I saw this the other day - and liked what it said

Everyone has a different opinion on the war, and our current President. This article makes a lot of sense, and I hope you will read it and give it some thought.

President Bush did make a bad mistake in the war on terrorism. But the mistake was not his decision to go to war in Iraq. Bush's mistake came in his belief that this country is the same one his father fought for in WWII. It is not.

Back then; they had just come out of a vicious depression. The country was steeled by the hardship of that depression, but they still believed fervently in this country. They knew that the people had elected their leaders, so it was the people's duty to back those leaders. Therefore, when the war broke out the people came together, rallied behind, and stuck with their leaders, whether they had voted for them or not or whether the war was going badly or not.

War was just as distasteful and the anguish just as great then as it is today. Often there were more casualties in one day in WWII than we have had in the entire Iraq war. But that did not matter. The people stuck with the President because it was their patriotic duty. Americans put aside their differences in WWII and worked together to win that war.

Everyone from every strata of society, from young to old pitched in. Small children pulled little wagons around to gather scrap metal for the war effort. Grade school students saved their pennies to buy stamps for war bonds to help the effort. Men who were too old or medically 4F lied about their age or condition trying their best to join the military. Women doubled their work to keep things going at home. Harsh rationing of everything from gasoline to soap to butter was imposed, yet there was very little complaining.

You never heard prominent people on the radio belittling the President. Interestingly enough in those days there were no fat cat actors and entertainers who ran off to visit and fawn over dictators of hostile countries and complain to them about our President. Instead, they made upbeat films and entertained our troops to help the troops' morale. And a bunch even enlisted. And imagine this: Teachers in schools actually started the day off with a Pledge of Allegiance, and with prayers for our country and our troops! Back then; no newspaper would have dared point out certain weak spots in our cities where bombs could be set off to cause the maximum damage. No newspaper would have dared complain about what we were doing to catch spies. A newspaper would have been laughed out of existence if it had complained that German or Japanese soldiers were being 'tortured' by being forced to wear women's underwear, or subjected to interrogation by a woman, or being scared by a dog or did not have air conditioning.

There were a lot of things different back then. We were not subjected to a constant bombardment of pornography, perversion and promiscuity in movies or on radio. We did not have legions of crack-heads, dope pushers and armed gangs roaming our streets. No, President Bush did not make a mistake in his handling of terrorism. He made the mistake of believing that we still had the courage and fortitude of our fathers. He believed that this was still the country that our fathers fought so dearly to preserve.

We did unite for a short while after 9/11, but our attitude changed when we found out that defending our country would require some sacrifices. We are in great danger.

The terrorists are fanatic Muslims. They believe that it is okay, even their duty to kill anyone who will not convert to Islam. It has been estimated that about one third or over three hundred million Muslims are sympathetic to the terrorists cause. Hitler and Tojo combined did not have nearly that many potential recruits.

So...we either win it - or lose it - and you aren't going to like losing.

America is not at war. The military is at war. America is at the mall.

8:44 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Secret Survey
Current mood: relaxed

39 Secrets About You.
Be honest no matter what.

[One] Who were your last 4 texts from?
I don't get texts much, I have had 2 recently - Dave and Roland

[Two] Where was your default picture taken?
By my bookcase in my tiny duplex I used to have - need to take a new one...lol

[Three] Last time you partied?
Not recently - had a couple of beers and a couple of sips of champagne on New Years Eve with some friends..

[Four] Your current relationship status?
Happily Taken!

[Five] Do you have any kids?
No, and not planning on it.

[Six] What is your current mood?
Pretty mellow and content.

[Seven] What's your mom's name?
Betty

[Eight] What color shirt are you wearing?
White.

[Nine] What time did you wake up today?
1:00 pm (I work nights)

[Ten] If you could go back in time would you?
I would love it! Just as an observer though.

[Eleven] Where was the last place, out of town, that you went to?
Lufkin, TX for Bordermarch Melees - had a blast!

[Twelve] Ever had a near death experience?
No

[Thirteen] Something you do a lot?
Cook

[Fourteen] Do you have a fondness for gnomes?
Yes, but not in the 'sexy' fondness way..:P

[Fifteen] Who can you tell anything to?
Dave and my Mom

[Sixteen] Name someone with the same birthday as you?
My friend Shawn's birthday is on March 9th (day before mine)....famous people? Sharon Stone and Osama bin Laden

[Seventeen] When was the last time you cried??
December 28th - coming out of anesthesia from my surgery.

