410 Final at Lincoln

Last night was the final points race for the 410s at Lincoln Speedway. The drama built as Niki Young had problems with his car all night and had to qualify through the consi. Unfortunately, Niki did not finish the consi, but was named the first alternate, and Pat Cooper dropped out to give Niki his spot. Niki had been 3rd in points.

The four drivers in contention: Chris Eash, Brian Montieth, Fred Rahmer and Niki Young

Had Fred Rahmer not gone to Knoxville he probably would have been able to breeze through with some breathing room. Both Eash and Rahmer qualified through their heats, but failed to finish in a handicap spot, and had to start the feature outside of the top 12. Fred Rahmer and Niki Young faced an uphill battle in the feature....with Niki not finishing and Fred going to the pits after an early caution, reporting out for the remainder of the race.

After an entertaining feature that kept the drama building, Alan Krimes came home in victory lane. Brian Monteith was able to finish in front of Fred Rahmer, and was thereby named Points Champion. What a wonderful racing season it has turned out to be!

Copied from Lincoln Speedway Message Board
Feature (25 laps) - 1. 87-Alan Krimes; 2. 89-Cody Darrah; 3. 59-Jim Siegel; 4. 21-Brian Montieth; 5. 6W-Josh Wells; 6. 30-Doug Esh; 7. 22-Greg Hodnett; 8. 17E-Cris Eash; 9. 25O-Aaron Ott; 10. 45L-Scott Geesey; 11. 38N-Nick Schlauch Jr.; 12. 4-John Rudisill; 13. 51-Fred Rahmer (DNF); 14. 5-Adam Lawrence (DNF); 15. 71-Brian Leppo (DNF); 16. 10N-Niki Young (DNF); 17. 71X-Bill Stine (DNF); 18. 9-Craig Keel (DNF); 19. 45-AJ Michael (DNF); 20. X-Bobby Weaver (DNF); 21. 49-Bobby Howard (DNF); 22. 12-Mike Bittinger (DNF); 23. 28-Chad Jumper (DNF); 24. 25-Chad Layton (DNF). No Time

Williams Grove 8-22 SportsPlus Video

While lurking on the Williams Grove Speedway message boards-as I usually do....I heard about this amazing race a couple of Fridays ago.

During the final laps of the A-Main on August 22nd, Fred Rahmer and Brian Monteith were racing for the lead. Coming down the backstretch, Fred made contact with a lapped car, and -- let's just say, it's hard to beleive what occurred. Fred never missed a beat - never slowed down - and won the race.

Now, I am really not one who purchases tapes of races-since I would rather attend with that money. Matter of fact, I have 3 or 4 tapes that I purchased from SportsPlus Video and 2 that I taped when TNN came to the Grove for an Outlaw race...we made signs.

Anyway, after hearing this amazing save from those I know who were at the Grove (and on the backstretch) I HAD to get this race and see for myself. It is a "miracle" that Fred saved his car after riding up the lapped car. Those who were on the backstretch could actually see the bottom of his car. Fred NEVER slowed, racing Monteith for the lead.

Now, I don't consider myself to be a Rahmer fan, but all I can say is....what a talented driver! Cheers to him on the win. He certainly desrved it.

Another cheer to Fred for the mention of Jeff Shepard. I know the entire racing community wishes him well, but it is special when a fierce competitor recognizes someone.

Chain of Flowers

I decided since I don't feel well to do a personal blog about my favorite band-The Cure. Ever since I was 8, I have loved Cure songs. No matter what kind of day I've had, I can listen to The Cure and feel better.

My favorite website featuring the latest news is Craig Parker's-Chain of Flowers. He recently created a blog just for his news page.

Craig has given me an idea to list a few of my favorites about The Cure. So read on if you want....

