From Reuters:
BAGHDAD, April 23 (Reuters) - Two suicide bombers wearing vests full of explosives blew themselves up in separate attacks on Thursday, killing 76 people, including many Iranian pilgrims, in what appeared to be Iraq's bloodiest day in over a year.
....
One of the attacks occurred near Muqdadiya, 80 km (50 miles) northeast of Baghdad, in the volatile province of Diyala. The suicide bomber targeted a group of Iranian pilgrims in a crowded roadside restaurant at lunchtime.
....
The other blast took place in central Baghdad as a group of Iraqi national police were distributing relief supplies to families driven from their homes at the height of the violence.
Twenty-eight people died, and 50 were wounded, police said. At least five children and two Red Crescent workers were among the dead. Some witnesses said the bomber was a woman.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, bind up the wounds of the injured, give rest and peace to the dead, and give comfort and consolation to those who lost their loved ones.
Lord, bring peace to Iraq.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Roseann Update
From Sue:
Hi Mimi, Here's the latest on Roseann.
Hi Mimi, Here's the latest on Roseann.
Hi Sue and everyone,
Yesterday they put in a Picc line so it will be easier to give me the IV medicines. Anything that makes things easier is a good thing. Gary is not being very cooperative about getting his shoulder repaired. Please pray that God thumps him on the head so he'll get this appointment made quickly. I'm still in the hospital getting antibiotics and pain meds. I can't walk after the pain meds for a few hours but after that we wheel outside and then walk in the garden a little.
Tell everyone I said hi. Love, R
Fox News, Folks - Unbelievable!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
In The Mail
Good news! The economic recovery bill that President Obama signed into law in Frbruary 2009 provides for a one-time payment of $250 to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries.
Yay! Grandpère and I will rush out immediately and spend the money on riotous living, thus making our contribution to the economic recovery.
Only one teensy worry. We're concerned that GP may have to pay his money back, because he does not collect a SS check. He spent the greater part of his working life employed by the State of Louisiana, and he did not pay into the SS system for enough years to be eligible.
In truth, I'll use mine to help pay for my expensive trip to England.
Yay! Grandpère and I will rush out immediately and spend the money on riotous living, thus making our contribution to the economic recovery.
Only one teensy worry. We're concerned that GP may have to pay his money back, because he does not collect a SS check. He spent the greater part of his working life employed by the State of Louisiana, and he did not pay into the SS system for enough years to be eligible.
In truth, I'll use mine to help pay for my expensive trip to England.
Hard Times For Log Cabin Republicans
From Newsweek:
In the 2008 election, 4 percent of the voters identified themselves as gay, lesbian or bisexual, according to a CNN poll, and 27 percent of them voted for John McCain—numbers that seem to indicate a healthy space in politics for the Log Cabin Republicans, the party's most visible gay organization. But as its annual convention in Washington wraps up this week, the LCR is running on fumes: it currently has no full-time employees—its executive-director position has been vacant since January—and this year's convention had to be run by consultants from local chapters. "The Log Cabin Republicans are not in any sort of danger right now," says Charles Moran, head of the Los Angeles LCR chapter, who also brushed off the void at the top. "We're not just going to accept anyone who applies. In fact, we can wait: like the GOP is trying to refashion itself, Log Cabin is looking to do the same."
So much for inclusivity. No wonder they're "running on fumes".
Seriously, I have never understood why a GLTB person would choose to be a Republican. An Independent, maybe, but not a Republican. I knew two Republican gay men, but talking politics with them was taboo. At least one of them has now registered as an Independent.
The percentages are startling, too. 4% of voters self-identify as gay, but of that 4% a hefty 27% voted for McCain. That is surprising. The gay McCain supporters seemed to take voting quite seriously.
