They look something like this:

What’s crazy is that they get even bigger and more elaborate.

Anywho, on to the story . . .

The Southlake Journal may not be a big newspaper, but a recent article has caused some Texas-sized controversy.

It started with a Nov. 4 column from Dr. Cindy Ryan, a pastor and writer, who tackled the issue of oversized mums and the exorbitant amount of money people are paying for them.

Ryan suggested instead of paying massive sums for those massive mums, the school kids and their parents put the money toward programs that feed the hungry.

Ryan went on to point out, ”Each outrageous mum represented to me 33 hungry children who could be fed for a month.”

And as if she knew what was coming, Ryan tried to head off those florists and mum business owners by suggesting instead of sending an angry letter or e-mail they “get busy designing the cool ribbon or button everyone could wear instead which says, ‘I banned a mum and fed 33 children.’”

Well that very Christian idea lead to some not very Christian responses from readers printed in a Nov. 18 column.

Full Article

consumerist.com

Several copies of Palin’s book, about her experience as John McCain’s running mate in 2008 and life in Alaska, are stacked on the checkout counter at Bookshop Santa Cruz next to a bowl filled with small bags of walnuts — a 2-for-1 special of sorts.

Customers who buy Palin’s book, priced at $29 in hardcover, also get a free bag of “Just Plain Nutz.”

Full Article

She’s actually pretty talented, and I love being entertained by Lady Gaga – she’s so out there and crazy, I’m just entertained.

• We think this is week 12 of the pregnancy.  The first sonogram will be the week after Thanksgiving.  Hopefully FetusGeeding is doing well.
• She’s not as sleepy anymore, doesn’t crave sweets, and has trouble finding pants that are comfortable.
• The Blind Side comes out this weekend and I have no desire to watch it for two reasons – I know the ending, and they over-hyped it with way too many commercials.  Oh, and that horribly fake accent that is coming out of Sandra Bullock’s mouth.
• Not only have I still not found what I’m looking for, but I still don’t know who let the dogs out.
• Lost will no longer air on Wednesday, but on Tuesday.  It starts back up Feb 2nd.
• I saw that the 10-campus University of California raised their tuition by 32%.  That’s quite a hike in just one year.  It kind of reminds me of how crazy my health insurance was jacked up for next year.
• Scroll Clock
• Chain Clock
• Amendment Goof May Have Banned Straight Marriage in Texas
• Full frontal hugs can lead to impure thoughts, so there’s the Christian side hug.
• Beyonce is either brave or stupid to crowd surf chest down.
• Man, this season of Survivor is really, really good.  I’m pulling for Russell.
• Happy birthday to my Favorite East Coast Pastor.

Many of the nation’s Santas want to be given priority for the vaccine and not just because of those runny-nosed kids. There’s also the not-so-little matter of that round belly. Research has suggested obesity could be a risk factor.

Swine flu has become such a concern that the Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas featured a seminar on the illness at a recent conference in Philadelphia. The group also urged its members to use hand sanitizer and take vitamins to boost their immune systems.

The president of the organization said he also hopes parents will keep sick kids away.

Full Article

makememighty.ca

For example . . .

There’s a new slogan making its way onto car bumpers and across the Internet. It reads simply: “Pray for Obama: Psalm 109:8”

A nice sentiment?

Maybe not.

The psalm reads, “Let his days be few; and let another take his office.”

Presidential criticism through witty slogans is nothing new. Bumper stickers, t-shirts, and hats with “1/20/09” commemorated President Bush’s last day in office.

But the verse immediately following the psalm referenced is a bit more ominous: “Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow.”

Full Christian Science Monitor Article

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The bits sizes are based on actual screwing bits, including an IKEA standard tool – handy for those touch up jobs you never get around to. Though not as hard as ‘real’ tool bits, a bit cross can be used for light jobs.

www.michielcornelissen.com

The website states it will be available shortly, but I’m not sure if shortly mean before Christmas.

At WiserTogether, we are dedicated to helping you make the best decision you can for your unique situation. We do this by connecting you to extensive data and research about what people like you did when faced with similar health situations: the choices they made, the outcome of those choices, and how they felt about it afterward.

By getting information from WiserTogether, you’re also helping thousands of people similar to you. Your choices and experiences become part of the WiserTogether tool, helping others make more informed choices for themselves.

pregnancy.wisertogether.com

Click to enlarge.

Article

In the comfort and security of their car, a family thought there was nothing to worry about as they drove through a South African safari park – until a lion calmly opened their back door with his teeth.

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This event reminds me of a scene in Jurassic Park.

Now, Mary Jones has filed a lawsuit against La’ James International College in hopes of receiving compensation for her losses.

According to the lawsuit, Jones was at La’ James International College receiving services when a large shampoo bottle was dropped on her head. Since then, Jones claims she has endured physical and mental pain, has incurred medical fees and has suffered loss of bodily function, enjoyment of life and future earning capacity.

Link

I remember seeing a KFC in the background of the pyramids behind Obama when he went over for a visit.

SANTA ANA – A play depicting Jesus as a gay man played to an appreciative audience in a packed church sanctuary tonight while a handful of protesters outside called it blasphemous.

It was the second showing of “Corpus Christi” in Orange County in about two years. The show sparked protests and bomb threats at its 1998 opening at the Manhattan Theatre Club in New York.

The play depicts Jesus as a gay man living in 1950s Corpus Christi, Texas, playwright Terrence McNally’s hometown. The cast of 13 portray Jesus and the 12 Apostles.

Full Article

More pics

In the last year, the industry has raised the wholesale prices of brand-name prescription drugs by about 9 percent, according to industry analysts. That will add more than $10 billion to the nation’s drug bill, which is on track to exceed $300 billion this year. By at least one analysis, it is the highest annual rate of inflation for drug prices since 1992.

The drug trend is distinctly at odds with the direction of the Consumer Price Index, which has fallen by 1.3 percent in the last year.

Full NY Times Article