The Blog of Crackers

Sick of the farce

2007-01-01T20:42:00.000-08:00

The past few days of the coverage of the State funeral of Gerald Ford is past making me ill. Okay, I am sorry for the loss his family and friends are feeling, but, let us stop the revisionist history already. Ford was not a great president. He did a bad thing, he pardoned Nixon, a criminal who should have been charged, tried, convicted and imprisoned for his crimes. Pardoning Nixon was not for the good of the country, it was only for the good of Ford, Nixon and their Republican cronies. I have had to shut off CNN for a while as if I see that clip of Ford defending the pardon as being for the good of the nation, I will hurl.

Think about this. There was a time in this country when the Presidency had respect. When people had respect. When teachers didn't have classrooms full of disrespectful punks and had the support of parents. Our society was better. Then it all went away. Why? Well how about the whole Watergate and Ford's Pardon. This showed that nothing was sacred. That someone could be president, could be evil and could get away with it and not a damn thing was done. Why should anyone care about decency after that?

The Democrats in the House and Senate need to wake up and take some action PDQ. They were given the majority to do something about the spectacle in the White House now. He needs to be impeached. And Bush, and all his buds need to be charged, arrested, tried, convicted and punished for their crimes against our nation. Ignoring it and letting them off the hook is not in the best interest of the United States. Showing what happens when people commit evil acts while occupying a position of power and the public trust will go a long way toward showing the American people that right is still right and still matters.

Back from Break

2006-09-20T11:43:00.001-07:00

Wow, didn't realize it is almost four months since I blogged. Where does the time go? Well, I for one had a summer that was both eventful and speedy. Maybe sometime I will blog about all that happened, but, then again maybe not. One thing, probably the biggest thing was I was ill. Ill as in hospital for a week and a half with about a once recovery at home once discharged. So, that was the big thing. Then a hard drive failure after getting home took a couple weeks to resolve. And I still have trouble with Windows XP staying installed, which is a rant on its own.

I think about blogging though. I wonder why I don't daily. It isn't as much laziness as it is more likely fear of blogging. Not actual fear of writing, but more fear of being read. I sometimes wonder who would want to read what I have to say, but, then again you have to wonder why anyone blogs at all. And why we read them.

Now that Fall is nearly here, and, weatherwise, it really feels like Fall this week, I guess I am inspired a new to begin putting my thoughts out there. There is certainly enough going on to have something to say. I suppose I am one of those that really feels like Autumn is the new year. The crispness of the weather makes me think of back to school and all, and with other things like clubs and whatnot getting going again, it is my personal new year's time. So, onward.

So what is a new year without some resolutions? Probably a better one, but, here are some of my resolutions anyway.

Continue my diet and exercise routine. 15 pounds down since July 20. Yeah me!!!

Get up and reorganize my day to start watching The View. For some reason I want to. Let's see if I make this one tomorrow. I forgot today even though I was up and it some time before it started.

Fall clean. This always seems more important to me that Spring Cleaning. Cleaning and getting ready for the holidays. Note to self, find that elist I was on a couple years back with this very theme that worked great and if I remember started around October 1.

Write daily. The blog, but, several other projects I have in mind.

And those would be enough for resolutions.

Today I am ticked about what looks like my first ever eBay problem. Ordered a birthday gift to me on August 26, still don't have it and am getting runaround bull$*it from the seller, who had good feedback (99.7 for about 350 when I ordered). DAMN! IT! I am so pissed. She is apparently trying to stall me past the PayPal cut off to charge back, which isn't going to happen. I really wanted this item. Needless to say it put a damper on my birthday - yeah I got other stuff, but, this I wanted. DH and I decided that this year instead of buying each other something, we would each take the amount of money we would have spent and buy what we wanted. I spent one third on the eBay item in question, and the other 2/3's on a couple other things. But the eBay item was the gift I was most looking forward to getting. If I don't get it PDQ I will name the seller here. The only thing that gives me a wee bit of hope is she actually left me feedback (positive of course) the day she claims to have shipped it, so I don't have to worry about not being able to be honest about her in fear she will give me a negative. I say claimed to shipped as she sent me a tracking number which is invalid and refuses to give me either a valid one or even say the actually day she shipped. Am crossing my fingers.

Back from Break

2006-09-20T11:43:00.000-07:00

Suicide is not the answer

2006-05-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

The story at this link http://www.belleville.com/mld/belleville/news/local/14645757.htm
really bothers me.

Man jumps to death off parking garage
Belleville chief calls it suicide
BY JESSICA ADLER
For the News-Democrat

BELLEVILLE - A 37-year-old Belleville man committed suicide Monday morning by jumping off the top floor of the St. Clair County parking garage following an appearance in family court.

"It was undoubtedly a suicide," said Belleville Police Chief Dave Ruebheusen.

The man, identified as Rory J. Hamilton, jumped off the garage, located across from the St. Clair County Building in downtown Belleville.

Hamilton left family court, drove his Pontiac Transport minivan to the top of the garage building, and leaped to his death, police said.

Though his fall was broken by an oncoming car, the man was pronounced dead as a result of massive head injuries at St. Elizabeth's Hospital Emergency room at 11:10 a.m., St. Clair County Coroner Rick Stone said.

More at the above link.

I didn't know Mr. Hamilton, but, his death troubles me. How desperate he must have been to choose to end his life.

I don't know why he felt this was the answer. I don't understand why anyone would. When I hear the word suicide I think of John Kennedy O'Toole. Mr. O'Toole wrote one of my favorite books of all times, A Confederacy of Dunces.

In a nutshell the story of Mr. O'Toole is that he wrote this book and then got rejected by a number of publishers, (uh, this does happen to authors, many get lots of rejection prior to having their work published. He was also himself a college professer. He killed himself (undoubtedly there were other issues) and after his death his mother found the manuscript for A Confederacy of Dunces and embarked on getting it published. She cornered a professer, Walker Percy and made him promiser to read it. He didn't want to, but, started reading the first page and got drawn it. He realized that this was a great book, helped her get it published and it won the Pulitzer Prize.

It is a great book, funny and sad, and one that I have reread many times. I am always left somewhat angry that O'Toole killed himself and deprived us of his future work. Maybe he would have written more, maybe he would have been another Harper Lee, (she wrote the wonderful To Kill a Mockingbird and then has never written another! But, by killing himself, we will never know. However, defeated Mr. O'Toole felt, he never experienced the joy of being not only published, but being a Pulitzer Prize winner! Of being a best selling author. Of whatever joy and happiness his future held.

