Erma's Stomping Grounds

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town 12/25/09

damevegas@gmail.com (Erma) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 19:35:00 +0000

You'd better watch out, you'd better not cry
You'd better not pout, I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming to town

He's making a list, he's checkin' it twice
He's gonna find out whose daughter you're nice
Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming to town

He sees you when you're sleeping
He knows when you're awake
He knows if you've been bad or good
(so you'd) better be good for goodness sake
Better be good for goodness sake

You'd better watch out, you'd better not cry
You'd better not pout, I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming to town

He sees you when you're sleeping
He knows if you're awake
He knows if you've been bad or good
(so you'd) better be good for goodness sake
Better be good for goodness sake

You'd better watch out, you'd better not cry
You'd better not pout, I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming to town

Influence of Germanic paganism and folklore

Numerous parallels have been drawn surrounding the figure of Odin, a major god amongst the Germanic Peoples prior to their Christianization. Since many of these elements are unrelated to Christianity, there are numerous theories regarding the pagan origins of various customs of the holiday stemming from areas where the Germanic peoples were Christianized and retained elements of their indigenous traditions, surviving in various forms into modern depictions of Santa Claus.

Odin was sometimes recorded, at the native Germanic holiday of Yule, as leading a great hunting party through the sky. Two books from Iceland, the Poetic Edda, compiled in the 13th century, and the Prose Edda, written in the 13th century by Snorri Sturluson, describe Odin as riding an eight-legged horse named Sleipnir that could leap great distances, giving rise to comparisons to Santa Claus' reindeer.

Odin's appearance was often similar to that of Saint Nicholas, being depicted as an old, mysterious man with a beard.

According to Phyllis Siefker, children would place their boots, filled with carrots, straw or sugar, near the chimney for Odin's flying horse, Sleipnir, to eat. Odin would then reward those children for their kindness by replacing Sleipnir's food with gifts or candy. This practice survived in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands after the adoption of Christianity and became associated with Saint Nicholas as a result of the process of Christianization and can be still seen in the modern practice of the hanging of stockings at the chimney in some homes. Children still place their straw filled shoes or stockings by the chimney every winter night, and are rewards with candy and gifts.

This practice in turn came to the United States through the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam prior to the British seizure in the 17th century, and evolved into the hanging of socks or stockings at the fireplace. In many regions of Austria and former Austro-Hungarian Italy (Friuli, city of Trieste) children are given sweets and gifts on Saint Nicholas's Day (San Niccolò in Italian), in accordance with the Catholic calendar, December the 6th.

Numerous other influences from the pre-Christian Germanic winter celebrations have continued into modern Christmas celebrations such as the Christmas ham, Yule Goat, Yule logs and potentially the Christmas tree.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Claus

Joulupukki's dark side?

Pagan people used to have festivities to ward off evil spirits. In Finland these spirits of darkness wore goat skins and horns. In the beginning this creature didn't give presents but demanded them. The Christmas Goat was an ugly creature and frightened children.

It is unclear how this personality was transformed into the benevolent Father Christmas. Nowadays the only remaining feature is the name. The process was probably a continuous amalgamation of many old folk customs and beliefs from varied sources. One can speak of a Christmas pageant tradition consisting of many personages with roles partly Christian, partly pagan: A white-bearded saint, the Devil, demons, house gnomes. Nowadays the Joulupukki of Finland resembles the American Santa Claus.

Popular radio programs from the year 1927 onwards probably had great influence in reformatting the concept with the Santa-like costume, reindeer and Korvatunturi (Fell Ear, near Polar Circle) as its dwelling place. Because there really are reindeer in Finland, and Finns live up North, the popular American cult took root in Finland very fast. Maybe some caring soul decided that Joulupukki is just too scary for little kids.

Today, Finland is one of the few countries where kids actually see Father Christmas in the act of delivering the presents.

This next part has nothing to do with Santa, but...oh my gosh! How ... cool?

Sami traditions as origins of Joulupukki?
One interesting theory about the origins of Joulupukki and his flying reindeer, comes from the aboriginal Sami people of Lapland. In the forests there is a common poisonous mushroom, Amanita muscaria that is red with white dots. The shamans of Sami used to feed this mushroom to the reindeer, whereby the intestinal tract of the reindeer would filter out the poison, but leave the intoxicating substances. The urine of the reindeer would then be collected, and used as a hallucinogenic by the shamans. The shamans would often have out-of-the-body experiences and fly in the sky, returning through the chimney hole of their tent or cottage to their bodies. This shamanistic tradition would nicely explain the flying reindeer, the use of chimneys, and even the red-white colouring of Joulupukki.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joulupukki

I love the Internet. You can always learn something...it might be wrong, but you're still learning something at least. I stole these pictures after doing a search of Google and Yahoo images and stole the text from Wikipedia. None was written by me. Thanks.

_____________________

I got to see my niece tonight and the question of Santa Claus came up. I was expressly told not to tell her about the origins of Santa or the Christmas Tree or anything else that may pop her bubble about Santa. Granted she's four, but the bubble will pop for her soon enough. I agreed, because she's not my daughter, but I didn't aid in the perpetuation of the myth either.

My revenge will be when she comes crying to me after she finds out the people who she thought loved her most in the world, in reality, have been lying to he since she was born and now she'll be screwed up for life never able to fully trust anyone ever again. Except me. Auntie Erma. Okay, I'm better now.

____________________

It's been two years now and my niece is six. The Santa conversation we had recently went like this:

"Xavier doesn't believe in Santa anymore." (Xavier is her brother; age 11)
"That's okay. He doesn't have to. Do you still believe in Santa?"
"Yes. If I stop believing in him, he'll stop bringing me presents."
"Maybe. It's good to believe in Santa."
"Will I ever stop believing in Santa?"
"Maybe. But you never have to if you don't want to. The presents just might be different, is all."
"Like what?"
"Well, instead of a toy or clothes all wrapped up pretty, he just might give you something like love, or hope, or happiness. Those are okay gifts, right?"
"Yeah... I guess so. But I'm already happy."
"Well that's good to hear. Being happy is good."
"You want to try on the Dr. Pepper lip gloss I got?"
"Sure, let's do that."

Secret Treasure #1

damevegas@gmail.com (Erma) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 03:22:00 +0000

Every Face tells a story, It's hard to hide a lie...

Secret Treasure #1

I love stories! Mythological masterpieces, sweeping epics, or barroom exaggerations... love them all! It's one of the reasons I'm such a social creature... I love to hear people's stories, in their own voice. I tell a pretty good tale, too, learning from ritual practice or other master storytellers. Heck, the only jokes I know are ones where a story is involved. But these guys.... these guys are true masters; not just for performance... but for content as well.

Storytelling at it's finest!

CELESTIAL NAVIGATIONS

These guys are usually listed under the musicians tab but they are OH! So Much More! Their stories are inspirational, philosophical, and just plain fan-DAMN-tastic!

"There is only one way to explain "Celestial Navigations". It is an experience... combination of eloquent, unforgettable narrative accompanied by haunting, stirring music.

It is the result of a collaboration between accomplished stage and screen actor Geoffrey Lewis and electronic musicians Geoff Levin. It transcends all known categories. It has no limitations when it comes to age groups or backgrounds." (from their website)

Besides the list below, I have several favorites!

Ones I've performed at various sabbats or Temple storytelling nights:

The Janitor
Horses
The Ocean
The Valley
The Lunch Stop
The Soothsayer
The Winner
The Sniper
The Tree

All of which fit very nicely into the pagan genre (except for maybe the Janitor but I'm an all-inclusive kind of girl.)

I was BANNED from telling "Horses" after a Samhain.

Listen to "The Tree" on their MySpace http://www.myspace.com/celnavigations I'll bet you a dollar that you'll cry.

Albums or singular pieces available on iTunes or at their website:
http://www.celestialnavigations.com/index.html

If you like 'em... let me know please. Thanks and enjoy!

Erma

Las Vegas Pagan Pride 2009

damevegas@gmail.com (Erma) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:14:00 +0000

"Pagan Pride is about comradeship between all pagans and being proud of being a pagan!"

See the entire blog post here: http://ladyatheona.blogspot.com/

Dating Rules

damevegas@gmail.com (Erma) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:22:00 +0000

Artist: BySilent

I've added a new rule for when I am on a date.

"Never mention you have plans after your date."

No matter how innocent those plans may be; no matter if it's a good friend (Hoagus) who needs a shoulder... even though you deferred them for the date in the first place... even though you may want to invite the date to meet your good friend... even though - SAY NOTHING! Don't invite them. Don't try to impress them by saying you put off your friend for them. Don't bother trying to convince them that they're just a friend and no! you're not sleeping with them even if it isn't their business because this was the very first date. Just. Don't. Do. It.

Can you hear the venom? Yeah, I know. I'm better off without. Whatever! But... the thing is though, I really liked him (whine)... and I thought he really liked me (whine). We flirted endlessly and even touched as we did. We held hands during the movie. (I know! Sweet, right?) We talked for hours and then the next day... nothing. He even said the date was going "swimmingly."

*sigh*

Yeah, yeah... I know.

Why do we have to have these rules? Why can't we just be who we are, faults and everything? I guess we could just be who we are and let the chips fall where they may. Wasn't meant to be... isn't that what everyone says? And yet, we still have these "rules" that we cleave to. Make sure to look your very best. Don't mention the ex. Don't sleep with them on the first date.

And who came up with THAT rule in the first place? Even though it's a good one to adhere to... (H. even says he respects no girl who gives it up on a first date... and H. always tries to get it on the first date.) But then, we don't always follow our self-imposed list of rules, do we? And sometimes, when we do, it still doesn't help is in the pursuit of finding that mate. That One.

And who the Hel said there was supposed to be One? Why can't it be several Ones? I'm a firm believer that people come in and out of our lives for a reason... whether it's for comfort, or a lesson, or just to reflect to you who you really are... isn't that what the One is, too? Just like your sister, or your mom, or your dad is a One? It is with these beings of light in our lives that make us who we are, right? To test our limitations... to share with us all our hopes and dreams and emotions. Can't the One we seek be more than One? Maybe a lifetime of Ones? And if you think about it... aren't most of those Ones given? Or do you think that some of the Ones in our lives are meant to be sought after?

Either way, if you think about it... if you do want that One... you have to be yourself, faults and everything... because you're gonna be with that One for as long as the Universe lets you, which could end up being a really long time. So, yeah... we might have these rules for ourselves that for the most part, we follow, but when that One does show up... the One the Universe has ready for you... the One that is there to teach you something about yourself... all those rules will go right out the window.

Saving Our Ass!

damevegas@gmail.com (Erma) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 10:56:00 +0000

Saguaro Moon - Credit & Copyright: Stefan Seip

My morning started out great! Well, the whole day was actually great 'cos I had a date that night (which was also great!) But there was one thing that bothered me that day.

The day was October 9, 2009. I couldn't sleep so entered the world of Twitter. It was rocking! I can soooo understand the lure of early morning tweeting. Everyone's up and about (except me, usually)! Something crossed my stream that reminded me that today was the day!

RT @IndiscreetTweet - Hey, Barack, you just won the Nobel Peace Prize! How you going to celebrate? "I'm going to bomb the moon!"

RT @MsJBell - Dear Nasa, I'm really happy for you & I'ma let you finish, but Dr Evil had one of the best plans 2 blow up the moon of ALL TIME!

Holy Cow! Nobel Peace prize and the LCROSS mission... and later that day I heard that Marge Simpson (yes! the cartoon Marge) was gracing the cover of Playboy. Yowsa! What a day! I could already form in my mind the plethora of disparaging remarks I would hear from my right leaning friends about the President's Nobel but I never expected this:

RT @1prdpgn @LCROSS_NASA - you people are idiots! EXPLORE DON'T DESTROY!

RT @AliceTi Dear NASA, LEAVE ALONE MOON, YOU ASSHOLES !

RT @Thaedydal: And pagan discussion sites are in uproar over the moon's bombing, "your bombing our goddess"

RT @Frnkds1234 - leave the moon alone poor Artemis when is the last time the government shot rockets at your God, Goddess, Gods or G ... http://lnk.ms/36bWv

RT @Wiccan_Sky - So disappointed some Pagans think the moon bombing was acceptible. Shame on you for treating our Goddess that way. =[

RT @tobascodagama @elles - Dear Elles, NASA is RAPING the moon with its PENIS-PROBES because they can't handle the FEMININE POWER of the MOON GODDESS. Love, Me.

RT@greenlivingzone - Selene the moon goddess was not happy about the earth people friday morning. "Bomb your home if you want but leave my beloved moon alone."

RT @felintan - Dear NASA... I pray to The Moon Goddess and now you're going to bomb a hole on her???? You'll be damned. (- -")

RT @FaePersephone - Those pieces of shit at NASA are going to bomb the Moon tomorrow! NO good will come of this! Goddess is going to get serious revenge!

RT - Dear Moon, we are so, so, so sorry for the stupid folly of petty men w/ cruel dreams. (via @Laetificavi)

_________________________________________________

Seriously!? My fellow bretheren were acting this way? The loving, accepting, kind, and rational pagan community? So I sent out a couple of Twitters of my own...

@DameVegas - Roommate just asked why we f#&%ing bombed the moon... Um, we all know that it was to check for WATER in the soil, right? C'mon people...

@DameVegas - How can be people be pissed at what was done to the moon, yet be unaffected by what we do to the planet we live on? Really?

____________________________________________

This was my retort to the myriad of Twitter comments that condemned NASA and the LCROSS mission... especially those comments that came from my fellow pagans who personified the moon as the "Goddess" herself. (The moon is a symbol of the goddess but the Earth herself is still our "mother.")

Now, I don't disagree that there may be repercussions from the actions of eventually utilizing the moon as a place for our growing population's expansion, or storage depot, or trash repository; nor do I disagree that we may be betting on the acquisition of future resources while simultaneously depleting what minimal supplies we already have. I also agree that we should know where the funding for this project came from ($79 million)... But then we should know from where the funding exists for any national project....

But... (I have to vent a minute...)

Firstly, the moon is venerated by almost every single culture in the world. It is not exclusive to neo-pagans or even ancient pagans. And it is not only seen as a symbol of the feminine, but has also been heralded as masculine. The moon is a SYMBOL. While it does directly effect our Mother Earth and our very existence, the "bombing" or "exploding" or "attacking" that the LCROSS conducted did not and will not, by any means, incur the "wrath of the Goddess" or harm it in any way because...

The moon has been bombarded by meteors and space debris for billions of years! And by objects much, much bigger than the LCROSS rocket(s). The purpose of this mission was too determine if there is water as ice located in the soil at the deepest parts of the coldest craters. "Water on the moon could change NASA's troubled plans for space exploration. It would make revisiting and putting a base on the moon far cheaper because the moon's water could be used."

And secondly, if you truly believe this one action is the catalyst for the fatalistic scenarios I know many of you are dreaming of... You tell me then... What are we supposed to do?

It is only natural for mankind to look to the heavens for answers. Answers to questions like overpopulation and dwindling resources to care for that overpopulation.

Should we do nothing?

Mankind, has for eons, dreamed of "exploring strange new worlds and new civilizations." Multitudes of stories have divined future earth and the future of humanity. All of it conjecture because the future is unknown until WE decide to do something. And even if you believe the future is predetermined... I'd bet money that the scenario you have in mind is not that pleasing either (if it's based in reality, that is.)

As for the problems we need to address: What do we do, I ask again?

Should we impose a restriction on childbearing and live with those consequences? We already know what they are. Should we condone mass genocide and war as a means of controlling the population? Should we restrict the use of our limited fossil fuels and other resources? What are the consequences of that? None of the scenarios I have in mind are very comely. How about yours?

A successful moon base could lead to even further exploration of our solar system. There are vast untapped resources believed to be hiding in just the asteroid belt alone. Water on the moon is just the very first step in the realization of the science fictions we have been desiring. But truth be told... I believe it's one of the few science fictions we actually NEED!

Erma/Atheona
Improvise! Adapt! Overcome!

