FlashFiction - Suzy

FlashFiction - Suzy

I was flying my nightly patrol over the United States when I first met Suzy. It was new moon on that starlit night and I was enjoying the feel of the ocean breeze flapping my cape against my legs as I listened for signs of trouble. Suddenly, I heard a scream coming from the light house.

I quickly swooped down when my telescopic vision saw her hanging from the light house railing. I grabbed her in my arms and she clung tightly to my neck. I flew up and over the rail and set her down to safety. She introduced herself.

"Hi, Superman. I'm Suzy. Thanks for saving me. I guess I was a little dizzy."

"No problem, ma'am," I said.

As I was about to fly back off and resume my patrol, she offered me a cigarette. Being mesmerized by the feel of her buxom breasts as I had held her, I thought, "What's the harm? After all, I'm Superman. A little smoke isn't going to harm me."

I gently took the cigarette from her outstretched hand and lit it with my heat vision. The cigarette smelled a little funny, but she told me that it was imported tobacco, so I ignored it. She told me to hold the smoke after I inhaled it then pass it to her. Strange request, it seemed.

I did as Suzy said and found something strange. Even my super lungs couldn't contain smoke. I let it out with a cough that blew her hair back and she giggled. She inhaled the strange smelling cigarette and held it and passed it back to me. Suddenly, she coughed, too.

"Go on. Take another drag, she said, so I did."

A few minutes later, we were both laughing. I was feeling really strange, so I got her phone number and told her I needed to resume my patrol.

"Up, up, and away," I said as I took off into the sky waving at Suzy and she waving at me.

I was really starting to feel funny now. I flew past a large church and ran into the bell tower causing a huge CRASH CLANG CLANG CLANG. I did the best I could to patch it up quickly before anyone got there then decided I should head back home.

Up, up, and away, into the air again, this time deciding to fly very slow so no one would notice. As I arrived back at the Kent farm, I crashed into the corn silo, knocking it to the ground. Hurriedly, I cut down some trees with my heat vision, almost causing a forest fire which I then had to blow out with my super breath. I carved the trees into supports for the silo and righted it again.

It was then that I realized I no longer lived on the Kent Farm, but Metropolis. I started laughing and laughing and laughed so loud that I woke up the neighbors 10 miles away. Boy was my face red.

What the heck kind of imported tobacco was that, anyway?

Copyright © 2011 Cal Jennings

President Obama at the 2011 White House Correspondents' Dinner

I love the humor the president showed in this.

One Day In the Hospital

Fred Phelps, after becoming seriously ill, entered the hospital for some tests. After a few days, the doctor came into his room and addressed him.

"I have some good news and some bad news. Which do you want first?"

"Give me the good news first, doctor."

"Well, the good news is you're dying."

"WHAT? THAT'S the GOOD NEWS? For God's SAKE! What's the BAD news?"

"You're dying of AIDS."

Did Haley Reinhart Give the Judges a "F*ck You?"

What's Really Important

BANG! BAM! WOW! SLASH! There's so much hype being pushed that things have to be glamorous, exciting, or tragic to be worthy of speaking of that we often forget the simple truths that make life so wonderful. We forget to notice the beauty of the trees, the sound of birds chirping, the color and smell of the flowers.

In this high pitched, fast paced world we live in, often the little things are much more satisfying than all the shiny, new products that are constantly pushed in the ads and we forget to be thankful for the things we have around us which cost us nothing. There's the miracle of the birth of a child, the warmth of a new puppy or kitten, squirrels playing in the trees, an occasional butterfly, billowing clouds on a clear day, the knowledge that the rain will bring renewed growth. There's the sound of children laughing, the warm touch of a loved one, the greatfulness for having survived life thus far, and many other wonderful things to appreciate if we just slow down long enough to notice. A little quiet time can be a priceless commodity.

What Was Going On Yesterday

Yesterday, I wasn't around much. There were some interesting events taking place here that kept me away from the computer.

First, I got a call from the detective at the sheriff's office asking me to come look at the video from the HEB where my stolen debit card was used to purchase some drugs. As I suspected, it was Sharon's son. Unfortunately, there wasn't a clear shot of his face, so the video may not be of much use in court. To find out whose name was on the prescription he picked up, it will take a subpoena.

Sharon had borrowed my car yesterday, so she wasn't here to get the good news. She left at 11:30am and was supposed to be back in an hour or so. About 3pm, I tried calling her cell phone, but she didn't answer. I called every couple hours after that and sent her text messages, but to no avail. I called the hospitals and police to see if she had been in an accident, but they couldn't seem to find any record of her. I was starting to think she took off somewhere with my van never to return. Finally, about 11:30pm, she arrived with a flat tire on the front and said that she'd had another flat tire on the rear but had repaired it with Fix-A-Flat. By that time, I was quite angry since I had needed my car to go get another set of guitar strings and a few other things. (Now I wish I had gone ahead and ordered the strings online.)

I was checking on the net today and it seems that the auto salvage yards in the area don't have sites to list the available parts. The salvage yards seem to be just inside Houston, so I'm going to have to get someone to drive me out to get a couple wheels so I will have a good wheel on the front and a wheel for a spare. As far as you have to drive to get anywhere around here, one of those compact spares won't do any good. You have to be careful with which tire you get. The last one I bought, even though it was a 15", was shaped in a manner that it locked against the brake rotor when you tightened the lugs. I guess I'll have to find a tire specifically for a 92 Dodge Grand Caravan.

Today, I am paying for the anger and anxiety. My muscles and back are aching from the tension I experienced. I can barely stand or walk and it's pretty painful even to sit. At least I can say it hasn't been boring, I guess.

Pimped Lady Justice

The Rules:

• Post anything (i.e. a story, poem, photo or artwork) you have created using the inspiration word below. Do not use other people's words. If you wish to use an image that is not your own, please let us know.

• Bring the link back here and post it in the comment section.

• Your link must be a Multiply link. (At the discretion of the admin. all other links may be deleted.)

• Leave your blog open to "everyone" so we can view it.

This week's the word (I hope) will challenge you to new levels:lavish
I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Pimped Lady Justice

They're lavished with profits

They're lavished with praise

They're lavished with tax cuts

We're lavished with malaise

The balance is upset

Lady Justice a whore

Justice to the highest bidder

Not one drop for the poor

The huge Lone Star State

Which once had been great

Once friendly and smiling

Now degenerATE

Lawmakers playing

The corporate fiddle

How they retrieve votes

A mysterious riddle

Joblessness booming

Jobs keep cutting back

Slash benefits and pay

To all those who do lack

Their destructive measures

Are destroying all

Humans and animals

Continue to fall

Who can we turn to

When we're destitute

When old Lady Justice

Is a prostitute?

Copyright � 2011 Cal Jennings

Japan Blows!

According to the Wall Street Journal, two additional nuclear reactors suffered core damage. The explosion did more damage than they informed us.

"Substantial damage to the fuel cores at two additional reactors of Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear complex has taken place, operator Tokyo Electric Power Co. said Sunday, further complicating the already daunting task of bringing them to a safe shutdown while avoiding the release of high levels of radioactivity."

Whoops! Did we say one nuclear meltdown? We meant three.

Of course, the same Japanese company, Tepco, contracted to build two reactors in Texas. President Obama and secretary had pushed nuclear power aggressively to "reduce global warming."

While I agree that global warming needs to be addressed and that the oil and chemical industries do much to contribute to global warming, I think choosing an extremely dangerous and deadly method of providing energy when there are much safer and effective alternatives borders on insanity.

"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." ~ Albert Einstein

If we're going to keep using outrageous amounts of energy and we're going to keep coddling the dangerous industries that cause large numbers of diseases and death, it seems strange that we shouldn't at least support health care... unless the point is to wipe out all life on earth.

Seriously, I don't see any reason why we would contract a company who is already showing design flaws and weaknesses when we already have enough design and construction flaws at the South Texas Project nuclear power plants. Those contracts should be canceled. One thing for sure, when Japan blows, they don't do it halfway.

Copyright � 2011 Cal Jennings

Coke vs. Pepsi

I know many of you are highly curious as to whether Coke or Pepsi is better. We know that Coca-Cola sold big time in Nazi Germany. Still, they do promote musicians, as does Pepsi. So, is Pepsi better?

Well, we have to remember that Pepsi burned off poor Michael Jackson's hair. They also support those evil gays, which practically makes the Communist, so we have to weigh the gay Commies against the German Nazis. It's a hard decision, really. I don't think Coca-Cola burned anyone up yet, unless you count their support of Hitler burning the Jews, but it's possible they just kept it out of the press.

Such an important moral decision can really put one in turmoil. Which do we choose? How do we make such a decision? Well, for me, the easiest way is to either buy the cheapest or buy a no-name brand. I prefer to buy a no-name brand when I can find one that doesn't taste like crap because it doesn't weigh so heavily on my conscience. It also saves an appreciable amount of money over a period of time. One thing for sure, after contemplating such a moral dilemma, finding yourself covered in sweat, you're going to need something cool to drink. If all else fails, drink *water.

*Warning: Water may be hazardous to your health. It may contain BPA, heavy metals, insecticides, radioactive isotopes, and other toxins. Avoid swimming in water after meals or you may get cramps and may swallow some of the water. Drinking too much water may cause water intoxication leading to electrolyte imbalance and tissue swelling can cause an irregular heartbeat, allow fluid to enter the lungs, and may cause fluttering eyelids. May lead to swelling and pressure on the brain and nerves, which can cause behaviors resembling alcohol intoxication, swelling of brain tissues, seizures, coma or death. If you are pregnant or nursing, consult a doctor before drinking water.

