Newscoma Has Moved

Nothing Here To See

2007-04-02T15:10:00.000-05:00

Change your links or feedburners to www.newscoma.wordpress.com.

The Quarterly Reminder

2007-03-04T16:54:00.000-06:00

Over at The Wordpress. Come on over to the new and improved Newscoma. Must I tell you this all the time? Grab your favorite frothy beverage and see the 300 posts you've missed that I've thrown together after drinking beer and frothing at the mouth over the last two months. Yeah, I'm OCD. Bring your hiney.

An Invitation To Dance

2006-12-31T16:00:00.000-06:00

We are up and running over at the new place. Get on over there. Go on. I'm waiting. I've blogged like a fiend all day and your missing it.

Today Is Moving Day

2006-12-31T08:13:00.000-06:00

During the last year, I've written 1441 posts, had ups and downs in readership (thanks all of five of you) and enjoyed myself thoroughly. It's been a good time for the most part. But alas, change is gonna come today. Although I haven't mastered my new blog at Word Press and I still haven't got all my links and crap up, I'm digging how much I like it. So come on over to www.newscoma.com or www.newscoma.wordpress.com. Feedback welcome. It will be the same cast of characters as before. I'm still trying to upload pictures but I have a Flickr account now so you can see what everyone looks like etc. Thanks to all of you have made my life so enriched and wonderful. Now change those links, by golly. I also have a new e-mail address at newscoma at gmail dot com. The other ones still work, but I'm trying to get away from Yahoo as much as possible. So I'm not going anywhere, just moved across town. Ya'll come on over.

So It's Squeegee Monkey's Birthday

2006-12-30T23:19:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday, you old bastard. Homer actually is a very lucky woman. And, he's a liberal, so there. And smarter than anyone knows. I'd even venture to say he should be your best friend because he's one of mine. And he'll cut you if you touch his Irish Whiskey. So Happy Birthday, Squeeges. You look pretty good to be about a thousand years old.

The Last One About Saddam Hussein

2006-12-30T22:26:00.000-06:00

I just watched the execution of Saddam Hussein. I don't know why I did it? Curiousity maybe. On a camera phone filmed as the former dictator stood as his executioners put the noose around his neck, darkness and rapid quick flashes of light and his face. He didn't really look that scared in all honesty. CNN is reporting he had fear in his face. (The Website didn't though.) I didn't get that at all. He talked quite a bit but I don't speak Arabic so I don't have a clue. More chaos as the video continued to roll on the cell phone's camera. Then the horrible sound of of his feet giving way under the platform as it was let go, the noose tight around his neck. The cell phone showed lots of movement and was very scattered and a lot of what appeared to be gleeful cries or that's how I heard it. Then his swinging body. Not like what you would see in a Clint Eastwood movie but different in a way I can't explain but I'm not going to go back and look at it again. It was his eyes that were so strange. I'm not sure if he was dead or alive at this point. I've seen more than one person die, and you usually just now. But I've never seen a person hang, so I have no idea how long he lived when the noose pulled taut. I had the opportunity to go to an execution in my official capacity once. I declined. I felt like shit like this would change me somehow if I did this. I may work as a reporter, but that was not something I wanted to be apart of. Another media person from here went. His staff said he was haunted, especially because he took delighted glee in going. They say he won't talk about it. I don't know. I'm really torn about the execution. I've said before that it goes without saying that Hussein was one brutal, terrible cruel man. There are others still lurking around this world where power means everything and simple human dignity has no value whatsoever. The situation that Sharon and Sam Davidson have written about so eloquently about Darfur comes to mind. We know Hussein relished in his power at the expense of human life. In the end, does it really make a difference. Once an ally with this country, he lost his usefulness and we took him out. And I'm torn. Because the man that was responsible for bombing the World Trade Center is still running around. And then I read that December is the worst month ever for our soldiers in Iraq. And I can't help but be numb about this very bloody, sad time in our lives where American soldiers stay in a foreign land that really, really hates us. And, although I'm not a person who prays, I do tonight for those men and women who are over there because of this war. And for the men and women I personally know whose sons died over on foreign land. Because I see these families every day. Every single day. So Saddam, you won't be missed by me, quite honestly. But I won't mock your death either because I do believe every life has value. Unfortunately, you didn't feel the same way and that is what created your demise.

Photo from CNN

I'm Moving Out

2006-12-30T12:30:00.000-06:00

I'm going to be moving in the next few days to www.newscoma.com. I'm still doing some housekeeping, so bear with me and I'm not done yet. I'll let you know when I'm all pretty. Actually, I'm sort of sad leaving Blogger (you know my first time but just like your "real" first time, I've had issues. Some glorious, some of the suck. Some premature starts and stops. Some mind-blowing experiences.) You get my drift. I've tried to keep this relationship going, but alas, there are just too many ifs (Okay, I'll stop with that line of crap.) I'm leaving this blogspot address open for the archives and for the memories. I also want people to be able to enjoy Tim's beautiful design. I just adore it, and him and he really is clever. We'll be meeting in March if things go well. Atomic Tumor also left some feedback recently that I might want a change. He was right. Lynnster is the one that sold me on this so my new stuff will be over at wordpress. It does appear to be easier to use (can't figure out how to post pics but I do now proudly own a flickr site for my crappy photography.) I realize it will take months to get me back on your blogrolls once I start this puppy up. Alas. Do a girl a favor here. If anybody has some advice leave it in the comments on how to do this properly and give me some time to get all my links up and whatnot. Happy New Year's Eve Eve.

"Dancing Around The Body"

2006-12-29T21:46:00.000-06:00

It's over. CNN is reporting the Iraqi government has pictures and videos of Hussein's execution. They are also saying they will review them to before they determine what they will show us as, the viewer. I hope not, quite frankly. I think it sets up a really creepy precedent. It's being reported that his executioners danced around his body. Of course no one can be sure what this actually means. And yet, the debate is about whether or not people need to see this to prove he actually is dead, that it's not a ruse. Incidentally, this is the picture I usually attribute to Hussein. I don't know why, but it resonates with me because it reeks of so much wasted, evil power. He was a bad man and although that sounds like a naive statement, it really is as simple as that. I don't think his death is going to change anything though. Some folks will be pleased but there most likely will be an upsurge of violence. Will see what happens long-term. At this point, I'm just watching it unfold. UPDATE: Here's a link regarding the issues of television footage of the execution of Hussein.

Al-Hurra Reporting Hussein Has Been Executed

2006-12-29T21:10:00.000-06:00

Members of the Arab Media Corp including Al-Hurra are reporting that Saddam Hussein was executed roughly ten minutes ago. CNN and MSNBC haven't independently confirmed it as of now. Now, what's going to happen in the streets of Baghdad? That's my question.

And Now I Am One ...

2006-12-29T16:17:00.000-06:00

In celebrating the first year of this blog, I've found myself with little to say. My mind has been filled with a lot of static today. It's this time of the year, albiet late, that I'm ready to get back to some normalcy. Today, I sat down and watched the news as Pres. Gerald Ford's remains were honored by the country and with a private service for the family, and the whole "When will it happen?" buzz over the execution of Saddam Hussien and the Muslim holiday that is to begin tomorrow and how that will impact when he will go to the gallows. So, today is all about death. having gone through three major funerals in the last four months, the idea of all of this public spectacle is disconcerting to me. When Bear asked if she could watch "Fairly Odd Parents" I readily agreed. It was just too much on this weird, sort of warm, winter day. In some ways I've mellowed over the past year since I started this blog. I've allowed myself to become more transparent. My initial thoughts of what I wanted to do here has changed. I really don't know what I was thinking about a year ago. Now I see it as a journey. I'll stumble, make mistakes and hopefully pick myself back up and keep on walking. So today, I say thanks for all the things I've received and the wonderful things this blogging thing has given me. I've made some lovely new friends. I've been yelled at a few times too. My integrity has been questioned on a couple of blogs, which sort of tripped me out. But that's okay too. I sometimes have been too personal. Other times, I've been vague. And through it all, I've grown. And that's something. So I leave you with a pick of my canine kid, Mabel, who is taking a bit of a nap here on Christmas Day. Here's to another year. We'll see how it goes.

Sharing More Of The Debauchery

2006-12-29T07:59:00.000-06:00

More of me playing around with the new camera as people pose unmercifully at Tammy Lynette's Birthday Bash. Badger (Beth C.) gets a kiss from an old friend. She doesn't really seem to be in the mood for this sweet gesture but that's our Badger. That she allowed this was amazing. I tried to kiss her on the mouth but she said she'd cut me. Why do I always get this reaction with people? I need to work on my skillz.Writers from the Paper , a hubby in a hat and Cool Daddy John all enjoying an adult beverage. This is a pic from the old friend in the top picture with his wife, his boss is the cool woman with the short dark hair who is giving the hypno eyes and then the lovely Karami. This pic was posted to also highlight that I had set my Bass down to take this pic. Evidence of my debauchery. Did I mention that we had a great time as Tammy Lynette had no idea we were throwing her the party. I know you guys don't know these folks, but I do. And I just adore them all. And being my blog and all on its one year anniversary, I thought I would share some of the folks who make my world very pleasant. Waiting for the Tylenol to kick in. Squirrel Queen is nursing me back to health. It might take a week or two but I should live.

A Party, And A Really Bad Headache

2006-12-29T07:35:00.000-06:00

We had a party for Tammy Lynette's 50th Birthday last night. Yeah, my head hurts. Good Lord, we drank so many adult beverages last night that I have been rendered sterile. I guess that's okay as when we got rid of Edna recently, that was sort of a given. Anyway, as I'm playing with the new camera, I decided to post a couple of pics from her bash. She is a dear person, the place was packed, and I even sang for her (my Marilyn Monroe Happy Birthday reendition.) Here are some highlights: Up first, remember Tammy L. will cut you if you don't celebrate her birthday. One of the Powers That Be is watching, ready to jump into action if necessary. The tall Power That Be that makes me get all tongue tied stands with a man notorious for making his own Popskull for the masses in Hooterville. I got some for Smiley, but we may have to use it to get the tar off the bottom of my car. I think it works both ways. If you are wondering what Popskull is, all I know is that I think they also make it in prison in the toilet so prisoners can also imbibe with adult beverages. Alas, no Popskull last night. But we did have plenty of Bass. Wait, that was just me. Tammy Lynette's son, Chops (yes that is his real name, he's the one in the Stone Temple Pilots shirt) is serenading his mother on her birthday. Chops is the coolest and we all dig him. He has appeared on this blog before after he got inked a few months back. The guy on the guitar is a cop. I don't know his name. He is a cop and a guitar player. He didn't shoot anyone but this morning, I wish he would come on over to Chez Coma and put me out of my misery. Going to find the Tylenol.

Almost A Year

2006-12-28T05:37:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow is my one year anniversary of Newscoma. Alas, I went back in the archives and found my first post. Bizarro World.

Union Votes On National Agreement On Wednesday

2006-12-28T04:45:00.000-06:00

No Internet for hours yesterday so I couldn't correct my Gerald Ford story that I hacked up yesterday (I had to put it in the comments before Frontier's wireless went down and I couldn't answer e-mails. I've vowed not to write about GOP politics when I was seven ever, ever again. I'm a doofus. Alas, Hooterville had no wireless for what seemed a millennium yesterday and I couldn't clarify.) It was back this morning. But, I was busy yesterday anyway because the Local 878L met and voted on the tentative agreement that the United Steelworkers and Goodyear had hashed out last week. I went to the picket line as retirees walked for union members as they had to go vote to get some quotes for my story running today. As "Press and Scabs" weren't allowed at the meeting, we had to do what we could to get some semblance of a story. Yes, the man who spoke yesterday to the union members at Obion County High School, according to my sources, put "Press and Scabs" in the same sentence. Where the picketers stopped the trucks and cars entering the plant, a member of security pointed his camera at us (evil media) the entire time. For some reason, it really hacked me off that the guy with the camera was following our every move but I didn't have to deal with it everyday like other folks, but it was just weird. Also the guy had on a ski mask that covered his entire face and I couldn't help feeling like I was in some surreal sci-fi movie. I waved and smiled at him although I wanted to throw my reporters notebook at him. The USW won't say anything. Goodyear won't say anything. It does create some problems of getting accurate information. But union members did decide to talk to us later in the day and I scrambled. Thanks to one guy who has not been afraid to speak his mind to me, I have in my hot little hands an actual copy of the agreement they voted for. So there Union and Goodyear. The changes I see, and I'm no authority about unions, is that Goodyear will close its Tyler plant within the year. I'm also hearing there will be a lot of early retirements (at least here) once they go back to work. Many people weren't happy with the COLA, and health care for the retirees will go into a VEBA account. Goodyear is going to up the money they put into that (around $1 billion.) The word on the street is the local guys passed this overwhelmingly (street gossip is 68 percent. That is completely unofficial.) but Goodyear and the local hall won't announce this until every union member has voted in the United States and in Canada and the agreement is ratified. The retirees on the line were interesting. They were optimistic about the vote, but one man I spoke to did say that this basically was just a band-aid and that within the next few years, Goodyear most likely would be moving off shore. "I just wanted to keep what health care I had," he said. "I can't even vote." Now the way I understand it (I am no authority on unions), if the contract is ratified this weekend, the workers will probably go back to work sometime in the middle of next week. Long day. Is it a band-aid long term? Probably. Will it bring a sigh of relief for now? Yes. Here are a couple of blogs watching the new developments. Local, the blog from the USW, and the actual site.

The Cool Kid's Club, In Which I'm Not A Member

2006-12-27T07:18:00.000-06:00

Okay, wish me luck. I'm going to tackle learning the new camera today. Why it is intimidating me? I do not know. I also want to see if I can get it to do the movie thing. Mabel's status as a superstar needs to be documented. Man, I miss my 35 mm where I had maybe not mastered it, but I could take a good damned picture. Alas, having the new digital is something I need to learn especially if I'm going to Memphis for the Media Reform Conference in two weeks. I'll never be in the Cool Kids Club. Where is Wonderdawg when you need him for cool camera advice. Anyway, if you are going to the conference, give me the heads up and we can meet for cocktails or coffee. I have had some issue finding rooms downtown, but I think I have a couple of options in the vicinity. You see, I feel like I need to go and this is of the good. There is so much to learn.

Top Five From Hooterville

2006-12-27T06:08:00.000-06:00

The tall one from the Powers That Be and I were talking yesterday about the top news stories of our community over the past year. He suggested I write an overview to document what happened over the year 2006 overall. So I did. Took me about an hour along with research so I will share it with you, kind readers. Number One : The death of Sgt. Dustin Laird. It was a devastating loss to our community and we had to deal with the not only the death but the remains not being returned to the family for nearly ten days, Westboro Baptist Church showing up, the (much appreciated) presence of the Patriot Guard and a family so devastated they asked us to keep other media away (not something we felt comfortable with, but we did it for Dustin's father.) As we were friends with the family, we tried to be reverent, and in retrospect I think we were. Everyone grieved, people openly cried in restaurants and in public. Number Two : The United Steelworkers/Goodyear Strike. Completely numbing from an economic standpoint to several counties in northwest Tennessee and Western Kentucky. There was much prejudice against the strikers, Goodyear and the USW were not very forthcoming with information yet would become angry when we had to rely on outside sources for what was going on and we saw a lot of anger. Lots of anger. "Scabs" crossed the line, but there wasn't any violence. The tentative agreement these last days of this year brought some cautious hope because there is an underlying tone of whether or not Goodyear will continue to seek going off shore, which would, in many ways destroy this area. The community has become so inmeshed with Goodyear that the area would take a hit. I really don't believe this is over in the long-run. Number Three- Eminent Domain A family living in Weakley County put up huge signs the size of billboards that said that the local utilities company was going to condemn their property to build a central office. As this is ag country, the local farmer became very political very quick in coming out to assist the family. A local judge ruled in favor of the condemnation, but the board of WCMES met and backed out of the deal. Public opinion was as much a reason for the change of heart as was, I believe, the local election that was sitting on the horizon. Number Four - New County Mayor It was a fight. When candidate Houston Patrick won the democratic primary in May, the incumbent, Ron Gifford, came out swinging. As Patrick is in his mid-seventies and a pastor, Gifford said "He was an old man who took a young man's job" and that he "was a preacher that made a deal with the devil." Weakley Countians were not amused and although Gifford said he wasn't running a write-in campaign in August, he sort of did. Gifford did not have a computer or a cell phone and called himself a confederate democrat (or something a long those lines). His stubborness and the name-calling assure Patrick an easy second win in August. Number Five - Two sports teams bring the community together Nope, The Greenfield Girls Basketball Team and UT Martin Skyhawks Football Team didn't win in their playoff situations, but they were inspiring because it had been nearly two decades since the Skyhawks (formerly Pacers) had even been to the show and the girls team wasn't supposed to hit Murfreesboro at all, but did. Sports and a small newspaper are very, very big deals. This is more of Squirrely's area. So there you go. Small town news at its finest.

Breaking: Gerald Ford Dies at 93

2006-12-26T23:03:00.000-06:00

Former First Lady Betty Ford just reported on CNN that her husband, President Gerald Ford has died at 93 years old.

Ford had battled pneumonia in January 2006 and underwent two heart treatments — including an angioplasty — in August at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

He apparently never recovered from the recent health issues he went through. The vice-president, under the turmultous years under Richard Nixon, took the office reluctantly after Nixon resigned from office after Watergate. What makes Ford interesting is that when he ran in 1972, he had never run for a national office before. Squeaky Fromme tried to kill him as well as another woman whose name escapes me during his brief time as president. He only spent 865 days in office. I was 12 years old when Jimmy Carter defeated him. My memories of Ford are limited. If my memory serves me right, he was a different kind of Republican in a different time who would most likely be considered a moderate in this day and age. Ford died at his home earlier this evening. UPDATE: I should have looked it up on the handy dandy Wikipedia before I posted last night and two very fine people showed me the way on where I messed up on this post. First of all, Ford ran in 1976. My intent was to say that he ran in '72 as vice president but I flubbed it. He did defeat Reagan in '76 in the primary (thanks Desi and Sharon). Also he was a member of congress for a multitude of years. I guess my eight to ten year old brain didn't retain all the info. So, as we would do in the newspaper world, here is my clarification. Want to get it right.

Photo credited here.

"From tomorrow, any day could be the day."

2006-12-26T19:43:00.000-06:00

3o Days. It could happen at any time.

The sentence has already stoked Iraq's sectarian rage, with the Shiite majority demanding Saddam's death and his fellow Sunni Arabs calling the trial tainted.

"From tomorrow, any day could be the day" Saddam is sent to the gallows, the chief judge said. Saddam was condemned to death for his role in the execution of 148 Shiite Muslims from the small northern town of Dujail, after a 1982 assassination attempt.

The decision came on a particularly bloody day in Baghdad, where at least 54 Iraqis died in bombings and police discovered 49 apparent victims of sectarian reprisal killings. Separately, the U.S. military announced the deaths of seven American soldiers.

And the clock starts ticking.

Goodyear Stock Up, And Local Meeting Tomorrow

2006-12-26T18:26:00.000-06:00

Goodyear workers in Union City will be meeting tomorrow afternoon (we initally thought it was Thursday, but it's actually set for the 27th) at a huge high school gymnasium in Troy, Tenn at 1 p.m. This afternoon, I was out and about and my cell phone rang off the hook asking me if I would be there. The answer is no. Only members are invited for an informational session. I'm still unclear if they will vote as no one is really saying, but the other reason the phone has been ringing is what will happen to the guys who crossed the picket line. I do not know the answer to this question either, but I should know more by tomorrow afternoon. What I do know is this from an AP story from this afternoon.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. shares rose Tuesday above a one-year high in the stock market's initial reaction to the company's tentative agreement with the United Steelworkers, a deal that may end a strike that began nearly three months ago.
Goodyear shares rose 40 cents, or 2 percent, to $20.12 by the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The Goodyear shares had traded within a 52-week range of $9.75 to $19.75.

I can tell you the emotional impact. There is a tense relief among many of the union workers I've spoken to as well as some of the local businesses who are have also weathered this economic storm on our community.

That, my friends, I do now. We will see.

At Any Age

2006-12-26T16:02:00.000-06:00

Oh how true, even at 41 years old.

I’m 27 years old, and it still feels a little strange being on the adult side of the Christmas dance. It’s like being the woman sawed in half instead of watching the magician from a front row seat. The magic is still there, but I’m viewing it from a completely different angle.

And yes, I get it. Both sides. Being the adult, and watching the scene at Christmas unfold in front of me. The nieces were what is important as the presents slowly came from beneath the tree, still reeling from watching "It's A Wonderful Life" from the night before. Of course, as they get older they ask things like "Tick, how much did this cost?" *sigh* But it was still great. Better than great actually to just see their beautiful faces as they opened their gifts, their eyes sparkling, their mother smiling sweetly and we realized that there are special times such as these.

More On The Goodyear/USW Tentative Agreement

2006-12-26T05:21:00.000-06:00

News from Goodyear. Much of this has been compiled from press releases but I think it shows that there is a great deal of optimism in the air. This is the unedited version of what we will run in today's paper,

Although the picket line surrounding the massive Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company plant didn't stop on Christmas Day in Union City, union workers who've been on strike since Oct. 5 had a little bit more to be optimistic about after an 11-week strike appeared to be headed into the new year. Late Friday, word trickled down to Union City and surrounding areas that a tentative agreement had been determined during negotiations in Pittsburg, which buzzed throughout the area during the holiday weekend. The United Steelworkers (USW), which represents over 12,000 active union workers in the United States, tentatively agreed Friday to a contract that would end the strike over health care benefits and Goodyear's plan to close a tire factory in Texas. According to the USW's website, gkdsolidarityexpress.org, the two factions reached the tentative agreement on a new three year contract that the union said “secures retiree health care benefits and dramatically increases Goodyear’s investments in union facilities.” “This agreement validates the solidarity of our members and their families, who wouldn’t allow the company to walk away from obligations earned through a lifetime of hard work and loyalty,” said USW President Leo W. Gerard in a press release. “We owe a debt of gratitude,” he added, “to the entire labor and activist communities, which rose with unprecedented solidarity to challenge Goodyear’s assault on our members.” “By securing solid medical and drug benefits for current members and retirees in the midst of today’s health care crisis,” said Thomas Conway, USW Vice President and the Chair of the union’s Goodyear negotiations, “our bargaining committee was able to drive the proverbial wolf away from the door for tens of thousands of retirees and thousands more workers who are nearing retirement.” The Tentative Agreement was endorsed by the USW’s Goodyear Policy Committee, made up of local union leaders from the company’s master contract facilities throughout the U.S. Members at these locations will vote at ratification meetings in their communities on December 28. Although details of the tentative agreement will not be released until USW members at Goodyear have voted in a ratification election scheduled for next week, the union said that the agreement addresses three crucial areas of concern by: * Establishing an innovative company-financed trust of more than $1 billion that will secure medical and prescription drug benefits for current and future retirees; * Enhancing the ability of USW-represented plants to meet the challenges of global competition by having Goodyear triple its capital investments to at least $550 million in those plants; and, * Maintaining affordable, high quality medical and prescription drug coverage for active members and retirees. In addition, the tentative agreement requires Goodyear to rescind its demand for immediate closure of its Tyler, Texas plant, and instead provides for a one-year period of transition during which workers will have the opportunity to take advantage of sizeable retirement buyouts. The Tyler plant came out of the 2003 negotiation as the one unprotected facility, but despite determined efforts by international and local union leaders and strong support from the community, plant security could not be won beyond the end of 2007. “Though we’re not entirely happy with the outcome at Tyler,” Conway said, “we were able to ensure that as long as Goodyear stays in the market for the tires built at Tyler, those tires will have to be produced at USW-represented plants in the U.S. The company simply won’t be able to outsource that work or service this market segment with imports from China or anywhere other than a USW facility.” “What we achieved would never have been possible if we hadn’t struck,” said Ron Hoover, USW Executive Vice President. Negotiations between the USW and Goodyear began in June of this year. With a contract expiration date of July 22, 2006 approaching, a day-to-day extension agreement was reached that gave both parties the option of terminating the agreement upon delivering 72-hour notice. Lack of progress in bargaining talks forced the USW to deliver notice on October 2 and 15,000 USW members in 16 plants throughout North America struck on October 5. The ratification vote will be taken following informational meetings at each location. A majority of the majority principle applies meaning that a majority of the locals as well as a majority of the overall membership must vote to accept the Tentative Agreement as the new contract. The USW represents more than 850,000 members in the U.S. and Canada. Some 70,000 are employed in the tire, rubber and plastics industry.

This is a good sign and not completely unexpected although none of us really thought this would happen until January. As of now, the local union will meet on Thursday (subject to change) for an informational meeting and then the possibility of a vote.

"I'm Going Away Tonight."

2006-12-25T19:50:00.000-06:00

I think the last words of James Brown are interesting

Brown died early Monday at Atlanta's Emory Crawford Long Hospital of congestive heart failure, his agent said. He was 73.
"The most difficult thing is for me to stand here without him. We were a team," Charles Bobbit, Brown's personal manager, told reporters Monday.
Pausing to fight back tears, Bobbit said he was at Brown's bedside when he died.
Brown told him, "I'm going away tonight."
Then he took three long, quiet breaths, and closed his eyes, Bobbit said.

Brown probably fought a lot more battles than we will ever know. He was human, made some huge mistakes but taught white folks like my momma (who was a female, white girl singer herself back in the early sixties who loved soul music and the blues and sang it herself, thank you very much) that it was okay for music to make you feel all sexy and feral. Sexy and feral is not a bad thing. And, that my friends, was pretty damned cool.

A Lovely Christmas

2006-12-25T17:34:00.001-06:00

So, it's Christmas night. Awesome Eve and following day. Absolutely so lovely that it was exquiste and probably the best Christmas since my mother died. I received more than I deserve, including two of Bruce Campbell's books, some clothes (much needed. Homer and Squirrel Queen come through again) and a digital camera that Squirrel Queen is going to have to show me how to use (it even makes little movies apparently.) I learned on a 35 mm/Black and White. I've got some learning to do. Yeah, let us remember I'm 41 years old. It takes me a bit of time, but the camera is a pretty good one and I'm just thrilled to have it. Gotta do some reading in the manual, but those Bruce Campbell books look so appealing to pick up first. The most lovely little items were the things I least expected. My father (now known as Big Daddy and his wife, Hello Nurse (from Animaniacs) bought me a small antique Royal Typewriter key with the Mad Hatter inside of it. I LOVE Alice in Wonderland (Collected Alice stuff for years) and it was a sweet, lovely present that I've touched tentatively all day with such sweet wonder I can't believe I actually have it in a necklace around my neck. This, and the awe-inspiring poem here were magnificent sentiments of friendship and hope. Squirrel Queen also gave me a Bigfoot. Pictures are forthcoming as soon as I figure out the camera and even Big Daddy laughed over the Bigfoot, which has a stamp pad where it makes Bigfoot prints when you step it around on paper. There was even a Weekly World News in the box with it. Hello Nurse and I bought each other the same gift. It was small and delicious and just wonderful. I feel so good about it that she and my father now have blogger nicknames. It was so appropriately delightful and relieving to know that things are going to be okay. The best present was spending part of two days with Big Daddy, who gave out Christmas cards with our blog names on them. Even the nieces blog names were written on the envelopes along with Squirrel Queen, Homer, Squeegee Monkey and, delightfully, newscoma. *sigh* The healing has begun and it was wonderful. So wonderful that I can hardly breath. Sadness filled the air at SQ's family's house. The grief of losing two loved ones in such a short period of time sat like dense fog on the Christmas activites. It'll will heal within the luxury of time. We will heal her, but now she needs time to remember and grieve. We actually went on our annual trek to church (it didn't fall in) and SQ cried as Christmas carols were sung, reminding her of her grandmother who had died two weeks earlier because she went to church everytime the doors opened. She cried softly, and sadly later in the service, I fumed, not at her but at the pastor's reading of this thing about pacifists and liberals and gays that sounded like one of those forwarded e-mails people send to each other but, TO HIS CREDIT, his sermon on the historical activities aligned with the Nativity were really good. I will give credit where it's due. I don't think he thought anything other than what he was reading was cute (I did not) but I believe that it is little stuff like this that causes bigger problems. I'll need some time before I go back. Little did he know his guests. And this was the church I was born and raised in. It's not terrible, but it just hit me wrong. But everything else was fantastic. So, it was a lovely Christmas. I'm one happy camper.

