Pamela Furr Blog

Moving...

2010-06-29T18:01:00.002-05:00

I'm moving my thoughts to a new blog site... just wanted to let you know you can find my words at www.pamelafurr.wordpress.com. I'm still working on the look, but everything should be in place by Sunday, July 4th.

Strong in the Broken Places?

2010-06-28T04:20:00.000-05:00

Ernest Hemingway said "“The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.”

What happens when our own actions break us? What happens when there's no one or nothing else to blame but ourselves? Can we be strong in those broken places?

I believe we can. I believe I am. Broken and strong. This is me.

White House to McChrystal: the uniform of the day is now Sackcloth and Ashes (McChrystal to the White House: Nope)

2010-06-23T17:35:00.003-05:00

This week, the pressures on the man must have been especially intense. In addition to the task of operationally planning the Afghan War, General McChrystal has had to deal with hastily preparing for a Presidential carpet-dance of epic proportions, all under the largely unsympathetic eyeballs of the world.

Maybe it was a foregone conclusion, given the political climate of the day. Maybe whatever Gen. McChrystal said, he would have been forced to resign. In this girl’s fantasy the General walked in to the oval office, declined the proffered cup of coffee (or was it hemlock?), looked his Commander in Chief right in the eye and said, “Mr. President, I respect your office although not-so-much you. Here is my resignation.” Probably didn’t really go down that way, but I can dream.

Gotta love the irony: while Obama was still passing out leaflets on Chicago streetcorners and sucking in the words and philosophies of Marxists like Saul Alinsky and Bill Ayers, a much better man than he was fast-roping out of helicopters and crawling through the muck of foreign lands, fighting America’s secret wars in cold and hot climes. Now this special operator – this battle hardened warfighter who had been forced daily to send people to do (and has assuredly done himself) things in the furtherance of US National Security that we, the protected, do not know about – and, lets face it, probably do not want to know about - this shadow warrior is now forced to squint against the glare of the bright lights held by an unsympathetic mainstream media.

All because he and his staff spoke (some of) their truth and shared (some of) their frustrations with Obama’s White House and the fickle non-orders of his socialistic Commander-in-Chief -- a man seven years his junior. It just adds another tasty bit of irony that it all came out in a magazine more famous for its depictions of rocker rehab issues than, say, hard-hitting analysis of the National Military Strategy of the United States. Almost like the General did it on purpose, huh?

I think he did. I think General McChrystal knew exactly what he was doing, and that he put what was right and honorable before what was self-serving. And God Bless him for that.

Think about it. This administration had done the ultimate bait-and-switch on him. Obama, throughout the entire time he was running for President, kept essentially saying, “Get the US out of Iraq , up the focus in Afghanistan – that’s where the real war is – that’s where we will find Al Qaeda.” [Which was not quite true. Afghanistan is a rats nest of Al-Qaeda, of course, but there is still plenty of Al-Qaeda in Iraq, as anyone who has ever been there would tell you – that is another blog entry though.]

But Gen. McChrystal was given his orders and this man of action therefore went to work (and with vigor) to seek out, close with and destroy the Taliban and Al-Qaeda forces in Afghanistan . Unfortunately, in order to do this important mission, it came at the expense of American and Coalition resources, and so much more importantly, American and Coalition lives.

Mamas and Daddies and brothers and sisters, sons and daughters. Gone. Or Maimed. Or wounded inside from witnessing the horrors attendant to any war.

I have to think that it scarred the General’s soul every time he saw a coffin, but he knew he had no choice – and he slept (when he slept -- there is always something to do, to read, or to decide in war and that limits shut-eye time) knowing that these men and women died for an important mission; chopping those radical Islamist weeds off, right at the root.

But then Obama (and Obama’s people) tell him that they were just fooling – that the real mission is not really to destroy Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. No, the real mission is to (essentially) fight a stalemate war, a holding war, a political war. Another Vietnam.

So, okay, certainly not what the General wanted to hear, but he saluted and marched on -- it does look like he tried to follow the new orders. He and his staff created and implemented operational combat plans that flew helicopters into maelstroms and sent out convoys into IED-infested hell. And every now and then his people (to a commander, all forces under your command are your people) didn’t come back, or didn’t come back with all of their arms and legs.

His people died, or were maimed…for what? To satisfy the political whims of an Administration that wanted to tell Katie Couric that they were doing something to keep us safe? But at the same time wanting to tell Mother Jones that they were not warmongers? And all the time Americans and our allies were (and are) dying.

I really think McChrystal had finally had enough. I think he decided that honor demanded that he do the closest thing to hari kari one can do in a PR conscious society in the service of a PR conscious Obama administration. I think that the General wanted to send a message that this particular Commander-in-Chief does not know what he's doing. I think that the General was saying that Obama (and his half-wit VP, Biden) do not deserve the respect that a warrior would normally give his Commander-in-Chief.

And he had to do it the way he did, I think. If the General had resigned before this article, there would have been speculation and such, but an Obama-loving mainstream media would have no-doubt found a way to ignore or marginalize the General's comments. Well, they sure as hell cannot now!

By doing it this way, the General has captured the attention of the entire country-- the entire world. Everyone is talking about this: the comments that were made in the Rolling Stone article; the resignation of a 4-star General with lots of Army career left; and the Obama Administration’s approach to fighting the war in Afghanistan (the heretofore all-but-forgotten war).

It looks to this girl like Gen. McChrystal sacrificed his career to send this message. And God Bless him for doing it. Now, it is up to us to listen to him.

I hope that some good can come out of the General’s sacrifice. If we are over there to fight, let’s fight to win; if we are not there to win, then bring our national treasures (our men and women) home.

Information is.... a distraction???

2010-05-17T12:53:00.000-05:00

So...we have a sitting US President talking about and attacking the new media (cable news and the internet-related activities). Why these forms of expression, you ask? Well – let’s face it, the traditional 3-letter mainstream media networks are pretty much doing Obama’s flack work for him. There isn’t bare spot on his shiny bottom that doesn’t have lip-prints from ABC, CBS or NBC. Those folks he oh-so-carefully leaves alone. Now – in the so-called “new” media (e.g. Drudge, Fox news, blogs, etc), Obama isn’t feeling the love (by which I mean that they are treating the man fairly -- much better treatment than George W got -- which looks to Obama’s over-tender feelings like a resounding bashing, of course). Ever notice that Dems dish it out just fine, but run like little girls when it is their turn in the pit?

Is it a coincidence that our President is attacking the new media? Media that by and large doesn’t love him (well MSNBC puckers up every chance they get, but who with any sense pays attention to MSNBC)? When Pamela Furr the talk show host says that people need to think a little bit more about stepping away from technology a pace or two, it is one lone radio talk show host encouraging her audience to enjoy the moments they are in. When the Chief Executive of the most powerful nation in the world attacks news outlets and other venues that criticize him, be afraid my friends and kinfolk. Be very damn afraid. Betcha they are going to try some form of censorship before too long, but they won’t call it that, of course. In their best Orwellian voices, they will call it Freedom Editing or Fairness Doctrine or something similarly nauseating to the thinking public (for instance, all y'all reading this), but palliative to most of the masses (Reagan hated that word, "masses," because it invokes images of socialism -- well it depresses me to say that we are edging there, my friends and kinfolk, bit by bit). I am getting skeerd. And so should you be.

TO THOSE WHO BLED & DIED, I SALUTE YOU

2010-05-11T18:13:00.002-05:00

It was a beautiful evening last night. The temperature was a nice, chilly 60 or so degrees. The sun was spreading its muted orange fire across the horizon as it set on yet another Confederate Memorial Day... a Memorial Day that went unremarked, I think, by most Carolinians. You may have heard Bill and me as we paid our respects on THE MORNING RUSH yesterday morning -- the morning of 10 May, and brought out some good discussion about why it is NOT racist to respect and to even fly the Confederate Battle Flag -- the “Stars and Bars” – if one chooses to do so. But after our show was over at 9, I did not hear a whole lot more about this unobserved holiday throughout the day. Not in the news nor by our leaders, elected and otherwise.

Let me take that latter point first. When it comes to politicians making a fuss about the honorable Southern dead – well, you wont see too much of that these days. Because the precious jewels that are the truth of our Southern history (chief among them is that the war was mainly NOT fought about slavery and was instead fought about States rights) – these precious stones of truth with their pure and nuanced light have been slathered over and over again with the thick paint of false history. So much so that it is damn near impossible to tell where the paint ends and the jewels begin. Not too many politicians have the stomach to peel away the pigment and explain the truth to the masses. Politicians these days just aren't built like that I am sad to say (I thought about this line a bit more after I read through it -- surely some politicians must be proud of this heritage -- I have to think / hope that, anyway).

Now, as for normal folks – differentiated from the politicians, I say, tongue only partially in cheek -- I think I understand why most folks feel the way they do. I guess that many of the great great grand sons and daughters of those who fought and sometimes died for what they viewed as their country all those many years ago are probably now ashamed or (what would be worse, in my mind) indifferent of a heritage that is as honorable to this girl’s heart as that of the Revolutionary War or any other war fought by praiseworthy people who believe in the justness of their cause.

Blame poor education or the loss of an oral tradition or the terror that comes with being labeled racist or some other nasty name. Whatever the reason, nowadays a lot of folks want to let the Secessionist part of their heritage just moulder over and turn dusty, like a precious book sitting ignored and unread in the attic. And yes , that hurts my heart a bit, friends and kinfolk. A book that their parents and grandparents read with pride because it was one that THEIR grandparents wrote.

But not everybody feels this way, I am so very, very proud to tell you. Last night I had the honor to attend a hushed respectful service, held on sacred ground. Ground that was consecrated by the remains that were interred there -- which represented the lives these men led and the sacrifices they made and hardships they and their families endured, oh so long ago . Last night men and women and children all gathered together to celebrate the lives and commemorate the passing of the honored Confederate dead. No one there was a racist -- anyone who thinks such a thing is missing the point. There was no hate in this service. No one shouted nor uttered anything resembling an epithet, at least not within my hearing. No, this was not about disrespecting anyone. It was about respecting a proud past and an honorable heritage. I am proud of the people who came to this service and I am not even a little bit ashamed of the tears I cried as I stood there among them. To all who stood there with me: Thank You, from the bottom of my heart!

Wearing the American Flag Insensitive?? WTH??

2010-05-07T13:15:00.004-05:00

I am a down to earth daughter of the South who has been gifted with a caring heart, a mind that reacts to illogical absurdities and a mouth that is prone to running off a bit (a touch more often than the Lord would probably like sometimes) over life’s inequities.

Today ALL THREE of those body parts are engaged, friends and kinfolk, because today I just read about something it has set my grits to bubbling over! [ I apologize in advance for those who are allergic to metaphor and redundancy-- I use them both sometimes to help me make a point or two, as you will soon see.]

Recently some American high school students (out near San Francisco, I know, but that is still America doggone it) wore some T-shirts that had the American flag on them and it got them kicked out of school for their trouble. Happened on the 5th of May -- Cinco de Mayo, get it? -- a day which commemorates some MEXICAN folks whomping up on some FRENCH folks during the Battle of Puebla, in MEXICO (and hey, good on 'em I say, but when did Mexico become America). So when those American kids wore their country's flag on the 5th of May, 2010 --- did I mention that I am referring to California the US State– not Baja California, the Mexican state --- when those US High School students wore the Stars and Stripes, their US High School principal -- showing the leadership and patriotism I have come to expect from US public High School principals in the last decade or so – this paragon of bravery and virtue barred his students from wearing the stars and stripes and sent our country's flag home, along with the children who wore it.

OK, I admit it -- to me Cinco de Mayo has always been pretty much just another excuse to have a margarita. A drinking and eating establishment that I would sometimes frequent in my mis-spent youth used to put cute little Mexican flags in their tequila drinks on 5 May, about where the umbrella might go in a fancier drink. After margarita #2 or so, I might even wave the tiny little drink flag around a bit and reflect very lightly on the fact that we have a neighbor to our south that, Pancho Villa and Santa Anna not withstanding, is by-and-large full of some more or less nice folks. There, for me anyway, is where the holiday (remember, NOT AN AMERICAN HOLIDAY) pretty much began and ended. Gotta say I never really put much thought into the Battle of Puebla.

All that to say that I guess I am dismayed but not really surprised that an American educator would determine that wearing the stars and stripes is somehow offensive to the sensitivities of the Mexican kids and/or the Mexican American kids on that day, many of whom I'd bet were busily waving the MEXICAN flag all around school. A large one it is to be presumed and without the benefit it is also to be presumed (and hoped for) -- of margaritas.

Tell you what -- I'd be willing to not care if anyone of any ancestry tied to any country who wants to wear or wave the flags of that country (be it Mexico, Holland or Pago Pago, I do not care) on whatever high holy days are important to their particular country. But for goodness' sakes, please dont prevent Americans (or anyone, for that matter) from wearing the AMERICAN flag IN AMERICA on any damn day they want to!

The same AMERICAN flag (minus some stars) that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner when he saw that the British couldn't shoot it down in the War of 1812. This same flag that a lot of brave Marines and their equally brave Navy Corpsmen fought to get up Mount Surabachi on Iwo Jima in the hell that was the island hopping campaign of WWII. The same flag (and by granny I am proud to say it is the ONLY flag) sticking in the sunny soil of the Moon. Some high school principal has deemed that this US flag is inappropriate to wear on ANOTHER COUNTRY'S HOLIDAY in an AMERICAN High School. I bet other schools have the same policy. Probably a lot of them.

I don’t like where this country is going. And no American should.

I Almost Missed the Sunset

2010-04-25T17:36:00.000-05:00

I'm borrowing the title to one of Bill Gaither's books because I think it is very appropriate for my thoughts today...

I spent the morning looking every now and then at a picture of some friends of mine on a social networking site. I am going to protect their names, but please trust me when I tell you that anyone who has lived anywhere in the free world (and are older than 30) would probably know who at least two of these people are, by voice if not by sight. But it doesn’t really matter who they are or even that a couple of them are famous singers – they could be any group of friends gathered around a piano. They are just a-singing and having what appears to be a mighty good time. Knowing them, I am sure they were -- and it made me smile. Made me wish I could have been there.

But my smile must have faded a touch when I looked into the picture a little further. You see, two of these men were holding their cell phones, looking for all the world as though they were taping the event. I guess it just seemed a little sad to me because if so, THEY WERE MISSING MUCH OF THIS WONDERFUL MOMENT THEY WERE ACTUALLY IN!!! Is it wrong of me, then, to feel a little frustration amidst my warm feelings?

And we all do this. At family reunions and weddings and birthdays (even funerals, for some folks, but that seems pretty over the top to me). In such situations, the minutes in which we are living are much too valuable, we feel, to be wasted on the 60 seconds they comprise. We want them to stretch longer and to stay crisper than the flawed replay that we know our fading memories would give them in the subsequent months and years.

So we document our moments. For absent friends or posterity or our future selves. And we do it more and more as the tools to do it become more widespread. And we accept, often without thinking about it, the bargain: that we are trading a future crisp memory for not giving 100% of ourselves to the unforgiving present.

I know this post must be giving a lot of people who know me fits of laughter -- I have been a “news girl” all my working life and have paid quite a few bills over the years by capturing important moments on film, video, audio or (when none of the above were handy) random scraps of available paper. But in those situations I was on the job, standing outside of other people’s experiences; they usually weren’t mine.

I am not trying to be a hypocrite here. I myspace, facebook, tweet and blog with the best of them. And I do enjoy the glimpses into others’ lives afforded by the new technologies.

This techno-culture need to share our significant (or even not so significant – I refer you to most twitter posts) experiences with everyone makes us live and give a little less to the actual moment, don’t you think?

And what do you think? I welcome your comments or emails…

HELP ME REMEMBER

2010-04-08T09:50:00.001-05:00

Bowe Bergdahl, a 24-year-old American soldier taken prisoner by the Taliban in Afghanistan last summer, is featured pleading for his freedom in a new video released Wednesday, ABC News reports. The Army private from Idaho, along with three Afghan soldiers, was taken captive on June 30th near the Pakistan border. The video suggests that Bergdahl may still be alive. In the clip, he holds up a newspaper, but the date of the paper's publication is not visable.

What bothers me, of course, is the fact that the Taliban is using this young soldier for propaganda purposes.. BUT what bothers me the most is that we, as Americans, and we, as members of the media, have forgotten all about this man. We reported when he was captured, but what about follow-up stories? Why aren't we keeping this man "top of mind" until he comes home? How often did you see stories of the young women journalists, who worked for Al Gore's media company, (Laura Ling & Euna Lee). They had wondered into Northern Korean territory and were arrested. How long were they there? And the media never let this story die. Is it because they were a part of our elite media group? What about Daniel Pearl? May he certainly be resting in peace, but we were reminded often of his capture and subsequent execution at the hands of these terrorists.