Copyright � 2011 Cal Jennings

The Republican Prayer

The Republican Prayer

Our Corporation
Who art listed on Wall Street
Hallowed be thy riches
Slavery come
Thy will be done
To the public as it is in your office
Give us this day
Our daily stock quote
And forgive us our losses
As we punish those whose losses affect us
Lead us not into taxation
But deliver us from responsibility
For thine is the weath and the power
And the glory forever
Amen

Copyright � 2011 Cal Jennings

This 'n' That

WHEW, it is hot outside. Sharon and I just finished digging a couple more rows in the garden. I was examining the bugs we found in the soil. The pill bugs and lady bugs aren't bad, but there are some ants I'd like to get rid of. I'll have to see what's safe to use in a garden.

The kittens were in my garden tub when I woke up. They had been up on the sides killing flies that evidently got in the door and decided my master bath would be a good place to hang out. They slipped into the tub and were having trouble getting out. I filmed them for awhile to see what they would do and they spent more time playing with each other than trying to get out, though they tried a few times. After awhile, they decided they weren't going to stay in there anymore and jumped up out of the tub. Maybe they knew they could get out all along and just liked the feeling of sliding down the edge of the tub. Video coming soon.

Sharon cut up some summer sausage and cheddar cheese to put on some Ritz crackers for lunch. That hit the spot. We're going to eat some watermelon this evening. If my health continues to improve, I might just buy a tent and some poles and go on a camping/fishing trip. Surely there's a fresh water lake where the fish aren't TOO toxic to eat.

My aunt called me for Ron Paul's address so she could mail him a letter about my cousin. He's been disabled for years and they continue to refuse him Social Security Disability. She recently saved my cousin from being foreclosed on by the skin of her teeth, then the homeowner's association tried to foreclose on him because he was a month late on his dues. Homeowner's Associations are about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. I'm not sure how much good Ron Paul will do her considering his stance on the "nanny state."

Before my surgery, I probably could have knocked out the whole garden in one day. Today, I feel like I made a huge leap digging two rows instead of just one. I don't know how many days my back will be down from gardening this time, but we shall see. At least I have pain pills for now if it's bad.

Working with Sharon in the garden seems to be having an effect on me. We seem to be relating better. I don't know. Maybe it's just Spring that's doing it. Of course, she still has that charge to deal with, so that could be a painful scenario. Even if she had a change of heart, they could put her away for awhile where she'd be She seems to understand that the choices she made were bad and seems to be trying to improve, but I guess I have my doubts. Trust isn't easy to come by these days. That being said, I could make worse choices, I guess. She has taken pretty good care of me all this time I've been down other than letting her son get by with stealing my meds and she's put up with my mother's rantings of her going to hell if she doesn't straighten up. After living here this long a period of time, at least we know each other's idiosyncrasies, I guess. She may be a little bit redneck, but she's not homophobic and she's not prejudiced. Should I go against my better judgment and give her a chance? Everything will probably change anyway when she moves out. One thing I do know is that celibacy sucks.

We went looking for some more boxes so she can move her stuff out of U-Haul storage. Boxes seem to be a rare commodity these days, though. We were able to snag some small boxes from the corner store, but so far, that was it. I guess we'll have to go into Tomball tomorrow and see if we can find boxes somewhere else.

My mom is out there trying to make a gate for the garden. I tried to tell her how she should make it, but I may as well be arguing with a brick wall. Sharon is out there helping her and she just nodded at me to quit arguing with her. My mom wants to do it and there's no convincing her otherwise without getting her so irate that she has another stroke, so I'll just go video her making it.

Love, Hope, Peace, & Christ Is With Us All,

Cal-el

This 'n' That

I spent a lovely day at the Texas DPS office (for the second time) trying to get my license replaced. After hours of listening to the mixed up numbers that they give you (since they don't want anyone to leave during their 3 hour wait), they finally called my name 15 minutes before they closed, took my money, and took my picture. Now I can legally drive again.

I stopped by the corner store on the way home to get some boxes so Sharon can move. She found a house to rent off of FM 1488. She's getting the address now so we can look up the utility companies for her to have her utilities turned on. She should be moving in a couple days.

Mom has forgotten some things since the stroke and she blows litte things out of proportion. I guess that's to be expected after someone has a stroke, but it can be annoying. She's also become controlling, acting like I'm a kid or something. I wanted the keys to go take a couple puffs off of my cigar. She kept telling me no and wouldn't give them to me. Them calling numbers out of order had her griping the whole time. By the time I finally got out of the DPS station, I was about ready to strangle her.

