and Gutierrez, along with a sac bunt by Laurin put runners at second and third with one out.  Carter followed with a two-run single to give the Catfish a 2-1 lead.

Akin fired three scoreless innings from the fifth through the seventh, but in the bottom of the eighth leading 2-1, the Catfish hurler gave up a one-out double to 2B Jeff Natale.  Natale moved to third on an error by RF Ryan Russ, and scored when 3B Andrew Pinckney singled off Wright in relief.  In the top of the ninth against RHP Harvey Garcia, Ryan Carter and Gutierrez singled to put runners at first and third, and Carter scored on Laurin's sac fly.  Wright pitched a scoreless ninth for the win.  The Catfish have a 9-7 advantage over Greenville in the 23-game season series, which continues tomorrow when RHP Brandon Weeden (2-7, 5.55 ERA) faces off against RHP Gary Galvez for Greenville at 6:05 PM at Greenville Municipal Stadium.

Headline News: 7/30/2005

From ABC News:
Ex-Citigroup banker Zankel dead in fall
Was listening to Eric Clapton CD when he fell

From ABC News:
Woman Claims Buttocks Burned on the Toilet
Coal-powered commode a failure

From ABC News:
Study Reveals Causes of Weight Gain Among School Children
Eating like pigs cited

From ABC News:
Abandoned Baby Found in Bag on NYC Street
Bush blamed

From ABC News:
Al Qaeda's Next Generation Spurring New Wave of Attacks?
Osama Bin Picard, Abu Musab al-Riker sought by coalition forces

From ABC News:
Doctors say Bush in excellent shape, trimmer
Studies Show Many Americans Prefer a Trim Bush

From ABC News:
Robin, Not Crow, May Be West Nile Culprit
Bruce Wayne surprised, family of Eric Draven relieved

From ABC News:
Inouye: GOP Not Doing Enough for Troops
Calls on Republicans to follow Democrats' lead and cut funding to troops, oppose the War on Terror, call troops 'Nazis'

From ABC News:
Carter: Guantanamo Detentions Disgraceful
Democratic foreign policy expert breaks silence, calls on country to wear sweaters to fight the threat of killer rabbits

From ABC News:
Are Golf, Shopping Behind Daylight-Saving Time?
Or is it just Satan?

Brunch: 7/30/2005

Try one of these specials with your weekend brunch:

• Naked Villainy thinks about the Constitution.


• Pirate's Cove looks at past recess appointments.


• Maggie shares thoughts on the McLaughlin Group.


• Metaphysically Wrinkle Free reviews some books.


• Kevin Basil (no relation) looks at a NY Times article on Frist's position.


• Michelle Malkin taks a look at a NY Times editorial.


• Jo looks at a Senate bill.


• Nickie Goomba looks at a boob from the Beeb.


• Merri Musings has a blog wrapup. Visit them all. Except the third one.


• Laffin at the Left looks at Helen Thomas.


• Mean Ol' Meany finds a reason to shout Yahoo!

Change Your Default Target For Links

Earlier this week, two blogs I frequent both mentioned the same blogging tip. The odd thing is that they both mentioned it on the same day and, I feel certain, by coincidence.

Posting at the Alliance, phin mentioned the tip, while Cory of Core|Blog mentioned using the value "_blank" for the attribute "target" when writing links.

For example, if you wanted to write a link that linked to this little blog, you'd normally do it this way:

<a href="http://www.basilsblog.com/">Visit basil's blog</a>

If, however, you wanted the that same link to open a new window (or, if you use a Mozilla browser such as Firefox, Opera, Netscape 8, or Mozilla Suite browser, open in a new tab), you'd change the link to look like this:

<a href="http://www.basilsblog.com/" target="_blank">Visit basil's blog</a>

The difference, you'll notice, is the  target="_blank" part. Of course, you need to be able to edit the HTML of your post, or your interface would need to have the ability to add a target.

That's essentially what phin and Cory suggested. And it works. But it's not how we're doing things here at this little blog.

Suppose you find that you want most of the links to open that way. That is, suppose opening in a new window/tab is the norm? Suppose it's only sometimes that you want to open in the same window?

Well, that's how I have this little blog set up. I don't have to put target="_blank" on my links, because that is the default I use. How is that done? Well, it's easy. But there's always a catch.

Changing The Link Default

In order to make links, by default, open in a new window/tab, you need to be able to edit the HTML of your blogging template. If you use Blogger, that's easy to do. If you use TypePad, it's a little more involved. If you use WordPress or another blogging system, see your documentation on how to edit your Template.

A word of caution: if you're not sure how to edit your Template, you probably don't want to.

Now, to set "_blank" as your default target for your links, open the Template (or Templates) for editing. In the <HEAD> section place the following line:

<base target="_blank" />

You can put it anywhere in the <HEAD> but it's commonly placed just above the closing </HEAD> tag.

And that's it! That's all you need to do make the default links open in a new window/tab.

But There's A Catch

Okay, that's not all there is to it. Oh, yes adding that line of code to your Templates does indeed make all links open in a separate window/tab by default. But think about that for a second.

All links open in a separate window/tab. All links. All.

And all means all. All.

Think about that.

If you are on the main page of your blog and you click on a link to, say, read comments or something, it opens in a new window/tab. And that's probably not what you want.

Here's my thinking, which might not be the same way you'd think:

• If the link is to another page on my blog, I don't want it to open in a separate window/tab. I want it to stay in the same window/tab.


• If the link is to a page on another blog/site, then I do want it to open in a separate window/tab.

So, let's assume that's how you want to do it, too. How do you make that happen?

Overriding The Default

Once you've changed the default to open links in a new window/tab, you need to make some more modifications to your Template.

Look for all the links in your Template that refer to another page on your blog. For example, the "permalink" on each post allows you to open just that post. You'd need to modify it to open in the same window/tab, not the new default. To do that, add target="_self" to the link.

