Monday, February 28, 2005
THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE SALE RUSSIAN IRANIAN STYLE
Another country of interest is Syria, who now has an agreement with Iran for the mutual protection of their terrorist networks. Assad is not on the Lebanese good guys list these days and are demanding a complete Syrian withdrawal from their country. The Syrians must stay in Lebanon, if only to keep the country in economic disarray. It is so not in Syria's interest for Lebanon to be allowed to be the flourishing successful country it once was. They must be oppressed at all costs. It's just not on for them to be allowed to join the western world. They must stay under the controlling thumb of backward oppression as applied by Assad. Syria made two big mistakes recently; the assassination of Al Hariri and the attack in Tel Aviv. These together just might be more than we and the US can allow to pass unchallenged. Of course, Assad did not personally approve the Tel Aviv attack, but he does bear responsibility for it by not closing down the Jihad offices. Now he has Washington, London and even Paris yelling at him and not even his deal with Iran is likely to save him this time. His days just might numbered. I hope. Have I mentioned that things over here are interesting?
I'm going to bring Pegasus in, get dressed and go to town. More later, time permitting.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
XP AND ME
Teadrinker got her computer yesterday and is scared stiff of it! She won't be on line until Tuesday on account of technical issues and of course I'm in deep trouble because XP has turned into my personal terrorist, and I need it working right so I can talk her through things. So far I've been able to talk her through most things she wanted from memory, but it's lots easier when doing it with her. It leaves me feeling pretty much like watching reports on suicide bombers. Helpless, frustrated and wanting to do physical harm. I did something to it and it worked just fine for a couple of days, but it went wild again today and I'll have to Gerald in to sort it. I spent all day fiddling with it and getting nowhere. Of course I was upset all day about the attack in tel Aviv. I had just settled in to watch CSI when they went to a news alert on Israel 1. The 4th string anchor they put on was worse than anyone I'd ever seen and Israel 10 hadn't come on with it yet. When they finally did, I went there and suffered through 20 minutes of their spare anchor until the regular crew got there. Watching this stuff on TV is almost as bad as being in it. They run the same the loop endlessly and repeat the exact same information over and over. I really wasn't surprised that it happened, and watching all the terror groups first claim credit, then deny it was kind of fun in a perverse way. The PA seemed pretty angry about it and pointed fingers very gently at Syria. They just might be in bigger trouble than they ever imagined. Al Hariri in Lebanon and now this. Ooops.
I have a miserable cold and a cough that won't quit, so I'm off to sleep as it's 01:30, and I feel crap.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
DECISIONS DECISIONS
GIMP HOUSE 22 Feb. 2005
Oh boy, have I done it now! Word is just about the only thing working on this %^*^ computer. It self uninstalled ALL the hardware and will not under any circumstances allow me to reinstall even the modem. I think one of the major goofs was letting Child Genius install a bootleg XP Pro. I kind of liked it as long as it ran, but we didn'tt address the underlying issues and screwed up and corrupted files. My guess is that there is a virulent virus or two or thousand lurking in wait. We were just too lazy to reformat and now Im paying the price. Im going to have Gerald reformat the whole thing and install a legal XP Pro and Norton Security Suite. Ouch. I should have known that taking the easy way out would cost more in the end. Time, upset, and money. The first two are the worst, but the money is going to be a major owie. Now, if only The Philmores check would just arrive. Mordy deep sixed my credit card yet again, but when the check gets here, we are going to have a very painful, (for him) chat. I KNEW he was going to bounce my cell phone payments, but that was ok as I had over 1000 left on my card. I am going to waltz into the bank, check in hand and inform him that he has two choices; 1) He gives me back my card, gold with the 3,500 limit, or I change banks and write letters to management or, 2) I change banks and write the letters. He has taken his control thing too far this time. I have enough money to cover that option two and he would be well advised to choose option 1!