While we were in Conroe, I decided to get a set of strings for each of my guitars. I'm going to see how the Martin extra lights do on the acoustic electric. I seem to have lost some of the strength in my fingers, so these may help if they still give a decent sound.

The kittens are getting bigger and they're a bundle of energy now. When they're not fighting with each other, they're exploring the furniture and seeing how hight they can climb up the bookcases and entertainment center. Every time they jump up on the desk, I take them off, though. Last night one of the kittens jumped on my keyboard and wiped out a whole blog. It made me want to explore ALL the ways to skin a cat! haha

I don't know if I'm going to be able to keep the Space Eagle Productions site up. With all the extra expenses I've had and the rising price of food and utilities, I may have to let it go, as much as I hate to. If so, at least I still have this Multiply site. I just can't set up pages here for different individuals.

I still need to take my new computer in to see if they can do anything with it. I'll have to wait at least until next month because I'm still trying to recover from my wallet being stolen. At least it looks like we'll be able to afford the utilities this month. The light bill is more in line with what's normal than it has been the past several months. I think they were severely screwing us over.

Not much else for now. I'm busy offline, though, so I probably won't be online as much the next few days. I still need to finish digging up the grass to extend the garden. It's been so hot lately, though, that I think it would be dangerous for me with my pacemaker not working properly. I never thought I'd have these problems at 55. I figured they'd hit me in my late 60s or early 70s. Ah well. My grandmother always said the smart ones die early. I guess playing dumb didn't help me much physically.

Love, Hope, Peace, & Christ Is With Us All,

Cal-el

"Asian Girl Plays Three Instruments At Once"

Space Eagle Productions Website Needs Your Help

I received this message from Webs.

Dear Webs User,

According to our records, the following domain name is scheduled to automatically renew in 90 days:

Your Username: Spaceeagleproductions
Domain Name: spaceeagleproductions.org
Expiration Date: 03-AUG-2011

I don't like to ask, but in these hard economic times, I have to. If you would like to see this site continue, please contribute.

Texas Chili Recipe from tomlet on eBaum's WORLD

The chili recipe has three "drops" where you'll add more ingredients as it's cooking. If you add them all at once or at the wrong times, it'll make the chili bitter or too acidy. For last night, I doubled this recipe.

Brown 2 lbs. of lean ground beef, drain, and add to pot. Add one 14.5 ounce can of beef broth and one 8 ounce can of salt free tomato sauce.

Add 1 habenero pepper to the pot and bring to a boil. It doesn't have to be a large pepper, habenero is insanely hot. After it's cut or cooked, make sure not to handle the pepper with your fingers. It'll burn your fingers or the oils will stick to you and you'll hurt yourself when you touch your face. Pepper spray has nothing on habenero oil.

When pot comes to a boil, add drop one.

Drop One:

1 Tablespoon of onion powder
2 Teaspoons of garlic powder
1 Tablespoon of Chili Powder

Cover the pot and reduce heat to simmer for 1 hour.

Remove the pepper and crush the juice into the pot. I put the pepper in a strainer and crush it with a spoon. Try not to get the flesh of the pepper or the seeds in the pot. But if you get a little in, don't worry about it.

Drop Two:

2-1/2 Tablespoons light (or California) chili powder
2 Teaspoons cumin
1/4 Teaspoon black pepper
1/4 Teaspoon white pepper
1/4 Teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cube beef boullion
1/2 cube chicken boullion
1/2 Teaspoon brown sugar
1 pk Sazon Goya If you like your chili hotter, adjust the cayenne pepper. A little goes a long way.

I don't use bullion cubes, I use the "Better Than Boullion" paste.

The cubes work fine though. Continue simmering with lid on for 30 minutes. After the 30 minutes add the last drop.

Drop 3:

2 Teaspoons Mexene Chili Powder
1 Teaspon cumin
Salt to taste

Mexene chili powder is kind of hard to find here in Nevada. It's much darker and hotter than regular chili powder.

It goes in last because it gets bitter if cooked too long. Cover and continue to simmer for at least 15 minutes and no longer than 30 minutes. It's ready to serve right away, but I like to thicken it up with cornstarch to make it a little less soupy. Mix a tablespoon or two of cornstarch with cool water and stir until it's smooth. Add the mixture to the chili and simmer while stirring for a few minutes.

A Scripture for Easter Sunday

Ephesians 1:18-23 (New International Version, �2011)

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Betrayal - Poem

Since I have friends experiencing what I've experienced on more than one occasion, I thought I would write a poem to express my feelings in these matters.

