Damn, it feels good

But it still has a price. Yes, it's wonderful to only be paying $2.19 a gallon, but there is a hefty political price to pay. Everytime I fill up at this price, I realize I am supporting some Republican's bid to be elected or re-elected. You see, it's not by chance prices have come down so much in the past two months, it's because there is an election coming where Republicans stand to lose big, and this is one of the few ways they can increase their chances at the poles.

Well, don't worry. They haven't fooled this Democrat. I am enjoying the price at the pump, and I am STILL going to vote Donkey!

It's amazing how easily conditioned we are to accept things. I took this picture back in August, 2004 and complained that gas was selling for $2.17 a gallon. Funny how that was a rip-off then but a bargain now.

New Recipe Box

I've changed my recipe page if you want to check it out. I have visions of having an on-line database that's completely searchable, one that will allow you to print the recipe in cute little card form. Until I learn how to do that, and get the the time to do it, I will. In the meantime, this is the best I can offer. At least I've added keywords to the title of each recipe making it easier to search for using ctrl f or open apple f.

There are no new recipes lately, however, I have one from the "low country" I am waiting to receive that I will put there. I decided it's time to embrace low country cooking, what it's called here, and it isn't hard to do. We had a devine meal last week at Amber's parent's house and I can't wait to make it.

Support the cause

American is seeking Department of Transportation permission to begin service between Dallas and Peking, China. The DOT accepts public comment on the issue and soon the public comment window will close. Support the cause by going here. And help me keep my job, not that I'm at risk of losing it.

A fox guarding the hen house

In his latest move to alienate Americans, President Bush has used the August recess to appoint a new leader to the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour division. By appointing him during the recess, Bush can circumnavigate the Senate Confirmation hearings. As I am sure you can guess, Bush chose August to appoint the man, Paul DeCamp, because he has an appauling track record and would have faced tough questioning during the hearings.

Here's what Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.) had to say about Paul Decamp:
"As a lawyer, Paul DeCamp has never represented American workers in a single case. He has worked on behalf of Wal-Mart—a company with an abhorrent record of labor relations—and other companies against the interests of American workers and consumers in numerous cases. Yet he is the man that President Bush has chosen as one of the nation’s top enforcers of workplace rights. It’s no surprise that President Bush would appoint a corporate lawyer to a position intended to safeguard workers against corporate abuses. This recess appointment is one more reminder that the President does not care about making sure that workers are treated fairly on the job or enforcing laws that he doesn’t happen to like."

Another Bush fox guarding the hen house.

Fighting back

Time to roll up your sleeves. The Republican propoganda machine is up and running again, but there is still time to act. This Monday, the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack, ABC is set to run a mini-series called, "The Path to 9/11." ABC calls it a docu-drama based on the 9/11 Commission Report. The Democratic Party and critics call it right-wing propoganda designed to influence voters in the upcoming elections. The miniseries is loaded with mistruths and dramatizations that misrepresent the events leading up to 9/11. Further more, ABC and it's parent company, Disney, are giving in to right-wing forces and tapping into a deeply emotionaly event in our history, 9/11, to further their political cause.

Here's what MoveOn.org has to say about it:

"In a little over 48 hours, ABC will air a five-hour "docudrama" on the 9/11 attacks. The movie was written and produced by a right-wing activist who fabricated key scenes to blame Democrats and defend Republicans. It's so partisan that even Rush Limbaugh was surprised ABC decided to air it. And an FBI agent who was brought in to consult on the docudrama quit because, he said, "they were making things up."

"Public outrage is mounting across the country, and Variety reports that ABC is now "mulling the idea of yanking the mini altogether."4 But we only have a little time to act. We'll start delivering this petition to ABC headquarters tomorrow at noon and continue as more signatures come in. So we're looking for 200,000 signatures TODAY."

Help them out by signing their petition.

Fat tabs

I'll get in trouble for this since SpyC wanted to blog it, however, it's been over two months and she hasn't yet, so I claim the stake now.

When we were packing our crap in preparation for the move, we went through our closet. We were looking for about a week's worth of clothing to keep with us, unload the clothes we didn't like/didn't want/couldn't fit in, etc. and pack the rest. When going through my pants, I came across a pair of black khakis that I purchased last minute in Palm Springs a couple of years ago. As I pulled the pants from the hanger, I suddenly realized which pair of pants these were. Beth said to get rid of them, and I immediately said, "No! They have fat tabs!" She looked at me quizically, wondering, "What in the hell are fat tabs?" then started busting up laughing. I explained to her the pants had little elastic tabs in both sides of the pant to allow for, um, growth. Convenient for weight gain or a serious Las Vegas buffet. She nearly rolled on the floor with laughter.

I tried the pants on and to my shagrin, they were floods. Perfect if you lived in New Orleans, but they weren't going to cut it anywhere else. I had to accept my pants with fat tabs, which I had probably worn just once - the day I bought them - were too short and would have to go to Goodwill. The pants were ultra comfy, but alas they served their purpose, which was to provide me with clothing to see "The Follies" in Palm Springs. Beth and I had flown there together for what was supposed to be a one-day visit with my parents and aunt and uncle. That night they had tickets to "The Follies" and wanted us to stay. After much pressure, we relented, but had no acceptable clothes to wear to the event. So off to the mall we went. I bought my fat tabs along with a polo shirt and black sandals.

We had a great time and I thought nothing of the fat tabs when I bought the pants. It's sad how I never came to appreciate them until I discovered they were too short to keep. Who knew a few years later they would bring such a chuckle. My only wish is that there is someone out there wearing my precious pants with fat tabs and enjoying them as much as I should have.

SpyC speaks

Finally.