Is America Burning - a Forum To Discuss Issues

All comments welcome, pro or con. Passionate ok, but let's be civil. ...Pertinent comments will be published on this blog. Air your viewpoints.

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Friday, November 30, 2007

Want More Nightmares?

Mine and Granny's snake photos gave readers nightmares. Here's more nightmare items. If you suffer from arachnophobia, skip this post!


As if our military didn't have enough to contend with, they also encounter camel spiders. Although they aren't poisonous, they can make you hurt yourself escaping from them. Most of the myths about camel spiders are untrue.

Pair of Camel Spiders in Iraq

Iraq - Camel spiders

They will bite, however.

The image “http://www.camelspiders.net/spider-bite.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.
spider bite wound

>>>>>>
To learn more about these creatures, click on:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camel_Spiders

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Still wanting more nightmare material? OK, click on this video about a Goliath Tarantula, the largest spider in the world.

Video Goliath Tarantula-largest in world:

  • Goliath Tarantula Video
  • >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

  • WA:
  • When my dainty, petite youngest daughter was a teeny bopper, she proved her love of animals by gathering as pets a virtual cattery, a poodle dog, a 3' boa constrictor and a large White Kneed Tarantula named Queen Diamond . The Queen was fed a royal supply of crickets that she dispatched with gusto. Although Jeannie wouldn't touch the creature, teen boys, teeming with testosterone and anxious to display their manliness, would allow Queen to crawl all over themselves. From time to time it was necessary to give the Queen's habitat a good cleaning ( an acquarium with screened lid). Since Jeannie wouldn't so much as put her hand in the royal abode, it fell my lot to remove Queen Diamond to a coffee can until cleaning was completed. Don't mothers always get the unpleasant jobs of pet care? It was actually quite easy. The Queen was very docile unless annoyed or spooked. I'd place the coffee can in front of her and delicately nudge her rump until she entered the can. Then snap the lid on and she was safely enclosed until time to return her to her quarters. She grew to be quite large. I would not have liked to have a Goliath Tarantula, however.

  • Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

    BRAZILIAN WHITE KNEE TARANTULA


    Description:-Acanthoscurria geniculata - brazilian white knee tarantula

    Brazilian whiteknee tarantula

    From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


    Brazilian whiteknee tarantula



    The Brazilian whiteknee tarantula, Acanthoscurria geniculata, is a species of tarantula native to Brazil. It is commonly referred to as the whiteknee tarantula, giant whiteknee tarantula, giant white knee tarantula or Brazilian giant whiteknee tarantula, among other permutations.

    This species is relatively large, with a legspan of up to 8.5 inches for adult females. Unlike many of the larger terrestrial tarantulas it is very colorful in its appearance due to the brilliant white stripes that adorn its leg joints.

    Brazilian whiteknee tarantulas have been much prized as pets, due to their size, hardiness, and striking coloration. They are moderately defensive, and their urticating hairs can be quite irritating to human skin. These spiders, like any un-domesticated pet, can bite when provoked. Fortunately however because they have urticating hairs biting is typically not their first line of defense. Their venom is not considered medically significant but due to their large size the puncture damage can be extensive.



    COMMENTS:

    betmo said...

    good lord! do they call them camel spider because they are big enough to ride? ewww!!!!

    Saturday, December 01, 2007 3:46:00 PM

    Sometimes Saintly Nick said...

    I never suffered from arachnophobia. Matter of fact, I have a couple of the creatures living with me to dispose of flies and the like.

    Now a Tarantula is another matter!

    Sunday, December 02, 2007 5:56:00 AM

    Worried American said...

    I am tolerant of most creatures that share our earth, including spiders and snakes WITH A FEW EXCEPTIONS!! I recognize their niche in co-existence but sharing has its limits regarding a few. I will dispatch POISONOUS snakes and spiders that threaten the living space of my loved ones. Most harmless creatures I merely shoo away or capture and release. There is one non-poisonous spider that would invade my flower gardens that for some odd reason gave me the shuddering willies and I immediately terminated its existence.Although I do not fear spiders and snakes, I understand the feelings of those that do.

    Monday, December 03, 2007 1:48:00 PM







  • Labels:

    Wednesday, November 28, 2007

    I have not ignored my meme. I'm working on it! But after the posts by The Future Was Yesterday and Gadfly, I am intimidated!! What acts to follow.

    COMMENTS:
    I'm sure what you have to say will be every bit as interesting. Hope you are doing well.Peace to All.
    # posted by Spadoman : Thursday, November 29, 2007

    WA: Thank you for the encouragement, Spadoman. So glad you've visited us! We've missed you. But we know that you are busy, busy.

    Granny said...

    Just letting you know I'm still around.

    Friday, November 30, 2007 8:13:00 AM

    Monday, November 26, 2007

    A reminder


    We're taking a break from bull crap for a little while.

    Just so everyone will know that we have not totally forsaken politics ... nor forgotten our Fearless Leaders...


    Watch brief video (less than 60 seconds)




    Courtesy: The Rational Radical

    COMMENTS:
    Not only are they robbing the poor to help the rich, Worried, but they are making the Presidency even more a fortress of despotism and imperialism.Beware the Trojan Horse!
    # posted by Daniel : Thursday, November 29, 2007 5:30:00 PM

    WA: All too true, Daniel. Sadly, too true.

    Labels:

    Sunday, November 25, 2007

    10 Random Things About Gadfly

    OK, Future Was Yesterday, you asked for it! All pictures are from the internet. I don't have many pictures of my own.

    1. There are 2 kinds of people that live in trailer parks. One kind is just folks. The other kind is what people call 'trailer trash'. I was born to the second category.I grew up fast, hard and mean and wild as a country buck. I had to to survive. My mom and pop were alkies and so were all their friends. Drinking beer and fighting was their main entertainment. People didn't think they had a good time on Saturday nights unless there was at least one good brawl. Then everybody would doctor their wounds and go back to drinking beer together. Mom was a pretty good cook though until Pop hid his wake-up beer in the oven and Mom lit it to bake biscuits. The beer exploded and blew the door off the oven and Mom refused to cook anymore. I know there is a joke about that but it really happened. Alkies and druggies aways hide their wake-up stuff so nobody else will get it first the next morning. I had to start doing the cooking. I was out on my own at sixteen.

    The picture is not our trailer but kind of like it. One difference is that there isn't enough junk cars and old appliances in front. Mom planted cactuses in the thrown out commode. She thought that was really funny and always invited someone to use the pottie. Pop made a barbecue pit out of an old washing machine. I guess that was recycling before it became popular.

    Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket


    2. Friends are good to have and we had quite a few. They weren't very classy but most of the women were ok people. One woman actually used her front as a cup holder like this woman did, and carried her cigarettes in her tank top. Sometimes the pack would slide down and give her a strange squarish lump in her front.
    Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

    We never had a hot tub like this, probably because that bunch of drunks never thought of it, but we did have an old bathtub that the little kids used as a swimming pool. This bunch looks sorta like some that hung out at our place.
    Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket


    3. I was very athletic and was a first class runner. That was a matter of survival too. As soon as I grew buds on my chest, males of all ages started chasing me. Old guys that looked like this:
    Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

    thought they looked like this:
    Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
    If they had looked like this, I probably wouldn't have run so fast. ;)

    I also learned to be a good fighter, down and dirty, low and mean. Go straight for the eyeballs or gonads and act crazy wild. People learned to leave me alone.

    4. I loved sports. I was a good shot and liked to hunt and sometimes went hunting with the guys. That sharpened my running and fighting skills too until I shot one of them's big toe off and threatened to shoot a little higher. After that we got along pretty good.
    Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

    The Old Woman's friends went skiing in Colorado and places like that but when I was young we did mud skiing like in this picture. Guys would also pull a bike behind a pickup truck and if you fell off got road rash from hell. We'd also "surf" by riding on a car roof and hanging on to the framework of the windshield. If the driver made a swift turn or fast stop you went flying off and it hurt like hell. A couple of friends got hospital-hurt that way. It was pretty stupid but kids always think they're invincible.

    Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

    5. My attitude towards men wasn't too good, kind of two way. Couldn't live with them and couldn't live without them. I liked men pretty good but from early experiences didn't trust them too much. I was no prude and liked sex just fine but it had to be MY choice and on MY terms. It could be bed or battle and sometimes both. Most of the time I had to be in a relationship with a guy to bed him. That's not to say I didn't have a few one-nighters, usually after too much Jose Cuervo and lime. Just like in the song:

    Jose Cuervo you are a friend of mine
    I like to drink you with a little salt and lime
    Did I kiss all the cowboys?
    Did I shoot out the lights?
    Did I dance on the bar?
    Did I start any fights?

    Now wait a minute
    Things don't look too familiar
    Who is this cowboy
    Who's sleepin' beside me?
    He's awful cute, but how'd I
    Get his shirt on?
    I had too much Tequila last night

    Yeh, I had a few nights like that. Sounds like my theme song back in the day. Probably did it all. I worked hard, played hard, drank hard, and fought hard. My background and role models wasn't the best. Not making excuses, just stating facts. I don't excuse anything I did.

    6. Somewhere along the way I met Old Woman, but she wasn't old then. We didn't become friends right away. Damn but she was a knockout, so damn pretty and always dressed up. I thought she was a snotty rich bitch and I was jealous as hell of her. We traveled in completely different circles and I don't even remember where I first met her. Probably when she was wrapped up in her do gooder work and slumming it. I'd see her once in a while and finally she started talking to me, and little by little we became friends, a very unlikely pair. The rest is history, as they say. Damn if she didn't civilize me! More or less. ;) I even went to school and got my GED and job training. Got a good job and found a better class of friends. I'm almost respectible now. I said ALMOST! Caught me a real good husband and it broke my heart when he died. Too g**d*** early!

    7. Kids are cool. I like the little scoundrels. I have a couple but no great grands like Old Woman and Granny Ann have. Too many young people these days want careers first and wait too long to start a family. I'm not as kid orientated as Old Woman is but I believe like she does that grownups need to protect and take care of them and raise them with good standards.

    8. I'm a good dancer and love to dance. That's one thing Old Woman and I have in common, or used to, before she got too arthritic to cut it any more. We had some times out dancing. She hardly ever drank anything and I cut down a lot; we weren't looking for dates or to get soused - we just wanted to dance. Some guys didn't understand that but if one got too pushy, I'd step back a notch or two to my old habits and discourage him real quick. I can be real discouraging when I've a mind to. Can be real ENcouraging too if the notion strikes me, but rarely when I was out with the Old Woman.

    9. Art: I wasn't much of an art lover in my younger years. Never found much value in pictures of dogs playing poker or nearly naked women on calendars issued by the local wrecker company.
    At the trailer park, tattoos like this one were greatly admired as high art and hilarious:
    Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

    In her efforts to civilize me, the Old Woman turned me on to real art. She's a great art lover. For me, I think that Picasso and Dali dudes are a load of crap but I do like some of the stuff she admires so much. It's real pretty. That Van Gogh painted some real pretty pictures but I don't know why he whacked off his ear. Are all artists nuts? Wading through the bios of some of them it looks like a lot were squirrelly or dope users. Now I do like that Michaelangelo's statues and paintings. I think he was a genius.

    10. Music: Mostly I like the old fashioned honkytonking country and western music. Belly rubbing music. I like some contemporary music but I never learned to like those damned operas Old Woman and Granny Ann likes. Her last husband was an a$hat but I had to agree with him on one thing. Why can't the actors simply speak their lines instead of catterwalling it? And do it in English? I did learn to like the ballet, though. It is really pretty and graceful.

    All righty now, The Future Was Yesterday. Is that enough random stuff on me or too much? If it's too much, too bad. It's already posted. Not as good as yours but.....it's all mine.

    You are an all right dude.

    Comments:
    betmo said...

    i don't care what tua says- i think it was great! oh... did i say that out loud? hi dan'l :)

    gadfly, you ain't foolin' us- we all see that you are a talented writer with a couple of rough edges. thanks for this :)

    Sunday, November 25, 2007 8:44:00 AM

    Granny said...

    That was I.

    I think it was great too and a rough act to follow so I'm glad I don't have to.

    I can hardly wait to see what WA has to say.

    Sunday, November 25, 2007 8:57:00 AM

    Worried American said...

    Gadfly, my old friend, you give me far too much credit.There is no doubt that you were a flaming hell on wheels (and still are to a certain extent :-) ). But any changes wrought in your life were your choices, your decisions, your desires, efforts and determination. All I did was show you that there was a wider world and life than that which you knew. No one can change another person. Any "civilizing" that was done, you did it yourself. All that you are today was already inside you and you are a far better person than you give yourself credit for. As we mature, each of us learns, grows and evolves but changes are not made unless the basic character is inside us. You are a good ole gal, my Friend.

    Sunday, November 25, 2007 1:35:00 PM

    Gadfly said...

    Aw Shucks! (Blush) Thanks, you guys.

    Betmo, I haven't forgotten that you said I could come to your blog and cuss if I wanted to. :)

    Granny: Yeh, Granny, I gather that you were kind of frisky in your day too. And you know about those motorcycles. ;) Ever get any road rash? Believe it or not, the Old Woman mounted the bitch seat a few times but never got any road rash. She does have her down to earth side.

    Sunday, November 25, 2007 2:47:00 PM

    Gadfly said...

    PS: what is tua? Who is dan'l?

    Sunday, November 25, 2007 2:48:00 PM

    The Future Was Yesterday said...

    I'm TUA (The Unhappy American), and I sign all my email Dan'l, as I once wanted to be Daniel Boone and my name is Dan so.....

    I think you are my soul Sister! I'm former trailer trash myself, some fifteen years of it. The kind where if your bud didn't get his ass out of bed and take that cold beer you had for him, you walked in and dragged him out, whether Momma was naked or not!:) It wasn't Momma I was after, anyway. I personally was responsible for three junk cars in my front yard at one time, plus one that ran occasionally. One had a big ole target on it we used for years till the cops made us quit.

    "I also learned to be a good fighter, down and dirty, low and mean. Go straight for the eyeballs or gonads and act crazy wild. People learned to leave me alone.
    You better believe it, Honey! Get 'em down, keep 'em down by any means necessary, and make 'em sorry they had a Momma. Dew Drop Inn Rules, which meant there was none, except one: If you let them up, you deserved what you got.

    until Pop hid his wake-up beer in the oven and Mom lit it to bake biscuits.
    LMAO!! Some things are truly universal, and that's one. I had the damnedest time trying to hide my eye opener in that trailer from my first wife There's only so much space!!

    You're not my equal; you're far better! You're not just the spice in the soup around here, you're truly the spice of life. Don't you ever quit being you!!

    Sunday, November 25, 2007 7:43:00 PM

    2007 7:43:00 PM

    *Goddess* said...

    TUA sent me your link thinking I'd find this post funny, and he's right. It's hilarious. I love #3! But don't most guys think that way..LOL!

    Monday, November 26, 2007 7:42:00 AM

    Mary said...

    Hey Gadfly. I came over by way of TUA. Your randoms are a great way to be introduced. Please to meet you.

    Monday, November 26, 2007 7:43:00 AM

    Mary Ellen said...

    Hi Gadfly- I came over via TUA and I'm glad I followed the trail. I love your post and couldn't help but laugh at your reasons for running.

    I'll check out more of your posts in the future. Glad to meet you!

    Monday, November 26, 2007 3:10:00 PM

    Daniel said...

    Is it true that Hollywood is going to make a film of your life, Gadfly? An R-rated one! Is it really going to be called 'Irrepressible'? Is it true that most top actresses are lining up for the lead role because they reckon that making the movie will be more fun than their day-to-day lives? Did the guy whose toe you shot off get the nickname Limpy perchance? Is it true you're really Dolly Parton?

    Cheers!

    Monday, November 26, 2007 6:54:00 PM

    Gadfly said...

    Holy Sh*t! I never expected so many nice comments! I really do appreciate all the nice things you guys have said.

    FWY, tua, dan'l? What do I call you now? But thank you so much for linking me to your friends. That was so sweet of you.
    Soul Sister? Yeh buddy. Glad to have a Soul Brother!

    Goddess. Thank you for clicking over here and reading my stuff. I'm glad you thought it was funny. Yeh, lots of guys like #3.

    Hi Mary. Glad to meet you. There's 3 of us on this blog. I hardly ever write anything because I didn't think I had much to say. I am surprised.

    And Hi to you, Mary Ellen. I'm glad you stopped by, too. As for running, a woman likes to pick and choose instead of some slob pawing all over. I think all women have that happen at one time or another.

    Hey Daniel; Nope, no movie in the works. Yeh, one would about have to be R rated. ;) That guy whose toe I shot was sometimes called Gimpy and sometimes Four Toes and sometimes something the Old Woman won't let me say on the blog. Realy, I only shot about half of it off, just behind the toenail but he sure did complain a lot for a long time.
    Dolly Parton? I wish!! At least I wish I had her income!

    Monday, November 26, 2007 8:46:00 PM

    Spadoman said...

    Amazing what you learn about people by just passing by. Quite interesting to be sure. Thanks for your candor.

    Peace to All.

    Wednesday, November 28, 2007 7:45:00 AM

    Labels:

    Speaking of Fundys....

    Whooee! That Future Was Yesterday calls the shots like he sees 'em! He don't pull any punches. You go gettum, Tiger!

    He tagged me and the Old Woman for a meme about 10 random things about us. When reading the comments on HIS post of 10 random things, I saw that Old Woman had turned him on to an article about the Fundys. She's a Christian but she don't like the Fundys worth a crap so I don't know why she didn't post it. But The Future Was Yesterday did it better. You gotta read it! Be sure to watch the videos and send them to every Fundy follower you know.

    Check it out!
  • The Future Was Yesterday; Fundie Sunday School


  • Gotta love that man!

    Labels:

    Friday, November 23, 2007

    Thanksgiving Prayer

    Trusting in the tolerance of our atheist and non-Christian friends, I want to publish a prayer offered by our Friend on our comment page.

    Sometimes Saintly Nick said...

    For food in a world where many walk in hunger,
    For faith in a world where many walk in fear,
    For friends in a world where many walk alone,
    We give you humble thanks, O Lord.

    Grant us Peace.

    Amen.

    Thursday, November 22, 2007 10:14:00 AM

    Thank you, Sometimes Saintly Nick. In spite of having so many troubles, we have much for which to be thankful.

    COMMENTS:
    The Future Was Yesterday said...

    Whether it's used as a prayer, or just simply good common sense, it's still equally valuable.

    Friday, November 23, 2007 7:45:00 PM

    Delete
    Sometimes Saintly Nick said...

    Wow! Thanks for quoting me.

    Saturday, November 24, 2007 7:32:00 AM

    Labels:

    Wednesday, November 21, 2007

    Thanksgiving Greetings

    The image “http://www.bighornmountains.com/cards/thanksgiving.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.


    May each of our friends, visitors and family members have a blessed and happy day of thanksgiving. We wish you good cheer, good companionship, good eats, joy and prosperity.