Betrayal

She dances a new dance
And I don't know why
She follows a new tune
And that makes me cry
Sometimes I feel like
I just want to die
Things would be simpler that way

Memories of good times
And laughter and cheer
Tackling problems
Without any fear
Suddenly vanish
And won't reappear
I just can't be happy today

I knew it would happen
It's happened before
Love shows sweet promise
Then closes the door
I don't think I will even
Try anymore
Love makes a bitter sorbet

Betrayal is certain
So it seems to be
It's happened throughout
All of history
Cite Jesus, cite Ceasar
Cite Philoctetes
It always happens that way

All I can do now
Is trudge slowly on
From life I will remain
Aptly withdrawn
As I slowly heal from
What love always spawns
And hope things get better someday


Copyright � 2011 Cal Jennings

This 'n' That

First, an update on my mom. She just called from my sister's house. They let her out of the hospital today. They said she had a mild stroke, but nothing else seems to be going on at this time. She's planning on coming back here tomorrow.

Sharon and I took the kittens out to the garden today for their first look outside. I have some video of it converting at the moment so I can edit it and upload it to YouTube.

Things have been tough as far as trying to get my birth certificate and the contents of my stolen wallet replaced. It seems you have to have one form of the ID to replace another form of the ID which is next to impossible when all your ID has been stolen. To make things stranger, the bank sent me a letter saying that the problems were a bank mistake, so the case was dropped. Someone somewhere still has my ID, so that seems to be a little unusual.

No one has served the warrant on Sharon yet for her missing her court date. No one has even attempted to do so. The up side is that at least Sharon has a driver's license and can drive me to the store when I need to go for now.

I've been finding it incredibly difficult to breathe the last several days. I've heard the same from several people, so I assume it's the pollen in the air. I'm sure the extra particulates from the fallout don't help much either.

Whether or not these are the "end times," I sometimes find myself wishing that things would end soon. The lack of humanity in the world is very disturbing. It's all I can do to try to keep a small garden growing and weeded and it's not likely to provide all that I'll need. Between the heat and my physical problems, it's a wonder I can do anything at all.

I haven't had much reason to smile lately. I hope that sooner or later something gives me cause to do so. My face could use the exercise.

Love, Hope, Peace, & Christ Is With Us All,

Cal-el

How Politicians Get Your Support

The two videos I'm about to post in this blog give examples of how politicians sway the voters and avoid the real issues. When someone asks a question, one of the most common ways to keep from addressing the issue is to give a reply that never really answers the question and most people won't want to admit that they didn't understand. "Did he say something? I'm not sure. I'd better not question it, though, or I might look stupid or offend someone. After all, the politician talked about progress, the flag, and patriotism and he's a poor man who made it big by his hard work. That stuff sounds real good." These myths have been perpetrated by politicians as long as I can remember. It was sometimes used by my relatives who were politicians, as much as I wish it weren't true.

This video shows another method that has been used in recent years as demonstrated by Lois... playing to people's fears.

We should all be familiar with this brand of politics most often used by the conservative Right, but also sometimes used by the Left. Playing to peoples' fears has become one of the most popular ways to manipulate voters. If politicians tell them that something's being done to protect them from an evil enemy, they'll give up anything, including their rights. They'll get people to vote against policies that would be for your betterment, such as health care, by shouting words and phrases like "death panels," "Communism," and "Socialism." It doesn't matter that people don't know anything about the issue or what Communism and Socialism mean. What matters is they sound scary. There are enough people who remember and believe the propaganda of the Cold War that even the mention of Communism or Socialism scares them. They scare the voters into submission getting them to give up their own bodily fluids, allow themselves to be put under camera surveillance, and allow their phones and cell phones to be tapped without cause, which seem to go against the 4th amendment.

"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

Sure, these things can be used to protect people, but they can also be used, and are used, for other purposes which have nothing to do with protecting people. Why was the government allowed to do these things? Why, "for our own protection," of course.

When people are too scared to question what you do to them, you can get away with anything, and that's just what politicians want. The more they can keep voters scared of people of different religions, people with different skin color, people with different customs, or even people who wear their hair differently or dress differently than what people are accustomed to,

the easier they are to control. These are important things to consider for those who value the Constitution, freedom, and liberty. People should always consider these things before they jump on a bandwagon to fight for what a politician is telling them. Remember, in most cases, politicians are out for their own interests much more than they are for the interests of the voters. They care about getting votes, getting campaign donations, and padding their own pockets. They are often not looking out for the interests of the people who voted them into office. The best thing to do is research the facts and the voting records of the politician before deciding to cast your vote. Get information from as many sources as possible and not just sites that cater to a particular party or ideology. Don't rely on what sounds good and seems popular with the crowd, but consider the effects it will have on your life as well as the lives of others. Yes, it takes some work and you may read some things that you don't like, but it's the way to make better choices for people who will make and interpret the laws.