For I really do feel that joy and happiness is always just around the corner. Most of us won't go one to be best selling authors or win major prizes but all sadness eventually yields to happier times. No matter how bad or dark things have ever seemed to me, great joy has always reappeared. And I firmly believe this applies to each and everyone of us.

Eventually things will get better. We just have to hang on till they do. I am sorry that Mr. Hamilton didn't hang on to see what happiness was instore for him. I am sorry for those he left behind who will always have to wonder why he did this and why he didn't ask for help.

A Confederacy of Dunces (Evergreen Book)">A Confederacy of Dunces

To Kill a Mockingbird"">To Kill A Mockingbird

A Beautiful Child

2006-05-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

This book, linked on the left, is one you just can't put down. It is the story of a woman known as Sharon Marshall, although that is not her real name. Kidnapped as a small child, she was raised in a life of abuse by convicted death row inmate Franklin Delano Floyd, who married her when she grew up and then murdered her. But her true identity is not known to this day. Read this book and then follow the case information on Websleuths
- one of the best true crime message boards on the Net.

Farewell West Wing

2006-05-15T10:28:00.000-07:00

Today I am a little sad after seeing the series finale for The West Wing last night. It was good. Infact, I think the past few months have been really good and I am sad that series will not continue with the Santos in the White House. A charming young couple in the White House with cute kids - what a great back drop. Too bad NBC didn't have the balls ABC lacked. Commander in Chief was also really good and ABC worked at killing that.

The Da Vinci Code and Holy Blood, Holy Grail

2006-05-08T12:55:00.000-07:00

I first read Holy Blood, Holy Grail some years back and decided with the book being in the news again http://www.theage.com.au/news/general/the-da-vinci-pitch/2006/05/04/1146335867153.html
that I would give it a reread. It is a very interesting idea and I find it hard to feel that there is some truth in it.

Here is a review from Amazon.com - "Amazon.com
Michael Baigent, Henry Lincoln, and Richard Leigh, authors of The Messianic Legacy, spent over 10 years on their own kind of quest for the Holy Grail, into the secretive history of early France. What they found, researched with the tenacity and attention to detail that befits any great quest, is a tangled and intricate story of politics and faith that reads like a mystery novel. It is the story of the Knights Templar, and a behind-the-scenes society called the Prieure de Sion, and its involvement in reinstating descendants of the Merovingian bloodline into political power. Why? The authors of Holy Blood, Holy Grail assert that their explorations into early history ultimately reveal that Jesus may not have died on the cross, but lived to marry and father children whose bloodline continues today. The authors' point here is not to compromise or to demean Jesus, but to offer another, more complete perspective of Jesus as God's incarnation in man. The power of this secret, which has been carefully guarded for hundreds of years, has sparked much controversy. For all the sensationalism and hoopla surrounding Holy Blood, Holy Grail and the alternate history that it outlines, the authors are careful to keep their perspective and sense of skepticism alive in its pages, explaining carefully and clearly how they came to draw such combustible conclusions. --Jodie Buller "

Of course, this was one of the books that Dan Brown used as research for The Da Vinci Code
I really liked The Da Vinci Code and am eagerly awaiting the release of the movie. It isn't often that I want to see a movie opening weekend, but, this one I will.

So Good I am bumping this post about Living with War

2006-05-08T12:42:00.000-07:00

This album is so good I am bumping this post. Go and listen to it now!

Neil Young's newest album is a must listen. Hear it now by clicking this link http://www.hyfntrak.com/neilyoung2/AFF24052/

or checking my links section

This album is the summer of 2006 anthem - all the tracks, especially Let's Impeach the President. I also really like Shock and Awe, but, again the entire album is great. Just what America needs right now. People need to really get together and do something about the state this country is in.

I will have a snazzier link to the album when I figure out who to do it. Oh, and check out http://www.neilyoung.com
for more info and lyrics.

Thanks, Neil, for putting into words what I (and a lot of other Americans) am feeling!

Sometimes You Need Something Lighter

2006-05-08T12:32:00.000-07:00

Sometimes crime and news just get too much and I need a break. Finding a good book to bury myself in is my favorite escape and the best book I have read recently is Savannah Breeze by Mary Kay Andrews.

This book is about BeBe Loudermilk, a minor character in her earler book, Savannah Blues, Savannah Blues which is an awesome book, by the way. Although, I must stress that Savannah Breeze stands alone - you don't have to read the other book first (but, you will want to read it once you are done, as well as all of Mrs. Andrew's books!)

Here is a brief quote from an editorial review of Savannah Blues:

"From Publishers Weekly
In this spirited sequel to 2001's Savannah Blues, Southern belle BeBe Loudermilk continues to attract the wrong kind of man. Thrice married and divorced, her latest romantic debacle involves Ryan Edward "Reddy" Millbanks, an unscrupulous financial consultant who takes her for nearly everything she owns. All BeBe has left is the Breeze Inn, a run-down motor hotel on Tybee Island, a quirky beach town. With the help of best friend Weezie, an antiques expert with a talent for turning garbage into gold, BeBe is determined to make the property a success. She soon butts heads with Harry, the Breeze Inn's ornery caretaker, but her efforts pay off: seemingly overnight, the Breeze Inn is fully booked and bustling. But when Reddy surfaces via yacht down in Lauderdale, BeBe hits the road with Weezie, Harry and her grandfather (who manages to tear himself away from the Weather Channel) to find the reprobate and make him pay. A former journalist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Edgar nominee Andrews writes with tongue firmly in cheek, presenting a cast of eccentric characters and a plot that's decidedly over-the-top. It's light, pastel fun. (Apr.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. "

Enjoy!

Samson's Fall

2006-05-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

Huff’s Crime Blog

As usual, Steve Huff is well on top of the story of Samson Shelton. His blog has a lot of interesting information about Shelton's web presence and his digging has uncovered some links that are fascinating in hindsight. I wonder just how many teachers have information on their myspace.com accounts and other web sites that might stop something like this happening again. The school superintendant that hired Mr. Shelton said they did a background check, but, I wonder, as does Mr. Huff, just how many of the schools Google the teachers and prospective teachers and see what is out there. Maybe I am naive, but if I were a teacher I think I would be more careful. Sure, everyone is entitled to free speech, but, when teachers or people who come in contact with our children reveal darker sides of themselves online for anyone to see, you have to wonder.

LIVING WITH WAR BY NEIL YOUNG IS A MUST LISTEN!