"You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result"
~ Mahatma Gandhi

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing"
~ Edmund Burke

"If you have tried to do something and failed, you are vastly better off than if you had tried to do nothing and succeeded."
~ Lloyd Jones

"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing."
~ Albert Einstein

A Single Molecule

damevegas@gmail.com (Erma) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 10:10:00 +0000

A single molecule, one million times smaller than a grain of sand, pictured for first time
By Claire Bates
Last updated at 11:45 AM on 31st August 2009

It may look like a piece of honeycomb, but this lattice-shaped image is the first ever close-up view of a single molecule.

Scientists from IBM used an atomic force microscope (AFM) to reveal the chemical bonds within a molecule.

'This is the first time that all the atoms in a molecule have been imaged,' lead researcher Leo Gross said.

The delicate inner structure of a pentacene molecule has been imaged with an atomic force microscope

The researchers focused on a single molecule of pentacene, which is commonly used in solar cells. The rectangular-shaped organic molecule is made up of 22 carbon atoms and 14 hydrogen atoms.

In the image above the hexagonal shapes of the five carbon rings are clear and even the positions of the hydrogen atoms around the carbon rings can be seen.

To give some perspective, the space between the carbon rings is only 0.14 nanometers across, which is roughly one million times smaller than the diameter of a grain of sand.

Textbook model: A computer-generated image of how we're used to seeing a molecule represented with balls and sticks

'If you think about how a doctor uses an X-ray to image bones and organs inside the human body, we are using the atomic force microscope to image the atomic structures that are the backbones of individual molecules,' said IBM researcher Gerhard Meyer.

A 3D view showing how a single carbon monoxide molecule was used to create the image using a 'tuning fork' effect

The team from IBM Research Zurich said the results could have a huge impact of the field of nanotechnology, which seeks to understand and control some of the smallest objects known to mankind.

The AFM uses a sharp metal tip that acts like a tuning fork to measure the tiny forces between the tip and the molecule. This requires great precision as the tip moves within a nanometer of the sample.

'Above the skeleton of the molecular backbone (of the pentacene) you get a different detuning than above the surface the molecule is lying on,' Mr Gross said.

This detuning is then measured and converted into an image.

To stop the tip from absorbing the pentacene molecule, the researchers replaced the metal with a single molecule of carbon monoxide. This was found to be more stable and created weaker electrostatic attractions with the pentacene, creating a higher resolution image.

IBM researchers Nikolaj Moll, Reto Schlittler, Gerhard Meyer, Fabian Mohn and Leo Gross (l-r) stand behind an atomic force microscope Photo taken by Michael Lowry Image courtesy of IBM Research - Zurich

The experiment was also performed inside a high vacuum at the extremely cold temperature of -268C to avoid stray gas molecules or atomic vibrations from affecting the measurements.

'Eventually we want to investigate using molecules for molecular electronics,' Mr Gross said.

'We want to use molecules as wires or logic switches or elements.'

09/07/09

damevegas@gmail.com (Erma) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 02:08:00 +0000

In the cool we listen
To love songs & much sap
And play with our phone's buttons
To find the one we lack.

Staring from the table,
Sunglasses seem subdued:
The hard work's all outside
Where the sun's heat can be rude.

Improvise! Adapt! Overcome!

Vegas Skies 09/05/09

damevegas@gmail.com (Erma) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 01:12:00 +0000

I watched the sky go dark and stray
To God's face, Loki's laugh, to dragons at play.
Though silver lining did mostly fray
Rainbows played on edges gray.
Sunglasses riding on my head
Watching it's own skies of lead...
Hailstorms threaten; Rain will tread
On desert sands the radio said.

Why I Twitter!

damevegas@gmail.com (Erma) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 10:39:00 +0000

These were my Follow Friday recommendations for this last Friday. The first name with the @ symbol is the person who twittered it originally. On Twitter, I am Damevegas

http://twitter.com/damevegas

You should follow me!

@catconnor - Making blood... just go with it

@iamcomingundone - I don't know if I should throw a fork at him or tell him off. He's a total asshole.

@Rowyn75 - Ask, believe, receive...thank you Goddess...feeling much better

@aaronjhoward to @damevegas- However I follow you now just because your awesome. :)

@LisaPietsch to @amhartnett - SOCK MONKEY!

@poetrysue - Note to self it is still cool to excited about the d&d books

@MrsAaronHoward - OMG. I be married.

@LvRayn - My sparkle just set off the store alarm that can't be good ...danger close ;)

@jdholveck - There are just some songs that shouldn't be sung by drunk college kids. (drunk anybody!!!)

@poetrysue - I'm sweating in places you shouldn't sweat. Desert heat + humidity = ballsucky

@JennSicu to @TheDarlaShow - Sex. Oral is one of those things you have to do to shut your husband up.

@Timshol_lv - Today there will be a murder at desert lincoln...they got it coming........

@BJJBrotha to @SaraJayXXX - gotta love a girl who loves her meat (Shouldn't we all?)

@irisheyes - hmmm a good cup of coffee & staying in my PJs for a while....just me, and just a lazy Sunday.... =o)

@darthvader - Lost 15 followers to that last tweet. Didn't know that many Alaskans knew how to use Twitter.

@TheUserPool to @stephnienolen - I only judge a book by its cover; I don't actually read them.

@benmarvin - Something about women with lots of eye shadow that makes me think they give really good mouth hugs.

@ kejames - I hate this virus. Is 'hate' a strong word? Why yes. Yes it is.

@dutchrudder to @jennb8s - I sold 2 fingers,1 toe, a left tit & a right ball !!! :-)

@BrentSpiner -Look, Spot the cat was and actor. You're not allowed to keep the other actors.

@PiaVeleno - New Twit-rule: Whn U follow, intro yrslf or B blocked. U wldn't wlk in2 m'house &drink m'coffee w/o saying, "Hi Bitch".

@FunnyJoker - My mum and dad are always complaining about the sacrifices they make for me ….It’s not my fault they are druids

@WiccaCraftto @Fernwise: You're not a wiccan. You don't act like a wiccan. (Follow @Fernwise...and it's Wiccan!)

@EricMorelli - Nice and hot today. Only 106 today. Any cooler and I might need a wind breaker or something.

@Pagandrummer - i am a Druid.i am chubby,i am a drummer.i am a God,i am fond of ice cream

@elexiaz - O my... An officer... Hopefully not a gentleman. Calypso & I are destined for a great, fun-filled night.

@michaelmagical - Before you fall into twitter love, make sure you know what their breath smells like.

The best rec. EVER! - RT: @mmlinke1- MOTHERS: KEEP YOUR DAUGHTERS AWAY FROM @1prdpgn Check out his profile and BE WARNED! Follow @1prdpgn

damevegas@gmail.com (Erma) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 02:02:00 +0000

Silver-fingered palm fronds
Frantic in the wind,
Diamond stippled waters-
Golden as light dims.

Sunglasses on the table,
Watching as I float
In the warmth of waters
Of my famous moat.

Erma
Improvise! Adapt! Overcome!

Sex Clubs: Part II

damevegas@gmail.com (Erma) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 23:36:00 +0000

I met the girls and Poetrysue's friend and together we drove over to the club. The RR is not near the strip... which is what I would have expected. Instead it's off Boulder Highway, just past Tropicana. We turn on a small residential street where Dick's Tavern sits and weave our way through a couple of neighborhoods in the dark. It's a little scary. After a jaunt through some houses we can see the house swathed in red lights and head towards it. It's a beautiful home and despite the red, unobtrusive. There is parking on the side and in the back.

Cindy and I are still a little scared. Poetrysue is excited like a school girl. Cindy points out the large, white, windowless van.... LOL! We enter anyway.

As you walk into the foyer, there is a showcase of roosters, just like if you were staring at your Grandmother's curio cabinet. Entrance fee for couples is $30 and for single women $5. Single male prices fluctuate and are pretty high... take an adventurous woman with you for a better price. We went on a Monday, which got the couple a weeks pass for their fee... they were very happy!

We had brought a bottle of rum. The club provides all the mixers and only has tip jars out to collect monies. Bring your own booze and they'll serve you as long as it lasts. You can even take it home if you don't finish your bottle. The first room you enter has a bar and a collection of tables and chairs... like a country kitchen restaraunt. Go through an open doorway and to the right is a dance floor with small stage and to the left is another bar (closed) and a pool table. There is another collection of chairs and tables which I could see completely filled on the weekends when the place is said to be busy. In the right upper corner beyond the stage is a small lounge area where a large screen tv plays a porno. There are several dark, shadowy people sitting on the couches watching.

