Man buys coffin, shoots self in it

Man buys coffin, jumps in, shoots self

A Montenegrin man made an unsuccessful suicide attempt in front of shocked funeral home staffers after he purchased a coffin, climbed in and shot himself. Milo Bogisic paid cash for the casket at Palma Funerals in Podgorica before he wrote out his obituary and climbed into the coffin. He then put a gun to his head and pulled the trigger.

The 52-year-old man survived the blast when the bullet passed through his chin and nose, missing his brain, Ananova reports. Police said Bogisic was having family problems and was even more devastated when he “hadn’t managed to end it all.”

To add insult to injury, the funeral home refused to give him a refund on the coffin.
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I can just see ebay now: "1 coffin, only slightly used..."

Joking aside, how depressed must the man have been to attempt suicide in such a public and bizarre manner. Tough times for the global citizens these days

What's with all the giant horses, anyway?

Ebbsfleet White Horse: What should it be called?
The giant white horse set to dominate the landscape around Ebbsfleet should be called Equus, Cantus or Chalky. These are just some of the suggestions by Daily Telegraph readers who have both embraced the news that the £2 million 164ft high Ebbsfleet Landmark sculpture will be built as well as looked upon it with cynicism.

A number of Telegraph readers suggested the horse should be called Eyesore, comparing it to Eeyore, the depressed, pessimistic donkey in Winnie the Pooh. Others simply believe the White Horse should be called the White Elephant, alleging it will be a waste of money similar to The Millennium Dome in London when it was first built. More than twice the height of Gormley's 66ft high Angel, the white horse, designed by Mark Wallinger, will be Britain's biggest single piece of art.

Harry Meade, of Chippenham, Wilts, said it should be called the GM Horse.

He said: "Just before the train comes into sight of the horse, passengers see a big sign saying "Welcome to Britain, home to GM food research." A minute later they see a 164' high horse staring at them" ...

But a number simply suggest the horse should be called Eric, in honour of the pub joke - a white horse walks into a pub and asks for a Scotch. "Now there's a funny thing," says the barman, "You, coming in here and asking for a Scotch. Do you know there's a whisky named after you?"

"What?" replies the horse, "Eric?"
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Blue Mustang Sculpture Shocks Visitors, Perturbs Poets; 'Because of This Thing, People Think They Are in Hell'
DENVER -- The mustang rears on splayed hind legs -- his nostrils flaring, his eyes glowing red, his taut body a slick, sweaty sheen of blue. Anatomically correct -- eye-poppingly so -- the 32-foot-tall fiberglass sculpture makes quite a statement at the gateway to Denver International Airport.

"It looks like it's possessed," says Denver resident Samantha Horoschak. "I have a huge fear of flying anyway, and to be greeted at the airport by a demon horse -- it's not a soothing experience."

Someone had some photoshop fun with the blue horse, LOL. And now for a clumsy segue: as a Christian, I find the horses very interesting. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse will be loosed soon, and people will have reason to fear the real thing. But you need not fear: repent and ask Jesus to be your Savior! Ask Him to forgive your sins and you shall be saved (from God's judgment through those awful horses...)

Ode to Downeast Maine

An adirondack chair overlooks the Machias River and local lupines at Downeast Maine

Backyard expedition

I really loves that so many birds are hanging out in my backyard. There are lots, blue jays, robins, and many others I can't identify (yet). I am also tickled that flowers are blooming, grass is greening, and the landscape changes almost before my eyes each day.

My nice day

There was no school today. "Winter break." The first thing that happens on a weekday when I know for sure that I can't be called for substitute teaching, I sleep late. Ha ha! That means maybe 7 am. I was up and at 'em early and yay, when the sun rose enough it was sunny out! And warm! This calls for French toast!

Coffee and crispy French toast on my plate, I read my news online for about an hour. Then devotionals. With the sun firmly up, I decided to throw a couple of loads in and hang them in the warm sunshine to dry. When the first load was washed I brought it out to the line and when I was hanging them, a neighbor who was out in her yard (in shorts! 72 degrees! woo-hoo!) came over and we chatted. The fabled neighbor over the fence talk was actually happening, lol.

I did spend some time taking photos in the yard, nice ones of flowers and birds. I love the south. spring comes early. I'll put up a Pictobrowser slide show tomorrow.

