It's Action Time - Houston Roller Derby Season Opener
The Bomb Drops on Sunday, April 9, 2006 at 6pm
Houston! Are you ready for some Genuine Flat Track Action? Get ready, because the women of the Houston Roller Derby are going to rock your socks off in 2006 beginning with their season opener on April 9th at the Arabia Shrine (located at 2900 Braeswood). Doors open at 6pm and the action starts at 7pm!! Be sure to get there early to grab a cold beer and to get the best seats in the house!
They rolled over opponents at their exhibition last October and the traveling team cracked skulls at the 2006 Dust Devil National Flat Track Tournament in Tucson, AZ! They've tasted blood and they’re hungry for more! Elbows start flying at 7pm with the Machete Betties battling it out against the Burlesque Brawlers and then Psych Ward Sirens clashing with the Bayou City Bosses . Tempers will be flaring and wheels will be burning as these ladies duke it out over 80 minutes of heart-pounding action! Half-time entertainment will be provided by DJ Joe B from the Rebel Crew and the Z. Jammers with the Y.A. Break Dancers. Also, remember to bring cash since the Arabia Shrine does not have an ATM machine!
Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. You can get advance tickets online or at these locations:Sig's Lagoon Houston PressMontrose Skate Shop Erotic Cabaret (on Westheimer near Waugh)Funky Monkey (beside Catbirds)G.R.A.B Bar
(Individual tickets and Season Tickets will be available through our website soon! We are sorry about the inconvience. Visit one of the above locations or find a rollergirl for your advance tickets!)
Friday, March 31, 2006
Drunk Rants
I'm glad I didn't get on the computer when I got home last night from seeing one of my favorite bands. I had plenty of drunken rants/babblings/ramblings that I wanted to post but I've forgotten most of them (thanks the gods) this AM but I managed to make a few notes before I went to sleep last night.
1. I drank last night and it made me mad at myself. If they hadn't played that song that reminds me of ME, I would've been ok. At least I didn't get shit-face drunk and make a fool out of myself or did I? I don't remember jumping on the stage with the band or dancing on the table so I think I did ok.
2. I was thinking of changing my name (or when people I meet ask my name, I would use this as a substitute) to either Buffy because of the steroid shots that I've been given or to Buttercup. Why Buttercup I don't know but I was planning on carrying BC powder with me. Like I said, this is a drunken rant and makes no sense this AM.
3. Seems Linda Lou nearly got in a fracas last night with someone. Some girl told her she made her mad or something... I don't recall all of the details but my note says something about me not being from that side of town and she was so she needed to ask her what's up bitch. I'm sure it made perfect sense last night but I can't make heads or tails of my notes this AM...
4. Someone almost hurt my feelings last night. Linda Lou introduced herself to this person who's name I won't mention and when she told him she was a friend of mine, he said "I'm sorry." Maybe that's what triggered the drinking binge along with that damn song. Besides, I don't have any feelings anymore because I'm an heartless, uncaring, insensitive clod whose criptic messages mean nothing. That was last night...this AM I say kiss my lily white ass.
See what I mean? I'm glad I didn't get online because I would've been on there for hours and made myself late to work today. Y'all have a nice weekend!!!
1. I drank last night and it made me mad at myself. If they hadn't played that song that reminds me of ME, I would've been ok. At least I didn't get shit-face drunk and make a fool out of myself or did I? I don't remember jumping on the stage with the band or dancing on the table so I think I did ok.
2. I was thinking of changing my name (or when people I meet ask my name, I would use this as a substitute) to either Buffy because of the steroid shots that I've been given or to Buttercup. Why Buttercup I don't know but I was planning on carrying BC powder with me. Like I said, this is a drunken rant and makes no sense this AM.
3. Seems Linda Lou nearly got in a fracas last night with someone. Some girl told her she made her mad or something... I don't recall all of the details but my note says something about me not being from that side of town and she was so she needed to ask her what's up bitch. I'm sure it made perfect sense last night but I can't make heads or tails of my notes this AM...
4. Someone almost hurt my feelings last night. Linda Lou introduced herself to this person who's name I won't mention and when she told him she was a friend of mine, he said "I'm sorry." Maybe that's what triggered the drinking binge along with that damn song. Besides, I don't have any feelings anymore because I'm an heartless, uncaring, insensitive clod whose criptic messages mean nothing. That was last night...this AM I say kiss my lily white ass.