Merry Christmas To All Of You, By Gawd

2006-12-24T14:01:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night. In homage to Bill Watterson from The Independent Voice. We miss you, Bill. And I would be remiss not to mention this: Happy Festivus, Squirrel Girl. You are well-loved by all of us. OOO

Annoying Autobiographical Pause #789

2006-12-24T06:43:00.000-06:00

Christmas Eve is the day that my family always gets together to celebrate each other. I think because my mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer just a few days before the holiday back in 1996, we took a hit of Christmas spirit that has never been properly replaced. You will never know how much my sister and I loved her and that we still grieve to this day. Pounding, toxic grief that will leave for awhile and then come back with a vengeance so exquisitely painful that it knocks our breath out. I lost some of that 'loving' feeling when she died 14 months later on a cold February afternoon. I watched her take her last breath, her death not the pretty lies shown in the movies. She died hard. Over the years, I let that spirit of Christmas slip away. I blamed everyone for my grief and it turned into resentment and anger. I became petty. I became, quite frankly, a person I didn't like very much. This Christmas, I'm trying to repair fences with my father as I hurt his feelings. When I wrote things on this blog, I was in an estranged sort of place with him. I was angry at the woman he married because she hurt my feelings more than once. She has a biting tongue, but the thing I forgot is that she wasn't acting out of character, and half the stuff she said she just said, but I put more weight into it than I should. I was so excited for him when they got married and actually was partly responsible for them meeting, but I felt like she was treating my sister and I like we were guests in his life and I don't want to be a guest in my father's life. I want to be his daughter. This again was my perception. I'm not blaming here her. I'm blaming the situation. My estrangment caused many of the problems. It was my issues not theirs, and for this, in the early hours of Christmas Eve, is my one biggest regret over the past two years. The closeness that my father and I used to share was severed, first by his new relationship and then by my sense of abandonment and me acting petty and taking a butcher knife to our ties with each other. I found that my dad, who had always told us stuff, was now keeping what I perceived as "secrets" which really hurt my feelings and this is where I got into "I'm Done" mode. I also am concerned about my father's loss of hearing. I used to think he wasn't listening, but now in sad retrospect, I realize he can't hear. I wish he would use his hearing aid, but it really bothers him so I can't ask him to do something that is uncomfortable for him. I have no idea how it feels to go through this. Here is a man who loves music so much to have in small, uncomfortable ways that have snuck up on him so elusively to lose a sense that has given him so much joy. Why do I bring this up? Because I'm trying to be a better person. Being human, I've made mistakes. Huge ones, but on the other hand I was reacting to my emotions at the time. He's trying. I'm trying. It's the best we both can do. Some things won't be repaired on both sides, I'm sure. But forgiveness is what Christmas is about. And if anything were to happen to him, I would be devastated because I love him so very much. So we will see how this goes. So to my father and to his wife, I'll give it a shot, walk away when it hurts and revel in the joy when it works. And this year, this is my Christmas. Because I miss my father.

More Details Leaking Out

2006-12-24T06:39:00.000-06:00

Don over at Underdog has these details from the Goodyear version of the tentative proposal accepted on Friday after the policy committees met in Pittsburg:

The tentative agreement gives Goodyear the ability to reduce excess high-cost manufacturing capacity, reduce legacy costs, improve productivity and reduce labor costs consistent with the four point cost reduction plan that was announced to investors in 2005. The tentative agreement: Secures retiree medical benefits through an independently administered Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association (VEBA) to be launched with an up front $1 billion contribution from Goodyear to consist of $700 million in cash and up to $300 million in additional cash or common stock at the company's option. Subject to court and regulatory approvals, the VEBA would assume full responsibility for providing retiree medical benefits to all present and future Goodyear USW retirees; Consistent with Goodyear's previously announced plans to exit certain segments of the private label tire business, provides for the closing of the Tyler, Texas, facility after December 31, 2007; Delivers substantial improvements in labor costs and productivity through redesign of incentive systems and immediate implementation of market-based wage and benefit levels for all new hires; Improves job security and provides capital investments in USW plants of at least $550 million over the life of the agreement.

This is Goodyear's version, according to Don. A meeting is scheduled for this week where the information will be shared with the Local 878L. As you can see, the closing of the Tyler plant appears to inevitable, however, regardless of what everyone might think, most men and women were on the line to retain retiree health care. This, my friends, is a step in the right direction.

Christmas Eve Eve Time Waster

2006-12-23T19:23:00.001-06:00

Here's one: Or even this odd crap: Or how about this one. You should like this one. It's a reporter being kindly asked to leave a woman's property: Waste your evening, if you must, over at strangest photos of the year at I-Am-Bored.

Christmas Countdown #3

2006-12-23T15:44:00.000-06:00

I dig this song and I love French and Saunders.

Christmas Countdown 2

2006-12-23T08:07:00.000-06:00

John, Black Santa sent me this for you: He says see you next year. I know, my investigative mad skillz and all. (I'm posting this with the nieces. We should have a long day over here at Chez Coma.)

Christmas Countdown

2006-12-23T07:58:00.000-06:00

Brilliant. Drunk, Overworked Elves always give me a happy.

An Emo Christmas From The Ten Year Old

2006-12-23T06:57:00.000-06:00

My oldest niece is a lot like me about a lot of things. Poor kid. Last week, she discovered the truth about the spirit of Santa. Not my reaction was one on being in on something adult when I was a kid. She didn't have the same reaction. Hers was a bit more emo. These were the words used with Homer, which means we are banning the television from the house. "It's a web of lies, Mama." "Don't tell Charley. I never want her to feel the way I feel right now." "I have nothing to believe in. All of this deception." My sis in her infinite wisdom, opted to let the glamour fit go on until she had enough. Now, Homer goes to church and decided to tell her this story:

Life is hard. We find out things and sometimes they are disappointing. Sometimes you can't see things but you can feel them. So get off the drama queen fit, you don't have to have my attention with this nonsense. You have my attention because I love you. I'm sure you are disappointed but look at the intent, not the so-called web of lies. I've never seen Jesus either but I believe. So stop it.

She then proceeded to, a couple of days later, go to her oldest daughter and said "I'm here to confess all the lies you have percieved I've told you." Quiet sulking from the pre-teen. "Remember when you kept asking if you were adopted," My sister said. "Oh no, you lied about that too," Asa wailed. "No, you weren't adopted and that is the way it is. You're my kid, so quit asking," Homer smiled because, suddenly Asa Corn smiled. "Now, remember sometimes you are on a Need To Know basis." Asa accepted this. Homer's a good mom. When it was my time, I just told the niece that Mr. Right died a long time ago. You can be mired in inky tarry crap or you can , you know, embrace that this was something she just didn't know. "I've been goofy, haven't I?" she said. "No. I get you were embarrassed because the kids at school told you this and you fought with them. Your more embarrassed than anything. But next time you want some attention, can we go toss the ball out in the front yard instead of all this drama," I responded. "You're horrible at sports," she said. "You really suck." Well, yeah. So here's to the wonder of Christmas, pre-teen hormones and the fact that life isn't always fair, but it can be marvelous if you just let it be.

Photo from here

Goodyear Strike Tentative Agreement

2006-12-23T06:06:00.000-06:00

There may be a tentative agreement in play between the USW and Goodyear. Folks are saying that retiree health care has been retained. There aren't any details right now, but I'll keep you up to date. We heard the news last night. Last night I called the extremely tall Power that Be with the news, as well as some of my union friends. Rural West Tennessee is buzzing with the news.

Tom Waits, Christmas and Used Car Lots

2006-12-22T21:45:00.000-06:00

Yes, Virginia

2006-12-22T21:04:00.000-06:00

Photo here

Because I want to be Christmasy, darnit, and The Dems won the election (barely):

Favorite Christmas Movie: "It's A Wonderful Life" and I really laughed hard at "Elf". Favorite Christmas Song: I like a lot of them. Merry Christmas from the Family by Robert Earl Keen, Carol of the Bells, Let It Snow and The Christmas Song. I also like the theme song from the Grinch. I actually like a lot of Christmas songs. Favorite Christmas cookie: Ummm .. Sugar Cookies? I really like Homer's Peanut Butter Fudge and I adore Chocolate Oatmeal Drop Cookies, but I don't know how to make them.Neither does the Christmas Candy Goddess, Homer. We're screwed. I like my dad's Lemon Ice Box Pie, does that count? And Coconut Cake with white icing is delish. Favorite Christmas gift ever received: My Dad bought me a Marcocite Cameo two years before my mother died and anything my sis or Squirrel Queen gives me. I also adored a pink smiley faced pillow given to me when I was about seven. I also really enjoyed my Christmas in Montreal with my fam. Least favorite thing about Christmas: I really am usually depressed yet delighted when Christmas is over. This year, because of circumstances, I didn't get to do the before hand hoopla so I'm a little sad about that. Where would your perfect Christmas be: Alaskan Cruise with my entire family. I want to see a real live polar bear, dammit.

Favorite part of Christmas: Lights, Kindness, Love, Hope Favorite Christmas Decoration you own: My aluminum Christmas Tree and my leopard skin Santa Hat When do you put up the tree?: Used to be the weekend after Christmas, now I guess when we have time. We have more Christmas crap than you can imagine. Do you wear "holiday" sweaters/sweatshirts/t shirts?: Not really but Homer bought me a sexy black Christmas vest with silver snowflakes on it and I also own a T-Shirt with "Don't Shoot Your Eye Out" that I also wear because it amuses me.

From Sista

Meme From London

2006-12-22T19:26:00.000-06:00

A Blog Meme? From the UK? Well, darnit it all, I'm in. I'm thinking Bryan wants me to talks about the seven best things I've done this year. Well, allrighty then.

Number One: Brought Bigfoot to the forefront of Mainstream Media. (Because, dammit, it needed to be done.) Number Two: Taught my niece, Charley, how to play poker and admonished her for using swear words (which made me laugh my ass off. I have become my grandfather who did this to me. Drop the F-Bomb in front of this man and he would double over in laughter. Darnit, I miss him. He'd clout you on the head, but he was laughing when he did it.) Number Three: Gave Smiley a "Smiley-faced" smashed penny that he swears is making the Titans win. I agree I have these sort of powers (and he wrote me a poem that made me cry.) I'll have to hit him in the arm when I see him like I used to do to guys in fifth grade. Number Four: Ate Lamb Fries. I'm not going to do it again. No Sirree. Number Five: Hung out with Sista at the Station Inn, that means a lot to me. Need to hear Mista Smiff play"Little Maggie" then I'll be in heaven. Number Six: Became one of those stinky, nasty bloggers that are infesting your world. According to this link, we are ordinary. I must say I disagree. Number Seven: Won some awards this year but I didn't get first place like Squirrel Queen, and that's okay because I'm a hack and I sort of revel in that and she isn't.

I also met Stacy Campfeld, but he removed me from his blog rather quickly when he realized I'm a progressive liberal, but I digress. So I'm supposed to tag seven people. It's Christmas, your only busier that you've ever been in your life, so here we go so I'll try to disrupt the cosmos and actually tag folks. Rex L. Camino because he is insane and is a Bigfoot officiate, Smiley, because he has no more blogger days of Christmas and needs to do a meme, Politicky Bitch because she's awesome, Lynnster because I adore her, Tim because he designed this cool ass looking CSI blog and he's a redneck in Norway, Kathy T. Because I want to and Tits because she is my girl crush and she has an impressive rack.

Greenback

2006-12-22T08:14:00.000-06:00

So, Tennessee lawmakers are getting a raise. Woot for them.

State lawmakers are getting more money for the jobs they are doing in Nashville.
Salaries increased November eighth, by $1,600.

In addition, lawmakers daily expense allowance is also going up form $150 to $153 a day for the upcoming session.

If broken down, this is roughly $30 bucks a week. After taxes, I'm not so sure. There is a part of me that wants to say that how dare and then I realized that that's not that much in the overall big picture. My question is this: How much do they get behind the scenes, for travel, per diem and for overall political hoopla that goes on off the floor of the General Assembly? Wait a minute, the answer is in the three sentences above. Silly me. I wish I had that sort of daily expense allowance. State workers get around 40 bucks a day in per diem, or at least they did when I worked for them. There's always a side deal, isn't there? I'm just saying.

The Social Scene In Hooterville

2006-12-22T06:52:00.000-06:00

Last night was the final party of the Christmas season at Tammy Lynette's. I think that Squirrelly didn't have a virus, but possibly a case of food poisoning so she laid about the house all day which I think suited her just fine as she needed it for more than just having yakked for six hours straight. Sometimes a person needs a mental health day as well. I'm no doctor, but this is what my gut is telling me. The tall brother from the Powers That Be showed up (Man, can he put away the beer being that he's like seven feet tall.) There are two brothers who own our paper, and this particular brother tends to make me tongue-tied. I'm sure I come off looking like an idiot around him, but actually I do dig him. I have a lot of respect for the tall Power That Be because I've never known him to lie to us. Sometimes he just doesn't answer the question. That is something I can live with. Rumors have been flying about several newspapers selling over here and we discussed that as well. I do listen. I do keep up with things going on, and I guess I wanted him to know that this is what I'm hearing. You see, sometimes my ego is huge and tattered and insane. I want them to know that I do a good job for them, but they aren't going to tell me this. I think it goes back to the people pleasing thing I suffered from when I was younger that I want to please the people in my life, but I'm just goofy enough that I want them to tell me that I'm doing well. I know. I'm pathetic. But as a woman working in an area where men dominate the profession, I can't help but sometimes overdo it trying to prove my worth. One overlying thing that I write about here is treating people with value, and, in turn, I want to be treated with value. Does that make sense? We exchanged some gifts amongst the clique and I was quite taken aback that Sara bought me a copy of "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein. It's a book, along with "The Little Prince" that makes me tear up. I got home and found myself touching the slick green cover, knowing that this was a gift with meaning. It seemed that there was a hidden message that only she and I know and I found myself overcome with emotion. Sometimes life is like that. So I'm finishing the paper out this morning, PDFing it over to The Powers That Be, than I'm headed out to finish my Christmas shopping. It was a fine time, other than me being tongue-tied and feeling sort of stupid, and I realized that despite everything, I am blessed.

Squirrelly Is One Sick Camper

2006-12-21T04:55:00.000-06:00

Poor Squirrelly. She is so sick that I'm actually worried about her. She started looking pale last night as we were out celebrating the holidays with friends. "'Coma, I gotta go," she said in a voice that just sounded green. I've known my buddy for two decades and she was looking rough. Very much like a zombie who hasn't had his daily dose of brains for a few weeks. We are talking rough. "Are you alright?" I asked. My buddy looked puce. When people turn a puce color, I start figuring one of two things, they are fixing to hurl (which I've always said I'm one's greatest support system when they are puking. Because you puke, I puke. Just how the 'Coma swings.) Or number 2, tequila will turn you a lovely pea green color. I don't like tequila and Squirrelly won't touch it. As she had none of number 2, I'm thinking virus. And yes, I was correct on the hurl part. Squirrelly has had a bad three months. This is the icing on the cake. I asked her again, "SQ, are you okay because you look like crap." "I'm not sure," and I knew it was time to get her home pronto. As we headed home, she said in a quiet, hushed voice, "I really don't feel well." For those of you who know this fine woman of rodent nobility, she doesn't make a big deal out of anything. I could tell her I won the Pulitzer and she would say "Cool" and that would be that. A woman of little words, when she uses them, she means business. As we hit the door to Chez Coma, she rushed to the bathroom, and there she stayed for much of the night. I'm talking orafice exploding sick. I've been up with her most of the night. Poor thing.

Free Time

2006-12-21T04:28:00.000-06:00

Because I think it's a classic. I mean they made it into a beer commercial last year. I do not have the kind of dedication to do something like this. Or the time. Or the willingness. Just saying.

The Return Of The Village

2006-12-21T04:11:00.000-06:00

As I'm awake listening to the very unwell Squirrel Queen be ...umm ... unwell, I was happy to find this little tidbit.

AMC is getting into the sci-fi business with a remake of the 1960s series "The Prisoner." The cable network is set to co-produce with the U.K.'s Granada and Sky One a new version of the sci-fi thriller, which aired from 1967-68 on CBS. The remake will feature a similar story line to the original series, which starred Patrick McGoohan, who also was creator, producer, writer and director. "Prisoner" will follow a man who finds himself inexplicably trapped in "the Village," with no memory of how he arrived. All of the inhabitants are identified by number instead of name, have no memory of a previous existence or outside civilization and are under constant surveillance. The man, Number Six, sets out to discover the truth behind the Village, why he's there and how he can escape.

Lost owes big props to the Prisoner for inspiration. I love The Prisoner and I hope AMC gets it right. As I'm sitting here watching Fooly Cooly, I guess I'm in a pop culture state of mind this early a.m.

Oddness

2006-12-21T03:42:00.000-06:00

From the I got nothing files, if you are missing Lost, this might help. Or hurt. Anyway, it's surreal.

Ghosts On De' Blog

2006-12-21T02:56:00.000-06:00

You know, I posted about Squirrelly being sick last night, and the post has disappeared. Ghosts I tell you. Ghosts are haunting my blog. Anyway, she is still sick. Icky. As Newscoma is being haunted. Let see if this one will stick, or could it be the Ghosts of Christmas present giving me a talking to. Yikes.

A Hutchmo Christmas

2006-12-20T05:44:00.000-06:00

I was standing in one of those discount city sort of places called Jewelry and Handbag Warehouse that has some of the most goddawful ugly items for purchase I've ever seen. A plethora of UT handbags, puppy pictures on purses and a large variety of what Squirrel Queen calls trendy stupid crap. The reasons for entering this fine establishment still escape me, and I was experiencing some anxiety over the fact that I had little to nothing bought for Christmas. Then the phone rang. I noticed it was a middle Tennessee number, which I get occasionally but usually I expect these calls. Standing in the fluorescent hell of the Jewelry and Handbag Warehouse, I needed a respite so I didn't ignore the call and picked it up. "Hey, it's Hutch." And with those words, the evening took on a new brighter tone. We met at the local sushi, bait and tackle restaurant and just chatted. He'd seen Lynnster and Lindsey in Memphis, but our meeting was completely impromptu. One thing the Nashville set of bloggers doesn't realize is that being that I live in Hooterville, each blogger meeting is a big deal to me. It's not something that can happen everyday, so it's a treat when it happens. John H. is a cool cat. We've met several times and I've said on more than one occasion that I'm smitten with him. I started reading him about a year and a half ago and, to be honest, he's one of those guys that inspired me to start blogging. He gave sage words of advice that I'll keep to the cuff, he kept (repeatedly) saying he had a dull blog (WRONG-O, Blog boy. Your blog is great), we discussed people reading our blogs that we knew pre-blogging and the fact that we both despise it when people say "You should ..." Neither one of us like to be should on and here we agree again. I talked about losing some direction after the election and my worries that I've gotten too personal on here recently. We discussed my meltdown of a couple of weeks ago. He brought up that Lindsey and Aunt B. are the two women whose writing on feminism is so exquisitely wonderful and how they put their thoughts right out there. In a side note, Squirrel Queen said after we left, "You know, we both work in fields dominated by men that by the time I get home I just want to do squirrel pictures and you just want to do whatever the hell it is you do, so in many ways we live it everyday." (In case you didn't know, she is usually the only broad covering sporting events around here. She went through so much crap at the beginning of her career, you would be surprised. Now she just dazzles the coaches and the boys because she's wicked smart about almost any athletic sport you could imagine. Not fencing or curling, but she knows quite a bit. Ask Smiley or The Dog Doc.) Back to the story. The interesting point John made was, and I agree, B. and Lindsey write about the subtext of feminism and it continually amazes all three of us, it's not just the average, as John put it, "Women make less than men" sort of thing. It's more on the fact that they look at the overall underbelly of years of learned behavior from men and women and how it correalates into the behavior we see today. Heady stuff. We also both read Carter and we like it when B. takes him on. It's a good thing. We agree he's the Yang to Brittney's Ying and WKRN keeps getting it right. We also had one of those discussions about being progressive liberals, which I consider I am, and the fact that we do try to be kind and supportive to everyone, no matter their political affiliation. We talked about Black Santa booking from his house, and how he is strategically composing a plan to get him back. (There was sadness in his words for his absent friend.) You see, I needed Hutch's words and karma was working in our favor last night. He's focused, knows what he believes and in turn, it helps me because I've been floundering a bit. So here's a toast to Hutch, with whom I'm smitten and who has become dear to me and makes life so much better during these warm, balmy days of winter.

On The Mount Of Fujiyama

2006-12-19T23:32:00.000-06:00

Built what felt like 28 papers today. I was so tired, yet I made a trek seeking presents for the family. Went shopping in Jackson. The phone rang while I was standing in a disgusting discount city questioning my existence because I really hate discount cities. It was a beautiful surprise who was on the other end of the phone. Met one of the blogfathers at Fujiyama Restaurant in Jackson, who was so awesomely insightful and wonderful over sushi that I just can't stand myself. Gave me some well needed advice. Karma is amazing because I had no idea Squirrel Queen and I were having dinner with him until the blogger gods demanded it. It was I had not a darned gift thing that ended me in Jacksonia, and then, surprise. Update tomorrow because it's damned late.

Robert Earl Keen Sings About Christmas In Hooterville

2006-12-19T07:51:00.000-06:00

Merry Almost Christmas to Everyone. This one goes to ST Bart. Jeez, I love this song.

When Your Mind Is Empty

2006-12-19T06:48:00.000-06:00

You post crap like this. Yeah, I know. I got nothing.

The Spirit Eludes Me

2006-12-18T08:04:00.000-06:00

I usually enjoy the week before Christmas, but with the death of SQ's grandmother, the actual spirit of this holiday has eluded me. But this holiday week I usually enjoy more than Christmas. Maybe I need to head over to the Sista's or the Holiday Grinch to get myself all psyched up. I know it will hit me this week, it usually does in quiet ways when a lightbulb goes over my brain and says, "I'm Christmas. I'm here." Last night, I went to see my nieces at the annual church pageant. It's usually a glorious mess where kids sing and tell the story of the birth of Christ. The church didn't fall in when I walked in so things went well there. Actually, it's the church I went to as a child, and there is a comfortable feel to it, but there is a new preacher who looked at me with blind indifference and that sort of set well with me as I don't go enough to really warrant anything else. The one thing about being raised a Cumberland Presbyterian is that most of the pastors must have a degree in theology. They are ticky about this, and so a lot of the sermons speak of the relevance of history aligned with the timeline of biblical scripture. It was nice, but then the new pastor's wife brought a ventriliquest dummy out for the kids to discuss the season's true meaning in the Christian faith and I sort of went blank. You see, Coble doesn't like clowns and I do not dig ventriliquest dummies. I sorta zoned out. This was not expected. Later in the evening, Squeegee Monkey took a picture of me watching the dummy and there was a look of pure terror on my face. Why does certain things creep us out? The highlight of the evening was a young man named Zach who discussed politics with me and although he interrupts a lot, he is quite well read and I am assuming he is our next generation's local political leader. His questions were astute and later after I got home, I sent him some links to some of the more balanced blogs on the internet including conservative and liberal. I actually thought Carter might be a starting place for right leaning pieces that do delve into thoughtful discussion, then sent him to Cuppa, Braisted and West Tennessee liberal, Silence and Aunt B. who breaks things down in a thoughtful way with a powerful passion. Zach is going to be a player and he also possesses such passion it ignites. He's young and it might be helpful to realize that we know he's effing brilliant so to take a moment to listen (I sorta told him to quit interrupting me as I was trying to answer one of his questions.), but I think that once he finds his way and listens to the information out there, he is going to be a powerhouse. I hope he moves away from the MySpace thing (he will, but he's only 18) he could blog and get his politics going on his own blog. He's thoughtful and does the research and I'm afraid it's lost on MySpace. A young, rural man doing a blog about his awakening of his political self would be so awesome I don't think I could stand myself. Anyway, still seeking the Christmas spirit. I'm sure I'll find it.

Photo is a classic from Calvin and Hobbes

Top Cryptozoology Books Of '06

2006-12-17T21:49:00.000-06:00

And within a matter of minutes I'm back with the Top Cryptozoology Books for 2006. The Yowie that Rex L. Camino previewed for us last month is on the list as are several others spotlighting my favorite unseen hero, Bigfoot and various lake monsters. Valley of the Skookum is the one that caught my eye. If you aren't familiar with what a Skookum is, go here.

How would you like to have your mother write a book to explain why you are obsessed with an interest in Bigfoot?

Well, my mom got it. She's the one that bought me the Nessie and Bigfoot books in the first place at the impressionable age of eight much to Homer, Squirrel Queen and Squeegee Monkey's dismay. And possible yours. (H/T BoingBoing)

Astute Commentary From Lean Left

2006-12-17T21:19:00.000-06:00

I was reading this over Lean Left and it's right on target.

I just really hate the thought of listening to this crap for two full years, following on a year or more of the same leading up to the last election. Politicians have always jockeyed for position before elections, but in this case the official campaign has already started - Obama and Edwards have established formal exploratory committees, and Hillary has had hers up for months. They really are campaigning for the upcoming election before the prior election has ended - and I think it’s unprecedented for all the front-runners to do that. From this year forward, we will never be out of campaign season! God, what a depressing thought that is.

I agree but I couldn't put it this eloquently. I've had political burnout recently. Other than some tongue in cheek stuff and an occasional shrine to Steve Cohen, there has been a shift here and I've gotten a bit more personal. Not meaning to say I won't shift back, but you know, the political mode is so 2008. And as the folks over at Lean Left noticed quite astutely, they haven't even seated congress yet. *sigh* I'm going to find myself the latest Bigfoot news and go and finish my Neil Gaimon novel as I ponder all of this.

Because I'm Blessed

2006-12-17T16:46:00.000-06:00

I swear I'd adopt Sara if I could. We call her Scout (it's just the way she is) and she ate at the Mothership and had a dose of Gnashville yesterday at the Predators game. Man, is she always good to me. The answer is yes. Yes she is. But more so, she is kind and sweet and lifted my mood. Watching her change over the last couple of years into this most confident young woman who is talented and recognizes her smarts makes me feel just glad to be along for the ride. We missed her at the bash, but we know she had a great time. I have a beer pond, so I think we can do at least something before Christmas. Scout, hope you had a magical time.

The Annual Chez Coma Christmas Bash

2006-12-17T13:58:00.000-06:00

So, we had a bash last night and I believe it was a success. The cool things about parties at my hacienda is we have a lot of open space and we have a diversified set of friends who always seem to get along, regardless of our different lifestyles. Alas, the Simpson's tree didn't make it, as a completely accidental (and not drunken, there wasn't a great deal of that actually) moment brought it down and crashed all of the ornaments in a piling mess. But, that was the only downer of the night, as we had a great time. I can't mention everyone, and I have to say as that Homer is a mom, she had a ton of other moms hanging out with her (kinda like a mommy blogger convention, but not at all.) With this, I had my motley crew who are a combination of new and old friends who don't mind letting their hair hang in the wind without worrying what other people think and throwing in a dash of a couple of politicians, we had us a party We have a rule at Chez Coma much like the one in Las Vegas. What happens at Chez Coma Stays at Chez Coma, which means I keep friends for awhile. Anyway, it was a good time. Beth wore an Elf Hat and Sabrina from Batesville (maybe she'll start mommy blogging now that she has a new little one.) I wore the lovely leopard skin Santa Hat 'cause that's how I swing and there were tequila shots (not the mommies)or me for that matter because I don't like tequila shots AT ALL) but their husbands indulged in mucho beer, so we had a great time. We also had a kids' party upstairs, and there was a great deal of girl drama that we were amused by. Girls are girls worse enemies, aren't they?) We met a new guy named Elliot Elliot (sort of his real name but not) that we became smitten with because he is the dryest guy in the room and he had that kind of sense of humor that I love. His wife and he just moved here and are spending their first Christmas in Hooterville. We wanted them to know that it's not so bad (you know, with beer and foul humor, which somewhat brightens the day.) They were lovely and we hope to see them around soon. And we have a Music Row contigency here. It was funny to see one woman who was like I'm from Emerald/Masterphonics, Squeegee Monkey used to work at Famous, Homer was at J. Aaron Brown/Bluebird and I worked at the old Stargem. Our new friend, who I will call Stephanie because that is her name and worked at Emerald and is from Nashville, is adjusting wonderfully to Hooterville despite the fact that she has a chicken pen (she married the love of her life who has a farm here which has been in the family for generations and she and he are quite smitten with each other. I find it charming and they like good, import beer and that's a plus.) So now we have a beer pond in our sunroom, as guests put their hopps and barley beverage in a discreet huge buckety thing in the corner and we have about three cases left of Bud Light/Bud Select (blech) floating around. It is Ned McWherter country, so I guess that is indicative of his beer dealership which is just down the road. Another party Tuesday? I'm thinking yes.