My 5 favorite Cure albums:
Pornography
Wish
Bloodflowers
The Top
Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me

My 5 favorite Cure songs:
Letter to Elise
Strange Day
In Between Days
The Empty World
A Night Like This

My 5 favorite Cure videos:
A Night Like This
Just Like Heaven
Lovecats
Hanging Garden
Hot Hot Hot


Many of you only know the band as those with crazy hair and make-up, but once upon a time, Robert had a crewcut. And not that I am nitpicking my favorite band or anything, but they made the right choice not to have synth-

Balto County Schools-What?

Umm-what is Baltimore County Schools saying?

I understand why Baltimore County is instituting a policy that was already in place. No matter what this article states, when I lived in Baltimore County (until Dec 07) I had to prove residency EVERY year.

My children are 5 1/2 years apart. So while one was in Middle, the other was in Elementary--

EVERY year, I had to take my ID, a bill with my name, and other evidence to prove I lived two streets from both schools. When my younger child came to the same middle school (my daughter was in high school) I had to prove I still lived in that house. I even had to prove residency at the high school every year until she graduated in 07.

This was a huge problem one year-they sent a residency officer to my home (an auditing check, so they claim). This officer for the school system strolled through my home to see if I, and my two children really lived there. I was inconvenienced because I had to go into work late and lose money...when every year, I submitted the exact same requirements.

Until my daughter went to high school (where she caught the bus right down the street from our house)-both of my children were walkers. To follow them home, would lead a block and a half to our home.


Now I live in Carroll County. I had to prove where I lived, especially since I moved in the middle of the school year, but this year.....I did not have to take time out of work to re-prove where I lived.

We Did It! Shepard is home!

Wow! All I can say, is wow!

It amazes me that Jeff Shepard fans and the racing community in general have raised enough money to pay off his air ambulance bill AND physical therapy bill.

($17,000 + $12,000 = $29,000) Wow!

I beleive that this really helped the Shepard family. Im sure it alleviates alot of the stress of having the money issue hanging over them while trying to get through a difficult time anyway. Money can certainly stress you out and hinder recovery. If you dont beleive that, talk to me sometime.

Jeff certainly improved enough that he is able to leave the hospital in Baltimore and return home. He will still have to go to therapy several times a week, but being home is a huge improvement.

As I have mentioned many times before, even though I personally know those who didnt root for Jeff, they still came forward to support someone who provided years of racing entertainment. Last Saturday night, when Rahmer came into our section, even those who openly boo him, clapped and gave him money for Jeff.

It is also worth noting that money to help the family didnt all come from Central PA. Not only did racetracks all over the US raise money, but money was raised even in Australia!

Even though it is sad when the racing community has to come together like this, it is also why I love the sport so much.

There is no other sport like this.

ND Family Tradition Continues

College football season is upon us once again. I, for one, am all excited. Of course, my favorite team, The Notre Dame Fighting Irish, do not play until September 6th.

I have been a ND fan for a long time...watching many develop into great football players. If you go into the alumni of the Fighting Irish, you will see that many of them became huge NFL stars.

This year, Notre Dame has an Offensive Center listed on their roster that has a name familiar to many of us. Mike Golic Jr.

I was about 15 or so when Mike Golic Sr. started in the NFL. I remember watching ND games with my grandfather when he was a defensive player for the team. By the time Golic was hosting the sports blooper show, I had kids. I would be able to watch it if my daughter happened to be awake at that time of the night!

I dont watch the current show that he co-hosts on the duce. (Mike and Mike)

The Golics are starting a family dynasty. Mike Golics brother, Bob, also was drafted out of Notre Dame. With an uncle and father coming from Notre Dame and being drafted out of the NFL, it was almost a given that Mike Jr. would be as well. I sincerely hope that he is just as successful as they were.

Labor Day Weekend Traffic Woes

During the inspection of the Bay Bridge after the accident where a tractor trailor went throught the concrete jersey wall barrier and into the Bay, officials decided that this area was dangerous.

These brainiacs decided that they needed to repair the area NOW. Not next weekend when traffic would be calmer. Mind you, this is the first time that any vehicle went OVER the bridge.