I want to be reminded that this man is still missing. I want to be reminded that we are still at war, and that there is still an enemy hell bent on destroying us.. they're using this soldier who willingly put on that uniform.. who willing put himself in danger for his country. I DON'T WANT TO FORGET THAT... EVER.

I LOVE YOU JACK...AND I'LL MISS YOU....

2010-03-29T19:00:00.002-05:00

Fox Has Cancelled "24"

There I said it. It's official: This will be the final season of "24". (--It's the show's EIGHTH.) Fox made the announcement on Friday. "24" was axed because the ratings had declined this season . . . it was becoming more and more expensive to produce . . . and the show's writers were having trouble coming up with ideas for another season.
Executive producer Howard Gordon said, quote, "If one of the writers came up with a good idea, I'd happily pitch it to [star] Kiefer [SUTHERLAND] and then happily pitch to a network, whether Fox or someone else. We just don't have that idea, and that's where everything has to start."

I knew something was up when yet another CTU agent was the "traitor" (if you missed last week's episode, then I guess I should have warned you about this spoiler)

--There's a silver lining here, though. A "24" movie is starting to sound like an inevitability. Kiefer said, quote, "Looking ahead to the future, Howard Gordon and I are excited about the opportunity to create the feature film version of 24."

Maybe Tom Clancey can get involved with the movie? I'm sure there are some plot lines there somewhere...

But I will miss you, Jack, on Monday nights. I've come to love you, you know. You're the kind of man every woman wants.. but can never really have. You're the kind of man every other man wants to be, but never will. I know, you're just a TV character; but deep in my soul I've hoped there's a man like you out there.. who sacrifices everything.. for doing what's right. I pray for that man like you who is real, and stealth, who loves his country more than anything else. He's all alone...prefers it that way; but he has a strength like no other. And I love him...

But let me ask you, Jack. What about Tony? Can we do a show with him? Call it 30 days or something... He's served his time by now, hasn't he? And after all, that good-for-nothing President a few seasons back was responsible for what happened to him. (remember.. blew up his wife, Michelle.. )

So.. consider it, will ya?

Is it just me? or could these two pass for brothers?

2010-02-27T06:29:00.002-06:00

May He Rest In Peace, I think...

2010-02-08T16:59:00.004-06:00

RIP Representative Murtha.

As I contemplate your passing, I think on who you were. You were a Marine in a time when being a Marine was doubly fraught – you faced the dangers of Vietnam only to return to a country that did not honor your service. I honor your service.

But I also think of other things...

I think of the rush to judgment you made in the wake of some bad press accounts from Haditha, in Iraq. I think of what you said about your Brother Marines who were implicated in those articles. On the strength of these accounts you made some horrible statements about these young Marines. Why? It looked to this girl like you were trying to bash your favorite political target, President Bush, while at the same time currying favor with a growing anti-war left (why is it that Democrats always look leftward for their “base”).

Your words and your position and your status as a former Marine must have convinced a lot of America that these young men were murderers and criminals and a dishonor to their Corps. But they weren’t were they? A very thorough military trial found that these young men were not murderers.

Where was your apology? When you found out you were wrong, did you have to fight down an urge to stand on the House floor like the man you used to be and humbly ask the forgiveness of these young men and of their fathers and mothers, wives and girlfriends, and fellow Marines? You never made such a speech of course, but I would like to think you thought about it. Because you were a Marine. And I respect Marines.

So I bid a final Goodnight to you Representative Murtha. You are soon to be laid to your eternal rest, followed (in what will seem to you to be an instant of time) by rapture and then judgment by the fairest Judge you will ever meet. I honor you for wearing the Eagle, Globe and Anchor of the United States Marine Corps; I honor your service in Vietnam, and for continuing to wear the uniform as a reservist in post-Vietnam America – a time when it was not fashionable to be associated in any way with the armed forces.

For those things I hoist my glass and drink. But -- for the shameful way you treated the lives of those young Marines, I spill the rest on the ground.

WHAT THE.....???

2010-02-07T15:55:00.007-06:00

Why oh why do I have to sit here and watch Obama & Katie Couric talk politics when I'm trying to enjoy the Super Bowl pre-game show? OH THE HUMANITY!! Are you trying to ruin my Super Bowl Sunday??

WHY CAN'T I GET TAX BREAKS LIKE SHIM?

2010-02-05T09:56:00.000-06:00

The U.S. Tax Court ruled on Tuesday that a Massachusetts woman (??) can deduct the cost of her (??) sex-change operation, a decision that could set a precedent for other transgendered people across the country.

Rhiannon O'Donnabhain (pronounced O'Donovan) who was born a man, sued the Internal Revenue Service in 2007 after it rejected a $5,000 deduction for $25,000 in medical expenses related to her (??) sex-change surgery. In its decision, the IRS said that the surgery was cosmetic and not medically necessary. But the tax court said that the IRS position had been rebutted by medical evidence during the trial in Boston.

MEDICAL EVIDENCE OF WHAT???? I mean, come on. Is this for real?? Unfortunately, it is very real.

FOOTBALL SUNDAYS

2010-01-24T07:59:00.000-06:00

I love Sundays. It's probably my favorite day of the week. I either lay in bed for hours just breathing in the cool air, relaxing, and thanking God for my blessings. Or I'm up-and-at-'em searching for my favorite breakfast place, sipping on that cup of Joe and reading the Sunday papers.

But what I love most about Sundays? FOOTBALL!! I can't wait to watch today's match-up between the Colts & the Jets.. and the Vikings & Saints. But with today's game comes the realization that Football Sundays is almost over. No more homemade chili while watching Terry Bradshaw opine. No more surround sound, hearing every grunt and every moan of every player on the field. NO MORE NFL FOOTBALL!

Until next year...

I Like Calling North Carolina Home

2010-01-21T12:12:00.001-06:00

It feels so good to be back in my home state of North Carolina.. yep, was born and bred in the Tarheel State. And it feels so good to be part of a team in the Triad headed by the LEGENDARY Bill Flynn. :) As his co-host and producer I only hope I can enhance an already successful career.

As you get to know me, I hope you'll hear my heart in everything that I say. I AM A CONSERVATIVE, but I like to think of myself as the open-minded conservative. I do believe in listening to other opinions and considering an idea that perhaps I may not have thought of before. HOWEVER, I do not believe in compromising core beliefs. That is something I will not do.

For instance...

"Republican" never did mean "Conservative", and it means it less than ever these days... just as "Democrat" is meaning more "Socialist" now that it ever did before. Neither Bush was much of a conservative, but both were good men who were too nice and naive in the face of their domestic enemies. By that I mean, the shark-like uber liberals in congress and the press. Of course, neither Clinton is worth a hoot morally.

I loooooove me some Ronald Reagan... doesn't make him perfect; doesn't make me necessarily like all of his policies -- but he was good for this country. AMEN & AMEN

McCain should be honored for his service and his stance against pork, but not much else (Dear 8lb baby Jesus, please don't let him be the Republican candidate for president anymore.)

Nixon wasn't a conservative either, though he should get 100% credit for getting us out of Vietnam; how you ask? By finally getting America's B-52s up north and bombing the holy you-know-what out of Hanoi! Suddenly the so-called Vietnamese peace delegations stopped carping about the size of the negotiating table and were eager to talk peace at a card table if necessary.

Liberals just don't get that Capitalism is relatively new in the world and is the very best method for the masses of people to get ahead and for individuals to enjoy the highest possible standard of living.

Affirmative Action may be the very WORST idea in a long line of very bad ideas to come out of the liberals in the 60s; and that is saying something considering Lyndon Johnson's ineffectual great society programs.

The country has existed without an income tax longer than it has had one.. but we are close to the halfway point, alas; a fair tax is the best tax, but it ain't gonna happen...too many voting Americans are counting on their brethren to shoulder the tax burden for them.

Government agencies just DO NOT die a natural death and are harder to kill than the road runner...the rural electrification agency is a prime example.. set up to tout the importance of electricity to the yokels.. and yet this danged agency is still alive. WHY I ASK YOU?? I mean, I think we all "get it" don't you? electric lights are good; the power grid covers the land...WHY IS THIS AGENCY STILL AROUND????

You may not like the profit motive. I'm not sure I care. It is the only motive that gets the masses off their asses and willing to do their very best on a consistent basis.. the slavery that is communism won't do it; altruism sure as shoot won't do it. Capitalism is how civilizations thrive, grow and get smarter and more efficient. Want a good example of this efficiency? I could talk about electronics and computers and software, but those are slow pitch easy. We all know about those capitalist miracles. Want to see capitalistic efficiency in action? Look at average crop yield per farmed acre over the two centuries.

It will blow your mind. I do not do drugs, but they need to be made legal again... why? Well, the idea of putting a skinny kid in rape factories we call penal institutions for holding on to one nickel bag of a product that looks like oregano makes no sense...and the fact that we say we are doing that for this kids own good is simply ludicrous. Tell that to the poor kid's sense of dignity, let alone his raw backside. We could get sales tax from a legal product.

Al Sharpton is a clown on his best day and a force of evil incitement on his worst. So is Jesse Jackson.

Speaking of Jesse, Jesse Helms was a GOOD GOOD MAN. His enemies called him racist because he had a southern accent and conservative values. He didn't give a rip.

Whoa.. I think I'm on a roll here. LOL Maybe I'll stop for now and save the rest of my beliefs for another day.

Glad you're listening to Rush Radio 94.5 and glad you're on board with the Morning Rush! I'm glad to be home in North Carolina. Now pass me that glass of sweet tea!

NEW YEAR, NEW SHOW, NEW LIFE...

2010-01-03T20:11:00.001-06:00

Details coming soon, but if you can't wait...
log on to www.rushradio945.com every weekday morning from 530am ET to 9am ET.
Tee hee..

ON THE AIR 'til the end of the year..

2009-12-16T11:08:00.000-06:00

You can find me on the air on Charlotte's News/Talk 1110 WBT from 9pm - Mid until the end of the year. WOOOO WHOOOO!!!

The Differences Are Like Night & Day

2009-10-17T08:34:00.001-05:00

If a conservative doesn't like guns, he doesn't buy one. If a liberal doesn't like guns, he feels that no one should have one.

If a conservative is a vegetarian, he doesn't eat meat. If a liberal is, he wants to ban all meat products for everyone.

If a conservative sees a foreign threat, he thinks about how to defeat his enemy. A liberal wonders how to surrender gracefully and still look good.

If a conservative is homosexual, he quietly leads his life. If a liberal is homosexual, he loudly demands legislated respect.

If a Black or Hispanic are conservative, they see themselves as independently successful. Their liberal counterparts see themselves as victims in need of government protection.

If a conservative is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation. A liberal wonders who is going to take care of him.

If a conservative doesn't like a talk show host, he switches channels. Liberals demand that those they don't like be shut down.

If a conservative is a non-believer, he doesn't go to church. A liberal non-believer wants any mention of God or religion silenced.

If a conservative decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it. A liberal demands that the rest of us pay for his.

Good Mourning, Goodbye.

2009-09-24T22:38:00.007-05:00

We all suffer loss and we all move through five distinct stages of grief.

- We go into denial because the loss is so unthinkable. We can't imagine it's true.
- We become angry with everyone, angry with survivors, angry with ourselves
- And then we bargain. We beg, we plead. We offer up everything we have. We offer up our souls in exchange for just one more day.
- When the bargaining has failed and the anger is too hard to maintain, we fall into depression, despair, until finally we have to accept that we have done everything we can.
- So, we let go. We let go and move into acceptance.

Grief may be a thing we all have in common, but it looks different on everyone.

It isn't just death we have to grieve. It's life, it's loss, it's change. And when you wonder why it has to suck so much sometimes...it has to hurt so bad...the thing you gotta remember is that it can turn on a dime.

But that's how you stay alive...when it hurts so much you can't breathe, that's how you survive. And you remember that one day, somehow, impossibly, it won't feel this way. It won't hurt this much.

Grief comes in its own time for everyone, in its own way. So the best we can do, the best anyone can do is try for honesty. The really crappy thing, the very worst part of grief is that you can't control it. The best we can do is to let ourselves feel it when it comes. And let it go when we can. No, the very worst part is that the very minute you think you're past it, it starts all over again. And always... EVERY TIME... it takes your breath away.

To the writers of Grey's Anatomy, THANK YOU.

I'm Open Minded, but...

2009-09-16T14:00:00.007-05:00

...I think the very last thing on my "Bucket List" would be get naughty in a trash bin. I'm just sayin'...

Here's the story:

Couple's trash bin tryst takes wrong turn

The couple wanted to be alone but were held up at knifepoint instead
The Associated Press
updated 3:44 p.m. CT, Tues., Sept . 15, 2009

WICHITA, Kan. - A tender moment in a trash bin went all wrong for a couple who found themselves being held up at pocket knifepoint.

Police said two 44-year-olds had climbed into a dumpster to be alone just after 6 p.m. Saturday when two men interrupted them and demanded their belongings. Officers said the man and woman were engaged in "an intimate moment" when they were robbed of their shoes, jewelry and the man's wallet.

Police said one of the robbers was a 64-year-old man who egged his 59-year-old companion on during the robbery.

The suspects were found a short time later and the stolen property was returned.

Who's My Daddy?

2009-09-10T12:39:00.006-05:00

I was awakened by an early morning phone call recently that wasn't a pleasant one at all. On the other end was a girl that I've been having problems with for a few months...(ugh!!)

While giving her what I felt was the best tongue lashing of her life, she mentioned something that she probably believed would hurt me... something that would be painful to hear.. something that would resemble a verbal stab...and something that people have made jokes about before. I have to tell you I take great pleasure in knowing that the words didn't hurt at all. In fact, the words spoke more to her character flaws than my own.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.. I AM CURRENTLY LIVING WITH MY PARENTS!! *gasp* Yes, it's true. I decided that while I was on hiatus (spin for unemployed), I would come home to NC and spend the time that I had with my aging parents. I didn't have to come here. I could have stayed in Alabama, or moved back to Nashville or Springfield.. but I wanted to spend some time with Mom & Dad.

I'm not trying to justify my actions to the girl who is trying to cause me pain; I just want it posted publicly so that maybe someone else who is in my same situation might take the time to evaluate what is important. That's what I've tried to do.

Look, I'm one of those girls who never got along with her father. WE FOUGHT CONSTANTLY when I was growing up. He was not free with the compliments, and I certainly didn't know how to keep my mouth shut with my displeasure. Bottom line, we were not close.

Fast forward to today: I've been home since the end of March, and my father and I have gotten close. We spend time together and we laugh together; we may have some verbal jousts here and there, but nothing hostile or mean... just loud discussions that usually end in laughter. Kind of like my talk shows.

Conclusion: I have longed for, my entire life, a good relationship with my Dad. So make fun of 40 year old woman living at home with her parents. It's okay! Because I wouldn't trade these moments with my Dad for anything in the world. I love you, pops!

Venomous Snakes

2009-05-13T17:43:00.002-05:00

OK North Carolina just passed a law to ban venomous snakes in court houses. Uh -- has that been a problem in the past?? Or have they finally come to their senses and banned liberal left wingers from the halls of justice? ;>)

Local Hyperbole

2009-04-18T12:16:00.007-05:00

I've got much to say since I've been on hiatus, but I thought I'd start with this , a very interesting "column" from a local attorney here in Moore County, NC.

Those that know me realize that I had to respond. After all, this is what I do as a right winged, wingnut! LOL Here is my letter to the editor for the Pilot Newspaper in Southern Pines, NC.

Dear Editors:

My name is Pamela Furr and I guess I am one of those "right wing" radio talk show hosts that Mr. Rhodes fulminated about in his highly entertaining column last Sunday. OK, let's face it -- the column was wrongheaded and full of hyperbole. Call me a nut, though (and Mr. Rhodes already has, I guess, by inference) - but a full life and a profession spent interviewing politicians (yes, including Mr. Obama) have caused me to consider extreme wrongheadedness to be highly entertaining!

Imagine my surprise and delight while visiting my parents on Easter Sunday as I opened up my hometown paper to stumble upon some of the vilest tripe masked as satire I have read in quite some time (I have to think that somewhere in Dublin, seismologists are scratching their heads over the rhythmic spinning underneath Jonathon Swift's grave). Normally one does not encounter such vitriolic wit outside of rest stop bathroom walls. Bravo, Mr. Rhodes!!! Bravo!

I am not interested in matching Mr. Rhodes' feeble attempt at satire by going point-by-point (though this might be an excellent exercise for a conservative Poli Sci class, if such a body existed), but one thing especially tickled my funny bone:

Mr. Rhodes -- None of us "right wing nuts" has EVER said Obama was a bad speaker. That is, not as long as the teleprompter doesn't go on strike. I mean, have you ever heard such a chorus of uh's, um's and ah's in your life as when that screen goes blank? Ronald Reagan could talk all day about substantive things without a cathode ray tube anywhere nearby. So could Bill Clinton. Well, Clinton could talk all day - how substantive his talks were, varied from day to day (or… cigar to cigar?).