I cleaned and read and cooked (salmon salad and then beans and rice for later). Nap time! I spent a bit of the afternoon on my pulled-apart bed, the sheets hanging in the sun as we speak. My cats piled on and I had a healthy nap. I have not been sleeping well at night, tossing, waking every few hours, and having bad dreams. The nap was a welcome respite and a time to catch up on sleep debt.

Evening was dinner of rice and black beans, reading my book, "The Wonder Spot," and tv. My baser viewing qualities are satisfied in "SuperNanny."

That is a bare summary, not a comprehensive listing, of course. I like my days off, rare as they are. The idea is, it's slower pace, I can do what I want on my own time. It's important to take time to read, dream, think, enjoy the small things.

For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice...Zechariah 4:10

The end of the rainbow seen!

Rare photo of the end of the rainbow
Gary Robbins, ScienceDude says:

"We received several storm photographs from readers Saturday, including one that depicted something that’s very, very rarely seen, especially in Southern California — the end of the rainbow. A reader, who has finally been identified as Jason Erdkamp of Lake Forest, took this photo while traveling north on the 241 Tollroad in northeast Orange County. Stefanie Sullivan, a forecaster for the National Weather Service, says she’s never seen the “end” of the rainbow, partly because there are so many buildings and other structures in Southern California. I haven’t, either. And I lived in South Florida for 5 years. South Florida is very flat, and the afternoon storm activity produces many rainbows. But I never saw the end of one."

Me either! And now I have!

Oh boy! Worldwide economic collapse!

Seriously, this is an important video. Gerald Celente on the upcoming Greatest Depression. He uses clear language, it's understandable and interesting. He has also been spot on with the trends he has reported on over the last 20+ years. Watch!

Interviewer: "You said in your article that the people who listened to the authorities on 9/11 to return to their offices, went down with the towers. Is the analogy here that Americans should not listen to their officials who tell us the stimulus will make things better?"

Celente: "Read my lips no new taxes. I did not have sex with that woman, Monica Lewinsky. I smoked but I didn't inhale. Saddam Hussein has weapons of mass destruction and links ot Al Qaeda. Why would anybody believe these people?"

More good advice: "Also, you don't spend a dime you don't need to spend."

Crime, collapse, heartache, hunger, tax revolt. It's all coming, says this trend researcher. Guess what? So says the bible.

What can you do with $600? What SHOULD you do with $600?

THEN
July 15, 2008:
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s wife, Michelle, complained the government’s $600 economic stimulus check was only enough to buy “a pair of earrings” while stumping for her husband. “You're getting $600 - what can you do with that?” Mrs. Obama said in Pontiac, Michigan last week.

NOW
February 12, 2009
Congressional leaders are ironing out the final details of the $789 billion economic stimulus legislation at the heart of President Barack Obama's recovery plan...Officials estimated it would mean about $13 a week more in people's paychecks this year [or about...$600]

Bush-Obama, same-same.

As a matter of personal clarification, when my budget is tight, I don't think about using income for frivolities. But apparently Michele does. "Let them eat rings."

The face of pure hatred

See the look on Obama's face. What does it say to YOU?


Senator Gregg Statement on His Withdrawal for Consideration of U.S. Commerce Secretary

Sen. Gregg stated, “I want to thank the President for nominating me to serve in his Cabinet as Secretary of Commerce. This was a great honor, and I had felt that I could bring some views and ideas that would assist him in governing during this difficult time. I especially admire his willingness to reach across the aisle.

“However, it has become apparent during this process that this will not work for me as I have found that on issues such as the stimulus package and the Census there are irresolvable conflicts for me. Prior to accepting this post, we had discussed these and other potential differences, but unfortunately we did not adequately focus on these concerns. We are functioning from a different set of views on many critical items of policy.

“Obviously the President requires a team that is fully supportive of all his initiatives.

“I greatly admire President Obama and know our country will benefit from his leadership, but at this time I must withdraw my name from consideration for this position.

“As we move forward, I expect there will be many issues and initiatives where I can and will work to assure the success of the President’s proposals. This will certainly be a goal of mine.

“Kathy and I also want to specifically thank Governor Lynch and Bonnie Newman for their friendship and assistance during this period. In addition we wish to thank all the people, especially in New Hampshire, who have been so kind and generous in their supportive comments.

“As a further matter of clarification, nothing about the vetting process played any role in this decision. I will continue to represent the people of New Hampshire in the United States Senate.”

Help with Bird ID?

