Merry Christmas to all!

May we all celebrate the coming holidays together in friendship and health. Whether you are Muslim, Jew, Hindu, Christian, some other religion or Agnostic- enjoy some time with your family and friends. Appreciate the important people in your life and show them how much they mean to you. Even if you reject organised religion, it can be nice to take in the positive energy of good fellowship.

Celebrate this season with care. If you partake of alcohol, please pick a designated driver. I don't want you hitting me, you lush! (Just kidding!)

Happy Holidays!
Rocky

It's all over now!

Man! My Chargers just love to disappoint me. They beat the unbeaten one week, and lose all focus the next week. No playoffs for them. Just as well, I guess. They wouldn't go far anyway. I'd still like to see them lay one on the accursed Donkeys next week though. That'd take some of the bitter taste from my mouth. I should get so lucky!

My Chargers did it!

Much to my suprise, my SD Chargers knocked off the previously unbeaten Colts to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. They beat the best team in the league (and I believe- eventual super bowl champs) on their home field. Too bad they couldn't have beaten the lowly Dolphins last week in Chargerville. Now they have to go into KC and beat the Chiefs, go home and beat the Donkeys and then hope the Steelers drop a game somewhere. All of that coming to pass is very unlikely. It's more likely that the commentators will be referring to the Bolts as the best team to not make the playoffs. Boo!

I try to stay cool driving through shopping traffic

But sometimes I want to act like kitty here and dispose with you all!

Happy holidays to everyone!

I hope you all were smarter than I and didn't overeat yesterday. The food was just too damn good though. You know you're a lost cause when you're already full, but have to stuff in a piece of pie. I enjoyed it all too much.

It was a fine day and I enjoyed seeing all my family. We hosted dinner at our house for the first time in quite a while. What a mess to clean up! It was all worth it though as I was thankful to see all my relations happy and healthy again this year. I hope your holiday went as well. Now don't go blowing too much ca$h in today's shopping madness. You won't see me out there in sharp elbow land!

The Monkey is back!

After a long absence, our favorite Monkey is back to his blog. Go visit for a laugh if you're not too puritanical to take some jokes and fun observations that might make grandma blush. He's one of my favorites. Welcome back Monkey!

Just a joke ladies!

Does this look like a guilty man?

I am not in a position to pre-judge the man, but he doesn't look too worried to me. He does resemble that "salesman of the month" moniker that Randy laid on him. If it turns out he's guilty, he must go. If he is guilty, there are many on the other side of the aisle whom have done things very similar to what Mr. Delay has. ANYONE who breaks the law must be made to pay and resign. I don't care what little letter follows their name. I gotta say that he doesn't look or sound like a man who is in danger of being convicted of anything. He says he gave a big smile because he knew the lefties were waiting with baited breath to use that mugshot for their own purposes. He sure ruined that for them. I don't doubt they'd have loved a shot of him somber and looking beaten.

I'd rather look at Ali Landry anyway:

Montana Rescue Mission

Last Saturday night, I took my son down to the Rescue Mission to help serve dinner. We did this as part of his community service as a member of the Kiwanis sponsored Builder's club. At first, I think he was expecting to see all kinds of derelicts and drug crazed idiots down there. As we served spaghetti and garlic toast with milk and dessert, he came to see that many of them appeared to be normal folks who just happen to be in a tough spot. Even the "Meds" who got to eat ahead of the general populace didn't seem very strange. He came away from the experience with less fear and more understanding of how things really are. That was a good experience for him which I would recommend for all kids in junior high or later. The couple of hours of honest hard work didn't hurt him either. He came away wiser with a sense of accomplishment. I thank the staff of the Mission for their work helping those in need and taking extra time to teach many of our area youth in their kitchen. Support them where you can.

Tony has spun out

Some of you might be familiar of Tony of http://www.spunandspinning.blogspot.com/ . This guy is so far left that he is insulted if you call him a liberal. He wants to be referred to as a radical. I have to agree that he is. Recently, we have been jousting over the afteraffects of hurricane Katrina and the blame game following it. I posted a comment that stated Bush and FEMA did a poor job on relief efforts. I continued on, saying that if he was anywhere near fair, he'd admit that Governor Blanco and mayor Nagin had dropped the ball also. He refuses to admit that Blanco screwed up and hasn't called her on it in his own words at all. He did mention that SHE has recently accepted blame, but did HE call her on it or admit she was wrong too? Of course not! Everything is BUSH's FAULT! He is so whacked out that not only wouldn't he call Blanco on her mistakes, but he has ERASED EVERY COMMENT I made on his site about the matter. That, IMHO is just plain CHICKENSHIT! He now dumps any comment I post on his blog. I don't expect him to agree with me (far from it), just to at least engage me in honest debate. Apparently, he isn't up to it. I have visited many a left leaning blog and left comments that the blog's author disagrees with. The folks at Two good legs, Left in the West and Wulfgar all debate concepts and ideas with me fairly and honestly. They often disagree with me and might sometimes get perturbed by my posts- but they accept the challenge of fair and open debate. They are all good people and worthy of reading daily. Matt, at Left in the West has even convinced me to give a serious look at John Tester for Senate in the coming election (I'm not a big Burns fan).

