Jim of Snooze Button Dreams, has A New Argument For Creationists that is both compelling and funny. Personally, I just think he was too long in the shower.

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I took the General Poetic Knowledge Quiz and this is what I scored:

11 out of a possible 11 correct... [Doing a happy dance w/arms up in the air] Woohoo!

According to poetry.com, this means that I "have an excellent grasp of poetic form, structure, and technique. People at this level have generally taken advanced-level study in literature or have completed advanced poetry courses. They have often spent considerable time writing, developing their own poetic "voice," and their own techniques. People at this level, particularly if they can apply their knowledge of poetic form and structure to their own work, are considered among the most talented of poetic artists."

[blushing a bit] Awww, shucks! It's nice to know that I didn't waste my time (or money) in taking all those literary courses in college!

If you feel like taking the quiz, and testing your poetic knowledge (like HARVEY or one of the Llama Butchers will surely do) click here. Because the test is difficult, I have posted it in the extended entry along with the correct answers and explanation, as a sort of crash course in poetry. Enjoy!

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I received two letters that really helped turn my day around. The first is an email from a reader trying to cheer me up after I lost 3 of my journals. I share it with you because it lifted my spirits and has a bit of music trivia in it. He writes:

Bono of U2 lost a journal full of lyrics when they were on their first US tour. He was about 20 years old at the time and was devastated by the loss of his journal. He never got it back - so somwhere out there are some lost U2 songs that would probably be worth millions right now. Just to let you know, it happens to the best of us, and our best work is never inhibited by our loss and is probably yet to come.

Thanks! That helped a lot as I was starting to feel blue again! I also received a sweet letter today from one of my military correspondents. Sometimes I wonder if the letters I'm writing make a difference in anyone's life and if I should continue writing. Then along comes a letter like this, which makes me realize that I really have nothing to complain about, and my effort in writing these letters is making a world of difference for a few. He writes:

Dear Michele:

It was so good to get your letter. The men and I really enjoyed the jokes in the printout you sent to me. I read a few of the jokes and a portion of your letter to the men before we went out on patrol. I then gave them the added incentive that I would read the rest when we returned to base. YOU really made our day. I'm still sporting the biggest grin as I write this.

As promised, as we were having our dinner, I began to read them your jokes. Before long we had gathered a crowd of over 50 men, some who were banging on the tables roaring with laughter. When I was done, every single soldier within ear shot was sporting a big smile and chuckling to himself. I posted your letter on the board afterwards and a few other soldiers went over and began to read and laugh out loud. So now your letter has the potential to amuse and delight a whole camp.

You have no idea how much I and my men look forward to your letters. You are an angel of mercy and humor at a time in our lives when humor or brightness is seldom found. Every single soldier wanted to give you their personal thanks by sending you a note or letter, but I declined to share your address as I didn't have your permission. Of course, part of the reason was pure selfishness, your letters make me the most popular man in camp, and I'd like to keep my status as such. Plus, I get the added bonus of having the double pleasure of reading you twice. First, to myself and then, once I get the timing of the jokes right, to my men. Hope you don't mind?

Well, I must be going as I have a number of reports to file. I will be writing you a more personal and detailed letter soon. In the meantime, know that we send you our deepest gratitude for your dedication and support of our efforts.

Capt. Bruce

Its a wonder that they don't space out the jokes and read a few each day. I'm funny but not that funny. These are jokes I cut and paste from sites around the internet. Who would have thought that sending a few jokes would make a difference in the quality of life of a group of men.

Today's moral: Our actions are like the ripples in a pond!

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LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger does not want to destroy the moon.

A U.S. political commentator has admitted he failed to check his facts when he erroneously reported on the MSNBC cable news network last month that Schwarzenegger had jokingly advocated doing away with the moon.

In one of the stranger mea culpas from a major U.S. news outlet in recent years, the commentator, Joe Scarborough, a former congressman, acknowledged on Friday that the governor's purported lunar outburst on the nationally syndicated radio show of Howard Stern was actually a spoof, something he was unaware of.

Citing a British newspaper, Scarborough had quoted Schwarzenegger on the air as saying: "If we get rid of the moon, women, whose menstrual cycles are governed by the moon, will not get (pre-menstrual syndrome). They will stop bit%$ing and whining."