For example, if you use Blogger, you probably have a line that looks something like:

<a href="<$BlogItemPermalinkUrl$>" title="permanent link"><$BlogItemDateTime$></a>

To make it always open the same current window/tab, you'd modify it to:

<a href="<$BlogItemPermalinkUrl$>" title="permanent link" target="_self"><$BlogItemDateTime$></a>

You see what we did? We simply added target="_self" to it. You'd need to do that for every link in your Template that refers to another page on your blog. Don't forget the "Home" page link.

Once that's done, your Template is done. After you republish, your blog now opens all links in new windows/tabs, except the standard links to other pages on your blog.

Oh, One More Thing

But, what if you write a post that includes a link to another post on your blog? You probably don't want it to open in another window/tab. So, you'd include target="_self" in those. Do it manually, for each link in a post that should open in the same window/tab.

Essentially, it's the opposite of what phin and Cory suggested. Or, it's the extreme of what they suggested. Whichever way works for you.

And, in case you haven't noticed, it works for me.

And One Thing I Forgot To Mention

If you have any JavaScript links that open new windows, such as forms or pictures, you should add  target="_self" to those. Otherwise, in addition to your pop-up window, you could get a new window/tab if you don't.

Catfish Survive Thompson, Fall to Rome

The Catfish survived an appearance of Atlanta Braves pitcher John Thompson who made a rehab start for the Rome Braves tonight. However, they didn't survive their own errors, falling 7-1.

When Thompson left the game, it was a scoreless tie and he didn't figure in the decision. However, six errors by the Catfish allowed things to fall apart.

The Catfish split the four-game series with Rome.

Dan Batz is away with family matters and again didn't play. Lucas May did, but was hitless tonight.

The Catfish travel to Greenville to face the Bombers (Red Sox) for four games.

Headline News: 7/29/2005

From ABC News:
Dove Ads With 'Real' Women Get Attention
RuPaul, The Lady Chablis lose modeling jobs

From ABC News:
Man Allegedly Steals Hundreds of Undies
Glen Quagmire arrested

From ABC News:
Museum to Let Naked People in Free
Curator: "How could I charge them admission? Think about where they keep their wallets."

From ABC News:
Miami Newspaper Case Sparks Ethics Debate
Publisher: Should newspapers have ethics?

From ABC News:
'Ex-Gay' Camps, Therapy Programs Attract Controversy
Being gay doesn't

From ABC News:
Chechen Guerrilla Leader Calls Russians 'Terrorists'
Calls cats 'dogs,' hot 'cold,' and black 'white'

From ABC News:
Arm Yourself With Vigilance While Traveling
If that doesn't work, try a 9mm

From ABC News:
Jellyfish Gone With the Wind in Calif.
Flordia sharks to star in Casablanca

From ABC News:
31 Die in China From Pig-Borne Disease
Michael Moore movie debuts in Beijing

From Washington Post:
North Korea Getting High Marks From US
Bush: "Kim Jong Il must be high if he thinks I'll give in"

Supper: 7/29/2005

Try one of these specials with your supper:

• Two Dogs (Mean Ol' Meany) says John Glenn doesn't have The Right Stuff.


• Stop the ACLU! says random searches are bad. But...


• Macker looks at an ACLU setback.


• miriam's ideas are about the codewords for Jooooosssss!!!!!


• ScrappleFace reports why Frist left the reservation.


• Right Hand of God has the Carnival of Comedy posted. Now! Right now! This very moment!


• MrsSatan has a question about Air America.


• SarahK post shuttle pics.


• the real sarahk posts shuttle pics.


• Moe's Woes are caused by pictures of hippies.

Catfish vs John Thompson

Tonight, it doesn't get any easier for the Catfish. They conclude the series against the Rome Braves, who are sending Braves pitcher John Thompson to the mound.

No, that's not a Rome Braves pitcher with the same name as the Atlanta Braves pitcher. That's the Atlanta Braves pitcher, John Thompson.

Yes, the National League East Division leading Atlanta Braves pitcher, John Thompson.

Thompson is working a rehab assignment after injuring his hand in May. He'll pitch in the minors until he's ready to rejoin the Atlanta Bravers. And, tonight, the Catfish get the opportunity to face the recovering major leaguer.

It should be loads of fun.

Why I Really Wish People Would Read Phin's Blogger Etiquette Post

Over at the Alliance, blogging tips guru phin had a post on blogging etiquette.  And it focused mainly on e-mail communication by bloggers.

The one of most interest to me was the suggestion that, when sending e-mails to multiple recipients (that is, a mailing list), that the e-mail addresses be hidden. One of the easiest ways to do that is by using BCC: (blind carbon copy, sometimes called blind courtesy copy).

Why do I think this is a good idea? Simple. If my e-mail address is in the TO: section or the CC: section, it's visible to all recipients. And to any malicious software that any of those recipients may have on their machine.

Like most people, I feel my personal computer is safe and protected. I keep my software up-to-date, and have software that is generally considered high-quality on my computers.

However, think about this for a second: I got virused one time because I happened to be one of the first people hit with a virus.

How? Well, let's run through it. Someone writes a new "zombie" virus that is released. Virus companies like Zone Labs, McAfee (Network Associates), Norton (Symantec), and others get reports and rush out updates to keep people safe.

Where did they get those reports from? From someone who got hit by the virus!

So, as quick as the major players get updates out, the first people hit are, well, screwed if the virus is different enough.

All that to say this. If I send an e-mail to a mailing list, and if I don't hide the recipients, and if even one of those recipients has a computer that's compromised, then the e-mail address of everyone on that mailing list is compromised.

And you will get stuff like this:

Received: from imp4-q.free.fr (imp4-q.free.fr [212.27.42.4])
    by postfix3-1.free.fr (Postfix) with ESMTP id 338F11734AE;
    Fri, 29 Jul 2005 19:34:57 +0200 (CEST)
Received: by imp4-q.free.fr (Postfix, from userid 33)
    id 9A96756DDE; Fri, 29 Jul 2005 17:15:06 +0200 (MEST)
Received: from 81.91.227.195 ([81.91.227.195])
    by imp4-q.free.fr (IMP) with HTTP
    for <kapito@imap.free.fr>; Fri, 29 Jul 2005 17:15:06 +0200
Message-ID: <1122650106.42ea47fa1d911@imp4-q.free.fr>
Date: Fri, 29 Jul 2005 17:15:06 +0200
From: Madam Adele Mbonjo <madamadele_mbonjo5@latinmail.com>
Reply-To: MadamAdele.Mbonjo2002@latinmail.com
Subject: Urgent Message
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit
User-Agent: Internet Messaging Program (IMP) 3.2.5
X-Originating-IP: 81.91.227.195
To: undisclosed-recipients:;

Dearest One,

I am Madam.Adele Mbonjo,the former manager of the Central African Republic's former President Ange Felix Patassé. I'm presently in house arrest here in Bangui the state capital, after the military's putch. I found your address in the commercial directory we have in our Chamber of Commerce.