2006-04-29T12:43:00.000-07:00

Neil Young's newest album is a must listen. Hear it now by clicking this link http://www.hyfntrak.com/neilyoung2/AFF24052/

or checking my links section

This album is the summer of 2006 anthem - all the tracks, especially Let's Impeach the President. I also really like Shock and Awe, but, again the entire album is great. Just what America needs right now. People need to really get together and do something about the state this country is in.

I will have a snazzier link to the album when I figure out who to do it. Oh, and check out http://www.neilyoung.com
for more info and lyrics.

Thanks, Neil, for putting into words what I (and a lot of other Americans) am feeling!

Freeburg High School assistant coach charged in attempted murder, abduction of Millstadt girl

2006-04-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

Belleville News-Democrat | 04/29/2006 | Freeburg High School assistant coach charged in attempted murder, abduction of Millstadt girl

Kudos to the St Clair County Sheriff's Department and the Belleville Police Department for the quick resolution to this case. And, of course for finding Ashley Reeves so quickly and still alive. Although, with a broken neck and other injuries this poor girl needs all the prayers and healing energy possible.

I hope in the near future the full story comes out. The Sheriff is quoted as saying that the suspect, Samson Shelton, and the victim, had a "relationship". I hope this makes all parents take a good hard look at who their children are involved with. And school districts take a good hard look at their employees. I wonder who the boyfriend was who loaned Ashley his SUV? Shelton or someone else. If Shelton, and the parents where aware of him loaning her the SUV you have to wonder what the heck they were thinking.

I was by that park (Citizen's) twice this week - the last time being midday Thursday. And I frequently visit Lauderman (where SUV found Thursday night)as they have a nice playground. It sends chills up my spine when things like this happen so close to home.

Missouri Couple's Sextuplets is a Hoax

2006-04-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

Couple claiming sextuplets cons town - Crime & Punishment - MSNBC.com

Wow - everytime I think I am pretty much unshockable, something comes along that does shock me. I wonder if this couple really thought they would pull it off. Or get a pile of stuff and take off. Maybe people will look harder at the multiple birth thing. I think it is wrong to reward people for doing this - the majority today are fertility drugs and playing god. I always think of that couple in Iowa - poor and they really had no business having more kids or certainly having fertility drugs and then saying they would never consider reduction. And some of the kids were/are handicapped because there were too many in her belly at once. I guess I am a wee bit bitter on this one as I had a child (our one and only) in August 1997, she had the litter in November. They expected (and got) people to buy them all kinds of things, including a new house. Hello! Who doesn't want one. The icing on the case is that the day after Procter and Gamble announced that they were giving the Iowa people a lifetime supply of Pampers for the seven babies, Walmart jacked their price on Pampers! They could have had the decency to wait a week or two raise prices to cover the costs of giving those people the diapers.

After Gay Marriage, Polygamy Activism Rises - Newsweek Society - MSNBC.com

2006-03-13T12:25:00.000-08:00

After Gay Marriage, Polygamy Activism Rises - Newsweek Society - MSNBC.com

The above link is to an interesting article on a movement to legalize polygamy. I support this. I am not a polygamist and have no desire to be one. I also oppose my dear husband being one,. but, as in the subject of gay marriage. Who cares? It really doesn't have an impact on me, but, why can't people live life as they wish. If all the wives (or husbands, I support one wife/multiple husbands as well) agree, and the husband and wives can support themselves and their offspring, I say Go For It!!! It is going to happen anyway. And I think legalizing it,. and legalizing marriage among more than one partner is important for the extra spouses. As it stands, spouse number one has the legal rights, the others don't and I think they should all have the same rights.

I watched the premiere of Big Love last night on HBO, and really enjoyed it. If you like shows like Desperate Housewives, I think you will enjoy this as well. It is a good drama and I look forward to it having a long run. I am a fan of DH and this is on right after, so it is just fine for me. I don't care for Grey's Anatomy. I have tried but just can't get into that. With West Wing, then Desperate Housewives and now Big Love, Sunday is my TVnight.

But back to Big Love. (I love the title!) Already, I find myself rooting for the Boss Wife, wife number one as she is called by wife number 2. Wife number 2 is shaping up to be the unlikeable one, and the hubby's dad, who is apparently himself a polygamist with an unknown number of wives is shaping up to be the one we love to hate. Big Love has interesting, likeable characters who are quite unlike anyone I know, although at the same time, as people they are like me and people I know. And it has humor - a polygamist with three wives who becomes impotent. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!! Very funny and when he finally gets some little blue pills the wife of the night is tired and rolls over leaving him with a big woody. More Big Love!!!!!

Attytood: Good night and get lost! Chris Matthews exhumes McCarthy

2006-03-08T06:39:00.000-08:00

Attytood: Good night and get lost! Chris Matthews exhumes McCarthy

The link above is to an interesting piece at Attytood. Chris Matthews. I admit to watching him, fairly regularly. I guess I want to know what the right is thinking/saying. Although sometimes I wonder why I put my self through this. I was reading somewhere recently that MSNBC has such awful ratings during the day, that they are thinking of stopping all daytime programming. Wouldn't it be interesting if people just stopped watching the night time/evening shows and the ratings tanked and they just stopped MSNBC altogether

Of course,. that would mean Joe Scarborough would be looking for a job somewhere else. Joe Scarborough is just so full of crap. I actually watch him more often, but, I think it is the same reason I look at accidents. Last night he covered the story of the high school students that held a mock trial of George W Bush for war crimes
Joe pontificated that this was just outrageous and that the school and teacher were wrong to do this. Earth to Joe - Bush is a war criminal and people like you need to stop defending him. The lies you tell seem to be just part of a war crime conspiracy and that makes you a war criminal too.

White House Finds Humor in Hunting Mishap - Yahoo! News

2006-02-14T11:09:00.000-08:00

White House Finds Humor in Hunting Mishap - Yahoo! News

This is just outrageous. You don't have to think too hard to realize something just is wrong here.

No one who "accidently" shot their fellow hunter would have been allowed to evade sheriff's deputies investigating the case for so long. Was Cheney drunk? It is really hard to come to any other conclusion.

And I personally am appalled that Secret Service agents who are supposed to protect Cheney from physical harm are/did participate in helping him cover up a crime. This has to be far outside their job description and the agents who partipated should be prosecuted along with Cheney.

The Libby plot thickens: Who told whom to do what? | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

2006-02-13T08:01:00.000-08:00

The Libby plot thickens: Who told whom to do what? | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Interesting. Who would the Vice President Dick Cheney's Chief of Staff Scooter Libby's superiors be? I can't wait to see this one play out. But, I am heartened that this story is getting much deserved overage in the MSM.

I was a teen during Watergate. Hmmm, make that a very young teen when it happened. The unfolding scandal was a current event during my high school years and as such was a number one topic in current event and government classes. I developed a respect of our press and pride that in America, no one was above the law. That fine investigative journalists stood at the ready (and lived for) digging out the truth.

The past six years have greatly changed that view. Seeing network nightly news has been an incredible experience. The passes the press has given the Bush Administration, which I think is far more corrupt than any other in our nation's history has been just jaw dropping. The whole deal of what the Republican Party has turned into is incredible.

Watching the press and the right wing go after the Clinton's for utter bullshit and turning a blind eye to the high crimes and misdemeanors of the Bush regime is amazing. I really hope they are waking up. That the press, and the average person who has been voting Republican will wake up, however, as much as I want this to happen, I am really worried that if too many get a clue at once, that the atmospheric changes caused by a large number of people all pulling their heads out of their A$$es at once might do serious damage. However, I am willing to take that risk.

Cheney Shoots Fellow Hunter in Mishap on a Texas Ranch - New York Times

2006-02-13T07:53:00.000-08:00

Cheney Shoots Fellow Hunter in Mishap on a Texas Ranch - New York Times

I buy it. Not! Something about this whole story stinks to high heavens! I wonder what chance there is that the truth about Dick Cheny's shooting this man will come out. Probably slim and none, but, once again I hope that the MSM will be on this and stay on it. I keep waiting for MSM to grow a pair.

And The Winner Is

2006-02-12T09:11:00.000-08:00

Reporting is probably a very difficult job. Crime reporting is probably the most difficult. This is my opinion and one I am too lazy this morning to research. But, I think it is difficult and for the most part I give crime reporters a lot of credit and thanks for getting information on a subject I have a great interest in. On missing person cases, I am always happy to see any coverage.,

However, there are times when you really just want to slap someone who asks a really stupid question. I always wonder why. What were they thinking? This seems to happen most often on cable news (mmmmm., a topic for another rant). But, today I found a real doozy by Carolyn P Smith of the Belleville (IL) News Democrat.

First, the link. http://www.belleville.com/mld/belleville/13853767.htm

The story is about the case of Anquiatte Parker and Cermen "C.J." Toney, who have been missing in the East St. Louis area since November 6, 2005. Ms. Parker was seven months pregnant and was babysitting her four year old cousin when they both disappeared. (This is another case that has not gotten much if any media attention nationally as they aren't pretty young white girls,.but, I digress).

Police have a possible person of interest, an unidentified person of whom they have an eyewitness sketch that was seen near Ms. Parker's car, which was found near the VFW in Fairmont City, IL (near East St. Louis).

The article is about ongoing police efforts in the case.

"From 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Saturday, about 10 Illinois State Police agents, and volunteers from the State Park, Mitchell and Caseyville fire departments used backhoes and a cadaver dog to search for Parker and Toney.

Lt. Greg Fernandez, who is heading up the team, said, "We've never stopped looking for them." (emphasis added)

Okay, now, Ms. Smith, the reporter, then not only asked one of the stupidest questions ever, she was proud enough of it to include it in her story (of course had she not, we wouldn't know about this).

Back to the story -

"We did lots of digging," Walker said. "The volunteers out here with us donated their time and equipment to help us."

Fernandez said the backhoes were donated by McClair Asphalt Co. in Fairmont City and C. Grantham Co. in Casevyille.

"Without this assistance, it would be much harder. We're very appreciative to the volunteers and donors who have willingly worked with us," Fernandez said. The cadaver dog, named Candy, was donated for the search by Brad Stahlman from Quest Search and Recovery in Union, Mo."

Informative, but this is followed by this gem.

"He said the areas where the men dug were "places of interest." When asked whether he was looking for bodies or live individuals, Fernandez said: "When we do searches like this, we are looking for recoveries." (emphasis is again, mine).

WTF??????????? They are digging in the ground, they are using backhoes and a CADAVER dog, for crying out loud. Why would anyone ask if they are digging for live individuals??? Carolyn, Carolyn, Carolyn!! This is so stupid I really don't know what else to say. Anyone reading the article should have figured that out right away. You not only insult your reader, but, you know the family of the missing persons are reading every word written in a case like this where little is.

As a result of this article I have decided to award the first Cracked Award in the category of Media's Stupidest Moments (MSM) to Carolyn P. Smith. The Cracked Awards are a new award I just dreamed up for idiots in the news. You just know there will be plenty of contenders.

Lufkin man accused of torturing stepson for 1 1/2 years

2006-02-03T15:14:00.000-08:00

Lufkin man accused of torturing stepson for 1 1/2 years

Another story where the so called mother allowed this to happen.

" In one incident detailed in an arrest affidavit, Thomas allegedly tied the boys' arms and legs to a bed with dog leashes for leaving his backpack where the dog could reach it. Thomas then allegedly beat the boy across the stomach, holding a pillow over his face as his mother watched, Cross said."

At least this case has a better ending. When the little boy told his teacher, she reported it and the child was removed from the home and is in foster care. Hopefully, his so called mother and her spouse will never be allowed anywhere near him again, and they both get the max - 20 years.

WCBSTV.com: Your Source For New York News, Weather, Sports & Traffic: Cops: 4-Year-Old Murdered Over A Knocked-Over TV

2006-02-03T14:49:00.000-08:00

WCBSTV.com: Your Source For New York News, Weather, Sports & Traffic: Cops: 4-Year-Old Murdered Over A Knocked-Over TV

Another monster killed a little boy while the so called mother did nothing. WTF is wrong with people? And, yet again, teachers had reported the family to Child and Family Services as the "sisters came to school hungry and dirty, if they showed up at all."As mad as these cows who breed then watch their lovers/boyfriends/husbands murder their children and do nothing, I am also angry at the people who are supposed to help them.

pitch.com | News | Always Low, Always

2006-02-03T10:18:00.000-08:00

pitch.com | News | Always Low, Always

I used to shop at Wal-Mart. At least twice a month, maybe more. We bought all our household stuff and then some there. I am proud to say that I have not been in Wal-Mart this year. My husband has been once, to return a rug I bought in October. I decided that even though I liked the color and the rug, I just couldn't use it. It had sat unopened since the day I bought it. I haven't been in a Wal-Mart since before the holidays. This year only a couple things were bought at Wal-Mart. Two wish list items for the Wild Child that were out everywhere else. I really regret caving every time I see the toys. And since the two items were her most favorite I see them a lot.

On the other hand, we actually began weaning off Wal-Mart last summer and I feel good about that. I can find everything we need elsewhere. And, I have learned that Target has either the same prices on items we buy, or lower! One surprising result of stopping shopping at Wal-Mart is, I think we are buying less. Less impulse buying I suppose. And I actually enjoy shopping more. I guess it is because a) Target Stores are nicer than Wal-Mart. (There is a major difference in the employees. The employees at Target actually seem to like their jobs, like helping customers and provide, oh can it be, CUSTOMER SERVICE?) b) while the majority of household stuff comes from Target, I am shopping around more. We have started buying more from a locally owned Ace Hardware. And crafty/arty stuff from a local store. But, we are exploring more and finding that Wal-Mart isn't always cheaper!!! It might take longer to shop, but, it is more fun. And we feel better about not contributing to the whole evil empire that is Wal-Mart.

Evangelicals Branch Out Politically - Los Angeles Times

2006-02-01T11:36:00.000-08:00

Evangelicals Branch Out Politically - Los Angeles Times

I just knew there had to be decent Christians in this country. This article is very heartwarming. I hope this movement succeeds and replaces idiots like Pat Robertson and his ilk - and the evil right wing radicals that are so determined to destory this once great nation.

Alito Confirmed

2006-01-31T09:49:00.000-08:00

So, Alilto has been confirmed. I really held out hope for a miracle. But, damn, damn, damn. I really fear for this country. I hope that Alito is a decent Justice, but, you know, I really think he won't be. I wish that when people lie to the US Senate that there are consequences - like bam, you are out. Something needs to be done about this.

That someone can steal the White House and wreck havoc on this country and this world for years to come is just so wrong. Sometimes I wonder about the America we learned about when I was a kid and I just cry. Back when Bush stole the White House from Al Gore, we knew it would be bad, but, I don't think anyone could imagine how bad. I worry so much about the world my daughter will live in.

State of the Union Fantasy Again

2006-01-30T13:30:00.000-08:00

Hah - I liked this post so much when I wrote it last week, I am moving it up. It's that good.

When Bush gives his State of the Union Address, here is what I want to happen. When he tells his first lie, let it go. When he tells his second, (and you know he will) I want a couple of Democrats to snicker. Laugh. Chuckle. Then I want it to spread, let all the Democrats, both House and Senate just Laugh out Loud. I mean Rolling on Floor Laughing out Loud. Then I want them to all wallk out in mass. I want half or more of the media filiming it to be so shocked they stop covering the speech and turn and follow the politicans out to find out why. Then they carry their comments live on TV, leaving Fox to cover Bush who is gasping and stunned and no longer able to talk properly, but he resorts to cursing and swearing. That's all.

Chicago Tribune | Oprah knows good TV, and that's no lie

2006-01-27T10:51:00.000-08:00

Chicago Tribune | Oprah knows good TV, and that's no lie

Actually, the Chicago Tribune has good coverage of the Oprah/Frey deal. This links to one, but, others on the site are also good.

I have one more comment - I watched Oprah yesterday and kept waiting for a couple things that didn't come up. One - did Frey market the book as fiction and only pushed it as a non fiction memoir after receiving multiple rejections (as fiction). And, two, Oprah needed to tell him and Nan Telese (publisher) that her name and any mention of the book club is to be removed from all further copies. And, for copies in the store - Random House needs to make a sticker to cover the Oprah Book Club label on the books - make it clear that he has been booted from the Book Club and with that tell Frey he needs to donate the money made by being an Oprah Book to a charity approved by her.

2006-01-27T07:21:00.000-08:00

It seems like I am never going to be good at gathering all kinds of news and commenting on them. I suppose I am a bit too lazy. Plus, once I started this blog, I realized that while I am fascinated by true crime and read a lot of it, it depresses the hell out of me. Stories I have started to follow and all just get to me.

The latest - the Rachel Entwistle case. For all the story, either Google her name, or go here - http://huffcrimeblog.com/
As usual, Steve Huff has all the story. Do read the last few days of his blog, and the comments. This is one of those cases I just don't know about. Nutshell - a young mother and her baby were found shot to death in their bed in their new home in an upscale neighborhood near Boston. Her husband, a native of England, is missing, and it seems flew back to England between the time anyone last spoke with Rachel and the time the bodies were found. But, it seems that the husband was running several Internet scams - on eBay and on his own websites. No one knows if Rachel was aware of or involved with these scams. It appears her name was at least used on the eBay account that was used earlier this month to scam eBayers out of money. Much is being made of his not hopping the next flight home after learning of the murders.

According to Nancy Grace, this means hubby is guilty. And, yes, we have seen so many murders recently where the husband did it. However, as some of the commentors on Huff's blog mention, I don't want to always instantly assume the husband did it. This really bugs me as if he didn't, he is sure being painted with the brush of guilt. Maybe he is scared to come back to the US. Maybe someone he scammed did kill the wife and child to hurt him. Maybe Maybe Maybe. Right now there are just too many maybes and I really wish we could get back to innocent until proven guilty.

That is what bugs me about Nancy Grace. I don't love her, I don't hate her. But, I confess to a fascination with her. My husband, by the way, really doesn't care for her. She is so strident, which is amazing to me, for a Southern woman. I guess screaming brings ratings. Nancy needs to try to present two sides (or more) and not scream at anyone who dares disagree with her. Also, last week I watched (and I am not proud of this) while Nancy did two, not one, but TWO nights on the Tara Grinstead case. http://www.findtara.com/

Of course, I am very sorry that Ms. Grinstead is missing. I am sorry when anyone is. I wish this would stop. Although I am not sure we really have more per capita missing today, or we just have more ways to learn about it. But, I am really really sick and tired of the only ones getting MSM attention are young white women. Two nights?? Nancy, do you not have any grace and compassion? Mention the big names - Tara, Natalie Holloway, but give time to more missing people. Don't just devote all that air time to girls that remind you of you. Be a real advocate for the missing.

Of course, lately there is a missing person getting a lot of MSM attention, that doesn't fit the profile of young , white and female. I refer to George Smith IV http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8659573/
or Google his name. Okay, I am again, very sorry this man is missing. But, how much air time does one person get? If they have something really new to report, fine, but hour after hour (and Joe Scarborough is really into this story)?

Finally, lately Joe Scarborough is really in to the James Frey/Oprah story. Google James Frey or click here for articles that will give the lowdown. http://www.salon.com/ent/col/fix/2006/01/27/fri/
(If you aren't a Salon Premium subscriber you should be or view it as a day pass). Joe is all concerned about Frey lying. Okay, Joe, let me spell it out. When you live in a country currently headed by someone who lies constantly how on earth do you expect people to get upset when someone lies their ways to millions??? The Bush Administration has hurt this country in more ways than one. How do you teach children to tell the truth when their government doesn't? Why not do a show on that Joe?

State of the Union Fantasy

2006-01-25T08:06:00.000-08:00

When Bush gives his State of the Union Address, here is what I want to happen. When he tells his first lie, let it go. When he tells his second, (and you know he will) I want a couple of Democrats to snicker. Laugh. Chuckle. Then I want it to spread, let all the Democrats, both House and Senate just Laugh out Loud. I mean Rolling on Floor Laughing out Loud. Then I want them to all wallk out in mass. I want half or more of the media filiming it to be so shocked they stop covering the speech and turn and follow the politicans out to find out why. Then they carry their comments live on TV, leaving Fox to cover Bush who is gasping and stunned and no longer able to talk properly, but he resorts to cursing and swearing. That's all.

Michael Schiavo Remarries

2006-01-23T08:08:00.000-08:00

News From The Associated Press

"AFETY HARBOR, Fla. (AP) -- Michael Schiavo, whose brain-damaged wife was at the center of a contentious end-of-life battle that played out on a worldwide media stage, has remarried, family members said.

Schiavo married his longtime girlfriend Jodi Centonze on Saturday in a private church ceremony, said John Centonze, the brother of the bride." (more at above link)

Congratulations and I hope that they have a long and happy life together. He went through so much and she stood by him. The things said about him were just horrible. They deserve happiness out of the public eye.

West Wing Cancelled

2006-01-23T08:05:00.000-08:00

News From The Associated Press

This makes me really sad, as I LOVE The West Wing. I watched it last night and commented as I do weekly, that I wished Martin Sheen was President. I am conflicted. I am not sure if I want Martin Sheen himself or Jeb Bartlett, the character he plays on TWW. At any rate, for one hour every week, I can pretend we live in a nation with a wise and kind leader.

Damn. Double Damn. On one hand, I have kind of had a feeling this would happen. But, on the other hand, I was hoping they would have Santos win the election and continue on. I really like Jimmy Smits. Then you have the possibility that Alan Alda's character could win and show real life Republicans how to be decent and not lie and do all the evil things they do in real life.

I have watched this show from day one, don't think I missed many, if any episodes and soon it will be history. I hope the creators of this come up with something wonderful to take the place of one of the greatest TV shows ever.

I do like Commander In Chief. I like it a lot. But, I enjoyed both. I hope Commander in Chief is with us a long time.

Child Welfare Workers Are Suspended After Death of Girl - New York Times

2006-01-19T05:40:00.000-08:00

Child Welfare Workers Are Suspended After Death of Girl - New York Times

Good, but, not nearly enough. Everyone of them, should be locked in room and treated like Nixzmary. Along with her killer and her so called mother.

The Imperial Presidency at Work - New York Times

2006-01-17T05:42:00.000-08:00

Published: January 15, 2006

"You would think that Senators Carl Levin and John McCain would have learned by now that you cannot deal in good faith with a White House that does not act in good faith. Yet both men struck bargains intended to restore the rule of law to American prison camps. And President Bush tossed them aside at the first opportunity." for more -

The Imperial Presidency at Work - New York Times

Very scary article. Wake up America. Call, write, email, visit your Senators and Representatives NOW and demand they defend the Constitution and this nation against the assualt by Bush, Cheney, et al.

TimesDispatch.com | Seven days in January

2006-01-16T13:20:00.000-08:00

TimesDispatch.com | Seven days in January

The Times Dispatch of Richmond has a really great article all about the Harvey Murders, the other victims, Percyell and Mary Tucker, the suspects, etc. One place. Good reporting.

Crime Scene Blog

2006-01-16T12:28:00.000-08:00

Crime Scene Blog

The story of Nixzmary Brown is really horrible. I was going to research a bit to learn all the details and found that Crime Scene Blog has one of the best on it. The horror that little 7 year old Nixzmary lived with is beyond comprehension. So many people that should have helped her didn't. From Child and Family Services to a neighbor who saw her several times in the park - not a fucking thing was done to save this child's life. As dreadful as the stepfather who actually killed her is, the mother is even worse. Nixzmary's MOTHER didn't help her. She let her husband kill her child. I am just so sick of all these women that let boyfriends and husbands kill their children. What the fuck is wrong with them? What the fuck is wrong with our world today? I am sick. Just sick. Although, reading blogs where people do care does tell me that there is still some humanity in this world.

Hey, George Bush! Instead of worrying about your plan for word domination and destroying our country, how about doing something to stop this slaughter of our promise for tomorrow????? How about it?

Crime and such

2006-01-16T09:27:00.000-08:00

I am seriously considering taking a month news sabbatical. Okay, I will not do that. There is just so much it is overwhelming. I have been looking at some cases to go more indepth on and it does get to you. And the bullshit with Alito's nomination. Fucking fillibuster already. This man is bad news for America and doesn't belong on the Supreme Court. It makes me furious to thing that Bush will have someone on who will absolve him of his sins, and set this country back so far. ARGH!!!

But, now that I have that out of my system, back to work on the various projects I was working on before blog issues derailed me.

Finally - The Blog Works

2006-01-16T09:22:00.000-08:00

After much frustration - since Friday I couldn't see my blog, I changed to a new floating templlate from
http://thrbrtemplates.blogspot.com/

I love his templates - and found additional help, from Thor at http://www.bloggerforum.com/modules/newbb/index.php

I have no idea what went wrong, something apparently when I added the links for Blogrolling - which is a genius way to add links - see the link in the right sidebar. I am such a newbie at this and figuring it all out is a major headache, but, I am so thankful to all the wonderful people and services that do make it easier.

Belleville News-Democrat | 01/15/2006 | Belleville mother won't face kidnap charge

2006-01-15T06:34:00.000-08:00

Belleville News-Democrat | 01/15/2006 | Belleville mother won't face kidnap charge

Good news. Glad to see that a judge did the right thing when we here of so many that don't.

Test post

2006-01-13T22:05:00.000-08:00

This is just a test post, nothing but a test post. Had it been a real post there would hopefully have been something more interesting here.

Daily Kos: Myopic Bush Sheds no Tears as our Arctic Disappears

2006-01-13T06:21:00.000-08:00

Daily Kos: Myopic Bush Sheds no Tears as our Arctic Disappears

The Daily Kos has an interesting article by Tom Bell today on Climate Change and how Bush is ignoring it. This is scary stuff. Especially the following quote he uses:

Alarmed by an accelerating loss of ice in the Arctic Ocean, scientists are striving to understand why the speedup is happening and what it means for humankind.
If present trends continue, as seems likely, the sea surrounding the North Pole will be completely free of ice in the summertime within the lifetime of a child born today. The loss could point the way to radical changes in the Earth's climate and weather systems.
Some researchers, such as Ron Lindsay, an Arctic scientist at the University of Washington in Seattle, fear that the polar region already may have passed a "tipping point" from which it can't recover in the foreseeable future.
"Rapidly shrinking Arctic ice could spell trouble for the rest of the world" -- Knight Ridder 01/11/06
How on earth can anyone deny this is going on. In my own lifetime, I have seen a major change in our climate (near St. Louis). We used to have Winter. We used to have lots of snow and ice, and, while we still have some, we have no where near what we used to.
I worry so much about what my small child will have to live through. What a world.

Belleville News-Democrat | 01/13/2006 | Tough anti-meth measures to take effect

2006-01-13T05:28:00.000-08:00

Belleville News-Democrat | 01/13/2006 | Tough anti-meth measures to take effect

Okay, I do understand the reason for this law. But, it really makes me mad that law abiding citizens who have never nor would never touch meth have to jump through hoops to get medicine. As a person with long time sinus problems married to another, although mild enough the OTC stuff does work, it is a major pain. Last summer, coming home from vacation in another state, it took almost 15 minutes for my husband to buy one of those convenience packs at a gas station. I had packed our larger package and it was buried in the trunk. The law of having people show idea, sign a list, etc. was new and the clerk and assistant mgr had never done it before. I guess instead of me buying enough for both of us, we will have to buy our own. And, you know, somehow I really don't think the dedicated meth addict is going to be detered. But, law makers can pat themselves on the back and say they did something. Whoopie.

Come on UPS

2006-01-11T13:12:00.000-08:00

What I want to be doing is taking a nap. It is looking less and less likely as what I am actually doing is waiting on a UPS delivery. I used to not worry about it but last week I found out that a package had been stolen off our front stoop in early December. I had an order with a company I am not going to mention, since I really do like them, who had customer service problems in December. For some reason they never emailed the shipping email giving me the shipping method and a tracking number. They have a kind of vague website as far as order status goes (but really cool stuff) and the order, actually part of a larger order I got the ret of, was some shoes that shipped directly from their supplier. So, I emailed a number of times and never got an answer. Finally, I called them last week and they checked and said record showed delivered on 12/5 and left at front door by UPS. Which somehow disappeared. I show I was home that day but never heard the UPS guy leave it and it went somewhere. So, someone has the shoes. The company was cool and is replacing them. And I am REALLY glad that a) all my holiday orders came and b) I didn't know this before all of the gifts got here or I probably would have had a heart attack with worry.

What I am waiting for is some books from Amazon. But, I want my nap and time is running out for that.

TimesDispatch.com | Suspect's mother-in-law voices her suspicions

2006-01-11T06:33:00.000-08:00

TimesDispatch.com | Suspect's mother-in-law voices her suspicions

But, this article really pisses me off. Maybe if there had been some better police work after Treva Smith was found murdered, seven other people would be alive today?

TimesDispatch.com | Deadly week in Richmond

2006-01-11T06:30:00.000-08:00

TimesDispatch.com | Deadly week in Richmond

The -------- I have no appropriate word --- monsters? that murdered the Harvey family have apparently been caught. But, not without others dying. This link goes to a great index of all the articles on it in the Richmond Times Dispatch.

Belleville News-Democrat | 01/10/2006 | Sen. Durbin offers sharp challenge to Judge Alito

2006-01-10T12:48:00.000-08:00

Belleville News-Democrat | 01/10/2006 | Sen. Durbin offers sharp challenge to Judge Alito

Go Dick! You know, there needs to be some provision, that if a Supreme Court Justice lies to the Senate while being questioned - like he says he will recuse himself if something comes up that he has connections with - that he can then be charged and removed. This for life crap with no way to remove them, or no easy way is just bull!

Belleville News-Democrat | 01/09/2006 | Mom in limbo seeking son's custody from molester dad

2006-01-10T12:45:00.000-08:00

Belleville News-Democrat | 01/09/2006 | Mom in limbo seeking son's custody from molester dad

This kind of thing really irks me. That poor child. Five schools in two years and a transient sex offender dad (who pled guilty!!) and the judge in Maryland can't give him to the mother. What on earth is wrong with people, what kind of idiots does Maryland have on the bench. Oh, I really hope that the mother gets custody where she lives and that the Maryland courts then go along. The child belongs with Mom and needs some permanence in his young life.

Barry Cowsill

2006-01-06T21:39:00.000-08:00

Nola.com: NewsFlash - Katrina blamed for death of Barry Cowsill

This is so sad. He was missing,. so it really didn't look good, but, I suppose until you know for sure there is hope. I really liked the Cowsills, I had a huge crush on Barry when I was about 10. I guess no one will ever know what happened, but, I hope he didn't suffer too much. And my thoughts and prayers are with the family, as they have been since I first heard he was missing last fall.

TimesDispatch.com | Slain family may have died from additional injuries

2006-01-05T06:49:00.000-08:00

TimesDispatch.com | Slain family may have died from additional injuries

This article doesn't really add a whole lot, except for a picture of the family - oh my goodness - it is a picture of a lovely happy day at the beach and very hard to look at.

Harvey Family Murder Investigation Continues - The Crime library

2006-01-05T06:46:00.000-08:00

Harvey Family Murder Investigation Continues - The Crime library

The article above gives little new information. I so hope they get the creep that did this - what word can you use to descripe the heinous monster that would kill a family like this. By all accounts, the Harveys sound like splendid people that anyone would like to know. Just thinking of this whole thing really does make me ill. Bryan Harvey and his wife Kathryn - along with the little girls, thinking of who was killed last is just so horrible to even contemplate.

local6.com - News - Man Shoots Two Mormons Going Door To Door

2006-01-04T07:55:00.000-08:00

local6.com - News - Man Shoots Two Mormons Going Door To Door

This is wrong. But, you have to really wonder what happened here. Did someone get offered salvation just once too often????? When this happens to you, do as I do,. just say no and close the door. This works well on the Mormans. For the Jehovah's Witnesses, I told them I was a Witch (they made me say it three times) but they RAN down the street and haven't returned in almost 10 years.