See what I mean? I'm glad I didn't get online because I would've been on there for hours and made myself late to work today. Y'all have a nice weekend!!!
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
"The King and I"
FYI: This is from my friend Carrie. I'm very proud of her and her daughter Jasmine! Sister K and I plan on being at the first show on the 6th of April.
Hello Friends--
Many of you know of Jasmine's love for the theatre and performing.Well, now you have another chance to see her perform, in HITS Theatre'sproduction of "The King and I" at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park.This is Jasmine's third performance in a Miller show. For the first time, I will be performing as well. There will be six shows: April 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15 performance begins at 8:00 pm Miller Outdoor Theatre (the hill) Hermann Park There are several ways to enjoy the show.
1. bring a blanket, a picnic basket, a bottle of wine,whatever you fancy, and SIT ON THE HILL
2. go to the Miller Outdoor Theatre box office on the dayof the show (11:30 - 12:30) to pick up tickets. The box office will distribute FOUR TICKETS FOR FREE to each person in line
3. wait until 5 minutes before the show begins. ALL AVAILABLE SEATS are released at that time.
4. become a HITS THEATRE PATRON.
Ask me how you can do this or visit www.hitstheatre.org Regarding option #4, HITS theatre is a 501(c)(3) NON-PROFIT organization dedicated to bringing the theatre arts to children of all ages. Jasmine has been enthusiastically enrolled in classes each semester for four years now.Classes are conducted in the fall, the spring, and in the summer. Finally, if you will be attending the show on Saturday, April 8,there will be a HITS Theatre "Dinner in the Park" Tent Party, where you can meet the director, Carolyn Franklin, and talk to her about HITS theatre.Tickets may be purchased at www.hitstheatre.org . If you know someone who would like to be a part of HITS theatre, or who would like to see "The King and I", please forward this message to them.
Hello Friends--
Many of you know of Jasmine's love for the theatre and performing.Well, now you have another chance to see her perform, in HITS Theatre'sproduction of "The King and I" at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park.This is Jasmine's third performance in a Miller show. For the first time, I will be performing as well. There will be six shows: April 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15 performance begins at 8:00 pm Miller Outdoor Theatre (the hill) Hermann Park There are several ways to enjoy the show.
1. bring a blanket, a picnic basket, a bottle of wine,whatever you fancy, and SIT ON THE HILL
2. go to the Miller Outdoor Theatre box office on the dayof the show (11:30 - 12:30) to pick up tickets. The box office will distribute FOUR TICKETS FOR FREE to each person in line
3. wait until 5 minutes before the show begins. ALL AVAILABLE SEATS are released at that time.
4. become a HITS THEATRE PATRON.
Ask me how you can do this or visit www.hitstheatre.org Regarding option #4, HITS theatre is a 501(c)(3) NON-PROFIT organization dedicated to bringing the theatre arts to children of all ages. Jasmine has been enthusiastically enrolled in classes each semester for four years now.Classes are conducted in the fall, the spring, and in the summer. Finally, if you will be attending the show on Saturday, April 8,there will be a HITS Theatre "Dinner in the Park" Tent Party, where you can meet the director, Carolyn Franklin, and talk to her about HITS theatre.Tickets may be purchased at www.hitstheatre.org . If you know someone who would like to be a part of HITS theatre, or who would like to see "The King and I", please forward this message to them.
Theodore Roosevelt's ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907.
"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."
Theodore Roosevelt 1907
Theodore Roosevelt 1907
Monday, March 27, 2006
Helpful hints
HEADACHE? EAT FISH! Eat plenty of fish -- fish oil helps prevent headaches. So does ginger, which reduces inflammation and pain.
HAY FEVER? EAT YOGURT! Eat lots of yogurt before pollen season. Also-eat honey from your area (local region) daily.
TO PREVENT STROKE DRINK TEA! Prevent buildup of fatty deposits on artery walls with regular doses of tea. (actually, tea suppresses my appetite and keeps the pounds from invading....Green tea is great for our immune system)!
INSOMNIA (CAN'T SLEEP?) HONEY! Use honey as a tranquilizer and sedative.
ASTHMA? EAT ONIONS!!!! Eating onions helps ease constriction of bronchial tubes. (when I was young, my mother would make onion packs to place on our chest, helped the respiratory ailments and actually made us breathe better).
ARTHRITIS? EAT FISH, TOO!! Salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines actually prevent arthritis. (fish has omega oils, good for our immune system)
UPSET STOMACH? BANANAS - GINGER!!!!! Bananas will settle an upset stomach. Ginger will cure morning sickness and nausea.
BLADDER INFECTION? DRINK CRANBERRY JUICE!!!! High-acid cranberry juice controls harmful bacteria.
BONE PROBLEMS? EAT PINEAPPLE!!! Bone fractures and osteoporosis can be prevented by the manganese in pineapple.
PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME? EAT CORNFLAKES!!!! Women can ward off the effects of PMS with cornflakes, which help reduce depression, anxiety and fatigue.
MEMORY PROBLEMS? EAT OYSTERS! Oysters help improve your mental functioning by supplying much-needed zinc.
COLDS? EAT GARLIC! Clear up that stuffy head with garlic. (remember, garlic lowers cholesterol, too.)
COUGHING? USE RED PEPPERS!! A substance similar to that found in the cough syrups is found in hot red pepper. Use red (cayenne) pepper with caution-it can irritate your tummy. BREAST CANCER? EAT Wheat, bran and cabbage Helps to maintain estrogen at healthy levels. LUNG CANCER? EAT DARK GREEN AND ORANGE AND VEGGIES!!! A good antidote is beta carotene, a form of Vitamin A found in dark green and orange vegetables. ULCERS? EAT CABBAGE ALSO!!! Cabbage contains chemicals that help heal both gastric and duodenal ulcers. DIARRHEA? EAT APPLES! Grate an apple with its skin, let it turn brown and eat it to cure this condition. (Bananas are good for this ailment)
CLOGGED ARTERIES? EAT AVOCADO! Mono unsaturated fat in avocados lowers cholesterol. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE? EAT CELERY AND OLIVE OIL!!! Olive oil has been shown to lower blood pressure. Celery contains a chemical that lowers pressure too. BLOOD SUGAR IMBALANCE? EAT BROCCOLI AND PEANUTS!!! The chromium in broccoli and peanuts helps regulate insulin and blood sugar.
Kiwi: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, Vitamin E & fiber. It's Vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.
Apple: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low Vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of Vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.
Strawberry: Protective fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protects the body from cancer causing, blood vessels clogging free radicals. (Actually, any berry is good for you..they're high in anti-oxidants and they actually keep us young.........blueberries are the best and very versatile in the health field........they get rid of all the free-radicals that invade our bodies)
Orange: Sweetest medicine. Taking 2 - 4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessen the risk of colon cancer. Watermelon: Coolest Thirst Quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are Vitamin C & Potassium. (watermelon also has natural substances [natural SPF sources] that keep our skin healthy, protecting our skin from those darn suv rays)
Guava &Papaya: Top awards for Vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high Vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene, this is good for your eyes. (also good for gas and indigestion)
Tomatoes are very good as a preventative measure for men, keeps those prostrate problems from invading their bodies.
HAY FEVER? EAT YOGURT! Eat lots of yogurt before pollen season. Also-eat honey from your area (local region) daily.
TO PREVENT STROKE DRINK TEA! Prevent buildup of fatty deposits on artery walls with regular doses of tea. (actually, tea suppresses my appetite and keeps the pounds from invading....Green tea is great for our immune system)!
INSOMNIA (CAN'T SLEEP?) HONEY! Use honey as a tranquilizer and sedative.
ASTHMA? EAT ONIONS!!!! Eating onions helps ease constriction of bronchial tubes. (when I was young, my mother would make onion packs to place on our chest, helped the respiratory ailments and actually made us breathe better).
ARTHRITIS? EAT FISH, TOO!! Salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines actually prevent arthritis. (fish has omega oils, good for our immune system)
UPSET STOMACH? BANANAS - GINGER!!!!! Bananas will settle an upset stomach. Ginger will cure morning sickness and nausea.
BLADDER INFECTION? DRINK CRANBERRY JUICE!!!! High-acid cranberry juice controls harmful bacteria.
BONE PROBLEMS? EAT PINEAPPLE!!! Bone fractures and osteoporosis can be prevented by the manganese in pineapple.
PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME? EAT CORNFLAKES!!!! Women can ward off the effects of PMS with cornflakes, which help reduce depression, anxiety and fatigue.
MEMORY PROBLEMS? EAT OYSTERS! Oysters help improve your mental functioning by supplying much-needed zinc.
COLDS? EAT GARLIC! Clear up that stuffy head with garlic. (remember, garlic lowers cholesterol, too.)
COUGHING? USE RED PEPPERS!! A substance similar to that found in the cough syrups is found in hot red pepper. Use red (cayenne) pepper with caution-it can irritate your tummy. BREAST CANCER? EAT Wheat, bran and cabbage Helps to maintain estrogen at healthy levels. LUNG CANCER? EAT DARK GREEN AND ORANGE AND VEGGIES!!! A good antidote is beta carotene, a form of Vitamin A found in dark green and orange vegetables. ULCERS? EAT CABBAGE ALSO!!! Cabbage contains chemicals that help heal both gastric and duodenal ulcers. DIARRHEA? EAT APPLES! Grate an apple with its skin, let it turn brown and eat it to cure this condition. (Bananas are good for this ailment)
CLOGGED ARTERIES? EAT AVOCADO! Mono unsaturated fat in avocados lowers cholesterol. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE? EAT CELERY AND OLIVE OIL!!! Olive oil has been shown to lower blood pressure. Celery contains a chemical that lowers pressure too. BLOOD SUGAR IMBALANCE? EAT BROCCOLI AND PEANUTS!!! The chromium in broccoli and peanuts helps regulate insulin and blood sugar.
Kiwi: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, Vitamin E & fiber. It's Vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.
Apple: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low Vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of Vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.
Strawberry: Protective fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protects the body from cancer causing, blood vessels clogging free radicals. (Actually, any berry is good for you..they're high in anti-oxidants and they actually keep us young.........blueberries are the best and very versatile in the health field........they get rid of all the free-radicals that invade our bodies)
Orange: Sweetest medicine. Taking 2 - 4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessen the risk of colon cancer. Watermelon: Coolest Thirst Quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are Vitamin C & Potassium. (watermelon also has natural substances [natural SPF sources] that keep our skin healthy, protecting our skin from those darn suv rays)
Guava &Papaya: Top awards for Vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high Vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene, this is good for your eyes. (also good for gas and indigestion)
Tomatoes are very good as a preventative measure for men, keeps those prostrate problems from invading their bodies.
Where's Darla?
I got a strange phone call this AM and not sure of what to make of it. It was Lukki (Darla is what I now call her) and she told me "Just a brief call. My phone is cut off and the kids..." That's all that was said before the phone disconnected. Where is she? Is she in jail again and where are the kids? WTF? I called my Friend L and asked her if she had heard from her. Friend L said she tried to call her several times last week and then found out Darla's phone had been disconnected. The last I talked to her was the 9th or 10th of this month and things sounded ok then. I tried to convince her to go to Austoned with me & Sister K but I never heard back from her so I assumed she didn't want to go or couldn't find a sitter for the kids. I know that most of her family is dead so I don't know who to contact to find out if she's ok or not or what happened. Her dead husband's family want nothing to do with her so I don't want to call them and have them upset with ME because I'm bothering them wondering what's happened to her...I'm sure they'd be the last to know anything since they don't care about her or her children. Should I call Galveston Co. jail? Harris Co.? I don't know what to do!!!
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Willie & Kinky need my help?
Keep "clean energy, clean government" out there
Two weeks ago, a San Antonio millionaire dumped record-breaking money into the primaries and bought two house seats. Two weeks ago, an ineffectual governor ran unopposed despite cellar-dwelling poll numbers. Two weeks ago, dozens of legislators coasted to easy primary victories despite failing, year after year, to do the will of the constituents who elect them.
But something else also happened two weeks ago. In front of our capitol, surrounded by three hundred fellow dreamers, a man named Kinky Friedman signed his name to a piece of paper and said enough is enough. Since then, thousands more Texans have done the same.
Now, living Texas legend Willie Nelson has stepped up as well, recording a radio commercial in which he tells Texans why he'll be voting for Kinky this November, and why he's signing his petition now. It's vital that we keep that radio ad on the air through the petition drive, and to do it we need your help. Click on the link below to donate to Kinky's campaign today and help bring Willie's message of "clean energy and clean government" to all of Texas.
https://www.kinkyfriedman.com/contribute/index.html?ref=29
Two weeks ago, a San Antonio millionaire dumped record-breaking money into the primaries and bought two house seats. Two weeks ago, an ineffectual governor ran unopposed despite cellar-dwelling poll numbers. Two weeks ago, dozens of legislators coasted to easy primary victories despite failing, year after year, to do the will of the constituents who elect them.