Currently listening : Strict Machine By Goldfrapp Release date: 31 May, 2004

12:46 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Good Advice
Current mood: sleepy

ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

FOUR. When you say, "I love you," mean it.

FIVE. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.

SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

SEVEN. Believe in love at first s ight.

EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams don't have much.

NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.

TEN. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.

TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"

FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk..

FIFTEEN. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson

SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.

TWENTY-ONE. Spend some time alone.

Currently listening : Here It Goes Again By OK Go Release date: 19 September, 2006

12:16 PM - 1 Comments - 1 Kudos - Add Comment

Funny Survey

This was different than normal... (lol implied)

1.How long do you spend in the shower?
15-20 minutes max - I am more of a bath person

2. Name something a football player wears under his uniform.
Athletic supporter...:)

3. Name something people hate to find on their windshield.
I would think pretty much anything....I hate stuff on my windshield

4. Name something a man might buy before a date?
A condom. Because men are preemptive like that.

5. What's another word for blemish?
Pimple

6. Name a food often cooked in the microwave.
Popcorn - although I remember the days of the air poppers and those foil packs!

7. Name a piece of furniture people need help moving.
Washer and dryer

8. Name a reason a younger man might like an older woman.
Mom fixation thing

9. Name something a dog does that embarrasses its owner.
Poop eating!

10. Name a kind of test you cannot study for.
Test pattern?

11. Name something a boy scout gets a badge for.
Art?

12. Name a phrase with the word 'Home' in it.
Home is where the Hammus is.

13. Name a sport where players loose teeth.
Extreme sports - any of them

14. Name something a teacher can do to ruin a student's day.
Introduction day - where everyone has to go round the room and tell a little about themselves.

15. What is a way you can tell someone has been crying?
Red nose

16. Name something found at a Seance.
Sad people

17. Name a bird you wouldn't want to eat.
Puffins - One, because they are just too cute and two, have you seen how they live?! Too much guano going on there.

18. Name something that gets folded.
Paper footballs

19. Name something a person wears even if it has a hole in it.
Aything crocheted - holes all through that stuff..

20. Name something that gets smaller the more you use it.
Soap

Currently listening : Fashion Nugget By Cake Release date: 17 September, 1996

12:09 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Kylie’s game
Current mood: exhausted

Its a fun game...

A LITTLE GAME

Leave your name in my blog comments. Once you do that, this is what I'll do for you...

1. I'll respond with something random about you.
2. I'll tell you what song/movie reminds me of you.
3. I'll pick a flavor of jello to wrestle you in.
4. I'll say something that only makes sense to you and me. (if possible!)
5. I'll tell you my first memory of you.
6. I'll tell you what animal you remind me of.
7. I'll ask you something I've always wondered about you.
8. If you do this you MUST post this on yours. You MUST. It is written.

Currently listening : Clutch By Clutch Release date: 09 May, 1995

8:32 PM - 3 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

SCA survey
Current mood: content

1. Mundane name:
Paula Reed

2. Mundane Job:
Oklahoma City Police - Crime Information Unit

3. Persona name:
Ly. Branislava Kirilova'doch Volkova

4. How did you come up with your name?
My 1st SCA name was Bronwyn le Merle (a lot of people still call me Bronwyn) - I did a whole personna revamp after studying abroad in Russia. Branislava (feminine version of Branislav) Kirilova'doch (means daughter of Kiril) Volkova (the family surname - 'volk' means WOLF in Russian)

5. Where and when did your personal live?
1245 - Pskov, Russia - My parents (yes both of them) fought with Alexander Nevsky at Lake Peipus against the Teutonic Knights as they tried to invade Novgorod Republic. When not being militia-like, my father is a merchant and tradesman of furs, bone and antler. .

6. What is your Known World Location?
Wiesenfeuer, Ansteorra.

7. What kingdom do you consider to be your home?
Ansteorra

8. How long have you played?
December, 1991 or 1992

9. How did you get started?
True story! There was a reference to the SCA in a fantasy book I was reading (Ariel - A Book of the Change by Steven R. Boyett). I went to OU library and looked it up in a catalogue of organization, societies and associations in the US. I wrote a letter to Milpatus (yes, hand written) and they sent me a copy of the Black Star with the Hospitalers for Wiesenfeuer and Namron highlighted.

10. Why did you join?
I had always loved going to the annual Medieval Faire in Norman, OK. I loved history, I was a bit of an oddball - it was like finding all the people just like me.

11. Have you registered a name?
Yes

12. Have you registered a device?
Yes, it wasn't passed - I have finalized my second attempt and just need to get it to the Herald..