First of all, I'm very sorry for the way I get in touch with you for such a matter. But because of poor or un-reliable communication technology and the confidentiality of this business, are the reasons that prompted me to do so. I would like to have a partnership with you, in order to invest a sum of thirty five Million USD(35,000,000 USD) in profitable sectors in your country, as long as you are interested in my offer.

I got this money from cash donations by foreign contractors I've granted many contracts in my department. As a close aide to the former President, I couldn't use our banking system to transfer such an amount without a trace. This could cause me a serious problem . Even presently, the new President has decided to freeze all the abroad banking accounts of all those who were close to Mr. Patassé. We are placed under security close watch while my travelling papers are seized.

During my tenure in government, I used the government decoy system to carry out this money abroad where know one know about in packaged box. I will inform you as soon as we progress for future claims due to the instability in politics here presently. The security holding company are not aware of the contents hence I coded it as Gold Bar/Personal Effect.

So I'm now without any source of Income. The situation above has lead me to ask for your co-operation for the claiming out of the security holding company for further safe-keeping of these funds, for solid and reliable projects of investment. I respectfully suggest a gift of 20% of this sum for your help and your efforts. I mean USD $7,000,000 Million. I rely on you as a respectful and honest person to take care of this transaction with sincerity, confidence and confidentiality.

I've decided to look for a confidential co-operation with you in this business, despite the fact that we've never met. I hope you will keep this as a great confidential business because of the nature of this transaction. I will make sure you take possession of the funds, by providing a process without difficulties.

I would like to hear from you on receipt of this mail, by showing me your good will and possibilities, so that I can give you more details. This matter requires a particular attention and an absolute confidentiality from you.

I will be expecting your response to this mail, whatever the decision you come up with, let me know through this my private email

Yours Sincerely,
Madam.Adele Mbonjo

I won't be sending e-mails to mailing lists without hiding the addresses. Not saying I haven't. I'm saying I won't. Because I don't what stuff like this happening to people.

I get e-mails from some who don't BCC: my address. They leave it in the CC: or sometimes in the TO: when they send to a list. I really don't mind people notifying me of posts that they think would be of interest. But I wish they'd hide the e-mail addresses in BCC: but they don't. And now I get e-mails like that.

And I don't like it.

Lunch: 7/29/2005

Try one of these specials with your lunch:

• phin cat-blogs. Sort of.


• Beth (MY VRWC) has an answer for Helen Thomas.


• SondraK says Jennifer Wilbanks is toast.


• Michelle Malkin sees one side of the discussion silenced.


• Life of Rubin knows why the shuttle is having problems.


• La Shawn Barber (the real one) is following the Air America scandal.


• Nicke Goomba says some now realize the '60s are over.


• moehawk (oystersnout) has passed the six week mark!

Breakfast: 7/29/2005

Try one of these specials with your breakfast:

• Results 1 - 10 of about 636 English pages for John from Wuzzadem talks to Google. Again.


• Macker remembered Apollo-Soyuz.


• The Sportslady is looking for Movie Crashers.


• Harvey (Bad Example version) is trying to help a fellow blogger with a WordPress/Trackback issue.


• Confederate Yankee shows why Dems know about prison abuse.


• The Nose On Your Face looks at ACLU vs BSA.


• Michelle Malkin has a prison pen-pal for you.


• The Astute Blogger looks at France as seen by Krugman.


• The Steel Deal finds reports of the French dying in Iraq.


• phin (Alliance version) has a blogger etiquette post that many bloggers need to read. Hint, hint.

Buying Instapundit

Hua Yang, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of the China National Offshore Oil Corporation, looked around the room at the men seated at the table. "Thank you for your kind attendance gentlemen," he said as he bowed slightly. There was a gentle murmuring of politeness all around. The CNOOC Ltd. CFO continued, "As you know, it was widely reported that Union Oil of California recently rejected our overtures. While it would have been a tremendous coup ..." Yang was interrupted by sudden gasps. "I beg your pardon. That was an unfortunate choice of wording. Allow me to correct it please. It would have been a tremendous boost to the company to have successfully completed the purchase of UNOCAL. However, we have managed something even more amazing. For the amazing low price of $145-million, we have acquired InstaPundit."

The silence was deafening. Shouwei Zhou, President and Executive Director of CNOOC was the first to speak. "We have acquired what?" Yang replied, "InstaPundit." Zhou took a deep breath. "I think I am asking a question that is on everyone's mind: What is 'InstaPundit?'" "It would be most appropriate for the Company Secretary to answer your concerns," said Yang and sat down as Yunshi Cao rose to his feet. The combined Company Secretary, General Counsel and Senior Vice President looked around the table. "Gentlemen, while our company is very successful in its energy endeavors, we feel it is imperative that we diversify ourselves and take on a new line of business. To that end, we have entered the worldwide communications industry by obtaining the world's largest and most successful Weblog. That is InstaPundit." Chengyu Fu cleared his throat. "That is all well and good, but it does not answer our questions. What is InstaPundit?" Cao nodded. "I beg your pardon. Allow me to explain. InstaPundit is a Weblog, commonly called a 'blog.' It is a journal of articles containing news links and commentary. Many people visit Weblogs daily. And InstaPundit is the top Weblog." Fu asked, "People come to the InstaPundit to read his news and his comments?" Cao replied, "Yes, sir. That is correct. For example, yesterday InstaPundit's first post ... that is an article of news or commentary ... his first post was on the topic of the American space shuttle, the Russian offer to fly people to the moon, and Richard Branson's plans to build a space ship." Fu thought for a minute. "What was his commentary?" Cao looked at his computer screen. "Ah, here it is: 'Cool." "'Cool?' The top blog commentary is 'cool?" asked Fu. "Yes, sir." "Please provide me with another example," said Fu. "Later in the morning, InstaPundit had a news report on arrests in the London bombings," said Cao. "And the commentary?" Cao paused. "'Stay tuned.'" Fu was silent. Cao went on. "Later in the day, InstaPundit said ..." Fu raised his hand. "It is not necessary to continue. Would the senior management kindly step outside for a moment while the directors confer?" Six men stood up and filed from the room, leaving eight men seated. After several minutes, the senior management was summoned back in. Fu nodded at Zhou, who stood and handed papers to Cao and Yang. Zhou said, "This is your notice of termination. Read the whole thing." Fu added, "Indeed."

