Happy New Year!!!

Have a safe and wonderous New Years!

A Year in Review, 2007

2007 has been a year filled with joys and disappointments, reminiscent of years past yet interestingly distinct. 2006 brought about a life altering event that even today still remains apart of my thoughts and guides me along my journey.
And yet this event has also brought about hardships, while pale in comparison to the alternative outcome, these hardships truly have tested my beliefs and character. And I’m not ashamed to admit that I have failed a couple of these tests. One I failed because of my naïve beliefs and one from a purely selfish reasons. While both have produced a void which may never be healed they have also taught me a valuable lesson.

I have also seen many a victory throughout 2007. First and foremost, I am alive. There can be no greater victory any thought conscious being can ever be awarded. To rise each day and to bed down each night is truly a victory we take for granted. I, for one, do not take this victory for granted. I am witnessing my son maturing into a young man. And while the trials and tribulations raising a child can bring, there are no words for the overwhelming pride one is consumed with on a daily basis. For an 11 year old boy, he has been my crutch at times throughout the year. And for this I am thankful.

I have also made many a new friendship and rekindled friendships from years gone by. Whether the friendship is real life or a virtual person, the friendship is important nonetheless. And just recently a few of those virtual friendships have become real life. And for that I am truly blessed. These friends have blessed me with daily conversations that while some will debate they are only words, those words somehow bring about a comfort. A comfort of knowing that no matter what hand life deals me, I can always find emotions, resolutin and understanding within their words. People can read words and understand the content, but for a person to read and understand the person is a gift.

I have started a journey down a path to which I do not know where it leads. And for those who know me, this is a very unlikely trait for me. But over the past few months, a soulful yearning is pressing me to discover myself and reenergize my spirit. I have embraced this journey and am willingly walking this path. And during this journey it was brought to my attention that Dazed and Confuzed (dazdnconfzd in chats) was no longer equivalent to my personality. So after much debate, I am changing my chat screen login to AmazdnDazd, or Amazed and Dazed. I won’t be changing the name of this blog or anything already associated with Dazed and Confuzed. That would lead to mass confusion and that’s not my goal to achieve during my journey. However, you may see a shift in the polarity of my universe. A shift has already begun as some long time readers and friends have hopefully seen. The newer friends and readers will begin to notice as the year of 2008 progresses.

And as tradition here at Dazd Central, I am doing some housecleaning. Many have desecrated and dishonored the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. And so it shall be written and declared on this day, December 28th of the year 2007 that those who wish to be treated like royalty, friends and family shall reciprocate lest ye be banished from my kingdom.

And others have desecrated the Ten Commandments. I am lenient on many subjects and levels of these commandments. But there is one in particular that remains steadfast within my morals and practices. And so it shall be written and declared on this day, December 28th of the year 2007 that those who wish to be treated like family and friends shall adhere to these commandments lest ye be banished from my kingdom.
Henceforth and forevermore, those privileged to be within my circle of trust shall remain as given by these rules declared on this day, December 28th of the year 2007.

There is so much good in the worst of us,
And so much bad in the best of us,
That it hardly becomes any of us
To talk about the rest of us.
~Edward Wallis Hoch

And don’t worry dear friends and readers, if you’re reading this you shall remain apart of my kingdom, unless you give me a reason! lol

I think over again my small adventures.
My fears.
Those small ones that seemed so big.

For all the vital things
I had to get and to reach.

And yet there is only one great thing.
The only thing.

To live to see the great day that dawns
And the light that fulfills the world.

Eskimo Prayer

The Day After!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! My holiday actually started the 22nd while visitng some new friends. I couldn't even think of a better way to start.

I actually started and finished my Xmas shopping on Sunday. Being that it was Sunday, most of would be shoppers were either in church or preparing to watch NFL. My son and I experienced small crowds, even smaller check-out waits and parking was da bomb! In fact, we would've been done in 4 hours or less except we took advantage of small crowds to browse; something I rarely do. And yes, we visited the toy store aisle with all the sirens and noisemakers. :)

Christmas Eve was spent lounging around the house until 4 pm. We then went to my parents house for the traditional Christmas Eve dinner. Almost didn't all the presents for my son packed but we did. lol Christmas morning came too quickly and the presnets were plentiful. I did miss my step-daughter though, she couldn't make the trip from Nashville. Just wasn't the same without her but she promised she'll be up after New Years day.

We spent the afternoon at my brother-in-laws place eating, opening presents, drinking and eating. Did I mention we ate? Goodness...I'm still stuffed. Today I'm just relaxing and doing much of nothing. We may venture out to the grocery store...but I doubt it. lol

I hope your day is as relaxing as mine.

Dazed Over The Holidays Recap

Dazed over the Holidays Recap!

I'm not sure my words can adequately express yesterdays small meet-n-greet. I first arrived at Gray Brothers Cafeteria located in Mooresville, IN around 11:45. I thoroughly enjoyed waiting in the lobby amongst the Christmas decorations and families waiting for their loved ones to arrive. About 10 minutes later, I was joined by Jerry of Back Home Again. The conversation flowed easily and we spent 15 minutes talking as if we'd been friends forever.

We were joined by two sisters, Mrs J. and Dragon Lady. Folks, I'm telling you it was truly a honor and pleasure to spend the afternoon with these folks. Dragon and Mrs. J even had their dad and niece in tow. They were real troopers and dad even nodded his head occassionally to verify Jerry and I suspicions about the current conversation. Definitely too short of a meet, but we've discussed plans fo another meet in 2008.

The food...no one stayed on their diets. It was tough as the food is addicting and very satisfying. And I won't even tell momma on dad either. heh We all enjoyed a wonderful staff who graciously allowed us to sit and enjoy the conversations. I think it was around 2 pm I called the Indiana State Police and put them in stand down. Drags and Mrs. J were behaving themselves rather nicely and no one had to sit between them. Although there is a rumor that Mrs J. was quite entertaining while visiting the ladies room. I guess she was talking to everyone who entered. Jerry and I suspected she had a bottle of whisky with her, but we never found the proof.

I left that day feeling confident I'd made 5 new friends. I wish we'd had more time to enjoy each others company. If the opportunity presents itself to meet Dragon, Mrs. J or Jerry, you should take the time. Here are a few pics! If you look closely, you can see rabbit ears!



Left to Right: Mrs J, Dragon Lady, niece, Jerry and Dad


Left to Right: Dazd, Mrs J, Dragon Lady, niece, Jerry and Dad

Wishes for You!

Wishing you and yours a Christmas full of Love and Happiness.
May your wishes come truth this Holiday Season.
May God bless and keep you always.
May the Joy and Peace of Christmas
Be with you now and through the New Year.

May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope; The spirit of Christmas which is peace; The heart of Christmas which is love. - Ada V. Hendricks

Not Sure How to Say Merry Christmas?

Found this to be pretty awesome! Enjoy!

Below are the languages and how to say Merry Christmas/Happy New Year.