And neither of these men had to fill time with a Special Olympics joke [to digress a bit - a SPECIAL OLYMICS JOKE???? Imagine a Republican making such a joke - he would have to commit honorable hari kari before the press let go of THAT story].

Sincerely,

Pamela Furr, right winged wingnut talk show host

THIS IS ME Redux

2008-12-03T10:59:00.000-06:00

I feel the need to play this song over and over again.. call it the theme song of my life. Maybe it's because I'm turning 40 in a few short weeks; maybe it's because I've had a disagreement with a friend; maybe it's because I'm a silly girl; maybe it's all of the above...

I blogged about this over two years ago. I like who I am. I get mixed up and I get insecure. I make mistakes and say things I shouldn't say. I can be intense and grandiose. I can be carefree and drama free. But I don't walk away and I don't cut people off. I don't judge and I forgive myself and my friends very easily.

I don't apologize for being who I am. I admit that I am working at being a better person every single day. This is who I am. This is who you get when I invite you into my life and invest time into getting to know you. This is who you get when you invite me into your life and invest time into getting to know me.

I am a strong woman and a woman who knows exactly what she wants and what she needs. I do not invest in other people lightly.

If it's too much for you, there's nothing I can do about it.

THIS IS ME.. (if you're still reading, then these lyrics say it better than I can)

I HAVE MY ADDICTIONS
I KEEP MY SHARE OF SECRETS
AND THINGS YOU'LL NEVER SEE
I GET SELFISH AND DEFENSIVE
AND PAY TOO MUCH ATTENTION TO MY INSECURITIES
I'M JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE
I TRY TO LOVE JESUS AND MYSELF

YES, MY HEART BREAKS FOR THE HOMELESS
I WORRY ABOUT MY PARENTS
AND ALL MY BILLS ARE LATE
YES, I'M DEALING WITH THE CHANGES
THIS COMPLICATED STRANGENESS
OF SEEING LIFE THIS WAY
I'M JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE
I TRY TO LOVE JESUS AND MYSELF

I LAUGH AT SILLY MOVIES
TEAR UP WHEN I SEE BABIES
AND I'M STUBBORN AS A STONE
I CRITICIZE MY BODY
I WONDER IF I'M READY
TO EVER BE ALONE
I'M JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE
I CRY JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE

I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVE
OR WHAT YOU THINK OF WHAT YOU SEE
BUT THIS IS A PART OF ME
OF WHAT I DO AND WHO I AM
ALL OF MY IMPURITIES
ARE RIGHT HERE ON MY SLEEVE
THIS IS ME

2008-11-20T13:19:00.003-06:00

TOMMY BATTLE..HUNTSVILLE'S OWN PERSONAL GRINCH!!

It's been a tradition for folks in the area for the past couple of years to decorate the trees located on Cecil Ashburn Drive. In fact, it would be safe to say that the tradition has EXPLODED. Last year was certainly the most decorative year yet. I'm told the day after Christmas, the HSV Times had an article that City Hall was going to start prosecuting people because the trees were still decorated. It hadn't even reached the first weekend after Christmas and the public heard that threat loud and clear.

People immediately went on the mountain to clean it all up...and not just their own tree. Well apparantly that's not good enough for our newly elected Mayor. He says it's illegal and hopes that the citizens respect the law this year. Does that mean if you're caught you'll be prosecuted?

"You're a mean one, Mr. Battle." And to show you how much we think you're Huntsville's version of the Grinch, we're sending you a piece of coal for Christmas!

It's the Pamela Furr Show's OPERATION GRINCH!

Send your piece of coal in care of:

Mayor Tommy Battle (aka Mr. Grinch)
308 Fountain Circle
Huntsville, AL 35801

Coming up on Today's Pamela Furr Show

2008-11-10T14:28:00.004-06:00

HAPPY 233rd BIRTHDAY, MARINES! Semper Fi!

Coming up on Today's Show...Sgt. Nick Popaditch, author of Once a Marine: An Iraq War Tank Commander's Inspirational Memoir of Combat, Courage, and Recovery will join me on!

Plus Tim Knox of Madison Guns and Ammo will talk about gun sales on the rise (see story below)

Some Legal Experts and Judges Puzzled By Stabler Ruling
Football Game Dispute Leaves Two Dead
Gun Sales Soar After Obama Win
60-year-old Ala. Army Retiree Volunteers For Iraq

HE'S BEEN PAM-ITIZED!!

2008-10-22T20:46:00.004-05:00

Another Northern Alabama fan.. who loves McCain/Palin 2008 and the Pamela Furr Show on WVNN!!

Parker Griffith, State Senator, (bad) Physician, Candidate for Congress...and a Liar!!

2008-10-21T14:35:00.007-05:00

Don't believe me?

Well, here are the links to what EXACTLY is in the Peer Review from the Huntsville Hospital. I will list these in chronological order.

**Special thanks to Dale Jackson for providing this information, not only to me, but to the entire District #5 community.**

This should remove all doubt that Parker Griffith is NOT the man we need to send to Washington. Even more importantly, this should enrage the community to demand to know why this information has been covered up for the last 20 years. There's an obligation to inform the patients and their families that sub par treatment was given. Neither Parker Griffith nor the Huntsville Hospital lived up to the obligation. Instead they took great measures to cover it all up and hope that it would go away. What is it my grandma used to say? (taken from the Bible) BE SURE YOUR SIN WILL FIND YOU OUT.

November 4, 1988 This document includes an overview of 107 of Dr. Griffith patients 41.1% which received "below the generally recognized standard for deficiencies in treatment." (inadequate care)

December 21, 1988, Part One Part Two Part Three This is a 159 page document titled - FINAL REPORT CONTAINING FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE QUALITY OF PATIENT CARE RENDERED BY PARKER GRIFFITH

January 20, 1989 This is a 4 page signed agreement between Huntsville Hospital and Parker Griffith that basically states, if Griffith goes away, the hospital will bury their attempt to prove he was a bad doctor.

January 26, 1989 This is a letter from Parker Griffith withdrawing his request for a hearing and submitting his resignation.

SHOULD WOMEN BE REQUIRED TO REGISTER FOR SELECTIVE SERVICE?

2008-10-13T19:13:00.000-05:00

All men are created equal...Thomas Jefferson used those words for the first time in the Declaration of Independance...words that I believe. Words that I live by. All men are created equal. But what about women? I believe that women are endowed by their Creator certain unalienable rights.. LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.

I believe a woman has a right to vote.. I believe a woman has a right to equal pay as a man doing the same job, I believe a woman has a right to run a household, a company or even a country. HOWEVER, I do NOT hold the same opinion as Presidential candidate Barack Obama.. that all women between the ages of 18 and 25 should register for selective service. We are physically different from men. Our lungs are smaller, we don't have as many muscles, our hormones are different..putting us in a different situation when those hormones do what they are created to do. Women serving in the armed forces now are certainly being put into situations where they have to defend themselves in a war zone, but they've chosen to do so...these women who are capable of adapting to these situations. But not all women are capable, and therefore should NOT BE FORCED to do so. So, you want another reason to vote NO for Barack Obama. There you have it. He thinks woman should register for selective service. And as a woman I say, NO BAMA.

(could this really be more about his idea of a Civilian Service Corp that Obama wants to be as large as...and as well funded as the US Military??)

Today's Show Notes

2008-10-06T13:44:00.007-05:00

Let The Mudslinging Begin

Down and Dirty Palin

Voters Still Can't Decide

OH YEAH...I ALMOST FORGOT
There's a Mayoral Run-off Election Tomorrow

OH YEAH...I ALMOST FORGOT
There's a District 5 Run-Off Election For Councilman

Jim Cramer: Investments Could Lose 20% of Value

IN THE DAILY.. What The...? Category
Ralph Stanley Endorses Barack Obama (I'm a little late on this one...)

Today's Show Notes

2008-10-03T14:41:00.013-05:00

HOUSE PASSES BAILOUT PLAN. HEADED TO BUSH'S DESK OH THE HUMANITY!!

It's Sarah Palin's Night! The highest rated vice presidential debate since 1992......

HUGE Early Ratings for Palin-Biden Debate
CNN's Fact Check From Last Night's Debate
Palin's Performance Helps McCain Regain Footing
Biden Speaks at Son's Deployment Ceremony

BILL O'REILLY RIPS BARNEY FRANKS A NEW ONE. Dear Mr. O'Reilly, I think I love you. -- Pamela

Pamela Show Hour #1

Pamela Show Hour #2

John McCain Has Lost My Vote

2008-10-02T13:59:00.002-05:00

I am disgusted. WHERE'S THE MAVERICK I'VE HEARD ABOUT? He's certainly not running for President. Instead he's pretending to be something that he's not. Instead he votes for a so-called bailout package while claiming to defend taxpayers from pork! I CALL B-S!! For shame. And you lost my vote.

SHOULD A BLACK MAN WEAR A COWBOY HAT?

2008-09-17T12:16:00.001-05:00

HOLD THEIR FEET TO THE FIRE

2008-09-08T13:19:00.004-05:00

WVNN's Pamela Furr is taking her show on the road to Washington, DC next Wednesday and Thursday, broadcasting live from the "Hold Their Feet To The Fire" rally. It's a national drive for immigration reform at the Phoenix Park Hotel, directly across from Union Station. Many other well-known hosts will be there, broadcasting together live as a unified voice demanding immigration enforcement, secure borders and no amnesty. Pamela will be talking to lawmakers and those who have been affected by the problem of illegal immigration. Rumor has it she may also be appearing on the Lou Dobbs show on CNN. Be sure to tune in from 5pm - 7pm, and call to make your views known!

OBAMA'S MAMA AN UNWED MOTHER!!

2008-09-02T12:52:00.002-05:00

OH THE HUMANITY!!! The MSM is killing me! Raking Gov Palin over the coals because her teenage daughter is pregnant.

Have they forgotten??

Obama's mama was pregnant and NOT MARRIED..

Here's the excerpt from Time Magazine, April 9, 2008

"On Feb. 2, 1961, several months after they met, Obama's parents got married in Maui, according to divorce records. It was a Thursday. At that point, Ann was three months pregnant with Barack Obama II. Friends did not learn of the wedding until afterward."

BARBRA STREISAND SLAMS MCCAIN'S CHOICE FOR VP

2008-09-02T12:39:00.000-05:00

Barbra Streisand lashed out at Sen. John McCain's Vice Presidential pick of Alaska's Gov. Sarah Palin on her website (barbastreisand.com) by calling it, "a transparent and irresponsible decision." On Saturday (August 29th), Streisand, a longtime Democrat and vocal critic of the Bush administration, posted a long rant against what she feels is McCain blatant attempt at luring Sen. Hillary Clinton's disenfranchised female voters away from democratic rival Sen. Barack Obama.

Streisand's post, called "McCain Doesn't Get It: Women Are Not That Stupid," reads in part: "John McCain's... Vice Presidential pick Governor Sarah Palin sent a very clear message to America about how he views female voters. Women, he thinks, will vote another woman into office regardless of the candidate's values, experience and political positions. No one can dispute that this decision was micro-targeted to the small percentage of Independent and Democratic women residing in the Rocky Mountain West, who strongly supported Hillary Clinton in the primary and still find themselves undecided as we move into the general election."

Streisand's post continued, "For months, John McCain and the Republicans went after Barack Obama for lacking the experience they felt was necessary in order to be commander in chief. Yet, on this day, an aging John McCain, who is the oldest Presidential nominee in history, chose a running mate -- a person that is just a heartbeat away from the Presidency -- that has no foreign policy experience, no national experience and limited state government experience... a virtual unknown who has only been Governor for a less than 2 years of a state with a population of fewer than 680,000 people... a woman who condemns a woman's right to choose."

She went on to say, "I believe John McCain chose Gov. Palin because he truly believes that women who supported Hillary -- an experienced, brilliant, life-long public servant -- would vote for him because his Vice President has two x chromosomes. McCain's selection of Governor Palin is a transparent and irresponsible decision all in the name of trying to win this election... His selection of Governor Palin has demonstrated that he is willing to put his desperation to win this election above the welfare of the American people."

Streisand closed her post by stating, "As someone who has spent over 40 years advocating on behalf of women both politically and philanthropically, as someone who was a strong supporter of Hillary Clinton and as someone who cares deeply about the health and welfare of all women, hear me Senator McCain: "This calculated, cynical ploy to pull away a small percentage of Hillary's women voters from Barack Obama will not work. We are not that stupid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

In February 2007, Streisand, who has a personal friendship with former President Bill Clinton and Senator Hillary Clinton, donated $2,300, the maximum amount allowed in the primaries, to Senators Clinton, John Edwards, and Barack Obama.

WHAT WAS THE SECRET?

2008-09-02T11:43:00.002-05:00

Well, if you were listening to the show you would have heard what I think the SECRET is to Obama's use of visual toys during his campaign for the Presidency.

IT'S THE SECRET!!!

Oprah fans know this.

THE SPIRITUAL LAW OF ATTRACTION.

As a true disciple of Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama is using visualization tools and the LOA to win his turn at the White House. And so far it's working. (if you believe in all of that)

If you watch Oprah, as I do, then you know about the vision boards. People use them to carve out their place in this world and the things that they desire with all of their hearts.

I think Obama is using those same tools to become President. Use what looks like the Presidential Seal on your podium, and on your plane. Have yourself surrounded with things that tell your mind and the earth's energy that YOU, BARACK OBAMA, ARE PRESIDENT and it will come to pass.

I KNOW THE SECRET!!

2008-08-27T14:46:00.005-05:00

I know why Barak Obama is using the backgrop of the White House for his speech tomorrow night in Denver...

I know why Barack Obama has been using what looks like the presidential seal...

THE SECRET will be revealed today on the Pamela Furr Show at 5pm.

The Obama Orgy Begins

2008-08-25T15:37:00.003-05:00

Watched Good Morning America this morning. MAN -- what a lurid example of a news team doing everything short of making love on the whole of the Obama campaign and the DNC.

Didn't see a whole lot of objectivity is what I'm saying. They were about as impartial as the guys commenting on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. They seemed caught up in the pageantry and excitement of it all instead of being "hard-hitting". Sucked.

I would venture to say that nobody gets even a kiss at the Republican convention.

Court Rules Doctors Can't Deny Treatment to Gays and Lesbian

2008-08-22T14:37:00.001-05:00

California's Supreme Court ruled unanimously Monday (August 18th) that doctors can't invoke their religious beliefs to deny treatment to gays and lesbians, saying that a state law banning discrimination based on sexual orientation applies to the medical profession.

The lawsuit that led to the ruling was brought in 2001 by a lesbian named Guadalupe Benitez against two Christian fertility doctors. Benitez said the doctors treated her with fertility drugs, but instructed her to inseminate herself at home, saying their religious beliefs prevented them from inseminating her. One of the doctors eventually referred her to another fertility specialist without any religious objections, and Benitez has since given birth to three children that she's raising with her longtime partner.

Robert Tyler of the group Advocates for Faith and Freedom, one of the attorneys for the clinic, said the decision advanced what he said is the Supreme Court's, quote, "radical agenda" and would help in the effort to pass a ballot initiative in November that would reverse the high court's decision earlier this year approving gay marriage. Tyler told AP, "The Supreme Court's desire to promote the homosexual lifestyle at the risk of infringing upon the First Amendment right to free exercise of religion is what the public needs to learn about."

I think we are on dangerous ground when doctors can't practice their religion in this country.

The Hippocratic Oath says "To practice and prescribe to the best of my ability for the good of my patients, and to try to avoid harming them"

Can someone show me how these doctors harmed this patient? They didn't. In fact, these doctors gave the patient fertility drugs to help cause a pregnancy. These doctors gave instruction on how to do the procedure at home. These doctors gave information on how to contact another doctor who could perform this procedure. And the most important fact of all, this patient now has children. NO HARM WAS DONE.

I hope these doctors appeal this all the way to the US Supreme Court.

Busted!! In the Woods!!

2008-08-22T14:34:00.001-05:00

I'm just as open-minded as the next person, I guess, when it comes to keeping our sex lives exciting. BUT -- this is just craziness!!

We're talking about completely anonymous male-on-male sex in a very PUBLIC place. A place where our children might be exposed to things they are not ready to be exposed to.

Here's the story...

I understand that it may be hard as a married, family man to find a male sex partner. WAIT -- YOU'RE A MARRIED, FAMILY MAN. Shouldn't your sex partner be your wife???

I have to admit, I'm a little disgusted with this story. I called Senator Larry Craig's office. He had no comment.

