illusionsssss's Blog

Some things really irritate me. And some things bother me just a little, and some none at all.

At the moment, this rant is on Ebay auctions.  I am a buyer and a seller.  I usually start my auctions out at $9.99 and NO RESERVE.  Reserve prices irritate the living chit out of me.  So do "shipping prices" that are outrageous. 

Ebayers, if you want a certain price for your damn auction, then start it OUT at that price. DON'T put a reserve on it, as most serious ebayers HATE reserves, and WILL NOT BID. THIS IS A FRIGGIN AUCTION SITE, NOT an ANTIQUE STORE!!!

So you have an item started out at $1.99, it's a minature dollhouse mirror, and you want $24.99 for shipping and handling?

I am not sure what you THINK you are handling, but I assume at this point you think it's your genitals.  Keep dreaming. Buyers will not pay for your fantasies.

Read the fine print, ebayers and auction participants, BEFORE you commit to a "deal".

I've been on both sides, but never screwed anyone out of shipping/handling charges. (I have a 100% ebay rating, in case anyone wondered.)

First off, I prefer watching movies at home (after they come out on DVD).  That way I can smoke, have popcorn for a buck, and a beer instead of paying $20.00 (for two) to see the movie, and then $15.00 for a bucket of popcorn and two large pops.

But..........my boyfriend wanted to see the movie Tropical Thunder  (which has some major actors), so we went to North Park Mall to see it this afternoon.

I had no idea what it was about, and I still don't. I only know that in MY opinion it was a huge waste.

I give it a D only because I actually sat through it (when what I wanted to do was go back to the truck and smoke).  My boyfriend said it was not what he expected.....and that it was a comedy. 

A comedy??? I found very little funny about this film. I may have smirked once.

Here's the trailer for this movie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-wEypCfqfY<
/p>

In my opinion..........save your money.

-just sayin'

I had jury duty on Tuesday, my first time in Dallas.  Well, I was supposed to go in June but told them I would be out of state until August.  Hence, I got a postcard scheduling me for September 2nd (they give you alot of time I see).

So, I informed my job, and did a practice run to the Frank Crowley Courthouse on Monday.  3 turns..not too bad.  Of course I STILL left 45 minutes ahead of schedule, to make sure.  Heaven forbid I get arrested for whatever it is you get arrested for if you don't show up!

I arrived, not knowing what to expect.  I am there at 7:50 AM for my scheduled "8:30 AM" time.  Well, first I walked in the wrong building and then had to try to cross Industrial Boulevard in rush hour. Thankfully I wore red and the people thought I was a traffic light, or the Devil!

I got to the right place, had my paperwork completed, and walked into the central jury room.  I got a seat behind a wall so I would be "sure" to see the movie they showed us....at 9:30 AM. NOT.  Couldn't see a damn thing, but I "listened", yep.  Then we sat there.  And sat there.  And sat there.

FINALLY at around 10:30 AM, someone came out and told us where to go next..such as number 1 to 300 to go to 7th floor, room 12, 301-600 to go to 6th floor room 8, etc.

We get there, and it's more waiting.  They have to go through our "juror cards" and assign us numbers.  30 minutes later, and we are called in the court room.  There are nearly 70 of us.  They need a jury of *12*. (sigh)

I am juror 37.  So..we go in and have to fill out a questionairre.............

"What is the first thing you think of with the word "Police"?

"What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word prosecutor?"  etc.

"Do you consider yourself a Liberal, a conservative, very conservative, very liberal, or something in between?"

Anyway, after that, 5 people were immediately kicked out. We are now down to about 64 people.  Then the prosecutor and the defense get to ask questions of the jurors.............

They ask the first two rows ALOT of questions, as jury rules are that the FIRST 12 people in the jury pool that the two sides and the judge agrees on will be the ones chosen for that trial.  So, the higher your number, the less-likely to be on the jury.

We did get to know what the case was "sort of" about. This case involved a Mexican woman alleged to have had *50 to 2000* (YES, you saw that correctly, 50 to 2 THOUSAND) pounds of pot in her possesion.  The defendent's attorney asked if it made a difference to jurors if she was legal or illegal as to their decision on the case.........(I SO SO SO wanted that question!!)  (In case you wondered, I was planning to say it did not make a difference in this case whether she was illegal or legal as to whether she was guilty or innocent of THIS crime, but she sure as HELL better be arrested for her illegal status as a SEPARATE incident!)

I DID get asked 2 questions by the defense attorney.  He asked me if 50 to 2000 lbs. of pot was found in a teachers room at my school, what else I would "need to know" re: the case. 

I said I would need to know the time frame, and who had access, how it was bagged/packaged, etc.

I forget what the other question was, lol.

At 4:10 PM I was dismissed, along with the other 50+ jurors not picked. 

I can say, I learned alot about the jury process here, how it works, where to go, and what not to say!!!

It was fun, (maybe since I get paid anyway).............

Til next time!!!

~ill

Many of you may have used the derogatory term ' Dick'  Head to refer to someone who may deservedly have earned such a title. Others of you may have earned the title for yourselves.

However, it should be noted that real 'dickheads' do exist
in the wild, and may be spending some time this summer
at a community swimming pool in your area.

Be alert and exercise necessary caution.

> > Touching Story of Love and Marriage
> >
> > A very old man lay dying in his bed. In death's doorway, he suddenly
> > smelled the aroma of his favorite chocolate chip cookie wafting up the stairs.
> >
> > He gathered his remaining strength and lifted himself from the bed.
> >
> > Leaning against the wall, he slowly made his way out of the bedroom, and
> > with even greater effort forced himself down the stairs, gripping the
> > railing with both hands.
> >
> > With labored breath, he leaned against the door frame, gazing into the
> > kitchen. Were it not for death's agony, he would have thought himself
> > already in heaven.
> >
> > There, spread out upon newspapers on the kitchen table were literal ly
> > hundreds of his favorite chocolate chip cookies.
> >
> > Was it heaven? Or was it one final act of heroic love from his devoted
> > wife seeing to it that he left this world a happy man?
> >
> > Mustering one great final effort, he threw himself toward the table. The
> > aged and withered hand shaking, made his way to a cookie at the edge of
> > the table, when he was suddenly smacked with a spatula by his wife.

> >
> > Stay out of those,' she said, 'they're for the funeral.'

I commented on a blog yesterday about the "floozie" Palin's daughter.  That blog is down now.

MY question is, WHY is it that you can't have comments "on approval" (which I don't like either), but still just take down a blog when people disagree?  I guess I just don't GET what makes one so wrong, and the other so acceptable.

Fill me in.................

Fox 4 had a story on the news of people from New Orleans Beetching and moaning because they DID NOT stay at free shelters, but instead chose to stay at motels/hotels in Dallas.

NOW, these people want MONEY BACK........for reimbursement of gas money, hotel money, and food money. Geebus!!! (Sell your damn gold fillings!!!!)

SCREW THAT CRAP!  Hurricanes are not a "money-making" venue. Either MOVE, STAY IN A SHELTER,  or SHUT THE HELL UP! 

You SAW the damage last time.  SO suck it up, or DO NOT EXPECT THE TAXPAYERS to support your sorry asz!  

From today's Dallas Morning News.  I thought I would post this for a certain Racist Mexicana POS, who likes to have the facts.  Here's "the latest":

Community activist Carlos Quintanilla showed up at a Thursday hearing on the future of the Vista Del Lago Apartments but was arrested on three outstanding Dallas County warrants.

The city shut down the apartments earlier this month because of hazardous code violations. As the president of Acción America, Mr. Quintanilla is helping some of the displaced tenants pursue a lawsuit against the owner for negligence.

Irving police spokesman David Tull said Mr. Quintanilla was arrested without incident. He posted $900 bail and was released. The warrants were for charges involving theft by check, lack of motor vehicle insurance and failure to wear a seat belt.

This is the second time Mr. Quintanilla has been arrested in Irving. In November, he was arrested on seven outstanding warrants.

Deborah Fleck

Theft by check?  And this is a "role model" for some that "are made of the same cloth"?  WOWZERS, what a guy to have as a role model!!  No vehicle insurance? Guess he's setting an example for the illegals..... 

7 outstanding warrants in November?  I heard it was over 15 years ago when he was last arrested, and that things that happened over 15 years ago "should not count", according to a certain POS (racist) Proud_Mexicana blogger!!

That's it. Proud_Mexicana is not my idol any longer!!

"That's what I know! HA HA"

Uh, thanks for offering, but I THINK I can handle this myself.........

See ya at the Baggage Pickup area Uncle Randy!!

So THAT'S what they do with them...........

? ? Tillie - Maude - Gertrude

?

These three old ladies and their dogs were sitting on a park bench ? having a quiet conversation ? when a flasher approached from across the park. ? The flasher came up to the ladies, ? stood right in front of them ? and opened his trench coat. ? ? ? ?

Gertrude immediately had a stroke. ? ? ? Then Maude also had a stroke. ? ? ? But Tillie, being older and more feeble, couldn't
reach that far .

WOW, reminds me....................:))

Inspirations...THIS Is Why We Do What We Do......

I attended the Dallas ISD school kick off last Wednesday at American Airlines Center.  As I got lost driving there, and then tried to find SOMEplace to park, I wondered why the hell I was even attempting to attend this "event".  I figured it was some "blow smoke up your skirt" event meant for publicity and to try to make the staff "feel good".  I was "required" to attend, but was wishing I had taken a personal half day off. 

I got lost, but did arrive by 9:00 (and a half tank of gas later).  I then tried to find a parking place (swearing under my breath now), and ran into more obstacles than I have this entire summer (which served to remind me what I was going to be up against when school starts).  FINALLY I found a *2* hour parking spot, that "seemed" as if it was 2 miles away (actually, it was only 1.6 miles away :( )  I parked, and walked to the American Airlines Center.  Yay. This was gonna be swell, really swell.

When I arrived, I had to walk another 3/4 mile to join my colleagues, in the section we were assigned (the AA center is HUGE!!!).  By this time I had been up for 3 1/2 hours, driving around for 2 hours, and I was hungry.  I stopped by the concession stand on the way to the section we were assigned, and got a hotdog.  A cold hotdog.  $4.75.  I was STILL wondering what the hell I was doing by attending the event.  I gritted my teeth.

I got to my section (not my assigned seat, I decided to stand in the aisle, after making sure the Principal SAW I was there!!), just as they did the Color Guard.  A little boy (maybe 6 to 8 years old), and some other singers, sang God Bless America. It gave me chills.  He was WONDERFUL!!!!!  They all were wonderful!

There was filler material (including many students performing various dances), and then, the KEYNOTE SPEAKER......a  5th Grader!!!!  YOU HAVE GOT TO SEE THIS 5th GRADE SPEAKER!!! 

This speech can apply to anyONE, in any profession, yet was directed at the Dallas Independent School District Staff. 

By the end of the morning, I KNEW that THIS was why I went to that event.  THIS was what it was all about.  THIS is why we do what we do, and put up with what we do. 

THIS, is a young man, who will go far, and this is a young man who will be college and workforce ready, thanks to Dallas ISD.

Please click on the link below, you will not be sorry!!!

http://www.dallasisd.org/keynote.htm

It's time for the ringing of the school bells once again!

Will your school achieve recognized or exemplary status this year?  If not, who's to blame?

Teachers (and all school staff!) have a very tough job ahead. Illegal immigrants only make the picture bleaker. I am against illegal immigrants receiving a free education, free breakfast and lunch, and other amenities. If only students had to have documentation of being a legal US citizen to get INTO school, and it was strictly adhered to, perhaps the illegals would go back to their own damn country where they belong. Then, we can start teaching in ENGLISH only (like it SHOULD be), and get the test scores where they belong.

Yes, I know there are failing students of all races. But I also believe if only ENGLISH was used in schools, versus teachers having to teach in English AND Spanish, grades would rise. Afterall, when you have to teach in English, and repeat the SAME INFORMATION in Spanish, you are taking DOUBLE the amount of time spent on one subject.

I also think students should have to speak fluent English before being allowed to attend public schools. (Go ahead, get your guns out, I have my armour on!)

Watch this video and tell me what's wrong with this picture.........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ala7jC4P558&eurl
=

USS New York

It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the  World  Trade  Center .

It is the fifth in a new class of warship - designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists. It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft. 

Steel from the  World  Trade  Center was melted down in a foundry in  Amite , LA to cast the ship's bow section. When it was poured into the molds on Sept 9, 2003, 'those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence,' recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. 'It was a spiritual moment for everybody there.' 

Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the 'hair on my neck stood up.' 'It had a big meaning to it for all of us,' he said. 'They knocked us down. They can't keep us down. We're going to be back.' 

The ship's motto? 'Never Forget'

By SAM DOLNICK, Associated Press Writer Tue Aug 19, 8:47 AM ET

NEW DELHI - A cell phone ring tone that sings "Condom, condom!" has been launched to promote safe sex in India, where condoms carry a strong social stigma and HIV and AIDS are growing problems, health experts said Tuesday.

The a cappella ring tone features a professional singer chanting the word condom more than 50 times, a playful approach that public health activists hope will spark discussion and make condoms more socially acceptable.

"We've made a conscious effort to move the concept of the condom away from negative association, like HIV and sex work," said Yvonne MacPherson, country director of BBC World Service Trust India. "Condoms are actually health products and if you have a condom and you use it, you are seen to be smart and responsible."

Nearly 2.5 million people in India are infected with HIV and the disease is still largely taboo.

The BBC group, which is funded by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, hopes the condom ring tone can make people in India more comfortable with safe sex issues.

More than 270 million people use mobile phones in India and ring tones, especially those featuring hit Bollywood songs, are extremely popular.

"A ring tone is a very public thing," she said. "It's a way to show you are a condom user and you don't have any issues with it."

The ring tone was launched Aug. 8 and has been downloaded 60,000 times, MacPherson said.

___

On the Net: http://condomcondom.org/