...The Raven

Hi. On this day in 1845 "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe was published in the New York Evening Mirror. Poe wanted to reach both critical and commercial success with this writing. The lead character is a mourning narrator who is visited by a talking Raven, and traces the man's slow descent into madness.

I found Karen Carpenters' Autopsy Report. For many years some of the pages were 'missing'. The day that she died she was supposed to sign the final divorce papers ending a 14 month marriage to a man who apparently took her for a lot of cash. Her death was due to 'a heart attack brought on by Anorexia Nervosa' but what I find odd, and I am not a Doctor...is what is stated in that report. "multiple needle puncture marks are seen in the groin bilaterally. The toe nails contain clear polish. The arms are thin. An intravenous needle is present in the right antecubital fossa. Fresh needle marks are seen in both wrists and on the back of the right hand."
Yesterday was the funeral of a young man and dear friend of my dear neighbor LS.
"He was having trouble with drinking and drugs. His parent's and family tried everything. Finally his dad kicked him out of the house when he found needles lying around. That is what his dad said. Everyone else seems to not believe he would do this because he was an athlete and smart, He went to Temple, very outgoing and fun to be around. Always happy. He and his friends were having a party at their house and the friends put him to bed because he was so drunk. They found him later hanging from a bar on his window. He had a girlfriend also. My sister found out his last post on Facebook was: I'm so drunk I don't know or remember anything. So did he do this because he really was at a loss or do you think it was a mistake. no one will ever know now."

Surround yourselves with caring people everyone. If you can't find someone, seek professional help. Rich, poor, young, old...many of us receive visits from The Raven. It is not abnormal. But it is paramount to hit these demons head on. Pray, live, help others. Have a good day. If you encounter a stranger with cold eyes, just give a smile. They may have had a recent visitor and your kindness could go a long way.

Today's photo is "Best Friend Tassel." Even if you don't buy one from my website, be one to someone.
"To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage." Lao Tzu

...pride and prejudice

Hi. There is a light dusting of snow on Chester County, PA this morning. We left 14 footprints of varying sizes exponentially across the neighborhood. Did we walk with pride? I don't think so, It was too slippery. We simply enjoyed ourselves. CN stopped over and we hung out and then DL phoned and we will probably deliver furniture this evening. The love seat and chair are more of a Contemporary style, but no prejudice abounds. We like all styles. It just depends on the setting. On this day in 1813, Jane Austen's' "Pride and Prejudice" was first published in the United Kingdom. The story follows the main character Elizabeth Bennet as she deals with issues of manners, upbringing, moral rightness, education and marriage in her aristocratic society of early 19th century England. Most reading this blog have read this novel which stands the test of time. I sent off the Wedgewood Velvet sample to CT for final approval. He sells sea shells. I mean ME. New needlepoint rugs and pillows. A special thanks to the Chinese readers of my blog for the inspiring comments. A special thanks also to online translators. Have a great day.
"A large income is the best recipe for happiness I ever heard of." Jane Austen

...in an instant

Hi. EA and I had a chance to catch up last night and it was long overdue. It's funny how things can change in an instant, or how a single incident can have profound effects on a life. Let's keep praying that our choices are sound ones. If something happens out of the blue, as things often do, let's pray for the strength to continue. The needlepoint pillows and ceramic tassels are in stock...all but one pillow so that is good news to web clients. On this day in 1984 singer Michael Jackson suffered second and third degree burns on his scalp during the filming of a Pepsi commercial in the Shrine Auditorium.Some think, and a few have been able to document, that his addiction to pain medication began when this horrific accident happened. Moonwalk a mile in someones shoes before casting judgement everyone! Enjoy the day, whatever comes your way. 'Sentiment Guest Towels' shown.
"Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change." Confucius

...diamond in the rough

Hello. The sun is out in Chester County, PA shining like a diamond over the semi frozen earth. Some residents were shocked at the sight as it has been a while since this star has been visible. I had just finished updating the 'Tassel' and 'Needlepoint Pillow' section of my website and received a few orders. Years ago, my website was a diamond in the rough; plain, unattractive and yielded no direct sales. But we keep on trying, polishing our acts to continually improve. On this day in 1905 the Cullinan Diamond was found at the Premier Mine near Pretoria in South Africa. The Cullinan diamond is the largest rough gem-quality diamond ever found, at 3,106.75 carats.That would make one heck of an engagement ring. The settee gentlemen are now considering velvet and I will send samples to them today. Velvet is interesting in that, the more 'bruised' it appears, the more interesting it's texture. Sort of like the facets on a diamond. Have fun today all of you diamonds in the rough...and even the most polished too!
"Big girls need big diamonds." Elizabeth Taylor

...an apple a day

Hello. On this day in 1984 the first Apple Macintosh went on sale. Ironically, George Orwell's 1949 novel, "1984" spoke a lot about big brother. What better way to keep an eye on people than with a computer, or am I simply a paranoid? What would students today do without computers and the Internet? Back in the 70's, when I was, well... I didn't have a computer but this thought provoked me into forming a Top Ten list of my favorite 70's items.
Carpenters my favorite group
Datsun 240Z my first (or second car)
Debbie Bruni my saving grace neighbor
Friendly Ice Cream what didn't I deep fry?
Brady Bunch shirts with a zipper in the middle
Nanny and The Professor (names don't get much better than Phoebe Figalilly )
Methacton Band (the people, not necessarily the marching)
Sherri...for accidentally showing me WCU
Newman Center... even Nuns can rock and roll
God...for seeing me through the 70's relatively unscathed.

"Fortune favours the bold. " Virgil

...plates

Hello. The boys are running around creating quite a rumbling in the house this morning. Nothing scary tho'. The shaking of my floors was not caused by any pact with the devil as Pat Robertson might say and although I did turn the heat up, their behavior is not a result of global warming. Danny Glover may disagree with me. There are things called 'plates' in our Earth guys. It has nothing to do with Tiger Woods promiscuity.
The Haiti earthquake occurred at a fault that runs right through Haiti and is situated along the boundary between the Caribbean and North American plates, which are rocky slabs that cover the planet and fit together like a giant jigsaw puzzle. These two plates constantly creep past one another, about 0.8 inches (20 mm) a year, with the Caribbean plate moving eastward with respect to the North American slab.
On this day in 1556, the deadliest earthquake in history, the Shaanxi earthquake, hit Shaanxi province, China. The death toll may have been as high as 830,000.
Things can change in a second so do your best to walk tall and remain strong.
I have updated my needlepoint rug and pillow section and a gal from WA ordered some yesterday. I have also added 'Animal Ribbon Tassels' because with all of the devastation around, leave it to me to be somewhat vacuous and provide a sense of beauty. Even if it is an area rug or a drapery tassel.

"Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well." Lord Chesterfield

...baby, it's you

Hello. I finally got to see my neighbors adorable baby girl yesterday as her mommy walked both she and their dogs. I didn't resist pinching her cheeks but not hard. The area rug came back in no time at all and it is the correct color this time. I told you before that the vendor is excellent and Northwood Carpet is something to consider, flooring-wise. Occasionally it takes quite a lot of patience and investment of time for a custom item. Not as long as it takes a human to have a baby tho. On this day in 1973, in the case of Roe v Wade, the US Supreme Court struck down state laws restricting abortions during the first six months of pregnancy. In the following decades debate has continued to rage between those who believe a woman has a right to choose whether to continue a pregnancy and those who believe that aborting such a pregnancy is murder of an unborn child. I will stick to home furnishings, area rugs and accessories. I updated my barstool section for those who prefer to sit while drinking.

"If men could get pregnant, abortion would be a sacrament."
Florynce R. Kennedy
"Let's not pretend that abortion isn't about the mass slaughter of innocents."
Michael Aston

...where there's smoke

Hello. Someone in the neighborhood had a fire going last evening. The air was filled with the earthy scent of burning wood. The only one who didn't enjoy it was Prince due to his esophageal issues. The circle of life of a tree. Even in death it provides enjoyment. LB sent me a passage about mothers being the roots of trees that continue to nurture their progeny even after the tree itself has died. We go on and on, and each of us has a profound effect whether we are aware of it or not. Put that in your pipe and smoke it! On this day in 1908, New York City passed the Sullivan Ordinance, making it illegal for women to smoke in public, only to have the measure vetoed by the mayor. The mayor happened to be Joan Rivers, in her late 40's and was known to puff on a Marlboro on a regular basis. I have added new sofas and needlepoint/hook rugs to my website, both adding and removing color as current trends dictate. Not to worry tho'. Everything that I choose has a long shelf life. Have a great day, enjoy life and put out fires rather than stoking them.
"One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar." Helen Keller

...rollercoaster

Hi. Life can be a roller coaster with all of it's ups and downs. On this day in 1885L.A. Thompson patented the roller coaster. On this day in 1961, John F. Kennedy was inaugurated as the youngest man, and first-ever Roman Catholic, to become elected President of the United States. on this day in 2009, Barack Obama, inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States of America, became the United States' first African-American president.The settee is on order and the faux wood blinds are being made as we speak. I have been updating my website to try to keep ahead of discontinued and unavailable items. Keep holding on and do your best to enjoy the ride.