Catfish 5, Rome 4

The Catfish put on a show for regional television tonight as they beat the Rome Braves 5-4. The game was carried on Fox Sports South, and was available in nine states.

The Catfish jumped out to an early lead, but nearly lost it in the ninth inning, the way so many games have gone this year. Fortunately, they came out on the winning end of a one-run game. That's the 7th one-run win. The Catfish have lost 22 one-run games.

Dan didn't play tonight, but Luke was in left field and had a hit.

The win keeps the Catfish in second place, now just 3 games out of first.

From the Columbus Catfish:

Catfish Hold Off Charging Braves to Win 5-4 in Dramatic Fashion
Rome Strands Tying and Winning Runs on Base in Ninth Inning; Fish Back Over .500 in Second Half

ROME, GA—With the tying run at third and the winning run at second in the bottom of the ninth, Catfish closer RHP Albenis Castillo induced a groundout to second base as the Catfish held off Rome tonight 5-4 at State Mutual Stadium in Rome, GA. Despite controversy on the final two groundouts of the game at first base, Columbus prevailed to improve to 16-15 in the second half and 44-56 overall after their 100th game this evening. DH Sergio Pedroza went 3-5 with a two-run HR with 2B Travis Denker and 3B Blake DeWitt each adding three hits and an RBI double. RHP Jarod Plummer allowed just one run on four hits over six innings tonight to earn the victory and even his record at 1-1. The Catfish hold a 2-1 lead in the four-game series with the Braves which concludes tomorrow at 7:00 PM.

Pedroza broke a 2-30 slump with a single in the first, and his two-run HR in the second inning gave Columbus a 2-0 lead. In the fifth, a one-out error, and a single by Pedroza put runners at first and second. Denker doubled into the left field corner scoring two runners. Rome scored single runs in the sixth and eighth inning to trail 5-2 going into the climactic ninth.

Castillo retired the side in the eighth inning, and struck out the first batter of the ninth. With one out, Rome CF Ardley Jansen singled off the glove of SS Dominique Laurin. A potential game-ending double play was mishandled at second, and 2B JC Holt singled to left to load the bases. Castillo walked in one run, and forced a groundout to third base for the second out. Controversy erupted on the close play at first, with Rome Coach Bobby Moore ejected. With two outs, Denker initially bobbled a grounder but threw to first to preserve the Catfish win and Castillo's sixth save in as many attempts. The Fish will face Atlanta Braves RHP John Thomson tomorrow, who makes a rehab start for the Rome Braves. The Catfish send RHP Chris Malone (8-4, 3.83 ERA) to the hill for the series finale at 7:00 PM.

Headline News: 7/28/2005

From ABC News:
Ancient Stone Phallus Discovered in Germany
Sherman Klump's grandmother says "That Stone Phallus is the only white man to make me moist."

From ABC News:
N.D. Man Wins Annual Bad-Writing Contest
To start blog

From ABC News:
Report Criticizes Calif. Mental Hospital
Administrator calls report "crazy"

From ABC News:
Transgender Golfer Still Faces Barriers
Questions over golfer's balls

From ABC News:
UN to expand its crackdown on al Qaeda, Taliban
New resolution threatens to frown really, really hard at terrorists

From ABC News:
Google: Microsoft Lawsuit Is a 'Charade'
Calls Yahoo! lawsuit another 'Breakfast At Tiffany's'

From ABC News:
Microsoft Still Targets Linux Users
18 Linux users have reportedly had their legs broken

From ABC News:
Dad more involved if paternity is confirmed early
Columbia University study: Not evidence that marriage is better for raising children

From ABC News:
Moby Has Newfound Respect for Eminem
Didn't think Eminem could whip his ass, was wrong

From ABC News:
Blind Teen Amazes With Video-Game Skills
He ain't got no distractions
Can't hear those buzzers and bells,
Don't see lights a flashin'
Plays by sense of smell.
Always has a replay

Supper: 7/28/2005

Try one of these specials with your supper:

• The LLama Butchers want to see Dick run.


• Swift Report details the FBI's new computer. [via Smash]


• Julie with a B offers a pun.


• Samizdata wants the evidence.


• Common Dreams says CAFTA bad.


• Jeff Blogworthy does the math.


• New Republic Online wants Ari, not Rove.


• Jawa Report sees Somalia brewing.

Catfish On TV!

Hey, I'm excited! And, if you can pick up Fox Sports South, you can see why. Tonight's game with the Catfish playing against the Rome Braves will be broadcast on Fox Sports South. So, I can watch the game without driving up to Rome to watch the Catfish play.

More from a press release by the Columbus Catfish:

Catfish Game vs. Rome to be Seen on Fox Sports Net South

Thursday's Contest Will Reach 10.6 Million Homes

Columbus, GA - Fox Sports Net South will televise the game between the Columbus Catfish and the Rome Braves on Thursday, July 28th at 7:00pm.  The game will reach homes throughout Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

This season, FSN South will broadcast one game of each of the Atlanta Braves' farm clubs.  The game against the Catfish, a Dodgers' affiliate, was chosen because the Braves will be idle on Thursday.