Afrikaans Gesëende Kersfees
Afrikander Een Plesierige Kerfees
African/ Eritrean/ Tigrinja Rehus-Beal-Ledeats
Albanian Gezur Krislinjden
Arabic: Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah
Argentine: Feliz Navidad
Armenian: Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand
Azeri: Tezze Iliniz Yahsi Olsun
Bahasa Malaysia: Selamat Hari Natal
Basque: Zorionak eta Urte Berri On!
Bengali: Shuvo Naba Barsha
Bohemian: Vesele Vanoce
Brazilian: Boas Festas e Feliz Ano Novo
Breton: Nedeleg laouen na bloavezh mat
Bulgarian: Tchestita Koleda; Tchestito Rojdestvo Hristovo
Catalan: Bon Nadal i un Bon Any Nou!
Chile: Feliz Navidad
Chinese: (Cantonese) Gun Tso Sun Tan'Gung Haw Sun
Chinese: (Mandarin) Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan
Choctaw: Yukpa, Nitak Hollo Chito
Columbia: Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo
Cornish: Nadelik looan na looan blethen noweth
Corsian: Pace e salute
Crazanian: Rot Yikji Dol La Roo
Cree: Mitho Makosi Kesikansi
Croatian: Sretan Bozic
Czech: Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok
Danish: Glædelig Jul
Duri: Christmas-e- Shoma Mobarak
Dutch: Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar! or Zalig Kerstfeast
English: Merry Christmas
Eskimo: (inupik) Jutdlime pivdluarit ukiortame pivdluaritlo!
Esperanto: Gajan Kristnaskon
Estonian: Ruumsaid juulup|hi
Faeroese: Gledhilig jol og eydnurikt nyggjar!
Farsi: Cristmas-e-shoma mobarak bashad
Finnish: Hyvaa joulua
Flemish: Zalig Kerstfeest en Gelukkig nieuw jaar
French: Joyeux Noel
Frisian: Noflike Krystdagen en in protte Lok en Seine yn it Nije Jier!
Galician: Bo Nada
Gaelic: Nollaig chridheil agus Bliadhna mhath ùr!
German: Froehliche Weihnachten
Greek: Kala Christouyenna!
Hausa: Barka da Kirsimatikuma Barka da Sabuwar Shekara!
Hawaiian: Mele Kalikimaka
Hebrew: Mo'adim Lesimkha. Chena tova
Hindi: Shub Naya Baras
Hausa: Barka da Kirsimatikuma Barka da Sabuwar Shekara!
Hawaian: Mele Kalikimaka ame Hauoli Makahiki Hou!
Hungarian: Kellemes Karacsonyi unnepeket
Icelandic: Gledileg Jol
Indonesian: Selamat Hari Natal
Iraqi: Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah
Irish: Nollaig Shona Dhuit or Nodlaig mhaith chugnat
Iroquois: Ojenyunyat Sungwiyadeson honungradon nagwutut. Ojenyunyat osrasay.
Italian: Buone Feste Natalizie
Japanese: Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto
Jiberish: Mithag Crithagsigathmithags
Korean: Sung Tan Chuk Ha
Latin: Natale hilare et Annum Faustum!
Latvian: Prieci'gus Ziemsve'tkus un Laimi'gu Jauno Gadu!
Lausitzian: Wjesole hody a strowe nowe leto
Lettish: Priecigus Ziemassvetkus
Lithuanian: Linksmu Kaledu
Low Saxon: Heughliche Winachten un 'n moi Nijaar
Macedonian: Sreken Bozhik
Maltese: IL-Milied It-tajjeb
Manx: Nollick ghennal as blein vie noa
Maori: Meri Kirihimete
Marathi: Shub Naya Varsh
Navajo: Merry Keshmish
Norwegian: God Jul or Gledelig Jul
Occitan: Pulit nadal e bona annado
Papiamento: Bon Pasco
Papua New Guinea: Bikpela hamamas blong dispela Krismas na Nupela yia i go long yu
Pennsylvania German: En frehlicher Grischtdaag un en hallich Nei Yaahr!
Peru: Feliz Navidad y un Venturoso Año Nuevo
Philipines: Maligayan Pasko!
Polish: Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia or Boze Narodzenie
Portuguese: Feliz Natal
Pushto: Christmas Aao Ne-way Kaal Mo Mobarak Sha
Rapa-Nui (Easter Island): Mata-Ki-Te-Rangi. Te-Pito-O-Te-Henua
Rhetian: Bellas festas da nadal e bun onn
Romanche (sursilvan dialect): Legreivlas fiastas da Nadal e bien niev onn!
Rumanian: Sarbatori vesele
Russian: Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom
Sami: Buorrit Juovllat
Samoan: La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou
Sardinian: Bonu nadale e prosperu annu nou
Serbian: Hristos se rodi
Slovakian: Sretan Bozic or Vesele vianoce
Sami: Buorrit Juovllat
Samoan: La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou
Scots Gaelic: Nollaig chridheil huibh
Serb-Croatian: Sretam Bozic. Vesela Nova Godina
Serbian: Hristos se rodi.
Singhalese: Subha nath thalak Vewa. Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa
Slovak: Vesele Vianoce. A stastlivy Novy Rok
Slovene: Vesele Bozicne. Screcno Novo Leto
Spanish: Feliz Navidad
Swedish: God Jul and (Och) Ett Gott Nytt År
Tagalog: Maligayamg Pasko. Masaganang Bagong Taon
Tami: Nathar Puthu Varuda Valthukkal
Trukeese: (Micronesian) Neekiriisimas annim oo iyer seefe feyiyeech!
Thai: Sawadee Pee Mai
Turkish: Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun
Ukrainian: Srozhdestvom Kristovym
Urdu: Naya Saal Mubarak Ho
Vietnamese: Chung Mung Giang Sinh
Welsh: Nadolig Llawen
Yugoslavian: Cestitamo Bozic
Yoruba: E ku odun, e ku iye'dun!

Some Holiday Humor

Jeff Dunham; Achmed's "Jingle Bombs"

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This is just too darn funny not to post.

My Holiday Wish

During the Holidays, families come together and rekindle their spirits with friendship only a family can understand. And every year we strive to find that magic moment we yearned for as children. The magic of time standing still as we cherish the moments Santa Claus brought us, if only in our dreams. Driving the country-side searching for the Christmas lights that brighten the sky. And we all ohhhh and awe in unison, sitting mesmerized for what seems an eternity. We hang tinsle on the tree, place the lights symetrically about, placing Christmas ornaments within every hole left by lights and tinsle. And we place the angel or star high atop the tree as not only a ornament, but as a monument of holiness we were taught to revere.

We, as adults, lose sight of all that is meant to be. We struggle to purchase that perfect gift or create that perfect decorated Christmas tree. We bake until we are so sick of baking we question our sanity. We wrap until the paper cuts and tape glue becomes to intense to ignore. We stay up until the wee hours of the morning becoming a volunteer Santa's helper. We're tired and cranky the next day that people question our sanity. We lose sight of what it truly means to enjoy the Holidays. And with all the chaos we create within ourselves, we truly miss the enjoyment of the Holidays. By the time the coffee kicks in, our children or grandchildren have lived their dreams of happiness and we remain unfulfilled.

If only for a day, we let by-gones be by-gones and remember the good times amongst our foes. We make promises to which both parties know we cannot keep, but the thought and sincere presentation makes it hard to ignore.