So, yesterday afternoon, officials suspended the tolls because traffic was horrible. All week long, we saw the traffic woes of those who sat for hours in traffic just to get home from work. Even with the drop in fuel prices-(who thinks 3.50 a gallon is cheap?) sitting in traffic for up to 4 hours can be a budget breaker.

However, who came up with the idea to suspend the tolls? This may have alleviated traffic during rush hour, but what about the revenue generated? The state could have kept collecting tolls to support the work being done on the bridge. Instead, there could be a shortfall because thousands of vehicles passed through during one of the busiest travel weekends.

Our Governor, Martin OMalley, announced busses that will cross the bridge. HAHA! Is this for real? Who crosses the Bay Bridge and doesnt need their car on the other side?

Come on people! This emergency repair job could have waited until after this weekend. We could have possibly collected revenue on a busy holiday that would have helped pay for this repair job. Instead, we get traffic problems and waived tolls.

Never Forget

I, like so many others in the USA, will never forget September 11, 2001. Those images are burned into my memory, in the same manner that my g-parents and parents remember Kennedy's assasination in the 60s.

Back in 2001, I was generally "doin my own thing". I was working for what is now CCBC-Catonsville as a Database & Records Specialist for their Continuing Education Department under the Dean. (I designed and then trained people how to use the database) I received a call from Frank informing me about the first plane. Of course, EVERYTHING shut down except for the county schools. My mother-in-law (RIP) went and picked up the kids from the elementary and middle school.

I found myself sitting on the couch, riveted - as well as repulsed - by what I was witnessing. As more details came throughout the day, I began to "simmer". Long story short, I became very active politically. My local political club started a flag waving every day, which continued for several months. It became monthly once daily wavings weren't possible for many club members.

Now it is 2008 and it has been 7 years that the club has been waving the flag on that overpass. Those who are able to come-show up, and those out of town or working show up when the 11th is on a weekend.

Many who drive by honk or wave. It gives you a sense of one-ness - We are Americans!
There are some however, that apparently do not like seeing our flag...this past month (July) a state police officer stopped and threatened arrest if they didn't leave because an anonymous complaint was made stating they were in the streets.

First, if you need to remain anonymous you are a coward. None of the club members are in any way violent or abusive. For crying out loud, most of them are older. There is no need to lie and get innocent people threatened with going to jail. How disrespectful of a former Navy captain! Have you NO class at all?

Secondly, are you out of your mind? If you are in America-which Maryland still is- why are you so offended by a few people standing there, holding a flag? If that offends you, let me be the first to say -


GET OUT OF MY COUNTRY!


I am proud to be an American, no matter if our country is -- screwing up-at war-disagrees with me on moral issues. This list could go on.

I am also proud to have been: a part of the PVRC- As member, Secretary, Committee Chair or Member, Webmaster. I spent 8 years or so being involved in a club that would choose to show our patriotism in this manner - and I am proud that the "tradition" continues.


Thankfully, nothing like this occurred August 11th. Besides those who were flag waving, the only other person to show up was a reporter - not a cop.

RickRoll

Don't worry - You won't see any viral videos here.

Let me just set up the situation.....last night I got the Rick Astley song stuck in my head. I have NO idea how it got there...but that's always the case when a particular song gets stuck on repeat.

I commented something along the lines of -- "Man, who RickRolled me?" I hear in response- "What are you talking about?"

Now, we live in the same house...pretty much watch the same shows...and I heard about it.

During my initial shock, I said, Now your going to tell me you never heard of -and then I referenced some other viral videos. - Now we both watch Best Week Ever where they made fun of all the reaction videos - how did he miss this?

Well, he not only hadn't heard of that video, along with several others - he didn't even remember them being mentioned.

So, I went and got my daughter - who then proceeded to RickRoll him!


I have no idea how this "fad" started. Granted Rick Astley's song WILL get stuck in your head...but who coined the term RickRoll? And to that end, who started faking people out?

Regarding viral videos....why do these people do what I have heard they are doing in these videos? And who got the idea to video reactions to the video? Even if you don't watch the actual video, the reaction videos will tell you how horrifying some of them are.