John Edwards Lovin' The Spotlight

2008-08-11T14:15:00.000-05:00

I watched the John Edwards confession on nightline Friday night...and I have to tell you that I was taken aback by the blatant narcissism that runs through the veins of that man. Here's a guy who tried to convince the American people that he had all the answers tot he problems that we face. He tried to convince us that there are two Americas...one that represents the privileged, and one that represents the poor. Turns out, there are two John Edwards...one that professes his faithful love for his dying wife, and one that travels the world with a blonde admirer, making pit stops for some afternoon delight.

Edwards tells us that the affair was over in 2006, but yet gets caught by a tabloid reporter visiting his "former" lover at a Beverly Hills Hotel. So as I watched, Edwards confess his mistake, I have to wonder... is his addiction to the spotlight at play here? If he truly is narcissistic, which I do believe he is, then he's actually getting some sort of sick high from his return to the spotlight. It doesn't matter to him why...it only matters that John Edwards remains the subject matter for every headline in the mainstream media.

AN OPEN LETTER TO MY FRIENDS IN SPRINGFIELD, IL

2008-02-15T22:46:00.000-06:00

Wow - it's been two weeks. TIME JUST FLIES BY. I can't believe I've been gone from Springfield for two weeks now. I am really enjoying my new gig and enjoying the new challenge of getting to know a new community with its own character and its own issues.

I am a little homesick, I have to be honest. (And no, Jim Leach, I'm not HOME SICK, I'm homesick. *inside joke*) Springfield was very good to me...very good to this big-dreaming girl who moved to a northern town without knowing a single soul.

So I just want to say thank you. Thank you for the friendship and thank you for becoming my home for three years. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!

Special shout outs to Darlene, Gina, Victoria, Tracy, Chuck, Jim, and Tim (yes, Davlin)....too many really to mention. And a very special thank you to SFC Pete Dowding of the Illinois National Guard. If it weren't for you being with me that last day, I think I would have been a basket case.

Mark your calendars. I will be back in town on March 29th to MC a special fundraising trivia night (along with Jim Leach) for the families of the 3637th Maintenance Company of the Illinois National Guard.

And if you get a chance, check out the new show on www.wvnn.com. We stream live every weekday afternoon at five. And if you miss a show, the podcast is available. Stay in touch!

-- Pamela

GOSPEL MUSIC FAT ASSES

2008-02-09T13:27:00.001-06:00

I want to preface this blog posting with this disclaimer. I AM A FAT ASS. I am bigger now than I've ever been. This is disappointing and depressing. I look terrible and I feel terrible. I'm embarrassed to go out in public sometimes around people who knew me when I was hot. But I am determined to change that. I say that a lot, and one day I'm going to mean it. I've got a trip to Barcelona riding on it, not to mention my self esteem and my health.

THAT BEING SAID...

OH MY GOD!!! What happened to Southern Gospel Music? Where did all the fat asses come from?

I am just getting settled into my new home in Huntsville, Alabama, and I've actually had a moment today to go through my cable channels to see what my $100.00 per month is paying for. I've got the Military Channel & the Pentagon Channel.. this interests me greatly. I've got all kinds of Discovery Channels and News Channels. YES! And to my surprise, I've got the Gospel Music Channel. WOW! The Gospel Music Channel. I didn't know there was a Gospel Music Channel.

And of course, what do I discover? A GATHER HOMECOMING VIDEO. I didn't know he was still making those.

I will also say, I don't know how old this one was...

But here goes... WHERE DID ALL THE FAT ASSES COME FROM? Holy moly. I'm not joking. Everywhere you turn double chins and swollen ankles.

I ask you what happened? And I have to wonder if Howard Goodman is in heaven right now laughing his celestial fat ass off at all the people that used to make fun of him AND his family all those years for their weight. Karma may be at play here.

And then there's B roll footage of behind-the-scene looks at the fat asses eating the catered food Bill Gaither has brought in. NO WONDER THEY'RE ALL waddling up to the microphone every night. Good Lord!!

Okay, it's time for an intervention. There's no sense in all these God-fearing talented people to be that fat. It doesn't look good. It can't feel good. The next Homecoming Tour should be called the HEART ATTACK EXPRESS. Think about it. If Gaither started a weight loss program for his aging gospel music stars, caught it all on tape, and sold those.. he'd make ANOTHER fortune. I've got it. The Gospel Music Channel's new reality show. THE BIGGEST LOSER - HOMECOMING STYLE.

You heard it here first, folks, from a FAT ASS.

HOW IS THAT RACIST?

2007-12-01T07:31:00.000-06:00

I just don't get it. I don't understand why a man from China would be offended if referred to as a Chinaman. After all, you call a man from England..an Englishman. You call a man from France a Frenchman... for that matter you call a man from Germany...GerMAN. Johnny Molson of Molson and Lee tried to explain it to me. Listen here.

WANTED: MEN WITH INTEGRITY

2007-11-27T19:26:00.000-06:00

Are there any out there anymore? ANY? I'm not sure I've met too many.

Yet another who has to resign for having a "personal relationship." Are there any men who keep their word anymore? Are there any men that keep their commitments any more? Are their any men that have self-respect? I am so disappointed with the crop of men I've either met in the last two years, or stories I've read about them lately. Come on. Have some self-respect. Be a man. Keep your word. And keep it in your pants. (unless otherwise approved by your wife or girlfriend.)

In other words, STOP CHEATING!!

CITIZEN SOLDIERS - 3 Doors Down

2007-11-25T19:09:00.000-06:00

Very cool! Obviously there are many more National Guard fans in the world.. including 3 Doors Down. :>) Enjoy!

WHERE'S ANDY LEE?

2007-11-25T10:59:00.000-06:00

I have had more people ask me that this weekend than EV-AH! Wanna know? Go to www.molsonandlee.com. Andy's making a comeback soon!! Boy, I can tell you I miss his daily smart ass comments. And that's just in the hallway of the WMAY radio complex.

AND I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST THE PRIESTS WHO LIKE LITTLE BOYS

2007-11-12T16:33:00.000-06:00

An elderly suburban Chicago nun pleaded no contest to indecent behavior with a child for incidents involving male students at a Catholic elementary school in Milwaukee in the 1960s. Norma Giannini is scheduled to be sentenced in February. (AP)

Don't young men fantasize about their nun teachers like they do their regular teachers? Or is it just the little Catholic school girls?

THE SECRET? Is this New?

2007-11-11T21:34:00.000-06:00

Have you heard about "The Secret"?

(from www.oprah.com)

People around the world have been talking about a movie so powerful that it can change the course of your life. This movie, The Secret, was created by Australian Rhonda Byrne, and she says that if you follow its philosophy, you can create the life you want—whether that means getting out of debt, finding a more fulfilling job or even falling in love.

Rhonda says she stumbled on what she calls The Secret at the end of 2004. At the time, everything in Rhonda's life had fallen apart—physically, emotionally and financially—and she was in "total despair." Then her father died suddenly, and she was worried about her grief-stricken mother.

"I wept and wept and wept, and I didn't want my daughter to see me sobbing," Rhonda says.

That's when Rhonda's daughter gave her a copy of The Science of Getting Rich, a book written in 1910 by Wallace D. Wattles.

"Something inside of me had me turn the pages one by one, and I can still remember my tears hitting the pages as I was reading it," Rhonda says. "It gave me a glimpse of The Secret. It was like a flame inside of my heart. And with every day since, it's just become a raging fire of wanting to share all of this with the world."

Okay. This sounded INCREDIBLE to me, so I had to find out what this SECRET was. I rented the movie this weekend (available on demand)

Rhonda defines The Secret as the law of attraction, which is the principle that "like attracts like."

Rhonda calls it "the most powerful law in the universe," and says it is working all the time.

"What we do is we attract into our lives the things we want, and that is based on what we're thinking and feeling," Rhonda says.

The principle explains that we create our own circumstances by the choices we make in life. And the choices we make are fueled by our thoughts—which means our thoughts are the most powerful things we have here on earth.

Sounds great. Right? But I'm here to tell you, this is no secret at all. I understand the concept. I understand the principle. I understand the spiritual law. Why? Because this SECRET has been explained over and over in the Word of God. THE BIBLE.

Scripture after scripture tells us that "spirit calls to spirit".. to "think on good things"... to "cast your bread upon the water" and it will come back to you. That means, if you send out good things.. good thoughts...positivie things.. positive dreams and goals, it will come back to you. If you cast negative thoughts, negative things, negative goals and deeds, it will come back to you.

It's a spiritual law that exists no matter whether you believe in God or the Bible or not. Obviously so.. because the SECRET seems to be the new "in" thing these days. That's fine. It's not a secret. It's truth that we've known throughout the ages of time.

The SECRET is a good reminder, however, that we do carve out our own desitny by our thoughts, our prayers and our focus. In the last month or so I've been reminded over and over that it is important to spend my time with GOOD THINGS. With good thoughts and good friends. Fear has no place in my life. Negativity has no place. I choose to surround myself with those who care about me and those that I care about. I choose to no longer waste my time with anything less that what is stated above.

So thank you SECRET for the reminder. But more importantly to me -- THANK YOU GOD for teaching me the SECRET a long, long time ago.

KATHRINE WILLEY POSTPONED

2007-11-09T17:02:00.000-06:00

She's been rescheduled for November 16th. Tune in during that time...

ON THE AIR IN CHICAGO

2007-11-05T19:09:00.000-06:00

Okay - everybody. Get your prayer cloths out! I'm on the air tomorrow with a BIG OL' ATHEIST.

Yes, it's true.. the Atheist vs the Christian. The left winger vs the right winger.

Rob Sherman, the Atheist father who's suing somebody (he's not sure who yet) for the "moment of silence" law that's been passed in Illinois... saying that it's damaging his daughter's education because there's a possibility that a student might pray silently in class.

This should be fun.

Now, we'll see if he shows me the same respect that I showed him when he was on my show last week. I'm supposed to be on for the entire hour, so I'm going to "study up" on all the craziness he spouts... so I can counter intelligently and respectfully. I'll also try to use my southern charm to disarm him! (actually, truth be told - he seems like a nice guy. Full of boloney, but a nice guy.)

WJJG is the station.. it's a small station in Chicago, but there are some movers and shakers that listen. I'm on at 7am.

I'm fasting and praying tonight.. ;>)

EAT, PRAY, LOVE

2007-11-04T22:27:00.000-06:00

Have you read this book yet? I started reading it two weeks ago... in fact, my friend Tracy and I are reading it together and meeting for drinks once a week specifically to dicuss it.

I found myself reading more than the assigned chapters tonight (don't tell Tracy).

Elizabeth Gilbert is an incredible writer!

Although I can't identify with being stuck in a marriage that you don't want to be in, I can identify with the emotions she describes SO well. I'm blown away by her encounter with God. I think I take for granted the fact that I've always known God. I was all of five years old when I began to "feel" Him.. when I began to "believe" in Him.

Now, I hope what I'm saying here doesn't discourage you from picking up the book. Elizabeth isn't some crazy right-wing nut case. FAR FROM IT. The book is about her year-long journey discovering who she really was... it was God who inspired her to do so.

I'm envious.

Sometimes I know exactly who I am.. and then there are days (weeks, even months) that I don't recognize myself at all. Ever been there?

That's life, I guess. The journey of life. I described it in an earlier blog in October as a roller coaster ride. Sometimes you LOVE the thrill, and sometimes you want to get off. (and not in a good way).

I'm loving the book. That is all. Goodnight.

HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE

2007-11-04T08:17:00.000-06:00

I have to admit I don't have direct knowledge of the pain of knowing you are dying. I'm healthy. With the exception of knee problems caused by a birth defect, I'm very healthy.

I've had relatives die of cancer. My grandfather had cancer. My aunt Margaret died of cancer.. my aunt Mildred, my aunt Elsie. My uncle Harold has had cancer... several have died of liver disease.
When I was a teenager, there was a girl in our class that died in a car accident. Tina. That was hard, although she had dropped out of our private school and started going to public school the year she died.

HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE

Ever heard of it? I hadn't either until a few years ago when someone very dear to me had "the conversation" with me. It was two days after Thanksgiving when he told me...I'll never forget that day. (My nickname for him has always been "the little drummer boy," so I'll refer to him as that in this blog.) I remember, as he was telling me about this disease, thinking he was so strong. Truthfully I believe the reality of it all had not set in yet.

Huntington's is completely hereditary. If you have it, there's a 50/50 chance your children will have it. In "little drummer boy's" case, he had NOT been diagnosed BEFORE he had children.

Huntington's is completely fatal. If you have the gene, if you have the disease, you will die. And it's not a easy death. (Is death ever easy?) Huntington's disease produces three types of symptoms: movement, cognitive, and psychiatric. The sequence in which symptoms develop varies from person to person. Uncontrolled movement is a huge symptom; over time judgment, memory, and other cognitive functions begin to deteriorate into dementia. A person with Huntington's also may exhibit psychotic behavior.

"The little drummer boy" is very brave. He's continued to live his life with dignity. But I've seen the changes..they're happening already. And I pray.

I hadn't thought about Huntington's in a while, until an episode of "Private Practice" on ABC featured a character, a woman, who was in an emotional upheaval about the possibility of having the disease. I had no idea the anguish of even deciding to take the test. I have to wonder if one of the writers has a family member or friend going through the experience.

"The little drummer boy" was brave in deciding to take the test.. in making the decision to KNOW his future. He was brave in tackling the future head on and brave in deciding to tell some friends about what he was going to face.

What role do I play in this brave man's life? I don't know. I can't know. It's a long distance role.. and all I can do is pray... all I can be is strong and stable... and be here for that "little drummer boy" when he needs a place to land for a while...when he needs a place to rest.

RUN-AROUND SAM

2007-10-31T11:51:00.000-05:00

Okay, I told you on the show yesterday I would not talk about the Sam Cahnman car story anymore; but I did say I would blog about it. It felt really good when I received several phone calls, after the show ended, with folks saying "You're right on the money, Pamela." In fact, even one former Alderman said to my face "I don't know why Cahnman is giving you guys the run-around. It doesn't make sense."

So let me try to explain AGAIN, and show you what I have here. First here's the original story from the SJ-R. I reported the story the day before for WMAY News with a little bit different take on it. I also spoke with Alderman Cahnman on the air on my talk show the same day.

But here's the rub. Alderman Cahnman says he can PROVE he doesn't own the car. Well, that's what I'm waiting on. The SJ-R printed this... Cahnman, a lawyer and former Sangamon County Board member who is in his first term as a Springfield alderman, called it “much ado about nothing” and said he could prove he no longer owned the car. The car, I might add, that was abandoned and found with drug paraphernalia in it. According to the SJ-R, Yazell (the mechanic/agent who said he sold the car for Cahnman) said he had written two receipts for the sale, one for the buyer and one for himself. The receipt is dated Sept. 14 and written in red is that $150 was paid in full.

Okay. I asked Alderman Cahnman on the air if he could provide that receipt. He said yes. He said he would get it to us last THURSDAY. Cahnman told Jim Leach on his morning show that he could provide a copy of that receipt. WE HAVE YET TO RECEIVE A COPY OF THE RECEIPT described above. Instead, what we've received is a handwritten note that is nothing more than a statement from Mr. Yazell that he traded Alderman Cahnman's car. In fact, the note reads that Yazell owes Theil $150.00. There's nothing here that shows anything paid in full. Look for yourself.

The next story was released by the SJ-R with the headline "Court Documents Back Cahnman on Ownership of Car", but it doesn't. The "court document" is a ticket that was issued to an Ian P. Theil on September 15, 2007. All that does is show that Cahnman was not in possession of that car on 9/15/07. Something doesn't add up here. If there are documents to prove that Cahnman doesn't own the car, then PRODUCE THE DAMN DOCUMENTS. Alderman Cahnman is the one that offered that statement up freely in interviews. No other media has seen this receipt "paid in full." They've all seen the document I've copied for you at the top of this blog.

It's nothing personal, Alderman. But you're an elected official. And you're an attorney. There's no reason to give media the run-around when we're just asking you to give us what you promised to give us. And if you're going to do this on a "non-story" what should we expect when there's something of real consequence to the tax payers of Springfield? I heard Bernie Schoenburg from the SJ-R on Former Alderman Frank McNeil's show last night. (heard on WMAY Tuesday thru Friday at 6pm) He talked about being tenacious when a politician isn't shooting straight with him. I don't think I'm doing anything less than what Schoenburg would do.

Tell me the truth, don't jerk me around. This story is not that big of a deal, so there's no reason to be evasive. Unless, you have something to hide, Mr. Cahnman.

IRONIC NATIONAL GUARD STORY

2007-10-28T18:25:00.000-05:00

If you listened to the show last week, you heard me do a story on Guard security -- well, security at military bases in general. (I promise, I promise, my blog about it will be up -- tonight I hope).

Well, here's a story that will have me laughing at least for a week.

I had been invited by the Public Affairs department of the Illinois National Guard to participate in a panel discussion/training for UPAR, unit public affairs... shoot, I can't remember what the "r" stands for. (responders? reporters?)

