Thanksgiving Correspondence and Documentary

I'm catching up on emails and stuff that got ignored or put on the back burner -- or completely missed -- over the holiday/party/SAINTS AND RAZORBACK VICTORY weekend.  Among the emails was this little missive from the Young President, with whom I'm apparently now on a first-name basis. I'm happy to pass along his Thanksgiving message (italics mine):

Terry --


When Michelle and I sit down with our family to give thanks today, I want you to know that we'll be especially grateful for folks like you.

Everything we have been able to accomplish in the last two years was possible because you have been willing to work for it and organize for it.

And every time we face a setback, or when progress doesn't happen as quickly as we would like, we know that you'll be right there with us, ready to fight another day.

So I want to thank you -- for everything.

I also hope you'll join me in taking a moment to remember that the freedoms and security we enjoy as Americans are protected by the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces. These patriots are willing to lay down their lives in our defense, and each of us owes them and their families a debt of gratitude.

Have a wonderful day, and God bless.

Barack

Do you suppose he really wants to thank folks like me for everything I've done?  And, God bless?!?!  Now he finds God?  One thing's for sure -- I am indeed right there, ready to fight another day!

Heh.

At least he threw in a little bone for the military -- I'm certain his Progressive Pals were thrilled about that.

I also thought I would share a little video I shot (mainly to show our survivors what our last seconds on this Earth looked like) while heading over the river and through the trees to Aunt Penne's house in Bismarck, Arkansas.  In a driving rainstorm, with vicious winds knocking smaller cars off the road, temperatures fluctuating madly, and green clouds swirling overhead:

It was not fun. We had a lot to be thankful for once we got there!

Musings on a Lazy, Saintless Sunday

Still strutting my Razorback thang and contemplating the very real possibility that Moogie's Mansion could be converted to an impromptu Bed & Breakfast on Sugar Bowl Eve.

Dear Lord, central Arkansas is glorious in the fall!

I wonder if all those folks we saw near War Memorial Stadium hours after the game was over -- the ones Pepper referred to as DCRs (Drunks Crossing Roads) -- made it to wherever they were trying to go?

Dogs with access to a big picture window are easily entertained.

Pizza is sounding pretty tasty right about now.

Wooo Pig Sooooieeee!!!!

Battle of the Boot -- Back Where It Belongs!

Oh yes. It was a sweet thing to see the Boot come back to War Memorial -- and STAY here!

So I missed the 34 - 10 prediction.

Guess what?

I don't care!!!

Pictures to follow. I feel the need to bask in victory. (Good sportsmanship is overrated at times and this is one of those times!)

Even so, it was a tough, well-played game on all fronts (except for the clock issues -- as my father said, installing a back-up clock would be an inexpensive, quick fix).

Wooo Pig Soooooieeee!

Battle For The Boot -- Gameday!

It's here!! Glorious weather, happy Hog fans! Pumped Razorbacks!!

Bring it! HOGS 34 - 10 over bedraggled Swamp Kitties!!

(Oh, and Bobby Gibbs notes to the AP that the young president has learned that, as president, he can't control the order in which world events happen [i.e., the NorKs attacking the SorKs], and sometimes that interferes with his domestic focus [i.e., the economy]. That Young President. He's a quick study, ain't he? Proof positive that he views campaigning much more favorably than actually being president.)

WOOO PIG SOOIE!!!!

Battle of the Boot Eve

Razorbacks 34 - 10 over LUSers.  Believe dat.

And, after last night's come-from-behind-after-blowing-a-huge-lead Saints victory over the Cowpokes at JerryWorld, I am indeed a true believer!!

Pumping Up the Razorback Nation

Please take note of the most critical lyrics: "then go down to Little Rock to beat LSU!"


With a Wooo and a Pig and a big ol' Soooiieeeee, the Hogs are coming, striped pussycats!!!

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

Battle For the Boot -- A Little Historical Hoggish Perspective

This might be a little too painful for you, Andy.  You may want to skip this post.

All home games in Fayetteville before 1989 were day games because Razorback Stadium wasn't outfitted with lights until then.  So, the cheerleaders always looked forward to the night games in Little Rock at War Memorial Stadium -- the crowds in Little Rock were much more "willing" (read: well-lubricated and overserved) to get into the "spirit" part of the game.  That's no longer necessarily the case.  Razorback Stadium has now been introduced to the Don W. Reynolds Foundation -- Mr. Reynolds was the guy who made it possible to upgrade the stadium with a bunch of goodies, including a JumboTron so large and bright that it interfered with air traffic going to Drake Field when first installed. 

The following picture, however, was taken at the old Razorback Stadium, before the Southwest Conference imploded, on a date that isn't particularly relevant to today's discussion.  Let's just say sometime before 1989.  Yeah -- this picture was taken sometime before 1989.  We'll just go with that.

This is the picture that graced the pages of the football Programs sometime before 1989.

Do you recognize anyone who might be Moogie?  (Hint: there are no girls standing to Moogie's right.)

This is Tusk!  He is one in a succession of pretty mean wild boars who have served as the Razorback Mascot --

The cheerleaders ride atop of Tusk's cage as it is hauled around the track in the stadium before the game, calling the Hogs to get the crowd warmed up.  When Tusk is awake during this little tour, it's a good sign for the Hogs!  Moogie has sent an alarm clock to be installed in Tusk's cage before this week's LSU game.

War Memorial Stadium replaced its late-60s astroturf with natural grass in 1995.  Here is a chunk of it, cheered upon by Moogie and later acquired in a silent auction at some charity event, that hangs in a prominent spot in Moogie's Mansion --

The glass looks like it needs cleaning.  I'll get around to that at some point.

Tailgating is infinitely more fun in Little Rock at War Memorial than in Fayetteville, I don't care what anybody says.  And, Moogie will be in that number this Saturday!  The Son and his family, daughters, SIL#1 and SIL2B will be there, along with 100,000 or so of our closest personal friends.  Here are Moogie and daughters at the 2002 game where the Hogs knocked the Tiggers out of contention and replaced them as the SEC West team in Atlanta.  I do believe it's our turn again!

(Ooooh -- Moogie's roots needed a little touch-up!  Please disregard Moogie's roots.)

So, we'll all be there together again this weekend, and we'll kick back and watch on the big screen as the Hogs trounce the Tiggers 34 - 10.

Yep -- Razorbacks, 34 - 10, over the LUSers!

You saw it here first!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now, as a touch of lagniappe, and so we don't lose sight of the lunacy emanating from DC -- especially in the travel arena -- here's today's stolen video, courtesy of Moonbattery.


WPS*!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(* Woooo Pig Sooooiiiieeeeee!!!)

Battle For The Boot Week -- The Beginning

A little happiest-day-of-their-Cajun-lives in Houma.

From an Arkie living in Tigerland:  Happy Hogs v. Tiggers Week -- the Battle For the Golden Boot!  It's on!

Stolen from Walton & Johnson via The Blog Hawgs.
(Sorry about the insurance commercial.  We actually have USAA at Moogie's Mansion.)

Lagniappe 2001-2010

What does it say about you when you meet a guy and his dog in cyberspace and grow to feel like you actually know them? 

Then the dog develops a painful, crippling disease and you go through it with his guy. 

Then you spend all Sunday morning alternately sniffling and weeping.

Farewell, Lagniappe.  Have fun running and tussling with other dogs until your buddy gets there to join you.  Be sure to have some ice cream and popcorn on hand.

Hands Off!

Gotcha!  You thought this was gonna be a rant about the TSA molestation policy, didn't you?  Nope!

This clock is in the City Council Chamber at the New Orleans City Hall.  You'll note that it has no hands.

I can't decide whether it has no hands because we're too broke to replace them, or to keep the people there to do the city's business from clock-watching . . . .

Or because New Orleans is a "timeless" city.  Heh.

Any ideas?

Giving Thanks

In keeping with the "Thanksgiving Comes First" movement, I decided to do a good deed today in anticipation of next week's Turkey and Thanks Day for someone to whom I owe a good deal of thanks. 

You might recall that our black lab, Bouie, has trained the UPS Guy to give him treats, regardless whether he's making an actual delivery to our house.

A few weeks ago, I saw the UPS Guy making a pick-up at a local pack-and-ship place, and I waved.  As he was preparing to leave, I also saw him giving a treat to a big, black standard poodle who was doing an energetic "happy dance" while bounding in and out of the van.  I cracked up.  The UPS Guy grinned and said, "Please don't tell your dog I'm cheating on him -- with a poodle."

So, to let him know there are no hard feelings about his infidelity, and to show my gratitude for his kind heart and creativity (and knowing that he'd be making a delivery today because of that stupid, non-specific robocall yesterday), I got a little gift for him.

He cracked up.  Then he opened the box, gave one to Bouie, and handed me my wine delivery.

I think everyone was happy.  It's a good day to give thanks.

Breaking News: Michelle Reveals The Next Element in Her War Against Obesity

ABC announced today that the Young President and the First Lady will be interviewed by Barbara Walters next Tuesday during a brief visit to the United States by the globetrotting First Family.  The interview will air on the Friday evening following Thanksgiving. 

The nausea resulting from thinking about how fawning and smarmy the interview will be is expected to curtail holiday food consumption dramatically.  Childhood, and other, obesity is expected to take a downtick as a direct result of the First Lady's cagey strategy.

Congressional Shenanigans Are Getting Tiresome -- UPDATED

UPDATE -- GUILTY!!!  Guilty on 11 counts by consensus, you self-righteous, pompous, slimy, oily-haired reprobate!  Suck on that for awhile as you contemplate your ignominious future.

Bring on Maxine!!!


Standard definition of "Hand in the cookie jar" -- "If someone is caught with his or her hand in the cookie jar, he or she is caught doing something wrong."  UsingEnglish.com.

Pictorial definition of hand in the cookie jar:

Just who the devil does he think he is?!?!  How can one human being possess so much gall to complain about how "his family has caught hell," and to suggest that the 27-month investigation is somehow a calculated mistreatment of the Royal Rangelness?  And, then, he strides out of the hearing before proceedings begin like a petulant little boy. Once again, the hand in the cookie jar analogy leaps to mind. I wonder why?


Plus, have you ever noticed how politicians always seem to have some "legal defense fund" to finance a defense to charges of wrongdoing against the taxpayers?  A fund that they are permitted to do fundraising to supply?  How about taking out a signature loan or mortgaging some property or, heaven forbid, dipping into your savings?!?! 

Next up?

I guess we can harbor little doubt that the ol' race card will be trotted out, saddled up, and ridden like a racehorse in Maxine the Mouth's hearings.

Watching how we handle them with kid gloves, and watching how we continue to elect them and their ilk, I'm convinced that we have unwittingly annointed our career politicians as a regal class in America.  That, folks, is sad. Very sad for us.  And it must stop.

A Saga's Spin-off, in Black and White

Anyone whose "grandmother name" (and, obviously, whose blog name) is "Moogie" must be a science fiction fan, right?  Absolutely, positively right!  And my interest extends way beyond Star Trek, Star Wars,  Isaac Asimov,  Robert Heinlein, and Orson Scott Card. 

I also love bad, black and white, B-grade movies -- detective, horror, classic slapstick, early Sci-fi.  I cut my teeth on them at my Daddy's knee, then kept the tradition alive by forcing The Son to watch them on cable with me in the wee hours of the morning, thus warping him right along with me.

That's why stumbling across this video made my day!  It's rife with Star Wars references, sci-fi nuances (like time-space continuum stuff -- "not yet, anyway!"), and bad B-grade private eye dialogue.

I hope you get as big a kick out of "Ben Kenobi: Private Jedeye"
as I did. 
Egad, I'm easily entertained!


Stolen from Bad Example.

Just Try to Stop the Who Dats!

You remember this cute tee shirt that supports my Saints and a clever local business. 

Do you also remember the lawsuit for trademark infringement by some guys who lucked into obtaining a mark based on some obscure, unsuccessful song filed against the NFL, several local businesses (including Fleurty Girl), the state of Louisiana, and the Saints organization ?  The Louisiana Attorney General has weighed in with an opinion, along with Junior Senator David Vitter.  Now it's coming to a head, even though trial isn't scheduled until next summer, with hearings on pre-trial motions this week.

The Saints organization doesn't seem to be backing down.  It has responded by starting the tradition of a "Who Dat!" chant before the beginning of every home game led by the game's honorary Captain from the 30 yard line right before kick-off:

And, after a brief period of time having its Facebook page shut down by various powers that be, Fleurty Girl returned on Wednesday with a vote for its latest tee shirt design!  And the winner is:

You gotta love entrepreneurs!  The original lemonade-out-of-lemons people. 

You can pre-order the shirt here, but only for a limited time.  I'm thinking everyone on my Christmas list could be sporting a Fleurty Girl creation this year!

I'll keep you briefed.

It's Still November -- Give Thanks!

Witness the proof of Moogie's contribution to the "Thanksgiving Comes First" campaign worming its way through cyberspace.

It always irritated my children to no end that we were not among those whose Christmas tree went up the day after Thanksgiving.  I was not a particularly hard-ass mom overall, but I did adhere to one hard and fast rule:  no Christmas anything until after December 1.  No tree.  No music.  No decorations.  No Christmas movies.  Not until at least December 1, because Thanksgiving and Christmas both deserve their own month's celebration.

I still abide by that rule.

Some years my kids abide by the rule; others, they get too excited about having their own places to adorn and get ahead of the game.

But never does Christmas appear before Thanksgiving, even at The Son's house where there are 3 young 'uns.  Never before Thanksgiving.  So, I guess I didn't go totally wrong.

Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday because it's about family and friends and being together, even if only in thought or memory (JB gave me that crafty turkey when our girls were still in pre-school, and it brings her to mind every time I lay eyes on it).  So, I'm totally aboard the "Thanksgiving Comes First" train with a one-way ticket!  Come on board!

Thanks to Buck and Suldog,  in Autumn colors, for establishing and promoting a burgeoning movement.

Happy Veterans' Day!

And thanks.  That's all -- just THANK YOU, and reward yourselves in some selfish, personal way because you've earned it!!!

Not-so-Mysterious and Pride

So there was a mysterious, unexplained let's-dance-all-around-it contrail spotted and videoed off the California coast last night.   Just some 30 miles off the coast, some say.

I know what it was.

Young Kim Jong Un is feeling frisky and wanting to stretch his 27-year-old, 4-star General-ish muscles.  Even though he's not an Admiral (that we know of -- yet), he apparently has command authority over the NorK submarine fleet. 

That has to be what it was -- NorK missile fireworks to entertain the Young Un.

And to send a message to our Young President who will be visiting Young Un's backyard shortly.  I hope the State Department is paying attention.

On another hand, some friends threw a "Going to Officer Basic Farewell Party" for The Son on Sunday.  I was in Little Rock and actually got to attend!  He'll be at Ft. Sill -- that's close enough to be able to get home for Thanksgiving, a long Christmas break, and occasional weekends until he finishes up in April.  I'm pretty proud of him -- and of his precious family for supporting him.  So, these are Moogie's kids -- a pretty handsome group if I do say so myself!

Good luck, Kiddo!  Cock some cannons and kick some butt!

Seismic Activity

From Moonbattery:

I can see 2012 out my window, and I'm liking what I see!

An Open Letter to Nancy

Dear Soon-to-be-Ex-Speaker Pelosi: 

Since you will no longer be needing the services of military aircraft when traveling, as promised, I have made arrangements to tend to your needs for future air travel. 

You will be flying in Coach Class, in the middle seat, perched between a plus-size SEIU "operative" with an aversion to bathing that he "masks" with a liberal splash of Patchouli and a Teamster's wife who will be constantly breast-feeding their colicky infant twins who, by the way, are also subject to chronic ear infections.  No need to thank me -- it's the least I can do.  No, really, it's the very least.

No, wait.  Just one more thing. I do have a suggestion as to what you can do with that gavel now that you won't be needing it anymore. . .  .

Most very sincerely,
MoogieP

ADDENDUM:  This video on Michelle Malkin's blog shows you what liberal Democrat voters are capable of when confronted with differing opinions and loss.  Warning -- the first guy's rant consists mainly of epithets referencing intimate relations with one's maternal parent and unpleasant racial slurs.  Holy. Crap.  I posted the link instead of the actual video because it's really bad, but I think it should be seen.

H/T to Namaste.

Throw the Bums Out!

My Ears Are Bleeding! So VOTE!!

Sound familiar?



Remember this tomorrow.  And Vote!!!

Throw the Bums Out!!!

Yeah!!  What he sang!!!

Vote Early!

It's Election Day Eve!!! Practice Voting!!!

Tomorrow night, we will know.

Tomorrow night, we will learn whether there is still a chance to recover as a nation before the subtle effects of Obamacare and EPA regulations and the IRS-as-health-insurance-Monitors and re-institution of estate taxes and failure to extend the Bush tax rate cuts start us down the track to hell on an express train.

I don't care whom you actually vote against; just DO NOT VOTE FOR ANYONE WHO HAS EVEN ONE LIBERAL BONE IN HIS BODY!!!  (and I use the word "his" in its traditional, generic sense that includes both genders as a reference to humankind, not as a reference to someone who has external plumbing, so don't vote for women with liberal leanings either.)

Moogie is very, very serious about this.

Just think about the potential ramifications when the libs lose control of Congress -- Pelosi loses the Speaker's chair, and speculation has it that she might retire when that good turn of events transpires!  Unable to return to the ranks of commoner Congressmen, she'll retire and go home to San Francisco!  Maybe even in Coach!  I promise to offer to buy a Coach Class ticket for her from Reagan National to SFO as a lovely parting gift.

So, even if it's raining cats and dogs, make yourself get out and vote.  Just tell yourself that your vote can help send Nancy home in Coach.  Then, go do it!

New Orleans has an 80% chance of thunderstorms tomorrow.  We're hoping that the rain will keep the Libs at home.  Or, at least, melt them before they reach the polls.

Go!  Go warm up your fingers and start practicing pushing those buttons!