In the 2008 election, 4 percent of the voters identified themselves as gay, lesbian or bisexual, according to a CNN poll, and 27 percent of them voted for John McCain—numbers that seem to indicate a healthy space in politics for the Log Cabin Republicans, the party's most visible gay organization. But as its annual convention in Washington wraps up this week, the LCR is running on fumes: it currently has no full-time employees—its executive-director position has been vacant since January—and this year's convention had to be run by consultants from local chapters. "The Log Cabin Republicans are not in any sort of danger right now," says Charles Moran, head of the Los Angeles LCR chapter, who also brushed off the void at the top. "We're not just going to accept anyone who applies. In fact, we can wait: like the GOP is trying to refashion itself, Log Cabin is looking to do the same."
So much for inclusivity. No wonder they're "running on fumes".
Seriously, I have never understood why a GLTB person would choose to be a Republican. An Independent, maybe, but not a Republican. I knew two Republican gay men, but talking politics with them was taboo. At least one of them has now registered as an Independent.
The percentages are startling, too. 4% of voters self-identify as gay, but of that 4% a hefty 27% voted for McCain. That is surprising. The gay McCain supporters seemed to take voting quite seriously.
Announcement From Louisiana
From the parish bulletin of St. John's Episcopal Church, Thibodaux, Louisiana, on April 19, 2009:
Announcement
The consecration for the 11th Bishop of Louisiana will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2010. The Presiding Bishop will be the chief consecrator, and she will the consecration during a formal Pastoral Visitation to the Diocese of Louisiana from May 6th through May 9th.
It seems a long time away, but it's not too early to plan, and especially not too early to pray for the election of our new bishop.
Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for the Diocese of Louisiana, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Book of Common Prayer, p. 818)
Announcement
The consecration for the 11th Bishop of Louisiana will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2010. The Presiding Bishop will be the chief consecrator, and she will the consecration during a formal Pastoral Visitation to the Diocese of Louisiana from May 6th through May 9th.
It seems a long time away, but it's not too early to plan, and especially not too early to pray for the election of our new bishop.
Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for the Diocese of Louisiana, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Book of Common Prayer, p. 818)
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
New BBQ Grill/Pit
Now this is a BBQ guaranteed to get everyone's attention.....
I think it should be towed with the barrel facing backwards...
then you wouldn't have to worry about anyone tailgating you!....
I don't know for sure but my guess is the owner is from
Texas !!!!!!
It's all Doug's fault. He made me do it.
A Tender Story Of A Dog's Devotion
The Sculptress JOEL works on the statue of Ruswarp, a devoted dog who stayed by his dead master's side for 11 weeks devoted dog who stayed by his dead master's side for 11 weeks on a remote mountainside in winter is being recognised with a statue in his honour.
From the Telegraph comes a story that would have our dear leader blubbering like a girlie:
In a tale reminiscent of Greyfriars Bobby, border collie Ruswarp stuck by the side of owner Graham Nuttall after he got into trouble walking on 20 January 1990.
A week-long search found nothing, while missing person posters and leaflets also failed to produce any sightings.
But on 7 April walker David Clarke found the body by a mountain stream. Next to him was Ruswarp, who had stood guard over his master through snow and rain. The 14-year-old dog was so weak he had to be carried off the mountain.
Despite being cared for by a local vet he died shortly after attending Mr Nuttall's funeral.
Take note of the breed of this heroic dog. Ruswarp was a border collie.
Thanks to Lapin for sending me this lovely story.
Crossposted at OCICBOV and Wounded Bird.
A Note From Roseann
Oh happy happy, joy joy. I am back in the hospital. St. Vincent's
I went to dialysis yesterday and everything was fine except I felt slightly irritable. Just that indefinable grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr on the inside. Got home and laid down on the couch. The second my head hit the pillow I was out. Then I woke up when Gary got up for work and I had 102.5 temp. So I'm getting the usual protocol of antibiotics, anti-emetics blah blah blah.
The nurses here are so nice and I'm such a familiar face I get teased, "oh no, not you again" and we joke around. Gary stayed with me until 4 and then he had to get to work. By the time he came back and 10 we were both worn out. I can never sleep the first night I'm here so now I'm super sleepy but I know I won't be able to rest until Gary leaves for work.