13. What awards have you been granted? In what kingdom did you receive these awards?
AoA (1995) - Flint and Steel (2006) both in Ansteorra

14. How many events do you attend each year?
Depends on finances, but I would say 7-10 (usually one war)

15. What is the best event you have ever been to?
Grand Outlandish

16. What is the worst event you have ever been to?
I don't want to hurt any feelings, but there was this one Beltane (and I only day tripped it) out at this place where they hold bike rallys - it was wet, muddy and oppressive.

17. What event do you make it to every year?
My household event (Wolfstar) and Wiesenfeuer Baronial

18. What event do you refuse to go to?
None that I can think of

19. Who is you favorite person to event with?
My household - they are like one big person really

20. What activities do you participate in?
Mainly service work. Right now I am HE Wiesenfeuer's Chatelaine, so pretty much anything she needs done...:) I am also the Chronicler for Wiesenfeuer. I dabble in a few A&S activities and do a LOT of research.

21. What activity would you like to learn?
Right now, combat archery and some heavy combat

22. Are you a marshal?
No - wouldn't mind doing it though

23. How many tents have you had destroyed at events?
At least 4.

24. Has your garb ever caught on fire?
No, some holes from campfire sparks or cigarette burns

25. Have you ever woke up in a strange person's tent?
Um, no

Currently listening : Back to Black By Amy Winehouse Release date: 13 March, 2007

8:57 AM - 2 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

60 Question survey
Current mood: awake

1. What is your first, middle, and last name?
Paula Michelle Reed

2. When is your Birthday?
March 10, 1971

3. What's your favorite color?
Cool colors - blues, greens, purple and black

4. Your all time favorite band?
Going to go with U2 (mainly the older stuff). Beatles is a serious second choice.

5. Your all time favorite song?
This is a masochistic question…I will just throw out "In My Life" by the Beatles because of the sheer suckage of trying to pick just one.

6. What do you want most in life?
Something to be passionate about (I am a bit apathetic as of late) - Oh, yeah…and world peace! (See jaded AND apathetic)

7. What makes you cry?
Thinking about my father - I miss him

8. What makes you laugh?
My boyfriend Dave. He is possibly one of the wittiest people I know. Oh! And the scene in Elf where Will Ferrell gets nailed by that taxi…puts me into fits every time.

9. Who do you miss?
My pops

10. Do you smoke?
Yeah - it's a love/hate relationship

11. Do you drink?
Yeah - not nearly as much as I used to do.

12. Do you party?
See above

13. What are you afraid of?
Suffering in any way shape or form - physically, mentally, emotionally, financially

14. Phobias?
The preying mantis and all other stick bug type thingies - just wrong…they actually look at you, ya know!

15. Obsessions?
Cooking! Oh, and Coffeemate! Must have Coffeemate with coffee - not the fake, generic shit.

16. Worst habit?
Procrastination

17. Worst pet peeve?
People who rake their teeth on a metal fork when they are eating and people who smack while eating - I mean for the love of all that is sacred, people!

18. Who's your favorite super hero?
(cough) Supervillian - Catwoman

19. How many sexual partners have you had?
I refuse to answer this on the grounds of - nun'ya! I will say, probably more that should have been though.

20. Any the same sex?
(cough) Why yes, yes there were times…

21. What was your dream growing up?
To own a cabin in the woods and have a few farm animals. I still want that with the stipulation that the cabin has some modern amenities. The animals would be chickens, goats, sheep, rabbits and various dogs.

22. What talent do you wish you had?
I wish I could play piano

23. Favorite place?
Tallinn, Estonia

24. Hugs or kisses?
Both

25. What is you favorite vegetable?
Corn

26. Do you eat meat and or dairy?
Of course

27. What was the last book you read?
Medieval Calligraphy - It's History and Techniques

28. What zodiac sign are you?
Pisces

29. Any Tattoos and/or Piercings?
4 tattoos

30. Do we know each other outside of myspace and if not why don't we?
I got this survey from Mignon, so yea…we know each other. Need to get together sometime and catch up though.

31. Pessimist or Optimist attitude?
Pessimist - sorry

32. What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
With Min? Goodness…probably talk for hours, but I know some rumors would fly about what we would have got up to in there…lmao!

33. Worst thing to ever happen to you?
Death of my pops

34. Tell me one weird fact about you:
Oh, hell…nothing I could say would be surprising or weird nowadays. I like musicals - shocking!