At any rate, I was asked to be there at 7:15 this morning; yeah, that's early, but what an honor to be asked. You know? So I'm there with my coffee in hand, my make-up in place, and my notes ready to help these soldiers tell their stories.

I get to the gate, and there stands three security guards from the company SECURITAS. ( If you listened last week, you heard me discuss this company and the concerns that some laid-off State Security Guards have of their abilities to maintain adequate security at the ILNG facilities. ) I tell them who I am and what I'm there for. The main guy says to me, "well, ma'am, the base is closed. Are you on a list?" I have no idea if I am or not.. and I tell him so. He gives me the "evil eye" and says, "may I see some I-D please?" Of course, I give him my license and he walks back into his guard shack.

5 minutes pass and he says "Ma'am I can't let you on base, no one knows who you are or what you're here for." I can't help but start to laugh.

He gives me the "evil eye" again.

He asks "what time's the class, ma'am?" I have no idea. I just know I was asked to be there at 7:15.

EVIL EYE

He asks me to pull over so other soldiers can get through.

I can't help but continue to laugh.

I call my contact (a sgt) and tell her what's happening. She tells me to give the phone to the guard. HE WON'T TAKE MY PHONE. He says "Give me a number and I'll calll, but I'm not going to use your phone."

I KEEP LAUGHING. He's not laughing.

He calls my Sgt friend, but still no go. He tells me because the Major he reports to has no idea why I would be there, he can't let me on the base. He asks me what's so funny.. I tell him I think it's all on purpose because of the story I did last week about security on military bases. He's still not seeing the humor.

Finally, he tells me to follow him in his vehicle as he escorts me to a certain building. We have to get visual verification of who I am and why I'm there before I can be left alone.

I swear -- this is cracking me up!! Finally, he lightens up a bit after a Sgt and a Lt. Col verify my identity. I, of course, remain convinced this is an elaborate way to manipulate me to tell the whole world on Monday that security at the Illinois National Guard is very strong. If it is, it worked. If it's not, it's funny as all get out!!!

WHERE'S THE BILL OF SALE?

2007-10-26T18:05:00.000-05:00

We're waiting, Sam Cahnman. You said you'd have proof for us on Thursday of your sale of the vehicle that was found registered to you.. with drug paraphernalia in it. Today is Friday. Will we have it Monday?

WHO'S GUARDING THE GUARD?

2007-10-26T08:17:00.000-05:00

I apologzie - my schedule has been so swamped these last two days, that I haven't had this post up yet. Check back tonight or tomorrow and it should be up.

Thanks.

CAHNMAN - A victim of smear?

2007-10-24T20:39:00.001-05:00

No, of course not. But perhaps a victim of his own stupidity. It has to be said, and I don't apologize for it.

I started working on this story on Monday and was finally able to release it Tuesday afternoon. An abandoned car was impounded by the Springfield Police on Saturday afternoon.. and Springfield police allegedly discovered a plastic bag with cocaine residue on it and a piece of a drug pipe inside the car, a white 1990 four-door Pontiac Grand Prix.

Who was the car registered to?

Ward 5 Alderman Sam Cahnman.

Yikes

But Cahnman swears he doesn't own the car. He says that an "agent" sold the car for him September 14th, but failed to get the license plate off the car. Hmm. Cahnman says he hasn't had that car in his possession in years. But yet, he kept insurance on the car, and kept renewing the tags. Hmmm

Cahnman tells the SJ-R that he sold the car for $150.00. But why would someone keep insurance on a car, and keep renewing the tags for over $70.00 a year... WHEN THE CAR IS ONLY WORTH $150.00 ??? Hmmm

And who bought the car? No one is telling.
And where is the bill of sale? Not available yet.
And what is the license plate number on the car? Cahnman says he doesn't know
And will Sam Cahnman take a drug test? He told me on my show he would... I gave him seven days. Anyone want to put money on some doctor's excuse or legal mumbo-jumbo that will prevent him from taking it?

Cahnman says it's a smear campaign.

What do you say?

(if you didn't hear the show, here's the sj-r version of the story)

BALL REMOVER

2007-10-22T20:07:00.000-05:00

This is the best story EV-AHHH!! (from the State Journal Register)

An alleged sex offender who said he was feeling an urge to offend again took a fillet knife to his testicles in an attempt to castrate himself Sunday night.

The 59-year-old man, who lives in the 1600 block of Seven Pines Road, was bleeding profusely when police and paramedics arrived. However, he is expected to survive.

The man successfully removed one testicle and flushed it down the toilet, and the other testicle was severely injured. He then called a friend for help. Authorities were called about 8:15 p.m. Sunday, and the man was rushed to the hospital.

The man told authorities he was feeling the urge to touch and hurt children. He was not trying to take his life, the man reportedly said, but was trying to stem the urge.

The man's offense happened in 1984. He had been on a sex offender registry for some time, but no longer was required to register.

Wow! Well, I guess he won't get that urge again. You know.... I know some male whores who should... okay, maybe that's a little drastic. But if BREAKING THE LAW isn't enough of a deterrent, then perhaps an evening with a fillet knife might do the trick?

NEVER ALONE

2007-10-19T20:44:00.000-05:00

I love this lyric ... (bet at first you think it's about a guy...)

I waited for you today
But you didn't show
No no no
I needed You today
So where did You go?

You told me to call
Said You'd be there
And though I haven't seen You
Are You still there?

I cried out with no reply
And I can't feel You by my side
So I'll hold tight to what I know
You're here and I"m never alone

And though I cannot see You
And I can't explain why
Such a deep, deep reassurance
You've placed in my life

I cried out with no reply
And I can't feel You by my side
So I'll hold tight to what I know
You're here and I'm never alone

We cannot separate
'Cause You're part of me
And though You're invisible
I'll trust the unseen

I cried out with no reply
And I can't feel you by my side
So I'll hold tight to what I know
You're here and I'm never alone.

(....Barlow Girl sings this tune)

FORGIVE & FORGET

2007-10-18T21:37:00.000-05:00

Forgive and forget.. that's what they say. It's good advice, but it's not very practical. When someone hurts us, we want to hurt them back. When someone wrongs us, we want to be right. Without forgiveness, old scores are never settled....old wounds never heal. And the most we can hope for is that one day we'll be lucky enough to forget.

- I wish I could say I wrote this, but I did not. It's from Grey's Anatomy. And it's very good!

SO MUCH TO SAY

2007-10-18T21:35:00.000-05:00

(From Oct 15th)

One of my favorite things to do on a Sunday, besides drinking coffee and reading the paper at a small town cafe, is going to a book store and browsing for hours.

It hit me yesterday. THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE WITH SO MANY THINGS TO SAY. It was overwhelming! Things about money, about food, about cars, about love, about sex, about life, about politics, about Lincoln, about, about about.

I felt so small, yet so blessed. People listen to me everyday on WMAY (3pm - 6pm www.wmay.com) to hear what I have to say. Things about money, about food, about love, about life, about politics, about about about. I hope I don't take that responsibility lightly. I don't think I do.

Is there just one thing that I have to say that is consistent everyday? I don't know. Here's what I would say to you today. Be nice to other people. Treat them the way you would want to be treated. Listen. Respond. And open your mind to new ways of thinking...it could change the world.

See ya Wednesday night!

ACROSS THE MILES

2007-10-18T21:32:00.000-05:00

(From October 14th)

I love this lyric....

All around this world I've traveled
Through it all I've come to find
The ties that bind can come unraveled
I've had to face some lonely times
But when I'm tired and feeling low
Oh what a comfort it is to know

Across the miles
there's someone praying for me
Across the miles
there's someone on their knees
Lifting my name to the Lord above
In joy and pain I can feel the love
And see you smile
Across the miles

Life can be so complicated
Walking through it on your own
When kindred hearts are separated
It gives love a chance to grow
And even though I'm so far away
Oh I'm reminded every day

Across the miles
there's someone praying for me
Across the miles
there's someone on their knees
Lifting my name to the Lord above
In joy and pain I can feel the love
And see you smile
Across the miles

HELP ME GET OFF THIS RIDE!!

2007-10-18T21:31:00.000-05:00

(from Oct 10th)

It's a roller coaster -- relationships with people, that is.

Whether it's sexual, intellectual, spiritual, friendly or just plain fun, it can be quite the ride.

I like roller coaster rides. I like the thrill, I like the excitement, I like the wind blowing in my face, I like wondering what's going to happen when ya roll around the corner.

But sometimes when you ride a little too long and a little too much, not only does the ride become predictable, the ride makes you want to vomit.

HELP! I want off this ride.

I'M POSTING AGAIN!

2007-10-18T21:24:00.001-05:00

It's true! You can find the posts here or at www.myspace.com/pamelafurr

I will copy some of my recent posts here. ENJOY!! And thanks for listening to the show.

(from October 7Th)
HIS NAME WAS *BILLY

I haven't blogged in FOREVER. Life kinda took over and I failed to keep a log of it. But the book EAT, PRAY, LOVE has inspired me and I'm back to keeping track.

So welcome to all of you who enjoy reading thoughts from other folks. Just a warning, you'll probably hear some of this on my radio show too. (*plug alert* listen weekdays from 3p - 6p on 970 WMAY in Springfield, IL or streaming live at http://www.wmay.com/)

Can I tell you something? Something happened this week that I believe has changed my life. And it only took 19 years.

Let me explain. (names have been changed to protect the guy -- who is also a myspacer/blog reader) His name was *BILLY. He was 23 and I was 17. He was cute. He was funny. He was a lead singer and bass player in a band. Just my type!! He was my friend and I LOVED him. I mean, I really loved that boy. I mean, he was probably the first man I EVER loved. He lived in Arkansas and I lived in NC. I would fly to Arkansas from time to time to hang with him..and he'd come to NC to hang with me. We talked on the phone until all hours of the night.. and we even recorded a song I wrote together. We were close. AND I LOVED HIM.

But he didn't love me. And one day I discovered it the hard way. I discovered it by finding he and another friend of mine in bed together. (did I add that it was in my house??) I knew then that *Billy didn't love me. And it hurt. I was crushed. I was devastated. And I lost my best friend.

Fast forward a few years. I moved to Nashville and *Billy moved to Nashville. We reconnected after two years of total disconnect, but things weren't the same. He was engaged to someone and I was working on my career.

Fast forward a few years. *Billy is married with children and I'm a part-time talk show host. We reconnect when he calls the show, but lose touch again when I move to Springfield, IL.

Fast forward to Thursday night. *Billy and I reconnect again catching up on life. He has FOUR children now and I'm still working on my career. But for the first time in 19 years *Billy says something to me that he had never said.

"I'm sorry." "I'm sorry, Pamela, that I hurt you."

WOW. WOW. Of course, I had forgiven him a long time ago. Forgiven him for not loving me...but to hear "I'm sorry" after all that time... WOW. It was powerful. In fact, so powerful, that I felt the weight of old baggage literally lift from my body. You see, I know that what happened between *Billy and I had a direct effect on EVERY relationship I've EVER had.

So to hear "I'm sorry" from that man. WOW. I think it showed me that no matter what... no matter how good a person is, or how bad a person is, when they've hurt someone, they know it.

Now I'm not saying that what happened 19 years ago was something that ate at the soul of *Billy, but he knew he hurt me. And he's known it all this time. To finally say it probably had an effect on him. (I know it did). And to hear it...it was powerful.

I don't know if there's a moral to the story. I just hope that I NEVER underestimate the power of those words. I hope that I don't wait 19 years before I say them to someone I've hurt.

For me, I pray I'm the girl that says it as quickly as possible..and forgives even faster.

Shout outs today go to Gina, Tracy and Joel. JOEL, JOEL, JOEL. We were on hiatus, but are back to being friends. See ya next week, friend!

LEAD ME ON

2006-10-21T12:49:00.000-05:00

I had a request to post the lyrics to this song on my blog this weekend. I wrote this years ago when I was living in Nashville, had just lost my job singing with a band, filed bankruptcy, broke up with my boyfriend, and was sitting in my apartment in the dark because NES had just turned off the electricity. I don't know what you may be going through in your world, but maybe this song lyric / prayer will help you get through your day.

LEAD ME ON
written by Pamela Furr & Diane Freeman (Songs of Hope Music)

I don't know why I should even try
It's out of my hands anyway.
I look to you to see me through
To lead me to a brighter day.
The future holds a little bit of joy, I know
A little piece of happiness that I can call my own.
So take my hand
Take me to the promised land
Lead me home to paradise
Where I can be with you

Lead me on
Lead me to the laughter
To the love and joy I'm after
To the peace that keeps me strong
Lead me on
Lead me to your loving grace
Where I can feel your warm embrace
The place where I belong
Lead me on.

Some say today will fade away and the sun will shine again
Darkness may fall, but through it all I've found a faithful friend.
I won't deny without you walking by my side
I'd never make it through the tide that washes by my feet.
But I see tonight amid the cloudy sky a light
And even though it's not too bright
I still believe.

Lead me on
Lead me to the laughter
To the love and joy I'm after
To the peace that keeps me strong.
Lead me on
Lead me to your loving grace
Where I can feel your warm embrace
To the place where I belong
Lead me on.

A HARD LESSON LEARNED

2006-10-05T06:46:00.000-05:00

There's something about getting a good night's sleep, especially when you haven't had one that wasn't alcohol induced in a while. There's something about resolution that brings calm to a very troubled mind. There's something about forgiveness that melts anger like an ice cube in a glass of freshly brewed sweet tea. And there's something about truth that brings peace, finally.

The truth? I am a person who has made some very bad choices.

The truth? I am a person who has turned on someone who really was a friend; and trusted those who were not.

The truth? I react very badly when I don't have complete control over situations

The truth? .... is sometimes hard to tell and very hard to face, but easier when you know you must.

The truth? Life is hard, but God is good.

The truth? I look forward to another good night's sleep tonight.

A GIRL AND HER BALLOON

2006-08-08T06:09:00.000-05:00

Okay - let's set the record straight. I DO NOT plan on filing assault charges against Andy Lee of the Molson & Lee show on WMAY.

"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?" you ask.

Well, if you were listening to the show yesterday, you heard about the CRAZY, FREAK-ISH accident that happened Friday afternoon at the Unite to Fight Cancer Cookout at the offices of Roy Mason of Edward Jones.

All the hosts here at WMAY were participating in the SOAK A HOST fundraising part...where people could pay money to throw a ball at a bullseye hoping to burst a big ol' balloon full of water of the head of a host. Needless to say, I WAS SOAKED many, many times.

When Andy Lee's time came to sit under the balloon, a wimpy little child was having problems hitting the bullseye. I, of course, being the champion of children, helped the kid by manually hitting the bullseye for him. AND I PAID AND EXTRA FIVE DOLLARS TO DO IT. (all for a good cause, of course) Andy, being the poor sport that he is, waited until my back was turned, picked up one of the industrial strength water balloons and hurled it at the back of my head.

Now, the freakish part is that the balloon DID NOT break. And even more freakish? It rendered me unconscious for about 2 seconds and I hit the ground. It took a few minutes for me to regain my composure, and all was well with the world following that moment.

I did contemplate filing assault charges against him; however, I have decided against that action.

Carry on.

VOTE FOR THE BEST OF SPRINGFIELD 2006

2006-07-30T17:46:00.000-05:00

http://www.illinoistimes.com/gyrobase/

Just click on the banner at the top of the home page that says BEST OF SPRINGFIELD and go from there.

Of course, it wouldn't hurt my feelings at all if you decided to vote for TALBACK NOW! with Pamela Furr as your favorite talk show host...

IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE??

2006-07-10T19:44:00.000-05:00

One would think in the year 2006, in a community rich in medical facilities, that one could find a doctor. BUT NOOOOOOO...

I spent the entire day trying to get in to see my doctor. But apparently if you haven't been to see him in over a year, then you are no longer considered a patient and have to start all over as a new patient...which means waiting a couple of months to get in to see the doctor you thought you had. WOW - that's an eye opener. I've been generally healthy, so I haven't had a need to see my doctor. UNTIL TODAY.

Okay, next step.

I called my insurance company to find out who else is in my network that I could possibly go see.

"As a new patient?"

They sent a list of doctors...I CALLED THEM ALL. "Yes, we'll see you November blah, blah, blah."

"I'm sorry, ma'am, BUT I NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR TODAY. "

"Then you'll have to go to the emergency room."

"But ma'am, it's not an emergency YET. That's what I'm trying to prevent."

"Then perhaps you should call an Urgent Care Center or Prompt Care Center."

Okay - next step.

"Hello, my name is Pamela Furr and I have yadda, yadda, yadda problem going on." (*I won't give details here...let's just say it's an ob/gyn thing and leave it at that*) "I really need to see someone today. I'm weak, dizzy, shakey, and ....etc, etc."

BOTTOM LINE, I was able to finally talk to a nurse practioner (sp) who advised me on the phone and ordered bloodwork. I go back in three weeks for an actual DOCTOR to do an examination.