Texas Governor Rick Perry's Fine Improvements

We is Texuns an we uhpruve Ryan's meszurz. Are gud Govenur, Rick Perry, jus did thuh rite thing an fired a buncha teecherz an cops sos the corpruashunz kuld git thar tax brakes. Mah town alone dun laid off 125 teecherz an about 150 cops. Ah'm so proud! We iz doon are part. We don't need them commie libtard teecherz givin' are kids soshilist booklearnin. We's smart enuf! An who needz cops? Thay jes git in thuh way ov thuh profitz of are meth labs. We need ta git rid ov Soshil Sekurity an Madukare cause them people jes want handouts frum thuh govermint. We gota git rid ov Obamacare an itz deth panuls to.

The First Guess: Lotto Nation

The First Guess: Lotto Nation

Keith Olbermann addresses the thoughts behind our national insanity.

Multiply and Blogger

It seems that when I post into a group in Multiply, which I have to do because of privacy settings, the group posts post to Blogger. Does anyone know of a setting which can prevent this?

Easter

The time is coming when many Christians reminisce about the story of Jesus being imprisoned, beaten, hung on the cross, and dying. They will be internalizing the pain and suffering that he went through in order to fulfill prophecy and bring us salvation. How many, though, will be remembering his teachings and actions?

Yes, Jesus went through great torture and had a very painful, humiliating death. I know that violence sells, but let's think realistically here. If you were to make a great sacrifice for your fellow man though, would you want people to concentrate on your gruesome death or would you want them to remember how you lived and your efforts to teach them how to make life better for themselves and others? Would you want your friends to continually grieve over your death or would you want them to remember back on the good that you did?

Jesus was hated because he stood up for the poor, the downtrodden, and other outcasts of society and healed them... for free. He was hated for standing up to the rich and telling it to them straight, for exposing the hypocritical religious leaders of his day, and for driving out the money changers at the temple. He had compassion for the prostitutes and adulterers whom the religious wanted to stone to death. Jesus did these things, not only because his Father sent him to do it, but also because it was the right thing to do. He was aware enough to see what really drove man and to understand the depth of suffering that those who were less fortunate went through. Sadly, many don't consider these things during this period. Some also forget that it was his resurrection, in which he defeated death, that we are to remember.

Try to think about what you would like others to remember if you had made a great sacrifice for them and try to look upon your fellow man as Jesus instructed us to do. He asked that we not be greedy, that we treat others as we would like to be treated, not how they treated you, that we have compassion for others rather than jealousy over their possessions and their mates, that we give to the poor, that you heal the sick, that we not discriminate (Gentiles), that we be tolerant of other religions (Samaritans, who were part Jew and part Gentile but had another religion, and Greeks who worshiped many gods, for instance), and that we have love for all mankind as we love ourselves. Remember, he wouldn't even let Peter defend him when the guards came to take him to prison. When you're remembering him, don't you think he would want you to remember those things rather than his painful, humiliating death? Think about it.

Love, Hope, Peace, & Christ Is With Us All,

Cal-el

Easter

The time is coming when many Christians reminisce about the story of Jesus being imprisoned, beaten, hung on the cross, and dying. They will be internalizing the pain and suffering that he went through in order to fulfill prophecy and bring us salvation. How many, though, will be remembering his teachings and actions?

Yes, Jesus went through great torture and had a very painful, humiliating death. I know that violence sells, but let's think realistically here. If you were to make a great sacrifice for your fellow man though, would you want people to concentrate on your gruesome death or would you want them to remember how you lived and your efforts to teach them how to make life better for themselves and others? Would you want your friends to continually grieve over your death or would you want them to remember back on the good that you did?

Jesus was hated because he stood up for the poor, the downtrodden, and other outcasts of society and healed them... for free. He was hated for standing up to the rich and telling it to them straight, for exposing the hypocritical religious leaders of his day, and for driving out the money changers at the temple. He had compassion for the prostitutes and adulterers whom the religious wanted to stone to death. Jesus did these things, not only because his Father sent him to do it, but also because it was the right thing to do. He was aware enough to see what really drove man and to understand the depth of suffering that those who were less fortunate went through. Sadly, many don't consider these things during this period. Some also forget that it was his resurrection, in which he defeated death, that we are to remember.

Try to think about what you would like others to remember if you had made a great sacrifice for them and try to look upon your fellow man as Jesus instructed us to do. He asked that we not be greedy, that we treat others as we would like to be treated, not how they treated you, that we have compassion for others rather than jealousy over their possessions and their mates, that we give to the poor, that you heal the sick, that we not discriminate (Gentiles), that we be tolerant of other religions (Samaritans, who were part Jew and part Gentile but had another religion, and Greeks who worshiped many gods, for instance), and that we have love for all mankind as we love ourselves. Remember, he wouldn't even let Peter defend him when the guards came to take him to prison. When you're remembering him, don't you think he would want you to remember those things rather than his painful, humiliating death? Think about it.

Love, Hope, Peace, & Christ Is With Us All,

Cal-el

Easter

The time is coming when many Christians reminisce about the story of Jesus being imprisoned, beaten, hung on the cross, and dying. They will be internalizing the pain and suffering that he went through in order to fulfill prophecy and bring us salvation. How many, though, will be remembering his teachings and actions?

Yes, Jesus went through great torture and had a very painful, humiliating death. I know that violence sells, but let's think realistically here. If you were to make a great sacrifice for your fellow man though, would you want people to concentrate on your gruesome death or would you want them to remember how you lived and your efforts to teach them how to make life better for themselves and others? Would you want your friends to continually grieve over your death or would you want them to remember back on the good that you did?

Jesus was hated because he stood up for the poor, the downtrodden, and other outcasts of society and healed them... for free. He was hated for standing up to the rich and telling it to them straight, for exposing the hypocritical religious leaders of his day, and for driving out the money changers at the temple. He had compassion for the prostitutes and adulterers whom the religious wanted to stone to death. Jesus did these things, not only because his Father sent him to do it, but also because it was the right thing to do. He was aware enough to see what really drove man and to understand the depth of suffering that those who were less fortunate went through. Sadly, many don't consider these things during this period. Some also forget that it was his resurrection, in which he defeated death, that we are to remember.

Try to think about what you would like others to remember if you had made a great sacrifice for them and try to look upon your fellow man as Jesus instructed us to do. He asked that we not be greedy, that we treat others as we would like to be treated, not how they treated you, that we have compassion for others rather than jealousy over their possessions and their mates, that we give to the poor, that you heal the sick, that we not discriminate (Gentiles), that we be tolerant of other religions (Samaritans, who were part Jew and part Gentile but had another religion, and Greeks who worshiped many gods, for instance), and that we have love for all mankind as we love ourselves. Remember, he wouldn't even let Peter defend him when the guards came to take him to prison. When you're remembering him, don't you think he would want you to remember those things rather than his painful, humiliating death? Think about it.

Love, Hope, Peace, & Christ Is With Us All,

Cal-el

The Scent of a Man

The Scent of a Man

• 1 part sweat
• 1 part tobacco
• 1 part old motor oil
• 2 parts methane
• 3 parts beer

Protests in Egypt - Slideshow

Egypt Decries Obama's Presidency

President Obama is coming under fire from Egypt. Egypt remains unimpressed with President Obama's failure to prosecute Bush and his continuation of Bush policies. They're calling him a weak president for his inability to get action on his promises.

Their Voices - Creative Challenge 138

Another week of challenges upon us, I can't wait to see your creations!

The Rules:

Post anything (i.e. a story, poem, photo or artwork) you have created using word/phrase below as the inspiration or theme.

Please do not use other people's words.

If you wish to use an image that is not your own, please let us know it is not your work (i.e. "photo found on the internet" or "the photo was taken by my friend").

Bring the link back here and post it in the comment section.

Your link must be a Multiply link. (At the discretion of the admin.) all other links may be deleted.)

Leave your blog open to "everyone" so we can view it.

This week's word/phrase: remark(s)

Their Voices

Though attempts were made to silence them

The remarks of the people rang out

Through phone calls and faxes

Through Twitter and facebook

Being echoed in every country

Where the people's voices want to be heard

Cries of solidarity ring out

Warning leaders everywhere

That the needs of the people must come first

Click here for more Creative Challenge entries

Copyright � 2011 Cal Jennings

Remember the Principals upon which This Country was Founded

Some forget the principals upon which this country was founded.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

It wasn't the intent of the Founding Fathers to exclude all citizens from voting. There was no mass education system, no mass communication system, the printing presses were hand cranked and only a limited number of books and newspapers could be produced. Transportation was limited to horses and foot, so it would have been impossible for everyone to vote at that period in time.

"That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

Note that they say "Right of the People," not, "Right of the Landowners," or "Right of the Corporations." Some distort the principals for their own greed, bigotry, and power lust.

Police Return to Cairo

Is the crowd being ignored?

Egypt TV Hiding Protests

The picture on the left is the live coverage of the protest. The picture on the right is what they're showing on Egyptian TV. The press doesn't want the people to know that the protests are still going strong.

When Spuds Are Outlawed, Only Outlaws Will Have Spuds

When Spuds Are Outlawed, Only Outlaws Will Have Spuds

There comes a time when a man must make his stand.
That moment came for me today, when US President / Commander-in-Chief / National School Lunch Lady Barack Obama took to the airwaves to declare an all-out War on Tater Tots. And right on cue, his missus traveled to Fort Jackson SC to brief military leaders on a pressing "national security problem" -- childhood obesity.
Maybe this is what he meant by a "Spudnik moment," but for me it was a wake-up call that our cherished American tuber rights are under siege. For if they can take our Tots, what do the Tater tyrants want next? Our Funyuns? Our Fluffernutter?
No, say I. You can nationalize our car companies. You can spend our country into oblivion. But mister, when you go after my Tots -- you've gone a casserole too far. That's why I'm declaring January 28 to February 3 National Tater Tots Rights Week and asking you to stand up with me against the Tot-grabbers in Washington. Let's let 'em know they'll get our Tater Tots when they pry them from our cold dead greasy fingers! Here's how you can participate:

Join the Buy-cott. Raid the frozen potato section of your local grocery store and buy up their Tot supply before the Feds get there first. Together, we can give Ore-Ida the financial resources they need to stave off a potential hostile government takeover.

Get out in the kitchen, rattle those pots and pans. Okay, you've got a home freezer full of spud nuglets. What next? Feed 'em to your hungry family and friends, stupid! There are a gazillion delicious, insurrectionist ways to incorporate Tots in your diet, like this. So get creative, and take pictures!

Organize and share. Forget the Tea Party, all the hip anti-government revolutionaries are joining the Tot Party! And you can be a Totbagger too - spread the word about National Tater Tot Rights Week on your favorite social media. Share strategies and recipes and organize local Tot-ins in the open comment section below.

If you have pictures of you spud-activism, make sure you email them to me (link on left sidebar) so I can share them with your comrades. So don't be shy -- show me your Tots!

Yoga for the Back

The rest I can do, but I think I'll have to work my way into this one.

Water Nymph - Creative Challenge 137

Welcome back to another week of Creative Challenge. I hope you all will be just as inspired this week as you have been in the past. There have been some phenomenal posts that's for sure!

The Rules:

Post anything (i.e. a story, poem, photo or artwork) you have created using word/phrase below as the inspiration or theme.

Please do not use other people's words.

If you wish to use an image that is not your own, please let us know it is not your work (i.e. "photo found on the internet" or "the photo was taken by my friend").

Bring the link back here and post it in the comment section.

Your link must be a Multiply link. (At the discretion of the admin.) all other links may be deleted.)

Leave your blog open to "everyone" so we can view it.

This week's word/phrase: alive

Water Nymph

I'm fifty-five

I'm still alive

Although perhaps just barely

Yet I still see

Good things for me

If I'm to tell things fairly

I have a girl

Who colors my world

And makes me smile each day

If only you knew

What she's gotten me through

You'd see why I yell hooray!

She sings to me

And helps me see

That there's still good in the world

She brings me light

When no hope's in sight

And everything's seems unfurled

Though far away

She's here each day

Bringing me laughter and love

She's dear to me

The world can see

An angel from above

She makes me smile

It's all worthwhile

She makes my tired heart sing

With joy and youth

Displaying truth

She makes me feel a king

Copyright � 2011 Cal Jennings

Which Party Wants to Reduce the Deficit?

Republicans often talk about reducing the deficit and rail against increased government spending, but talk is cheap. What does the record show as far as actions are concerned?

Coming soon to a theater near me...

Subject: Conroe Tea Party
To:

Dear Friends,

We will be having our next Tea Party meeting on Monday, January 24, 2011. Our meeting will take place at Incredible Pizza which is located at the intersection of I 45 North & Loop 336 South, in the Kroger Parking lot. The meeting starts at 6:30 PM, but be sure to come early between 5:30 & 6:00 PM to enjoy the great buffet of pizza, spaghetti, pasta favorites, soups, salad bar, baked potatoes, hot dogs, desserts, etc.

Our speaker will be that Tea Party favorite speaker, Scott Taylor. Scott will be speaking on Social Security which is of importance to everyone over the age of 50. It is of special interest to those who are currently receiving Social Security benefits. How those benefits can be protected for those of us who receive them in light of the necessity to reign in the overspending of the US Government, and the budget cuts which are coming. Armed with information, and common sense suggestions that we can present to our Congressional Representatives, we can contact them and tell them what they need to do.

Our next meeting will be on Feburary 14, 2011 and will be held at the Montgomery County Library which is located at the corner of I 45 & FM 2854. We will be in the small meeting room located just across from the reception desk.

We are hoping to rebuild our membership. Since we lost our place at the former Country Roads Restaurant, we have suffered a dramatic loss in attendees. Please come and help us rebuild and get involved. We must do everything we can to defeat Barak Obama, and Nancy Pelosi in the November 2012 election. Harry Reid was just reelected las November for another 6 year term, so we can't get him out until 2016, but maybe we can get him to retire. If we don't become involved, then by November, 2012, we may not have the freedoms we now enjoy.

I hope to see you on Monday the 24th at Incredible Pizza.

Sincerely,

Patricia Carr

Greater Conroe Tea Party Patriots