Straight ahead is a set of french doors that open onto an indoor pool. On the far side is a beautiful rocky waterfall. On the door side a round flat surface decorated with a rooster stencil serves as a sun bathers lounge and just off to its right is a hot tub. The pool is lit up green while the hot tubs lights cycle from red to green to purple. Around the edges of the pool area are chairs and tables for people to congregate. We choose some chairs near the entry. The pool looked inviting.

In the corner directly behind us was a small garden filled with plastic plants... but it still looked nice. In the corner across from us was another large corner garden with a large, concrete, horned animal sporting one of the largest penises you'll ever see. I thought it was a rabbit... which it might be. Gaudy, but nice... and fitting. The back, privacy overlaid window overlooks more parking and actually had a pretty nice view of Vegas lights. Unfortunately... your concentration won't be focused there.

We settled into our area and Poetrysue and her friend prepared for swimming. There is a couple already in the pool having a "great time". I hesitated joining so for two reasons... one... I bet there's a lot of sex going on in this pool and two... I have no suit. Just as I was having my doubts, a stark naked couple walked by and entered the main part of the house. I finish my smoke before I decide.

Poetrysue's friend has been here a few times, he tells us, and really likes the relaxed atmosphere. He pointed out the pool table again to me and Cindy, in case we don't want to hang out in the pool area and begins to tell us about the rest of the house but decides to show us instead. There are two sets of french doors besides the main doors we entered. To the left leads to a locker area (bring your own lock) and a bedroom... with a door that closes. A small hallway leads to two more bedrooms a bathroom and a shower.

Cindy and I explore the rest of the house on our own. Out the french doors on the right is the movie room as well as the orgy room. Holy crap! What a room! My first thought was King of the Mountain! The picture does not do it justice. There was a small show in the room later that Cindy was able to spy on from the pool area. Rules state you are allowed to just be a voyeur in the room if you like... just keep it quiet.

There are four other bedrooms and another restroom on the ground floor behind the stage area... one includes two beds. The upstairs is for couples (a man and woman) or single ladies only. We weren't allowed up. It was closed for the night.

Back at the pool, I decided to go swimming and since I didn't have a suit, I went nekkidd... Hey! When in Rome... The water was very nice and I was fascinated by the waterfall. I spent a lot of time under there thinking what it would be like with a certain someone. We were the only ones in the pool for a while. There was a lone man in the pool area as well as two other couples. Expect an age range of 35-50+ here... in fact, they ask that you be 25 and will ID you at the door.

One couple was a gentleman near the age of 50 with his 40 something year old partner who decided to plant himself on one of the tables to receive fellatio from her. It was very hard for nontwitterer Cindy to watch (or rather, not watch! LOL!) Another younger couple started to play as well and the single man at the pool area went and sat with them. We watched (or rather, not watched in utter fascination.)

I always have known I was a voyeur, just not at what level. These past two experiences have really opened my eyes to that. Watching acts of sex is pretty hot, in all its myriad of forms, but to admit to liking to watch has always been a bit embarrassing. It's nice knowing there are venues like this that serve the need if it ever arises. I'm not sure if I'll be a frequent visitor to any of these clubs when popping in a porno could probably suffice but there is a difference between filmed sex acts and live ones... so you never know.

Poetrysue stated that she really liked the fact the all the people we saw were so much older than her. It gives her great pleasure knowing that when she hits her golden years, she can and will be "getting action." It is a sweet sentiment. Cindy, on the other hand, was quite ruffled again... although not as much as when at the Power Exchange. The atmosphere at the RR is very laid back than at the PEx. Of course, again, it was Monday... I should probably go on a Friday or Saturday... maybe with a partner.

So back at the pool, after the older gentleman relieved himself to his partner and the couple plus one finished their jaunt in the chairs, the single man joined us on our end of the pool. Cindy was not in the water so he asked about her. We relayed it was her first time and she was very nervous. To be expected, he said. The man, "Bob", was a musician. Here from back East for a couple of days to play in a gig. Whenever he comes to town, he likes to come to the RR. His wife usually accompanies him. He enjoys watching her with other men, he said, especially big ones...

Sue and her friend then disappeared and all that was left were me and nontwitterer Cindy. Two single girls, alone, one of us nekkid. Cameron came and sat next to us and we learned a lot about him. We discussed why we were there and admitted to being voyeurs. He had been intermittently stroking himself and offered to "pop off" for us. Sure! and seated himself so we both had a good view. Again... so surreal. After, Cameron went off to clean himself up and we were alone again.

An older gentleman joined me in the pool. He had introduced himself earlier and I was being nice... gotta be careful doing that kind of thing in a place like this. He swam to our end of the pool and curtly asked if he could play with my breasts. I declined as gently as possible. I felt so bad... like I had led him on. I know I didn't, but I was naked and I did smile and say hi....

Poetrysue and her friend have returned to the RR and have thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Her friend was right... the atmosphere is very relaxed and serene. It's a place I could see myself actually hanging out in with a good friend who might be up for some adventure... and maybe even take it a step further... that will take a while though, I think.

Sex Clubs: Part I

damevegas@gmail.com (Erma) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:02:00 +0000

***Caution*** In order to get the full essence of my experiences I felt it necessary to mention things of a very sexual nature. If you are easily offended or are just a downright prude... please don't read any further. I hope I can convey the excitement of these adventures.

Several weeks ago, the girls and I (nontwitterer Cindy and PoetrySue) went on a rescue mission for another good friend; Rowyn. Rowyn and her friend were supposed to meet up at a club called the Power Exchange. The friend got lost and poor, little Rowyn was now at this (gasp) SEX club all on her lonesome... see the sarcasm... Rowyn, we find, did not need saving. It was a good excuse... hehehe...

We took with us a male friend of PoetrySue's who is always willing to try something new and fun. Thank goodness! Upon entrance, the first thing we saw was a gentleman in nothing, absolutely nothing... but a chainmail loincloth. Rowyn gave us the tour of the downstairs and we wandered in complete awe of the blatant sexuality... video screens with pornos playing endlessly bombarded our senses, couples clothed and otherwise passed us by perfectly content.... astounding! Then Rowyn took us upstairs...

There are themed rooms upstairs... there is a Roman room, a pirate room, a 50's room, a mad scientists room, a bondage room and more... and each of these rooms are doorless. It is a voyeur's paradise. People who decide to utilize these rooms are doing so at the expense of their privacy. All there is is a small white chain that can stretch across the doorway so no one else can enter the room.... but if the chain is not up.... help yourself, so they say.

As soon as we hit the top step, in the very first room, was a couple going at it... the man's hands were everywhere on his date... and I mean everywhere. A small party of observers clustered outside the chained door and nontwitterer Cindy's reaction was priceless. In fact, I don't think nontwitterer Cindy's bottom jaw ever left the floor the entire time we were there. As we made our way through the small landing area from which three of the rooms were adjoined we noticed that the cluster of people who were at the couples doorway were now following us girls around. Like flies to honey... we tightened our circle around PoetrySue's male friend... hoping they would think we were all with him.

After a brief respite on the patio for a smoke and the conversation of the next "show"... we re-entered the upstairs landing to find another room occupied with a man and woman... or so we thought. This room had no chain in the doorway so the fascinated (and brave) nontwitterer Cindy entered the room to find a gentleman on his knees in front of not a woman... but a man dressed as a woman. Nontwitterer Cindy's already large eyes became larger but her comment was that the gentleman was "working it like a champ!"

We sat upon a lounge seat and the men gathered closer. Somehow, whether subconsciously or just by chance, the four of us girls were seated arounded our male escort and the flies backed off, unceremoniously, I'm sure wondering at the swaggering prowess of our friend. He never even noticed.

An older gentleman approached nontwitterer Cindy, asked her if this was her first time here and told her she'd get more comfortable as time passed. He clapped her shoulder and turned his attention towards his female partner. When nontwitterer Cindy recognized him as the gentleman in the first room whose hands had been everywhere... she shuddered just a little... until we pointed out that it was a different hand. hehehe

We then saw this same busy, busy man across the room on his knees in front of his partner. She sat on one of those chairs shaped like a stiletto. He hiked up her already short skirt and started to work... without his hands this time. The haze of flies buzzing round us drifted towards the new pot of honey in the room. It seemed so surreal... like a scene from Invasion of the Bodysnatchers. I expected at any time these men to raise their arm, point, and let out a bloodcurdling scream. if they weren't busy jacking themselves off, that is.

We moved to the "show". A man was ready to whip a woman. He explained that this practice was not to denigrate the woman in any way. This is what she wants and this is what she earns. She is not allowed to cum unless given permission. This is their choice and we are welcome to stay and watch, but we must stay quiet so there are no accidents. Good enough.

She knelt upon a wooden horse with her bare ass facing the audience. Every part of her was exposed for everyone to see. There are buckles to hold her hands and feet in place but they remain unused. He starts light with a soft leather cat o'nine tails. The women in the audience wince along with the slave when he smacks her ass hard. Her body rises during some of the strikes and writhes at others. He changes devices several times... from paddles to even a palm frond, cut and laquered, spikes looking very menacing. She cries out in pain, moans with pleasure, and glares defiantly at her master. He moves to a riding crop and expertly strikes areas of her behind and exposed vagina. Some audience members leave...the stress in the shoulders (and privates) of everyone is high in the room. As he progresses we can feel for ourselves that the pain for the slave is more intense and sharper than a cat o'nine tails across the ass.

Then suddenly, and dramatically, the "master" has a dagger and begins to scrape it lightly across her skin. The room is hushed in a heavy silence. It's as if no one even wants to breathe. He plays the knife on her skin with expertise, never causing any lacerations and then in one swift and deft movement... the knife point is piercing her vagina area and everyone, men and women included, gasp loudly... leaving a vacuum. Her cry of pain (pleasure?) breaks the stillness and fills the void.

He continues with more slashes and stabbings and then uses the tip of the blade to stimulate her clitoris. The knife play culminates in her begging for permission to come. He allows her and the session is over. Nonchalantly, the "master" turns to the remainder of the audience and asks if anyone has any questions. Those that did stay move to the play area and pepper him. Every device is pulled off the wall for closer inspection. Afterwards it seemed like just another college class at the local communtity college....

So surreal.

Next up... Las Vegas' Oldest Swingers Club: The Red Rooster

Deeper In: Friends

damevegas@gmail.com (Erma) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 07:59:00 +0000

I had lunch with an good friend today. He was a little worried about my ramblings, I think. I hope I was able to allay any fears for my safety or mind he may have had. I was able to explain exactly what it was that caused the self confusion and, as always, he had wise words to relay. And was even able to poke a little fun, as all friends should...

I like having good friends. The ones I can talk to about anything. I have a few of which I can be honest with on so many different levels... the weird thing is that they are all different. I couldn't imagine discussing my sex life with one, for example, but with a couple of others... no qualms, whatsoever. With my friend today I'm able to discuss my other friends... with another, it's strictly business... politics, Wicca, the occult, world history past and present... Is that weird? To have so many different friends on which you discuss different subjects with?

What's great about these separate relationships is that a discussion with one can help to clarify the ideas you have about another. Today at lunch, I was able to solidify what it is that lends to my confusion... not an easy process when you're in the middle of the confusion. I was able to figure out the nuances as to why I'm so hung up on things like age differences and advocacy for the trodden upon. A discussion via twitter with another friend helped me clarify my whole religious belief system... I'm talking about how to better explain it in a concise and comprehensive idea that's easy to relay.... and with another friend, I am able to looker deeper within myself to find out what is it that is really bothering me....

It's helpful.... this myriad of friends I have.... as it should be for them to be called friends... but there is something wrong with it too, I think...

I've only had three friends I've ever fully invested in... you know... the one you share absolutely everything with... from your dirty, dark secrets... every opinion and judgment...every hope, dream, and desire.... one when I was very young... one in high school... and the last was an ex. I think that's why the walls are so thick and high... the last one did a number on me. Maybe its better to have the myriads instead of just one? Maybe the labyrinth is the way to go?

What would I prefer?

The ONE...

How about you?

Magic Siphon

damevegas@gmail.com (Erma) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 22:10:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of casting our ring tonite and the energy was high.
Not a misstep nor wasted movement... We moved like the finely crafted
gears of a precision timepiece.

The room was instantaneously disassembled, the ring was quickly
erected, the magic performed, the cakes and wine shared, and then it
was over after the closing and retrieval of the rope. Absolute
clockwork. Beautiful.

When complete, we set the room to rights and cooled off from the heat
generated by our round. I offered the saved cakes & wine to the Lord &
Lady while Sue cooked up a spaghetti storm.

Not more than an hour after our candle was lit and we were enjoying
the meal that Sue made did I get a query for calligraphy work. Magic
rocks!

After dinner, we three were still all giddy like schoolgirls. It was
asked before the ring about the possibility of being drained after. I
offered up my opinion on the matter.

Magic(k), as we utilize it, comes from everywhere around us: from the
earth below our feet and from the very molecules of the air we
breathe. In order to work your will upon those natural forces, you
must first become intuned to them... thus the purpose of ritual... And
once you are there, in tune, you yourself becomes the conduit of those
natural forces. So all those racing molecules, vibrating through you,
should have the effect of energizing you.... not draining you. If
you're being drained, imho, you're doing it wrong.

One of our observers, on the other hand, was completely drained by
rituals end. He gave himself fully to the work at hand, without guard,
sacrificing himself upon the pyre of good works. It only took a
minimal amount of time to bring him back up to rights. Must remember
to protect the observers on the outside before the next one.

All in a it was a good night. Working magic with close friends has a
tendency to open the mind and allows one to see old situations in a
new light. The energy expended on the periphery has a tendency to
energize and make happen other things you wouldn't imagine.

My fear of change had not subsided, but I move forward today with new
information and conviction. I move ahead a little more secure in the
steps I will be taking. Today I am the dawning rosy glow of optimism
and a smile is on my face. The good news is - is that there are no
fangs.

Erma
Improvise! Adapt! Overcome!

Voyeur

damevegas@gmail.com (Erma) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:50:00 +0000

Voyeur

One of the great things about being a devotee of Athena is that
shyness goes by the wayside. In fact, one of the great gray-eyed
goddess' epitaphs is that of the "Battle-Stirring" goddess. The Libra
in me lends to that as well. I am a great instigator of all things fun
and worthy. :-)

I was also once voted "best flirt." I am one of the best west of the
Mississippi. That, I'll agree with, too.

So you would think with these in combination... The lack of shyness,
the instigator of a good time, and with the ability to flirt... I
would never be lonely. You would think.

Tonight, while out with the girls... In a venue where the flirt is the
call for the night... You would think that I, of all people, would not
have any problems, whatsoever. Well... You're right. I had no problems.

I intimated, and flirted, and instigated. I bagged the goods, so to
speak, yet here I sit, at 0333 am, writing a blog, while in the very
next room is the actual thing I intimated.

*sigh*

I was able to watch, of course... not so dead that I still can't be a
voyeur... But is this what I have relegated myself too? The perpetual
non-participant? Sideline Sam?

I tried... (again... not so dead...) But I couldn't. Not this time.
There are other things gnawing at me now. Instead, I am content with
watching, and writing, and waiting.... The trenches have been built. I
fill the moat with water... Now.... where's that shark?

Erma
Improvise! Adapt! Overcome!

The Fear of Change

damevegas@gmail.com (Erma) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:22:00 +0000

Today I sat in a courtroom for over 4 hours for a friend who had to testify in a case of car theft. Her car had been stolen... by someone she was dating... along with a cell phone and cash exceeding $200. He has another court date in a couple of weeks. I'll be at her side again, but this time as a witness... since I was there when we saw him run from the police... in her car.

In the last month and a half I've done things and seen things so very different from who I am that I'm not sure of who I am anymore. I have agreed to a spur of the moment road trip. I have visited a sex club. I've chased down felons. I've dated those I never thought I would ever consider dating.

Change. It's not all its cracked up to be. This is the Cassandra warning I cried during the election season. This change we all want... or we think we want... can be hard and frightening. It breaks through any and all complacency you may have had. Change is exciting. Change can be dangerous.

It is in this change that I find myself wanting. I find myself aching in that wanting. It's been a very long time since I've felt that and it frightens me. More so because that which I want... is not something in my "normal" realm of want. But then again it is. Normal. It is the same as almost everyone wants.

I'm rambling now... close to the edge of revealing too much... too soon.

Suffice it to say that life is changing. As all life does. It shall circle around. As all life does. The season of complacency is done. I'm going back to meet myself once again but I know that who I find will be so very different than who I am now. I only hope the choices I make as I am now will be better than the choices I have made in the past. I only hope that when I decide to reveal the truth of who I really am that the change is not too much too bear. For me.

Again with the rambling.... it must be the fear. I am scared. It's a huge change. It's kind of nice. No, not really. Maybe I just need a change of scenery. A quick trip to the mountains. To another town. Away from people. Maybe I need to strengthen my walls. Bury it deep again. Mortar the chinks my Will has allowed to pass. They say that where there's a Will, there's a way... just don't know if I have the Will.

*sigh*

RT @beltain35 Hitler

damevegas@gmail.com (Erma) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:02:00 +0000

RT @beltain35 Hitler finds out Micha*l Jacks*n is dead: http://htxt.it/pV5R (via @MickPuck)

July 4, 1776

damevegas@gmail.com (Erma) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:48:00 +0000

Adopted by Congress on July 4, 1776)

The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America

When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. --Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his assent to laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of representation in the legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the legislative powers, incapable of annihilation, have returned to the people at large for their exercise; the state remaining in the meantime exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavored to prevent the population of these states; for that purpose obstructing the laws for naturalization of foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migration hither, and raising the conditions of new appropriations of lands.

He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing his assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers.

He has made judges dependent on his will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies without the consent of our legislature.

He has affected to render the military independent of and superior to civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his assent to their acts of pretended legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by mock trial, from punishment for any murders which they should commit on the inhabitants of these states:

For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing taxes on us without our consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of trial by jury:

For transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended offenses:

For abolishing the free system of English laws in a neighboring province, establishing therein an arbitrary government, and enlarging its boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule in these colonies:

For taking away our charters, abolishing our most valuable laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our governments:

For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his protection and waging war against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burned our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to complete the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow citizens taken captive on the high seas to bear arms against their country, to become the executioners of their friends and brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare, is undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress in the most humble terms: our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have we been wanting in attention to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends.

We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by the authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these united colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.

New Hampshire: Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton

Massachusetts: John Hancock, Samual Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island: Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery

Connecticut: Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott

New York: William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris

New Jersey: Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark

Pennsylvania: Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross

Delaware: Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean

Maryland: Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia: George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton

North Carolina: William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn

South Carolina: Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton

Georgia: Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

Source: The Pennsylvania Packet, July 8, 1776

Redirect: Michael Has Left the Building by Ken Rasak & a preamble by me

damevegas@gmail.com (Erma) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 01:51:00 +0000

Redirect: Michael Has Left the Building by Ken Rasak & a preamble by me

Michael Jackson is dead. Twitter was awash with tears and love and jokes and hate yesterday. I tried to quell what vitriol I could but who am I? Jackson, on the other hand...and to me, whether self-proclaimed or not, was a pop and music icon who will leave a mark on the face of music and its accompanying dance much like that of Elvis or Lennon. While I am no fan of "alleged" pedophiles I'm an even worse fan of those who would scold others for being sad in the face of anyone's demise.

One of my very favorite bloggers penned this bit about the life and death of Michael Jackson. I couldn't say it any better. Please click on the link to his myspace blog to read it. Thanks.

Michael Has Left the Building
by Ken Rasak

Drag Me Away, Halston: Movie Review

damevegas@gmail.com (Erma) — Sun, 31 May 2009 06:03:00 +0000

It must have been prom night. Dozens of children littered the front of the theatre area all awash in glitter and smiles....Crap! And the noise...OMG, a cacophony of twittering and tweening and giggling and gaggling... enough to drive a person crazy. And what the hell happened to prom fashion? When did it ever become legal to send your children off to a dance looking like Boulder Highway prostitutes? What are designers hawking as fashion these days?? And for fat girls?? Really??

The movie itself was entertaining... keep that word in mind. Drag Me To Hell is a funny and squirmy movie... not your standard hack and slash and with enough of the supernatural to freak you out a little. In all honesty, I'm a bit jaded when it comes to these kinds of films having been subject to them since the age of six so I wasn't scared at all. I did go with two grown women, though, who squealed and cringed and covered their eyes; and who sat in defensive positions most of the night. The entire theatre squealed with the appropriate scenes and you could feel the tension while waiting for something to happen. One group of kiddlings in the back had a young girl who liked to yell out her fear before anything happened which annoyed the entire audience. She was promptly told to "Shut the F**k up!"

This movie was made with audience participation in mind, I feel... after a scene where the young lady in the film asks what she's supposed to do, there was enough of a pause for someone from the audience to yell out..."Go to church!" and another, "Talk to Jesus!" That may have been as funny as any of the other comedic bits.

When you go, and you probably should, make sure you have an audience with you. Here was my twitter review in less that 140 characters:

"Theatre squealed lots: body fluids, orifice violations, Raimi humor. U WILL laugh, U WILL squirm, U WILL guess the end. Audience requ."

Go! Have fun!

Erma

Memorial Day

damevegas@gmail.com (Erma) — Sun, 24 May 2009 19:22:00 +0000

"It is the Soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us Freedom of the Press.
It is the Soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us Freedom of Speech.
It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us the Freedom to demonstrate.
It is the Soldier, not the lawyer,
Who has given us the right to a fair trial;
And it is the Soldier--who salutes the flag,
Who serves the flag, and
Whose coffin is draped by the flag--
Who allows the protester to burn the flag."
Charles M. Province

HEADQUARTERS GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC
General Orders No.11, WASHINGTON, D.C., May 5, 1868

The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet church-yard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, "of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors, and marines who united to suppress the late rebellion." What can aid more to assure this result than cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.

If other eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us.

Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from hishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation's gratitude, the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.

It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to lend its friendly aid in bringing to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.

Department commanders will use efforts to make this order effective.
By order of

JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commander-in-Chief

N.P. CHIPMAN,
Adjutant General

Official:
WM. T. COLLINS, A.A.G.

http://www.usmemorialday.org/order11.html

Whenever I see a soldier boy
No matter where it be
I give him salutation
for he means so much to me

He's not the boy we used to know
In store, at desk or plow
He's a defender of our faith
He's in the service now

He keeps Old Glory flying
on land and air and sea
He lives to make our homes secure
He dies to keep us free.

HOW TO OBSERVE MEMORIAL DAY

The "Memorial" in Memorial Day has been ignored by too many of us who are beneficiaries of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Often we do not observe the day as it should be, a day where we actively remember our ancestors, our family members, our loved ones, our neighbors, and our friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice:

by visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.

by visiting memorials.

by flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.

by flying the 'POW/MIA Flag' as well (Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act).

by participating in a "National Moment of Remembrance": at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played.

by renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our falled dead, and to aid the disabled veterans.

Also, please consider adding your voice in support of the efforts to restore the traditional day of observance of Memorial Day back to May 30th (instead of "the last Monday in May"). This would help greatly to return the solemn meaning back to the day, and to help return minds and hearts to think upon the ultimate sacrifices made by those in service to our country. Just one day out of the year to honor our loved ones, our ancestors, our friends who died in conflicts and wars -- not to honor war, but those that died in those conflicts and wars.

http://www.usmemorialday.org/observe.htm

These men left an altar of glory on their land,
shining in all weather,
When they were enveloped by
the black mists of death.
But though they died
They are not dead,
for their courage raises them
in glory
From the rooms of Hell.

On the Spartans Fallen at Plataea

Simonides of Creos
c. battle of Thermopylae

Enjoy your BBQ's with relish!
Erma

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes Part I

damevegas@gmail.com (Erma) — Tue, 19 May 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Ch-ch-ch-changes

Change is not always a good thing. I reminded many of this during the political season when I heard so many blindly chanting for Obama that they wanted change. Yes, yes, I know I supported and voted for Obama. Doesn't mean a truth isn't a truth. Change is not always a good thing.