WHAT IS UP WITH ALL OF THIS? Is there never a doctor available anymore? Are we experiencing a shortage these days? Why does it take so long to get an actual appointment if you're a new patient? Can someone explain all of this to me?

In the meantime, here's something for your reading pleasure.

10 Signs That You Need a New Doctor
by Mary J. Shomon

1. Your doctor doesn't respond to calls or faxes.

Do you find yourself leaving message after message, but not getting a return call for days?
Are you ending up going several days without medicine because your doctor won't approve a refill until you make an appointment?

2. Your doctor's office is unresponsive, disorganized, or rude.

Are you ending up going several days without medicine because your doctor's office hasn't called in a refill, despite your requests?
Are you finding out that the office staff are not getting your messages to the doctor?
Are the office staff members rude on the phone, or in the office?
Does the office regularly make billing mistakes, overcharge you, or lose paperwork?
Have you ever showed up for a scheduled appointment, only to be told that there's no record of your appointment?

3. Your doctor dismisses the Internet as a source of quackery and nonsense.

Does your doctor refuse to look at any information you bring in from the Internet?
Does your doctor think that everything on the Internet is foolish quackery, and tell you so?
Is your doctor entirely unaware that the National Library of Medicine, most major medical journals, and the literature from most professional medical organizations is on the Internet?

4. Your doctor is unwilling to explore your ideas.

When you bring up a symptom or concern, does your doctor quickly assume that it's something like Âage, hormones, not enough sleepÂ and fail to explore other medical causes?
If you request a test for a particular condition, does your doctor say ÂYou don't have that condition,Â and refuse to order a test?
If you asked for a different drug, or a new drug for your condition, does your doctor usually refuse, without a reasonable explanation?

5. Your doctor is interested in selling expensive products or services.

Do you always leave your doctor's office with bottles and jars of vitamins, supplements, powders and potions, and books, videos or other materials that set you back several hundred dollars, and that the doctor claims you can only get from him/her?
Does your doctor regularly recommend remedies that only he or she sells?
Does your doctor regularly recommend costly treatments, provided at his or her office, that are not covered by your insurance?
Do you find surprises in your bill, and charges that you don't understand, and can't get decently explained?

6. Your doctor doesn't listen.

Does your doctor pop in and out of the examining room or office to take phone calls while you are having an appointment?
Does your doctor sit at his or her desk and read, go through mail, or type on the computer while you are having an appointment?
Do you find that your doctor is asking you the same questions over and over, indicating that he or she doesn't remember what you've said?

7. Your doctor doesn't see the bigger picture.

Does your doctor view each appointment independently, and not remember symptoms or conditions you've had in the past?
Does your doctor fail to pull our your chart and review your history for a few moments to look for patterns in symptoms?
Do you get the feeling like your doctor never has read your chart or history? 8. Your doctor is influenced by a pharmaceutical company.
Does your doctor have mousepads, pens, pencils, prescription pads, calendars, mugs, patient information literature, wall charts and posters, and other paraphernalia with drug or pharmaceutical company logos plastered on them?
Does your doctor refuse to allow you to switch to competing brands of drugs, but fails to provide a rational reason other than Âthis drug is just better?Â

9. Your doctor is arrogant or rude.

Is your doctor one of those men or women who truly think they are Âholier than thouÂ and act accordingly?
Does your doctor make you wait for extremely long periods of time, but never apologizes for the delays or for making you wait?
Would your doctor NEVER say ÂI don't know the answer?Â
Does your doctor interrupt you or act impatient when you are speaking?
Does your doctor ever talk to you in a condescending or patronizing way, as if he or she thought you weren't very bright, or were a child?

10. Your doctor is not your partner in wellness.

Ideally, we want our doctors to quickly diagnose and cure us, and sometimes this is the case. But there are times when your doctor may not be able to make you well. The best he or she may be able to do is help minimize symptoms, optimize your health as best as possible, or make you more comfortable given a particular condition. A doctor who is your partner in wellness will work with you to explore the situation, get the best possible diagnosis, explore treatments, finetune treatments as necessary Â working in partnership with you. A doctor who is your partner will treat you with courtesy and respect, will listen to you, and will incorporate you into the decisionmaking process.

Remember, of course, that there is no perfect doctor. A great doctor may have almost every quality you want, but be a bit more costly than you'd like. Or you may have the best doctor, but he or she always runs late and keeps you waiting. Or the doctor is so popular you have a 4 month waiting list for routine appointments. You can't expect perfection! But do expect a doctor who will make his or her best effort on your behalf. You and your health deserve it!

COMING UP ON THE SHOW..This week

2006-07-10T15:56:00.000-05:00

Thanks for all of your sweet prayers and kind words. I will be back on the air tomorrow (7/11) after a day of tests and being sent everywhere trying to find a doctor who would examine me. (More on that story tomorrow)

However, here's what's coming up this week on TALKBACK NOW! With Pamela Furr

TUESDAY - Liz Allison with details on her new book THE GIRLS GUIDE TO NASCAR. I became acquainted with Liz in Nashville when I was a producer and have stayed in touch with her ever since. She was previously married to race car driver Davy Allison until his untimely death in 1993..is an author and radio host in Nashville. I'm looking forward to having her back on the show on Tuesday!!

WEDNESDAY - Todd Renfrow from CWLP with Jay Bartlett. They'll be discussing the controversial deal that's been reached with the Sierra Club, an evironmentalist group. Plus, it's our weekly TRIBUTE TO SERVICE where this week we'll introduce you to a brand new sponsor!

** also scheduled: One of the judges from Mo'Nique's Fat Chance...a beauty contest for REAL WOMEN on the Oxygen Channel airing this coming Saturday. Don't laugh. There are some very sexy plus-sized women in this world. I like to count myself in that number, baby.

KEEP LISTENING FOR DETAILS ABOUT THE FOLLOWING EVENTS:

Pamela's monthly AFTER HOURS PARTY at Floyd's
Pamela co-hosting the upcoming Illinois State Fair Parade
Pamela participating in the WINE, WOMEN AND SONG fund-raising event for the Illinois Symphony Orchestra...your chance to spend an evening with Pamela with a bottle of wine and incredible conversation
Pamela a celebrity bartender at a legendary tavern in Central Illinois

....and this is just the short list.

DEMOCRATS EYEING OBAMA FOR 2008

2006-06-18T08:57:00.000-05:00

Democrats are urging Sen. Barack Obama to run for president in 2008. Read the article from MSNBC.

This conversation came up on the show on Thursday. And here's the problem I have with Obama.

I like Obama. I like what he has to say and I like the way he inspires people. I believe he has the "it" factor, and that's something you CANNOT manufacture. However, even with the "it" factor, if you are planning on running for President, don't you have to have some sort of track record of doing something for the people you plan on leading? I'm thinking at least with the people you are representing before you take on the whole country? (Clinton had 8 years as Gov. So did George W. So did Reagan. Carter was Gov, wasn't he? Ford was a senator for a while before he became VP, wasn't he?)

I'm afraid if Obama isn't careful, he'll end up like John Edwards, the former senator from North Carolina. Now, I'm no fan of Edwards, for lots of reasons.

Edwards did NOT have the "it' factor, but he did have support from his party who decided to groom him for the presidency; and then launched him long before he was ready. He had only been a U-S Senator for 2 years before he publicly launched his campaign for the presidency. HE HAD DONE NOTHING FOR THE PEOPLE OF NORTH CAROLINA. He was absent on most votes in the senate, introduced very little legislation, etc. Edwards hadn't even been a local politician. So he knew little about representing the people who elected him to do so.

Obama, on the other hand, at least has a little history with a section of the people of Illinois as a former state legislator. HOWEVER, he really has yet to do much for the state in DC...mostly because he hasn't had that much time there. That's the part that scares me, if he decides to run for President.

He says the right things, has the right friends, and is raising a ton of money. BUT IS THAT ENOUGH? Is America ready for an African-American President in 2008? What about a VP if he runs on a Hillary ticket?

I think he should stay where he is and do some good for Illinois first...

I expect great things from Obama. I'm just waiting with great anticipation for those things to happen.

CONFUSING LOVE WITH OBSESSION

2006-06-11T17:42:00.000-05:00

I get obsessed about things, I admit it.

"Do I look fat in this dress?"
"Will he call?"
"Is anyone listening to my show today?"

I even get obsessed about people sometimes.

"Taylor Hicks - will he win American Idol?"
"Mayor Davlin - will he say hello to me at the next city council meeting?"

Confusing love with obsession is an entirely different matter.

I was struck recently by a story out of Jacksonville involving two 16-year-old girls. Struck because of the tragedy involved in the story and struck because I am acquainted with one of the parties involved.

You see, two young girls were involved with the same young man. One girl was six months pregnant by the young man, and the other also reportedly carrying the man's child. *although the latter had not been confirmed. For the sake of the story, let's refer to the characters as Jane Doe and Jill Doe respectively.

Obviously lots of hormones raging here, and obviously very little impulse control.

My sources tell me that Jane had a bit of an obsession with the young man and was none to happy that Jill was anywhere near "her man," let alone was pregnant by him. Her obsession led to an altercation at school. Jane punched Jill in the face.

Two weeks passed and the obsession continued to fester which led to another altercation...and this time Jane didn't use her fists. She used an SUV to run Jill over in a parking lot. Why? Jill was talking to "her man." Jill is currently in intensive care. The baby she was carrying is dead and Jane is in custody. Two lives changed forever.

It's called the obsessive love wheel: Attraction leads to anxiety. Anxiety leads to obsession. Obsession leads to destruction.

It happens to more people in this country than we may realize...and unfortunately the patterns develop early in childhood.

According to John Moore, an addictions counselor in Chicago, and author of the book Confusing Love with Obsession, a child growing up in an environment where the parents were emotionally unavailable could grow up seeking attention from other sources and could use control to keep people from leaving. Moore says it is not uncommon for people who confuse love with obsession to be the childhood victims of verbal, psychological or physical abuse...maybe even all three.

I don't know what kind of home Jane lived in. Currently she's in a jail cell. What were the signs that she was about to do something so destructive? Could school officials have prevented such a vicious attack on another student? And what happens when these children eventually begin to confuse love with obsession?

Are they the future stalkers of America? Are they the future murder/suicide victims of Sangamon County? Are they the one night stands who manipulate their way into your apartment building? Are they the psychos standing outside your shower with a knife?

TO STAND OR NOT TO STAND, THAT IS THE QUESTION

2006-05-31T08:02:00.000-05:00

HERE'S THE STORY FROM THE STATE JOURNAL REGISTER...

A Glenwood Middle School parent says she will appeal her daughter's suspension for a "tagging" incident and also seek an apology after two school employees allegedly ordered her daughter to stand during the Pledge of Allegiance and place her hand over her heart.

Okay, although Illinoisdoes require schools to lead students in the Pledge, courts have upheld students' right to not participate.

FINE. NO PROBLEM.

But what are we teaching our students? What are we teaching our children and future leaders of America?

I don't have a problem with this family if indeed their reasoning behind their child not participating in the Pledge of Allegiance is because of their Chilean background.

I do, however, have a problem with parents and schools teaching children and students that it's okay to do whatever you want to do.

It's okay, kids, if you don't feel like saying the Pledge, then don't do it. It's okay, kids, if you don't feel like doing your homework, then don't do it. It's okay, kids, if you don't feel like answering your teacher when they speak to you, then don't do it. (*sarcasm*)

I have to ask you. When these kids are out in the real world and these kids get a real job, what are they going to do when their real boss says that there is a meeting every Monday at 8am that requires attendance? Are those kids going to say, "well, I don't' really feel like it and it's my right to be there at 8:15am?"

If you don't want to say the Pledge, then DON'T. But unless it's an act of protest, then STAND UP. Show that you respect others who are taking a moment to pledge their allegiance to their country. I don't believe you're being unpatriotic for not standing, you're just being rude to the rest of the class.

Obviously, if, as stated in the article, the teachers made the comments they made to this particular student, then they should be reprimanded for it.

WHAT IS IT WITH MEN?

2006-05-25T07:50:00.000-05:00

I just don't get it. I JUST DON'T GET IT. Can a man not EVER be wrong? EVER??? Can he not be wrong and just leave it at that?

"I was wrong and I admit it."

That's all that a "real" man has to say when he is wrong.

However, I'm finding that those "real" men are few and far between. Instead, I'm presented everyday with men who have to qualify their admission of inaccuracy with an explanation of their wrongness.

Here's an example from the most recent admission of wrongness from my co-worker Jim Leach:

I admit it. I was completely wrong about this year's "American Idol" competition. I absolutely misread the public mood. Having temporarily repressed my memories of Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Jessica and Ashlee Simpson, and Rob Schneider, I foolishly allowed myself to believe momentarily that America would prefer a classy, talented, warm and charismatic singer to a goofy flash-in-the-pan novelty act.

I, of course, as a southern lady, a gracious soul, and a kind human being will try very hard not to mention every five minutes that what Jim is truly upset about is the fact that I WAS RIGHT. He just can't say it. HE JUST CAN'T BRING HIMSELF TO SAY THE WORDS, "Pamela, you were right" and leave it at that.

He owes me a four-course lunch at Robert's Seafood. Let's see if he's man enough not to hedge on his bet. Obviously, he'll qualify his losing to me with some sort of wordy mumbo-jumbo. Just don't lose sight of the real truth... JIM WAS WRONG -- and Taylor Hicks is an American Idol.

(oh yeah, and I was right.)

THIS IS ME

2006-05-12T11:10:00.000-05:00

It's been an interesting week for me, to say the least. I've gone from the top of an emotional scale to the bottom all in a span of about 4 days. No need to go into details, but if you listened to my show at all on Wednesday or Thursday or even Friday, you get the idea of what could have possibly happened. BOTTOM LINE IS THIS, I'm 37 years old. I've lived a full life...I'm looking forward to living so much more. I've made INCREDIBLE mistakes over the years. Those mistakes could make tabloids look tame. I've lost friends, family and my own self-respect because of those misakes. BUT I LIVED THROUGH THEM. They made me who I am today...and today I'm someone that I actually like. With the exception of the extra pounds I have on my body, I LIKE ME... I know who I am and what I am and what I want out of life. Unfortunately, there are those who can't handle that. There are those who don't want to be around that. I won't judge. That's fine. I don't want anyone in my life that really doesn't want to be there. But rest assured, I will NOT apologzie for who I am and what I expect out of other people. I will NOT apologize for how I expect to be treated by friends, family and co-workers; and I will NOT apologize for being a strong, opinionated, passionate, God-fearing woman. I will celebrate it! It took me a long time and a lot of heartache to get to this place in my life and I will shout it to the heavens - THANK YOU LORD FOR MAKING ME WHO I AM!! These lyrics to a Faith Hill song say it better than I could ever say it..."This Is Me"

I HAVE MY ADDICTIONS
I KEEP MY SHARE OF SECRETS
AND THINGS YOU'LL NEVER SEE
I GET SELFISH AND DEFENSIVE
AND PAY TOO MUCH ATTENTION
TO MY INSECURITIES
I'M JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE
I TRY TO LOVE JESUS AND MYSELF

YES, MY HEART BREAKS FOR THE HOMELESS
I WORRY ABOUT MY PARENTS
AND ALL MY BILLS ARE LATE
YES, I'M DEALING WITH THE CHANGES
THIS COMPLICATED STRANGENESS
OF SEEING LIFE THIS WAY
I'M JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE
I TRY TO LOVE JESUS AND MYSELF

I LAUGH AT SILLY MOVIES
TEAR UP WHEN I SEE BABIES
AND I'M STUBBORN AS A STONE
I CRITICIZE MY BODY
I WONDER IF I'M READY
TO EVER BE ALONE
I'M JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE
I CRY JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE

I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVE
OR WHAT YOU THINK OF WHAT YOU SEE
BUT THIS IS A PART OF ME
OF WHAT I DO AND WHO I AM
ALL OF MY IMPURITIES
ARE RIGHT HERE ON MY SLEEVE
THIS IS ME

PAMELA FURR'S WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE

2006-05-03T07:54:00.000-05:00

Here we go, ladies and gentlemen...
LET'S GET HEALTHY.

As I've mentioned on the show, I am determined to get this weight off my body. I've been motivated for the past 6 weeks to make some real changes in my life that will effect my health.

So, I'm challenging you to hold me accountable to get 50 pounds off by Christmas. Will you help?

May I help you in any way? Post here your problems with weight and excercise, and let's help each other live healthier, happier lives.

AND GET THIS --

Alderman Frank Edwards wants to get in on the challenge.

He's putting $500.00 on the table and vowing that he will lose 50 pounds before Christmas...so he and I are in a race to win!!

Whoever loses, has to give the money to a local charity. He'll lose, so I'm not worried at all. :)

Post your thoughts, problems, advice, recipies for food and success.

DALLAS THE MOVIE

2006-03-10T15:07:00.000-06:00

There's word that DALLAS will be coming to the big screen in the future. HOW COOL WILL THAT BE? Well, that is if the writers create a descent script and the producers put together an awesome cast.

There are rumors that John Travolta will play JR Ewing, and Catherine Zeta-Jones will play Pam Ewing. Hmmm.. JOHN TRAVOLTA AS JR?? I don't know if I can get behind that. I've been told I need to rent PRIMARY COLORS to get a feel for that again. It's not so much the southern accent that I can't buy into, it's the back-slapping, wheeling and dealing that I'm not sure I can buy from John Travolta. BUT MAYBE...

So we had some fun on the air today.

Who would you cast in the big screen version of DALLAS? Do what I did...and picture Jock, Miss Ellie, JR and the rest of the clan around the big dinner table dressed in suits and high heels... what faces do you think you'd see?

Here's what we came up with on the air:

JOCK EWING: Clint Eastwood
MISS ELLIE: Jessica Lange
JR. EWING: Okay, John Travolta...but if that doesn't work, GARY SENISE
SUE ELLEN: Sharon Stone
BOBBY EWING: Matthey McConahey (which I believe may be actually who is being cast in real life)
PAM EWING: Sandra Bullock
LUCY EWING: Jessica Simpson
RAY CREBS: Heath Ledger (although I think I read on the Dallas website that Brad Pitt is rumored to be playing him... HMMM...interesting)
DIGGER BARNES: Willie Nelson
CLIFF BARNES: I don't know if we came up with a Cliff Barnes
KRISTEN: Catherine Zeta Jones (she looks more like Kristen than Pam Ewing to me)

So what do you think?

IT'S BEEN A WHILE

2006-03-10T15:03:00.000-06:00

Okay -
I have completely abandoned my blog. SORRY ABOUT THAT. I don't know what got into me... maybe it's all the hours I've been putting in at WMAY... maybe it's that I thought I met a nice guy there for a minute... maybe it's that I'm just too lazy sometimes to blog.

REGARDLESS OF THE REASON, I'm back.

More ranting and raving on the way...

SHOULD I TAKE A DRUG TEST?

2006-01-31T06:53:00.000-06:00

So Alderman Tom Selinger thinks the media, reporters and talk-show hosts should have to take a drug test? (that is, if he has to take one)

Well, Tom, you cough up the $40 it costs to take the test, and I'll be right there with you. Otherwise, I can think of a ton of other things I can spend the $40 on... (cosmopolitan anyone?)

-- Pamela

RUMORMILL...

2006-01-27T06:48:00.000-06:00

The rumormill can be vicious. The rumormill can be devastating. The rumormill is not-always-as-TRUE as one would like it to be.

Let's take a deep breath. Let's wipe the spittle from our mouths (I seem to have to say that a lot lately) and calm down a bit. THE ONLY FACTS SO FAR ARE...

NO ONE WAS ARRESTED YESTERDAY.
TWO PEOPLE WERE FIRED FROM THE STATE'S ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. (or asked to resign) Those two people have been questioned by federal agents investigating an alleged drug ring in Springfield.

That's pretty much it. The rest is speculation at this point. EVERYONE who is ANYONE in Springfield is adding their two cents and the stories keep getting bigger and bigger.

"Hey, did you hear? So-and-so has been in rehab for months and now they're being bust in this coke ring"

"Hey, this goes all the way to the top. Did you hear? So-and-so was dragged from his office in hand-cuffs by the Feds. Heads are going to roll..."

"Hey, my reliable source is telling me that blah, blah, blah, blee, blee, blee."

In such a small town, everyone is connected to someone who knows somebody....Maybe only a two degree of separation.

Be careful. Half of the rumors I was told yesterday turned out to be untrue.

My best advice? Hush for a while and just listen. You'll be amazed at the truth you'll hear in the silence.

WIPE THE SPITTLE FROM YOUR MOUTH, FRIEND

2005-12-19T07:51:00.000-06:00

We don't know whether President George W. Bush broke the law or not. What am I talking about? The news that came out on Friday that the President allows the US to spy on callers without using the courts to get approval. Lawmakers from both parties are calling for a congressional investigation on whether or not federal law was broken.

I said Friday on my show that I'm concerned that the President may have overstepped his limits, but I DON'T KNOW THAT FOR SURE.

Why don't we wait and see what happens? Why don't we find out exactly what happened. Why don't we wait and find out exactly why the New York Times sat on this story for a year before releasing it. (I've heard word that the White House asked them to, but I haven't heard that directly from the NYT yet)

So, wipe the spittle from your mouth, liberals, and try not to use the "I" word until it's warranted.

MIKE WILSON SIGHTING...

2005-12-10T10:38:00.000-06:00

Everywhere I go, people ask me "Have you heard from Mike Wilson?" "Have you seen Mike Wilson?" "What is Mike Wilson doing?"

Just to let you know, I did see Mike Wilson not long after his departure from WMAY. He looked good, was in good spirits, and was tossing 'em back with some local Springfield VIP's at Sebastians. (My kind of guy...at my kind of place)

So what is he doing now? His blog has this bit of information:

I'm too much of a mid-westerner to not be employed. Staying at home with my family has been fantastic, but collecting money just because I don't have a job isn't for me. After a lot of thought, some hardship, oodles of emails and phone calls, and several different offers from supportive friends and acquaintances, I have made a choice regarding the career path I want to follow. I have decided that my future is in politics, and with the office of Senate President Emil Jones.

Awesome! Mike will shine in the world of politics. He's smart, funny, and young. He'll do so very well.

I raise my glass to you, Mike Wilson. Stay in touch.

LET THE BASHING BEGIN

2005-11-18T15:39:00.000-06:00

I'm seeing all of these posts on other blogs regarding the decision by WMAY management to let Mike Wilson go. I'm seeing all of these posts on other blogs bashing me and my show. So, let's see if you have the courage to say it (or write it) to my face.

I believe in free speech. But I have to wonder what good is any of this doing anyone at all??

MIKE WILSON - I liked him a lot. He'll land on his feet. I'll be jealous.

'nuff said.

THUMBS UP OR DOWN?

2005-11-16T21:17:00.000-06:00

I certainly believe that women have a different idea of what a "date" is than men do. I believe that women think that if a man invites and pays for the drinks, movie, dinner, whatever, then it's a date. It could be a "friendly" date or a "romantic" date...but it's a date.

Maybe this is how Oprah thinks. Or at least "was" thinking before she was the billionaire that we know and love today.

I was watching her 20th anniversary flashback show on Monday. Here's what she said:

Roger Ebert and I had gone on a date. . . . We went to a movie. He told me that syndication would be a good thing for my show, that there were people who syndicated his show [with Gene Siskel] who'd be interested in talking to me about it." - Date With Destiny: OPRAH WINFREY says a date with Roger Ebert changed her life.

Okay, nice walk down memory lane. But I can't get past the fact that she was on a "date" with Roger Ebert. ROGER EBERT?? Again, maybe it was one of those "friendly" dates between professionals. It did change her life. Maybe not the way Ebert was hoping...

I have to wonder. Did she get the "thumbs" up or down??

WHO SAID THIS??

2005-11-16T21:08:00.000-06:00

The date was October 10, 2002.

The quote is as follows:

In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missle delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort and sanctuary to terrorists including Al Qaeda members, though there is apparantly no connection to the terrible events of September 11th, 2001. It is clear, however, that left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemcial warfare and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons.

Who said it?

JEB BUSH FOR PRESIDENT

2005-11-13T12:22:00.000-06:00

Could it be? Another Bush in the White House? Well, not anytime soon. Not even during this decade. But brother Bush certainly left the door wide open for a 2012 run. Read it here.

ONLY A SOUTHERNER KNOWS...

2005-10-31T21:41:00.000-06:00

** Please note. I did not write this. It was sent to me in an email. **

Only a Southerner knows the difference between a hissie fit and a conniption fit, and that you don't "HAVE" them, you "PITCH" them.

Only a Southerner knows how many fish, collard greens, turnip greens, peas, beans, etc., make up "a mess."

Only a Southerner can show or point out to you the general direction of "yonder."

Only a Southerner knows exactly how long "directly" is - as in: "Going to town, be back directly."

Even Southern babies know that "Gimme some sugar" is not a request for the white, granular sweet substance that sits in a pretty little bowl in the middle of the table.

All Southerners know exactly when "by and by" is. They might not use the term, but they know the concept well.

Only a Southerner knows instinctively that the best gesture of solace for a neighbor who's got trouble is a plate of hot fried chicken and a big bowl of cold potato salad. If the neighbor's trouble is a real crisis, they also know to add a large banana puddin!

Only Southerners grow up knowing the difference between "right near" and "a right far piece." They also know that "just down the road" can be 1 mile or 20.

Only a Southerner, both knows and understands, the difference between a redneck, a good ol' boy, and po' white trash.

No true Southerner would ever assume that the car with the flashing turn signal is actually going to make a turn.

A Southerner knows that "fixin" can be used as a noun, a verb, or an adverb.

Only Southerners make friends while standing in lines. We don't do "queues," we do "lines"; and when we're "in line," we talk to everybody!

In the South, 'y'all' is singular....'all y'all" is plural.

Southerners know grits come from corn and how to eat them.

Every Southerner knows tomatoes with eggs, bacon, grits, and coffee are perfectly wonderful; that red eye gravy is also a breakfast food; and that fried green tomatoes are not a breakfast food.

When you hear someone say, "Well, I caught myself lookin'," you know you are in the presence of a genuine Southerner!

Only true Southerners say "sweet tea" and "sweet milk." Sweet tea indicates the need for sugar and lots of it -- we do not like our tea unsweetened. "Sweet milk" means you don't want buttermilk.

And a true Southerner knows you don't scream obscenities at little old ladies who drive 30 MPH on the freeway. You just say,"Bless her heart" and go your own way.

LET ME BE CLEAR...

2005-10-31T08:47:00.000-06:00

I am not, for one second, defending Scooter Libby. (read my other blogs about the fact that most people do not care about Scooter Libby)

I can't figure out, for the life of me, why he lied to the FBI and lied to the Grand Jury. What was the point? Patrick Fitzgerald even pointed out that it was not against the law for government officials to discuss amongst themselves that Valerie Plame was a CIA agent.

In the information that Patrick Fitzgerald did release, it doesn't seem that Scooter Libby even leaked the information to Robert Novak.

So, why did he lie??

I will not be one of those conservatives who say it's just a technicality and that it's really not that important. OF COURSE IT IS. It's a huge character flaw. Just like with the Clinton scandal. It wasn't about Clinton getting a little in the Oval office. It was about lying about it to a Grand Jury, to the special prosecutor, and to the American people.

If it's proven that Cheney, Bush or anybody else lied to me intentionally to cover up anything, I'll be the first to say IMPEACH 'EM, FIRE 'EM, BURN THEM AT THE STAKE.

But for now, we've got an indictment of Libby. He resigned. And the consequences for his actions are enormous.

* By the way, does it strike anyone as JUST WRONG when you hear that Libby may face 30 years behind bars, yet we have sex offenders, monsters who prey after our children, who walk the streets after maybe a year or two in a jail cell??

WHAT DID HE SAY ANYWAYS???

2005-10-30T12:59:00.000-06:00

So, now that Scooter has been indicted, what’s next? Who knows? And why was he indicted again? Oh yeah, he lied to the FBI and he lied to the Grand Jury. Bad form, man. Bad form. You should know better.

But what started all this hub-bub?

In case we’ve forgotten, it started with 16 words in the State of the Union address in 2003 that critics say were fabricated.

"The British government has learned that Saddam Hussein recently sought significant quantities of uranium from Africa."

Stephen Hadley, who was then Condoleezza Rice's deputy at the National Security Council and who is now national security adviser, has taken the blame for the inclusion of the uranium claim in the president's address.

So, what else did the President have to say during that State of the Union address? I keep hearing arguments that those 16 words are what the President used to give cause to go to war…and those 16 words had no merit. But is that the only reason we went to Iraq? Let’s refresh our memory of the speech. (this could get long, so be warned)

Today, the gravest danger in the war on terror, the gravest danger facing America and the world, is outlaw regimes that seek and possess nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons. These regimes could use such weapons for blackmail, terror, and mass murder. They could also give or sell those weapons to terrorist allies, who would use them without the least hesitation.

Is there any doubt that this is a true statement? Outlaw regimes that seek and POSSESS nuclear, chemical and biological weapons ARE the gravest danger in the war on terror.

This threat is new; America's duty is familiar. Throughout the 20th century, small groups of men seized control of great nations, built armies and arsenals, and set out to dominate the weak and intimidate the world. In each case, their ambitions of cruelty and murder had no limit. In each case, the ambitions of Hitlerism, militarism, and communism were defeated by the will of free peoples, by the strength of great alliances, and by the might of the United States of America. (Applause.)

TRUE.

Now, in this century, the ideology of power and domination has appeared again, and seeks to gain the ultimate weapons of terror. Once again, this nation and all our friends are all that stand between a world at peace, and a world of chaos and constant alarm. Once again, we are called to defend the safety of our people, and the hopes of all mankind. And we accept this responsibility. (Applause.)

TRUE. Is there any dispute that since the early 90’s Iraq was a threat to not only the US but to other countries as well?

America is making a broad and determined effort to confront these dangers. We have called on the United Nations to fulfill its charter and stand by its demand that Iraq disarm. We're strongly supporting the International Atomic Energy Agency in its mission to track and control nuclear materials around the world. We're working with other governments to secure nuclear materials in the former Soviet Union, and to strengthen global treaties banning the production and shipment of missile technologies and weapons of mass destruction.

In all these efforts, however, America's purpose is more than to follow a process -- it is to achieve a result: the end of terrible threats to the civilized world. All free nations have a stake in preventing sudden and catastrophic attacks. And we're asking them to join us, and many are doing so.

TRUE.

Yet the course of this nation does not depend on the decisions of others. (Applause.) Whatever action is required, whenever action is necessary, I will defend the freedom and security of the American people. (Applause.)

Different threats require different strategies. In Iran, we continue to see a government that represses its people, pursues weapons of mass destruction, and supports terror. We also see Iranian citizens risking intimidation and death as they speak out for liberty and human rights and democracy. Iranians, like all people, have a right to choose their own government and determine their own destiny -- and the United States supports their aspirations to live in freedom. (Applause.)

TRUE. TRUE.

On the Korean Peninsula, an oppressive regime rules a people living in fear and starvation. Throughout the 1990s, the United States relied on a negotiated framework to keep North Korea from gaining nuclear weapons. We now know that that regime was deceiving the world, and developing those weapons all along. And today the North Korean regime is using its nuclear program to incite fear and seek concessions. America and the world will not be blackmailed. (Applause.)

Anyone trying to dispute the above?

America is working with the countries of the region -- South Korea, Japan, China, and Russia -- to find a peaceful solution, and to show the North Korean government that nuclear weapons will bring only isolation, economic stagnation, and continued hardship. (Applause.) The North Korean regime will find respect in the world and revival for its people only when it turns away from its nuclear ambitions. (Applause.)

True, AGAIN.

Our nation and the world must learn the lessons of the Korean Peninsula and not allow an even greater threat to rise up in Iraq. A brutal dictator, with a history of reckless aggression, with ties to terrorism, with great potential wealth, will not be permitted to dominate a vital region and threaten the United States. (Applause.)

So now we get into Iraq and our promise that we will not allow him to accomplish what he has clearly wanted to accomplish for over a decade.

Twelve years ago, Saddam Hussein faced the prospect of being the last casualty in a war he had started and lost. To spare himself, he agreed to disarm of all weapons of mass destruction. For the next 12 years, he systematically violated that agreement. He pursued chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons, even while inspectors were in his country. Nothing to date has restrained him from his pursuit of these weapons -- not economic sanctions, not isolation from the civilized world, not even cruise missile strikes on his military facilities.

Two presidents before George W. agreed with the above statement. Herbert Walker & William J.

Almost three months ago, the United Nations Security Council gave Saddam Hussein his final chance to disarm. He has shown instead utter contempt for the United Nations, and for the opinion of the world. The 108 U.N. inspectors were not sent to conduct a scavenger hunt for hidden materials across a country the size of California. The job of the inspectors is to verify that Iraq's regime is disarming. It is up to Iraq to show exactly where it is hiding its banned weapons, lay those weapons out for the world to see, and destroy them as directed. Nothing like this has happened.

True.

The United Nations concluded in 1999 that Saddam Hussein had biological weapons sufficient to produce over 25,000 liters of anthrax -- enough doses to kill several million people. He hasn't accounted for that material. He's given no evidence that he has destroyed it.

The United Nations concluded that Saddam Hussein had materials sufficient to produce more than 38,000 liters of botulinum toxin -- enough to subject millions of people to death by respiratory failure. He hadn't accounted for that material. He's given no evidence that he has destroyed it.

