I've Moved!

I am integrating my blog into my website, so please visit me at JennGrover.com

We Interrupt This Broadcast...

NE Hurricane Could Cripple Economy, Experts Say Direct Hit On NYC Could Cost $200B — And Is Not Unlikely - CBS News: Now, taking a break from the Mideast War between Israel and Hezbollah to discuss the weather, here is meteorologist wannabe, Jenn Grover. Boy, is it HOT! The mercury topped 100 degrees here in the Steel City today and the humidity seems to not be lagging far behind the mercury. We had a couple of fast and furious thunderstorms yesterday. In one storm, more than 2 inches of rain fell within a half of an hour. The rain is helping to keep the grass and flowers from burning up, so I am grateful for these wet spells. Now on to more interesting weather news. Although the Atlantic hurricane season has seemed relatively quiet thus far, it is to soon to count out 2006 as a memorable storm season, especially on the East Coast. "A major northeast hurricane is nearly three times more likely this year thanks to favorable weather conditions, including the position of the Bermuda High. Last year it pushed storms southwest. Now it's set to steer hurricanes up the East Coast. 'Northern hurricanes move two to three times faster than southern hurricanes, so they're gonna be here much sooner,' Coastal Geologist Nicholas Coch told Miller. 'So a hurricane that is off the coast of Charleston will be here in eight hours. That fast.' " So, should one of these storms whisk up the coast, be prepared: my video camera and I will be bustling eastward to bring you firsthand storm coverage from the coastal town of Toms River, NJ. Now, back to our regular scheduled programming.

Mideast Crisis

I have been at a loss for what to think or say about the Mideast "crisis". It is not because I am unclear as to how I view Israel's role, it is because I have concluded that this war is not rocket science, warranting careful analysis. Instead, it is merely another chapter in the story of the attack of Israel as a nation. The agenda is not disguised. Quite simply, the agenda of Hezbollah is to destroy Israel and the agenda of Israel is to destroy Hezbollah. Nobody even argues that both Syria and Iran back Hezbollah. Therefore, there is really not much left to tear apart. I believe that is why news coverage has been a bit dull. I do not go so far as to necessarily agree with Newt Gingrich's assertion that it is the 58th year of WW III, however, Mr. Gingrich's point is well taken. Furthermore, as was the case for many points of the Cold War, we could be on the eve of WW III. So, instead of analyzing this war to pieces, I will simply try to simply clarify the facts as I see them.

1. Hezbollah has been launching rocket attacks into northern Israel for months.
2. The Lebanese government failed to rid them selves of a terrorist army which is about one third the size of the Lebanese army, therefore failing to fulfill a UN resolution (not that I think too much of the UN, mind you).
3. Hezbollah kidnapped 2 Israeli soldiers and killed eight others.
4. Hezbollah was not anticipating such a strong show of force from the Israelis.
5. Hezbollah's arsenal is that of an army, requiring training by an army (Iran).
6. Al Quaeda has now vowed to "not stay silent" and seeks the domination of Islam from the Mideast to Spain.
7. Israel has been clear that it will use all necessary means to destroy Hezbollah.
8. Many Arab states have condemned the actions of Hezbollah.
9. John Kerry claims the war would not have happened if had been president.
10. The world has called upon the US to provide leadership in the "peace" process.

Now, the following should not to be confused with analysis, just a few opinions on the situation:

1. Americans who got a free ride out of the war zone have no right to complain about the speed in which they were evacuated. Those people chose to place themselves in a volatile region.
2. I think Iran and Syria are using this as a way to position the West and Israel against Arab states.
3. I think John Kerry is nuts. What fool would have the audacity to claim his leadership could have prevented war in a region that has been at war for centuries?
4. I think former President Clinton would have handled the situation much like President Bush is handling it.
5. Why is it that the world can demand our intervention? They weren't happy with our intervention in Iraq, so let's let the French and Germans take a stab at it!
6. I think Syria will provoke Israel into striking them, thus opening the door for Iranian involvement.
7. I think the war will be a boost for Republicans in mid-terms.
8. I think the war will change our economy in ways we can't even think of today.
9. I think the war will invite more terrorist attacks on U.S. soil.
10. I don't think President Bush cares about his approval ratings any more and will make better decisions as a result.

Tickled Pink?

Pretty in pink...Peptobysmal Pink..Tickled pink? Which will best describe me when the painting of the spare bedroom is over? Today I applied the 2 base coats of semi-gloss. The next part is a 2 day process. I need to mark off the room sections and apply the glaze and then perform the faux technique to every other section. The second day I fill in the blank sections. Then on the third day I pint the trim. I have yet to obtain and cut window trim. That may not happen before Friday (When William and Bethany arrive.) I might eventually paint the furniture in that room However, I am starting to tire of my summer projects, so I 'll finish what I have going first. By the way, the ceiling (which required spackling and stain locker) turned out much better than I anticipated. Let me take the opportunity to plug the Wagner Power Roller Quick Touch. I am not a painter. I am not good and therefore I do not enjoy it. However, the Power Roller has helped me in one of my better paint jobs yet. It also makes short business of painting a room.