George Bush Making A Toast

2006-12-17T11:04:00.000-06:00

Does Pres. George Bush drink? I mean, it could be Ginger Ale, but I thought it was odd nonetheless. Not trying to start a ruckus, just asking.Anyway, it's an AP Photo being published over at the Huffington Post with this story attached.

Time Drops The Ball

2006-12-17T09:27:00.000-06:00

In looking at mainstream media, sometimes I shake my head. John C. knows this over in Shelbyville, I'm thinking that most likely Cuppa and Frank also get it. We've had to look people we've had coffee with, gone to parties with, had long lengthy conversations or what not, then three weeks later put these folks on the front page of the hometown newspaper or on the air to report some dastardly deed that has the rest of the community up in arms with us because we actually put them in the limelight and talked about it. I've said it before, there are no favors in news. Now I'm not talking about casual acquaintances, I'm talking about people we know intimately. Thus the lives of someone in smaller media formats. So, when I see that Time magazine completely wusses out by naming "You" it's Man of the Year, I become somewhat irate at the laziness of it all even though issues like YouTube, blogs and digital media are extremely relevant as I participate in blogging and a small (very small, I'm not naive) nook of the world's mainstream media, this editorial decision just seems to me something they decided over coffee at the Waffle House two days before deadline. It's like they didn't want to put a face to one person or idealogy, and lumped it all together. Even the cover looks like something I could have done in Photoshop (and I blow at Photoshop. Absolutely suck.) There were a ton of people worthy of this honor and remember, the person who wins this honor is someone who negatively or positively impacted the entire world throughout the year. Let's take a gander, shall we: Muhammed Yumus and the concept of MicroFinance - 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Winner

Started in 1976 by Professor Muhammad Yunus with a mere $27 from his own pocket, Grameen Bank today serves more than six million poor families with loans, savings, insurance and other services. The bank is fully owned by its clients and has been a model for microfinance institutions around the world.

Donald Rumsfeld. The man is revered by many, despised by others. No matter what you think about things, he is a better contender for his actions during 2006. People either love him or hate him, but the reality is, many of the decisions have come down to sending young men and women to war. He also was the sacrificial goat thrown on the fire by the White House's Administration after the GOP suffered heavy losses in the mid-term election.

Last Friday, Mr Rumsfeld closed six tumultuous years at the helm of the US military with an appeal to Americans not to lose heart in a long and difficult struggle against extremism.

Valerie Plame and Joseph Wilson. Nope they didn't get very far in the alleged CIA operative outing, but I believe they played a big part in changing the mindset of a lot of people in questioning the unscrupulous power that Washington has held on the country since 9/11. Once again, love them or hate them, the bottom line is they went to the front lines before anyone else did. They also put a spotlight on journalists who were also more concerned with power than reporting the news. Judith Miller Viveca Novak and Robert Novak come to mind.

I can think of others, but I recommend adding your own in the comments. A CNN report named several examples from e-mails I hadn't thought of like the grace of the Amish Community after the schoolhouse shootings, the actual creaters of YouTube, Al Gore for bringing a new conversation out about global warming (with much criticizm) and others. Everyone has a different idea about it all. My point is, why did Time come up with this. We've been in the digital age for awhile now. So Time Magazine, I think I have a suggestion. My community, like many others, buried a 23 year old man killed by an IED on a lonely road in Iraq named Dustin Laird in August. He, with other soldiers in this war, gets my vote for Man of the Year, and the families left behind who suffer such a high loss. Next year, show some more moxie about a journalistic tradition that has sold you millions and millions of magazines since 1927 and place yourself on the list for this year you in where you just literally dropped the ball.

National Conference For Media Reform

2006-12-16T06:15:00.000-06:00

I've got a question for all of you savvy bloggers out there. I'm trying to raise the money to go to the National Conference for Media Reform in January, as I don't think The Powers That Be will send me. I can probably knock off a liquor store, but my question is, Is anyone else in the blogging world who reads this going? As I play a small part in the media, I was thinking this might be inspiring and teach me something even if I am a small town newspaper hack.

Activists, media makers, educators, journalists, policymakers and concerned citizens are gathering in Memphis this January to mobilize for better media. The National Conference for Media Reform is for anyone who is concerned about the state of our media and committed to working for change. This energizing weekend will present ideas and strategies for winning the fight for better media and connect you with thousands of media reformers from across the nation.

Could be of the good? If you are planning on attending, zip me an e-mail or leave a question in the comments. And if anyone wants to figure out how to align financial resources, also let me know.

Goodyear/USW Talks Resume

2006-12-16T05:43:00.000-06:00

Goodyear and the United Steel Workers are resuming negotiations on Monday.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and the United Steelworkers union representing 15,000 striking tire makers have agreed to resume negotiations on a new labor deal, both sides announced Friday.
Talks are scheduled to begin Monday in Pittsburgh, the union said in a statement.

The union workers I've talked to think that Goodyear may make a deal to retain retiree healthcare, and that seems to be the bottom line for the guys I talk to.

Craven's World

2006-12-15T21:01:00.000-06:00

Because I adore my friend and coworker Beth Cravens (who does give me permission to post some of her work), I couldn't help but put this up because this really does look a lot like her. And yes, she does have this coat and muffler. And yes, she likes to smoke.

The Festival Of Lights

2006-12-15T20:45:00.000-06:00

Happy Hanukkah, Sharon.

Regan Gets Canned

2006-12-15T20:35:00.000-06:00

Well, it seems that the O.J. Simpson ridiculous book scandal was being watched more carefully than one would expect.

"Judith Regan's employment with HarperCollins has been terminated effective immediately," HarperCollins CEO Jane Friedman said in a statement. "The REGAN publishing program and staff will continue as part of the HarperCollins General Books Group."
Regan's firing comes less than a month after Murdoch's cancellation of Simpson's hypothetical murder confession, "If I Did It," a planned book and Fox television interview that was greeted with instant and near-universal disgust when announced

"If I Did It" is still offensive to me. Regan's firing should come as no surprise. She used to be with the National Enquirer if memory serves me right. Should have gone to a more respectable rag like Weekly World News.

Weird Things My Dog Has Eaten

2006-12-15T18:34:00.000-06:00

Okay, as I'm brainfried and haven't had a chance to recuperate (I'm home, dammit and life is good until Homer makes me start cleaning up for tomorrow night's bash. Yeah, Mabel is alright too although she is tired from all the licking.) As due to my zombification, I offer you Weird Things My Dog has Eaten over at MSNBC. Mabel at two bags of chocolate cream drops under the Christmas tree her first year with me. Proof that, although not good for them, chocolate doesn't kill dogs. She also is not a fan of Doritos, but will eat an occasional pickle. Mabel also eats her own poop, but that's a sad, disgusting story for another time.

Your Kidding Me

2006-12-15T18:27:00.000-06:00

Over at CNN.com right now, there is poll asking which is cuter: Panda cubs or Babies. Kee-rist.

Last Night In The Suburbs Of Hooterville

2006-12-15T06:46:00.000-06:00

It's the last morning out here in Harris. The Georgia Boy Cousins left about an hour ago, heads most likely aching from their last night celebrating the Tennessee branch of their huge, extended family and the loss of their beloved grandmother with large quantities of cheap beer and, I know its hard to believe, BBQ. I had to go to sleep early because it has become my best friend recently, elusive many times and somewhat mysterious. I woke up to the symphony of some of the most intense snoring I've ever experienced with a Spinal Tap decibel level of 11. The annoying music of six sets of clogged sinuses could have brought the dead back to life and I heard one of the Boy Cousins having an intense conversation about his relationship with an evil backpack. Sleep talkers never cease to mesmorize me, especially the ones that hold both sides of a conversation. I sat up at 1 a.m. listening to the reverberating sounds of the night and decided to read some Neil Gaimon and finally went back to sleep about three hours later. That must be really tough on his girlfriends, but I digress. The backpack must have been possessed by the devil itself from the way he was talking. I need to get to work early because there is a thousand things to do and preperations for Christmas have been avoided all week. I'm working on three hard news stories plus I'm joyfully *snark* working on a gift guide which is basically an advertising supplement that we do more than I like. It's hard to get my head into the many different ways to say Christmas in a variety of languages when I'm trying to work on some other things that didn't get done when I was out a full day for the funeral. Pick up, clean up and move on. Sometimes I feel like life's janitor. As Huck says, I'm not very good at juggling wombats and I have found myself becoming one of those no-nonsensed women that blurts and walks on which really isn't me. I took a few minutes after work with graphics design extradonaire Beth Cravens before I headed back to Harris, and I realized that my weariness had turned into an ill-temper which she graciously allowed me to vent about, so I opted to head out early because I despise being pissy. I'm usually a pretty optimistic person. We are having a party tomorrow night for our friends and employees of the Press in conjunction with Homer and Squeegee Monkey. We are looking at the house being filled with a minimum of about 60 people at this point. When we throw a party, we don't do it half-assed, but I'm worried about getting everything done. Homer, in her glory, has everything under control but I still need to do some things on my end. Squirrel Queen has developed a peculiar bone-rattling sigh and her eyes have a distance haze to them that she has recently acquired this past week, but she'll be okay. To lose a father and then a grandmother in a matter of three months is devastating, and she is worried about her mother. I am too. We're fine. We're headed home, Mabel and some normalcy and this is of the good.

A Letter To Homer

2006-12-14T20:46:00.000-06:00

Dear Homer, I will return tomorrow as I had to return to SQ. Please send vegetables to your older sister as I am suffering from scurvy. Also, please make sure Mabel is okay as I've heard she is throwing canine glamour fits and spreading dog food all over the house in a petulant fit of doggie pissedoffedness. Ready to return to the commune more than you will ever know and ready for a week's sleep, which unfortunately, I don't thing I'm going to get. Please don't even ask me about work today as I missed some things I wanted to go to and I was sort of wondering if things are going to get better. Not so sure if that's gonna happen. And as we have the Christmas bash on Saturday that I have no idea if we are ready for but we can just let everyone drink Pabst Blue Ribbon that might suffice and Sausage Balls, which are Smiley's favorites from what I understand. As for Squeegee Monkey's message on the evite, tell him he is a very bad person because everyone is wondering who he is. I'm just telling them that he is mentally challenged and that you are feeding him pureed peas because his brain waves don't work very well. Much love from your very, very tired, almost zombie-like older sibling who needs a nap, NC

And, Alas, It's Over

2006-12-14T06:57:00.000-06:00

The funeral was yesterday for SQ's grandmother and it was what we expected. She loved Jimmy Swaggert so needless to say we heard the preacher sing throughout the funeral. (I know, I know, believe me, I lived through it.) When someone is 95 years old, the saddest thing I really experienced is that she outlived all of her friends, two of her children and four grandchildren. There was just a few members of the immediate family ultimately, although Tammy Lynette, Beth and Sara came by as a support system for the SQ during visitation hours on Tuesday and Sabrina sent sandwiches which were the biggest hit. I love the people we work with, they are truly kind. As Squirrel Queen's father's funeral back in August was a celebration of his life with more than 400 people coming to his funeral, Mrs. Ruth's funeral was a traditional church service as she was a very religious woman. Small sobs and tears filled the small sanctuary which was primarily empty. There was just no one left but us. SQ's Georgia boy cousins have come up and I also must add that I've never been around so much testestosterone in my life, but they are great guys and I've learned when there are four men in the house and three women, that the toilet seat remains in the up position. As we live in a domestic democracy, I'm assuming this is only fair as majority rules. I also must say that I've gotten along great with them, but I have also realized that there are certain things that will reduce me to a junior high kid. These guys are the kings of flatulence and being that I'm not around a lot of men (well, Squeegee Monkey, but he doesn't count), I must say that the sheer grossness of it makes me laugh. Some of their antics have truly been off the mark (all hysterical) and made SQ grab her temples with a weary, bone-rattling sigh. Boys. Gotta love them even if their in their forties and yes, they are still boys. Also, being that SQ's mother weighs barely 100 lbs and thinks eating is bad for you, I'm desperately needing some veggies and possibly a salad. It's times like this after deer jerky, bbq, and countless bear claws/homemade pies being brought in by the community honoring the family after Mrs. Ruth's death, that one realizes (and I'm 41 years old) the importance of vegetables in one's diet. (Squirrel Queen just piped in that we are suffering from scurvy.) But the good thing is that we assumed everyone in her family was Republican. Boy, were we wrong. Just goes to show that you can't judge a book by its cover and, alas, I've been guilty. I need to go home though. I'm still wicked tired but not nearly as depressed as I've been the last few weeks (I'm sorry about my perpetual buzzkill. It's better)and I need to get my groove on. During times like this you realize that its the little things that are important like friends, family and the most beautiful sun coming over the rolling hills of farmland this morning peeking its head over the tree line which discreetly hides the Obion River, so orange and lush that it took my breath and realize this world's majesty. Now I need to get my head into Christmas which is right around the corner. SQ may be getting green beans, salad and corn for Christmas as, at this point, it's what we need the most.

The One About Cohen

2006-12-13T08:07:00.000-06:00

So, it appears that Steve Cohen has hit the ground running by telling folks exactly what he thinks after being named to the Judiciary Committee.

Cohen said he also wanted to be on the committee because it would be where any impeachment proceeding against President Bush would be taken up _ although Cohen acknowledges impeachment does not appear likely. "Speaker Pelosi has made it clear that she thinks politically it would be a bad idea to deal with that in the last two years of the president's term," Cohen said. Cohen agreed that "it shouldn't be just a second-term activity for a majority in Congress" to impeach a president. But Cohen said he thinks the issues that could lead to impeachment proceedings against Bush are more serious than they were against President Clinton. "And there is the prophylactic effect of impeaching a president so that other presidents might know how far they can go and should go," Cohen said.

And that's why I like Cohen because you know exactly where he stands. He just might kick some butt in Washington.