My eyes are crossed from looking at about 100 photos of Northeast GA birds. Flycatcher? Nuthatch? Oriole family? Oy. I've been to the GA Museum of Natural History, Whatbird.com and I don't know what all. Anyone know what this bird is? I shot it at the top of a pecan tree in my backyard.

Thanks for putting me out of my curiosity...

Black cat stalks

in my backyard among the hay rolls and the bird calls from above

Cute Overload

I dare ya not to say "awww"

My review was picked up by Gawker

Woo-hoo! Gawker picked up my Reality Roll Call guest blog review of the Fowler-Long Wife Swap episode. I'm Internet-famous, for prolly 5 or 10 minutes! Yay! (And thanks again to Reality Roll Call Editor Faith W!)

The End Time Blog

Don't forget to visit my new blog: The End Time

Introducinnnnng...(again) My new blog! http://www.the-end-time.blogspot.com, "The End Time". I seek to be a one-stop shop of news, videos, bible verses, essays, and up to the minute information on all things End Time prophetic.

Ouch! Hill spurns Bill for Obama

Bill swoops in, all puckered up, and at the last second Hillary spurns Bill's kiss for...Obama! Li'l luv triangle would be cute if it wasn't so gross.

Warm and sunny Saturday

After several very cold days, it turned warm here Saturday. Wednesday overnight was 12 degrees, and it did not warm up into much over the upper 30s for Thursday and Friday. When Saturday dawned warm and sunny, it felt great.

I called up a friend and we made a date to grab coffee, and head to the Library and browse in the sunny foyer for 50 cent paperbacks. Each of us found some good reading material and piled into my car for the next stop: Watson Mill Bridge State Park.

"The park contains 1,018 acres. Features include the historical covered bridge which is on the National Register of Historic Places and was built in 1885. The South Fork river flows through the middle of the park and is fed by many small creeks and streams. The general character of the park features the natural resources of the area in addition to its historical resources. There are several miles of nature trails and hiking trails as well as 12 miles of horse trails."

We chose to sit on the warm granite by the river and listen to the waterfall flow under the covered bridge. I watched the eagles soar overhead, watched the spray fly over the rocks, watched children splash in the pools, watched bike riders thump across the bridge.

We spent about an hour and then returned to town for our chores and Saturday commitments. But what a wonderful respite, and a fantastic getaway right at our door in Comer.

Left, water tumbling over the waterfall is reflected in the bright sun, making little starbursts for the camera

The Onion is still great

Blagojevich Claims Behavior Was Just Elaborate Plan To Surprise Patrick Fitzgerald With Senate Nomination On His Birthday

Old barn by the side of the road

On a sunny day in Comer

What does it say about my singing when...

...my cats flee the room after the first two notes?

LOL.

Good thing they invented singing in the shower.

Americans with No Abilities Act

This is fromThe Onion, a satire from 11 years ago, but by now it is SOOOO close to the truth you won't know whether to laugh or cry! Peggy the Moocher will be happy anyway.

The Americans With No Abilities Act

Washington, DC - President Barack Obama and the Democrat controlled Congress are considering sweeping legislation that will provide new benefits for many Americans. The Americans With No Abilities Act (AWNAA) is being hailed as a major legislative goal by advocates of the millions of Americans who lack any real skills or ambition.

"Roughly 50 percent of Americans do not possess the competence and drive necessary to carve out a meaningful role for themselves in society," said California Senator Barbara Boxer. "We can no longer stand by and allow People of Inability (POI) to be ridiculed and passed over. With this legislation, employers will no longer be able to grant special favors to a small group of workers,simply because they have some idea of what they are doing."

In a Capitol Hill press conference, House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid pointed to the success of the U.S. Postal Service, which has a long-standing policy of providing opportunity without regard to performance. Approximately 74 percent of postal employees lack any job skills, making this agency the single largest U.S. employer of Persons of Inability.

Private-sector industries with good records of non-discrimination against the Inept include retail sales (72%), the airline industry (68%), and home improvement warehouse stores (65%). At the state government level, the Department of Motor Vehicles also has an excellent record of hiring Persons of Inability (63%).

Under AWNAA, more than 25 million mid-level positions will be created, with important-sounding titles but little real responsibility, thus providing an illusory sense of purpose and performance.