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A special world for you and me
A special bond one cannot see
It wraps us up in its cocoon
And holds us fiercely in its womb.

Its fingers spread like fine spun gold
Gently nestling us in its fold
Like silken thread it holds us fast
Bonds like this are meant to last.

And though at times a thread may break
A new one forms just in its wake
To bind us closer and keep us strong
In a special world, where we belong.

- S. Lennon

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On creativity:

Why should we all use our creative power...? Because there is nothing that makes people so generous, joyful, lively, bold and compassionate, so indifferent to fighting and the accumulation of objects and money.
- Brenda Ueland

On love:

It is not enough to conquer, one must also know how to seduce.
- Merope (1743) by Votaire

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IÂ’m at peace today. Actually IÂ’ve been that way since last night, which was a good feeling to go to sleep to. IÂ’ve got a To Do list thatÂ’s almost a full typed page, that will take me the remainder of this week to finish. Of all the tasks on that list the one that least appeals to me is the Spring Cleaning of the remaining 3 rooms in the house. Ugh! But motivate myself and trudge on I must, lest I choose to live amongst dust bunnies and cob webs. So, until something terribly interesting happens in my life blogging will be non-personal. IÂ’m sure you all could use a break from my intense writing anyway!

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Through the ages, the words of impassioned lovers have transformed virginal sheets of paper into sanctuaries for restless hearts. So seductive, so intoxicating, so indulgent, our most private passions burned from the molten core of our being, luring us to the very heights of ecstasy and depths of despair... to be expressed unedited, undiluted, uninhibited.
- Anonymous

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In my 20's, I always wondered if I was mother material. Kids were adorable and I enjoyed being around them, but I had goals, plans and a timetable to keep to, and raising good children came at the end of those plans.

It came at the end, because I knew that I would never willingly divide my time between career and motherhood. If I had to choose between the two, motherhood always won out.

In fact I had always planned on being home during the first 5 or 6 years of their life, and maybe, if I was really lucky, home school them through 3rd grade. Unfortunately, life has a way of making adjustments to life plans, without regard for timetables or goals. The blessing is that I did have the child, but with him came a whole new way of looking at this great big world we lived in.

Being a mom has been the hardest job I have ever had, but it's also the toughest job I've ever loved. In the role of mom I wear the subsidiary hats of domestic engineer, nurse, advisor, teacher, nutritionist, behavioral specialist, and travel companion, sometimes all in one day.

There are good and easy days, just as there are tough and bad days. The good days are marked with smiles, laughter, hugs and kisses, while the bad days are ones with frowns, tears, and sad faces.

What makes it all worthwile? The compensation! My compensation today is the smiles, laughter, hugs and kisses I receive when his life is good and happy. For they are what motivate me, when the tears and frowns appear; and they are my reward and incentive, when I'm not sure if I'm doing the right thing.

The demands are great. The responsibilities many, and in the process of it all, I discovered that I'm more than equal for this job, and that I would not change a thing, even for all the gold and tea in China.

It turns out I am not unique. That's the thing about motherhood, it puts our roles and lives in perspective. One remarkable woman who is already exhibiting the wonderous and life altering change of creating life is Right Thinking Girl. I wish her and Z all the best and will continue to pray for all 3.

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It's been almost 48hrs and no one's called to return you and take me up on my reward. I put up flyers around the neighborhood and the phone's not rung once. I've been alternating between being angry, morose and insufferable. I'm glad that my son has a playdate away from me, because I don't even like me right now.

I went back to the book store yestserday and bought another "perfect journal" because I can't be without one, but I haven't been able to write in it. I guess in time I will but not today.

My sister called inviting me out for a Mother's Day dinner tonight, but when I explained how I had lost you guys she quickly asked how I was feeling and decided to reschedule.

She said something that really suprised me: "I know how much your journals mean to you. My first memory ever was watching you from my crib as you wrote for what seemed like forever in your diary. I know they're what help you live fully. Some people eat, others exercise, you write in order to fully experience life and live." Yes, that's it, she gets me.

I have many unpublished posts in my blog as a result of not being able to fully capture an idea or feeling. On occassion I've gone back and have managed to finish them. Where ever I go, I usually have 1 journal in my bag with a pen at the ready. When inspiration or the mood hits me, I write while standing, sitting and on a few occassions, when I've heard some perfect dialogue, I've written while walking. That's when my journal becomes my quote book.

Writing this has helped me feel somewhat better. Eventually I'll see what the lesson in all this is, for today I'll just work on improving my spirits.

Posted by: Michele at 10:15 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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When I was in 1st grade I had a difficult time coping with my new school environment. It had been my fatherÂ’s 3rd relocation to a new parish, which meant that it was our 3rd move that year.

We were in the foothills of the Andean mountains one day, and the next found ourselves in the hot dusty plains of Southern Italy. I barely had been given enough time to adjust to the time change, let alone understand the language, when I was enrolled and sent off to a new school. It was then that I found you. You gave me a safe place and an open space where I could pour out all my struggles and feelings, and express myself without being told that I had to be more stoic or more grateful for all the things I had.

Through your steady and ever present companionship you became my friend, confidante and confessor all rolled into one. As my friend, you listened attentively and contemplatively without being critical. You were patient in accepting self-indulgent and selfish thoughts that were sometimes repeated ‘ad nauseam’ and without variation.

As my confidante, you secretly and quietly accepted all of my secrets and those of my friends, without once betraying my heart or revealing their source. As such, you became a faithful guardian of everything I held near and dear to me. There was an unbroken trust and a close bond between us that I could always rely on, even when others let me down.

As my confessor, you were open to receive all my confessions and recriminations without judgment. You purposely created a quiet sanctuary, enabling me to confess, become penitent and reform in time to learn from my mistakes. The reformation of my soul occurred as a direct result of having an environment where reflection within your pages was the key to my transformation.
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Reading Suggestions:

First up is an incredible post by Eric of Straight White Guy. He has an incredibly poignant tale, and writes with great sensitivity and eloquence of a different time, and about a kind of man one seldom finds today. I read it a few days ago and it's still with me. I thought his style was reminiscent of Hemingway. You be the judge. It's compelling reading so please click through!

Second, from my expat friends at No Pasaran, comes two articles of interest. The first is regarding the network of individuals being connected to the Oil for Food Scandal. The second is how my old alma mater is trying to derail American Consersvatism.

Third, is our dear Commisar at the Politburu Diktat, who counters these critics of American Conservatism by exposing "the Granolious Far Left" in his own forum. Please read in this order so the full effect can be achieved.

Fourth, there seems to be a concerted effort by the MSM (these last 3 weeks) to be on the attack regarding the administration's withdrawal from the Kyoto Treaty. Stephen Macklin (Hold The Mayo), has done an excellent post that both counters the criticism, while simultaneiously providing scientific data that puts this criticism in it's proper light. In essence its the myth and truth about Global Warming. I couldn't have done a better job myself.

Finally, the eagerly anticipated NIN (Nine Inch Nails) album - With Teeth - is out, and was recently reviewed by a friend, so please stop by for a quick read and visit.

That's all the writing I have time for today. Life beckons so I must answer!

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NEW YORK (AP) — Two small makeshift grenades exploded outside the British Consulate early Thursday, causing slight damage to the building but injuring no one, officials said.

The blasts occurred at 3:50 a.m. and originated inside a cement flower box outside the consulate in midtown Manhattan, said police department spokesman Noel Waters.

In Britain, voters were voting in national elections, a heated race in which Prime Minister Tony Blair's fight for a third term could be hampered by public anger over the Iraq war. It was not known whether the explosions were related to the elections.

After piecing together the shrapnel, police determined the devices were toy grenades that had been filled with gunpowder. Officers estimated that one was the size of a pineapple; the other the size of a lemon.

The blasts shattered a panel of glass in the building's front door and ripped a one-foot chunk from the planter. The department's bomb squad was at the scene and streets were closed in the area.

The building has retail shops on the lower level

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Last night I wrote another long post on the North Korean nuclear debate. In it I provided some background, history and listed a number of agreements and highlights facts that are relevant to today's situation. Why did I do this? Because pundits are very good at providing opinions and not sharing facts. I just care about the facts, I can formulate my own opinions thank you! Unfortunately, my computer began crashing, and I lost my post. Curses!

So I'll just summarize my most interesting observations and points and let you do your own research. For instance, I find it interesting that most people in our government, who have taken a position against this administration's policy on North KoreaÂ’s nuclear proliferation have never even visited South Korea, in order to get a glimpse into the mindset of North Koreans and it's presidenial dictator, Kim Jong II. Only then can they asses the real threat involved and assess the true character of Kim Jong.

I also find Hillary ClintonÂ’s flawed memory absolutely unbelievable. It seems that in blaming the current administrationÂ’s policy, of seeking a multi-lateral compromise between North Korea and itÂ’s neighbors, she overlooks what in fact brought us to this point.

Lest she forget I think I should reminder of several important facts:
First, it was agreements her husband made and pushed for, which forced the South Koreans to sell the nuclear reactor to North Korea in the first place. The South Korean government and it's people protested vociferously at the time and resented Bill's interference in their affairs. The US sent a delegation to threaten economic sanctions against a country whose major industries at the time (automobile parts and computer parts) were suffering heavily.

Second, within 2 years of the reactor being operatonal, North Korea began threatening to use it to create nuclear weapons. Weapons, South Korea beleived Kim Jong would build in spite of his pledge not to.

Three, it was subsequent agreements which Bill Clinton pushed for and brokered which essentially paid the North Koreans for not producing nuclear weapons, so they wouldnÂ’t make good on their threat of bombing South Korea, Japan and China.

Four, these payments happened in spite of protests by the South Korean/Pan Asian governments warning, that paying off Kim Jong was tantamount to paying off a terrorist and letting them keep their weapons plant.

Well, even if Hillary has forgotten I haven't. I lived in Asia at the time and was angered by our payments to a political criminal and murderer! But then, in looking back over Clintonian history I see this is something he practiced repeatedly!

Posted by: Michele at 06:43 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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I’ve been mulling over _Jon’s post (of We Swear) on “College campus’ ban of military recruiters”. There were several reactions that came up for me as soon as I read it. The first and most immediate one was anger with the news story. Imagine what would have happened to women’s sports if the federal government had not threatened to cut off funds to schools receiving federal money, and not using at least 25% of it to go towards women’s athletics. Women's sports wouldn’t exist! As it is, Title IX has never achieved the parity with men's sports that it sought. However, women’s athletics have come a long way since the days of no women’s sports in schools.

Imagine if colleges had said to the federal government, weÂ’ll take your money, but you know what you can do with your ideas of equality.

Well, his post was compelling enough to make me want to do research on this issue. Below are the basic facts that I culled from various sources including the Thomas Register, which is the Library of CongressÂ’ archival repository for current and past legislation. That way I filter out the middlemen (Sorry _Jon, but just because a guy at the Washington Post says trust me on this, doesnÂ’t me I do.) So in my research I culled some basic and very important relevant facts:

- The policy being used as a pretext to push the military off campus is the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) policy implemented by the military in 1993.

- The Solomon Amendment, requires all institutions, not just educational, who receive federal grants, to give limited access to military recruiters, so they can make unobtrusive presentations (in the form of pamphlets being left behind or visits by recruiters) to people who may be interested in a career in the military. This is done with the consent and approval of the school.

- The was passed under a number of laws in 1995 and extended to educational institutions in 1997. when interim rules were established.

- The final institutional rules were implemented in 1998.

Hmmm, I wonder who was President during this period?

I have several arguments to make on against the ban:

First, it was not until recently, with our government actively involved in a war, that this became an issue and recruiters and their pamphlets were banned from campuses across the country. Colleges still continued to use and accept federal grants and aid. in spite of violating the Solomon Amendment. During my tenure as undergraduate student government president from 1995 to 1997, this was an issue for some students (the anarchists and extreme left) and faculty. Administrators on my campus were indifferent because they relegated military recruiters to the same space credit card representatives were given at the edge of our campus.

Second, the overriding issue that I see is the denial of Free Speech. ItÂ’s OK for students, faculty and staff to openly object to the war, but let one ROTC or military recruiter come on campus with their recruiting table and pamphlets and all hell breaks loose.

So what I see in this fight, is more than just a simple college ban, it is college staff and administrators systematically limiting dialogue or free speech and denying studentsÂ’ the exposure to a differing point of view.

In the extended entry you will find a letter a former mentee of mine (and an impending law school graduate) will be sending to the Washington Post and New York Times. His argument is different from mine. Weigh in if you wish, IÂ’ve posted my 2 cents on this issue.
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I read a post by Ed Thomas yesterday, titled "BBC and the UN's problem with morality", in which he outlines the continual bias of these organizations against the US and UK governments. He uses the example of the UNÂ’s recent renewal of Zimbabwe's seat, as a member of the UNÂ’s human rights commission. He argues that these 2 organizations often overlook issues/abuses by African governments, in order to maintain their criticism against US/UK and their foreign policie. The reason for his criticism is summarized below.

This just sums up the wrong headedness of the Beeb (BBC) and the UN, who often these days seem partners in crime. The cause of suffering, ie. the tolerance of foul and callous leadership in Africa, is demoted to a footnote, while the sticking plaster of what amounts to compassionateÂ… is foregrounded- and thus we get warm and fuzzies about the UN and totally misled about [their] failures to confront the evils that plague Africa.

It's a criticism with which I concur, except that I would have used stronger language. I have many problems with Zimbabwe's renewal; mostly for what it means for both the UN and Annan, that they are once again escaping public scrutiny and hiding behind a diplomatic cloak. But I'm especially angry, for what it means, in terms of the tacit approval given, to Zimbabwe's government; that it's OK to tolerate corruption and fraud, so long as your taking some small miniscule step to feed and help your people while pointing the finger at others. It seems that the criticism labeled at us stems from the US/UK holding off or cutting aid and support until the UN cleans up it's act and honestly conducts a thorough investigation in the Oil for Food program scandal.

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Have spent the day doing what I love mostÂ…writing.

Writing thank you letters to interviewers, those that passed along my resume and those who simply talked with me when I called. I have written motherÂ’s day cards to all the mothers I know; a get well card for my former boss and former office mate.

I have also responded to emails, written briefly in all my 5 journals, and have made some concrete plans on what on earth IÂ’m going to with myself and with my son this summer; especially when heÂ’s out of school at the end of June and end of August. I almost ran out of things to work on with him during spring break and I donÂ’t want a repeat of that.

My son and I love trains so weÂ’ll probably do a couple of those trips, in addition to the beach. We get newsletters from train museums far and wide so that we can plan train trips to special train exhibits. Last year we went as far as New Hampshire for a special historic train ride. It was fun, but the dual role of pack mule and mommy, really tired me out.

Cuddlebunny has already put in for 2 additional trips for his birthday present: a monster truck exhibition in Long Island and a NASCAR race in Pennsylvania. When he said this my mouth dropped open and I said to him, “who are you? and where have you put my son.” As I looked in his eyes (forehead to forehead) and searched in his ears and behind his back, he just giggled. When I asked him if he was serious about this he went on to give me 20 minutes worth of reasons why we should go. It ended with his famous: “Okay mommy?” Sigh! “I’ll look into it,” was all I could say. He’s such a good kid it’s hard to say no without a really good valid reason.

Monster trucks? NASCAR races? Where does he get this stuff? Sigh. ItÂ’s at times like these that my eyes go up to the ceiling and I internally wonder why I didnÂ’t have a girl. I like race cars but to watch 30 cars go 200 laps in an elliptical circle is just a bit too much for me to watch. I like his toy trucks, but the thought of sitting there and watching a truck with huge tires crush junk carsÂ…well, its just not exciting to me. But I love him, soÂ…. IÂ’ll look into it and IÂ’ll pray that none of the dates are good for us.

So yesterday afternoon, in the hopes of getting him interested in some my favorite sports, we went to Chelsea Piers Sporting Center to watch a local hockey league game. When we got there we discovered we had lucked out. There were was a visiting Russian Team that was practicing. Boy was it exciting! I hadnÂ’t realized how much I was missing hockey until about 20 min into the practice session. Curses on the NHL for the lockout!

Happily my son got into it, but the game was so fast paced he had problems seeing what was happening. I realized in the process that I was anticipating the plays because IÂ’m familiar with the game. IÂ’m keeping my fingers crossed that IÂ’ll be able to steer him away from Monster trucks and towards hockey. Otherwise I fear that wrestling will be my next fate. ThatÂ’s where I draw the lineÂ…. thatÂ’s a pseudo sport I really hate!

BTW, writing of kids, if you like kids and haven't checked out the Karnival of Kidz you should. Kids make the best photo subjects and some of these pics are pretty funny.

Posted by: Michele at 02:52 PM | Comments (8) | Add Comment
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1 Trains? I'm in so much trouble as they just put in a Train Museum about 2 1/2 hours away from us. That is where we went and saw Thomas the Tank Engine. If you head down to Florida, let me know!

Posted by: vw bug at May 02, 2005 04:47 PM (lv6eM)

2 If you ever get close to Green Bay Wis they have a wonderful train museum. and come on Nascar isnt so bad though I am right with you on the whole monster truck thing and I am an educated redneck and I cant stand monster trucks lol. Regards GBfan

Posted by: gbfan001 at May 02, 2005 11:34 PM (UL3Xk)

3 GB, I do love race cars, in college I spent many a weekend with my best friend and her boyfriend working on his race car and learning about cars. But instead of paying and sitting in bleacher seats I'd rather watch them on TV where you get the racecar cam and can pretend you inside the car as opposed to outside. It's the only way I'll reach close to 200mph.

Posted by: michele at May 03, 2005 07:14 AM (ht2RK)

4 Still keeping my fingers crossed for you on the interview front, which makes it hard to type my comment!

Posted by: RP at May 03, 2005 07:57 AM (LlPKh)

5 Not that I'm a wrestling fan, but in their defense, at least they keep themselves physically fit. There are WORSE role models :-)

Posted by: Harvey at May 03, 2005 10:30 AM (tJfh1)

6 I'm not much for the wrestling. But it can be entertaining if you watch it with someone who can fill you in on the "inside scoop". It's a soap opera with big (not-so) dumb hunks. Why *wouldn't* chicks dig it? I used to watch nascar before it was popular. I still have a race / show car in the garage and plan to drive it this year. At least once. To another garage. But I may have to have it towed. I haven't started it in two years. Can't afford the fuel. The race itself is rather boring. Usually very hot. Very loud. Oh, and there are a lot of *PEOPLE*. (certain expletive deleted) Monster truck - LOUD. Put that in 96 point font. Yep, I've been around them too. Stood in their tires. The wheels are over 6' inside diameter. Did I mention they are loud? Most around here are indoors. Even louder. No, really - they are LOOOOUUUUDDDD!!!! Take a train ride to Chicago. I'll get on in Dearborn, we can pick up Machelle a little west of here and meet some more BEF Family in Chicago.

Posted by: _Jon at May 03, 2005 12:13 PM (uHRYR)

7 My son read this over my shoulder and asked if we could go with Jon's plan to Chicago. When I told it would be a 19 hour train trip, he responded, "if the train goes at 350mph and only stops for Jon we can get there sooner." Sigh! It's always so simple and uncomplicated in there world. I don't know. 19 hours is a long time to be in a capsule with a 5 yr old. I'd have to really think about this. I really would love meeting everyone though.

Posted by: michele at May 04, 2005 07:01 PM (ht2RK)

8 Your a Hockey Fan?!! I didn't know! I knew there was a reason I like you.

Posted by: Machelle at May 05, 2005 04:47 PM (ZAyoW)

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The above picture is is the latest color panorama of the martian landscape from a ridgeline vantage point overlooking slopes, valleys and plains, taken by NASA's Mars Rover, Spirit.

Science news of the year: NASA's Mars Exploration Rovers' discovery of evidence of past water on Mars was named the top scientific "Breakthrough of the Year," by The Journal of Science.

Although I love space exploration, I often wonder if that money would serve a better purpose for our country if we paid down our deficit. What do you think?

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1 Yeah, it's just dirt & rocks... ... but it makes me tingle to see it :-)

Posted by: Harvey at May 02, 2005 10:38 AM (tJfh1)

2 Harvey, everything makes you tingle!

Posted by: michele at May 02, 2005 12:05 PM (ht2RK)

3 Couple of quick thoughts: NASA is only a very small fraction of the budget, somewhere around one percent if memory serves. It is by Congressional standards, chump change and far more goes to pork each year than to NASA. That said, when has any program been eliminated and had its money get used for anything other than pork? No matter what is promised, it never goes as said. Second, consider all that has come out of space research: modern electronics (arrived much faster because of the need for miniaturization and reliability); advanced firefighting equipment and safety gear; advanced protective systems for law enforcement and military; medical diagnostic and treatment systems including but not limited to ultrasound and advanced cancer treatments, not to mention monitors and telemedicine capabilities; and, many modern fabrics came about by or were improved through the program. NASA will very gladly list any and all spin offs, would that they paid as much attention to the spin-ons that have come from commercial space activities: new treatments for cancer, advanced water purification systems for hikers and cities, and even a new perfume. That said, a great deal of the current budget is not well spent in my opinion. A huge amount of it goes not into breaking new territory, but in maintaining the kludge that is the Shuttle. If we want to see the same-pace of technological advancement, and a host of new products that come from companies making use of space and microgravity, then NASA needs to get out of the Shuttle business and start pushing commercial launch such as Space Ship One, XCOR, and the others. Just a few thoughts...

Posted by: Laughing Wolf at May 03, 2005 08:37 AM (zI0Ey)

4 Wolf's got a point. Although NASA is a waste of money compared to the private sector, it's less of a waste than, say, mohair subsidies :-)

Posted by: Harvey at May 03, 2005 10:32 AM (tJfh1)

5 I'm not so sure that NASA is a waste of money. To me it's more that they're mis-directed. NASA is better at research and development style projects, whereas in the recent past they've had to do more business-oriented tasks. Business will always do business better than the government.

Posted by: Ted at May 03, 2005 11:36 AM (blNMI)

6 I agree 100% with this "Laughing Wolf" guy, whoever he is....

Posted by: _Jon at May 03, 2005 12:15 PM (uHRYR)

7 Thanks LW, You raised some very important points which I had forgotten. If I look around my home I can see 5 things that are currently making my life easier and that have come as a direct result of space exploration and research. As for its budget, it's currently over 1%, but you are absolutely right and dead on target when you talk about the obscenity that is pork barrel funding. Thanks for the reminder!

Posted by: michele at May 03, 2005 12:33 PM (ht2RK)

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To Mary

I sleep with thee and wake with thee
And yet thou art not there;
I fill my arms with thoughts of thee
And press the common air.

Thy eyes are gazing upon mine
When thou art out of sight;
My lips are always touching thine
At morning, noon, and night.

I think and speak of other things
To keep my mind at rest
But still to thee my memory clings
Like love in woman's breast.

I hide it from the world's wide eye
And think and speak contrary,
But soft the wind comes from the sky
And whispers tales of Mary.

The night wind whispers in my ear,
The moon shines on my face;
The burden still of chilling fear
I find in every place.

The breeze is whispering in the bush,
The leaves fall from the tree;
All sighing on and will not hush,
Some pleasant tales of thee.

Posted by: Michele at 08:35 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Remember how the UK newspaper, the Guardian, who gave out addresses to British citizens so they could write to Ohio residents in order to influence our presidential vote last September? Well, it turns out that my old comrade at The Politburo Diktat is issuing a similar challenge, in order for us to do the same.

In the Commisar's post, 'My fellow non-Britons ...' he gives us important details and links to a similar project in which we try to influence the voters of Monmouth, Wales (a swing region) to vote for who goes to live at 10 Downing St.

If you're up for the challenge, and are not intimidated by the Queen's English, then I suggest you write to a Briton and return the favor. Tom, the person I wrote to in Ohio, not only wrote back to thank me, he also informed me that he was of like mind. It was really cool!

To find out more details or to get involved visit our dear Comrade in arms at the link above. Thanks!

Posted by: Michele at 08:12 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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