And with each passing year, we search vainly for that inner child that seemingly is suppressed during the other 364 days of the year. That child we grew to accept and cherish yet seems tougher each year to summon. And do you really blame that inner child? Afterall, we suppress this child for 364 days and only allow that child to surface one day, if at all. However, I have found over the past year that the more I release that inner child the more joy I find within myself. The inner struggle is minimzed of what is considered acceptable and what I deem acceptable.

I walk through the toy aisles now all year long, searching intently for the one pleasure that not only I enjoy, but also brings joy of those around me. Yes...thats right; I find all the toy vehicles with noise makers like sirens and the likes and hit all the buttons. I walk away nonchalantly as the toy aisle erupts into a chaotic symphony that only a child can appreciate. And when the chaos subsides, the smile continues for hours. And when the adrenaline rush subsides and the smile fades, I seek out the next department store with a toy aisle. And so the cycle of rejuvenation continues. And its with these fleeting moments that my spirit and inner child remain a constant.

Yes I embarrass my family but who cares. I am being me and I refuse to change for anyone. I am happy with me, I love me and I enjoy me, which by the way is the only thing that matters in my world. So I wish upon each of my readers, to let down your hair, relax your guard and truly enjoy the Holidays so you can rekindle those cherished childhood memories. You will rejuvenate your spirit and the inner child. And let that inner child shine outward and know that your friend, Dazd, is nodding in approval.

Go ahead...try it, you won't be disappointed.

Some Christmas Facts

$6.87 billion is the total online charitable gift giving in the United State in 2006, up 51% from the previous year.

Although typrically turned into mulch, recycled Christmas tress are also instrumental in rebuilding coastal marshlands and providing shelter in wildlife refuges.

Production of stollen, a sweet holiday bread that originated centuries ago in Dresden, Germany is still regulated by the Protection Association for Desden Christstollen. Each loaf made in the city comes with an official seal.

A Hanukkah menorah has nine candles, one for each day the oil lasted after the ancient Temple was reclaimed and one to light the rest. The original menorah only had seven, symbolizing creation.

December 19th is projected to be the busiest day of 2007 for the US Postal Service. More than twice the average number of cards, letters, and packages are expected to be mailed on that day.

Prescribed for more than just holiday cheer, Eggnog was considered a restorative in nineteenth century America and was commonly served to those who were recuperating from illness.

H/T to reader Michelle for the preceding facts

Although many believe the Friday after Thanksgiving is the busiest shopping day of the year, it is not. It is the fifth to tenth busiest day. The Friday and Saturday before Christmas are the two busiest shopping days of the year.

America's official national Christmas tree is located in King's Canyon National Park in California. The tree, a giant sequoia called the "General Grant Tree," is over 300 feet (90 meters) high. It was made the official Christmas tree in 1925.

Candy canes began as straight white sticks of sugar candy used to decorated the Christmas trees. A choirmaster at Cologne Cathedral decided have the ends bent to depict a shepherd's crook and he would pass them out to the children to keep them quiet during the services. It wasn't until about the 20th century that candy canes acquired their red stripes.

Christmas caroling began as an old English custom called Wassailing - toasting neighbors to a long and healthy life.

During the ancient 12-day Christmas celebration, the log burned was called the "Yule log." Sometimes a piece of the Yule log would be kept to kindle the fire the following winter, to ensure that the good luck carried on from year to year. The Yule log custom was handed down from the Druids.

Historians have traced some of the current traditions surrounding Father Christmas, or Santa Claus, back to ancient Celtic roots. Father Christmas's elves are the modernization of the "Nature folk" of the Pagan religions; his reindeer are associated with the "Horned God," which was one of the Pagan deities.

In Medieval England, Nicholas was just another saint - he had not yet been referred to as Santa Claus and he had nothing to do with Christmas.

St. Nicholas was bishop of the Turkish town of Myra in the early fourth century. It was the Dutch who first made him into a Christmas gift-giver, and Dutch settlers brought him to America where his name eventually became the familiar Santa Claus.

In North America, children put stockings out at Christmas time. Their Dutch counterparts, however, use shoes. Dutch children set out shoes to receive gifts any time between mid-November and December 5, St. Nicholas' birthday.

The actual gift givers are different in various countries:
England: Father Christmas
France: Pere Noel (Father Christmas)
Germany: Christkind (angelic messenger from Jesus) She is a beautiful fair haired girl with a shining crown of candles.
Holland: St Nicholas.
Italy: La Befana (a kindly old witch)
Spain and South America: The Three Kings
Russia: In some parts - Babouschka (a grandmotherly figure) in other parts it is Grandfather Frost.
Scandinavia: a variety of Christmas gnomes. One is called Julenisse.

Long before it was used as a "kiss encourager" during the Christmas season, mistletoe had long been considered to have magic powers by Celtic and Teutonic peoples. It was said to have the ability to heal wounds and increase fertility. Celts hung mistletoe in their homes in order to bring themselves good luck and ward off evil spirits.

The modern Christmas custom of displaying a wreath on the front door of one's house, is borrowed from ancient Rome's New Year's celebrations. Romans wished each other "good health" by exchanging branches of evergreens. They called these gifts strenae after Strenia, the goddess of health. It became the custom to bend these branches into a ring and display them on doorways.

Silent Night was written in 1818, by an Austrian priest Joseph Mohr. He was told the day before Christmas that the church organ was broken and would not be prepared in time for Christmas Eve. He was saddened by this and could not think of Christmas without music, so he wanted to write a carol that could be sung by choir to guitar music. He sat down and wrote three stanzas. Later that night the people in the little Austrian Church sang "Stille Nacht" for the first time.

The "Twelve Days of Christmas" was originally written to help Catholic children, in England, remember different articles of faith during the persecution by Protestant Monarchs. The "true love" represented God, and the gifts all different ideas:
The "Partridge in a pear tree" was Christ.
2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity-- the Theological Virtues
4 Calling Birds = the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which relays the history of man's fall from grace.
6 Geese A-laying = the six days of Creation
7 Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
8 Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping = the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed
(Did not know this...can someone else verify its authenticity?)

The popular Christmas song "Jingle Bells" was composed in 1857 by James Pierpont, and was originally called "One-Horse Open Sleigh."

The poem commonly referred to as "The Night Before Christmas" was originally titled "A Visit From Saint Nicholas." This poem was written by Clement Moore for his children and some guests, one of whom anonymously sent the poem to a New York newspaper for publication.

Yuletide-named towns in the United States include Santa Claus, located in Arizona and Indiana, Noel in Missouri, and Christmas in both Arizona and Florida. There is also a Christmas in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
**Edited by comments from Kristine**

It Snowed over the Weekend

Quiet on the Set! Premiere Show

Our premiere show is January 8, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. EST. We are excited to have Ghaniya.



Visit Ghaniya's Myspace!

January is booked so stop by and check out our line-up. We are currently booking February and looks like March will fill-up quickly too. If you are an entertainer and would like to be a guest on our show, please visit us and drop us a note.

Visit Us on Talk Shoe!!!
Visit Us on Myspace!!!

Add us to your friends list so you don't miss upcoming announcements! Please repost!

The Q Crew
Steve(aka Dazd), Meleah, Sheila, Casey and Steve

Dazed Over the Holidays Reminder

Dazed over the Holidays!