Braves' analyst Bob Rathbun and color commentator Nick Belmonte will be in the booth to call the game.  RHP Jarod Plummer is the scheduled starter for the Catfish in their first televised game this season.

The Catfish will continue their series against the Rome Braves tonight at 7:00pm.  The game can be heard on WDAK 540am or by logging on to www.columbuscatfish.com  The team will return home on Thursday, August 4th at 7:00pm to take on the Savannah Sand Gnats (Washington Nationals).  Gates open at 6:00pm and the Catfish will give the first 500 fans a complimentary Tommy Lasorda bobblehead doll.  For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Catfish Box Office at (706) 571-8866. 

Lunch: 7/28/2005

Try one of these specials with your lunch:

• WrightWay is selling bras. And they ain't your mama's bras!


• The Steel Deal reports that for the right price, the Russians will take you where they themselves couldn't go.


• Michelle Malkin follows Air America's disavowment of blame.


• Frank J. (IMAO) asks "Tommy, can you hear me?"


• phin says we're Living On The Edge.


• Steve H. (Hog On Ice) reviews another chef.


• Harvey (Bad Example version) would complain if you hung him with new rope.


• William Teach (Pirate's Cove) looks at the Senate telling the ACLU to bugger off.


• Vince Aut Morire sees hope for justice.


• ScrappleFace reports Dubya turns the table on the Senators.

Breakfast: 7/28/2005

Try one of these specials with your breakfast:

• Christmas Ghost is missing a family member.


• whatsakyer has a chat transcript from the 1940s. [via Beth]


• The Buzz Blog says the battle is just beginning.


• Dr. Hartline says kids in '05 are smarter than adults in '92.


• Stop the ACLU! looks at the groups opposition ... and support ... for various religions.


• engadget says OJ did it. [via Jo's Cafe]


• Kerfuffles is boycotting Natalee blogs.


• Riehl World View continues to report Natalee news updates.


• Interested Participant finds no hunks drinking beer in Brit ads.

You Wanna Start Something?

One of the things I hate about hot weather is ... well, it's hot. And for the first time I can remember, I had a car battery go bad in the heat.

Oh, I've had car batteries go bad during cold weather. Now, I know, it really doesn't get cold here. Not like it does up north. But it gets cold on occasion. And when I've had a car battery fail, it's been during cold weather. You know, you go outside, there's ice on the windshield, your teeth are chattering, you open the car door, jump inside, put the key in the ignition, and turn the key.

Nothing.

Okay, maybe a "rrrrrurrrrrr...." or a "clk-clk-clk-clk-clk..." or something like that. But either way, it means a dead battery.

Now, I've had problems when it wasn't cold, but those times always turned out to be the alternator had gone out and the battery wasn't being charged and it died. And when the alternator was fixed or replaced, sometimes the battery had been damaged and needed replacing.

But when it was just the battery, it was cold weather.

Until this week.

I went to the car which I had parked in the lot at work (instead of the covered garage as is the norm), opened the door, got inside, put the key in the ignition, and ... "clk-clk-clk-clk-clk-clk-clk."

Another was leaving about the same time, but in a distant section of the lot. He got in his vehicles, pulled out, started my way, and suddenly turned and went out another exit.

Then another person did the same thing.

Finally, another person came out of the building, walked over to my way and asked if I needed a jump. So, I managed to get home.

The next morning, same thing. I was late getting to work, but got there.

This evening, I had enough. Charging it last night hadn't worked, so when the wife got home, we ate supper then went to Sears. Sears has an automotive center and Die Hard batteries.

I've used other batteries in the past. The very first time I bought a battery for a car, I bought a Western Auto battery. Within a couple of days, I had driven to my grandparents house, and I got stuck with another dead battery. That's when my grandfather told me I shouldn't have bought a "Western Ought-To" battery. Needless to say, it was the last one of those I bought.

If we had lived in Savannah, heck I might have bought a Hixon. I remember a commercial that was always played on the TV stations in Savannah. It was a drawing of a tough-looking fella holding up his fist. One voice said, "You wanna start something?" Another voice replied "Yeahhh!" The first voice said "Get a Hixon." Then an announcer said something about Hixon Batteries. Which, I guess, was a local Savannah business. The lady who ran it died about five years ago. I don't think they are still in business. At least, not as Hixon.

Anyway, I've bought other batteries, but have never had a problem with a Die Hard. Maybe I'm just lucky. Or maybe they're just good. Either way, my history with them is a good one.

So, tonight, we went to Sears and left them the car. I'll pick it up tomorrow.

Catfish 5, Rome 0

From the Columbus Catfish:

Catfish Lefties Dominate in 5-0 Shutout Over Rome
LHP Scott Elbert Throws Six Shutout Frames and Wesley Wright Follows with Three Scoreless in Seventh Catfish Shutout of 2005

ROME, GA—After tossing a seven-inning complete game shutout last Friday, LHP Scott Elbert backed up that performance with an equally stellar outing against the Rome Braves, combining with LHP Wesley Wright on a two-hit shutout in a 5-0 Catfish win over the Braves at State Mutual Stadium in Rome, GA. Elbert allowed just one hit in six innings while striking out five batters, and has not allowed a run in his last 13 innings, allowing just four hits in that time span. LF Ryan Carter and C Chris Westervelt each had two hits and two RBI for the Catfish, who scored runs in four straight innings tonight to even the series at one game apiece. Wright finished the game with three shutout innings, getting his first five outs via strikeout. The Catfish are back to .500 at 15-15 in the second half (43-56 overall) while Rome falls a game beneath the .500 mark at 15-16 (54-45 overall).

The Braves loaded the bases in the first inning with nobody out against Elbert, but Elbert struck out 3B Van Pope for the first out of the inning. With the bags packed, Elbert induced a popout into right that was caught by 2B Travis Denker, who threw out Rome LF Matt Young at the plate trying to score to end the inning. In the second, the Fish took the lead on an RBI single by Carter, and scored two more runs off Rome starter RHP Charlie Morton on a two-run single by Westervelt in the third inning. In the fourth, SS David Nicholson delivered a run scoring single, and Carter's fifth inning double capped the scoring for Columbus tonight in the 5-0 win.

The Braves came into the game with a red-hot offense, having pounded out 72 hits in the five games prior to tonight. The Catfish shutout is the seventh of the season thrown by the staff and second in last six days. Tomorrow, the Catfish take on the Braves at 7:00 PM at State Mutual Stadium, with RHP Jarod Plummer (0-1, 4.03 ERA) taking the hill for Columbus. The game can be seen on Fox Sports Net South in the Southeastern US, and can be heard on WDAK 540 AM in Columbus and on www.columbuscatfish.com.

Headline News: 7/27/2005

From ABC News:
Woman Convicted of Groping Screener
Record number of men apply for screener's position

From ABC News:
Cops Find Nude Man Looking for Gump's Home
Police confirm: Stupid is as stupid does

From ABC News:
Woman Bills Husband for All the Housework She Did
Husband agrees to pay if he can sleep with the houskeeper

From ABC News:
Wife Seeks Husband Who Disappeared During Vacation
Wants to present him with bill

From ABC News:
Iraq's al Qaeda says it killed Algerian envoys
Michael Moore proud of his "minutemen" *

From ABC News:
Anheuser-Busch Earnings Fall
Anheuser-Busch Drinkers Stagger, Fall

From ABC News:
Starbucks profit above view
$6.00 cup of coffee credited

From ABC News:
Now Streaming Live: Pacific Walruses
Or the Bolton hearings. We can't tell which.

From ABC News:
More Rare Hummingbirds Spotted in Texas
Striped elsewhere

From ABC News:
Underwood, Martin Are Sexiest Vegetarians
Zuchini, tomatoes are sexiest vegetables

Supper: 7/27/2005

Try one of these specials with your supper:

• INDC Journal offers a blogging tip.


• How To Blog looks at Blogger's addition of graphics.


• Chrenkoff finds the London bombers have something else in common.


• Whiskey Bar asks Hillary to call off the dogs.


• Inside Larry's Head are China and its partners.


• Hans Mast can't get off a mailing list.


• Jeff Jarvis did, though.


• La Shawn Barber likes Tancredo.


• Emperor Darth Misa I has had enough of stupid arguments.


• Fistful of Fortnights has the scoop on Jane's new video.


• Blackfive reports on new citizens.

Lunch: 7/27/2005

Try one of these specials with your lunch:

• Stop the ACLU! sees a win for the Boy Scouts.


• Pirate's Cove finds agreement with the ACLU.


• Don Surber sees a backlash against Al-Qaida.


• Trey Jackson is selling shirts.


• bookofjoe found something for the ladies.


• Riehl World View takes Scared Monkeys to task.


• Scared Monkeys has a member going to Aruba.


• Twilight Kingdom is following other missing persons.


• IMAO has an FAQ on Agent 99.


• Nickie Goomba has an award for "Maverick."

Breakfast: 7/27/2005

Try one of these specials with your breakfast:

• Hyscience looks at reaction to the gay hangings in Iran.


• Dave of Garfield Ridge has thoughts on succession.


• Michelle Malkin finds Air America being investigated.


• Conservative Cat says if that's a moderate...


• hamstermotor looks at political moderation.


• The Goober Queen finds an orgy in progress ... and has pictures.


• Acidman (Gut Rumbles) whines.


• Hector Vex cat blogs.


• Fistful of Fortnights offers a roundup.

Busy Week

I tell you what, it's has been a busy, busy week around these parts. I almost called Basil and told him that I couldn't fill in for him today, but I decided that he needs at least one day off a week from blogging. Besides, things finally worked out, as bad as they had been.

Let me tell you about my week.

The latter part of last week was scary around here. We had a jailbreak from the county jail. They had some big-time criminal brought through here supposedly all secret-like, but you know you can't keep a secret around here. Anyway, the son-of-a-gun escaped! And for a couple of days, folks was all worried until one of the deputies found him and brung him back in.

After all that excitement, we decided to take some time off and we went fishing this past weekend. Didn't catch a thing. But, as long as we was at the water, we decided to try our hand at skiing. That wasn't as much fun as folks make it out to be.

When we got home, we found that my cousin who stays with us had a party while we was gone and every dish in the house was dirty. And him and his buddies had gone hunting with the dog and the poor thing really stank something awful and needed washing. So, we figured out how to save time and get everything done at once. We're nothing if not efficient.

After we finally got everything cleaned up, we hardly had time to get us any rest before we had to get up and go to work Monday.

I sure hope your week went better.

More White Trash Wednesday:

Agent Bedhead
Alabama Improper
And Rightly So!
BOBO BLOGGER
Dangerous Logic
Feisty Republican Whore
HECTOR VEX
It Is What It Is
Lost In Lima Ohio
Mean Ol' Meany
Merri Musings
MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy
Pennsylvanian in exile
Pirate's Cove
Public Figures
Riehl World View
Right Truth
Rightwingsparkle
Six Meat Buffet
Sortapundit
Stupid Random Thoughts
The Jawa Report
The Nose On Your Face
The Therapist
Vince Aut Morire

Catfish Fall To Rome

From the Columbus Catfish:

Fish Unable to Capitalize on Five Rome Braves Errors and Fall 9-7 in Series Opener
2B Brandon Carter and RF Ryan Russ Each with Three Hits in Catfish Loss

ROME, GA—The Rome Braves overcame sloppy defense and a tenacious Columbus offense in a 9-7 victory at State Mutual Stadium in Rome, GA. 2B Brandon Carter finished 3-4 with a double and two RBI while RF Ryan Russ hit a homer and reached four times in the Catfish loss. Rome broke a 7-7 tie with two runs in the eighth inning against Catfish RHP Dimas Reina, beating the Catfish for the 10th time in 2005 in 16 games.  Columbus falls under .500 in the second half to 14-15 (42-56 overall), while Rome gets back to .500 with the win at 15-15 (54-44 overall).  LF Matt Young went 4-5 with two RBI and two runs scored for the Braves.

