It's sad that governments are chiefed by the double tongues..."

- Chief Ten Bears, The Outlaw Josey Wales

Ya know, I like Glenn Beck. I agree with probably 90% of what he says, but increasingly, the guy just gets on my nerves. He didn't used to, though. The show he used to have on HLN was absolutely wonderful. Every night he'd have interesting guests and discussions -- some of which were downright esoteric. It was a very intellectual, yet funny (at times) program. Then he got his current program on Fox News and the theatrics and schoolgirl blubbering started. Now, instead of an intellectual conservative, he sounds like a Tony Robbins-esque motivational speaker most of the time. It's very annoying. While I used to look forward to seeing his HLN show every single night, I only tune in to his Fox News show 2 or 3 times a week, if at all. That's all I can STAND to tune in to it. I swear the man's head is going to explode while he's standing in front of those blackboards one day. And don't even get me started on his heathen Mormonism.

So, to sum up:

Glenn Beck: wonderful message; lousy delivery. Go back to your old ways, Glenn!

Now THAT is a beautiful woman! Possibly the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. She even makes Mary Pickford look like yesterday's trash. Damn!

Talisman is blooming again:




The plant itself has quadrupled in size, and the blooms are quite nice despite the intense heat we've been having. I can see why this rose was such a hit when it was introduced; it really is a beauty. I can't wait to see what it looks like when it's planted in the ground next spring.

Over the past week or so, I've been having some rather intense dreams about getting married. Sometimes they're jumbled-up dreams, sometimes they're crystal clear. Sometimes they're someone else's wedding, sometimes they're my own. A couple nights ago I dreamt I got hitched to one of the neighbor chicks who used to have a big ol' crush on me (she's married with two kids now). LAST night I dreamed I was getting married to -- drum roll, please -- Janet. She had her hair cut really short for some reason, though.

Maybe someone's trying to tell me something?

Like the ancient Roman Empire, this world is doomed to fall
And it's much too big a thing for mortal man,
Just take a look around and see the writing on the wall
Somehow we've got to find a helping hand

This world has never been in the awful shape it's in
And people scorn the things our leaders do,
It's time a prayer was spoken from the heart of every man
Jesus, take a hold and lead us through

The mighty roar of gunfire is now a local sound
And our city streets are filled with angry men,
Law is now a mockery throughout our troubled land
And destruction seems to be the current trend

This world has never been in the awful shape it's in
And our leaders seem in doubt as what to do,
It's time a prayer was spoken from the heart of every man
Jesus, take a hold and lead us through..."

- Merle Haggard, Jesus, Take a Hold (1971)

In other words, this country has been in a downward spiral for a long, long time. My entire life, in fact. :(

P.S. I have always found it interesting that Merle used the word "world" in the first line, as opposed to using "country." The man is not sloppy with his lyrics, so we know that it was intentional. It's indicative of how wide the scope of the problems were that he perceived. 39 years later I am still amazed at the depth of his perception. Hag rules.

In my time of dying
Want nobody to moan,
All I want for you to do
Is take my body home..."

- Unknown composer prior to 1927, In My Time of Dying

I love women. But sometimes you’ll see one of these groupies backstage, and she’s really pretty and she’s got everything going for her and you know she’s never been told no in her whole g**damn life. When I was younger, I’d get a kick out of turning them down."

- Merle Haggard

You can read the entire interview here. It's a good one.

If you have any interest at all in Lindsay Lohan... you may be a complete and total loser, in serious need of a real life. Seriously.

If you have any interest at all in Chelsea Clinton's wedding... you may be a complete and total loser, in serious need of a real life. Seriously.