Fellow bloggers...

Mark your calendars...

Don't miss the event of the year...

Make sure your well prepared...

When: December 22, 2007
Location: Indianapolis
Time: 12 noon until ?????
Who: Me of course!!! And Dragon!!! DNR!!! Goldbloom!?!?!? Any and all are welcome!!!

Everyone is invited! I realize it's the Holidays but I'm excited about this. If all goes well, I'll try and schedule one for the summer.

We will be meeting at Gray's Cafeteria at 12 noon December 22, 2007 for lunch. From there...who knows but at least we have a starting point. Excellent choice Dragon!
Here is a map: Gray Brothers Cafeteria.
And here is the address:
Gray Brothers Cafeteria
555 S. Indiana St.
Mooresville, IN 46158
317-831-5614

If you need directions, email me here and I will provide them to you. Let me know from what direction(town)you are coming from. Like I said...this is where we will start so if you have suggestions around Indy that'll be closer for some, email me or post a comment.

Join us for an afternoon of fun as Dragon takes Indiana by storm!!!

Nothing Thursday

HA...first I typed Nothing Turdsday. Fitting...

Ok...I was issued a challenge some weeks back to post a pic of myself. Although I see said pic is still present on the original post. So I'll be gracious enough to leave it until I feel compelled to remove it. (probably late Friday heh)

The nice part about posting a month later is I don't have to tag anyone else. And I don't have to follow the rules!




A little blurry...too much booze on the photographers part me thinks.

Wednesdays Thoughts

Philosophical Thought for the Day: If a man is alone in the forest and there's no woman around to hear him, is he still wrong?

It's Official

From WDAZ The Dazd Broadcasting Network...

No no no..its not official I'm insane, although some may debate the statement.

I'm doing a new Internet Radio show called Quiet on the Set.

A show dedicated to entertainers of the muses. We give you, the entertainer, an opportunity to showcase your talents. Whether you're an aspiring entertainer or a well-established one, we'd like to hear from you about being a guest on our show. Your host for the show is Steve. Known around the internets as Dazd, he sometimes truly fits his name. Steve is joined by 2 co-hosts; Sheila and Meleah. It promises to be fun and I hope you enjoy the show.

When: Tuesday Night at 8 PM EST
Where: Quiet on the Set

Our premeire show is January 8th and the featured guest is the talented singer/songwriter Ghaniya

January 22nd: We are thrilled to have a talented singer/songwriter Melissa Greenwood as our guest. Visit Melissa Greeenwod's Myspace Page

I am also fortunate to have as co-hosts two lovely talented ladies Meleah and Sheila. Also joining us just today, Casey and Steve. These two gentlemen will assist when their schedules allow.

Check out our Myspace page for more information and possibly a picture posted of yours truly.

Also check back here for more updates and show information. We will develop a website and a blog as well. Also, developing an external download site for podcasts.

I hope to see you during shows in the chat.

So stay tuned.

We now return you to our regularly scheduled programs.

Are you Skeptical?

Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus


By Francis P. Church, first published in The New York Sun in 1897. [See The People’s Almanac, pp. 1358–9.]

Dear Editor—

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O’Hanlon

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Breath my child, breath the air which if that of Christmas. Believe until your dying days that Santa Claus is not a fantasy. Never let your heart grow old lest you wish to become cold. First and foremost, learn of the true meaning of Christmas. And from this knowledge simplify your life around this glorious occassion. Rejoice in the laughter and innocence of your children and granchildren then once again you'll live your childhood dreams. Remember your childhood dreams and cherish them as you do your family.

As long as I remain a child at heart, I will never grow old.

A child's world is fresh and new and beautiful, full of wonder and excitement. It is our misfortune that for most of us that clear-eyed vision, that true instinct for what is beautiful and awe-inspiring, is dimmed and even lost before we reach adulthood. ~Rachel Carson

A Date which will Live in Infamy

"Yesterday, December 7, 1941--a date which will live in infamy--the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense...I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan...a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory--" So help us God"
~President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dec. 8, 1941

Sixty-six years ago, our nation endured a devastating attack that claimed the lives of more than 2,400 Americans. Those stationed at Pearl Harbor rushed into action as gunfire and explosions shattered the Sunday morning calm of December 7, 1941. Putting duty before their own safety, many risked their lives – and many gave their lives – to defend their comrades and the free world.

You could never be repaid for your bravery and sacrifice to our nation. We forget, and lose sight of, how far we have come as a nation because of your service. My family and our children salute you and your service, and give you our most humble thank you!

Through My Eyes

As I sit and watch the sun set below the trees
As through the window comes a gentle breeze
I think of all my fears
And my eye weeps a single tear

I sit and watch the night take hold
My mind grows numb and cold
I’m not sure how many thoughts
But many a battle I have fought

Only a single thing through all of this
One thing I would truly miss
Someone like you by my side
My friend I trust to confide

My soul you see through my eyes
Never letting my mind drift to high
Always receiving that special hug
That lets me know I am still loved

For a fleeting moment I forget my fears
Wishing for the moment to last for years


Copyright © 2007 Dazdnconfzd

Invisible Title **UPDATED**

I entered a weekly Haiku contest over at Sparrows. Can you believe I actually made the top 10? Altho me thinks there were 10 entries. lol

So go check them out and cast your vote!

**Thank you all for the wonderful comments and your votes!**

Snowy Daydream

Snowy Daydream

So beautiful yet so concise
Always unique and never two alike
Free to travel with the wind
Finding one another in the end
Swirls of wind give them flight
Well into the day and through the night
Continually they fall from the heaven above
Gently floating as if on wings of a dove
Sunlight through the clouds at last
Radiant perceptions the sun has cast
Creating a wonderland from the barren and cold
A beautiful scene before my eyes does unfold
Millions have arrived covertly with the night
Seemingly nonchalant with their impending plight
The sun warms the surrounding air
Forthwith delivering destiny without a care
Memories of this morning will appease my fears
Wondrous joys the snow yields each year.

Copyright © 2006 Dazdnconfzd

(repost)

Mondays Ramblings

Awesome weekend...spent some time with a great friend! Just what I needed to keep my energies renewed. And I have a fantastic weekend coming up as well! Although instead of Crown Royal and Coke this weekend I'll stick with wine. heh Also...a big announcement coming right here at Dazd Central very soon so stay tuned!!!

Ok folks..you know how I am about my friends and events in their lives. Please go over and leave Meleah and Callie some comment love. They both had a very tough loss recently and as you'll see, you'll need some tissues. If you've not visited there before, tell them Dazd sent you. And for pete's sake, bookmark them. They are both wonderful people and post some amazing blogs.

Did I mention Crown Royal and Coke? ugh

Don't forget Dazed Over the Holidays!!! Although we need to send out an APB on Dragon and Goldbloom.

Which reminds me...does anyone know what's happened to Barista @ The Pink Cosmopolitan? I keep getting an error message. People People People...how many times do I have to ask that if you drop off the radar, please let me know. I have the Goon Squad out lookin' for you!

Ok...here's Mondays Caption Contest Pic.



Post your captions in the comments!

What We Can Learn about Committment

The Hunter


A hunter and his friend were sitting in a tall tower stand near highway 481 in Maverick Co., TX, early one cold December morning.

