Cold Stone... the new DQ?

Last night we went to Cold Stone Creamery for dessert. It was quite an experience and one you wouldn't have too often. As you enter the sub-zero store you're greeted with a chorus of "Welcome to Cold Stone" from the staff. Make your way through the line and you get to choose from one of like 20 flavors of freshly made ice creams and sorbets. I had the raspberry. Here's choice number 2. They don't come in normal sizes. Instead they come in "Like It", "Love It" and "Gotta Have It." We all got the "Love It" size which was plenty, trust me. After choosing your base, they take it over to a marble slab where they soften it up and make a well. Now comes another set of choices. You get one add it and for $0.60 you can add in another choice. I got strawberries and twix! It may not sound appetizing but WOW!!! It was great. She actually puts in fresh strawberries and a real twix bar. Mash & Mix, Mash & Mix. Now that your custom ice cream is mixed you have yet another choice. How do you want to eat it? You can get it in a waffle cone (plain, dipped in chocolate, choclate with nuts, chocolate with sprinkles, chocolate with cocoanut) or you can get it in a waffle bowl (same subchoices as before) or you can get it in a plain dish. Unless you're glutton, stick with the plain dish. Grand total for last nights trip with 1 "Like It" and 4 "Love It"?????? $24. Pretty comparable to DQ Blizzards but unless you've got patience, stick to DQ. If your CS staffer is new it could take her a bit to mix it and the line gets long and bunched up. All and all I'd give it *** / *****.

Dalai Lama comes to Buffalo

The Dalai Lama was in Buffalo for 3 days this week. A lot of people I know when to see him. What a once in a lifetime experience. While I wasn't one of the lucky ones this time around, here's what my friend Chris had to say about it:

Last night, I went to an interfaith service requested and attended by the Dalai Lama. Over six thousand people attended the service. people of various faiths and backgrounds and ages. What struck me was the Dalai Lama's call for religious harmony. he stressed that we are all "from the same family" as humanity, and the closer we are to our own religions, the more peace and understanding we can bring to the world around us. he also encouraged the exchange of ideas. He believes in learning about other faiths, that this is a key to promoting better undnerstanding and the ultimate goal of harmony. (Think:The world is shrinking)Six thousand people prayed for peace and meditated together, it struck me --how powerful we are when we come together in prayer.

So, how drunk do you have to be to bite a panda?

Got this article from my friend Skippy. How drunk do you need to be???


Man bites panda in Beijing zoo as retribution
Drunken migrant worker jumped in cage, was bitten after petting bear

Tourists look on as a panda named Pang Pang walks through its enclosure at the Beijing Zoo on Wednesday. Police were investigating another panda in the zoo, Gu Gu, who bit a drunken Chinese tourist who jumped into the enclosure on Tuesday.
View related photos
Greg Baker / AP


Updated: 2 hours, 55 minutes ago
BEIJING - A drunken Chinese migrant worker jumped into a panda enclosure at the Beijing Zoo, was bitten by the bear and retaliated by chomping down on the animal’s back, state media said Wednesday.
Zhang Xinyan, from the central province of Henan, drank four jugs of beer at a restaurant near the zoo before visiting Gu Gu the panda on Tuesday, the Beijing Morning Post said.
"He felt a sudden urge to touch the panda with his hand," and jumped into the enclosure, the newspaper said.
Story continues below ↓ advertisement

The panda, who was asleep, was startled and bit Zhang, 35, on the right leg, it said. Zhang got angry and kicked the panda, who then bit his other leg. A tussle ensued, the paper said.
"I bit the fellow in the back," Zhang was quoted as saying in the newspaper. "Its skin was quite thick."
Other tourists yelled for a zookeeper, who got the panda under control by spraying it with water, reports said. Zhang was hospitalized.
Newspaper photographs showed Zhang lying on a hospital bed with blood-soaked bandages and a seam of stitches running down his leg.
‘No one ever said they would bite’
The Beijing Youth Daily quoted Zhang as saying that he had seen pandas on television and "they seemed to get along well with people."
"No one ever said they would bite people," Zhang said. "I just wanted to touch it. I was so dizzy from the beer. I don’t remember much."
Ye Mingxia, a spokeswoman for the Beijing Zoo, confirmed the incident happened but would not give any details. She said Gu Gu was "healthy."
"We’re not considering punishing him now," Ye said in a telephone interview. "He’s suffered quite a bit of shock."

Painting the Private Property, Yea or Nay?

Got this article from my friend "Smithy." I have to say, it's something I'd never given serious thought to. I'd love to hear what guys honestly think about this topic.



September 20, 2006
The Coloring Box



Granted, the drapes match the rug. But the color scheme just ain't working — maybe because the whole matchy-matchy look is so last season. (Apologies, LiLo.)
Time to refurbish your special no-no place with a jazzy fall color: Put your triangle's tresses in the capable hands of Betty, the first dye created especially for your down-there hair. The easy-to-use formula is safe enough for your sensitive lady place. And if your orchid is wilting, fear not — Betty easily covers grays.
Decorate your fuzzy éclair with a variety of icings, like subtle auburn, blonde, brown, and black. Not enough options (or unsettling euphemisms) for ya? Feather your nest with FunBetty, an oh-no-she-didn't pink. The dripless formula guarantees that no dye will sully your pee-pee's teepee, and your new plumage is more than certain to attract plenty of male attention.
So go on and wash that man right into your hair.

Available by phone order at 212-288-9070 or e-mail info@bettybeauty.com. For more information, go to bettybeauty.com.

One pound down!!

Well, last week was our first weigh in and I was disappointed because I'd maintained. Couldn't really complain though because it was "around that time." Well, this a.m. I got on the scale and told Val I didn't want to know. When I reached down to grab my sneakers I saw that I'd lost 1lb. Hey, it's only 1lb but it's better than maintaining or gaining! At last, I'm contributing to my team. Go Team #4!!!!


On a side note, my sister is not "little" anymore. Yesterday she joined the "Young Ladies Club." Way too fast for me! LOL

Proof God really does answer prayers

I got some GREAT news yesterday. The evil woman who has made my life a living hell for the past 4 yrs, the lives of my family and most of our neighbors lives a living hell, is finally moving. At first it was July 1st, then August 1st, then September 1st. Well, yesterday came the call that we'd all been waiting and praying for. Things are being moved out of the house. Yup! That's right! Objects are being taken out of the house that once was adorable and has been turned into a smoke filled cathouse with children. Doors are missing, windows are broken, there is no lawn anymore and the front steps need to be fixed. Carpet needs to be replaced and walls need to be repainted. Hmm....... wonder if I could pick that house up cheap? No driveway but not a big deal. While she's not moving to Antartica like we'd have all hoped - or a nice muslim country where she'd have to say covered up and secluded - she is moving 25 minutes away to the suburb of Lancaster. As long as it's not my neighborhood, I don't care. I will miss seeing the kids though. Good news is we're friends with her soon-to-be-ex husband who's promised to let us see the kids as often as we want. That's just fine with me. I love all 5 of them, especially the littelest ones but never fear, aunt Jenn's not far. Here's a great BIG glass of champagne to being able to sit on our porch and just enjoy the neighborhood, no screaming involved. ;-)

Ya gotta love those sneaky Marines!!

My brother forwarded me an email that showed our Marines at their finest. As my cousin Corrie would say "You can insult people without calling them bad names." Check out what our brilliant, yet sneaky Marines did and keep in mind - when muslim men see a naked woman, they're apparently supposed to kill themselves. hmm.......

A newcomer to Monday Night Football......

Found this on one of my favorite blogs "One Marine's View." I check it almost daily and loved this article. Enjoy!

Are you ready for some football?
There is a newcomer to the sport that is getting a taste of freedom with the game!!
Who you ask?……….

There is a new station in the end zone of Monday Night Football who has never been there before. Usually reporting stories that are even anti-American. Have been known to have ties to the enemy of the
US(Taliban) and other scumbag organizations. However, like many others in the past couple years that have received the taste of freedom, they also want it. Who is this new guest??
Well its none other than the notorious Aljazeera news channel. Now as they report lies about American service members, they can bask in a pre game Monday Night Football parties!! ……………..I can’t wait to see their version of the virgin cheerleader.

Knight cage the Bulldogs!!!

On Sunday, September 17th the Riverside Knights played the Airlanes B-Team the Bulldogs. The morning started with the Bulldogs coach threatening my brother in the parking lot before the game....... obviously this dumb schmuck is new. No one threatens my family. The weigh in goes through uneventful and the game begins. After a ton of unfair calls and a few illegal hits Donald called the president of Tyro, Rick. Well, Rick sauntered over just as Donald was down on the field with a hurt player (hear you're ok Jarid! Keep up the good work!) Jarid gets taken off the field in an ambulance and Rick gets informed about what's going on. A few words to the ref's and the game resumes on level playing fields. Rick's also then informed by Jim - Riverside's President - about the threat to Donald. These are all points that will be brought up at the emergency meeting on Tuesday. All the coaches surrounded Donald on the walk through the handshakes at the end and all the parents were standing right on the sidelines watching to make sure nothing happened. Heck, he even got escorted to his car! Through all the threats, dirty plays, cheap shots and missed call.........the KNIGHTS WON!!!!!! Knight 28-Bulldogs 7. Suck on that Airlanes.

Red Robin......not just great burgers!

On Saturday we went out to this new place called Red Robin for dinner. They claim that they serve the best burgers and that it's their specialty even though chicken and salades are offered. I have to say that if you're looking for a fairly decent burger, outstanding spinach dip and some great entertainment, this is the place to go. Our friend Sandy who worked at Pizza Hut now works there. We offered to wait the extra 5-10 minutes to sit in her section. Well, since they'd seated a large party in her area already "Joe" - whom we'll say is the manger - decided to seat us. Next thing we knew he was sitting between my brother and I and here's where the fun begins. I'll save the embarassing details but we're still not sure if "Joe" was hitting on me or my brother. Equal opportunity flirting??? He even gave Kari an extra Freckled Lemonade (Minute Maid lemonade with strawberries) in the specialty glass to go. And here's the kicker.......... it really was GLASS! Not one of those plastic jobs. So if you want a good laugh and some decent food to boot, head out to Maple Road and stop by Red Robin and ask for "Joe."

What's wrong with the old logo?

What the hell is wrong with this logo? I mean come on now folks? So the switch to Black & Red was a shock, I won't deny that but at least you know what our symbol is...... or should I say was. Why can't we have this logo in the blue & gold? And who was dropping the cheap acid that came up with the new logo. I can't even bring myself to put that awful thing on my blog. I'd feel tainted.

Are you defective if you don't want kids?????

So, just about all my friends are now married and 2 of them are expecting their first babies. What do married friends who are pregnant do? They try to marry off their single friends. Marriage isn't so bad, in fact some day I'd love to get married. If I can find a guy who doesn't think with his pecker or a beer stein. To be honest though, I really don't think I want kids? Everyone gets this shocked expression on their face when I say it to. What just happened? Did I admit to being Hitler's offspring? Sure I think kids are great........... for other people. I want to be the loveable aunt who spoils 'em, sugars 'em up and sends 'em home. What's wrong with that? Times have changed. Women want careers and full lives. I'm not saying you can't have that with kids, in fact some think kids make our lives fuller. But we don't fit into molds anymore. We don't want to be housewives taking care of kids, we don't want to juggle babies and projection reports. We want it all and there's nothing wrong with that. All for one isn't always the same for everyone. So if you come across that childless friend remember it might be by freedom of choice.

Our first weigh in

Ok, so the first week of our Biggest Loser contest at work has come and gone. The bad news is I didn't lose anything. The good news is I didn't gain anything. Maintain is better than gain!!! The really great news is that my team is in 2nd place and we're not far behind the first place team at all. Keep up the good work girls.

Team Huff'N'Puff Rules!!!

Drink more to earn more....

People who consume alcohol earn significantly more at their jobs than non-drinkers, according to a US study that highlighted "social capital" gained from drinking.
The study published in the Journal of Labor Research Thursday concluded that drinkers earn 10 to 14 percent more than teetotalers, and that men who drink socially bring home an additional seven percent in pay.

"Social drinking builds social capital," said Edward Stringham, an economics professor at San Jose State University and co-author of the study with fellow researcher Bethany Peters.
"Social drinkers are out networking, building relationships, and adding contacts to their BlackBerries that result in bigger paychecks."
The authors acknowledged their study, funded by the Reason Foundation, a libertarian think tank, contradicted research released in 2000 by the Harvard School of Public Health.
"We created our hypothesis through casual observation and examination of scholarly accounts," the authors said.
"Drinkers typically tend to be more social than abstainers."
The researchers said their empirical survey backed up the theory, and said the most likely explanation is that drinkers have a wider range of social contacts that help provide better job and business opportunities.
"Drinkers may be able to socialize more with clients and co-workers, giving drinkers an advantage in important relationships," the researchers said.
"Drinking may also provide individuals with opportunities to learn people, business, and social skills."
They also said these conclusions provide arguments against policies aimed at curbing alcohol use on university campuses and public venues.
"Not only do anti-alcohol policies reduce drinkers' fun, but they may also decrease earnings," the study said.
"One of the unintended consequences of alcohol restrictions is that they push drinking into private settings. This occurred during the Alcohol Prohibition of 1920-1933 and is happening on college campuses today. By preventing people from drinking in public, anti-alcohol policies eliminate one of the most important aspects of drinking: increased social capital."
The researchers found some differences in the economic effects of drinking among men and women. They concluded that men who drink earn 10 percent more than abstainers and women drinkers earn 14 percent more than non-drinkers.
However, unlike men, who get a seven percent income boost from drinking in bars, women who frequent bars at least once per month do not show higher earnings than women drinkers who do not visit bars.
"Perhaps women increase social capital apart from drinking in bars," the researchers said in an effort to explain the gender gap.

September 11th again

Here's another post from One Marine's View. Makes ya think! - J

WHERE IS YOUR FLAG?

Listen people, are you happy eating greasy burgers, driving whatever car you like, living where you want, and saying what you feel? Then by god show some respect and fly a US Flag, it won’t kill you. In many countries, if you fly another country’s flag, you could get shot. This won’t happen here (except for maybe in L.A).
After 9.11 every house had a flag as everyone used it to help “get through” the events of the time. Now, where is that flag???? On your drive to work, count the number of American flags you see. If you can’t count more than 20, then you will get the drift. Its simple, since you probably don’t fly a flag 24/7/365, how about pushing out of your freaking comfort zone this weekend and spend the 10 min it takes to put up an American flag. They cost a whopping $10 at Lowe’s, Home Depot and the mother of all stores, WalMart. It’s contagious. If you do it I guarantee it your neighbor will also. Besides, its only your country, those who have died defending it, the forefathers who created it, the one who will go in the future to defend it, that you are honoring.
If you don’t know much about putting up a flag or haven’t ever put up a flag, first kick your own ass up and down the street because you have obviously taken advantage of what you have here and have no clue what life would be like to not have your freedom. Second, get your sorry butt to the store, get a screwdriver and put the flag up. Third, give yourself another lashing……….your parents would be so disappointed you sorry maggot!
Highlight this post, post it on your blogs, link to it, email it, call it your own, I don’t care, but get the word to your other non flying, non patriotic, Im going to live here and not show any respect buddies out there and get their butts to put a flag up as well!!!

USS New York

Here's a post I loved from my favorite other site - One Marine's View



Very Special New Navy Ship

USS New YorkWith a year to go before it even touches the water, the Navy's amphibious assault ship USS New Yorkhas already made history.It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center
The USS New York is about 45 percent complete and should be ready for launch in mid-2007.Katrina disrupted construction when it pounded the Gulf Coast last summer, but the 684-foot vessel escaped serious damage, and workers were back at the yard near New Orleans two weeks after the storm.It is the fifth in a new class of warship - designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists. It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft."It would be fitting if the first mission this ship would go on is to make sure that bin Laden and his terrorist organization is taken out," said Glenn Clement, a paint foreman. "He came in through the back door and knocked our towers down and (the New York ) is coming right through the front door, and we want them to know that."Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite, LA., to cast the ship's bow section. When it was poured into the molds on Sept. 9, 2003, "those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence," recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. "It was a spiritual moment for everybody there."Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the "hair on my neck stood up. It had a big meaning for all of us," he said. "They knocked us down. They can't keep us down. We're going to be back."The ship's motto - ''Never Forget"
Keep kicking Ass!
Major Pain!

We're fighting at home to....

I love the fact that I'm a member of eMOM and have really enjoyed the experience. However, last week one of my guys left me with an impression that was kinda upsetting. I know they're under a lot of stress over there and I'd never hold short tempers against them, but he seems to think that we're bored housewives or fat wall flowers with nothing better to do. I think it needs to be understood that we to are fighting at home. There's thousands of people at home who hate our military, this war, our government and would rather we just forget everyone and everything involved. Well, those of us at home who do give a damn say NO!! Our military men & women are fighting to protect our rights, even the rights of those who spit on them. To those people I say "Piss Off" and go back to France or Canada. To our soldiers I say "Keep On" and to those who think we're just sitting at home enjoying a glass of wine in front of the fire I say "Think Again." Just because we don't have AK-47's in our hands doesn't mean we're not fighting. We're fighting for you. As often as we say Thanks, it wouldn't hurt to hear it back once in a while.

Donald Wins Again!!

It wasn't raining monkey's & muffins and it certainly wasn't warm but after a zig, zag, toss TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!!!!! Donald and his Knights beat the Airlanes Crusaders (Team A) 33-6 on Saturday. Next week he'll play the Crusaders (Team B) at their home field on Sunday at 12:30. Better get some rest coach.

GREAT JOB KNIGHTS!!!

Are sidewalks a new idea?????

So, mom and I ran out to the grocery store a few nights ago then picked up dinner at Pat's. Call me crazy but here I thought sidewalks were something that's been around for quite a while and that people were actually supposed to WALK on them! Apparently I'm in the wrong here. People are not just walking in the street, they're walking in the middle of the lane and and look at you like you're in the wrong. My favorite are the ones who are pushing their baby strollers down the middle of the lane and practically dare you to hit them. AND THAT'S IN THE DAYLIGHT!!!! Let's do it all at night dressed in black. Where has the world gone wrong?? Or is it me??

Biggest Loser is Here!!!

Ok, so we've started a Wellness Committee at work and our big "wellness push" is our own version of Biggest Loser! We weighed in last Wednesday and will every Wednesday for the next 10 weeks. I've got Rosing, Smithy & Tracy G on my team. Rosing has easily stepped into the role of Team Leader and has even booked our Board Room 2 nights a week for pilates classes!!

Come On Girls!!!!! Let's Kick Some Flabby Butt!!!

What's up with this guy? Ralph "Bucky" Phillips

FREDONIA, New York (AP) -- A state police official said Monday that "the noose is tightening" in the manhunt for an escaped inmate accused of a deadly police ambush, and warned hunters to stay out of the woods where the fugitive may be hiding.
Hunters in rural and wooded Chautauqua County are "interfering" with the search and face danger from Ralph "Bucky" Phillips and authorities pursuing him, State Police Maj. Michael Manning said.
"They can certainly be mistaken for the wrong individual," Manning said.
Many officers are scouring the western New York woods for Phillips, the prime suspect in Thursday's ambush of troopers Donald Baker Jr., 38, and Joseph Longobardo, 32, who died Sunday. Baker remained in serious condition at a hospital Monday, police said. (Watch how the ambush took place -- 2:14)
Phillips, 44, wounded another trooper near Elmira in June and has eluded police since his April 2 escape from an Erie County jail.
SWAT teams from Buffalo, Rochester and Jamestown joined troopers in the search Monday, Manning said. Other reinforcements have come from the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, nearby Erie County and police agencies in neighboring Pennsylvania.
Manning would not say how many law enforcement officers are involved in the manhunt, but said the search and recent arrests of Phillips' supporters have put pressure on the suspect.
"I think he's in hiding. I don't think he has any place to go now," Manning said. "The noose is tightening."
Manning added that there is "no reason to believe he has left the area."
Baker and Longobardo were in woods behind the isolated hilltop home of Phillips' former girlfriend when a gunman caught them by surprise and fired 11 high-powered rifle rounds, police said.
Longobardo died three days after being hit by a bullet that severed a major artery in his leg. Baker was wounded by a bullet that pierced his bullet-resistant vest.
There is a $225,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Phillips, who has threatened "suicide by cop" and once promised to "to splatter pig meat all over Chautauqua County."
Phillips has been on the run since April, when he used a can opener to cut an opening in the kitchen ceiling of an Erie County jail and escaped through the roof.
He has left a trail of burglaries and car thefts across central and western New York and neighboring Pennsylvania. He is suspected of stealing 41 weapons from a gun shop in late August, including rifles of the type that could have been used in Thursday's ambush.
He has been suspected in the June shooting of Trooper Sean Brown near Elmira in southern New York, and police said he has survived on the run by breaking into hunting camps.
Some in rural western New York had viewed the manhunt with amusement, but that changed after Thursday's shootings.
Phillips' former girlfriend, their daughter and the daughter's boyfriend have been charged with helping him elude authorities.
The pastor of a Roman Catholic church near Phillips' hometown on Monday renewed his offer to help the fugitive surrender, but Manning said Phillips and his family and friends do not need an intermediary.
"All they have to do is call and say Ralph Phillips wants to turn himself in, he's at this present location." Manning said. "We will be happy to meet him and guarantee his safety."

Another birthday come and gone....

Another birthday has come and gone. Yup, I'm 25.......+1. LOL I wanted to take a second to say Thanks to all my family & friends for making it so great. Jean put together a great little basket, Caron adding to my "shoe" collection and then there's that Wash Away Your Sins lip balm! Where did you ever find it?!?!?!? All my girlfriends who chipped in to get my rolling scrapbook bag, I love it!! My parents for the great new outfit and dinner at my favorite place, Happy Jack's. The best gift was hearing that they're planning to open up here in Buffalo!!!!! Yeah!!!!!! Donald gave me some beautiful Chinese ornaments and Kari gave me a bag of my favorite candies and a funky little pen she picked out herself. I hope I didn't miss anyone but all were appreciated. Here's to another year!!

Knights first Loss

They played a good game but it wasn't in the cards for our little Knights. They played the North Buffalo Rams who are known for playing dirty and downright cheating. Even Mother Nature got confused and threw us a curveball. The temp kept dropping right along with the rain. The boys learned a tough lesson but they lived to fight another day.

On a side note, I'd just like to say a special Thank You to the North Buffalo teams. Thanks for leaving bottles of urine on the field and by the bleachers, thanks for trashing our bathrooms, trying to start fights and let's not forget the streak of human poop you so kindly decorated the bathroom ceiling with. Not sure how you guys got up there but we won't forget your kindness and hope to someday return the gift in kind.