"Success is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well." Jim Rohn

...The Gittings Trust

The Gittings Trust: A Political Action Committee
Achieving Equality Through Political Action

Barbara Gittings (July 31, 1932 – February 18, 2007) was a prominent American gay rights activist. She organized the New York chapter of the Daughters of Bilitis from 1958 to 1963, edited its magazine The Ladder until 1966, and worked closely with Frank Kameny in the first picket lines that brought attention to the unequal treatment of gay Americans by the US State Department. Her early experiences with trying to learn more about lesbianism fueled her lifetime work with libraries. In the 1970s, Gittings was most involved in the American Library Association, forming the first gay caucus in a professional organization, in order to promote positive literature about homosexuality in libraries. She was a part of the movement to get the American Psychiatric Association to drop homosexuality as a mental illness in 1972. Her self-described life mission was to tear away the "shroud of invisibility" related to homosexuality that associated it with crime and mental illness.

Mission Statement: The Gittings Trust will use the political process to advance equality for all gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender citizens.

Please click here to learn more and to sign the petition.

...blue

Hi. Hopefully you didn't experience this, but yesterday was supposedly the gloomiest day in 2010. Studies involving after Holiday depression, lack of sunlight and more made up the majority of this finding. We took the boys to Valley Forge Park and released some cobwebs. We also got some light. On this day in 1883 the first electric lighting system employing overhead wires, built by Thomas Edison, began service at Roselle, New Jersey. One way to cure the Winter blues! Look into the light! The Koi Rug finally arrived and the web client was kind enough to tell me that her husband loves it. The Seashell Rug is now only available in a 3' x 5' size so I will begin searching for another source. Have a great day and keep in mind that the gloomiest day of this year is already behind us. Things can only get better.

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
Eleanor Roosevelt

...do you have a dream?

Hi. On this day in 1993, for the first time, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was officially observed in all 50 states. King, and his policy of nonviolence, was the dominant force in the civil-rights movement. Martin Luther King Jr. has now been dead longer than he lived. But what an extraordinary life it was.

At 33, he was pressing the case of civil rights with President John Kennedy. At 34, he galvanized the nation with his "I Have a Dream" speech. At 35, he won the Nobel Peace Prize. At 39, he was assassinated, but he left a legacy of hope and inspiration that continues today.

Yesterday I laid and installed Webster Carpet/Runners and the final result was a resounding win. It was raining in Chester County, PA so I could not bring the boys, much to the dismay of the client's boys. Next time! Have a non violent day and keep the peace. New animal needlepoint pillows are slowly being added to my website. Click on the Pug!
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." Martin Luther King, Jr.

...magnetic MLK

Hello. Martin Luther King Day is celebrated on the third Monday in January, always around his birthday. If you have never heard of this man, Google him. My cousin SSO is one of eight recipients of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award. This is an honor bestowed by Johns Hopkins Institutions to those employees and members of the Johns Hopkins System who make a significant contribution to society through their community service. She was honored for her work with the Tyanna Barre O'Brien Breast Cancer Foundation, which raises money for breast cancer research and materials for Mercy Medical Center. She too has a magnetic personality and looks fab in red. On this day in 1909 Ernest Shackleton's expedition found the magnetic South Pole. That same year his brother Ted starred in the hit TV show "Knots Landing." Have a great day, have a heart and try to be magnetic...unless you are in the tool aisle of Home Depot. That could be a painful thing.

"A man can't ride your back unless it's bent."
Martin Luther King, Jr.

...sitting pretty

Hello. The boys joined the boys last evening and we told not so scary ghost stories and had a great time. We sat in front of the fire and even 'recycled' some old books and magazines. GZ in CT ordered the 'Carved Settee' and should be sitting pretty in 4 to 6 weeks. The large Tartan Plaid area rug arrived yesterday morning but the company made it in the wrong color! They stand behind their product so everything will work out fine. The furniture will have to wait to be placed, of course until the correct rug is laid. Sitting very pretty still is the Pentagon. On this day in 1943 the world's largest office building was dedicated in Arlington, Virginia. Did you know that ground was broken on this building on 9/11/41? Hmmmm. On September 11, 2001, hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 was crashed into the western side of the Pentagon, killing 189 people, including 64 people aboard the plane and 125 working in the building. Coincidence? Have a great day, do your best and well, sit pretty when you have a free moment.
"Sitting around the house playing the wife and mother is driving me crazy."
Patsy Cline

...I feel the earth move

Hello. On this day in 1907 an earthquake in Kingston, Jamaica killed more than 1,000 people and animals. The news from Haiti is even more profoundly grim. Rescue workers struggled to clear rubble and bodies Wednesday from the streets of Haiti's "flattened" capital, where a government official said the death toll from Tuesday's 7.0-magnitude earthquake may exceed 100,000. I have provided a link if you want to help but it is up to you to investigate to see if the listed organizations actually get the funds to the correct recipients. One can't help but wonder what it would be like to have your world literally ripped out from under you and my prayers go out to the victims and survivors of this natural disaster. Yes, delayed website orders, cranky people and not reaching certain monthly goals can be devastating. This is the real world. Work hard, play hard and don't forget to hug people and tell them that you love them. (If you really do).
"It is a kingly act to assist the fallen." Mother Teresa

Rest in peace Teddy.

...Bin Laden Hanged virus alert

Mel B is on the ball as usual.

Received this just now.

TWO SUBJECT LINES of which to be AWARE

Just verified this with Snopes and it is REAL.. ALSO WENT TO TRUTH OR FICTION, IT'S on their site also.

PLEASE INFORM EVERYONE you know!
1.) Emails with pictures of Osama Bin-Laden hanged are being sent and the moment that you open these emails your computer will crash and you will not be able to fix it!
If you get an e-mail along the lines of 'Osama Bin Laden Captured' or 'Osama Hanged' , don't open the Attachment!!!!

This e-mail is being distributed through countries around the globe, but mainly in the US and Israel

Be considerate & send this warning to whomever you know.

2.) You should be alert during the next few days:

Do not open any message with an attached file called 'Invitation' regardless of who sent it.

It is a virus that opens an Olympic Torch which 'burns' the whole hard disc C of your computer!!!!

This virus will be received from someone who has your e-mail address in his/her contact list, that is why you should send this E-mail to all your contacts.

It is better to receive this message 25 times than to receive the virus and open it

If you receive e-mail called 'invitation', even though sent by a friend. Do not open it!!!

This is the worst virus announced by CNN, it has been classified by Microsoft as the most destructive virus ever.

This virus was discovered by McAfee yesterday, and there is no repair yet for this kind of virus.

This virus simply destroys the Zero Sector of the Hard Disc, where other vital information is kept.

SEND THIS E-MAIL TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW!!!!

...three minutes

Hi. A light dusting of snow covers Chester County, PA right now. The Christmas Tree man was driving around in his red truck as we took our walk, collecting the pine trees cast to the curb. It seems sort of odd to see the trees just lying there, after having been one of the major focal points of this past Holiday Season. I guess one is only as good as their last three minutes. (a Karen Carpenter quote regarding single sales and airplay). I sent off a few emails this morning and am quite used to the speed and convenience of the Internet. It seems like only yesterday but it was on this day in 1908 that the first long-distance radio message was sent from the Eiffel Tower. I was having a croissant, running late for an appointment when the surprising message reached my transistor radio. Although grey out, have a bright day, keep your lines of communication open and clear and try to take you day in three minute segments.

"Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't."
Margaret Thatcher

...lottery

Hi. You are probably already off to work or school or work, then school. Our days are filled with demands and sometimes I wonder what it would be like to be free of them. Winning the lottery could be the saving grace it seems and although I don't like to play the 'what if' game with myself, this idea can be a nice one. If you Google lottery winners you will see that the old adage 'be careful what you wish for' not only ends in a preposition but has some chilling facts. On this day in 1569 the first recorded lottery was held in England. Joan Rivers came close but did not, in fact, win. The boys are coughing today but still rambunctious. I will keep an ear on them. Work hard today, play hard also to alleviate stress. Dream big but be careful what you wish for.
"Forget the lottery. Bet on yourself instead." Brian Koslow

...the sound of promise

Thank you Mel B. for sending this to us.