Suddenly, a huge buck walked out over the corn they had spread in the shrub with a tailgate feeder. The buck was magnificent......a once in a lifetime animal. His rack was huge....the hunter's hand shook as his mind was already counting the Boone and Crockett points. Moving quickly, the hunter carefully aimed the Leopold scope on his .300 Win Mag at the unsuspecting buck.

As he was about to squeeze the trigger on this deer of a lifetime, his friend alerted him to a funeral procession passing slowly down highway 481. The hunter pulled away from the gunstock, set the rifle down, took off his hat, bowed his head and then closed his eyes in prayer.

His friend was stunned. 'Wow, that is the most thoughtful and touching thing I have ever seen you do. You actually let that trophy deer go to pay respects to a passing funeral procession. You are indeed the kindest man I have ever known, and I feel lucky to call you a friend.'

The hunter shrugged. 'Yeah, well, we were married for 37 years.'

For All You Bad Drivers...

-For all you drivers who fail to use a turn signal, I wish you the intelligence to discover exactly what one is used for.
-For all you drivers who can't drive the speed limit, I wish you the intelligence to discover exactly what they mean and to attempt to follow them.
-For all you drivers who wish to tailgate me at extremely high speeds, I wish you the intelligence to discover that me tapping on my nrakes is a warning sign.
-For all you drivers who throw you're cigarette butts lit out your window, I wish you the intelligence to discover that flammable objects can cause a fire.
-For all you drivers who pull in front of me disregarding a signal light, I wish you the intelligence to discover exactly what one is used for and why I honk my horn!
-For all you drivers who obsess with talking on the cell phone, smoking a cig whilst holding a soda, I wish you the intelligence to discover exactly what concentration is and how it can be used for driving SAFELY!!

-For all you drivers who bacically suck at driving and continuously piss me off, I WISH I WERE AN ELEPHANT SO I COULD TAKE A HEALTHY SH*T ON THE HOOD OF YOUR CAR!!!.

/end of rant

Have a great weekend and drive safely.

Friday Funnies

A Tale of 5 Days

Lately, I have been attempting to resurrect the person within me, the true me. I found that after my ordeal in 2006 that I had strayed from my chosen path and became a wandering soul lost in this maze of life. Decisions were no longer direct and simple, enjoyment of activities were minimal and I was constantly aching for something that is undefined. Everything I participated with still left an empty void.

And then last week, I finally discovered the void within my galaxy. I spent 5 glorious days reacquainting myself with Nature. Primal desires crested to new heights within quelching my yearnings for guidance. I spontaneously morphed into another person knowing all things regarding Nature and learning again all the aspects of Nature's cycle of life. I instinctively knew of the paths to venture allowing Nature to saturate my soul and mind with her beauty.

My connections with Nature rejuvenated my spirit as I reconnected with my lost soul. I cared not the elements were harsh, rainy, cold, windy and sometimes a sunny warm inviting environment. I cared not that deer, squirrels, birds, and many other forms of Nature went about their daily lives. I was at home...I found my peace and light shown through my void that plagued me for a decade. I had made peace within myself and with Nature. I found my path once again and my sanctuary from everyday life.

And then I remembered something I penned in 1987: "Peace and Tranquility; of oneness with Nature and God."

And yesterday's light reading brought forth a poetic piece I'd long forgotten.


I heard a thousand blended notes
While in a grove I sate reclined,
In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts
Bring sad thoughts to the mind.

To her fair works did Nature link
The human soul that through me ran;
And much it grieved my heart to think
What Man has made of Man.

Through primrose tufts, in that sweet bower,
The periwinkle trail'd its wreaths;
And 'tis my faith that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes.

The birds around me hopp'd and play'd,
Their thoughts I cannot measure,—
But the least motion which they made
It seem'd a thrill of pleasure.

The budding twigs spread out their fan
To catch the breezy air;
And I must think, do all I can,
That there was pleasure there.

If this belief from heaven be sent,
If such be Nature's holy plan,
Have I not reason to lament
What Man has made of Man?

William Wordsworth

Hello..this thing on?...

"Hello boys...I'm baaaaaaaaaack!!!"

Back from my mini-vacation and I feel great! Muscles ache and I caught a lil sniffles but I'm feeling great. I'm rejuvenated and have plenty of blogs floating around in my head. Now to just get them on here. LOL

OMG..so many blogs to read and catch-up on and so little time. I promise I'll get around to visiting you all in the next few days!

In the meantime....don't forget:

Dazed over the Holidays!

Fellow bloggers...

Mark your calendars...

Don't miss the event of the year...

Make sure your well prepared...

It only happens here for one day! That's right...for one day and one day only you can attend the Holiday meet-up.

Dazed over the Holidays!

When: December 22, 2007
Location: Indianapolis
Time: 12 noon until ?????
Who: Me of course!!! And Dragon!!! And many others yet to be named! Any and all are welcome!!!

Everyone is invited! I realize it's the Holidays but I'm excited about this. If all goes well, I'll try and schedule one for the summer.

We will be meeting at Gray's Cafeteria at 12 noon December 22, 2007 for lunch. From there...who knows but at least we have a starting point. Excellent choice Dragon!
Here is a map: Gray Brothers Cafeteria.
And here is the address:
Gray Brothers Cafeteria
555 S. Indiana St.
Mooresville, IN 46158
317-831-5614

If you need directions, email me here and i will provide them to you. Let me know from what direction(town)you are coming from. Like I said...this is where we will start so if you have suggestions around Indy that'll be closer for some, email me or post a comment.

Join us for an afternoon of fun as Dragon takes Indiana by storm!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving
by: Edgar Albert Guest

It may be I am getting old and like too much to dwell
Upon the days of bygone years, the days I loved so well;
But thinking of them now I wish somehow that I could know
A simple old Thanksgiving Day, like those of long ago,
When all the family gathered round a table richly spread,
With little Jamie at the foot and grandpa at the head,
The youngest of us all to greet the oldest with a smile,
With mother running in and out and laughing all the while.

It may be I'm old-fashioned, but it seems to me to-day
We're too much bent on having fun to take the time to pray;
Each little family grows up with fashions of its own;
It lives within a world itself and wants to be alone.
It has its special pleasures, its circle, too, of friends;
There are no get-together days; each one his journey wends,
Pursuing what he likes the best in his particular way,
Letting the others do the same upon Thanksgiving Day.

I like the olden way the best, when relatives were glad
To meet the way they used to do when I was but a lad;
The old home was a rendezvous for all our kith and kin,
And whether living far or near they all came trooping in
With shouts of "Hello, daddy!" as they fairly stormed the place
And made a rush for mother, who would stop to wipe her face
Upon her gingham apron before she kissed them all,
Hugging them proudly to her breast, the grownups and the small.

Then laughter rang throughout the home, and, Oh, the jokes they told;
From Boston, Frank brought new ones, but father sprang the old;
All afternoon we chatted, telling what we hoped to do,
The struggles we were making and the hardships we'd gone through;
We gathered round the fireside. How fast the hours would fly--
It seemed before we'd settled down 'twas time to say good-bye.
Those were the glad Thanksgivings, the old-time families knew
When relatives could still be friends and every heart was true.

Caption It!

No Caption It! this week. I don't have a cool pic and the blog will be quiet from Wednesday until Wednesday the 28th. I have a few days vacation to burn. Its deer season here in Hoosierland and I've not been deer hunting in almost 14 years. I plan on taking my camera...so I can shoot some either way.

Although I did find a good pic that I just couldn't pass up.


I'll post again before Wednesday. Have a great week!

Dazed Over the Holidays

Dazed over the Holidays!

UPDATED

Fellow bloggers...

Mark your calendars...

Don't miss the event of the year...

Make sure your well prepared...

It only happens here for one day! That's right...for one day and one day only you can attend the Holiday meet-up.

Dazed over the Holidays!

When: December 22, 2007
Location: Indianapolis
Time: 12 noon until ?????
Who: Me of course!!! And Dragon!!! And many others yet to be named! Any and all are welcome!!!

Everyone is invited! I realize it's the Holidays but I'm excited about this. If all goes well, I'll try and schedule one for the summer.

***UPDATE***

We will be meeting at Gray's Cafeteria at 12 noon December 22, 2007 for lunch. From there...who knows but at least we have a starting point. Excellent choice Dragon!
Here is a map: Gray Brothers Cafeteria.
And here is the address:
Gray Brothers Cafeteria
555 S. Indiana St.
Mooresville, IN 46158
317-831-5614

If you need directions, email me here and i will provide them to you. Let me know from what direction(town)you are coming from. Like I said...this is where we will start so if you have suggestions around Indy that'll be closer for some, email me or post a comment.

Join us for an afternoon of fun as Dragon takes Indiana by storm!!!

Caption Contest Winners!

First Place:
What Deer Serial Killers Think:
"You know, staging a fake suicide would sure be a lot easier with thumbs." DragonLady

Second Place:
Cheney's a damn fine hunter when it comes to shooting at his "friends" but a deer...not so much! Ray M.

Third Place:
Hey Rex...Are you awake buddy? I guess you won't mind if I have a little bit of your snack and a sip of your Shiner Bock.... Becky

Thanksgiving Facts

The First Thanksgiving

The first American Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621, to commemorate the harvest reaped by the Plymouth Colony after a harsh winter. In that year Governor William Bradford proclaimed a day of thanksgiving. The colonists celebrated it as a traditional English harvest feast, to which they invited the local Wampanoag Indians.

Days of thanksgiving were celebrated throughout the colonies after fall harvests. All thirteen colonies did not, however, celebrate Thanksgiving at the same time until October 1777. George Washington was the first president to declare the holiday, in 1789.

A New National Holiday

By the mid–1800s, many states observed a Thanksgiving holiday. Meanwhile, the poet and editor Sarah J. Hale had begun lobbying for a national Thanksgiving holiday. During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln, looking for ways to unite the nation, discussed the subject with Hale. In 1863 he gave his Thanksgiving Proclamation, declaring the last Thursday in November a day of thanksgiving.

In 1939, 1940, and 1941 Franklin D. Roosevelt, seeking to lengthen the Christmas shopping season, proclaimed Thanksgiving the third Thursday in November. Controversy followed, and Congress passed a joint resolution in 1941 decreeing that Thanksgiving should fall on the fourth Thursday of November, where it remains.

How the Turkey Got Its Name

There are a number of explanations for the origin of the name of Thanksgiving's favorite dinner guest. Some believe Christopher Columbus thought that the land he discovered was connected to India, and believed the bird he discovered (the turkey) was a type of peacock. He therefore called it 'tuka,' which is 'peacock' in Tamil, an Indian language.

Though the turkey is actually a type of pheasant, one can't blame the explorer for trying.

The Native American name for turkey is 'firkee'; some say this is how turkeys got their name. Simple facts, however, sometimes produce the best answers—when a turkey is scared, it makes a "turk, turk, turk" noise.

H/T to reader Michelle!






(Double click the following one)

Hoosier Alert!!!

Fellow Hoosiers and bloggers from all over...

Mark your calendars...

Don't miss the event of the year...

Make sure your well prepared...

It only happens here for one day! That's right...for one day and one day only you can attend the meet-up to rival all meet-ups.

Dazed over the Holidays!

When: December 22, 2007
Location: Indianapolis
Time: 12 noon until ?????
Who: Me of course!!! And Dragon!!! And And many others yet to be named! Any and all are welcome!!!
Name: Dazed over the Holidays!

And there's more!!

"But Dazd..how can there be more?" I know...tough to imagine isn't it? We have planned a special appearance!!!

The exact location hasn't been decided yet. So if'n you all have any great suggestions on location, let me know ASAP.


Join us for an afternoon of fun as Dragon takes Indiana by storm!!!

Wednesdays Funnies

============

The big game hunter walked in the hunting club bar and bragged to everyone about his hunting skills. The man was undoubtedly a good shot and no one could dispute that. But then he said that they could blindfold him and he would recognize any animal's skin from its feel, and if he could locate the bullet hole he would even tell them what caliber the bullet was that killed the animal. The hunter said that he was willing to prove it if they would put up the drinks, and so the bet was on.

They blindfolded him carefully and took him to his first animal skin. After feeling it for a few moments, he announced "Bear." Then he felt the bullet hole and declared, "Shot with a .308 rifle." He was right.

They brought him another skin, one that someone had in their car trunk. He took a bit longer this time and then said, "Elk, shot with a 7mm Mag rifle. He was right again.

Through the night, he proved his skills again and again, every time against a round of drinks. Finally he staggered home, drunk out of his mind, and went to sleep. The next morning he got up and saw in the mirror that he had one hell of a shiner. He said to his wife, "I know I was drunk last night, but not drunk enough to get in a fight and not remember it. Where did I get this black eye?"

His wife angrily replied, "I gave it to you. You got into bed and put your hand down my panties. Then you fiddled around a bit and loudly announced, "Skunk, killed with an axe."

Caption It!

Leave your captions in the comments!

Caption Contest Winners!

"The squirrels were not fearing hunting season at the famous Christmas Place"

First Place: "Oh crap, my wife will kill me if I don't win my nuts back." Dawn

Second Place: The nuts here at the Christmas Place are a little stale. Do you have something else? Becky

Third Place: That had better not be an ace in your cheek squirrely boy! Hammer

Honorable Mention: Go Fish! Meleah

Remembering Our Heroes

What is a Veteran?

On Veterans Day, November 11th, we pause to remember and to honor the men and women who selflessly and bravely served in America’s armed forces to keep our nation strong and our freedoms secure.

Veterans Day traditionally is a day of celebration when communities large and small demonstrate their respect and appreciation for the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who have sacrificed so much for the cherished causes of liberty and peace.

This Veterans Day, however, will be a more somber occasion as we pay tribute to not only those who served in past wars, but honor America’s sons and daughters on active duty in Iraq and in the war against terrorism being waged around the world.

Observance of Veterans Day – or Armistice Day as it was known then -- began 84-years ago, in 1919, when Americans gathered to celebrate the first anniversary of the peace agreement that ended the first world war – the war to end all wars.