There are several changes heading my way; several changes I'm already ensconced in. There's work, home, health, love life, beliefs, and ideas.... all big changes, yet, not necessarily bad ones. The optimist in me tells me that it’s all for the good, or will be. The realist is a little frightened of some.

I was going to dedicate this post to all the changes, but instead I'm going to focus just on one.

Work.

This is at the request of my mom who is part of this change; a very large part. I'm not sure what she hopes to accomplish with me posting this. She'll never read it. She'll never ask me to read it to her. Maybe she just wants her story heard. It doesn't even matter how the tale is told as long as the sympathy gained from it goes to her. Maybe. She's sure to get that from me. Hopefully I'll, be able to convey it to you.

I've never been one to dwell on something for a long time. Once done is done, it's over and there is nothing that can change it so why kvetch, whimper, whine, or bitch? It's a completely different thing when it's someone who is close to you that is affected. There is no way to get away from the reaction of an event from those you love. Well, there is but that doesn't make you a very good loved one, does it?

Don't get me wrong... there are times when I want to grab my mother by her shoulders and tell her to get over it whilst I shake her violently; to yell at her so she understands that the bitterness that she holds will only eat her up. There are other times that I want to run far, far away so I don't have to hear her say the ugly, vile, unbelievable things that issues forth from her. And then there are the times I just want to hold her tight so the action of my body pressed against hers can wick away all the pain and disappointment and anger that lives in the blackness of her heart and soul.

I know that it is only a temporary blackness though; a dye pellet in the liquid sunshine of her. The only fear I have is that the dye will stain. I'm trying every cleanser. Here is this one:

Work has always been at 7-Eleven. For my mom 7-Eleven has been her work for 28 years. Through her, for me, it's been 24 years. We worked for one franchise owner and this year, on February 6, 2009, he passed away. Five years ago, Don gathered together his lawyers and 7-Eleven corporate people and made it so that if in the event of his passing, my mom would get the store. She was named designee for the franchise and placed onto the checking account of his incorporation. Her future was secure... or so we thought.

Before Don passed away, things with his health had become very rough, pulling on emotions and strengths of everyone, but mostly on my mom from my vantage point. I've already covered this in another post so I won't go into detail here. We took a break for a week or two before we dived into the business part of what needed to be taken care of. We put in queries to corporate as to what needed to be done on our end to help whatever paperwork changeovers go smoothly. The answer we got should have been the first sign. It was a question: Why is she the designee?

This must have bothered them immensely because the first meeting they scheduled with my mom included one of Don's sons representing the estate. It could have been for legal reasons, not that they told us one way or the other, but they did have a paper for the son to sign... releasing them from any claim? The meeting included Enid and Jim from corporate, my mom and me, and the son. Enid informed us that even though my mom was named as the designate for the store she still had to qualify to be a franchisee. The steps to do this seemed simple enough: a credit check, a police check, a couple of tests, and training. We asked if I could be there by her side for all of it. They said yes. I knew we'd have no problems then.

Thirty something years ago, my mom took a class that helped her study for her test for her citizenship. She passed with flying colors. Since then she's had her husband and her children to do for her, because that is what we do. My dad was the one who checked homework and ensured we knew our lessons. My mom made sure we stayed fed and clothed properly. When my parents divorced it became my job to help out with such things as making sure she understood what the insurance was covering, or whether or not we needed to send a letter or make a call to cancel some service or other or whether or not we paid the first dollar amount on the bill or the second that included a late fee.

This is the way of my mom’s culture. This is the way of many cultures: children taking care of the parents…. even though my mom is famous for bailing out all of her children, still, we do what we can for her and if it’s as simple as spelling the word f-o-r-t-y so she can write a check, that’s what we do.

The credit check went flawlessly; the police check was a breeze so all that was left was a couple of tests and then onto training. The first test was scheduled for 8 am. We were there at 730. We waited till 8:10 and then they escorted my mom to the room. I wasn’t allowed in. I wasn’t allowed to be at her side through all of it. The test was on a computer. It took my mom over an hour to answer their questions before they brought her back out. We waited another 45 minutes before Enid sat down with us. The results were worse than bad.

My mom is a sixty year old Asian woman doesn’t know computers except for entering numbers for ordering. Hell, my job security came from the fact that neither my mom nor the boss, Don, wanted to touch a computer. Any analysis, reports, or printouts needed were all ensured by me. My mom was able to look at numbers, order up to a certain amount, and send it off.

“Let us take the test again,” I said. “You can make sure we don’t cheat. Just let me read her the questions and explain any concepts she doesn’t grasp. It’ll be her store. She’ll have final decision. Just like this test.”

“That’s not how it works,” Enid said, but she did go through the rest of what the processes to qualify would entail in case this test could be looked over. She handed us a franchise contract. She highlighted pertinent information that we/my mom would be tested on. She explained the licensing procedures and time-lines for changeover. She gave us a list (1 page, double column) of what was required of a franchisee. I noticed at the bottom it said, “All qualifications are at the discretion of 7-Eleven.”

One week stretched into two and then almost into three. Another meeting scheduled this time with a member of the estate. Enid and Jim refused my mom the franchise. Enid asked if I could franchise the store. The $125,000 franchise fee was impossible. They asked the estate if they wanted to franchise: $125,000? Out of the question. Two choices left. Attempt to sell the store or walk away and lose the capitol.

“Wow!” I said, “In this economy you must have people lined up to purchase a franchise.”

“Yes. We do,” was the answer, deflating me. They have three just waiting for the right store.

“You’re requirement list is qualified stating that you can overlook any or all of those requirements. My mom has been running the store for years while Don’s been sick and it’s still making money. Why would you want to lose a commodity like her?”

“If we make an exception this time we’ll have to make on all the time.”

“Who’s going to know? She makes you guys’ money.”

It fell on deaf ears. Their minds were made up. The decision was made to sell the store. The estate would handle the sale and the temporary licensing. My mom and I drove in silence for about 5 minutes before the explosion of curse words and questions spilled from us. We discussed things the whole way home. Conspiracy theory after conspiracy theory entered our minds and was dismissed as soon as it was voiced. Everything from the corporation wanting the $125,000 franchise fee to the boys wanting the store for themselves crossed our minds. (The franchise fee is required of everyone except…. the designee.)

It’s been a couple of months now. The store has a buyer. Licensing needs a few months to go through and then the changeover can begin. Dates of the changeover keep changing from the end of May to the middle of June to the end of it. My mom is especially bitter and it bleeds over from conversations just having to do with work. The last month has been filled with statements about how she can’t wait to be done here. The employees and the customers and corporate are irritating her more and more to the point of where once we are finally done, it should be a relief… but I know better.

We’ve discussed what to do next. Open a store next to the 7-Eleven and drive it under was one idea. Revenge seems sweet now. Start our own chain is another. With our combined knowledge and experience it would be easy enough. Relax and collect unemployment for as long as we can is another. After a quarter of a century of working, we deserve a break. Find a job starting at the bottom is another. Never to take on the responsibility of hiring, firing, cajoling, or counseling employees: never waking up at 3 am to drag ourselves to the store after a robbery: never having to confront a pregnant woman with six children in tow trying to shoplift a beer.

I’m treating it as a blessing. I’ll have more time to dedicate to my calligraphy business. I’ll have more time for writing. I’ve been spending a lot more time with my mom, able to help take care of her instead of the other way around. I make sure I have dinner with her as many times during the week that I can. I endure and try to quell or explain what I can. We shall overcome, improvise, and adapt. We will survive and do well. There is fear, yes, but not enough to keep us from doing what needs to be done. Change is coming. Change is pretty much here. Change is not always good but I think we’ll be just fine.

On a final note:

My Wicca religion is not something I hide from my family. I’ve had to rein in my mom telling her not to tell everyone that I’m a witch and that I cast spells and read tarot and bones and such. But, even then, some of the members of corporate knew that I practiced witchcraft.