A Gift From God

If this doesn't adjust your attitude, nothing will. God works in mysterious ways.

...common sense

Hi. Common sense is defined as "ordinary good sense or sound practical judgment." Are we born with it or is it learned? If the latter, does everyone learn it? If so does everyone use it? On this day in 1776, Thomas Paine published a pamphlet entitled "Common Sense." It was first published anonymously on January 10, 1776, during the American Revolution. Common Sense, signed "Written by an Englishman", became an immediate success; it had the largest sale and circulation of any book in American history. Common Sense presented the American colonists with a powerful argument for independence from British rule at a time when the question of independence was still undecided. Joan Rivers, a teen at that time, donated her weekends to passing out the pamphlets. A mature person was driving ahead of me on a major road late yesterday and suddenly decided to stop and make a U-turn. Common sense dictated that I turn on my hazard lights to alert those behind me. Instincts told me to lower my driver's side window, flash my middle finger and yell 'get off of the road you stupid f*ck.' I did neither. I did deliver the silk and velvet runners to a delighted client. Have a great day, use your common sense and if you don't have any, learn some.

"Why shouldn't truth be stranger than fiction? Fiction, after all, has to make sense." Mark Twain

...circus

Hi. yesterday I ended up helping a friend move. Talk about up and down! Little did I know that we would be making many trips up and down staircases. I should title today's blog "I am a millionaire" if I am that much of a soothsayer. It is downright frigid today. Thank God for heated leather seats. Last evening cleaning was in order and my vacuum must have been in a state of shock as it stopped sucking. Thank God again, and along with God, my Aunt and Uncle who had given me a vacuum cleaner many months ago. Cleaning did not have to be delayed. The boys hate the sound and it is my own little circus trying to keep them from biting the electric monster. On this day in 1768 in London, Philip Astley staged the first modern circus. His brother Rick performed "Never Gonna Give You Up" and the crowd went wild. I don't know what is in 'store' today but I will be skipping the StairMaster later. Have fun. Adopt an elephant.
"Just 'cause you got the monkey off your back doesn't mean the circus has left town."
George Carlin

...up and down

Hello. There is a light coating of snow on Chester County, PA this morning. It doesn't seem to be stopping anyone and I will know better the road conditions as I go up and down the rolling streets. Sort of like life. Ups and downs. The Wing Chair fabric is in good stock but the website items were unavailable. On this day in 1835 the United States national debt was 0 for the only time. Then, on this day in 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson declared a "War on Poverty" in the U.S. It keeps things interesting. Have you ever had a night when you received so many calls from friends that you couldn't get to all of them? I thought so. Maybe cloning is not such a bad idea...but then, the idea of more than one of me in this Universe would make a decent Stephen King short story. Have fun today, enjoy the up's and persevere through the downs. Another up is on it's way.
"It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up." Vince Lombardi

...bank on this

Hi. AD chose two Chippendale chairs late yesterday in a Blue and Cream striae fabric. Good choice! A young couple in MD chose the Welsford Lane Transportable Dining Set via my website. I have a queasy feeling that it is no longer available but will try my best to get them one. The fun part about this profession is the continual dropping of unique items because they are just that...unique. Take that to the bank and the teller will look at you like you have lost your marbles. On this day in 1782 the first American commercial bank, the Bank of North America, opened. They had a drive through window and a young Joan Rivers took the first deposit. Rumor has it that she used her first paycheck to run to the nearest plastic surgeon but I was across the street at the time and cannot verify same. Are unavailable items a bummer for me? Yes, and for the customer. That is part of the industry anymore but we all need to persevere. Have fun today, be wise about money, spend wisely and keep the faith.
"There is only one success - to be able to spend your life in your own way."
Christopher Morley

...gone clubbing

Hello. It is cold with a few snow flurries in Chester County, PA this morning. I received a text from an old friend. She reminded me as, how in college, we would trek to Delaware to go clubbing. She reminded me how I brought my text books and studied. What a party animal! Due to the slow economy in many areas, folks are going back to school and learning entirely new livelihoods. Why not? The embroidered silk job is finished and looks great. The needlepoint and hook pieces that missed Holiday delivery will be in today and everyone was nice about it. Back to clubbing. On this day in 1994 Nancy Kerrigan was clubbed in the knee at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Detroit. It must be 'Hard'ing to be second best but guess what? We cannot always be first. It just isn't the way the world works. hear that JK? There is nothing wrong with it either. MK stopped by last evening and then just as she left BW did. The boys were excited and thought that the Holidays were back. Have a great day, work hard and then club...but not in a way that will make you second rate.
"She hits me and she beats me and she drinks. My mom is an alcoholic." Tonya Harding

...important update! Kate Godswing has a new look...plastic hair extensions and nicotine remover on her teeth. Now this is news! Photoshoppers everywhere are exhausted and should demand time off.