Catfish took an early 1-0 lead on an RBI double by DH Travis Denker, who had two more RBI tonight to give him a team-best 67 this season. However, Rome scored two runs in the first and one in the third inning to take a 3-1 lead against Catfish starter RHP Brandon Weeden.  In the third, Carter ripped the second of his three hits, a double to right, and scored on an RBI single by 3B Blake DeWitt to cut the deficit to 3-2.  Matt Young's two-run double helped to cap a three-run third for the Braves as they increased their lead to 6-3.  The wild scoring continued in the fourth, when the Catfish came back to within a run after a sacrifice fly and Carter's two run two-out single to make it 6-5 Rome.

Trailing 7-6 in the seventh, Russ hit a solo HR down the left field line to tie the game.  In the bottom of the eighth, three Braves hits including the game-breaking RBI double by Rome RF Brandon Jones gave the Braves a 9-7 lead.  While the Catfish put the tying run on base in the ninth, they could not score, giving Rome a series-opening victory. Tomorrow LHP Scott Elbert (5-5, 3.23 ERA) takes the hill for Columbus at 7:00 PM at State Mutual Stadium.

Headline News: 7/26/2005

From ABC News:
Maggot Treatment Saves Mich. Woman's Foot
First larva to receive medical degree lauded

From ABC News:
AFL-CIO Splinters, Spooking Some Democrats
Party can't afford to bribe individual workers, only union leaders

From ABC News:
Zoo Director Becomes Spider Monkey's Mom
Late nights working at Zoo office explained

From ABC News:
Stressed-out worms die young-study
Calm worms die young, too, so ... screw it

From ABC News:
Israel Angry at Pope Over Terror Comments
Warn Pontiff: "You remember what we did to your boss, right?"

From ABC News:
Brazilians Demand Arrest Over Killing
London police agree, arrest corpse

From ABC News:
Non-Religious Kids Find Refuge in 'Godless' Camp
Camp Burn-In-Hell a hit

From ABC News:
Some U.S. Airlines May Return to Black
Soul Plane announces flight schedule

From ABC News:
Wild Dogs Go on Killing Sprees
Bush blamed

From ABC News:
Courtney Love, David Grohl Still Feuding
Battling for title of Biggest Has-Been

Supper: 7/26/2005

Try one of these specials with your super:

• Naked Villainy remodels the castle.


• Chowz World says Bochco botched it.


• Dangerous Logic looks at PETA's actions.


• Tish has a plan for the terrorists.


• FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog looks at the stuff with Rove all over it.


• Core|Blog wants to go over to the Dark Side.


• Pirate's Cove has a sense of Discovery.

Attention All New Blogs!

This week, The Showcase — the rotating carnival highlighting new blogs — will be ...(drum roll)... here!

Yes, they finally relented and have allowed this little blog to host The Showcase! I guess I can let their heads up out of the water now.

If you are a new blogger, enter your blog in The Showcase.

What's a new blogger? Well, you've been blogging less than three months. The submissions are for the week of July 26 - August 1. That means, if your blog came online on or after April 26, 2005, you can enter.

What's that you say? You just missed the cutoff? And you didn't know about The Showcase? Gosh, you are new.

If that's the case, though, enter anyway and submit a lame excuse. But it better be a good lame excuse. None of this "the dog ate my blog." Unless, of course, the dog did eat your blog. Then, it's okay.

Oh, and when you enter your blog, it's a darn good idea to have The Showcase on your blogroll. And, if you don't know how to add a blog to your blogroll ... well, gosh, you are new, aren't you?!

Here's how to enter your blog. Use the handy-dandy Carnival Submission Form that's provided by Conservative Cat. No, you don't have to be conservative — or a cat — to enter. But it won't hurt. The entry selection for The Showcase is the third one. It says "Showcase Carnival." See how handy and dandy that is?

Anyway, submissions are being accepted between now and August 1, 2005.

Enter your new blog in The Showcase.

It's Free! It's Fun! It's The Showcase!

Lunch: 7/26/2005

Try one of these specials with your lunch:

• Hog On Ice finds ARI causes HIV.


• IMAO plays MadLibs.


• Geosciblog finds sugar ain't sweet.


• Grandma's House sure is happy to see Jane's back.


• Harvey (Bad Example version) is, too.


• Chris Short reveals more on the cult.


• Michelle Malkin has more on the Funeral Crasher.


• The Astute Blogger says death should not equal life.


• GOP and the City just can't compete with the goats.


• It'sAPundit has a poster from a movie now playing.

Breakfast: 7/26/2005

Try one of these specials with your breakfast:

• The Nose On Your Face has a Top Nine list.


• Stop the ACLU! looks at selective separation of church and state.


• Confederate Yankee looks at a difficult choice.


• Eyes On The Ball News reports on moving.


• ScrappleFace has details on the Bush energy bill.


• Captain's Quarters said it's mad to call it MAD.


• The Steel Deal finds a Norwegian haven for torturers.


• Harvey (Bad Example version) goes hippy.


• Beth gathers no moss.

Attacking Roberts

July 19, 2005 Howard Dean clicked on the AOL icon on his computer screen. "You've got mail!" came the voice of El Edwards. "I've got mail! Yaaay!" cried the leader of the Democratic Party. Howard Dean clicked on the the Read mail icon. Ah, it was from Karl Rove. What did HE want? He opened the e-mail and was surprised by what he read. "Roberts? Roberts? Who in the world is Roberts?" muttered Howard Dean. "Oh, well. I'll find out this week. I better let the others know."

"Mr. President," said the Deputy Chief of Staff, "I've notified Dr. Dean of tonight's announcement." "Good job, Karl," said the leader of the free world. "Did you set up the meeting like I asked?" "Yes, Mr. President," Rove responded. "I told them this week." "Heh-heh-heh. That ought to be interesting," replied George W. Bush. July 25, 2005 Howard Dean, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, Patrick Leahy, and Dianne Feinstein sat in the large room in the nation's capitol and planned how to oppose the John Roberts nomination. Reid spoke up first. "Okay, we tried the 'son is a Nazi clone' story, but it went nowhere. Who's dumbass idea was that anyway?" Nancy Pelosi spoke up. "I didn't hear any ideas coming out of your mouth. You're a United States Senator and couldn't even think of a silly lie. At least I offered an idea." "And it was a good one," Dianne Feinstein said. "I don't know why it didn't work. When I told Barbara Boxer about it, you should have seen her face light up. It was a brilliant idea, the 'Nazi clone' story. I don't know why it didn't work." Howard Dean spoke up. "Well, Harry's right. It didn't work. We need to try something else. This is an important battle and we need to win it." "We will, Howard," said Patrick Leahy. "We just need a plan of attack." Howard Dean's eyes lit up. "Attack." He laughed. "That's it! We'll send in the brute squad! AH-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!" he screamed and ran around the room. The Senators and the House Minority leader looked at each other. "Brute squad?" they asked. Howard Dean said, "Of course! We only use them when we have to. But this might be one of those times. I'll send them out immediately!" The meeting had, for all practical purposes, ended. July 26, 2005 The brute squad was outside the large, marble building, waiting for their prey. Suddenly, there was Roberts. But he wasn't alone. He had a large man on his left and a really large man on his right. Still, they had the numbers to win this battle. A sound thrashing of Roberts would send a message that the Democrats weren't to be messed with. As the trio came into reach, the brute squad attacked. Roberts cried, "Inigo! Fezzik! Defend yourselves!" The battle began. Fezzik picked up two brutes, held them at arm's length and smiled. "Now I hit you on the head, because you wish to make us dead." He banged their heads together and dropped their limp bodies on the ground. He turned around and caught one brute in mid-air just before the brute landed on Inigo Montoya. The Spaniard smiled at the giant fighting at his side. "You saved my life. You are a true friend." Fezzik responded, "If I had not done it, you would have met your end." The Dread Pirate Roberts fended off four brutes with his sword and called to his friends. "Your clever repartee is most amusing, but I could use a little help over here." Inigo Montoya drew his sword and quickly dispatched two of the brutes that were attacking his friend. The other two brutes met a quick end at Robert's sword. The rest of the brute squad, who were waiting to execute the second wave of the attack looked at each other, threw their swords down, and ran away. Roberts sheathed his sword. "What in the world was that all about?" Fezzik responded, "When we get where we're going, maybe we'll find out." The trio was ushered into the Oval Office. The President rose to greet them. "Good to see you again, John. Fezzik. Inigo." said George W. Bush. The trio took the offered seats. Karl Rove joined the group. "Sorry I'm late, Mr. President," Rove said. "It's okay, Karl," the President said. "I was just about to ask John about his morning." "Funny you should ask, Mr. President," said the Dread Pirate Roberts. "We were accosted by a large group of men about a block away from here." "Ah, they used the brute squad, did they?" asked Bush. Karl Rove spoke up. "Brute squad? Inconceivable!" "You remind me of someone," Inigo said. "Well, fellas, it looks like the battle's begun. But you came through with flying colors," said George Bush. "The worst of the attacks are over. We'll be seeing the Democrats fall in line now. Oh, there'll still be some sniping, but you'll get through it. Be prepared to keep fighting. You'll be confirmed soon." Roberts replied to the President, "As you wish."

Loss

The Therapist has experienced a loss. His father passed away earlier today. Nothing I can say (or write) can ease the pain he and his family are experiencing. No words from me can offer any comfort.

However, your prayers can. Please keep Ron ... and his family ... in your prayers.

100,000

Well, I'll be a son-of-a-gun. 100,000 visitors. I remember when I started this little blog that I never figured we'd hit 100,000 at all, much less in the first year.

Oh, sure, I'm fully aware that lots of blogs hit 100,000 in a shorter period of time than we did. This little blog doesn't compare to them. But still, it's a big deal for a small blog like this one. Even though visitor number 100,000 was someone looking for Jamie Lynn Spears.

It took 76 days to go from 0 to 10,000. It took 78 days to go from 10,0001 to 50,000. And it took 75 days to go from 50,001 to 100,000.

That pace isn't the fastest, to be sure, but it does indicate a trend. More and more of you are visiting this little blog, and many more are coming back.

I have no idea why. But I'm grateful. And I'm grateful to all the blogs that have thought this little blog worthy of adding to their blogroll or linking to a post or two.

Thanks to you all.

Headline News: 7/25/2005

From KPRC:
Chase lands 5 behind bars
Citibank makes clean getaway

From CNN:
Clinton expresses regret in Rwanda
Shouldn't have lied to the U.S.

From CNN:
Franklin forms near Bahamas
Ghost of American Founding Father enjoys vacation

From CNN:
Scientists worried by riot control ray gun
Fear guns won't be as effective as photon torpedos

From CNN:
Michael Jackson to get seized property
Last property he siezed was a 12-year-old's penis

From ABC News:
Ex-Driver Tries to Sell NASCAR Fans on Wine
Will return to circuit driving the #52 Boone's Farm Chevrolet

From ABC News:
Blair Spent $3,130 on Makeup in Six Years
And $3,750 on bras and panties

From ABC News:
Life-Sized Statue of Betty Boop Beheaded
Life-sized Statue of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi claims credit

From ABC News:
LAPD Recruits Computer to Stop Rogue Cops
Contracts with Detroit's OCP Corporation *

From ABC News:
Pope Prays for God to Stop Terrorists
God to Pope: "Hey, I got absolutely nothing to do with those lunatics"

Says Who?

"not just anybody can summarize the news" ? ? ? ? ?

Says who? I've been doing it for, gosh, weeks now. Okay, months. And, in about a half-hour, I'll do it again!

Take that, Jeff Goldstein!

Supper: 7/25/2005

Try one of these specials with your super:

• Harvey (Bad Example version) finds McCoy=Gillespe.


• Nickie Goomba's starting rumors.


• Gun-Toting Liberal isn't fond of Jane.


• Feisty Republican Whore takes issue with some Britons.


• Confederate Yankee finds who dies when who lies.


• Protein Wisdom finds Jersey cracking down on terrorists tobacco users.


• Jeff H (Think Sink) finds a leak.


• Nurse Kelly (Time To Lean) has a report that'll drive you to drink. Just don't drink the water.