Karl's Latest Installation

Cats Are Hilarious

http://www.27bslash6.com/missy.html

(click on the link above)

Hilarious. I die laughing every time I read it. Enjoy.

On a related note. . .

Please view video:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/09/stewart-quran-burning-pastor_n_710296.html

And, just for kicks, here's a picture to make your day.

On the whole mosque thing - please read to the end

I’m not against freedom of religion; in fact, I support the rights given to us by the first amendment wholeheartedly. I believe that we as a nation should be tolerant of all those who come to our country, no matter their creed or religion, no matter the color of their skin, so long as they appreciate our faith in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Our forefathers fought for these freedoms, and all that I ask is that every American, and every recent immigrant, respect the values created by these men.

But, I find it offensive that a particular religious persuasion wants to put a “learning center” near the grounds of one of the worst terrorist attacks that has happened to our great country since Pearl Harbor. Many innocent people died during that horrific attack, and now this “religious” organization feels it has the right to put a cultural center on hallowed ground, a mere 3 blocks from the attack. This is not acceptable.

Remember that even Joseph Stalin, the great tyrant and murderer of millions of people, agreed with the notions of free speech and freedom of religion (provided you agreed with him, and didn’t publically contradict him). And there’s an important lesson to be learned here: freedom of speech and religion are correct, and even necessary, so long as the will of the majority and those in power are respected. That’s why this issue is so significant. This “cultural center,” though approved through a local planning process, threatens to deprive millions of us of our God given (and constitutionally affirmed) rights to discriminate against those that we (however inaccurately) feel have bereaved us.

I’ve read and heard things like “it would be like drawing swastikas on a Jewish temple”, or, like “putting up a monument to Hirohito at Pearl Harbor”. That’s exactly what this is like. I’ll add another: erecting this religious building would be like letting Germans into the Holocaust museum. Need I say more?

I find this idea offensive and anti-American. I urge all Americans to fight against this attack on our civil liberties, and to show some tolerance to those who might be offended by this un-American, and, indeed, Ungodly act. The Bill of Rights does not include people that disagree with us! I think the founding fathers would agree. As Newt Gingrich so eloquently asked: “has Saudi Arabia allowed churches to be built in their country?" They have not. Clearly, we should take our cues from Saudi Arabia when it comes to religious freedom. Until Saudi Arabia allows a church to be built in “Arabia,” we shouldn’t allow one here, in Oklahoma City. I think that much is crystal clear.

So, to all Americans reading this, please join me in rejecting the plan for an Irish Catholic church to be built near downtown Oklahoma City, where a terrorist attack took the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, in 1995. The first amendment, which includes religious freedom, is in this country paramount. But not in this case. The Irish Catholics may have a “right” to build their church here, but it isn’t a wise decision. It is a decision better left to an angry, hostile mob, than one left to our constitution and bill of rights (and general sense of fairness).

The Irish Catholic church, despite its rich history of charity and good works, should be judged as a whole by Mr. Timothy McVeigh, an Irish Catholic who bombed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, killing many Americans. Some will say “should we take the actions of one or even a few people as representative of a large and ultimately peaceful religion?” Yes we should. Because if we don’t, religious freedom will run rampant in our beautiful country, and we will have to resort to stopping women from driving, preventing little girls from going to school, and we’ll have to cut the hands off of people that steal. Like Saudi Arabia. Friends: they got it right.

Speaking of Saudi Arabia, and at the risk of sounding controversial, it’s possible we should consider banning Christianity in all of the United States of America. Tim McVeigh was a Christian, and as such must have spoken for the majority of Christians. Is this a hateful, prejudiced religion? Consider this: the KKK based their actions and beliefs on Christian teachings, and we all know where that lead. A handful of whackos used their religion as an excuse to torment and harass, and even to kill and maim innocent human beings. Never again.

Never mind that the overwhelming majority of people of this faith are decent, hardworking, loving people. Never mind that they are our neighbors, coworkers, and friends. It’s only logical that we should decry, condemn, and censure their entire religion on the basis of one or a few of the religion’s followers. It just makes sense.

Don't Act Like You're Not Impressed . . .

The summer has been flying by way too fast and we've been so busy! (So many fun things to do and so much wonderful summer foods to enjoy!) We apologize for the lack of posts, hopefully we'll start picking it up again pretty soon.

Karl played in a triples volleyball tournament in Oshkosh a couple of weeks ago. We camped out the night before. Karl grilled

us some brats on our tiny grill, I found the most amazing marshmallow roasting stick ever and we made "Karl Roth's" and "Claire-belle's" for dessert. (I'm sure Karl can expand on that later.) We got a bit of a weather delay Saturday afternoon but it was a fun day.

We've been getting trout from the Farmer's market every weekend and have been grilling it once a week. It's been amazing and I think we've got Jane hooked on it too. We've mostly just been eating seasoned and breaded but we also tried it in fish tacos and it was excellent.

The garden has been doing well. We're going to be overwhelmed with cherry tomatoes once they start ripening and we're already up to our ears in cucumbers. If you're interested in a jar of pickles - let us know. I think our pepper plants are going to produce one pepper per plant, hopefully. Those darn rabbits . . .

We just got back from a trip to Crested Butte, CO. Karl's dear friend, Andrea, just got married this past Saturday. It was beautiful, truly. The ceremony was so sweet and sincere and the backdrop was magnificent. We had our wonderful time and met so many wonderful people. If it wasn't for the nine months of winter, we probably would've stayed.

It's Time You Know the Truth

I have a problem. An addiction actually. It's been going on for about five months now. Since March, I think. Karl has been very tolerant, very supportive. So have our families and the close friends that we've shared this with. But I think I'm ready to share this with everyone.

I am addicted to Bloom. Mostly the whoopie pies.

Bloom is an adorable bake shop in downtown Middleton. They are amazing. I often find myself slowing down when I drive by their store, staring longingly into the windows. Wondering if I should stop in and just see what they have. (How many whoopie pies is too many? I'm not sure there's even an answer to that question.) Sometimes I sit in my parked car outside, wringing my hands together. "Should I go in? I just ate two whoopie pies yesterday but I'm going to be gone this weekend, maybe I should get some more." Every day is a battle for me. Annemarie's delicious treats have taken over my life. I've lost my sense of self control.

Sundays and Mondays are extremely stressful days for me. Bloom is closed.

Every so often, Karl surprises me with a box from Bloom. Those are some of the greatest days of my life. I slowly open the box and peek inside and decide what to try first. (Yes, he gets me more than one treat at a time.) I usually try the frosting first, to decide which whoopie pie I want to eat first. And then, when I've had my first hit, I close my eyes and slowly rock back and forth as I enjoy the last few bites. It's an addiction.

Explore my addiction at http://www.bloombakeshop.com