35. Do have any pets?
Yep, two Whippets - see photos

36. Do you know how to do the "Macarena"?
Um, no

37. What time is it where you are now?
2:45 am - confirmed night owl

38. What is your favorite flower?
Tulips

39. Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?
Depends - crime partner if it's a joke/prank - conscience if it is actual crime

40. What color eyes do you have?
Dark blue

41. Ever been arrested?
(cough) yeah - long story - but oh so amusing!

42. What is your favorite drink?
Lightly sweetened iced tea - as for alcohol, I am a beer girl - as for liquor, vodka ice cold and neat

43. If you won £5000 today, what would you do with it?
Pounds is it?! Well, being an American, I would travel to the UK and re-circulate the currency

44. What's your favorite place to hang at?
Home, mostly. I love going to my Aunt's farm in McAlester and Johann and Dwen's place.

45. Do you believe in a spirit world?
Sure

46. Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
Soak in a hot bath with a good book

47. Do you swear a lot?
Fuck yeah!

48. In one word, how would you describe yourself?
Underestimated - at least that is how I am feeling at this particular moment

49. In one word, how would you describe me?
Mignon - Inspired

50. Do you believe in any God?
Sure

51. Do you think I'm a good friend?
Mignon - yes, even though it's been years

52. What is your favorite film?
Again with the torture! There are too many, so one that jumps to mind is Schindler's List

53. Are you single or taken?
Hopelessly taken

54. Do you think I'm attractive?
Yes

55. Ever had a crush?
…

56. Snow or rain?
Rain

57. What's your favorite sound?
Dave playing guitar

58. Are you happy?
Very much so

60. Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same for you?
Just gonna post in the blog - scavenge at will

Currently listening : Blue Bell Knoll By Cocteau Twins Release date: 03 June, 2003

12:58 AM - 0 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

50 Odd Things
Current mood: chipper

1. Height?
5'6"

2. Have you ever smoked heroin?
Um, no

3. Do you own a gun?
Yes

4. Favorite TV show?
House, Monk, Psych, Rome (HBO series)

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?
Not really. Now if it is surgery (like I just had), I was a bit nervous..

6. What do you think of hot dogs?
I prefer bratwurst

7. What's your favorite Christmas song?
O Holy Night

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
Coffee - 1 tsp sugar and a splash of Coffeemate

11:31 AM - 2 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Music survey
Current mood: awake

1. Song You Believe Your Parents Conceived You To
My parents weren't really into music. If I had to guess I would say something country...old country, not the new crap that is some sick country/rock hybrid.

2. Song That best reminds you of your childhood neighborhood.
The Ghetto - Elvis

3. Theme Song To Your Closest Sibling
Somewhere Out There - my sister LaDonna loves that song...*shudder*

4. The First Album You Ever Purchased
Hair - soundtrack from the movie - I went around singing the song 'Sodomy' at the age of 11 or so - my mother freaked.

5. The First Single You Ever Purchased
Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves - Cher

6. Album Cover That Scared You In Your Childhood
It was a Halloween sound effects album with this creepy looking yellow ghost on it.

7. Song That Scared You In Your Childhood
Nothing that I can recall.

8. The TV Theme of Your Childhood
The Muppet Show

9. Favorite Song From Sesame Street.
Rubber Ducky

10. Favorite Song From Mister Rodgers Neighborhood
The theme song

11. Favorite Song From The Electric Company
Sheesh, I can't even remember

12. What Were You Banned From Listening To In Your Childhood
The KISS albums given to my by my sister's boyfriend because she didn't like the fact that he had them. Genius gives them to her kid sister...wtf

13. Rock Song That Rocked Ghetto/Ghetto Song That Rocked The Suburbs (as a kid)
Rapper's Delight

14. Song You First Slow Danced To
Take My Breath Away - Boston

15. First Cassette You Got For Your First Walkman
Purple Rain - Prince and the Revolution, The Unforgettable Fire - U2, Rio - Duran Duran

16. Favorite Soundtrack Of Youth
Soundtrack to Purple Rain

17. Song That Played When You Got In Trouble And Grounded At Home
When I was a teen it was The Land of Rape and Honey - Ministry

18. Song That Played When You Thought You Were About To Get Some
Anything Cocteau Twins or the Cure - Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me CD or Passion by Peter Gabriel (soundtrack to The Last Temptation of Christ)

19. Song That Played When You Got Some
Same as question 18

20. The Theme To Your First Break Up In High School
Love Hurts - Def Leppard (even though I really didn't like them)

21. The First Compact Disc You Ever Brought (not Album/Cassette)
Black Celebration by Depeche Mode (I still have it)

22. If Ever In Car Accident....What Song Was Playing?
These Dreams by Heart. I was so pissed that I had just rolled my car and had blood on my new silk shirt that I kicked the radio and killed it.