Today, many wars and conflicts later, we continue this tradition of paying tribute to those who have worn the uniforms of our armed forces. Our servicemen and women have freely given of themselves throughout our history to preserve the precious liberties and freedoms enjoyed today by Americans and people worldwide. We are the fortunate beneficiaries of their vigilance and determination.

The courage of America’s veterans has been passed down from generation to generation. Our veterans have proudly and bravely battled tyranny and oppression in the world wars, Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East.

And, today, our men and women in uniform once again are at war, bringing freedom to the people of Iraq and standing vigilant against brutal and ruthless terrorists who kill innocent people in their blind hatred of America and our special way of life.

Through their service, today’s veterans have joined a long line of patriots willing to risk all to preserve our freedom and the American way of life.

To the families of others who have made the supreme sacrifice – we extend our heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging we cannot measure the value of the freedoms secured by their supreme sacrifice. Their losses, however, will not be in vain, as our nation will emerge victorious in these wars and the world will be a better and safer place.

We are a nation blessed with an abundance of citizens willing to take up arms to secure, defend and maintain the principles put forth by our forefathers. Since the founding of our nation, nearly 50 million men and women have served America in uniform.

Half of them – some 25 million – are living today. They are our grandparents, parents, sons and daughters, co-workers, friends and neighbors – ordinary citizens who have served in extraordinary ways to preserve the greatness of America.

It is our duty as citizens of this great nation to remember the service of our veterans, their sacrifices and their commitment to America and its citizens. We should do so, not just on Veterans Day, but every day of the year.

That is the least we can do in recognition of the inestimable debt we owe for what they have done for us, and continue to do to make a better and safer tomorrow for generations of Americans, who will enjoy the promise of freedom and happiness as the legacy of the selfless service of countless patriots.

A few years after the end of World War I, President Calvin Coolidge cautioned Americans that “The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” The admonition is as timely today as it was then.

On Veterans Day 2006 let us join together in remembering our veterans and giving thanks for all they have done for us and our great nation. And, let us pray for the safety and well being of our men and women in uniform, and wish them success as they fight for the cause of freedom and peace.

Two little words that mean a lot, "THANK YOU." Remember November 11th is Veterans Day.

"It is the soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

It is the soldier,
Who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag."

Father Denis Edward O'Brien, USMC

Wacky Wednesday

Folks...I always strive to find the funniest, sincerest, mainstream, off topic materials known to mankind. I think I have truly outdone myself.

If this doesn't work on the main page, double click for it to function.


And BTW...this is my 500th post!!!

Caption It!

"The squirrels were not fearing hunting season at the famous Christmas Place"

Leave your captions in the comments!

Caption Contest Winners!

"Johnny was sorry he made the statement...'It really chaps my ass the swings are broke.' "

First Place: At the Marquis de Sade School For Wayward Boys, even recess was an integral part of the curriculum. Ambulance Driver

Second Place: The other children laughed when they saw young Thomas Edison's alternative to hemorrhoid cream. Fortunately for the rest of us, the teary-eyed and ass-grated inventor never gave up. Arthur

Third Place: Once Bush realized that vetoing the SCHIP healthcare bill didn't quite go far enough... Ray M.

Honorable Mention: Tom Cruise, sick of hearing how his young costar stole every scene that he was in, takes the young lad to a "special" playground. Vince

Friday Funnies

Good Thoughts and Well-wishes

17 seconds of pure thought is equivalent to 2000 hours of action. If you are working a regular 40 hour a week job, that is about what you work in a year. 17 seconds equals 2000 action hours. Abraham-Hicks

What's this have to do with good thoughts and well-wishes? Nothing really except I'm gonna ask all my fellow bloggers to take 17 seconds of their lives and send good thoughts, well-wishes and/or prayers to the following people.

Momma Mia: She's developed a severe upper respiratory infection & bronchitis. Stop by and leave her some comment love...she really enjoys it.

Ksquest: Here hubby Walter is in the hospital after nearly having another heart attack. He's lucky to have a good woman like that by his side. Stop by and leave her some comment love...she really needs the buoyance right now.

17 seconds, 8.5 seconds each is all I'm asking for. That's not too much to ask for is it? Afterall, a person generally works 2,000 hours a year. That's 7,200,000 seconds a work year. 17 seconds a day is approximately 4,250 seconds a work year which is approximately 3/5,000% of the toal working time each year.

My brain hurts now...

Anyways, show them some support! And don't forget to tell them Dazd sent you!

Ps. And if my math is wrong, please leave constructive criticism.

Halloween Funnies!

You're too old to Trick or Treat when...

10. You get winded from knocking on the door.
9. You have to have another kid chew the candy for you.
8. You ask for high fiber candy only.
7. When someone drops a candy bar in your bag, you lose your balance and fall over.
6. People say, "Great Keith Richards mask!" and you're not wearing a mask.
5. When the door opens you yell, "Trick or..." and can't remember the rest.
4. By the end of the night, you have a bag full of restraining orders.
3. You have to carefully choose a costume that won't dislodge your hairpiece.
2. You're the only Power Ranger in the neighborhood with a walker.
1. You avoid going to houses where your ex-wives live.

Why Halloween is better than sex...

10. You're guaranteed to get at least a little something in the sack.
9. If you get tired, wait 10 minutes and go at it again.
8. The uglier you look, the easier it is to get some.
7. You don't have to compliment the person who gave you candy.
6. The person giving you candy doesn't fantasize you're someone else.
5. If you get a stomach ache, it won't last 9 months.
4. If you wear a Batman mask, no one thinks you're kinky.
3. It doesn't matter if kids hear you moaning and groaning.
2. Less guilt the next morning.
1. If you don't get what you want, you can always go next door.


The Cab Driver And the Nun

A cab driver picks up a nun. She gets into the cab, and the cab driver won't stop staring at her.
She asks him why he is staring and he replies, "I have a question to ask you but I don't want to offend you."
She answers: "My dear son, you cannot offend me. When you're as old as I am and have been a nun as long as I have, you get a chance to see and hear just about everything. I'm sure that there's nothing you could say or ask that I would find offensive."
"Well, I've always had a fantasy to have a nun kiss me." She responds,
"Well, let's see what we can do about that: #1, you have to be single and #2 you must be a Catholic."
The cab driver is very excited and says, "Yes, I am single and I'm Catholic too!"
The nun says, "OK, pull into the next alley." He does and the nun fulfills his fantasy.
But when they get back on the road, the cab driver starts crying. "My dear child." said the nun, "Why are you crying?"
"Forgive me sister, but I have sinned. I lied, I must confess, I'm married and a I'm a Baptist."
The nun says, "That's OK, I am on the way to a Halloween party, and my name is Kevin."

Top Ten Halloween Things That Sound Dirty but Aren't

10. She's a goblin.
9. I'd like to get a little something in the sack.
8. Let me see your bag... Oh! your having a great night.
7. Just get on your knees and bob your head.
6. She's got a nice couple of pumpkins on her porch.
5. If you just lick it, it will last longer.
4. Show me your Jujubes and I'll show you my Zag Nuts.
3. Have your mom check it before you put it in your mouth.
2. You scared me stiff.
And the number one Halloween thing that sounds dirty but isn't is...
1. He's got candy spread out on the floor.

And some jokes..groaners...whateva!

Did you hear about the cannibal that passed his mother-in-law in the jungle?
hee hee...

Did you hear about the guy that lost his left arm and leg in a car crash?
He's all right now.

How do you fix a jack-o-lantern?
With a pumpkin patch.

What do you get when you cross Bambi with a ghost?
Bamboo.

What do you get when you divide the circumference of a pumpkin by its radius?
Pumpkin pi.

What would you call the ghost of a door-to-door salesman?
A dead ringer.

Where do you take a ghost who's backed into a lawn mower?
To a liquor store. That's where they retail spirits.

Why did the ghost cross the road?
To get to "THE OTHER SIDE"

Why did the ghost go into the bar?
For the boos.

Why do mummies make excellent spies?
They're good at keeping things under wraps.

Why don't mummies take vacations?
They're afraid they'll relax and unwind.

Why don't witches like to ride their brooms when they're angry?
They're afraid of flying off the handle!

My Rights!

Although I've only been in the blogging community a little more than a year, I've seen many bloggers come and go. And some of them not by choice! Just recently, one of my favorite bloggers and online friend was told to stop blogging immediately by her employer. Sadly, Letters from NYC has closed its doors thus ending a brilliant blog of life's reflections and meaningful insights. I am truly going to miss her and I hope she continues to visit here.

Where do an employers "rights" end and an employee's rights begin? Yes I am fully aware that "Freedom of Speech" isn't applicable concerning blogs. After all, we are not journalists nor reporters but simply just everyday human beings. We are plankton amongst the corporate whales of business. Where does it stop? Will I be told someday by my employer or future employer that my paranormal investigating doesn't "fit" into the company's persona? Will I be denied said employment because some asshat decided to research the Internets without my permission? Or maybe my Internet radio show(s) I frequent or host don't necessarily represent the best interest of said employer?

Or better yet...a myspace, facebook, zanga, whatthefluckever kinda networking page isn't acceptable?

The house I live in or the car I drive isn't suitable for company ABC's employees? Or maybe, just maybe, my ancestral history of misdeeds or proprietary ownership of establishments doesn't fall within the boundaries of suitability?

What if I write a book and it's published yet the Board of Directors feels the topic is too heated or questionable?

When did companies determine that I am not a free thinking individual with my own set of morals and standards? When did companies decide that a Credit History is necessary for a job that an individual doesn't even have access to their money? Maybe someone had a rough time for 6 months and they really NEED a job to get their life back on track!

I want to know one thing..Where the fluck are companies finding all these supposed "goodie two-shoes"? Here's a prediction Mr. Corporate Human Resources Person...you'll eventually have no one to hire because we don't give a shit what you think's acceptable!

I am a human being and I reserve the right...not privilege...but RIGHT to voice, write, condone, broadcast whatever I chose to be acceptable and of moral character according to my standards!

Yes folks...my hackles are raised and teeth are snarling in the moonlight. That's why this post received it's own label!

More to follow...

Halloween Poems

The Raven

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
"'Tis some visitor," I muttered, "tapping at my chamber door-
Only this, and nothing more."

Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December,
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
Eagerly I wished the morrow;- vainly I had sought to borrow
From my books surcease of sorrow- sorrow for the lost Lenore-
For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore-
Nameless here for evermore.

And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain
Thrilled me- filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating,
"'Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door-
Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door;-
This it is, and nothing more."

Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,
"Sir," said I, "or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;
But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,
And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door,
That I scarce was sure I heard you"- here I opened wide the door;-
Darkness there, and nothing more.

Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortals ever dared to dream before;
But the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token,
And the only word there spoken was the whispered word, "Lenore!"
This I whispered, and an echo murmured back the word, "Lenore!"-
Merely this, and nothing more.

Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,
Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before.
"Surely," said I, "surely that is something at my window lattice:
Let me see, then, what thereat is, and this mystery explore-
Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore;-
'Tis the wind and nothing more."

Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,
In there stepped a stately raven of the saintly days of yore;
Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed
he;But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door-
Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door-
Perched, and sat, and nothing more.

Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore.
"Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou," I said, "art sure no craven,
Ghastly grim and ancient raven wandering from the Nightly shore-
Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night's Plutonian shore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

Much I marvelled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly,
Though its answer little meaning- little relevancy bore;
For we cannot help agreeing that no living human being
Ever yet was blest with seeing bird above his chamber door-
Bird or beast upon the sculptured bust above his chamber door,
With such name as "Nevermore."

But the raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only
That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.
Nothing further then he uttered- not a feather then he fluttered-
Till I scarcely more than muttered, "other friends have flown before-
On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before."
Then the bird said, "Nevermore."

Startled at the stillness broken by reply so aptly spoken,
"Doubtless," said I, "what it utters is its only stock and store,
Caught from some unhappy master whom unmerciful Disaster
Followed fast and followed faster till his songs one burden bore-
Till the dirges of his Hope that melancholy burden bore
Of 'Never- nevermore'."

But the Raven still beguiling all my fancy into smiling,
Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird, and bust and door;
Then upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking
Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore-
What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt and ominous bird of yore
Meant in croaking "Nevermore."

This I sat engaged in guessing, but no syllable expressing
To the fowl whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosom's core;
This and more I sat divining, with my head at ease reclining
On the cushion's velvet lining that the lamplight gloated o'er,
But whose velvet violet lining with the lamplight gloating o'er,
She shall press, ah, nevermore!

Then methought the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer
Swung by Seraphim whose footfalls tinkled on the tufted floor.
"Wretch," I cried, "thy God hath lent thee- by these angels he hath sent thee
Respite- respite and nepenthe, from thy memories of Lenore!
Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe and forget this lost Lenore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

"Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil!- prophet still, if bird or devil!-
Whether Tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore,
Desolate yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted-
On this home by horror haunted- tell me truly, I implore-
Is there- is there balm in Gilead?- tell me- tell me, I implore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

"Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil- prophet still, if bird or devil!
By that Heaven that bends above us- by that God we both adore-
Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn,
It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels name Lenore-
Clasp a rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore."
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

"Be that word our sign in parting, bird or fiend," I shrieked, upstarting-
"Get thee back into the tempest and the Night's Plutonian shore!
Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken!
Leave my loneliness unbroken!- quit the bust above my door!
Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming,
And the lamplight o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted- nevermore!
Edgar Allen Poe



Ghosts

I am almost afraid of the wind out there.
The dead leaves skip on the porches bare,
The windows clatter and whine.
I sit here in the quiet house. low-lit.
With the clock that ticks and the books that stand.
Wise and silent, on every hand.

I am almost afraid; though I know the night
Lets no ghosts walk in the warm lamplight.
Yet ghosts there are; and they blow, they blow,
Out in the wind and the scattering snow.-
When I open the windows and go to bed,
Will the ghosts come In and stand at my head?

Last night I dreamed they came back again.
I heard them talking; I saw them plain.
They hugged me and held me and loved me; spoke
Of happy doings and friendly folk.
They seemed to have journeyed a week away,
but now they were ready and glad to stay.

But, oh, if they came on the wind to-night
Could I bear their faces, their garments white
Blown in the dark around my lonely bed?
Oh, could I forgive them for being dead?
I am almost afraid of the wind. My shame!
That I would not be glad if my dear ones came!
Fannie Stearns Davis