...fly the friendly skies

I received this email from a good friend and client this evening...

I, Gene Hackemack, received this email from my good friend Tedd Petruna, a diver at the NBL facility [Neutral Buoyancy Lab], at NASA Houston, whom I used to work with. Tedd happened to be on this same Flt. 297, Atlanta to Houston.

In my opinion, the muslims are all getting very brave now, since they have one of their own in the white house......read Tedd's story below.

Semper Fi
Gene Hackemack


PS...can you imagine, our own news media now are so politically correct that they are afraid to report that these were all muslims...unbelievable. Thank God for people like Tedd Petruna.


A. Gene Hackemack
979-xxx-xxxx cell & home
buttonbox01@gmail.com
8725 Hwy 290 W
Brenham TX 77833

One week ago, I went to Ohio on business and to see my father. On Tuesday, November the 17th, I returned home. If you read the papers the 18th you may have seen a blurb where a AirTran flight was cancelled from Atlanta to Houston due to a man who refused to get off of his cell phone before takeoff. It was on Fox.

This was NOT what happened.

I was in 1st class coming home. 11 Muslim men got on the plane in full attire. 2 sat in 1st class and the rest peppered themselves throughout the plane all the way to the back. As the plane taxied to the runway the stewardesses gave the safety spiel we are all so familiar with. At that time, one of the men got on his cell and called one of his companions in the back and proceeded to talk on the phone in Arabic very loudly and very aggressively. This took the 1st stewardess out of the picture for she repeatedly told the man that cell phones were not permitted at the time. He ignored her as if she was not there.

The 2nd man who answered the phone did the same and this took out the 2nd stewardess. In the back of the plane at this time, 2 younger Muslims, one in the back, isle, and one in front of him, window, began to show footage of a porno they had taped the night before, and were very loud about it. Now….they are only permitted to do this prior to Jihad. If a Muslim man goes into a strip club, he has to view the woman via mirror with his back to her. (don’t ask me….I don’t make the rules, but I’ve studied) The 3rd stewardess informed them that they were not to have electronic devices on at this time. To which one of the men said “shut up infidel dog!” She went to take the camcorder and he began to scream in her face in Arabic. At that exact moment, all 11 of them got up and started to walk the cabin. This is where I had had enough! I got up and started to the back where I heard a voice behind me from another Texan twice my size say “I got your back.” I grabbed the man who had been on the phone by the arm and said “you WILL go sit down or you Will be thrown from this plane!” As I “led” him around me to take his seat, the fellow Texan grabbed him by the back of his neck and his waist and headed out with him. I then grabbed the 2nd man and said, “You WILL do the same!” He protested but adrenaline was flowing now and he was going to go. As I escorted him forward the plane doors open and 3 TSA agents and 4 police officers entered. Me and my new Texan friend were told to cease and desist for they had this under control. I was happy to oblige actually. There was some commotion in the back, but within moments, all 11 were escorted off the plane. They then unloaded their luggage.

We talked about the occurrence and were in disbelief that it had happen, when suddenly, the door open again and on walked all 11!! Stone faced, eyes front and robotic (the only way I can describe it). The stewardess from the back had been in tears and when she saw this, she was having NONE of it! Being that I was up front, I heard and saw the whole ordeal. She told the TSA agent there was NO WAY she was staying on the plane with these men. The agent told her they had searched them and were going to go through their luggage with a fine tooth comb and that they were allowed to proceed to Houston. The captain and co-captain came out and told the agent “we and our crew will not fly this plane!” After a word or two, the entire crew, luggage in tow, left the plane. 5 minutes later, the cabin door opened again and a whole new crew walked on.

Again…..this is where I had had enough!!! I got up and asked “What the hell is going on!?!?” I was told to take my seat. They were sorry for the delay and I would be home shortly. I said “I’m getting off this plane”. The stewardess sternly told me that she could not allow me to get off. (now I’m mad!) I said “I am a grown man who bought this ticket, who’s time is mine with a family at home and I am going through that door, or I’m going through that door with you under my arm!! But I am going through that door!!” And I heard a voice behind me say “so am I”. Then everyone behind us started to get up and say the same. Within 2 minutes, I was walking off that plane where I was met with more agents who asked me to write a statement. I had 5 hours to kill at this point so why the hell not. Due to the amount of people who got off that flight, it was cancelled. I was supposed to be in Houston at 6pm. I got here at 12:30am.

Look up the date. Flight 297 Atlanta to Houston.

If this wasn’t a dry run, I don’t know what one is. The terrorists wanted to see how TSA would handle it, how the crew would handle it, and how the passengers would handle it.

I’m telling this to you because I want you to know….
The threat is real. I saw it with my own eyes….

-Tedd Petruna

...the stranger

Well we all have a face
That we hide away forever
And we take them out and
Show ourselves
When everyone has gone
Some are satin some are steel
Some are silk and some are leather
They're the faces of the stranger
But we love to try them on
Well we all fall in love
But we disregard the danger
Though we share so many secrets
There are some we never tell
Why were you so surprised
That you never saw the stranger
Did you ever let your lover see
The stranger in yourself?
Don't be afraid to try again
Everone goes south
Every now and then
You've done it, why can'tSomeone else?
You should know by now
You've been there yourself
Once I used to believe
I was such a great romancer
Then I came home to a woman
That I could not recognize
When I pressed her for a reason
She refused to even answer
It was then I felt the stranger
Kick me right between the eyes...
Repeat chorus and hopefully fade.
"I want to be what I've always wanted to be: dominant." Tiger Woods

...she works hard for the money

Hello. Whether you work at home or go to an office, we are working harder and harder for the money. Perhaps a lottery ticket is worth a stab. 2010 is starting out to be a great year and my vision is that it will only get better. Did you hear that Universe? On this day in 1914 the Ford Motor Company announced an eight-hour workday and a minimum wage of $5 for a day's labor. Many are still at that hourly rate several years later. Keep trying everyone! Everything will be okay. My final Holiday removal is the wreath on the front of my truck. I will store it safely for next year, God willing. The boys are stirred up for some odd reason this morning, working hard to keep the dolly from each other. They have about 17 dolls but for some reason are zeroing in on just one. Health, wealth, peace, swags and jabots everyone!

"Free men are the strongest men." Wendell Willkie

...smile

Birthday, Christmas and New Year's all in the same week??? That is cause for a smile. And a balloon. If your day didn't make you smile, stop on your way home and get a balloon. They can do wonders for the psyche. Helium filled ones also make your voice sound funny when you inhale! On this day in 1854 the McDonald Islands were discovered by Captain William McDonald aboard the Samarang. He then ordered a Big Mac, a small fry and a Diet Coke.

...I took Christmas down today

I took Christmas down today,
all the lights are stored away.
And the stockings, hung with care
are now boxed and unaware.
The tree that once stood tall
is a memory for us all.
As the magic goes away,
I took Christmas down today.

I'd have liked to leave it up,
put more eggnog in my cup.
Played some carols once again,
Viewed the cards from all my friends.
But that isn't how it is,
Jolly the season to be tis',
Let the feelings drift away,
I took Christmas down today.

There's no promise for next year,
Just ask Max and Dee and Lear,
but awash in all the good,
it's assumed and understood.
Yes the boys confused the tree,
standing inside they did pee,
thinking they were still outdoors,
I forgive them...how 'bout yours?
It's a part of Holiday,
I took Christmas down today.

I wish for a great year,
for my friends and family dear,
that the red and green and white
can last 'till next Christmas night.
The nutcrackers lay in slumber,
Small in size but large in number.
Yes, the angel's put away,
I took Christmas down today.

I wish you all the joy
that this season does employ.
make it last without the lights,
and the colors warm and bright.
In the February grey,
or the hot July I say,
I took Christmas down today,
Let it never go away.


"Christmas isn't a season. It's a feeling." Edna Ferber

...Bill Cosby

Hello. My blog was handed to me this morning. Thank you Diva Felisha!

From Bill Cosby:

I HAVE DECIDED TO BECOME A WRITE-IN CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT IN THE YEAR 2012.
HERE IS MY PLATFORM:

(1). Any use of the phrase: 'Press 1 for English' is immediately banned. English is the official language; speak it or wait outside of our borders until you can.

(2). We will immediately go into a two year isolationist attitude in order to straighten out the greedy big business posture in this country. America will allow NO imports, and we'll do no exports. We will use the 'Wal-Mart 's policy, 'If we ain't got it, you don't need it.' We'll make it here and sell it here! (Except for some beautiful french imports???)

(3). When imports are allowed, there will be a 100% import tax on it coming in here. (ouch, but well....)

(4). All retired military personnel will be required to man one of the many observation towers located on the southern border of the United States (six month tour). They will be under strict orders not to fire on SOUTHBOUND aliens.

(5). Social Security will immediately return to its original state. If you didn't put nuttin in, you ain't gettin nuttin out. Neither the President nor any other politician will be able to touch it.


(6). Welfare. -- Checks will be handed out on Fridays, at the end of the 40 hour school week, the successful completion of a urinalysis test for drugs, and passing grades.

(7). Professional Athletes -- Steroids? The FIRST time you check positive you're banned from sports ... for life.

(8). Crime -- We will adopt the Turkish method, i.e., the first time you steal, you lose your right hand. There is no more 'life sentences'. If convicted of murder, you will be put to death by the same method you chose for the victim you killed: gun, knife, strangulation, etc.

(9). One export of ours will be allowed: wheat; because the world needs to eat. However, a bushel of wheat will be the exact price of a barrel of oil.

(10). All foreign aid, using American taxpayer money, will immediately cease and the saved money will help to pay off the national debt and, ultimately, lower taxes.. When disasters occur around the world, we'll ask The American People if they want to donate to a disaster fund, and each citizen can make the decision as to whether, or not, it's a worthy cause.

(11). The Pledge of Allegiance will be said every day at school and every day in Congress.

(12). The National Anthem will be played at all appropriate ceremonies, sporting events, outings, etc.

My apology is offered if I've stepped on anyone's toes .... nevertheless....


GOD BLESS AMERICA !


Sincerely, Bill Cosby
Have a great day everyone. On this day in 1932, Martial law was declared in Honduras to stop revolt by banana workers fired by United Fruit.
"Man never made any material as resilient as the human spirit." Bern Williams


























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...New Year babies

Hello. Being born on Christmas Day must be hard 'cause you are vying with the Baby Jesus. How about those born near New Years? SK and ND are two wonderful young people who experience just that annually. All I can say is...do NOT use Holiday wrapping paper for birthday gifts. It only minimizes the day. Imagine being the parents/grandparents of a child born right about now! I will channel strength and energy to those stoic folks. Is everyone still enjoying Holiday cakes and cookies? On this day in 1791, the Big Bottom massacre happened in the Ohio Country, marking the beginning of the Northwest Indian War. A few years later, Freddie Mercury wrote a song about it called "Fat Bottomed Girls." Without all of those Holiday treats, this probably never could have happened. Please send warm wishes to AA who has a nasty after-Christmas flu. Have fun today, eat, drink and be merry 'but' don't forget to burn off extra calories. Rest In Peace Freddie Mercury, but there are those still out there ready to write a new song.

"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." Charles M. Schulz
"More chocolate, please!" Nolah Boo Boo

...are you ready?

Hi. Happy New Year! Two Advil will take care of that. The fireworks went off as scheduled in Chester County, PA but all animals remain nonplussed. A few predictions for this year: a mysterious ring of light will appear to circle the planet earth giving it the appearance as a ring of light surrounding Saturn. A ring around my bathtub will appear after bathing the boys. This mysterious 'ring of light' will have a dramatic impact on the animal kingdom. All of the animals of the planet will start singing in harmony to the same melody. I sure hope it's "Bless The Beasts and Children!" From one end of the globe to the other end - all animals will be effected and they will be howling, cackling, barking, meowing, mooing, whinnying, in harmony to the same melody. On this day in 1925 the American astronomer Edwin Hubble announced the discovery of galaxies outside the Milky Way. No one Snickers!
The 200 dollar per yard silk arrived and I am hesitant to even cut the stuff. Maybe after two Advil. All the best in 2010 everyone! Health, abundance and peace of mind is my wish for this year.
"Fortune favors the prepared mind." Louis Pasteur