    Of all our many blessings we are thankful for our friends. You are an inspiration.

    Worried, Granny and Gadfly
    >>>>>>

    WA: Before I sold my home and moved into this Warehouse for Old People, Holiday get togethers were held at my house. It was common on Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve to have upwards of 40 family members and friends attending. It was glorious! Such gatherings are impossible to hold in my miniscule apartment, so I began going to my daughters' homes for holidays, usually Jo's and Dottie's. To avoid showing favoritism or disappointing one or the other, I went to both, as each served at a different mealtime. I tried just having coffee and dessert at house #2 but there was always the, "Oh, Mama! You've gotta taste this!" and that, and something else. Not a good idea for a rotund diabetic with limited stomach capacity. I learned to dine lightly so I could honor each cook with appreciative kudos.

    This year Jo and Lloyd are in Iraq so Terry (who resides at Jo's home) and I are invited to Dottie's. After dinner I can take a nap in Dot's study instead of dashing off to another house. Then I will go to the farmette with Terry to spend the night.

    A stray pit bull dog chased one of the farm cats who took refuge atop Jo's new HH car. Would you believe the dog not only clawed one fender very badly but actually gouged bites into another fender in his frenzied efforts to get to the cat. Jo and Lloyd will be home Dec. 7 for R&R and she wants to use her car, so she is having the dealership pick up the car Friday for repairs. I have to be there to hand over the keys.

    I am a night owl, definitely NOT a morning person, so to avoid an early rising to make the 50+ mile drive to the farmette, I will go Thursday evening and stay the night. I shall be awakened by rooster crows, quacking ducks, honking geese, pot-racking guineas, pig squeals and a donkey bray as Terry goes out to feed the critters, the usual cacophony that greets the arrival of the food bearer. Early rising? No, I shall snuggle back into Jo's warm waterbed and sleep until the dealership man arrives while poor Terry trudges off to work. Then I will luxuriate in the peace and quiet of the country, feast on Dottie's leftovers, go visit the Wild Child, then head back to the noisy city.

    Quite a departure from Thanksgivings of old. I miss the old times very much but I'm thankful for what I have. One bright side - it's a heckuva lot less work! There are a few advantages of being old. I get to sit and be waited on while the young folks do all the labor. And go nap when I want to. :-)

    My PhotoHey, you guys: I might be "running the streets" but I still check in sometimes. Happy Turkey Day to you all. Everybody that porked today grunt "ooof! I can't believe I ate the whole thing!"



    The image “http://quicksitemaker.com/members/collectibles/images/29153.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

    COMMENTS:
    Ingrid said...

    Dear Worried, enjoy your time. After our hectic last 3 weeks, I am really enjoying being 'settled'. Blessings to you and your family, hope the R&R will come really soon (may time fly by!)
    hugs
    Ingrid

    Thursday, November 22, 2007 8:27:00 AM

    M

    Delete
    betmo said...

    happy thanksgiving to you all!!!

    Thursday, November 22, 2007 9:44:00 AM

    Delete
    Granny said...

    My Thanksgiving to all is over on "granny".

    For the first time in over 20 years, I'm not feeding the multitude. We're invited out. I'm taking deviled eggs.

    And today is my youngest son's birthday. He's 35. I baked him a "virtual" cake and put it on the blog.

    70,000 people here must have turned on their stoves at the same time this morning. Our power went out a little after six (turkey cooking time). Just came back on.

    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone.

    Thursday, November 22, 2007 9:53:00 AM


    Sometimes Saintly Nick said...

    For food in a world where many walk in hunger,
    For faith in a world where many walk in fear,
    For friends in a world where many walk alone,
    We give you humble thanks, O Lord.

    Grant us Peace.

    Amen.

    Thursday, November 22, 2007 10:14:00 AM

    peppylady said...

    Everyone Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

    Thursday, November 22, 2007 3:05:00 PM

    fjb said...

    Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

    Friday, November 23, 2007 10:35:00 AM

    WA: Thank you, everyone. I hope that your holiday was as wonderful as mine was. I dodged the bullet of having to go to the farmette - son Terry made other arrangements with the dealership to pick up Jo's car. In a way I missed going to the country but in another way it was nice not to make that long drive, just dash home and collapse in my own bed.

    Undoubtedly for the first time, Granny got to be Grandma guest like I do, instead of slaving for hours cooking. Way to go, Granny Ann.

    Labels:

    Tuesday, November 20, 2007

    Indigestion!!


    This is a python which has just swallowed a sheep. Daniel at Seeking Utopia used it to describe their government in Australia. They have elections coming up shortly.

    I think it, along with WA's masterpiece, describes our own government as well.

    Thanks, Daniel!!

    COMMENT:
    Worried American said...

    Daniel made a good point. In our case, it appears that our snake has devoured democracy, the constitution, and our attendent freedoms.

    The question is: Is it possible to force regurgitation before all is lost?

    Tuesday, November 20, 2007 4:27:00 PM

    The Future Was Yesterday said...

    That kinda looks like me after T day dinner.:)

    Would some one please inform Ms. Worried that she been Tagged! Failure to comply will result in an urge to eat wallpaper, strange bathroom habits, and constant guilt feelings that it was you who made the world run backwards!:)

    Wednesday, November 21, 2007 12:21:00 AM

    Worried American said...

    YEEEK! TFWY tagged me!!

    Since I do not want to suffer the consequences, I shall comply. After TG, maybe?

    Wednesday, November 21, 2007 1:25:00 AM

    The Future Was Yesterday said...

    I keep coming back to this thing, in awe. You guys and your snakes!! And Worried: whenever is just fine.

    Now please make me some warm milk so I can get to sleep. I'm terrified of snakes!!:)

    Wednesday, November 21, 2007 1:35:00 AM

    Delete
    LET'S TALK said...

    This is why I dont bother with snakes at all. not even the small ones.

    Wednesday, November 21, 2007 1:20:00 PM

    Labels:

    Monday, November 19, 2007

    Heroic Conroe Fire Department Rescues Santa and Saves Christmas

    All unkowing, children the world over may rest easy about Christmas with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads, thanks to the heroic efforts of the Conroe Fire Department who rescued Santa Claus.

    To view video of this event, click on the url below. Right click on tiny screen and when menu appears, click on full screen.

    Subject:(houstonfd) Conroe High Angle Santa Rescue

    http://tvnewshouston.com/cpg1410/ displayimage. php?album= 129&pos=0

    If you have difficulty accessing the video, here is a recap of How the Conroe Fire Department Saved Santa:

    The city of Conroe sponsored a Christmas event for children and invited Santa to attend. Santa parked his reindeer atop a building.
    The image “http://tracedemoi.typepad.com/tracedemoi/images/santa_claus.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.
    Everyone knows that reindeer can fly but Santa can't, so Santa planned to rappel down the 30+ feet to the assembly of children below.

    After an exciting program of magic tricks and dispensing of prizes, everyone began calling for Santa. Right on cue, Santa appeared on the rooftop and began to rappel down.

    Then, horror of horrors, Santa began to have trouble. First, his hat flew off, then his magnificent beard became tangled in the rappelling equipment.

    Santa Claus SANTA CLAUS
    © Gelpi | Dreamstime.com



    Santa was trapped, hanging perilously over 30 feet in the air! He tried to free his beard and finally, in desperation began tearing off hands full of his beard. Children watched in terror as parts of his lovely white beard floated to the ground. Still unable to clear his beard from the mechanism, he tore off beard and wig. As they too floated to the ground and Santa was revealed barefaced and bareheaded, the children's distress crescendoed. Adults hastily ushered the little ones into the Center with the tale that the trapped man wasn't really Santa but merely a helper and he would be rescued.