Mandatory non-performance-based raises and promotions will be given so as to guarantee upward mobility for even the most unremarkable employees. The legislation provides substantial tax breaks to corporations that promote a significant number of Persons of Inability into middle-management positions, and gives a tax credit to small and medium-sized businesses that agree to hire one clueless worker for every two talented hires.

Finally, the AWNAA contains tough new measures to make it more difficult to discriminate against the non-abled, banning, for example, discriminatory interview questions such as, "Do you have any skills or experience that relate to this job?"

"As a Non-abled person, I can't be expected to keep up with people who have something going for them," said Mary Lou Gertz, who lost her position as a lug-nut twister at the GM plant in Flint, Michigan, due to her inability to remember rightey tightey, lefty loosey. "This new law should be real good for people like me," Gertz added. With the passage of this bill, Gertz and millions of other untalented citizens will finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Said Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), "As a Senator with no abilities, I believe the same privileges that elected officials enjoy ought to be extended to every American with no abilities. It is our duty as lawmakers to provide each and every American citizen, regardless of his or her inadequacy, with some sort of space to take up in this great nation and a good salary for doing so."

Snapshot of inside my house

The birds are back. It is nearly spring here in north Georgia. There are many trees that surround the apartment and of course, all kinds of birds hang out in them. I'm so lucky! Mourning doves, warblers, cardinals, crows..other kinds I don't know. My cats love this. The window in the bedroom looks out on lots of bushes and trees. The awnings over the window are a good place for little birdie to hide, and one of hem has decided to just that.

Bert & Luke with their extra sensory kitty perception always know when a bird flies close to the house, and for some time I noticed they sit at attention on the end table in front of the bedroom window, intently looking up. I went over a few times and glanced around, but I did not see a bird. They both kept doing this, so finally I brushed them out of the way, put my head to the glass, and twisted my neck and looked directly up. There, staring down at me, was a baby cardinal, his black eyes and tiny beak just a few inches away, clinging to the upper window glass. So cute!

Amazingly, the bird was not scared of the cats. And every day we have the bird-cat scare-off. Or maybe it is a howdy do across species lines. I don't know. All I know is that I am hugely entertained.

More Wife Swap reaction: Americans are great

Well it's been two days and the nation is still outraged at the behavior of Stephen Fowler from Friday night's airing if Wife Swap.

I believe he could be the most hated man in the country at this moment. His 15 minutes of fame is certainly not what he had envisioned, despite his purported 158 IQ and near perfect GRE scores. He missed the boat completely on that one.

To review: Families with diverse opinions and backgrounds are paired up and the wives of each family live with the new family for two weeks. The first week, the wives participate fully and scrupulously in the new family's routine, and the second week, they make new rules for the family to live by based on ideas for ways the family could improve. The families do so and at the end the come together and share what they have learned. So far so good.

Usually the husbands who stay behind are challenged and resist the new rules. Some resist loudly and bombastically and others just resist calmly. Some don't resist but gamely try the new ways and ideas. It usually ends up that each family learns something despite their philosophical or socio-economic differences.

Not so this week.

Stephen Fowler treated swapped wife Gayla Long with excoriation, humiliating her at every turn, and was gleefully cruel. His statements were reprehensible and if there are redeeming qualities to this man they were well hidden from view during the hour long reality show.

But that is not my point, I already vented about this earlier. I have two points now.

The first is that Americans from coast to coast are furious. Furious at the slams against our military and our heartland. Furious that ABC allowed needless cruelty to be showcased. Furious that a father such as this is "raising" two precious children. Furious about his statements regarding citizenship and civic duty. As well we should be furious, and Americans are not holding back. I'm hopeful because of the appropriate and immediate reaction of the American public to this kind o behavior. I am glad we are defending a moral line and taking Mr Fowler to task.

Secondly, most liberals are always amazed and shocked when there is a reaction to their egregious behavior. They feel they can say and do whatever they want, but in a vacuum. They tout free speech but claim no responsibility for their hurtful words. They claim freedom of the press but cry foul when someone else uses the same to point out the error of their ways.

Strong negative reactions to their strong negative words and actions always surprises them. It is then I have noticed they throw tantrums and threaten to sue. Or, deride the appropriate and just reactions as "anti-intellectual" or mob mentality. Always, they are surprised that they reap what they sow.

But that is the way of the world. You reap what you sow. Thanks, America, for being so smart and joining the public outcry with such a sane response.

PS: I was invited to be a guest blogger at the Reality Roll Call television review blog, thank you Faith!