I'm going to continue to post to Tony's blog every day. He's going to get worn out removing my comments. If any of you reading this are conservative, I suggest you drop by his site and leave a few comments of your own. Just don't expect to be heard fairly. He claims I get all my news from Fox, what he calls hateradio (Hannity, Limbaugh and O'Reilly) and conservative blogs (yet I read his?) and that I know nothing. It so happens that I watch news from a variety of sources- Fox, CNN, CBS, NBC, ABC and read many liberal blogs. You might have seen some of my comments there.

By the way- note that I said what he did was chickenshit, but that I didn't stoop to calling him names (he calls me the Bushmonkey- strange since I freely stated that Bush and Co. blew it on hurricane relief) . I freely admit that I'm a conservative and tend to back Republicans but I have criticized the right on more than one occasion. I try to be honest and admit when I'm wrong. I don't erase comments from those who disagree with me. I welcome the debate and diversity of thought. You won't get blackballed here, not even if your name is Tony.

Update: I was going to continue posting comments to Tony's blog, but he has since threatened physical force. While the guy doesn't scare me in the least, I do have a family to consider. I'd like to think he is just a blowhard, but I'm not taking that chance. I guess I'll let the radical lie in peace.

His kick today is to refute my point that environmentalists have hampered levee construction through a lawsuit and many protests. He concentrates on that point since he still doesn't want to answer my suggestion that he should admit that Governor Blanco has fault in this mess as much as Bush does- and BOTH of them have admitted it this week. He wants to concentrate on one lawsuit back in 1997 over levees that were 97 miles outside New Orleans (and you know water won't go around a levee if it's 97 miles- that's too tiring- plus there isn't anyone living 97 miles outside the city limits I guess). No matter that they were working on over 300 miles of levees either. Gotta stop levee reinforcement to protect bottomland hardwood trees because they're more important than people. Let's also not mention that one of the main failed levees had already been reinforced. That big barge that smashed through it was probably Bush's fault too. I'm sure he loosened all the anchor points for barges while he was down there blowing up levees. Okay Tony- maybe you're right about the levees and I'm wrong. Maybe no envirowhackos ever slowed or stopped construction on levees. I'm certainly not an expert and I do want to be fair and admit to it if I'm wrong. Now- how about some words from you on the Governor? I didn't think so.

Oh- and as to your offer in the comments of this post- NO THANKS! I don't go that way. I doubt Craig or Dave are interested either, but you keep on trying. I won't judge you if you go both ways.

Islamic support of terrorism Declining

According To PEW research, Muslim support of terrorism and Osama Bin Laden is waning. Is it possible for the world to defeat terrorists and bring back peace and security? Only time will tell, but these are encouraging numbers. The report also suggests that the people of this area are becoming more willing to consider Democracy as a viable government system. Hatred for America is also waning. I wish the same could be said for some Moonbat liberals here in the United States!

Scotty beamed up for the last time

To a long time fan such as me, this is a sad day. I always enjoyed all the Star Trek episodes, even though some were quite cheesy. Doohan was one of my favorite characters (meaning Scotty) and brought a little personality to the show beyond Shatner's over the top acting. I enjoyed the later appearance he made on STNG as well. He will be missed.

Let's redirect the news media

Let's get our news media focused on the genocide happening in Darfur and off Tom Cruise. Our weak news outlets have given 12x as much coverage to Cruise as it has Sudan. Let's all go to the above link and let them know that their coverage choices are out of line! When was the last story you saw on the Darfur genocide? I can't remember myself, but too long ago.

Hat tip to Matt Singer at Left in the West.

Democrats- Tell us YOUR plan!

I had to stop myself from shouting at my television last night. Picture Nancy Pelosi giving her response to Bush's speech last night. She said we have no plan for winning things in Iraq. What has she been smoking? As I see it, we must defeat the insurgents (Terrorists) before we can get into high gear rebuilding the country. We are working at that while we see to the rebuilding of a democratic government; re-establishing an Iraqi military and police; rebuild schools, highways, roads, bridges and the like; holding free elections and restoring peace. Maybe Nancy is just smarter than we conservatives. She should enlighten the rest of us if she has a better plan. I haven't heard her speak up about what SHE would do. Please Nancy! You're so much wiser than George Bush or the rest of us. Tell us your brilliant plan! Tell us how you stop a guy from strapping a bomb to his chest and walking into a streetside restaurant to blow up innocents. Tell us how we stop the problem of troops being killed by roadside IED's. Maybe if we had sent only hand wringing liberals over there, they'd have solved the problems by now. After all, they're soooooo much smarter than the rest of us, especially we conservatives. C'mon Nancy! Save us!