Why I Love Nashville Bloggers

2006-12-12T12:47:00.000-06:00

OH DEAR GOD I JUST SAW IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You realize I love you guys. Smitten! Smitten! By The Way, Definitely NSFW!

From the Sista.

There Is A Difference

2006-12-12T08:34:00.000-06:00

As I've been staying out in Harris Station the past few days, I need to explain to you urbanites that just because I live in a small town does not mean I live in the country. I've been in the country for the past five days and it's been very odd because in essence, I really am more of a city girl. Things I've experienced:

A farm feud. Lots of folks sublease their property to big time subsidized farmers. Been hearing a lot about feuds because there seems to be an amazing amount of distrust with some of the "new farmers." I honestly am just learning about these feuds so I have to tell you, my knowledge is limited.
I have deer blood on my shoe and I can't get it off. Don't ask.
I have eaten some deer (sorry Brittney) and needless to say, I never really had before. (I've had venison but not deer. Yeah, I know it's the same thing but out here it's different.) I was sort of not into it (see bullet number two for reasoning.)
A coyote walked up in the yard and I thought initially it was a German Shepherd. I didn't go outside because it looked sort of pissed off. Kind of like the dog Atticus Finch shot in "To Kill A Mockingbird."
I haven't had time to go home since Saturday so I've had to rewash clothes to wear them again (thus the reason I'm blogging right now because I'm waiting for my jeans to dry.)
I saw a big buck with only one antler standing majestically in the tree line. Squirrel Queen says that sometimes their antlers break off. I did not know this. I silently prayed it would make a run for it, possibly to Nashville.
I saw two squirrels who were the size of Mabel. I don't know what kind of acorns they are eating, but they are turbo sized.
I finally fell back asleep this morning and overslept this morning. I'm working on two drug traffiking stories and should have been to work two hours ago. The symphony of snoring from SQ and her mother could have literally put the farm into flight and kept me awake until I passed out into a heap. (I got this idea from the Chinese UFO conspiracy theory last night and I swear it's true.)
The visitation is tonight and the funeral is tomorrow morning at 11 a.m. for SQ's Granny.

After this is all over, I'm sleeping for a week.

Chinese UFOS

2006-12-12T01:07:00.000-06:00

Went to sleep at 8 p.m. Up at 11:30 p.m. Still awake. I guess I'm on a Lynnster schedule right now. Gonna be a long day. However, I'm watching the History Channel about Chinese UFOS and for some reason, that gives me a big dose of peace. You know, the Bigfoot/Batboy addiction can only be complete with Chinese UFOS. I guess I'm still capable of learning something new everyday because I didn't know the Chinese UFO conspiracy theory. Who woulda thunk?

Yeesh and How I Am Too Tired

2006-12-11T16:54:00.000-06:00

Tired.More tired that I've been in about ten years.Brain swelling tired. I'm so bone weary at this point that my face seeping tears is too much of a commitment.I got nothing.If I don't get a vacation soon courtesy of anyone else in the world but me, I'm going to roll up in a fetal position, with the only comfort coming from my dog Mabel licking my eyes.Ain't a good thought, campers but the blinding love is sorta cool.Funeral is Wednesday. SQ has gotten into the mads, and after my day, I'm not much comfort.Bad day, possibly redeemable. Yeeesh.We will be okay, but damn, there is too much death. Update: I posted this over at Staggering Prophets, which means, after a deletion because I 'm officially too tired to being doing anything and I have officially joined the official "The Suck" club. Jeez. I'm seriously going on a cruise in February after I rob a convenience store and call myself Louise Yeah, I deleted the post over at SP. And moved it over here. Going to have a Bass and ponder something of value. Like Knight Rider or Farrah Fawcett or George Bush's dogs Barney and Miss Beasley. My pondering is moving toward the beauty of Bruce Campbell's writings and the theory of relativity. Crapola.

Update

2006-12-10T10:01:00.000-06:00

Squirrel Queen's grandmother died this morning at 5 a.m. We both would like to thank you for the phone call last night from the Mothership. We'd also like to thank the rowdy pep section in the background during the call. It cheered us up. I'll be back later when things quiet down.

Thinking 'Bout Milsap

2006-12-09T17:40:00.000-06:00

I love reading Sista Smiff, and I'll tell you why. Back in the day when my hair was bigger and I thought I knew more than I actually did, I used to work not only at a battered women's shelter but at the Country Music Hall of Fame. My sister Homer worked for a guy who was winning Grammy's for Children's music (before Disney monopolized the scene) as well as at the Bluebird Cafe assisting de' boss. And boy was I a good tour guide. In all honesty, it's probably the best job I ever had when I world at the HoF and I did well at it. Sista was there too for a bit as was Squeegee Monkey. We remember each other, but she was moving on as I was moving in. Little bit of blogging history for you here, and when we met at Wolfies, we both eyed each other saying "I know you." And, alas, we did. Small damn world, campers. And at Studio B, my ears would start to bleed when I had to show tours to school children while we listened to Ronnie Milsap's "Any Day Now." We'd get the mandate that we couldn't touch stuff from management. "Do not touch the new Barbara Mandrell dress or leave Dolly's stuff alone." We didn't listen. It was a lovely time where the world was our oyster and we saw the world as a wonderful, lovely place where we would rule the world. Alas, now I shoot pictures of large vegetables and got crap today for not putting a business on the front page during a Christmas parade who advertises with us (I thought the cute kids looking eager for Santa was a better shot) but I digress. Nashville was a fun, disturbing time for me and I miss it. And No, I haven't heard from Squirrel Queen about her grandma. But reading Sista cheered me up and if she doesn't get a celebrity, underground "in the know" job soon, someone isn't paying attention.

Transition

2006-12-09T15:32:00.000-06:00

I'm sitting in Harris Station, which is a small farming community in northwest Tennessee on a dial-up system that reminds me of the days I first discovered the innertubes. If I wasn't in such a contemplative mood, I would probably be joking about the Amish summer sausage I had last night that was really good, or the dead deer I saw this afternoon that everyone was really excited about, and that I was feeling a bit squeamish about. Alas, no joking about these things that I witnessed in the suburbs of Hooterville. I'm at Squirrel Queen's mother's house. Her grandmother, who is 95 years old, isn't doing so hot, and I'm holding down the fort while she goes and sits with her awhile at the local nursing home. It breaks my heart that SQ's mother most likely will lose a husband and a mother within a matter of months, and the SQ will lose a father and a beloved grandparent. Doctors aren't giving much hope. She has seen almost a century, and her life has been filled with highs and lows. This is a woman that will see no regret when she takes her last breath. As I sit here and write this, I can't help but reflect on when my grandmother was in the nursing home for the last couple of years of her life after she broke a hip. I always thought that nursing homes warehouse the dying and my experiences were, although not horrible, not that great either. Although I met a lot of medical professionals who really cared, I also cannot deny that the idea of being warehoused to die really makes me take pause. If I ever need a nursing home, please make sure that health care is at a better place then because I want to go out on a ton of morphine or to drop some acid listening to Miles Davis or something (anything) as we have had some issue of getting SQ's grandma pain medication which she needs. She's dying. Give her something a little bit more than a damned Tylenol. No one is going to sue you, for Christ's sake. I also have been thinking of the last year of my mother's life, and although there was no nursing home, we did have home health care. Ultimately, she died in a hospital on a chilly February morning as my father, my sis and Squeegee Monkey watched her live this world and head into the next. I feel like I've drawn a Tarot card, and it repeatedly is Death because this last year has been about many things in my life coming to an end. I went through the loss of a parent several years ago, but it is Squirrely's turn and she isn't a big talker so who knows what she's feeling. I think her grief is choking her right now, because I see her eyes and they are filled with so much emotion that I cannot define. The "death" of Edna (don't miss her) has also had me going through the transition that there will be no kids, and I can't help but wonder why, after the hystie, that this has become an issue for me. With my dad reading the blog (along with his wife apparently) I can't help but feel the death of one part of our lifelong relationship because of the honesty of my feelings (and my disregard for his that I feel very, very, very bad about as I should have kept my feelings to myself) as it metamorphizes into a new place. I don't know if that's good or bad. On this one, I do know love can repair hurt or at least it has in the past. I even realized that there is a transformation over where I'm employed, but I don't know what any of that means, but I do know that there is change on the horizon. So I sit here, waiting on a phone call, wondering if a truly lovely woman, whose life has never been easy but always managed to do the right thing most of the time, is coming to an end. And I sit. Pondering about mortality and transition.

Chuckle

2006-12-08T18:11:00.000-06:00

This made me laugh.

Later on in kindergarten, when we were supposed to draw pictures of the method of transportation we used to get to school, I drew myself riding on the back of a porcupine.

House Ethics Committee Finds GOP Negligent

2006-12-08T14:23:00.000-06:00

After a lovely evening out and about, hobnobbing with local society, I was thrown back into the real world today because, alas, life goes on. So, what is going on in the world today that has caught my attention. Shall we dance with the House Ethics Summary into the Foley inquiry?

"The failure to exhaust all reasonable efforts to call attention to potential misconduct involving a member and House page is not merely the exercise of poor judgment; it is a present danger to House pages and to the integrity of the institution of the House," the report's executive summary states.
It further states that some who knew of the allegations shifted responsibility and some declined to probe too deeply into the matter, while "others tried repeatedly to elevate the matter, but encountered obstacles in the chain of command."

No one, according to the story at CNN and MSNBC, will be reprimanded, however, The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has opened a criminal investigation into Mark Foley. In my opinion, Mark Foley is a piece of work. I have said before on this blog that he was the adult, he made a choice to send these instant messages to a teenager and in my opinion he was wrong and he knew it. Then, he goes through a book of excuses from alcoholism to child sexual abuse to get himself off the hook with the American public. But for other politicians to shift and squirm knowing that what Foley did was inappropriate and skated around the corners of even being legal is mind-numbing. When I worked with battered women, I was mandated by law to call the Dept. of Children's Services if I even slightly suspected that a child might be abused. Let me repeat, mandated by law. In the cover-up perpetuated by certain lawmakers, I cannot comprehend how everyone is just getting a slap on the wrist. In the bullets on this story, it states lawmakers remained "willfully ignorant" about Foley's behavior. Why? Because they didn't want to their power on Capital Hill to be interfered with. And that, to me, is heinous as well because it just implies that the safety of our youth is secondary to political power.

Delightfully Tacky

2006-12-08T06:09:00.000-06:00

One of three Christmas trees at Chez Coma. This aluminum one is for Shauna. Now accepting presents to actually place under this tree. And for your enjoyment, an ornament that is proof of the Simpson Tree.

We Remember ...

2006-12-07T07:34:00.001-06:00

More than sixty years ago, my grandfather heard the news. He joined almost immediately. He became a Marine and fought in the battle of Saipan. He was shot at, leaving my grandmother desperately by her radio listening for news as she was stationed on a base far from her home. The sacrifices he made are remembered, honored and cherished. He did things for our country, that was attacked, that gave him nightmares for the rest of his life. He was a simple farmer from northwest Tennessee who fought for his country because it was the right thing to do. He did it for THIS country because of the events that happened at Pearl Harbor. We live in a different time now. Bring our soldiers home from Iraq, President Bush. I have personally seen young people buried, Mr. President. I have seen the haunted eyes of National Guardsman who left their families to fight. "Stay the course" has brought nothing but death and no real resolution on the "War on Terror." Iraq is not the same thing as Pearl Harbor and World War II, Mr. President.

We Are In Trouble Over Here

2006-12-07T07:14:00.000-06:00

The USW Local 878L in Union City is holding a rally this Saturday at their union hall for members and their families of strikers. The strike against Goodyear entered its second month on Tuesday and I think it goes without saying that a bone-weary cold, more than just the weather I might add, has fallen on the members who are striking. Picketing has not stopped. Why isn't Tennessee's mainstream media covering this story? We have been but it impacts our community. Retiree Health Care remains on the top of the list for the strike and insurance from Cobra goes into effect next month which will cost thousands of dollars per individual per month.

The price for continued coverage will jump under COBRA, a federal law allowing workers to remain covered while on strike or after leaving a company.

Goodyear says COBRA coverage will cost a family $1,000 a month.

Now the union is currently supplying vouchers to workers and a bonus of $100 for Christmas is planned. That's not a lot of money to live on. But the situation is getting worse when you read this report from Canada. I do implore that larger media take a look at the Goodyear strike from around the state. We are in trouble over here. On a more positive note, on Monday, retirees and the union are holding a Christmas party for the children of striking members who are in a financially dire place. This is important.

Something New In Your News

2006-12-07T06:25:00.000-06:00

I found this interesting.

"We think last night was the start of something big."

This could be revolutionary in broadcast news, or a short term solution. Personally, I never thought the crawl at the bottom of the screen would ever fly. Shows what I know. Head on over to mediabristro/TVNewser to see what' I'm talking about.

Watching Events Unfold In Iraq

2006-12-07T04:54:00.000-06:00

I remember watching the news more than three years ago when I sat on my couch with this sinking feeling watching American tanks rumbling across the desert headed toward Baghdad. I remember being very convinced that it was a bad idea. We live in a different world than we did post Sept. 11. I remember feeling a public sentiment if we didn't support the war on terror, that as American citizens we weren't patriotic. I also recall desperately wanting to be proved wrong about the feelings I had about the Iraq occupation. I wanted there to be proof that our leadership in this country had made a good decision and I just didn't have all the facts. I come from a military family that met the call when they felt their country needed them. I wanted to believe. My grandfather fought for my right to be an American and the rights we hold very dear after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. My father waited for orders to deploy during the Bay of Pigs. They met their fear and served our country valiently and bravely. And yet, I watched events unfold in Iraq and knew that it wasn't the same thing. It honestly wasn't the same thing. Now, many deaths later of American soldiers and the Iraqi people, finally this country decided that enough was enough in living in a state of fear. I have always believed in international diplomacy. We did have a great deal of support after the bombing of the World Trade Center and yet, under our current leadership, we lost it. I still don't know what the leadership of this country was thinking invading Iraq. Saddam Hussien is not a nice guy by any stretch of the imagination but there are other dictators in this world that are just as bad. The situation in Darfur is horrible as an example. With the Baker-Hamilton study group, an equally divided effort between Republicans and Democrats recommending diplomacy, I felt a sigh of relief when I heard the results. It's not perfect but it's better than what we had. Last night, my friend Mark was having a birthday and I stopped by where we were supposed to have a drink (I stayed for just a couple of minutes because of this sinus and I didn't feel so hot) but the Nightly News came on where Brian Williams sat down and interviewed James Baker and Lee Hamilton. The entire place became quiet with people of different backgrounds and diverse lives watching the television earnestly. You could have heard a pin drop. All eyes on the television. No one said a word. One of the men sitting next to me spent a year in Iraq. He has discussed it with me and he has made no bones about that he will fight for his country as a National Guardsman but he has privately questioned why he gave a year and dodged bulletfire in Iraq. When the interview was over, no one said anything but I can safely say there was a sense that we were moving as a country in a positive direction. It was hesitant, but it was there. And it was reported this morning that, finally, President George Bush may be "moving in a new direction." I think we have learned that Washington can have too much power. Maybe that is changing. I can only hope that Bush proves me wrong by listening to the study and coming up with clear solutions. Yes, I am a critic of our president. I am thankful I still have that right due to people like my father and my grandfather. This war has paid its toll. Maybe we can see some light at the end of the tunnel now.