23. 5 Songs You'd Put On A Mixtape For A Potential Love
Oh Gods! The Promise by When in Rome, How Soon is Now by The Smiths, Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division, Tainted Love by Soft Cell, Charlotte Sometimes by the Cure, Stripped by Depeche Mode

8:29 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

12 Months
Current mood: bored

12 months of questions

--January--

1. Did you have a new year's resolution this year?
Lose some weight.  Started actively pursuing this resolution about a month ago and have lost 12 lbs.  Yea me!

2. Who kissed you at midnight? 
The Dave 

3. Does it snow where you live? 
Not nearly enough!  We get the death ice here more than nice fluffy, happy snow. 

4. Do you like hot chocolate? 
With tons of whipped cream please!

5. Have you ever been to Times Square to watch the ball drop? 
Yes!  New Years 2000! 


--February--

1. Who was your Valentine in 2006?
The Dave

2. When you were little, did you buy valentines for your whole class? 
Awwww, yeah I remember that!

3. Do you care if the groundhog sees its shadow or not? 
No.



--March--

1. Are you irish? 
Probably have some in there somewhere, but mainly British and Scottish. 

2. Do you wear green on St. Patty's Day? 
I don't think I even own any green clothing really.

3. What did you do for St. Patty's Day in 2006? 
Nothing this year.  I used to throw a St. Patrick's Day party every year and cooked Irish Stew, Colchannon and soda bread for everyone.

4. Are you happy when winter is pretty much over? 
I love the Spring, but really hate knowing that really f-ing hot weather is right around the corner. 


--April--

1. Do you like the rain?
Love it!

2. Did you play an April fool's joke on anyone this year? 
I don't think so. 

3. Do you get tons of candy on easter? 
My mother always gets me a nice mini-box of bon bons and cooks a lovely easter lunch for the family 

4. Do you celebrate 4/20?
Um, no...but here is why some kids think it's cool to do so:  www.snopes.com/language/stories/420.htm


--May--

1. What's your favorite kind of flower?
I absolutely adore tulips in soft colours - pinks, creams, white

2. Do you like the spring?
Yes

3. Finish the phrase "April showers": 
Bring May flowers.

4. What is the first color you think of when you think of Spring?
Pink


--June--

1. What year did/will you graduate from highschool?
1989

2. Did you go on any vacations last June? 
What the hell is a vacation?

3. Did you realize nothing special happens in June?
My sister's birthday is June 14th (Flag Day) and we always have a family dinner, good times!


--July--

1. What did you do on the 4th of July? 
Worked and watched out the window at all of the fireworks downtown. 

2. Did you have a sunburn? 
Nope.

3. Did you blast the A/C all day? 
I have no control over the AC at the office, it was stifling!


--August--

1. Will you do anything special at the end of your summer?
Not really.

2. What was your favorite summer memory of '06? 
Dave's birthday dinner (7/31/06).  We had some friends over and chatted late into the evening.

3. Any more plans for the summer? 
Not really, just organizing the new place and such. 

4. Do you go on any vacations during this month?
Not in August, no.

5. Do you go to the beach alot?
No, I wish though! 

--September--

1. Did you attend school/college in '05?
Nope, been there, done that route.

2. Who is/was your favorite teacher?
My Medieval Women's Lit. professor, Dr. Busby

3. Do you like fall better than summer?
Yes!

--October--

1. What was your favorite halloween costume? 
Sheesh!  Perhaps the year I was Elvira...complete with the plunging neckline and beehive hair/wig.

2. What's your favorite candy?
Oh my Gods!  Everything right now.  Candy is like porn when you're on a diet.  I really love chocolate-covered almonds though

3. What did you dress up like last year?
I didn't dress up last year...:(


--November--

1. Whose house did you go to for thanksgiving?
My Aunt's farmhouse in McAlester on about 100 acres.  We go hiking and collect mistletoe and pecans, it's beautiful.

2. Do you love stuffing? 
Yes!  It's my grandmother's recipe...the best 

3. What are you thankful for? 
Good Health


--December--

1. Do you celebrate Christmas? 
Yes, with my family 

2. If not, what do you celebrate?
n/a 

3. Have you ever been kissed under mistletoe? 
Yes.

4. Get anything special last year? 
A lovely Turkish lamp from my niece.

5. What do you want this year? 
A Britta water-filtration pitcher, a nice piece of jewelry (right hand ring preferable), a sofa table, new drawing table - should I go on?  

6. Do you like cold weather?
Yes.

6:04 PM - 2 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment