A Mailing From Parker Griffith ::

I got a slick 4 color mailer today from Griffith. I imagine that he's feeling the heat and wants to toss some red meat to the repub base in the 5th district. Here are the questions:

1. Do you support adding nearly a trillion dollars to the national debt to provide health insurance to the uninsured in order to establish government-run health care for for everybody?

Yes

No

2. What is your biggest concern about the health care package?

more debt _____

more government intrusion _____

taxpayer funding of abortion _____

other ______

3. Do you support personal and business tax cuts to spur economic growth?

yes _____

no _____

4. Do you support the deployment of a missile defense system to protect all of the citizens of the United States of America?

yes _____

no _____

The mailer was addressed to resident and below that is this disclaimer:

This mailing was prepared, published and mailed at taxpayer expense.

It is provided as a service to 5th Congressional District constituents.

printed and mailed in Alabama.

I really would like to know just how much this mass mailing cost! I think I'll call Griffith's local office Monday morning and ask and hopefully get to bypass filing a FOIA request. Let's all call and express our displeasure at our tax dollars being spent on such a biased mailing.

Parker Griffith And Health Care Reform ::

I thought that I had unfriended Griffith on Facebook, but somehow he's snuck back in with his postings with the latest being his kiss-up to John Boner Boehner and being named to sit on Boehner's "Truth Squad". Here's his posting from Facebook:

Proud to be tapped to sit on Leader Boehner’s “Truth Squad” for tomorrow’s health care summit to fact-check misstatements from the Democrats.

I guess they figure that the best offense is a good defense since the repubs are the ones requiring the fact checking. I'm looking forward to tomorrows little get together!

Sunday Catblogging ::

Mother cat with her 3 nine week old kittehs:

Tragedy At The University Of Alabama-Huntsville Campus ::

Looks like 3 dead and 3 injured from what I'm seeing on the news right now with the alleged shooter being a UAH faculty member who had been denied tenure.

One thing that disturbs me, other than the obvious, is why Liz Hurley saw fit to give air time at Huntsville Hospital to an alleged UAH student who had nothing to add to the story, but she advocated that students who had pistol carry permits be allowed to carry their weapons on campus. Surely only the delusional could see this as a solution to the problem of an act of violence!

A CNN Poll ::

Amazing that anyone thinks she is qualified for anything!

Still More Rain! ::

Coming down hard this morning and I'm beginning to despair of getting my yard projects done! I surely hope this spring is not as wet as 2009, but it's beginning to look that way.

The Toyota Recall ::

I drive a 2004 Toyota Matrix and would not hesitate to buy another Toyota, but I'm curious about something. The recall of the Toyota vehicles is making huge news, but the Matrix is exactly the same car as the Pontiac Vibe, other than the body, so why is there no push to recall them? I suspect that at one of the Toyota suv models is also marketed as a Pontiac, but I'm not sure of that.

Interesting Drive Home ::

I was heading home this evening and was between Owens Crossroads and New Hope when I saw a hawk swooping over the road in front of me. It flew into the median, snagged a mouse, and took it's supper home.

I love nature!

The Haiti Relief Show ::

Everyone had a great time last Sunday evening and the music was great with the added benefit that I saw a lot of people I had not seen in ages. I didn't take a camera with me and I was sorry that I didn't, but I will not make that mistake again.

I don't know what the total figure of money raised will be but the preliminary figure I was given yesterday was around $8500 which is not bad at all for an event that was put together in about a week and everyone who was involved should be proud of their effort!

Benefit For Haiti ::

Happening this afternoon and evening--see below. Hope to see you there!

Huntsville Supports Haiti Relief ::

I will be there!

A Huntsville Concert For Haiti Relief ::

Looks like plans have been finalized for a show this coming Sunday, January 24, at Lowe Mill with music by Microwave Dave (not sure if the nukes will be there), Kush, and Ken Watters. There will also be a silent auction of donated art works. The event begins at 4pm and will run as long as the enthusiasm holds out!

If any of the details change, I'll pass them on, but I plan to be there and hope that there is a large turnout for this. Proceeds will go to Wyclef Jean's foundation for Haiti relief, Yéle Haiti. I'll try to get some photographs posted after the event.

I Wonder ::

just how many people in North Alabama would agree with Pat Robertson about the cause of the earthquake in Haiti? Here's the video from Media Matters:



Pat Robertson is a excuse for a human being and should seriously call into question the sanity of anyone who supports him in any way!

Here is a pointed response video snagged from YouTube:

A Greek Restaurant In Huntsville ::

I had to pick up a prescription this morning at the Rite-Aid on the corner of Whitesburg and Airport and noticed a Greek restaurant across the road named Taziki's. I did a quick Google on the restaurant and see that it is classified as quick ethnic food which basically means that you order in a line and the food is delivered to your table. Unfortunately I don't think it offers my favorite Greek dish of fried baby squid, but I guess I'll have to try it out shortly and see how they do with lamb.

Happy New Year ::

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!

Ernest Nunley-One Fat Cowboy ::

I got this from an anonymous poster earlier today:

Ernest is fine. He was in Walker Louisiana last night and heading into Baton Rouge today. Thanks to all well wishers. I hope others post his sightings.

Here's my earlier post before Ernest's heart attack. The post should explain Ernest's quest.

Tuesday Stuff! ::

Ron Sparks today did exactly what I expected him to do and announced that he will remain in the Alabama governor's race. I thought before his announcement that this would be the correct move for him especially since he doesn't live in the 5th district. The republicans in the race would have pounded him on this alone and Sparks would have started out in a hole. Sparks has statewide name recognition and that will only improve with his campaign for governor.

That being said, I am still on the fence with who I plan to support in the governor's race.

I had a bite to eat this evening at the Bandito Burrito on South Parkway and listened to Marge Loveday play and sing for a while. If you get a chance to see her at any of the local music venues, I highly recommend that you do.

Diana Krall Sings Jingle Bells ::

Parker Griffith Turns Tail ::

and runs from those who elected him! I can't say that I'm surprised and I really think that he has painted himself into a corner given that he will probably face to repubs in the primary. Now we have to find a credible Democrat to make the run although time is already short.

I hope that everyone who gave some bucks to Griffith asks for them back. I donated some time to his campaign so I'm out that, but at least it was an eye opening experience!

Remembering Frank Zappa ::

on his birthday: