Todd Stoger - I'm Feeling You, Cousin!

Jesus, I feel for Todd Stroger. I am a cousin, too. ( much to the chagrin of many of my hundreds of Chicago cousins and even a few, I am sure, back in County Kerry) However, I would be the cousin resigning - no doubt. Thank the Good Lord Cousins, that I still manage to eke out a living away from the family trades - carpenters, plumbers,electricians and engineers. Likewise, I have managed to avoid Public Service in the employ of City, County, State and Federal programs. Remember that flood in the early years of Mayor Daley's reign? That would have been my doing.

America was built on Family and Family Obligations. My own paternal family came to this country as teenagers - Left County Kerry, Ireland after the families - Sullivan and Hickey - threw an American Wake*. A little girl, Nora Sullivan, age 13 was treated to a party by the family and neighbors in Cahirciveen** and Larry Hickey, age 14, the same on Crinna Mountain, Castleisland***. They would most likely never go home again. My grandfather returned but my grandmother had 'no desire to return whatsoever!'

They met in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood at a Ceili ( an Irish Dance)fell in love and started a family. They brought their young brothers and sisters to America with pennies they saved from cooking for the rich Yanks and working in the Stockyards.

Cousins were taken care of as well. Anyone from miles around their home towns in Kerry were helped to secure work here in Chicago. Strikes and Depressions and hardships were met head-on and better life was formed here in Chicago and more cousins arrived.

I have been taken care of by uncles and aunts and cousins. Many times much to their disappointment -'That nephew of yours in useless!' One of the most important admonitions learned was 'Don't Kill the Job! Your uncle Dan went to bat for you - it is his word that you are working.'

I became a teacher because I liked to read. Teaching made me less of a burden on a family of highly skilled tradesmen with singularly dedicated work ethics. However, I fully understand the familial nature of helping out cousin. As my particular talents and shortcomings do not lend themselves to helping secure work, I am rarely - if ever - asked to 'go to bat' for a cousin.

Todd Stroger placed a cousin on the job. He stuck his neck out for a family member. The Holier Than Everyone Crowd ( Academic Affirmative Action Time-Servers, News Hound Free-Buffet Investigative Journalist -'Where's My V.I.P Passes to the Taste?' and your Boiled Beet Progressives) will heap scorn on Todd Stroger.

I feel for the guy. The bright spot, Mr. Stroger, is that I am not your cousin - you would really be in the jackpot!

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger's cousin has quit her job as the county's chief financial officer amid questions about her relationship with a fired county employee.

Stroger told the Chicago Tribune on Friday he asked Donna Dunnings for her resignation and Dunnings agreed.

Stroger spokesman Sean Howard says the resignation follows Stroger's firing of the patronage worker after learning he had a felony criminal conviction. Howard says that after the man was told he was fired he made "explosive" allegations against Dunnings.

Stroger won't detail the allegations or provide information about the relationship between the man and Dunnings. But he says Dunnings has bailed the man out of jail a number of times. Dunnings has an unlisted telephone number and couldn't be reached for comment.
Information from: Chicago Tribune, http://www.chicagotribune.com

*American Wake

Open up the door, she's standin' there
With the smile in her eyes but the gray in her hair
Betrays the fact you strayed far from home
With your drinkin', your smokin', your whorin' around
Sit down by the fire, put your feet on the grate
Spend the night reminiscin' 'til the hour grows late
Always remember at the end of the day
You can always go home - you just can't stay

Then it's off to the pub for to see your old mates
Ah, they all look older, but nothin' has changed
And you drink 'til you're nearly out of your head
"Hey, what are yez all doin' snakin' off to bed"
Then you're outside her flat but she's no longer there
And the tears scald your eyes as you think of her hair
In the photo they sent you of her wedding day
You can always go home - you just can't stay

Then you see her at Mass with the kids at her side
And it all comes back in the blink of an eye
The tears and the laughter, the love and the lies
And that dress she wore the night you said good-bye
Then her husband says "it's good to have you back"
And she smiles for a moment and squeezes your hand
But you know what she's thinkin', she doesn't have to say
You can always go home - you just can't stay

And you swear to yourself time and time again
It was all in the past, she don't mean anything
Now your life is full of laughter and bars
What did you leave behind, just the sun, the moon and the stars

Then it's up in the mornin' at the crack of dawn
With your stomach churnin', she says "c'mon now, Sean,
You'll be late for the plane," but that crack in her voice
Betrays the fact that you made your choice
A long time ago, now there's no turnin' back
'Cause last night you had your American Wake
And the bells are still ringin', can't you hear what they say
You can always go home - you just can't stay

Say good-bye in the wind and the pourin' rain
One last drink at Shannon Airport, then we're outa here,
History around here, catch you again next year
Landin' at Kennedy, all you feel is the pain,
But it's too late, 'cause last night you had your American Wake.
This page has been viewed 1094 times
© Larry Kirwan

http://www.celtic-lyrics.com/forum/index.php?autocom=tclc&code=lyrics&id=21


**http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cahersiveen

***http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castleisland

French President Sarkozy Is Wise to President Obama - The American Media LapDogs follow Bo!

The Doc Looks into America's Gutless Media!



A Chicago Reader responds to an Article in The Times U.K. in which French President Nick Sarkozy gives President Obama the scrutiny that he deserves.

I find it strange to have to admit the President of France understands more about the Obama than the American media and half the public. It's down right embarrassing. But then this whole administration is down right embarrassing.

Yukiko, Chicago, USA

Here is a clip from the article - Read the whole piece by clicking my Post title:

Mr Sarkozy is pouring cold water on President Obama's efforts to recast American leadership on the world stage, depicting them as unoriginal, unsubstantial and overrated. Behind leaks and briefings from the Elysée Palace lies Mr Sarkozy's irritation at the rock-star welcome that Europe gave Mr Obama on his European tour earlier this month.

The American President's call "to free the world of the menace of a nuclear nightmare" was hot air, Mr Sarkozy's diplomatic staff told him in a report. "It was rhetoric – not a speech on American security policy but an export model aimed at improving the image of the United States," they said. Most of Mr Obama's proposals had already been made by the Bush administration and Washington was dragging its feet on disarmament and treaties against nuclear proliferation, the leaked report said.

That's only the warm-up - check out Nick's Fastball!

Congressman Mike Quigley Wows Washington D.C. Quigley Plans to Sleep It Off In D.C. Office!

Rep. Barney Franks and his significant other were awakened at 3:00 am by a loud pounding on the door.

Chairman Franks gets up and goes to the door where a drunken diminutive stranger, standing in the pouring rain, is asking for a push.

'Not a chance,' says the husband, 'it is 3:00 in the morning!'
He slams the door and returns to bed.

'Who was that?' asked Barney's Life-Partner.

'Just some drunk little guy asking for a push,' he answers.

'Did you help him?' asks the Cohabitant.

'No, I did not, it is 3:00 in the morning and it is ppppppouring rain out there!'

'Well, you have a short memory,' says his thoughtful Concubinista.

'Can't you remember about three months ago when we broke down, and those two delightful young sailors helped us? I think you should help him, Barney, and you should be ashamed of yourself!'


The Congressional Puffer Fish does as he is told, gets dressed, and goes out into the pppppppppounding rain. Barney calls out into the dark,

'Hello, are you still there?'

'Yes,' comes back the answer.

'Do you still need a push?' calls out the Banking Committee Genius.

'Yes, please!' comes the reply from the dark.

'Where are you?' asks the husband.

'Over here on the swing, I'm Congressman Mike Quigley!' replied the drunk.

h/t Max Weismann!

Tingle Thigh -Milky Matthews @Chicago Theatre? And Morons Pay Money to See This Twerp?

I thought booking Celebrity Bigot Bill Maher and Ann 'Bones' Coulter was idiotic! This is the most laughable - Chris 'Milky' Matthews the flannel mouth life-long butt-kissing Harp with about as much talent as am albino, bulemic Rosie O'Donnell, is joined Arianna Huffington the Greek serial dater, Tucker Carlson and Paul Begala. Now, that is line-up of excitement unmatched since Puffed Rice hit the shelves.

There are morons who will shell out dough to witness this abortion.


Speaker Series: Chris Matthews + Tucker Carlson, Arianna Huffington, Paul Begala

Despite clearly being a Democrat—he was once a speechwriter for President Carter and ran for Congress on the party ticket—Chris Matthews has built a reputation on Hardball With Chris Matthews as tough but fair. That should position him nicely as the interviewer for this month’s iteration of the Chicago Theatre’s Speaker Series 2009, where he’ll be conversing pointedly with pundit and bowtie enthusiast Tucker Carlson, left-leaning writer and commentator Arianna Huffington, and former Bill Clinton advisor Paul Begala. Don’t expect any lobbing of softballs or mercy shown for his guests—perhaps the best evidence of Matthews’ lack of bias is that both sides accuse him of it: Republicans complain that he expresses a liberal viewpoint and Democrats complain that he books mostly conservative guests.
Chicago Theatre Chicago Theatre175 N State St Chicago IL 60601 312-443-1130
all ages

$38-$150 Bookmark Wed. April 22, 7:30 p.m. Speaker Series: Chris Matthews + Tucker Carlson, Arianna Huffington, Paul Begala at Chicago Theatre Despite clearly being a Democrat—he was once a speechwriter for President Carter and ran for Congress on the party ticket—Chris Matthews has built a reputation on Hardball With Chris Matthews as tough but fair. That should position him nicely as the interviewer for this month’s iteration of the Chicago Theatre’s Speaker Series 2009, where he’ll be conversing pointedly with pundit and bowtie enthusiast Tucker Carlson, left-leaning writer and commentator Arianna Huffington, and former Bill Clinton advisor Paul Begala. Don’t expect any lobbing of softballs or mercy shown for his guests—perhaps the best evidence of Matthews’ lack of bias is that both sides accuse him of it: Republicans complain that he expresses a liberal viewpoint and Democrats complain that he books mostly conservative guests.Wed. April 22, 7:30 p.m. Chicago Theatre 175 N State St, Chicago, IL We get something wrong?
corrections@chicago.decider.com

Napolitano is a Disgrace - Resign.

Janet Napolitano is a disgrace. resign.

After twisting the Department of Homeland Security into a Homeland State Police and insulting America's Veterans, Napolitano offered a smirk and an off-hand attempt to brush off her remarks and then added a confirmation of her mission to curb American Civil Rights.


"Let me be very clear: We monitor the risks of violent extremism taking root here in the United States," Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said in a written statement.

"We don't have the luxury of focusing our efforts on one group; we must protect the country from terrorism whether foreign or homegrown and regardless of the ideology that motivates its violence."


Resign, you hack!

Marone! Paulie Walnuts Napolitano - Resign!

Janet 'Paulie Walnuts' Napolitano is a hack. A Career Hack. A Great Hack. Resign!

Department of Homeland Security changed its mission from a Department Attacking foreign based terror threats from Islamo-Fascist to a Himmler Geheime Staatspolizei: under the Paulie Walnuts -Skunk Haired - Director Janet Napolitano. The target - American citizens any and all who might, might mind you object to any part of Team Obama's Grand Designs.

Democrats ( like me), Republicans, Independents, you name it are embraced in the sweep of Department of Homeland Security.


Under Rachel Maddow's favorite Obama Aparatchic, Napolitano, serious threats to Homeland Security come from people who criticises the Obama Format - whatever the hell that is today - and they are grouped as physically violent Right Wing Extremists. Thus Article U -

(U) Historical Presidential Election
(U//LES) Rightwing extremists are harnessing this historical election as a recruitment
tool. Many rightwing extremists are antagonistic toward the new presidential
administration and its perceived stance on a range of issues, including immigration and
citizenship, the expansion of social programs to minorities, and restrictions on firearms

Really? Means UGOTS to me! Have not heard that up at Kean Gas since Novemmer when Obama swept this Ward on the south side of Chicago ( sans my Vote to McCain - I am incorrigible). Nope, the boys and girls, Democrats mostly, are less than thrilled with President Obama's 100 Days and have taken to stock-piling Irish Chapstick ( Preparation H) for the powerful thrusting and Yahooing of economic gang-banging.

However Janet 'Paulie Walnuts' Napolitano has determined to shut down violent Speech - like 'Boy, I am not too happy that my Taxes are going up.'


Take a look at the two ( Left Wing Extremists -Who Will Only Cyber Slap America On-Line) and ( Right Wing Extremists - All the Rest of Us Military and Civilians who are nasty and violent) - Janet 'Paulie Walnuts" Napolitano, Folks! Resign Already!

Get This!

(U) Reporting Notice:
(U) DHS encourages recipients of this document to report information concerning suspicious or criminal
activity to DHS and the FBI. The DHS National Operations Center (NOC) can be reached by telephone at
202-282-9685 or by e-mail at NOC.Fusion@dhs.gov. For information affecting the private sector and
critical infrastructure, contact the National Infrastructure Coordinating Center (NICC), a sub-element of the
NOC. The NICC can be reached by telephone at 202-282-9201 or by e-mail at NICC@dhs.gov. The FBI
regional phone numbers can be found online at http://www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/fo.htm. When available,
each report submitted should include the date, time, location, type of activity, number of people and type of
equipment used for the activity, the name of the submitting company or organization, and a designated
point of contact.
(U) For comments or questions related to the content or dissemination of this document, please contact the
DHS/I&A Production Branch at IA.PM@hq.dhs.gov, IA.PM@dhs.sgov.gov, or IA.PM@dhs.ic.gov.

(U) Tracked by: CRIM-040300-01-05, CRIM-040400-01-05, TERR-010000-01-05
"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooo! You know that other party, who said he saw something, that we know did not happen? He realizes now, he didn't see what we know did not happen..." Janet 'Paulie Walnuts' Napolitano





http://regulus2.azstarnet.com/pdf/pdfs/498.pdf

http://regulus2.azstarnet.com/pdf/pdfs/497.pdf

Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano Must Resign Following the Insult to American Military

Janet Napolitano is a hack. She is a disgrace. Napolitano needs to resign.

Napolitano wrote an obscenity that insults the women and men in America's Military.

Here is a very reasoned response from the American Legion.

Secretary Janet Napolitano
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Washington, DC 20528

April 13, 2009

Dear Secretary Napolitano,

On behalf of the 2.6 million-member American Legion, I am stating my concern about your April 7 report, “Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence and Recruitment.”
First, I want to assure you that The American Legion has long shared your concern about white supremacist and anti-government groups. In 1923, when the Ku Klux Klan still yielded unspeakable influence in this country, The American Legion passed Resolution 407. It resolved, in part, “…we consider any individual, group of individuals or organizations, which creates, or fosters racial, religious or class strife among our people, or which takes into their own hands the enforcement of law, determination of guilt, or infliction of punishment, to be un-American, a menace to our liberties, and destructive to our fundamental law…”
The best that I can say about your recent report is that it is incomplete. The report states, without any statistical evidence, “The possible passage of new restrictions on firearms and the return of military veterans facing significant challenges reintegrating into their communities could lead to the potential emergence of terrorist groups or lone wolf extremists capable of carrying out violent attacks.”

The American Legion is well aware and horrified at the pain inflicted during the Oklahoma City bombing, but Timothy McVeigh was only one of more than 42 million veterans who have worn this nation’s uniform during wartime. To continue to use McVeigh as an example of the stereotypical “disgruntled military veteran” is as unfair as using Osama bin Laden as the sole example of Islam.

Your report states that “Rightwing extremists were concerned during the 1990s with the perception that illegal immigrants were taking away American jobs through their willingness to work at significantly lower wages.” Secretary Napolitano, this is more than a perception to those who have lost their job. Would you categorize union members as “Right Wing extremists”?

In spite of this incomplete, and, I fear, politically-biased report, The American Legion and the Department of Homeland Security share many common and crucial interests, such as the Citizen Corps and disaster preparedness. Since you are a graduate of New Mexico Girls State, I trust that you are very familiar with The American Legion. I would be happy to meet with you at a time of mutual convenience to discuss issues such as border security and the war on terrorism. I think it is important for all of us to remember that Americans are not the enemy. The terrorists are.

Sincerely,

David K. Rehbein
National Commander
The American Legion

Napolitano plays agenda politics instead of leading to protect America from threats to its security. A Worldwide network of Islamist terrorist attacked America in 2001.

Napolitano expects a threat from America's military and its veterans.

The Hack needs to go. Now.

Who Are the Protesters At DUI Cop's Home? Full Discloure Please!

The Sun Times jumped at the story fed to them by the protesters who decided to protest a civil matter at the private home of the police detective arrested and charged in the deaths of two people.

The Sun Times wants everyone to know that this a 'silent' protest. Protest against what or whom and about what?


There is bugger all little else than the beef about the cop - he is charged and has posted bail and every reporter in Chicago is climbing up his rump. This we know.

April 14, 2009

Nearly two dozen people held a silent protest Monday night outside the Bridgeport home of police detective Joseph Frugoli, according to WMAQ-Channel 5.

Some protesters said they believed that Frugoli was receiving special treatment because he is Chicago cop.

On Sunday, Cook County Judge Donald Panarese Jr. set a $500,000 bail for Frugoli, charged with killing two men in a drunken-driving accident. Some of the victims' friends and family members said the bail was too low Sunday -- a complaint echoed by protesters Monday.

Frugoli was freed on bail Sunday afternoon.

Protesters said they plan to return to the Frugoli home.

Earlier Monday, Frugoli refused to comment about his case, according to WMAQ.

How about a little journalism 101!


Who?
What?
When?
Where?
Why?
How?

Who called the Sun Times? G. Flint Taylor? Frank Main? Mark Brown? Eric Zorn? Mumia? The Wilson Brothers?

What is being protested? The suggestion by every nuanced Progressive Voice that the cop is clouted? The bail of $ 500,000 is not enough? The fact that the cop lives in Bridgeport? That he is Italian?

Where did the phone call originate? Peoples Law Office? Loevy, Loevy, Loevy & Lawsuit? The Illinois Young Communists League?

Why was the Protest organized? To get more Outrage? It is such a nice day? The Sox are in Detroit?

How is this news?

Get the packing boxes at the Sun Times ready.

Full disclosure - I think this man who happens to . . .have been a cop is suffering the pains of the damned. It appears that he was responsible for the deaths of two young men. A judge set the bail. The protesters and the Sun Times need to disappear.

Bishop Paprocki Outs the Chicago Tribune's Neo-Know Thing-ism

The Chicago Tribune hides its anti-Catholic agenda with articles and yarns that really 'care' about people - who hate the Catholic Church, whether they claim to be Catholic or not. You never see heart-tugging tales about Planned Parenthood employees sickened by Abortion, or ACORN whistle-blowers who helped catch embezzler Wade Rathke. Progressives and Progressive Wannabees are as genuine as Joan Rivers' beauty secrets.


Chicago Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Paprocki outs the Chicago Tribune's Neo Know-Nothing-ism. With a strong and sensible letter that should be on the front page, Bishop Paprocki gives the not so subtle Tribune Editorial Board a much needed bit of schooling.

Anti-Catholic BiasApril 14, 2009
Anti-Catholic Bias

The Chicago Tribune became known for its anti-Catholic bias when it frequently ran xenophobic editorials that criticized foreigners and Roman Catholics as long ago as 1853. Apparently not much has changed, as the Chicago Tribune published an editorial on April 3 attacking Cardinal Francis George as being "deeply out of line" for upholding church teaching, and ran on March 31 an opinion piece by Don Wycliff, a former Tribune editor, urging the University of Notre Dame to "stick to their resolve" in defying Catholic bishops.

The twist in the Tribune's 21st Century approach seems to be to enlist dissenting Catholics to be the mouthpiece of the newspaper's attacks against the church's teaching authority, such as William Daley's column on April 3 asserting that Cardinal George's position on the Notre Dame commencement "continues a worrisome pattern in which the Catholic hierarchy in America is mixing religion with politics."

Similarly, in the front-page story "Faith or family? Some Catholic couples seeking kids struggle with church doctrine" (Page 1, April 5), the Tribune features Catholics who have acted against Catholic Church teaching on in-vitro fertilization.

I don't recall the Chicago Tribune ever running such stories and editorials against any other church or religion, let alone with such frequency or invective, so I can only conclude that the know-nothing views of the Chicago Tribune have not changed.

I am reminded, however, of Jesus' words as he was crucified:

"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

—Rev. Thomas J. Paprocki, auxiliary bishop of Chicago, Archdiocese of Chicago

Forgive them, to be sure, but try not to forget them - or let them off the hook.

The Final Front Ear! Star Treking, Kid! I'll Give You Three To The Door! I'm Eatin' This Lamb Without a Fazer in My Face!

My brother in law Mike Cleary*, publisher and editor of the Will County Farmers Weekly Review roasted a leg of lamb that was pure gustatory poetry bordering on the pornographic. www.farmersweekly.net

Bone-in, Frenched, five pounds trimmed of fat - this was a leg that could have danced with Fred Astair ( read Joe Epstein's Fred Astair), but served the Hickeys, the Clearys, the Holms, and the delicate and beautiful Miss Terry Sullivan.

Conversation matched the bounty of the festive board! One of my nephew's pals joined us - the young lad happened to be a Trekkie the New Generation! Jesus, I hated that show back in 1966. Never understood the appeal, though countless devotees have tried to balance my TV viewing diet of Simpsons, Have Gun will Travel, Roller Derby ( Darby in the U.K.) and at one time Michelle Leigh's weather broacasts on Fox WFLD 32 with goofball and faux-phisticated plots of Star Trek in all of its manifestations.

Not a chance.

I hated every crew, captain, and configuration of the United Star Ship Enterprise from Kirk to Picard to the Fat Guy I can't recall.

However, Young Phill, an African American Pre-Med student and Francophile, offered to treat me to several bits of Star Trek Humor that got my craggy, masculine mug to bounce up in a smile! 'Mr. Hickey, you hate Star Trek, I hear. Check these out -

Question: How many ears does Picard have?
Answer: Three. A right ear. A left ear. And a final front ear.

Question: What did the blonde Klingon say?
Answer: "It was a good day to dye."

Question: What is Thomas Riker’s dating philosophy?
Answer: "If at first you don’t succeed, try Troi again."

Thomas Riker, that's the fat guy! Near micturated my Munsingwears!


These Phil found on a website for smart kids called Neatorama!

I love this place - this is the minutiae needed by the bright and faux bright scholars of the internet!

Not since the bumptious Sun Times cashiered the worthy Zay Smith have I enjoyed the charms of pointless, yet necessary information. Get Thee There!

Click my post title to neatorama or here


http://www.neatorama.com/* Mikes Leg of Lamb is a version for this one by Chef Mike White - Too Yummy, by Half!



http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/04/10/earlyshow/living/recipes/main4934084.shtml

6 oil packed anchovy fillets, drained and blotted with paper towels
3 large whole garlic cloves, peeled
2 tablespoons fresh thyme
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
Finely grated zest of 1 orange
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 small bone-in leg of lamb (about 5 pounds without the bone)
1 large yellow onion, coarsely chopped
1 large rib celery, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
2 cups dry white wine

Preheat the oven to 475. In a food processor, combine the anchovies, garlic, thyme, rosemary, orange zest and olive oil and process into a smooth paste. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Using a small paring knife, make 1 1/2 inch deep slits all over the lamb. Spread the herb paste all over the lamb, working it into the slits; season the lamb with salt and pepper. Using seven or eight long pieces of kitchen string, tie the roast at 1 inch intervals. Scatter the onion, carrot and celery in the bottom of a roasting pan just large enough to hold the lamb and lay the meat on top. Reduce heat to 375. Roast for 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours until an instant-read thermometer, inserted in the center of the thickest part of the meat, registered 140 degrees to 145 degrees. For medium-rare, cook to 135. Transfer the lamb to a cutting board, tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, set the roasting pan over high heat. Pour in the wine and bring the liquid to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Strain it into a small sauce pan, pressing on the vegetables to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the vegetables. Skim the fat from the surface and boil until the sauce is reduced to 1 cup, about 20 minuets, then pour it into a gravy boat.
Remove the kitchen string from the lamb and cut the meat across the grain into thin slices. Serve at once with the sauce.

Serve with sauted Green Beans almondine.

President Obama -Commander in Chief! Well Done, Sir!

President Barack Obama granted the Pentagon's request for standing authority to use appropriate force to save the life of the captain, Gortney said.

The U.S. Navy 5th Fleet in Bahrain said the rescue took place at 12:19 p.m. EDT (1619 GMT) and the lifeboat had drifted to about 20 miles (32 km) from lawless Somalia's coast.

Phillips, captain of the U.S.-flagged Maersk Alabama container ship, contacted his family after the rescue, received a routine medical evaluation, and was resting comfortably aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer.

USS Bainbridge, the Navy Seals, Joint U.S. Task Force and especially President Barack Obama rescued Capt. Phillips from a hostage ordeal. Well Done, Mr. President!

This is a proud moment for America and a powerfully signal event in your Presidency.

You took a tough call and answered with the authority of an American President.

The Vatican Did Not 'Pick' the U.S. Ambassador - It Refused Obama's Pro-Abortion Pains In the Ass Picks!

The Progressive tends . . . let's see how can I say this without being too edgy or nuanced . . .tends to be a gold-plated pain in the ass. There that will do nicely. The pain in the ass is a person who is not invited to a party, but shows up, without a gift, and expects to be met with back-slaps and huzzahs. When that does not take place, the pain in the ass whines about the treatment he/she receives.

The pain in the ass is the person who offers nothing to any situation other than an entitled sense of ownership.

They do not pay fees, tips, or help but demand royal service. The pain in the ass wants in on everything, offers nothing, contributes nothing and expects some one else to pay his/her way. That is Progressive.

The Progressive (read: pain in the ass) never leaves and never is shamed or insulted. Progressives smile with passive aggressive zombie steadiness and wait until they get what they want. They win by tiring out the patience of good people - sometimes. Here on the south side there is a very low threshold for tolerance of the Great American Pain in the Ass -thanks be to God! This is a very healthy human environment. We will vote for a pain in the ass, but rarely tolerate one.

The Obama Administration. like the Democratic National Committee is loaded with Progressives. They want Abortion to be acceptable and they want Gay-anything acceptable - and embraced and loved by Everyone! Those things (actions/sins/lifestyles) are unacceptable to the Vatican, the Holy See, Pope City. Jesus why not send Andy Dick, or Bill Maher, or Mot The Hoople? Send the cast of Rent.

Caroline Kennedy, a genuine world class pain in the ass, did not get to replace Hillary Clinton and demanded the Ambassadorship to the Vatican. The Kennedy's are Catholic in the DNC sense of being Catholic - when and if it suits them and follows Progressive Doctrine. The last Catholic Kennedy was RFK.

Caroline got nixed by the Vatican and the Media is squeaking. The Media payed big to get Obama elected. Everyone - even the Pope and all his followers must play ball - get Abortive and get Gay/Lesbian/Bi/Trans & etc. friendly!!!! Now! Move On!

Pains in the ass are never patient, nor are they polite. The Obama Progressives will keep sending Pro Abortion Gay Cuddly Catholics for the Post. They want to tire the Pope. I think that they picked the wrong Pope.

Lets remember - America never had an Ambassador at the Vatican until Ronald Reagan.

Formal diplomatic relations with the Holy See were established in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II. The mission works in partnership with the Holy See on global issues including HIV/AIDS, world hunger, religious freedom and human rights. As a global entity, the Holy See is influential on many issues and has far-reaching influence in even the most remote corners of the world. From The Embassy website.

http://vatican.usembassy.gov/embassy/

Nothing about Gay Rights or Abortion in that Mission Statement. Progressives will whine and say 'Ummm' Progressive pains in the ass always begin a pain in the ass objection with 'Ummm' as part of rhetorical question Thus: 'Ummmm AIDS?HIV? those are not Gay Issues?' Hey, Lent's Over . . .never mind.

I do not believe that the United States should have an embassy at the Vatican any more than Chicago Catholic League sports belong being screwed at every opportunity by the Illinois High School Association ( IHSA). Catholic schools were begged by the IHSA to participate back in the 1970's in order to increase attendance at Public School Sporting events. Catholic Schools dominate Illinois athletics and the IHSA changes the rules at every tick of the clock. IHSA is a very Progressive Group! Pains in the Ass!

James Joyner, a very smart young guy writes this -

Now, again, that may be a reason to not send an ambassador. For most of our history, we didn’t. Ronald Reagan was the first to have a formal ambassador. But if we’re going to have diplomatic relations with a church, it only makes sense not to go out of our way to offend it.

The problem with Kmiec and Kennedy, as I understand it, is not so much that they’re pro-abortion but rather that they’re pro-abortion Roman Catholics. Sending them as our ambassador to the Holy See is the equivalent of sending a Soviet defector as ambassador to Moscow during the Cold War or sending an Orthodox Jew as ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Outside the Beltway
James Joyner and I agree. Never tell a Progressive Pain in the Ass where the Party happens to be. The rest of us tend to ring the doorbell with our elbows.

Happy Easter from The Hickeys! A Message from My Priest -Cardinal George!

Pascua feliz

Obchodzić Wielkanoc

Švęsti Velykų

행복한 부활절

Ευτυχές Πάσχα

Fröhliche Ostern

The stone is rolled back; the tomb is empty! Death is defeated; Christ is Risen!

Every year, this miracle gives new life to me. I beat myself up pretty good - listen, I play the St. Peter Betrayal scene seven days a week and a matinee on Sunday - and Easter reminds me that God's Son sacrificed Himself to free me of sin.

This Feast day is our reason to be. Happy Easter! Joyous Passover - remember we dovetail with Passover. I love Passover! To Joe Epstein, Reuben Vernof, Ron Gidwitz, Bob Rosenthal, Bert Odelson,Hackey Reitman, Gary Saul Morson, Si Blitzstein, Jeff Tessler, Bunny Cohen, the late great Danny Levi Mosel Tov! Passover that Leg of Lamb. Just kidding. No I'm not. I respect the sanctity of that night, but I do love roasted Lamb!

Here is what Easter is all about from my favorite priest in this Archdiocese - Francis Cardinal George:

Easter Sunday

Christ’s resurrection brings him and promises us new life. Not just eternal life, although that’s part of it, but genuinely new life. Change is hard, as so many people tell me and as I know myself. Left to our own devices, we’d probably just settle for an improved version of our present life. But risen life, life lived in radical freedom and perfect unity with God, comes when death is suffered and conquered, which is the kind of radical change our imaginations can’t handle. Even science fiction is mostly ringing changes on what we know or re-arranging things we can imagine. No wonder Jesus’ closest friends and disciples were surprised.

St. Ignatius of Loyola, in his Spiritual Exercises, draws on an old belief that Jesus first appeared to his mother, Mary, when he rose from the dead. In inviting us to imagine the scene, St. Ignatius leads us to believe she wasn’t surprised. Every mother knows her son, and Mary probably thought: “Isn’t this just what Jesus would do?” As we get to know Jesus more intimately, we come to see that rising from the dead to give us new life is just the thing he would do. It’s called seeing with the eyes of faith.

Jesus Christ gave all of us the chance to dust our selves off and get back in the game! Let's see with the eyes of Faith, like the Man from Holy Name says! Happy Easter!