After my mom was refused the store, Enid, the refuser, and our 7-Eleven liaison we’re discussing the sale of the store. A former liaison came in and was surprised to hear that it was the store that I worked at and made mention that I was a witch. After he left, she, in turn, asked my current liaison to ensure that I knew it wasn’t her that refused my mom. That in fact it was Jim, it was his decision. According to my liaison, ever since she gave us the news, her back has been hurting her and I’m pretty sure she believes that I am the cause. Priceless.

Iron Man, Star Trek NextGen, Good Friends, Good Conversation, and Good Coffee

damevegas@gmail.com (Erma) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:16:00 +0000

Iron Man, Star Trek NextGen, Good Friends, Good Conversation, and Good Coffee
originally posted May 9, 2008

In order of occurrence:

Today at work the new uniforms debuted. I am in geek heaven. We all look like the crew from Star Trek NextGen. I'm so dweebing on this. Normally, I don't wear a uniform to work since I'm almost always holed away in the office. I do now. Lol! I keep threatening to go to Toys-R-Us to pick up communicator badges for name tags. So far, we have Captain (me), Number 1 (my mom), Worf, 7 of 9, and Uhura. I'm expecting a Chakotay, Tucker , and Kess to round out the crew.

Too. Funny.

Went and saw Iron Man today. Great movie. I have a new found respect for Downey. He was perfect for the part of Stark, although from what I remember of Tony Stark from the comics, he was just a little more reserved than portrayed in the movie. Downey carried the arrogance well with just enough humour to make it charming. Paltrow was beautiful as ever as 'Pepper' Potts and Bridges looked great as Obediah with his bald head. Effects were awesome. Whatever CGI there was you could hardly tell.

During the fight scene between Iron Man and Iron Monger I couldn't help but think of a comment I had heard a little earlier in the week about how Iron Man was always a secondary character as opposed to a Wolverine or a Spiderman. The person who mentioned this couldn't understand why there would be a movie about a secondary character. Watching the fight scene gave me the sense that Iron Man isn't you're typical one on one, personable type of hero. This is a man inside an exoskeleton that can destroy tank with a single pulse of energy from his hand. Iron Man's strength and abilities are far too large for neighborhood street crimes and petty disputes between mutants (although I bet Magneto would have a field day.) There isn't a lot of call for a hero to go in and decimate an entire military force. Common depictions of such feats would be meddling in world affairs where we probably don't belong. That being the case, he would no longer be Iron Man. He'd be Bush.

I was able to catch the trailer for the new Edward Norton's the Incredible Hulk. It looks pretty cool, too. The CGI was much more blatant but I like Norton and pretty much all of the comic book based movies so I'll definitely be checking that one out at the theatres, too. Speed Racer looks like it will be half cartoon and half live action. I was never a fan so I'll probably wait for that one on dvd if I bother to watch it at all. And of course I'll be in the audience for when Mamma Mia is on the silver screen. I love Abba music. And Pierce Brosnan. I was invited to attend the midnight premiere of Indiana Jones. I'll be at that one too. I love summer movies.

Scarllettfeva and her handsome French husband joined me at the movies this afternoon. It was wonderful to see them. Afterwards we talked about gypsies and exploring adventures. We discussed giving reviews of lobster joints without eating the lobster. We talked about Americn food not really being all that American. Is there a true dish that can be completely American. We were thinking corn, but doesn't that originate is South America? We talked about foreign films, politics, and Wicca. It was great conversation and great company over great coffee. What a good day.

Thank you my Scarllett love and your sexy husband.

Flowers in the Attic

damevegas@gmail.com (Erma) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:00:00 +0000

I have seven employees under me at my little convenience store here in the middle of the desert, each with their own unique story and definite quirks. It makes life interesting, to say the least, since they all have a tendency to bring their lives to work with them when they come. No matter how many admonitions from me to leave their problems at home and to treat the job like a vacation away from those problems it never seem to fall on receptive ears. That’s probably our fault. We do treat everyone like family. Sometimes you don’t like parts of your family, from what I understand.

So, after a long night out socializing with the regular crew of friends, I stop back in the store to check on things and to finish off some details so I don’t have to worry about them in the morning. Before I have even unlocked the office door, taken off my coat, or put down my things one of those clerks tells me that she has a problem. It seems pretty serious. I take a moment to get settled in and then ask her to pull up a chair.

She repeats herself. "I have a problem. I really used to like Melinda."

"What? Is she stealing or something? What’s going on?" I’m intrigued, I admit. It has to be pretty serious for Dotti to be annoyed, or so I thought.

"No, she’s not stealing. Melinda’s friend was up here yesterday telling us all kinds of stories about her and mentioned that Melinda’s boyfriend is actually her nephew."

Honestly, my first reaction was "What?" more so because it had actually nothing to do with work. She repeated the charge and then completely started to freak out about it. She told tale of how she couldn’t sleep; how she couldn’t eat; how the very thought of it made her skin crawl illustrating, of course, with the goose bumps on her arm.

"Have you asked her about it?" I said, thinking to myself that this was something that didn’t belong at work. "Truly, this is none of our business. They are two consenting adults. What they do on their own time is their business. But if it bothers you so much, you should talk to her about it. You don’t know the whole story. At least get the story from the horse’s mouth, yeah?"

"It’s her sister’s son," the clerk whines, shuddering that she had to think about it again. Perhaps it was the thinking about it that was the true problem. If she didn’t think about everybody else’s problems so much maybe it wouldn’t affect her so.

"Maybe not by blood…and even then if it is by blood, it’s not like they’re doing it blatantly in front of everyone with nephew and aunt tattooed on their foreheads or anything. This is none of our business, Dotti."

"It’s morally wrong!" She decried.

"Whose morals?" I countered. "Mine? Yours?"

After a moment I looked up at her and said, "Wait, Aren’t you gay?"

originally posted April 1st, 2008

UPDATE:

So, the employee that had a problem with the rumour that another employee was dating her nephew had the opportunity to ask that employee if it was true and the answer is:

YES! but its no one's business so they weren't going to talk about it.

The offended clerk clerk seems okay or rather is otherwise distracted by dealing with her own nest of problems.

*Sigh*

UPDATE:

Another Update of the Flowers in the Attic

CPS services are threatening to take away the children of my clerk because of the consensual relationship she is having with her adult nephew even though they were called to her home by disgruntled family members for other false reasons. It seems she had recently asked her sister and cousins to move out since they were not contributing moneys or help in keeping the home a home. They trashed the place when they left and called CPS telling them that the children were living in squalor. Offhandedly they mentioned the nature of the relationship. When CPS came out to investigate, they found a very clean home. Perhaps CPS is giving her a hard time because she refused them entry without a warrant but just until she got her children dressed. I'll keep you posted.

I must add that just like before, this is hearsay, not from the original source. As soon as I find out if it is true I will let you know. I can't recall any stories that I have read of CPS here unjustly taking kids away from their parents, but I have heard stories through the grapevine. All unsubstantiated. I don't want to be the one to accuse CPS of being a detriment to families. I would like to believe they provide proper services for kids.

Vindication, Baby!

damevegas@gmail.com (Erma) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 09:54:00 +0000

For years I have been explaining to students that the magic (or witchcraft) we, as Wiccans, practice is scientifically based. I pulled my proofs from chemistry and physics mostly (what little I knew) and tried to make my lessons easy to understand, palatable enough to where the practice of magic was still appealing, and based in reality enough so that new Wiccans on the path wouldn't think they were performing something so fantastically outrageously supernatural; that the magic we practiced was just normal, everyday, grounded on earth and in science... magic.

Today I heard a story on NPR's (local KNPR 88.9) All Things Considered about a new toy .

"With both Mattel's "Mind Flex" and Uncle Milton's "The Force Trainer," the goal is to focus your thoughts in order to levitate a ball. There are no blinking lights or 3-D graphics -– just a wireless headset, a lightweight ball and a fan.

Both toys use a modified form of electroencephalography — or EEG — technology to measure electrical signals emitted by the brain, says Jim Sullivan of NeuroSky, the company that created the technology that makes the toys work.

The signals are applied to algorithms that were developed by researchers after careful study of people in various states of attention, Sullivan says. With the right focus, the signals trigger a fan. The harder the player concentrates, the stronger the fan blows — and the higher the ball elevates."

Woot! Vindication, baby!!