The heat is on!

Fellow Montanans- It appears summer is truly here. It has been forecasted by KTVQ-2's beloved Bob McGuire that it will reach 94 degrees today. I think it feels hotter than that already. That could be simply due to the fact that I haven't gotten used to the hot stuff yet. It has been a fairly comfortable spring with plenty of rain (Thank God) to keep things green and lush. This hasn't prepared us for the sweltering weather to come. Since today is the summer solstice, the season is upon us. The longest day of the year- and it's a work day. That somehow figures! Anyway- happy summer all. I hope you all can take a nice vacation in the season to come. I won't get mine for at least a month yet... ...cry, whine.

" Interest Only" Loans

I find myself completely losing faith in my fellow man. Who are the people out there who are stupid enough to take out one of these interest only loans? Don't they realize that they are doing little (or nothing) to pay off the principle of the loan? You could pay on one of these things for decades and still owe the same amount. Worse yet, many of them are adjustable on the interest rate. That means the rate will surely go up in the future. The companies offering these items must be smiling all the way to the Bank (if they aren't one) and counting on doing it for many years to come. I wonder if there is a penalty for paying it off? Wouldn't suprise me. The people that sign up for this torture are probably the same ones carrying the big credit card balances. I heard the average balance is around $16k! I owe nothing on mine, so which of you is offsetting me? Do you owe 20k or more? Do you realize how stupid that is?

Gotta love Laura Bush

Even if you don't like George Bush, you've got to like Laura. She kept them laughing at the White House press corps dinner over the weekend. Aside from being an attractive and nice lady, she seems to have good comic timing too. I wonder if George is into wife swapping? Just kidding Mr. President!

Awwww! The poor Yanks!

First losing record month in several years. I hope there are many more to come. A-Rod is going to have to spread those homers out. Three homers in one game and then 0 for 4 last night. I can hardly believe my Orioles are still holding first place! Go boys!

I hate the Yankees!

It gave me great pleasure to see my beloved but undermanned Baltimore Orioles take two out of three games from the evil empire this last weekend. That doesn't happen enough- and probably won't happen much more through the season. My boys have some good hitters in Mora, Tejada, Sosa and the Viagara man (Rafael Palmiero)- but as far as I can see, their pitching is not great. I figure they will finish in the middle of the pack in the AL east. I'd love to be suprised by better, but I don't expect it. Once the O's are far enough behind, I'll start rooting for the Red Sox. I'd root for anyone who could beat out Steinbrenner's boys. It's kind of like rooting against the hated Broncos during football season- only I despise the Hankies more. If the Donkeys could somehow get a game against the Hankies, I'd be hard pressed, but I guess I'd have to root for Denver.

Mora hadn't hit anything all season until he whacked one into the back of Carl Pavano's head. ESPN reported that Pavano had a concussion from that one... ... really? Melvin seemed to hit better since then. Maybe he should whack more Yankee pitchers in the melon! I hear Pavano will make his scheduled start later this week too. Is that wise or is he just that tough?

Who is the team you love to hate?

Living Wills

I hope everyone has learned something from the Terri Schiavo case. It is important that you get a living will to cover your wishes should something like that happen to you. Regardless of where you stand on Terri's case, you should do your loved ones the favor of not putting them in the place of the Schiavos and Schindlers. Let everyone know just what you think on the subject so these costly and apparently pointless legal battles can be avoided. Get it down on paper!

In my own case, I would like to be kept alive as long as there is reasonable hope. If my brain is as far gone as Terri's is, give up. Let me go peacefully. If there is hope of continued life, even if somewhat diminished, give me a chance please. I hope it never comes to that though. I'd rather die of a massive heart attack while making love or just plain slip away in my sleep. I'd much prefer the former though! Struck by lightning on the golf course wouldn't be bad either (after a hole in one!). Expiring while at work would be about the worst!

Michael Jackson- the faker

Did anyone see the video of that little creep heading into court ( late) yesterday? He had a bodyguard holding onto each arm to support him and looked like it was tough to even walk. A little way into the scene there were several (stupid?) fans screaming support for Michael. He quickly turned on his heels and raised his hands to wave at them. I've had back problems myself. You wouldn't do that move if your back really was bad! I suspect it hurt when he thought about the boy testifying more than when fans cheered.

Goodbye Dan Rather

I'm not one who will miss you. Hell, I probably won't even catch your last broadcast as anchor tonight. You were a passable rerporter, but weak as the anchor. CBS should have dumped you years ago. You've been losing in the ratings for a loooong time! Did you verify those "documents" yet? No?

Discussion- Who should replace blathering Dan?

Why is it?

I get into big trouble with my wife if I am insensitive enough not to want to watch what she has chosen on TV. If I come home and she has Judge Judy on the tube, I'm not very interested. She seems to revel in seeing other peoples misery and bad behavior. I usually want to pass on that and go in to the bedroom to watch sports or Stargate SG1 or something of a more manly nature. If I do that, I'm being bad. I'm not giving her enough attention- according to her. But just come over to our house on a Thursday night and try to tune the telly to anything other than Survivor, and you'll lose a limb. Why is it that I'm bad for wanting to watch an NBA game, but she's perfectly entitled to catch every moment of Survivor without even acnowledging that I'm still breathing? Is this something that is unique to my home or do some of you other men get the same problem? Am I a bad person for not being a fan of all the judge shows, Survivor, The Apprentice and all these other "people shows"? I don't force her to watch Baseball- why should I watch The People's Court? Is it really so bad if I watch something I like in the other room? Hey, I come home after work- I'm not at the bar. I'm not out drinking, gambling or chasing other women. Ladies- Is it so bad to be in the other room? She's really mad at me! I think it's a double standard.

Sorry I haven't posted lately- I have the flu

I 've been sick as a dog for three days now. This seems to be a bad case of this crap! I haven't even been able to eat anything since Sunday. I'll try to catch up with all of you later in the week when I feel more like myself.

No- That's not me in the Gazette!

There are two Rocky Smiths living in Billings. The one who is mentioned in today's Gazette is not me. I do get phone calls intended for him occasionally. His girlfriend has sent presents and flowers to my house once or twice. This makes my wife wonder a bit. I can't understand how his girlfriend could be clueless as to his real address. I hope the guy is doing reputable business. I'd hate to have him sully my name. It could be worse I guess. At least my name isn't Ted Bundy or something!

Worldwide Freedom?

After Bush's Inaugural address yesterday, I heard many liberals whining about the President's statements regarding freedom and democracy. Bush suggested that our freedom and national defense against terrorism depended greatly on expanding freedom and democracy throughout the world. Chris Matthews, for one, scoffed at the idea that we export freedom. He acted like Bush was planning to invade all non-democratic nations before spring hit. I have a clue for you, Chris. Bush wasn't saying we are going to impose our values on the rest of the world within weeks or months. It was a LONG TERM VISION of what we need to work toward. He might think it is foolish and something we cannot accomplish, but nobody ever acheived great things by aiming low. When did liberals give up on the rest of humanity anyway? We are the beacon of freedom in this world. Don't let anyone try to snuff out that light just because it might be difficult. Would Chris be more supportive if a Democrat President had suggested it? Am I to believe that liberals are only willing to support freedom for those who are already free and aren't willing to make any effort for the rest of the poor souls of the world living under tyrants? Say it ain't so!

Whacking the smoker

How I pine for 2004! Back when you didn't have to give up your left testicle to buy some smokes. I know all of you non-smokers hate we who pollute your air and think we should be made to pay. Well, we are paying dearly. As if we didn't already pay enough in taxes, the voters of this state decided we should pay $1.20 more per pack. It sure is nice when you get the opportunity to raise taxes on someone else, isn't it? Well, you'd better hope I don't ever get the chance to reciprocate! How about a tax on the obese, or on SUV drivers, or raising the cost of that adult beverage by a couple of bucks per glass?

I doubt any non-smoker reading this will hold any sympathy for smokers. I don't expect any. I just want to point out that taxes which aren't paid by EVERYONE are patently unfair. You can laugh at my plight if you like, but it might be your habbit that gets the big tax hike next. Did you ever think about that? When it happens, don't come to me for support.

I try to be a courteous smoker. I don't smoke around those who don't like it, even in my own home. I don't hang right next to the front door where you need to walk by. I understand your dislike for the smoke and try not to expose you to it. I severely doubt claims that a small amount of exposure to it will make you get cancer, but I respect your wishes to limit exposure.
Sure, I should quit. It sounds really easy, doesn't it? Trust me when I say it isn't.

In any case, the fine State of Montana will not be getting more tax money from my cigarette purchases. On the contrary, they will be getting ZERO, ZIP, NADA, Nothing in taxes because I will either purchase them from a local reservation or buy them on line. The only person you hurt was the owner of the store where I USED to buy them. By no fault of his own, he has lost my business. I feel sorry for him most of all.