I think it might be a good idea to get the letter written. Its not as if I dont have the money locked up there to cover this months monstrous mistake. I do, and hes just flexing his muscles. Bank of Israel is implementing a new law at the start of next year, whereby unauthorized overdrafts will be illegal. It has yet to be implemented and Mordy could and should have let it go this month and for sure not yanked my credit card. One has nothing to do with the other. And here I was so close to home free. The Philmores check will sort that, if it ever gets here. I think Ill bang this on a floppy, go to the post boxes and try to find a computer to use until either Child Genius or Gerald can sort this one.
Feb 24 2005
Somehow I got the computer working again. Don't ask how because I have no idea how I accomplished this wonder of technology. For now, it's enough to know that I did it, and all by myself.
So, now I'm not in a panic to get Gerald to sort things. That can wait a bit.
I am much too busy at the moment trying to decide which is worse; feeling crap on a great sunny warm day, or feeling great on a bad weather day. All this because my latest cold has developed it's very own cough (which had me awake and coughing all night) and had me feeling dizzy and woozy all day. Then, just for the fun, there were the labor pains I had all afternoon. I've had two kids and even though the last one was 28 or so years ago, I haven't forgotten what labor feels like. I'm just grateful now that they went away, even if they have been replaced by those sore cough abdominal muscle pains. Those I can deal with. I was awake coughing at 0430 and gave serious consideration to getting up and being the first at the docs. After a short ponder, I decided to try to get a bit of sleep and pull the "Crips don't wait in line" tactic. It worked and I left the clinic armed with scripts for Contac and cough syrup, after a few choice words with the Russian bitch who actually thought she was going in before me. I very rarely pull that tactic at the clinic but I felt too crap to be polite, and the rule in most places is crips first. Most of the time I don't mind waiting as I have my very own chair with me, but I really felt crap today. After that, I went to Yoffee Coffee, had a nice chat with Richard and left a message for Child Genius, and went home by way of the butcher and picked up a few things for the weekend. You know, maybe I do have flu? I feel achey and cold inside, but as there is no medicine for flu, there's not much to be done about it. Tomorrow I'll go out for the papers, and a quick coffee, then back home to read the local scandal sheets and rest a bit. I'm going to need all my strength for next Monday. Teadrinker is getting her computer!!!! That should provide for some interesting posts in the future.
DECISIONS DECISIONS
GIMP HOUSE 22 Feb. 2005
Oh boy, have I done it now! Word is just about the only thing working on this %^*^ computer. It self uninstalled ALL the hardware and will not under any circumstances allow me to reinstall even the modem. I think one of the major goofs was letting Child Genius install a bootleg XP Pro. I kind of liked it as long as it ran, but we didn'tt address the underlying issues and screwed up and corrupted files. My guess is that there is a virulent virus or two or thousand lurking in wait. We were just too lazy to reformat and now Im paying the price. Im going to have Gerald reformat the whole thing and install a legal XP Pro and Norton Security Suite. Ouch. I should have known that taking the easy way out would cost more in the end. Time, upset, and money. The first two are the worst, but the money is going to be a major owie. Now, if only The Philmores check would just arrive. Mordy deep sixed my credit card yet again, but when the check gets here, we are going to have a very painful, (for him) chat. I KNEW he was going to bounce my cell phone payments, but that was ok as I had over 1000 left on my card. I am going to waltz into the bank, check in hand and inform him that he has two choices; 1) He gives me back my card, gold with the 3,500 limit, or I change banks and write letters to management or, 2) I change banks and write the letters. He has taken his control thing too far this time. I have enough money to cover that option two and he would be well advised to choose option 1!
I think it might be a good idea to get the letter written. Its not as if I dont have the money locked up there to cover this months monstrous mistake. I do, and hes just flexing his muscles. Bank of Israel is implementing a new law at the start of next year, whereby unauthorized overdrafts will be illegal. It has yet to be implemented and Mordy could and should have let it go this month and for sure not yanked my credit card. One has nothing to do with the other. And here I was so close to home free. The Philmores check will sort that, if it ever gets here. I think Ill bang this on a floppy, go to the post boxes and try to find a computer to use until either Child Genius or Gerald can sort this one.
Feb 24 2005
Somehow I got the computer working again. Don't ask how because I have no idea how I accomplished this wonder of technology. For now, it's enough to know that I did it, and all by myself.
So, now I'm not in a panic to get Gerald to sort things. That can wait a bit.
I am much too busy at the moment trying to decide which is worse; feeling crap on a great sunny warm day, or feeling great on a bad weather day. All this because my latest cold has developed it's very own cough (which had me awake and coughing all night) and had me feeling dizzy and woozy all day. Then, just for the fun, there were the labor pains I had all afternoon. I've had two kids and even though the last one was 28 or so years ago, I haven't forgotten what labor feels like. I'm just grateful now that they went away, even if they have been replaced by those sore cough abdominal muscle pains. Those I can deal with. I was awake coughing at 0430 and gave serious consideration to getting up and being the first at the docs. After a short ponder, I decided to try to get a bit of sleep and pull the "Crips don't wait in line" tactic. It worked and I left the clinic armed with scripts for Contac and cough syrup, after a few choice words with the Russian bitch who actually thought she was going in before me. I very rarely pull that tactic at the clinic but I felt too crap to be polite, and the rule in most places is crips first. Most of the time I don't mind waiting as I have my very own chair with me, but I really felt crap today. After that, I went to Yoffee Coffee, had a nice chat with Richard and left a message for Child Genius, and went home by way of the butcher and picked up a few things for the weekend. You know, maybe I do have flu? I feel achey and cold inside, but as there is no medicine for flu, there's not much to be done about it. Tomorrow I'll go out for the papers, and a quick coffee, then back home to read the local scandal sheets and rest a bit. I'm going to need all my strength for next Monday. Teadrinker is getting her computer!!!! That should provide for some interesting posts in the future.
Saturday, February 19, 2005
WE JUST NEVER LEARN
It's too sad for words. I just hope I'm not alive to see the end of Israel this time and chances are good that I won't be! We are so much better when united against a threat from without. We put aside our personal issues and pull together to save ourselves collectively, but the minute the threat is gone, or perceived to be less, turn right back to our personal issues, and the country be damned. The race after the almighty $ is disgusting as is hearing Israeli after Israeli say that they only want to be like the rest of the world. Well, guess what? We can never be like the rest of the world. We are Jewish and that sets us apart whether we like it or not. We have as a country lost our vision and purpose. I'm not sure it's too late this time, but I don't see a change in the offing. It happens every time we forget who we are, and try to be like everyone else.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
JUST STOP AND THINK FOR A MINUTE
On a much happier note. Orna and I cleared all the junk out of the spare room, moved the bookcase and put the computer desk in the corner with all the parts (monitor, printer, surge protector, etc.) on it, washed the dust away and lo and behold, a very nice guest room! It looks quite nice now that all the junk is up off the floor and the empty boxes and cartons are gone. In the not so great column, there's the missing purple tray thingy I need to find for the beautiful turkey I stuffed and roasted today. It is quite lovely, if I do say so myself. Back over in the good column; I just came back from a run to the mail box and there's a notice for an overseas package. Cab mentioned that she sent something. Bet it's that! I can't wait for morning to go get it!
Law and Order just started, so I'm taking my cold back to bed to watch and refill my meds boxes.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
WAY TOO EARLY
I am truly sick and tired of the media going on and on about the 'threat from the right' In the same breath they point out that there *is* a serious threat, but the security types aren't doing anything about it because the high and mighty elected, who are threatened, feel they get more mileage from yammering about the threat and they (the security
types ) don't know who all to arrest! Of course if they *did* know, they'd have to arrest them and the threat would go away. There has been too little talk about Sharon's about face on the pullout from Gaza. Just on and on about the 'threat from the right' The man gives a whole new dimension to Chutzpa.
While watching the news, It hit me that we have really lost it. All the left wingers go on and on about wanting to just get on with improving their lives,ie: making money. They have lost the vision. We only get it right when threatened from outside, and not always then. Too many of us look at the army as a summer camp stepping stone and not as the one thing that protects us from threats from without. Soldiers should be kept out of any possible danger. Well, yeah, that would be nice, but it *is* the army and by definition....when people are sending children/youths with bombs strapped on to blow themselves up in civilian centers, who is supposed to take care of it? The local kindergarten? No sense over here. What will it take? As we have no constitution to guarantee things free speech, it's dangerous to voice opposition to the government line. They accuse everyone who does of being a threat to democracy and public order. I don't think so. Sharon himself is a threat to very things. He was elected because he swore not to pull out of Gaza, then turns around and does the very thing he swore not to do, the accuses those who want him to do what he swore to do of being dangerous, and the media backs him up. Had Mitznah won, and done such an about face, the media would be all over him. It's almost too much to bear at times.
On the other hand, watching Syria squirm has it's amusing aspects. It is so obvious that they killed Hariri, yet they are trying to blame everyone and their uncle (except us, for once) of doing it. No one is buying it and all fingers are pointing straight at Assad Jr. It will be interesting to watch developments there.
It's just after 09:00 so, I think I'll arm myself with some trash bags and start on the spare room. Orna will be in later to help move the big things and clean.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
IT WASN'T US
Things around here are getting out of hand too. It's a little after 05:00 and I have yet another cold, so my anti Sharon tirade will have to wait. Time for another cold pill and a nice kip, until 09:30 or so. Orna is coming over and we are starting the Great Dust Cleaning Project that I've been putting since they broke through the wall for the *liberry* and tore up the street! Just call us Dust Busters. I also want to get out for a while the weather holds. Winter isn't over by a long shot and I fully intend to take full advantage of the break in the rain.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
BUSY DAY
Then I headed for town to look for Child Genius and get a Blistex for my vest pocket. Found the Blistex but didn't get hold of CG until I got home. I stopped in at Mara's for a coffee and there was a British photographer there who covers the middle East for a pool in London. He's very well educated in a liberal way. He rather thinks the Arabs are right and that we the Jews have no business being here (Biblical rights not withstanding) He thinks that the Moslems will eventually take over the world. After he'd gone on for a bit, I decided that I didn't want to have another stroke today, so let Mara rebut him. I adore Mara, but she does tend to ramble on about totally different things to what are actually being discusses. I just shut up. (Yes, I really did). He left and David the DOS (Religious) arrived and we had a lovely theological chat. This time Mara was pretty much left out because we were going at it hot and furious, while in fact agreeing on most things. There's nothing quite like an Israeli coffee shop! Richard wandered in and I pointedly asked him "How much for the coffee" His answer was "On the house. We still owe you for all your help" For that he got a big "Thank you" and I came home.
I hadn't been in for 2 minutes when Teadrinker called to announce that she ordered her computer today and should get it this week or next! I *have* created a monster, but one I'm proud of. It's going to be so much fun watching her go through what I went through when I got my first computer!
I tried to call my favorite ex husband(Yeas, I do know that I only have one, and therefore he's my favorite by default) to get him to send me an e mail as I got the one I sent him back, and he's interested in using Child Genius' service! They weren't home so I left a message, then called Irit who was dismissive and claims they don't have it and hinted that they deleted it because she's upset with him. It will be interesting to see how long it will be before she asks me for it! Not to mention how long it will be before she catches on that I only call if I have a question. This is going to be interesting.
Watching the IBA Saturday night weekend news drove we wild last night. It was mostly CNN stories with subtitles. I am resolved to write them a letter stating that if I wasn't CNN, I don't need it regurgitated by IBA, and that they might want to get off their butts and do some reporting instead of relying on CNN to inform them. Much as Israel 10 is almost too leftist for me, at least they do their own reporting, even if their lad in DC is just a recycler for Dan Rather et al. They *do* have a couple or so independent thinking leftys like London and Kirschenbaum. I might not agree with them, but at least they do the work and come to their own conclusions, left though they be!
In IBA's favor, they *did* do an item on the proposed Gaza scarper and let their interviewees talk about the referendum and rebut the government line. What a radical idea; the People deciding an issue. Sharon can whine all he wants, but his election WAS NOT a mandate to scarper, rather the very opposite, and he can not use the "I know things now that I didn't know then" excuse. Tank G-d and the internet for Fox News and Gartwaite. Now, if we could just get Dwight Schultze(my prophet) back on the air, I'd be a lot happier. Time to climb into bed with a cup of soup. At least I got some things done today and feel pretty good about that!
Saturday, February 12, 2005
THERE JUST ISN'T ENOUGH TIME
I spoke to The Philmore the other day and he has sent me a nice fat check that will put things back on track after the Harley Too purchase. Of course, I'll have to let him use Harley Too if he comes for a visit.............but, that's the least I can do in return for renewed financial health!
I found some old pictures the other day. I scanned the one of my grandfather from 1968, taken in Miami, then went on a search for the 4 generation picture of me, my mother, grandmother and Irit, which had been put in the Japanese lacquer box for safe keeping and scanned that one too! I'm going to have them made into proper pictures, framed and added to the rogues gallery (Mom & Dad's wedding picture, Mom's portrait and her high school picture) in my room.
I'm in a total rage about the government again. It's not enough that Sharon is doing the exact opposite of what he was elected to do, he's still selling the 'so called' Palestinian poplulation lie, and accusing those who want a referendum of being against peace and democracy. He has convinced himself that he can ignore, no deny everything he ran on/for and do as he wants. I haven't been this disgusted with a PM since Barak scarpered out of Southern Lebanon and brought the terror into Israel proper. Sharon actually asked that Hebrew terms be used (another pet peeve) but continues to use the Arabic himself. I must stop watching the news, or another stroke will be inevitable. I could go on about this for hours, but I have to write a note to The Philmore and convince my printer to print!
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
XP AND ME
I've been plagued with power cuts all evening. Something is shorting, and for once it's not Harley Too's connection. I suspect the drier, and have turned it off for now. I'll investigate in the morning. Child Genius called just as I was drifting off for a kip, and as last night was another late one, I'm fading fast.
I had a fine rage at the TV during the news. The mad man is bulldozing ahead with his peace(piece) plan with absolutely no regard for the will of the people, and with a total disregard for any logic. I'm really afraid that this the road map to the end of Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people. The 'so called Palestinians are making ludicrous demands, like the release of terrorists who are in our prisons for murder, those with blood on their hands. Excuse me? Convicted murderers being released will contribute what exactly to peace? It's just too insane to contemplate. If the insanity of our political leaders (snerk) isn't enough, the Arab MKs are behaving in such a way that if it were in any other country, they'd be shot at dawn for treason. They act as if our Knesset were the 'so called' Palestinian parliament (a nonexistant entity), and it drives me wild. Why can't we trade with them? The Ara area and the triangle for our settlements? Oh, foolish me! The Arab residents of those areas would never agree, so we have to vacate villages, and they just stay where they are. Unbelievable. Sorry, I'm starting to think disjointedly and think maybe it's time for bed. Early tonight, it's only 1202
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
DID YOU MISS ME?
Child Genius and I pulled an all nighter to install XP and the peripherals. He even found me an edition of Scrabble with *YAY* a purple template. He's learning, and just might be moving into Gimp House with me as his mother has sort of given him the boot (this hot on the heels of his school giving him the boot) He's too smart for our conventional square peg in a square hole school system, and they just don't know what to do with gifted kids here. He runs his own website hosting business and is doing very well with it. He's not only a gifted geek, he's a very nice kid, and if his mother has no objections, he can have the spare room. Yes, he does know that keeping my computer alive and well is part of the deal!
I'm off to look for more of my missing favorites.