Friday Night Fluff: Garth Brooks

The Thunder Rolls (video)

Garth Brooks | MySpace Music Videos

The Honeymoon Continues....

I'm now right smack dab in the middle of the honeymoon phase of the abuse cycle. While I have shut down and become an emotional mess, the hubby does nothing but express his undying concern for my well being. "I'm really worried about you," he said. At this point, I seized upon an opportunity for some dialogue without tipping my hand too much.

I asked him why, if he cares so much, does he say the things he says sometimes? His answer is one of a typical abuser: "It's the way my dad reacted to things growing up." No excuse. He's a 44-year-old man capable of making his own decisions in this life and deciding to seek out help if he knows that what he's doing is wrong. He actually told me that maybe I need counseling. That was the most rational thing he's said in a long time. The attempt at making me question my sanity has emboldened me to seek out a therapist. Backfire, anyone?

"Why do I feel like all I am is added stress to you?" was the next question I asked. He told me that I really wasn't, but he's got a lot of other things going on with work. Anyone want to venture a guess as to how much I believed that load of bullsh**?

From there, the conversation went the way of a classic abuser. He proceeded to point out my flaws and the things I do to aggravate him. Like I'm not capable of recognizing my own shortcomings. It took every ounce of me to not internalize this and follow the pattern. He was fishing for a "Yeah but you..." argument, and I wasn't giving it to him.

I actually got some sleep last night. I had to rely on my Xanax to do so, but it was so refreshing to wake up feeling somewhat more stable. I'm still not eating much, but hopefully that will improve in time. Amazing what stress can do to the human body.

The sun is shining a little brighter today (what I can see through the white out), and I pray that it continues to grow a little brighter every day from this point on. I don't like the darkness.

All my love and prayers to yinz,
B & G

The Second Step

Last night, I took the first step in reclaiming my life and my dignity. After years of insults, mind games, and double standards, I finally realized the pattern of abuse. While I bear no physical injuries, my psyche and my soul seem damaged beyond repair. I feel old.

I awoke this morning with a new mission in life: to reclaim my life and find the happiness that my kids and I deserve. I don't know how, and I don't know when, but I WILL get there with the help of God.

After getting Cheyenne on the bus, I came in the house and made a decision to call a domestic abuse hotline. I was terrified. What if I'm blowing all of this out of proportion? What if I'm found out? Am I admitting that I've been in a second failed marriage? What will people think?

The woman I talked to listened to me cry (uncontrollably a lot of the time), tell my story, and release years of hurt. She asked me questions about the whole situation and what led up to this. Not once did I feel judged or made to feel like I did anything wrong. I didn't know that there were people out there able to listen without judgment. It was refreshing.

During the course of my phone call, I was assured that I'm worthy of love without pain. I honestly don't know if I've ever experienced such a concept. We talked, I cried. Suggestions were given, and I need to examine how to execute them.

Now, as I type this, I'm going through the self-doubt phase and wondering if I made the right decision. I'm terrified of the confrontation that I know is eventually going to come. I'm just not ready to deal with it yet. Hopefully, with time and the grace of God, I'll one day be strong enough to face it. Today, however, is not that day.

I thank everyone who has given their thoughts and prayers since last night. It's more love and support I've had in over 20 years. The sad part is that it hasn't come from someone who professes to love me soooo much. How someone can claim to love another so much yet inflict so much pain is a concept that boggles my mind.

I'll keep yinz informed as I travel down this uncertain road. I'm just thankful to God for giving me such wonderful traveling companions.

Love always,
B & G

Today is the First Day...

Today marks a new beginning for me. After years of denial about my situation, I've faced it. Now begins a new chapter in my life. How that chapter will be written is unknown and terrifying, but it's a chapter that needs to be written.

For years, I've been leading a double life. There was the life that everyone saw. Smiling, joking, and seemingly carefree, it was a facade. What no one has seen is the very dark life behind the smile. A life filled with insults, self-doubt, and fear. The pain is excruciating.

For far too long, I've ridden the emotional roller coaster not knowing how to get off of it. Now, I just have to pray that God can give me the strength and guidance to do what's best for me and my kids. I already see some behavior patterns emerging in them that I don't like. Kids mimic what they see.