These little infections just pop up now and then. They are somehow related to my dialysis catheter and we've been lucky that Dr. K can find the right antibiotics quickly. He is getting worried though that it is going to start becoming resistant.
I’m looking at this as just another thing leading me to St. Louis.
Love and hugs, Roseann
I marvel at Roseann's courage. May the love of God heal her in body, mind, and spirit. May God give strength to Roseann and Gary during this difficult time, and may God's peace that passes understanding keep their minds and hearts in Christ Jesus.
Thanks to Sue for sending Roseann's note.
I went to dialysis yesterday and everything was fine except I felt slightly irritable. Just that indefinable grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr on the inside. Got home and laid down on the couch. The second my head hit the pillow I was out. Then I woke up when Gary got up for work and I had 102.5 temp. So I'm getting the usual protocol of antibiotics, anti-emetics blah blah blah.
The nurses here are so nice and I'm such a familiar face I get teased, "oh no, not you again" and we joke around. Gary stayed with me until 4 and then he had to get to work. By the time he came back and 10 we were both worn out. I can never sleep the first night I'm here so now I'm super sleepy but I know I won't be able to rest until Gary leaves for work.
These little infections just pop up now and then. They are somehow related to my dialysis catheter and we've been lucky that Dr. K can find the right antibiotics quickly. He is getting worried though that it is going to start becoming resistant.
I’m looking at this as just another thing leading me to St. Louis.
Love and hugs, Roseann
I marvel at Roseann's courage. May the love of God heal her in body, mind, and spirit. May God give strength to Roseann and Gary during this difficult time, and may God's peace that passes understanding keep their minds and hearts in Christ Jesus.
Thanks to Sue for sending Roseann's note.
Monday, April 20, 2009
From The Episcopal Diocese Of Louisiana
Preparing for Our Next Bishop -
We want to hear from you!
As many of you are aware, we have begun the lengthy process that will lead to the election of the Eleventh Bishop of Louisiana. The Episcopate Committee, which oversees the initial stages, would like to hear from you and has asked that all members (lay and ordained) of the diocese participate in a short survey. (Click Here) The survey will be available until April 30th.
This survey was created to give members of the diocese an opportunity to voice their opinion about both the current state of affairs in the diocese and the qualities that we are looking for in our next chief pastor. Soon, information will be sent out about a series of Community Forums across the diocese to be held in early May. These Forums (for lay persons only) will provide an additional opportunity for all to voice their concerns. Please be honest and take the time to participate in the process. The committee thanks you for your time and asks for your prayers in this time of discernment.
Yours in Christ,
The Episcopate Committee
Those of you in the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana who want your voice to be heard on the qualities that you would like to see in the new bishop, please fill out the survey on the diocesan website by April 30. That's only ten days away.
I ask for prayers for the election from those within the diocese and without.
Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for the Diocese of Louisiana, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Book of Common Prayer, p. 818)
We want to hear from you!
As many of you are aware, we have begun the lengthy process that will lead to the election of the Eleventh Bishop of Louisiana. The Episcopate Committee, which oversees the initial stages, would like to hear from you and has asked that all members (lay and ordained) of the diocese participate in a short survey. (Click Here) The survey will be available until April 30th.
This survey was created to give members of the diocese an opportunity to voice their opinion about both the current state of affairs in the diocese and the qualities that we are looking for in our next chief pastor. Soon, information will be sent out about a series of Community Forums across the diocese to be held in early May. These Forums (for lay persons only) will provide an additional opportunity for all to voice their concerns. Please be honest and take the time to participate in the process. The committee thanks you for your time and asks for your prayers in this time of discernment.
Yours in Christ,
The Episcopate Committee
Those of you in the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana who want your voice to be heard on the qualities that you would like to see in the new bishop, please fill out the survey on the diocesan website by April 30. That's only ten days away.
I ask for prayers for the election from those within the diocese and without.
Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for the Diocese of Louisiana, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Book of Common Prayer, p. 818)
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