Bush's Bad Day

2006-12-06T20:44:00.001-06:00

From Pat Oliphant More on Oliphant here.

What Is This Zicam You Speak of?

2006-12-06T19:35:00.000-06:00

Well, the two women accused of stealing our lockbox at work went in front of the judge today and opted to plead guilty of the crime. I watched them plead. Tammy Lynette and I got quite a bit of stink eye sent over in our direction. I'm glad its over. Also, about 4 p.m., I started sneezing and hacking and it spiraled into a pile of me feeling really gross. The blind running snots, to be quite honest. I'd sneezed a bit earlier today but my head started filling up and now I'm partially deaf because my ears are filled with sick goo and I just want to go to bed. Most likely sinus but feels like a cold because I'm feeling achy. Headed to lie my head on a pillow with a hot toddy made by Squeegee Monkey. Living at the commune means there is always someone around who loves you and will take care of you when you need it the most.

The One About The Dog Story Uproar

2006-12-06T07:03:00.000-06:00

I spent much of yesterday dealing with an identity theft story that was downright scary. A social security number seen on a desk and allegedly taken to set up an online scam of astronomical proportions as well as a man's lost insurance card lost two local citizens a great deal of money. Imagine being stolen from and not even knowing it. But what did I end up dealing with that gave me the headache, you guessed it right campers, a story about a Dog Spa. Yup, the embezzlement case I've been talking about, the Goodyear strike, the identity theft story that reaches into Kentucky and all across West Tennessee, federal drug trafficking charges handed down where the case is being heard 50 miles away, a violent child rape case we've been handling and a theft at our work where Tammy Lynette and myself have to sit in court this morning were all secondary because I was second guessed on a minor story about a dog spa and adopting animals at Christmas. The breakdown (not mine this time) came from a story about animals at Christmas and a woman who has a really hip little pet spa (she marries dogs, helps find families pets and a grooming/boarding business). I got a cool reception from TPTB yesterday, didn't know what it was about and realized it was because staff at the other paper apparently had a hissy fit over a minor feature that had a dog in front of a Christmas tree. Once again, I was treated like the village idiot by a woman I barely know who copyedits our final draft at the other paper who questioned the "integrity" of the story. I wish I could get paid for being the village idiot, but I digress. Of course, I laughed in the beginning because it was ludicrous but when I started hearing stuff from the insert crew about the fits over at our parent company, I had to give them a call. We don't have the Associated Press. We generate almost all of our own copy because pages have to be filled. Hard news goes on the front page and features are interspersed throughout the paper. Welcome to the world of a smalltown newspaper. So we fill the pages with stories about local business owners, quirky local "celebrities" and funky slice of life copy. And a Christmas story about a dog caused a big deal. Once the line of communication was opened by me speaking in a very low tone which Homer and Tammy Lynette know is always an indication I'm madder than heck, we talked about it. There are no winners, believe me, and I'm torn and it goes back to the value thing I talk about a lot. Do I go back into Victim's Assistance? Do I go back to writing grants? Or do I keep doing this because I love it but feel like I'm fighting goofy fights and spending a lot of personal energy over dumb stuff that, quite frankly, isn't healthy for yours truly. Alas, the life of a smalltown newspaper editor. In a sidenote, Homer just read this and started laughing hysterically. "You're kidding," she snorted. "Nope." I replied and started laughing with her. It is pretty funny in retrospect.

Transition

2006-12-05T06:29:00.000-06:00

I woke up this morning and did the regular things. Bantered with Homer a bit (she did the usual morning greeting of saying "Hey Whore" and I responded "Whore Hey" because that's the way we do things here. Hope you aren't offended.) Then I took a spin around the web, seeing that Geo. Bush is going to be on Fox with a sitdown with Brit Hume and noticed the family of the CNET editor have been found, but no editor. Yeah, that's my morning. Not very exciting. And I realized for the first time in a long time, I'm not rushing to get my hiney to work. I have become an early morning person over the past five years. I get up anywhere between four to six and I piddle. My routine is get up, drink coffee, do the thirty minute lickfest with Mabel, grab the laptop, blog a bit, read the news and then rush like a maniac to get to work. Why? Why do I rush to get there? In all honesty, I'd rather go in early and leave earlier. I like the flexibility which is a plus in my job because when I'm in a dead heat, it can be chaotic, so I like to give myself time at my office to just let the day wash over me. But that's just me. My meltdown was good for me. I had some really good conversations with people I care about and we offered our honesty up. I found myself just wanting to hug everyone and I found I was telling my co-workers and my employees everything was going to be okay and the kicker is I believed it. I also called the people that I had somethings to say to and told them how I perceived things without anger or malice. There was a bridge that came down a few months ago with one of the techs and I tried to rebuild it, without sacrificing myself or my belief system while acknowledging his. For some reason, I felt positive about it all. And the cool thing is, I didn't even have to play Mary Sunshine to do it. But this morning, I had some peace and I didn't feel all manic about everything. The thing is and I have to learn this over and over again, I have to be reeducated because life isn't always easy, but we can make it better if we want to. And not to take things too seriously. Life is what it is. And, thanks Kat Coble. Your words helped me about my direction with this blog over at your comment and my comment sections. For whatever reason, I needed those exact words. So, feeling rather free about some stuff. I'm going to go get dressed in a few minutes, and I'm not like a chicken with his head cut off this morning. And this is of the good.

For My Favorite Norwegian Redneck

2006-12-05T05:24:00.000-06:00

I've been tagged again by my favorite Norwegian Redneck, on five unknowns about me. I did oddities a few weeks ago, so this time we will explore the black hole that is Newscoma.

When I was a younger, I used to watch Jack Van Impe Presents with my mother. I would make her watch the faux newscast about the apocalypse read by Rexella Van Impe. Being I was a news director at a radio station at the time, I would laugh. I wasn't laughing at people's beliefs so don't fuss at me about that. It was the earnestness of Rexella in her delivery. Actually it was just the newscast that I would watch and then I would turn it to something else.It just was amazing to me. My mother initially thought I was bent, but eventually she would watch it too. She would say, "How does Janet Jackson have anything to do with the end of the world." Of course the Jacksons have a role in the demise of the planet. Rexella had it breaking and first.
I once gave a hooker a wig. I worked at the Domestic Violence Shelter in Nashville where she was a client and she didn't have any hair whatsoever. I tried to make her feel better because no matter what I said, she wasn't going to quit the world's oldest profession even though her pimp had put there. I heard from one of my former co-workers she died a few years ago from AID'S and it broke my heart.
Aunt B., Sharon Cobb, TV on the Fritz and John H. are the reasons I started blogging because I loved their blogs. I was very intimidated when I first started. I was extremely fond of Hutchmo's Black Santa series and when I finally met him at the Mothership, I was so excited because he is, in essence, my blogfather. I told Fritz about him being an inspiration at Wolfie's back in the summer before he went to Manhattan and he looked at me like I was touched but he did call me "cute." And as a 41 year old woman, being called cute by Fritz ain't a bad thing. And Aunt B. was mentioned in one of my first posts.
I have won 13 Associated Press state awards when I was in radio, and four from the TPA.
I read Mommy blogs because it makes me feel good, but I also read blogs like The Rude Pundit. And crude humor makes me guffaw.

So there you go Tim. I hope I have been the good tag hag I am. Anyone can pick this up who wants it.

And It's Over

2006-12-04T21:36:00.000-06:00

Alas, there were tears. Only because Homer left her cell phone with the youngest, who became enamored with it and refused to put it down. It was dropped several times, and then (to them, I'm Aunt Tick) my voice raised a bit because I was afraid there were going to break it. Now, campers, I did not yell at them, but apparently it felt like a yell to Charley Bear and that's what matters. Perception is everything to a child "I didn't do anything wrong, Tick," she howled. I told her I knew she hadn't done anything but she needed to quit hauling the phone around. When she wanted to use it, she could pick it up but that she didn't have to hold it nonstop. I will encourage my sister not to leave the cell phone again, being that I have one and they can use it. It's been an item of contention for me during each babysitting visit. No more of that. Ice Cream helped. I'm Tick in that setting and, yes I can indulge the nieces. As they don't have a grandparent near, I can do the indulging. We played some more checkers but poor Charley was tired and was flinging herself around where I thought there might be injury. Mine. She cried again. More of the tireds. I held her until her mother got home, when I was abandoned abruptly and the tears finally dried. I'm not sure, but I think I got told on because kids love to tell on people. Before Charley headed off to bed a few minutes ago, she hugged me and told me she loved me. And then I was told it was alright by Homer who had the sweetest look on her face because she is amused by me over things like this. She told me kids get tired. And that's true. I told you, it could go either way and I think we are all in the good. And they will know how to play poker with a little practice, so that's a step in a positive direction.

Holy Crap

2006-12-04T18:54:00.000-06:00

I'm babysitting. Someone please send help. And beer. And some adult conversation. I've taught the youngest one how to play checkers. She's not bad, but she keeps saying she wants to play poker. As I have only nieces and no children, I'm wondering the appropriateness of teaching a seven year old how to play poker. For my Homer will either laugh or not be pleased. It's a coin toss. I love them. They are fun.

Rehabilitation?

2006-12-04T04:51:00.000-06:00

As a west Tennessean, I am not appalled at all and quite happy when people from my side of the state have leadership positions in Nashville. With the announcement that Gary Odom will be the new House Majority Leader, I really didn't have an opinion on it one way or the other. He's has butted heads with the house leadership and with Gov. Phil Bredesen on occasion, which I don't think is a bad thing. I don't want my political leaders to rubber stamp everything in the name of party unity, something I've seen happen in Washington quite a bit over the past six years.

Odom found himself on the outside of the House Democrats' power structure in 2002 after he split with leadership by opposing a state income tax. Naifeh stripped him of his vice chairmanship in the conservation committee.

But Odom has since been rehabilitated, and Naifeh appointed him chairman of the conservation committee in 2004.

Rehabilitated. What does that mean in realistic terms? However, Rep. Philip Pinion made this remark in the AP story as well over the weekend, and for some reason, it struck me a bit strange.

House Transportation Chairman Phillip Pinion said Odom's election may have been at least in part a reaction against too many West Tennessee lawmakers in House leadership positions.
"I heard some talk that maybe West Tennessee had too much power up here," said Pinion, who represents Union City in northwest Tennessee.

Our area needs representation as much as anyone else. We've been floundering over here quite a bit in the last few years. These statements by Pinion are probably true to the political mindset in Nashville, but it still bugs me. Not his words necessarily, but the attitude. I realize that representatives from metropolitan areas are representing more people. But this entire Associated Press article just reeks of "politics as usual" and, quite frankly, I'm tired of politics as usual. It's a little bone to pick with. But it's my bone, so there.

Too Many Santas

2006-12-04T04:30:00.000-06:00

At a small non-daily, I have many decisions to make during the Christmas season. I'm partial to putting kids on the front page (next to the mugshot pics of suspected criminals arrested) and the biggest problem is which Santa do I use. Awww, you laugh at this, I can see sarcasm in your eyes saying that's your BIGGEST problem. Okay, imagine this. Everyone hosts Santa during Christmas fundraisers and pageants. This weekend, the community is holding a big deal called Santa's Village, the city will have Santa downtown for pictures and the photos of all the philanthropy groups will have their own Santas meeting with the kiddies. There are a lot of Santas here and because I run the county paper, there are usually no less than 25 Santas appearing from everywhere to the courthouse and Wal-Mart at the same damned time. They all want to be on the front page. The problem, not a one of them looks alike and some of them look pretty darned pitiful (a college kid in a Santa outfit is not always very convincing), so it is up to yours truly to determine who the best Santa for the front is at least once a week. Now, once this decision is made, the other Santas get all jealous and irritated that THEY weren't on the front page. Philanthropy groups feel they are being slighted and it's one big poopbowl. And guess who gets the phone calls. Yours Truly, usually questioning my integrity and how could I hurt the kids who went to a non-picked Santa. Here I am covering embezzlement charges but I get my butt handed to me over Kris Kringle. And this my friend, is indicative to many of my Christmas seasons.

Sending Encouragement Back

2006-12-03T18:38:00.000-06:00

Send my west Tennessee buddy, Lynnster, some love. She could use it. She's been a joy to me, and I think she could use some joy over in the deep Delta herself right now. Sending good thoughts, Lynn. When I was having a bad couple of days, she was very encouraging. I'm sending it back to her.

Go Titans

2006-12-03T16:29:00.000-06:00

Squirrel Queen said it and I concur. We are Con-Vinced. Photo from here.

Just Embiggen

2006-12-03T15:48:00.000-06:00

Hey guys. CLC made the observation that he is having trouble seeing Haloscan. The good think now is that everyone, allegedly, can comment like the Sista. Just hit Control and the Plus sign symbol on your computers and it will temporarily embiggen so your eyes can see it. Tammy Lynette, I know you will like this feature. And that is of the good. Right Smiley.

Crazy Cat Lady

2006-12-03T10:27:00.000-06:00

"When you putting the other Christmas trees up?" Squeegee Monkey said to me this morning over coffee. He was speaking of the others (there are three, I forgot about Squirrely's small Simpson Tree which is a big hit because all of the ornaments are, ironically, Simpson characters.) "Later," I said. I was messing with my blog template and was trying to concentrate because I'm a moron about certain things. "What are you doing?" he said. "Blogging," I replied, half paying attention. "You know, you are one hair breadth away from becoming a crazy cat lady," he sighed. As I own no felines, I looked up and said, "I own dogs." "No difference," he said dismissively. "Put up the other damned trees." "Okay," I said, ignoring him. He's at church now. I'll put them up while he's gone and Mabel is currently licking his chair (that's what happens when you put a dog treat on the chair while no one is around) as we speak as I know that will gross him out if he knew. He also can't stand it when the dogs lick each other's eyes, a habit they seemed to do a great deal. I don't know how to make them do that on command, but I'm working on it. Cat Lady, indeed.

Rumsfeld's Last Memo

2006-12-03T09:37:00.000-06:00

Although it may not get a lot of media attention (or maybe it will) the last memo from Donald Rumsfeld is very interesting.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2 — Two days before he resigned as defense secretary, Donald H. Rumsfeld submitted a classified memo to the White House that acknowledged that the Bush administration’s strategy in Iraq was not working and called for a major course correction.

“In my view it is time for a major adjustment,” wrote Mr. Rumsfeld, who has been a symbol of a dogged stay-the-course policy. “Clearly, what U.S. forces are currently doing in Iraq is not working well enough or fast enough.”

He was their stay the course man. When he stepped down after the elections, this is the memo that comes out? Doesn't anyone else thing this is interesting? I am torn into two different lines of thinking about this. Is it a shot across the bow as he cleaned out his office citing what he always felt and was he shut down by the White House or, now that he was sent packing, he's telling the truth for once because he's got nothing to lose because he lost the power he had. See, this is what caught me:

Nor did Mr. Rumsfeld seem confident that the administration would readily develop an effective alternative. To limit the political fallout from shifting course, he suggested the administration consider a campaign to lower public expectations.
“Announce that whatever new approach the U.S. decides on, the U.S. is doing so on a trial basis,” he wrote. “This will give us the ability to readjust and move to another course, if necessary, and therefore not ‘lose.’ ”

What's wrong with having high expectations? I'm an American. I want us to do the right thing but I don't want political decisions made to lower our expectations just for political gain and restructuring. I read a letter to the editor today in the Jackson Sun that was written by a Vietnam Veteran, scolding another writer who blamed the liberals for losing Vietnam.

The war wasn't lost by liberals or conservatives. It was won by a determined foe who was fighting for its country. How could a little country like Vietnam win the war? The Vietnamese outlasted us on their home turf. They didn't have an air force, and they didn't have much of a navy at all. They had an army that had already defeated the French and the Japanese. We had the firepower to destroy the country, but we didn't have the backing of the entire United States as we had in World War II.

He continues:

The Vietnam War was started under a Democrat and escalated under a Republican. It wasn't the politicians who ended the Vietnam War. It was the mothers of dead servicemen, fathers, World War II vets, students and others who could see there was no end. It was people for peace. And last, it was the Vietnam vets who protested the war. That's who ended it.

Dave Montoya, Jackson wrote these words and fought in Vietnam. The White House and the government, whether it's in Washington or Nashville, needs to realize this is the American people's government. The war is not popular. What do the American people want might be a good starting place to come up with solutions instead of seeking power and political gain. It's not about the politics.

Photo Link here

Official Haloscan Blogger

2006-12-03T09:06:00.000-06:00

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog. The template has been worked on by my favorite Norwegian Redneck from Tennessee. For those of you who've had some issues getting on, this should get it. It looks so clean, I just don't know what to do with myself. You can leave a confession if you want. Cool, cool, cool.

A Long Hard Look

2006-12-03T06:19:00.000-06:00

So, I'm admitting it. I got my panties in a wad the last few days and vented here on the blog and then felt really stupid about it. And then I got a bit scared about how my words could affect my future at what I do and the feelings of people I know and care about. MisterMack has talked about becoming more transparent on in the blogosphere and I guess because we are bit older, it isn't always easy (I'm not speaking for him, I have no idea how he feels about it but it got me on a line of consciousness about the anonymity issue which I've been very relaxed about at best.) I mean, for Christ's sake, when I visit with people in the blogging world, I made a choice not to hang on to my anonymity. When people have sent me e-mails, I tell them who I am. I even met Rep. Stacy Campfeld and told him who I was while looking him in the face in both of my capacities as editor and as newscoma. I'm usually a pretty brave creature about things of this nature. I've had just under 30,000 visits and 66,000 page views and I didn't even start a site meter until something like February. I don't know how significant that is in all honesty because I'm rather old and I know other people visit other sites more than mine, but I guess it's not bad for blogging less than a year. So, when I discuss rural media and being that I run a newspaper, I wanted there to be a level of honesty and to have a sense of humor. I also know that the newspaper biz is taking hits, and while we are rather protected from some of the problems other larger metropolitan papers are having around the country, I'm smart enough to realize that thinking we are insulated could be foolish. I also realize by some of the things I say on this blog puts me at risk with my job, because no one is safe. I also know that my employees read this regularly and believe me, Rodent Queen got calls about what I wrote yesterday and I got e-mails and then I had to do some meditating on it through the afternoon. When I end up upsetting my co-workers, I guess I need to reevaluate. But on the other hand, I'm human too, allowed human reactions and this blog is somewhat therapeutic. So I pondered. Is the blog worth losing my job, because if my dad is reading, then the bosses will eventually start reading it and they aren't going to like everything I have to say even though I have never referenced them by name. They do know about this blog but they don't necessarily understand it and that's okay. And I decided, after a long day and one very decent night's sleep that I'm not going to stop. Atomic Tumor had a post this morning about criticism he has suffered in being brutally honest about rebuilding his life on his blog. I felt some of his pain, but there is no way that I will ever understand the hell he's going through and then some trolls decide he needs a good talking to? Jeez. He just lost his friggin' wife and he's not even 30. At 30, I didn't know which way was up and I wasn't going through what he has this fall. Here is is, being brutal and keeping it very real, looking at a life without the woman he loves. If he can do this, so can I. And my crap is much less important in the big spectrum of things but it's mine. I find him inspirational, quite frankly. And we stay were we feel we are of value. My entire career has been about treating people with value and being as honest as I can. I did have an incident earlier this year with an employee who got upset about me writing about some dissatisfaction with issues at work here and brought it up rather angrily to me. I was, once again, upset over some work issue and vented, but I toned it down because she was upset. I don't think she comes by here much anymore but I still felt bad about her perceptions of me at that time. I also realized being honest has it's down fall, so censoring my language to her was probably a good idea. Not everyone likes honest. I do feel a responsibility of taking care of these folks at the paper, despite what they may sometimes think. I can't tell them everything, because that's sometimes not conducive to the big picture. But I digress. My meltdown opened a door in my mind this weekend. I have to subscribe to taking care of me as well. When I returned to work after my surgery, I walked into the fire. Now, my self-indulgent temper tantrums, I'll keep to myself because I do not want to cause anyone harm. I just had major surgery, which has probably made me an emotional wreck and that may have a lot to do with my mindset. Edna is a bitch and even though she's dead, her legacy lives on. I also feel change in my personal life in the wind. And I'm cool with it. So, I'll go to work with my Mary Sunshine face in place, (that I talk about at times and which I am also cool with, because it does help my employees and that's what I feel good about. Helping them.) but I've made some personal decisions that will benefit my mental health as well. And everything will work out the way it's supposed to. And that is that.

Life Goes On At Chez Coma

2006-12-02T14:55:00.000-06:00

"Need some help?" I asked Squeegee Monkey, who was systematically putting up the Christmas tree. "Don't help," he said, sticking another green hangey- looking thing into the plastic bark looking thing that is supposed to be the trunk. "Why?" I said, with one eye on the SciFi Channel which was showing one of the worst movies I've ever seen which appeared to be about zombie fungus. "I got it." "You sure," I looked back over at him. One thing about Squeegee Monkey, he does a fine job on tasks like this. "I can help." "No, I got it." "All right," I said. I wasn't going to beg. "It's 'cause I tear stuff up, isn't it?" "Yeah," he said off-handedly. "You feeling better after last night." "Yeah," I added. "I still need to talk to dad." "Don't worry about it," he said under his breath. "Jesus Christ, when you have a meltdown, you have a damned meltdown, don't you?" "That I do." "Glad it doesn't happen very often," he added, not looking at me. "You sort freak me out when you do." Neither one of us said anything. When my mom died, he was the one that put one of his hands on my back to comfort me as she took her last breath because Rodent Queen was covering an OVC tournament in Nashville and couldn't be there. I realized for a moment that he and Homer are great together. And he is good to me when he's not rolling his eyes at some of the weird crap I do. "I'm leaving the room now," he stood up and took a step back. We both gazed on the tree which only had the bottom part stuck in. It looked like hedge gone amuck. "Don't touch a damned thing." I nodded and went back to my movie. Life goes on at Chez Coma.

The Obligatory Tree Post

2006-12-02T14:37:00.000-06:00

Squeegee Monkey is bringing in one of the Christmas Trees to set up while the nieces are away at a birthday party (they have one like every weekend. They must be popular kids or social networking now is more advanced than when I was a kid.) This is the traditional one with lights and homemade ornaments. It's a nice tree. We also have a vintage silver aluminum tree (that one is mine) where Squrrelly usually does duties of setting up. We even have a spinning wheel that was given to me by my dad several years ago (Man, it's dad day on the blog, isn't it? Hi dad, if you are reading.) They usually won't let me help as I tend to be a bull in a china shop. I tear things up. I know, but if you are a long time reader, the toilet explosion of last weekend is a good reference point. Yeah, The tree is trashy. I'll have picturey goodness later on. It even scares the dogs.

Santa's Butt Beer Banned

2006-12-02T13:31:00.000-06:00

But what does it taste like.

A beer distributor says Maine is being a Scrooge by barring it from selling a beer with a label depicting Santa Claus enjoying a pint of brew.
In a complaint filed in federal court, Shelton Brothers accuses the Maine Bureau of Liquor Enforcement of censorship for denying applications for labels for Santa's Butt Winter Porter and two other beers it wants to sell in Maine.

The dispute recalls a similar squabble last year when Connecticut told Shelton Brothers it had problems with its Seriously Bad Elf ale.

I can imagine Santa having a beer. We always left Santa nip of Old Charter or Chivas on the rocks when I was a wee one.

And he always left great gifts.

Phelps Foiled

2006-12-02T12:55:00.000-06:00

Having had my own experiences with Westboro Baptist Church earlier this year, I was pleased to find this:

A church group that protests at military funerals around the country will be barred from services for an American Indian soldier on a reservation, tribal officials say.
Members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., planned to demonstrate at National Guard Cpl. Nathan Goodiron's funeral on Saturday at the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.
Church members say the deaths of soldiers are punishment from God for the country's tolerance of homosexuals.
Tribal leaders passed a resolution Friday that prohibits the group from protesting on the reservation, said Marcus Wells Jr., chairman of the Three Affiliated Tribes.
Snip
``We recognize and respect the right to free speech and the public's right to assemble, but we want everyone to know that the Three Affiliated Tribes, as a sovereign tribal government, has the right to regulate any person or persons who harass and show disrespectful conduct towards our members, within our boundaries,'' Wells said in a statement.
Wells said tribal police would prevent the protesters from coming on the reservation.

Phelps and his followers can personally bite me, but that's just me.

Annoying Autobiographical Pause #376

2006-12-02T09:40:00.000-06:00

Any time anyone has a meltdown, there is regret. After my meltdown last night, I guess I probably deserve the wanker of December award and it's only the second day of the month. I'm in the should's right now. I should have done this. I should have done that. I should have kept my mouth shut. I lost it. Much of it was valid, but some of it was my own vain ego. So, being in the should's, I shouldn't have lost it. I'm not a person who has meltdowns very often so the feelings that go with it freak me out because when coma has a meltdown, it's on an apocalypse level. I should have kept it to myself. Also, I just found out my father is reading my blog and I've hurt his feelings with a couple of things I wrote. Things he doesn't understand and because I'm Mary Sunshine with everybody all the time, he didn't know I felt about some of the things I've posted about. My dad and I used to be very close and when he remarried, things over a number of years sort of started falling apart. He's not a feelings kind of guy so these things remained unresolved for me and leaked out on to this blog. I miss him, and I guess if he is reading this, he misses me. I should have known better. I'm batting a thousand in the last 12 hours. Bad Bad Ivy blogged about family members reading our blogs last week. I feel your pain, Ivy. So, I set the computer aside this morning, vowing that my blogging days were over, my newspaper days were over and that I was going to become a bum and only drink Boones Farm in the Granny Apple Smith flavor and pick up cigarette butts that have been left on the street asking random people to give me a light, babbling to myself about Sputnik or other crazy shit. Yeah, that's depressing, but it's what I felt (and still sort of do) at the time. But here's the thing. I love my father, my job and blogging. And sometimes life isn't all fun and games. Sometimes feelings get hurt. Sometimes you hurt the people you care about the most including coworkers and family members. And being Mary Sunshine takes its toll when because I was full and exploded because I was upset about things and people I genuinely care about. Sometimes shit just is brutal but tomorrow is another day. I feel bad, but it'll go away. I just hate that I let it bleed onto other people. The meltdown was a long time coming. Tammy Lynette and I will get through the muck and mud of the paper, as she gets labeled the bad guy and I get labeled the village idiot. It works and we will fight the good fight together. My dad and I will work it out. I will continue to blog, I guess. I will either stay in the news biz or I won't. And sometimes feeling bad turns itself around and affects positive change. Sorry about the self absorbed dribble, but it was something I needed to write.

A Guide For Traditional Media

2006-12-02T09:06:00.000-06:00

This is interesting.

With so much doom and gloom in the media business — at least in the print media business — you’d think it would be tough to find anyone who thinks optimistically about the future. After all, most industry headlines in 2006 have told a story of declining audiences, softening ad revenue, job cuts, and disappointing earnings.

Then again, the people covering this chaos are the ones who stand to lose their privileged perches if bloggers, 15-year-old filmmakers, and Google continue to reinvent the media business as we know it.

Traditional media is being challenged. It amuses me that the people I know in the newspaper business completely write this off, but blogging and YouTube are changing the industry. I'm tired of talking about it because I know this is true. The newspaper business is taking hits. Probably, rural papers have it better off than larger syndicated versions if the layoffs over the past year are indicative. To quote Ferris Bueller:

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."