YCRC at Lincoln / collection for Shepard

I was pleasantly pleased to see EVERY driver collecting money for Jeff Shepard. This is one of the reasons I love this sport so much. The entire racing community comes together to support their own when something occurs.

While at Lincoln on Saturday, I stopped by the YCRC trailor. I was talking to them about those of us donating to honor Jeff - even though the money goes to all YCRC members. During the first Legend feature, there were a page and a half of names donating in Jeff's honor....by the time they had their heats, there was a considerable amount of racing fans supporting our injured drivers.

Vicki Leppo and Debbie Rahmer both told me that next week, they will be passing the helmet.

I have to say, support for Jeff has been overwhelming. I can only imagine that Shepards garage and Helen and Judd's mailboxes will be overflowing. Fans have been wearing Shepard shirts to show their support.

Even though there are times when fans and drivers disagree, we can all come together at times like this.

Oh No - They aren't going to do that, are they?

Go on, click the title. Read the article. I'll wait............


Alright, now that you are caught up -

So, I'm sitting here watching Greta Van Sustern interview the bail bondsman that is attempting to spring Casey Anthony. Mind you, the amount of money needed is astronomical for average citizens ($500,000), but these strangers are going to post her bond.

Unfortunately, stories like this do not end well. It does not appear that this one will either.

These bail bondsman are falling for her story - hook, line and sinker - Why? Are they trying to make a name out of theirselves? They have stated that they are not even charging her or her family the costs for posting her bond. Again, why?

Even Casey's friends has stated that she is a habitual liar. Why would these people remotely believe her?

Okay - now that you have asked yourself these questions (and haven't been able to come up with any answer) - What if they post her bail and Casey finds her child with the person she claimed?

4 day work weeks

Well, it started with the rising cost of fuel.

Many jurisdictions in our country have implemented four day work weeks, as well as four day school weeks. I have heard that some jursidictions in the state of Maryland may seek this solution to save on costs. Amazingly, loads of money is saved JUST on bus costs by this one day off.

Some companies have also implemented this strategy as well....now, I'm not privy to which day employees have off, but I would guess it would be a Monday or Friday. All jokes aside, companies state that this change has made their employees happier.

Of course, who wouldnt want to get a day off? Am I still getting paid? Of course, they are still getting paid, otherwise they probably would NOT be happy. Telecommunication....what a wonderful thing.

People who work have loads of stressful things that they have to deal with - and most occurs BEFORE walking through the door of their employer.

Let's just start with how most days begin: getting your family ready and out the door, personal grooming for those who don't prepare, did you need gas? traffic issues.

Who really wants to deal with the stresses that you must deal with in order to work or last minute things that could have been done the night before that were forgotten?

A four day week would solve some of these stresses...the gas and traffic issues alone are well worth staying home, but ONLY if you are getting paid to.

Just my opinion

First, I would like to start out by saying that I would hope everyone would pray for Jeff and his family...I was not aware of how serious his wreck at Knoxville was until after speaking with Judd. Since hearing the comparison of Jeff's accident to Kevin Gobrecht's at I-30, I have been feeling a range of emotions.

Being a fan of many drivers, including Jeff and Kevin, I know how dangerous my favorite sport is. I have seen what happens within the racing community when something happens to one of their own. Organizations like the York County Racing Club raise money for injured drivers, and we, as fans, should support this endeavor.

It still surprises me how many people who boo a certain driver running in Central PA. And while I may not be a fan, this driver's family is there hearing obcenaties throughout the evening. I have witnessed "haters" threatening his family while he is stopped on the track during a red flag. This behavior is appalling.

Now, we all have our pet peeves at different tracks...but when so-called fans resort to this type of behavior, something has to be done. However, this problem has also surfaced on the various message boards in a different way. Not only do we have this particular issue, but the up-and-comers are facing hate as well.