PLEASE NOTE – The United Nations came to these conclusions. Is it such a stretch to believe that had we not invaded, and Saddam knew for months, along with everyone else, that we would…is it such a stretch to believe that he got rid of the evidence? Is it such a stretch to believe that terrorist regimes have now what Saddam once possessed? Is it such a stretch to believe that Saddam hid the evidence in other parts of the country that, well, we aren’t in right now?????

Our intelligence officials estimate that Saddam Hussein had the materials to produce as much as 500 tons of sarin, mustard and VX nerve agent. In such quantities, these chemical agents could also kill untold thousands. He's not accounted for these materials. He has given no evidence that he has destroyed them.

U.S. intelligence indicates that Saddam Hussein had upwards of 30,000 munitions capable of delivering chemical agents. Inspectors recently turned up 16 of them -- despite Iraq's recent declaration denying their existence. Saddam Hussein has not accounted for the remaining 29,984 of these prohibited munitions. He's given no evidence that he has destroyed them.

From three Iraqi defectors we know that Iraq, in the late 1990s, had several mobile biological weapons labs. These are designed to produce germ warfare agents, and can be moved from place to a place to evade inspectors. Saddam Hussein has not disclosed these facilities. He's given no evidence that he has destroyed them.

Again, note – HAD SEVERAL MOBILE BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS LABS. Um…MOBILE, mobile, MOBILE.

The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed in the 1990s that Saddam
Hussein had an advanced nuclear weapons development program, had a design for a nuclear weapon and was working on five different methods of enriching uranium
for a bomb. The British government has learned that Saddam Hussein recently
sought significant quantities of uranium from Africa. Our intelligence sources
tell us that he has attempted to purchase high-strength aluminum tubes suitable
for nuclear weapons production. Saddam Hussein has not credibly explained these
activities. He clearly has much to hide.

BINGO. The paragraph from hell. Within you will find the 16 words that have been the focus for two years now. What about everything else in this speech? There have been no other arguments to dispute the other VERY VITAL, VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION IN THIS SPEECH.

The dictator of Iraq is not disarming. To the contrary; he is deceiving. From intelligence sources we know, for instance, that thousands of Iraqi security personnel are at work hiding documents and materials from the U.N. inspectors, sanitizing inspection sites and monitoring the inspectors themselves. Iraqi officials accompany the inspectors in order to intimidate witnesses. Soldiers, in fact, have found evidence of documents and some materials that were hidden from U.N. inspectors
Iraq is blocking U-2 surveillance flights requested by the United Nations. Iraqi intelligence officers are posing as the scientists inspectors are supposed to interview. Real scientists have been coached by Iraqi officials on what to say. Intelligence sources indicate that Saddam Hussein has ordered that scientists who cooperate with U.N. inspectors in disarming Iraq will be killed, along with their families.

This is all true. ALL OF IT.

Year after year, Saddam Hussein has gone to elaborate lengths, spent enormous sums, taken great risks to build and keep weapons of mass destruction. But why? The only possible explanation, the only possible use he could have for those weapons, is to dominate, intimidate, or attack.

With nuclear arms or a full arsenal of chemical and biological weapons, Saddam Hussein could resume his ambitions of conquest in the Middle East and create deadly havoc in that region. And this Congress and the America people must recognize another threat. Evidence from intelligence sources, secret communications, and statements by people now in custody reveal that Saddam
Hussein aids and protects terrorists, including members of al Qaeda. Secretly,
and without fingerprints, he could provide one of his hidden weapons to terrorists, or help them develop their own.

Before September the 11th, many in the world believed that Saddam Hussein could be contained. But chemical agents, lethal viruses and shadowy terrorist networks are not easily contained. Imagine those 19 hijackers with other weapons and other plans -- this time armed by Saddam Hussein. It would take one vial, one canister, one crate slipped into this country to bring a day of horror like none we have ever known. We will do everything in our power to make sure that that day never comes. (Applause.)

Some have said we must not act until the threat is imminent. Since when have terrorists and tyrants announced their intentions, politely putting us on notice before they strike? If this threat is permitted to fully and suddenly emerge, all actions, all words, and all recriminations would come too late. Trusting in the sanity and restraint of Saddam Hussein is not a strategy, and it is not an option. (Applause.)

The dictator who is assembling the world's most dangerous weapons has already used them on whole villages -- leaving thousands of his own citizens dead, blind, or disfigured. Iraqi refugees tell us how forced confessions are obtained -- by torturing children while their parents are made to watch. International human rights groups have catalogued other methods used in the torture chambers of Iraq: electric shock, burning with hot irons, dripping acid on the skin, mutilation with electric drills, cutting out tongues, and rape. If this is not evil, then evil has no meaning. (Applause.)

And tonight I have a message for the brave and oppressed people of Iraq: Your enemy is not surrounding your country -- your enemy is ruling your country. (Applause.) And the day he and his regime are removed from power will be the day of your liberation. (Applause.)

The world has waited 12 years for Iraq to disarm. America will not accept a serious and mounting threat to our country, and our friends and our allies. The United States will ask the U.N. Security Council to convene on February the 5th to consider the facts of Iraq's ongoing defiance of the world. Secretary of State Powell will present information and intelligence about Iraqi's legal -- Iraq's illegal weapons programs, its attempt to hide those weapons from inspectors, and its links to terrorist groups.

We will consult. But let there be no misunderstanding: If Saddam Hussein does not fully disarm, for the safety of our people and for the peace of the world, we will lead a coalition to disarm him. (Applause.)

Tonight I have a message for the men and women who will keep the peace, members of the American Armed Forces: Many of you are assembling in or near the Middle East, and some crucial hours may lay ahead. In those hours, the success
of our cause will depend on you. Your training has prepared you. Your honor will
guide you. You believe in America, and America believes in you. (Applause.)

Sending Americans into battle is the most profound decision a President can make. The technologies of war have changed; the risks and suffering of war have not. For the brave Americans who bear the risk, no victory is free from sorrow. This nation fights reluctantly, because we know the cost and we dread the days of mourning that always come.
We seek peace. We strive for peace. And sometimes peace must be defended. A future lived at the mercy of terrible threats is no peace at all. If war is forced upon us, we will fight in a just cause and by just means -- sparing, in every way we can, the innocent. And if war is forced upon us, we will fight with the full force and might of the United States military -- and we will prevail. (Applause.)

So let us not forget EVERYTHING that was said in that speech. Let’s not take out of context one phrase that admittedly should not have been in the speech.

Unfortunately I think the military has forgotten what was in that speech. Unfortunately I think the American people have forgotten what was in that speech. And unfortunately I believe the President has forgotten what he said in that speech.

COULD MOLSON & LEE BE RIGHT?

2005-10-29T12:09:00.000-05:00

I guess being involved in news/talk radio for over six years has blinded me to the realities of the world. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in what’s going on in politics that I forget what people care about. I think I learned that hard lesson yesterday when one of the biggest political news stories that have come down the pike in a while happened on October 28, 2005. Scooter Libby was indicted for lying to the FBI and lying to the Grand Jury. THAT’S HUGE!! HUGE, I TELL YA.

But I’m thinking that most people will just have to take my word for it. Why? ‘Cause most people don’t have a clue who Scooter Libby is.

Unless you watch Fox News or CNN, or you’re listening to WMAY or some other news/talk show, Scooter Libby means nothing to you.

How do I know this? I asked. I was at a Junior Blues game last night, and several people commented on the great job I did singing the National Anthem. (How self-serving was that last sentence?) I said THANK YOU, of course, and then asked… “Hey – how ‘bout that Scooter Libby? Pretty interesting, huh?” and the eyes of the people glazed over.

“Who?”

“Scooter Libby.”

“Isn’t that the guy who broke into the Watergate Hotel? Did he die?”

“No, no, that’s G. Gordon Liddy. He’s still alive. Scooter Libby, the Vice President’s Chief of Staff.”

“Oh. (pause) Who?”

You get the idea. So could Molson & Lee be right? Have I been living in my little news/talk world so long that I have forgotten that people just don’t care about politics?

And let me take it a little step further. If people really don’t care, then I doubt that the liberal talking heads could be right. (Jim Leach, are you paying attention?) From the “left” side of the political world, people are leaping for joy. WOOO WHOOO! Scooter Libby charges…Bush Administration in a tailspin. The American people are learning that the Bush Administration uses lies and fabrications to dictate policy and take us to war.

BAH.

If the American people have no clue who Scooter Libby is, then how is this HUGE story that the majority of America isn’t paying attention to going to affect their opinion of the White House? And how can 2,000 people (the average number of people polled when the polling takes place) speak on behalf of nearly a billion people in this country? Are the 2,000 people news/talk junkies? Are they random people who HAPPEN to watch CNN & Fox News a lot? How old are the 2,000 people? Are the 2,000 people voters? What part of the country are the 2,000 selected from? And do they have any idea WHO Scooter Libby is?

Molson and Lee might be right. WHO CARES?

EMILY POST - VS - BOB MURRAY

2005-10-26T20:00:00.000-05:00

I realize that I'm a southern girl, and by being a southern girl, my ways may not be your ways. (considering the fact that Illinois is not generally known as a southern state.)

I also realize that Bob Murray is a name that's been known around the broadcasting world of central Illinois for years...

But let me tell you -- the man needs a lesson in good old-fashioned manners.

I had the pleasure of joining several media types for lunch today to hear the Mayor and other city government types explain why the "temporary" sales tax should remain permanent. We were gathered in a back room away from the general lunch-dining crowd. Jim Leach and I arrived a little late because, well, I'm on the air until noon. Luncheon started at noon.

Upon entering the room, most were already seated and had already ordered. NO PROBLEM. There were a few seats available and I went for the seat that was opened next to Mr. Bob Murray. My big behind (and yes, I know it's big) was halfway down when Mr. Murray said "Move over there, I want to sit next to Jim Leach." I kinda laughed, as did a few other people and proceeded to continue to sit down. "No, go ahead and move over there, I want to sit next to Jim Leach." Mind you, he didn't stand to say that...He didn't really even acknowledge that another lady had entered the room (Abby from WCFN and another from NPR were there already), and probably most importantly he never even uttered the word PLEASE.

Now by this time the entire room is looking at me. What's a girl to do? So I got up, got my stuff, smiled real big and said "Sure thing - not that you're rude or anything." The room kinda laughed uncomfortably.

What happened to being a gentleman? Where I come from a gentleman stands when a lady enters a room. Where I come from a gentleman pulls out the chair for a lady. And where I come from a gentleman certainly doesn't make a spectacle of the fact that he's not happy with the seating arrangements and asks the lady to move.

If it was such an issue, and his desire was so great to sit next to the incomparable Jim Leach, then the gentlemanly thing to do was to get up and move to an empty seat next to Leach.

I'm here to say today BOB MURRAY, he's no gentleman. Maybe an excerpt from Emily Post on the proper etiquette when a lady enters the room will help Mr. Murray the next time I have the pleasure of making his acquaintance.

A gentleman always rises when a lady comes into a room. In public places men do not jump up for every strange woman who happens to approach. But if any woman addresses a remark to him, a gentleman at once rises to his feet as he answers her. In a restaurant, when a lady bows to him, a gentleman merely makes the gesture of rising by getting up half way from his chair and at the same time bowing. Then he sits down again.

WOULDN'T IT BE IRONIC??

2005-10-09T20:25:00.000-05:00

Nearly 30,000 feared dead from the quake that rumbled across a wide region of South Asia from central Afghanistan to western Bangladesh. It swayed buildings in the capitals of three nations, with the damage spanning at least 250 miles from Jalalabad in Afghanistan to Srinagar in northern Indian territory. In Islamabad, a 10-story building collapsed.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake's epicenter was about 60 miles northeast of Islamabad in the mountainous area of Pakistani Kashmir. The 7.7-magnitude earthquake is considered the worst on record in Pakistan.

At least 22 aftershocks were felt within 24 hours, including a 6.2-magnitude temblor. Hospitals moved quake victims onto lawns, fearing more damage, and many people spent the night in the open. (information courtesy of Fox News)

Indications are that the quake shook the border region of Afghanistan and Pakistan...which happens to be the area where Osama Bin laden is reportedly located. Hmmm...wouldn't it be ironic that this natural disaster takes out the most wanted man alive? And if he is dead (please note, there are no official reports that he is) would we consider this natural disaster a blessing in disguise?

OLD, NEVER MARRIED.... GAY?

2005-10-04T13:15:00.000-05:00

Rumors abound, my friends. Could Harriet Miers, Bush's nominee for the Supreme Court, be gay?

UGH...SICK...UGH...

2005-10-03T11:10:00.000-05:00

Well the theory of playing hurt has caused us all to be sick. I heard a rumor that Mike Wilson will also be out today. UGH... ugh...

I hate this. I've been in bed for 3 days, and I've not been having fun. Of course, my trusty little laptop is right in here with me. It's a handy little thing to use when there's nothing else on TV to watch. I've seen all the Judge Judy's, Andy Griffith's, and reality shows I can stand. Over 200 channels and I've seen them all.

UGH...

GAS PRICES AT AN ALL TIME ... wait, that was during Katrina

2005-09-25T12:45:00.000-05:00

WTF??? So, the gas price spike during Hurricane Katrina was all hype after all. Here's Rita, right behind it... NOT A CENT OF A SPIKE in Central Illinois. At least not one that I have seen. We've been had, people. We've been had.

MAYBE I'M JUST A LITTLE HOMESICK

2005-09-14T21:59:00.000-05:00

I can't explain it. Maybe it's the changing in the season. Maybe it's that I'm getting older. Maybe it's that I realize how much my life has changed since I moved to Springfield... but I find myself a little depressed. Okay, I find myself VERY depressed. I have been for a few weeks now. Can't really put my finger on it, really.

For years and years and years this particular week was always an important one to me. It was the week of the National Quartet Convention.

Okay, don't laugh.

Now, I'm not talking about the barbershop quartets, I'm talking about gospel quartets like the Oak Ridge Boys and J. D Sumner and the Stamps Quartet. Yep, they have a yearly convention. And over the years it's progressed to include other gospel artists that were not quartets.

I lived for the National Quartet Convention. (and again, don't laugh. Talk to artists like Axl Rose and the like and they'll tell you they used to loooooove the NQC. His big dream was to perform on the stage of the NQC...)

So, it's going on this week, and I'm not there.

Oh well.

In the meantime, I've gained weight since I moved to Springfield and I drink a little too much.

THIS HAS GOT TO STOP!! I love my job and I love all of you wonderful people of the capitol city... I think I'll join Fit Club tomorrow and get back to the weight you see in the picture to your left.

But first, I'll finish this bowl of ice cream and drink this wonderful cosmopolitan. -- Nite nite

GEORGE W. BUSH - NOW THERE'S A REAL MAN

2005-09-13T14:31:00.000-05:00

I'm serious. I'm as serious as I can be. How many times do we beg people to just take responsibility for mistakes and move on?? George W. Bush did that today.

"To the extent that the federal government didn't fully do its job right, I take responsibility."

Asked if Americans should worry that the government remains unprepared to respond to another major disaster or a terrorist attack, Bush said:

"Katrina exposed serious problems in our response capability at all levels of government."

Bush himself raised questions about preparedness, after four years of record spending on domestic security since September 11, 2001.

"Are we capable of dealing with a severe attack or another severe storm? That's a very important question and it's in our national interest that we find out exactly what went on so we can better respond."

Yes. Thank you. Now let's move on. George W. will speak to the nation on Thursday night about the recovery and about the long-term plans for rebuilding.

Now isn't it time for Mayor Nagin of New Orleans and Gov. Blanco to step up to the plate and say, "we take full responsibility for dropping the ball"?

MY TURN TO BUSH BASH

2005-09-02T06:38:00.000-05:00

Okay - mark it down. ON THIS DATE IN HISTORY I'M GOING TO HAVE TO BASH PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH.

Isn't what's happening in New Orleans, and other places, the first test of our nation's Homeland Security since 9-11?

Wouldn't you say that our nation's Homeland Security dropping the ball here? I've been doing some studying on this. Where are the "tent cities" that the army is well-known for? These "tent cities" have air conditioning, medical equipment, toilets, water, etc. These "tent cities" were available for all of the Cuban refugees that flooded our country in the early 80's. Where are they for Americans? Surely there are places to set these up outside of the destruction that's not 9 hours away. (Houston the nearest dry place for refugees?)

Why is the Pentegon just now sending troops to get things under control? I agree that it's a state's job to deploy it's National Guard, but WTF? Why has it been taking so long? And if the Governor can't get the job done, isn't that when the Feds need to step in?

My heart is breaking right now. To look at the faces of the desperate, the hungry, the angry AMERICAN CITIZENS is devestating. How can we continue to let these people suffer?

HOMELAND SECURITY? Bull-shit. Feel more secure after 9-11? First test - GOVERNMENT GETS A GREAT BIG "F".