BACK IN A FEW DAYS

I have some personal business that needs my attention for a few days. Will return on the weekend or Monday at the latest. In the meantime, there's plenty of fine folks listed on my blogroll.

GOOD NEWS FOR U.S. SCHOOL ROOMS

Blogmeister USA is posting about British schools dropping some traditional teaching lessons. In time, they'll learn what a bad idea this is.

Christi at CSA is reporting on a new law that requires two things be displayed in U.S. school rooms. This is very good news; it's too bad it took a law to make it happen.

REP. VIRGIL GOODE (R-VA), DR. JEROME CORSI, MARCUS LUTTRELL--TONIGHT ON THE ANDREA SHEA-KING SHOW

A full show tonight from Orlando, Florida.

Rep. Virgil Goode (R-VA) will be talking about two resolutions that he's introduced into the House. One having to do with illegal immigration; the other about spp.gov and the North American Union.

Dr. Jerome Corsi will be talking about his newest book, "THE LATE GREAT USA-The Coming Merger with Mexico and Canada." The subject is always controversial, so if you have a question for Dr. Corsi, call the show at 1-800-329-5858.

Marcus Luttrell, author of "Lone Survivor," will be on during the second hour. Make sure you hit the link for his story.

THE ANDREA SHEA-KING SHOW begins at 9 PM EST, WDBO 580, Orlando. Call the show with your questions at: 1-800-329-5858

ATLANTIS CREW LOOKING AT FLORIDA OR CALIFORNIA LANDING

STS-117 was waved off on Thursday due to poor weather conditions in Florida. Today, the shuttle crew has 5 landing opportunities, 2 in Florida and 3 in California at Edwards AFB. The first landing opportunity is for Florida, beginning with the deorbit burn at 1:12 PM EST, touchdown 65 minutes later.

SHUTTLE LINKS

STS-117 location (real time)--NASA TV

Landing Ground Tracks (5)--(SoCal Approach)

Weather conditions--Florida--thunderstorms

Weather conditions--Edwards--high winds

TOLERANCE FOR FRED PHELPS WEARS THIN AT MILITARY FUNERAL

Fred Phelps shows up at another military funeral, but this time his band of cowards are forced to run for cover. Watch the action from inside their van as they flee the mourners' wrath. It's about time. Hat tip: Ace of SpadesHQ

Watch the video here...and enjoy it!!

SPACE SHUTTLE LANDING cancelled due to weather. Will try again Friday.

SHUTTLE LANDING IN FLORIDA IF WEATHER HOLDS

STS-117 is scheduled to land today. Weather is a factor, so the landing could be delayed. The first landing opportunity is on orbit 202, with the deorbit burn at 12:50 PM EST. The next opportunity is on orbit 203, with deorbit burn at 2:25 PM EST. After the burn sequence, it takes the shuttle approximately an hour to touchdown.

Shuttle links:

STS-117 location (real time)

Landing Ground Tracks for orbit 202 and 203

Weather conditions at the Cape--Radar

NASA TV

UPI-ZOGBY CONFIRMS WHAT WE ALREADY KNEW

Recently, I posted this quote:

"Congress's week-long Memorial Day recess was expected to leave the bill in tatters. But with a week of action set to begin today, the legislation's champions say they believe that the voices of opposition, especially from conservatives, represent a small segment of public opinion. Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), who led negotiations on the bill for his party, said the flood of angry calls and protests that greeted the deal two weeks ago has since receded every day.

The point, obviously, was to push the idea that the backlash over the Amnesty Bill was coming from a small group of people on the right. However, we all know better. Zogby just released the results of a poll that shows the opposite:

"The Zogby Interactive poll of 8,300 adults nationwide finds just 3 percent of Americans viewing Congress's handling of the immigration issue in favorable terms, while 9 percent say the same of the president - even as respondents in the survey rated it the second most important issue facing the country, after the war in Iraq."

"...a small segment of public opinion."??? Think again.

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***UPDATE: Congress' rating lowest in Gallup history.

SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT CAUGHT FEATHERING HER NEST...BUT WILL THE MSM FOLLOW THE MONEY??

Nationwide, the public school system is in shambles. It's a disgrace. But in New Orleans it's worse than most places, and here's another example of why that is. From WWLTV.com:

"Former Orleans Parish School Board President Ellenese Brooks-Simms pled guilty to accepting $140,000 in bribes from a local businessman in exchange for promoting and approving a software education program for the parish schools, her attorney announced Wednesday."

Now, Brooks-Simms is cooperating with the feds because she was caught red-handed. She faces time behind bars and a hefty fine as well. But, here's where it gets good--I mean, real good: Court docs failed to identify the "local businessman," but a local paper is...read the rest of the article to find out.

CLINTON CAMPAIGN FADES TO BLACK

Just watched the "The Sopranos" spoof that was done by Hillary's campaign. "Her Royal Pantsuit" has picked a song for her campaign theme and she's using this video to get the buzz started. It's a good video, sickening, but good. And, each scene has a clear meaning. And the winning song is....

Mary Katharine Ham just finished doing her "Sopranos" spoof, too. A fine piece of work. View it here. I can see MKH and/or Malkin doing a spoof on Hillary's spoof. It's low hangin' fruit, to be sure.

Fade to black....

1-800-417-7666--IT'S THEIR DIME

While you're at work this week, taking care of the family, or doing the numerous other things that typically occupies your time, your congress is doing one thing and one thing only: feverishly working behind-the-scenes so they can get their Amnesty Plan through the senate, all the time ignoring the will of those who elected them.

So, if you're ok with the plan, don't bother making a call or sending an email. Instead, continue shopping. And, while you're searching out those great bargains, expect those in Washington to continue crapping on you.

If, on the other hand, you're not ok with the plan, I suggest you take a few minutes to email those who represent you--Senate--House--and make a toll-free call to the Amnesty Hotline. 1-800-417-7666--Your Nation's future depends on YOU taking the time to let congress know exactly how you feel.

AMNESTY BILL AND HISTORY REPEATING ITSELF

This morning I was looking around for the latest on the Amnesty Bill. Lots of stuff out there. Some posts are packed with info and quite lengthy, but this post by Christi at CSA sums up the whole situation in two short paragraphs. Plus, she adds a cartoon video that adds to the simplicity of the explanation.

The CSA post mentions the Boston Tea Party. Actually, Christi alludes to the BTP; the video mentions it. Yesterday, a friend said that if congress continues to ignore the will of the people, a modern-day version of the Boston Tea Party could take shape. I agree.

After all this talk of the BTP, I thought a picture would be appropriate. I found a good one from a children's video cover. As good as the picture was, I found the attached description to be more interesting. Here's a snip:

"ON MORATORIUM - Sorry, The Studio Has Withdrawn This Title - We can no longer get it for you. - PBS developed this animated series to offer children an entertaining way to learn about American history."

Can't get it anymore or won't? PBS development...hmmm. Walter Cronkite as Ben Franklin? (bad casting, to be sure) Again...hmmm. I'm probably reading too much into this...hmmm.

Since we're talking about history, Pam at Blogmeister USA took time away from her extensive "writing and business empire" to take the kids to The Museum of Natural History in NYC. During the obligatory stop at the gift shop, she found one gift that comes with an agenda attached. They think of everything.

RUTH BELL GRAHAM 1920--2007

Ruth Bell Graham passed away today at her home in North Carolina. She had her family beside her as she slipped away. If you'd like to send a note to the family, you can do it here.

Mrs Graham's bio.

SEARCH TERMS

DOGPILE.COM has been my search page for years. It's a great site, plus there's this.

*The Radio Patriot takes a walking tour of her historic hometown and photographs Old Glory on display.

*Greybeard at Pitchpull has made his choice. Follow him into battle.

ONE STOP SHOPPING FOR POLLS

Talk of congress is widespread on the blogs. The "Comprehensive Immigration Con Job" has had many up-in-arms of late, and with the reintroduction of this bill surely to hit the senate floor any day now, I suspect more will get involved.

While cruising the blogs, I noticed that Pam at Blogmeister USA posted about congress' approval rating slipping to new lows. This is a hot topic and I'm glad to see Pam's on it. In addition to Pam, The Andrea Shea King Show--Sunday nights--has been focusing on congress and will continue to do so for quite some time.

This Sunday, a representative from "Real Clear Politics" will be on the show discussing the latest in polling data posted at their site. It should be an interesting show. They have tons of data about the candidates, congressional and presidential job approval, as well as related topics. If you like reading polls--I never did but I'm getting into it--RCP has enough info to keep you busy.

To get you started, here's a list of polls at RCP that will spark your interest. For a more comprehensive look at each of these polls, click the link in the lower right-hand corner after each poll. And, if you'd like more info about the polling questions, click the name of the polling organization.

Of note:

Republican Candidates--Rudy still out front; Fred slides into second place as McCain continues to wave good-bye to the White House.

Democrat Candidates--HRP and Obama still holding strong at first and second, respectively; Gore awaits word on his Nobel Peace Prize.

THE RE-HEATING OF THE COLD WAR

The Cold War ended some years back, but the leftover embers from those years have reignited. Who knew? Russia is going to be trouble, Putin specifically. On Sunday, Putin called for a "radical overhaul of the world's financial and trade institutions..." At one time, Bush looked into Putin's soul; I doubt he saw this:

"His speech on financial institutions suggested that, along with an aggressive recent campaign against US “unilateralism” in foreign policy, he was also seeking to challenge western dominance of the world economic order."--Financial Times.

Yes, we have yet another crisis to add to the ever-growing list of troubled areas for the United States. If you think this little revelation isn't a problem, think again. It's another indication of our weakened status on the world stage. And, who should we blame for this and all the other major problems we currently face? I suppose a case can be made for placing the blame on you and me, however, I put it squarely on the shoulders of those corrupt individuals we pay to look after our Nation's best interests--Washington's finest leaders. It just keeps getting better and better.

Speaking of leaders--last night on The Andrea Shea-King Show, Andrea spent the entire first hour ripping Congress a new one. She got heated up over Congress' work schedule in Washington, D.C., and it wasn't long before the phones started ringing. Apparently, lots of folks feel the same way Andrea feels about our "do nothing" Congress. You can listen to the first hour of her show on podcast--Sunday 9 PM--and pay particular attention to the House of Representatives' work schedule for last Friday. You won't believe it. Well, maybe you will.

On a sad note, Andrea is boarding "ASK ONE" this morning to fly up north to care for her ailing mother. Stop by her blog--Radio Patriot--and wish her and her family well.

HBO "WHACKED" BY ANGRY FANS

I've always been a fan of "The Sopranos." But, since I don't have HBO, I watch it in reruns on another cable channel. The rest of the nation with HBO tuned in last night and weren't too pleased with the ending. In fact, many of them went to the HBO website to voice their displeasure, crashing the site. Although I didn't see the final installment, I'm surprised at the ending. If you saw it, what did you think?

TWO GIRLS IN DISTRESS--35 YEARS APART

" On June 8, 1972, children and their families fled the village of Trang Bang down Route-1, their bodies seared by napalm. The young girl screaming, in particular, was etched onto the world's mind by the photograph of Huynh Cong 'Nick' Ut, an AP photographer." The girl was Phan Thi Kim Phuc.

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***The photo of Paris Hilton, which was taken today, was captured by the same photographer who took the above photo--napalm girl 1972--exactly 35 years ago today.

"Paris Hilton is seen the window of a police car as she is transported from her home to court by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in Los Angeles on Friday, June 8, 2007. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)"

REALITY ELBOWS ITS WAY INTO HILTON'S LIFE

Judge Sauer steps up to the plate and restores our faith in the system.

LOS ANGELES (AP) -Paris Hilton was taken from a courtroom screaming and crying Friday seconds after a judge ordered her returned to jail to serve out her entire 45-day sentence for a parole violation in a reckless driving case.

"It's not right!" shouted the weeping Hilton. "Mom!" she called out to her mother in the audience.

Greta is on Fox describing Paris, saying she's sick, shaking and twitching in the courtroom--needs medical attention. What, she didn't pee herself?? Shut up, Greta!!

WILL HE OR WON'T HE?

Now that the amnesty bill is falling apart around Harry Reid & Co., focusing on the ever entertaining Paris Hilton is a welcome break. It appears that the Hilton family was able to use their influence to spring poor little Paris from her new L.A. County studio, however, it also appears that the judge who sentenced her was left out of the loop, and I have a feeling he's none too happy about it. After all, this is the same judge who made it very clear that she would be doing her time in jail and not on home detention. I think he was clear on that. And, if he's not pissed, why call her back into court?

If he sends her back to jail, and I think he will, watch to see if Mother Hilton hurls more insults at the DA. Maybe mother and daughter could share a cell.

JUNE 5, 1944--SOMEWHERE IN ENGLAND

63 years ago today, the Third Army was assembled at an undisclosed location in England on the eve of the greatest military operation in the history of warfare. In less than 24 hours, the D-Day invasion would be underway. Code named: Overlord.

On this morning, Lt. General George S. Patton, Jr., would stand before the men of Third Army and deliver what has come to be known as "The Speech." In this speech, Patton tells the men what they can expect to face as they land on the shores of France. He talked about their training, their duty to country, honor, and about being scared. The men knew they were about to become part of history; Patton was there to assure them that when the time came for battle, they'd know what to do.

These men had waited a long time for this day. They were prepared to do their duty, to lay down their lives, and they knew full well that some of them wouldn't live to tell the story.

Patton's speech was never recorded, except for notes taken by an "unknown soldier." Those notes, along with reference materials gathered from many sources, were compiled to reconstruct the events of that morning. It's truly the greatest speech Patton ever delivered. From "The Speech":

"The big camp buzzed with a tension. For hundreds of eager rookies, newly arrived from the states, it was a great day in their lives. This day marked their first taste of the "real thing". Now they were not merely puppets in brown uniforms. They were not going through the motions of soldiering with three thousand miles of ocean between them and English soil. They were actually in the heart of England itself. They were waiting for the arrival of that legendary figure, Lieutenant General George S. Patton, Jr. Old "Blood and Guts" himself, about whom many a colorful chapter would be written for the school boys of tomorrow. Patton of the brisk, purposeful stride. Patton of the harsh, compelling voice, the lurid vocabulary, the grim and indomitable spirit that carried him and his Army to glory in Africa and Sicily. They called him "America's Fightingest General". He was no desk commando. He was the man who was sent for when the going got rough and a fighter was needed. He was the most hated and feared American of all on the part of the German Army."

Continuing reading...scroll down to Part 2, "The Speech."

ARE YOU SMART ENOUGH TO UNDERSTAND THAT CONGRESS IS IGNORING YOU? WELL, ARE YA?--updated

The careerists in Washington DC, who mainly represent themselves these days, will be returning to work this morning. First on the agenda will be the proposed amnesty bill. They've had a week off to think over the whole situation, and they've come to a startling conclusion: The American public really isn't that pissed off. Some are, but not that many. From the WaPo:

"Congress's week-long Memorial Day recess was expected to leave the bill in tatters. But with a week of action set to begin today, the legislation's champions say they believe that the voices of opposition, especially from conservatives, represent a small segment of public opinion. Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), who led negotiations on the bill for his party, said the flood of angry calls and protests that greeted the deal two weeks ago has since receded every day.

"You just have to recognize you will get 300 calls, you'll get conflicts at town hall meetings -- all of them negative," said Rep. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), who consulted with Kyl and hopes to carry a similar deal through the House in July. "The last few days have really turned things around."

There you have it. All you folks who were throwing a snit-fit last week are simply a "small segment of public opinion." Insignificant. And besides being a small and insignificant segment, you really don't know, nor could you ever be expected to understand what's best for the United States. Hell, the president said so in a speech the other day.

What you can expect to happen: Congress will take the proposed amnesty bill, tweak a little something here, adjust some wording over there, vote it through and announce to the masses, with an assist from a willing press corps, that they've heard the concerns and addressed them. In the end, you will still have an amnesty bill, but this one won't be a proposal; it will be LAW.

So I leave you with this:

SENATE

HOUSE

Although we're just a tiny group, I suggest calling and emailing...again...and again.

UPDATE: My congressional Representative, John Doolittle, says he's completely against the proposed amnesty bill before the Senate, and will vote against any form of this proposal if it reaches the House. The staffer was very clear on this and indicated that the phones have been very busy.

BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING ELSE

Douglas V. Gibbs at Political Pistachio--friend of this blog--his son Christopher has cancer and will be going into surgery today around noon. You know the drill...so get over there and do what you do best. Thanks, guys.