But something else also happened two weeks ago. In front of our capitol, surrounded by three hundred fellow dreamers, a man named Kinky Friedman signed his name to a piece of paper and said enough is enough. Since then, thousands more Texans have done the same.
Now, living Texas legend Willie Nelson has stepped up as well, recording a radio commercial in which he tells Texans why he'll be voting for Kinky this November, and why he's signing his petition now. It's vital that we keep that radio ad on the air through the petition drive, and to do it we need your help. Click on the link below to donate to Kinky's campaign today and help bring Willie's message of "clean energy and clean government" to all of Texas.
https://www.kinkyfriedman.com/contribute/index.html?ref=29
Last Rites
The old priest lay dying in the hospital. For years he had faithfully served the people of the nation's capital. He motioned for one of his aides to come near.
"Yes father," said the aide. "I would really like to see Ted Kennedy and John Kerry before I die," whispered the priest.
"I'll see what I can do, father," replied the aide.
The aide sent the request to the Senate and waited for a response. Soon the word arrived. Kennedy and Kerry would be delighted to visit the priest. As they went to the hospital, Kerry commented to Kennedy, "I don't know why the old priest wants to see us, but it will certainly help our images after the number the Republicans have done on us." Kennedy couldn't help but agree. When they arrived at the priest's room, the priest took Kennedy's hand in his right hand and Kerry's hand in his left. There was silence and a look of serenity on the old priest's face.
Finally Senator Kennedy spoke "Father, of all the people you could have chosen, why did you choose us to be with you as you near the end?"
The old priest slowly replied, "I have always tried to pattern my life after our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
"Amen," said Kennedy.
"Amen," said Kerry.
The old priest continued..."He died between two thieves. I would like to do the same."
"Yes father," said the aide. "I would really like to see Ted Kennedy and John Kerry before I die," whispered the priest.
"I'll see what I can do, father," replied the aide.
The aide sent the request to the Senate and waited for a response. Soon the word arrived. Kennedy and Kerry would be delighted to visit the priest. As they went to the hospital, Kerry commented to Kennedy, "I don't know why the old priest wants to see us, but it will certainly help our images after the number the Republicans have done on us." Kennedy couldn't help but agree. When they arrived at the priest's room, the priest took Kennedy's hand in his right hand and Kerry's hand in his left. There was silence and a look of serenity on the old priest's face.
Finally Senator Kennedy spoke "Father, of all the people you could have chosen, why did you choose us to be with you as you near the end?"
The old priest slowly replied, "I have always tried to pattern my life after our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
"Amen," said Kennedy.
"Amen," said Kerry.
The old priest continued..."He died between two thieves. I would like to do the same."
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Called in sick recently?
A woman calls her boss one morning and tells him that she is staying home because she is not feeling well.
"What's the matter?" he asks.
"I have a case of anal glaucoma," she says in a weak voice.
"What the hell is anal glaucoma?"
"I can't see my ass coming into work today."
"What's the matter?" he asks.
"I have a case of anal glaucoma," she says in a weak voice.
"What the hell is anal glaucoma?"
"I can't see my ass coming into work today."
Katrina's Latest Damage
By Arian Campo-Flores
Newsweek
March 13, 2006 issue - In the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, Houston earned a loving moniker among many of the evacuees who sought refuge there: the Big Heart. This, after all, was the city that housed, fed and mended more than 150,000 survivors in a herculean effort that won national acclaim. Houston officials mounted what is believed to be the biggest shelter operation in the country's history, including MASH-like megaclinics that took on problems ranging from emergency care to eyeglass prescriptions. Then, just as quickly, officials disbanded those facilities to usher evacuees into more-permanent housing, offering them generous vouchers that covered rent and utilities for a year. "No other city really provided the resources and assistance Houston has," says Angelo Edwards, vice chair of the ACORN Katrina Survivors Association. "If not for Mayor [Bill] White and his administration, a lot of us would've been lost."