When I met my husband almost 20 years ago, I never dreamed that it would come to this point. I had hopes of an idyllic life and was willing to work hard to achieve it. Now, I'm completely spent and feel numb inside. Time has taken its toll and eroded any willingness to keep fighting for respect and love.

I think back on some of the incidents that have brought me to this point. They've intensified in recent years and have finally reached the point of boiling over. I can honestly say that I should've been more aware back then, but I fell into the whole "I'm sorry" honeymoon period and trusted that he meant it. He did. Until the next time.

There were many times where I felt the only way to stop the pain was to end my life. One time, I was actually in my bedroom sitting on my bed feeling worthless and hurt after a verbal beating. Holding my .38, I prayed to God to help me. He did. My kids walked into my room to tell me the joke they were both cackling about. I thank God for that. The thought of leaving them with an abuser sickens me.

I'm not sure where this path in life is going to lead to, but I'm leaving it in God's hands. He knows best.

I thank all of my blogger friends and readers for their love and support during this trial by fire. I've been extremely blessed to have met you, and I appreciate each and every one of you. May God bless and keep you all. I'll be in touch.

Much love,
B & G

A Public Service Announcement from B & G

There's an issue lately that I'd like to spread some awareness about. While we're all aware of the travesty of battering, I'd like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that abuse isn't only physical. Emotional and verbal abuse is equally abhorrent.

Abuse in any form is uncalled for. Abusers come in all colors, ages, and economic backgrounds. Their constant need for control over any given situation is who they are and what they do. Most of the time, the behavior stems from a need to control. Emotional and verbal abuse weapons are silence, belittling, and blame.

The cycle of abuse is the same as one who beats another. Escalation, abuse, and then a honeymoon period of "I'm sorry. I had a bad day (or just have a lot of stress, etc.)." The duration of the honeymoon phase varies, but make no mistake about it. An abuser will ALWAYS come back to repeat the cycle.

No one is perfect. The victim of an abuser has flaws just by nature of being human. But no matter the flaws, that is NO EXCUSE to be put down, emotionally torn apart, or made to feel guilty. Often, an abuser will pinpoint these flaws and use them as weapons. Self-esteem suffers, and the victim is often left feeling helpless and worthless.

So what are the signs of emotional/verbal abuse? If you think you or someone you know is in an emotionally abusive relationship, here are some questions to ask.

Do you feel that you can't discuss with your partner what is bothering you?--Are you walking on eggshells for fear of triggering a tirade?

Does your partner frequently criticize you, humiliate you, or undermine your self-esteem?--Words like "stupid","disgusting", and "What's your problem?" are red flags.

Does your partner ridicule you for expressing yourself?--Are you made to feel like your opinion makes no sense or isn't right?

Does your partner isolate you from friends, family or groups?--This is how the abuser maintains control. The amount of isolation varies, but it's still isolation.

Does your partner limit your access to work, money or material resources?--"We need to watch spending" while spending money like a sailor on shore leave.

Has your partner ever stolen from you? Or run up debts for you to handle?

Does your relationship swing back and forth between a lot of emotional distance and being very close? -- Again, the roller coaster of the abusive cycle.

Have you ever felt obligated to have sex, just to avoid an argument about it?--"Don't you love me anymore?" "You must be having an affair." These are common. A lot of abusers will use these phrases to manipulate the victim into submission.

Do you sometimes feel trapped in the relationship?--This is especially true for victims with children. They need the most support and help.

Has your partner ever thrown away your belongings, destroyed objects or threatened pets?--Your old childhood teddy bear may mean a lot to you, but the abuser sees it as trivial and worthless and won't hesitate to throw it out if they see fit.

Are you afraid of your partner?--Do you fear another argument? Do they threaten you with "what if" situations of what they'd do if you ever left? Abuse.

I hope and pray that if one victim of abuse is saved by this, that they find the happiness they truly deserve. No one deserves to be left with emotional scars that can last a lifetime.

I'm B & G, and I'm a victim of emotional and verbal abuse. There. I've said it. Now I can figure out how to heal.

Because I Trust My Readers' Opinions...

Okay, folks. B & G Fan has come to the realization of one thing: I'm not Superwoman. The stresses of life are finally starting to take a toll on me and make me feel old way beyond my years.

The bar has become a big issue of late. Working approximately 36 hours in a weekend, I've been lacking sleep during that time. Last weekend, I got a weekend total of 10 hours of sleep. At this point in time, I really don't believe I've gotten caught up yet, and I'm staring at another weekend.

The long bar hours have led to NOTHING getting done around the house. Heaven forbid that anyone else who lives here do anything to lend a hand. I got up Sunday morning to having to do two loads of laundry and taking care of the balancing game on top of the garbage can in the kitchen before I left for work. I'm not asking for all housework to be done while I'm working, but a little help would be nice.

Lack of help around the house leads to arguments between me and the hubby. Things got really ugly the other night with a lot of things being said that didn't help the situation.

To recap: long hours, lack of help with housework, and fighting between me and the hubby.

All this has led to me constantly feeling like I'm going to upchuck, stomach pain, headaches, and the inability to eat much at all. I've lost almost 15 pounds in a week (that puts me at about 135), and I don't know how much longer I can keep this up.

What I need from my readers are suggestions on how to deal with all this stress. I'm not doing well with it on my own, and objective opinions would be welcomed. My family says not to worry about it, but that's easier said than done. I know it's bad when my health starts to suffer.

Thanks in advance to everyone. I'll be interested to see what yinz can suggest to help me out.

Hump Day Hootenanny

For yinz's listening pleasure today.... I love the song, especially the solo at the end. Enjoy!


Keith Urban - Stupid Boy
Video Codes at www.yallwire.com

Lawyer for "Honor Killing" Dad: “How will it look for Christians to execute a Muslim?”

Noor al-Maleki was a gorgeous, young woman living in Arizona with her family. She loved Western culture and the freedom that this country offers. Unfortunately, her muslim father felt otherwise. The Iraqi-American father decided that his family's "honor" was more valuable than his own child and killed Noor by running over her with his car. She lingered for a short time after being struck.

Now, nearing trial for her MURDER in Arizona, prosecutors have shown to be reluctant in sentencing Faleh al-Maleki to death. Why? Because the scumbag's public defender that you and I are paying for have pitted Christians against muslims to avoid having his client pay with his own life.

From pajamasmedia.com, the Chesler Chronicles:

"[Public Defender] Billy Little asked the judge to “take special precautions to ensure the County Attorney’s Office wouldn’t wrongly seek the death penalty because Almaleki is a Muslim.” Little called for an “open process (to) provide some level of assurance that there is no appearance that a Christian is seeking to execute a Muslim for racial, political, religious or cultural beliefs,” referring to County Attorney Andrew Thomas’ Christian faith."

I'd love to meet this worm of an attorney. Is he kidding? He's asking a judge, most likely a believer in Christ, to make sure that no one from the D.A.'s office seeks the death penalty because of an appearance of religious intolerance?? How dare he. His client took the life of his own daughter because he hates Western civilization.

Does Mr. Little realize how intolerant his client's religion can be? Does he truly believe that a Christian would be given the same consideration under Sharia Law? If he does, he's an idiot, and no village would want him.

Faleh al-Maleki didn't kill a Christian; he killed a muslim. So why is his attorney so hell-bent on painting Christians as biased? Because it's the politically-correct chic thing to do. Period.

And fear not, dear reader. I'm equally as appalled with the D.A.'s office for not having the spine to stand up and say that this "custom" will NOT be tolerated in this country. Shame on them for not representing the safety and concerns of the people of Maricopa County. I'd guarantee that Sheriff Joe Arpaio wouldn't back down, and he represents the same people as the D.A. If they're going to back off of the death penalty in what is clearly a capital murder case, then why even have a frickin' trial? Let him and Mr. Little go sip lattes together and work it out. But I digress...

Noor al-Maleki will never again enjoy the blessings of this world because her father chose to impose his beliefs on this young woman. Now, just as he felt he was doling out justice, he must stop being a coward and face the justice of the people of Maricopa County.

Do you think I could get an application to push the plunger?

Friday Night Fluff: An Anonymous Dedication

You know who you are!


DIVINYLS - I TOUCH MYSELF
Uploaded by noriko75. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

Do You EVER Truly Get Over Your First Love?

Flying under the hubby's radar, I've started getting in touch with some old classmates on Facebook. The only reason I've had to go into stealth mode is because of the hubby's paranoia. He grew up in the mountains, so privacy is sacrosanct. I was blogging for 7 months before I told him I had a blog. I knew the reaction I'd get (and I did), but finally decided that since Obamarx wants to take away our rights at warp speed, I wasn't going to just hand over the few remaining to the husband.

After seeing a lot of people I never would've thought remembered me (I was a square peg nerd!), I saw where my very first love was a mutual friend on my best friend's page. My heart jumped damned near out of my chest.

I love my husband, and I wouldn't cheat; that's not me. But when I think about TJ, my heart skips a beat. Or two...or three....

I mulled over whether to contact him for about a week. Questions dogged me the whole time. Is he happy? Would he think that I was online searching for a fresh start? What's he been doing? Did we part enemies? We were young when we dated, but there was just something there that I never quite got over. Our last encounter left a lot of loose ends and unanswered questions. Finally, my mom convinced me to message him. I'm so glad she did.

I heard from TJ yesterday via Facebook. He told me there was something he had to say to me. I was shocked when he apologized for the way things ended. He has carried it on his conscience for over 20 years. We got to talk and clear the air, and we caught up a bit on what we've been doing since. He's married with kids and living in another state, and we caught up on family and friends. It's been wonderful.

I have regrets with the way things happened with TJ. Hopefully, we can clear the air even more now that we're older and wiser. Every time, though, my heart still jumps. Am I crazy? Is it mid-life crisis? Am I wishing for my youth and what might have been? What the hell is going on?

Maybe I made a mistake in getting in touch, but I'll be damned if it doesn't feel right. My heart aches, and waves of emotion are overwhelming me. Then I have to ask if this isn't just fantasy. I don't know. Everyone's favorite B & G Fan has thrown all common sense out the window.

I hope that I'm not the only one who gets heart palpitations when I think of my first love. I'd hate to think that age is catching up with me.

Hump Day Hootenanny: For Evan

Bye bye, Bayh!!!

Please Pray for Jennifer

Monday morning, I was talking to my mother. Working weekends at the bar, I don't really get to see much news since I've been putting in close to 40 hours in 3 days. The story she told me made me sick and worried about the world we live in.

Jennifer Daugherty (photo) was 30 years old. Mentally challenged, she was independent enough to regularly take a bus from her home in a town near my home to go to appointments and shop. Last weekend, the trusting Jennifer found her way to a home in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. The six scumbags there spent the next 36 hours beating Jennifer with a towel rack and crutch, making her drink urine, bleach, and detergent, and finally stabbing her to death. Her body was then put in a garbage can and left in the parking lot of a local school.

The six suspects are: Robert Loren Masters Jr., 36; Ricky V. Smyrnes, 23; and Melvin Knight, 20, all of 428 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Greensburg; Peggy Darlene Miller, 27, Mt. Pleasant Township; Amber C. Meidinger, 20, of 103 Indiana Drive, Building O, Greensburg; and Angela Marinucci, 17, of Greensburg.


The story hit home for me because having two high-functioning special needs kids, I worry for their safety when I'm gone. Knowing I'm not going to live forever, I've tried to foster independence in them as any parent would, but this story makes me very afraid. What has happened to humanity when those who need the most compassion are fodder for someone's sick games?

The local media here has already tried garnering compassion for one of these sick freaks. Apparently, Amber Meidinger's mother had tried to sell her for $10,000 when Amber was six years old. What the hell does that have to do with poor Amber's involvement with this crime? The bleeding hearts would say that because she spent so much time in foster care that it emotionally scarred her. Boo freakin' hoo for Amber. She's still a scumbag.