Granted, some drivers DO need to improve....but the only way to improve is to get seat time. Drivers coming up from one division to another also face scrutiny. Many of these drivers have succeeded in the lower ranks of open wheel racing and moved up appearing at Williams Grove and Lincoln. Those on the message boards criticize these drivers mercilessly.

I am not sure how many of those who are posting actually drive a racecar of any kind, but after hearing the comments, I would doubt they did. Racing is an expensive and dangerous sport...it takes time, effort, and practice to become competitive. I do not have access to a car to offer a challenge like one on the Grove board, but I would challenge any of these "haters" to get 10 laps to see if they could do any better.

Russia invades Georgia

I have tried to avoid this story, as this entire subject matter frightens me. I remember being young in the 80s afraid of the Cold War. After President Reagan said, "Tear down these walls" things were looking up. No one talked about WWIII anymore in regards to Russia.

Granted, the war in both Afghanistan and Iraq bring back those feelings. No one can fully understand a person who would knowingly leave their family behind to become a suicide bomber...Most people that I know had feelings that this would bring about WWIII.

These feelings have mostly subsided because of the growing ideology that the war is bad and we need to bring our troops home as well as it being almost 7 years since 9/11.

However, Russia has invaded Georgia...and now has conducted a full scale ground invasion. Apparently, Russia claims ethnic cleansing - but in reality, doesn't appreciate the democracy occurring in Georgia. Between the obvious political ramifications, we now are faced with an almost for certain increase in fuel because of the strategic location of a major pipeline. Some timing, huh - right as our costs are decreasing.....hmmm

Now, we all know I have no inside information on this....this is primarily MY opinion, but -
How did Russia coordinate this offensive so quickly? They HAD to have planned this. Military operations do NOT happen overnight.

Scores of citizens in Georgia are without homes, their hospital has been damaged with patients in a basement with no running water.....many dead - Granted, this is par for the course during war, but Russia will not back down and they are not heeding cease-fire. What needs to happen is real consequences for Russia -

Even with our government condemning Russia, nothing has been said what will happen if they do not stop their invasion. And this is where fear plays in....will this be the start of WWIII?

Mayans claim the "end of the world" by 2012.....Are we on our way there?

Here is an example of shippiness

Yes, it is a slow Monday...Yes, I AM bored. Anyway, a few weeks ago I saw the X-Files movie - I Want to Beleive. I floated out because Mulder and Scully are now a couple!!! Officially. There are no more noromo arguments after this movie.

An apparent shipper fan created and posted the following video....See for yourself how much chemistry that David and Gillian have.

Jeff Shepard update

Brad Vores website - http://www.ijustwannarace.com/ gives an update on where to send cards or letters of support to Jeff. Brad's update is copy-pasted below:


UPDATE 8/10/08 11:30am
Jeff continued to improve over the past 24 hours and is following all Doctors commands. They are keeping Jeff comfortable and relaxed with medication. We should know more about the extent of Jeff's head injury over the next several days. Please continue to keep Jeff and his family in your prayers.

Cards can be sent to:
Jeff Shepard
14809 Hanover Pike
Upperco, MD 21155


I suggest sending a card even if you are not a fan of The Jet's. (See previous Shepard post) Jeff is a dedicated sprint car driver that always thinks about his fans.

Short story:
If you were attending sprint car races at Lincoln a few years ago, you might remember the word war in victory lane between Fred Rahmer and Jeff Shepard. That alone kept me coming to races! Who knew that "The Fossil" and the "Mouth from MD" would keep something like that going for an entire season?

And....just as an FYI, Jeff Shepard is NOT the "Mouth from MD" - I am.

5 items men should avoid wearing

A little more fun on a Monday morning:


I was recently listening to WBAL radio and they were discussing fashions women should avoid. Unfortunately, according to them, I am a fashion victim (i.e. capris and big sunglasses). I know it wouldn't be a first time that mainstream media picked on some women's favorite items however, I think it's time to turn the tables a little bit.

Here are my 5 items that men should avoid wearing:

1: Thongs - I beleive that women should avoid these as well. Thongs are uncomfortable as well as unflattering.

2: Sandals with socks - Now, I really don't like a man in sandals, but I really don't understand why the socks. If you are wearing sandals, you do not need to wear socks too.

3: Black socks pulled up to the knee when wearing shorts - Did you look in a mirror? Unless you are a senior citizen, this look is not for you.

4: Hawaiian shirts - Please do not make our eyes crazy unless you are on vacation in Hawaii.

5: Camo: The ONLY time this is okay to wear is if you are in the service or hunting. If you are not either, please do not wear camo. It is NOT a fashion statement.



Now, these are only my personal opinion, but if you have items that I missed, please comment! If you have an argument with any of the items on my list....explain.

Monday morning humor

Jesus and Moses were at a golf course getting ready to play a round. This hole has a long fairway and a water hazard. Jesus sets his golf ball on the championship tee when Moses says, "I think you'll do better from this novice tee."

Jesus doesn't want to hear it and replies, "I've seen Tiger Woods do this a hundred times." So, Jesus hits the ball and it sails over the fairway over the water, and splash....into the water it goes...

Moses, seeing this, goes to the water hazard, parts the water and retrieves the golf ball for Jesus.

Jesus sets his ball back on the championship tee and Moses says, "I REALLY think you'll do better from the novice tee."

Again, Jesus replies, "I've seen Tiger do this, don't worry about it."

Jesus hits the ball and again, it sails over the fairway over the water, and splash....back into the water it goes.

Moses, again seeing this, goes to the water hazard, parts the water and retrieves the golf ball for Jesus.

Jesus sets the golf ball on the championship tee once again, and Moses tells him, "I am NOT getting your ball if it falls back into the water."

So, Jesus tells him not to worry, he's seen Tiger Woods do this numerous times. He then hits the ball, it sails over the fairway, over the water and then.....splash....back into the water again.

Since Moses won't get his golf ball, Jesus walks over to the water hazard, walks into the center to retrieve his ball. While he is standing on the water, two golfers are walking up to the hole and see Jesus on the water.

The first golfer says, "Who does he think he is.....Jesus?
Moses replied, "No, he thinks he's Tiger Woods!"

Fatality on Bay Bridge

If you click on the Title to this post, you will be taken to a video of WBAL News' coverage of this story.

I am only in my 30's, but I don't seem to recall ever hearing about an accident where a vehicle actually falls into the Chesapeake Bay. While this accident is horrific, the tractor trailer did fall into a shallow part of the Bay beside the bridge.

Almost 24 hours later, part of the bridge remains closed. When looking online at CHART, you can tell no one is really going anywhere.

If you don't have to go near the Bay Bridge, don't. It will probably be a mess through tomorrow evening.

Just a little waste of time-myspace

After going to Mass this morning....I basically decided not to do anything constructive today. Instead, I did something constructive on my myspace....Dont laugh, I do have a myspace.

If you are a responsible person, you can keep up with those you know. While I was editing my little place on the net, Frank decided he wanted one as well.

Anyway, if you get a chance, check out our myspace's:
www.myspace.com/sheilafaulstich
www.myspace.com/franksigwald

It's rather neat to see other people go through the process of creating their space. If you have a myspace account, friend me.

Jeff Shepard

As most of you know, I attend sprint car races. I have had the opportunity to spend time with some of the drivers in the pits at various tracks that I have been to. Normally, if its my first time at a racetrack, I spring for pit passes. I have even gotten the opportunity to do the BEST thing ever -- stand atop a hauler with a race team I admire for an entire race season.

During my time as a racefan, Ive noticed alot of drivers come up through the ranks and have been lucky enough to meet them BEFORE they went to Nascar. (i.e. Kasey Kahne at Williams Grove)


Now onto my topic:
I want to stress that the only information I have is what has been posted on the web by Brad Vores. I consider Brad a legitimate source and thank him for posting updated information about Jeff.

Jeff was injured at Knoxville this past week during a race. He was transported to a local hospital in Iowa and remains there.

Brad posted an update on the Grove message board that Jeff has responded but is still sedated. They are waiting to see the extent of his head injuries. Please pray for Jeff, his family and friends who have been there by his side during this ordeal.


Racing is a dangerous sport just like many others....those that race are a special breed. The only thing I dont enjoy about racing is hearing about someone being injured -- especially when you know them and their families personally. Along with your prayers, please consider a donation to your local Injured Drivers fund. In Pennsylvania, we have the York County Racing Club.

Remember, if you enjoy something....support it! 90% of those attending Lincoln Speedway this past Saturday night had racing t-shirts on....Instead of buying another t-shirt (argue all you want, I myself have 3 drawers of racing t's) donate that money (usually $30 or so) to the local injured drivers fund. That way, you are supporting the drivers that brought you your weekend entertainment.

So, what do you think?

UPDATE: PG County Mayor cleared - still no apology

Just a quickie update on a story I blogged about earlier.

PG County Police Chief High issued a statement stating the Mayor and his wife were innocent victims, clearing their names. He also stated that he regrets the killing of their two dogs.


But no apology was made.


I won't get back into the details of this story-I'm still upset about the way the police handled this situation. I could not even get away from this story, as it is being discussed on cable news and on blogs from those outside of the state of MD.

The police were wrong to even go into the house in the manner they did. They were not supposed to force their way in. If they would have followed "the book", this family would not have suffered through this grief.

I am glad that they have their names cleared for the crime they were unknowingly involved in, but a formal apology is necessary, especially with all the press this story is getting. I am also thankful that the further victimization by the police is known. The people that were further victimized by police after suffering from identity theft in this case, were not criminals with records wanted for violent crimes - they were both upstanding citizens in the community.

If the police "brutalize" a family like this (elected official-to boot), what are they going to do to the rest of us who aren't in positions such as this?

"The Silent Scream"

Somewhere around 1991-2 I was invited to my first pro-life march by my then-sister-in-law. At that time, I was personally pro-life, but thought if others wanted to have abortions, let them.

Michele led me to watch "The Silent Scream". This movie brought out many emotions...the first was how wrong I was to think abortion was okay as long as it wasnt me having one.

The viewing of this movie was carried around with me from that moment on. If you click on the link in the title, you will be taken to the movie hosted on youtube. Its roughly 30 minutes long. Basically, it is the explanation of what an abortion is and does to an unborn fetus at 12 weeks. Not only does this video explain abortion, it shows the procedure via sonogram.

This was the straw that broke the camels back for me. I can no longer say that its okay to have this procedure done. Even the abortionist and feminist that participated in this movie have retracted their opinions on their pro-"choice" stances. The abortionist has not performed abortions since, and the feminist no longer supports choice.

I too, at one time thought nothing of someone I knew having an abortion early in their pregnancy. The earlier the better--- After watching this 12 week old fetus suffering through what is called an "extinction" - trying to "get away" from the abortionist's tools - I have since changed my mind.

Now, it has been more than a decade since I watched "The Silent Scream" and I still beleive that life begins at conception. There are many pro-life groups bringing the truth about what abortion really looks like, and while I don't like the pictures on the billboards and signs, I can say that it definately gets the point across. Abortion IS ugly and disgusting. How else can you explain it but to show what happens at these abortion clinics?

I wonder how many women go into these clinics and are really told about what is about to happen. Are these women told that their aborted children will end up in plastic tubs in a dumpster? Are they told that the tools used dismember the fetus? If they were to really see what is going on, would they really have that abortion?

Pro-abortion advocates claim that its safe....and most politicians who are -what they like to be called - pro-choice claim that its a women's right. However, I don't like to call them choice advocates-because there is no choice....its murder, abortion. Let's not be creative with our words -let's call it what it is.

What I really don't get, is that those who support abortions, get offended when you called them pro-abortion. I have always wondered why so. Is it because choice sounds better in a sound bite? If they beleive in the cause, why not call it what it is? If you are proud of what you beleive in, which most people are, then why walk on eggshells when you call it what is it?