But six months after the evacuees arrived, the city's heart seems to be hardening. The signs of a backlash are sometimes subtle. "You'll hear little snide remarks," says Edwards. "People will say, 'The reason you can't get a job is because you can't talk right'." Other times, the reaction is more venomous. Among the nasty examples Dorothy Stukes, an evacuee, cites: graffiti blaring F--- NEW ORLEANS in her apartment complex, schoolkids taunting her grandchildren to "swim in that Katrina water and die" and shopkeepers muttering about survivors' sucking the public coffers dry. Stukes, chair of the ACORN KSA, has become so concerned that when New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin came to town recently, she begged him to hire a public-relations firm to repair the evacuees' image. But given all that Nagin has to contend with amid his own run for re-election, that is not likely to land high on his list.
Katrina continues to be a destructive force. The Bush administration found itself engulfed once again last week, after the release of some footage of the president at an August video briefing on the hurricane. The tape revived discussion of some of Bush's darkest days, when he seemed either uninformed or unable to respond to a national disaster unfolding on TV. But the tape wasn't the only thing fueling Katrina's return to the news. Stoked by congressional investigators, new details have emerged about the government failures that left so many people in mortal danger. Late last week retired Marine Corps Brigadier Gen. Matthew Broderick resigned his post as Homeland Security's operations chief amid accumulating evidence that the command post he directed as Katrina hit misjudged the early damage to New Orleans. (Homeland Security said Broderick left to "spend more time with his family.")
(to read the entire article, click on the title of the above thread. I personally am not tired of the evacuees. It's the crime that I'm tired of...)
Newsweek
March 13, 2006 issue - In the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, Houston earned a loving moniker among many of the evacuees who sought refuge there: the Big Heart. This, after all, was the city that housed, fed and mended more than 150,000 survivors in a herculean effort that won national acclaim. Houston officials mounted what is believed to be the biggest shelter operation in the country's history, including MASH-like megaclinics that took on problems ranging from emergency care to eyeglass prescriptions. Then, just as quickly, officials disbanded those facilities to usher evacuees into more-permanent housing, offering them generous vouchers that covered rent and utilities for a year. "No other city really provided the resources and assistance Houston has," says Angelo Edwards, vice chair of the ACORN Katrina Survivors Association. "If not for Mayor [Bill] White and his administration, a lot of us would've been lost."
But six months after the evacuees arrived, the city's heart seems to be hardening. The signs of a backlash are sometimes subtle. "You'll hear little snide remarks," says Edwards. "People will say, 'The reason you can't get a job is because you can't talk right'." Other times, the reaction is more venomous. Among the nasty examples Dorothy Stukes, an evacuee, cites: graffiti blaring F--- NEW ORLEANS in her apartment complex, schoolkids taunting her grandchildren to "swim in that Katrina water and die" and shopkeepers muttering about survivors' sucking the public coffers dry. Stukes, chair of the ACORN KSA, has become so concerned that when New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin came to town recently, she begged him to hire a public-relations firm to repair the evacuees' image. But given all that Nagin has to contend with amid his own run for re-election, that is not likely to land high on his list.
Katrina continues to be a destructive force. The Bush administration found itself engulfed once again last week, after the release of some footage of the president at an August video briefing on the hurricane. The tape revived discussion of some of Bush's darkest days, when he seemed either uninformed or unable to respond to a national disaster unfolding on TV. But the tape wasn't the only thing fueling Katrina's return to the news. Stoked by congressional investigators, new details have emerged about the government failures that left so many people in mortal danger. Late last week retired Marine Corps Brigadier Gen. Matthew Broderick resigned his post as Homeland Security's operations chief amid accumulating evidence that the command post he directed as Katrina hit misjudged the early damage to New Orleans. (Homeland Security said Broderick left to "spend more time with his family.")
(to read the entire article, click on the title of the above thread. I personally am not tired of the evacuees. It's the crime that I'm tired of...)
Monday, March 06, 2006
Houston Roller Derby Schedule
New Girl Tryouts - March 26th, 6-9pmHRD has decided to hold one last set of tryouts for the league. We've gotten a lot of interest from ladies and we felt that it would be best to start your training now! If you are interested in trying out you MUST contact Pushy Galore for details. Please email recruitment@houstonrollerderby.com to get registered. If you show up without having talked to Pushy she will ask you to leave!
Attorney's Advice ~ No Charge
Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday. Maybe we should all take some of his advice! A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company.
1. The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes yourcheck book, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will know how you sign your checks.
2. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED".
3. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DONOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.
4. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a P.O. Box, use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a P.O Box, use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks. You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.
5. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when travel either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards. Unfortunately I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieve(s) ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more. But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:
1. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.
2. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one). But here's what is perhaps most important of all: (I never even thought to do this.)
3. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my name. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after thetheft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away. This weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks. Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about yourwallet, etc., has been stolen:
1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
3.) Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271
We pass along jokes on the Internet; we pass along just about everything. But if you are willing to pass this information along, it could really help someone that you care about.
1. The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes yourcheck book, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will know how you sign your checks.
2. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED".
3. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DONOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.
4. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a P.O. Box, use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a P.O Box, use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks. You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.
5. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when travel either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards. Unfortunately I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieve(s) ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more. But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:
1. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.
2. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one). But here's what is perhaps most important of all: (I never even thought to do this.)
3. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my name. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after thetheft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away. This weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks. Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about yourwallet, etc., has been stolen:
1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
3.) Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271
We pass along jokes on the Internet; we pass along just about everything. But if you are willing to pass this information along, it could really help someone that you care about.
Muslim/American?
Have you ever thought -- Can a devout Muslim be an American patriot and a loyal citizen? Is Muslim American really an oxymoron? Consider this:
Theologically, no. Because his allegiance is to Allah, the moon god of Arabia.
Religiously, no. Because no other religion is accepted by his Allah except Islam (Quran, 2:256)
Scripturally, no. Because his allegiance is to the five pillars of Islam and the Quran (Koran).
Geographically, no. Because his allegiance is to Mecca, to which he turns in prayer five times a day.
Socially, no. Because his allegiance to Islam forbids him to make friends with Christians or Jews.
Politically, no. Because he must submit to the mullah (spiritual leaders), who teach annihilation of Israel and destruction of America, the great Satan.
Domestically, no, because he is instructed to marry four women and beat and scourge his wife when she disobeys him (Quran 4:34).
Intellectually, no, because he cannot accept the American Constitution since it is based on Biblical principles and he believes the Bible to be corrupt.
Philosophically, no, because Islam, Muhammad, and the Quran do not allow freedom of religion and _expression. Democracy and Islam cannot co - exist. Every Muslim government is either dictatorial or autocratic.
Spiritually, no, because when we declare "one nation under God," the Christian's God is loving and kind, while Allah is NEVER referred to as heavenly father, nor is he ever called love in the Quran's 99 excellent names.
Therefore after much study and deliberation....
perhaps we should be very suspicious of ALL MUSLIMS in this country.
They obviously cannot be both "good" Muslims and good Americans. Call it what you wish...it's still the truth.
If you find yourself intellectually in agreement with the above statements, perhaps you will share this with your friends. The more who understand this, the better it will be for our country and our future.
Theologically, no. Because his allegiance is to Allah, the moon god of Arabia.
Religiously, no. Because no other religion is accepted by his Allah except Islam (Quran, 2:256)
Scripturally, no. Because his allegiance is to the five pillars of Islam and the Quran (Koran).
Geographically, no. Because his allegiance is to Mecca, to which he turns in prayer five times a day.
Socially, no. Because his allegiance to Islam forbids him to make friends with Christians or Jews.
Politically, no. Because he must submit to the mullah (spiritual leaders), who teach annihilation of Israel and destruction of America, the great Satan.
Domestically, no, because he is instructed to marry four women and beat and scourge his wife when she disobeys him (Quran 4:34).
Intellectually, no, because he cannot accept the American Constitution since it is based on Biblical principles and he believes the Bible to be corrupt.
Philosophically, no, because Islam, Muhammad, and the Quran do not allow freedom of religion and _expression. Democracy and Islam cannot co - exist. Every Muslim government is either dictatorial or autocratic.
Spiritually, no, because when we declare "one nation under God," the Christian's God is loving and kind, while Allah is NEVER referred to as heavenly father, nor is he ever called love in the Quran's 99 excellent names.
Therefore after much study and deliberation....
perhaps we should be very suspicious of ALL MUSLIMS in this country.
They obviously cannot be both "good" Muslims and good Americans. Call it what you wish...it's still the truth.
If you find yourself intellectually in agreement with the above statements, perhaps you will share this with your friends. The more who understand this, the better it will be for our country and our future.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Can You Read This?
Olny srmat poelpe can. Cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch atCmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in awrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer bein the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raedit wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed erveylteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh? yaeh and Iawlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!
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