As parents, we try to nurture our children to survive in this tough world. Parents with children who have limited understanding have it even tougher. Bastards like these six make me wonder if there is anything at all we parents can do to fully prepare our kids.

Today's society seems to have devalued human life to the point of almost no return. Distortion of abortion by the feminist movement coupled with light sentencing for heinous acts in the name of "understanding" has produced a generation of people who have no regard for life. To this generation, life has no value.

Also at issue is the fact that society no longer puts a stigma on the word "retarded." Used freely by many people and those in high offices (I'm talking to you, Mr. Emanuel!), I've always found the word offensive when used as an insult. Those who struggle with mental handicaps didn't ask for the added challenge of trying to fit into society and be accepted by us "normal" people. The lack of a stigma using the "r" word in a derogatory manner has taken away the compassion and understanding that the mentally challenged need.

I think innocent life should be held in the highest regard. I use the qualifier "innocent" because I believe in the death penalty. And if any people deserve it, it's these people. I think, though, that lethal injection would be too easy for them. Bring back Ol' Sparky or, better yet, make them relive what they did to Jennifer through her eyes. THAT would be justice well served.

As of last night, the report is that this will be prosecuted as a hate crime. Thank God some common sense has temporarily taken hold in the DOJ.

I ask that you please say a prayer for Jennifer, one of the newest members of God's legion of angels. She is happy, loved, and safe. Though missed by this world, we will meet her one day in Heaven. I truly believe that.

To join the Facebook group for Jennifer, please click here. Thank you! -- B & G

Does It Get Any Better?

This winter has just been getting better and better. Despite all the pitfalls that have come our way here in PA, we keep getting round after round of snow. Everyone here is about crazy. Noah and Cheyenne have had 7 straight days off of school (not counting the weekend), and my patience is wearing mighty thin. Add to that the fact that I worked almost 40 hours this past weekend at the bar, I slipped and fell on ice trying to get in my Honda and have spent the past 2 days flat on my back after being manhandled at the chiropractor's, and B & G is about ready to snap.

With that said, I just wanted to let everyone know that I hope to have a post up very soon. Since the kids have been off, my computers have been hijacked. The post I plan on doing isn't going to be a pleasant one, but I feel it very necessary.

Hope all is well with everyone! I miss yinz guys like crazy.

A New Message from Beyond

Hi, you racist, gun-toting, Bible-clinging righties. It's the King of Pork here. Still waiting on my ride to my place in eternity. All I was told was to pack a lot of light clothing.

I've heard about the snow making a mess of my airport. Those two flights a week are going to have one hell of a time getting in and out. I just hope that the priorities are straight. You know, my airport gets cleared before anything. Screw everyone else.

Pennsylvania (or should I say my buddies) is going to lose out big time now that I'm not there to secure funding for purely petty crap projects. I must say that no one was better at garnering pork than I was. Not even that crotchety old S.O.B. Byrd. I had a LOT more stuff named after me than he'll ever dream of!

Would someone please tell the Dems in Congress to make sure that they carry on my tradition of disrespecting our soldiers engaged in battle overseas? I wouldn't want to give the impression that G.W. was right. All those Iraqis with purple fingers after voting don't know what the hell they want. I knew what was best for them.

I don't know exactly what is going to happen to MY seat in the interim. I was hoping to stick around long enough to have ACORN get me enough votes to beat Burns or Russell, but some quack had to go and nick my bowel during gallbladder surgery. Bastard HAD to be a Republican!

Well, now that I've ranted enough, I'm gonna continue to wait for my ride. Ted Kennedy sent me a text saying he can't wait to see me. Maybe we can get pork money for a furnace to be named after us.

Respectfully,
John P. "Pork" Murtha

Hump Day Hootenanny: Styx

Despite the fact that they played the White House and fawned all over BHO, I still enjoy the music of Styx. Always have, always will.

This song was on the Paradise Theater album (which I still have on vinyl). It's an appropriate song for life in my corner of the world today.

BOHICA: PA Bracing for Round Two, Possibly Three

Things here still haven't returned to normal since Friday's snowstorm. Yes, we can travel the main roads, but it's still tricky. School was canceled today and is also slated to stay closed tomorrow. My older son called to say that classes at his college have been nixed for the rest of the week. On top of all of this, we're bracing for another foot of snow tomorrow into Wednesday. Imagine the joy on my face! *snark*

As I was at Wal-Mart this evening, I grabbed the last two loaves of white bread on the shelves before running into my mother. She had just gotten off of a four-hour stretch of running a register up front. Telling her that school was canceled for tomorrow, she said that there is yet ANOTHER storm system that's being watched by forecasters and could hit over the weekend. My heart sank.

While being snowed in has its advantages (I might finally be able to catch up on things!), I honestly don't look forward to another storm. Travel this winter has been treacherous at best, and I worry about my kids' education. They need to go to school!!!!

Thankfully, we haven't lost our electricity like many in this area of the country. Should that be the catalyst to send me over the edge, I have no problem going to a hotel with the kids. The hubby can rough it since he thinks there's nothing to it.

My advice to anyone who may be anticipating this storm would be to PLEASE stay in if you can. If you absolutely can't get around traveling, take your time and be safe. My prayers are with you.

Medine Memi: Another Honor Killing Victim

In catching up with some news, I ran across this story via World Net Daily. The original article appeared on the website of The Gazette, a publication out of Canada.

It appears that another young life has been snuffed out under the guise of an "honor killing." A 16-year-old girl in southwest Turkey was buried alive by her father and grandfather for having boys as friends. Wouldn't want her to have any contact with males outside of an arranged marriage, right?

Forty days after she went missing in Kahta town, Turkey, authorities received a tip. Medine Memi's body was discovered in a two-meter deep hole in the family's chicken pen (see photo below). According to the report, she was in a kneeling, praying position with her hands tied when she was placed in the hole.



An anonymous expert made the following statement after the autopsy was done on Medine's body.

"The autopsy result is blood-curdling. According to our findings, the girl -- who had no bruises on her body and no sign of narcotics or poison in her blood -- was alive and fully conscious when she was buried," one anonymous expert said. [Emphasis mine -- B & G]

Also in the autopsy findings was the fact that Medine had a large amount of soil in her lungs and stomach, an indicator that the girl was very much breathing when they buried her. Imagine how she suffered while knowing that her fate was for the family name and reputation. My heart breaks.

Medine's father and grandfather have been arrested and jailed while awaiting trial. Her father testified that the family was unhappy that she had made male friends. Boo-frickin' hoo, Daddy!

Despite stories such as this, muslims still claim to be tolerant and peaceful. How ANY parent can do this to their child in the name of "honor" escapes me. Since when does what people think of the family take precedence over an irreplacable life that you helped create?? Children are a gift from God, not a badge of "honor" for a family's name.

Should Medine's father and grandfather be convicted, may I suggest digging a hole? Seems appropriate.

Pennsylvania Under State of Emergency

In what has become a storm to remember, we are now at a total of three feet of the white stuff within a 24-hour period. Pennsylvania has been declared a state of emergency by Governor Ed Rendell, and the outlook for the rest of the week is bleak.

It started yesterday afternoon. While the prognosticators out of Pittsburgh were calling for 5-8 inches in the mountains, they couldn't have been more wrong. When it started, it didn't stop.

I was fortunate enough to have the morning shift yesterday at the bar. I figured I'd be out at about 5 p.m., enough time to still safely make it home. WRONG! The evening bartender called off, so guess who was stuck working. That's right....everyone's favorite B & G fan.

As the snow fell and my energy levels plummeted, the decision to close the bar early fell into my hands. Still, people decided they absolutely HAD to have a beer, so I chased them out ASAP and closed down. It was about 11:20 p.m. by the time I got done with all of my post-closing duties. Still, I didn't worry. I have a Honda CRV with all-wheel drive. No worries, eh?

What usually takes 10-15 minutes under clear conditions took me over 45 minutes. The hubby had called and said to go to his mom and dad's to await his call letting me know that the driveway was passable. Cars and trucks littered the roads the entire way home. Living near a ski resort, I'm used to seeing people who can't drive in the snow, but nothing of this magnitude. Even the most seasoned winter driver was going to have difficulty.

I arrive at my in-laws' house shortly after midnight. Psychotic from lack of sleep, I'm cranky, hadn't showered or brushed my teeth since leaving the house before work, and I had a bad headache. I tried to park my car and wait for the phone call announcing a clear driveway at home. Notice I said TRIED.

Getting my Honda stuck, I decide to do the unthinkable: wake my in-laws to let me in. I trudge through almost two feet of snow and get to the door. No one answers the doorbell, so I pull out my dying cell phone and call inside. My father-in-law comes down and opens the door.

Going upstairs, I place a call to the hubby.

"I'm at your parents'. I'm so tired I could cry, so screw plowing tonight. I'm getting a blanket and sleeping on their couch. Do not call and wake me in the morning; I'll call YOU. Love you, good night, and kiss the kids for me in the morning."

This morning, the decision to keep the bar closed came from my cousin. After hearing "state of emergency", I think that was a safe bet. Honestly, I REALLY hope we just keep it closed tomorrow. PennDOT is recommending people stay off the roads for at least 24 more hours.

Monday will be the day I go to Wal-Mart to stock up as Tuesday through Friday they are calling for another storm system to move in, dumping at least 4 to 5 inches on Tuesday. Bitter cold temps and drifting snow will also make things nasty.

I pray that everyone stays safe and warm. Please don't take chances if you don't have to. Masses have been cancelled for tomorrow with the bishop giving special dispensation. I figure if God had wanted me in church tomorrow, He would've stopped the snow at 3 inches.

Right now, Al Gore and Punxsutawney Phil are at the top of the B & G Shit List.

(Note: The photo is of the half pipe snowboard course at Seven Springs Resort, a ski resort near my home.)

Friday Night Fluff: A Little Red Corvette for Bungalow Bill

On Wednesday's Hump Day Hootenanny, Bungalow Bill mentioned that he was in a Prince kind of mood. Being that he's the guy who was my inspiration to start blogging, I thought I'd send this one out to him. Happy weekend, everyone!

Happy Birthday!!!!

I'm a day early on this, but with a busy work weekend ahead, I decided to do this today. If I don't, it'll be late, and I can't have that.

On February 6, 1911, a bouncing baby boy entered the world. Though not much fanfare was made early on, he went on to do great things. He became an actor, a governor, and, most importantly, a great President. Ronald Reagan went on to change the political landscape of this country and the world like none before him and none since. Happy Birthday, Dutch!

On February 6, 1966, another baby boy entered the world. Though he has led a humble, simple life, he has produced a fine family with his beautiful, intelligent wife (:-D). Hard-working and smart, he has left a footprint in this world like no other. Happy Birthday, Hubby!

On February 6, 1995, yet another baby boy was born. Weighing in at 8 pounds 7 ounces, this baby boy has grown into a young man. With a lust for life and big dreams, he has overcome what some would call a disability. I call it a challenge, but not an insurmountable one. He's definitely his mother's pride and joy. Happy Birthday, Noah!!!

On this day, I usually buy two cakes to celebrate two birthdays. I hope the hubby wasn't counting on getting one. ;-D

BHO Wants to Spend HOW Much???

I've had a hard time visualizing one trillion dollars. Not that I'm brain dead, but I just couldn't wrap my brain around the concept. Yes, I've seen the graphic with the little dude standing next to stacks of bills totaling one trillion dollars, but these put the figure in perspective a little better for me.











Just remember one thing, folks. BHO is planning on spending over 3 TRILLION of our dollars on top of the trillions he and his cronies have already spent.

Kinda sheds a whole new light on things, eh?

Hump Day Hootenanny

In addition to the Friday Night Fluff, I've now added Hump Day Hootenanny to try and get everyone into a great frame of mind for the weekend.

Here's one of my favorite videos and songs of all time (definitely top 50). Happy Hump Day!!!

Gloria Allred Targets the Tebows

As we approach Super Bowl Sunday, the feminists continue to launch an all-out assault against the scheduled ad featuring Gators quarterback Tim Tebow and his mother, Pam. This time, uber feminista lawyer Gloria Allred is leading the charge and promises to file a complaint with the FCC and FTC should she feel the ad is misleading.