I don't hear any "choice" advocates saying they support killing unborn children. Isn't that what it is? No, what you hear is - "We support a women's right to choose" Choose what?

PG County Mayor raided and dogs killed

Identity theft is all the rage....seems like everytime I turn around I hear about someone else having their identities "stolen" in some type of way. However, this story is different.

The PG County Mayor was at home getting ready for an event when police "shoved" their way into his home - it seems as if the mayor's wife identity was used for drug delivery. Delivery of the drug would be delivered to a home, and picked up by someone other than the addressee.

After reading this article and listening to the press conference, I am outraged. First, the police did not investigate any other alternative other than marijuana was sniffed by drug-sniffing dog...they already arrested the deliverymen. No one ever said, hmm-this lady is the wife of a mayor....Granted government corruption is everywhere, but wouldn't someone know if the mayor's wife was using or selling drugs? She holds a job with the MD Dept of Human Resources. Does she participate in drug testing? Don't you think that her job performance would suffer if she was doing drugs?

Secondly, back in Baltimore-you cannot help but know where the mayor lives. Unfortunately, because of an ongoing investigation, we all have seen the mayor's house. PG County Mayor Calvo has been mayor since 2004....You mean to tell me that the police did not know this was the mayors home? Come on!

Thirdly, the police killed two family pets. These animals were not attacking police. This unfortunately, is not the first case where police killed family animals. In Akokeek, police went to the wrong home, were told it was the wrong home - but still minutes later, police shot their dog. The family was never charged with anything nor was anything removed from their home.

What burns me up the most is that police never even apologized for their mistake. Now, I am not talking about real criminals having their pets killed...even though that is wrong as well. I am talking about those who have been victimized by criminals-and then because they have animals, the animals are killed.

Instead of being treated like victims, their home was invaded...The mayor and his mother were tied up for a few hours witnessing the murder of their family dogs. The family had to clean up the bloody mess, which was tracked all throughout their home.

Maybe I am still naive, but after a week I think the police should issue an apology. It won't bring their animals back, but at least some healing can occur. What do you think?

New Lost ARG

For those of you who are "Lost" theres a new ARG (Alternate Reality Game). Because I was a latecomer to the initial first 3 seasons, I missed two ARGs that ran during the series. I was able to catch up online-via the lost wiki and youtube.

For those that do participate or even lurk about the message boards, you will come to see many more connections than the show alluded to. I beleive this gives you a deeper perspective into the Lost universe. I would never have made some of the connections without gaining the knowledge found by playing the ARG.

Anyway, during the season finale of Lost a commercial for the Dharma Initiative ran. This is how the ARG was introduced. If you went to the DWY site and entered your address, you later received an email giving you additional information.

We were led to ComicCon. This is a convention of comic book / sci-fi type entertainment. Shows like Heroes and 24 were also there. You can go to fansites to view uploaded video of the panels where producers and the like were interviewed. No pun intended, but you can get Lost on these sites viewing videos!!

During ComicCon, Carlton & Damon entertained us with Lost answers and showed a video of who we have come to know as Dr Martin Candle....the scientist in the Orientation videos. As with most things on Lost, I cannot explain it simply and to do so would further confuse you, so I will not go into details about this film. This video, like the previous Orchid Station video, does not answer any questions, but raises them instead.

The Dharma Initiative had a booth in which they performed the reconstituted DI testing. Damon & Carlton both took tests which can be found on youtube. This past week the DWY website went live and anyone signed up received an email to take the test. New tests will arrive weekly.

I am not sure what will come of this...D&C stated that the ARG will last until the new season...but Im not sure how they will keep interest. I dont know what the actual pacing will be once the DWY site has completed their testing. You know I will be playing along though, even it takes reading the TailSection blog to remind me.

I think as I rewatch Lost on ABCs website, I will be reforming some theories and forming some additional ones. Before the season premiere Ill post my indepth theory that does have some ideas that other theories have touched upon, but thats only the beginning.