    Pieces of the tangled beard continued to clog the rappelling gear so a call went out to the Conroe Fire Department to come rescue Santa Claus. An ambulance was also dispatched in case a tragedy ensued. Firemen placed a high rise ladder against the building, a fireman ascended to help free Santa and assist his descent down the ladder.

    Santa was saved and in short order appeared safe and sound in the Center, to the vast relief and delight of the children. An exciting and frightening evening came to a good end.

    Santa was saved. Christmas was saved. Thanks to the Conroe Fire Department. As always, Fire Fighters are our heroes.

    Click to view full size image


    Conroe Fire Fighters on active duty.

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    Friday, November 16, 2007

    Hill Resident

    Looks like these fellows caught someone from the Hill while he was in his natural form.

    COMMENTS:
    Daniel said...

    Hey, Worried, you'll be sued shortly via a class action brought by members of the snake community. The damages sought will be huge.

    No self-respecting snake would want to be associated with The Great Serpent or Dickie Tricky, his brain!

    Cheers!

    Saturday, November 17, 2007 2:02:00 AM


    The Future Was Yesterday said...

    Wow! Now THAT is the mother of all snakes!!

    Saturday, November 17, 2007 2:29:00 AM


    enigma4ever said...

    that is a HUGE mother....and look right in the center--- he just ate a ????goat??? ( I hope they did a head count...seriously...that is a big lump- and it ain't fefe the pooch in that belly)....can you imagine????yikes...

    where is this ? cuz I dont ever ever want to go there....???

    Saturday, November 17, 2007 4:29:00 AM


    john said...

    It is flat-out strange that something--that anything--is happening at all. There was nothing then a Big Bang, then here we all are. This is extremely weird.

    -Ken Wilber

    Saturday, November 17, 2007 11:46:00 AM


    Worried American said...

    Daniel: My abject apologies to the snake! What was I thinking?? What compensation may I offer to appease the offended snake community?

    FWY and Enigma: I am glad that U.S. native snakes do not grow so large- only imported foreign snakes as "pets". I do not know where this snake was caught. When Husband #3 was working in Indonesia he told of a monster snake that exceeded world records being caught on one of the Islands. Unfortunately, the native humans that dispatched the snake did not register it. They happily skinned it for the boot and belt lucrative snakeskin trade, income being more important to them than records.

    John: The Big Bang theory and all that transpired afterward is indeed a strange and wonderful odyssey.

    Saturday, November 17, 2007 12:18:00 PM


    betmo said...

    good lord!!!! that's going to give me nightmares for a week at least. i have a phobia about snakes. and that is a bigun!

    Saturday, November 17, 2007 12:31:00 PM


    Worried American said...

    Betmo: Sorry about the nightmares. Bad dreams were not my intention. I accept most snakes and spiders although I am very wary of poisonous ones. Oddly enough, there are certain spiders that give me the shivering willies and those aren't particularly dangerous. Usually I am tolerant of most creatures but when I encounter those particular spiders, it is WAR!

    Saturday, November 17, 2007 3:48:00 PM


    LET'S TALK said...

    Now that is what I call a snake. I cannot imagine walking through a wooded area and coming across this. Well one thing for sure, I know my days would be numbered.

    Sunday, November 18, 2007 11:45:00 AM

    Delete
    fjb said...

    I come for a little visit and am greeted with my worst nightmare. I'll get over it, eventually.;)

    Sunday, November 18, 2007 10:14:00 PM

    Worried American said...

    Let's Talk: Such an encounter would dictate the urgent admonition: "Feet, don't fail me now!"

    fjb: Apologies again. I did not mean to trigger anyone's nightmares. I'm sorry.

    Sunday, November 18, 2007 11:17:00 PM

    Daniel said...

    You ask about compensation, Worried. What about sending the litigant serpents some snake oil?

    Cheers!

    Monday, November 19, 2007 4:35:00 PM

    WA: Hmmm! Literal snake oil or figurative snake oil? Literal might open a whole new can of worms!

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