The Huffington Post has run an article on Ms. Allred's allegations. Gloria has alleged that the story of Pam Tebow being told to abort her baby could be misleading due to a ban on abortion in the Philippines since 1930.

Allred, who has represented a myriad of famous people or launched them into the spotlight, says that she will file a complaint with the proper authorities should she find that the abortion ban was in place in 1987, the year Mrs. Tebow decided to put the fate of her and her baby in God's hands. Gloria says that if abortion was illegal in the Philippines in 1987, she has a hard time believing that a doctor would risk a six-year prison sentence for recommending one.

Pam Tebow and her husband, Bob, were missionaries in Manila in 1987 when Pam suffered a life-threatening infection. The drugs used to wake her from a coma and treat her dysentery caused placental abruption (a separation of the placenta from the uterine wall), and the doctors were expecting a stillbirth. They recommended she abort; Pam instead made the decision to carry to term. The rest is history.

Ms. Allred has screamed for so long about a woman's right to choose, that she is forgetting that Pam Tebow also made a choice: for God to do His will. Why is that choice never acknowledged by NOW? And if it is acknowledged, the spin they usually put on it is that a woman was put under so much pressure to carry her baby to term that she couldn't make what they feel is the only decision to be made.

Gloria Allred and her ilk are the gender movement equivalent to Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and the rest of the race card players. Where Jackson and Sharpton see people of color as perpetual victims, Allred and friends seem to think that women will never be anything more than the victim of some conspiracy by a patriarchal society. How wrong she is.

When women refuse to be victims and take control of their own destinies, then Gloria will no longer garner her power from those who feel they have none. She will become irrelevant.

Maybe Gloria could bake some cookies for the Super Bowl. Nut cups come to mind...

Happy Robotic Groundhog Day?

At approximately 7 a.m. Eastern this morning, everyone's favorite furry weatherman will give his prediction for the rest of winter. After the winter we've had here, I'm hoping the news from Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney is optimistic.

Enter PETA, the animal rights group that thinks it's okay to throw paint on fur coats bought and paid for by someone else.

PETA thinks that it's time for Punxy Phil to hang up his Doppler radar and retire early, suggesting that the most famous groundhog be replaced with an animatronic imposter.

From the official PETA blog:

"...retiring Phil to a sanctuary and replacing him with an electronic groundhog. Phil is forced to be on display year round at the local library and is denied the ability to prepare for and enter yearly hibernation.... Add to that the displeasure of large, screaming crowds, flashing lights of cameras, and human handling."

That's right. PETA thinks that Phil's residence in the Punxsutawney Public Library for 364 3/4 days out of the year is cruel. They'd rather put him in a hole in the ground somewhere with no natural survival skills left. Pretty humane, you dorks!

Granted, Phil's natural instincts have probably been lost to the constant interaction with humans and the man-made habitat, but the people of Punxsutawney did Phil a favor by moving him to the library. He's loved, he doesn't have to worry about being eaten by bobcats, and he definitely won't be roadkill. I'd say that's more humane and shows more consideration for Phil's well-being than what PETA would like done with Phil.

HEY PETA!!! Why not go after other rodents in holes and cry out against gerbilling? After all, the poor little creatures suffer a terrible fate for the pleasure of a human. Why so silent? Forgot...lefties -- in this case the animal rights and gay rights groups -- don't go after each other.

Punxy Phil may not be in his natural habitat, but he's warm, cozy, fed, and loved. LEAVE HIM ALONE!!!!

UPDATE -- The furry little critter saw his shadow. Six more weeks of global warming, folks!!!

Closed Today Due to Illness

After working an average of 12-14 hours a day for three days, the inevitable happened. My resistance has gone down, and I'm now suffering a severe head and chest cold. It's only the second day, so yinz know just how miserable the beginning of this can be. That being said, I'm taking the day off to go to bed and try to kick this ASAP. I'll moderate comments later, and I hope to have a post with some substance up tomorrow.

Much love to yinz, B & G