AP Wire | 01/04/2006 | 12 of 13 W. Va. miners confirmed dead

2006-01-04T07:50:00.000-08:00

AP Wire | 01/04/2006 | 12 of 13 W. Va. miners confirmed dead

Wow, this is just.....stunning. I watched this snafu unfold on MSNBC last night and couldn't find the words. I did realize that someone should just bitchslap Rita Cosby - but, really MSNBC is just the network of strident, unpleasant people. I am not sure why I even have been watching it lately, instead of CNN - the calmer network.

Okay, I do like Chris Matthews but after watching that ignorant bitch RC harrassing the Governor of WV I decided to limit my MSNBC viewing to the occassional dose of Chris Matthews.

The poor families of those miners. As I said, I watched it but still am not sure what happened. My heart and prayers go out to them all.

Salon.com Books | Reformed school girl

2006-01-03T23:20:00.000-08:00

Salon.com Books | Reformed school girl

Here's a link to a more indepth article about My Fundamentalist Education on Salon.com

Yeah, I know it is Salon Premium but if you aren't a member I think you can watch an ad or something to read it and the other great content free. But, you could do what I do and subscribe. It is so worth it!

Amazon.com: My Fundamentalist Education: Books

2006-01-03T23:16:00.000-08:00

This is the next book I will be buying - it sounds really good. There is a link to purchase it on the left and I thank anyone who uses it - it will help me get the book that much quicker.

- "Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Rosen (Preaching Eugenics), a fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, knows her King James Bible backward and forward. For this she thanks the fundamentalist school she attended from kindergarten until eighth grade, when her parents finally figured out 'what we were learning about television, and movies, and, most important, about men and women.' In many respects Keswick Christian School in the 1980s was like fabled Catholic schools of the 1950s: misbehaving students were paddled, girls forced to kneel on the floor to check skirt lengths, boys and girls required to keep a respectful six-inch distance from one another. But to Keswick students, Catholics and even some Protestants weren't true Christians, and it was incumbent upon the children to learn 'strict morals and Bible belief' and then to 'witness' to playmates and families. Alas, writes Rosen, 'by the close of third grade, I found I'd not yet converted a single living soul.' While young Christine was absorbing an ascetic worldview, her erratic mother was discovering—and unsuccessfully trying to interest her daughter in—Pentecostal fervor. Although today Rosen lives 'an entirely secular life,' her tone is affectionate rather than critical, and her subtle humor and ironically accurate descriptions will appeal to others with stringent religious backgrounds. (Jan.)
Copyright � Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
Rosen, an author (Preaching Eugenics, 2004) and fellow of the Ethics & Public Policy Center in Washington, grew up in a Fundamentalist Christian community in seventies and eighties Florida. In this poignant, unsparing, and funny memoir, she recounts the years between preschool and seventh grade, during which she attended a strict, religious school; embraced Bible teachings; entertained fantasies of becoming a missionary; and anxiously looked for signs of the End Days and the Antichrist. (Ronald Wilson Reagan, whose name contains three parts of six letters each, doesn't escape her suspicion.) Rosen speaks frankly about her growing disenchantment with patriarchal doctrines that ultimately contributed to her break with Fundamentalism, and she allows that, as a preteen girl, 'perhaps I would have done better hearing more about Darwin and less about harlotry.' Still, she speaks with moving appreciation about her religious education's great rewards, and as she pursues direct questions about belief--'How enduring is childhood faith?'--she makes sharp observations about the experience of childhood and how young people learn about the world. Gillian Engberg
Copyright � American Library Association. All rights reserved"

GOP Leaders Seek Distance From Abramoff

2006-01-03T23:07:00.000-08:00

GOP Leaders Seek Distance From Abramoff

I really hope that this is the beginning of the end of the current majority party.

Coming to the Hill: lots of hearing-room drama | csmonitor.com

2006-01-03T23:06:00.000-08:00

Coming to the Hill: lots of hearing-room drama | csmonitor.com

Can we hope that Congress has finally grown some?

Harvey Family Murders Hit the Blogosphere - The Crime library

2006-01-03T18:53:00.000-08:00

Harvey Family Murders Hit the Blogosphere - The Crime library

Here is a link to a really good piece on the Harvey Murders. Steve Huff realy rocks. I like his blog, The Dark Side of Planet Huff a great deal and you can read it here - He is so good at True Crime blogging - the king. He really researches well and for a long time I figured why blog myself when Steve does it so nicely. I finally decided to add my voice, but I still really admire his.

Nancy Grace did a good show on this tonight. Part of her show was on the trapped miners, another sad current event. The second part was about the Harvey Murders. Didn't really learn much I didn't know, but, she covered it well.

Testing out this new feature

2006-01-03T15:06:00.000-08:00

Just a little test of the Blog This button I just added to my toolbar

Murder Grief and Mystery

2006-01-03T14:32:00.000-08:00

I have been interested in crime for ages. I can't even recall just when. I think it started when I was around junior high age and borrowed paperbacks from one of my aunts. Now, I have no idea what the first book I read was, but, I just know I have always been fascinated by what people can do to other people. I can't imagine killing someone,. yet so many people kill others.

I will be listing some of my favorite true crime blogs.

A new case that saddens and yet fascinates me is the killing of the Harvey Family in Virginia (click here http://www.timesdispatch.com/
and then click on the article Murder, Grief and Mystery (I haven't figured out how to use a large url for a link)
for an article on this case from the Richmond Times Dispatch. Bryan Harvey and his wife Kathryn, along with their two little girls were found dead in their home, bound and with their throats slashed. WTF!! Who would do this to a family. I don't have words to express my outrage, but, I know this is a case I will be following.

Welcome to The Blog of Crackers!

2006-01-03T14:21:00.000-08:00

Thanks for stopping by! The Blog of Crackers owes the name to my young daughter who was helping me muse some titles for this blog. I have wanted to start one for some time, a blog to share my thoughts and opinions about news, current events, and true crime with the world. Alas, all my first choice names were already taken, hence the session of thinking up a title. She threw out The Blog of Crackers being silly. But, as my husband says, it does say so much.

This week is getting started week, and I will be working on it daily, sometimes multiple times.