Blonde Ambition: Midnight Blue Says

2/8/2008 - CPAC 2008

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 23:54:24 GMT

Thanks for surfing on to Ancora Imparo!

If you are looking for my commentary, photos and video of CPAC 2008, please click HERE

I will be updating Ancora with my latest observations and phots from my new Aerogarden and my rant regarding BSG. Not sure how to link these two disparate subjects together - but I'll figure something out.

Cheers!

12/25/2007 - Christmas 2007

Tue, 25 Dec 2007 11:16:28 GMT

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my readers!

12/19/2007 - A New Year...A New Hydroponic Garden

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 22:59:47 GMT

The Aerogarden Pro 200 is scheduled to be shipped in February 2008. For a taste of what this garden can grow surf over to Everyday Kitchen. My inspiration for this type of indoor gardening stems from reports of Hydroponic Tuesday over at Barnyard BBS

12/15/2007 - Meeting Joey Vento

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 20:29:53 GMT

A day in the life of Joey Vento.

Story, photos and video can be found HERE

12/15/2007 - Mission Accomplished

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 20:20:58 GMT

Cards delivered as promised - see the photos and video HERE.

11/19/2007 - iRoomba.....Do You?

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 21:42:10 GMT

Confession of a Woot addict:

I admit that I am a Woot addict, and have been one for quite some time. I'm not alone in this addiction. It is the first topic of conversation at the office, where my coworkers compare their latest purchases and speculate on when the next woot-off or bag-of-crap will occur on Woot.

Additionally, there is a unofficial competition at the office to collect the largest number of woot-shirts. There have been many nights when my alarm was set at 2 am to catch the latest woot shirt. Ah, the life of an addict...

My latest purchase is the iRobot Roomba 4296 Remote Schedular Robotic Vacuum. Woot claims its "low-profile design fits under beds, sofas, and other tight spots where conventional vacuums can't reach". It acts just like my precious Pomeranian, but with better results! Below is a photo of the Roomba snagged from Woot:

Below is a recent photo of Le Poofy Dog:

I look forward to the iRoomba vs Poofy Dog interaction!

Stay tuned for the video.

11/11/2007 - Veterans Day 2007

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 16:00:08 GMT

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

- John McCrae, "In Flanders Fields," 1915

10/23/2007 - De-Animator

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 23:24:31 GMT

De-Animator, an addictive online game based on the writings of H.P. Lovecraft. Your goal is to stop the zombies as they arise and go forth from the graveyard armed only with a six-shooter. I got to stage 11 in my first serious attempt to play this game...not bad for a girl facing off against zombies. Then again, I've got lots of real life practice...

Hat Tip to Benji over at Barnyard BBS for getting me hooked on this game.

10/23/2007 - Ninja Photographer

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 22:50:12 GMT

Now that's a lotta lens....

Drop whatever it is you are doing and surf on over to Sean Carpenter's pbase gallery. You will be awed and inspired by his work and collection of photographic gear.

10/22/2007 - Polar's Debut

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 21:48:42 GMT

I'd like to introduce you to the newest member of our family - Polar. He is pictured above resting after a long day at the Chester County Victory Rally.

Polar is a greyhound rescue from NGAP, an organization that works tirelessly to rehome racing greyhounds and to stop the cruel practices of dog racing. A 'sport' glamorized in Matt Damon's breakout movie "Good Will Hunting'.

He is two years old and had come to the end of his racing career. Without the intervention of NGAP, Polar would most likely have been hung, electrocuted or left to starve to death. Bullets and lethal drugs are an expensive option in euthanizing a large numbers of dogs. Fortunately this will not be the fate of Polar, he will have a livetime of love in his forever home.

10/14/2007 - Root Beer Testimonial

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 10:07:05 GMT

Things you encounter at protest/rally's:

A photographer swaggered into the Chester County Courthouse rally on Saturday proclaiming Virgil's Root Beer to be the best rootbeer on earth.

"The best?" I replied.

He took a swig of this proported nectar of the gods then carefully placed it on the wall next to me.

"Yep", he replied.

Hmmm, a glowing endorsement, indeed. Not one to blindly accept whatever I'm told, I looked into what makes this root beer superior to all others. The website for Virgil's Root Beer is overflowing with praise of this product:

Think of Virgil's as a gourmet root beer. We're what Ben and Jerry's is to ice cream, what Dom Perignon is to champagne. We're a micro-brewed root beer made with all-natural ingredients. We use herbs imported from around the world and unbleached pure cane sugar. Virgil's is a 100% natural root beer made with no artificial ingredients or preservatives and has no caffeine! Virgil's is also gluten free!

A micro brewed Root Beer made with all natural ingredients. Does this make it the 'best on Earth" or does the wandering photographer own stock in this product? I believe I'll indulge in some Root Beer research before I render any opinion on Virgil's or any other root beer product. Stay tuned for my Root Beer reviews....

10/6/2007 - Hanging with Infidels

Sat, 06 Oct 2007 19:52:45 GMT

Tonight, I'm happy to have the opportunity to guest host on BlogTalkRadio's outrageously popular The Infidel Show.

You can listen to the show HERE

Wanna talk to me? The Call-In number is: (646) 915-8582 - Verbal bitchslaps are complimentary.

10/1/2007 - Jedi Knight Photographer

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:32:29 GMT

One of the many benefits of Saturday's pro-victory rally, besides laughing at hapless University students, was to have the opportunity to meet Don Springer. He is Vietnam Veteran, a member of PGR ( Patriot Guard Riders) and one hell of a photographer.

Think I'm kidding? Be prepared to be shocked and awed at Streetshooter

9/30/2007 - Frakking For Peace

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 16:01:03 GMT

Had a fabulous time countering the weekly smear campaign by the Chester County Peace organization. The above poster was held by a student who was directed by her professor to attend the protest.

I believe she thought this was a shockingly original phrase for her poster. In fact, it is not- I've come across this tired phrase numerous times over the years. Plagerism is NEVER original.

Let us take a closer look at this statement. The ideas compared in this phrase are not mutually inclusive - they are polar opposite in meaning. All through human history fighting (wars) have all eventually ended with peace. Peace is common outcome of fighting (war). Making love , especially when one or both partners are virgin, tends to have an outcome of a net loss of virginity. Once it is gone, it is unrecoverable.

Unless you are doing it wrong.

But I digress.

The two phrases that compose this statement are not comparable, but opposite of each other. SIGH....

More thoughts on the day's events, photos and video can be found on MidnightBlue

The complete set of photos can be found on Flickr

9/27/2007 - Flu Facts

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 20:12:59 GMT

Flu Vaccine Facts & Myths

Flu season is just now starting and I encourage all my readers to help protect yourself and your loved ones by getting a Flu Shot. Listed below are several common misconceptions surrounding the Flu Vaccine and the facts to help you in your decision to get the flu shot. If you have any other concerns regarding the Influenza, the vaccine or even Avian Flu, please leave a comment or email me via my contact form. I'll be happy to answer any of your questions or concerns.

MYTH: “The flu isn’t a serious disease.”

FACTS: Influenza (flu) is a serious disease of the nose, throat, and lungs, and it can lead to pneumonia. Each year about 200,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized and about 36,000 people die because of the flu. Most who die are 65 years and older. But small children less than 2 years old are as likely as those over 65 to have to go to the hospital because of the flu.

MYTH: “The flu shot can cause the flu.”

FACTS: The flu shot cannot cause the flu. Some peopleget a little soreness or redness where they get the shot. It goes away in a day or two. Serious problems from the flu shot are very rare.

MYTH: “The flu shot does not work.”

FACTS:Most of the time the flu shot will prevent the flu. In scientific studies, the effectiveness of the flu shot has ranged from 70% to 90% when there is a good match between circulating viruses and those in the vaccine. Getting the vaccine is your best protection against this disease.

MYTH: “The side effects are worse than the flu.”

FACTS: The worst side effect you’re likely to get from a flu shot is a sore arm. The nasal mist flu vaccine might cause nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat and cough. The risk of a severe allergic reaction is less than 1 in 4 million.

MYTH:“Only older people need a flu vaccine.”

FACTS: Adults and children with conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease need to get a flu shot. Doctors also recommend children 6 months and older get a flu shot every year until their 5th birthday.

MYTH:“You must get the flu vaccine before December.”

FACTS: Flu vaccine can be given before or during the flu season. The best time to get vaccinated is October or November. But you can get vaccinated in December or later.

For more information, ask your healthcare provider or call 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)

Website : CDC

9/27/2007 - Students VS Constitution

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 19:59:12 GMT

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;

BOULDER, Colo. — About 50 Boulder High School students walked out of class Thursday to protest the daily reading of the Pledge of Allegiance and recited their own version, omitting "one nation, under God."

The students say the phrase violates the constitutional separation of church and state.

They also say the daily reading of the pledge over the school public address system at the start of the second class takes away from education time and is ignored or mocked by some students.

*SIGH* If only these students had paid attention in their language arts class, perhaps they would comprehend the difference in meaning between the phrases "Freedom FROM Religion" and "Freedom OF Religion". The Pledge is not their problem, nor is it unconstitutional. Their demonstration against the Pledge is a testament to their shoddy education - too bad they haven't a care about that.

9/20/2007 - Gathering of Eagles

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 20:54:11 GMT

Gathering of Eagles 3 - Eagle Justice - September 15, 2007

My videos of the event can be found on YouTube

My photos of the event can be found on Flickr

Review of the day, more photos and video can be found on MidnightBlue

9/5/2007 - Dicaprio Sinks!

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 22:27:08 GMT

It's a good thing Leonardo DiCaprio made so much money from "Titanic" a decade ago.

His environmental documentary, "The 11th Hour" has been a total bust at the box office. After 18 days in release, the film has grossed only $417,913 from ticket sales. The 90-minute snore-fest is playing on 111 screens this week, but that number is likely to be reduced this Friday. The film will be sent to DVD heaven after that.

11th Hour, an aptly named film...sorry..won't be viewing this movie unless I score a copy of it online. Why pollute the environment any more so by purchasing a copy from Borders.

9/3/2007 - Videocasting by Skye

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 20:44:18 GMT

I'm still in the early stages of planning and development of a videocast for Ancora Imparo. Based upon what I've researched on the web about how to go about setting up a video cast for the blog, I've gathered together a few essential items: Green material, halogen lights, Photoshop Elements bundle and a digital video camera.

If you are interested in this new blogging technology, I've found some particulary useful YouTube Videos that you may want to check out:

Mark Apsolon

SMP Films

EDWorks

I'm looking at a Chroma Green Screen from B&H, unless a certain camera store in Delaware can provide the chroma green muslin.

9/3/2007 - Movie Review: Fight Club

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 18:53:15 GMT

Fight Club - 1999

If you are reading this then this warning is for you. Every word you read of this is useless fine print is another second off your life. Don't you have other things to do? Is your life so empty that you honestly can't think of a better way to spend these moments? Or are you so impressed with authority that you give respect and credence to all who claim it? Do you read everything you're supposed to read? Do you think everything you're supposed to think? Buy what you're told you should want? Get out of your apartment. Meet a member of the opposite sex. Stop the excessive shopping and masturbation. Quit your job. Start a fight. Prove you're alive. If you don't claim your humanity you will become a statistic. You have been warned... Tyler"

Uh-huh.

Official Synopsis

In this movie Edward Norton is the narrator who suffers from a lack of sleep. He tries different ways to cure this, but he does not succeed. He does get some sleep, but his conditions rebounds back into it's original state when he meets a lovely young woman, whose name is Marla. He finds out that she and he both have a lot in common and they spend a lot of time together. While touring, he meets an enigmatic young man named Tyler and after a short conversation both become fast friends. Both like to relieve their inner tensions by hitting each other. Soon word gets around about their fights, and lots of young people also get interested. Then a club is formed, which the narrator and Tyler call 'Fight Club'. Both start spending a lot of time and both also make lots of money. Then one day the narrator finds out that Tyler has been using him. You must really watch this movie and find out why the narrator feels this way about his friend

Skye's Review:

The first rule of Fight Club is you don't talk about Fight Club.

I'm all about breaking group think rules, so let us discuss this movie. It took two sittings for me to view this movie in its entirety. Why? I just too frakking busy.

My first impressions of this film, and of the main characters inhabited by the actors Edward Norten and Brad Pitt, is of gratitude that I never fell for the ideology of group-think. The film itself was a visual treat for its time, dark and gritty, with the special effects enhancing the story arc and not smothering it. Splicing in nansecond images of Brad was a clever echoing of the storyline. Did you catch all the instances in this movie, I did.

Both actors were incredibly believable in their roles - you do not see Brad Pitt and Edward Norton - only Tyler Durden.

Is this an allegory for the redemption of man's self determination? Yes and...No. As Jack reflects on the begining of the tumultous relationship with Tyler, you see what the PC generation has wrought. Stripped of every drop of animus by strict adherence to political correctness, he tries to fill the gap with furniture from Ikea and attending various cancer support groups. This is the pathetic heap that calls himself Jack when he strikes up a friendship with Tyler. And yes, I do mean STRIKE. After discovering his condo blew up, he finds himself at an all-night diner with Tyler - major kung-fu occurs and the Fight Club is born.

Jack's passive agressive behavior is at odd with the world around him. - as is with any passive agressive personality. Real change is difficult and most people need a catalyst in order to change, that catalyst in this story is Tyler Durben. Tyler is everything Jack is not, but dreams of being. The change in this character was refreshing, and in a violent way he was reclaiming his lost self. As the story rolled along, the change from emancipation to yet another form of servitude became more evident. There are people in this world who do not want to be a rugged individualists (insert your favorite jab at the DNC) but seek out servitude of one kind or another. They simply WANT to be sheeple - "In Tyler We Trust". At the end of this movie, Jack finds himself back in a same predictament that instigated his rebellious rejection of his life.

How quickly emancipation can become servitude. This movie shines an unflinching light on this particular human trait and is a great source for thought on this subject.

Skyes Verdict:

Go out and add this to your movie collection - NOW.

9/1/2007 - Photo Friday: Insignificance

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:07:03 GMT

Each week Photo Friday posts a photo assignment. Your mission is the creative interpretation of the week's theme. When you're done, post the picture you took to your website and submit your link to Photo Friday.

Photo Friday is about challenging our participants to be original and creative within the constraints of the week's theme. It's not a competition. Anyone with a camera and a place on the internet to post pictures can participate.

8/29/2007 - Answering ANSWER

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 21:49:35 GMT

Michelle Malkin stands with the Eagles on September 15th

As retired Army Col. Harry Riley explains, “Unlike the 60s and 70s, the anti-war lemmings will not have the streets or the political stage to themselves. This time, Eagle Americans — we who support our troops, understand the stakes in the War on Terror and the true nature of our enemy, who aren’t blinded by an insane hatred of our way of life and our form of government — will also be in Washington, D.C., to show Congress that we will not tolerate another betrayal of our own forces or our allies…While the anti-democracy forces are well-funded by pro-left, anti-Americans, we Eagles have steadily been building our own coalition to stop ANSWER in its tracks, and keep Congress focused on winning the war, not their political ambitions.”

I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

See y'all in DC!

8/28/2007 - Bullets over Iraq

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 23:32:41 GMT

Who said there is nothing of importance to be gleaned by surfing the Internet?

Tonight I learned the difference betweeen a cartridge and a bullet.

The Dissident Frogman took time from his busy schedule to present a quick lesson in the difference between the two and the humiliation of a certain AFP reporter is an added bonus.

8/21/2007 - Hilaryisms

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 23:13:38 GMT

To follow Mike's quick take on "Heil Hilary, the Surge is Working". I'd like to draw attention to an exclusive interview she gave to the magazine marieclaire where she had these gems to share with the fawning Joanna Coles.

JC: Critics say that because you're a woman you've got to be doubly tough on the issue of war. Do you agree?

HC: No, I don't. I feel like I have to do what I believe is right. I don't think we need to have an either/or debate about the use of military force — I think you can be both tough and smart. And we haven't had that for the last six-and-a-half years. We are desperately in need of the kind of smart diplomacy that has worked for America in the past. If you use force, it should be a last resort. And it needs to be used with full understanding of the consequences. I bring the experience that I had in eight years in the White House where Bill did intervene in places like Bosnia and Kosovo but did it in a smart, effective way. George Bush — the first George Bush — also [was effective] in putting together a real coalition, not a pretend coalition.

Oh this is priceless - she lived 8 years in the White House as the neglected WIFE of the President, now on the campaign trail she is attempting to parlay the experience into something else? Does this mean during the Clinton Administration she was making decisions reserved for those ELECTED by the populace? Hmmm...it is interesting that she highlights this part of her 'career' and not the actions she undertood as a Senator.

Okay, can somebody clearly explain the liberal..er progressive qualifiers that differentiate a make a 'real' coalition from a 'pretend' coaliton? Is there some kind of global test that is needed? Insulting our global allies is the perfect way to sink the idea of a "smart diplomacy". FYI: Here is the LIST of coalition members that Hilary has insulted in this interview.

JC: If you were president, how would you deal with Darfur?
HC: I would have put on sanctions that were much tougher much earlier. I think we should consider a no-fly zone, because the Sudanese air force provides air cover and bombs a lot of the villages in conjunction with the Janjaweed raids on these villages.

No-fly zones worked so well with Saddam's regime, it really stopped the violence occuring on the ground in Iraq. When President Bush mentioned Darfur in his 2007 State of the Union address, Democrats leapt to their feet, clapping wildly. When he spoke of victory in Iraq a few seconds earlier, however, most Democrats (Hilary included) sat in stony silence. Those on the Left keep telling us that we're not the world's police, yet at the same time are demanding US involvment in Darfur. As much as it appalling to witness the genocide occuring in the Sudan, the same liberals (Hilary and ilk) who demand US involvment to 'save Darfur' have damned the Sudanese by their fanatical criticism of the US having done the same in Iraq.

8/14/2007 - Blogging the Surge

Tue, 14 Aug 2007 22:25:15 GMT

The concept of blogging the surge was developed by a fellow Philadelphia blogger - Bill T - who states: I'll be blogging the surge daily beginning today. The war in Iraq is finally beginning to create good headlines and the people of the United States are beginning to see progress.

I strongly agree with this philosophy so I've decided participate in blogging the surge with posts here and on my blogs. So, let's start with the man in charge of the surge strategy - General Petraeus - a man loved by the troops and and feared by his opponents in Iraq and abroad. What talents and strategy does General Petraeus bring to the table? Below is a biography of the General, taken from Operation Iraqi Freedom:

General David H. Petraeus assumed command of the Multi-National Force-Iraq on February 10th, 2007, following his assignment as the Commanding General, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth. Prior to assuming command at Ft. Leavenworth, he was the first commander of the Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq, which he led from June 2004 to September 2005, and the NATO Training Mission- Iraq, which he commanded from October 2004 to September 2005. That deployment to Iraq followed his command of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), during which he led the “Screaming Eagles” in combat throughout the first year of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His command of the 101st followed a year deployed on Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia, where he was the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations of the NATO Stabilization Force and the Deputy Commander of the US Joint Interagency Counter-Terrorism Task Force-Bosnia. Prior to his tour in Bosnia, he spent two years at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, serving first as the Assistant Division Commander for Operations of the 82nd Airborne Division and then as the Chief of Staff of XVIII Airborne Corps.

General Petraeus was commissioned in the Infantry upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1974. He has held leadership positions in airborne, mechanized, and air assault infantry units in Europe and the United States, including command of a battalion in the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and a brigade in the 82nd Airborne Division. In addition, he has held a number of staff assignments: Aide to the Chief of Staff of the Army; battalion, brigade, and division operations officer; Military Assistant to the Supreme Allied Commander - Europe; Chief of Operations of the United Nations Force in Haiti; and Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

General Petraeus was the General George C. Marshall Award winner as the top graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College Class of 1983. He subsequently earned MPA and Ph.D. degrees in international relations from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, and later served as an Assistant Professor of International Relations at the US Military Academy. He also completed a fellowship at Georgetown University. Awards and decorations earned by General Petraeus include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, two awards of the Distinguished Service Medal, two awards of the Defense Superior Service Medal, four awards of the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal for valor, the State Department Superior Honor Award, the NATO Meritorious Service Medal, and the Gold Award of the Iraqi Order of the Date Palm. He is a Master Parachutist and is Air Assault and Ranger qualified. He has also earned the Combat Action Badge and French, British, and German Jump Wings. In 2005 he was recognized by the U.S. News and World Report as one of America’s 25 Best Leaders.

This biography might well explain why the surge is going so well.

The combination of a precision fighting force and a capable leader will result in stupendous results. Results that we have caught glimpses of in the main stream media - even they are begrudgingly admitting to this universal truth.